Current Anesthetic Management in a 20-Month-Old Pediatric Patient With Intestinal Transplantation Due to Microvillous Inclusion Disease.

Intestinal transplantation is a complex procedure both in terms of anesthesia and surgery. In particular, pediatric anesthesia management during intestinal transplant surgery can become even more complicated. It has been stated that propofol, remifentanil, and sevoflurane reduce patient mortality by reducing the incidence of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Although studies of these agents continue to be conducted in vivo or in vitro, these anesthetics are currently used for specific procedures that have a high risk of incurring ischemia-reperfusion injury. Herein, we present the case of a male child, aged 20 months, who was dependent on total parenteral nutrition and was found to have intestinal failure associated with liver disease type 1. Hematologic tests showed findings of anemia and metabolic acidosis. Propofol was administered for induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia maintenance was achieved using sevoflurane with remifentanil infusion. We ensured safe and adequate vascular access in the patient and performed hematologic and biochemical tests with detailed system controls. Before the procedure, we prepared a leukocyte-poor erythrocyte suspension, leukocyte-poor random or apheresis platelets, and ABO- and Rh-compatible fresh frozen plasma. We monitored for signs of acidosis, hypotension, coagulation disorders, and hyperkalemia during the reperfusion period. We maintained patient normothermia. In this case report on the anesthetic management of a pediatric patient aged 20 months who received a small bowel transplant due to microvillous inclusion disease, we found that the selection of anesthetic agents may affect the prognosis of future surgical procedures.

Effect of video-based education on anxiety and satisfaction of patients undergoing spinal anesthesia / Efeito de informações por meio de vídeo sobre a ansiedade e satisfação de pacientes submetidos à anestesia espinhal

Abstract Background: Providing sufficient information during a preanesthetic interview may help improve patient understanding and decrease anxiety related to spinal anesthesia. We investigated the effect of video-based education on anxiety and satisfaction in patients about to undergo spinal anesthesia. Methods: A total of 198 patients scheduled for minor elective surgery under spinal anesthesia were prospectively enrolled. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/State and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/Trait) questionnaires and visual analog scale were used to measure anxiety levels before the standard anesthesia evaluation was initiated. Then, 100 patients in Group 1 received written, verbal, and video-based education, whereas 98 patients in Group 2 received only written and verbal instructions regarding spinal anesthesia. Then all participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/State and visual analog scale to evaluate anxiety. Finally, a 5-point Likert scale was used to measure satisfaction during postoperative period. Results: No differences were found in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/State, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/Trait, or visual analog scale scores between the two groups before the information period. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/State scores evaluating anxiety during the post-information period were differed in both groups and they found as 36.5 ± 10.0 in Group 1 and 39.6 ± 8.6 in Group 2 (p = 0.033). The 5-point Likert scale scores to measure satisfaction were stated as 4.5 ± 0.6 in Group 1 and 3.5 ± 1.2 in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Providing video-based information during the preanesthetic interview alleviated anxiety and increased satisfaction in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia.

Resumo Justificativa: Fornecer informação suficiente durante uma consulta pré-anestesia pode aumentar a compreensão do paciente e diminuir a ansiedade relacionada à anestesia espinhal. Investigamos o efeito do fornecimento de informação via vídeo sobre a ansiedade e satisfação em pacientes prestes a serem submetidos à anestesia espinhal. Métodos: Foram inscritos prospectivamente 198 pacientes agendados para cirurgias eletivas de pequeno porte sob anestesia espinhal. Os questionários de avaliação de estado e traço de ansiedade (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/State e State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/Trait) e uma escala visual analógica foram usados para medir os níveis de ansiedade antes de a avaliação-padrão da anestesia ter sido iniciada. Em seguida, 100 pacientes do Grupo 1 receberam informação por escrito, verbal e via vídeo, enquanto 98 pacientes do Grupo 2 receberam apenas informação por escrito e verbal sobre a anestesia espinhal. Em seguida, todos os participantes responderam os inventários de estado e traço de ansiedade e a escala visual analógica para avaliar a ansiedade. Por fim, a escala de Likert de 5 pontos foi usada para medir a satisfação durante o período pós-operatório. Resultados: Não houve diferença nos escores dos questionários de estado e traço de ansiedade e da escala visual analógica entre os dois grupos antes do período de informação. Os escores de estado e traço de ansiedade que avaliam a ansiedade durante o período pós-informação foram diferentes em ambos os grupos: 36,5 ± 10,0 no Grupo 1 e 39,6 ± 8,6 no Grupo 2 (p = 0,033). Os escores da escala Likert de 5 pontos para medir a satisfação foram: 4,5 ± 0,6 no Grupo 1 e 3,5 ± 1,2 no Grupo 2 (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Fornecer informação via vídeo durante a consulta pré-anestésica aliviou a ansiedade e aumentou a satisfação em pacientes submetidos à anestesia espinhal.

