Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology
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The surgical requirement for thoracoscopy is a good view of the contents of the thorax. This is achieved by capitalizing on natural consequences and the skills of anaesthesiologists to produce a pneumothorax and collapse the ipsilateral lung--a process that is commonly enhanced by insufflating carbon dioxide. Insufflating CO2 to actively promote lung collapse creates the dynamics of a tension pneumothorax. ⋯ The mechanism is not defined but it differs from that associated with thoracotomy. Epidural analgesia and opioids may be required. Chronic pain syndromes have been described as complications.
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Anaesthetic requirements for endovascular surgery for aortic, carotid and peripheral vascular disease are reviewed. Peculiarities of the surgery which may impinge on anaesthetic management are discussed together with the pre-operative assessment issues of particular relevance to patients with generalized vascular disease. The detailed anaesthetic management for carotid and aortic endovascular repair is addressed. The lowered peri-operative stress and general morbidity levels which occur with endovascular surgery allow sicker patients with greater risk factors to present for this type of surgery, thus increasing the challenges facing anaesthetists.
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · Mar 2002
ReviewAnaesthetic considerations for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Minimally invasive surgical procedures aim to minimize the trauma of the interventional process but still achieve a satisfactory therapeutic result. Tissue trauma is significantly less than that with conventional open procedures, offering the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stay, more rapid return to normal activities and significant cost savings. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now a routinely performed procedure and has replaced conventional open cholecystectomy as the procedure of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis. ⋯ Intra-operative complications may include traumatic injuries associated with blind trocar insertion, gas embolism, pneumothorax and surgical emphysema associated with extraperitoneal insufflation. Appropriate monitoring and a high index of suspicion can result in early diagnosis of, and treatment of, complications. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has proven to be a major advance in the treatment of patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease.
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · Mar 2002
ReviewAnaesthesia, minimally invasive surgery and pregnancy.
Minimally invasive surgery is being performed more frequently in pregnant patients. Numerous published reports have documented the safety and advantages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy. ⋯ We also describe our approach to anaesthetic management for minimally invasive surgery during pregnancy. With appropriate precautions, including vigilant monitoring and anticipation and treatment of the potential adverse effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, anaesthesiologists may provide safe care for these patients, and pregnant women can benefit from the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.