The Effect of Preprocedural Low-Dose Ketamine for Pain and Anxiety in Patients during Thoracic Epidural Catheterization.

Background and Objectives: Thoracic epidural catheterization (TEC) can be both uncomfortable and fearful for patients when performed awake with the thought that the procedure may be painful. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low-dose intravenous ketamine administration on pain and anxiety during the TEC procedure. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive intravenous (IV) placebo (Group P) and IV low-dose (0.15 mg/kg) ketamine (LDK) (Group K) 3 min before the procedure in a double-blind manner. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure anxiety (VAS-A) and pain (VAS-P) scores. Vital parameters were monitored before premedication (T1), 20 min after premedication (T2), during skin anesthesia (T3), during TEC (T4), and 5 min after TEC (T5). VAS-A values were recorded at T1, T3, T4, and T5 periods, and VAS-P levels were noted at T3, T4, and T5 periods. Results: During TEC (T4), both VAS-P and VAS-A were significantly lower in Group K (p < 0.001). The mean VAS-A value was 10.6 mm lower, and the mean VAS-P value was 9 mm lower in Group K than in Group P at the T4 time point. Additionally, the mean VAS-P value was 7.7 mm lower in Group K compared to Group P at the T3 time point (p < 0.001). Both groups showed a statistically significant difference in VAS-A measurements when compared at their respective time points (p < 0.001). However, only Group P demonstrated a statistically significant difference in VAS-P measurements (p < 0.001). VAS-P values remained stable in Group K. The number of patients who did not recall the procedure was significantly higher in Group K (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the number of patients who would consent to the same procedure in the future was significantly higher in Group K (p = 0.007). Conclusions: A preprocedural LDK (0.15 mg/kg) can effectively prevent anxiety and pain experienced by patients during the TEC procedure. Administration of LDK may provide a more comfortable procedure process without causing ketamine-induced side effects (hemodynamic, respiratory, and psychological).

Comparison of analgesic efficacy of different local anesthetic volumes for erector spinae plane block in thoracotomy patients; a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a thoracic wall block that has been used frequently in recent years. It was aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of bupivacaine in different volumes for ESPB in patients undergoing thoracotomy. METHODS: Patients who were in the age range of 18 to 65 years, ASA I-III, had a body mass index (BMI) of 18-30 kg/m2 and were undergoing thoracotomy were included in the study. Patients were assigned to ESPB with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine (Group-1) or ESPB with 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine (Group-2) groups according to the analgesia protocol. In the postoperative care unit, intravenous morphine was administered via a patient-controlled analgesia pump for 24 h. A paracetamol dose of 1 g every 8 h and a dexketoprofen dose of 50 mg twice daily were administered iv for multimodal analgesia. RESULTS: Visual analog scale (VAS) resting scores, the 1st (p = 0.001), 2nd (< 0.001), 4th (< 0.001), 8th (< 0.001), 16th (< 0.010), 24th (< 0.044), and 48th (< 0.005)-hour VAS resting results were found to be statistically significantly higher in the 20 ml group than the 30 ml group. VAS cough scores were statistically significantly higher in the 20 ml group at the 1st (< 0.003), 2nd (< 0.001), 4th (< 0.001), 8th (< 0.001), 16th (< 0.004), 24th (< 0.031), and 48th (< 0.009)-hour. Morphine consumption, and additional analgesic use were found to be statistically significantly higher in the 20 ml group than in the 30 ml group (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of side effects (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of ESPB applied with 20 ml and 30 ml of local anesthetic before the surgical incision in thoracotomy patients showed that the use of 30 ml of local anesthetic provided more effective analgesia. In addition, similar side-effect rates show that 30 ml of local anesthetic can be used safely.

