AANA journal
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Review Case Reports
Bilateral transversus abdominis plane nerve blocks for analgesia following cesarean delivery: report of 2 cases.
These 2 case reports describe the use of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) nerve blocks for analgesia following emergency cesarean delivery. Bilateral single shot TAP blocks provided prolonged and extremely effective analgesia. ⋯ No postoperative narcotics were used by either patient throughout their hospital stay. A technique for TAP blocks is described with discussion of risks and suggested uses.
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Review Case Reports
Anesthetic considerations for the patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome).
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome, is an uncommon disease but may be present in many people who remain undiagnosed. It is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and telangiectases that affect multiple organ systems. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia patients have a propensity for bleeding, especially from the oropharynx, nasopharynx and gastrointestinal tract, as well as from rupture of AVMs of other organ systems. Anesthetic care of patients with HHT involves very specific interventions with regard to control of bleeding, maintaining adequate oxygenation, and balancing hemodynamic values to optimize perfusion without compromising anesthetic depth.
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Review
Alpha2-adrenergic agonists and their role in the prevention of perioperative adverse cardiac events.
Alpha2-adrenergic agonists have been shown to reduce the incidence of perioperative myocardial morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the current data pertaining to alpha2-adrenergic agonists and their role in the prevention of perioperative adverse cardiac events. ⋯ The currently published randomized controlled trials indicate that alpha2-agonists reduce the incidence of myocardial ischemic episodes in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease undergoing noncardiac surgery, and clonidine was shown to reduce mortality in noncardiac surgical patients. The authors of the studies concluded that while alpha2-agonists exert beneficial effects on hemodynamics and myocardial protection, large-scale, prospective, controlled trials are still needed.
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Patients having surgical procedures are at risk for anoxia that may cause cognitive impairment. Continuous monitoring of cerebral oxygenation and perfusion with an instrument such as a cerebral oximeter is desirable. ⋯ This critical review of the literature on the efficacy, mechanics, and usefulness of the cerebral oximeter will be helpful to anesthesia providers in evaluating the controversy surrounding its use. A comprehensive understanding of the factors involved in cerebral perfusion and available equipment, such as the cerebral oximeter to monitor cerebral oxygenation, allows anesthetists to provide the best protection for the brain.