Anaesthesia Tutorial of the Week

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Depression is a common condition and many surgical patients will be taking medication for this. This tutorial discusses the pharmacology of antidepressants with particular reference to the potential interactions with anaesthesia.Anaesthesia & psychiatric drugs part 1 – antidepressants (164) - December 14, 2009

This tutorial presents some of the more common thyroid pathologies that may be encountered, reviews the anaesthetic management of thyroid surgery plus looks at some of the common postoperative complications.Anaesthesia for thyroid surgery (162) - November 30, 2009

In this tutorial a brief summary of anaesthesia for TURP is followed by a more detailed description of one of it's specific complications, TURP syndrome.Anaesthesia for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) (155) - October 12, 2009

This tutorial deals with the pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations and anaesthetic management of sickle cell disease in children.Sickle cell disease in children (153) - September 28, 2009

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasing in prevalence and poses a significant anaesthetic risk. This tutorial describes assessment and peri-operative management of patients with this condition.Obstructive sleep apnoea and anaesthesia (152) - September 21, 2009

Phaeochromocytoma is a rare but important tumour which produces great anaesthetic challenges. This tutorial discusses it's pathology, clinical features and diagnosis. Medical and anaesthetic management are also discussed.Phaeochromocytoma: Perioperative management (151) - September 14, 2009

How to avoid, recognise and manage intraoperative hypotension, and a review of the main causes.Intra-operative hypotension (148) - August 24, 2009

This tutorial covers: Pre-operative assessment for OLV Indications for and methods of providing OLV Physiological changes during OLV Troubleshooting problems encountered during OLVOne lung ventilation (145) - August 3, 2009

This tutorial discusses the indications for central venous access, looks at the relevant anatomy and explains the practical techniques involved in cannulation.Central Venous Access (138) - June 15, 2009

136 Major haemorrhage part 1 Management of major haemorrhage, initial response (136) - June 1, 2009

Download the pdf: 135 Ophthalmic anaesthesia – part 1 Anaesthesia For Ophthalmic Surgery Part 1 – Anatomy & Physiology – Regional Techniques Anaesthesia Tutorial of the Week 135 25th May 2009 Dr. Kim Chishti, Specialist Registrar – Torbay Hospital, UK Dr. Andrey Varvinskiy, Consultant -Torbay Hospital, UK Correspondence to kimchishti@hotmail.com Questions Before continuing, try to answer the following questions. The answers can [...]Ophthalmic Surgery Part 1 (135) - May 25, 2009

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an uncommon pharmacogenetic disorder of muscle induced by exposure to suxamethonium and all the volatile anaesthetic agents. This tutorial covers the pathophysiology, identification, management and investigation of MH.Malignant Hyperthermia (131) - April 27, 2009

  23RD MARCH 2009 Dr. Nicola Ross, Leeds General Infirmary, UK Dr. Sarah Marsh, Leeds General Infirmary, UK Correspondence to nickiross@mac.com   INTRODUCTION The neuromuscular disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases effecting skeletal muscle via abnormalities of the motor nerves, neuromuscular junction, cellular matrix, ion channels and metabolic derangements.  They are often grouped together in relation to anaesthesia due to common [...]Neuromuscular disorders and anaesthesia (126) - March 23, 2009

9th March 2009   Dr. Iain Wilson Royal Devon & Exeter hospital UK Contact: iainhwilson@mac.com   The WFSA has been working on information about pulse oximery and the following tutorial is part of the material.  Feedback would be very useful and should be sent to iain.wilson@rdeft.nhs.uk The first part of this tutorial (last week) can be found here PULSE OXIMETER QUIZ The causes of [...]Pulse Oximetry – part 2 (124) - March 9, 2009