Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewOptimizing peripheral regional anaesthesia: strategies for single shot and continuous blocks.
Regional anaesthesia is increasingly prominent within anaesthesia, offering alternative analgesic options amidst concerns over opioid-based analgesia. Since Halsted's initial description, the field has burgeoned, with ultrasound visualization revolutionizing local anaesthetic spread assessment, leading to the development of numerous novel techniques. The benefits of regional anaesthesia have gained increasing evidence to support their application, leading to changes within training curricula. Consequently, regional anaesthesia is at a defining moment, embracing the development of core skills for the general anaesthesiologist, whilst also continuing the advancement of the specialty. ⋯ This review highlights recent scientific advances in optimizing both single-shot and continuous peripheral regional anaesthesia techniques. By synthesizing these developments, this review offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of regional anaesthesia, aiming to improve clinical practice and patient care.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewKeeping patients in the dark: perioperative anesthetic considerations for patients receiving 5-aminolevulinic acid for glioma resection.
5-Aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (5-ALA), available under the trade name Gleolan, is an orally administered fluorophore drug used to enhance visual differentiation of cancerous tissue from healthy tissue, primarily during surgical resection of high-grade gliomas. Although given preoperatively, 5-ALA has important implications for anesthetic care throughout the perioperative period. This article reviews pharmacology, safety concerns, and perioperative considerations for patients who receive oral 5-ALA. ⋯ Mitigating the possible side effects of 5-ALA requires an understanding of its basic mechanism as well as focused perioperative planning and communication. Administration of this medication may result in nausea, vomiting, photosensitivity, increase in serum concentration of liver enzymes, and hypotension. Patients who receive 5-ALA must be protected from prolonged light exposure during the first 48 h after consumption and administration of other photosensitizing agents should be avoided (Supplemental Video File/Video abstract).
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewFascial plane blocks: from microanatomy to clinical applications.
In the last 20 years, advancements in the understanding of fasciae have significantly transformed anaesthesia and surgery. Fascial plane blocks (FPBs) have gained popularity due to their validated safety profile and relative ease. They are used in various clinical settings for surgical and nonsurgical indications. Growing evidence suggests a link between the microscopic anatomy of fasciae and their mechanism of action. As a result, knowledge of these aspects is urgently needed to better optimise pain management. The purpose of this review is to summarise the different microscopic aspects of deep/muscular fascia to expand our understanding in the performance of FPBs. ⋯ Physicians must be aware of the role of fascial microscopic anatomy and better understand their properties to perform FPBs in a conscious manner and enhance pain management.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewCritical care innovations: navigating pain relief in intensive care: the role of regional anesthesia.
The purpose of this article is to provide an update of regional anesthesia and its applications in the critical care patient population. ⋯ Pain management in the ICU is an important and sometimes challenging aspect of patient care. Regional anesthetic techniques have more indications and are safe, versatile tools that should be incorporated into care of critically ill patients.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewTransitional pain services updates and a novel service for the obstetric population.
This paper is an update of the publications on Transitional Pain Services and explores the viability of a dedicated transitional pain service for women. ⋯ This review highlights the importance establishing transitional pain service models at every institution and in particular in obstetric population as pain is normalized by Society during pregnancy.