Insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheter

These are quick quick laparoscopic procedures in patients with renal failure. Usually day-case procedures Pre-op Aetiology of renal failure Check recent electrolytes Paracetamol Peri-op 18G cannula sited with 1% lidocaine Propofol/remifentanil TIVA Atracurium ETT Dexamethasone 6.6mg Fentanyl 100mcg Local anaesthetic to port sites Consider VBG at the end to check K+ Reversal if required Post-opContinue reading “Insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheter”

Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Battery Change

Short cases that can usually be done on the trolley. These patients usually have epilepsy, so it is worth exploring in the pre-op visit. The battery tends to be located in the same place you would find an ICD. Pre-op Ensure usual anti-epileptics have been taken Epilepsy history – e.g. types of seizure, frequency, self-terminatingContinue reading “Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Battery Change”

Shoulder surgery

These cases have a distant airway (feet closest to machine), and are generally sat up in a “beach chair” position. As a result, the main concerns surround loss of airway and cerebral hypoperfusion. They are often intubated. Pre-op Counsel about nerve block, emphasising the need to take analgesia before the block wears off Peri-op 20GContinue reading “Shoulder surgery”

Cardioversion (DCCV)

The procedure itself is very short, but intensely stimulating. Perfect for short acting drugs. Awareness and recall are common, reflecting deep sedation more than true general anaesthesia. Pre-op Usually a day case Check they have been correctly anticoagulated- minimum of preceding 3 weeks May have significant cardiovascular, respiratory disease. Also obesity, diabetes, OSA Check pre-opContinue reading “Cardioversion (DCCV)”

Renal Transplant

There’s an apocryphal tale about an inadequately relaxed patient “coughing” out their perilously perched transplant kidney at a key moment. As a result, the surgeons ask every few minutes whether we are “happy with the relaxation”. Pre-op Label fistula arm Establish “dry weight” and current weight Date of last dialysis Native urine output Co-morbidities –Continue reading “Renal Transplant”

Day case “hot” lap chole

For the fit and well patient Pre-op Paracetamol Intra-op Propofol – Marsh TCI Remifentanil – Minto TCI Remi on first building up to 6ng/ml, wait two minutes, then propofol 6mcg/ml Atracurium 16G cannula COETT Depth of anaesthesia monitoring 350mcg fentanyl throughout case Post-op Fentanyl 0-200mcg in recovery Regular paracetamol Regular ibuprofen Tramadol or codeine AlternativesContinue reading “Day case “hot” lap chole”