Articles: postoperative.
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2014
Case ReportsHarlequin syndrome as a complication of epidural anesthesia.
Harlequin syndrome is a rare neurological condition that results in unilateral facial flushing and sweating. Although the syndrome is generally a benign condition with complete resolution if appropriate treatment is initiated, unilateral facial flushing can be a sign of several serious conditions and should be thoroughly investigated. ⋯ Differential diagnosis includes neurovascular disease (acute stroke), malignant neoplasm of brain or lung, Horner syndrome, idiopathic hyperhidrosis, and Frey syndrome. Harlequin syndrome is often easily treated by discontinuing the anesthetic or adjusting placement of the epidural catheter.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2014
ReviewTrends in healthcare and the role of the anesthesiologist in the perioperative surgical home - the US perspective.
Although advances in science are important, changes in population structure and developments in health policy have equally critical roles in shaping the future of anesthesia practice. Therefore, it is important for anesthesiologists to be aware of these trends and their implications. ⋯ Global demographic and health policy trends are calling for new models of healthcare delivery. Anesthesiologists have much experience in the fields of risk assessment and quality improvement. They are well positioned to become leaders in the perioperative care environment of the future.
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J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother · Jun 2014
Case ReportsSubacute pain after total knee arthroplasty.
Acute pain during and immediately after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be well controlled by spinal anesthesia, local infiltration analgesia, and peripheral nerve blocks; this enables early or fast-track rehabilitation. However, about half of patients have clinically significant pain in the following weeks. ⋯ Intensive analgesic and antihyperalgesic treatment during the first few weeks after TKA surgery may reduce the risk of chronic pain after this operation, which is itself intended to remove the patient's chronic osteoarthritis pain. Spinal cord stimulation may be an effective option for patients with mainly neuropathic pain after TKA surgery.
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There is emerging evidence related to the effects of nitrous oxide on important perioperative patient outcomes. Proposed mechanisms include metabolic effects linked to elevated homocysteine levels and endothelial dysfunction, inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid and protein formation, and depression of chemotactic migration by monocytes. Newer large studies point to possible risks associated with the use of nitrous oxide, although data are often equivocal and inconclusive. ⋯ Overall, definitive data regarding the effect of nitrous oxide on major perioperative outcomes are lacking. There are ongoing prospective studies that may further elucidate its role. The use of nitrous oxide in daily practice should be individualized to each patient's medical conditions and risk factors.
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Observational Study
Self-loathing aspects of depression reduce postoperative opioid cessation rate.
We previously reported that increased preoperative Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) scores were associated with a 47% (95% CI 24%-64%) reduction in the rate of opioid cessation following surgery. We aimed to identify the underlying factors of the BDI-II (affective/cognitive vs somatic) associated with a decreased rate of opioid cessation after surgery. ⋯ Our results identify a set of negative cognitions predicting prolonged time to postoperative opioid cessation. Somatic symptoms captured by the BDI-II were not primarily responsible for the association between preoperative BDI-II scores and postoperative prolonged opioid use.