Anaesthesia
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The work of the Parachute Field Surgical Team in the Falkland's campaign is described. Data are provided on the methods of resuscitation and anaesthesia used. Suggestions are made for improving drugs and equipment for use in civil disaster or war.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Epidural buprenorphine for pain relief after major abdominal surgery. A controlled comparison with epidural morphine.
In a controlled trial epidural buprenorphine was compared with epidural morphine as the sole means of analgesia after major abdominal surgery. Bolus injections of buprenorphine 60 micrograms in 10 ml or morphine 2 mg in 10 ml of normal saline were given on demand for the first 48 hours postoperatively. Both drugs produced significant reduction in pain scores as assessed by the linear visual analogue scale and both produced prolonged analgesia at this dosage, which could be extended by further 'top-ups'. The authors conclude that, for postoperative epidural analgesia, buprenorphine may be the opiate of choice and the reasons for this are discussed.
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A scheme for teaching nasotracheal intubation with the aid of fibreoptic instruments on models and live patients is described and evaluated. Twelve trainees completed 74 out of 75 intubations successfully on sedated patients to the satisfaction of themselves, their patients and their instructors.