Nitrous oxide in abdominal surgery

Inhalation anaesthesia has traditionally been the method of choice for abdominal surgery. While most surgical interventions in the lower abdomen can be performed under regional anaesthesia, a general anaesthetic technique is frequently chosen for upper abdominal procedures. This explains the almost routine use of nitrous oxide (N2O) for abdominal surgery. In addition to well-known contra-indications such as ileus and abdominal wall defects in infants, there is substantial scientific evidence against the application of N2O in abdominal surgery. N2O has an important role in the development of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV).