Changes of diaphragmatic excursion and lung compliance during major laparoscopic pelvic surgery: A prospective observational study.

Major laparoscopic pelvic surgery requires steep Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum for a long time. We investigated the effect of Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum on diaphragmatic excursion and lung compliance during major laparoscopic pelvic surgery using M-mode sonography. Twenty patients undergoing elective pelviscopic radical hysterectomy were included in this study. Diaphragmatic excursion was measured at the following time points; after sedation, after intubation, 90 minutes after Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum, and after operation with recovery of muscle relaxation. And lung compliance was measured using anesthetic machine under general anesthesia; after the intubation, 90 minutes after Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum and after operation with recovery of muscle relaxation. In order to detect postoperative pulmonary complication, postoperative chest radiography was checked. Static lung compliance, dynamic lung compliance and diaphragmatic excursion were decreased during operation (P < 0.001, respectively). At the end of the operation with recovery of muscle relaxation, reduced diaphragmatic movement was not recovered as its excursion after sedation (P < 0.001). In conclusion, lung compliance was decreased following transiently decreased diaphragmatic excursion during major laparoscopic pelvic surgery.

CONSORT the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic responses during emergence from nasotracheal intubation after oral surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine provides smooth emergence with reduced agitation. The authors hypothesized low-dose dexmedetomidine infusion might contribute to hemodynamic stability during and after nasotracheal tube extubation. METHODS: Ninety-three adult patients scheduled for oral and maxillofacial surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive normal saline (control group, n = 31), dexmedetomidine at 0.2 µg/kg/h (DEX0.2 group, n = 31), or dexmedetomidine at 0.4 µg/kg/h (DEX0.4 group, n = 31). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and response entropy (RE) and state entropy (SE) were recorded during emergence from anesthesia. RESULTS: Extubation times were similar in the 3 groups. Mean MAP was significantly lower at eye opening (T3) and immediately after extubation (T4) in the DEX0.2 (P = .013 and .003, respectively) and DEX0.4 group (P = .003 and .027, respectively) than in the control group. At T3 and T4, mean HR was significantly higher in the control group than in the DEX0.2 (P = .014 and .022, respectively) or DEX0.4 groups (P = .003 and <.001, respectively). In the postanesthetic care unit, mean MAP and HR were significantly lower in the DEX0.2 (P = .03 and .022, respectively) and DEX0.4 groups (P = .027 and <.001, respectively) than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion at rates of 0.2 or 0.4 µg/kg/h during oral and maxillofacial surgery could provide stable hemodynamic profiles during anesthetic emergence from nasotracheal intubation without delaying extubation times.

Effect of Mild Hypercapnia on Lung Oxygenation in Sitting Position During Shoulder Arthroscopy Under General Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND Mild hypercapnia is permitted during surgeries in sitting position under general anesthesia to maintain cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2). However, since hypoventilation may cause gas exchange impairment, we evaluated effects of mild hypercapnia on lung oxygenation during shoulder arthroscopy in sitting position. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty patients were randomly allocated to a normocapnia group (ETCO2 35 mmHg, n=20) or a hypercapnia group (45 mmHg, n=20). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and rSO2 were measured 5 min after intubation in supine position (T0), and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min of remaining in sitting position (T1-10). Arterial blood gas was analyzed at T0 and T5. The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) and dead-space ventilation ratio (Vd/Vt) were calculated. RESULTS There were no differences in PaO2/FiO2 at T0 and T5 between the 2 groups. At T5, the Vd/Vt was higher in the normocapnia group than in the hypercapnia group (p=0.04). The Vd/Vt at T5 increased from T0 in the normocapnia group. The incidence of cerebral desaturation in the hypercapnia group (0/20) was lower than in the normocapnia group (5/20) (p=0.047). Among rSO2, MAP, and HR, only changes in rSO2 over time between the 2 groups differed significantly (p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS Mild hypercapnia did not decrease lung oxygenation in sitting position, probably due to attenuation of the increase in dead-space ventilation ratio. Since hypercapnia maintained rSO2 without changes in oxygenation index and hemodynamic parameters, mild hypercapnia should be maintained during shoulder arthroscopy in sitting position under general anesthesia.

