It has become a habit to occasionally question whether nitrous oxide still has a role in anaesthesia. The result has been that this anaesthetic has taken its licks but persists, it always comes back, as dr. B. R. Brown Jr. put is (Survey Anesthesiology 1994; 38; 329). The gas has been cleared of wrong doing to the patient, contraindications to its use are known and good ventilation of operating theatres has been recommended to prevent any long-term effects on the professionals. The persistent debate about N2O in anaesthesia results from not understanding that one should not question whether one can provide anaesthesia care without this gas. The correct assessment would investigate advantages of using N2O which are many and have been reiterated frequently. Considering anaesthesia on a global scale where practical and economical aspects play a determining role one can expect that N2O will retain its place for a foreseeable future. To quote dr. E. I. Eger: "Those advocating continued use of nitrous oxide appear to have been correct".

        Key words: nitros oxide - role in anaesthesia – future of using NO2