British journal of anaesthesia
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Genetic polymorphism (A118G) in the μ-opioid receptor has been reported to affect systemic opioid analgesia. However, reported pharmacogenetic effects on spinal opioid analgesia, particularly in labour, have been equivocal. ⋯ We found no significant effect for the A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on analgesic duration after spinal fentanyl for labour. In contrast, ethnically distinct hospital population groups exerted a marked effect on the time-course of both analgesia and pruritus.
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Distractions are cited as contributory to healthcare-associated errors in a large proportion of incidents including those involving anaesthetists. The anaesthetist is relatively understudied, despite the closer coupling between action and outcome than in surgery. ⋯ Distracting events involving the anaesthetist are common, but approximately two-thirds of these events have no externally visible effect. Another anaesthetist was the most common recipient of a distracting event initiated by the anaesthetist. Anaesthetists need to address themselves as causes of distractions and the potential impact on patient safety.
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Scholarly activity is an important aspect of a resident's educational experience; however, evaluation methods have remained underdeveloped despite the increased focus over the last decade. A new scoring system is proposed as a comprehensive evaluation tool. ⋯ A new scoring system enabled a comprehensive statistical evaluation of residents' scholarly productivity.
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The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a regional anaesthetic technique that blocks abdominal wall somatic afferent nerves. We conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the venous plasma concentrations of ropivacaine during a continuous TAP infusion. ⋯ Given the potential for high plasma concentrations from a bilateral TAP infusion technique, attention should be paid to individualized dosing strategies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Recovery after total intravenous general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia for total knee arthroplasty: a randomized trial.
This study was undertaken to compare the effects of general anaesthesia (GA) and spinal anaesthesia (SA) on the need for postoperative hospitalization and early postoperative comfort in patients undergoing fast-track total knee arthroplasty (TKA). ⋯ GA had more favourable recovery effects after TKA compared with SA.