Near Misses In Pediatric Anesthesia

Authored by “a superb clinician and award-winning teacher,”* Near Misses in Pediatric Anesthesiology, Second Edition is a thorough updating and significant expansion of this popular case book in the newest anesthesiology subspecialty to be approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The book comprises 87 true-story clinical “near misses,” including 40 cases that are brand new. Recommendations, references, and discussion accompany each case. The cases provide an ideal basis for problem-centered learning and also model how to learn from experience and to maintain professionalism during the lifelong development of clinical expertise. Dr. Brock-Utne’s latest case book provides a pediatric complement to his bestselling Case Studies of Near Misses in Clinical Anesthesia (Springer, 2012) and Clinical Anesthesia: Near Misses and Lessons Learned​ (Springer, 2008)​. * Jay B. Brodsky, MD, from the Foreword.

All anesthesiologists eventually face the fear of a “near miss,” when a patient’s life has been put at risk. Learning from the experience is crucial to professionalism and the ongoing development of expertise. Drawing on forty-plus years of practice in major metropolitan hospitals in the United States, Norway, and South Africa, John Brock-Utne, MD presents 80 carefully selected cases that provide the basis for lessons and tips to prevent potential disaster. The cases emphasize problem-centered learning and span a broad range of topics—from an outbreak of operating room infection (could it be the anesthesia equipment?), complications of fiberoptic intubations, and problems with epidural drug pumps, to performing an urgent tracheostomy for the first time, working with an aggressive surgeon, and what to do when a patient falls off the operating table during surgery. 80 true-story clinical “near misses” never before published, ideal for problem-centered learning, recommendations, references, and discussions accompany most cases, rich basis for teaching discussions both in or out of the operating room, settings include sophisticated as well as rudimentary anesthetic environments, complements the author’s other case book, Clinical Anesthesia: Near Misses and Lessons Learned (Springer, 2008).

Residents, fellows, and practising certified registered nurse anesthetists will benefit from the retelling of these actual near misses, the solutions chosen at the time, and a retrospective analysis of those solutions that includes tips for how the problems could have been avoided altogether or resolved differently. An excellent study aid for the American Board of Anesthesiology oral exam and a useful teaching tool for faculty, since near misses such as these are relatively rare and other than reading about them, there really is no way to be prepared to successfully manage such crises. As such, even experienced anesthesiologists and CRNAs will find this to be a worthy purchase.

Through 71 case presentations, Clinical Pediatric Anesthesia covers the field of pediatric anesthesiology with a practical, point-of-care approach. Each concisely written case is organized by introduction, learning objectives, case presentation, discussion, summary, annotated references, and further reading. In a style akin to the oral board examinations, discussions are framed as questions and answers to encourage thorough analysis and understanding by the reader. Key words are highlighted to emphasize important points, and annotated references allow for further exploration of topics. Multiple approaches often exist for the care of children in any given situation, so various options are discussed when appropriate with advantages and disadvantages closely examined. Since questions posed by real-life clinical situations call for active thinking, this case-based book promotes the same evaluation and decision-making skills required of the pediatric anesthesia clinician.

This book outlines the many anesthesia-related obstacles, concerns, and challenges that may be encountered by western trained anesthesiologist in low-resourced settings. Each chapter presents a challenging scenario with solutions. It is therefore an essential handbook that will prepare those performing anesthesia in this milieu. All case studies represent real accounts discussing equipment and drug constraints as well as the ethical questions that arise for western doctors working in this environment. Socially conscious and timely, Anesthesia in Low-Resourced Settings is an invaluable resource for medical practitioners who plan to work in these challenging settings.

The second edition of the successful book "Your Guide to Pediatric Anesthesia" offers a practical approach to pediatric anesthesia with a concise account of the topic in a reader-friendly format. The book begins with an overview of pediatric anesthesia then continues with chapters related to different pediatric surgeries and the relevant anesthetic issues, including a chapter of emergency scenarios in pediatric anesthesia. The final section has chapters containing past exam questions in pediatric anesthesia, a set of clinical scenarios written in an exam question and answer format, and a glossary of syndromes and conditions with brief, important information and practical recommendations. The book also includes an accurate and comprehensive index which helps readers guide themselves through the book. Written in a consistent, exam-focused, non-academic writing style, chapters provide a clear explanation of each topic with a review of management options, discussing advantages and disadvantages, and concluding with a suggested practical approach in each case. It contains the syllabus for the College exams, but is also full of practical techniques and discussion for trainees during their pediatric rotation. It is relevant and useful for anesthetists who have completed their exams and are now caring for children in their practice. A Guide to Pediatric Anesthesia covers the important topics at a level suitable for trainees, occasional pediatric anesthetists and anesthetic assistants.