Two new studies found that around 1 in 8 day-case surgery patients are admitted to hospital for complications, while 1 in 14 develop chronic pain at the operative site. Chronic post-surgical pain is more common in certain procedures and among patients with medical problems, with orthopaedic and breast surgeries showing higher rates.
The new guidance addresses specific healthcare needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, including considerations for anaesthetists. It sets out a structured explanation of current evidence and practicalities to ensure safety and dignity during the peri-operative period.
A UK study published in Anaesthesia found that black children are at a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications following emergency appendicitis surgery, with a four-fold greater risk compared to white children. The study also identified other risk factors for complications, including pre-existing medical conditions and...
A new UK study found that 1 in 3000 patients experience cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation during anaesthesia. The study, which included data from over 300 hospitals, identified significant factors contributing to perioperative cardiac arrests.
A national analysis found that potentially serious complications occur in one in 18 anesthesia procedures, with risk factors including very young age, comorbidities, and the urgency and extent of surgery. Complications were most common during emergency surgery, particularly at night and on weekends.
The AAGBI has published new guidance on safe injection practice, highlighting the importance of prefilled and labelled syringes to avoid medication errors. The guidance recommends standardization of fit-for-purpose physical structure and medicine storage, as well as exploring technological solutions to reduce errors.
A new UK study of 3.6 million surgeries found that operating within 2 weeks of a positive COVID test is safe for recovered patients, with lower mortality rates compared to current guidelines. The study suggests that delaying surgery might cause more harm than good, particularly in patients who have already waited longer for surgery.
A UK study found that Black Caribbean-British women are 58% more likely than white women to receive general anaesthesia during elective caesarean births, while Bangladeshi-British and Pakistani-British women are less likely to have epidurals. The study also reveals differences in assisted deliveries and emergency caesarean births betwe...
The average age of patients requiring anaesthesia increased by 2.3 years over the last decade, with a higher proportion of patients living with overweight and obesity. Surgical cases are becoming more complex, with a decrease in ASA 1 and an increase in ASA 2 and 3 patients.
The UK National Health Service is launching a new guidance to address human errors and adverse events in healthcare, with the aim of reducing their impact. The guidance, published in the journal Anaesthesia, provides recommendations for designing safe systems, using checklists, and encouraging staff to speak up about safety concerns.
A new study published in Anaesthesia has found no statistically significant differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes between children exposed to anaesthesia during pregnancy and those not exposed. The study, led by Professor Steffen Rex, comprehensively evaluated over 500 children aged 2-18 years using standardized tools.
The UK anaesthesia workforce is facing a large-scale staff shortage of 11,000 by 2040, primarily due to the retirement of experienced anaesthetists. The paper proposes solutions such as part-time working, standardized retire-and-return policies, and addressing health and educational needs of anaesthetists as they age.
A consultant anaesthetist used a nitrous oxide cracking device to reduce her own exposure to the greenhouse gas during labour. The technology helps collect and break down nitrous oxide breathed out via a facemask, making it easier to use and reducing environmental harm.
Researchers found that using 'cracking' technology to break down exhaled nitrous oxide can significantly reduce ambient levels in maternity settings. The study showed a 71-81% reduction in nitrous oxide levels when using specific masks and coaching, suggesting pregnant women should be offered device choice options.
In the UK, both eligible organ donors and actual organ donations decreased by around 30% during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of eligible donors who proceeded to donation remained relatively constant.
A study published in Anaesthesia found that FFP2/3 respirators associated with a 38% increased risk of airway complications, mainly due to difficult facemask ventilation and desaturation. The use of other aerosol precautions showed no such association.
The new guidance provides a comprehensive approach to preventing unrecognised oesophageal intubation, addressing both technical and human factors. It recommends standardising carbon dioxide monitoring and pulse oximetry, using videolaryngoscopes for correct placement, and addressing stress-related management of crises.
A new study suggests that overlapping surgery could help reduce hospital waiting lists by allowing a single surgeon to operate in two parallel theatres. However, the study's authors warn that this approach may increase the risk of complications, especially if critical portions of surgery are not adequately covered.
Research shows increased risk of severe maternal sickness/complications associated with higher maternal age, levels of obesity, and previous Caesarean section. The study suggests that UK maternity services are adapting to meet the needs of an increasingly complex pregnant population.
A new study published in Anaesthesia found that a 'watch and wait' approach can lead to better outcomes for patients with severe frailty, reducing the need for emergency surgery. The study analyzed hospital data for adult patients with common acute conditions and found significant differences in survival rates between those who receive...
Experts recommend individualised multidisciplinary risk assessment for patients requiring elective surgery within 7 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering baseline mortality risk calculation and surgical factors. Patients with persistent symptoms or moderate to severe COVID-19 may require longer delays than 7 weeks.
At COP26, anaesthesia providers agree to reduce their environmental impact by implementing seven principles: prioritizing patient safety, supporting global sustainability, and monitoring healthcare systems. The goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 while minimizing material resources and financial investment.
A new study found that facemask ventilation during routine surgery does not significantly increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission compared to normal breathing or coughing. The procedure is considered low-risk and should not delay or slow down surgery.
A global study found that patients with recent or current COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of developing dangerous blood clots during surgery. The study also revealed that having a venous thromboembolism clot increases the risk of death within 30 days by five times.
