Anesthesiology clinics
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Regional anesthesia has become an integral part of adult anesthesia. Although not routinely used in children because of the need for general anesthesia that is necessary to keep the patients from moving and cooperating with the operator, regional anesthesia has been gaining immense popularity in the last decade. Although there is not much objective evidence, large prospective databases and expert opinion have favored administering regional anesthesia in the asleep child safely because major neural damage has not been reported in children. This review discusses a comprehensive approach to acute pain management in infants, children, and adolescents using regional anesthesia.
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Paravertebral blocks have been demonstrated to represent an interesting alternative to epidural, especially for the management of perioperative and trauma pain. Initially performed mostly as single-shot blocks for breast surgery, thoracotomy, and hernia repairs in adults and children, presently these blocks are also used for placement of a paravertebral catheter, either unilateral or bilateral. Although complications associated with the performance of these blocks are infrequent, the use of ultrasound-guided approaches, which allow performing the block under direct vision, is becoming the standard in most groups performing these blocks routinely.
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Anesthesiology clinics · Mar 2012
Review Case ReportsPalliative surgery in the do-not-resuscitate patient: ethics and practical suggestions for management.
Palliative care in the United States has made tremendous strides in the last decade. One of the most perplexing issues arises when a palliative care patient presents to the operating room with an already existing do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. This article describes the most common conflicting issues that may arise and provides guidance to surgeons, anesthesiologists, patients, and their primary physicians to reach satisfactory resolution and optimal care. Anesthesia departments should appoint a liaison to surgical and perioperative nursing departments to provide education and create an atmosphere conducive to discussions with palliative care patients about goals of care, including DNR status.
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Greater understanding of the pathophysiology and mechanism of acute pain has led to advances in pharmacologic therapy. Understanding the principles of multimodal therapy along with surgical-specific protocols leads to improved outcome in patients. However, further large-scale randomized trials need to be performed to further establish and demonstrate the long-term benefit of multimodal therapy for patients undergoing surgery.
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Anesthesiology clinics · Mar 2012
ReviewPalliative medicine in the surgical intensive care unit and trauma.
The purpose of palliative medicine is to prevent and relieve suffering and to help patients and their families set informed goals of care and treatment. Palliative medicine can be provided along with life-prolonging treatment or as the main focus of treatment. ⋯ Data show involving palliative medicine in the SICU results in decreased length of stay, improved communication with families and patients, and earlier setting of goals of care, without increasing mortality. The use of triggers for palliative medicine consultation improves patient-centered care in the SICU.