[Effect of video-based education on anxiety and satisfaction of patients undergoing spinal anesthesia]. / Efeito de informações por meio de vídeo sobre a ansiedade e satisfação de pacientes submetidos à anestesia espinhal.

BACKGROUND: Providing sufficient information during a preanesthetic interview may help improve patient understanding and decrease anxiety related to spinal anesthesia. We investigated the effect of video-based education on anxiety and satisfaction in patients about to undergo spinal anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 198 patients scheduled for minor elective surgery under spinal anesthesia were prospectively enrolled. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/State and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/Trait) questionnaires and visual analog scale were used to measure anxiety levels before the standard anesthesia evaluation was initiated. Then, 100 patients in Group 1 received written, verbal, and video-based education, whereas 98 patients in Group 2 received only written and verbal instructions regarding spinal anesthesia. Then all participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/State and visual analog scale to evaluate anxiety. Finally, a 5-point Likert scale was used to measure satisfaction during postoperative period. RESULTS: No differences were found in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/State, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/Trait, or visual analog scale scores between the two groups before the information period. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/State scores evaluating anxiety during the post-information period were differed in both groups and they found as 36.5±10.0 in Group 1 and 39.6±8.6 in Group 2 (p=0.033). The 5-point Likert scale scores to measure satisfaction were stated as 4.5±0.6 in Group 1 and 3.5±1.2 in Group 2 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Providing video-based information during the preanesthetic interview alleviated anxiety and increased satisfaction in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia.

The effect of passive exposure to tobacco smoke on perioperative respiratory complications and the duration of recovery / O efeito da exposição passiva à fumaça de tabaco em complicações respiratórias no perioperatório e a duração da recuperação

Abstract Background: The incidence of perioperative respiratory complications and postoperative care unit recovery time investigated in patients with passive tobacco smoke exposure according to the degree of exposure. Methods: Total 270 patients ranging in age from 18 to 60 years with the ASA physical status I or II exposed and not exposed to passive tobacco smoke received general anesthesia for various elective surgical operations evaluated for the study. Patients divided into two groups as exposed and non-exposed to passive tobacco smoke, those exposed to passive smoke are also divided into two groups according to the degree of exposure. Patients taken to the postoperative care unit (PACU) at the end of the operation and monitorized until Modified Aldrete's Scores became 9 and more. Respiratory complications evaluated and recorded in intraoperative and postoperative period. Results: A total of 251 patients were enrolled; 63 (25.1%) patients had airway complications, 11 (4.4%) had complications intraoperatively and 52 (20.7%) patients had complications postoperatively. There has been found significant relation with passive tobacco smoke exposure and high incidences of perioperative and postoperative respiratory complications. The risk of cough, desaturation and hypersecretion complications were found to be increased depending on the degree of exposure. There was significant relation between the degree of passive smoke exposure and the duration of PACU stay. Conclusion: Passive tobacco smoke exposed general anesthesia receiving patients also regarding to the degree of exposure having high rates of perioperative respiratory complications and prolongation of PACU stays when compared with unexposed patients.

