Comparison of preformed microcuff and preformed uncuffed endotracheal tubes in pediatric cleft palate surgery-A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Airway management in children with oral cleft surgery carries unique challenges, concerning the proximity of the surgical site and the tracheal tube. We hypothesized that using a Microcuff oral RAE tube would reduce tube exchange and migration rate. We aimed to compare the performance of Microsoft and uncuffed oral performed tracheal tubes in children undergoing cleft palate surgeries regarding the rate of tracheal tube exchange, endobronchial intubation, and ventilatory parameters. METHODS: One hundred children scheduled for cleft palate surgery were randomized into two groups. In the uncuffed group (n = 50), the tracheal tube was selected using the Modified Coles formula, and in the Microcuff (n = 50) group, the manufacturer's recommendations were followed. Intraoperatively, we compared the primary outcome of tube exchange using the chi-square test. The leak pressure and ventilatory parameters after head extension and mouth gag application were measured in both groups. RESULTS: The tracheal tube exchange rate was significantly lower in the Microcuff group (0/50) than in uncuffed (19/50) preformed tubes (0 vs. 38% respectively; p <.001). The uncuffed and Microcuff tracheal tube were comparable concerning ventilation parameters and leak pressure of finally placed tubes (17.78 ± 3.95 vs. 19.26 ± 3.81 cm H2 O respectively, with a mean difference (95% CI) of -1.48 (-0.01-2.98); p-value =0.059. Cuff pressure did not vary significantly during the initial hour, and the incidence of postoperative airway morbidity between uncuffed and Microcuff tube was comparable, 5/50 (10%) versus 7/50 (14%) with risk ratio (95% CI) of 0.71(0.24-2.1), p value .49. CONCLUSION: Microcuff oral preformed tubes performed better than uncuffed tubes regarding tube exchange during cleft palate surgery.

Comparison of external jugular vein-based surface landmark approach and ultrasound-guided approach for internal jugular venous cannulation: A randomised crossover clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Historically, landmark techniques for central venous access through the internal jugular vein (IJV) have yielded a lesser success rate and higher complication rate than the ultrasound (US)-guided approach. The purpose of this study is to assess the success and safety of a novel external jugular vein (EJV)-based landmark (EJV-LM) approach compared with the real-time US-guided approach for central venous access through the IJV. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomised, crossover trial performed in patients during elective cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Each resident randomly inserted a central venous catheter using EJV-LM approach and real-time US-guided approach. The primary outcome was first-attempt success. Secondary outcomes included overall success rate, number of puncture attempts, cannulation time, haematoma and mechanical complications. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients were randomly assigned to the EJV-LM and US groups. The demographic characteristics of the groups were comparable. The first-attempt success was not different between EJV-LM and US-guided techniques (79.8%; [95% CI: 70.2-87.4] vs 89.4% [95% CI 81.3-94.8]; P = .06). The overall success rate was 100% with both techniques. There were no differences in the number of puncture attempts with introducer needle (1[1-3] vs 1[1-2]; P = .07). Cannulation time was longer in the EJV-LM group compared with the US group (58.11 ± 6.6 vs 44.27 ± 5.28 seconds; P = .0001). EJV-LM technique was associated with a higher occurrence of overall complications compared with the US technique (12.8% [95% CI: 6.7- 21.2] vs 4.2% [95% CI: 1.1-10.5]; P = .03). No major mechanical complications were observed with either techniques. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with non-distorted neck anatomy and a visible EJV, IJV catheterisation using the EJV-based LM approach and standard US-guided technique yielded similar first-attempt and overall success rates. Cannulation time was longer and complications occurred more frequently in the EJV-based LM compared with the standard US-guided technique.

