Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Although inequality between males and females in cardiovascular surgery is well recognized, few studies have examined the influence of sex on mortality following non-cardiovascular surgery. The objective of the study was to determine whether there are differences in mortality between males and females following non-cardiovascular surgery and to ascertain to what extent preoperative risk factors explain these differences. ⋯ Males present for non-cardiovascular surgery with a higher ASA classification, with more comorbidities, and more often emergently than females, providing a partial explanation of the observed difference in mortality.
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Postoperative delirium often remains undiagnosed and therefore untreated. The purpose of this continuing professional development module is to identify patients at high risk of developing delirium following non-cardiac surgery and to provide tools to aid in the diagnosis of delirium at the bedside. Optimal prevention and treatment strategies are recommended. ⋯ Delirium is a serious condition that must be recognized early and treated promptly to minimize deleterious outcomes. In order to institute prevention strategies and treat the condition effectively when it occurs, the anesthesiologist must be vigilant in identifying patients at risk and in screening for this condition.
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Comparative Study
Remifentanil versus fentanyl for intravenous patient-controlled labour analgesia: an observational study.
We undertook a retrospective study to compare the analgesic efficacy and effects on neonatal outcome of administering either remifentanil or fentanyl intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) during labour. ⋯ Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with either remifentanil or fentanyl provides a moderate degree of labour analgesia, whereas transient maternal oxygen desaturation is observed more commonly with remifentanil. Fentanyl is associated with a higher need for neonatal resuscitation.
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The purpose of this study was to describe detailed sonographic anatomy of the parasacral area for rapid and successful identification of the sciatic nerve. ⋯ The described sonographic details of the parasacral area allowed for rapid and successful identification of the sciatic nerve.
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This is a case report involving a middle-aged Jehovah's Witness patient who underwent a redo aortic valve replacement, coronary artery bypass graft, and Maze procedure facilitated by cardiopulmonary bypass. The consent process included a discussion of the management of bleeding and hemostasis in the perioperative period in the context of the patients' religious choice and the possible consequences of avoiding transfusion in massive bleeding. The medical team agreed to abide by the patient's wishes with respect to the blood and blood products deemed unacceptable by the patient irrespective of the consequences. The consent included a discussion of manufactured hemostatic agents that are designated by the Hospital Liaison Committee Network for Jehovah's Witnesses as subject to personal decision. There was also a discussion of recombinant agents available, all of which are acceptable to Jehovah's Witness patients. The patient accepted the use of cryoprecipitate, prothrombin complex concentrate, and recombinant factor VIIa. ⋯ This is a novel case involving the use of prothrombin complex concentrate in the setting of a Jehovah's Witness patient undergoing a complex operative procedure.