British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Wound infiltration with bupivacaine after surgery to the cervical spine using a posterior approach.
We have compared pain scores, morphine consumption and duration of stay for 50 adults who underwent elective cervical spine surgery via a posterior incision in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. During wound closure, the paravertebral muscles and subcutaneous tissues were infiltrated with 40 ml of saline (control) or 0.25% bupivacaine. There were no significant differences in pain scores, morphine consumption or duration of stay between groups. In view of the potential risks of wound infiltration in the cervical region, we consider that this practice should be abandoned.
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We describe three histaminoid reactions occurring on induction of anaesthesia. The patients were all resuscitated successfully and subsequent skin testing suggested sensitivity to rocuronium. ⋯ This may be coincidental but suggests that there should be close monitoring of the incidence of reactions to rocuronium. Review of the cases suggests that current guidelines on management are not always followed.
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A patient experienced a severe vasovagal attack during regional anaesthesia for elective Caesarean section. The combination of vagal over-activity and sympathetic block produced profound hypotension that threatened the life of the mother and infant. The vasovagal syndrome is described, and its prevention and management discussed.
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Tension pneumocephalus has been reported most frequently after posterior fossa surgery performed in the sitting position. We present a paediatric patient who developed tension pneumocephalus in the postoperative period after decompression of a craniopharyngioma performed with the patient in the supine position.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of laryngeal mask and intubating laryngeal mask insertion by the naïve intubator.
Seventy-five inexperienced participants were timed inserting the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and the intubating laryngeal mask (ILM) in one of five cadavers. Adequacy of ventilation was assessed on a three-point scale depending on chest expansion and air leak. Participants were also asked to intubate the trachea via the ILM. ⋯ Tracheal intubation via the ILM was completed successfully by 67% (52 of 75) of participants. In a questionnaire, participants stated that the ILM was easier to use and the preferred device in an emergency. The results suggest that inexperienced practitioners should use the ILM rather than the LMA for emergency ventilation.