British journal of anaesthesia
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Sore throat and hoarseness are common complications, but these have not been studied after total i.v. anaesthesia. ⋯ Knowledge of these factors may reduce postoperative throat complications, and improve patient satisfaction.
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Based on previous pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, we have developed an EEG-controlled closed-loop system for the i.v. hypnotic agent propofol in rats. ⋯ The feedback system presented here may be a useful tool not only for automatic drug control to maintain a defined hypnotic effect but may also be a powerful device in pharmacological studies such as the determination of dose requirements or the assessment of drug-drug interactions.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Supplementary oxygen for elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia: useful in prolonged uterine incision-to-delivery interval?
The benefit of administering supplementary oxygen during elective Caesarean section under regional anaesthesia is controversial. It has been hypothesized that its use would improve fetal oxygenation in the event of a prolonged uterine incision-to-delivery (U-D) interval. Our aim was to test this hypothesis in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study. ⋯ Supplementary oxygen did not increase fetal oxygenation in cases where the U-D interval was prolonged. Our data do not support the routine administration of supplementary oxygen during elective Caesarean section for this purpose.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effect of rofecoxib on platelet aggregation and blood loss in gynaecological and breast surgery compared with diclofenac.
Non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors or non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently omitted for perioperative pain relief because of potential side-effects. COX-2-selective inhibitors may have a more favourable side-effect profile. This study tested the hypothesis that the COX-2-selective inhibitor rofecoxib has less influence on platelet function than the NSAID diclofenac in gynaecological surgery. In addition, analgesic efficacy and side-effects of the two drugs were compared. ⋯ Besides having a smaller effect on platelet aggregation, one oral dose of rofecoxib 50 mg given before surgery provided postoperative analgesia similar to that given by three doses of diclofenac 50 mg and was associated with less use of anti-emetics and less surgical blood loss in gynaecological surgery compared with diclofenac.
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Postoperative bladder distension and urinary retention are commonly underestimated. Ultrasound enables accurate measurement of bladder volume and thus makes it possible to determine the prevalence of postoperative bladder distension. ⋯ Before discharge from the recovery room it seems worthwhile to systematically check the bladder volume with a portable ultrasound device in patients with risk factors.