Resumo Justificativa: A incidência de complicações respiratórias no perioperatório e o tempo em sala de recuperação pós-anestesia no pós-operatório em pacientes com exposição passiva à fumaça de tabaco foram avaliados de acordo com o grau de exposição. Métodos: Foram avaliados 270 pacientes entre 18-60 anos, estado físico ASA I ou II, passivamente expostos e não expostos à fumaça de tabaco, submetidos à anestesia geral para vários procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: passivamente expostos e não expostos à fumaça de tabaco. Aqueles com exposição passiva à fumaça também foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o grau de exposição. Os pacientes enviados à sala de recuperação pós-anestesia (SRPA) no fim da cirurgia foram monitorados até atingir 9 ou mais no escore modificado de Aldrete. As complicações respiratórias foram avaliadas e registradas nos períodos intraoperatório e pós-operatório. Resultados: Foram incluídos 251 pacientes, dos quais 63 (25,1%) apresentaram complicações respiratórias, 11 (4,4%) complicações no intraoperatório e 52 (20,7%) complicações no pós-operatório. Houve relação significativa entre a exposição passiva à fumaça de tabaco e a alta incidência de complicações respiratórias no perioperatório e pós-operatório. O risco de complicação como tosse, dessaturação e hipersecreção aumentou de acordo com o grau de exposição. Houve relação significativa entre o grau de exposição passiva à fumaça e o tempo de permanência em SRPA. Conclusão: Os pacientes com exposição passiva à fumaça de tabaco apresentaram altas taxas de complicações respiratórias no perioperatório e prolongamento da permanência em SRPA, em comparação com os pacientes não expostos.

The effect of passive exposure to tobacco smoke on perioperative respiratory complications and the duration of recovery.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of perioperative respiratory complications and postoperative care unit recovery time investigated in patients with passive tobacco smoke exposure according to the degree of exposure. METHODS: Total 270 patients ranging in age from 18 to 60 years with the ASA physical status I or II exposed and not exposed to passive tobacco smoke received general anesthesia for various elective surgical operations evaluated for the study. Patients divided into two groups as exposed and non-exposed to passive tobacco smoke, those exposed to passive smoke are also divided into two groups according to the degree of exposure. Patients taken to the postoperative care unit (PACU) at the end of the operation and monitorized until Modified Aldrete's Scores became 9 and more. Respiratory complications evaluated and recorded in intraoperative and postoperative period. RESULTS: A total of 251 patients were enrolled; 63 (25.1%) patients had airway complications, 11 (4.4%) had complications intraoperatively and 52 (20.7%) patients had complications postoperatively. There has been found significant relation with passive tobacco smoke exposure and high incidences of perioperative and postoperative respiratory complications. The risk of cough, desaturation and hypersecretion complications were found to be increased depending on the degree of exposure. There was significant relation between the degree of passive smoke exposure and the duration of PACU stay. CONCLUSION: Passive tobacco smoke exposed general anesthesia receiving patients also regarding to the degree of exposure having high rates of perioperative respiratory complications and prolongation of PACU stays when compared with unexposed patients.

[The effect of passive exposure to tobacco smoke on perioperative respiratory complications and the duration of recovery]. / O efeito da exposição passiva à fumaça de tabaco em complicações respiratórias no perioperatório e a duração da recuperação.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of perioperative respiratory complications and postoperative care unit recovery time investigated in patients with passive tobacco smoke exposure according to the degree of exposure. METHODS: Total 270 patients ranging in age from 18 to 60 years with the ASA physical status I or II exposed and not exposed to passive tobacco smoke received general anesthesia for various elective surgical operations evaluated for the study. Patients divided into two groups as exposed and non-exposed to passive tobacco smoke, those exposed to passive smoke are also divided into two groups according to the degree of exposure. Patients taken to the postoperative care unit (PACU) at the end of the operation and monitorized until Modified Aldrete's Scores became 9 and more. Respiratory complications evaluated and recorded in intraoperative and postoperative period. RESULTS: A total of 251 patients were enrolled; 63 (25.1%) patients had airway complications, 11 (4.4%) had complications intraoperatively and 52 (20.7%) patients had complications postoperatively. There has been found significant relation with passive tobacco smoke exposure and high incidences of perioperative and postoperative respiratory complications. The risk of cough, desaturation and hypersecretion complications were found to be increased depending on the degree of exposure. There was significant relation between the degree of passive smoke exposure and the duration of PACU stay. CONCLUSION: Passive tobacco smoke exposed general anesthesia receiving patients also regarding to the degree of exposure having high rates of perioperative respiratory complications and prolongation of PACU stays when compared with unexposed patients.

