African journal of medicine and medical sciences
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Within the period August 1984 to January 1987, 209 needle aspirates of breast lumps were examined cytologically. One hundred and forty-four smears had histological confirmation. The diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology for malignancy is 79% in this study, with a specificity of 97%. The role of fine needle aspiration cytology, as a useful diagnostic tool and a necessary adjunct to clinical examination in the assessment of breast lumps is discussed.
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Comparative Study
Effect of flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) on awareness during anaesthesia for caesarean section.
The incidence of awareness was compared in three groups of patients undergoing elective or emergency Caesarean section, using pethidine alone or pethidine plus flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), as adjuvants to nitrous oxide: oxygen, muscle relaxant technique of general anaesthesia. The use of 0.03 mg/kg body weight of flunitrazepam was associated with a low incidence (4%) of awareness, cardiovascular stability, postoperative sedation and anterograde amnesia. The reduced incidence of awareness is probably due to increased depth of anaesthesia and anterograde amnesic effect produced by the drug.
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Case Reports
Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum complicating endotracheal intubation--a case report.
A case is reported of a 5-month-old child who developed subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum following the application of external pressure on the trachea during intubation using a non-kinkable tube with a stylet in situ. Possible aetiological factors and management of such a condition are discussed.
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The incidence of post-operative pain was determined among 200 adult Nigerian patients who presented for a variety of surgical procedures. The overall incidence of moderate to severe post-operative pain was 68% while the remaining 32% complained of only mild pain. ⋯ The use of opiates pre-operatively for premedication and anaesthetic techniques using intra-operative opiates or ketamine delay the onset and reduce the severity of post-operative pain. No sex difference was observed but elderly patients (especially above 50 years of age) tended to have lower pain ratings.
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This paper discusses the aetiology, incidence and severity of post-operative pain including factors that influence post-operative pain. Current concepts and the need for effective control of post-operative pain are discussed. A review of the various methods available for post-operative pain management is presented with special reference to practice in a developing country.