Anaesthesia
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Flexible bronchoscopes have become essential in the operating theatre environment and in critical care. This narrative review compared single-use and reusable flexible bronchoscopes with a focus on safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. ⋯ Further research is required on safety, usability and life cycle assessment in the operating theatre and critical care environment, as well as on the rate of bronchoscopy-induced infection. Future comparative studies, including new manufacturers and designs, may lend further insights.
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Observational Study
Gastric ultrasound performance time and difficulty: a prospective observational study.
Point-of-care gastric ultrasound is an emerging tool in peri-operative practice. However, data on the technical challenges of gastric ultrasound, which are essential for optimised training, remain scarce. We analysed gastric ultrasound examinations performed after basic training to identify factors associated with difficulty. ⋯ Approximately 50 scans are required to achieve a baseline performance of 5 min per gastric ultrasound. Future training programmes should focus on patients with obesity, male sex, higher ASA physical status and trauma.