Abstract Even though practices do differ geographically, general anaesthesia often involves some mode of mechanical ventilation different from normal spontaneous ventilation. This chapter will focus on the differences between these…
Abstract Liver surgery can be remarkably safe: a zero mortality rate has been achieved with liver resections when patients are properly selected and with meticulous perioperative care [1]. In order…
Abstract In Europe, approximately 30% of surgeries are performed in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities and up to 42% of intraoperative complications are cardiac related [4]. Often, the anaesthesiologist needs to…
Abstract Normal kidney function is essential to maintain whole body homeostasis. An acute decline in kidney function, ‘acute kidney injury’ (AKI), is in and by itself a major cause of…
Abstract Respiratory depression is a common and unwanted side-effect of anaesthetics, sedatives and analgesics. It has been known since the end of the 18th century that anaesthesia has pronounced effects…
Abstract Surgical anaesthesia usually requires hypnosis, antinociception (ensuring blood pressure and heart rate control) and immobility with varying degrees of muscle relaxation. However, the relative contribution of these three components…
Abstract The ageing population in Western countries combined with advances in anaesthetic management and surgical techniques results in a growing number of frail patients presenting for surgery in the last…
Abstract Surgery and anaesthesia alter the function of the brain and its control mechanisms. In the operating room, we daily observe the effects of anaesthetic agents during induction and recovery…
Abstract The practice of medicine often requires procedures that cause pain and anxiety. With the advent of modern anaesthesia these procedures have become commonplace and tolerable. Procedures with the greatest…
Abstract Conscious patients undergoing regional anaesthesia are able to interact with caregivers and indicate when they are feeling pain and/or anxiety during surgery. Unconscious patients on the other hand, not…