Comparison Between Ultrasonography-Guided Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block and Spinal Anesthesia for Hallux Valgus Repair.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the efficacy, postoperative pain scores, adverse effects, additional analgesic requirements, and patient satisfaction scores of ultrasonography-guided sciatic nerve block by popliteal approach with spinal anesthesia for hallux valgus correction surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for hallux valgus correction surgery were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Unilateral spinal block was performed on patients in the spinal anesthesia group. Popliteal block group patients received popliteal sciatic nerve block with guidance by both nerve stimulator and ultrasonography. Durations of anesthetic and operative interventions and time until the initiation of surgery were recorded for both groups. Pain magnitude of the patients at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours following anesthetic interventions were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS). Adverse effects such as postoperative urinary retention and postdural puncture headache were recorded. Also, patient satisfaction was recorded. Patients were interviewed by phone for anesthetic and operative complications at 72 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Spinal anesthesia group patients exhibited hypotension, bradycardia, postdural puncture headache, and urinary retention rates of 6.6%, 3.3%, 10%, and 3.3%, respectively. Popliteal block group patients showed none of these adverse effects. Moreover, VAS scores of the patients at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 12th hours were significantly lower (P < .001, P = .003, P < .001, P <.001, respectively), postoperative first analgesic requirement times were significantly longer (P < .001), and pain satisfaction scores were significantly higher (P < .001) in the popliteal block group. CONCLUSION: Given the complications related to spinal anesthesia and its insufficiency to maintain analgesia postoperatively, we believe the preferred anesthetic method should be peripheral nerve blocks for hallux valgus correction surgeries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized prospective study.

Complications and their management in endometriosis surgery.

Endometriosis is a common chronic disease mostly seen in young women. Endometriosis surgery may be considered as rather challenging in gynecology. In this article, we tried to emphasize on basic concepts of endometriosis surgery, the best surgical method that should be applied and the complications and the management of the complications.

[Incidence of chronic pain after ingunial hernia repair]. / Inguinal herni onarimi sonrasi kronik agri insidansi.

OBJECTIVES: The percentage of chronic pain in adults having inguinal hernia repair is 5-35%. Although this pain is thought to be related to some reasons, there is not an exact conclusion about this. In this study, the aim was to point out the incidence of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair and determination of the risk factors. METHODS: Two hundred and four patients having inguinal hernia surgery between January 2011 and December 2012 were included into this study. The patients' pain was measured with VAS within 24 hours and at the third and the sixth month after surgery. The patients whose VAS was >3 three months after surgery were evaluated to have chronic pain. RESULTS: The incidence of pain continuing 3 months after surgery was 18.6% and 11.2% six months after surgery. 78.3% of the patients had already had pain before surgery, and in 28% of them, chronic pain had evolved. The measure of VAS within 24 hours postoperatively was found higher in patients who developed chronic pain (3.13 ± 1.12/1.71 ± 1.27). 5.2% of the patients had re-operation for reparation and chronic pain developed in all. Chronic pain was neuropathic in 48% of the patients, and its severity was moderate. CONCLUSION: The incidence of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair was found %18, compatible with similar studies. Compared with other risk factors, preoperative pain, postoperative severe acute pain and reoperations were thought to be the most important risk factors for the development of chronic pain.

Effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol on sedation in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a fast-track recovery room setting.