Relationship between transesophageal echocardiography-derived pulmonary artery systolic pressure measurements and early morbidity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Context: We studied the relationship between intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography-derived (TEE-derived) pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) measurements with early morbidity in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Aims: The objective of the study was to assess whether TEE-derived elevated PASP is independently predictive of significant morbidity. Settings and Design: Prospective observational study in a university hospital. Materials and. Methods: Around 54 patients who underwent CABG under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were divided into two groups; with PASP ≥35 mmHg and PASP <35 mmHg, assessed by intraoperative TEE. Outcomes studied were poor coronary revascularization, postoperative arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, intra-aortic balloon pump use, pacemaker dependence, significant inotrope use, prolonged intensive care unit stay, and the total length of stay in the hospital. Mortality analysis was not a part of this study since expected sample sizes were low. Results: Patients with PASP ≥35 mmHg had a higher risk of respiratory failure, increased inotrope use and prolonged hospital stay, although multivariate analysis failed to demonstrate an independent association of PASP with these outcomes. Diabetes mellitus (DM), peripheral vascular disease, low cardiac output and elevated mitral annular E/e' ratio were significantly associated with higher pulmonary arterial pressures. Multivariate analysis showed that PASP was independently associated with higher mitral annular E/e' ratio. Conclusions: Our study, therefore, suggests that higher PASP may predict higher left ventricular filling pressures, and although elevated PASP ≥35 mmHg may be associated with DM; peripheral vascular disease, lower intraoperative cardiac output, postoperative respiratory failure, higher inotrope use, and delayed hospital discharge, it is not an independent predictor of any of these variables.

Comparison of preincisional and postincisional parasternal intercostal block on postoperative pain in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The optimum cardiac surgical pain management has known to maintain hemodynamic stability and, reduces respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Postoperative parasternal intercostal block has shown to reduce postoperative analgesic consumption after cardiac surgery. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effectiveness of the preoperative ultrasound guided parasternal block in reducing postoperative pain after cardiac surgery. METHODS: This was a randomized, prospective, interventional, single blind study comprised of 90 adult patients scheduled for cardiac surgery involving sternotomy. Preoperatively and postoperatively, 0.25% bupivacaine administered in 4 mL aliquots into the anterior (2nd-6th) intercostal spaces on each side about 2 cm lateral to the sternal edge with a total volume of 40 mL under ultrasound guidance and direct vision, respectively. Postoperative pain was rated according to visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative fentanyl consumptions, dosages of rescue medications, and time to extubation. MAIN RESULTS: There was no significant differences in visual analogue score visual analogue score at all time points till 24 hours postoperatively. Intraoperative fentanyl requirements (microgram/kg) before cardiopulmonary bypass was significantly lower in pre-incisional group than the post-incisional group (0.16 ± 0.43 vs 0.68 ± 0.72; P = .0001). Furthermore, there were no significant difference in total fentanyl requirement (7.20 ± 2.66 vs 8.37 ± 3.13; P = .06) and tramadol requirement (0.02 ± 0.15 vs 0.07 ± 0.26; P = .28) within first 24 hours. However, time to extubation was significantly higher in the preoperative group (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative and postoperative parasternal intercostal block provide comparable pain relief during the postoperative period.

Doppler resistive index to reflect risk of acute kidney injury after major abdominal surgery: A prospective observational trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Doppler renal resistive index (RI) has been studied to find its association with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). This study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative RI, postoperative RI and RI variation before and after surgery expressed as a percentage (% RI) for early AKI detection in major abdominal surgery. METHODS: This was a single-centre, prospective observational trial performed in the critical care unit of an academic hospital. Eligible patients posted for major abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia using intraperitoneal approach with at least two predefined risk factors for AKI were included in the study. Renal RI was measured preoperatively and on postoperative day zero. Statistical comparisons were performed for various parameters between the AKI and the non-AKI groups. Pre- and postoperative RI receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn and areas under the curves computed. Positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 69 subjects were enrolled, of which 14 developed AKI in the postoperative period. The mean resistive indices measured were 0.65 ± 0.09 and 0.74 ± 0.09 in the pre- and postoperative periods, respectively. The area under the ROC curve in the postoperative RI was 0.732 with 95% confidence intervals of 0.592-0.871. This most accurate cut-off value to detect postoperative AKI with sensitivity 57.1% and specificity of 85.5% was 0.77. CONCLUSION: Postoperative RI can detect early AKI after major abdominal surgery.