Prediction of in-hospital mortality and morbidity using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein after burr hole craniostomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess whether preanesthetic laboratory values can predict in-hospital mortality and morbidity in patients who have undergone burr hole craniostomy due to chronic subdural hematoma. METHODS: From January 2007 to February 2016, the records of 502 consecutive patients who underwent burr hole craniotomy were analyzed. All cases of burr hole craniostomy were fitted with a drain, as required by our institutional protocol. RESULTS: Patients' demographic data and preoperative laboratory values were subjected to logistic regression analysis to predict in-hospital mortality and morbidity after burr hole craniostomy. Hemoglobin, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, serum glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were found to be significantly associated with in-hospital mortality and morbidity by univariate regression analysis, but of these, only hsCRP (hazard ratio 1.210, 95 % confidence interval 1.089-1.345, P < 0.001) was found to significantly predict in-hospital mortality and morbidity by multivariate regression analysis. Areas under the curve for predicting in-hospital mortality and morbidity were 0.765 (95 % confidence interval 0.624-0.906, P = 0.002) and 0.646 (0.559-0.733, P = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative hsCRP was found to be an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality and morbidity after burr hole craniostomy due to chronic subdural hematoma.

Anesthetic experience of an adult male with citrullinemia type II: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Citrullinemia type II is an autosomal recessive urea cycle disorder and a subtype of citrin deficiency. However, the management of recurrent hyperammonemia with neurologic symptoms in patients with citrullinemia type II is quite different from the management of other types of urea cycle disorders. In pats with citrullinemia type II, regional anesthesia might be a good choice for the early detection of hyperammonemic symptoms and addressing psychic stress. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old male with adult onset citrullinemia type II was scheduled for urethral scrotal fistula repair. During the first operation, spinal anesthesia with conscious sedation using dexmedetomidine was used, a second operation was performed after confirmation of infection control and a stable neurologic condition. In this patient, dietary planning with close monitoring of serum ammonia level and close observation of neurologic conditions might lead to successful perioperative care. CONCLUSION: For anesthesia of patients with adult onset citrullinemia type II, close monitoring of neurologic signs and serum ammonia are important to reduce neurologic complications induced by hyperammonemia. Regional anesthesia with a proper dietary plan might reduce patient stress and prevent metabolic tragedy.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the pharyngeal airway using cone-beam computed tomography following bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in skeletal class III patients.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) following bimaxillary surgery in skeletal class III patients and to compare the changes in PAS between genders using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 38 patients (16 male and 22 female) with skeletal class III malocclusion underwent bimaxillary surgery. CBCT scans were acquired approximately 1 month before surgery, 3 months after surgery, and 6 months after surgery. The oropharyngeal volume and the minimum cross-sectional area (CSA) were characterized using the InVivoDental imaging software package at each time point. RESULTS: The volume and minimum CSA decreased significantly postoperatively, which was maintained until 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.01). The location of the minimum CSA tended to move into the retropalatal and retroglossal areas postoperatively. A strong correlation between volume and minimum CSA was found. The amount of mandibular setback was not correlated with the change in the airway. By gender, significant decreases in both the volume and minimum CSA were found in females (p < 0.05) but not in males. CONCLUSION: Bimaxillary surgery significantly affects PAS. Gender differences should also be considered when considering changes in PAS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An awareness of the effects of bimaxillary setback surgery on the airway should be considered when implementing an orthognathic treatment plan.

McGrath Video Laryngoscopy Facilitates Routine Nasotracheal Intubation in Patients Undergoing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Comparison With Macintosh Laryngoscopy.

PURPOSE: The McGrath video laryngoscope (VL) offers excellent laryngoscopic views and increases the success rate of orotracheal intubation in patients with normal and difficult airways. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the McGrath VL with the Macintosh laryngoscope to investigate the efficacy of the McGrath VL for routine nasotracheal intubation in patients with an expected normal airway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To address the research purpose, the efficacy of the McGrath VL for routine nasotracheal intubation was compared with that of the Macintosh laryngoscope. The predictor variable was the laryngoscopic technique (McGrath VL vs Macintosh laryngoscope). The outcome variables were the time to successful intubation, laryngoscopic views before and after optimal external laryngeal manipulation (OELM), use of Magill forceps, ease of intubation, and severity of oropharyngeal bleeding. RESULTS: Data from 35 patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery were assessed. The time to intubation was 10.5 seconds shorter in the McGrath group than in the Macintosh group (34.4 ± 13.7 vs 44.9 ± 15.6 seconds; P = .004). The incidence of grade 1 glottic view before OELM was higher in the McGrath group than in the Macintosh group (83 vs 57%; P = .019). The frequency of Magill forceps use was lower in the McGrath group than in the Macintosh group (6 vs 34%; P = .003). CONCLUSION: McGrath VL facilitates routine nasotracheal intubation in expected normal airways by providing a shorter intubation time and better laryngoscopic views compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope.

