Historical Publications of the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
Please refer to the Department Annual Reports for Recent Publications


Nielsen JS, Spoerel WE, Keenleyside HB, Slater PE, Clancy PR. Continuous epidural analgesia for labour and delivery.
Can Anaesth Soc J 1962 Mar; 9:143-52.
This publication changed the way that epidural anesthesia was provided in the labour room.

Linton RC, Walker FW, Spoerel WE.
Respirator care in a general hospital: a five year survey.
Can Anaesth Soc J 1965 Sep; 12(5):451-7.
In the early 1960's the concept of an intensive care unit was in its infancy. With significant opposition, Dr. Spoerel was able to persuade the administration to set aside a four bed unit on the sixth floor of Victoria Hospital so that all ventilated patients could be in one place rather than scattered over the hospital where airway problems and ventilator malfunction was common. With his determination a fine ICU was opened in the Middlesex Wing in 1966.

Spoerel WE.
Planning of anaesthetic facilities.
Can Anaesth Soc J 1969 Jan; 16(1):27-36.
Available from:
http://www.cja-jca.org/cgi/reprint/16/1/27
This article is an example of Dr. Spoerel's major contribution to the planning and development of the new University Hospital which opened in 1972.

Bain JA, Spoerel WE.
A streamlined anaesthetic system.
Can J Anaesth 1972; 19(4):426-435.
Available from:
http://www.cja-jca.org/cgi/reprint/19/4/426
The many publications that surrounded the development and use of the "Bain Circuit" or co-axial circuit helped us understand the characteristics of CO 2

Spoerel WE, Greenway RE.
Technique of ventilation during endolaryngeal surgery under general anaesthesia.
Can Anaesth Soc J 1973 May; 20(3):369-77.
This was one of the articles associated with the technique of jet ventilation using the venture principle either through a bronchoscope or transtracheal jet.

Historical Anecdotes and Articles

Anesthesia Practice in London Prior to 1962 by Dr. Gordon Sellery

Anesthesia in the 1950's at Victoria Hospital by Dr. Gordon Sellery

The ICU Victoria Hospital - Historical Anecdotes, 1968-1972 by Dr. Gord Sellery

Changes in Anesthesia Practice Since 1962 , W. E. Spoerel

Obstetric Analgesia and Anesthesia , by W. E. Spoerel