Assessing the Adequacy of Perioperative Pain Management on Immediate Post-Operative Analgesia for Patients Anesthetised Under General Anesthesia who had Elective Intraabdominal Surgeries in Lautoka Hospital – A Retrospective Audit

Introduction@#Perioperative pain is a major problem for patients undergoing surgery. Inadequate pain relief can lead to complications like pneumonia, extended hospital stay, re-admissions and patient dissatisfaction. The aim of this research was to determine adequacy of perioperative pain management on immediate post-operative analgesia for elective Intra-abdominal procedures done under general anaesthesia.@*Method@#This is a retrospective study which involved auditing inpatient folders from the 1st of January to 31st of December, 2015.The inclusion criteria were those between the ages of 18 to 60years who had Elective Intra-abdominalprocedure done under general anesthesia.Each folder was audited for perioperative pain management from surgical and anaesthetic charts and data were entered into a proforma list. EpiInfo 3.1 software and Microsoft Excel Spreadsheetwere used for analysis of the extracted data.@*Results@#159 records met the inclusion criteria but only 127 folders were recovered. 28% of patients recorded pain in the immediate postoperative period. There were more females than males and Total Abdominal Hysterectomies was the most common procedure. The age between 31 to 40 years, reported the most pain. Open cholecystectomy’s procedures recorded the most pain complaints and hernia repairs had the least. Verbal response was the highest pain indicator used and 11% of patients who indicated having some pain went from PARU untreated. There were no records of usage of pain scales in any folder retrieved.@*Discussion@#Pain recording in the recovery unit was heavily dependent on the recovery nurse and the patient. The incidence of immediate postoperative pain from this study group was lower when compared to other studies. This could be due to a lack of documentation or a reflection on how well perioperative pain treatment has been done in Lautoka. @*Conclusion@#Overall management of perioperative pain still needs improvement. The anaesthetic team should seriously look at this problem as Anaesthetists are still unaware of their patients pain. It is highly recommend that the formulation of an Acute Pain Management Protocol for Fiji to ensure that Pain be included as the 5th vital sign.

Good anesthetic for good esthetic: Blocks in oculoplasty

Background: A good anesthesia not only makes the patient comfortable during surgery, but also has a huge impact on the postoperative recovery. It also makes the operating surgeon carry out each step of the surgery precisely and beautifully. The art of giving a good local anesthesia is to be learnt and practiced not only by anesthetists, but also by the practicing ophthalmologists. Purpose: This video gives an overview of anatomy in terms of the nerve supply of the orbit, the surface marking, and the techniques of giving regional and nerve blocks. Synopsis: In this video, we describe the anatomy, the surface marking, the technique of regional anesthesia including peribulbar, retrobulbar, and subtenon blocks and of nerve blocks, specifically of facial, frontal nerve and its branches, infraorbital, nasociliary, infratrochlear, and dorsal nasal nerves, with their application in ocular plastic surgery. Highlights: This video highlights the essence of providing appropriate and good anesthesia so that the surgeon works in an optimal field with maximum comfort to the patients.

ANAESTHETIC MANAGEMENT OF A PATIENT WITH HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA FOR TOTAL ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a disorder caused by a disruption of any of the enzymes or cofactors involved in the pathways of homocysteine metabolism. The resultant high plasma levels of homocysteine increase the risk for thromboembolic events. These patients are frequently anticoagulated in the perioperative setup. Interruption of anticoagulant therapy may subject the patient to an increased risk of thrombosis, infarction, and death. Neuraxial anaesthesia techniques may be relatively contraindicated in anticoagulated patients and nitrous oxide may exacerbate the condition by inhibiting the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. We describe a case of the anaesthetic management of a unique case of hyperhomocysteinemia with multiple recent thrombotic episodes proposed for total abdominal hysterectomy conducted under general anaesthesia, the intraoperative and postoperative monitoring and considerations.

