Anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A comparative multicentre trial of spinal needles for caesarean section.
We studied 681 patients in a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, parallel group trial designed to assess the incidence of headache following spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section using four different pencil point spinal needles. The needles used were: Whitacre 25G (n = 170), Polymedic 25G (n = 170), Sprotte 24G (n = 173) and Polymedic 24G (n = 168). ⋯ There was no statistically significant difference between the four groups for PDPH. We conclude that all four needles studied performed satisfactorily and comparably.
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Multicenter Study
Behavioural changes in children following day-case surgery: a 4-week follow-up of 551 children.
The purpose of this prospective multicentre survey was to evaluate the occurrence and the type of changes in children's behaviour during the first 4 weeks following the day of surgery, and to assess the significance of some patient-related factors on the incidence. Pre- and postoperative questionnaires were completed by the parents of 551 children aged 4 months to 13.4 years in five hospitals incorporating nine operative units in Northern Finland. The overall incidence of problematical behavioural changes was 47% and that of beneficial changes 17%. ⋯ Pain on the day of the operation predicted the occurrence of behavioural problems up to the 4th week, 2-4 weeks longer than the duration of pain itself. The results emphasise the importance of effective prevention of postoperative pain as well as the importance of avoiding unpleasant experiences in all contacts children have with health care. Playing could perhaps be used to help children cope with a short hospital experience.
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Multicenter Study
Postoperative symptoms at home following day-case surgery in children: a multicentre survey of 551 children.
The incidence and duration of postoperative symptoms in children at home following day-case anaesthesia and surgery was evaluated using a questionnaire completed by parents of 551 children aged 4 months to 13.4 years (mean 3.8 years). They also evaluated the instructions given in hospital for care at home. The incidence of all symptoms was highest at home on the day of the operation. ⋯ Undertreatment of nausea in hospital was evident as only two children had received anti-emetics, even though 61 were reported to have emetic symptoms. Administration of effective anti-emetics should be encouraged, as emetic symptoms in hospital were the most significant predictor of nausea and vomiting at home. Treatment of pain at home and instructions for treatment of pain need to be improved.