Current opinion in anaesthesiology
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2003
Peripheral nerve block for ambulatory surgery and postoperative analgesia.
With this article we intend to increase the awareness of the efficiency and efficacy of peripheral nerve block as a treatment option for outpatient surgical anesthesia and postoperative home-based analgesia. ⋯ The recent advances and techniques described indicate that peripheral nerve block is both a valid and frequently a preferred option for ambulatory surgery.
-
Advances during the past year in operational decision making using information management systems data have been predominantly in better understanding of how to allocate operating room time based on operating room efficiency, not just operating room utilization. ⋯ During the last couple of years there has been continual advancement in our understanding of how to analyze operating room information system data based on operating room efficiency. Work has expanded from operating room allocations to case scheduling, releasing allocated operating room time, and addressing implementation challenges including poor data quality or lack of interest in change.
-
Postoperative vomiting remains a common complication of general anesthesia and occurs more frequently in children than adults. Prophylactic antiemetics have limited efficacy and have a potential for side effects. The new 5 HT3 antagonists are effective but expensive, while the older less expensive drugs such as droperidol have come under disrepute because of the potential for serious, life-threatening, cardiac arrhythmias. This review examines the literature to aid practicing anesthesiologists in the choice of patient who will benefit from prophylactic antiemetics. ⋯ Anesthesiologists should practice evidence-based medicine in reducing the common anesthetic complication of postoperative vomiting by an individualized approach that balances the choice of drugs with the expected risk of postoperative vomiting for cost-effective management.