Comparison of the influence of low dose etomidate and propofol as priming dose on the incidence of etomidate induced myoclonus: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Though hemodynamically stable, etomidate is known for its myoclonus side effect following induction. The main aim of this study is an effective attempt to decrease the incidence of myoclonus with a priming agent. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind study was carried out on 50 adults posted for elective surgery. After premedication, priming was done with etomidate 0.03 mg.kg-1 (Group E) and propofol 0.2 mg.kg-1 (Group P), i.e., 1/10th of induction dose. After 60 seconds of priming, patients were induced with etomidate by titrating dose over 60 seconds until loss of verbal command and eyelash reflex. The grading of myoclonus, induction dosage, and hemodynamics for 10 minutes post induction were recorded. RESULTS: In the study, only 4 cases had myoclonus. Grade 1 myoclonus was encountered in three cases of etomidate group, while only one case in the propofol group had grade 2 myoclonus which was not statistically significant (p-value: 0.12). There was a significant reduction in the etomidate induction dosage in both groups. CONCLUSION: Priming with etomidate and propofol is equally effective in reducing myoclonus with the added benefit of hemodynamic stability and reduction of an induction dose of etomidate (> 50%).

Safety of tropicamide and phenylephrine in pupillary mydriasis for cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: A prospective study to evaluate the adverse cardiovascular effects of topical phenylephrine and tropicamide used for pupillary mydriasis before cataract surgery. METHODS: A total of 517 consecutive eyes in 517 patients subjected to routine 0.8% tropicamide and 5% phenylephrine eye drops before undergoing cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and manual small-incision surgery) under local or topical anesthesia in a medical college hospital were analyzed. RESULTS: No untoward cardiovascular effects were seen. The increase in blood pressure after 0.8% tropicamide and 5% phenylephrine eye drops was statistically significant, but it was not relevant as it was within clinically permissible limits. CONCLUSION: The combination of 0.8% tropicamide and 5% phenylephrine eye drops is a safe and effective option for pupillary mydriasis before cataract surgery.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block: Intranasal transmucosal approach for anterior scalp blockade - A prospective randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Peripheral nerve blocks in neurosurgical practice attenuate most stressful responses like pin insertion, skin, and dural incision. Scalp block is conventionally the blockade of choice. Further studies for less invasive techniques are required. Intranasal transmucosal block of the sphenopalatine ganglion has shown promising results in patients with chronic headache and facial pain. The primary objective of our study was to compare the gold standard scalp block and bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion block (nasal approach) for attenuation of hemodynamic response to pin insertion. Secondary objectives included hemodynamic response to skin and dural incision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After IRB approval and informed consent, a prospective randomized comparative study was carried out on 50 adult patients undergoing elective supratentorial surgery. The hemodynamic response to pin insertion, skin incision, and dural incision was noted in both the groups. The data was analyzed with NCSS version 9.0 statistical software. RESULTS: The HR and MAP were comparable between the groups. Following dural incision MAP was significantly lower at 1,2,3,4,5 and 10 min in group SPG whereas in group S it was significantly lower at 1 and 2min. (P = 0.02 at T1, P = 0.03 at T2). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant use of bilateral SPG block with general anesthesia is an effective and safe alternative technique to scalp blockade for obtundation of hemodynamic responses due to noxious stimulus during craniotomy surgeries.

Comparison of hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation using Macintosh or McCoy or C-MAC laryngoscope during uniform depth of anesthesia monitored by entropy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Laryngoscopy forms an important part of general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. The aim of the present study was to compare the hemodynamic responses to Laryngoscopy and Intubation using Macintosh or McCoy or C-MAC Laryngoscope with M-Entropy module monitoring to ensure uniform and adequate depth of anesthesia, during and after intubation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, randomised, comparative study was done and patients included were of 18 to 60 years, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologist) physical status I and II of both sexes undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. They were assigned to three groups using simple randomisation, after securing IV (intravenous) access, standard monitoring and Entropy leads were attached. General anesthesia was administered with glycopyrrolate 0.1 mg, fentanyl 2 ug/kg and intravenous thiopentone, 4 mg/kg. Adequate muscle relaxation was achieved with atracurium 0.6 mg/kg IV. By titrating isoflurane concentration, Entropy maintained between 40 and 60, orotracheal intubation done, with Macintosh or McCoy or C-MAC blades according to simple randomisation. Size of laryngoscope blade, time taken for laryngoscopy and intubation were noted. Heart rate, blood pressure, RE (Response Entropy) and SE (State Entropy) were noted before and during induction and laryngoscopy and post intubation up to 5 minutes. Statistical analysis done using NCSS 9 version 9.0.8 statistical software. RESULTS: Hemodynamic responses during laryngoscopy and intubation using Macintosh or McCoy or C-MAC laryngoscope were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) between the three groups, provided the depth of anesthesia is maintained constant. CONCLUSIONS: It is the depth of anesthesia that decides the magnitude of hemodynamic responses and not the choice of laryngoscope.

