Comparison of face-to-face tracheal intubation and conventional head-end tracheal intubation using Airtraq™ video-laryngoscope in adults - A randomised study.

Background and Aims: Tracheal intubation can be difficult in certain scenarios where the head-end of the patient is not accessible as in entrapped casualties. A face-to-face technique using a video-laryngoscope can prove to be useful in such scenarios. However, the two positions of tracheal intubation namely, face-to-face and head-end, using video-laryngoscope have never been compared in patients. Material and Methods: Fifty patients of either sex, between 18 and 60 years, ASA class I/II, MPC I/II, scheduled to undergo surgical operations requiring general anesthesia with tracheal intubation were randomly allocated to either Group F (face-to-face intubation) or Group H (head-end intubation). Intubation was performed using Airtraq™ video-laryngoscope in both groups. Time taken for successful intubation, device insertion time, glottic view as per Cormack and Lehane (CL) grade, ease, attempts, the incidence of failed intubation, and hemodynamic parameters were noted. Results: The time taken for successful intubation in Group F was significantly longer than in Group H (38.09 ± 19.45 s vs. 19.32 ± 9.86 s, respectively; P < 0.001). Three cases of failed intubation were noted in Group F compared to none in Group H (P = 0.235). Glottic view, ease, attempts, and hemodynamic parameters were comparable among the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The time taken for successful tracheal intubation was longer in face-to-face technique than in head-end technique in patients with the normal airway. However, both techniques were similar in terms of glottic view, ease of intubation and number of intubation attempts, the incidence of failed intubation, and hemodynamic changes. Therefore, face-to-face tracheal intubation is a good alternative to secure the airway when the head-end is not accessible.

Counting Polar Symptoms: How to Represent Results?

BACKGROUND: Polar symptoms (PS)-symptoms with opposite values-are frequently used in homeopathy, but have many misleading entries in the repertory. This is caused by using absolute occurrence of symptoms, causing the same medicine to appear in both (opposite) symptom rubrics, and by lack of comparison with other medicines. Some PS, like 'aversion/desire for sweets' have a frequency distribution that is not evenly distributed around the neutral value: a desire for sweets is much more common than aversion. A desire for sweets is an indication for a specific medicine only if this desire occurs more frequently in this specific medicine population than in the remainder of the population. We need to find the best way to represent this difference. METHODS: A multi-centre, explorative, prospective, observational study was conducted by nine centres of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Two-hundred and sixteen patients were enrolled with chronic cough lasting more than 8 weeks, and received usual homeopathic care. During intake, 30 general PS, 27 polar cough symptoms and 3 non-polar cough symptoms were checked. Different ways of representing results were explored, including two quantities borrowed from mechanics: Centre of Mass (CoM) and Leverage. RESULTS: At the fourth follow-up, three medicines with more than 10 cases with good results were identified: 20 Phosphorus, 19 Pulsatilla and 13 Sulphur. The mean value of the frequency distribution of some symptoms in the whole sample was considerably different from the neutral value. Comparing a medicine population with the remainder of the respective population can give results that differ from polarity analysis. For some symptoms, the 'distance' (Leverage) between the CoMs of the medicine population and the remainder of the population was clearer than the likelihood ratio (LR). CONCLUSION: If the LR value is not clear about the prognostic value in PS, notions from mechanics such as CoM and Leverage can clarify how to interpret a polar symptom.

