Canadian Anaesthetists' Society journal
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Succinylcholine-induced potassium efflux was studied in two groups of healthy adult patients presenting for elective surgery. One group (Group 1) of 12 patients received alfathesin induction followed by succinylcholine. ⋯ Serial blood samples were taken pre-induction, post-induction and after succinylcholine for estimation of plasma potassium. The results show that pre-treatment with fazadinium 0.075 mg . kg-1 was effective in preventing succinylcholine-induced potassium efflux.
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The fiberoptic laryngoscope can make difficult or impossible tracheal intubation as easy as a routine procedure. Although this instrument has been available for many years it has never achieved the popularity it deserves because anaesthetists have abandoned it after a few unsuccessful attempts to use it. Detailed procedure for the successful use of this instrument and the reasons for failure are described. Facility with the instrument should be developed by practice with patients where no difficulty in intubation is anticipated rather than making first attempts when problems arise.