[Continuous epidural block versus continuous psoas compartment block for postoperative analgesia after major hip or femoral surgery in children: a prospective comparative randomized study].

Background: Intravenous opioids and/or continuous epidural block (CEB) are used for postoperative analgesia after hip and/or femoral shaft surgery but adverse effects limit their use in children. A continuous psoas compartment block (CPCB), effective technique in adults can be an alternative. In this randomized comparative study, we wanted to evaluate CEB and CPCB in children after major hip surgery in terms of adverse events, pain relief and ropivacaine plasma concentrations.

[Postoperative pneumonia: nosocomial, predictable, iatrogenic, preventable or not?].

We report the case of a 52-year-old man, ASA 3-4, malnourished, heavy smoker and drinker at the stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cirrhosis. The postoperative course of a cervical cancer surgery was complicated by a pneumonia with fatal outcome in the intensive care unit. Taking into account the patient's history and surgical requirements, this nosocomial infection did not appear easily preventable.