Anaesthesia
Browse 162 topics in anaesthesia, including presentations, diagnoses, procedures, tools, and exam links.
Specialty map
Use the filters below to move between emergency clusters, core pathways, exam topics, procedures, and the most relevant clinical atlas pages.
Abdominal Anatomy
Define/Describe - Overview of abdominal regions and divisions... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Acute Epiglottitis
Management is defined by a fundamental safety principle: Secure the Airway First . Any intervention that disturbs the child—including throat examination, venipuncture, or radiological investigation—can precipitate...
Acute Epiglottitis in Adults
Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening inflammatory condition affecting the epiglottis and surrounding supraglottic structures, capable of progressing rapidly to complete airway obstruction. Following widespread...
Acute Post-Operative Bleeding
Post-operative bleeding (POB) is a potentially life-threatening surgical complication characterized by excessive hemorrh... MRCS exam preparation.
Acute Upper Airway Obstruction
Key Facts Definition : Blockage of airway above the level of the carina (tracheal bifurcation) Incidence : 2-5% of emergency airway presentations; rare but critical Mortality : 5-10% if treated promptly; near 100% if...
Adductor Canal Block
Roof (Superficial Wall): Sartorius muscle : Forms the roof of the canal for most of its length Fascial thickening : Strong fascia covering sartorius contributes to canal formation Attachment : Fascia blends with...
Airway Fire in the Operating Room - Prevention and Management
Immediate Management (Critical First 60 Seconds): Simultaneously: Remove all airway devices (ETT, LMA, nasal tube, etc.) Disconnect oxygen source - flood circuit with air Pour sterile saline into airway (300-500 mL if...
Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE)
Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) is a catastrophic, unpredictable obstetric emergency characterised by the sudden onset of ... MRCOG exam preparation.
Anaesthesia for Aortic Arch Surgery
Aortic arch surgery requires deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) with or without selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) . Indications : Aortic aneurysm, acute dissection (Type A), atherosclerotic disease. Core...
Anaesthesia for Aortic Surgery
Aortic surgery ranges from open repair (high risk, physiological insult) to endovascular stent grafting (EVAR/TEVAR, less invasive but still significant). Anatomy: Ascending aorta (coronary arteries, aortic valve),...
Anaesthesia for Cardiac Valve Surgery
Valve surgery requires understanding of hemodynamic goals specific to each lesion . Aortic stenosis (AS): Maintain sinus rhythm, normal-high preload, avoid hypotension/tachycardia, treat dynamic obstruction with...
Anaesthesia for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) requires myocardial protection during ischemic arrest, hemodynamic optimization , and management of bleeding/coagulopathy . Preoperative : Continue antiplatelet agents (aspirin),...
Anaesthesia for Day Surgery
Day surgery (ambulatory surgery) requires rapid, smooth emergence , effective analgesia allowing oral intake and mobility, minimal PONV , and safe discharge . Patient selection : ASA I-III generally acceptable, BMI...
Anaesthesia for Dental Extractions
Dental extraction anaesthesia requires managing the "shared airway" with the dental surgeon while ensuring patient safety and comfort. Key considerations: (1) Airway management : Nasal intubation, reinforced LMA...
Anaesthesia for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive technique for treating chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and skull base pathology. Key anaesthetic challenges include:
Anaesthesia for Heart Transplantation
Heart transplantation is the gold standard treatment for end-stage heart failure refractory to medical/device therapy. Indications : Dilated cardiomyopathy (50-60%), ischemic cardiomyopathy (25-35%), congenital heart...
Anaesthesia for Laser Eye Surgery
Comprehensive guide to anaesthesia for PRK, LASIK, sedation requirements, and patient fixation for ANZCA Fellowship examination
Anaesthesia for Lung Resection
Lung resection includes pneumonectomy (entire lung), lobectomy (single lobe), segmentectomy/wedge (sublobar), and sleeve resection (bronchoplastic). Indications : Primary lung cancer (NSCLC 85%, SCLC 15%),...
Anaesthesia for Lung Transplantation
Lung transplantation is performed for end-stage lung disease refractory to medical therapy. Indications : COPD (30-35%), interstitial lung disease (25-30%), cystic fibrosis (15-20%), pulmonary hypertension (5-10%),...
