Postoperative quality of recovery with erector spinae plane block or thoracolumbar interfascial plane block after major spinal surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Major spinal surgery causes severe postoperative pain. The present randomized, controlled, prospective study tested the short- and long-term effects of thoracolumbar interfascial and erector spinae plane blocks on patient-centered outcomes for major lumbar spinal surgery. METHODS: Sixty adult patients were randomly assigned to receive either bilateral thoracolumbar interfascial plane or erector spinae plane block after anesthesia induction using bupivacaine 0.25%, 20 mL. The primary outcome of this study was the Quality of Recovery-40 score in the postoperative 24th hour. Secondary outcomes were Comprehensive Complication Index scores, postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, first rescue analgesic administration time, and complication incidence. RESULTS: The recovery scores of both blocks at the postoperative 24th hour were similar, with a median thoracolumbar interfascial plane block of 178 (IQR 173-180) and an erector spinae plane block of 175 (IQR 168.7-182) (p = 0.717). Thoracolumbar interfascial plane block reduced area under the curve pain with movement over 24 h compared with erector spinae plane block (p = 0.024). The pain scores between the groups were similar at all time points (p > 0.05), except the 24th hour with movement in the thoracolumbar interfascial plane block compared with the erector spinae plane block [median 3 (IQR 2-4)] vs. 4 (IQR 3-5), respectively] (p = 0.019). No differences were recorded between the block groups regarding postoperative 24th-h oxycodone consumption, time to first opioid intake, and complication incidence (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both blocks resulted in similar quality of recovery in the postoperative 24-h period in major spinal surgery and were effective in terms of analgesia.

The effect on perioperative anxiety and emergence delirium of the child or parent's preference for parental accompaniment during anesthesia induction in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric emergence delirium (ED) occurs in the early postoperative period and is defined as a complex psychiatric disorder. Non-pharmacological methods of treatment, such as perioperative parental presence, have been the focus of many studies, but the impact on preventing ED of which parent accompanies the child during anesthesia induction has not been identified as yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the selection made by children undergoing adenotonsillectomy of which parent will accompany them during anesthesia induction has the effect of reducing postoperative delirium scores and incidence compared to selections made by the parents. METHODS: The study included 80 children of both genders, aged 5-12 years, who underwent day-case surgery in the otorhinolaryngology clinic. The patients were separated randomly into two groups of 40. In Group 1, the children were asked to choose which of their parents would accompany them during general anesthesia induction, and in Group 2, the parents were asked to decide who would be the accompanying parent. Evaluation of postoperative delirium was made using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. The anxiety level of the children was evaluated with the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) both in the preoperative waiting area and during the anesthesia induction. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to evaluate the anxiety level of the parents. RESULTS: The mean PAED scores were similar in both groups (mean difference [95% CI]: -0.1 [-2.8 to 0.7]). The incidence of emergence delirium was also similar in both groups (risk ratio 0.9 [0.4 to 1.8]). The mean mYPAS scores during the induction of anesthesia of Group 1 was lower than that of Group 2 (mean difference [95% CI]: -8.4 [-15.2 to -1.6]). The mean mYPAS scores evaluated in the preoperative waiting area were found to be similar in the two groups (mean difference [95% CI]: -1.9 [-7.5 to 3.5]). The mean STAI anxiety scores of the parents were similar in both groups, with higher scores obtained by mothers compared to fathers, at all measurement times. CONCLUSION: The incidence or severity of ED did not decrease significantly even though lower anxiety scores were obtained during anesthesia induction in children who were allowed to make the decision of accompanying parent. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that postoperative delirium is a more complicated process that can be affected by many other variables rather than just the parent-child general interaction.

