A Update in Anaesthesia 15

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

A Update in Anaesthesia 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345UPDATE IN 6 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 WA 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 A 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 WORLD 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 ANAESTHESIA 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345ANAESTHESIA 6 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456 A journal for anaesthetists in developing countries ISSN 1353-4882 EDITORIAL No 6 1996 Welcome to Update No 6! This edition deals with a common problem facing anaesthetists all over the Contents: No 6 world - Major Trauma. Patients who are injured need immediate, expert assessment to detect and Editorial treat life threatening injuries. Basic care given The Management of Major Trauma early following trauma may be life saving as many Atropine patients die within the first hour from complications Boyle’s machines of their injuries such as hypoxia and hypotension. Anaesthesia for Ophthalmic Surgery Spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean Section (Letters) How to rapidly assess and treat victims of major trauma is discussed in detail in this edition. Although there are differences in facilities from one centre to summarise the findings in a future issue of the another much can be achieved by careful attention journal. We would be grateful for as many people to a detailed clinical examination and then treatment as possible to reply to the questionnaire published with the facilities available. In the editors’ experience in the last edition. We are always delighted to many patients die from hypovolaemia following receive other letters or suggestions about the journal trauma, in many circumstances this is avoidable. and will publish a selection if they are likely to appeal to the readership. Many thanks to those who have answered the questionnaire contained in Update 5. We are unable Dr Iain Wilson to reply to everyone individually but will attempt to Dr Roger Eltringham THE MANAGEMENT OF MAJOR TRAUMA as great but has not been as extensively studied. Head injury was the commonest reason for admission to the Gareth Wrathall, Senior Registrar in Intensive Intensive Care Unit at the University Teaching Hospital Therapy; Ray Sinclair, Consultant in Anaesthesia in Lusaka over a ten year period from 1978-1988 and Intensive Therapy, Royal Cornwall Hospital, with between 90 and 123 cases per year (approx- Truro, UK imately 20% of all admissions). In the UK, there are approximately 15000 deaths annually attributable to Introduction accidents. One third of these are due to road traffic Accidental injury is probably the most serious of all accidents i.e. almost 100 people per week die in road the major health problems facing developed accidents. For every death, two people suffer countries. In the developing world the impact is just permanent disability. In the USA, injuries are the Editors: Drs Iain Wilson, Roger Eltringham Section Editors: Drs Bill Casey, Mr Mike Yeats Overseas Editors: Drs Daniel Amutike (Zambia), Henry Bukwirwa (Uganda) Distribution: Dr Ray Sinclair Designed by : Angela Brazier 1 2 Update in Anaesthesia leading cause of death up to the age of 44. Many Surgical sets should include equipment for the accidents are preventable and this is a major health following procedures: urinary catheterisation issue for planners in health economics. (including suprapubic), peritoneal lavage, pleural drainage (chest drains sets with underwater seal) Major Trauma and needle and surgical cricothyrotomy. Specific Patients suffering from multiple injuries are provision should be made for children with commonly known as major trauma victims. Such appropriate sizes of equipment to deal with all ages patients present tremendous demands at all levels and equipment for intraosseous fluid administration within hospitals particularly on those doctors, nurses (see Update 5). and clinical officers caring for the patient within the first hours of hospital admission. It is in this context Methods of Managing Trauma that systems for major trauma care have been A multidisciplinary approach is required in the developed. In this review we will set out a system management of major trauma and the same technique for the management of major trauma victims and for assessment and treatment of each patient should discuss the principals of anaesthesia for such patients. be followed. Most modern trauma systems therefore We will emphasise the importance of recognising have a fairly rigid protocol to follow, thus reducing mechanisms of injury and thereby identifying those the opportunity for misdiagnosis. at risk of life-threatening injury. The article will be illustrated by actual case studies. The