Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Editorial Comment
Use of nitrous oxide in contemporary anesthesia-an ongoing tug of war.
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There is a paucity of data on the effect of intraoperative end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels on postoperative mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between intraoperative EtCO2 and 90-day mortality in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. ⋯ A mean intraoperative EtCO2 < 35 mm Hg was associated with increased postoperative 90-day mortality.
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Observational Study
The association of nitrous oxide on length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit: a retrospective observational study.
To assess whether intraoperative use of nitrous oxide (N2O) as an adjunct to general anesthesia is associated with a shorter length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). ⋯ Nitrous oxide was dose-dependently associated with a decreased PACU length of stay. The effect was clinically relevant (> 30 min difference) in patients who underwent complex surgical procedures and received intraoperative antiemetic therapy.
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Healthcare workers have experienced high levels of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when caring for patients with unknown infection status. We trialled rapid preoperative point-of-care COVID-19 testing using the Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 for clinical validation in an urgent surgical population at a single centre in British Columbia, Canada. Here, we sought to determine the opinions and beliefs of operating room (OR) staff on the usefulness and effectiveness of point-of-care tests on workflow and wellbeing in the OR. ⋯ During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to maintain the physical and mental wellbeing of hospital staff. Rapid point-of-care testing increased the sense of workplace safety, improved morale, and reduced worry associated with COVID-19 without excessive disruption of OR workflow.