Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Ten percent of our cardiac surgical patients have preoperative anemia. Anemia diagnosed before scheduled cardiac surgery is a strong predictor of the need for homologous blood transfusion (RBC) perioperatively but the cause of this preoperative anemia is not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the etiology of preoperative anemia. ⋯ In the majority of patients, preoperative anemia is potentially preventable. Investigation and treatment of anemia before cardiac surgery should be a priority in preparing the patient for surgery.
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Comparative Study
Assessment of laryngeal view: percentage of glottic opening score vs Cormack and Lehane grading.
To examine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of two methods that categorize laryngeal view during direct laryngoscopy, the Cormack-Lehane grading system and a new scale, the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) scale. ⋯ The Cormack-Lehane grading system has very poor inter-physician reliability. The lack of inter-physician reliability with Cormack-Lehane grading calls into question the results of previous studies in which different laryngoscopists used this method to assess laryngeal view. The POGO score appears to have good intra and inter-rater reliability. It has several theoretical advantages and may prove to be more useful for research studies in direct laryngoscopy.
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To report physician resource information from the 1996 national anesthesia physician and residency programme surveys in Canada. The findings are used to discuss the potential effects on availability of future specialist anesthesia services in Canada. ⋯ Changes in anesthesia practices have exacerbated the current shortages of anesthesiologists. These shortages will worsen if the number of, and restrictions to, available residency positions is unchanged.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Tourniquet inflation during arthroscopic knee ligament surgery does not increase postoperative pain.
A double-blind clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of inflation of a thigh tourniquet during anterior cruciate ligament repair on arthroscopic visibility, duration of procedure, postoperative pain and opioid consumption. ⋯ Inflation of a thigh tourniquet did not result in increased pain or opioid consumption after arthroscopic ACL surgery. Arthroscopic visibility was somewhat impaired in some patients without the use of tourniquet. Finally, the duration of the surgical procedure was not increased in patients where the tourniquet was not inflated during the ACL repair.