British journal of anaesthesia
-
Reliability of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status scale in clinical practice.
Previous studies, which relied on hypothetical cases and chart reviews, have questioned the inter-rater reliability of the ASA physical status (ASA-PS) scale. We therefore conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate its inter-rater reliability and validity in clinical practice. ⋯ Consistent with its inherent subjectivity, the ASA-PS scale has moderate inter-rater reliability in clinical practice. It also demonstrates validity as a marker of patients' preoperative health status.
-
Retrospective studies suggest that preoperative anaemia is associated with poor outcomes after surgery. The objective of this study was to describe mortality rates and patterns of intensive care resource use for patients with anaemia undergoing non-cardiac and non-neurological in-patient surgery. ⋯ NCT01203605 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
-
Positive pressure mechanical ventilation causes rhythmic changes in thoracic pressure and central blood flow. If entrainment occurs, it could be easier for carbon dioxide to enter through a wounded vein during laparoscopic liver lobe resection (LLR). High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a ventilating method that does not cause pronounced pressure or blood flow changes. This study aimed to investigate whether HFJV could influence the frequency, severity, or duration of gas embolism (GE) during LLR. ⋯ HFJV shortened the mean duration of GE during LLR and was a feasible ventilation method during the procedure. Individual physiological responses to GE were unpredictable.