Anaesthesia for Middle Ear Surgery
Middle ear surgery encompasses tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, stapedectomy, and cholesteatoma surgery. Key anaesthetic considerations include:
Anaesthesia for Obesity
Obesity (BMI 30 kg/m²) affects 30% of Australian adults and presents significant anaesthetic challenges due to physiological changes including reduced functional residual capacity (FRC), increased airway resistance,...
Anaesthesia for Ophthalmic Trauma
Comprehensive guide to anaesthesia for open globe injuries, orbital fractures, and intraocular pressure management for ANZCA Fellowship examination
Anaesthesia for Parotid Surgery
Comprehensive guide to anaesthesia for parotidectomy including facial nerve monitoring, Frey syndrome, and sialogogue use for ANZCA Fellowship examination
Anaesthesia for Patients with Pacemakers and ICDs
Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) including pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) require systematic perioperative management to prevent device malfunction from...
Anaesthesia for Pyloric Stenosis
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a medical emergency requiring correction of hypochloraemic hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis BEFORE surgery - it is NOT a surgical emergency. Presentation is typically...
Anaesthesia for Radical Neck Dissection
Comprehensive guide to anaesthesia for radical neck dissection including airway compromise, carotid protection, and shoulder dysfunction for ANZCA Fellowship examination
Anaesthesia for Renal Transplantation
for ANZCA Finals : - ESRD Physiology : Cardiovascular disease (leading cause of death), anaemia, platelet dysfunction, hyperkalaemia, metabolic acidosis, altered drug pharmacokinetics - Preoperative : Dialysis within...
Anaesthesia for Salivary Gland Surgery
Salivary gland surgery requires meticulous attention to the facial nerve (parotid surgery) and airway management. Key considerations: (1) Facial nerve preservation : Electromyography (EMG) monitoring mandatory for...
Anaesthesia for Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy presents unique anaesthetic challenges due to the shared airway with the surgeon, risk of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) , and frequent paediatric population. Key considerations include:
Anaesthesia for Trauma
Trauma is the leading cause of death in Australians aged 1-44 years, with major trauma requiring coordinated multidisciplinary care including damage control resuscitation (DCR) principles. Primary survey follows ABCDE...
Anaesthesia for Vitreoretinal Surgery
Comprehensive guide to anaesthesia for scleral buckle, pneumatic retinopexy, gas tamponade, and complex vitrectomy for ANZCA Fellowship examination
Anaesthesia in the Elderly
Ageing physiology significantly impacts anaesthetic management due to reduced functional reserve in cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, and neurological systems. Pharmacokinetic changes include reduced lean...
Autonomic Nervous System Anatomy
Define/Overview - Division of autonomic nervous system, general organization... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Awareness Under Anaesthesia and Depth of Anaesthesia Monitoring
Accidental awareness during general anaesthesia (AAGA) is a rare but devastating complication with an incidence of approximately 1:19,000 anaesthetics in the UK (NAP5 data). It is defined as explicit recall of sensory...
Axillary Block
Axillary brachial plexus block targets the terminal branches of the brachial plexus as they surround the axillary artery in the axilla. Coverage : Forearm, wrist, hand (entire upper limb below mid-humerus)....
Bariatric Surgery Anaesthesia
Mechanical Alterations: Increased intra-abdominal pressure : Elevated by 5-15 mmHg above normal due to central adiposity, reducing diaphragmatic excursion Decreased FRC : Reduced by 30-50% in morbid obesity (BMI 40...
Beach Chair Position Anaesthesia
Beach chair position (BCP) involves elevating the head and torso 30-70 degrees from supine with legs lowered, primarily used for shoulder surgery. Physiological effects : Gravitational effects on cerebral perfusion...
Brachial Plexus Blocks
The brachial plexus (C5-T1 roots) provides motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb. Four principal approaches exist for brachial plexus blockade: interscalene (shoulder surgery, 100% phrenic nerve palsy),...
Bupivacaine
Bupivacaine is a potent, long-acting amide local anaesthetic widely used for neuraxial blocks (epidural, spinal), peripheral nerve blocks, and labour analgesia. Structure: Amide local anaesthetic (pipecoloxylidide),...