Comparison of weight-based and pinna size-based selection of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in paediatric population - A prospective exploratory trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Weight-based selection of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) size may be unreliable in some situations. The aim of this study was to compare the ventilation parameters using PLMA during controlled ventilation between weight-based size selection and pinna size-based selection in children. METHODS: A total of 204 patients were randomised to receive either pinna size-based (Group P) or weight-based (Group W) size selection of PLMA. We tested the hypothesis that pinna size-based selection of PLMA was better than weight-based selection of PLMA in paediatric patients during controlled ventilation under general anaesthesia in terms of oropharyngeal sealing pressure (the primary end-point) and Brimacombe score. Cuff pressure was maintained at 60 cm of H2O during the study. Secondary outcomes included the number of attempts for successful placement of PLMA, peak airway pressure, gastric tube placement, traumatic insertion, and complications were also compared. Parametric variables were analysed using unpaired t-test and categorical variables were analysed using Mann-Whitney and Chi-square test. RESULTS: In all, 200 patients were analysed. The mean oropharyngeal sealing pressure in Group P was 25.4 ± 3.5 cmH2O and 24.9 ± 3.8 cmH2O in Group W, (P = 0.34). There was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the secondary outcomes. There were no traumatic insertion or complications reported in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Pinna-based size selection method can be used in PLMA placement in the paediatric population for positive pressure ventilation and it serves as an alternative method to weight-based selection.

Effectiveness of continuous wound infusion of local anesthetics after abdominal surgeries.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effectiveness of continuous preperitoneal wound infusion of local anesthetic drug bupivacaine in providing pain relief, reducing opioid consumption, and enhancing postoperative recovery. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomly allocated to two groups (study group: bupivacaine and control group: normal saline). There were 47 patients in each group. The patients received continuous infusion of either 0.25% bupivacaine or 0.9% normal saline at 6 mL/h, for 48 h, based on their group allocation, through a multiholed wound infiltration catheter placed preperitoneally. All patients also received intravenous morphine through patient-controlled analgesia pump. Pain scores at rest and on cough, morphine consumption, and peak expiratory flow rate were assessed at 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. The time to first perception of bowel sounds and first passage of flatus was noted. All patients were assessed for postoperative nausea and vomiting and any local or systemic complications. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. The morphine consumption was compared using Student t-test, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mean total morphine consumption in the study group was significantly lower than the control group (18.8 ± 2.21 versus 30.8 ± 2.58 mg, P = 0.001). The median VAS scores were significantly lower in the study group than those in the control group both at rest (3 [1-4] versus 4 [2-5], P = 0.04) and during cough (4 [3-6] versus 6 [4-6] P = 0.03), except at 48 h, when the median VAS score at rest was similar (3 [1-4] versus 3 [2-4], P = 0.56). Bowel function returned earlier in study group (67.34 ± 2.61 versus 76.34 ± 5.29 h, P = 0.03). Postoperative nausea and vomiting was less in study group. Respiratory function, assessed by peak expiratory flow rate, was better in the study group (192.55 ± 12.93 versus 165.31 ± 9.32 mL, P = 0.03). The incidence of surgical site infection was similar in both the groups (3/47 versus 5/47, P = 0.06). There was no systemic toxicity of local anesthetic. CONCLUSION: Continuous preperitoneal wound infusion of local anesthetic provides effective analgesia, reduces morphine consumption and its associated side effects, and enhances the postoperative recovery by reducing the incidence of prolonged postoperative ileus.

A survey of a population of anaesthesiologists from South India regarding practices for rapid sequence intubation in patients with head injury.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Evidence and utility of the individual steps of the rapid sequence induction and tracheal intubation protocols have been debated, especially in the setting of traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this survey was to determine preferences in the current approach to rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in head injury patients among a population of anaesthesiologists from South India. METHODS: A questionnaire was E-mailed to all the members of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists' South Zone Chapter to ascertain their preferences, experience and comfort level with regard to their use of rapid sequence intubation techniques in adult patients with head injury. Participants were requested to indicate their practices for RSI technique for a head-injured patient upon arrival at the Emergency Medical Services department of their hospital. RESULTS: The total response rate was 56.9% (530/932). Of the total respondents, 35% of the clinicians used cricoid pressure routinely, most respondents (68%) stated that they pre-oxygenate the patients for about 3 min prior to RSI, thiopentone (61%) and propofol (34%) were commonly used prior to intubation. Rocuronium was the muscle relaxant of choice for RSI among the majority (44%), compared to succinylcholine (39%). Statistical analyses were performed after the initial entry onto a spreadsheet. Data were summarised descriptively using frequency distribution. CONCLUSION: In a rapid sequence intubation situation, the practice differed significantly among anaesthesiologists. Owing to disagreements and paucity of evidence-based data regarding the standards of RSI, it is apparent that RSI practice still has considerable variability in clinical practice.