Comparison of volume control and pressure control ventilation in patients undergoing single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pressure control and volume control ventilation are the most preferred modes of ventilator techniques available in the intraoperative period. The study compared the intraoperative ventilator and blood gas variables of volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) in patients undergoing single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: After obtaining Institutional Ethical Committee approval and informed consent, sixty patients scheduled for single level ACDF surgery performed in supine position under general anaesthesia were included. Group V (30 patients) received VCV and Group P (30 patients) received PCV. The primary objective was oxygenation variable PaO2/FiO2 at different points of time i.e. T1-20 min after the institution of the ventilation, T2-20 min after placement of the retractors and T3-20 min after removal of the retractors. The secondary objectives include other arterial blood gas parameters, respiratory and haemodynamic parameters. NCSS version 9 statistical software was used for statistics. Two-way repeated measures for analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey Kramer test was used to analyse continuous variables for both intra- and inter-group comparisons, paired sample t-test for overall comparison and Chi-square test for categorical data. RESULTS: The primary variable PaO2/FiO2 was comparable in both groups (P = 0.08). The respiratory variables, PAP and Cdynam were statistically significant in PCV group compared to VCV (P < 0.05), though clinically insignificant. Other secondary variables were comparable. (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinically, both PCV and VCV group appear to be-equally suited ventilator techniques for anterior cervical spine surgery patients.

The Effect of Position on PaCO2 and PETCO2 in Patients Undergoing Cervical Spine Surgery in Supine and Prone Position.

BACKGROUND: As per American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines, continuous monitoring of end tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) is recommended as standard II basics of anesthetic monitoring especially to ensure adequate ventilation during all anesthetics. Continuous monitoring of PETCO2 can also be used as a guide to maintain the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2) to desired level during the surgery. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of position on PaCO2 and PETCO2 during cervical spine surgery in prone position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following institutional ethical committee approval and written informed consent, a prospective study was conducted in 40 patients of 18 to 60 years and of American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II scheduled for cervical spine surgery in prone position. In operating room, the patient is connected to standard monitoring and intravenous access was secured. A 20 G arterial cannula was placed. General anesthesia administered and oral endotracheal intubation done. Baseline values of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, temperature, SpO2, Ppeak, Pmean, and Pplateau were measured in supine position. For each patient the capnometer was calibrated before use. The P(a-ET)CO2 was calculated in supine position (S1). The PaCO2 and ETCO2 were measured after prone positioning P1, at each subsequent hour (P2, P3, P4), and on completion of the procedure in supine position (S2). The mean values were used for further analysis. RESULTS: The PETCO2 and PaCO2 decreased significantly in cervical spine surgery patients with change of position from supine to prone with no significant change in arterial to end tidal CO2 gradient (P(a-ET)CO2). CONCLUSIONS: PETCO2 can be used as a reliable guide to estimate PaCO2 during cervical spine procedures in prone position.

Interpretation and display of research results.

It important to properly collect, code, clean and edit the data before interpreting and displaying the research results. Computers play a major role in different phases of research starting from conceptual, design and planning, data collection, data analysis and research publication phases. The main objective of data display is to summarize the characteristics of a data and to make the data more comprehensible and meaningful. Usually data is presented depending upon the type of data in different tables and graphs. This will enable not only to understand the data behaviour, but also useful in choosing the different statistical tests to be applied.

Morphometric analysis of posterior fossa in Indian CP angle acoustic schwannoma patients.