most widely taught system is the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Program for Physicians, Trauma Teams devised and disseminated by the American College Victims of major trauma are best treated by a well of Surgeons (ACS). This article follows many of organised and trained team made up of staff competent their recommendations. The management of major in assessing and treating the spectrum of life- trauma has also been reviewed in the ABC of Major threatening injuries commonly seen. An experienced Trauma published by the British Medical Journal, physician anaesthetist, possessing airway and Tavistock Sq. London, WC1H 2JR (ISBN 0-7279- resuscitation skills and confidence in dealing with 0291-1). unconscious patients, is a vital member of the team and in many UK hospitals is the team leader. The role Timing of Death Resulting from Trauma of the non-physician anaesthetist is similar using The mortality due to injury occurs during one of the airway skills under the direction of a surgical following time periods: colleague. w The first peak of death occurs at the time of the Whenever possible both a general surgeon and an injury. It may be instantaneous or within the first few orthopaedic surgeon should be members of the trauma minutes and is due to overwhelming primary injury team. Their presence can reduce delays in the accident to major organs or structures such as brain, heart or department, improve the early diagnosis of life great vessels. In most situations these injuries are threatening injuries and lead to earlier surgery when irrecoverable, although rapid treatment and transfer required. Having both specialists present prevents may salvage some patients. Primary prevention has one doctor becoming overwhelmed by complex a major role in reducing the incidence of these problems in an unstable patient. The team should injuries. include a radiographer when available. Adequate protection including gowns, gloves and eye protection w The second peak lasts from the end of this first should be worn by staff. It is often possible for the period to several hours after the injury has taken team to be given prior warning of a casualty arriving, place. It is during this time that many causes of thereby allowing time for preparation. Accident & morbidity and mortality are preventable by avoidance Emergency departments should have a resuscitation of a secondary injury due to hypoxia, haemorrhage area set aside to receive major trauma victims with or any process that leads to inadequate tissue anaesthetic airway equipment and drugs, intravenous perfusion. Reversible conditions may include fluids with blood giving sets and blood warmers. intracranial haematomas, major haemorrhage from Update in Anaesthesia 3 viscera, bones and vessels or pneumothoraces. Most w Disorders of the central nervous trauma care is directed at this period as skilled system assessment and treatment should reduce mortality w Exposure of the whole body and disability. Even with moderate facilities many lives can be saved by
Recommended publications
  • An Introduction to Anaesthesia
    What You Need to KNoW about An introduction to anaesthesia Introduction divided into three stages: induction, main- n Central neuraxial block, e.g. spinal or Anaesthetic experience in the undergradu- tenance and emergence. epidural (Figure 1 and Table 1). ate timetable is often very limited so it can In regional anaesthesia, nerve transmis- remain somewhat of a mysterious practice sion is blocked, and the patient may stay Components of a general well into specialist training. This introduc- awake or be sedated or anaesthetized dur- anaesthetic tion to the components of an anaesthetic ing a procedure. Techniques used include: A general anaesthetic always involves an will help readers to get more from clinical n Local anaesthetic field block hypnotic agent, usually an analgesic and attachments in surgery and anaesthetics or n Peripheral nerve block may also include muscle relaxation. The serve as an introduction to the topic for n Nerve plexus block combination is referred to as the ‘triad of novice or non-anaesthetists. anaesthesia’. Figure 1. Schematic vertical longitudinal section The relative importance of each com- Types and sites of anaesthesia of vertebral column and structures encountered ponent depends on surgical and patient The term anaesthesia comes from the when performing central neuraxial blocks. * factors: the intervention planned, site, Greek meaning loss of sensation. negative pressure space filled with fat and surgical access requirement and the Anaesthetic practice has evolved from a venous plexi. † extends to S2, containing degree of pain or stimulation anticipated. need for pain relief and altered conscious- arachnoid mater, CSF, pia mater, spinal cord The technique is tailored to the individu- ness to allow surgery.