Comparison of efficacy of erector spinae plane block, thoracic paravertebral block, and erector spinae plane block and thoracic paravertebral block combination for acute pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB), thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), and ESPB and TPVB combination on acute pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). METHODS: Seventy-five patients were evaluated (three groups: ESPB, TPVB, or combined ESPB-TPVB [comb-group], each 25 patients). All interventions were performed with the same volume of bupivacaine (20 mL). Primary outcome was VAS (Visual Analog Scale) during the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were postoperative morphine consumption and rescue analgesic requirements. RESULTS: VAS during rest and coughing of TPVB was significantly higher compared to other groups (in all measurements compared to comb-group; and in all but 24 hours measurement to ESPB) ESPB and comb-group had similar VAS in all measurements (e.g., median VAS in ESPB, TPVB and comb-group at 8th hour: 3-4-2 [P=0.014] during coughing and 2-3-1 in rest [P<0.001], respectively). Morphine consumption was statistically significantly higher in TPVB than comb-group (ESPB: 15.28 mg; TPVB: 19.30 mg; ESPB+TPVB: 10.00 mg) (P=0.003). Rescue analgesic requirement was statistically significantly higher in the TPVB group than comb-group (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: ESPB alone and the combination of ESPB and TPVB provided superior primary outcomes compared to TPVB alone. Morphine and rescue analgesic consumptions were higher in TPVB than comb-group. ESPB and comb-group were statistically similar in terms of primary and secondary outcomes. This study is one of the first studies using the combination of ESBP and TPVB for pain after VATS, and shows the efficacy of this approach.

The effectiveness of ARISCAT Risk Index, other scoring systems, and parameters in predicting pulmonary complications after thoracic surgery.

The Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) risk index, which is frequently used in nonthoracic surgery, may not be sufficient to predict postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the ARISCAT risk index, ASA, preoperative albumin level, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and other parameters in predicting PPCs after thoracic surgery. Patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery with 1-lung ventilation (OLV) were prospectively analyzed. Demographic data, ARISCAT score, ASA, Nutritional Risk Score-2002, NLR, white blood cell counts, albumin, hemoglobin levels, intraoperative complications, postoperative average visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain at the 24th-hour, the length of stay in the postoperative intensive care unit, chest tube removal time, postoperative complications, and discharge time were recorded. Patients were assessed for morbidity and mortality on the 90th-day. 120 patients' data were analyzed. PPCs developed in 26 patients. The development of PPCs was statistically significant in patients with high ARISCAT scores (P = .002), high ARISCAT grades (P = .009), and ASA III (P = .002). The albumin level was statistically significantly lower in patients who had mortality within 3 months (P = .007). When scoring systems and laboratory parameters were evaluated together, patients with high ARISCAT grade, Albumin < 35g/L, and ASA III had significantly higher development of PPCs (P = .004). ARISCAT risk index and ASA were found to be significant in predicting PPCs after thoracic surgery. They were also valuable when evaluated in combination with preoperative albumin levels. Additionally; age, male gender, duration of surgery, and duration of OLV were also found to be associated with PPCs.

Is there a correlation between preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratios and postoperative pain in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery?

ABSTRACT: Many thoracic surgery procedures are now performed with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Postoperative pain is a common condition in patients undergoing VATS. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) are effective in evaluating postoperative pain in patients undergoing VATS.This prospective observational study was performed between March 2021 and September 2021 at a tertiary thoracic surgery center. The study included patients who had undergone elective VATS. Preoperative and postoperative NLR, PLR, LMR, hemogram values and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded.A total of 105 patients were analyzed. A positive correlation was observed between postoperative monocyte, neutrophils and VAS resting and VAS cough levels in the early postoperative period. No significant correlation was found between preoperative and postoperative NLR, PLR, and LMR values and VAS rest and VAS cough values. When compared to the preoperative period, a negative correlation was found between the change in the postoperative LMR value and the VAS rest and VAS cough values in the early postoperative period.When compared to the preoperative period, the change in postoperative neutrophil, postoperative monocytes, and postoperative LMR values in patients undergoing VATS in thoracic surgery can be used as a guide in the objective evaluation of postoperative acute pain. It is the belief of the researchers that comprehensive new studies on this subject will contribute significantly to the determination of objective criteria in postoperative pain evaluation.

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under combination of erector spinae plane block and thoracic paravertebral block.