Fentanyl versus nalbuphine for intubating conditions during awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy: A randomized double-blind comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patient cooperation, sedation, anxiolysis, and topicalization are important prerequisites for the successful and safe conduct of awake intubation. Because of the pharmacological properties, opioids can facilitate this process. Fentanyl is an opioid agonist and nalbuphine is an agonist-antagonist. This study aims to compare these two opioids for their effect on sedation and intubating conditions during awake fiberoptic intubation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized double-blind controlled study was conducted on 62 ASA I/II patients of either sex between the age of 20 and 60 years, weight between 40 and 80 kg, with MP class I/II airways requiring general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. All patients received standard airway topicalization and nebulization. Patients were randomly allocated to one of the two groups according to a computer-generated random number table. Group F (n = 31) received fentanyl 2 µg/kg i.v. and group N (n = 31) received nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg i.v. over 10 min before intubation. Fiberoptic intubation was attempted and lignocaine spray and propofol boluses were administered as and when required. Hemodynamic responses and intubating conditions were recorded. Repeated measure ANOVA, McNemar test, and Chi-square test or Fischer's exact test were used for data analysis. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Cough score (P = 0.458), post-intubation score (P = 1.000), and sedation score (P = 1.000) were comparable among the two groups. Hemodynamic responses and propofol and lignocaine requirements were also comparable. CONCLUSION: Both fentanyl and nalbuphine provide comparable intubating conditions when used before awake fiberoptic intubation with minimal adverse effects on hemodynamic profile.

Comparison of nalbuphine versus fentanyl as intrathecal adjuvant to bupivacaine for orthopedic surgeries: A randomized controlled double-blind trial.

Background and Aims: Intrathecal adjuvants are used with local anesthetics to prolong the duration and provide postoperative pain relief while minimizing the dose of local anesthetic. Nalbuphine is an agonist-antagonist opioid and provides prolonged duration of analgesia with fewer side effects of fentanyl such as pruritus, nausea, and vomiting. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, hemodynamic effects, duration of postoperative analgesia, and adverse effects of nalbuphine and fentanyl given intrathecally with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine in orthopedic lower limb surgeries. Material and Methods: Sixty six patients classified in American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classes I and II scheduled for orthopedic lower limb surgeries were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to receive 15 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine with either 1 mg nalbuphine (group N), 25 µg fentanyl (group F) or 0.9% normal saline (group C) intrathecally. Results: Patients who received intrathecal nalbuphine (group N) had a significantly delayed onset of sensory and motor block as compared to patients who received fentanyl (group F). The time to two segment regression was significantly prolonged in group F (122.05 ± 10.65 minutes) as compared to group N (114.55 ± 10.90 minutes) [P < 0.05]. The mean duration of motor blockade was significantly prolonged in group F (197.73 ± 15.09 minutes) as compared to group N (180.68 ± 15.68 minutes) [P < 0.05]. Duration of spinal analgesia was comparable in group N (323.18 ± 57.39 minutes) and group F (287.05 ± 78.87 minutes), both significantly more than group C (224.32 ± 42.54 minutes). Hemodynamic effects, 24-h rescue analgesic requirements, and incidence of side effects were comparable among group N and F. Conclusion: Intrathecal nalbuphine in a dose of 1 mg is an equally useful alternative to fentanyl in a dose 25 µg when used as an intrathecal adjuvant to bupivacaine for lower limb surgeries. The prolonged duration of analgesia and no adverse effects makes it a good choice for the orthopedic procedures of lower limb.

Efficacy of caudal fentanyl and ketamine on post-operative pain and neuroendocrine stress response in children undergoing infraumbilical and perineal surgery: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is well-known that neuroendocrine stress response (NESR) occurs in children and it can be modified by caudal block. However, there is paucity of literature comparing caudal fentanyl and ketamine on NESR. The present study was aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of these caudal adjuvants and their effect on (NESR) in children undergoing infraumbilical and perineal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 children undergoing infraumbilical surgery were included in this randomized, double-blind study. Three groups of 20 each were assigned to receive caudal block with bupivacaine 0.25% 1 ml/kg along with either 0.9% normal saline (Group I) 1 µg/kg fentanyl (Group II) or 0.5 mg/kg ketamine (Group III). Modified visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for assessment of post-operative pain, and stress response was assessed by blood glucose, serum cortisol and insulin levels at various time intervals. RESULTS: VAS scores were significantly lower in the ketamine group at all-time intervals upto 4 h (P < 0.05). Patients in ketamine group required rescue analgesia significantly later (8.23 h) when compared to fentanyl (5.95 h) and bupivacaine group (4.10 h). Caudal block led to significant decrease in cortisol and insulin levels within the groups however this significance was not achieved between groups. CONCLUSION: Caudal ketamine in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg provides prolonged analgesia when compared to fentanyl 1 µg/kg. Blunting of the NESR was observed in all the groups though the indicators of the response were lowest with ketamine.

Detection of comorbid illnesses during pre-anaesthesia evaluation in a university teaching hospital: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Consultation for surgery and anaesthesia is often the first point of contact with a healthcare provider for a majority of patients in developing countries. In India, where patients have poor access to healthcare, they are likely to present with uncontrolled/untreated/undetected coexisting diseases. However, there is little published literature on this aspect. We hypothesized that many of our patients will present to our pre-anaesthesia evaluation clinic (PAC) with undetected comorbid illnesses and will require proper assessment, treatment and optimization before surgery. Thus, we aimed to assess the frequency and type of comorbid illnesses in patients attending the pre-anaesthesia clinic for elective surgery. METHODS: We did a prospective observational study on all patients evaluated in the PAC of our university teaching hospital over a 3-month period to assess the frequency and type of comorbid illnesses. The data recorded included demographic profile and presence of coexisting illness and was classified as preexisting or newly diagnosed at the time of the visit to the PAC. The data were then tabulated and analysed statistically using SPSS software version 14.0. The frequency and percentage of occurrence for each comorbid illness was determined. RESULTS: Of 3973 patients, 242 (6%) had 304 comorbid illnesses (135 cardiac, 54 endocrine, 15 respiratory, 12 others). Of these 88 (29%) were newly detected comorbid conditions (69 cardiac, 9 endocrine, 9 respiratory, 1 others). The most frequent comorbid illness both pre-existing and newly diagnosed were cardiac. Hypertension was the commonest problem in our study population (168 patients). CONCLUSION: We confirmed that a PAC can detect hitherto undetected comorbid illnesses which are likely to impact the perioperative process.

Is midazolam superior to triclofos and hydroxyzine as premedicant in children?

BACKGROUND: Search for an ideal premedicant drug for children is still on. A prospective, randomized trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of midazolam, triclofos and hydroxyzine as premedication in children undergoing lower abdominal surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II patients 2-8 years of age, scheduled for elective lower abdominal surgery were included. The patients were randomly divided into three groups M, T and H of 20 children each who received midazolam 0.5 mg/kg, triclofos 75 mg/kg and hydroxyzine 0.5 mg/kg respectively, orally 60 min before surgery. The acceptability of drugs, level of sedation, anxiety during separation and on mask application was assessed. RESULTS: The acceptability of midazolam and hydroxyzine was better than triclofos. Hydroxyzine was found to have lesser sedative effect as compared to both midazolam and triclofos. No major adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Midazolam was found to be a better premedicant in terms of sedation, anxiolysis and safety.

Comparison of Nalbuphine Versus Clonidine as an Adjuvant to Intrathecal Hyperbaric Bupivacaine in Orthopedic Lower Limb Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Nalbuphine and clonidine are used as adjuvants to intrathecal local anesthetics, but studies on their comparative efficacy have shown inconsistent results. This study aimed to compare nalbuphine, clonidine, or normal saline as adjuvants to intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine in orthopedic lower limb surgeries.  Method: Sixty-three American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I/II patients between 18 and 60 years old with lower limb fractures were randomized into three groups (n=21 each). Patients with contraindications to spinal block, bilateral lower limb fractures, or long-term opioid therapy were excluded. The subarachnoid block was given in L3-L4 interspace. Group N received 1 mg of nalbuphine, group Cl received 30 mcg of clonidine, and group C received 0.5 ml of normal saline with 15 mg (0.5%) of hyperbaric bupivacaine. Sensory and motor block characteristics, hemodynamic variables and side effects were noted, and the data were analyzed using Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. RESULTS: Patients receiving intrathecal nalbuphine (group N) and clonidine (group Cl) had a faster onset of the sensory and motor block than controls (group C) (p=0.000). The time to two-segment regression was more prolonged in group Cl when compared to group N (p=0.000). Duration of spinal analgesia was 216.75 ± 25.96 minutes, 292.86 ± 24.92 minutes, and 178.50 ± 16.06 minutes in groups N, Cl, and C, respectively (p=0.000). The 24-hour rescue analgesic requirement was maximum in group C and least in group Cl (p=0.000). The three groups were comparable to each other in terms of side effects. CONCLUSION: Clonidine was found to be superior to nalbuphine as an intrathecal adjuvant with no significant side effects.

