Anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Emergence characteristics and postoperative laryngopharyngeal morbidity with the laryngeal mask airway: a comparison of high versus low initial cuff volume.
In this study we tested the hypothesis that the initial cuff volume of the laryngeal mask airway influences emergence characteristics and postoperative laryngopharyngeal morbidity. One hundred and sixty adult patients undergoing minor surgery were randomly assigned for airway management with the laryngeal mask airway with either a fully inflated cuff (LMA-High) or a semi-inflated cuff (LMA-Low). Anaesthesia was with propofol, nitrous oxide, oxygen and isoflurane. ⋯ Heart rate was slightly higher in the LMA-High group upon arrival in the postanaesthesia care unit, but otherwise there were no differences in cardiorespiratory responses. Sore throat and dysphagia were more common in the LMA-High group. We conclude that, in general, emergence characteristics with the laryngeal mask airway are not influenced by the volume of air used to inflate the cuff, but that postoperative sore throat and dysphagia are more likely at high initial cuff volumes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Postoperative pain control following remifentanil-based anaesthesia for major abdominal surgery.
Eighty patients undergoing major abdominal surgery using remifentanil-based anaesthesia were randomly allocated in a double-blind manner to receive an intravenous bolus of fentanyl, buprenorphine, morphine or piritramide 20 min before the end of surgery. A reduced dose was administered postoperatively when patients reported moderate pain. Subsequent analgesia was provided by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). ⋯ At first pain assessment, 63% of patients reported no or mild pain; 80% of patients required the second opioid bolus, those receiving piritramide needed the bolus significantly later than patients receiving buprenorphine or fentanyl. First PCA requirement also occurred significantly later in the piritramide group. This technique provided effective postoperative pain relief and transition to routine PCA and did not compromise recovery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A comparison of the intubating laryngeal mask tracheal tube with a standard tracheal tube for fibreoptic intubation.
We conducted a prospective randomised study to compare the intubating laryngeal mask tracheal tube with a standard tube, for ease of tracheal intubation over a fibrescope. Thirty-six patients were investigated, using a sequential analysis technique. Ease of intubation was improved when the intubating laryngeal mask tracheal tube was used compared with the standard tube (p = 0.0009). Median (interquartile range [range]) intubation times (time from the tube's tip being level with the patient's teeth to successful placement) were 1.5 (1-2.3 [1-3]) s when the intubating laryngeal mask tracheal tube was used and 5 (3-7.3 [3-13]) s when the standard tube was used (p < 0.0001).
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Intra-ocular pressure and haemodynamic changes after tracheal intubation and extubation: a comparative study in glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous children.
This prospective, controlled study was conducted to compare the effects of tracheal intubation and extubation on intra-ocular pressure changes and haemodynamic parameters in paediatric patients with and without glaucoma. The children were scheduled for intra-ocular surgery. Twenty children with normal intra-ocular pressure and 15 with glaucoma were studied. ⋯ The increase in intra-ocular pressure after intubation was greater in the glaucomatous group than in the normal group. The increase in intra-ocular pressure was greater after extubation than intubation in both groups, but was similar in the two groups. However, because of the already increased intra-ocular pressure in glaucomatous children, they may be at an increased risk of visual damage after intubation and extubation.
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Comparative Study
Visible and occult blood contamination of laryngeal mask airways and tracheal tubes used in adult anaesthesia.
The purpose of this study was to compare visible and occult blood contamination of 50 laryngeal mask airways and 50 tracheal tubes following routine anaesthesia for procedures not involving the oropharyngeal or nasal cavities. All airway devices were examined visually for the presence of blood before washing in 100 ml of water. A semiquantitative dipstick was used to test for the presence of blood in the washings. ⋯ Other studies reporting visible blood contamination of airway devices probably underestimate the true incidence of blood contamination. Oral secretions following the use of these devices should be considered as high risk for transmission of blood-born viruses. Anaesthetic and recovery staff should be protected against the risks of occupational exposure to oral secretions following the use of airway devices.