Local Anaesthetics Combined with Vasoconstrictors in Controlled Hypertensive Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / Uso de Anestésicos Locales con Vasoconstrictor en Pacientes con Hipertensión Controlada Durante la Atención Odontológica: Una Revisión Sistemática y Metaanálisis

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the safety of local anaesthetics (LA) combined with vasoconstrictors (VC) for patients with controlled hypertension undergoing dental procedures. A comprehensive search strategy were used to identify all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of LA combined with VC. All searches covered the period from 1990 to February 2021. We performed a meta-analysis using random-effect models and assessed overall certainty in evidence using GRADE approach. Our search strategy yielded 1262 references. Finally, seven randomised trials were included, but only three were included in the meta-analysis. The use of LA with VC may result in little to no difference in the heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), but the certainty of the evidence was assessed as low. Death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, need for hospitalization, pain and bleeding were not reported by the included studies. The hemodynamic changes using VC do not imply an increased risk of occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events. The use of VC could even be recommendable considering their multiple advantages.

El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es evaluar la seguridad del uso de anestésicos locales (AL) combinados con vasoconstrictor (VC) en pacientes con hipertensión controlada durante procedimientos dentales. Se realizó una estrategia de búsqueda para identificar todos los estudios clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) relevantes que evaluaban el efecto del AL combinado con VC. Todos los estudios fueron del periodo entre 1990 a febrero del 2021. Se realizó un meta-análisis usando modelos de efecto aleatorizado y una revisión de la certeza de la evidencia usando el método GRADE. Nuestra estrategia de búsqueda arrojó 1262 referencias. Finalmente, siete estudios clínicos aleatorizados fueron incluidos, de los cuales tres fueron incluidos en el meta-análisis. El uso de AL con VC produce una pequeña a ninguna diferencia en el pulso cardiaco, presión sistólica y diastólica, pero la certeza de la evidencia fue baja. Muerte, infarto agudo al miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular, necesidad de hospitalización, dolor y hemorragia no fueron reportados en los estudios incluidos. Los cambios hemodinámicos en el uso de VC no implican un aumento de riesgo de ocurrencia de efectos adversos cardiovasculares. El uso de VC puede ser recomendable considerando sus múltiples ventajas.

Lepromatous Spectrum -Unnoticed Or Overlooked Retrospective Analysis Of Lepromatous Spectrum Of Hansen's Disease In A Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease presents variedly depending on the patient's immune status at the time of infection. In this study, we are planning to perform a retrospective analysis to characterise the trend of Lepromatous spectrum of Hansen's disease cases registered in Tertiary care centre. To analyse the incidence,Aim: clinical patterns and variants of Lepromatous spectrum of Hansen's disease cases registered in Tertiary care centre. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological trend of Lepromatous Spectrum of Hansen's Disease and its clinical variants. A Retrospective observational study involving Lepromatous spectrum of Hansen's diseaseMethodology cases registered in leprosy clinic in last 5 years (2017-2021). Patient demographic details, duration of disease, clinical presentations , investigation details like slit skin smear, biopsy reports, treatment data was extracted from the Leprosy case register and data analysis was done in this study. 129 leprosy patients (BL-69, LL-43, Histoid-15, PureResults neuritic-2) reported during the period of 2017 to 2021[ 5 years]. 2018and 2019 had maximum number of cases approximately 30 new cases of leoromatous leprosy . Hypopigmented patches and glove & stocking anaesthesia seen in 59.8% cases, skin nodules seen in 45.7%, earlobe infiltration seen in 21.7%, epistaxis &saddle nose deformity seen in 4.3%, gynaecomastia seen in 2.2%, trophic ulcer seen in 26.1% at the time of presentation mainly involving the foot followed by hands, only nerve involvement without skin lesion present in 1.1% of cases. Claw hand was the most common deformity witnessed . The presence of Wartenberg sign was observed in 10 patients. Apart from ulnar and common peroneal nerve involvement present in 100 %of the patients, other peripheral nerves were involved in significant number of patients.All these patients showed positive acid fast bacilli in slit skin smear . Active surveillanceConclusion and early detection of the disease are imperative to prevent the spread of M. leprae. It is essential for timely implementation of treatment which will prevent deformities and disabilities. Active case detection plays the major role in early diagnosis of leprosy.

