Anaesthesia - what has the University of Cape Town contributed?

From humble beginnings, the University of Cape Town's Department of Anaesthesia has played a major role in the development of anaesthesia as a speciality, in South Africa and internationally. We highlight these contributions in clinical service, teaching and research, with particular emphasis on the department's leading role in the evolution of anaesthetic safety in adults and children: from the development of the treatment of malignant hyperthermia, to unique studies in mortality associated with anaesthesia, and modern contributions to improved drug safety. Innovations in anaesthetic techniques have contributed to significant surgical developments, including the first heart transplant. Furthermore, our research has contributed to major advances in obstetric and endocrine anaesthesia, and training in the department is recognised as being among the best in the world.

[1]  P. Navsaria,et al.  Resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch improves renal function and lactate clearance in penetrating trauma in a randomized controlled study: the FIRST trial (Fluids in Resuscitation of Severe Trauma). , 2011, British journal of anaesthesia.

[2]  M. James,et al.  Magnesium in obstetrics. , 2010, Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology.

[3]  C. Lombard,et al.  Hemodynamic Effects of Ephedrine, Phenylephrine, and the Coadministration of Phenylephrine with Oxytocin during Spinal Anesthesia for Elective Cesarean Delivery , 2009, Anesthesiology.

[4]  D. Wheatcroft,et al.  Drug Administration Errors: A Prospective Survey from three South African Teaching Hospitals , 2009, Anaesthesia and intensive care.

[5]  C. Lombard,et al.  Hemodynamic Changes Associated with Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery in Severe Preeclampsia , 2008, Anesthesiology.

[6]  M. James,et al.  Pheochromocytoma crisis: the use of magnesium sulfate. , 2004, Anesthesia and analgesia.

[7]  R. Dyer,et al.  Crystalloid Preload versus Rapid Crystalloid Administration after Induction of Spinal Anaesthesia (Coload) for Elective Caesarean Section , 2004, Anaesthesia and intensive care.

[8]  Jenny M. Thomas,et al.  Conjoined twins – the anaesthetic management of 15 sets from 1991–2002 , 2004, Paediatric anaesthesia.

[9]  M. James,et al.  In vivo investigation into the effects of haemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch (200/0.5) and normal saline on coagulation. , 1998, British journal of anaesthesia.

[10]  P. Potgieter,et al.  The intensive care management, mortality and prognostic indicators in severe community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia , 1996, Intensive Care Medicine.

[11]  J. Brunner,et al.  Automatic weaning from mechanical ventilation using an adaptive lung ventilation controller. , 1994, Chest.

[12]  N. Parbhoo The South African Society of Anaesthetists, 1943-1993. , 1994, South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde.

[13]  D. Dent,et al.  Anaesthetic-induced malignant hyperpyrexia and a method for its prediction. , 1969, British journal of anaesthesia.

[14]  Harrison Gg Anaesthetic contributory death--its incidence and causes. II. Causes. , 1968 .

[15]  Harrison Gg Anaesthetic contributory death--its incidence and causes. I. Incidence. , 1968 .

[16]  Voss Tj The adaptation of ventilators for anesthesia, with particular reference to paediatric anaesthesia. , 1967 .

[17]  A. Bull,et al.  an assessment of RADIO FREQUENCY INDUCTION HEATING OF BLOOD for massive transfusion , 1967, Anesthesia and analgesia.

[18]  G. Harrison Control of the malignant hyperpyrexic syndrome in MHS swine by dantrolene sodium. , 1975, British journal of anaesthesia.

[19]  T. J. Voss The adaptation of ventilators for anesthesia, with particular reference to paediatric anaesthesia. , 1967, South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde.