François Clergue

Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Genève, GE, Switzerland

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Publications (21)60.57 Total impact

  • Article: Morbidity in anaesthesia: today and tomorrow.
    Guy Haller, Thierry Laroche, François Clergue
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    ABSTRACT: Based on results recorded of perioperative mortality, anaesthetic care is often cited as a model for its improvements with regard to patient safety. However, anaesthesia-related morbidity represents a major burden for patients as yet in spite of major progresses in this field since the early 1980s. More than 1 out of 10 patients will have an intraoperative incident and 1 out of 1000 will have an injury such as a dental damage, an accidental dural perforation, a peripheral nerve damage or major pain. Poor preoperative patient evaluation and postoperative care often contribute to complications. Human error and inadequate teamwork are frequently identified as major causes of failures. To further improve anaesthetic care, high-risk technical procedures should be performed after systematic training, and further attention should be focussed on preoperative assessment and post-anaesthetic care. To minimise the impact of human errors, guidelines and standardised procedures should be widely implemented. Deficient teamwork and communication should be addressed through specific programmes that have been demonstrated to be effective in the aviation industry: crew resource management (CRM) and simulation. The impact of the overall safety culture of health-care organisations on anaesthesia should not be minimised, and organisational issues should be systematically addressed.
    Baillière&#x27 s Best Practice and Research in Clinical Anaesthesiology 06/2011; 25(2):123-32.
  • Article: Demographic crisis: solutions rather than emotion
    François Clergue, Guy Haller, Jeanne Scemama
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    ABSTRACT: An abstract is unavailable. This article is available as HTML full text and PDF.
    European Journal of Anaesthesiology 03/2011; 28(4):306–307. · 2.23 Impact Factor
  • Article: Drug administration errors in anaesthesia and beyond.
    Guy Haller, François Clergue
    BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 01/2011; 343:d5823.
  • Source
    Article: A Swiss anaesthesiology closed claims analysis: report of events in the years 1987-2008.
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    ABSTRACT: In 1999, the Swiss Society of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation (SSAR) initiated an analysis of closed malpractice claims filed against anaesthetists in a project intended to improve patient safety. This article discusses the results of a review of closed claims between 1987 and 2008 and filed up to the end of 2009. Records of closed claims were provided by Swiss professional medical liability insurance companies and the Office for Extrajudicial Expert Review of the Swiss Medical Association. Data were collected by an onsite reviewer, converted into a standardised format and sent to the SSAR Closed Claims Study Group.Assessment criteria employed by the committee were level of care (standard or substandard); severity of injury; appropriateness of patient information; and consent. The records of 171 events leading to anaesthesia-related injuries were entered into the database. These injuries occurred within the period 1987-2008. The majority of claims (54%) were related to regional anaesthesia, with general anaesthesia accounting for 28% and other anaesthesia-related procedures for 18%. The quality of care was judged by the committee to be substandard in 55% of cases, and liability was accepted in 46% of all claims. Negative outcomes were death in 12% and permanent injury in 63% of the patients. The closed claims analysis project enabled the SSAR to identify areas of high medicolegal risks to gain an insight into the causes of infrequent but potentially harmful events leading to anaesthesia-related injuries and, based on these data, to develop preventive strategies.
    European Journal of Anaesthesiology 11/2010; 28(2):85-91. · 2.23 Impact Factor
  • Article: Time to consider nonphysician anaesthesia providers in Europe?
    François Clergue
    European Journal of Anaesthesiology 09/2010; 27(9):761-2. · 2.23 Impact Factor
  • Article: Adverse events with medical devices in anesthesia and intensive care unit patients recorded in the French safety database in 2005-2006.