Comparative study of atienuation of needle prick pain of spinal anaesthesia by local infiltration analgesia versus EMLA skin patch

Introduction: Needle prick pain is a distressing event for a pa?ent receiving spinal anaesthesia. A ‘Needle piercing the spine’ might be physically and mentally trauma?zing for many pa?ents. This may lead to unwanted panic and anxiety during the procedure of spinal anaesthesia. To avoid this distressing needle prick pain, many clinicians have resorted to the prac?ce of giving injec?ons of local anaesthe?c or local applica?on of EMLA cream or patch at the site of spinal puncture beforehand for anaesthe?zing the skin and subcutaneous ?ssues. Methods: A prospec?ve cohort study was done. Those enrolled pa?ents were assessed by an expert anesthesiologist, who was not part of the research team, and he prescribed pa?ents either EMLA cream or regular standard lignocaine infiltra?on anaesthesia and labelled them as Group E and Group L respec?vely. The pain score was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale. Result: A total of 64 pa?ents were enrolled in the study33 in Group E and 31 in Group L. Both groups had an almost similar number of pa?ents who had a similar extent of surgery. Univariate analysis showed that the mean pain score (VAS) was significantly higher in Group E pa?ents compared to that in Group L, p<0.001. The mul?variate analysis had similar findings a?er controlling confounding factors in mul?ple regression analysis. Conclusion: Local 2% lignocaine injec?on achieved significantly more pain reduc?on during spinal needle inser?on compared to the applica?on of an EMLA patch before spinal anaesthesia.

Challenges In The Anesthetic Management Of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Emergency Ceserean Section

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an unusual form of dilated cardiomyopathy which manifests as acute heart failure in the last trimester of pregnancy or early postpartum period. Choice of anaesthesia is based on the urgency of lower segment caesarean section and severity of PPCM. Here we report a 31year old female G3P2L2 36weeks + 2days diagnosed as Peripartum Cardiomyopathy came with complaints of leaking per vagina was taken up for emergency caesarean section under general anaesthesia. In this case report, we discuss the anaesthetic management of a case of PPCM posted for emergency caesarean section with intra-operative event of desaturation. Anaesthetic management was directed towards optimization of desaturation, myocardial contractility, preload and after load. No adverse events or complications were observed.

Evaluation of Risk Factors of Postoperative Urinary Retention in Male Patients Undergoing Surgery Under Spinal Anaesthesia : A Prospective Study

Background : Postoperative Urinary Retention (POUR) is common after regional anaesthesia with a reported incidence between 5% and 70%. POUR can lead to significant morbidity with additional surprise and mental trauma to the patient when unwarned. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of POUR in male patients undergoing Surgery under Spinal Anaesthesia and to study the risk factors related to it. Methods : 692 male patients were analysed prospectively for the need for catheterisation which was defined as 搕he inability to void in the immediate Postoperative period with accompanying discomfort and a palpable Bladder.� All such patients were catheterised as an emergency. A record was made about the mean age, surgical condition, comorbidities, duration of Surgery, use of intra-operative sedatives, intra-operative fluid infused and International Prostate System Score (IPSS). Results : The overall mean age of patients with POUR was 46 years. The incidence of POUR was highest among Perianal Surgeries ie, 52/70 (13%) followed by Hernia Surgeries, 18/70 (6.3%). An appreciable reduction was observed in urinary retention after administration of intra-operative sedatives (p=0.022) and lower IPSS (p=0.001). Factors such as age, intra-operative fluid administration, duration of Surgery and previous history of Diabetes did not reach statistical significance as being predictive of urinary retention. Conclusion : An IPSS greater than 7 increases the risk of Postoperative Urinary Retention while the use of intraoperative Sedative in combination with Spinal Anaesthesia decreases the risk. In high-risk patients undergoing perianal procedures, pre-operative patient counselling about the possibility of Postprocedure retention is recommended.

