Using a Disposable Flexible Fiberoptic Scope as a Bougie for Difficult Intubation.

In this case report, we describe two difficult intubations in which an endotracheal tube was threaded over a fiberoptic bronchoscope that was acting as a bougie. Our patients initially presented with limited neck extension, narrow mouth opening, and restricted view of the glottic region. A fiberoptic bronchoscope was guided through while the patient was oxygenated through a laryngeal mask. After the scope provided an unrestricted view of the vocal cords, the digital module was removed by cutting the fiberoptic thread, and an endotracheal tube was passed through. After proper confirmation of the endotracheal tube position, the intubation was deemed successful and thereby, we share our experience with the novel technique. This technique may potentially improve critical patient outcomes whether in trauma or an unexpectedly difficult intubation.

Lung deflation while placing a subclavian vein catheter: Our experience in minimizing the risk of pneumothorax.

PURPOSE: Lung deflation may reduce the risk of pneumothorax based on the assumption that the distance between the subclavian vein and the lung pleura would increase as well as the diameter of the vein. We aim to provide evidence to support the suggested desideratum of deflation in adults. METHODS: A prospective database was created that included patients who underwent subclavian vein catheterization for monitoring and therapeutic reasons from January 2014 to January 2020. Measurements using ultrasonography of the diameter of the subclavian vein were taken while the patient's breathing was controlled by a ventilator and then repeated after disconnecting the mechanical ventilation and opening the pressure relief valve. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients were enrolled, with an average age of 41.9 years. The subclavian vein diameter was measured during controlled breathing with a mean average of 8.1 ± 0.6mm in males and 7.1 ± 0.5mm in females. The average increase after lung deflation with the pressure relief valve closed was 8.0± 5.1mm in males and 13.9 ± 5.4mm in females. An increase was noticed after opening a pressure valve, and the means were 5.5 ± 2.8mm in males and 5.1 ± 3.3mm in females. The catheter malposition rate was 0.8. CONCLUSION: The benefit of interrupting mechanical ventilation and lung deflation lies within possibly avoiding pneumothorax as a complication of subclavian vein catheterization. These findings support the need for evidence regarding the curtailment of pneumothorax incidence in spontaneously breathing patients and the suggested increase in first-time punctures and success rates.

Knowledge, Practice, and Attitude Toward COVID-19 Among Physicians in Jordan and Palestine: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging disease threatening the world with a rapid increase in cases and deaths since it was first identified in December 2019. Adequate knowledge, practice, and attitudes (KPA) toward COVID-19 among physicians at the frontline defense against the COVID-19 pandemic may enhance their ability to avoid the risk of self-infection, decrease mortality, and provide adequate medical care service in this pandemic. This study aimed to assess KPA toward COVID-19 among physicians in Jordan and Palestine. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using an online survey conducted from 10 April to 26 April 2020 among Jordan and Palestine physicians. Invitations were sent to physician groups on Facebook and WhatsApp. This survey contains 36-items, divided into four main sections to assess the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, practice, and attitude about COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 454 physicians participated in this study. The mean score of basic knowledge was 4.4 ± 0.8 (range 2-4). There were significant differences between basic knowledge mean scores among physicians in different professional degrees and physicians in various health sectors (P=0.0315, P=0.0137, respectively). The mean scores of self-protection measures, were 6.1 ± 1.1 (range 3-7) and measures if physician self-suspected of COVID-19 were 9.9± 1.1 (range 5-11). The mean score of attitudes toward COVID-19 was 41.5 ± 3.3 (range 21-45) and significantly related to the age and different experience years (P=0.0022, P=0.0077, respectively). CONCLUSION: As the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, physicians from Jordan and Palestine showed adequate KPA toward COVID-19. There was a significant difference in knowledge level and attitude between physicians. Policymakers and physicians should keep continuous educational activities, training, and follow-up updates during this pandemic.

The Role of Endoscopic Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block on Nausea and Vomiting After Sinus Surgery.

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are among the most common unpleasant and distressing adverse events following surgery under general anesthesia. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a common otolaryngology procedure. Prevention of PONV and early recovery are cost-effective. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic effect of bilateral endoscopic injection of lidocaine with epinephrine in the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) on PONV in patients undergoing FESS. Methods One hundred patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing general anesthesia for FESS were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized to receive injection of 2 mL of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine or 2 mL of saline at the end of surgery. Postoperatively, patients were observed for 24 h. PONV was evaluated immediately, 6 h, and 24 h after surgery. Results The 2 groups were comparable in characteristic and intraoperative features. In general, the incidence of PONV after FESS was 36%. The average time that patients can tolerate oral feeding was 3.4 h after surgery. Endoscopic SPG injection with lidocaine significantly reduced the incidence of vomiting and PONV. In addition, SPG injection with lidocaine reduced the incidence of severe vomiting and decreased the number of vomiting episodes. No complications were encountered in either group. Conclusion SPG injection with lidocaine at the end of surgery is a safe, noninvasive, and an effective technique in reducing early PONV in endoscopic sinus surgery patients.