Topic Review
Classes of Neuroanesthesia
Anesthesia in neurosurgery embodies a vital element in the development of neurosurgical intervention. This undisputed interest has offered surgeons and anesthesiologists an array of anesthetic selections to utilize, though with this allowance comes the equally essential requirement of implementing a maximally appropriate agent. General anesthetic agents can be categorized as those administered intravenously or inhaled, both pairs granting unique advantages. The latter of which can be further subdivided into either volatile or non-volatile agents. As the methods of administration vary, so do the proposed mechanisms of action for these substances.
  • 203
  • 09 May 2023
Topic Review
Clinical Applications of Crystalloids within Enhanced Recovery Pathways
Perioperative fluid management, a critical aspect of major surgeries, is characterized by pronounced stress responses, altered capillary permeability, and significant fluid shifts. Recognized as a cornerstone of enhanced recovery protocols, effective perioperative fluid management is crucial for optimizing patient recovery and preventing postoperative complications, especially in high-risk patients. The scientific literature has extensively investigated various fluid infusion regimens, but publications indicate that not only the volume but also the type of fluid infused significantly influences surgical outcomes.
  • 160
  • 21 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Pain
Pain medicine is a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to help patients manage chronic pain. The definition of chronic pain has evolved to become less “non-specific” and to help aid in the proper classification of the disease. While the term can often be too generalized when describing a wide array of conditions, the future of chronic pain diagnosis and treatment is becoming more personalized and precision based. More optimized and specific chronic pain diagnoses can help avoid pooling together heterogenous conditions.
  • 108
  • 29 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Continuous Interscalene Brachial Plexus Blocks
Brachial plexus blocks at the interscalene level are frequently chosen by physicians and recommended by textbooks for providing regional anesthesia and analgesia to patients scheduled for shoulder surgery. Published data concerning interscalene single-injection or continuous brachial plexus blocks report good analgesic effects. The principle of interscalene catheters is to extend analgesia beyond the duration of the local anesthetic’s effect through continuous infusion, as opposed to a single injection. However, in addition to the recognized beneficial effects of interscalene blocks, whether administered as a single injection or through a catheter, there have been reports of consequences ranging from minor side effects to severe, life-threatening complications. 
  • 76
  • 17 Feb 2024
Topic Review
COVID-19 Pandemic Management of LMICs
The World Bank has historically classified countries according to their per capita gross national income (GNI) into three groups: high-income countries (or HICs), middle-income countries (or MICs), and low-income countries (or LICs). In 2020, LICs were 32, suffering high rates of illnesses and infections due to the lack of clean water, low sanitation levels, malnutrition, and the lack of access to quality medical care. Approximately 5 billion people lived in MICs, representing over 70% of the world population. There are a total of 105 MICs. Only 77 countries were classified by the World Bank as HICs. The management of the COVID-19 pandemic represents a challenging process, especially for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the serious economic and health resource problems it generates. 
  • 431
  • 10 Jan 2022
Topic Review
ECMO Management in Severely Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest Patients
Accidental hypothermia, defined as an unintentional drop of the body core temperature below 35 °C, is one of the causes of cardiocirculatory instability and reversible cardiac arrest. Currently, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) rewarming is recommended as a first-line treatment for hypothermic cardiac arrest patients. The aim of the ECLS rewarming is not only rapid normalization of core temperature but also maintenance of adequate organ perfusion. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a preferred technique due to its lower anticoagulation requirements and potential to prolong circulatory support. Although highly efficient, ECMO is acknowledged as an invasive treatment option, requiring experienced medical personnel and is associated with the risk of serious complications. 
  • 205
  • 08 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Electroencephalogram Features and Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorder
Postoperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common postoperative complication, particularly in older patients. Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, a non-invasive technique with a high spatial–temporal resolution, can accurately characterize the dynamic changes in brain function during the perioperative period. Current clinical studies have confirmed that the power density of alpha oscillation during general anesthesia decreased with age, which was considered to be associated with increased susceptibility to PND in the elderly.
  • 429
  • 24 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Endocrine Challenges with Continuous-Flow LVADs
Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality worldwide. Advancement of mechanical circulatory support technology has led to the use of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), reducing hospitalizations, and improving quality of life and outcomes in advanced HF. Recent studies have highlighted how metabolic and endocrine dysfunction may be a consequence of, or associated with, HF, and may represent a novel (still neglected) therapeutic target in the treatment of HF. On the other hand, it is not clear whether LVAD support, may impact the outcome by also improving organ perfusion as well as improving the neuro-hormonal state of the patients, reducing the endocrine dysfunction. Moreover, endocrine function is likely a major determinant of human homeostasis, and is a key issue in the recovery from critical illness. Care of the endocrine function may contribute to improving cardiac contractility, immune function, as well as infection control, and rehabilitation during and after a LVAD placement.
  • 627
  • 02 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Epidural Oxycodone for Acute Pain
Oxycodone is a feasible opioid for epidural analgesia. Pruritus and PONV may be reduced with epidural oxycodone compared to epidural morphine.  Epidural analgesia is commonly used in labour analgesia and in postoperative pain after major surgery. It is highly effective in severe acute pain, has minimal effects on fetus and newborn, may reduce postoperative complications, and enhance patient satisfaction. In epidural analgesia, low concentrations of local anaesthetics are combined with opioids. Two opioids, morphine and sufentanil, have been approved for epidural use, but there is an interest in evaluating other opioids as well. Oxycodone is one of the most commonly used opioids in acute pain management.
  • 354
  • 14 Jun 2022
Topic Review
General Anesthesia
Vertebral lumbar surgery can be performed under both general anesthesia (GA) and spinal anesthesia. A clear benefit from spinal anesthesia (SA) remains unproven.
  • 583
  • 20 Jan 2021
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