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    ABSTRACT: French regulations require that adverse events involving medical devices be reported to the national healthcare safety agency. The authors evaluated reports made in 2005-2006 for patients in anesthesiology and critical care. For each type of device, the authors recorded the severity and cause of the event and the manufacturer's response where relevant. The authors compared the results with those obtained previously from the reports (n = 1,004) sent in 1998 to the same database. The authors identified 4,188 events, of which 91% were minor, 7% severe, and 2% fatal. The cause was available for 1,935 events (46%). Faulty manufacturing was the main cause of minor events. Inappropriate use was the cause in a significantly larger proportion of severe events than minor events (P < 0.001) and was usually considered preventable via improved knowledge or device verification before use. Compared to with that in 1998, the annual number of reported events doubled and the rate of severe events decreased slightly (12-10%, P = 0.03). The rate of events related to manufacturing problems remained stable (59-60%, P = nonsignificant), and the rate of events caused by human errors was 32-42% (P = 0.01). There were no changes in the mortality rate (2% in both studies). The number of adverse events related to medical devices indicates a need for greater attention to these complex pieces of equipment that can suffer from faulty design and manufacturing and from inappropriate use. Improvements in clinician knowledge of medical devices, and to a lesser extent improvement in manufacturing practices, should improve safety.
    Anesthesiology 02/2010; 112(2):364-72. · 5.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Incidence and impact of distracting events during induction of general anaesthesia for urgent surgical cases.
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    ABSTRACT: Distractions and interruptions during clinical activities can decrease performance and increase the risk of error. The incidence and impact of distracting events on anaesthetic teams during the critical phases of general anaesthesia are unknown. The purpose of this study was to quantify and analyse the frequency, the source and the impact of these events during the period of induction of general anaesthesia. Twenty-nine anaesthetic team members participated in the study. Anaesthetic teams were videotaped during the induction period of a general anaesthesia. All videotapes were reviewed by two investigators using a scoring system in order to categorize the distracting events according to their origin, source, nature, duration, impact on patient and consequences on team activities. A total of 37 videotapes of general anaesthesia inductions for urgent surgical cases were analysed. The results show that the sources of distracting events are multiple and diverse. Distracting events occurred frequently (median five per video) and at least one event was present for 39.5% of the total observed period. They had a significant impact on the activity of the team members during 21.8% of the total observed period and had a negative impact on patient management in one-fifth of the cases. During the induction phase of general anaesthesia, distracting events are frequent and affect significantly the task at hand. Future research should design and implement preventive strategies to minimize the occurrence of unnecessary distracting events during this critical phase of anaesthesia when calm and vigilance should prevail.
    European Journal of Anaesthesiology 11/2009; 27(8):683-9. · 2.23 Impact Factor
  • Article: Learning curves of the Glidescope, the McGrath and the Airtraq laryngoscopes: a manikin study.
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    ABSTRACT: Several video and optical laryngoscopes have been developed but few have been compared in terms of their learning curves and efficacy. Using a manikin with normal airways we compared the Glidescope, the McGrath, the Airtraq and the Macintosh laryngoscopes. Sixty anaesthetists (20 staff, 20 residents and 20 nurses) participated in the study. All subjects were novice with the new devices. They intubated a Laerdal SimMan manikin (with normal airway) five times in a row with all laryngoscopes. The sequence of use of the devices was randomized. Before using a device, a presentation and a demonstration were provided. Outcome measures were: duration of intubation attempt, modified Cormack grades, dental trauma and difficulty of use. The Airtraq had the most favourable learning curve and mirrored the Macintosh after two intubation attempts. The Glidescope and McGrath had steep learning curves but, after five attempts, differences persisted when compared with the Macintosh and Airtraq. Time taken to visualize the glottis was similar but time taken to position the endotracheal tube was shorter for the Airtraq when compared with the Glidescope and McGrath. Indirect laryngoscopes seemed to have advantages over the Macintosh blade in terms of laryngeal exposure and potential dental trauma. In a 'normal airway' model, intubation skills with the new devices appeared to be rapidly mastered. The three indirect laryngoscopes provided a better glottic exposure than the Macintosh. The Airtraq displayed the most favourable learning curve, probably reflecting differences in the techniques of endotracheal tube placement: guiding channel versus steering technique.