BACKGROUND: The use of anesthetics and analgesic drugs and techniques in combination yields a multimodal effect with increased efficiency. In this case series, we aimed to evaluate the anesthetic effect of the thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) combination in patients, who underwent non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NIVATS). METHODS: Medical records of 16 patients, who underwent NIVATS for wedge resection under the combination of ESPB and TPVB were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data of patients, duration of the sensory block, amount of the anesthetic agent used for premedication and sedo-analgesia, any presence of perioperative cough, operative times, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores in the postoperative follow-up period, the need for additional analgesia, and patient satisfaction were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the patients included in the study, 12 were men and 4 were women. The mean age was 48.6 years and the mean BMI was 24.7 kg/m2. The mean time needed for the achievement of the sensorial block was 14 min and the mean skin-to-skin operative time was 21.4 min. During the procedure, patients received 81.5 ± 27.7 mg of propofol and 30 ± 13.6 micrograms of remifentanil infusions, respectively. The mean dose of ketamine administered in total was 58.1 ± 12.2 mg. Only 2 patients needed an extra dose of remifentanil because of recurrent cough. No patients developed postoperative nausea vomiting. During the first 24 h, the VAS static scores of the patients were 3 and below, while VAS dynamic scores were 4 and below. Morphine consumption in the first postoperative 24 h was 13.2 mg. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, combined ESPB and TPVB with added intravenous sedo-analgesia in the presence of good cooperation between the surgical team and the anesthesiologist in the perioperative period can provide optimal surgical conditions including the prevention of cough in NIVATS. It is not sufficient to state that this combination is superior to alone ESPB or alone TPVB, as it is a preliminary study with a limited number of cases.

The Relationship of Nutritional Treatments Applied to Patients in a Nutritional Clinic and Mortality.

Background Malnutrition is a change in body composition as a result of inadequate nutrient intake or malabsorption. It has a significant effect on morbidity and mortality as a result of increased catabolism in acute and/or chronic diseases of many systems or organs. This study was conducted in a chest diseases branch hospital; applicants to the nutritional clinic are mostly patients with acute or chronic respiratory failure. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of patients at the time of admission to the nutritional clinic and the relationship between nutritional support treatment and mortality. Materials and methods The data of 750 patients who applied to the nutritional clinic and consulted clinics, services, and intensive care units were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' demographic data, diagnoses, body mass indexes (BMI), Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002) scores were determined to evaluate malnutrition risks, nutritional support treatments were recorded as enteral, total parenteral, oral enteral supplementation, and nutritional follow-up was initiated. The patients' main diagnoses were the cause of malnutrition, which were divided into five groups: tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), malignancy, neurological diseases, and interstitial lung disease. Thirty-dayand 90-day mortality data were recorded. Results A total of 737 patients were included in the study. Of them, 478 (64.8%) were in the geriatric age group. There were 662 (89.9%) patients with an NRS score of ≥3 who were evaluated as malnourished. Enteral nutrition is higher in patients with neurological disease and interstitial lung disease as compared to other diseases. Oral enteral supplementation (OES) is lower in patients with neurological disease and interstitial lung disease compared to other diseases. The rate of nutritional follow-up is higher in patients with interstitial lung disease than in other diseases. The ages and NRS scores of those with mortality were statistically significantly higher than those without mortality. According to the main diagnoses, the rate of COPD patients is significantly lower and the rate of malignant patients significantly higher in patients. The increase in BMI and NRS-2002 score of 3 and above were risk factors for 30-day mortality. OES was the most recommended nutritional product in patients with or without 30-day and 90-day mortality. Conclusion Eighty-nine point nine percent (89.9%) of the patients were evaluated as malnourished, and OES was the most recommended nutritional supplement in all patient groups. Mortality was higher in the malignant group and lower in the COPD group as compared to others. There was no correlation between the nutritional product and mortality.

A holistic investigation of the global outcomes of spontaneous pneumothorax during 1980-2021, including the COVID-19 pandemic A bibliometric approach.