The optimum time for intravenous cannulation after induction with sevoflurane in children premedicated with dexmedetomidine.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation anesthesia is a frequently used method for anesthesia induction, especially in young children. No information is available on the optimum time for safe intravenous cannulation after inhalational induction in children with dexmedetomidine premedication. The purpose of the present study was to determine the optimal time for intravenous cannulation after induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in children premedicated with intranasal dexmedetomidine. METHODS: This prospective and observational study was conducted by using the up-down sequential method. Children, who were aged 2-6 years with ASA physical status I, and who underwent inhalation induction for elective surgery were included in the study. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide after the premedication with intranasal dexmedetomidine (2 mcg/kg). Intravenous cannulation was attempted on the dorsum of the hand by an experienced anesthesiologist 4 min after the loss of the eyelash reflex in the first patient. The procedure was considered successful in patients without any movement, cough, or laryngospasm. The waiting time for cannulation was increased by 15 s if the procedure was not successful in the previous patient, and on the contrary, it was reduced by 15 s if the procedure was successful in the previous patient. The probit test was used in the analysis of up-down sequences. RESULTS: In the present study in which a total of 40 patients were included, the effective cannulation time was found to be 14.40 s (95% confidence limits, 1.30-27.82 s) in 50% of the patients, and the effective cannulation time was found as 84.64 s (95% confidence limits, 69.61-218.26 s) in 95% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we suggest that the appropriate time for cannulation is 85 s (1.45 min) after the loss of eyelash reflex in children sedated with dexmedetomidine and induction with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture.

Comparing ultrasound-guided modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach with oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) causes significant postoperative pain. Oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane(OSTAP) block was described for postoperative analgesia, especially for upper abdominal surgeries. Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach(M-TAPA) block is a new technique defined by the modification of the thoracoabdominal nerves through perichondrial approach (TAPA) block, in which local anesthetics are delivered only to the underside of the perichondral surface. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of M-TAPA and OSTAP blocks as part of multimodal analgesia on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing LC. METHOD: The present study was designed as a randomized, controlled, prospective study. Seventy-six adult patients undergoing LC were randomly assigned to receive either bilaterally M-TAPA or OSTAP block after the induction of anesthesia and before surgery using bupivacaine 0.25%, 25 ml. The primary outcome was assessed as postoperative 24 h opioid consumption, between groups were compared. Secondary outcomes were Numerical Rational scale(NRS) scores, time to first opioid analgesia, patient recovery, using the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) scale, nausea and vomiting, sedation score, metoclopramide consumption, and evaluating the analgesic range of dermatome. RESULTS: The mean tramadol consumption at the postoperative 24th hour was higher in the group OSTAP than in group M-TAPA (P = 0.047). NRS movement score at 12th hour was statistically significantly lower in group M-TAPA than in group OSTAP (P = 0.044). Dermatomes showed intense sensory analgesia between T7-11 in both groups, and it was determined that there was proportionally more involvement in the group M-TAPA. There were no differences between the groups in terms of other results. CONCLUSIONS: After the LC surgery, ultrasound-guided M-TAPA block effectively reduced opioid consumption, postoperative pain, and QoR-15 scores similar to OSTAP block. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered prospectively at clinicaltrials.gov (trial ID: NCT05108129 on 4/11/2021).

Gastric emptying times of obese and non-obese school-aged children after preoperative clear fluid intake: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Liberal fasting regimens, which support clear fluid intake up to 1 h before surgery in children scheduled for elective surgery, are taking their place in guidelines. However, because of the lack of publications that investigate the gastric emptying time in preoperative obese children, the practice of 1-hour clear fluid fasting in obese children remained at the level of recommendation with weak evidence. AIMS: The primary aim was to investigate whether there is a difference in gastric emptying times between obese and non- obese children after preoperative intake of 3 mL/kg clear liquid containing 5% dextrose by using ultrasound. METHODS: A total of 70 children were included in the study in two groups, 35 obese and 35 non-obese, aged 6-14 years, who were scheduled for elective surgery. The baseline antral cross-sectional area measurements of the children in the groups were made using ultrasound. 3 mL/kg 5% dextrose was consumed. Ultrasound was repeated immediately after fluid intake and every 5 min until the antral cross-sectional area was at the baseline level. RESULTS: The difference in median (IQR [range]) gastric emptying times (minutes) of non-obese {35 [30.0-45.0 (20-60)]} and obese children {35 [30.0-40.0 (25-60)]} were not statistically significant (median of differences 0.0, 95% CI -5.0 to 5.0; p = .563). The antral cross-sectional area and weight-adjusted gastric volumes returned to the baseline level within 60 min after the intake of clear liquid with 3 mL/kg 5% dextrose in all children in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Obese and non-obese children have similar gastric emptying times, and these groups can be offered clear fluids containing 3 mL/kg 5% dextrose 1 h before the surgery.

