In the UK we often use a combination of antiemetics:
Ondansetron, Cyclizine, Dexamethasone or Stemitil.

Droperidol is no longer available in the  UK (shame!)

Your technique may also contribute to PONV,
Do you use nitrous oxide - N2O- ?
Do you over inflate the lungs and allow gas to enter the stomach?   

Hi

Here in the UK it's common to use a "Y" giving set with integral unidirection valves with an additional "lectro cath" type extention that connects to the patient.

Inbetween each case the extention is changed prior to each new patient.
Is this practice the same where you are?
Is it safe?
Has anyone seen papers or articles describing this practice as safe or unsafe?   

Yeah, it's pretty good ;D

Does anyone have sound figures on complication from nerve blocks to contrast the real risk of performonf them awake versus asleep?

I fully understand the rationale for both approaches and personally feel that fore humanitarian reasons it is preferable to perfrom them with the patient asleep if at all possible. 

Sounds like a good idea Gasman.

What is contempory practice? Do people still give test doses of IV antibiotics?

I understood that the AAGBI guidelines on anaphylaxis suggest that a test dose is a waste of time?

Any thoughts?

 

It's common practice to wear masks on orthopaedic theatres in the UK, usually just to keep the peace!
Most other theatres are pretty relaxed about it.
Most general surgeons only wear them for personal protection, if at all.