Anesthesiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Analgesic Effects of Proximal, Distal, or No Sciatic Nerve Block on Posterior Knee Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-blind Placebo-controlled Randomized Trial.
Either proximal or distal sciatic nerve block reduces pain in the first 6 hours after total knee arthroplasty. Distal (popliteal) may be superior.
pearl -
Randomized Controlled Trial
Anesthesia and Increased Hypercarbic Drive Impair the Coordination between Breathing and Swallowing.
Coordination between breathing and swallowing helps prevent aspiration of foreign material into the respiratory tract. The authors examined the effects of anesthesia and hypercapnia on swallowing-breathing coordination. ⋯ Anesthesia impaired the coordination between swallowing and respiration. Mild hypercapnia increased the frequency of swallowing during anesthesia and the likelihood of pathological swallowing. During anesthesia, the risk for aspiration may be further increased when ventilatory drive is stimulated.