PURPOSE: We aim to compare the effects of propofol and dexmedetomidine infusions on extubation times, hemodynamic and respiratory functions, complication rates and patient satisfaction scores in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using a fast-track anesthesia regimen for early extubation. METHODS: We enrolled 64 patients who underwent CABG surgery. Dexmedetomidine (min 0.2 µg/kg/h-max 1.0 µg/kg/h) and propofol (min 1.0 mg/kg/h-max 3.0 mg/kg/h) infusion doses were titrated to give bispectral index values between 60 and 90 and a Ramsay sedation score (RSS) between 3 and 4. Postoperative extubation times, patient satisfaction and postoperative adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: The mean times to extubation were 265.94 ± 43.1 min for the dexmedetomidine group and 322.52 ± 39.2 min for the propofol group (P < 0.001). In all recordings, RSS median values for the propofol group were significantly lower than the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative adverse events between the dexmedetomidine and propofol groups. There was a statistically significant difference between patient satisfaction median values of the two groups-7 (5-9) and 9 (7-10) (min-max) for the propofol and dexmedetomidine groups, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results show that dexmedetomidine can easily be preferred over propofol in fast-track cardiac anesthesia due to its significant advantages of shorter extubation time and higher postoperative patient satisfaction scores.

Acute Back Pain Following Surgery under Spinal Anesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors having a role in the occurrence of acute back pain following spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Six hundred and forty-nine patients who underwent surgery under spinal anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Patients' age, sex, BMI, ASA physical status, educational status, history of back pain, spinal needle radius, spinal interspace level of intervention, method of approach for spinal anesthesia, position during spinal anesthesia, angle of puncture with respect to the spinal ligaments, magnitude of pain during intervention, number of lumbar punctures, number of bony contacts, amount of bupivacaine administered intrathecally, type of surgical procedure, surgical position, duration of the surgery, and duration of anesthesia parameters were recorded. Patients were inquired for existence and magnitude of back pain on the 1st day and the 4th week postoperatively. Multivariate analysis is performed via logistic regression model to parameters that are found to be significant in univariate analysis. RESULTS: Assessment of the data from the postoperative 1st day showed 29.3% of the patients suffered back pain. Postspinal acute back pain was related to the number of bony contacts (P = 0.016), history of back pain (P = 0.0001), spinal needle radius (P = 0.022), and duration of the surgery (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Contrary to the common belief, it is demonstrated in this study that number of lumbar punctures, method of approach and position of the spinal anesthesia, age, sex, surgical position, and the type of the surgery did not correlate with occurrence of acute back pain following spinal anesthesia.

A prospective randomized double-blind study on the effects of the temperature of irrigation solutions on thermoregulation and postoperative complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of irrigation solutions, administered at either 21 or 37 °C in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), on hypothermia and related postoperative complications such as late emergence and late recovery from anesthesia, shivering, lactic acidosis, and excess bleeding. METHODS: Sixty patients who were scheduled for PCNL were enrolled in this prospective randomized double-blind study. Irrigation solutions at room temperature were administered to patients in group R (30 patients), and warmed irrigation solutions were administered to patients in group W (30 patients). The two groups were compared for core and peripheral body temperature, incidence of hypothermia, duration of emergence from anesthesia, duration of recovery from anesthesia, shivering, lactic acidosis, and hemoglobin levels. RESULTS: Hypothermia was incident in 19 patients (63.3 %) in group W and in 27 patients (90 %) in group R at the end of surgery. The difference between the initial and the final core body temperature was 0.9 ± 0.6 °C group W and 1.4 ± 0.7 °C in group R (p = 0.003). The extubation time was 4.4 ± 2.2 min in group W and 5.9 ± 3 min in group R (p = 0.032). Shivering was detected in seven patients (23.3 %) in group W and in 15 patients (50 %) in group R (p = 0.032). The recovery duration was 49.8 ± 24.6 min in group W and 67.6 ± 33.9 min in group R (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of irrigation solutions at room temperature in PCNL operations causes the body temperature to decrease significantly, which results in postoperative complications such as late emergence from anesthesia, late recovery from anesthesia, and shivering.

