Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2017
ReviewAn update on the various practical applications of the STOP-Bang questionnaire in anesthesia, surgery, and perioperative medicine.
The present review aims to provide an update on the various practical applications of the STOP-Bang questionnaire in anesthesia, surgery, and perioperative medicine. ⋯ STOP-Bang at least 3 was recommended previously to identify the suspected or undiagnosed OSA. To reduce the false positive cases and to improve its specificity, a stepwise stratification is recommended to identify the patients at high risk of moderate-to-severe OSA. Because of its practical application, STOP-Bang is a useful screening tool for patients with suspected or undiagnosed OSA.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2017
ReviewEpidemiology and pathophysiology of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a serious complication of cardiac surgery. An understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of AKI in cardiac surgery patients is crucial to early recognition and proper management. ⋯ Investigators should aim to use consistent criteria for defining AKI in future studies. Efforts should be taken to use actual measurements rather than estimated values of baseline serum creatinine whenever possible. Further study of the more recently proposed pathophysiologic factors contributing to cardiac surgery-associated AKI, such as circulating damage-associated molecular patterns, venous congestion, and genetic predisposition, are warranted.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2017
ReviewAnesthesia for nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery.
This review focuses primarily on nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS), and discusses advantages, indications, anesthetic techniques, and approaches to intraoperative crisis management. ⋯ Although anesthesia for NIVATS is associated with some of the same risks as general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, NIVATS can be successfully performed in carefully selected patients.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2017
ReviewMortality and cost of acute and chronic kidney disease after cardiac surgery.
Acute and chronic kidney diseases (AKI and CKD) have far-reaching implications for surgical patients in regards to postoperative outcomes and hospital cost. We review the recent literature on the effects of AKI and CKD on morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization among cardiac surgery patients. ⋯ AKI and CKD remain prevalent, morbid, and costly conditions for cardiac surgery patients. Better risk stratification, early diagnosis, and earlier interventions are needed to prevent the consequences of these diseases.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2017
ReviewPreoperative evaluation and preparation of the morbidly obese patient.
This review aims to familiarize with the most current findings regarding preoperative evaluation and preparation of morbidly obese patients prior to elective, noncardiac surgery. In the light of the increasing number of surgical patients being morbidly obese, the knowledge of evidence-based preoperative evaluation strategies is profound for a rational approach. ⋯ Synthesis of proper medical history-taking and physical examination as well as detailed search for obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome are key components of preoperative evaluation. Further testing should be based on the findings of these steps and comprise the cardiac risk of the surgical procedure.