Ultrasound evaluation of the radial artery for arterial catheterization in healthy anesthetized patients.

The purpose of this study was to assess the anatomy of the radial artery using ultrasound in anesthetized patients, and to correlate its anatomical data with patients' characteristics. The success rate of radial artery cannulation using ultrasound was also evaluated to analyze the relationship between the anatomical data and the success rate. Study 1 One hundred ninety-five patients scheduled for general anesthesia were enrolled. Ultrasound measurements were obtained when the vital signs were stable after anesthesia induction. The wrist joint of patients were extended to 30°. The diameter and depth of the radial artery, and the angle between the radial artery and skin surface were measured using ultrasound. Anatomical data were correlated with patients' characteristics. Study 2 Arterial cannulation was performed in 125 patients using long-axis in-plane technique to evaluate the success rate using ultrasound. Study 1 The diameter of the radial artery was mean value of 2.2 ± 0.4 mm and larger than 0.9 mm in all patients. It had significant correlation with body surface area (BSA) (Pearson correlation 0.292, P < 0.001). The incidence of abnormal angle between the radial artery and skin surface was significantly higher in elderly patients (≥65 years) than young patients (P = 0.017). Study 2 The first attempt success rate of arterial catheterization using ultrasound was 92.5 % using long-axis in-plane technique, regardless of patient's characteristics. For small sized adult patients, a 22G angio-catheter should be used during radial artery cannulation, because the radial artery diameter significantly correlated with BSA in healthy anesthetized patients. In addition, ultrasound-guided catheterization is recommended in elderly patients because the incidence of abnormal angle between the radial artery and skin surface was high.

Perioperative Concerns for Profound Metabolic Alkalosis During Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Profound metabolic alkalosis is an uncommon consideration for the anesthetic management of kidney transplantation. Serum total carbon dioxide content and complex electrolyte abnormalities might be important diagnostic clues for the presence of metabolic alkalosis in the absence of arterial blood gas analysis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old female visited Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, South Korea during year 2015. She experienced aggravated renal function due to chronic hypokalemia and severe hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, induced by laxative abuse, and underwent ABO incompatible kidney transplantation. Serum total carbon dioxide content remained high (about 60 mEq/L) over eight months of monthly follow-up prior to kidney transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The authors described their anesthetic experience of profound metabolic alkalosis with complex electrolyte abnormalities and provided a review of relevant literature.

Ultrasound-guided central cluster approach for the supraclavicular brachial plexus block: a case series.

There are many different approaches to ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (US-SCBPB), and each has a different success rate and complications. The most commonly performed US-SCBPB is the corner pocket approach in which the needle is advanced very close to the subclavian artery and pleura. Therefore, it may be associated with a risk of subclavian artery puncture or pneumothorax. We advanced the needle into the central part of the neural cluster after penetrating the sheath of the brachial plexus in US-SCBPB. We refer to this new method as the "central cluster approach." In this approach, the needle does not have to advance close to the subclavian artery or pleura. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the central cluster approach in US-SCBPB.

The effect of clonidine pretreatment on epidural resiniferatoxin in a neuropathic pain rat model.

Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is an ultrapotent synthetic TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1) agonist with significant initial transient hyperalgesia followed by a prolonged analgesic effect in response to thermal stimulus. Using a rat model of neuropathic pain, we evaluated the effect of pretreatment with clonidine-which has been shown to relieve intradermal capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia-on the initial hyperalgesic response and the thermal analgesic property of RTX. Thirty-six male rats were divided into 6 treatment groups (n=6 each):RTX 500 ng, RTX 1 µg, clonidine 20 µg (Cl), Cl＋RTX 500 ng, Cl＋RTX 1 µg, or normal saline 20 µL (control). We evaluated the short-term (180 min) and long-term (20 days) analgesic effects of RTX after thermal stimulation and mechanical stimulation. RTX had significant initial transient hyperalgesia followed by a prolonged analgesic effect in response to the thermal stimulus, but the RTX 500 ng and RTX 1 µg groups showed no initial short-term thermal hyperalgesic responses when pretreated with clonidine. The Cl＋RTX 1 µg rats' behavior scores indicated that they were more calm and comfortable compared to the RTX 1 µg rats. Even though we cannot precisely confirm that pretreatment with clonidine potentiates or adds to the analgesic effect of RTX, clonidine pretreatment with epidural RTX eliminated the initial RTX-associated hyperalgesic response and systemic toxicity in this neuropathic pain rat model.

Effect of mild hypocapnia on hemodynamic and bispectral index responses to tracheal intubation during propofol anesthesia in children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mild hypocapnia on hypertension and arousal response after tracheal intubation in children during propofol anesthesia. Forty-four children, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients, aged 3-9 years were randomly allocated to either the normocapnia group [end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (ETCO2=35 mmHg, n=22)] or the hypocapnia group (ETCO2=25 mmHg, n=22). Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2.5 mg/kg. Five minutes after the administration of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg, laryngoscopy was attempted. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), SpO2 and bispectral index (BIS) were measured during induction and intubation periods. The maximal change in the BIS with tracheal intubation (ΔBIS) was defined as the difference between the baseline value and the maximal value within the first 5 min after intubation. Before tracheal intubation, the change in BIS over time was not different between the groups. After tracheal intubation, the changes in the MAP, HR and BIS over time were not significantly different between the groups. The mean value±SD of ΔBIS was 5.7±5.2 and 7.4±5.5 in the normocapnia and hypocapnia groups, respectively, without any intergroup difference. This study showed that mild hypocapnia did not attenuate hemodynamic and BIS responses to tracheal intubation in children during propofol anesthesia. Our results suggested that hyperventilation has no beneficial effect on hemodynamic and arousal responses to tracheal intubation in children.

Effect of pneumoperitoneum on the recovery from intense neuromuscular blockade by rocuronium in healthy patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of pneumoperitoneum on the recovery from intense neuromuscular blockade by rocuronium in healthy patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery. METHODS: Thirty adult patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery were studied. Anesthesia was induced with 1.5 mg/kg of propofol, 12 ug/kg of alfentanil and 0.6 mg/kg of rocuronium and maintained with 2 vol% of sevoflurane and 0.05-0.2 µg/kg/min remifentanil. The neuromuscular relaxation was monitored by Train-of-Four (TOF) and post-tetanic count (PTC). Additional rocuronium of 0.2 mg/kg was administered for deep neuromuscular blockade at 30 min after pneumoperitoneum. Before (PPpre) and 30 min after pneumoperitoneum (PPpost), PTC was measured at 6 min intervals. The relationship between PTC and the time interval to reappearance of T1 response was observed. RESULTS: The mean ± SD of the intervals between the detection of 4 counts of the PTC and the first response to TOF stimulation was 13.0 ± 1.1 min and 16.4 ± 6.3 min PPpre and PPpost, respectively (P = 0.20). There were significant negative relationships between PTC observed and the time interval to reappearance of T1 response (adjusted R(2) = 0.869, P < 0.001 for PPpre data, and adjusted R(2) = 0.561, P < 0.001 for PPpost data). Comparing the difference of regression equation between PPpre and PPpost data using a parallelism test, there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.193). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that PP with intra-abdominal pressure at the level of 13-14 mmHg did not affect the recovery from intense neuromuscular blockade by rocuronium in healthy patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery.

