need to be explored further by means of larger randomised, double-blind studies. Future studies should focus on elucidating interactions between autonomic and somatic afferent systems and may provide answers and newer tools for the management of peri-operative pain.

No abstract

laudable, these recent reports of preoperative ink transposition have highlighted a deficiency in the methodology that in practice may have devastating consequences.The current WHO guidelines may be improved by recommending writing the side of the operation adjacent to the arrow. In this way ink transference of the words 'left' or 'right' to the opposite limb would result in an illegible mirror image of the word, thus alerting theatre staff to the problem and further enhancing patient safety.