    [Show full text]
  • Prepare a Checklist for Spinal Anaesthesia
    Prepare A Checklist For Spinal Anaesthesia Secernent Klaus shamoying his tilde blacklead statutorily. Single-breasted and unpresumptuous SiegfriedSebastian entangled desiring her so ameerpartially tissues that Wolfgang deplorably lippen or ostracizes her wiper? exceptionally, is Wesley hieratic? Which Physician about five obstetric anesthesia and other surgeries do i wake up advance directives: check equipment and identify spinal anaesthesia for a checklist was maintained May be associated with induction or spinalepidural anaesthesia. Preparing for minor Patient Guide PDF Sunnybrook. 5 most painful surgeries What many expect Medical News Today. Anesthesia history pending order to develop a patient-specific who for analgesia and. If you still any questions about our Day when Surgery Checklist please strike the. This checklist experience and subcutaneous tissue debris or with epidural or a labor analgesia including after regional anesthesia has been observed in nursing assessment aims to prepare for those just outside the information? If the effects of the spinal anesthesia move now rather and down the spinal cord. Only patients who participate receive sedation or anesthesia during the procedure as to be NPO No significant food or milk products for 6 hours prior to the hello No. Correctly Prepare develop assemble all necessary equipment. Prepare a Patient therefore an Exam Department of Radiology. Anaesthesia for surgery under any other addition to ensure women the wizard is in optimal. Postoperative Care procedure recovery blood pain. Epidural anesthesia will run your contractions feel less intense and like you to relax during your labor Epidurals do not always provide complete debt relief. Pre-operative Preparation &MDI MED Freecon. We also provide additional instructions about how cut prepare your surgery based on.
    [Show full text]
  • The Anaesthesia Science Viva Book, Second Edition Simon Bricker Index More Information
    Cambridge University Press 978-0-521-72644-3 - The Anaesthesia Science Viva Book, Second Edition Simon Bricker Index More information Index A a2-adrenoceptor agonists abciximab 261 local anaesthesia spinal adjuncts 229 abdominal obesity 171 stress response to surgery 175 abnormal placentation, postpartum haemorrhage a2-adrenoceptor blockers, cardiac output 233 (PPH) 383 b-adrenoceptors 239 abnormal respiration 113 adrenaline 179 abnormal waveforms, capnography 292 b-adrenoceptor blockers 237, 238–41 ABO blood group, see blood groups cardiac output 232 absolute humidity 332 cocaine overdose management 254 absolute pressure 318 intraocular pressure 152 absorption atelectasis 136 b2-adrenoceptor blockers 267 acarbose 277 adrenocortical suppression, etomidate 201 acceleromyography 156 AEP, see auditory evoked potentials ACE inhibitors 242 afferents, autonomic nervous system 23 acetylcholine 23 age/ageing 172–4 muscle action potentials 154 subarachnoid (spinal) anaesthesia 83 postjunctional nicotinic receptors 154 air embolism N-acetylcysteine, paracetamol overdose 252 ultrasound 338 acidosis venous cannulation 18 hypercapnic 121 air-filled spaces, nitrous oxide 206 lactic 111 airway(s) acquired immune response, see immune response awareness 284 activated protein C, sepsis management 399 goitre effects 187 active scavenging systems 312 irritation 203–4 acute haemolytic reactions 372 thyroid disease 187 acute lung disease, compliance 120 upper, see upper airways acute normovolaemic haemodilution 371 airway management acute phase proteins, sepsis
    [Show full text]
  • Update in Anaesthesia
    Update in Anaesthesia Pentazocine Karen Henderson Correspondence Email: [email protected] Introduction use with 30 - 40 mg of pentazocine equivalent In 1967 pentazocine became the first opioid to 10 mg morphine. When given by mouth, the agonist-antagonist to be introduced into analgesic action of pentazocine is much weaker clinical practice as an analgesic. It was hoped than morphine and is thought to lie somewhere that pentazocine would prove to be a powerful between that of peripherally acting analgesics analgesic, free of the side-effects of opioid such as paracetamol and weak opioids such as narcotics, particularly avoiding drug dependency. codeine. In practice pentazocine has proved to be less Other actions of pentazocine mirror those of effective than hoped, but it is still used widely in other opioids including respiratory depression, Clinical Overview Articles resource-poor countries. cough suppression, miosis, decreased gastric Chemistry emptying and constipation and increased smooth Pentazocine is a benzmorphan which is muscle tone in the uterus and bladder. However chemically related to morphine. It is a white or in normal use these effects are usually of little cream, odourless, crystalline powder. It consists clinical significance. of a racemic mixture of dextro- (d) and laevo- In contrast to other strong opioid analgesics Summary (l) isomers which is soluble in acidic aqueous however, there is a dose-related systemic This article describes solutions. Pentazocine hydrochloride is used for and pulmonary hypertension, increased left the pharmacology oral use and the lactate form is used for parenteral ventricular end-diastolic pressure and a rise in and rectal administration. and clinical uses of central venous pressure, probably as a result of the opioid agonist- Molecular weight (free base)........................321.9 a rise in plasma catecholamine concentrations.