Comparison of Two Different Doses of Nalbuphine With Isobaric Ropivacaine in Patients Undergoing Lower Segment Cesarean Section Under Subarachnoid Block: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Obstetric analgesia and anesthesia is a challenge in itself. It requires an understanding of the physiological changes during pregnancy and labor and the effect of anesthetic agents on the fetus and newborn. Because neuraxial techniques provide superior analgesia and materno-fetal benefits, their use have increased significantly over the past three decades or so. A combination of local anesthetics like ropivacaine with opioids like nalbuphine has been shown to have additive beneficial effects in subarachnoid block (SAB) in lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). However, the optimal dose combination of ropivacaine and nalbuphine to maximize their benefits and minimize side effects remains to be established. Our study has compared the clinical efficacy and safety of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine (15 mg) with two different doses of nalbuphine (0.4 mg and 0.6 mg) when given intrathecally for LSCS in terms of quality of sensory and motor blocks, hemodynamic parameters, duration of effective analgesia, Apgar score in newborn, and associated side effects. METHOD AND MATERIALS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, a total of 69 parturients between the age of 20-45 years, belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II, undergoing cesarean section under SAB were evaluated. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups of 23 each by using the draw-of-lots technique. The patient and the observer were kept blinded as to which dose of drug (intrathecal) was being given to the patient. Patients in Group A received 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine 15 mg (2 ml) + 0.3 ml normal saline; patients in Group B received 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine 15 mg (2 ml) + 0.4 mg of nalbuphine (0.2 ml) + 0.1 ml normal saline; patients in Group C received 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine 15 mg (2 ml) + 0.6 mg of nalbuphine (0.3 ml). The total volume of drug solution in all three groups was 2.3 ml. RESULT:  We found that the time to onset of sensory block was shortest in Group A (5.87±1.290 minutes) followed by Group C (6.00±1.087 minutes) and Group B (6.17±1.696 minutes); time to two-segment regression of sensory block was longest in Group C (101.74±8.996 minutes) followed by Group B (85.87±15.348 minutes) and Group A (65.00±7.071 minutes); duration of effective analgesia was longest in Group C (206.09±18.766 minutes) followed by Group B (183.91±15.880 minutes) and Group A (121.74±11.833 minutes); and time from SAB to complete regression of motor block was longest in Group C (216.52±15.553 minutes) followed by Group B (203.48±20.138 minutes) and Group A (174.78±14.731 minutes). Side effects were comparable among all three groups. CONCLUSION: The optimal dose combination in SAB for cesarean section was 15 mg of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine + 0.6 mg nalbuphine, with minimal side effects.

Acute Transverse Myelitis in Pregnancy: The Use of ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway Without Curarization for Emergency Cesarean Section.

Transverse myelitis is a rare inflammatory neurological disorder of the spinal cord that damages the myelin covering the spinal cord and thus produces sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms. A 26-year-old primigravida of 40 weeks gestation presented to the obstetric emergency of our hospital with complaints of weakness in both lower limbs and inability to walk for four days. A diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis was made, and due to fetal distress and arrest of labor in the second stage, an emergency cesarean section was planned. Considering the risks associated with the neuraxial technique and muscle relaxants, cesarean section was planned under general anesthesia and was successfully done with ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (LMA) using propofol and sevoflurane without muscle relaxant.

