Author: Dr Clemens

Uncategorized Published - 20 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
A randomized trial of 1% vs. 2% lignocaine by the spray-as-you-go technique for topical anesthesia during flexible bronchoscopy

Chest 2015 Mar 26 Authors: Kaur, H et al BACKGROUND: The optimal concentration of lignocaine to be used during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) remains unknown. This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of 1% and 2% lignocaine solution for topical anesthesia during FB. METHODS: Consecutive patients were randomized to receive either 1% or 2% lignocaine […]

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Uncategorized Published - 20 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
Evolving Role of Local Anesthetics in Managing Postsurgical Analgesia

Clin Ther 2015 Jun 1;37(6):1354-71 Authors: Golembiewski J et al PURPOSE: Opioid analgesics, the cornerstone of effective postsurgical pain management, may be associated with risk of opioid-related adverse drug events (ADEs) that may complicate the postsurgical experience. Perioperative multimodal analgesic regimens have the potential to improve postsurgical pain control and may permit use of lower analgesic doses […]

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Uncategorized Published - 20 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
Effect of superficial cervical plexus block on postoperative quality of recovery after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a randomized controlled trial.

Can J Anaesth. 2015 Aug;62(8):883-890 Authors: Mariappan R et al PURPOSE: Spine surgeries are increasingly being performed as a day or short-stay surgery programs. Peripheral nerve block provide site-specific pain relief with few side effects, thereby reducing surgical stress and enhancing quality of recovery. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of a superficial cervical […]

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Uncategorized Published - 17 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
Babies Exposed to Narcotic Pain Relievers More Likely to Experience Withdrawal

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has historically been associated with illicit drug use among pregnant women. However, a study published in the April issue of the journal Pediatrics showed an increased likelihood of NAS among pregnant women were narcotic pain relievers such as hydrocodone. In addition, the study found that opioid type and duration of exposure […]

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Uncategorized Published - 17 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
Use of Cuffed Tracheal Tubes in Neonates Requires Caution

The use of cuffed tracheal tubes is increasingly popular in pediatric anesthesia, but investigators have found that there is a risk for increased trauma without proper diligence. “When I was a fellow, many of my colleagues started using MicroCuff [Halyard] tracheal tubes, especially in neonatal patients, where they proved much easier for us to manage […]

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Uncategorized Published - 17 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD, Anxiety and Depression?

Stellate ganglion block shows promise in providing prolonged relief of chronic, extreme post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A pilot 12-patient series by researchers from the Long Beach VA Healthcare System, while far from definitive, revealed that stellate ganglion block may also be effective in treating anxiety or depression. “I became interested in this after seeing the […]

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Uncategorized Published - 17 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
ASA QCDR Adds 18 Quality Reporting Measures

Physician anesthesiologists who participate in the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) have 18 new reporting measures to choose from, the ASA announced. The new measures will allow anesthesiologists to report on items “that matter to their patients and their practices,” according to J.P. Abenstein, MD, ASA president. Some of the […]

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Uncategorized Published - 17 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
Restrictive Red Blood Cell Transfusion Strategies Are Safe

Authors:  Holst LB et al., BMJ 2015 Mar 24; 350:h1354 A growing body of evidence suggests that restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategies are safe. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized trials that involved 9800 patients, researchers compared benefits and harms of restrictive (triggers: hemoglobin, 7–9 g/dL; hematocrit, 24%–30%, or symptoms of anemia) versus […]

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Uncategorized Published - 16 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
Postoperative fentanyl patch versus subacromial bupivacaine infusion in arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Arthroscopy. 2015 Jul;29(7):1129-34 Authors: Merivirta R et al PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to compare the effectiveness of subacromial bupivacaine infusion and a transdermal fentanyl patch in the treatment of postoperative pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients with rotator cuff disease scheduled for elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery were enrolled in the study. For […]

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Uncategorized Published - 16 July, 2015    By - Dr Clemens
A new treatment paradigm for trigeminal neuralgia using Botulinum toxin type A.

Laryngoscope. 2014 Feb;124(2):413-7 Authors: Guardiani E et al OBJECTIVES: To review the current data for the use of Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and to describe the preferred injection technique of BoNT-A in TN. To propose a new treatment paradigm for TN incorporating the use BoNT-A. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. […]

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