Anesthesia, essays and researches
-
Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is commonly performed for upper limb surgeries. In patients with compromised respiratory function or in the elderly it may be preferred over general anaesthesia. Bronchospasm, albeit a rare complication of this procedure, may turn the advantages of regional anaesthesia in these patients into a disadvantage. ⋯ A successful left brachial plexus block was performed uneventfully via the supraclavicular approach for an emergency debridement. She developed bronchospasm in the post-operative care unit (1 hour after the performance of the block) which responded to the standard treatment and rest of her hospital stay was uneventful. Awareness of possibility of this less known complication is necessary, especially in patients of compromised respiratory function to initiate prompt treatment and avoid further complications.
-
The intermittent technique of labor extradural analgesia has been showing promising results over other techniques. This study was done to assess and compare the efficacy of two different doses of fentanyl mixed with low doses of bupivacaine in intermittent labor extradural analgesia. ⋯ The addition of fentanyl (2 μg/ml) to bupivacaine 0.125% decreases the time of the onset of analgesia and increases the duration of analgesia and level of maternal satisfaction during labor as compared to fentanyl (1 μg/ml).
-
Nalbuphine has been used intrathecally as an adjuvant in previous studies, but none clearly state the most effective dose of nalbuphine. The purpose of our study was to establish the effectiveness of intrathecal nalbuphine as an adjuvant, compare three different doses and determine the optimum dose with prolonged analgesic effect and minimal side-effects. ⋯ Nalbuphine used intrathecally is a useful adjuvant in SAB and, in a dose of 0.4 mg, prolongs postoperative analgesia without increased side-effects.