Enhanced recovery after surgery in paediatrics: a review of the literature.

This review article explores the evidence surrounding the application of the ERAS concept in paediatric surgery and is co-authored by a member of the ERAS society currently driving its application in paediatrics. Whilst it seems likely the same bundle of care measures would be transferable to the adolescent population, the authors admit it remains to […]

Adequacy of Preoperative Resuscitation in Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy and Anesthetic Emergence.

This retrospective study has sought to explore the association between the preoperative serum bicarbonate level and anaesthetic emergence time in infants undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis. Pyloric stenosis, when left untreated, is associated with dehydration and a hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis which may be associated with reduced ventilatory drive and post- operative apnoeas.   […]

Pediatric Airway Management in COVID-19 Patients: Consensus Guidelines From the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia’s Pediatric Difficult Intubation Collaborative and the Canadian Pediatric Anesthesia Society.

Summary The recent and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant apprehension and strain on health care workers (HCWs) and the system. This is unsurprisingly exaggerated by the lack of evidence available to clinicians. This consensus guideline created by the Pediatric Difficult Intubation Collaborative (PeDI-C), provides practical and sensible recommendations on the anaesthetic management of the […]

Asleep or awake: is paediatric regional anaesthesia without general anaesthesia possible?

Editorial examining the original article: Zadrazil M, Opfermann P, Marhofer P, Westerlund AI, Haider T. Brachial plexus block with ultrasound guidance for upper-limb trauma surgery in children: a retrospective cohort study of 565 cases. Br J Anaesth. 2020;125(1):104-109.   Briefly discusses the background of paediatric regional anaesthesia being performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation which […]

Brachial plexus block with ultrasound guidance for upper-limb trauma surgery in children: a retrospective cohort study of 565 cases.

Population: This is a retrospective cohort study looking at children admitted with upper limb trauma to a major Austrian Trauma centre between March 2014 and October 2018. This encompassed 781 unilateral upper limb injuries – 565 deemed suitable for regional block. 35 anaesthetists performing the blocks.   Primary Outcome: Success rate of brachial plexus block […]

Emergency front of neck access in children: a new learning approach in a rabbit model.

What we already know: Emergency front of neck access (eFONA) is uncommon in infants and small children (<8 years) and there is a lack of consensus on the appropriate strategy. These situations are linked to poor survival.  The Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland’s guidelines for 1-8 year olds recommends percutaneous cricothyroidotomy […]