Obese patients showed less respiratory insufficiency (RI) than their nonobese counterparts during endoscopic surgery, according to a new study. The result was counterintuitive. Because of their higher rates of obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension and other cardiopulmonary disorders, obese patients generally are thought to be at increased risk for sedation-related complications, such as RI. Consequently, […]
Read MoreRaeyat Doost E et al., Am J Emerg Med 2017 Apr 14; Nerve block was faster but sedation was somewhat more effective in this small randomized trial. For reduction of anterior shoulder dislocations, options include procedural sedation, intraarticular lidocaine injection, nerve block, and manipulation without sedation. Investigators in Iran randomized 60 adults undergoing anterior shoulder dislocation […]
Read MoreA new initiative to identify preoperative patients who may be predisposed to developing dependence on opioid analgesics could facilitate treatment plans that reduce their exposure to opioids and mitigate that risk. The joint endeavor by specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer Pacira Pharmaceuticals and therapeutic management firm GeneAlign has incorporated behavioral histories and pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic testing into […]
Read MoreAlthough anesthesiologists have been performing regional blocks with nerve stimulation for years, the introduction of ultrasound guidance has improved efficiency dramatically, leading to faster block placement and onset in skilled hands. These advancements have come at an opportune time, said Sonia Szlyk, MD, as opioid-related adverse events have become an increasing burden on the health […]
Read MoreBy SANJAY SAINT and MOLLY HARROD A good relationship between a patient and his or her physician is the cornerstone of superb medical care. That relationship is important when you know the doctor well. It may be even more important when you don’t, say when you are in the hospital. Growing competition for new customers is inspiring American hospitals […]
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