    [Show full text]
  • The Anaesthetic Machine August 2017 What Does the Anaesthetic Machine Do?
    The Anaesthetic Machine August 2017 What does the anaesthetic machine do? What does the anaesthetic machine do? • Controlled delivery of gases and drug • Control of gas flow and pressure • Monitoring of gas and drug delivery • Multiple safety features to protect machine and patient Who is responsible for the machine? Who is responsible for the machine? • Anaesthetist? • ODP? • Trust? Why do a machine check? Why learn about the machine check? • Safe delivery of anaesthesia – Oxygen – Anaesthetic gases • Useful in exams • Part of the basic competence certificate Machine Check Self-inflating bag AMBU bag Power Supply Power supply • Find power supply • Are the lights on? Gas Supply and Suction Tug Test • Wall: Schrader valves – Colour/name coded wall outlet and hose – Shaped index collar connection – Anti-kink hose • Machine: NIST – Colour/name coded Gas cylinders Gas cylinders • Back up gas supply • Colour coded • Fill level? • Turned on?off? Gas cylinders • Back up gas supply • Colour coded • Fill level? • Turned on?off? Pressure Gauges • Cylinder • Pipeline Flowmeters • Controls O2:Air:N2O mix • Working? Sticking? Spinning? • Hypoxic guard • Colour, shape and location coding Electronic Controls Emergency O2 Flush • High Flow O2 (75L/min at pipeline pressure) • Risk: – Volutrauma – Barotrauma – Awareness Suction • Clean • Working • To hand Breathing System Vapourisers • Tec • Aladin Cassettes – Select-a-tec – Correct agent – Meniscus level – Meniscus level – Seated securely Vapourisers • Provision of volatile agent • Check fill level • Desflurane
    [Show full text]
  • Anaesthetic Machine Anatomy
    Anaesthetic Machine Anatomy Year Group: BVSc3 + Document Number: CSL_A00 Equipment list: Anaesthetic Machine Anatomy Equipment for this station: • Anaesthetic machine • Name labels • Function labels Considerations for this station: • Do not attempt to attach cylinders or connect the oxygen pipeline, this machine is for reference only and is NOT a working machine. • The first time you try to complete this task it may be worth refreshing your memory of the anaesthetic machine by reading the section of this booklet marked ‘Answers’. Anyone working in the Clinical Skills Lab must read the ‘CSL_I01 Induction’ and agree to abide by the ‘CSL_I00 House Rules’ & ‘CSL_I02 Lab Area Rules’ Please inform a member of staff if equipment is damaged or about to run out. Clinical Skills: Anaesthetic Machine Anatomy 1 2 3 Using the name labels On the bottom of the name On some of the function provided, name each part of label, place a function label labels there are additional the anaesthetic machine (match the circular tabs). questions. (match/stick the white square Place the correct answers in velcro tab to the yellow the space provided (match square tab). the semi-circular tabs). 4 5 You will need to lift the lid Once you have placed all of to find all of the the labels, use the components! information on the following pages of this booklet to check your answers. Here are some online resources and tutorials that you may find useful: 1. http://mhra.gov.uk/learningcentre/AnaestheticMachines/player.html 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LY0eAzrIrE ANSWERS: Anaesthetic Machine Anatomy ANSWERS The following pages contain the answers i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • User Care of Medical Equipment
    Strengthening Specialised Clinical Services in the Pacific April 2015 User Care of Medical Equipment A first line maintenance guide for end users Strengthening Specialised Clinical Services in the Pacific (A DFAT funded initiative) April 2015 User Care of Medical Equipment – First line maintenance for end users Foreword Pacific Island Countries face many challenges when providing quality health care services. At the 2011 Pacific Ministers of Health and the SSCSiP’s Regional meetings the Procurement and Maintenance of Biomedical equipment was identified as one of the most important challenges faced by Pacific Island Countries. SSCSiP has been working with the Pacific Island Countries to improve the Procurement and Maintenance of Biomedical equipment. This maintenance guide for end users provides