Anesthesia and analgesia
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 1987
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of high-frequency jet ventilation with conventional mechanical ventilation for bronchopleural fistula.
In seven patients with acute respiratory failure and a bronchopleural fistula, the authors compared gas exchange and volume of gas lost via the chest tube during conventional mechanical ventilation (CV) and high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV). After the initial comparison, patients were randomized to HFJV or CV, unless one mode of ventilation was clearly superior based on preestablished criteria. In six of the seven patients, oxygenation deteriorated after the switch from CV to HFJV. ⋯ The mean chest tube leak did not change significantly. Randomization of the mode of ventilation was not performed in any patient because CV was superior by a priori criteria. We conclude that when acute respiratory failure is complicated by a bronchopleural fistula, HFJV with mean airway pressures comparable to those provided during conventional ventilation does not provide satisfactory gas exchange.
-
Neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) is an effective method for relief of the pain of pancreatic cancer, but many physicians are reluctant to use the technique because of the perception that the incidence of complications is high. We analyzed the incidence of complications and the quality of pain relief obtained during the use of NCPB in 136 patients with pancreatic cancer. ⋯ Radiographically guided needle placement did not affect quality of pain relief or the incidence of complications. This neurolytic pain block is effective, has a low incidence of neurologic complications, and deserves more widespread use in patients with pancreatic cancer.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 1987
Comparative StudyEffects of progressive blood loss on coagulation as measured by thrombelastography.
The effects of progressive blood loss on coagulation were studied in 87 adults (age 23-66 yr) undergoing a variety of operations under general anesthesia. None had preoperative alterations in coagulation or liver function and none were receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Whole blood coagulation status was quantitated using thrombelastography (TEG). ⋯ Thrombelastography allowed rapid intraoperative diagnosis and specific treatment of loss of platelet activity in the latter two patients. We conclude that during moderate to massive blood loss, use of supplemental fresh frozen plasma and/or platelets should be reserved for patients with documented defects in coagulation. Thrombelastography is useful for the detection and management of coagulation defects associated with intraoperative blood loss.