SummaryThe failure rate and complications were studied prospectively in 367paediatric and adult patients who had received a thoracic or lumbar paravertebral block. The overall failure rate was 10.1 YO; adults 10.7%; children 6.2%. The frequency of complications were: hypotension: 4.6%; vascular puncture: 3.8%; pleural puncture: 1 . 1 %; pneumothorax: 0.5%. Since these results are similar to those found with alternative methods, e.g. epidural, intrapleural and intercostal blocks, paravertebral block can be recommended as an effective, safe technique for unilateral analgesia in both adults and children.

SummaryTwo hundred adult patients aged 16-65 years scheduled to undergo operation under general anaesthesia in a Day Bed Unit were assessed for anxiety at the time of booking and on the day of operation. The nature of previous anaesthetic experience was the prime determinant of the anxiety scores obtained at booking. The score at booking was the prime determinant of the score on the day of operation, with previous experience and type of operation as secondary independent factors. Patients scheduled to undergo oral surgery were particularly anxious. Nineteen percent of patients would have liked to have received something to relieve their anxiety.

Delays before discharge notes and typed summaries were received bv the two practices Weybridge practice (combined discharge notc and prescription Dover practice for drugs to be taken home) (separate discharge note)No of patients admitted to hospital 57 62

No abstract

SummaryA case is described of retropharyngeal haematoma due to spontaneous bleeding from the inferior thyroid artery and causing acute upper airway obstruction. Results of the haematological investigations were suggestive of underlying polycythaemia rubra Vera. The presentation andjndings in this case are discussed.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract