General Anaesthesia

This tutorial covers management of patients having surgical treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (compression of the neurovascular bundle of the upper limb at the level of the first rib)Thoracic Outlet Obstruction (286) – June 17, 2013

This is the second of a two part tutorial on cardiac arrhythmias. This tutorial will concentrate on the assessment and management of the ventricular rhythm disturbances. Peri-operative Cardiac Dysrhythmias – Part 2. Ventricular Dysrhythmias (285) – May 6, 2013

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening emergency. The aim of this article is to provide the anaesthetist with an overview of its physiology and management.Cardiac Tamponade (283) – March 18, 2013

This paper includes a discussion on the practical considerations and requirements for the delivery of GA for special care patients and explores the perioperative management strategies for this patient groupAnaesthesia for Special Care Dentistry (281) – February 18, 2013

A diagnosis of cancer in a child frequently results in anaesthetic input for diagnostic and treatment procedures. The anaesthetist forms a key part of the multidisciplinary team caring for the child with malignancy. Anaesthesia will be required at all stages of their care including diagnosis, treatment, tumour surveillance and pain management. Knowledge of the physiological effects of the malignant process and its treatment are vital for any anaesthetist involved in the care of such patients. Anaesthetic Considerations for Paediatric oncology (280) – February 11, 2013

This is the first of a two part tutorial on cardiac arrhythmias. It will cover the basics of ECG interpretation and summarise assessment and management of the common supra ventricular rhythm disturbances.Peri-operative Cardiac Arrhythmias – Part 1 (279) – February 4, 2013

This is the second of a two-part tutorial looks at the considerations and practicalities of anaesthetising patients with liver disease, the indications for liver transplantation and will briefly consider anaesthesia in the post liver transplant patientAnaesthesia and Liver Disease – Part 2 (272) – October 15, 2012

This tutorial covers the technique of high frequency ventilation. There is some overlap with ATOTW 261, High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation, although this tutorial discusses in-theatre anaesthetic techniques in addition to critical care ventilation.
High Frequency Jet Ventilation (271) – October 8, 2012

This is the first of a two-part tutorial looking at liver anatomy, function, acute and chronic failure and the physiological changes associated with liver disease. The second tutorial will then look at the considerations and practicalities of anaesthetising this patient group, the indications for liver transplantation and will briefly consider anaesthesia in the post liver transplant patient. Anaesthesia and Liver Disease – Part 1 (270) – September 3, 2012

  269 Anaesthesia, Sleep and Dyssomnias – Part 2Anaesthesia, Sleep and Dyssomnias – Part 2 (269) – August 27, 2012

Sleep is fundamental to health and wellbeing. Part one of this article looks at the normal physiology of sleep, the neurochemistry of sleep, and finally the effects of anaesthesia on sleep. Part two will be published next week and will discuss dyssomnias.Anaesthesia, Sleep and Dyssomnias – Part 1 (268) – August 20, 2012

Describes the anaesthetic and critical care management of patients with head injuries.Management of the Head Injured Patient (264) – July 9, 2012

Perioperative peripheral nerve injuries are a potentially catastrophic complication for surgical patients. This tutorial will identify causes of nerve injury and discuss prevention of this significant adverse outcome.Peripheral Nerve Injuries and Positioning for Anaesthesia (258) – May 7, 2012

Neurosurgical problems presenting during pregnancy, although rare require special anaesthetic considerations. This tutorial discusses the anaesthetic considerations for these cases.Neurosurgery and the Parturient (253) – March 5, 2012

This tutorial outlines the consensus algorithms for advanced cardiac life support with emphasis on the most recent recommendations as outlined by the Australian Resuscitation Council and New Zealand Resuscitation Council.Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest (252) – February 27, 2012

Part 1 of this tutorial series discussed the etiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia. This tutorial will discuss the treatment options for HIT and alternative anticoagulant therapy.Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia – part 2 (245) – December 19, 2011

In this follow on from ATOTW 223, the options for prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the surgical population will be reviewed and evidence based VTE prophylaxis guidelines will be examined. Thromboprophylaxis in special groups, such as pregnant women and patients with renal failure will also be considered.
Thromboprophylaxis – Part 2 (244) – December 12, 2011

Part 1 of this tutorial series will cover the etiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia. The second tutorial will discuss the treatment options for HIT and alternative anticoagulant therapy.Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia – part 1 (243) – December 5, 2011

Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome associated with poor health outcomes. This tutorial looks at assessment of frailty and its impact on anaesthetic conductFrailty in Anaesthesia (236) – August 15, 2011

Adjuvants are drugs that increase the efficacy or potency of other drugs when given concurrently. This tutorial aims to summarise some of the adjuvant agents that are in common use in neuraxial anaesthesia and analgesia.Neuraxial adjuvants (230) – July 4, 2011

This tutorial outlines the pathophysiology and describes basic anaesthetic management of patients with pulmonary hypertensionAnaesthesia for the Patient with Pulmonary Hypertension (228) – June 20, 2011

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in the peri-operative period, previously known as acute renal failure (ARF), is a common clinical complication, however its diagnosis is often delayed and it is frequently managed sub-optimally causing a significant effect on morbidity and mortality. Evidence shows that even small, transient rises in creatinine are associated with an increased risk of death. AKI needs prompt early diagnosis in order to prevent a decline in renal function.Peri-operative renal dysfunction (227) – June 13, 2011

This, the first of a two part series will review thrombogenesis, identification of high risk population groups and treatment of thrombosis. The second tutorial will cover up to date recommendations regarding preventative strategies.Thromboprophylaxis – part 1 (223) – May 16, 2011

A discussion of the effects and implications of smoking on anaesthesia.Smoking and Anaesthesia (221) – May 2, 2011

This tutorial will look at the background to CPET, its physiology, practicalities of performing the test and evidence supporting its use in pre-operative risk stratification. It will not cover direct interpretation of raw CPET data.Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (217) – March 14, 2011

Antibiotic prophylaxis can have a large impact on reducing surgical site infections. This tutorial explores the microbiological basis for prophylaxis and presents up to date evidence for its rational use.Microbiology for Anaesthetists part 2 – Surgical Prophylaxis (212) – February 7, 2011

Acute Coronary Syndrome places our patients at significant risk of perioperative myocardial infarction. This risk must be assessed thoroughly, anticipated and managed to prevent patient harm.Acute Coronary Syndromes (210) – January 24, 2011

Enhanced recovery is a combination of elements of care for elective surgery which aims to optimise pre-operative preparation for surgery, avoid iatrogenic problems, minimise the stress response to surgery, speed recovery and return to normal function. Enhanced recovery after surgery (204) – November 8, 2010

The use of day surgery is increasing worldwide. This tutorial discusses the background principles and gives an overview of day surgery from a paediatric perspective, including organisational issues.Anaesthesia for day case paediatric surgery (203) – November 1, 2010

The aim of this tutorial is to provide a basic recipe for carrying out an awake fibreoptic intubation, safely, in a patient whom you have assessed to have a predicted difficult airway.Awake fibreoptic intubation – the basics (201) – October 18, 2010