Comparative-study-of-etomidate-and-propofol-for-induction-of-general-anesthesia-in-elderly-patients

Introduction: An ideal induction agent for general anesthesia should have hemodynamic stability, minimal respiratory side effect and rapid recovery. Presently etomidate and propofol are popular rapid acting inducing agents. Material and methods: After obtaining informed written consent from patients this prospective, randomized, double blind study was conducted in 100 patients of ASA grade 3 and 4 posted for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia. They were divided into two groups of 50 in each group based on random number as group A and group B. The patients in Group A given Inj. Propofol and the patients in Group B received Inj. Etomidate. Parameters such as heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and spo2 were monitored continuously and recorded. Incidence and degree of pain of myoclonic movements were recorded. Demographic variables such as age,Result: gender, weight and ASA grade were comparable no significant difference existed between both the groups.Baseline mean heart rate, mean systolic blood pressure and mean diastolic blood pressure were comparable in both the Groups. (P>0.05)Significant (P<0.05) fall in mean systolic blood pressure, mean diastolic pressure and mean arterial pressure was observed immediately after induction, at 2, 5, 10 minutes up to 30 minutes in group A (propofol) compare to group B (etomidate). After then no significant difference seen in mean systolic pressure, mean diastolic pressure and mean arterial pressure. Etomidate was found ideal for its hemodynamic stability when compared to PropofolConclusion: along with less incidence of pain on injection, the only drawback being high incidence of myoclonus elderly patient.

Preoperative assessment of inferior vena cava collapsibility index by ultrasound is not a reliable predictor of post-spinal anesthesia hypotension

Abstract Background Post-spinal anesthesia hypotension is of common occurrence, and it hampers tissue perfusion. Several preoperative factors determine patient susceptibility to hypotension. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index (IVCCI) for predicting intraoperative hypotension. Methods One hundred twenty-nine adult patients who were scheduled for elective surgical procedures after administration of spinal (intrathecal) anesthesia were included in the study. Ultrasound evaluation of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) was done in the preoperative area, and the patients were shifted to the Operating Room (OR) for spinal anesthesia. An independent observer recorded the change in blood pressure after spinal anesthesia inside the OR. Results Twenty-five patients developed hypotension (19.37%). Baseline systolic blood pressure and mean blood pressures were statistically higher in those patients who developed hypotension (p= 0.001). The logistic regression analysis for IVCCI and the incidence of hypotension showed r2 of 0.025. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.467 (95% Confidence Interval, 0.338 to 0.597; p= 0.615). Conclusions Preoperative evaluation of IVCCI is not a good predictor for the occurrence of hypotension after spinal anesthesia.

La chirurgie ambulatoire en orthopédie et traumatologie: expériences du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Morafeno Toamasina / mbulatory surgery in orthopedics and traumatology: experiences of the University Hospital Morafeno Toamasin

Introduction : Plus qu'un défi ou un enjeu, la chirurgie ambulatoire, constitue pour les pays en voies de développement une opportunité d'accroître l'accès aux soins. Elle est un concept d'organisation centrée sur le malade, basée sur la sélection des patients et des actes chirurgicaux afin d'assurer une qualité et une sécurité maximale de soins. Objectifs : Partager les résultats de notre expérience sur la chirurgie ambulatoire en orthopédie traumatologie et de déterminer les difficultés rencontrées lors de sa mise en place. Matériels et Méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude prospective, descriptive et observationnelle allant de janvier 2018 au janvier 2019 (12 mois) réalisée au CHU Morafeno Toamasina. Résultats: Au total, 108 patients ont été retenus. Les interventions réglées étaient réalisées chez 82,40% des patients contre 17,59% d'urgences traumatologiques. L'âge moyen des patients était de 32 ans ± 8,6 ans avec une prédominance masculine (sex ratio:3,9) . Le type d'intervention réalisé était dominé par les ablations de matériels d'ostéosynthèses avec un taux de 25,92%, suivies des tentatives de réduction orthopédique de fractures dans 22,22 % des cas. Le type d'anesthésie la plus pratiquée était l'anesthésie locorégionale (52,77%). Les évènements en postopératoire étaient dominés par l'insomnie (4,62%), la céphalée (2,77 %), les nausées et vomissements (5,55%) et les hématomes (3,70%). Soixante-douze virgule deux pour cent des patients déclaraient satisfaits de leur prise en charge. Conclusion: Le développement extensif de la chirurgie ambulatoire est basé sur la sélection des patients à qui l'on propose ce type de prise en charge. Elle présente un enjeu majeur en matière de restructuration et d'amélioration de l'offre de soins en chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologie

