Ugeskrift for laeger
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Feb 1994
[Fasting times, ventricular aspiration and use of antacids and H2 blockaders at Danish departments of anesthesiology].
In a questionnaire sent to 58 anaesthetic departments in Denmark (1992/93), we assessed fasting guidelines, preoperative gastric emptying and the use of pharmacological aspiration prophylaxis. Replies were obtained from 51 departments (88%). Most departments (90%) fast adults for at least six hours prior to elective surgery. ⋯ Eighteen departments (35%) hardly ever use preoperative gastric emptying prior to emergency surgery. The other departments differ as to when gastric emptying should be performed. Only few departments (25%) employ pharmacological prophylaxis.
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Phantom breast syndrome following mastectomy has been reported by other authors. However, the temporal course, character and extent of this phenomena have not been elucidated. In a prospective study we have investigated the incidence, clinical picture and temporal course of phantom breast syndrome. ⋯ The present incidence of phantom-related phenomena is close to the incidence reported by others. However, persistent phantom pain after mastectomy may be more common than usually expected. Also, the persistence of scar pain seems to be more common than generally expected.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Jan 1994
Review[Opioid analgesics in the treatment of non-malignant chronic pain].
Opioid sensitivity, residual pain, development of tolerance, physical and psychological dependence are described and discussed in relation to long-term opioid therapy. Based on this, guidelines for long-term opioid administration are established for chronic pain conditions of non-cancer origin. The indication must be well-considered--a life-long treatment may be instituted. ⋯ The single dosages should be identical and administered with identical time intervals, which are determined by the duration of action of the drug in use. P.r.n.-administration should not be allowed. Only one physician should be responsible for the treatment and for the prescription of the opioid analgesic drugs.
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Ugeskrift for laeger · Jan 1994
[Efforts of general practitioners in the treatment of heart arrest in a rural area. A prospective pilot study].
During a two year period, general practitioners in a local area were called to all 112 alarms (the number dialled in Denmark in emergencies) in order to improve the prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest. In 55% of the calls, the practitioners arrived within five minutes, whereas the ambulance arrived within five minutes in only 16% of the cases (p < 0.01). Three of ten patients with cardiac arrest survived without cerebral damage. In 23% of the cases final treatment was completed by the local practitioner.