    European Journal of Anaesthesiology 08/2009; 26(7):554-8. · 2.23 Impact Factor
  • Article: Learning curves of the Glidescope, the McGrath and the Airtraq laryngoscopes: a manikin study
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Background and objective: Several video and optical laryngoscopes have been developed but few have been compared in terms of their learning curves and efficacy. Using a manikin with normal airways we compared the Glidescope, the McGrath, the Airtraq and the Macintosh laryngoscopes. Methods: Sixty anaesthetists (20 staff, 20 residents and 20 nurses) participated in the study. All subjects were novice with the new devices. They intubated a Laerdal SimMan manikin (with normal airway) five times in a row with all laryngoscopes. The sequence of use of the devices was randomized. Before using a device, a presentation and a demonstration were provided. Outcome measures were: duration of intubation attempt, modified Cormack grades, dental trauma and difficulty of use. Results: The Airtraq had the most favourable learning curve and mirrored the Macintosh after two intubation attempts. The Glidescope and McGrath had steep learning curves but, after five attempts, differences persisted when compared with the Macintosh and Airtraq. Time taken to visualize the glottis was similar but time taken to position the endotracheal tube was shorter for the Airtraq when compared with the Glidescope and McGrath. Indirect laryngoscopes seemed to have advantages over the Macintosh blade in terms of laryngeal exposure and potential dental trauma. Conclusions: In a 'normal airway' model, intubation skills with the new devices appeared to be rapidly mastered. The three indirect laryngoscopes provided a better glottic exposure than the Macintosh. The Airtraq displayed the most favourable learning curve, probably reflecting differences in the techniques of endotracheal tube placement: guiding channel versus steering technique.
    European Journal of Anaesthesiology 06/2009; 26(7):554-558. · 2.23 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effect of crew resource management training in a multidisciplinary obstetrical setting.
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    ABSTRACT: To assess the effect of a Crew Resource Management (CRM) intervention specifically designed to improve teamwork and communication skills in a multidisciplinary obstetrical setting. Design--A before-and-after cross-sectional study designed to assess participants' satisfaction, learning and change in behaviour, according to Kirkpatrick's evaluation framework for training programmes. Setting--Labour and delivery units of a large university-affiliated hospital. Participants--Two hundred and thirty nine midwives, nurses, physicians and technicians from the department of anaesthesia, obstetrics and paediatrics. Intervention--All participants took part in a CRM-based training programme specifically designed to improve teamwork and communication skills. Principal measures of outcome-We assessed participants' satisfaction by means of a 10-item standardized questionnaire. A 36-item survey was administered before and after the course to assess participants' learning. Behavioural change was assessed by a 57-item safety attitude questionnaire measuring staff's change in attitude to safety over 1 year of programme implementation. Most participants valued the experience highly and 63-90% rated their level of satisfaction as being very high. Except for seven items, the 36-item survey testing participants' learning demonstrated a significant change (P<0.05) towards better knowledge of teamwork and shared decision making after the training programme. Over the year of observation, there was a positive change in the team and safety climate in the hospital [odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.3-6.3) to OR 4.7, 95% CI (1.2-17.2)]. **There was also improved stress recognition [OR 2.4, 95% CI (1.2-4.8) to OR 3.0, 95% CI (1.0-8.8)]. The implementation of a training programme based on CRM in a multidisciplinary obstetrical setting is well accepted and contributes to a significant improvement in interprofessional teamwork.
    International Journal for Quality in Health Care 09/2008; 20(4):254-63. · 1.96 Impact Factor
  • Article: High incidence of distracting events and diverted time during induction of general anesthesia for urgent surgical cases: 17AP2-2
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    ABSTRACT: An abstract is unavailable. This article is available as HTML full text and PDF.
    European Journal of Anaesthesiology 05/2007; 24:187-188. · 2.23 Impact Factor
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    Article: Perioperative medical management of patients with COPD.
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    ABSTRACT: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart diseases are considered independent risk factors for mortality and major cardiopulmonary complications after surgery. Coronary artery disease, heart failure and COPD share common risk factors and are often encountered,--isolated or combined--, in many surgical candidates. Perioperative optimization of these high-risk patients deserves a thorough understanding of the patient cardiopulmonary diseases as well as the respiratory consequences of surgery and anesthesia. In contrast with cardiac risk stratification where the extent of heart disease largely influences postoperative cardiac outcome, surgical-related factors (ie, upper abdominal and intra-thoracic procedures, duration of anesthesia, presence of a nasogastric tube) largely dominate patient's comorbidities as risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications. Although most COPD patients tolerate tracheal intubation under "smooth" anesthetic induction without serious adverse effects, regional anesthetic blockade and application of laryngeal masks or non-invasive positive pressure ventilation should be considered whenever possible, in order to provide optimal pain control and to prevent upper airway injuries as well as lung baro-volotrauma. Minimally-invasive procedures and modern multimodal analgesic regimen are helpful to minimize the surgical stress response, to speed up the physiological recovery process and to shorten the hospital stay. Reflex-induced bronchoconstriction and hyperdynamic inflation during mechanical ventilation could be prevented by using bronchodilating volatile anesthetics and adjusting the ventilatory settings with long expiration times. Intraoperatively, the depth of anesthesia, the circulatory volume and neuromuscular blockade should be assessed with modem physiological monitoring tools to titrate the administration of anesthetic agents, fluids and myorelaxant drugs. The recovery of postoperative lung volume can be facilitated by patient's education and empowerment, lung recruitment maneuvers, non-invasive pressure support ventilation and early ambulation.