Ultrasound-guided bilateral modified-thoracoabdominal nerve block through a perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through the perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) is a new technique that provides effective analgesia of the anterior and lateral thoracoabdominal walls by administering local anesthesia only to the underside of the perichondral surface. The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the postoperative analgesic efficacy of M-TAPA block performed before surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHOD: The present study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, controlled, prospective study. A total of 68 patients were included in the study. In group M-TAPA, M-TAPA block was performed bilaterally after the induction of general anesthesia. No block was performed on the group control. The postoperative pain scores, analgesic use in the first 24 h, antiemetic consumption, sedation, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) scores were recorded. RESULTS: Pain scores were significantly lower in group M-TAPA than in the group control, both during resting and motion at all times (p < 0.001 at each time point). The total amount of tramadol consumed in the first 24 h was lower in group M-TAPA [median 100 mg, min-max (0-200)] than in the group control (P < 0.001). Postoperative median QoR-40 scores were higher in group M-TAPA compared with the group control (P < 0.001). There were no differences between the groups in terms of other results. CONCLUSION: After the LC surgery, ultrasound-guided M-TAPA block reduced postoperative pain scores and tramadol consumption effectively. It was observed that the quality of recovery was also higher because QoR-40 scores were higher.

Comparison of iPACK and periarticular block with adductor block alone after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (iPACK) has been described to provide analgesia without loss of muscle strength and is effective in functional recovery. This study compared iPACK + ACB (adductor canal block) with PAI (periarticular infiltration) + ACB and ACB alone in terms of postoperative analgesia and functional improvement. METHODS: This double-blinded randomized controlled trial included 105 patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Patients received ACB, iPACK + ACB, and PAI + ACB along with spinal anesthesia. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) numeric rating scale (NRS) at 48 h. Secondary outcomes were cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption within 48 h, timed up-and-go test, range of motion, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. RESULTS: The 48-h AUC movement NRS score in the iPACK + ACB group was significantly lower than in the PAI + ACB and ACB groups (p < 0.05). At the postoperative 48th h, the opioid consumption of the iPACK + ACB group was lower than those of the ACB and PAI + ACB groups (p < 0.001). The patients in the iPACK + ACB group had significantly shorter discharge and mobilization days than the ACB and PAI + ACB groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The adding of an iPACK block to the ACB improves postoperative analgesia and reduces opioid consumption. In addition, this approach improves functional performance and reduces hospital stay.

The Effect of Short Films About Mental Health and Disorders on Preventing Stigmatization in Nursing Education.

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of nursing students making short films about mental health disorders in preventing stigmatization of the mentally disordered patient. Students, under the supervision of the faculty member who taught the course, worked in groups; each group wrote the script for and then produced and showed the film. Each student performed in one film. Students wrote scenarios about preventing stigmatization of the mentally disordered patient after receiving theoretical education about this topic. The films were completed in a month. Short films made by students were evaluated based on their titles. The titles reveal that the films were mainly concerned with social problems. It is remarkable that students performed in an empathetic way particularly when discussing psychopathology and that they emphasized the attitudes of the families. Students wrote themselves scenarios, performed role-sharing, and employed visual displays, which showed that they were against stigmatization. This study concluded that short films about mental health disorders made by students have a positive effect on preventing stigmatization of the mentally disordered patient.

