International anesthesiology clinics
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Int Anesthesiol Clin · Jan 2012
ReviewOutpatient regional anesthesia for upper extremity surgery update (2005 to present) distal to shoulder.
Multiple different approaches to the brachial plexus are available for the regional anesthesiologist to provide successful anesthesia and analgesia for ambulatory surgery of the upper extremity. Although supraclavicular and infraclavicular blocks are faster to perform than axillary blocks, the operator needs to keep in mind that blocks performed around the clavicle carry the risk for specific side effects and complications, no matter whether ultrasound or nerve stimulation is the chosen modality for neurolocation. ⋯ Smaller interventions such as carpal tunnel release or trigger finger release can be performed under elbow, wrist, or digital blocks. The regional anesthesiologist should strive to develop a tailored plan for each individual case to provide the most effective and safest nerve block technique for their patients.
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Int Anesthesiol Clin · Jan 2012
ReviewManagement of bladder volumes when using neuraxial anesthesia.
The major principles of management of bladder function during outpatient neuraxial blockade include choice of short-acting local anesthetics, avoidance of adding epinephrine, and reasonable fluid administration (750 to 1000 mL) to avoid overdistention of the bladder. Data suggest that low-risk patients are at no greater risk of retention than after general anesthesia, and may be discharged home with similar instructions regarding return if unable to void. High-risk patients may require closer monitoring with a BUS, and catheter drainage if volumes exceed 600 mL.
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Int Anesthesiol Clin · Jan 2012
ReviewPediatric acute and surgical pain management: recent advances and future perspectives.
Acute surgical pain management in children is best addressed by a dedicated pain management team. Although PCA with opioids forms the main modality of analgesia, regional techniques have gained popularity. PCA by proxy and PCA basal infusions enhance analgesia but carry a risk for respiratory depression and sedation. ⋯ There are long-lasting effects of pain experienced in early life underscoring the need to treat surgical pain in fetuses, premature infants, and neonates. In contrast, there is a growing body of evidence in animal models implicating opioids in adversely altering neuronal proliferation in the developing brain and clinical studies where in morphine sedation in the neonatal period was found to decrease visual motor integration in childhood, suggesting a potential for neurocognitive sequelae. Ongoing research provides hope that future integration of pharmacogenetics, metabolomics, and proteomics in clinical decision and analgesic selection/dosing processes will maximize analgesia and minimize adverse effects.