ABSTRACT
Intraoperative temperature monitoring of surgical patients is an important aspect of perioperative care. Central core temperature monitoring is often accomplished using an 18 French esophageal device inserted through the mouth into the esophagus, while patients are undergoing general anesthesia. Placement of a modified esophageal temperature probe (i.e. with the protective plastic covering removed) into the nasopharynx of a patient may cause significant patient harm by injuring the nasal mucosa and/or turbinates. An internal survey of current practice at our academic institution reveals that 78% of anesthesia providers modify the esophageal temperature probes, leading to an 11% injury incidence. A practical solution to avoid complications is to place a pediatric size 9 French esophageal temperature probe into the nasopharynx to monitor the central core temperature.
ABSTRACT
In this case, we present a lesser-known application of regional anesthesia, specifically, managing a patient with vasospasm and retained radial artery (RA) vascular sheath after coronary angiography. Providing an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block, in combination with general anesthesia, allowed the proceduralist to remove the retained sheath after several hours of failed treatment and manipulation. Severe arterial spasm was alleviated by eliciting a sympathectomy, along with analgesia of the right upper extremity, and maintaining this post-procedure. The block optimized arterial flow through the RA post-intervention and helped manage the patients' pain from manipulation.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate current surgical practice patterns, the factors that influence these patterns, and overall trends in the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. METHODS: An online survey containing 14 questions was sent to all active members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Information on demographics and treatments was collected. Results were anonymously uploaded to an online spreadsheet. RESULTS: A total of 823 responses were recorded. Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) using whole flexor carpi radialis was the most popular technique at 37.44%. In all, 26.38% of surgeons with fewer than 5 years of experience utilize trapeziectomy with suture suspension (bone anchor based or tendon based); 55.76% choose a particular procedure because of "Personal Clinical Experience" over "Current Evidence" and "Training." In addition, 24.17% of surgeons who have been practicing for longer than 5 years have changed procedures in the last 5 years. In the United States, 97.2% of hand surgeons prescribe either oxycodone or hydrocodone postoperatively compared with just 23.75% of international hand surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that trapeziectomy with LRTI remains the most popular treatment of choice. The use of trapeziectomy with suture suspension is on the rise, particularly in younger surgeons. International hand surgeons rely more on current evidence, utilize less postoperative therapy and opioid medications, and change procedures more often than US hand surgeons.
