Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) is better than analgesics at controlling pain in abdominal colic. A total of 31 papers were found using the reported search, of which none presented any evidence to answer the clinical question. It is concluded that there is no evidence available to answer this question. Further research is needed.
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Safe and predictable analgesia is required for the potentially painful or uncomfortable procedures often undertaken in an emergency department. The characteristics of an ideal analgesic agent are safety, predictability, non-invasive delivery, freedom from side effects, simplicity of use, and a rapid onset and offset. Newer approaches have threatened the widespread use of nitrous oxide, but despite its long history this simple gas still has much to offer. "I am sure the air in heaven must be this wonder-working gas of delight". Robert Southey, Poet (1774 to 1843)
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether the seldinger "over the wire" technique is better than other techniques of pneumothorax drainage. Altogether 28 papers were found using the reported search, of which three presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether asymptomatic cocaine body packers can be managed conservatively. Altogether 171 papers were found using the reported search, of which four presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.