Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2002
The impact of a cardioprotective protocol on the incidence of cardiac complications after aortic abdominal surgery.
We analyzed a local database including 468 consecutive patients who underwent elective aortic abdominal surgery over an 8-yr period in a single institution. A new cardioprotective perioperative protocol was introduced in January 1997, and we questioned whether perioperative cardiac outcome could be favorably influenced by the application of a stepwise cardiovascular evaluation based on the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines and by the use of antiadrenergic drugs. Clonidine was administered during surgery, and beta-blockers were titrated after surgery to achieve heart rates less than 80 bpm. We compared data of two consecutive 4-yr periods (1993-1996 [control period] versus 1997-2000 [intervention period]). Implementation of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines was associated with increased preoperative myocardial scanning (44.3% vs 20.6%; P < 0.05) and coronary revascularization (7.7% vs 0.8%; P < 0.05). During the intervention period, there was a significant decrease in the incidence of cardiac complications (from 11.3% to 4.5%) and an increase in event-free survival at 1 yr after surgery (from 91.3% to 98.2%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the combined administration of clonidine and beta-blockers was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular events (odds ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.8), whereas major bleeding, renal insufficiency, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were predictive of cardiac complications. In conclusion, cardiac testing was helpful to identify a small subset of high-risk patients who might benefit from coronary revascularization. Sequential and selective antiadrenergic treatments were associated with improved postoperative cardiac outcome. ⋯ Implementation of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines and use of antiadrenergic drugs were associated with better cardiac outcomes after major vascular surgery.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2002
Introducing a balanced scorecard management system in a university anesthesiology department.
The study goal was to show how Balanced Scorecard, a modern management tool based on score numbers, can efficiently be applied to a university anesthesiology department. Nineteen score numbers were established in four perspectives. Meaningful results were obtained with limited resources to support a process of innovation and improvement.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2002
Case ReportsNear tracheal extubation because of edema of the face and tongue.
Edema of the face and tongue can cause migration of the endotracheal tube out of the trachea. The present case illustrates the importance of preventing this potentially disastrous complication because reintubation might be impossible when the edema is severe.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2002
Current practice in postoperative epidural analgesia: a german survey.
We surveyed current German practice in postoperative epidural analgesia (EA). Of 300 questionnaires sent anonymously, 147 (49%) were returned fully completed. A 24-h acute pain service (APS) was offered in 41% of German hospitals. Seventy percent of the large teaching hospitals (>1000 beds) offered an APS, whereas just 9% of the hospitals of <500 beds provided an APS. Small-size hospitals (<200 beds) preferred ropivacaine as the local anesthetic (LA) in contrast to large teaching hospitals using more bupivacaine than ropivacaine. In the general ward setting, 36% of the respondents used plain LA, and 64% combined the LA with an opioid. If ropivacaine was used, 0.2% was the most popular concentration (78%), combined with morphine (17%), fentanyl (14%), or sufentanil (75%). If bupivacaine was used, 0.25% was the preferred concentration (30%), combined with morphine (40%), fentanyl (8%), or sufentanil (60%). On wards, 58% of German anesthetic departments used continuous epidural infusion, 57% bolus doses, and 20% patient-controlled EA mode. We conclude that the availability of a 24-h APS (41%) in German hospitals corresponds favorably to international data. EA with the combination of LAs and opioids was the most common modality in the ward setting. ⋯ We surveyed current German practice in postoperative epidural analgesia. We found that the availability of a 24-h acute pain service (41%) in German hospitals corresponds favorably to international practice. Epidural analgesia with the combination of local anesthetics and opioids was the most common modality in the ward setting.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2002
Comparative StudyBispectral index monitoring: a comparison between normal children and children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
We performed this study to compare the correlation of bispectral index (BIS) values with different sevoflurane concentrations between normal children and those with quadriplegic cerebral palsy with mental retardation (CPMR). Twenty children with CPMR (Group I) and 21 normal children (Group II) between 2 and 14 yr of age were studied. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane and 66% N(2)O/O(2). Bispectral values were recorded on an Aspect Medical Systems (Natick, MA) monitor, and sevoflurane concentrations were measured with an Ohmeda (Hanover, MA) inhaled anesthetic monitor. The BIS values were recorded after midazolam premedication; after the induction of anesthesia; at end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations of 1%, 3%, and again at 1%; and after emergence from the anesthetic. Both groups were similar in age and sex distribution, but children in Group I weighed less than those in Group II (P < 0.05). The BIS values were significantly lower in Group I compared with Group II after sedation, at 1% sevoflurane concentrations, and after emergence. No difference was observed between the two groups at anesthesia induction (8%) and at 3% sevoflurane concentration. We conclude that, in children with CPMR, BIS values exhibit a pattern of change similar to that observed in normal children. However, absolute BIS values obtained in such children are lower than those in normal children while awake and at different sevoflurane concentrations. ⋯ We compared bispectral (BIS) values with different sevoflurane concentrations between normal children and children with cerebral palsy. We observed that, in children with cerebral palsy, BIS values exhibited a similar pattern of change as is observed in normal children. However, absolute BIS values obtained in such children are lower than those in normal children while awake and at different sevoflurane concentrations.