The State of Anesthetic Services in Korea: A National Survey of the Status of Anesthesia Provider in the 2011-2013 Period.

Active involvement of anesthesiologists in perioperative management is important to ensure the patients' safety. This study aimed to investigate the state of anesthetic services in Korea by identifying anesthetic service providers. From the insurance claims data of National Health Insurance for 3 yr, the Korean state of anesthetic services was analyzed.

A detection of unexpected blood antibody at the time of transfusion was needed, during the operation -A case report-.

To avoid the occurrence of fatal complications of blood transfusion, several tests are implemented before transfusion. The tests include ABO typing, Rh typing, cross-matching test and blood antibody screening test, and in usual they are completed before transfusion. However in the case of repetitive operations done via brief distance, reexamination for blood antibody tends to be omitted.

The comparative study to evaluate the effect of palonosetron monotherapy versus palonosetron with dexamethasone combination therapy for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Background: 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists are effective and safe on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Palonosetron, the newest 5-HT3 antagonist, has potent antiemetic property. We hypothesized that a combination of palonosetron and dexamethasone could more decrease PONV than palonosetron alone.

Frequency of unexpected antibody and consideration during transfusion.

Background: In this retrospective study, we measured the frequency of unexpected antibodies in the blood. Specific considerations for preoperative preparations were kept in mind for the patients undergoing surgery positive for these antibodies.

Methods: After reviewing the results of antibody screening tests lasted for 2 years, the frequency of unexpected antibodies was determined.

Preparation and characterization of pH-independent sustained release tablet containing solid dispersion granules of a poorly water-soluble drug.

Sustained release (SR) tablets containing solid dispersions (SD) granules of a poorly water-soluble drug were prepared to investigate the controlled pH-independent release of the drug. Losartan potassium (LST), an anti-hypertensive agent was chosen as a model drug because of its pH-dependent solubility and short elimination half-life. Poloxamer 188 was used as an SD carrier.

A comparative evaluation of humidifier with heated wire breathing circuit under general anesthesia.

Background: Dry and cold anesthetic gas deteriorates patient's respiratory function and body heat balance. We examined whether a humidifier with heated wire circuit might maintain core temperature and humidity of inspired gas in patient undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods: We enrolled forty ASA physical status I, II patients under general anesthesia for this study.

Subdural hemorrhage after scoliosis correction surgery: A case report.

An 11-year-old boy underwent thoracolumbar surgery to correct a deformity caused by congenital kyphoscoliosis from the 6th thoracic vertebra to the 2nd lumbar vertebra. During a screw insertion, some tore and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) leaked. After CSF leakage, the amplitude of the motor evoked potential in the left lower extremity was reduced by 90% compared to baseline value, but there was no nerve damage at the surgical site.