This talk will describe the approach to the management of the critically ill patient required to undergo anaesthesia. Patients may require anaesthesia for diagnostic or treatment purposes. These patients often present for a variety reason from trauma to systemic disease. It is important to realise that the anaesthetic agent used is not as important as the management of the cardiovascular and respiratory embarrassment that maybe present. A logical approach to the assessment and treatment of underlying abnormalities before the induction of anaesthesia will be discussed. Principles to follow during the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia will be given. Anaesthetic care does not end when the vapouriser is switched off but continues until the patient is able to look after its own physiology. It is important to have a good continuum of care to improve patient outcome.
Speaker:
Kenneth Joubert
Kenneth Joubert, BVSc (UP) MMedVet (Anaes) Specialist Anaesthetist
Kenneth has a keen interest in total intravenous anaesthesia, intensive care, ventilation and cardiology. His research interests included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, anaesthetic depth monitoring and total intra-venous anaesthesia.
Kenneth chaired the Faculty Ethics Committee (Animal Use and Care Committee) until it was dissolved to form a University based Animal Use and Care Committee. I was then a member of the Senate committee for Research Ethics and Integrity and the Animal Use and Care Committee of the University of Pretoria. Kenneth currently serves on the AUCC (RECA) Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.