Der Anaesthesist
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[Preventive pain therapy. Preventive tramadol infusion versus bolus application in the early postoperative phase].
Even today, adequate postoperative analgesia is still a great problem. Based on positive results of former studies using a continuous infusion of tramadol for postoperative pain relief, we aimed to improve this regimen. In order to investigate the effectiveness of preventive analgesia, one group of patients was given 100 mg tramadol (Tramal) at the time of extubation, followed by a maintenance infusion. ⋯ The patients in the preventive group asked, on average, 30 min later for treatment for pain. The subsequent pain relief in both groups was comparable, although the amount of tramadol administered at that time was higher in the on demand group than in the preventive group (100 mg versus 50 mg+ amount given by infusion). These facts show the efficacy of the preventive infus
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The treatment of cancer pain with opioids is well accepted. However, the use of opioids for the treatment of non-cancer pain is still a matter of controversy. The main matters of concern are physical dependence and opioid abuse. ⋯ The reliable intake of prescribed medication must be assured if necessary by laboratory screening. The treatment of non-cancer pain with opioids may be an alternative for those patients, who didn't gain sufficient reduction of pain by other therapies. Standards for this therapy are an absolute necessity and are to be followed closely.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
[Conduction block in man is stimulation frequency dependent].
The action of local anaesthetics on isolated nerves is enhanced by high stimulation frequencies. The aim of our study was to investigate whether high-frequency stimulation enhances regional anaesthesia in man. METHODS. ⋯ The spread of sensory block at the end of the experiments was also enhanced by stimulation with high frequencies, whereas the onset of vasomotor block (rise in skin temperature) remained unaltered. CONCLUSION. Non-oxious electrical stimulation with high frequencies significantly accelerates the onset of anaesthesia and extends the spread of sensory block.
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Case Reports
[Anesthesiologic aspects of pregnancy and delivery in a patient following a modified Fontan procedure ].
The number of patients with congenital cyanotic heart disease who reach child-bearing age is increasing. This is partly a consequence of the high long-term survival and the haemodynamic benefits resulting from the Fontan procedure, which is used for the definitive palliation of such cyanotic heart disease as tricuspid atresia and single ventricle. However, so far little experience has been recorded with pregnant patients who have undergone right ventricular exclusion procedures. ⋯ Impairment of venous return caused by slight caval compression or high airway pressure may reduce cardiac output more critically than in patients with a normal circulation. CONCLUSION. This case demonstrates that the haemodynamic consequences of pregnancy and of caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia can be tolerated in post-Fontan patients despite the absence of a contractile pulmonary ventricle.