Diagnostic accuracy of bedside tests for predicting difficult intubation in Indian population: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Unanticipated difficult intubation can be challenging to anesthesiologists, and various bedside tests have been tried to predict difficult intubation. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of difficult intubation in the Indian population and also to determine the diagnostic accuracy of bedside tests in predicting difficult intubation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: In this study, 200 patients belonging to age group 18-60 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II, scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation were enrolled. Patients with upper airway pathology, neck mass, and cervical spine injury were excluded from the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An attending anesthesiologist conducted preoperative assessment and recorded parameters such as body mass index, modified Mallampati grading, inter-incisor distance, neck circumference, and thyromental distance (NC/TMD). After standard anesthetic induction, laryngoscopy was performed, and intubation difficulty assessed using intubation difficulty scale on the basis of seven variables. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The Chi-square test or student t-test was performed when appropriate. The binary multivariate logistic regression (forward-Wald) model was used to determine the independent risk factors. RESULTS: Among the 200 patients, 26 patients had difficult intubation with an incidence of 13%. Among different variables, the Mallampati score and NC/TMD were independently associated with difficult intubation. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed a cut-off point of 3 or 4 for Mallampati score and 5.62 for NC/TMD to predict difficult intubation. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of NC/TM ratio and Mallampatti score were better compared to other bedside tests to predict difficult intubation in Indian population.

Comparison of intravenous labetalol and bupivacaine scalp block on the hemodynamic and entropy changes following skull pin application: A randomized, open label clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The application of skull pins in neurosurgical procedures is a highly noxious stimulus that causes hemodynamic changes and a rise in spectral entropy levels. We designed a study to compare intravenous (IV) labetalol and bupivacaine scalp block in blunting these changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures were randomized into two groups, L (labetalol) and B (bupivacaine) of 33 each. After a standard induction sequence using fentanyl, propofol and vecuronium, patients were intubated. Baseline hemodynamic parameters and entropy levels were noted. Five minutes before, application of the pins, group L patients received IV labetalol 0.25 mg/kg and group B patients received scalp block with 30 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. Following application of the pins, heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and response entropy (RE)/state entropy (SE) were noted at regular time points up to 5 min. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with respect to their demographic characteristics. Baseline hemodynamic parameters and entropy levels were also similar. After pinning, the HR, SAP, DAP, MAP, and RE/SE all increased in both groups but were lower in the scalp block group patients. HR increased by 19.8% in group L and by 11% in group B. SAP increased by 11.9% in group L and remained unchanged in group B. DAP increased by 19.7% in group L and by 9.9% in group B, MAP increased by 15.6% in group L and 5% in group B (P < 0.05). No adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSION: Scalp block with bupivacaine is more effective than IV labetalol in attenuating the rise in hemodynamic parameters and entropy changes following skull pin application.

Combined nephrectomy and aortic valve replacement: perioperative decision-making.

Open heart surgery and urologic surgery may be required for patients with coincident diseases. We report a patient who suffered from aortic valve stenosis which was asymptomatic barring atrial fibrillation. He was prescribed warfarin and then developed a large perinephric hematoma. The perioperative considerations focused on whether to conduct aortic valve replacement for this patient and, if such surgery was indicated, the appropriate time to conduct it. Traditionally, severe cardiac disease is addressed first before conducting elective noncardiac surgery; however, this option was not available since the patient already had a perinephric hematoma which could bleed more when subjected to systemic heparinization for cardiopulmonary bypass. Here, we describe the process of perioperative decision-making involving multiple specialities and re-examine several guidelines.

The comparison of stroke volume variation with central venous pressure in predicting fluid responsiveness in septic patients with acute circulatory failure.