Prevalence of Tobacco Use among School Teachers and Effect of Training on Tobacco Use in Western Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco consumption is still a prevalent issue. Given that teachers are respected in society, they have a great responsibility for tobacco control. This study examines, using the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), the prevalence of tobacco use among teachers and their different stages of tobacco use. It also evaluates teachers' views on smoking and the effectiveness of training on tobacco use. METHODS: This study is quasi-experimental. Pre-test and post-test were used first with a cross-sectional group, then with a single group to determine the frequency of tobacco use. The research participation complied with the voluntary principles and the participation rate was 84.9%. The research sample comprised 450 teachers working at schools (N=17) under the Kemalpasa Directorate of Education. The data form contained 29 questions about socio-demographic characteristics and smoking habits. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Smoking Decisional Balance Scale (SDBS), and the Stage of Change were used. A pre-test was also administered, and training was given between January 13 and March 4, 2014. After the training sessions, two short messages (SMS) were sent on March 12 and March 19, 2014. A post-test was administered between April 1 and May 21, 2014. The relevant institutions and participants gave the requisite permission for the data used in this study. Percentage distribution, dependent t-tests and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the research data. RESULTS: The median age of the teachers was 37.49±7.84. The teachers' mean score for the pre-test of FTND was 5.7±2.03, and their mean score for the post-test was 3.25±2.07. Post-test scores were remarkably lower than the pre-test scores. It was found that teachers' mean scores for SDBS were different before and after training. After training, anti-smoking attitudes increased (pros-cons scores: pre-test: -3.64±4.68, post-test: -11.25±5.48). The training helped the entire group to make progress in the process change. CONCLUSION: After training on "the health effects of smoking", teachers' anti-smoking attitudes rose on the smoking decision balance scale, their nicotine dependency was reduced, and they were able to move forward in a positive direction.

Bilateral external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIPB) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To measure tramadol intake in the first 24 hours post-surgery. In addition, pain scores and quality of recovery were evaluated as secondary outcomes. METHODS: A total of 80 adult patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into 2 groups (with and without external oblique intercostal plane block [EOIPB]). Control group of patients received standard multimodal analgesia, EOIPB was applied on each side to patients in EOIPB group in addition to multimodal analgesia. The primary outcome was to evaluate tramadol consumption at postoperative 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were evaluating the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores, postoperative Quality of Recovery score (QoR-15), sedation score, the incidence of nausea and vomiting, and antiemetic consumption. RESULTS: In EOIPB group, median (Q1, Q3) tramadol consumption values for 24 hours (0 [0,50] mg) were found to be significantly lower than the control group (50 [50,100] mg) (median difference -50) (p<0.001). NRS values during rest and motion were lower in EOIPB group compared to the control group at all measurement points within 24 hours (p<0.05). The total QoR-15 scores were significantly higher in EOIPB group compared to the control group (p<0.001). No differences were detected in other secondary outcome parameters. CONCLUSION: External oblique intercostal plane block resulted in less postoperative tramadol consumption. However, there were no minimal clinically important differences about postoperative opioid consumption. On the other hand, compared to multimodal analgesia addition of EOIPB improved overall QoR-15 scores at postoperative 24 hours.Clinical Trial Reg. No.: NCT05536557.

