Authors: Cheng S et al. Anesthesia & Analgesia142(1):19–27, January 2026 SummaryThis randomized, blinded noninferiority trial evaluated whether intrathecal hydromorphone provides postoperative analgesia comparable to intrathecal morphine for elective cesarean delivery. Intrathecal morphine is widely used for postcesarean analgesia but is associated with side effects and has been intermittently affected by drug shortages, prompting interest in […]
Read MoreAuthor: Patsy Newitt Becker’s ASC Review As the anesthesia shortage strains OR capacity nationwide, leaders say the fastest fixes will come from expanding training while redesigning how the workforce is deployed. From keeping older anesthesiologists in meaningful roles to rethinking scheduling peaks, eight anesthesiologists joined Becker’s to discuss the changes needed to ease the workforce shortage. Editors’ note: […]
Read MoreAuthors: Qiu G et al. Anesthesiology, January 26, 2026 SummaryThis preclinical study explores how distinct populations of GABAergic neurons in the preoptic area (POA) regulate both natural sleep–wake states and the unique, arousable sedation produced by dexmedetomidine. Using a comprehensive mouse model that combined EEG/EMG monitoring, fiber photometry, patch clamp electrophysiology, chemogenetics, and viral tracing, […]
Read MoreAuthors: Martin C et al. Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation Newsletter, volume 41, number 1, February 2026. SummaryThis article examines rising maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity through the lens of two underrecognized contributors: wellness bias and physiologic masking in pregnancy. The author argues that these cognitive and systems-level factors delay recognition of critical illness in […]
Read MoreAuthors: Lu-Boettcher Y et al. Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation Newsletter, volume 41, number 1, February 2026. SummaryThis article reviews the current state of perioperative patient safety in low- and middle-income countries and highlights recent advances, persistent gaps, and practical next steps to reduce the disproportionate burden of surgical morbidity and mortality in these settings. The […]
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