Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Observational Study
Extracranial contamination in the INVOS 5100C versus the FORE-SIGHT ELITE cerebral oximeter: a prospective observational crossover study in volunteers.
Previous studies have found that most cerebral oximeters are subject to inaccuracies secondary to extracranial contamination of the cerebral oximetric signals. We hypothesized that the more advanced second-generation FORE-SIGHT ELITE cerebral oximeter would be significantly less affected by extracranial tissue hypoxemia than the more widely used first-generation INVOS™ 5100C monitor. ⋯ Updated technological algorithms employed in the FORE-SIGHT ELITE cerebral oximeter may be responsible for less extracranial contamination than was observed in the previous-generation INVOS 5100C device. The impact that this extracranial contamination may have on the clinical use of these devices remains to be determined.
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The objectives for preparing this article were to review the historical context and epidemiology surrounding the North American prescription opioid crisis, to summarize the evidence regarding the benefits and harms of long-term opioid therapy for non-cancer pain, and to outline ways in which anesthesiologists may help ameliorate the problem. ⋯ Anesthesiologists are well positioned to take a leadership role in the management of postoperative discharge opioid therapy in an effort to curb the overutilization of opioids. Furthermore, anesthesiologists who regularly prescribe opioids for chronic pain patients should appreciate the limited evidence base for this practice and communicate the risks of opioid therapy to their patients.
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Comparative Study
Opioid information pamphlet increases postoperative opioid disposal rates: a before versus after quality improvement study.
Half of postoperative patients are prescribed an opioid, but a majority do not store or dispose of them properly thus risking diversion. We examined the efficacy of an opioid educational pamphlet addressing opioid weaning, storage, and disposal. We hypothesized that the pamphlet would increase the rate of proper opioid disposal, storage, and weaning. ⋯ The introduction of an education pamphlet significantly improved self-reported proper opioid disposal rates in postoperative patients.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may increase the incidence of postoperative complications when undiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of Canadian anesthesiologists regarding the perioperative management of patients with diagnosed or suspected OSA. ⋯ The majority of anesthesiologists continue to rely on clinical suspicion alone to identify OSA. Moreover, the lack of institutional policy is concerning. A concerted effort to develop an evidence-based guideline may be the next step to assist institutions.