    International Journal of COPD 02/2007; 2(4):493-515.
  • Article: [Transfusion safety, time for a new partnership between stake-holders].
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    ABSTRACT: Transfusion safety, time for a new partnership between stake-holders Following heightened publicity surrounding contaminated blood products, increased control has been implemented concerning all aspects of transfusion, from blood donor to finished product. A quality control programme has been implemented allowing a substantial reduction in adverse events. Transfusion medicine mandates the application of safety measures and hemo-vigilance helps to identify major risk factors in relation to bedside processes. Indeed, Swissmedic demands the application of such quality controls in every health institution. Given the enormous resources implicated with controlling transfusion products, isn't it time that National health authorities collaborate with local services in order to set a coherent transfusion policy and investment plan?
    Revue médicale suisse 12/2006; 2(88):2680-3.
  • Article: Reduction of urinary tract infection and antibiotic use after surgery: a controlled, prospective, before-after intervention study.
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    ABSTRACT: Urinary tract infection is the most frequent health care-associated complication. We hypothesized that the implementation of a multifaceted prevention strategy could decrease its incidence after surgery. In a controlled, prospective, before-after intervention trial with 1328 adult patients scheduled for orthopedic or abdominal surgery, nosocomial infection surveillance was conducted until hospital discharge. A multifaceted intervention including specifically tailored, locally developed guidelines for the prevention of urinary tract infection was implemented for orthopedic surgery patients, and abdominal surgery patients served as control subjects. Infectious and noninfectious complications, adherence to guidelines, and antibiotic use were monitored before and after the intervention and again 2 years later. The incidence of urinary tract infection decreased from 10.4 to 3.9 episodes per 100 patients in the intervention group (incidence-density ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.20-0.79; P=.004). Adherence to guidelines was 82.2%. Both the frequency and the duration of urinary catheterization decreased following the intervention. Recourse to antibiotic therapy after surgery dropped in the intervention group from 17.9 to 15.6 defined daily doses per 100 patient-days (P<.005) because of a reduced need for the treatment of urinary tract infection (P<.001). Follow-up after 2 years revealed a sustained impact of the strategy and a subsequent low use of antibiotics, consistent with stable adherence to guidelines (80.8%). A multifaceted prevention strategy can dramatically decrease postoperative urinary tract infection and contribute to the reduction of the overall use of antibiotics after surgery.
    Clinical Infectious Diseases 07/2006; 42(11):1544-51. · 9.15 Impact Factor
  • Article: Gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor, prevents hepatocellular carcinoma development in the rat liver with cirrhosis.
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    ABSTRACT: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) binds transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) which is mitogenic for hepatocytes. Diverse lines of evidence suggest that activation of the TGF-alpha /EGFR pathway contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formation. Herein, we developed an experimental model of cirrhosis giving rise to HCC and tested the antitumoral effect of gefitinib, a selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in this model. Rats received weekly intraperitoneal injections of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) followed by a 2-week wash-out period that caused cirrhosis in 14 weeks and multifocal HCC in 18 weeks. Hepatocyte proliferation was increased in diseased tissue at 14 weeks compared with control liver and at even higher levels in HCC nodules compared with surrounding diseased tissues at 18 weeks. Increased proliferation was paralleled by upregulation of TGF-alpha messenger RNA expression. A group of DEN-treated rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of gefitinib between weeks 12 and 18. In rats treated with gefitinib, the number of HCC nodules was significantly lower than in untreated rats (18.1 +/- 2.4 vs. 3.7 +/- 0.45; P < .05), while EGFR was activated to a lesser extent in the diseased and tumoral tissues of these animals compared with untreated rats. HCC nodules from both untreated and gefitinib-treated animals displayed insulin-like growth factor 2 overexpression that contributed to tumor formation in treated animals. In conclusion, the blockade of EGFR activity by gefitinib has an antitumoral effect on the development of HCC in DEN-exposed rats, suggesting that it may provide benefit for the chemoprevention of HCC.
