Postoperative analgesia with tramadol and indomethacin for diagnostic curettage and early termination of pregnancy.

Background: The postoperative analgesic effects of rectal indomethacin and tramadol were compared in patients undergoing elective termination of first trimester pregnancy and diagnostic dilatation and curettage.

Methods: Eighty-one American Society of Anesthesiologists class I and II women undergoing first trimester termination of pregnancy or diagnostic dilation and curettage were randomly allocated to receive rectal suppositories of either tramadol 100 mg (n=41) or indomethacin 100 mg (n=40) 90 min before induction of anesthesia. Pain scores and side effects were evaluated until discharge.

The effect of intermittent versus continuous bladder catheterization on labor duration and postpartum urinary retention and infection: a randomized trial.

Study Objective: To assess the effect of intermittent versus continuous bladder catheterization on labor duration and local anesthetic consumption.

Design: Randomized, controlled, prospective, single-blind trial.

Setting: University-affiliated hospital.

Gastroesophageal regurgitation during anesthesia and controlled ventilation with six airway devices.

Study Objective: To investigate the frequency of gastroesophageal regurgitation and respiratory mechanics during positive pressure ventilation using 5 supraglottic devices or an endotracheal tube (ETT).

Design: Prospective, randomized study.

Setting: Operating rooms in a university-affiliated hospital.

Predistention of the epidural space before catheter insertion reduces the incidence of intravascular epidural catheter insertion.

Background: Accidental cannulation of an epidural vein is a common complication associated with epidural anesthesia or analgesia. On the basis of a pilot study and previous reports, we tested the hypothesis that predistention of the epidural space with saline before epidural catheterization would ease catheter insertion and decrease the incidence of this complication.

Methods: Two-hundred-three laboring women were randomly assigned to receive an epidural with loss of resistance technique with 2 mL (nondistention) or 5 mL saline (distention).

Proper insertion depth of endotracheal tubes in adults by topographic landmarks measurements.

Study Objective: To evaluate a new method of endotracheal tube (ETT) positioning relative to carina, based on external topographic landmarks.

Design: Prospective, randomized, crossover study.

Setting: Operating room, university hospital.

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia: the role of epidural fentanyl in peripartum urinary retention.

Background: Urinary bladder function is impaired during labor and delivery, predisposing to urinary retention. The effect of low-dose epidural opioid on bladder function remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that adding low-dose fentanyl to epidural ropivacaine for patient-controlled labor analgesia does not promote urinary retention.

Use of the Rapiscope vs chest auscultation for detection of accidental bronchial intubation in non-obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Study Objective: Main stem bronchial intubation is not always detected by routine means and may occur more frequently during laparoscopic procedures. Tracheal tube positional changes in non-obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were detected by either the Rapiscope (Cook Critical Care, Bloomington, Ind) or chest auscultation.

Design: Prospective, double-blind, crossover study.

Milrinone and nitric oxide: combined effect on pulmonary artery pressures after cardiopulmonary bypass in children.

Objective: To investigate the effect of milrinone combined with nitric oxide (NO) on the pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), for repair of congenital heart defects (CHD) in children.

Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

Setting: University affiliated community hospital.

Difficult laryngoscopy: incidence and predictors in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery versus general surgery patients.

Objective: Cardiac surgery patients might have a higher incidence of difficult laryngoscopy than the general population because of older age, dental problems, and obesity. The authors estimated the incidence and predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in coronary artery bypass surgery patients.

Design: Prospective, controlled study.

Removal of deadspace volume from arterial catheter: How muchis enough?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the amount of volume needed to be removed from arterial catheter systems to compensate for "deadspace" and to allow an accurate measurement of pH and hemoglobin (Hb). DESIGN: Twenty patients undergoing heart surgery were evaluated in a steady state after the induction of anesthesia before surgery. Six blood samples were removed from the arterial catheter, the total volume of which was 1.

The effect of high-frequency ventilation of the lungs on postbypass oxygenation: A comparison with other ventilation methods applied during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objective: To compare the effect of high-frequency ventilation versus other ventilation methods applied during cardiopulmonary bypass on postbypass oxygenation.

Design: Prospective, randomized study.

Setting: University hospital.

State-dependent sentinels: an experimental study in the Arabian babbler.

Natural patterns of cooperative sentinel behaviour in Arabian babblers, Turdoides squamiceps, have proven consistent with state-dependent models of individually selfish anti-predator strategies. Here we demonstrate experimentally that sentinel effort within groups is determined simply by individual state. The two highest-ranking males in eight groups were separately fed a supplement of mealworms, each for one day at a time.

Save a child's heart: we can and we should.

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) causes the death of thousands of children in developing countries. At the Wolfson Medical Center (WMC), a prototype program has been developed to address this issue.

Methods: Since 1996, indigent children have been referred to the program, with the cooperation of partners in developing countries.

Distribution of cerebral flow using retrograde versus antegrade cerebral perfusion.

Background: This study compared flow to the brain with retrograde and antegrade cerebral perfusion during circulatory arrest.

Methods: Twenty-four rabbits were injected with 5 mCi of technetium-99 macroaggregated albumin, a tracer trapped in the capillaries. Group I (n = 6) were maintained normothermic, and the tracer was injected into the ascending aorta.

Comparison of rectal to intranasal administration of midazolam for premedication of children.

Sixty children aged 3 to 9, undergoing minor surgical procedures, were studied to compare 0.5 mg/kg intranasal with 0.5 mg/kg rectal midazolam as a premedication.