Ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis plane block versus continuous wound infusion for post-caesarean analgesia: a randomized trial.

Objective: To compare the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block versus Continuous Wound Infusion (CWI) with levobupivacaine after caesarean delivery.

Methods: We recruited parturients undergoing elective caesareans for this multicenter study. Following written informed consent, they received a spinal anaesthetic without intrathecal morphine for their caesarean section.

Haemodynamic stability during moderate hypotensive anaesthesia for spinal surgery. A comparison between desflurane and isoflurane.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare desflurane and isoflurane for spinal procedures requiring moderate levels of controlled arterial hypotension, when these agents were administered via a semi-closed circuit at 1 l x min(-1) fresh gas flow.

Methods: After ethics committee approval and written informed consent, 20 ASA I or II patients were randomly allocated to receive either desflurane (n=10) or isoflurane (n=10), in O2/ N2O (1:1) for maintenance of anaesthesia. Induction of anaesthesia, fentanyl dosing and volume loading were standardized.

[Comparison of infectious complications of long-term and short-term central venous catheterization].

Objectives: Risk factors for infectious complications of central venous catheters (CVC) were compared between CVC used for short and long periods to identify patients at risk.

Patients And Methods: A prospective study was conducted over a 6 month period in two general intensive care units (87 patients with short duration CVC) and in 4 medical units (110 patients with cancer or HIV infection for whom long duration CVC was scheduled). The first CVC inserted was followed to withdrawal or for a minimal 3 months.

Prevention of hypothermia by cutaneous warming with new electric blankets during abdominal surgery.

We have evaluated the efficacy of new electric warming blankets, which meet the requirements of the international standard for perioperative electrical and thermal safety, in preventing intraoperative hypothermia. We studied 18 patients undergoing abdominal surgery, allocated to one of two groups: in the control group, there was no prevention of intraoperative hypothermia (n = 8) and in the electric blanket group, two electric blankets covered the legs and upper body (n = 10). Anaesthesia duration was similar in the two groups (mean 201 (SEM 11) min), as was ambient temperature (20.

[Central venous catheters. Prospective surveillance of a hospital].

Objectives: All the central venous catheters (CVC) inserted at the Saint-Antoine Hospital between December 5, 1994 and June 6, 1995 were prospectively studied in order to better define practices in the management of CVC and to determine the rate of catheter-related infections.

Methods: The following data were recorded for each CVC: insertion procedure, clinical data, catheter dressings, removal, catheter-related infections, bacteriological findings. Catheter-related infections were distinguished from probably catheter-related infections and localized skin infections.

Effect of neostigmine at different levels of mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade.

The effectiveness of neostigmine 40 micrograms/kg for antagonism of two different levels of neuromuscular blockade, induced by a bolus dose of mivacurium 0.15 mg/kg, was studied in 45 patients. The patients were anaesthetized with thiopentone, fentanyl, nitrous oxide in oxygen, and enflurane.

Air embolism during liver resection: an unusual mechanism of entry from a peristaltic pump.

A case of venous air embolism occurring during liver resection is reported. Diagnosis was made early from the continuous recording of pulmonary artery pressure. The aetiology was neither surgical nor an obvious disconnection of a venous line.