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of stroke volume variation (SVV) in predicting fluid responsiveness and compare it to traditional measures of volume status assessment like central venous pressure (CVP). METHODS: Forty-five mechanically ventilated patients in sepsis with acute circulatory failure. Patients were not included when they had atrial fibrillation, other severe arrhythmias, permanent pacemaker, or needed mechanical cardiac support. Furthermore, excluded were patients with hypoxemia and a CVP >12. Patients received volume expansion in the form of 500 ml of 6% hydroxyethyl starch. RESULTS: The volume expansion-induced increase in  cardiac index (CI) was >15% in 29 patients (labeled responders) and <15% in 16 patients (labeled nonresponders). Before volume expansion, SVV was higher in responders than in nonresponders. Receiver operating characteristic curves analysis showed that SVV was a more accurate indicator of fluid responsiveness than CVP. Before volume expansion, an SVV value of 13% allowed discrimination between responders and nonresponders with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 89%. Volume expansion-induced changes in CI weakly and positively correlated with SVV before volume expansion. Volume expansion decreased SVV from 18.86 ± 4.35 to 7.57 ± 1.80 and volume expansion-induced changes in SVV moderately correlated with volume expansion-induced changes in CI. CONCLUSIONS: When predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients in septic shock, SVV is more effective than CVP. Nevertheless, the overall correlation of baseline SVV with increases in CI remains poor. Trends in SVV, as reflected by decreases with volume replacement, seem to correlate much better with increases in CI.

Attenuation of the haemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation with gabapentin, fentanyl and a combination of both: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We conducted a prospective, randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial to examine (1) whether a single preoperative dose of 800 mg gabapentin would be as effective as 2 µg/kg of intravenous (IV) fentanyl in blunting the haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation and (2) whether a combination of both would be more effective in this regard. METHODS: Seventy-five patients (American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I), aged 20-50 years were allocated into one of three groups: 2 µg/kg IV fentanyl, 800 mg oral gabapentin or a combination of both. Gabapentin was administered 2 h and fentanyl 5 min before induction of anaesthesia, which was achieved with 5 mg/kg thiopentone, and tracheal intubation facilitated with 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium. Laryngoscopy lasting a maximum of 30 s was attempted 3 min after administration of the induction agents. Serial values of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were compared among the three groups and with the respective preinduction measurements. RESULTS: Patients receiving gabapentin 800 mg alone showed remarkable increases in HR and MAP in response to tracheal intubation (P < 0.05). The increases were similar for the other two regimens. These haemodynamic changes were lesser in patients receiving fentanyl and the combination of gabapentin and fentanyl. CONCLUSION: Oral gabapentin does not produce significant reduction in laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation induced sympathetic responses as compared to IV fentanyl or the combination of gabapentin and fentanyl.

Effect of intravenous lignocaine on perioperative stress response and post-surgical ileus in elective open abdominal surgeries: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative stress response can be detrimental if excessive and prolonged. Intravenous (i.v.) lignocaine, while being an effective analgesic, has the added benefit of anti-inflammatory activity. This study was done to assess the effect of i.v. lignocaine on operative stress response and post-surgical ileus after elective open abdominal surgeries. METHODS: Patients (n = 134) were randomized into two groups (n = 67 each) to receive an i.v. infusion of lignocaine (group L) or saline (group S) as a bolus of 1.5 mg/kg at intubation followed by an infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/h throughout the surgery until 1 h post-surgery. Total leukocyte count (TLC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels immediately and 24 h after surgery were compared with preoperative levels. Time to first passage of flatus and stools post-operatively was noted. Post-operative pain scores, analgesic requirements, and incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were assessed in the two groups. RESULTS: Post-operative surge in TLC, CRP and IL-6 was attenuated in group L as compared to group S (P < 0.001, 0.018, <0.001). Time to passage of flatus and stools was earlier in group L (P = 0.04, 0.02). PONV was lesser in group L at 6 and 18 h post-surgery (<0.001, 0.28). Post-operative pain scores and post-operative morphine requirement were significantly less in group L at each point of time post-operatively (P < 0.001, <0.001). CONCLUSION: Perioperative i.v. lignocaine infusion attenuates the operative stress response, provides effective analgesia and reduces the need for opioids post-operatively. Through these effects, it reduces post-operative ileus and the incidence of PONV.

