Alizapride and ondansetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled noninferiority study.

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can be prevented. Alizapride is an established antiemetic that may be effective in this role.

Objective: Our primary objective was to test the hypothesis that alizapride is noninferior to ondansetron for the prophylaxis of PONV.

A safety and efficacy evaluation of hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier HBOC-201 in a randomized, multicenter red blood cell controlled trial in noncardiac surgery patients.

Background: We present the results of a previously unpublished hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) study conducted in 1998-1999.

Methods: In a multicenter, randomized, single-blind, comparative study of HBOC-201 versus allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, no-cardiac surgery patients received HBOC-201 to a maximum of 7 units (n = 83) or RBCs (n = 77). Patients could be switched to RBCs for safety or any other reason.

Effect of sutureless implantation of the Perceval S aortic valve bioprosthesis on intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes.

Objective: Prolonged aortic crossclamping can increase mortality and morbidity after aortic valve replacement in elderly and high-risk patients. Sutureless implantation of the prosthesis has the potential to shorten aortic crossclamp time.

Methods: The Perceval S valve (Sorin Biomedica Cardio Srl, Sallugia, Italy), a sutureless implantable aortic bioprosthesis, was used in 32 patients (median age, 78 years; median logistic euroSCORE, 9.

Aprotinin reduces cardiac troponin I release and inhibits apoptosis of polymorphonuclear cells during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objectives: In addition to blood-sparing effects, aprotinin may have cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects during cardiopulmonary bypass-assisted cardiac surgery. In this study, the authors examined whether aprotinin had cardioprotective and/or anti-inflammatory effects in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Design: A prospective randomized clinical trial.

Performance analysis of interactive multimodal CME retraining on attitude toward and application of OPCAB.

Objective: The transfer of tacit and codified knowledge on a surgical technique is studied in a consecutive cohort of teams participating in interactive multimodal continuing medical education (CME) retraining in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB).

Methods: Fifty teams of 1.3 +/- 0.

Cardiac output monitoring using a brachial arterial catheter during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of cardiac output measurements by transpulmonary thermodilution and pulse contour analysis using a brachial arterial catheter.

Study Design: Criterion standard study.

Setting: University hospital, single institution.

OPCAB versus early mortality and morbidity: an issue between clinical relevance and statistical significance.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of OPCAB on major postoperative events in a large consecutive cohort of patients, covering the complete spectrum of risk.

Methods: A consecutive series of 3333 CABG patients operated in a single institution (Jan/97-Jan/03) is analyzed after a complete (98%) midterm reengineering towards off-pump surgery (Oct/99). Patients in cardiogenic shock are excluded.