Modified Mallampati test, thyromental distance and inter-incisor gap are the best predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in West Africans.

Purpose: To determine the ability to predict difficult visualization of the larynx (DVL) from the following preoperative airway predictive indices, in isolation and combination: modified Mallampati test (MMT), thyromental distance (TMD), sternomental distance (SMD), horizontal length of the mandible (HLM) and inter-incisor gap (IIG).

Methods: Three hundred and eighty consecutive patients undergoing general anesthesia were evaluated using the MMT, TMD, SMD, HLM and IIG and the cut-off points for the airway predictors were Mallampati III and IV; < or = 6.5 cm, < or = 13.

Open comparative study of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of midazolam versus thiopental in induction and maintenance of anaesthesia.

In a multicentre study, 145 adult Nigerian patients presenting with diverse conditions (falling into ASA1 or ASA2 classification) for short surgical procedures (< 1 hour) were given either midazolam (0.15-0.20 mg/kg) or thiopentone (4-6 mg/kg) intravenously for induction of anaesthesia.

Nitrous oxide scarcity--a spur to innovation.

For two years in succession, Lagos University Teaching Hospital witnessed scarcity of Nitrous Oxide in the early two months of the year. The anaesthetic technique changed and the volume of work fell the first time scarcity was experienced. The second time, it led to innovation and diversification of anaesthetic techniques.

Experience with intrathecal cold saline injection in the treatment of cancer pain in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Effective control of terminal cancer pain is usually associated with a higher incidence of toxicities or complications. Intrathecal injection of cold normal saline offers a good option. It is easy to perform, provides good pain-relief, is cost effective, and is well accepted by patients.

Effect of suxamethonium, pancuronium, neostigmine and halothane on serum cholinesterase activity.

Serum cholinesterase (Ch E) estimations were done in 30 healthy Nigerians scheduled for elective surgical procedures and were studied in two groups. Half of the patients were given general anesthesia using a muscle relaxant technique and the other half had halothane as the main anesthetic. Suxamethonium reduced Ch E by 9%, pancuronium by 25% and neostigmine by 58% compared to preinduction levels.