BACKGROUND Recently, caesarean section rates are increased in developing countries like India. Postpartum haemorrhage is more after caesarean section. Most of the maternal mortality is attributed to postpartum haemorrhage. This study was undertaken to find out the drug effective in reducing blood loss in lower segment caesarean section. The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of ethamsylate versus tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss during and after caesarean section. MATERIALS AND METHODS All women undergoing LSCS were divided in 3 groups, viz. 2 study groups and control group. All were requested for preop and postop Hb%, PCV and TRBC. Tranexamic acid and ethamsylate, 1 g diluted in 10 mL NS were given intravenously for both the study groups and control group with NS, 20 minutes prior to skin incision and blood loss was measured from placental delivery up to 2 hours in all the groups was calculated by weighing pre-weighted pads soaked in blood. RESULTS Statistical analysis was done quantitatively by Student's t-test. Postoperative blood loss was similar and lower in both the study groups compared to the control group. Hb% change in postop period is significant in control group. CONCLUSION Ethamsylate is safe and effective alternative to tranexamic acid in preventing postpartum haemorrhage after caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypersensitivity of the skin to UV radiation. These patients show a failure to repair UV induced DNA lesions caused by Nucleotide Excision Repair mechanism. They develop neoplasms at an early age and require repeated surgeries. METHODOLOGY: We report an 18 year old female patient with XP who presented with squamous cell carcinoma over parotidectomy site and was scheduled for wide excision and skin grafting. During Pre anesthetic checkup, difficult air way was anticipated and so all the available airway gadgets were kept ready. General anesthesia with propofol was planned. OBSERVATION: After adequate preparation, counseling regarding anesthetic plan of action and high risk consent, propofol given followed by succinylcholine. Patient had severe restriction of mouth opening when compared to preoperative period probably due to masseter spasm after succinylcholine. Placing an I-Gel by an experienced anesthesiologist helped in the successful management of this case. CONCLUSION: Newer supraglottic devices like I-Gel may be considered as a safer alternative in such difficult situations.