Pre-operative intravenous fluid therapy with crystalloids or colloids on post-operative nausea & vomiting.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a frequent complication and may be a reason for increased morbidity and cost of treatment. Following elective surgery, it is believed to result from gut ischaemia consequent to hypovolemia from overnight fasting. This study was carried out to study the effects of pre-operative intravenous fluid supplementation, either crystalloids or colloids, on PONV. METHODS: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 60 female patients undergoing elective open cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to three equal groups A, B and C. All patients received preoperative fluid supplementation. Group A patients received 2 ml/kg Ringer lactate iv (intravenously) and served as control, Group B patients received 12 ml/kg Ringer lactate iv whereas Group C patients received 12 ml/kg of 4.5 per cent hydroxyethylstarch (Hetastarch) iv. All patients underwent cholecystectomy under standard anaesthesia technique with intraoperative fluid replacement by Ringer's lactate (6 ml/kg/h). An independent blinded observer assessed PONV during first 24 h following surgery using visual analogue scale (VAS) score (0 = no nausea, 10 = worst imaginable nausea or vomiting). Rescue antiemetic was given whenever VAS was > 5. RESULTS: The three groups were comparable in terms of age, body weight and duration of surgery. VAS scores in Groups B and C patients were less than that of Group A patients at all time intervals post-operatively and became significantly different at 4 h post-operatively. The VAS scores of Groups B and C patients were comparable throughout. A significantly large number (90%) of Group A patients required rescue antiemetic as compared to 50 and 55 per cent patients in Group B and Group C, respectively. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Pre-operative intravenous fluid supplementation using crystalloids and colloids results in significantly decreased incidence of PONV. Both, crystalloids as well as colloids were found to be equally effective in preventing PONV.

Subarachnoid block for caesarean section in severe preeclampsia.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension constitutes a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing nations and it complicates about 6-8% of pregnancies. Severe preeclampsia poses a dilemma for the anesthesiologist especially in emergency situations where caesarean deliveries are planned for uninvestigated or partially investigated parturients. This article is aimed to review the literature with regards to the type of anesthesia for such situations. A thorough search of literature was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Google to retrieve the articles. Studies on parturients with severe preeclampsia, undergoing caesarean section, were included in this article. There is growing evidence to support the use of subarachnoid block in such situations when the platelet counts are >80,000 mm(-3). Better hemodynamic stability with the use of low-dose local anesthetic along with additives and better neonatal outcomes has been found with the use of subarachnoid block when compared to general anesthesia.

Intrathecal sufentanil versus fentanyl for lower limb surgeries - a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of intrathecal sufentanil or fentanyl as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine in patients undergoing major orthopaedic lower limb surgeries in terms of onset and duration of sensory block, motor block and post-operative pain relief. PATIENTS #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS: Ninety patients were recruited in this Prospective, randomized double blind study to receive either intrathecal sufentanil 5 µg (Group S), fentanyl 25 µg (Group F) or normal saline 0.5 ml (Group C) as adjuvants to 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. The onset and duration of sensory and motor block were assessed intraoperatively. The pain scores were assessed postoperatively. Duration of complete and effective analgesia was recorded. The incidence of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, pruritus, shivering and PDPH was recorded. RESULTS: The Demographic data, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were comparable in the three groups. There was a significantly earlier onset and prolonged duration of sensory block in the sufentanil and fentanyl groups. The duration of complete and effective analgesia were also significantly prolonged in the fentanyl and sufentanil groups. Pruritus was noticed in the study groups (Groups S&F). CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal sufentanil (5 µg) and fentanyl (25 µg), as adjuvants lead to an earlier onset and prolonged duration of sensory block. The duration of effective analgesia with intrathecal sufentanil and fentanyl as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine is longer than that of bupivacaine alone.

Validation of the use of POSSUM score in enteric perforation peritonitis - results of a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to present our last 5-years experience of peritonitis and validate POSSUM score in predicting mortality and morbidity in patients of enteric perforation (EP) peritonitis. METHODS: Data was collected prospectively for all peritonitis cases admitted in single surgical unit from January 2005 to December 2009. Parameters for calculating POSSUM were also retrieved; in these patients, O:E (Observed vs. Expected) ratio of mortality and morbidity were estimated after calculating predicted mortality and morbidity by exponential regression equations. RESULTS: 887 patients with peritonitis were admitted and treated in this unit during the 5 years of study period. Duodenal (n=431; 48%) followed by ileal (n=380; 42.8%) perforations were the commonest. Mean age of the patients was 34 years and 86% were males. Mean delay in presentation was 78.5 hrs. Mean duration of hospital and ICU stay was 13 and 7.2 days. Postoperative complications were seen in 481 (54%) patients, and 90 (10%) patients died. POSSUM scores and predicted mortality/morbidity were calculated in 380 patients of ileal perforation peritonitis; O:E ratio of mortality and morbidity were 0.47 and 0.85 in these patients. CONCLUSION: POSSUM and P-POSSUM are accurate tools for predicting morbidity and mortality respectively in EP patients. Though they may sometime over or under predict morbidity as well as mortality.

