The predictors of difficult tracheal intubations in patients undergoing thyroid surgery for euthyroid goitre.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of goitre on anatomic features and the correlation of these changes with difficulty in intubation.

Methods: A questionnaire was employed to assess 139 patients scheduled for elective surgery of euthyroid goitre to predict the potential of difficult intubation. These measurements were later correlated with the patients who eventually had difficult intubations.

Does the added benefit of ondansetron over dexamethasone, to control post-operative nausea and vomiting, justify the added cost in patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy?

Objective: To investigate comparative effectiveness of ondansteron and dexamethasone in prophylaxis of PONV in tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy patients.

Methods: The study was conducted at Shifa International Hospital Islamabad from 1st January to 30th June 2009, on 60 patients undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy, with their consent. After consecutive alternate sampling, patients were divided into two groups containing 30 patients each.