    Hepatology 03/2005; 41(2):307-14. · 11.66 Impact Factor
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    Article: Perioperative management of patients with increased risk of laparoscopy-induced hepatic hypoperfusion.
    François Clergue, Philippe Morel, Catherine M Pastor
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    ABSTRACT: Because hepatic hypoperfusion induced by laparoscopy has been underestimated, the aim of this article is to review the numerous factors influencing hepatosplanchnic blood flow during laparoscopy and to alert clinicians to the adverse consequences of hepatic hypoperfusion in high risk patients undergoing this procedure.
    Swiss medical weekly: official journal of the Swiss Society of Infectious Diseases, the Swiss Society of Internal Medicine, the Swiss Society of Pneumology 02/2004; 134(3-4):39-43. · 1.89 Impact Factor
  • Article: A French survey of paediatric airway management use in tonsillectomy and appendicectomy.
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    ABSTRACT: There are no epidemiological data describing tracheal intubation and laryngeal mask airway (LMATM) use in paediatric anaesthesia. This analysis focused on the factors leading to the indication for an airway management procedure, i.e. tracheal intubation and laryngeal mask airway vs face mask during general anaesthesia for tonsillectomy and appendicectomy. The data were recorded in the French survey of Practical Anaesthesia performed in 1996. Two main types of surgical procedures were selected: tonsillectomy and appendicectomy because of the number of patients and the need to use an invasive airway management technique. During a 1-year period, 627 anaesthetics for appendicectomy and 653 anaesthetics for tonsillectomy were recorded in the sample under consideration. Tracheal intubation or laryngeal mask airway was undertaken in 66% of tonsillectomies and 84% of appendicectomies. Univariate analysis showed that tracheal intubation/laryngeal mask were used significantly more often in older children, with long duration of anaesthesia, in nonambulatory procedures and in procedures performed at an academic centre. When these variables were included in a multivariate analysis, the duration of anaesthesia over 30 min was a factor linked to the use of tracheal intubation/laryngeal mask airway for the two types of surgery (P < 0.0001). For tonsillectomy, inpatients were 2.9 times more likely to be intubated (or have an laryngeal mask airway) than were outpatients. For appendicectomy, older children were 3.4 times more likely to be intubated (or have an laryngeal mask airway) than younger children. This large French survey shows that the use of tracheal intubation/laryngeal mask airway in this country is primarily related to a predicted long duration of anaesthesia.
    Pediatric Anesthesia 10/2003; 13(7):584-8. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Hand-cleansing during postanesthesia care.
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    ABSTRACT: Transmission of microorganisms from the hands of healthcare workers is the main source of cross-infection and can be prevented by hand-cleansing. The authors assessed the compliance rate with hand-cleansing practices in the postanesthesia care unit and investigated factors associated with noncompliance. Patient care activities, indications for and compliance of postanesthesia care unit staff with hand-cleansing, defined as either washing hands with soap and water or rubbing hands with alcohol, were monitored at the time of patient admission and during their stay. Multivariate analysis identified predictors of noncompliance with hand-cleansing on admission after adjustment for confounders. A total of 3,143 patient care activities, including 1,091 opportunities for hand-cleansing at high or medium risk for cross-transmission, were recorded among 187 patients. The higher the workload, the higher the number of indications for hand-cleansing and the lower the compliance. Average compliance with hand-cleansing at postanesthesia care unit admission was 19.6%. Independent predictors for noncompliance included caring for patients older than 65 yr (odds ratio, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-3.57) and those recovering from clean/clean-contaminated surgery (odds ratio, 2.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-4.76), as well as high intensity of patient care (odds ratio, 1.01 per patient care activity; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.02). Compliance with hand-cleansing for patients already admitted to the postanesthesia care unit was 12.5%. Failure to cleanse hands during patient care is common in the postanesthesia care unit and is associated with identifiable factors. The close relation between the intensity of patient care and noncompliance argues that hand-cleansing should not be viewed as a problematic individual behavior only, and system change must be considered in prevention strategies.
