Tony G
Stunt Coordinator
- Joined
- Dec 9, 1998
- Messages
- 80
A few points:
The gas (carbon dioxide), isn't in the stomach, or the intestines, but inside the abdominal cavity. It does cause shoulder pain by pressing on the diaphragm, but this isn't the gas "passing out". The gas is resorbed by the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. This might take some time. Some surgeons seem to be better at getting rid of most of the gas during the operation, leaving less to be resorbed.
Fentanyl has a very short duration of action. Demerol has a fairly long duration, partially because it is metabolized to an active metabolite, thus making the "official" half-life figure somewhat misleading. The fentanyl lozenges are still available, but mainly used now for chronic pain, mostly cancer pain. They were initially developed for premedication in children who were to undergo anesthesia, but they have several drawbacks, and we have a much better premedication drug for pediatric anesthesia.
As far as treating someone like a "piece of meat", I would hope that it was an unfair perception of yours. I don't think it's actually a "defense mechanism", as much as something else. As callous as it may seem, the operation that seems to be life and death to you is actually our job! I perform many anesthetics each day, and you would probably prefer me seeming bored than seeing me looking like I'm freaking out over you! But again, it's a matter of perception, and I certainly can't speak to your specific situation. I personally don't hum, as that would only increase the patient's nausea!
Tony
The gas (carbon dioxide), isn't in the stomach, or the intestines, but inside the abdominal cavity. It does cause shoulder pain by pressing on the diaphragm, but this isn't the gas "passing out". The gas is resorbed by the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. This might take some time. Some surgeons seem to be better at getting rid of most of the gas during the operation, leaving less to be resorbed.
Fentanyl has a very short duration of action. Demerol has a fairly long duration, partially because it is metabolized to an active metabolite, thus making the "official" half-life figure somewhat misleading. The fentanyl lozenges are still available, but mainly used now for chronic pain, mostly cancer pain. They were initially developed for premedication in children who were to undergo anesthesia, but they have several drawbacks, and we have a much better premedication drug for pediatric anesthesia.
As far as treating someone like a "piece of meat", I would hope that it was an unfair perception of yours. I don't think it's actually a "defense mechanism", as much as something else. As callous as it may seem, the operation that seems to be life and death to you is actually our job! I perform many anesthetics each day, and you would probably prefer me seeming bored than seeing me looking like I'm freaking out over you! But again, it's a matter of perception, and I certainly can't speak to your specific situation. I personally don't hum, as that would only increase the patient's nausea!
Tony