BACKGROUND: During coronavirus pandemic, despite the increase in the number of studies on spontaneous pneumothorax (SP), there is not enough bibliometric study in the literature. In this study, it was aimed to analyze scientific articles published on SP. METHODS: Studies published on SP between 1980 and 2021 were obtained from the Web of Science database and analyzed using statistical and bibliometric methods. Spearman correlation coefficient was used for correlation studies. The exponential smoothing estimator was used to forecast publication trend for coming years. Network visualization maps were used to analyze citations and identify trending topics. RESULTS: A total of 2422 publications were found. 1403 (57.9%) of these publications were articles. The articles on SP have increased with a non-linear trend in recent years. The top 5 contributors to the literature were USA (231, 16.4%), Japan (161, 11.4%), United Kingdom (98, 6.9%), France (81, 5.7%), and Taiwan (78, 5.5%). The top 3 most active institutions were National Taiwan University Hospital (22, 1.5%), Catholic University Korea (19, 1.3%), and National Taiwan University (19, 1.3%). The top 3 journals that published the most articles were Chest (51), Annals of Thoracic Surgery (46), and Journal of Thoracic Disease (45). The most studied subjects were primary SP, recurrence, thoracoscopy, pleurodesis, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, COVID-19, video-assisted thoracic surgery, chest tube(s), and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. According to trend topics analysis, the keywords studied in recent years are COVID-19, chest tubes, pneumonia, subcutaneous emphysema, risk factors, dyspnea, primary SP, FLCN gene, tension pneumothorax, uniportal, postoperative recurrence, secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and uniportal. CONCLUSION: In this comprehensive bibliometric study, we summarized 1403 articles about SP, which has an increasing trend in the number of articles during the COVID-19 pandemic process. This article can be a useful resource for clinicians and scientists through presenting a summary of worldwide studies related to SP, including the ones during COVID-19 pandemic.

The Effect of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Combined Deep and Superficial Serratus Anterior Plane Block on Acute Pain After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and a combination of the deep and superficial serratus anterior plane block (C-SAPB) methods in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study. SETTING: At a single-center, high-volume, tertiary thoracic surgery center. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients undergoing VATS. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasound-guided ESPB and C-SAPB. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients were assigned to ESPB (group 1) or C-SAPB (group 2) groups according to the analgesia protocol. All interventions were performed with single-needle insertion. Multimodal analgesia was achieved via paracetamol, dexketoprofen, and intravenous morphine for both study groups. Pain scores were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS). Morphine consumption, rescue analgesic requirements, and side effects were recorded postoperatively for 24 hours. The primary outcome was determined as VAS scores at rest and coughing. The secondary outcomes of this study were postoperative morphine consumption and the requirement of rescue analgesics. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of VAS scores (p > 0.05). The groups also were similar in terms of demographic characteristics, side effects, morphine consumption, additional analgesic use, and duration of block procedures (p > 0.05). There also were comparable results in terms of hemodynamic variables (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent VATS receiving ESPB or C-SAPB had similar pain scores, opioid consumption, and side effects during the first postoperative 24 hours. At the same time, the fact that the duration of the block procedure was similar in both groups showed that multisite serratus anterior plane block can be an effective alternative method in analgesic treatment after VATS, considering that it easily can be applied. The authors here think that C-SAPB can be a good alternative to ESPB because the outcomes of both applications are similar, and C-SAPB easily can be seen and applied with ultrasound.

The Incidence of Itching in Thoracic Epidural Morphine Applications: Can Laboratory Parameters Be Effective in Predicting Itching?

Background Epidural morphine, a powerful analgesic, also causes significant itching in patients. This study aimed to determine the incidence of thoracic epidural morphine-induced pruritus (EMIP) after thoracotomy and to investigate preoperative laboratory parameters for predicting itching in patients who received thoracic epidural morphine (TEM). Methods The patients were divided into two groups. The itching (+) group consists of patients who developed itching (n=31). The no-itching (-) / control group (n=31) was selected among patients who did not develop itching after TEM. Preoperative hemogram values, neutrophil/lymphocyte rate (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte rate (PLR), lymphocyte/monocytes rate (LMR), preoperative and postoperative alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase values, and whether there was itching in the first 48 hours after surgery were determined. Results The incidence of thoracic EMIP after thoracotomy was 7.9%. While preoperative and postoperative ALP was found to be lower in patients with itching compared to those without itching. The cut-off value for preoperative/postoperative ALP was 84.5/53. Decreased white blood cell (WBC) could predict pruritus with a borderline statistical significance. Conclusions The incidence of EMIP after thoracotomy was lower compared to other literature data. Infusion of morphine only into the epidural area may cause a low incidence of EMIP. Laboratory parameters ALP and WBC can predict EMIP, but other hemogram parameters, NLR, LMR, and PLR cannot predict EMIP.