guidelines to care and maintain a range of equipment that are commonly used. The easy-to-follow User Checklists can be easily printed and kept beside respective equipment as a reference and reminder to end-users to conduct maintenance on equipment at regular intervals. We are certain that the manual would empower end-users with basic troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment they use, contributing towards improved clinical and biomedical services. Prof Ian Rouse Dean College of Medicine Nursing & Health Sciences Fiji National University September 2014 The User Care of Medical Equipment Manual has been compiled by Mr Andrew Gammie of Fishtail Consulting Ltd (UK). 2 User Care of Medical Equipment – First line maintenance for end users Contents
    [Show full text]
  • Checking an Anaesthetic Machine
    Checking an Anaesthetic Machine Year Group: BVSc3 + Document number: CSL_A01 Equipment list: Checking an Anaesthetic Machine Equipment for this station: • Anaesthetic machine • Note: Nitrous oxide and volatile agents are not available in the Clinical Skills Lab (CSL) Considerations for this station: • This booklet is a reference guide; it should be used to become familiar with the steps to check a machine • Use the anaesthetic machine in the CSL to identify components, but do NOT use the machine unsupervised • Consult booklet ‘CSL_A00 Anaesthetic Machine Anatomy’ as a reminder of all the parts on an anaesthetic machine • In clinics, make sure you perform all the checks outlined in this booklet on the following pages Anyone working in the Clinical Skills Lab must read the ‘CSL_I01 Induction’ and agree to abide by the ‘CSL_I00 House Rules’ & ‘CSL_I02 Lab Area Rules’ Please inform a member of staff if equipment is damaged or about to run out. Clinical Skills: Checking an Anaesthetic Machine 1 2 3 1: Check the scavenging Ensure that the scavenging Attach the scavenging hose Check that there is an air system is attached to an to the common gas outlet. break and that it is outlet. In some practices this connected to the scavenging may be Fluosorber and in system. others it may be a wall socket. It may be a push fit or screw in clockwise. NEVER use Nitrous Oxide with a Fluosorber. 4 5 6 2: Check the oxygen supply Check the contents gauge to Check that the oxygen ensure that the oxygen cylinder is firmly attached. If cylinder isn’t empty (or nearly there is no cylinder, connect empty).
    [Show full text]
  • ABSTRACTS Proceedings of the Anaesthetic Research Society Meeting
    British Journal of Anaesthesia 105 (5): 707–30P (2010) doi:10.1093/bja/aeq193 ABSTRACTS Proceedings of the Anaesthetic Research Society Meeting The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK, July 1–2, 2010 (The name of the author presenting the paper is shown in bold type. *Indicates non-member. All authors have certified that, where appropriate, studies have been conducted with the approval of the relevant Human Ethics Committee or Animal Experimental Review Committee.) Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/bja/article/105/5/707/233898 by guest on 25 September 2021 Evaluation of modified early warning scores as a predictor of outcome in Table 1 ROC curve analysis of direct obstetric admissions (n¼2240). *Specific obstetric MEWS. H, Heart rate; R, respiratory obstetric admissions to critical care units: rate; T, temperature; A, AVPU; U, urine output; B, systolic arterial pressure (B); S, Sp ; D, diastolic arterial pressure secondary analysis of the Intensive Care O2 National Audit and Research Centre Area under 95% CI Parameters included (ICNARC) Case Mix Program (CMP) database ROC curve C. Carle*, J. Johal*, M. Columb and P. Alexander* MEWS 1 0.980 0.967–0.993 H, R, T, A, B, U MEWS 2 0.980 0.967–0.993 H, R, T, A, B, U, S Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital South Manchester, MEWS 3 0.985 0.974–0.995 H, R, T, A, B, U Southmoor Road, Manchester, UK MEWS 4 0.979 0.969–0.990 H, R, T, A, B MEWS 5 0.971 0.952–0.991 H, R, T, A, B, U, S The latest CEMACH report1 recommends the use of modified MEWS 6 0.981 0.969–0.992 H, R, T, A, B, U early warning scores (MEWS) to assist in identifying the obste- MEWS 7* 0.981 0.971–0.992 H, R, T, A, B, U, S tric patient at riskof deterioration.
