Certain operative procedures on the neck considered from a cardiological standpoint

Abstract

With actual surgical technique one is not competent to deal, nor is such matter relevant here. Attention will be devoted to the consideration of the anatomical and physiological facts which form the basis for various operations, and which serve to explain certain observed effects, and to the presentation of such personal observations as exemplify various points of interest or importance.The paper will be divided into five sections, each dealing with a limited field of the subject, namely:-I. ANGINA PECTORIS:- a brief survey of aetiology and pathology with a consideration of the anatomical basis for various operations recommended and practised. • II. CAROTID SINUS AND GLOMUS CAROTIOUM:- a raviaw of tha anatomy and physiology of thasa organs. • III. THE SURGERY OF THE CAROTID SINUS AND GLOMUS CAROTICUM;- with two sections dealing respectively with the observations on tha function of these organs in man made by various surgeons, and with the role of the sinus in pathology and applied surgery. • IV. SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE HEART DURING AND AFTER GOITRE OPERATIONS;- in this section will be discussed the reaction of the heart to the actual operation; the post-operative course of the cardiac manifestations; certain unusual post-operative complications; and the role of drugs such as digitalis, quinidine and ergotamine in post-operative treatment. • V . THE ACTION OF ANAESTHETICS ON THE HEART, in so far as these have a bearing on neck surgery;- a brief review of previously published cases together with personal records of several cases will be given.