Caesarean Section
Caesarean section (CS) is the surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the abdominal wall and uterus. It is one ... MRCOG exam preparation.
Caesarean Section Anaesthesia
Caesarean section is the most common major surgical procedure in Australia, with approximately 30-35% of births delivered by caesarean section. Neuraxial anaesthesia (spinal, epidural, or combined spinal-epidural) is...
Can't Intubate Can't Oxygenate (CICO)
What is it? Can't Intubate Can't Oxygenate (CICO) is a life-threatening airway emergency where tracheal intubation has failed AND oxygenation cannot be achieved via facemask or supraglottic airway (SGA). This...
Cancer Surgery and Anaesthesia
What is it? Anaesthesia for cancer surgery requires specialized knowledge of cancer biology, immunosuppression effects, optimal surgical timing, and perioperative considerations that differ significantly from...
Carbon Dioxide Transport
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is transported from tissues to lungs via three mechanisms: dissolved CO2 (5-10%), bicarbonate (60-70%), and carbamino compounds (20-25%). The bicarbonate pathway involves carbonic anhydrase...
Cardiac Anatomy & Coronary Circulation
Define/Describe - Overview of cardiac chambers, orientation in thorax... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Cardiac Tamponade
Cardiac tamponade is life-threatening compression of the heart by fluid (blood, effusion) in the pericardial space impairing diastolic filling and reducing cardiac output. Pathophysiology: Pericardial pressure...
Cardiomyoplasty and Skeletal Muscle Ventricle
Cardiomyoplasty is an experimental surgical technique using skeletal muscle to assist or replace cardiac function. Two approaches exist: (1) Dynamic cardiomyoplasty—wrapping the latissimus dorsi muscle around the...
Cardiopulmonary Bypass Cannulation
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) cannulation establishes extracorporeal circulation for cardiac surgery. Arterial cannulation (ascending aorta 95%, femoral 3%, axillary 2%) delivers oxygenated blood (cannula size: 20-24...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - Adult
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique combining chest compressions and rescue ventilations to maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest. High-quality CPR is the...
Cardiovascular Physiology
Cardiovascular physiology forms the foundation of critical care practice, informing haemodynamic monitoring, vasoactive ... CICM Fellowship Written, CICM Fellow
Cerebral Blood Flow & Autoregulation
Normal CBF values: 50 mL/100g/min total; grey matter 80-100, white matter 20-25 mL/100g/min... CICM First Part Written, CICM First Part Viva exam preparation
Clinical Governance in Anaesthesia
Comprehensive guide to quality improvement, audit, morbidity meetings, and clinical governance frameworks for ANZCA Fellowship examination
Coagulation Cascade & Fibrinolysis
Primary haemostasis involves platelet adhesion (via vWF-GPIb), activation (shape change, granule release), and aggreg... CICM First Part Written, CICM First
Communication Skills in Anaesthesia
Comprehensive guide to difficult conversations, breaking bad news, escalation protocols, and patient-centered communication for ANZCA Fellowship examination Professional Skills component
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
CDH is a developmental defect where abdominal contents herniate into the thorax through a defect in the diaphragm, causing pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Key anaesthetic principles:
Dental Anaesthesia
Challenges: Airway obstruction : Surgeon's hands and instruments in airway Monitoring difficulty : Face and airway obscured by surgical drapes Limited access : Cannot easily perform laryngoscopy or adjust airway...
Depth of Anaesthesia Monitoring
Depth of anaesthesia (DoA) monitors process electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to assess the hypnotic component of general anaesthesia. The three main technologies are: (1) Bispectral Index (BIS)—algorithm combining...
Difficult Airway Management
The difficult airway occurs in 1-6% of emergency department intubations and carries mortality of 25-30% if mismanaged, p... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Difficult Ventilation - Can't Intubate Can't Ventilate (CICV) Management
Immediate Recognition of Can't Intubate Can't Ventilate (CICV/CICO): Failed intubation: Multiple attempts unsuccessful Failed face mask ventilation: Cannot achieve chest movement, EtCO2, or SpO2 Failed SGA rescue:...
Distributive Shock (Adult)
Distributive shock is characterized by profound systemic vasodilation leading to maldistribution of blood flow and inadequate tissue perfusion despite normal or elevated cardiac output. Unlike hypovolemic or...
