Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia
Audio Summaries
Every issue of Anaesthesia moves the field forward, but reading every paper cover-to-cover isn't realistic. OSLR turns each article into a 3-minute audio summary so you can stay current while you commute, round, or work out.
Recent summaries
The latest articles summarized from Anaesthesia.
Disability after non-cardiac surgery - patient-centred outcomes and resource utilisation after non-cardiac surgery (PACORUS): a prospective multicentre cohort study
Jun 11, 2026
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with new-onset clinically significant disability one year after non-cardiac, non-neurosurgical surgery. The findings revealed that 12.9% of patients experienced new disability at one year, with periprocedural risk and postoperative complications being significant contributors, while social support did not show a strong association. Additionally, frailty was identified as a major risk factor for developing new disability post-surgery.
Pre-operative three-dimensional face scans for predicting difficult facemask ventilation: a prospective development study
Jun 6, 2026
The authors aimed to determine whether pre-operative three-dimensional face scans could effectively predict difficult facemask ventilation in patients undergoing surgery. Their study found that integrating specific facial shape features into the existing DIFFMASK score improved its predictive accuracy, suggesting that digital phenotyping may enhance traditional airway assessments.
Prospective development and validation of an objective classification for difficult facemask ventilation: the MASCAN score
Jun 6, 2026
The authors aimed to develop and validate an objective classification system, known as the MASCAN score, for identifying difficult facemask ventilation, a condition that currently lacks a standardized definition. In a study involving 400 patients undergoing tracheal intubation, they identified five key indicators associated with difficult facemask ventilation and created a multivariable logistic regression model that demonstrated high predictive accuracy. The MASCAN score provides a data-driven approach to enhance documentation and management of airway challenges in clinical practice.
Prophylactic interventions to prevent rebound pain after peripheral nerve block in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
May 26, 2026
The authors aimed to evaluate pharmacological strategies to prevent rebound pain after peripheral nerve blocks in adults through a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. They found that intravenous dexamethasone was the most effective intervention for reducing the incidence of rebound pain, while perineural dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine were beneficial for delaying its onset and prolonging analgesia. The study underscores the need for further research on alternative strategies due to varying evidence quality.
Energy, flow and pressure in the cardiovascular system: a narrative review of how the circulation works
May 20, 2026
The authors aim to clarify the mechanisms that determine blood flow in the cardiovascular system, challenging traditional pressure-based concepts that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful treatment in clinical settings. By integrating classical and contemporary physiological insights, they propose a unified framework where the heart provides energy, vascular properties dictate flow potential, and pressures merely reflect system states rather than driving forces. This approach emphasizes the importance of assessing flow responsiveness and cardiac reserve over static pressure targets in managing shock and other critical conditions.
Diagnostic value of the percentage of glottic opening score for classifying videolaryngoscopy in children: a prospective validation study
May 18, 2026
The authors aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score in classifying difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in children, comparing it to subjective visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings. The study found that the POGO score demonstrated significantly poorer diagnostic performance and inter-rater reliability compared to VAS ratings, indicating that it is not a reliable tool for predicting difficult intubation in this population.
Platelet function in patients undergoing major non-cardiac vascular surgery (PLUGS): a prospective cohort study
May 13, 2026
The study aimed to characterize platelet function and assess the prevalence of antiplatelet resistance in patients undergoing major elective non-cardiac vascular surgery. The findings revealed a high incidence of clopidogrel resistance, affecting up to 70% of patients, and indicated that current guidelines for pre-operative antiplatelet therapy may not effectively restore normal platelet function. The authors suggest that further multicenter studies are needed to validate these results and improve personalized peri-operative management.
Artificial intelligence-assisted peri-operative echocardiography: a multicentre observational study
May 5, 2026
This multicentre observational study investigates the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-driven analysis (US2.AI) in enhancing peri-operative echocardiography performed by anaesthetists. The authors aim to determine whether AI can streamline the assessment of key echocardiographic parameters, finding strong agreement between AI-generated measurements and clinician-derived standards, which supports the integration of AI into peri-operative workflows. Further research is suggested to evaluate the clinical outcomes of this technology.
Use of sterile gowns for single-shot spinal anaesthesia: consensus guidelines from the Association of Anaesthetists, Royal College of Anaesthetists, Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association, Regional Anaesthesia UK, College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland and Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Apr 16, 2026
The authors aimed to establish updated, evidence-informed consensus guidelines regarding the use of sterile gowns in single-shot spinal anaesthesia, amidst varying international recommendations and limited evidence of their routine necessity. Through a comprehensive literature review and a modified Delphi process involving experts, they concluded that while the routine use of sterile gowns is not mandatory for uncomplicated adult patients, essential aseptic practices like hand hygiene and facemask use remain critical for infection prevention. This guidance seeks to balance high standards of infection control with practical and sustainable anaesthetic practices.
Best practice in obstetric general anaesthesia: an umbrella review of pharmacological strategies for induction of general anaesthesia
Apr 16, 2026
The authors aimed to systematically review and summarize the evidence regarding pharmacological strategies for the induction of general anaesthesia in caesarean deliveries, focusing on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Their findings suggest that short-acting opioids and propofol are safe and effective choices, while rocuronium is a viable alternative to suxamethonium for intubation, although the evidence is limited by the exclusion of high-risk pregnancies and emergency situations.