Anaesthesia at the District Hospital

Book excerpt: This practical manual is designed to help medical officers in small hospitals provide safe and effective anesthesia for patients. Intended for doctors with at least one year of postgraduate clinical experience, it describes anesthetic techniques suitable for use in hospitals with limited resources. Chapter 2 describes fundamental principles and techniques underlying the practice of anesthesia and outlines immediate and continuing care of critically ill or unconscious patients. Chapter 3 focuses on continuing care of unconscious and anesthetized patients. The focus of Chapter 4 is on the principles of fluid and electrolyte therapy. Chapters 5 and 6 cover patient assessment before anesthesia and general anesthesia. Chapter 7 concerns safe clinical use of anesthetic equipment best-suited for and most likely found in district hospitals. Chapter 8 contains examples of general anesthetic techniques feasible in small or medium-sized hospitals. Chapter 9 provides information on drugs. Chapter 10 suggests techniques for conduction anesthesia. Chapters 11 and 12 discuss choosing and planning the anesthetic technique and postoperative care of the patient. Chapters 13 and 14 discuss special needs of pediatric and obstetric anaesthesia and important medical conditions. Chapter 15 covers oxygen, gas supplies, equipment, and maintenance. Numerous illustrations convey technical details; tables, charts, and checklists summarize lines of action and points to remember. Checklists and an index are appended. (YLB)