Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Epidural electrical stimulation test versus local anesthetic test dose for thoracic epidural catheter placement: a prospective observational study.
This study examined the concordance between epidural electrical stimulation test (EEST) and local anesthetic (LA) test dose to indicate correct thoracic epidural catheter position. The relationship between the test results and epidural postoperative analgesia was also assessed. ⋯ Following thoracic epidural catheter insertion, the responses to the EEST and LA test dose showed "moderate" agreement. The EEST has a higher sensitivity than the LA test dose to predict adequate epidural analgesia following abdominal surgery, however, both tests have a comparable positive predictive value.
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Preoperative fitness training has been listed as a top ten research priority in anesthesia. We aimed to capture the current practice patterns and perspectives of anesthetists and colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand regarding preoperative risk stratification and prehabilitation to provide a basis for implementation research. ⋯ An unrecognized potential window for prehabilitation exists in the two to four weeks following cancer diagnosis. Early referral, larger multi-centre studies focusing on long-term outcomes, and further implementation research are required.
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Development of a national minimum data set to monitor deceased organ donation performance in Canada.
Deceased donation data requires standardization to enable accurate interprovincial and international comparisons of deceased donation performance. In Canada, most provincial organ donation organizations (ODOs) have developed different processes and infrastructures for referring potential donors and subsequent data collection. This has led to differing definitions of the performance measures used for each step in the donation process, from potential donor identification to consent to transplantation. The Deceased Donation Data Working Group (DDDWG), comprised of representatives from ODOs across Canada, was therefore convened by Canadian Blood Services to develop a national, comprehensive, standardized deceased donation minimum data set. ⋯ The DDDWG developed recommendations for proposed definitions and data sources that should be adopted nationally to guide the collection of deceased donation data. The ultimate purpose of the final minimum data set is to harmonize and standardize donation data definitions in Canada and align with international standards; inform the development of operational and clinical practice standards at the provincial and national levels; develop a framework for deceased donation performance measures; and advance the science of deceased donation.
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Editorial Comment
Intraoperative dexmedetomidine to prevent postoperative delirium: in search of the magic bullet.
Abstract