Metabolic response to anaesthesia and upper abdominal surgery in Nigerians: changes in plasma cortisol, insulin and blood sugar.

In 10 Nigerian patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery the plasma cortisol concentration was slightly decreased after premedication with pethidine and atropine, and during anaesthesia without surgery. There was a small increase during surgery. None of these changes was statistically significant. There was a significant increase in the postoperative period however. Premedication caused a slight increase in blood sugar which remained steady during anaesthesia. There was a significant increase after 30 and 60 rnin of surgery, with a peak value at 60 min after operation. There were no significant changes in the mean values of plasma insulin concentration throughout the period of study.