Tetanus remains an important cause of death worldwide and is associated with a high mortality, particularly in the developing world. With modern intensive care management, death from acute respiratory failure should be prevented, but cardiovascular complications as a result of autonomic instability and other causes of death remain. In this article, the pathophysiology, clinical features, and current management of tetanus are reviewed.Tetanus – A Review - December 1, 2004

Valvular heart disease in pregnancy poses additional risk to both mother and fetus. Although there is an ever-decreasing prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in developed nations, it is still occasionally encountered. In the developing world it remains a significant problem.The Pregnant Patient with Acquired Valvular Heart Disease - December 1, 2004

The pharmacological properties and clinical uses of thiopenmtone are discussed.Thiopentone - June 1, 1993

Core operations are lobar resection, pneumonectomy for malignant and non-malignant conditions, mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy, bronchoscopy for diagnostic and interventional reasons, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for drainage and investigation of effusions, management of air-leaks, management of empyema and operations on the chest wall. Lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation are specialised procedures usually rationalised to specific units or surgeons.Thoracic Anaesthesia Update - June 1, 2004

The thoracic paravertebral block was first described in the treatment of chronic pain. More recently, the technique has also been used to provide surgical analgesia for a variety of applications, including thoracic, breast, and general surgery. It is possible to provide analgesia lasting into the postoperative period, and certain procedures may be performed without the need for general anaesthesia.Thoracic Paravertebral Block - June 1, 2009

Local anaesthesia is currently performed for many ophthalmic procedures as it is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality when compared with general anaesthesia. Additional benefits include early patient mobilisation, improved patient satisfaction and reduced hospital stay.Topical Anaesthesia for Eye Surgery - December 1, 2000

Using an endotracheal tube to secure a patient’s airway is still the gold standard. Most routine orotracheal or nasotracheal intubations are performed with the help of a laryngoscope that has a curved or straight blade. Other adjuncts such as external laryngeal pressure, a bougie, a stylet or a pair of Magill’s forceps may also be used.Tracheal Intubation Aids - December 1, 2003

This articles describes the features of primary transport (from the incident site to a medical facility and secondary transport (inter-hospital – the patient is moved between two hospitals, usually for an increased level of medical care not available locally). Intrahospital transport describes movement of patients within the hospital or its campus for investigations or treatment not available at the ward or intensive care location (e.g. CT scan).Transportation of the Critically Ill and Injured Patient - June 1, 2004

TAP block involves deposition of local anaesthetic agent into the fascial plane superficial to the transversus abdominis muscle. This technique can be used for any surgery involving the lower abdominal wall, including bowel surgery, caesarean section, appendicectomy, hernia repair, umbilical surgery and gynaecological surgery. The relevant anatomy is described, followed by detailed descriptions of the landmark and ultrasound-guided techniques.Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block - June 1, 2008

Regional anaesthesia techniques are evolving rapidly, with ultrasound technology allowing improvements in reliability and efficacy. Over recent years there has been growing interest in abdominal plane blocks, with promising data emerging on the therapeutic benefits of these techniques. The rectus sheath block is a very useful regional technique which allows sensory blockade of the abdominal wall.Ultrasound Guided Rectus Sheath Block - December 1, 2010

This article outlines the roles of facemasks in anaesthesia and provides advice on overcoming pitfalls in their everyday use. Using a facemask during anaesthesia - October 28, 2011

This article should be read in conjunction with ‘Gases and vapours’. Several areas and concepts are duplicated but are retained for the benefit of an alternative explanation. Full coverage of the features of all vaporisers is clearly not possible, however the common underlying principles of their function are demonstrated using examples of widelyused devices. A clear understanding of the uses and pitfalls of vaporisers is essential for their safe clinical use.Vaporisers - December 1, 2008

Despite recent studies which suggest that spinal anaesthesia may not be the safest option for the fetus when caesarean section is required, it has, for many years, been the preferred technique for the majority of anaesthetists. This is primarily due to the benefits conveyed to the mother. There are, however, a variety of complications and side effects associated with central neuraxial blockade in the pregnant patient, the commonest being maternal hypotension which is believed to occur in up to 95% of patients. How important is this, and what should we be doing to prevent it?Vasopressors For Subarachnoid Anaesthesia in Obstetrics - June 1, 2005

Gaining intravenous access is a common procedure but may be difficult in hypovolaemic patients or those with difficult veins. When direct cannulation of a vein cannot be performed or is taking too long, a venous cutdown or intraosseous infusion are alternative methods of access to the circulation. These two techniques are described here.Venous Cutdown and Intraosseous Infusion - June 1, 1995

There are a variety of anaesthetic techniques available and various clinical situations demand different techniques of anaesthesia. A trained anaesthetist should be able to decide the most appropriate method for each case as an anaesthetic decision (not a surgical decision) and have the necessary skills to use the technique of choice.Volatile Anaesthetic Agents - June 1, 1995

One of the prominent features of anaesthetic practice in developing countries is the widespread use of volatile anaesthetic agents. This is surprising, as they are relatively expensive. Even modest supplies of halothane, for example, can cost several times more than the salary of the person using it but despite this burden on limited budgets, in most government hospitals cases are done using general anaesthesia with halothane and no other drug. Volatile Anaesthetic Agents (Update 11) - June 1, 2000

This article is based on WHO information regarding the Haemoglobin Colour Scale which is a simple, reliable and inexpensive tool developed by the WHO to screen for anaemia in the absence of laboratory-based haemoglobin measurement.WHO Haemoglobin Colour Scale - December 1, 2002

This article is reproduction of the WHO Safe Surgery Checklist with its explanatory notes.WHO Safe Surgery Checklist - June 1, 2008