AIM: To study the morphometry of posterior fossa in Indian CP angle schwannoma patients in order to know its influence on the extent of excision of the CP angle acoustic schwannomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred cases of cerebellopontine angle schwannomas treated surgically by the senior author and 20 controls between January 2006 and June 2011 were consecutively investigated with computed tomography (CT) using the high-resolution CT bone windows before surgery. Evaluation of anatomic parameters of the petrous bone and posterior fossa cavity were done in all patients and controls. Data were entered in Excel software and were analyzed using NCSS software. All possible regression analysis was done to select the important variables to be included in the model to predict the excision of tumor with these variables. A prediction model was developed defining the binary outcome as total excision or subtotal excision as dependent variable and the morphometric data and grading of tumor as independent variables. RESULTS: Interpetrous distance (IP) is the distance between the two petrous apices. Sigmoid distance (IS) distance is the distance between the two sigmoid points. Sigmoid point is the point at which the scalloped impression of the sigmoid sinus straightens to join the occipital bone posteriorly. SAG is the distance between the mid IP point and the mid-point on the inner wall of the occipital bone. The PM angle was 47.8±4.14 degrees (38-58), the PA angle was 42.68±4.47 degrees (34-53), the IP distance was 2.07±0.13 cm (1.5-2.8), the sagittal diameter of posterior fossa was 6.22±0.73 cm (5.1-9.8) and the intersigmoid distance was 9.45±0.73 cm (7.4-11). There was no significant gender difference in the posterior fossa morphometry between patients and controls. Inter-sigmoid distance and the petrous-apex angle were more in the Indians when compared to the European population mentioned in the Mathies and Samii study. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior fossa morphological parameters of the Indian and European population differ significantly. Inter-sigmoid distance and the petrous-apex angle were more in the Indians when compared to the Europeans. There is no significant gender difference in the morphometry of the Indians. There is no significant difference between the patients and the control groups. In our study the adhesions with surrounding structures along with the posterior fossa morphometry significantly affect the extent of excision.

Novel classification for surgical approach of petroclival meningiomas: A single-surgeon experience.

BACKGROUND: Management of petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) is a surgeons' challenge. Planning the surgical approach and extent of excision play a vital role. The current study discusses a novel grading system that may help to choose the surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 76 patients operated after selecting the surgical approach through a novel grading system based on the extent of dural attachment of PCM in the posterior fossa. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 39.74 ± 13.38 years and 51% of the patients were women. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 59 (77.6%) patients. Among patients who underwent subtotal resection (STR), the mean sagittal diameter of the tumor was greater than axial (4.6 ± 0.9 mm vs. 3.4 ± 1.3 mm; P = 0.01) and coronal diameters (4.6 ± 0.9 mm vs. 3.8 ± 1.4 mm; P < 0.01). The complication rate was 34.2%. The most frequent complication was cerebrospinal fluid leak in 10 (13.1%) patients. In patients where STR was done, the sagittal diameter of the tumor was higher in patients without complications (4.5 ± 0.9 mm vs. 3.9 ± 1.1 mm; P = 0.02). At 6 years follow-up, 6 patients where STR was performed, developed tumor progression. CONCLUSION: The proposed grading is helpful in achieving higher rates of GTR with minimal complications in surgical excision of PCMs. The role of sagittal diameter in planning the extent of excision needs further research.

WOUND INSTILLATION OF LOCAL ANESTHETIC BUPIVACAINE FOR POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA FOLLOWING LUMBAR LAMINECTOMY.

PURPOSE: Lumbar laminectomy is a commonly performed procedure in neurosurgical and orthopedic practice. Postoperative pain reliefhelps in early mobilization, initiation of physiotherapy, provides satisfaction to the patients and plays an important role in reducing the morbidity and mortality. This prospective study investigated the simple technique of instillation of wound with bupivacaine and leaving a contact time of 60 seconds on postoperative pain following lumbar laminectomy. METHODS: 32 ASA I and II patients scheduled for laminectomy were randomly allocated to receive either 20 ml of normal saline (group I) or 0.25% of bupivacaine (group II) into the wound after securing hemostasis. After a dwell time of 60sec the wound was closed in layers without mopping or suctioning. After extubation, the pain scores were evaluated by visual analog scale at every 4 hrs. for 24hrs and also the time for first demand of analgesia, number of analgesic demands and the total amount of analgesia consumed were noted by an independent observer.. RESULTS: The median duration of analgesia in group I was 8.8 [5-11] and in group II 13 [8.5-16] hrs. with a p = 0.04. The number of demands and the amount of analgesia consumed was also statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Wound instillation technique is simple, safe and effective in management of acute pain management after lumbar laminectomy and can be used as one among the multimodal armamentarium in pain management.

