Journal of perioperative practice
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Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is common and defined as myocardial ischaemia within 30 days after non-cardiac surgery. Diagnosis of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is challenging as this could be clinically asymptomatic during the postoperative period due to many other factors. ⋯ However, high-sensitive cardiac troponin is not well incorporated as a biomarker in current major perioperative guidelines or in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to discuss evidence and guidelines in this area in view of the use of high-sensitive cardiac troponin in early identification of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery.
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The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has rapidly developed into a global pandemic and public health emergency. The transmission and virulence of this new pathogen have raised concern for how best to protect healthcare professionals while effectively providing care to the infected patient requiring surgery. Although negative pressure rooms are ideal for aerosol-generating procedures, such as intubation and extubation, most operating theatres are generally maintained at a positive pressure when compared with the surrounding areas. This article compares negative and positive pressure rooms and the advantages of a negative pressure environment in optimising clinical care and minimising the exposure of patients and health care professionals to SARS-CoV-2.
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This article aims to describe the early experience of a large major trauma operating theatres department in the East of England during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To date and to our knowledge, a small amount of reports describing a surgical department's response to this unprecedented pandemic have been published, but a well-documented account from within the United Kingdom (UK) has not yet been reported in the literature. We describe our preparation and response, including: operating theatres management during the COVID-19 pandemic, operational aspects and communication, leadership and support. ⋯ We discuss how significant challenges were overcome to secure implementation and reliable oversight. The visible presence of clinical leads well sighted on every aspect of the response guaranteed standardisation of procedures, while sustaining a vital feedback loop. Finally, we conclude that an effective response requires rapid analysis of the complex problem that is of providing care for patients intraoperatively during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that retrospective sense-making is essential to maintain adaptability.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation in children; a review.
Dexmedetomidine is an α2 adrenoreceptor agonist that may be administered by the intranasal route as a sole sedative agent in children. It is odourless, colourless and tasteless and is formulated in a concentration of 100µg.ml-1. We performed a review of published randomised controlled trials in order to determine the efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation in children. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine was administered by either drops or a mucosal atomiser device. The procedures ranged from non-painful examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging scans and transthoracic echocardiography to painful procedures such as dentistry and venous cannulation. Administration of 2µg.kg-1 appears to be the optimal dose.
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Comparative Study
Should the Glidescope video laryngoscope be used first line for all oral intubations or only in those with a difficult airway? A review of current literature.
The purpose of this study was to review literature that looked into the efficacy of the Glidescope video laryngoscope versus the Macintosh laryngoscope in oral endotracheal intubations. We aimed to answer the question 'Should the Glidescope video laryngoscope laryngoscopes be used as first line intubation aids or only in the difficult airway?' A systematic search of electronic databases was made. The inclusion criteria included: Glidescope, video laryngoscope, and Macintosh laryngoscope in human studies. ⋯ Overall time to intubate showed no significant differences between the Glidescope video laryngoscope and the Macintosh laryngoscope although it was identified that with increased training and experience with the Glidescope video laryngoscope, intubation time was reduced. Glidescope video laryngoscopes show advantages over the Macintosh laryngoscopes in obtaining better glottic views in those with difficult airways. However its use is not supported in all routine intubations.