Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2004
Letter Case ReportsAnaesthetic considerations in the management of heteropagus twins.
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It has been traditionally taught that only uncuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) should be used for intubation in children younger than 8, or even 10, years old. However, recent literature suggests that the advantages of using uncuffed ETTs in children may be just another myth of paediatric anaesthesia. ⋯ Longer duration of intubation and a poorly fitted ETT are risk factors for mucosal damage, whether the ETT is cuffed or uncuffed. Furthermore, a properly sized, positioned, and inflated modern (low-pressure, high-volume) cuffed ETT can offer many advantages over an uncuffed ETT, including greater ease of intubation, better control of air leakage, lower rate and better control of flow of anaesthetic gases, and decreased risk of aspiration and infection.
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Cricoid pressure to occlude the upper end of the oesophagus, also called the Sellick manoeuvre, may be used to decrease the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during intubation for rapid induction of anaesthesia. Effective and safe use of the technique requires training and experience. Cricoid pressure is contraindicated in patients with suspected cricotracheal injury, active vomiting, or unstable cervical spine injuries. ⋯ The recommended pressure to prevent gastric reflux is between 30 and 40 Newtons (N, equivalent to 3-4 kg), but pressures greater than 20 N cause pain and retching in awake patients and a pressure of 40 N can distort the larynx and complicate intubation. The recommended procedure is, therefore, to induce anaesthesia and apply a pressure of about 30 N, either manually or with the cricoid yoke, to facilitate intubation. Reported complications of cricoid pressure during intubation include oesophageal rupture and exacerbation of unsuspected airway injuries.
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Airway management skills are integral to the practice of anaesthesiology and also to the practice of emergency medicine and allied health professions such as respiratory care, emergency medical technology, and emergency and critical care nursing. The basic information to be taught is the same but the level of detail will vary depending on the audience. ⋯ Modalities that may be used for skills training include cadavers, recently dead patients, videotapes, mannequins, simulators and virtual reality trainers. To maintain knowledge and skills, review and possible retraining should be conducted on an approximately annual basis.