Effects of oral ranitidine, famotidine and omeprazole on gastric volume and pH at induction and recovery from general anaesthesia.

We have studied, in 150 patients undergoing elective general surgery, the effect on gastric content of omeprazole 40 mg, ranitidine 300 mg and famotidine 40 mg, given orally the night and the morning before surgery. Volume and pH of gastric content were measured at induction and recovery from anaesthesia. Gastric volumes did not differ between groups.

[Postoperative thyrotoxic crisis during beta blockade: an atypical picture of generalized muscle deficiency].

The case is reported of a 42 year old female patient with Graves disease who presented with an atypical thyroid storm after subtotal thyroidectomy. Surgery was indicated because of poor patient compliance with the medical treatment, and its partial failure. High doses of propranolol (240 mg a day) were given for 5 days preoperatively.