[Postoperative course and endocrine stress reaction of geriatric patients with para-articular hip fractures. Prospective randomized study comparing spinal anesthesia and halothane intubation narcosis].

During a period of one year, all patients above the age of 60 with surgical repair of fractured neck of femur were investigated in a prospectively randomized design. A follow-up study included a total number of 56 patients, 32 were allocated to halothane anaesthesia with intubation, 24 received spinal anaesthesia. In addition, 15 patients of the halothane group and 17 patients with spinal anaesthesia were investigated with regard to endocrine stress response. Total mortality was 12.5%, and different anaesthetic management had no influence on the postoperative course. During the operation, adrenaline and ADH increased in both groups. This increase was attenuated by spinal anaesthesia. Noradrenaline was markedly increased even before the operation, and concentrations increased in the halothane group in the course of the operation. There was a linear correlation to time between accident and the beginning of the operation. With regard to endocrine parameters, prompt surgical treatment is beneficial.