    [Show full text]
  • Anaesthesia Latest Evidence Newsletter
    1 Anaesthesia Latest Evidence Newsletter October 2016 2 Training Calendar 2016 All sessions are 1 hour November (1pm) Thurs 3rd Statistics Fri 11th Information resources Mon 14th Literature Searching Tues 22nd Critical Appraisal Wed 30th Statistics Future dates to be confirmed Your Outreach Librarian – Jo Hooper Whatever your information needs, the library is here to help. Just email us at [email protected] Outreach: Your Outreach Librarian can help facilitate evidence-based practice for all in the team, as well as assisting with academic study and research. We also offer one-to-one or small group training in literature searching, critical appraisal and medical staistics. Get in touch: [email protected] Literature searching: We provide a literature searching service for any library member. For those embarking on their own research it is advisable to book some time with one of the librarians for a 1 to 1 session where we can guide you through the process of creating a well-focused literature research. Please email requests to [email protected] 3 Contents Journal Tables of Contents................................................................................................................. 3 Anaesthesia ................................................................................................................................... 3 Anasthesia & Analgesia .................................................................................................................. 6 Anesthesiology .............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Anaesthesia Handbook
    ANAESTHESIA HANDBOOK International Committee of the Red Cross 19, avenue de la Paix 1202 Geneva, Switzerland T +41 22 734 60 01 F +41 22 733 20 57 E-mail: [email protected] www.icrc.org © ICRC, December 2018 Front cover: A. Liohn/ICRC ANAESTHESIA HANDBOOK 2 ANAESTHESIA HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS A. INTRODUCTION AND STANDARDS .................................9 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................ 10 2. STANDARDS AND STANDARD EQUIPMENT .............. 13 2.1 Minimum standards ..........................................................13 2.2 Standard equipment .........................................................15 3. HYGIENE AND STERILIZATION ................................... 16 3.1 Key terms...............................................................................16 3.2 Techniques ............................................................................17 B. ADMINISTERING ANAESTHESIA .................................23 4. RUNNING A RESUSCITATION TEAM .............................. 24 4.1 Before the patient arrives ................................................24 4.2 When the patient arrives .................................................26 5. PRACTICAL RESUSCITATION ....................................... 29 5.1 Airway (see Chapter 8) ......................................................30 5.2 Breathing ...............................................................................30 5.3 Circulation .............................................................................31 5.4 Disability
    [Show full text]
  • Anaesthetic Management of a Parturient with Severe Muscular Dystrophy, Lumbar Lordosis and a Difficult Airway
    959 Clinical Anaesthesia File Afiaesthetic manage- ment of a parturient with severe muscular dystrophy, lumbar lordosis and a difficult airway Case presented by Purpose: This case describes the management of a 19-yr-old Michael P. Pash MD FRCPC wheelchair bound primigravida with severe muscular dystro- phy who presented for Caesarean section after spontaneous rupture of membranes. Anaesthesia was influenced by several Case discussed by features of her systemic disease which were impediments to John BalatOn MD FRCPC both neuraxial and general anaesthesia. Chris Eagle MD FRCPC FANZCA Clinical features: Other than for a prenatal record and the Department of Anaesthesia history obtainable from the patient, little additional medical Foothills Hospital information was available. Physical examination showed dif- University of Calgary fuse muscular weakness and an anatomically abnormal air- way. Examination of the spine showed slight 10-15 ~ thoraco- lumbar scoliosis and >45 ~ lumbar lordosis. Fetal assessment was normal. Echocardiography revealed mildly decreased left ventricular function and was consistent with pulmonary hyper- tension. After discussion with the patient and her obstetrician, elective Caesarean delivery was deemed the best management. Neuroaxial anaesthesia was at an increased risk offailure due to the profound lumbar lordosis. A plan for awake intubation and general anaesthesia was described to the patient in case regional anaesthesia could not be initiated. A fibreoptic bron- choscope and difficult intubation kit were made available. General anaesthesia was expected to have increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, hence epldural anaesthesia was attempted. After difficult catheter insertion, a sensory block was titrated to a T4 level. This was well tolerat- Key words ed by both mother and fetus.
    [Show full text]