Is the temperature of tumescent anesthesia applied in the endovenous laser ablation important? comparison of different temperatures for tumescent anesthesia applied during endovenous ablation of incompetent great saphenous vein with a 1470 nm diode laser.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate whether the temperature of tumescent anesthesia is important, if so, to establish an opinion about the ideal temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endovenous laser ablations were performed in 72 patients; 35 patients (Group A) received tumescent anesthesia at +4℃, while other 37 patients (Group B) received tumescent anesthesia at room temperature. The groups were compared in terms of intraoperative pain, postoperative regional pain, ecchymosis, paresthesia, skin burns and necrosis. At month 1, great saphenous vein was evaluated for recanalization and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The survey on intraoperative pain showed that patients receiving tumescent anesthesia at +4℃ experienced much less pain. Interestingly, statistical analysis showed that this difference was not significant (p = 0.072). No skin burns or necrosis occurred in either group, whereas ecchymosis and paresthesia were the most frequently observed side effects in both groups, but no significant difference was found between the groups. There was no significant difference between pain levels on postoperative days and no significant difference between the groups in terms of satisfaction with endovenous laser ablation procedure and postoperative satisfaction. All venous segments treated with endovenous laser ablation in both groups were occluded. At month 1 no recanalization was observed. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the temperature of tumescent anesthesia solution is not important, while the proper administration of tumescent solution in adequate amounts ensuring delivery of the fluid to all segments appears to be a more significant determinant for the success of the procedure.

Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Pain: Effects of Preincisional Infiltration and Intraperitoneal Levobupivacaine 0.25% on Pain Control-a Randomized Prospective Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of preincisional and intraperitoneal levobupivacaine or normal saline in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Sixty patients who participated in the study were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 received intraperitoneal levobupivacaine (0.25% 40 mL) immediately after the pneumoperitoneum. Group 2 received periportal levobupivacaine (0.25% 5 mL in each trochar incision area) before incision and intraperitoneal levobupivacaine (0.25% 40 mL) immediately after the pneumoperitoneum. Group 3 received for periportal and intraperitoneal instillation of normal saline. The visual analog scale (VAS) at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours for both shoulder and abdominal pain were recorded. Analgesia requirements and incidence of nausea and vomiting were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no difference between the groups for demographic data. The pain scores were lower in Groups 1 and 2 than Group 3 (control) during rest, cough and movement (p<0.05). Rescue analgesic treatment was significantly lower in patients of Group 2 (15%) as compared with that of Groups 1 (35%) and 3 (90%) (p<0.05). The incidence of shoulder pain was significantly lower in Group 2 (25%) and Group 1 (20%) than in any of the control group patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that 0.25% levobupivacaine was effective in preventing pain and the need for postoperative analgesic when intraperitoneal instillation or preincisional local infiltration in combination with intraperitoneal instillation. However, levobupivacaine for preincisional local infiltration in combination with intraperitoneal instillation is the better choice because of its higher efficacy.

Propofol infusion syndrome or adrenoleukodystrophy?

Following a propofol anesthetic, a 5-year-old girl with lower extremity spasticity seized and developed hypertriglyceridemia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis. A presumed diagnosis of propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) was made, but further investigation revealed neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy. PRIS should be considered with this constellation of symptoms, but other neurometabolic disorders must always be ruled out.

Seeking an innocent method for pediatric septoplasty: in vivo comparison of Cottle's method, radiofrequency and laser in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, in vivo histopathological and radiological findings in rabbit septum through laser, radiofrequency (RF) and Cottle's method were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted between November 2007 and February 2008 on 36 New Zealand rabbits aged four-to-six months and weighing 1.5 to 2 kg. Subjects were divided into six equal groups. The first group was defined as the control group. Next four groups consisted of subjects where RF or laser was either applied transmucosal or directly to the cartilage. Cottle's method was used in the sixth group. Histopathological and radiological changes were investigated in each group. RESULTS: Histopathological changes in mucosa were not significantly different from those of control group. However, post-intervention changes in cartilage were significantly different, compared to the control group. The highest mucosal and submucosal reaction and damage in cartilage with ossification was found in Cottle group. It was found that radiofrequency was less damaging to mucosa, creating an equal degree of degeneration as laser in cartilage. CONCLUSION: Study results suggest that Cottle method is not so innocent with a considerable reaction rate, whereas RF and laser do not cause irreparable damage in cartilage and surrounding tissues. Radiofrequency seems superior to laser, as it causes more degeneration in cartilage, but no loss in epithelium even transmucosally. The major problem is the unpredictability of the damage.

