Indian journal of anaesthesia
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Bag mask ventilation (BMV) allows for oxygenation and ventilation of patients until a definitive airway is secured and when definitive airway is difficult/impossible. This study hypothesised that the EO (thumb and index finger form a O shape around the mask) technique of mask holding provides better mask seal with the novices compared to the classic EC clamp technique (thumb and index finger form a C shape around the mask). ⋯ The EO technique provides better mask seal (superior tidal volumes) than the conventional EC technique during single-handed mask holding performed by novices in the absence of other factors contributing to difficulty in mask ventilation.
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An audit was conducted between July 2017 and November 2017 to assess the adequacy of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) fasting guidelines on 246 patients by means of gastric ultrasonography (USG). The relevance of this audit is that many of our patients have one or more risk factors for aspiration such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obesity. ⋯ In our audit, we found that risk factor association has a greater effect on residual gastric volume than hours of fasting. While the current fasting guidelines are adequate for healthy individuals, they are not conclusive in patients with risk factors. Ultrasound assessment of preoperative gastric volume is an effective screening tool in patients with risk factors.
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Femur neck fractures may occur in elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities. Spinal or general anaesthesia may not be safe in such patients, leading to a search for other safer alternatives. Herein, we report a case in which a never previously reported combination of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) was successfully used as the main anaesthetic method for hemiarthroplasty. ⋯ Following sedoanalgesia, the patient was placed in lateral decubitis position and ESPB and transmuscular QLB were performed from the fourth lumbar vertebra level. Adequate and effective surgical anaesthesia was achieved and hemiarthroplasty was performed. The combination of lumbar ESPB and QLB can be used for the anaesthesia management in high-risk patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty.
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Obstetric emergencies are a challenge both for the obstetrician and the anaesthesiologist. The incidence of caesarean sections as per the National Family Health Survey published in 2015-16 was 17.2%. In 7.6% of cases, the decision to conduct a caesarean section was taken after the onset of labour pains. ⋯ In category 2 and 3 caesarean sections, spinal anaesthesia still remains the technique of choice. Failed intubation, failed neuraxial block, extensive neuraxial block, awareness under anaesthesia, thromboembolism, amniotic fluid embolism, haemorrhage and maternal collapse are some of the complications. Haemorrhage is said to be the leading cause of mortality worldwide.
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An increasing number of caesarean sections are being performed for both elective as well as emergency cases. Category 4 caesarean section refers to a planned elective surgery after 39 weeks of gestation at a time suitable to the mother and the maternity team. ⋯ The management should include adequate postoperative pain relief, early ambulation, and thromboprophylaxis to ensure early recovery. This review will discuss the anaesthetic management including regional anaesthesia, general anaesthesia, and postoperative analgesia for elective, low-risk (Category 4) caesarean section.