Der Anaesthesist
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[No reduction in postoperative complications by the use of catheterized epidural analgesia following major abdominal surgery].
This study was designed to assess whether intra- and postoperative epidural analgesia would diminish the overall rate of postoperative complications after major abdominal operations when compared to a standard anesthetic and postoperative analgesic regimen. A total of 214 patients undergoing infrarenal aortic bypass operations, gastric resection, gastrectomy, Whipple's operation, or duodenum-preserving pancreatic resection were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the epidural group (n = 98) were operated on under light general anesthesia (midazolam, low-dose fentanyl, N2O/O2, pancuronium bromide). ⋯ Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were lower in the epidural group at the same points of observation (2 P less than 0.01), as was the plasma glucose on the 1st postoperative day. The time up to the first postoperative defecation was shorter in the epidural group (79:1.51 h) as compared to the control group (93:1.38 h; 2 P less than 0.0167). The time to hospital discharge was equal in both groups (epidural group 19:1.6 days, control group 18:1.6 days).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[The hemodynamic effects of various hydroxyethyl starch solutions in heart surgery patients].
Blood conservation is gaining more and more interest because of the increasing risks involved in homologous blood transfusions. Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) is becoming an established technique even in cardiac surgery patients. The "optimal" kind of volume replacement, however, is still controversial. ⋯ The different physiochemical attributes of various HES solutions seem to be important, thus influencing their hemodynamic response. In this study, low-concentration (3% HES 200/0.5) and low-molecular (6% HES 40/0.5) HES solutions were less effective in stabilizing hemodynamics until the beginning of ECC. Additionally, their negative influence on fluid balance during ECC, followed by a deterioration in pulmonary function led to the conclusion that other solutions are preferable; in particular, 10% HES seems to be of advantage in these situations.
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Comparative Study
[Continuous measurement of cardiac output based on the Fick principle in cardiac anesthesia].
With the development of fiberoptic and pulse oximetry, as well as the development of the more modern methods of oxygen consumption measurements, the online monitoring of Fick cardiac (FCO) output has become possible in the clinical treatment routine. The aim of this study was to compare fiberoptically measured mixed venous oxygen saturation with values from blood samples and continuously determined Fick cardiac output with intermittent thermodilution cardiac output (TCO). Ten patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were measured during the perioperative period. ⋯ The limits of confidence (95%) were 0.18 to 0.66 l/min. There was no systematic difference between mixed venous saturation measurements with the fiberoptic system and from blood samples. The cardiac output values derived from fiberoptic and pulse oximetry can be considered sufficiently reliable for clinical purposes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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The problems associated with "difficult airways" have almost subsided since the introduction of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopes for tracheal intubation. Limitations of this technique persist with uncooperative patients, children and infants. ⋯ The device makes intubation possible with all sizes of fiberoptic bronchoscopes. The prerequisites for application of this technique include an airway that will be maintained by mask ventilation.