To Compare the effect of Chloroprocaine and Chloroprocaine with Fentanyl for Spinal Anaesthesia: A Prospective Randomised Double Blind Study.

Background: Usually for lower abdomen and lower limb short surgical procedures, spinal anaesthesia is a reliable and safe anaesthesia technique.2-chloroprocaine (2-CP) is an amino-ester local anaesthetic with a very short half-life. Adjuvants are required with short acting local anaesthetic for spinal anaesthesia to prolong analgesia. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to analyse the effect of 2-CP alone and with fentanyl combination in spinal anaesthesia for short surgical procedures in terms of onset of block, adequacy of anaesthesia, analgesia and recovery. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in our hospital in 60 patients undergoing lower abdomen and lower limb short surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia with either 2-CP or 2-CP and fentanyl (group I or group II) after randomisation into two groups. Spinal anaesthesia characteristics of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia were noted and appropriate statistical analysis was performed. Results: The onset of sensory and motor block was faster in group II[5.00 ± 3.19 vs 7.156 ± 3.38 min. (p= 0.0138) and 8.03 ± 5.65 vs 11.03 ± 3.97 min. (p= 0.021)] than in group I, and duration of effective analgesia was prolonged in group II (147.63 ± 40.71 vs 130.40 ± 50.85 min with p value of 0.0002)as compared to group I. Eleven patients in group I required analgesic supplementation in the intraoperative period. Conclusion: The patients undergoing short surgical procedures of lower abdomen and lower limb under spinal anaesthesia with short acting local anaesthetic 2-CP with fentanyl as an additive provides rapid onset of sensory and motor block and prolonged duration of analgesia.

Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery in Down syndrome

The exponential increase in world population and average human lifespan is expected to result in geriatric population globally. The problem of preventable blindness due to cataract will increase manifold. Simultaneous Bilateral cataract surgery (SBCS) is a viable option in such subset of patients. Despite faster visual recovery, economic benefits to patients and health care providers, decreased risk of complications associated with General anaesthesia, there is significant resistance in accepting SBCS as a routine procedure. Bilateral endophthalmitis is the main deterrent in performing ISBCS. This case highlights successful ISBCS in 36 years old female patient with Down抯 syndrome.

Comparison of Two Drug Combinations in Total Intravenous Anaesthesia: Propofol-Ketamine and Propofol-Fentanyl

Introduction: TIVA has many advantages over inhalational anaesthesia such as minimal cardiac depression, decreased oxygen consumption, avoids postoperative diffusion hypoxemia, decreases the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting etc. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare two TIVA drug combinations using propofol- ketamine and propofol-fentanyl, and to examine the characteristics of induction of anaesthesia, maintenance, and recovery. Method: 34 patients of ASA grading 1,2 and 3 aged between 20 to 65 years of either sex undergoing short surgical procedures were included in the study. According to Comparison of systolic blood pressure of both the groups at intubation time of anaesthesia in group I and group II. Patients in group I received propofol and ketamine intravenously (IV) to induce anaesthesia. For group II, fentanyl and propofol were administered as IV bolus doses. All the results were tabulated and analyzed statistically. Result: Propofol-fentanyl combination produced a significantly greater fall in pulse rate and in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures as compared to propofol-ketamine during induction of anaesthesia. Propofol-ketamine combination produced stable hemodynamic during maintenance phase while on the other hand propofol-fentanyl was associated with a slight increase in both PR and BP. During recovery, ventilation score was better in group I while movement and wakefulness score was better in group II. Conclusions: Both propofol-ketamine and propofol-fentanyl combinations produce rapid, pleasant and safe anaesthesia with only a few untoward side effects and only minor hemodynamic effects.