Is there a relationship between body mass index and postoperative pain scores in thoracotomy patients with thoracic epidural analgesia?

ABSTRACT: Postoperative efficacy of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) following thoracic surgery may vary in patients with different body mass index (BMI) values, regardless of the success of the method. This study aimed to investigate the effects of BMI on postoperative pain scores in patients who underwent thoracotomy with TEA.After obtaining the ethical committee approval (Date: May 11, 2021, Number: 2012-KEAK-15/2305) the data of 1326 patients, who underwent elective thoracic surgery in high volume tertiary thoracic surgery center between January 2017 and January 2021, were analyzed retrospectively. Patients between the age of 18 and 80 years, who underwent thoracotomy and thoracic epidural catheterization (TEC), and who were assigned American Society of Anesthesiologists I to III physical status were included to the study. Of the 406 patients, who underwent a successful TEC, 378 received postoperative analgesia for 72 hours. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores of these patients were evaluated statistically. Based on BMI, patients were categorized into the following 5 groups: Group I: BMI < 20 kg/m2, Group II: BMI = 20 to 24.9 kg/m2, Group III: BMI = 25 to 29.9 kg/m2, Group IV: BMI = 30 to 34.9 kg/m2, and Group V: BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2.There were no statistically significant differences in TEC success across different BMI groups (P > .05). Catheter problems and VAS scores significantly increased with higher BMI values in the postoperative 72-hours period (P < .05). Rates of rescue analgesic use were higher in BMI groups of 30 toto 34.9 kg/m2 and ≥35 kg/m2 compared to the other BMI groups.This study revealed that higher BMI in patients may increase VAS scores, who administered TEA for pain management following thoracotomy. This correlation was supported by the increased need for additional analgesics in patients with high BMI. Therefore, patients with high BMI values would require close monitoring and follow-up.

Parameters Affecting Nausea and Vomiting After Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection in Patients With Pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the complications that can occur frequently in the first 24 hours postoperatively. We aimed to investigate the parameters that could predict PONV in patients who underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection for pneumothorax. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining the approval of the ethics committee (ID: 2012-KEAK-15/2358, Date: 14.09.2021), the records of patients who underwent elective video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) between January 2018 and June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients who underwent elective thoracoscopic wedge resection for pneumothorax, who were between the ages of 18-65, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-III, and whose body mass index (BMI) was between 18-30 kg/m2 were included in the study. However, patients who received a blood transfusion or used antiemetics, anticholinergic drugs, and analgesics continuously were not included. In addition, patients with a history of chronic pain were not included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, the PONV group (Group 1) and the control group (Group 2). The PONV incidence, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, 24-hour morphine consumption, additional analgesic requirement, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios (NLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratios (PLR) were evaluated. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of demographic data (p > 0.05). Additional analgesic requirement and 24-hour morphine consumption were significantly higher in the PONV group (p: 0.005, p < 0.001, respectively). Preoperative NLR (p < 0.001), postoperative NLR (p < 0.001), preoperative PLR (p < 0.022), the VAS scores of the first hour (p: 0.004), and 24th hour (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly higher in the PONV group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: NLR parameters can be effective with high sensitivity and specificity in predicting PONV during the preoperative and postoperative period. Besides, preoperative PLR may also be effective in predicting PONV. A treatment that can be planned according to these parameters may play a key role in preventing PONV. In addition, efficient perioperative analgesia management may be effective in reducing PONV by limiting the emetogenic analgesics.

Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Thoracic Paravertebral Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block Combination in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery.