Intrathecal sufentanil versus fentanyl for lower limb surgeries - a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of intrathecal sufentanil or fentanyl as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine in patients undergoing major orthopaedic lower limb surgeries in terms of onset and duration of sensory block, motor block and post-operative pain relief. PATIENTS #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS: Ninety patients were recruited in this Prospective, randomized double blind study to receive either intrathecal sufentanil 5 µg (Group S), fentanyl 25 µg (Group F) or normal saline 0.5 ml (Group C) as adjuvants to 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. The onset and duration of sensory and motor block were assessed intraoperatively. The pain scores were assessed postoperatively. Duration of complete and effective analgesia was recorded. The incidence of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, pruritus, shivering and PDPH was recorded. RESULTS: The Demographic data, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were comparable in the three groups. There was a significantly earlier onset and prolonged duration of sensory block in the sufentanil and fentanyl groups. The duration of complete and effective analgesia were also significantly prolonged in the fentanyl and sufentanil groups. Pruritus was noticed in the study groups (Groups S&F). CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal sufentanil (5 µg) and fentanyl (25 µg), as adjuvants lead to an earlier onset and prolonged duration of sensory block. The duration of effective analgesia with intrathecal sufentanil and fentanyl as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine is longer than that of bupivacaine alone.

Medical errors and consequent adverse events in critically ill surgical patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Delhi.

BACKGROUND: Medical errors and adverse events (AE), though common worldwide, have never been studied in India. We believe that though common these are under reported. AIM: The aim of this study was to study medical errors and consequent AE in patients presenting with trauma and bowel perforation peritonitis. METHODS: Five hundred and eighty-six consecutive patients with trauma or peritonitis, presenting to surgery emergency of UCMS-GTBH, were prospectively studied using review form (RF) 1 and 2. AE was defined as an outcome not expected to be part of the illness. RF 1 was filled for all and indicated if AE was present or not. RF2 was filled when RF 1 indicated presence of AE; it further confirmed the occurrence of AE and pointed to the type of medical error and resultant disability. All results were expressed as percentage. RESULTS: There were 500 (85%) males. Mean age of the patients was 31 years. There were 332 patients with peritonitis and 254 with trauma. AE and its consequences were present in 185 (31.5%) and 183 (31.2%) patients, respectively. Consequences were as follows: disability - 157 (85%), increased hospital stay and/or increased visits in the OPD - 28 (15.3%) and both-101 (55.2%) patients. Disabilities were: death - 62 (40%), temporary disability - 90 (58%) and permanent disability - 05 (3.1%) patients. AE in 133 (71.8%) patients was definitely (level of confidence 6) due to error in healthcare management. All AE were considered preventable. Error of omission accounted for AE in 122 (65.9%) patients. System and operative errors were the commonest, 84.3% and 82.7%, respectively. One hundred and sixty-seven (90%) patients had multiple errors. CONCLUSIONS: The study proves that medical errors and AE are a serious problem in our set-up and calls for immediate system improvement.

Open indirect cardiac massage in neonate.

Open, direct cardiac massage (OCM), as a technique of resuscitation has not been very inspiring due to its various limitations. We report a case of resuscitation where open 'indirect' cardiac massage was used to resuscitate a neonate successfully. A 24 hr old neonate with multiple gastrointestinal anomalies presented for emergency laparotomy. Intraoperatively she suffered a cardiac arrest. External chest compressions (ECC) failed to produce detectable circulation and surgeons were asked to initiate direct cardiac compressions. They could palpate and successfully compress the heart without the need to split the diaphragm. This 'infra-diaphragmatic' approach resulted in adequate circulation and subsequent uncomplicated recovery.