Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie

Conn, A.

doi: 10.1007/BF03006963pmid: 5661390

Every anaesthetist knows that the use of any flammable anaesthetic agent involves the risk of fire or explosion. There is sometimes a danger that this risk may be underestimated because mishaps are so rarely reported, with the result that the risk is mistakenly regarded as negligible.

McCutcheon, R.

doi: 10.1007/BF03006967pmid: 5661394

Twenty-seven per cent of the rapid sterilization group showed significant loss of fluid. This contrasted with no loss in the slow sterilization procedure. It appears that the negative pressure used in this method draws fluid from the carbocaine vials. An examination of the sealing mechanism of xylocaine and carbocaine vials revealed a tighter seal with thicker rubber in the xylocaine vial. This sealing withstood the negative pressure of the orthovac sterilization, unlike that of the carbocaine stopper. It is recommended that carbocaine vials be sterilized by a slow autoclaving process without negative pressure.

McIntyre, J.

doi: 10.1007/BF03006956pmid: 5661384

On the basis of the literature available and observations of seventy-seven obese patients, it is concluded that the keynotes to survival of the obese patient during surgery, whether a minor or major procedure is anticipated, are as follows: (1) Ensurance of an unobstructed airway, by intubation awake if necessary. (2) Use of minimal intrathoracic pressures concomitant with effective ventilation or adequate spontaneous ventilation. (3) Positioning of the patient in a manner most suitable for ventilation and surgery. (4) Adequate monitoring of as many parameters as the situation demands. (5) Ensurance of adequate means of administering drugs and fluids at the rate and in the quantity that could conceivably become necessary.

doi: 10.1007/BF03006972pmid: N/A

M. M., ; S. A. F., ; P. P.,

doi: 10.1007/BF03006968pmid: N/A

Laws, A.

doi: 10.1007/BF03006957pmid: 5242180

A helium dilution method of measuring FRC under conditions of controlled ventilation is described. Using this method the effect on FRC of premedication and of induction of anaesthesia and muscle paralysis has been investigated. No significant change in FRC was found with premedication alone. A significant fall (p < .01) was observed with the induction of anaesthesia and muscle paralysis. The combined effect of premedication and induction of anaesthesia and muscle paralysis also produced a significant fall in FRC (p < .05).

Takaori, Masuhiko; Safar, Peter; Galla, Stephen

doi: 10.1007/BF03006959pmid: 5661386

A long-term comparison of hydroxyethyl starch with the commonly used blood substitutes, dextran 75, dextran 40, and buffered, homologous plasma was performed, using a haemodilution technique which clinically simulates the correction of haemorrhage. All animals receiving dextran 75, and three of four animals receiving either dextran 40 or hydroxyethyl starch survived for at least eight days. Only one animal that received buffered plasma survived more than 24 hours. Possible causes of death were discussed. The mechanisms of adaptation to the acute reduction of arterial oxygen content were similar in all groups. Whereas the mean cardiac index and coefficient of oxygen extraction rose, mean arterial blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and venous oxygen saturation declined moderately. Since no evidence of anaerobic metabolism was observed, apparently oxygen delivery to tissues was well maintained. One week following haemodilution most parameters had returned to normal values, although haemoglobin content remained less than 50 per cent of control. Hydroxyethyl starch was as adequate a colloidal substitute as dextran 40 and dextran 75 in its ability to sustain circulatory and metabolic parameters.

doi: 10.1007/BF03006971pmid: N/A

DechEne, Jean-Paul; Desrosiers, Roland

doi: 10.1007/BF03006962pmid: 5661389

Two antiemetic agents, diphenidol and dimenhydrinate, were compared as to their ability to control symptoms of nausea and vomiting during the first 24 postoperative hours in patients having undergone cholecystectomy, abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy, colpoperineorrhaphy, or uterine fixation. The experiment was carried out under controlled but not double-blind conditions. Results in the diphenidol-treated group were superior to a statistically significant degree with regard to incidence of vomiting, presence of symptoms of nausea and vomiting (rated according to an arbitrary scale), and over-all patient response, as well as incidence of drowsiness.

Chaklebois, P.

doi: 10.1007/BF03006964pmid: 5661391