Journal of anesthesia
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Journal of anesthesia · Aug 2017
Review Meta AnalysisAdjuncts to local anaesthetics in tonsillectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The infiltration of local anaesthetic agents has been shown to reduce post-tonsillectomy pain. A number of recent studies have shown that the addition of agents such as clonidine and dexamethasone improve the efficacy of nerve blocks and spinal anaesthesia. The aim of this review was to determine whether additives to local anaesthetic agents improve post-tonsillectomy outcomes. ⋯ There is limited evidence that pethidine and tramadol have a similar effect on pain and analgesia requirement. The studies in this pooled analysis are sufficiently strong to make a level one recommendation that the addition of magnesium to local anaesthetics reduces the incidence of laryngospasm, a potentially lethal post-operative complication. Review level of evidence: 1.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2017
ReviewPerioperative risk factors for death among patients with symptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism.
Perioperative pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a fatal complication that may occur in patients who are undergoing surgery. This study aimed to identify risk factors for PTE-related death. This study evaluated data for the most recent 5-year period (2007-2011) from the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists' database of patients who experienced perioperative PTE. ⋯ Logistic regression analyses revealed that male sex, an age of ≥ 80 years, bedridden status, heart failure, and the non-use of anticoagulant therapy were independent risk factors for PTE-related death. We found that male sex, an age of ≥ 80 years, bedridden status, heart failure, and the non-use of anticoagulant therapy were independent risk factors for perioperative PTE-related death. Therefore, appropriate interventions for bedridden patients and thromboprophylaxis using anticoagulants may help reduce the incidence of perioperative PTE-related mortality.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2017
ReviewPrevention of chronic post-surgical pain: the importance of early identification of risk factors.
Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is currently an inevitable surgical complication. Despite the advances in surgical techniques and the development of new modalities for pain management, CPSP can affect 15-60% of all surgical patients. The development of chronic pain represents a burden to both the patient and to the community. ⋯ Unfortunately, evidence about any effective actions to reduce this condition is limited. This review will focus on providing context to the challenging problem of CPSP. The possible role of both the surgeon and anesthesiologist in reducing the incidence of this problem will be explored.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2017
ReviewAcquired prolongation of QT interval as a risk factor for torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia: a narrative review for the anesthesiologist and intensivist.
More than 70% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients experience heart rhythm disturbances, and these patients have correspondingly higher mortality rates. Consequently, one of the standards of care in ICUs is continuous electrocardiography monitoring. One of the potentially preventable dysrhythmic events is the occurrence of torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia in the setting of acquired prolonged QT interval. ⋯ Many factors predispose to lengthening of the QT interval, the most important of which are electrolyte abnormalities and the administration of specific medications. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of acquired long QT interval, stressing the medication-induced acquired long QT-interval and factors present in ICU patients that promote prolongation of the QT interval. We also propose guidelines to avoid the occurrence of torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2017
Review Meta AnalysisClinical safety and effectiveness of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in post-operative analgesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks can provide analgesia postoperatively for a range of surgeries. Abundant clinical trials have assessed TAP block showing positive analgesic effects. This systematic review assesses safety and effectiveness outcomes of TAP block in all clinical settings, comparing with both active (standard care) and inactive (placebo) comparators. ⋯ Postoperative pain within 24 h was reduced or at least equivalent in TAP block compared to its comparators. Therefore, TAP block is a safe and effective procedure compared to standard care, placebo and other analgesic techniques. Further research is warranted to investigate whether the TAP block technique can be improved by optimizing dose and technique-related factors.