Der Anaesthesist
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Two groups of 16 patients each were studied during abdomino-surgical procedures. Patients of one group received an isotonic glucose solution to cover insensible water losses from the peritoneal cavity whilst patients of the other group were not treated with glucose. In these we found a significant increase in plasma osmolality and in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration of the red cells during anaesthesia and operation. ⋯ Urin-to-plasma ratio of osmolality was equal in both groups in spite of a different water balance. Patients receiving glucose had higher urine outputs and therefore (with equal osmolar U/P ratio) a higher osmolar clearance and a higher free-water-reabsorption. It is demonstrated that under conditions as described the amount of free-water reabsorption and concomitantly a favourable effect on water balance during mild dehydration is mainly depending on osmolar clearance.
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Disposable needles for epidural single-shot and catheter techniques are being marketed increasingly by different firms. As a result of our experience, the basic requirements of each of the component parts in the needle assembly are outlined. It is clear that the materials used to date are failing in some requirements and we assume that the manufactures have possibly not taken account of the suggestions of practicing anaesthesists.
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This paper is concerned with the aetiology, prophylaxis and treatment of the Mendelson-syndrome. It serves as a quick reference to anaesthesists and obstetricians who are faced with this problem and therefore helps them to decrease the maternal mortality resulting from regurgitation and aspiration of gastric juice.