Comparison of intrathecal morphine plus PCA and PCA alone for post-operative analgesia after kidney surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To study the use of intrathecal morphine plus PCA for reducing morphine consumption, pain scores, and improving patient-satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors included patients who had received a flank incision for elective kidney surgery. The patients were random into the intrathecal and control groups by block randomization using the sealed envelop technique. The intrathecal group received 0.3 mg of intrathecal morphine before general anesthesia. Patients and providers were not apprised of the treatment. After the operation, both groups received morphine in a PCA pump. Morphine consumption, numeric rating score (NRS, range 0-10) at rest and while coughing, sedation score, nausea vomiting score, and itching score were evaluated at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hr. Patient satisfaction for pain control was recorded. RESULTS: The authors enrolled 80 patients in the present study. Demographic data was comparable between groups. The intrathecal group had less cumulative morphine consumption (p-value < 0.001), less NRS at rest (p-value < 0.001) and while coughing (p-value < 0.001) than the control group. The intrathecal group had a greater itching score than the control group (p-value < 0.001). The sedation score and patient satisfaction for pain control were not significantly different between groups (p-value = 0.55). CONCLUSION: Intrathecal morphine plus PCA could reduce morphine consumption and improve the analgesic effect over PCA alone postoperatively. Itching was more common in the intrathecal group. Overall, patient satisfaction for pain control was not improved.

Surveillance of anesthetic related complications at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence of common anesthetic complications in 2003 at Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand and find the strategies for prevention. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was part of a multi-center study conducted by the Thai Royal College of Anesthesiologists to survey anesthetic related complications in Thailand in 2003. The authors collected data from all the cases receiving anesthesia service at Srinagarind Hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2003, to report the incidence of common anesthetic complications and to assess the need to improve the quality of service. This was a prospective, descriptive study. When any anesthetic complications occurred, they were reported by anesthesia personnel and anesthesiologists. The reporting forms comprised four categories of complications, viz.: respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and others. Each category of complications has a guidebook for reference in order to correctly fill out the form. All the forms were verified by the principal author then included in the present study. RESULTS: A total of 10,607 patients were included and among these 268 incidents were recorded. The common incidents per 10,000 were desaturation (95.22), cardiac arrest (44.31), re-intubation (29.23), equipment failure (19.80) and difficult intubation (18.86). Main contributing factors were insufficient knowledge and inappropriate decisions. Suggested corrective strategies included quality assurance activities, additional training and improved supervision. CONCLUSION: Despite practical prevention guidelines being in place, the most common anesthesia incident at Srinagarind Hospital was respiratory incident. Continuing quality improvement is needed.

Knowledge and skill after brief ACLS training.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge level and skill base in nurse anesthetists before and after brief ACLS training, and again three months later. METHOD: Thirty nurse anesthetists were tested for knowledge and skill before ACLS training comprising 1-hr lecture and handout, and 1-hr simulation training. Concepts included ABCD, primary and secondary survey, management, medications, and algorithms for common problems. Skill practice comprised airway management, chest compression and practice with equipment. After the training, the nurse anesthetists were immediately tested and again three months later. RESULTS: Age of participants averaged 39.33 + or - 3.14 years and working experience 10.04 +/- 3.23 years. The knowledge and skill scores pre- vs post-training vs three-months-later was 50.32 +/- 15.24 vs 75.40 +/- 10.29 (p < 0.001) vs 60.48 +/- 11.80 (p < 0.001) and 65.00 + 16.07 vs 79.67 +/- 10.80 (p < 0.001) vs 75.67 +/- 14.53 (p < 0.001), respectively. The pre-training vs three-months-post-training skill scores was not statistically different (p = 0.255). CONCLUSION: After the briefACLS training knowledge and skills were significantly improved, but knowledge was not retained at the post-training test levels until the 3-month check, albeit skills had persisted. More frequent ACLS education is necessary.