Relationships between core factors of knowledge management in hospital nursing organisations and outcomes of nursing performance.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to investigate the levels of implementation of knowledge management and outcomes of nursing performance, to examine the relationships between core knowledge management factors and nursing performance outcomes and to identify core knowledge management factors affecting these outcomes. BACKGROUND: Effective knowledge management is very important to achieve strong organisational performance. The success or failure of knowledge management depends on how effectively an organisation's members share and use their knowledge. Because knowledge management plays a key role in enhancing nursing performance, identifying the core factors and investigating the level of knowledge management in a given hospital are priorities to ensure a high quality of nursing for patients. DESIGN: The study employed a descriptive research procedure. PARTICIPANTS: The study sample consisted of 192 nurses registered in three large healthcare organisations in South Korea. METHOD: The variables demographic characteristics, implementation of core knowledge management factors and outcomes of nursing performance were examined and analysed in this study. RESULTS: The relationships between the core knowledge management factors and outcomes of nursing performance as well as the factors affecting the performance outcomes were investigated. A knowledge-sharing culture and organisational learning were found to be core factors affecting nursing performance. CONCLUSION: The study results provide basic data that can be used to formulate effective knowledge management strategies for enhancing nursing performance in hospital nursing organisations. In particular, prioritising the adoption of a knowledge-sharing culture and organisational learning in knowledge management systems might be one method for organisations to more effectively manage their knowledge resources and thus to enhance the outcomes of nursing performance and achieve greater business competitiveness. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The study results can contribute to the development of effective and efficient knowledge management systems and strategies for enhancing knowledge-sharing culture and organisational learning that can improve both the productivity and competitiveness of healthcare organisations.

The ability of stroke volume variation measured by a noninvasive cardiac output monitor to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children.

Continuous noninvasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM) is a clinically useful tool in the pediatric setting. This study compared the ability of stroke volume variation (SVV) measured by NICOM with that of respiratory variations in the velocity of aortic blood flow (△Vpeak) and central venous pressure (CVP) to predict of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children after ventricular septal defect repair. The study investigated 26 mechanically ventilated children after the completion of surgery. At 30 min after their arrival in an intensive care unit, a colloid solution of 10 ml/kg was administrated for volume expansion. Hemodynamic variables, including CVP, stroke volume, and △Vpeak in addition to cardiac output and SVV in NICOM were measured before and 10 min after volume expansion. The patients with a stroke volume increase of more than 15 % after volume expansion were defined as responders. The 26 patients in the study consisted of 13 responders and 13 nonresponders. Before volume expansion, △Vpeak and SVV were higher in the responders (both p values <0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of △Vpeak, SVV, and CVP were respectively 0.956 (95 % CI 0.885-1.00), 0.888 (95 % CI 0.764-1.00), and 0.331 (95 % CI 0.123-0.540). This study showed that SVV by NICOM and △Vpeak by echocardiography, but not CVP, reliably predicted fluid responsiveness during mechanical ventilation after ventricular septal defect repair in children.

The effect of desflurane versus propofol on regional cerebral oxygenation in the sitting position for shoulder arthroscopy.

The sitting position may cause significant hemodynamic instability and cerebral hypoperfusion. We investigated the effects of desflurane and propofol on regional cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) in the sitting position during arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Forty patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the sitting position were randomly allocated to the desflurane group (n = 20) or the propofol group (n = 20). Anesthetic agents were maintained and adjusted with the effect-site concentration of propofol (2-3.5 µg/ml) or desflurane (4-7 vol%) to obtain a bispectral index (BIS) of 40-50. The hemodynamic variables, end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (ETCO2) and rSO2 were measured and evaluated. There were no differences in BIS, hemodynamic variables and ETCO2 between the groups. The rSO2 values in the desflurane group were higher compared to the propofol group at 3, 5, 7 and 9 min after the sitting position (P = 0.031, 0.047, 0.025 and 0.034, respectively). However, it decreased significantly from the baseline values at 3, 5, 7 and 9 min after the sitting position in both groups (P < 0.001). The change in rSO2 across time was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.183). The incidence of rSO2 <75% of the baseline values after the sitting position was similar between the groups (0 and 10% in the desflurane and propofol group, respectively, P = 0.487). When anesthetized patients were raised to the sitting position, desflurane preserved cerebral oxygenation better than propofol at equipotent concentrations in terms of BIS. However, both anesthetics were associated with significant decrease in the rSO2 values during the sitting position.

Prediction of hypotension in the beach chair position during shoulder arthroscopy using pre-operative hemodynamic variables.

Since hypotension in beach chair position (BCP) can lead to catastrophic neurologic complications, the prediction of hypotension is a matter of concern in the BCP under general anesthesia. We investigated whether pre-induction values of mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume variation (SVV), cardiac index (CI), and stroke volume index (SVI) can predict hypotension in BCP during general anesthesia. Forty healthy adult patients, aged 18-65 years, undergoing elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery, were enrolled. At 5 min after anesthesia induction, patients were placed in the 70° upright position. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for preoperative hemodynamic variables, including MAP, SVV, CI and SVI, and their abilities to predict hypotension were investigated. Fifteen patients developed hypotension after being moved from the supine to the BCP. The areas under the ROC curves for pre-induction values of MAP, CI, and SVI and post-induction value of SVV before a positional change were 0.556 (95% CI 0.373-0.739; p = 0.557), 0.735 (0.576-0.894; p = 0.014), 0.787 (0.647-0.926; p = 0.003), and 0.691 (0.525-0.857; p = 0.046), respectively. In this study, pre-induction values of CI and SVI and post-induction value of SVV before a positional change predicted hypotension in the BCP under general anesthesia. Our findings suggest that not only preload but also preoperative cardiac performances might be the important factors for the development of hypotension after a repositioning supine to the sitting during general anesthesia.

Effects of incrementally increasing tidal volume on the cross-sectional area of the right internal jugular vein.

BACKGROUND: Different tidal volume (TV) settings during mechanical ventilation alter intrathoracic blood volume, and these changes could alter central venous pressure and the cross sectional area (CSA) of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV). The aim of this study was to determine the optimal TV for maximizing the CSA of the RIJV in the supine and Trendelenburg positions in anesthetized patients. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly allocated to a supine group (Group S, n = 20) or a Trendelenburg group (Group T, n = 20) by computer generated randomization. RIJV CSAs were measured repeatedly after increasing the inspiratory volume in 1 ml/kg increments from a TV of 8 ml/kg to 14 ml/kg using ultrasound images. RESULTS: Peak inspiratory pressure increased significantly on increasing TV from 11 ml/kg to 14 ml/kg and between baseline (TV 8 ml/kg) and 11 ml/kg in both groups (P < 0.05). RIJV CSA was not increased versus baseline even after TV changes in either group and no intergroup difference was found. CONCLUSIONS: TV increases do not increase the CSA of the RIJV within the TV range 8 to 14 ml/kg in the supine or 10° Trendelenburg position.

The effect of warmed inspired gases on body temperature during arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hypothermia can develop easily during shoulder arthroscopy, because cold irrigation can directly influence core body temperature. The authors investigated whether active warming and humidification of inspired gases reduces falls in core body temperature and allows redistribution of body heat in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia. METHODS: Patients scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomly assigned to receive either room temperature inspired gases using a conventional respiratory circuit (the control group, n = 20) or inspired gases humidified and heated using a humidified and electrically heated circuit (HHC) (the heated group, n = 20). RESULTS: Core temperatures were significantly lower in both groups from 30 min after anesthesia induction, but were significantly higher in the heated group than in the control group from 75 to 120 min after anesthesia induction. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the use of a humidified and electrically heated circuit did not prevent core temperature falling during arthroscopic shoulder surgery, but it was found to decrease reductions in core temperature from 75 min after anesthesia induction.

Survey on the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia in Korea; multicenter study of 1,414 patients.

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a serious complication resulting from herpes zoster infections, and it can impair the quality of life. In order to relieve pain from PHN, various treatments, including pharmacological and interventional methods have been used. However, little information on the recommendations for the interventional treatment of PHN, along with a lack of nation-wide surveys on the current status of PHN treatment exists. This multicenter study is the first survey on the treatment status of PHN in Korea. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted on the entire patients who visited the pain clinics of 11 teaching hospitals from January to December of 2011. Co-morbid disease, affected site of PHN, routes to pain clinic visits, parenteral/topical medications for treatment, drugs used for nerve block, types and frequency of nerve blocks were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 1,414 patients' medical records were reviewed. The most commonly affected site was the thoracic area. The anticonvulsants and interlaminar epidural blocks were the most frequently used pharmacological and interventional methods for PHN treatment. For the interval of epidural block, intervals of 5 or more-weeks were the most popular. The proportion of PHN patients who get information from the mass media or the internet was only 0.8%.The incidence of suspected zoster sine herpete was only 0.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment methods for PHN vary among hospitals. The establishment of treatment recommendation for PHN treatment is necessary. In addition, public relations activities are required in order to inform the patients of PHN treatments by pain clinicians.