Articles: general-anesthesia.
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Southern medical journal · May 1978
Comparative StudyContinuous monitoring of skin temperature using a liquid-crystal thermometer during anesthesia.
Forehead skin temperature measured by a stip of liquid-crystal material was compared to esophageal, rectal, and axillary temperatures measured by thermistor probes in patients having general anesthesia for coronary artery bypass grafting. Before extracorporeal circulation, forehead skin temperature was lower than axillary, rectal, and esophageal temperatures by approximately 2.2 C (4.0 F). ⋯ The liquid-crystal strip may be useful as a safe, convenient method for routine monitoring of temperature trends during general anesthesia in patients whose exact core temperature need not be continuously monitored. We believe that infants, patients undergoing extracorporeal circulation, major abdominal, vascular, or neurosurgical procedures, or patients with a history of temperature regulatory problem are probably best monitored by a method which more exactly reflects core temperature.
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The burn eschar is the major source of infection in the severely burned patient, and it hampers healing and prevents skin grafting. Tangenital excision has been shown to be safe for rapid removal of the eschar. For the last 14 months we have used this method beginning about 7 days postinjury. ⋯ The burns ranged from 20 to 75% of body surface (mean, 40%). Because ketamine is a cardiorespiratory stimulant, ventilation and vital signs were well maintained. Psychological side effects of ketamine were minimal, particularly in the younger age group.