This early experience seems to indicate that laparoscopic surgery for colorectal carcinoma does not per se compromise surgical oncologic principles and encourages us to continue our critical appraisal of this technique.

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Introduction:Proper airway control in trauma patients who have sustained cervical spine fracture remains controversial.Purpose:This study was undertaken to survey the preferred methods of airway management in cervical spine fracture (CSF) patients, to evaluate the experience of handling such patients at a level-I trauma center, and to contrast the findings with recommendations of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.Hypothesis:The methods used for control of the airway in patients with fractures of their cervical spine support the recommendation of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma.Methods:The study consisted of two parts: 1) a survey; and 2) a retrospective study. Survey questionnaires were sent to 199 members of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma and to 161 anesthesiology training programs throughout the United States. Three resuscitation scenarios were posed: 1) Elective airway—CSF—breathing spontaneously, stable vital signs; 2) Urgent airway—CSF—breathing spontaneously, unstable vital signs; and 3) Emergent airway—CSF—apneic, unstable. In addition, a three-year retrospective study was conducted at a level-I trauma center to determine the method of airway control in patients with cervical spine fractures.Results:Responses to the questionnaires were received from 101 trauma surgeons (TS) and 58 anesthesiologists (ANESTH). Respondents indicated their preference of airway methods: Elective airway: Nasotracheal intubation: TS 69%, ANESTH 53%. Orotracheal intubation: TS and ANESTH 27%. Surgical airway: TS 4%. Intubation with fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB): ANESTH 20%. Urgent airway: Nasotracheal intubation: TS 48%, ANESTH 38%. Orotracheal intubation: TS 47%, ANESTH 45%. Surgical airway: TS 4%. FOB: ANESTH 16%. Emergent airway: Orotracheal intubation: TS 81 %, ANESTH 78%. Surgical Airway: TS 19%, ANESTH 7%. FOB: ANESTH 15%.The retrospective review at the trauma center indicated that 102 patients with CSF were admitted; 62 required intubation: four (6%) on the scene, seven (11%) en route, five (8%) in the emergency department, 42 (67%) in the operating room, and four (6%) on the general surgery floor. Airway control methods used were nasotracheal: 14 (22%); orotracheal: 27 (43%); FOB: 17 (27%); tracheostomy: one (2%); unknown: three (4%). No progression of the neurological status resulted from intubation.Conclusion:The choice of airway control in the trauma patient with CSF differs between anesthesiologists and surgeons. However, the method selected does not have an adverse affect on neurological status as long as in-line stabilization is maintained. The methods available are safe, effective, and acceptable. The recommendations of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma for airway control with suspected cervical spine injury are useful. The technique utilized is dependent upon the judgment and experience of the intubator.

A 14-year-old giant panda presented with unilateral scrotal swelling. Palpation and conscious ultrasound were suggestive of testicular neoplasia. Anaesthesia was required to obtain radiographs and MRI. Immobilisation was achieved with ketamine and medetomidine, and anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen. Tumours were discovered in both testes and castration was performed. before surgery buprenorphine was administered by slow intravenous injection. Apnoea occurred after approximately 10 mcg/kg had been injected so administration was discontinued. Manual ventilation was required for the majority of the general anaesthetic duration. Spontaneous ventilation returned shortly before transfer to the recovery area. Intramuscular atipamezole administration did not induce a normal recovery; the panda remained profoundly sedated. Further atipamezole had no effect. Due to the apnoea associated with buprenorphine administration during general anaesthesia naltrexone was administered resulting in the panda standing within 5 min post injection.