Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Do heated humidifiers and heat and moisture exchangers prevent temperature drop during lower abdominal surgery?
To compare the effects of using a heated humidifier (HH), a heat and moisture exchanger (HME), or no warming device in maintaining body temperature during surgical procedures of 1 to 4 hours' duration. ⋯ Results indicate that these warming devices provide little benefit in preventing a temperature drop during procedures of 1 to 4 hours' duration, although patients with an HH tended to have a higher temperature than those with an HME or no device.
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We describe the first case report of an epidural autologous blood patch used for the treatment of a durocutaneous fistula caused by a surgical dural tear. The epidural blood patch cured the patient's headache and was followed by a sequelae of back pain that responded to conservative therapy.
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A 69-year-old white female presented for corneal transplant, but her numerous medical problems placed her at unacceptably high risk for prolonged general anesthesia. Routine monitored anesthesia care measures would not have provided her or the surgeon the comfort and repose necessary for a successful outcome. We describe anesthetic management for ophthalmic surgery, using epidural anesthesia in conjunction with retrobulbar block, in an elderly patient at high risk for general anesthesia whose intractable back and leg pain would have otherwise precluded her cooperation in maintaining a motionless operative field.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparative effects of desflurane and isoflurane on vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade.
To evaluate the neuromuscular effects of a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant (vecuronium) during anesthesia with equipotent concentrations of either desflurane or isoflurane. ⋯ Vecuronium has similar neuromuscular effects when administered in the presence of desflurane 3% and isoflurane 0.6%.
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Aneurysmal rupture represents the most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Approximately two-thirds of persons who experience a subarachnoid hemorrhage will die or become disabled. ⋯ The anesthetic management of these patients is reviewed, emphasizing principles relating to the facilitation of surgery--by optimizing operative conditions and minimizing the risks of intraoperative aneurysmal rupture or the aggravation of neurologic deficits--and to the provision of a smooth, stable recovery. Despite the disappointing overall prognosis following subarachnoid hemorrhage, adherence to these principles can optimize the outcome for those patients who reach the operating room.