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Journal Watch

• ERAS

  Enhanced Recovery After colorectal Surgery (ERAS)
  
  Current Anaesthesia & Critical Care
  Volume 21, Issue 3, Pages 121-124;  Enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery; M. Grover
  
  The author of this article presents a guideline to minimise length of stay following colorectal surgery. Using traditional approaches to surgery and anaesthesia, most patients would stay days-weeks following their surgery. The ERAS approach uses multiple evidence based techniques in the pre-operative, intraoperative and postoperative phase of surgery to allow adequate non-opioid analgesia, allow rapid mobilisation and early resumption of oral diet. 

• Vasopressin

  Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
  Volume 24, Issue 2, April 2010, Pages 330-347
  
  Vasopressin: A Review of Therapeutic Applications
  
  This review examines the use and evidence behind vasopressin in management of the septic patient. It summarises particularly well the results of the VASST trial, which was one of the first trials to demonstrate a superior outcome in intensive care units with vasopressin in comparison to noradrenaline/norepinephrine. In addition the author reviews its use and indications for vasoplegic syndrome and in cardiac arrest management.  

• Red cell transfusion

  This study evaluates the use of a perioperative protocol for total joint arthroplasty to minimise transfusion in the perioperative period. The authors are to be commended for their simple approach that has produced a reduction in allogeneic transfusion. The protocol consisted of erythropoietin administration (dosed by weight) prior to surgery, as well as preoperative autologous blood collection. Allogeneic blood transfusion reduction was successfully achieved by protocol on total joint arthoplasty. The authors note that there was minimal alteration to preoperative planning with successful results. Rashiq et al; Canadian Journal of Anesthesia; 57(4):343-349
  
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