Objective To determine the location and use of small bowel endoscopy services in the UK and to analyse training uptake to assess future demand and shape discussions about training and service delivery. Design Surveys of British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) members by webbased and personal contact were conducted to ascertain capsule endoscopy practice and numbers of procedures performed. This was compared with expected numbers of procedures calculated using BSG guidelines, hospital episode statistics and published data of capsule endoscopy in routine practice. Analysis of data from two national training courses provided information about training. Results 45% of UK gastroenterology services offered in-house capsule endoscopy. 91.3% of survey responders referred patients for capsule endoscopy; 67.7% felt that local availability would increase referrals. Suspected small bowel bleeding and Crohn's disease were considered appropriate indications by the majority. Demand is increasing in spite of restricted use in 21.6% of centres. Only two regions performed more than the minimum estimate of need of 45 procedures per 250 000 population. Eight centres perform regular device-assisted enteroscopy; 14 services are in development. 74% of trainees were interested in training and of those training in image interpretation, 67% are doctors and 28% are nurses. Conclusions Capsule endoscopy is used by the majority of UK gastroenterologists but appears to be underused. Current demand for device-assisted enteroscopy seems likely to be matched if new services become established. Future demand is likely to increase, however, suggesting the need to formalise training and accreditation for both doctors and nurses.

No abstract

The results of a co‐ordinated multicentred clinical evaluation of a new steroid anaesthetic for cats, CT 1341, are presented. Forty‐six practising veterinary surgeons were involved. Administration by the intravenous, intramuscular and combined intramuscular‐intravenous routes was tried. It was concluded that CT 1341 is a safe anaesthetic in cat practice when given intravenously. When employed by the intramuscular route it induced deep sedation and in some cases anaesthesia, depending on the dosage used.

No abstract

Saffan* (CT 1341) was administered to budgerigars by intramuscular or intraperitoneal injection at dose rates ranging from 16 mg/kg to 156 mg/kg total steroid. Deep injection into the pectoral muscle mass was easier and safer than intraperitoneal injection and gave more consistent results. Duration of anaesthesia was similar with both routes but recovery times tended to be longer after intramuscular injection; for example by this route a dose rate of 36 mg/kg gave induction, anaesthesia and injection‐to‐perching times averaging 4.3, 12.7 and 51.6 minutes, respectively, compared with 6.6, 13.3 and 42.7 minutes for the intraperitoneal route. Intramuscular injection was a very safe procedure, deaths occurring only at 156 mg/kg. No adverse or cumulative effects were observed in birds anaesthetized on several occasions and no significant lesions were noted in histological sections of injected muscle. The maintenance of an adequate environmental temperature during anaesthesia and recovery is considered essential to prevent hypothermia.