To the Editor

Regarding the ‘In My Opinion’ column entitled ‘Are Surgeons Needed for Induction?” (Summer, 1991): It is my opinion that they are not only not needed, but are a detriment to patient safety. As soon as the patient is asleep or the block needle withdrawn, they start examining or positioning the patient with little regard for endotracheal tubes, block levels, or the securing of monitors. This is particularly hazardous with small children. Surgery should start after the anesthetic, therefore that is when the surgeon should be present.

Steven W. Singleton, M.D. Dauphin Island, AL