Journal of Anesthesia Analgesia and Critical Care

Abstract Background External ventricular drainage (EVD)-associated ventriculitis is a serious complication in neurocritical care. Diagnostic uncertainty and heterogeneous infection prevention and control (IPC) practices may contribute to variable ventriculitis rates and potentially avoidable antibiotic exposure. We evaluated the impact of implementing an interdisciplinary standard operating proce…

Abstract Background Optimizing postoperative pain management is central to successful recovery following abdominal surgery and is a key component of enhanced recovery protocols. While multimodal analgesia is considered standard practice, selecting the most appropriate regional analgesic technique remains challenging, especially when neuraxial analgesia is contraindicated or undesirable. Ultrasoun…

Intensive care unit (ICU) professionals face high levels of stress, burnout, and work-related psychological strain. However, comprehensive multinational assessments of their well-being—particularly those exploring gender differences and work-life dynamics—are scarce. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by the International Women in Intensive and Critical Care Network (iWIN) between October 202…

Abstract Background Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) remain the most frequent adverse events after cardiac surgery. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs aim to reduce postoperative morbidity, and data describing the incidence, patterns, and protective factors associated with PPCs within cardiac ERAS pathways remain limited. Methods We analyzed 500 consecutive adult patients…

The perioperative management of high-risk patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery remains a significant challenge in modern healthcare. Accurate preoperative risk stratification is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and resource allocation. This narrative review explores the emerging approach of combining natriuretic peptide measurements with the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) to eva…

Ultrasound guidance has improved the accuracy and safety of peripheral nerve blocks, yet intraneural and even intrafascicular needle placement remains possible. The true incidence of fascicular injury after direct nerve transfixion is uncertain due to limited histological data. This study aimed to determine the frequency of fascicular damage after needle transfixion of the sciatic nerve using a h…

Abstract Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension remains a major challenge in obstetric anesthesia, with significant maternal and fetal consequences despite prophylactic measures. Reliable prediction tools are essential to stratify risk and optimize management. This review narratively discusses evidence on clinical, hemodynamic, Doppler-derived, and pulse oximetry-based predictors of spinal anesthe…

Airway management remains a critical aspect of anesthesia, intensive care and emergency medicine, particularly when facing difficult airways. Traditional methods, such as endotracheal intubation via direct laryngoscopy, have evolved with the introduction of advanced tools designed to enhance oxygenation and facilitate airway control. This narrative review presents 10 essential tips for safe up-to…

In this cohort, clevidipine treatment was associated with significantly better adherence to the target sBP range during the first six hours post-CEA compared to standard therapy with labetalol ± urapidil, without an observed increase in adverse effects.

Integrating low-cost behavioral nudges with targeted education effectively reduces hazardous waste in ICU and perioperative settings. Environmental changes improve waste practices, while education enhances staff knowledge, awareness, and confidence, emphasizing that infrastructure alone is insufficient without supportive training.