Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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To review the postoperative intrathecal morphine (ITM) analgesia literature for their definitions of "respiratory depression" (RD). ⋯ The term "respiratory depression" has no clear definition from a review of the literature on ITM use for postoperative analgesia. While defining RD with bradypnea is superior to having no definition, this is still inadequate. In future research, the consistent use of terms with specific meanings will facilitate understanding the true incidence of ITM's respiratory effects. If "respiratory depression" is used, then an explicit definition of its meaning should be provided. Future research must also address what is clinically significant respiratory impairment from intrathecal opioids, and how to optimally monitor for this. Further delineating their risks vs benefits will allow for more optimal dosing.
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This review on ultrarapid detoxification examines the pharmacology, techniques, and efficacy of this potentially promising technique and contrasts it with conventional treatment modalities. ⋯ Ultrarapid opiate detoxification, performed under the proper circumstances, is associated with few adverse events and is relatively comfortable for patients who seek treatment for their addition.
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To examine the hypothesis that pain treatment with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) using iv morphine is a suitable and safe alternative to epidural analgesia in morbidly obese patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery. We retrospectively compared the postoperative periods in all patients undergoing this procedure in our institution between November 1999 and November 2001. ⋯ We conclude that in grossly obese patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery PCA with iv morphine is an acceptable strategy for pain management and may confer some advantages when compared to epidural analgesia.
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Establish an expert consensus for training in perioperative echocardiography in the province of Quebec. ⋯ Adequate perioperative echocardiographic training is an important aspect of cardiovascular anesthesia. The ACC, ASE and SCA guidelines for training in echocardiography were modified to reflect the expert consensus of anesthesiologists in the province of Quebec.
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To examine the delivery rates of four disposable, non-electric infusion pumps during hypobaric conditions. ⋯ The infusion rates of disposable infusion pumps are reduced under hypobaric conditions. Even though we still do not know how the epidural pressure changes under hypobaric conditions, clinicians should be aware that the infusion rate of disposable infusion pumps is decreased under hypobaric conditions.