The effects of dexamethasone added to ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve (IIN/IHN) block on rebound pain in inguinal hernia surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of IV dexamethasone added to one single injection Ilioinguinal/Iliohypogastric Nerve (IIN/IHN) block on tramadol consumption and Modified Rebound Pain Score (MRPS) in the first postoperative 24 h in inguinal hernia surgery. METHODS: Five mg IV dexamethasone as an analgesic adjunct in the multimodal analgesia was administered to the patients who were scheduled for Inguinal Hernia Surgery and randomized to Group Dex and normal saline was administered to the patients who were randomized to the Control Group in addition to IIN/IHN Block. Postoperative tramadol consumption, Modified Rebound Pain Score (MRPS), the incidence of Rebound Pain, Rebound Pain time, postoperative 48-h opioid consumption, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Quality of Recovery Score (QoR-15), Sleep Quality, and adverse events were evaluated in the patients. RESULTS: The mean scores of MRPS were lower in Group Dex than in the Control Group, both at rest (p = 0.001) and with motion (p = 0.001). Tramadol consumption in the first postoperative 24 h was 45.17 ± 49.59 mg in Group Dex and 95 ± 59.23 mg in the Control Group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, adding IV dexamethasone as a part of multimodal analgesia to IIN/IHN block for inguinal hernia surgery resulted in lower MRPS and lower postoperative opioid (tramadol) consumption. For this reason, IV dexamethasone can be added to the IIN/IHN block after inguinal hernia surgery to reduce the incidence of rebound pain, rebound pain scores, and NRS scores for pain, decrease postoperative opioid consumption, and improve the quality of recovery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: Ref; NCT05172908, Date: December 29, 2021.

Rebound pain after interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery: a randomized clinical trial of the effect of different multimodal analgesia regimens.

BACKGROUND: Rebound pain is characterized by sudden, significant acute postoperative pain occurring after the resolution of inter-scalene block (ISB); it affects the quality of recovery postoperatively. Dexamethasone increases ISB resolution time and decreases opioid consumption and the incidence of rebound pain. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate whether multimodal analgesia including intravenous dexamethasone administration with preoperative ISB reduces the incidence of rebound pain. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital. SAMPLE SIZE: 60 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent shoulder surgery under general anesthesia were assigned randomly to two different multimodal analgesia protocols. Thirty patients received 5 mg IV dexamethasone with non-steroid, paracetamol, and ISB with 15 mL 0.5% bupivacaine, while the control patients received the same regimen and ISB with 15 mL 0.5% bupivacaine without dexamethasone. Postoperative opioids were given to any patient on demand. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Effect of IV dexamethasone on pain score and incidence of rebound pain after ISB resolution and postoperative opioid consumption at 0-48 hours, numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) scores, sleep scale scores, and quality of recovery-15 scores (QoR-15). RESULTS: The incidence of rebound pain was lower in the dexamethasone group than in the control group (73.3% and 30%, respectively, P=.001). NPRS scores after ISB resolution were lower in the dexamethasone group (5 ([4-7]), 8 ([5.75-8]), P<.001, respectively). Those who received IV dexamethasone had less sleep disturbances (P<.001) and higher QoR-15 on day 1 (P<.001) and day 7 (P=.020) postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: IV dexamethasone added to the ISB block resulted in a lower incidence of rebound pain. In addition, better results were obtained in postoperative sleep quality and QoR-15. LIMITATIONS: Single-center study.

Efficacy of the Erector Spinae Plane Block for Quality of Recovery in Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain management after bariatric surgery is difficult due to different physiological properties and high sensitivity toward opioids in patients with obesity. It has been reported that erector spinae plane block (ESPB) contributes to postoperative analgesia when applied together with multimodal analgesia. METHODS: Eighty patients were randomized either bilateral ESPB (group E) each side or no block (group C). Our primary aim was to evaluate the effects of ESPB on the quality of recovery 24 h postoperatively in bariatric surgery by using 40-item Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire. Postoperative pain assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS), time of additional analgesic requirement, analgesic consumption, side effects, sedation, mobilization time, and postoperative complications were evaluated as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Postoperative mean QoR-40 scores were found to be higher in group E (175.02 ± 11.25) than in group C (167.78 ± 18.59) at the postoperative 24th hour (P < 0.05). Pain scores at rest and during movement were higher in group C than in group E. At the postoperative 24th hour, NRS mean SD scores at rest for group C and group E were 3.25 ± 1.32 and 2.40 ± 0.96, respectively. NRS mean SD scores during movement for groups C and E were 3.88 ± 1.49 and 3.12 ± 1.30, respectively. The total amount of tramadol consumed in the first 24 h in group C and group E were mean SD: 86.40 ± 69.60 and 40.00 ± 46.96, respectively; P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: ESPB improved postoperative quality of recovery, reduced NRS scores, and total analgesic consumption in patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05020379.

