Minerva anestesiologica
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2011
Comparative StudyContinuous spinal anesthesia versus continuous femoral nerve block for elective total knee replacement.
Continuous spinal analgesia (CSA) and continuous femoral nerve blockade (CFNB) are well-established procedures for postoperative pain relief. This study compares the efficacy, adverse effects and complications associated with these two analgesic methods in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). ⋯ Both methods demonstrated analgesic efficacy after total knee arthroplasty, although there was less pain severity and opioid consumption use reported with continuous spinal analgesia. However, the use of continuous spinal analgesia is limited by concerns about the risk profile and absence of approved devices for continuous intrathecal infusion.
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effects of physostigmine on recovery from general anesthesia in elderly patients.
Transient cognitive dysfunction after general anesthesia is a frequent finding among elderly patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of physostigmine may enhance recovery from general anesthesia in elderly patients. ⋯ The intraoperative infusion of physostigmine enhances alertness, coordination, manual dexterity and mobilization after general anesthesia in elderly patients, but physostigmine administration does not affect orientation or sedation.
-
Delirium is a common complication during the postoperative period. Because of its significant associations with physical and cognitive morbidity, clinicians should be aware of the evidence-based practices relating to its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Here, we review select recent literature pertaining to the epidemiology and impact of postoperative delirium, the perioperative risk factors for its development and/or exacerbation, and the strategies for its management, with additional attention paid to the population of patients in intensive care units.
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2011
ReviewPositron emission tomography in ARDS: a new look at an old syndrome.
This is a review of some of the main findings obtained by positron emission tomography (PET) concerning the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury. PET (which is nowadays often combined with computed tomography) is a functional imaging technique based on the detection of a labeled molecule administered to a subject. Based on the molecule used, different lung functions can be imaged. ⋯ Administration of [18F]FDG facilitates the imaging of cellular metabolic activity, reflecting an acute neutrophil-sustained inflammatory process. This technique has been used in experimental ARDS and, more recently, in patients. It showed, for example, that inflammatory activity of the lungs is markedly increased even in "normally aerated" regions at levels that are, in some cases, even higher than in the non-aerated regions.
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialHigher postoperative pain and increased morphine consumption follow pre- rather than post-incisional single dose epidural morphine.
Neuraxial administration of morphine is an effective way of controlling postoperative pain and reducing analgesic consumption. Some animal models have demonstrated that preemptive administration of neuraxial narcotics reduces pain, while others have revealed the contrary. In addition, there have been no consistent results in clinical settings. This double-blind, randomized study compared the effects of pre- vs. post-incisional administration of neuraxial morphine on postoperative pain perception and analgesic requirements over 48 hours following laparotomy for open colectomy under standardized general anesthesia. ⋯ Pre-incisional epidural morphine in patients undergoing open colonic surgery under general anesthesia was associated with more postoperative pain, a greater need for analgesics, and poorer patient satisfaction compared to post-incisional morphine administration.