Observations on the practice of anesthesia in the People's Republic of China
The present practice of anesthesiology in the People's Republic of China includes techniques of traditional Chinese medicine and methods employed in the Western world. Acupuncture analgesia is successfully used for some procedures but cannot produce profound muscle relaxation or obtund autonomic reflexes. Neurophysiologic research performed there indicates a mechanism that may be responsible in part for the analgesic effect. Regional nerve blocks and closed circuit inhalational methods are also used but neuromuscular blocking drugs and nitrous oxide are unusual. The ongoing research into the mechanisms and clinical application of acupuncture analgesia as well as the production of mechanical ventilators, electronic monitors and pump oxygenators demonstrates the continuing evolution of a practice of anesthesia that combines techniques of value from both traditional and modern concepts.