Masui. The Japanese journal of anesthesiology
-
Examination of the literature suggests that the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the perioperative period is relatively infrequent. Since Mendelson's report of aspiration pneumonitis in 1946, the factors that contribute to the likelihood of aspiration have been identified, and numerous attempts for preventions for regurgitation or pulmonary aspiration have been made. ⋯ Second generation supraglottic airways may not reduce the risk of regurgitation, but may reduce the chance of aspiration if the mask position is correct and drain tube works well. Because the mortality and morbidity of aspiration pneumonia remain relatively high, the preoperative risk evaluation is very important to avoid regurgitation or aspiration.
-
Review
[Risk Factors of Perioperative Pulmonary Aspiration Related to Anesthesia, Devices and Operation].
Perioperative pulmonary aspiration is an infrequent but is still a leading cause of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. This article reviews risk factors of perioperative pulmonary aspiration related to anesthesia, devices and operation. The most consistent risk factors related to anesthesia are light anesthesia, residual neuromuscular blockade after anesthesia, intermittent positive pressure ventilation particularly with high airway pressure, and prolonged anesthesia. ⋯ Even if patients have no predisposing factors, they may become at risk of pulmonary aspiration from a surgical procedure. Patients who are undergoing emergency procedures, bariatric surgery, upper abdominal surgery and laparoscopic surgery should be considered at risk. Lithotomy or the head-down position may also encourage residual gastric contents to regurgitate.
-
Both motor evoked potential (MEP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) have been used for the purpose of preventing postoperative neurological complications in patients undergoing neurosurgery. Although not completely, they can detect insufficient cerebral blood flow during aneurysm surgery and carotid surgery and prevent functional deterioration during tumor resection. Regarding MEP, there are several points to be considered for maximizing the potential of MEP. ⋯ Although there is no such thing as 100% accuracy in electrophysiological monitoring, a multimodal electrophysiological monitoring system may contribute to decrease neurological deficits. Irreversible neurological deficits could be prevented by early detection of the changes in the amplitude and by prompt intervention to correct deteriorating condition. Therefore, it is important for anesthesiologists to select suitable anesthetics for the monitoring, maintain the depth of anesthesia, and discuss the patient management with surgeons.
-
Vocal cord paralysis after tracheal intubation is rare. It causes severe hoarseness and aspiration, and delays recovery and discharge. Arytenoid cartilage dislocation and recurrent nerve paralysis are main causes of vocal cord paralysis. ⋯ In pediatric cardiac surgery, vocal cord paralysis occurs in 1 (0.1-0.5%) of 200-1,000 patients. We classified the severity of vocal cord paralysis as I, severe hoarseness; II, aspiration or dysphagia; and III, bilateral vocal cord paralysis, aspiration pneumonia, or the need for tracheal re-intubation or tracheotomy. We discuss the importance of informed consent for the patient and family.
-
Critical care echocardiography (CCE) using the transthoracic approach is a noninvasive imaging tool at the bedside and is of great value in the intensive care setting because of its portability, widespread availability, and rapid diagnostic capability. Time-dependent scenarios occur during shock and during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Potentially treatable causes of shock or cardiac arrest including hypovolemia, cardiac tamponade, left ventricular failure, or massive pulmonary embolism should be detected or excluded as soon as possible. ⋯ Competence in basic CCE includes qualitative assessment of left ventricular cavity size, left ventricular systolic function, right ventricular cavity size and function, identification of pericardial fluid, and measurement of inferior vena cava diameter. Basic CCE should be a required part of the training of every ICU physician. This review discusses the application of basic CCE performed by the emphasis on focused or goal-directed assessment.