Ultrasound Improves Cricothyrotomy Success in Cadavers with Poorly Defined Neck Anatomy: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Misidentification of the cricothyroid membrane in a "cannot intubate-cannot oxygenate" situation can lead to failures and serious complications. The authors hypothesized that preprocedure ultrasound-guided identification of the cricothyroid membrane would reduce complications associated with cricothyrotomy.

Methods: A group of 47 trainees were randomized to digital palpation (n = 23) and ultrasound (n = 24) groups.

Predictors of desaturation in the postoperative anesthesia care unit: an observational study.

Study Objective: To evaluate predictors of desaturation and to identify practice for patient transport following general anesthesia.

Design: Observational quality assurance study.

Setting: Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) of a university-affiliated, tertiary-care hospital.

Effect of a preoperative gabapentin on postoperative analgesia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease following major bowel surgery: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Postoperative pain management for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be challenging. These patients have a high tolerance to pain medication, and relative contraindications to the use of epidural analgesia, limiting the pain management options. We evaluated the effect of a single preoperative gabapentin dose on opioid consumption for patients with IBD undergoing abdominal surgery.

Deficits in information transfer between anaesthesiologist and postanaesthesia care unit staff: an analysis of patient handover.

Background: The immediate postoperative period is important, as the patient recovers from the acute derangements resulting from the surgical insult and anaesthesia. Incomplete or incorrect communication between the anaesthesiologist and the postanaesthesia care unit nurse during the transfer process may lead to dangerous clinical mistakes. The literature examining handovers from operating room to the postanaesthesia care unit is scarce.

A prospective observational evaluation of an anatomically guided, logically formulated airway measure to predict difficult laryngoscopy.

Context: Difficulty during tracheal intubation is the most common cause of serious adverse respiratory events for patients undergoing anaesthesia. Current traditional bedside predictors of difficult laryngoscopy have poor sensitivity. A simple method to accurately predict difficult laryngoscopy could greatly improve patient safety.