Background The combination of a thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has not been investigated. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the combination of TPVB and ESPB particularly on postoperative pain scores in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods From January 1, 2021, to March 1, 2021, 13 patients older than 18 years who underwent combined ESPB and TPVB for analgesic treatment after elective VATS were included in the study. Standard anesthesia induction was performed for all patients, and the block was performed in the lateral decubitis position before surgery. Using the in-plane technique, an ultrasound (US)-compatible 22-gauge, 8-mm nerve block needle was introduced 2-3 cm lateral to the spinous process of the T6 vertebra and advanced in the caudocranial direction. Fifteen (15) ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered and pleural depression was observed. The same needle was withdrawn from the paravertebral space and advanced into the interfascial plane above the transverse process and below the erector spinae muscle at the T5 level. Then, 15 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected. Results The combination of TPVB and ESPB was performed in 13 patients. The mean age was 44.3 (21-68) years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.21 (16.9-35.9) kg/m2. Postoperative 24 hours morphine consumption was 24.5 (16-42) mg. In three cases, visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest were ≥4; therefore, tramadol (25 mg, IV) was given as an additional analgesic. Nausea and vomiting were observed in only one case in the early postoperative period. Conclusions As a new technique, the combination of TPVB and ESPB in this preliminary study provided effective postoperative pain management along with the use of morphine in acceptable quantities. Large-scale, randomized-controlled, and comparative studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of the combination of TPVB and ESPB.

Comparison of Patient-Controlled Analgesia With Tramadol or Morphine After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in Geriatric Patients.

Background Although video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a less invasive technique compared to thoracotomy, patients often experience postoperative pain. Hence, intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is frequently used. The geriatric age group constitutes a significant portion of patients undergoing thoracic surgery. However, pain management can often be difficult in elderly patients. In this study, we aimed to examine the pain management techniques applied in geriatric patients who underwent VATS and to compare the efficacy and side effects of PCA with morphine and tramadol. Methodology The following patients were included in this study: aged 65 years and older, those who underwent elective VATS under general anesthesia, and those who underwent thoracic paravertebral block in the operating room for postoperative pain. We recorded diagnoses, demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, complications developed during the intraoperative or postoperative 24 hours, postoperative rest and cough Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and need for additional analgesics. The patients were divided into the following two groups: those treated with tramadol PCA (tramadol group) and those treated with morphine PCA (morphine group). Results A total of 65 patients were included in this study. Overall, 22 patients were administered tramadol PCA while 43 were administered morphine PCA. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups concerning complications. The 24-hour VAS resting score was statistically significantly lower in patients administered morphine than those administered tramadol (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups concerning zero-minute, thirty-minute, one-hour, two-hour, six-hour, and twelve-hour VAS resting and cough scores at all times (p > 0.05). Conclusions There was no significant difference in the tramadol and morphine groups concerning analgesic efficacy, patient satisfaction, and side effects among geriatric patients who underwent VATS and were administered intravenous PCA. In our view, both tramadol and morphine can be used safely in geriatric patients requiring intravenous PCA. Moreover, because the 24-hour analgesic efficacy was observed to be better in the morphine group in our study, morphine can be preferred in geriatric patients.

Epileptic seizure following IV tramadol in a patient with mental retardation and cerebellar ataxia.

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of an epileptic seizure related to intravenous (IV) tramadol for pain control following a total abdominal hysterectomy operation on a patient with mental retardation and cerebellar ataxia. BACKGROUND: Tramadol is an analgesic with a dual mechanism of action and has several side effects, one of which is epileptic seizure. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old female with mental retardation and cerebellar ataxia presented with an epileptic seizure after administration of IV tramadol for postoperative pain. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were normal, but laboratory tests showed hypocalcemia. Next, calcium replacement was administered. Postoperative pain treatment with tramadol was discontinued because tramadol was felt to be a possible cause of the seizure observed in this patient. In order to treat the epileptic seizure, IV phenytoin sodium infusion was started. On the second postoperative day, calcium levels were found to be normal, and the IV antiepileptic medication was changed to an oral form. The patient had no subsequent seizures during the clinical follow-up. She was discharged on the fourth postoperative day without any other complications. CONCLUSION: Even in recommended doses, IV tramadol may cause epileptic seizures on predisposed patients.