Management of the collapsed pregnant patient Maternal collapse (57) - June 4, 2007

Carotid surgery poses unique problems for the anaesthetist. This tutorial describes both general and local anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy, complications to be aware of and up to date evidence for best practiceAnaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy (56) - June 2, 2007

Anaesthesia for tonsillectomyAnaesthesia for tonsillectomy (51) - April 2, 2007

This tutorial discusses the pharmacology of local anaesthetic agents.Pharmacology for regional anaesthesia (49) - March 26, 2007

Many aspects of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics differ between the adult and paediatric population. Failure to appreciate these differences can result in preventable serious morbidity or even mortality. This tutorial discusses specific pharmacology relevant to paediatric anaesthesia.Paediatric pharmacology (48) - March 23, 2007

This series of tutorials is adapted from Dr J. Hyndman's handbook or regional anaesthesia, written for anaesthesia practitioners in resource poor areas. This tutorial deals with the advantages, disadvantages and contra-indications to regional anaesthesia.Introduction to regional anaesthesia (47) - March 12, 2007

This tutorial outlines the anaesthetic and critical care management of head injuries. Management of head injuries (46) - March 12, 2007

This tutorial discusses the anaesthetic considerations when dealing with a patient with Parkinson's disease.Parkinson’s disease (45) - February 1, 2007

The technique of sub-Tenon’s anaesthesia, using a blunt needle, provides a safe yet reliable alternative, and in the UK has rapidly become the procedure of choice for ophthalmic anaesthetists and surgeons alike. This tutorial explains the procedure along with photographic illustrations.Sub-Tenon’s anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery (42) - January 7, 2007

Obstetric haemorrhage is often sudden, unexpected and may be associated with coagulopathy. Early recognition and treatment are essential to ensure the best outcome.Management of obstetric haemorrhage (41) - January 1, 2007

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an alternative to mechanical ventilation for patients with respiratory failure. The equipment, indications for use, advantages and disadvantages are discussed in this tutorial.Non-invasive ventilation in intensive care (40) - December 28, 2006

Case based discussion around safety in anaesthetic recovery.Safe recovery from anaesthesia (39) - December 24, 2006

A review of the pathophysiology and management of anaphylaxisAnaphylaxis (38) - December 1, 2006

To be read along with ATOTW 36, this describes the factors which affect spread of local anaesthetic within the CSF.Spinal anaesthetic spread (37) - November 28, 2006

The greatest challenge in spinal anaesthesia is to control the spread of local anaesthetic through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to provide a block which is adequate for the proposed surgery without unnecessary extensive spread, and increased risk of complications. This tutorial will cover the assessment of spinal anaesthetic block.Assessment of spinal anaesthetic spread (36) - November 1, 2006

Discusses the pathophysiology, aeitiology and management of ARDS.Acute respiratory distress syndrome – ARDS (35) - October 15, 2006

This covers the multisystem disorder diabetes mellitus along with anaesthetic considerations. Anaesthesia and diabetes (34) - October 1, 2006

Ageing is a progressive physiological process that is characterised by degeneration of organ systems and tissues with consequent loss of functional reserve of these systems. This tutorial discusses this from the anaesthetist's point of view.The anatomy & physiology of ageing (33) - September 15, 2006

This tutorial should be read in conjunction with the basic science tutorial on anatomy and physiology of ageing. This article will focus on the more clinical aspects relevant to the conduct of anaesthesia in the elderly patient.Anaesthesia and the elderly (32) - September 1, 2006

Changes in coagulation affect the mode of delivery and the approach to analgesia and anaesthesia in patients with hypocoagulable disorders. This tutorial covers the pathophysiology and management of coagulation disorders in pregnancy.Coagulation disorders in pregnancy (31) - August 24, 2006

Disorders of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) are amongst the most common metabolic abnormalities seen by anaesthetists. This tutorial discusses the basic science behind them along with their clinical management.Sodium, potassium and the anaesthetist (30) - August 1, 2006

This tutorial reviews the assessment and management of patients with valvular heart disease.Valvular heart disease (29) - July 24, 2006

This tutorial discusses the anaesthetic implications of hypertension and its managementHypertension in anaesthesia (28) - July 1, 2006

Ketamine is the only anaesthetic available which has analgesic (pain relieving), hypnotic (sleep producing) and amnesic (short term memory loss) effects. When used correctly it is a very useful and versatile drug.Ketamine in anaesthetic practice (27) - June 15, 2006

This tutorial follows on from ATOTW number 20 "physiology of the neuromuscular junction" to discuss the pharmacology of neuromuscular blocking drugs.Pharmacology of neuromuscular blocking drugs and anti-cholinesterases (26) - June 1, 2006

Pregnancy causes major physiological changes to the mother’s body. An understanding of these changes is the key to safe obstetric anaesthesia. The causes of these changes are initially hormonal; metabolic and mechanical factors also contribute as the fetus develops.Anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy (25) - May 25, 2006

This tutorial discusses the pre-operative assessment and conduct of anaesthesia in epileptic patients. Epilepsy and anaesthesia (24) - May 1, 2006

Perioperative pain in children has been repeatedly reported as being inadequately treated. This tutorial discusses the pharmacology of common analgesics and their rational perioperative use.Perioperative analgesic pharmacology in children (23) - April 22, 2006

Part 2 of this series on sepsis discusses some of the specific management issues recommended by the surviving sepsis campaignManagement of sepsis – part 2 (22) - March 15, 2006

Obesity is a multisystem disease affecting all organs, there are a number of implications relevant to the conduct of anaesthesia which are discussed in this tutorial.Obesity and anaesthesia (21) - March 1, 2006