    Anesthesiology 10/2003; 99(3):530-5. · 5.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: A French survey of paediatric airway management use in tonsillectomy and appendicectomy
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Background: There are no epidemiological data describing tracheal intubation and laryngeal mask airway (LMATM) use in paediatric anaesthesia. This analysis focused on the factors leading to the indication for an airway management procedure, i.e. tracheal intubation and laryngeal mask airway vs face mask during general anaesthesia for tonsillectomy and appendicectomy.Methods: The data were recorded in the French survey of Practical Anaesthesia performed in 1996. Two main types of surgical procedures were selected: tonsillectomy and appendicectomy because of the number of patients and the need to use an invasive airway management technique.Results: During a 1-year period, 627 anaesthetics for appendicectomy and 653 anaesthetics for tonsillectomy were recorded in the sample under consideration. Tracheal intubation or laryngeal mask airway was undertaken in 66% of tonsillectomies and 84% of appendicectomies. Univariate analysis showed that tracheal intubation/laryngeal mask were used significantly more often in older children, with long duration of anaesthesia, in nonambulatory procedures and in procedures performed at an academic centre. When these variables were included in a multivariate analysis, the duration of anaesthesia over 30 min was a factor linked to the use of tracheal intubation/laryngeal mask airway for the two types of surgery (P < 0.0001). For tonsillectomy, inpatients were 2.9 times more likely to be intubated (or have an laryngeal mask airway) than were outpatients. For appendicectomy, older children were 3.4 times more likely to be intubated (or have an laryngeal mask airway) than younger children.Conclusions: This large French survey shows that the use of tracheal intubation/laryngeal mask airway in this country is primarily related to a predicted long duration of anaesthesia.
    Pediatric Anesthesia 08/2003; 13(7):584 - 588. · 2.10 Impact Factor
  • Article: Evolution of the anaesthetic workload--the French experience.
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    ABSTRACT: The use of anaesthesia has shown major growth during the period 1975-1985. Increases safety in anaesthesia safety have permitted its use in surgery and in other exploratory procedures involving older patients and those with more severe clinical conditions. A survey, designed by the French Society of Anaesthesiologists, collected and analysed data relating to anaesthesia performed in France in 1996 from a representative sample collected in all French hospitals and clinics; the results of this survey were compared with an earlier survey performed in 1980. The participation rate of hospitals was 98%. The results of this survey showed that, between 1980 and 1996, the number of anaesthetic procedures had increased by 120% and the annual rate had increased from 6.6 to 13.5 anaesthetic procedures per 100 population. The annual rate varied between 5.4 per 100 in girls 5-14 years of age and 30.2 per 100 in men 75-84 years of age. The second important phenomenon which occurred between 1980 and 1996 was a marked increase in regional anaesthesia--from 4 to 23% of all cases. This represents a 14-fold increase in the number of cases involving regional anaesthesia. Anaesthesia for obstetric procedures represented 9% of all cases. Seventy-six per cent of all anaesthetics which were started between midnight and 7.00 a.m. were related to obstetric activities. Changes that occurred in the practice of anaesthesia could be explained by changes in the types of procedure requiring anaesthesia: in 1980, 88% of anaesthetics were required for surgical procedures, while in 1996 surgery accounted for 71% of all cases, obstetrics for 9%, and other procedures for the remaining 20%. The practice of epidural anaesthesia for deliveries has developed markedly in France during recent years, increasing from 1.5 to 51% of all deliveries between 1980 and 1996. This survey has offered an interesting overview of recent developments in anaesthesia--which are probably representative of the evolutionary trends in most industrialized countries. These changes can be summarized in three major points: (i) a global increase in the use of anaesthesia related to improvements in its safety; (ii) a significantly increased use of anaesthesia in elderly patients; and (iii) a marked increase in regional anaesthesia.
    Baillière&#x27 s Best Practice and Research in Clinical Anaesthesiology 10/2002; 16(3):459-73.

Institutions

  • 2004–2011
    • Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève
      • Service d'anesthésiologie
      Genève, GE, Switzerland
  • 2002–2011
    • University of Geneva
      • • Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Surgery Intensive Care (APSIC)
      • • Department of Internal Medicine
      • • Division of Anaesthesiology
      Genève, GE, Switzerland