Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2016
Pulmonary aspiration under GA: a 13-year audit in a tertiary pediatric unit.
Pulmonary aspiration is a known risk of general anesthesia. We aim to find out the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of pulmonary aspiration in our pediatric population. ⋯ The incidence of aspiration under general anesthesia in our hospital is comparable to published reports. Our audit highlights the fact that pulmonary aspiration although rare mostly occur in healthy ASA 1 and 2 children with no prior history. Emergency surgeries put the patient at a higher risk of aspiration. They occurred usually during induction, a process which tends to be variable (in technique and duration) for pediatric patients.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · May 2016
Changes in intracuff pressure of cuffed endotracheal tubes while positioning for adenotonsillectomy in children.
When using cuffed endotracheal tubes (cETTs), changes in head and neck position can lead to changes in intracuff pressure. ⋯ Both increases and decreases in the intracuff pressure may occur following positioning of the pediatric patient for adenotonsillectomy. An increase in intracuff pressure may result in a higher risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa. A decrease in the intracuff pressure can result in an air leak resulting in inadequate ventilation, increased risk of aspiration, and even predispose to airway fire if oxygen-enriched gases are used. Continuous intracuff pressure monitoring or rechecking the intracuff pressure after positioning for adenotonsillectomy may be indicated.