Obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia

This chapter discusses the anaesthetic management of the pregnant patient, for labour analgesia as well as surgical intervention. It begins with a description of the physiological and pharmacological changes of pregnancy. It describes methods of labour analgesia, including remifentanil, and epidural analgesia and its complications, such as post dural puncture headache (PDPH). It describes anaesthesia for Caesarean section (both regional and general); failed intubation; antacid prophylaxis; postoperative analgesia; retained placenta; in utero fetal death; hypertensive disease of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and the hypertension, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome); massive obstetric haemorrhage; placenta praevia and morbidly adherent placenta (placenta accreta, increta and percreta); amniotic fluid embolism (AFE); maternal sepsis, and maternal resuscitation. It discusses comorbidity in pregnancy such as obesity and cardiac disease, and the patient who requires non-obstetric surgery while pregnant. It provides information on safe prescribing in pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Anaesthetic emergencies

This chapter discusses anaesthetic emergencies. It begins with a description of adult basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). It goes on to describe post resuscitation care; severe bradycardia; tachycardia; severe hypo- or hypertension; severe hypoxia; laryngospasm; air/ gas embolism; gastric aspiration; severe bronchospasm; pulmonary oedema; anaphylaxis; latex allergy; intra-arterial injection; incomplete reversal of neuromuscular blockade; local anaesthetic toxicity; failed intubation; the can’t-intubate-can’t-oxygenate (CICO) scenario and malignant hyperthermia (MH).

Direct Laryngoscopy or Video Laryngoscopy: Which Is Better for Performing Endotracheal Intubation?

Background: Endotracheal intubation is known as the best and challenging procedure to airway control for patients in shock or with unprotected airways. Failed intubation can have serious consequences and lead to high morbidity and mortality of the patients. Videolaryngoscope is a new device that contains a miniaturized camera at the blade tip to visualize the glottis indirectly. Fewer failed intubations have occurred when a videolaryngoscope was used. Other types of videolaryngoscopes were then developed; all have been shown to improve the view of the vocal cords. It may be inferred that for the professional group, including emergency physicians, paramedics, or emergency nurses, video laryngoscopy may be a good alternative to direct laryngoscopy for intubation under difficult conditions. The incidence of complications was not significantly different between the C-MAC 20% versus direct laryngoscopy 13%. The main goal of this review was to compare the direct laryngoscopy with the (indirect) video laryngoscopy in terms of increased first success rate and good vision of the larynx to find a smooth induction of endotracheal intubation. Methods: Currently available evidence on MEDLINE, PubMed, Google scholar and Cochrane Evidence Based Medicine Reviews, in addition to the citation reviews by manual search of new anesthesia and surgical journals related to laryngoscopies and tracheal intubation. Results: This review of recent studies showed that the laryngoscopic device design would result in smooth approach of endotracheal intubation by means of good visualization of glottis and the best success rates in the hands of both the experienced and novice. Video laryngoscopes may improve safety by avoiding many unnecessary attempts when performing tracheal intubation with DL compared to VL as well as easy learning of both direct and indirect laryngoscopy. Conclusion: The comparative studies of different video laryngoscopes showed that DL compared with VL, reveal that video laryngoscopes reduced failed intubation in anticipated difficult airways, improve a good laryngeal view and found that there were fewer failed intubations using a videolaryngoscope when the intubator had equivalent experience with both devices, but not with DL alone. And therefore, knowledge about ETI and their skills, are crucial in increasing the rate of survival.

Fifteen-minute consultation: Airway management in the acutely unwell child requiring intubation for the general paediatrician

Emergency endotracheal intubation is a high risk procedure in acutely unwell children and is commonly jointly managed by paediatricians and anaesthetists. This article aims to develop a shared understanding of the practicalities and language around the risk factors for difficult intubation and management of failed intubation, including the approach to situations where you cannot intubate and or cannot ventilate, to improve communication and team working between these dynamic interdisciplinary teams.

Fifteen-minute consultation: Intubation of the critically ill child presenting to the emergency department

Intubation of critically ill children presenting to the emergency department is a high-risk procedure. Our article aims to offer a step-by-step guide as to how to plan and execute a rapid, successful intubation in a way that minimises risk of adverse events and patient harm. We address considerations such as the need for adequate resuscitation before intubation and selection of equipment and personnel. We also discuss drug choice for induction and peri-intubation instability, difficult airway considerations as well as postintubation care. Focus is also given on the value of preintubation checklists, both in terms of equipment selection and in the context of staff role designation and intubation plan clarity. Finally, in cases of failed intubation, we recommend the application of the Vortex approach, highlighting, thus, the importance of avoiding task fixation and maintaining our focus on what matters most: adequate oxygenation.

UNANTICIPATED DIFFICULT AIRWAY MANAGEMENT IN A TRAUMA PATIENT WITH SEVERE ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic debilitating arthropathy affecting multiple joints in the body. Airway implications related to the disease pose a signicant challenge to the anaesthesiologists especially when an unanticipated difcult airway is encountered. A case of 42 year old trauma victim who needed an emergency denitive airway at ward set up, is reported here. Failed intubation due to complex airway anatomy associated with ankylosing spondylitis ensued him being ended up with an emergency surgical tracheostomy. Appropriate use of newer airway adjuncts and workplace soft skills contributed to successful management of an unanticipated difcult airway.

Difficult and Failed Tracheal Intubation in Obstetrics: A Seven-year Review in a Saudi Maternity Hospital

Background: Airway difficulty is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity during caesarean section (CS) under general anaesthesia. Though general anaesthesia is safe, the changes associated with pregnancy make securing airway more difficult. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern and factors associated with airway difficulty in the parturient in the region. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study of parturients who suffered airway difficulty during caesarean section under general anaesthesia over seven-year period. Their medical records were reviewed and data collected included total CS done under general anaesthesia, age, weight, nature of airway difficulty, coexisting diseases, and timing of surgery, outcomes and Apgar scores. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23 for Windows®. Results: General anaesthesia was used in 51.3% of 10,275 CS with 42 documented as “difficult airway” giving 0.8% incidence and incidence ratio of 1:125. Failed intubation was recorded in 58% while difficult intubation was 42% of those with difficult airway. Among these, the CS was in 55% of cases “emergent”. The mean age was 33.32±5.96 years. The weight ranged from 60 to 163kg. Over 58% weighed more than 90kg. In 50% of cases, the airway was rescued with LMA and in 50%, reintubation succeeded. Outcome was good for mother and fetus in all cases. Conclusion: Obstetric airway difficulty remains a valid concern. Effort should be made to use regional anaesthesia to reduce the risk. High awareness and preparation during obstetric general anaesthesia are recommended.