Articles: operative.
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The cancer patient presents special challenges to the anesthesiologist. Cancer may have multiple effects including those due to the primary tumor, metastases, the effects and toxicity of cancer therapy, associated paraneoplastic and physiologic responses to the tumor and the strong psychological responses elicited by cancer. ⋯ Patient education and reassurance regarding issues of safety, pain control and respect for patient preferences are important goals as well. This review provides the anesthesiologist with both general and specific information important to the systematic and complete preoperative evaluation of the patient with cancer.
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The relative efficacy of antiemetics for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is poorly understood. ⋯ Of 100 vomiting surgical patients receiving a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, 20 to 30 will stop vomiting who would not have done so had they received a placebo; less will profit from the anti-nausea effect. There is a lack of evidence for a clinically relevant dose-response; minimal effective doses may be used. There is a discrepancy between the plethora of trials on prevention of PONV and the paucity of trials on treatment of established symptoms. Valid data on the therapeutic efficacy of classic antiemetics, which have been used for decades, are needed.
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TREATMENT OF PAIN: Undertreatment of postoperative pain in children is a problem in clinical practice. This is due to a lack of both knowledge about age-specific aspects of physiology and pharmacology, and routine pain assessment. ⋯ NON-OPIOID ANALGESICS: Non-opioid analgesics are recommended for basic pain treatment after minor surgical procedures. Instead of using the whole multitude of drugs available, the doctor should stick to those drugs he is familiar with (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, dipyrone).
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To review the strategies for identification and subsequent management of high-risk patients that have been proposed to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. ⋯ In patients who are about to undergo major intra-abdominal surgery, preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing is an excellent predictor of risk in the postoperative period. No other test is able to offer such a comprehensive preoperative risk evaluation for an operative patient.
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Over the years, ketamine has found many applications in paediatric anaesthesiology. Recent insights into the mechanism of its central action, and the pharmacology of its isomers have led to a re-evaluation of this drug, expanding the range of indications in adults. The best examples of the uses of ketamine as an analgesic are: in brief diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, during the post-operative period in neonates and infants as well as in paediatric anaesthesia and intensive care.