British journal of anaesthesia
-
Respiratory depression is common in patients recovering from surgery and anaesthesia. Failure to recognise and lack of timely institution of intervention can lead to catastrophic cardiorespiratory arrest, anoxic brain injury, and mortality. Opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) is a common and often under-diagnosed cause of postoperative respiratory depression. ⋯ Currently used methods to identify and monitor respiratory safety events in the post-surgical setting have serious limitations leading to lack of universal adoption. New tools and technologies currently under development are expected to improve the prediction of respiratory depression especially in patients requiring opioids to alleviate acute postoperative pain. In this narrative review, we discuss the various causes of postoperative respiratory depression, and highlight the advances in monitoring and early recognition of patients who develop this condition with an emphasis on OIRD.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Low-dose ketamine in painful orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Low dose ketamine reduces pain and opioid requirements in the first 24 hours after major joint surgery.
pearl -
Review Meta Analysis
Low-dose ketamine in painful orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Low dose ketamine reduces pain and opioid requirements in the first 24 hours after major joint surgery.
pearl -
Review
Molecular mechanisms of action of systemic lidocaine in acute and chronic pain: a narrative review.
The systemic antinociceptive effects of lidocaine occur by mechanisms other than sodium channel blockade, including silencing of ectopic discharges, inflammatory suppression, and neurotransmission modulation.
pearl -
Evidence-based international expert consensus regarding anaesthetic practice in hip/knee arthroplasty surgery is needed for improved healthcare outcomes. ⋯ neuraxial anaesthesia is recommended for hip arthroplasty given associated outcome benefits; evidence level: moderate-low, strong recommendation. Based on current evidence, the consensus group recommends neuraxial over general anaesthesia for hip/knee arthroplasty.