Anesthesia and perioperative management of colorectal surgical patients - specific issues (part 2).

Colorectal surgery carries significant morbidity and mortality, which is associated with an enormous use of healthcare resources. Patients with pre-existing morbidities, and those undergoing emergency colorectal surgery due to complications such as perforation, obstruction, or ischemia / infarction are at an increased risk for adverse outcomes. Fluid therapy in emergency colorectal surgical patients can be challenging as hypovolemic and septic shock may coexist.

Anesthesia and perioperative management of colorectal surgical patients - A clinical review (Part 1).

Colorectal surgery is commonly performed for colorectal cancer and other pathology such as diverticular and inflammatory bowel disease. Despite significant advances, such as laparoscopic techniques and multidisciplinary recovery programs, morbidity and mortality remain high and vary among surgical centers. The use of scoring systems and assessment of functional capacity may help in identifying high-risk patients and predicting complications.

Prophylaxis against atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: effective, but not routinely used--a survey of cardiothoracic units in the United kingdom.

Objective: To establish whether international recommendations on chemoprophylaxis against postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients are implemented locally in cardiothoracic units in the United Kingdom; to determine which drugs are being used, how long they are given, and whether outcomes are monitored.

Design: Survey of local cardiothoracic center guidelines.

Setting: Postal and telephone survey.