Study on Evaluation of Anaesthetic Pain Management in Day Care Surgery

Background: Daycare surgeries are those surgical procedures in which the patients are admitted and discharged on the same day. As daycare surgeries surged, there is a need to have an anaesthetic agent which can be efficient and also causes fewer side effects. This study effectively analyses the efficacy and safety profile of the two most popular anaesthetic agents used in daycare surgeries. Methods: This is a retrospective study that was conducted between January 2022 and March 2022. The included patients were between 25 years and 65 years old. The outcomes were based on several factors like the efficacy of the anaesthesia (based on 4-point scale, recovery time and appearance of any side effects. Results: The efficacy of the anaesthetic action was assessed by the 4-point scale of anaesthetic effect, which showed a better outcome with sevoflurane. The Recovery Time in Group 1 was 19.92�24 minutes while in Group 2 it was 25.04�03 minutes. The findings reveal that the numbers of patients with complications are more in Group 1 as compared to Group 2 patients. Conclusion: Daycare surgery has increased and so, there is need to find an anesthetic agent which can efficiently be used. Anaesthetic efficiency is quite higher in sevoflurane as compared to desflurane. In the case of each complication, sevoflurane proved to have lesser complications as compared to desflurane. Sevoflurane is a better alternative to desflurane in daycare surgery as the anaesthetic agent of choice.

Anesthetic Management of A Patient with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Posted For Non朇ardiac Surgery � Case Report

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a complex cardiac disorder of genetic origin. Though the patients may be asymptomatic the stress of surgery and anaesthesia is known to exacerbate the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction leading to catastrophic complications. We hereby report a successful anaesthetic management of a patient with left intertrochantric fracture diagnosed with HOCM. Careful and meticulous strategies to prevent LVOT obstruction led to entire uneventful introperative and perioperative course.

Metabolic Effects of Carbon Dioxide Insufflation During Laparoscopic Surgery: Changes in pH, Arterial Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (PaCO2) And End Tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2)

Background: Laparoscopy involves inspecting the abdomen and pelvis using an endoscope. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the gas that is commonly used to insufflate the abdomen so as to facilitate the surgical view. Aim: The present study was under taken to determine the Metabolic effects of carbon dioxide insufflation during laparoscopic surgery. Methods: An observational study on 50 patients above 18 years of age with physical status of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) Class I and II after obtaining approval from institutional ethical committee and consent of the patient was conducted in the Postgraduate Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Government Medical College Srinagar. Results: There was a progressive decrease in the pH during pneumoperitoneum in keeping with the hypercarbia. An increase towards baseline was observed during recovery but pH was still significantly lower than baseline 15 minutes into recovery (p<0.118). The Pco2 increased after 15 mins Co2 insufflation & peaked at 30 mins with mean & SD 42.82,2.775 & 46.16,2.909 respectively which was statically significant. Etco2 also increased after 15 mins of Co2 insufflation & peaked at 30 mins with mean 41.56 & 44.50 respectively which was statically significant. Similarly, Hco3 decreased over period of time with peak decrease at 30 mins of Co2 insufflation with mean 23.70, SD 1.919 & range 19-27. Conclusion: Co2 insufflation does bring metabolic changes in Ph, Pco2, Etco2 & HCO3 but with proper monitoring & management laparoscopic procedure can be safely performed.