Evaluation of a sequential structured educational curriculum for emergency medical technicians in airway management.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Emergency medical technician (EMT) training programs for certification vary greatly from course to course, but it is necessary that each course at least meets local and national requirements. It is reasonable to expect that EMTs' performance should improve after a structured educational curriculum. We hypothesized that EMTs' performance in airway management would improve after a sequential structured educational curriculum involving airway, followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) modules, beyond what is achieved after only the airway module. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate this, 76 EMTs were assigned to a 2-week airway module with a structured curriculum. This was followed by the 2-week CPR module, and the EMTs were tested before (preCPR test) and after (postCPR test) the CPR modules for improvement in their airway skills. EMTs also completed a questionnaire to evaluate the curriculum. RESULTS: PostCPR test mean scores were higher than those of the preCPR test (P < 0.05) except for the bag valve mask domain. EMTs evaluated the curriculum and gave a score of 3.7/5 for perceived achievement of goals of the syllabus for improving their airway skills. CONCLUSION: Thus, a sequential, structured curriculum in airway management followed by CPR, improves EMTs' performance levels above what they achieved after only the airway module, except for bag valve mask ventilation.

Comparison of i-gel supraglottic airway and LMA-ProSeal™ in pediatric patients under controlled ventilation.

BACKGROUND: i-gel™ and the ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) are two supraglottic airway devices with gastric channel used for airway maintenance in anesthesia. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of i-gel compared with PLMA for airway maintenance in pediatric patients under general anesthesia with controlled ventilation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2 patients were included in the study and randomized to either i-gel or PLMA group. After induction of anesthesia using a standardized protocol for all the patients, one of supraglottic airway devices was inserted. Insertion parameters, ease of gastric tube insertion and fiber-optic scoring of the glottis were noted. Airway parameters such as end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), peak airway pressures and leak airway pressures were noted. Patients were observed for any complications in the first 12 h of the post-operative period. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of ease of insertion, number of attempts and other insertion parameters. Ease of gastric tube insertion, EtCO2, airway pressures (peak and leak airway pressure) and fiber-optic view of the glottis were comparable in both groups. There were no clinically significant complications in the first 12 h of the post-operative period. CONCLUSION: i-gel is as effective as PLMA in pediatric patients under controlled ventilation.

Comparison of cognitive, ambulatory, and psychomotor recovery profiles after day care anesthesia with propofol and sevoflurane.

PURPOSE: We compared the recovery profile of propofol and sevoflurane when used for maintenance of anesthesia in elective day care operative procedures. METHODS: One hundred ASA physical status I and II patients, aged between 18 and 50 years, were randomly assigned to receive either propofol-nitrous oxide or sevoflurane-nitrous oxide maintenance of anesthesia. Early and intermediate recovery in terms of cognitive and ambulatory functions was recorded. Psychomotor testing, in the form of Trieger dot test and digit symbol substitution test, were performed before surgery and in the post-anesthesia care unit at 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h following nitrous oxide switch-off to evaluate intermediate recovery. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in recovery of early cognitive functions between the two groups, except that patients in the sevoflurane group were more responsive at around 10 min following nitrous oxide switch-off and "recalled address" earlier than patients in the propofol group. There was no significant difference in between the two groups with regard to "home-readiness." CONCLUSIONS: Recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia, especially with regard to cognitive functions, may be slightly faster than from propofol, but the difference is not sufficiently significant to affect the time to "home-readiness" in patients undergoing day care surgery.

Comparison of intravenous and intraperitoneal lignocaine for pain relief following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is increasingly being performed as a day-care surgery. Intraperitoneal (IP) instillation of lignocaine has been proved to provide pain relief following LC. Of late, there is an increased interest in using intravenous (IV) lignocaine to provide pain relief following LC. There are no studies in the existing literature as to which form of administration is more effective for pain relief. Hence, this study has been undertaken. METHODS: Patients (n = 50) undergoing LC for symptomatic cholelithiasis were randomized into two groups (n = 25 each) to receive IV 2 % lignocaine from induction until 1 h after surgery or IP instillation of 0.2 % lignocaine in the gallbladder fossa after removal of gallbladder. Postoperative analgesic requirement, pain scores, time to return of bowel activity, and stress response were assessed. RESULTS: The mean total morphine requirement (p = 0.001), median VAS, first analgesic requirement time (p < 0.001), and total PCA demands (p < 0.001) during the 24-h period were statistically significantly less in the IV group compared with the IP group. Return of bowel activity was earlier in the IV group, and it was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, stress response, respiratory function, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were not significant statistically among the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: IV lignocaine is superior to IP lignocaine in providing pain relief following LC. IV lignocaine has an added advantage of bringing about the early return of bowel activity, which will further facilitate surgeons to perform LC as a day-care procedure.