Trauma Anesthesia

Injuries are estimated to become the number one cause of death for men and women under the age of 45 by the year 2020. Trauma patients present unique challenges to anesthesiologists. Acute injuries require resource intensive care and are often complex cases especially when coupled with underlying, pre-existing medical conditions. Anesthesiologists are involved with trauma patients beginning with airway and shock resuscitation, continuing with intra-operative care during surgery, and extending on to pain management and critical care post-operatively. This reference focuses on a broad spectrum of traumatic injuries and the procedures anesthesiologists perform to adequately care for trauma patients perioperatively, surgically, and post-operatively. Special emphasis is given to the assessment and treatment of coexisting disease. Numerous tables and 300 illustrations showcasing various techniques of airway management, shock resuscitation, echocardiography and use of ultrasound for the performance of regional anesthesia in trauma, provide an invaluable reference for the anesthesiologist.