A national survey into perioperative anesthetic management of patients with a fractured neck of femur

• Main Authors: Soinikoski Mirka, Kuusniemi Kristiina, Jalonen Jouko, Kuitunen Sari, Tuppurainen Tapani, Leino Kari
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-07-01
• Series: BMC Anesthesiology
• Subjects: Hip fracture; Perioperative management; Anesthetic practice
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2253/12/14

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We made a survey among Finnish anesthesiologists concerning the current perioperative anesthetic practice of hip fracture patients for further development in patient care.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All members of the Finnish Society of Anesthesiologists with a known e-mail address (786) were invited to participate in an internet-based survey.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The overall response rate was 55% (423 responses); 298 respondents participated in the care of hip fracture patients. Preoperative analgesia was mostly managed with oxycodone and paracetamol; every fifth respondent applied an epidural infusion. Most respondents (98%) employed a spinal block with or without an epidural catheter for intraoperative anesthesia. Midazolam, propofol and/or fentanyl were used for additional sedation. General anesthesia was used rarely. Postoperatively, paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and occasionally peroral oxycodone, were prescribed in addition to epidural analgesia.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The survey suggests that the impact of more individualised analgesia regimens, both preoperatively and postoperatively, should be investigated in further studies.</p>