British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Errors during the preparation of drug infusions: a randomized controlled trial.
We investigated the extent and frequency of dose errors and treatment delays made as a consequence of preparing drug infusions at the bedside, rather than using pre-filled syringes. ⋯ Providing drug infusions in syringes pre-filled by pharmacists or pharmaceutical companies would reduce medication errors and treatment delays, and improve patient safety. However, this approach would have substantial financial implications for healthcare providers, especially in less developed countries.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Cost-effectiveness of ultrasound vs nerve stimulation guidance for continuous sciatic nerve block.
This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound (US) vs nerve stimulation (NS) guidance for continuous sciatic nerve block in Danish elective patients undergoing major foot and ankle surgery. ⋯ In this trial, US was cost-effective. Assuming that the results are fairly generalizable, US should be the preferred catheter insertion technique in larger anaesthesia departments.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of preoperative fever-range whole-body hyperthermia on immunological markers in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.
Previous studies have demonstrated beneficial immunological effects of fever-range whole-body hyperthermia (FR-WBH) as an adjunct to non-surgical cancer therapy. We conducted a study of preoperative FR-WBH in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery to evaluate perioperative, hyperthermia-induced immunomodulation. ⋯ The immune system to react to surgical stress, as measured by a panel of laboratory indicators, might be improved by preoperative FR-WBH.
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/st> In assessing a patient's risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), it is important to know which risk factors are independent predictors, and which factors are not relevant for predicting PONV. ⋯ /st> The most reliable independent predictors of PONV were female gender, history of PONV or motion sickness, non-smoker, younger age, duration of anaesthesia with volatile anaesthetics, and postoperative opioids. There is no or insufficient evidence for a number of commonly held factors, such as preoperative fasting, menstrual cycle, and surgery type, and using these factors may be counterproductive in assessing a patient's risk for PONV.