A patient presenting with concha bullosa in another concha bullosa: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Anatomic variations of the paranasal sinuses are very common. The paranasal sinus anatomy should be carefully examined prior to performing endoscopic sinus surgery in terms of both existent pathologies and anatomic variations. The anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and its variations have gained importance, along with advances in coronal paranasal sinus computed tomography and extensive use of endoscopic sinus surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted to our clinic with complaints of nasal breathing difficulties and headache persisting for a long time. Another concha bullosa was detected in the middle concha bullosa on preoperative paranasal computed tomography examination. It is known that the paranasal sinuses have a number of anatomical variations. CONCLUSION: Herein we report a rare case, along with a review of the literature, to emphasize that a concha bullosa inside another concha bullosa should not be ignored.

[Evaluation of operation success in patients with nasal septal deviation with quality of life scale and objective methods]. / Nazal septum deviyasyonlu hastalarda ameliyat basarisinin yasam kalitesi ölçegi ve objektif yöntemler ile degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we aimed to evaluate the quality of life during, before and after septoplasty in patients who were diagnosed with nasal septal deviation and also to demonstrate the role and importance of acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry methods in objectively demonstrating surgical success. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in 44 patients undergoing septoplasty surgery. Patients' preoperative complaints were evaluated by Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. The pre- and post-decongestion acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry data of the patients were recorded simultaneously. One month after Cottle's septoplasty performed as the septal surgery method, patients were re-evaluated by NOSE scale, acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry and the findings were compared with the preoperative data. RESULTS: Compared to the patients' preoperative values, a significant decrease in NOSE scores (p<0.05); a significant increase in the minimal cross-sectional area (MCA1, MCA2) and volume values measured by acoustic rhinometry (p<0.05) and a significant decrease in the nasal resistance values measured by rhinomanometry (p<0.05) were observed. No significant relationship was found between the change in patients' pre- and postoperative NOSE score values and the change in their acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry data (p>005). CONCLUSION: Nowadays, evidence-based medical practices are increasingly gaining importance and acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry are methods that can be used in objective evaluation of operation success.

Extraordinary pathologic entities within the concha bullosa.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the extraordinary pathologic entities inside the concha bullosa (CB). METHODS: Surgical interventions were performed on 136 patients (234 CB) at the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat, and Head and Neck Surgery, Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey between January 2002 and December 2007. Radiological and histopathological findings of these cases were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In 203 (86.8%) of the 234 cases, only a pneumatized cavity was observed. The cavity was filled with purulent secretion in 13 (5.6%) cases. A bony septum, pyocele, polyp, ossifying fibroma, fungus ball, and cholesteatoma were the other extraordinary pathologies associated with CB. CONCLUSION: Although most of the CB cases have pneumatized cavity, it should be kept in mind that some extraordinary pathologies can be associated with CB.

A comparison of analgesic effect of intra-articular levobupivacaine with bupivacaine following knee arthroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the postoperative analgesic effects of intra-articular levobupivacaine with bupivacaine following knee arthroscopy. METHODS: Forty patients, aged between 20-60 years and undergoing elective knee arthroscopy were enrolled into the study protocol that was carried out in Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey between January and June 2007. General anesthesia protocol was the same in all patients. At the end of surgery, the patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n=20 in each group). Group L received 20 ml 0.5% levobupivacaine and Group B received 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine intra-articularly. We evaluated the level of postoperative pain (by visual analogue scale at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery), first analgesic requirement time (period measured from the end of the surgery until further analgesia was demanded), and total analgesic consumption during 24 hours. RESULTS: There were no significant difference in the postoperative pain scores of the patients between groups. The first analgesic requirement times were not statistically different. Twelve patients in Group L (60%) and 9 patients in Group B (45%) needed no additional analgesic during the 24 hours (p>0.05). No complications and side effects were found related to the intra-articular treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of the study show that intra-articular 20 ml 0.5% levobupivacaine provides effective analgesia comparable to that provided by 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine.