Apnoea is not necessary for flexible ureteroscopy and lasertripsy of renal stones: a prospective study over 6 years.

Introduction: Temporary apnoea is often practiced during flexible ureteroscopy and lasertripsy (FURSL) for renal stones to reduce the potential movement of kidney secondary to respiratory excursions. While apnoea can help, it can also lead to respiratory complications, longer operative duration and ultimately prolong the length of hospital stay (LOS). The aim of this study was to look at the outcomes of FURSL without the use of apnoea.

Results of day-case ureterorenoscopy (DC-URS) for stone disease: prospective outcomes over 4.5 years.

Purpose: To investigate the prospective outcomes of day-case ureterorenoscopy (DC-URS) for stone disease. With the rising prevalence of stone disease in the face of finite resources, there is increasing pressure to undertake procedures as a day case avoiding in-patient stay. There are a limited number of studies reporting on the feasibility of ureteroscopy as a day-case procedure.

Glottic scar bands following intubation.

We present two uncommon cases of abnormalities of the pediatric airway, which may present in the first instance to the anesthetist. Glottic scar bands are a result of intubation trauma and are a treatable cause of voice abnormalities and sometimes respiratory distress.

Neonatal pneumothorax--an unexpected perioperative complication.

We report our experience of three cases of intraoperative pneumothorax in neonatal surgical patients. Following a review of the literature, we discuss possible causes for each case and methods of treatment. We emphasize the need for inclusion of pneumothorax as a cause for cardiorespiratory instability even when no predisposition is identifiable and highlight the need for prompt treatment to prevent serious morbidity and mortality.