GENERAL-ANESTHESIA FOR CLEFT-LIP AND PALATE SURGERY TEAM ACTIVITIES IN CAMBODIA

Cleft lip and palate surgery team activities in Cambodia were launched in 1989 by a Japanese non-governmental organization. The objectives o f the project were to provide appropriate surgical treatment and safe general anaesthesia for local patients, and also to teach general anae sthesia and surgery to local medical staff. A surgery team was sent on four occasions between 1991 and 1993 and a total of 130 patients rece ived surgical treatment and general anaesthesia. Anaesthesia technique s employed included total intravenous anaesthesia in 70 patients and i ntravenous anaesthesia and low dose halothane in 60 patients. There we re no major complications, such as airway obstruction or apnoea in the postoperative period. Total intravenous anaesthesia is an appropriate technique for patients in developing countries. The teaching of anaes thesia should be emphasized during the surgery team activities.