Anaesthesia Tutorial of the Week

This tutorial discusses the aetiology and diagnosis of acute kidney injury and describes the management of this from conservative to renal replacement therapy.Renal replacement therapy in critical care (194) - August 30, 2010

The fascia iliaca compartment block is a low-skill, inexpensive method to provide peri-operative analgesia for surgery on the thigh, hip joint and/or the femur.Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (193) - August 23, 2010

This tutorial covers the risk factors and pathophysiology of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents, and goes on to discuss prevention and management.Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents (192) - August 16, 2010

Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy is a rare but occasionally fatal disorder of late pregnancy. This tutorial discusses the pathophysiology, epidemiology and management of this condition and how prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment has greatly improved the prognosis for both mother and babyFatty Liver of Pregnancy (191) - August 9, 2010

190 Microbiology for anaesthetists part 1 – Pharmacology of antibacterial and antiviral drugs Microbiology for anaesthetists part 1 – Pharmacology of antibacterial and antiviral drugs (190) - August 2, 2010

In this tutorial we will cover the anaesthetic management of these patients in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative periods, the surgical and anaesthetic techniques specific to pituitary surgery and the complications which may arise.The hypothalamic-pituitary axis part 2 – Anaesthesia for pituitary surgery (189) - July 26, 2010

This tutorial will briefly review the pharmacology of Sevoflurane before discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using it to provide conscious sedation in patients and the methods that may be employed to do so.Conscious sedation with sevoflurane (188) - July 19, 2010

This tutorial reviews the assessment and peri-operative management of paediatric patients with asthma.Childhood asthma and anaesthesia (187) - July 12, 2010

This tutorial covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the pituitary gland and the common conditions that result from under or over secretion of pituitary hormones. Anaesthesia for pituitary surgery will be covered in Part 2The Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis part 1 – Anatomy & Physiology (186) - July 5, 2010

This tutorial explores the issues in providing anaesthesia for women who are pregnant and undergoing non-obstetric surgery. It covers some of the major differences in anaesthesia for pregnant women and how to provide safe care for both the mother and developing baby.Anaesthesia in pregnancy for non-obstetric surgery (185) - June 28, 2010

This tutorial discusses the general principles behind the composition and volume of fluid in the various compartments, along with the body’s regulatory mechanisms and a description of how fluid moves between compartments. Body Fluids – Part 1 (184) - June 21, 2010

The first of a two part series on cardiac output monitoring, this tutorial covers basic cardiac terminology, physiological concepts and the physical principles underlying ultrasound and echocardiography (ECHO).Cardiac output monitoring – part 1 (183) - June 14, 2010

This is the second part of the series on critical care microbiology and focuses on common organisms encountered in intensive care practice, in particular those which are common nosocomial pathogens and are problematic by virtue of resistance.Critical care microbiology 2 – microbiology challenges in critical care (182) - June 7, 2010

Post-dural puncture headache is unpleasant, may interfere with a new mothers ability to care for her newborn and is occasionally associated with more serious complications such as subdural haematoma. This tutorial explores the pathogenesis of the headache and effective strategies for its management.Post dural puncture headache (181) - June 1, 2010

High spinal is a dangerous complication of neuraxial anaesthesia and requires our vigilance for early diagnosis. Rapid supportive management is essential to minimise the clinical impact of high spinal block and ensure patient safety.High spinal anaesthesia (180) - May 24, 2010

This tutorial covers general aspects of hepatic drug metabolism with specific reference to drugs relevant to the anaesthetist.The role of the liver in drug metabolism (179) - May 17, 2010

This tutorial covers the anatomy and practical aspects of performing an ankle block. For those lucky enough to have access to an ultrasound, the sonoanatomy is also discussed.Ankle block. Landmark and ultrasound techniques (178) - May 10, 2010

MRI is the technique of choice for many neurological, cardiovascular, oncological and musculoskeletal conditions. This tutorial discusses the principles behind its use and implications for the anaesthetist.Understanding Magnetic Resonance Imaging (177) - May 3, 2010

This tutorial is aimed at educating the reader on the aetiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology and clinical features, and the anaesthetic management of a patient affected with malariaMalaria for the Anaesthetist (176) - April 26, 2010

Many psychiatric patients are prescribed long-term drug treatment, and the anaesthetist must be aware of potential interactions with anaesthetic agents. Anaesthesia and psychiatric drugs part 2 – Mood stabilisers and antipsychotics (175) - April 19, 2010

This tutorial briefly looks at the identification of both recipients and donors for transplant and their peri-operative anaesthetic management.Anaesthesia for renal transplantation (174) - April 12, 2010

This tutorial covers the physiology of excitable tissues, including how the resting membrane potential and action potentials are generatedExcitable tissue physiology (173) - March 8, 2010

This tutorial examines the common causes of trauma in pregnancy, the mechanisms of injury and strategies to most effectively manage the mother and unborn child.Trauma in pregnancy (172) - March 1, 2010

The history, physics and application of vapourisers for use with volatile anaesthetic agents.Vapourisation and vapourisers (171) - February 22, 2010

Timely recognition and prompt management of acutely unwell surgical patients can have a significant impact on their outcome. The following tutorial suggests a systematic approach to deal with this group of patients.Recognition and management of the acutely ill surgical patient (170) - February 15, 2010

A practical guide to intubating sick children for the adult anaesthetist or intensive care specialist.Intubation of sick children (169) - February 8, 2010

This tutorial is intended as a basic overview of antibiotics with particular reference to critical care practice. It is not intended to be exhaustive but to serve as a “meet the drugs” introduction to 16 common drugs or drug classes. It is the first of three tutorials on the topic of intensive care microbiology; the second focuses on the detailed use, indications and side-effects of these drugs and the third looks at common ICU infections and their treatment- “meet the bugs”.Antibiotics in Critical Care – An introduction (168) - February 1, 2010

Illustrated with a case history, this tutorial discusses the aetiology of foetal distress, intra-uterine resuscitation and resuscitation of the newborn.Resuscitation of the newborn (167) - January 25, 2010

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal disorder. Many drugs administered by anesthetists alter serotonin physiology. Hence it is important anesthetists remain cognisant of this disorder when administering relevant drugsSerotonin syndrome (166) - January 18, 2010

The axillary brachial plexus block is a popular nerve block for forearm, wrist and hand surgery. This article reviews the anatomy of the brachial plexus and looks at the various methods to perform the block using a landmark techniqe.Axillary brachial plexus blocks: Landmark techniques (165) - January 11, 2010