[Demythification of acupunctural anesthesia].

Abstract

The so-called method of acupuncture anesthesia uses a series of techniques: selection of patients, psychotherapy, premedication, adjuvants (morphinomimetics, local anesthetics), choice of points (very varied) whose specificity has not been demonstrated, mechanical or electrical stimulation (with very differents depending on the "schools". The effects of these procedures are inconstant. They are slowly established. At best, they are manifested by a hypo-esthesia which is more or less wide-spread and is not accompanied by any "anti-reflex" protection. The action of the organism's different functions is not known in detail. There are no statistical studies in the strict sense of the term, in man. It can be roughly estimated that out of 100 surgical patients chosen, about 30 undergo the intervention in acceptable conditions in the western world. The cases, although nothing is concealed in Hanoï as well as in Peking, are difficult, and should only be handled by experienced anesthetists-resuscitators, with knowledge of acupuncture. Certain of the method's advantages only appear in comparison with bad "chemical" anesthesia (atoxicity, simplicity, economy), others are practically investions (anallergic effects, anti-infections, anti-shock) or at least abuse of language. The disadvantages apart from the inconstancy of effectiveness, the absence of "protection", the duration of induction, consist of lack of standardization of techniques, difficulties of animal experiments and the lack of rational explanation of the mechanism of action.