Articles tagged with Anesthesia
A study finds that opioid medications are safe and effective for long-term pain relief in older patients, but pose risks for younger patients. Older patients experience significant relief with minimal dose escalation, while younger patients show no long-term benefit despite high doses.
A new study suggests that breastfeeding mothers can safely resume nursing after undergoing surgery with the anesthetic propofol. The research found that less than 0.1% of the drug's dose is present in breast milk within 24 hours, minimizing infant exposure and justifying uninterrupted breastfeeding.
A study by Duke University researchers found that moderate inhalation anesthetic exposure during pregnancy may not be deleterious to the fetus. The exposure improved cerebral oxygenation in the developing fetus, suggesting a potential benefit for pregnant women undergoing general anesthesia.
The demand for outpatient dental anesthesia and sedation services remains high despite a decline in training programs and an evidence-based foundation. Dr. Raymond Dionne calls for a scientific agenda to develop a safe and effective approach for dental outpatients.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that medical students who have not yet completed their OB/GYN clerkship place more value on securing consent before performing pelvic examinations under anesthesia. This suggests a decline in the importance of obtaining patient consent for these procedures.
A new approach to brain angioplasty using local anesthesia with mild sedation safely performed on 10 patients, showing promising results in minimizing complications. The study found that the procedure was technically successful but resulted in three minor complications related to stenting and bleeding.
Researchers found moderate cell death in brain regions involved in learning and memory, as well as significant learning and memory deficits in infant rats exposed to common pediatric anesthesia drugs. The study suggests that prolonged exposure to these anesthetics may be problematic for developing brains.
Researchers found that maternal temperatures only slightly increased after epidural anesthesia, regardless of patient size or length of anesthesia. Epidural fever was experienced by 25 patients, but the risk was not correlated with body mass index or surface area.
A study predicts a significant shortfall of anesthesiologists in the US, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 4,500. The authors suggest solutions to address the shortage, including increasing diversity in training programs and revising government immigration policies.
A study of 16 'awareness' patients found that over half had PTSD, while control subjects showed no memory recall. Patients experienced intense emotions, helplessness, and dissociation after surgery.
A study of 217,000 Medicare patients found that mortality rates were significantly lower for patients whose anesthesia was directed by an anesthesiologist. The researchers found that higher nurse-to-bed ratios, larger hospital size, and direct involvement of the anesthesiologist were independently associated with better patient survival.
A two-year study of 741 elderly patients found that those receiving general anesthesia had improved mobility and daily functioning compared to those with spinal anesthesia. The researchers are unclear about the underlying reason for this difference, but suggest potential nerve damage may be involved.
A new study led by UCSF scientists found that giving patients more oxygen during and after anesthesia can cut the rate of surgical wound infections in half. The increased oxygen improves immune cells' ability to fight infections, reducing hospitalization time and costs.
Researchers found that providing more oxygen during and after surgery can cut in half the number of patients experiencing nausea. This simple procedure is effective, risk-free, and inexpensive, offering a promising alternative to expensive anti-nausea medications.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that boys circumcised in a doctor's office fare equally well as those circumcised in a hospital operating room. The cost savings of having the procedure done in an office setting were estimated at $1,609 per procedure, resulting in an annual savings of $184,713.
Research suggests that anesthesia during labor and delivery may cause temporary delays in nursing, but has no long-term effects. Breastfeeding is strongly recommended by the AAP, with newborns being nursed frequently to promote immune system development.
Eating foods high in solanaceous glycoalkaloids (SGAs) like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants days before surgery may delay the metabolism of anesthetic drugs, leading to unpredictable responses. SGAs inhibit two enzymes responsible for breaking down anesthetics, causing them to act longer than expected.
A University of Chicago study found that 15-40% of outpatient surgery patients using short-acting anesthetics can bypass the recovery room, with annual savings ranging from $50,000 to $158,000 per site. This trend is expected to shift from academic centers to community hospitals and private offices.