The use of STOP-BANG questionnaire and other difficult airway determinants in difficult airway prediction and correlation.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the use of STOP-BANG questionnaire in prediction of difficult airway. The secondary aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation of the questionnaire and other difficult airway determinant tests in predicting difficult airway. METHODS: Two hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists' Status I, II, and III patients under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Patients' age, height, body weight, body mass index, neck circumference, inter-incisor distance when the mouth is fully open, sternomental and thyromental distance, mandibular length, neck length, biting the upper lip, STOP-BANG score, and Mallampati and Cormack-Lehane (C-L) grades were recorded. The first thing we want to find is to determine the usability of the STOP-BANG questionnaire as an indicator of the difficult airway. Comparing difficult airway with the other parameters was secondary objectives. The patients were divided into two groups as difficult and easy intubation with difficult and easy facial mask ventilation. The data were analyzed using an SPSS statistics 16.0 program. Statistical analysis was performed using, Chi-square and Spearman correlation analysis test. RESULTS: Forty-five out of 200 patients had difficulty in intubation and 73 out of them had difficulty in mask ventilation. Between difficult airway and high STOP-BANG score was a moderate positive correlation (p<0.05). Furthermore, unnatural dental status, greater head circumference, greater neck circumference, Mallampati, and C-L classification were significantly positive correlated with a difficult airway (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, the STOP-BANG questionnaire was found to be important in predicting the difficult airway and this test was found to be usable like other difficult airway parameters.

Upper extremity arterial thromboembolism in a patient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report.

Although novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) primarily affects the respiratory system, it can affect multiple organ systems, leading to serious complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiple organ failure. Nearly 20 to 55% of patients with COVID-19 experience coagulation disorders that cause high mortality in line with the severity of the clinical picture. Thromboembolism can be observed in both venous and arterial systems. The vast majority of thromboembolic events are associated with the venous system and are often observed as pulmonary embolism. Arterial thromboembolisms often involve the arteries in the lower extremities, followed by those in the upper extremities. Herein, we report a rare case of COVID-19 pneumonia whose left arm was amputated at the forearm level after arterial thromboembolism in the left upper extremity. This case report is valuable, as it is the first reported case of upper extremity arterial thromboembolism in Turkey, as well as the only case in the literature in which the patient underwent four surgical interventions and is still alive.

Determination of Independence and Life Satisfaction Level of Individuals with Mental Disorder.

AIM: The study aimed to determine the level of independence and life satisfaction of individuals with diagnosed mental disorder. METHOD: The descriptive study was conducted with 108 inpatients in two public universities, medical faculty hospitals mental health and psychiatric clinics. Personal information form, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Psychiatric Patient Independence Level Scale were used for data collection tool. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 41.8±14.1 years. 60.2% (n=65) were male, 57.4% (n=62) were 34 years and older, 58.3% (n=63) were single, and 33.3% (n=36) were diagnosed with depression. When the distribution of the mean score of the independence level was analyzed according to the individuals' characteristics, a statistically significant difference was found in terms of age, marital status, education status, medical diagnosis, and duration of treatment (p<0.05). When the distribution of life satisfaction score averages of the individuals diagnosed with mental disorder were examined according to the individuals' characteristics, there was a statistically significant difference according to the variables of medical diagnosis (p<0.05). Thus, patients with mental disorders, had moderate dependency, had a moderate level of life satisfaction, and a negative and poor correlation was found between life satisfaction and dependence (rho=-0.306; p<0.01). As a result of the regression analysis, 10.5% of the increase in life satisfaction was determined by the independence level (R=0.324; R2=0.105; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the participating individuals had moderate independent and life satisfaction. The variables such as diagnosis, age, life satisfaction, and independence levels increased, and the level of dependence decreased.