Annales françaises d'anesthèsie et de rèanimation
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Numerous anaesthetic techniques exist for a patient who presents with a difficult endotracheal intubation. They all require an anaesthetic protocol which cannot be improvised. ⋯ When a fiberoptic bronchoscope is not available, several alternatives can be suggested: local anaesthesia of the glottis, retro-molar and retrograde intubation, or the use of a guide threaded over a lighted stylet; these techniques can be used in an anaesthetized patient breathing spontaneously. In the paralyzed patient impossible to intubate, various trans-laryngeal techniques of ventilation can be used in emergency: jet ventilation via the trans-crico-thyroid route, the use of a cricotomy cannula, or a minitracheotomy set.
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The use of regional anaesthesia in ambulatory patients is discussed. Five criteria for discharge are described: the four 'A's (Awake, Ambulation, Alimentation, Analgesia) and micturition. Recommended agents for additional sedation with the regional block, if required, are midazolam and fentanyl. ⋯ However, urinary retention and orthostatic hypotension can occur. The risk of headache is not a contraindication for day-case surgery if some guidelines are followed. Penile blocks and caudal blocks are widely used in pediatric surgery.
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Jan 1990
[Intrathecal and epidural administration of alpha adrenergic receptor agonists].
Alpha-agonists are frequently added to local anaesthetic agents to prolong the duration of spinal or extradural anaesthesia. Adrenaline and phenylephrine have been employed most commonly for this purpose. Recent controlled studies indicated that the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine, when administered spinally, has a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect. ⋯ However, spinally administered alpha-agonists have side effects, which include vasoconstriction in the spinal cord, hypotension, bradycardia or tachycardia, somnolence and respiratory depression. To minimize such complications, great care may be needed, which is described in this review, assessing the minimal required amount of alpha-agonists and effective clinical monitoring. The development of this technique in the management of subarachnoid and extradural anaesthesia and of chronic pain is discussed.