Postoperative Hepatic Necrosis

Abstract

HEPATIC necrosis in man was first associated with the administration of chloroform in 1895.1 It has also been noted after exposure to carbon tetrachloride,2 , 3 trichloroethylene4 5 6 7 and tribromethanol.8 , 9 Since 1956 another halogenated anesthetic agent, halothane (2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane), has gained great popularity because of many desirable pharmacologic and physical properties.10 , 11 However, isolated cases of jaundice, and of deaths due to hepatic failure after the administration of this agent, have been reported.12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Once again the association between hepatic necrosis and the administration of a halogenated hydrocarbon has been noted. This study was initiated to determine the incidence of hepatic necrosis after the administration of . . .