Troubleshooting obstetric spinal anaesthesia at district hospital level

Obstetric spinal anaesthesia is routinely used in South African district hospitals for caesarean sections, providing better maternal and neonatal outcomes than general anaesthesia in appropriate patients. However, practitioners providing anaesthesia in this context are usually generalists who practise anaesthesia infrequently and may be unfamiliar with dealing with complications of spinal anaesthesia or with conversion from spinal to general anaesthesia. This is compounded by challenges with infrastructure, shortages of equipment and sundries and a lack of context-sensitive guidelines and support from specialised anaesthetic services for district hospitals. This continuous professional development (CPD) article aims to provide guidance with respect to several key areas related to obstetric spinal anaesthesia, and to address common concerns and queries. We stress that good clinical practice is essential to avoid predictable, common complications, and hence a thorough preoperative preparation is essential. We further discuss clinical indications for preoperative blood testing, spinal needle choice, the use of isobaric bupivacaine, spinal hypotension, failed or partial spinal block and pain during the caesarean section. Where possible, relevant local and international guidelines are referenced for further reading and guidance, and a link to a presentation of this topic is provided.Keywords: anaesthesia; resource-limited settings; emergency surgery; obstetric spinal anaesthesia; anaesthetic complications; caesarean section.

Difficult and failed intubation in Caesarean general anaesthesia: a four-year retrospective review

INTRODUCTION@#General anaesthesia is associated with higher maternal morbidity and mortality when compared with regional anaesthesia, related mainly to failure of intubation, hypoxia and aspiration. The aim of this retrospective review was to define the incidence of failed and difficult intubation in parturients undergoing general anaesthesia for Caesarean delivery at a high-volume obstetric hospital in Singapore.@*METHODS@#All parturients who underwent Caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia from 2013 to 2016 were identified and their medical records were reviewed to extract pertinent data. Difficult intubation was defined as 'requiring more than one attempt at intubation or documented as such, based on the opinion of the anaesthetist'. A failed intubation was defined as 'inability to intubate the trachea, with subsequent abandonment of intubation as a means of airway management'.@*RESULTS@#Records of 660 Caesarean sections under general anaesthesia were extracted. The mean age of the parturients was 32.1 ± 5.5 years and the median body mass index was 27.5 (interquartile range 24.6-31.1) kg/m2. Rapid sequence induction with cricoid pressure was employed for all patients, with thiopentone and succinylcholine being administered for 91.2% and 98.1% of patients, respectively. There were 33 difficult intubations among 660 patients, yielding an incidence of 5.0%. Junior trainees performed about 90% of all intubations and 28 (84.8%) out of 33 difficult intubations. Repeat intubations were performed by senior residents/fellows (57.1%) and consultants (14.3%). No instance of failed intubation was reported.@*CONCLUSION@#The local incidence of difficult obstetric intubation was one in 20. No failure of intubation was observed.

Construction and application of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia prediction model for patients under general anesthesia based on deep learning / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To construct a prediction model of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia in patients under general anesthesia , and to apply to clinic to verify its performance.Methods:The data of 19 068 surgical patients in a Grade Ⅲ Class A hospital in Zhejiang Province from January 2016 to September 2020 were included. The model was constructed by using artificial intelligence technology based on deep learning, and the prediction effect of the model was tested by using the area under the subject operating characteristic curve and decision curve. Totally 2 157 surgical patients were included from October 2020 to March 2021 to test the prediction accuracy of the model.Results:The incidence of hypothermia was 13.89% (2 649/19 068) in the modeling group and 14.18% (306/2 157) in the validation group. The area under the subject operating characteristic curve of the prediction model was 0.724 (95% CI: 0.707-0.741), the sensitivity was 0.516, the specificity was 0.823, the cut-off value was 0.175, and the accuracy of practical application was 79.54%. Conclusions:This model can stably predict the incidence of perioperative inadvertent hypothermia in patients under general anesthesia, and provide reference for clinical prevention of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia.