Anaesthesia
-
Case Reports
Respiratory depression complicating epidural diamorphine. Two case reports of administration after dural puncture.
Two cases of severe respiratory depression complicating epidural diamorphine administration are reported. In both cases, the dura had been punctured. The risk of epidural opiate administration in association with a breach in the dura is reiterated.
-
Comparative Study
Induction and recovery characteristics of isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia for short outpatient operations in children.
Induction and recovery characteristics of isoflurane anaesthesia were compared with halothane anaesthesia during outpatient myringotomy and placement of Sheely ventilation tubes in 101 unpremedicated children. Compared with halothane, isoflurane resulted in prolonged induction times and inferior induction scores due to increased salivation, coughing, breathholding and laryngospasm. ⋯ Recovery times from halothane plus isoflurane and pure isoflurane anaesthesia were quicker than pure halothane and thiamylal plus isoflurane, although this was not statistically significant. Compared to halothane, anaesthetic induction using isoflurane is associated with an increased incidence of respiratory problems in unpremedicated children.
-
Comparative Study
Bronchial intubation. A comparison between polyvinyl chloride and red rubber double lumen tubes.
Red rubber and polyvinyl chloride bronchial double lumen tubes were compared. Polyvinyl chloride tubes are easier to pass quicker to position and cause less damage to the mucosa of the respiratory tract than the red rubber equivalents.
-
In a prospective study of 51 young male outpatients given spinal anaesthesia through a 25-gauge needle, we found a 37.2% incidence of postdural puncture headache. In addition, 54.9% complained of backache after surgery. ⋯ These patients had a higher incidence of postoperative backache and pain during lumbar puncture. It is concluded that spinal anaesthesia is not a satisfactory technique for outpatient procedures in young men.