…absolute indication, and always urgent. A large pericardial effusion with symptoms despite medical treatment. Diagnostic drainage in suspected purulent pericarditis, tuberculosis or malignancy. Tamponade is…

…either via the subxiphoid or apical window, is generally considered less effective than thoracotomy. This is because it does not ensure complete drainage of the…

…intracranial hypertension. Therapeutic drainage in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and in assessment before shunt surgery. Contraindications Clinical signs of herniation — deep unconsciousness with unreactive pupils, an…

…first. Procedure Choice of insertion site The left lower quadrant is the first choice : the abdominal wall is thinner there than on the right, and…

…reason for an incompletely performed drainage. Procedure 1. Locate the centre of the fluctuance, preferably with ultrasound if available. Mark the direction of the incision…

…which is the commonest cause of recurrence. Indications Condition Procedure : : Acute paronychia with fluctuance or visible pus Incision and drainage Acute paronychia without pus formation…

…lung and the fluid level. 2. Choose a point with at least 15 mm depth of fluid throughout the respiratory cycle and where the lung…

…Diagnosis of a tension pneumothorax can be made via auscultation, where asymmetric lung sounds are noted, specifically with an absence of sounds on the affected…

…equipment A laryngeal mask of the correct size plus one size above and one below. Second generation masks with a separate drainage channel (i gel…

…volume. A need for accurate measurement of urine output in a critically ill patient. Perioperatively and postoperatively in longer procedures and with epidural anaesthesia. Bladder…