ECMO Cannulation and Vascular Access
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation establishes vascular access for temporary mechanical circulatory and/or respiratory support. Two configurations exist: (1) Veno-arterial (VA) - femoral vein...
Electrical Injury and Lightning Strike
Electrical injuries cause devastating deep tissue damage, cardiac arrhythmias, and systemic complications disproportionate to visible burns. Key principles:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Anaesthesia
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves inducing a generalized tonic-clonic seizure under general anaesthesia for treatment of severe psychiatric disorders. Anaesthetic goals : Provide brief unconsciousness (2-5...
End-of-Life Care in Anaesthesia
Comprehensive guide to palliative care, organ donation in Australia/NZ, and withholding/withdrawing treatment for ANZCA Fellowship examination Professional Skills component
Endocrine Physiology (Adrenal, Thyroid, Pituitary)
Endocrine physiology is fundamental to understanding the stress response in critical illness, metabolic regulation, and ... CICM First Part Written, CICM First
Epidural Anaesthesia
Epidural anaesthesia involves injection of local anaesthetic into the epidural space (potential space between ligamentum flavum and dura) producing segmental sensory block with less motor block than spinal. Anatomy:...
Erector Spinae Plane Block
Composition: The erector spinae is a large, complex muscle group located posterior to the vertebral column, consisting of three columns:
Ethics, Consent, and Capacity in Anaesthesia
Comprehensive guide to informed consent, capacity assessment, advance directives, and refusal of treatment for ANZCA Fellowship examination Professional Skills component
Extubation Criteria
Extubation is the planned removal of an endotracheal tube after determining a patient can maintain adequate spontaneous ... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Fellowshi
Failed Intubation Drill
Failed intubation occurs in 1-3% of emergency department intubations and can rapidly deteriorate to a CICO (Can't Intuba... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Failed Spinal Anaesthesia: Management Options and Intubation Strategy
Failed spinal anaesthesia occurs in 1-5% of caesarean sections , with complete failure reported in 0.5-1% of cases. When spinal anaesthesia fails to provide adequate surgical anaesthesia, the anaesthetist must rapidly...
Femoral Nerve Block
Origin and Course: Formed from : L2-L4 lumbar plexus (posterior divisions) Exits : Lateral border psoas muscle Passes : Beneath inguinal ligament Position : Lateral to femoral artery, deep to fascia iliaca,...
Fetal and Neonatal Physiology
The CICM First Part examination frequently tests fetal and neonatal physiology as it underpins understanding of duct-dep... CICM First Part Written, CICM First
Foreign Body Aspiration - Acute Upper Airway Obstruction and Bronchoscopy
Foreign body aspiration is the inhalation of objects into the airway, most commonly affecting children aged 1-3 years (peak incidence). It is a life-threatening emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and intervention....
General Anaesthesia Induction
General anaesthesia induction is the transition from consciousness to unconsciousness with loss of protective airway reflexes, requiring controlled manipulation of physiology and airway management. Rapid sequence...
High Spinal and Total Spinal Block - Recognition and Management
Immediate Recognition: Sensory level above T4 (high spinal) with respiratory symptoms Progressive ascending weakness (numbness in hands T1-T4, respiratory C3-C5) Severe hypotension with bradycardia (sympathetic...
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - Anaesthetic Considerations
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiac disorder (1:500 population), characterised by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy with myocardial disarray, presenting significant anaesthetic...
Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block
Formation: Roots : C5, C6, C7, C8, T1 (ventral rami) Interscalene location : C5-C7 roots between anterior and middle scalene muscles Trunks : Form superior (C5-C6), middle (C7), inferior (C8-T1) trunks Interscalene...
Intraoperative Bronchospasm - Recognition and Management
Immediate Recognition: Rising peak airway pressure ( 30 cmH₂O with plateau pressure unchanged suggests bronchospasm) Expiratory wheeze (may be absent in severe bronchospasm = "silent chest") Decreased tidal volume...
Isoflurane Pharmacology
Isoflurane (1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether) is a halogenated methyl ethyl ether volatile anaesthetic agent introduced in 1981 that remains widely used globally for maintenance of general...