Der Anaesthesist
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Randomized Controlled Trial
[Video laryngoscopy for modified rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia: Sellick manoever with and without video laryngoscopic control].
There is evidence that cricoid pressure, one of the key elements of rapid sequence induction (RSI) in patients at risk of aspiration, can distort the glottic view obtained by direct laryngoscopy (DL) and consequently impair or delay endotracheal intubation (ETI). The fact that cricoid pressure is applied by an assistant "blindly", i.e. without any visual feedback, is believed to be a contributing factor. Video laryngoscopy (VIL) offers the advantage that both the anaesthetist and the assistant can follow laryngoscopy. This could be useful for ETI during RSI. ⋯ Visualisation of the larynx during RSI can be improved using VIL. Time to ETI is not decreased by use of video laryngoscopy-guided application of cricoid pressure.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
[Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and the opioid receptor agonist piritramide do not act synergistically in postoperative pain].
It is concluded from animal experiments that cannabinoid receptor and mu-opioid receptor agonists act synergistically with respect to antinociception. In order to demonstrate this effect under clinical conditions, we conducted a randomized double blind trial with patients after radical prostatectomy. ⋯ We found neither a synergistic nor even an additive antinociceptive interaction between Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and the micro-opioid agonist piritramide in a setting of acute postoperative pain.
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Argatroban is a direct, selective and reversible active site thrombin inhibitor derived from L-arginine. It is a representative of a new class of antithrombotic drugs which offer inhibition of clot-bound as well as fluid-phase thrombin. Argatroban is characterised by favourable pharmacokinetics (beta-elimination half-time approximately 40-50 min) undergoing hepatic metabolism and mainly biliary excretion. ⋯ The ease of monitoring with the activated partial thromboplastin time, lack of induction of antibodies and adequate safety in renal failure patients, make this drug a favourable mode therapy in comparison with other anticoagulants such as lepirudin or heparinoids. Since June 2005 argatroban has been approved in Germany for the treatment of patients with HIT type II. The main characteristics of the drug with special considerations for anaesthesiologists and intensive care physicians are presented in this review.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
[Acute pain management in proximal femoral fractures: femoral nerve block (catheter technique) vs. systemic pain therapy using a clinic internal organisation model].
The aim of this study was to compare safety and efficacy of catheter-mediated femoral nerve block analgesia with systemic pain therapy in patients with proximal femoral fractures in the pre-operative and post-operative setting using a protocol for coordinating pain management. ⋯ All patients presenting with proximal femoral fractures should receive adequate analgesia within the emergency department even prior to radiographic imaging. Femoral nerve block should be considered as the method of choice. The insertion of a femoral nerve block catheter has the dual advantage of early analgesia permitting repeated clinical examination in addition to continued post-operative pain management. The cumbersome logistics inherent in this technique within the clinical setting limits its practical application. An initial single-shot regional nerve block followed by a systemic post-operative analgesia protocol was considered an appropriate alternative. The execution of safe, consistent and appropriate regional nerve block anaesthesia is reliant on formal guidelines and protocols as agreed by the multidisciplinary teams involved with patient-directed pain management and good clinical practice.
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Postoperative loss of vision is a rare, but devastating complication after non-ocular surgery. It can occur partially or completely and may involve one or both eyes. Since its etiology has not yet been solved, the purpose of this review was to extract potential causes from the case collections reported to propose prophylactic measures. ⋯ Patients with pre-existing arteriosclerotic disease scheduled for spine or cardiac surgery, but also for bilateral neck dissection should be informed preoperatively about the rare possibility of POVL. Postoperatively any visual changes should be immediately referred to an ophthalmologist and treated accordingly.