The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN): application to transhiatal oesophagectomy.

To emphasize the risks of recurrent laryngeal nerve lesions during transhiatal oesophagectomy an anatomical study of the course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was performed. Twenty RLN were dissected in their thoracic portion. This work showed the constancy of the low origin of the nerve in the adult under the aortic arch, and its course in the tracheal angle.

Post-operative intravenous continuous analgesia: comparison of buprenorphine, fentanyl and nalbuphine.

Continuous intravenous infusions of fentanyl, buprenorphine or nalbuphine were investigated to provide pain relief for patients after major abdominal surgery. Buprenorphine (n = 23) was given as a loading dose of 5 micrograms kg-1 and infused at 0.8 micrograms kg-1 h-1.

[Prolonged apnea after suxamethonium administration during staphylococcal toxic shock].

A toxic shock syndrome occurred after a femoral nail removal requiring revision surgery. After administration of suxamethonium (1 mg.kg-1), an apnoea prolonged over 45 minutes was observed.

[Invasive aspergillosis in surgical intensive care patients].

Aspergillosis is a rare event in intensive care patients. Three cases of invasive aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus were diagnosed in a surgical critical care unit. Risk factors for aspergillosis were found in two liver transplanted patients.