European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery
-
Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg · Jan 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialThe superficial cervical plexus block for postoperative pain therapy in carotid artery surgery. A prospective randomised controlled trial.
Rapid and reliable neurological evaluation soon after carotid artery surgery is feasible with modern methods of general anesthesia, but postoperative pain therapy remains a challenge. Use of opioids can mask neurological deficits. We investigated whether superficial cervical plexus block reduced postoperative opioid consumption after carotid endarterectomy. ⋯ The significant and clinically relevant lower morphine consumption and pain score, as well as the substantially higher patient satisfaction demonstrate that superficial cervical plexus block provides effective pain relief for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.
-
Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg · Jan 2007
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyIncrease of 1-year mortality after perioperative beta-blocker withdrawal in endovascular and vascular surgery patients.
To assess the relation between beta-blocker use, underlying cardiac risk, and 1-year outcome in vascular surgery patients, including the effect of beta-blocker withdrawal. ⋯ We demonstrated an under-use of beta-blockers in vascular surgery patients, even in high-risk patients. Perioperative beta-blocker use was independently associated with a lower risk of 1-year mortality compared to non-use, while perioperative withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy was associated with a higher 1-year mortality.
-
Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg · Jan 2007
Comparative StudyOutcome of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for varicose veins: medium-term results assessed by ultrasound surveillance.
To estimate medium-term success after a technique for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for superficial chronic venous disease. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy gives satisfactory results if it is accepted that treatment may need to be repeated to achieve secondary success. Results provide a basis for further research to explore factors that might affect outcome. Younger patients with larger diameter saphenous veins may warrant alternative forms of treatment, particularly for small saphenous reflux.