Anesthesiology
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Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been implicated in the mechanism of action of isoflurane as they are inhibited at subanesthetic concentrations. Despite clear evidence for nicotinic inhibition at relevant isoflurane concentrations, it is unclear what behavioral result ensues, if any. ⋯ Nicotinic antagonists do not cause MAC or LORR. Inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by isoflurane is not likely related to its ability to provide immobility and hypnosis in a surgical setting. This is perhaps not surprising as the inhibition of nAChRs in vitro is complete at an isoflurane concentration equal to one half of MAC. Nicotinic inhibition may, however, be involved in anesthetic behaviors such as amnesia and analgesia, which occur at lower anesthetic concentrations.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block for postoperative pain control at home: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.
This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study investigated the efficacy of patient-controlled regional analgesia using a sciatic perineural catheter in the popliteal fossa and a portable infusion pump for outpatients having moderately painful, lower extremity orthopedic surgery. ⋯ After moderately painful orthopedic surgery of the lower extremity, ropivacaine infusion using a portable mechanical pump and a popliteal sciatic perineural catheter at home decreased pain, opioid use and related side effects, sleep disturbances, and improved overall satisfaction.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effectiveness of acute normovolemic hemodilution to minimize allogeneic blood transfusion in major liver resections.
Liver resection is a major operation for which, even with the improvements in surgical and anesthetic techniques, the reported rate of blood transfusion was rarely less than 30%. About 60% of transfused patients require only 1 or 2 units of blood, a blood requirement that may be accommodated by the use of acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH). ⋯ Acute normovolemic hemodilution in patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists status I-II undergoing major liver resection may allow a significant number of patients to avoid exposure to allogeneic blood.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Risk of respiratory complications and wound infection in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery: smokers versus nonsmokers.
Smoking is considered to be a risk factor for patients undergoing surgery and anesthesia, but it is unclear whether this is applicable to patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of respiratory complications and wound infection among smokers. ⋯ Smoking was associated with an increased risk of respiratory complications and postoperative wound infection in ambulatory surgery patients. These findings warrant increased efforts at promoting smoking avoidance and cessation.