Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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There has recently been a growing interest in developing and modulating the techniques of neuraxial analgesia to meet the changing individual needs of parturients for pain relief during the course of labour and delivery. ⋯ Labour epidural analgesia still remains the 'gold standard' of obstetric pain management, although spinal analgesia with the single-injection technique is an attractive option due to its simplicity, reliability and efficacy. Up till now, there has been no single new drug to overcome the superiority of neuraxial analgesia in obstetrics.
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In recent years there has been a renewed interest in regional anesthesia, particularly peripheral nerve blockade, in order not only to improve the patient's well being, but also to meet the requirements of modern orthopedic surgery. These requirements include appropriate conditions to perform early and efficient rehabilitation. ⋯ Early rehabilitation is currently a key point for the success of orthopedic surgery. The rapid development of peripheral nerve blockade gives the anesthesiologist the means to face this new challenge.
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This review describes recent advances in multimodal neuromonitoring of patients following severe head injury during the period from 2001 to 2002. ⋯ Technology is rapidly changing the nature of neuromonitoring. New devices are becoming available which make the monitoring truly multimodal. Studies are needed to determine how to best incorporate these new parameters into effective management protocols.
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Major complications after intracranial surgery occur in 13-27% of patients. These complications may have multiple causes, but a body of arguments suggests that the haemodynamic and metabolic changes of anaesthesia recovery may be responsible for intracranial complications. The aim of this review is to explain the rationale of this hypothesis and analyse the recent studies relevant to neuroanaesthesia recovery. ⋯ Pain, hypothermia, hypercapnia, hypoxia, hypoosmolality, hypertension, and anaemia should be avoided during emergence. Early emergence is associated with minimal haemodynamic and metabolic changes. If there is any doubt as to whether the patient should be extubated in the operating room, a gradual emergence in the intensive care unit makes it possible to decide whether or not extubation can be performed safely.