Der Anaesthesist
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Transplantation medicine is an interdisciplinary task and the priority objective is a fast recovery to patient independence. After kidney transplantation the crucial aims are monitoring of transplant perfusion, maintainance of an adequate volume status and avoidance of nephrotoxic medications. Transplantation for patients with advanced chronic liver failure has become more common since the implementation of the model of end stage liver disease (MELD) allocation system which is associated with more complicated proceedings. ⋯ Postoperatively a specific cardiac support with pulmonary arterial dilatators and inotropics is usually necessary. Lung transplantation aims at an improvement of patient quality of life. Postoperative critical care should provide a limitation of the pulmonary arterial pressure, avoidance of volume overload and rapid weaning from the respirator.
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Continuous wound infusion of local anesthetics, which is mainly used in general surgery and orthopedics, is an interesting technique in postoperative pain therapy. Continuous wound infusion of local anesthetics is able to reduce postoperative opioid requirements and results in decreased pain scores. ⋯ Continuous wound infusion is an effective analgesic technique, which is simple to perform. Comparisons with other analgesic techniques, such as peripheral nerve blocks, epidural analgesia and other multimodal analgesic concepts are still required.
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An interdisciplinary working group from the German Society of Hospital Hygiene (DGKH) and the German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (DGAI) worked out the following recommendations for infection prevention during anesthesia by using breathing system filters (BSF). The BSF shall be changed after each patient. The filter retention efficiency for airborne particles is recommended to be >99% (II). ⋯ In case of visible contamination e.g. by blood or in case of defect, it is required that the BSF and also the anesthesia breathing system is changed and the breathing gas conducting parts of the anesthesia ventilator are hygienically reprocessed. Observing of the appropriate hand disinfection is very important. All surfaces of the anesthesia equipment exposed to hand contact must be disinfected after each case.
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In certain surgical positions standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) cannot be carried out. It is sometimes impossible or time-consuming to establish a supine position without increasing the no-flow-time and therefore creating a negative outcome of the patient. ⋯ This was very effective because the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) started before turning the patient to the supine position. Resuscitation in the prone position in this case was equally as effective as in the traditional supine position.
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Administer chest compressions (minimum 100/min, minimum 5 cm depth) at a ratio of 30:2 with ventilation (tidal volume 500-600 ml, inspiration time 1 s, F(I)O₂ if possible 1.0). Avoid any interruptions in chest compressions. After every single defibrillation attempt (initially biphasic 120-200 J, monophasic 360 J, subsequently with the respective highest energy), chest compressions are initiated again immediately for 2 min independent of the ECG rhythm. Tracheal intubation is the optimal method for securing the airway during resuscitation but should be performed only by experienced airway management providers. Laryngoscopy is performed during ongoing chest compressions; interruption of chest compressions for a maximum of 10 s to pass the tube through the vocal cords. Supraglottic airway devices are alternatives to tracheal intubation. Drug administration routes for adults and children: first choice i.v., second choice intraosseous (i.o.). Vasopressors: 1 mg epinephrine every 3-5 min i.v. After the third unsuccessful defibrillation amiodarone (300 mg i.v.), repetition (150 mg) possible. Sodium bicarbonate (50 ml 8.4%) only for excessive hyperkaliemia, metabolic acidosis, or intoxication with tricyclic antidepressants. Consider aminophylline (5 mg/kgBW). Thrombolysis during spontaneous circulation only for myocardial infarction or massive pulmonary embolism; during on-going cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) only when indications of massive pulmonary embolism. Active compression-decompression (ACD-CPR) and inspiratory threshold valve (ITV-CPR) are not superior to good standard CPR. ⋯ Any CPR training is better than nothing; simplification of contents and processes is the main aim.