- Patients who are obese, have thick necks, full set of teeth, micrognathia or receding chin present difficulties for intubation. Keep the nasal tube ready. If possible keep even laryngeal mask airway tube ready. Warn the surgeon and take his help. If nothing is possible attempt awake intubation under topical anaesthesia.
- Before handing over a patient on IPPR to any person even for a short period, see that he can do it in your presence. Ask him to observe the quick inflation of the chest. Instruct him that during your absence he must not leave the patient to attend to surgeon in charge or the nurse in charge. Do not depend on attending doctors; they may only observe the movements of the bellows. Explain to your hand-off person that that he is breathing for the patient and stoppage will kill the patient.
- When dealing with cases with high risk history of previous anaesthesia, ascertain the causes from whatever the patient tells you; consult his anesthesiologist if available.
- Try to help the theatre staff if you are comfortable at your end. Remind and observe the nurse for sponge count before and at the end of surgery. Keep a watch on asepsis as far as visitors go. All this in the interest of well being of the patient.
- Try to suggest the surgeon in difficulty. He may or may not agree. You may share your observations gained from previous cases.
#31-35: Private Practice Anesthesia- Do’s and Dont’s
