SummaryThe incidence of inguinal hernia is higher in premature infants, particularly in low birth weight neonates. This latter group may also incur increased postoperative respiratory complications and inpatient admissions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of general and spinal anaesthesia on postoperative respiratory morbidity and on the length of hospital stay in high-risk infants undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy. Forty patients, all high-risk infants who underwent unilateral or bilateral herniorrhaphies, were randomly assigned to receive general anaesthesia (n ¼ 20) or spinal anaesthesia (n ¼ 20). There was a significant difference in respiratory morbidity between the two groups, as well as a significant difference in the inpatient hospital stay. The present study suggests that spinal anaesthesia can be used safely for high-risk infants, preterm or formerly preterm, undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

With respect to both physiologic and clinical function, the PLMA and LTS are similar and either device can be used to establish a safe and effective airway in mechanically ventilated anesthetized adult patients.

This study compares the anti-emetic effect of acupuncture with that of ondansetron and a placebo. Ninety children undergoing dental treatment under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated to one of the three equal groups, to receive acupuncture needle insertion, intravenous ondansetron 0.15 mg x kg(-1) or a placebo. Parental satisfaction scores and the incidence of emetic episodes were recorded. A significant difference was found in the number of patients who vomited and the total number of the emetic episodes when comparing the two treatment groups with the placebo group (p < 0.0001). A significant difference was also found between the treatment groups and the placebo group with respect to parental satisfaction score (p < 0.03). We conclude that traditional Chinese acupuncture is a valid non-pharmacological alternative anti-emetic treatment that can be recommended as a prophylactic technique in children undergoing dental surgery under general anaesthesia.

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