Acta anaesthesiologica Taiwanica : official journal of the Taiwan Society of Anesthesiologists
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Acta Anaesthesiol Taiwan · Jun 2006
Physicians' knowledge about pharmacological management of cancer pain--with special reference on their prescribing responses to simulated patients with cancer pain.
Cancer pain control is unsatisfactory in Taiwan. Insufficient knowledge about cancer pain on the part of physicians is an important factor responsible for ineffective cancer pain relief. Therefore, this study was to explore the knowledge deficits of physicians on the specific aspects of pharmacological management of cancer pain (PMCP) and their influences on the prescriptions to simulated patients in a southern medical center in Taiwan. ⋯ The PMCP knowledge deficits were prevalent in physicians and thus influenced their prescription of opioids for the simulated cases. An active continuing education program on both the international guidelines and the essential practice skills should be implemented and intensified specifically upon subgroup physicians, to correct their misconceptions and consolidate their PMCP knowledge.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Taiwan · Jun 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparison of the anesthesia profiles between sevoflurane-nitrous oxide and propofol-nitrous oxide conveyed by laryngeal mask airway in patients undergoing ambulatory gynecological surgery.
The major purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the clinical characteristics of sevoflurane-nitrous oxide and propofol-nitrous oxide anesthesias conveyed by laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in patients for gynecological procedures. ⋯ Intravenous propofol in combination with 67% nitrous oxide in oxygen technique provided better clinical profiles, compared with sevoflurane-nitrous oxide technique through the use of LMA in gynecological patients undergoing ambulatory short procedures.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Taiwan · Jun 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialPostoperative sedation after major surgery with midazolam or propofol in the ICU: effects on amnesia and anxiety.
Propofol and midazolam are commonly used in the ICU to alleviate physical and psychological disturbances in consequence of anxiety. This study was conducted to assess and compare the impact of postoperative sedation after major surgery with midazolam or propofol on amnesia and anxiety in conscious patients under intensive care. ⋯ Both midazolam and propofol are effective amnesic and anxiolytic drugs. Midazolam tends to have more favorable effects on amnesia. It is speculated that combination of propofol and midazolam may give better results for treating critically ill ICU patients, the confirmation of which necessitates further study.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Taiwan · Jun 2006
Case ReportsLingual nerve injury following the use of an oropharyngeal airway under endotracheal general anesthesia.
We report a patient who presented for elective myomectomy. Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation were achieved smoothly without unduly force. An oropharyngeal airway was inserted after endotracheal intubation for biting and was left in the oral cavity until the end of surgery. ⋯ After reviewing the history, we speculated that the mechanism of nerve injury in this case was a direct compression of the tongue tip by the oropharyngeal airway. This is the first report of lingual nerve injury caused by improper placement of the oropharyngeal airway. We recommend careful manipulation in the use of the oropharyngeal airway and vigilant surveillance being undertaken when an oropharyngeal airway is left in place for a prolonged period.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Taiwan · Jun 2006
Case ReportsRepeated lumbar sympathetic blockade with lidocaine and clonidine attenuates pain in complex regional pain syndrome type 1 patients--a report of two cases.
Repeated lumbar sympathetic blockade (LSB) with local anesthetics is generally used in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the lower extremities if the initial block has been successful. However, the symptoms of CRPS may inevitably recur in spite of repeated LSB. ⋯ It is reasonable that clonidine has been used in chronic pain conditions such as neuropathic and sympathetically maintained pain. Here we report two cases of CRPS type 1 who got excellent analgesia and alleviation of clinical symptoms after receiving an LSB with lidocaine and clonidine.