British journal of anaesthesia
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We explored whether a previously successful initiative to improve first-case on-time starts succeeded because (i) preoperative steps started earlier (but the process did not necessarily improve) or (ii) the process was brought into better control. ⋯ The reduction in inter-quartile range demonstrates that improvement in on-time starts resulted from the process being in better control. The start time of preoperative preparatory activities did not move earlier, which means that OR and preoperative staff do not need to arrive at work earlier. Improvements resulting from the process being in control were sustained.
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Whilst the risk of dying after an operation in the UK is very small, the volume of surgery means that there are 20 000-25 000 deaths each year. For these patients and others who suffer major complications, critical illness often leads to a loss of capacity. If wishes are not discussed in advance, the patients may be excluded from meaningful involvement in decisions affecting their care. ⋯ They indicate that healthcare professionals mostly have a positive view of advance care planning in the perioperative period, and there is little training or educational content available. Despite this, most healthcare professionals report feeling well equipped to have such discussions. Evidence was not found of advance care planning becoming a routine part of training or practice in the care of patients in the lead up to high-risk surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Intravenous infusion of lidocaine significantly reduces propofol dose for colonoscopy: a randomised placebo-controlled study.
Propofol use during sedation for colonoscopy can result in cardiopulmonary complications. Intravenous lidocaine can alleviate visceral pain and decrease propofol requirements during surgery. We tested the hypothesis that i.v. lidocaine reduces propofol requirements during colonoscopy and improves post-colonoscopy recovery. ⋯ NCT 02784860.
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Several case reports have described anatomical variations that can cause difficulty with front-of-neck airway access, such as major vessels anterior to the trachea. The prevalence of these anomalies is unknown. ⋯ It is common for patients to have some portion of a major vessel anterior to the trachea at sites where an emergency tracheostomy might be performed.