Anaesthetic management of a patient with deep brain stimulation implant for radical nephrectomy.

A 63-year-old man with severe Parkinson's disease (PD) who had been implanted with deep brain stimulators into both sides underwent radical nephrectomy under general anaesthesia with standard monitoring. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an alternative and effective treatment option for severe and refractory PD and other illnesses such as essential tremor and intractable epilepsy. Anaesthesia in the patients with implanted neurostimulator requires special consideration because of the interaction between neurostimulator and the diathermy. The diathermy can damage the brain tissue at the site of electrode. There are no standard guidelines for the anaesthetic management of a patient with DBS electrode in situ posted for surgery.

Cardiac Arrest after Connecting Negative Pressure to the Subgaleal Drain during Craniotomy Closure.

A one-year-old child operated on for arachnoid cyst in right frontoparietotemporal region had sudden bradycardia followed by cardiac arrest leading to death after connecting negative pressure to the subgaleal drain during craniotomy closure. The surgical procedure was uneventful. It is a common practice to place epidural or subgaleal drains connected to a vacuum system towards the end of craniotomy to prevent accumulation of intracranial and extracranial blood. The phenomenon of bradycardia with hypotension is known to occur following negative pressure application to the epidural, epicranial, or subgaleal space after craniotomy closure. However cardiac arrest as a complication of negative pressure suction drain in neurosurgical patients is not described in the literature.

Population based family history analysis of Brahmins in a small town in India for the prevalence of type-2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to determine the inheritance pattern of type-2 diabetes and make stratification for the general population risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was developed for o btaining the family history. Analysis of the data was carried out by using student and Chi-square tests and for stratification; the guidelines of Scheuner et al. were followed. RESULTS: The pattern of inheritance is the male sex specific (χ² =13.44). The mean age of onset of diabetes in parents was 58.61 ± 2.94 and in offspring 46.75 ± 2.54. In all 47.22 ± 11.53% families were found in high risk and 31.94 ± 10.77% in the moderate risk category. In female diabetics, the onset was in the age range of 41-60 years. CONCLUSION: We found a high-risk of diabetes and familial clustering in successive generations of Brahmins with prominent male sex specificity. In females onset of diabetes was coinciding with the period around menopause.

Coagulopathy following venous air embolism: a disastrous consequence -a case report-.

Venous air embolism (VAE) is a life-threatening complication of some surgical procedures. Though occurrence of VAE is frequent during neurosurgical procedures, coagulopathy following VAE has not previously been reported. Coagulation abnormalities are more commonly reported associated with fat or amniotic fluid embolism, but rarely with VAE. We present a case of massive VAE in sitting position leading to fatal coagulopathy even after successful resuscitation following the event. Coagulation abnormalities and bleeding can produce catastrophic consequences in neurosurgical patients. This report emphasizes the possibility of this potentially fatal complication in patients who have sustained a massive VAE.

Pregabalin versus tramadol for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Prevention and treatment of postoperative pain continues to be a major challenge in postoperative care. Opioid analgesics, with their well-known side effects, continue to represent a cornerstone in postoperative pain control. Anticonvulsant medications are established treatments for neuropathic pain. Pregabalin (S-[+]-3-isobutylgaba), a structural analog of gamma-Aminobutyric acid, has been used for the treatment of various neuropathic pain and also as an adjunctive therapy for adults with partial onset seizures. This study was thus taken up to primarily assess and compare the analgesic and anxiolytic effects of administering pregabalin and tramadol preoperatively for patients undergoing elective decompressive lumbar laminectomy. The study group included 75 patients between the ages of 20-60 years belonging to American Society of Anesthesiology-1 (ASA) and ASA-2 patients. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups of 25 patients each. The placebo group received a placebo capsule, the tramadol group received a 100 mg capsule, while the pregabalin group received a 150 mg capsule orally 1 hour before anesthetic induction. Pregabalin showed statistically significant analgesic effects compared to placebo, but the effect was found to be less prevalent compared to tramadol. The need for rescue analgesia was the least prevalent in tramadol patients followed by pregabalin patients, and reached a maximum in the control group. Pregabalin showed statistically significant anxiolytic effects compared to placebo, and this was associated with less sedation in comparison to tramadol. Pregabalin had fewer numbers of postoperative complications of nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness in comparison to tramadol. The results of this study support the clinical use of pregabalin in the postsurgical setting for pain relief, as it is well tolerated, and usually presents with transient adverse effects.