Der Anaesthesist
-
Clear and consistent communication is pivotal for well-functioning teamwork, in operating theatres as well as intensive care units. However, patient handovers significantly vary between specialties and locations. If communication is not well structured, it might increase the risk for mishaps and malpractice. ⋯ These are pivotal for an effective teamwork and for ensuing patient safety. Furthermore, we will focus on possibilities to implement structured approaches but also on potential barriers of implementation. Communication failure among different health care providers can be identified more easily and hopefully can be eliminated.
-
Even small degrees of residual neuromuscular blockade, i. e. a train-of-four (TOF) ratio >0.6, may lead to clinically relevant consequences for the patient. Especially upper airway integrity and the ability to swallow may still be markedly impaired. ⋯ The incidence of these small degrees of residual blockade is relatively high and may persist for more than 90 min after a single intubating dose of an intermediately acting neuromuscular blocking agent, such as rocuronium and atracurium. Both neuromuscular monitoring and pharmacological reversal are key elements for the prevention of postoperative residual blockade.
-
Evaluation of the patient's medical history and a physical examination are the cornerstones of risk assessment prior to elective surgery and may help to optimize the patient's preoperative medical condition and to guide perioperative management. Whether the performance of additional technical tests (e. g. blood chemistry, ECG, spirometry, chest x‑ray) can contribute to a reduction of perioperative risk is often not very well known or is controversial. Similarly, there is considerable uncertainty among anesthesiologists, internists and surgeons with respect to the perioperative management of the patient's long-term medication. ⋯ These recommendations aim to ensure that surgical patients undergo a rational preoperative assessment and at the same time to avoid unnecessary, costly and potentially dangerous testing. The joint recommendations reflect the current state-of-the-art knowledge as well as expert opinions because scientific-based evidence is not always available. These recommendations will be subject to regular re-evaluation and updating when new validated evidence becomes available.
-
Acute hyperkalemia is a dangerous electrolyte disorder, which must be treated immediately. It can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and death due to alterations in cell membrane potentials. The resulting alterations in the electrocardiogram (ECG) are multifarious and need to be rapidly recognized. ⋯ The therapeutic elimination from the body is carried out using an enhanced diuresis or the utilization of renal replacement procedures. Special attention must be paid to the continous monitoring of potassium and blood sugar levels. After overcoming the acute situation, attention must be paid to treatment of the underlying disorder and if necessary to readjustment of the long-term medication of the patient.
-
Case Reports
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in a patient on simvastatin : Delayed recovery from neuromuscular blockade.
Delayed recovery from anesthesia remains a very challenging subject for anesthesiologists. This case report describes the clinical course of delayed recovery from neuromuscular blockade after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in a patient on simvastatin. The patient was hypertensive on regular treatment with oral captopril 25 mg twice daily and amlodipine 5 mg once daily and hypercholesterolemic on regular simvastatin 40 mg once daily with a normal electrocardiogram (ECG). ⋯ This potentiated the muscle relaxant effect of rocuronium bromide and was the reason for patient unresponsiveness and delayed postoperative recovery. We can conclude that anesthesiologists should preoperatively identify statin myotoxicity and to avoid neuromuscular blocking drugs for statin-treated patients. Also, preoperative adjustment of statin dosage may be recommended.