Urinary catheters are commonly used in the operating room (OR) to facilitate urine drainage, maintain bladder decompression, and ensure accurate monitoring of urine output during surgical procedures. Their use is particularly important during prolonged surgery and procedures involving significant fluid shifts, as patients are unable to void naturally when under anesthesia. Accurate measurement of urine… Continue reading Use of Urinary Catheters in the OR

Standardization in surgeries ensures patient safety and improves outcomes. Advances in medicine have largely optimized surgical spaces and created advanced machinery to monitor vitals. One of the most significant sources of variability that still remains in surgical cases is the technique and experience of individual surgeons, which can impact many aspects of the procedure. In… Continue reading Variation in Individual Surgeon Speed

Simulation training has become an essential component in modern anesthesia education. It provides healthcare professionals with the opportunity to practice critical skills, make decisions in high-stakes situations, and improve patient outcomes without the risk of harm. With technological advancements, various resources have been developed to provide simulation training in anesthesia. These resources are crucial for… Continue reading Resources for Simulation Training in Anesthesia

Intubation for patients diagnosed with angioedema is a complex and critical medical procedure due to the nature of the condition and its potential for rapid deterioration [7]. Characterized by sudden swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and mucous membranes, angioedema poses a significant risk to life when it affects the airway [7]. This… Continue reading Intubation for Patients with Angioedema

Anesthesia providers undergo extensive training before becoming licensed. Given the complexities of administering anesthesia safely and effectively, hands-on practice in a controlled environment is crucial. Anesthesia training often involves a combination of simulated patients (dummies), cadavers, and occasionally volunteers, each providing unique advantages for mastering the skills necessary in real-world clinical settings. High-fidelity mannequins, or… Continue reading Anesthesia Training: Volunteers, Dummies, and Cadavers

The United States is currently grappling with a severe shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids as a result of recent natural disasters. The primary cause of this shortage can be traced back to Hurricane Helene, which struck in late September 2024, causing significant damage to Baxter International’s manufacturing plant in Marion, North Carolina. This facility, responsible… Continue reading Guidance on Managing an IV Fluid Shortage

Medical errors are estimated to be the third leading cause of death in the United States1 and pose a large financial burden to the healthcare system.2 Medical errors in anesthesiology are common, reported to be as high as 1.12% during general anesthesia.3 Further, one study found that one in twenty perioperative medication administrations included a… Continue reading Best Practices for Drug Preparation and Dilution in Anesthesia

In the practice of anesthesia, the method used to induce a patient into unconsciousness is crucial and can significantly impact the surgical experience. Two common techniques for anesthesia induction are mask induction and intravenous (IV) induction, each offering distinct advantages and considerations. Mask induction involves administering anesthetic gases through a face mask that covers the… Continue reading Mask Induction vs. Intravenous Induction for Anesthesia

Patients with Type I Diabetes suffer from an absolute deficiency of insulin production due to the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. This condition predisposes Type I Diabetes patients to various comorbidities, including cardiovascular, renal, and neurological disorders. Consequently, patients with Type I Diabetes undergoing surgery and anesthesia require meticulous and individualized preoperative, intraoperative, and… Continue reading Anesthesia in Patients with Type I Diabetes