Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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New block techniques are being constantly developed or old techniques modified to improve outcomes after surgery. This review discusses the reasons why new block techniques need to be developed to match the needs of contemporary anesthetic practice. ⋯ Future studies need to be undertaken to further refine these techniques and produce evidence of support for analgesic efficacy, safety, and reliability.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2018
ReviewEducation in neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care: trends, challenges and advancements.
We summarize the latest evidence in neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care (NCC) training. In addition, we describe the newer advancements that clinical educators face in these subspecialties. Lastly, we highlight educational approaches that may lead to an enhanced learning experience and development of necessary skills for neurosciences trainees. ⋯ High-fidelity simulation in perioperative care of neurosurgical patients can be part of formal neuroanesthesia and NCC curricula, and potentially impact trainees' proficiency. A research agenda is needed to validate the assessment of most effective educational interventions in neurosciences trainees with diverse medical backgrounds. Creative combinations of cost-effective interventions including traditional teaching, specific technical skills workshops, low and high-fidelity simulation deserve to be assessed in future studies.
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As the evidence supporting the notion that regional anesthesia improves patient outcomes grows, utilization of regional anesthesia techniques has similarly increased. Best care should not be restricted by the background of care providers, however, the evidence replicating benefits of regional anesthesia when it is delivered by nonanesthesiologists is unclear. In this review, the provision of regional anesthesia by nonanesthesiologists is discussed so that readers can come to their own conclusions. ⋯ The provision of regional anesthesia requires the accumulation of a suitable knowledge, skills, and behaviors that can be taught. Whilst it may not be appropriate for all techniques to be performed by all individuals, the possession of these competencies with the appropriate training and quality assurance means that more patients may ultimately benefit from the provision of regional anesthesia services.
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The review describes recent advances in genetics and genomics of postoperative pain, the association between genetic variants and the efficacy of analgesics, and the role of pharmacogenomics in the selection of appropriate analgesic treatments for postoperative pain. ⋯ Genetic variants associate with inter-individual variability in drug responses and they can affect pain sensitivity and intensity of postoperative pain. Despite the recent progress in genetics and genomics of postoperative pain, it is still not possible to precisely predict the patients who are genetically predisposed to have severe postoperative pain or who develop chronic postoperative pain.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2018
ReviewDid ultrasound fulfill the promise of safety in regional anesthesia?
Ultrasound guidance has become the accepted standard of practice for peripheral regional anesthesia. Despite evidence supporting the efficacy of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, its impact on patient safety has been less clear. ⋯ Ultrasound has revolutionized the way we approach regional anesthesia and contributed to patient safety. It is important to note that patient safety does not hinge on one single technology. Patient safety in regional anesthesia relies on a well trained practitioner to pay meticulous attention to indication, block and patient selection, anatomy, pharmacology, equipment and technique.