Evidence for the need for anaesthesia in the neonate

Neonates are both capable of experiencing pain and memory formation, albeit implicit memory. During surgical procedures, insufficient ablation of the stress response and possible implicit memory formation of intra-operative events might result in adverse early and long-term outcomes. Neonates deserve the same respect as adult patients. It is thus the responsibility of the anaesthetist to provide sufficient anaesthesia for neonates undergoing surgery. A critical approach in weighing the risks and benefits of exposing a neonate to anaesthesia is prudent, and truly elective surgery should be delayed.     

Operative technique for the oesophago-jejunostomy after gastrectomy for the cancer of the stomach

Author's described operative technique for the oesophagojejunostomy after gastrectomy for the cancer of the smonach. We are making antireflux termino-lateral oesophago-jejunostomy with antiperistaltic including proximal parts of the jejunum and distal parts of the duodenum, and with subcolic dextromesenterial propulsive latero-lateral duodeno-jejunostomy.     

Needs for special-care beds for the newborn in the Witwatersrand area

The requirements for different levels of neonatal care in the Witwatersrand area were estimated from a review of neonatal unit records of all infants born at Johannesburg Hospital during 1983 and 1984. When extrapolating these figures to the greater population of the Witwatersrand and referral areas, adjustments were made for the increased number of low-birth-weight and complicated deliveries at Johannesburg Hospital. Given the low-birth-weight rate of 8% for this population, it was calculated that 3.3 intermediate-care beds and 1.2 intensive-care beds were justified per 1,000 annual live births. A total of 25 beds for mechanical ventilation of neonates were required over this study period, approximately double the number available. Facilities for other population groups, who have higher rates for low birth weight, were even less adequate. For the country as a whole it is recognised that postneonatal mortality is a greater problem amenable to less costly intervention than neonatal mortality; nevertheless, existing facilities for neonatal care should be used more efficiently, and a co-ordinated regional service for all population groups in the area should be established.     

Rainy days for the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia

Members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) perceive the 47% rain rate has burdened its national meetings more than would be expected. We compared weather conditions on the first day of each national SPA meeting since 1987 with historical data using the day, month, and location of each meeting. Using a generalized estimating equations model, the odds ratio of rain comparing meeting and nonmeeting days was 2.63 (P value 0.006, 95% confidence interval 1.32-5.22). These results confirm a significantly higher frequency of rain at national SPA meetings than would be anticipated.     

A nomogram for the transfer factor for carbon monoxide in the lungs

A nomogram was designed to facilitate determination of the total lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide from experimental data as obtained by the single breath method using a Resparameter.     

住院化疗病人健康教育需求调查分析

为探讨癌症化疗病人的健康教育需求,采用自行设计的问卷调查表对１８６例住院化疗病人进行调查,结果显示,化疗病人的健康教育需求具有阶段性,个性化的特点,针对以上特点提出,对病人需采取形式多样的教育方式,开展阶段性,个性化的健康教育,同时注意对病人家属的指导。     

Thoracoscopy for the Diseases of the Mediastinum Including Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis

The majority of mediastinal structures and diseases can be approached thoracoscopically. Diagnostic procedures for anterior mediastinal masses, mediastinal cysts, and staging of lung cancer are well accepted. Small but increasing experience has been gained with posterior neurogenic tumors. Complete thymectomy for management of myasthenia gravis has been performed, but the efficacy of the procedure for this indication awaits longer-term results.