Der Anaesthesist
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Locally advanced carcinomas of the oesophagus require multimodal treatment. The core element of curative therapy is transthoracic en bloc oesophagectomy, which is the standard procedure carried out in most specialized centres. Reconstruction of intestinal continuity is usually achieved with a gastric sleeve, which is anastomosed either intrathoracically or cervically to the remaining oesophagus. ⋯ Oesophagectomies should only be performed in high-volume centres with the close cooperation of surgeons and anaesthesia/intensive care specialists. Programmes of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) hold further potential for the patient's quicker postoperative recovery. In this review article the fundamental aspects of the interdisciplinary perioperative management of transthoracic oesophagectomy are described.
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Inhalation as well as total intravenous anesthesia have both advantages and disadvantages. The pros of an inhalation technique are mask induction without the initial need for intravenous access and precise dosing; the pros of an intravenous technique are postoperative quiet recovery and a low incidence of vomiting. With both techniques the aim is to reach a certain, most often constant effect site concentration, which after a short latent period equals the blood concentration. ⋯ Dosing of intravenous anesthetics is based on assumptions. For neonates and young infants an inhalation technique is often preferred because of metabolic immaturity and the resulting difficulties of dosing, whereas older children can often profit from a quiet awakening and a reduced incidence of vomiting. The increased availability of syringe pumps with incorporated algorithms as well as of electroencephalograph (EEG)-based monitoring systems will further promote the popularity of total intravenous anesthesia.
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Offshore windfarms are constructed in the German North and Baltic Seas. The off-coast remoteness of the windfarms, particular environmental conditions, limitations in offshore structure access, working in heights and depths, and the vast extent of the offshore windfarms cause significant challenges for offshore rescue. Emergency response systems comparable to onshore procedures are not fully established yet. ⋯ Operational air medical rescue services and specific offshore emergency reaction teams have established a powerful rescue chain. Besides the present development of medical standards, more studies are necessary in order to place the rescue chain on a long-term, evidence-based groundwork. A central medical offshore registry may help to make a significant contribution at this point.
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Pharmacotherapy is a key component of anesthesiology and intensive care medicine. The individual genetic profile influences not only the effect of pharmaceuticals but can also completely alter the mode of action. New technologies for genetic screening (e.g. next generation sequencing) and increasing knowledge of molecular pathways foster the disclosure of pharmacogenetic syndromes, which are classified as rare diseases. ⋯ Furthermore, MH predisposition is not excluded by negative mutation screening. For anesthesiological patient safety it is crucial to identify individuals at risk and warn genetic relatives; however, the legal requirements of the Patients Rights Act and the Human Genetic Examination Act must be strictly adhered to. Specific features of insurance and employment law must be respected under consideration of the Human Genetic Examination Act.
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Thoracic surgery represents a special challenge for anesthesia and requires a high level of human and material resources. Accurate knowledge of the pathophysiology is essential for selection of the anesthetic procedure, the separation of the lungs, monitoring and treatment of hemodynamics as well as for postoperative follow-up care. ⋯ In particular hypoxemia during one-lung ventilation influences postoperative morbidity and mortality. Protective pulmonary ventilation strategies play an important role in prevention of postoperative acute lung injury.