Because of the small number of studies (two) relevant to the subject and the high risk of bias of the selected studies, no reasonable conclusion can be drawn.

Background:The main advantages of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) include less post-operative pain, rapid recovery, less postoperative complications, shorter hospital stay and early discharge. Although pain intensity is less as compared to conventional thoracotomy but still patients experience upto moderate pain postoperatively. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and morphine sparing effect of intercostal nerve block in alleviating immediate post-operative pain in patients undergoing VATS.Materials and Methods:Sixty ASA I-III patients, aged between 16 to 60 years, undergoing mediastinal lymph node biopsy through VATS under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. The intercostal nerve block (ICNB group) received the block along with patient control intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with morphine, while control group received only PCIA with morphine for post-operative analgesia. Patients were followed for twenty four hours post operatively for intervention of post-operative pain in the recovery room and ward.Results:The pain was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) at 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours. There was a significant decrease in pain score and morphine consumption in ICNB group as compared to control group in first 6 hours postoperatively. There was no significant difference in pain scores and morphine consumption between the two groups after 6 hours.Conclusion:Patients receiving intercostal nerve block have better pain control and less morphine consumption as compared to those patients who did not receive intercostal nerve block in early (6 hours) post-operative period.

ProSeal versus Classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for positive pressure ventilation in adults undergoing elective surgery.

Identification of premature epidural catheter termination as a quality indicator and continuous quality improvement efforts later on proved to be a useful approach in reducing the incidence. The present audit also helped to quantify the improvement in the quality of care.

Even though ambulances are equipped with basic equipment, due to lack of trained staff, these ambulances only serve the mere purpose of transportation. There is a need to train ambulance staff and increase ambulance to staff ratio to improve prehospital AM and patient survival.

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IntroductionMask ventilation is one of the key components in the management of airway during general anaesthesia, particularly when laryngoscopy is challenging. Adequate mask ventilation provides anaesthesiologists a safe time in case of unanticipated or anticipated difficult airway situations. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of difficult bag-mask ventilation and intubation in patients having three or more predictors for difficult mask ventilation (DMV) in adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under anaesthesia. MethodsA total of 294 patients requiring endotracheal intubation for elective surgical procedure having three or more risk factors were evaluated for the presence of difficulty in bag-mask ventilation and intubation by the anaesthesiologist. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and a multivariable stepwise logistic regression model were performed to identify predictors of DMV. Crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were reported. ResultsIn this study, the average age of the patients was 53.59±13.32 years with a 2:1 male-to-female ratio. DMV and difficult intubation (DI) were observed in 31.6% and 3% of patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified history of snoring, BMI (>35 kg/m 2 ), presence of beard and Mallampati III or IV as independent predictors for DMV. Patients with multiple factors (≥3 factors) had a threefold (OR=2.57) increased risk of difficulty in mask ventilation and a nearly fivefold (OR=4.63) increased risk of difficulty with intubation. ConclusionIn our study, the incidence of DMV was observed in 93 (31.6%) patients and DI was found in 9 (3%) patients. A simple DMV risk score may help to predict DMV better, potentially improving safety during difficult airway management, decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with it.

Background: Patients coming for ambulatory surgeries are mostly healthy adults and asymptomatic anemia in these patients is rare. According to international standards, perioperative period is not an appropriate setting to screen and investigate the cause of asymptomatic anemia, but in third world countries where iron deficiency is rampant, it is generally required as per local hospitals policy to test hemoglobin levels prior to any surgery in order to prevent morbidity. The purpose of our study is to look at the prevalence of anemia in patient undergoing minor elective ambulatory surgeries. Method: This was a cross sectional observational study conducted at tertiary care unit, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 385 ASA-I (American Society of Anesthesiologist) and II patient's age ranged 18 -60 years, scheduled for day care surgical procedures were enrolled in the study. Results: Anemia was detected in 74 (19.2%) patients and its prevalence was found to be higher in females and in patients above 50 years of age. However, the presence of anemia did not have any influence on the perioperative outcomes or management. Conclusion: The routine preoperative hemoglobin testing does not have any effect on the perioperative outcomes in asymptomatic patients who are planned for elective day care surgeries.