Journal of clinical anesthesia
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To investigate if the anesthetic/analgesic regimen is associated with the risk of reporting long-term chronic postmastectomy pain (CPMP). ⋯ In conclusion, our study confirms the high prevalence of CPMP, 4 to 9 years after surgery. Recall of preoperative pain, chemotherapy, and need for strong opioids in the postanesthesia care unit were all associated with the presence of chronic pain. Of the intraoperative analgesics/anesthetics studied, only use of halogenated agents was associated with a lower prevalence of CPMP.
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Case Reports
Elective use of the Ventrain for upper airway obstruction during high-frequency jet ventilation.
The safety of high pressure source ventilation (jet ventilation) is dependent upon upper airway patency to facilitate adequate passive expiration and prevent increasing intrathoracic pressure and its associated deleterious sequelae. Distortions in airway anatomy may make passive expiration inadequate or impossible in some patients. We report the elective use of the Ventrain device to provide ventilation in a clinical setting of upper airway obstruction in a patient with post radiation fibrosis that had previously prevented passive expiration during attempted high pressure source ventilation.
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Observational Study
Postoperative delirium: age and low functional reserve as independent risk factors.
The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) and the presence of previous conditions related to its development. ⋯ The incidence of POD in the study population (11%) is consistent with that described in the literature (5%-15%). The comorbidities associated with its development were ischemic heart disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, LFR, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Age ≥65years and LFR were independent risk factors for POD development.
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It is recommended to correct intravenous induction doses by up to 50% for patients older than 65 years. The objectives were to determine (a) the degree to which anesthesia providers correct induction doses for age and (b) additionally adjust for American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS) class (severity of illness) and (c) whether postinduction hypotension is more common among patients aged >65. ⋯ This study shows that the administered dose of anesthetic induction agents is significantly higher than that recommended for patients older than 65 years. This failure to age-adjust dose may contribute to hypotensive episodes.
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Case Reports
Two loose screws: near-miss fall of a morbidly obese patient after an operating room table failure.
Operating room surgical table failure is a rare event but can lead to a dangerous situation when it does occur. The dangers can be compounded in the presence of obesity, especially in the anesthetized or sedated patient. We present a case of a near-miss fall of a morbidly obese patient while turning the patient in preparation to transfer from the operating room table to the hospital bed when 2 fractured bolts in the tilt cylinder mechanism led to an operating room table failure.