International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Apr 2004
Consent for regional anaesthesia in the United Kingdom: what is material risk?
Legal principles that apply to the process of informed consent have changed in recent years. Patients should now be given the information that they wish to receive, not the information that health professionals may consider reasonable for them. In obstetric practice informed consent is especially important as young, fit patients may request and receive non-essential but potentially life-threatening interventions. ⋯ Despite the availability of information for patients from sources such as the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association and the National Electronic Library for Health, there remains little consensus amongst anaesthetists about what information to provide. Frequently some complications that patients would consider important are not discussed. Changing legal and public expectations demand that we adapt our current practice and improve the accuracy and timing of information provided.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Apr 2004
Comment Letter Case ReportsMore failed spinal anesthetics with hyperbaric bupivacaine.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jan 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialStandard preoxygenation technique versus two rapid techniques in pregnant patients.
The aim of this study was to compare three different preoxygenation techniques in pregnant women by measuring end-tidal fractional oxygen concentration (FETO2): the traditional technique of 3min tidal volume breathing (VT x 3 min), 8 deep breaths (8 DB) and 4 deep breaths (4 DB). Twenty pregnant volunteers without pulmonary diseases were studied during the third trimester (36-38 weeks' gestation). Women were preoxygentated using a non-rebreathing respiratory circuit with a 3-L reservoir bag and a Capnomac Ultima calibrated before each patient to monitor FETO2 continuously. ⋯ The average time required for obtaining an FETO2 >/= 90% was 107+/-37s. Both the VT x 3 min and the 8 DB techniques are therefore more effective for preoxygenation in pregnant patients than the 4 DB technique. In an acute obstetric emergency before rapid-sequence induction of general anaesthesia, 8 DB preoxygenation technique could be recommended.