British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of aminocaproic, tranexamic acids in the control of bleeding during total knee replacement: a randomized clinical trial.
Risks and costs of allogeneic blood transfusions mandate strategies to reduce blood loss in surgery. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of antifibrinolytic treatment in reducing perioperative blood loss during total knee replacement. ⋯ Antifibrinolytic agents produce a significant decrease in blood loss in patients undergoing total knee replacement, reflected in a reduction in the number of blood transfusions required.
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Comparative Study
A comparison of bispectral index and entropy monitoring, in patients undergoing embolization of cerebral artery aneurysms after subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Processed EEG monitoring of anaesthetic depth could be useful in patients receiving general anaesthesia following subarachnoid haemorrhage. We conducted an observational study comparing performance characteristics of bispectral index (BIS) and entropy monitoring systems in these patients. ⋯ BIS and entropy monitoring perform well in patients who receive general anaesthesia after good grade subarachnoid haemorrhage.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of prophylactic bronchodilator treatment with i.v. carperitide on airway resistance and lung compliance after tracheal intubation.
Lung resistance increases after induction of anaesthesia. We hypothesized that prophylactic bronchodilation with i.v. carperitide before tracheal intubation would decrease airway resistance and increase lung compliance after placement of the tracheal tube in both smokers and nonsmokers. ⋯ Marked bronchoconstriction occurred in the control groups (smokers and nonsmokers) 4 min after tracheal intubation. Prophylactic treatment with carperitide before induction of anaesthesia and tracheal intubation was advantageous, particularly in smokers.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
A comparison of the analgesic efficacy and side-effects of paravertebral vs epidural blockade for thoracotomy--a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Epidural analgesia is considered by many to be the best method of pain relief after major surgery. It is used routinely in many thoracic surgery centres. Although effective, side-effects include hypotension, urinary retention, incomplete (or failed) block, and, in rare cases, paraplegia. ⋯ Rates of failed block were lower in the PVB group, OR 0.28 (0.2, 0.6). PVB and epidural analgesia provide comparable pain relief after thoracic surgery, but PVB has a better side-effect profile and is associated with a reduction in pulmonary complications. PVB can be recommended for major thoracic surgery.
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Acute surgical admission during weekends, with reduced staffing levels, has been associated with increased risk of mortality, but the effect of longer vacation/holiday periods has not been studied. We therefore examined early postoperative mortality in hip fracture patients admitted during weekends and holiday periods, compared with normal weekdays. ⋯ Staff reduction during holiday periods in units that care for acute surgical patients may adversely influence postoperative outcome. This may have important consequences both for outcome analysis of interventions and the planning of resource management in surgical units.