A global study of over 96,000 patients found that those who isolated before surgery were at a higher risk of developing post-operative lung complications. Despite this, the study suggests that removing pre-operative isolation strategies may not lead to worse outcomes for patients.
Routine anaesthetic procedures do not generate aerosols, contradicting previous thought. The study refocuses on ward staff exposed to coughing patients and high-grade PPE needs reassessment.
A new analysis of 58 studies and 44305 patients found that COVID-19 ICU mortality is linked to various risk factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, and respiratory disease. The study also confirms associations between diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory comorbidities with mortality in COVID-19 patients.
During the winter wave of COVID-19, anaesthetic and critical care staff in the UK faced immense pressure due to a surge in newly admitted infected patients. Surgery rates plummeted by one quarter compared to previous years, with many hospitals expanding ICUs to accommodate the influx.
A doctor and mother recounts her COVID-19 experience on ECMO respiratory support, spending 150 days in the hospital. She details her long battle to recover, including multiple lung complications, swallowing difficulties, and psychological trauma, but ultimately finds hope for a full recovery.
The Association of Anaesthetists and the Intensive Care Society publish new guidelines addressing fire safety and emergency evacuations in ICUs and operating theatres. Key findings include training for staff, design features for fire safety, and ventilation requirements to prevent oxygen enrichment.
Experts propose making general anaesthesia available to dying patients, citing high public support. This would provide unconsciousness during final moments, alleviating suffering.
A new study found that coughing and deep breathing create more than 100-fold greater amounts of aerosols than oxygen therapies, increasing the risk to frontline staff. The research challenges current guidelines, suggesting that healthcare workers wear only surgical masks face a higher risk of infection.
A global collaboration of over 15,000 surgeons found that delaying surgery for at least seven weeks after a COVID-19 diagnosis significantly reduces mortality risk. Patients operated within two weeks of diagnosis have higher postoperative death rates.
A new study predicts that the UK's coronavirus vaccination program will soon reduce daily deaths significantly, with large reductions seen by March. However, hospital and intensive care unit admissions are likely to take several weeks longer to decrease, according to the model.
A recent meta-analysis published in Anaesthesia found that COVID-19 intensive care mortality has continued to decline since the start of the pandemic, with a relative decrease of around one third from March to May 2020. However, the pace of progress has slowed substantially, with improvements plateauing between June and October 2020.
A new study from Alder Hey Children's Hospital found that children are not anxious or scared when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the anaesthetic room. In fact, most children reported feeling happy and safe with PPE, while none experienced anxiety or fear.
A study by Dr Tom Hutley and colleagues found that the longer healthcare workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE), the more issues they experience, including tiredness, headaches, and dizziness. The survey also revealed a negative impact on team performance, with 92% of respondents feeling PPE affected communication.
A study by Dr Edmund Lodwick found that junior doctors in the UK are struggling with end-of-life discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to lack of formal training and experience. The survey of 75 foundation doctors revealed that most felt out of their depth in such discussions.
A new negative pressure ventilator, known as exovent, offers more comfortable treatment options for respiratory failure patients with COVID-19. The device requires fewer staffing resources and can be easily adapted for developing countries, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional ventilation methods.
A new study found that 1 in 256 women experienced accidental awareness during pregnancy-related surgery, with 12 reports of awareness identified. The research suggests a higher incidence of awareness in pregnant women compared to the general surgical population.
For global success, vaccines must prevent all three: infection, disease progression, and transmission. The authors emphasize prioritizing vulnerable populations and healthcare workers before the wider population.
Studies show anaesthetists and intensivists have less than half the risk of infection from COVID-19, while front-line nurses and housekeeping staff are more at risk. The analysis also finds that deaths among anaesthetists are disproportionately low compared to expected numbers.
The proportion of caesarean section deliveries carried out under general anaesthesia approximately halved from 7.7% to 3.7% during the first wave of COVID-19, even among women with COVID-19. Regional anaesthesia rates remained high and lower conversion rates were found.
Researchers found that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI) due to COVID-19 had significantly higher mortality rates in intensive care, with mortality rates ranging from 21% for those without kidney injury to 86% for patients with kidney transplants. The study highlights the need for calibration of IC...
Experts warn that opioids prescribed after surgery can lead to persistent use, addiction, and harm, including respiratory impairment and driving accidents. To mitigate these risks, hospitals must adopt strict opioid stewardship programs involving multidisciplinary teams.
Recent studies found that tube insertion generates approximately one thousandth of the aerosol generated by a single cough, and tube removal produces less than 25% of that produced by a voluntary cough. These findings suggest de-escalating protective measures, reducing PPE use and waiting lists.
A review of personal protective respirator mask use reveals that initial fit-pass rates are lower among females and Asians compared to males and Caucasians. Correct respirator fit appears more important than filtration capacity for airborne protection. Fit-testing is recommended, with annual testing suggested due to its cost-effectiven...
A study of 200 maternity workers found that 14.5% tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, with 35.5% being asymptomatic. More than half (58.6%) of those who tested positive did not self-isolate and continued to work in hospitals.
Breastfeeding is now considered safe after anaesthesia, according to new guidelines published by the Association of Anaesthetists in the journal Anaesthesia. The guidelines state that breast milk remains safe even if mother has had anaesthetic or painkiller drugs.
A systematic review of COVID-19 ICU mortality rates shows a relative decrease from 60% to 42% between March and May. Despite variations in admission criteria, treatments, and geographical location, the overall trend suggests improved survival rates for patients with severe COVID-19.