Effect of Prewarming on Skin Temperature Changes After Spinal Anesthesia in Transurethral Resection of the Bladder.

PURPOSE: Monitoring of peripheral skin temperature changes is an objective and rapid method to evaluate the success of neuraxial block after spinal anesthesia. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of prewarming on peripheral temperature changes after the administration of spinal anesthesia. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, single-blind study. METHODS: In this study, patients scheduled for transurethral resection of the bladder surgery under spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups: those with active prewarming and those without active prewarming. The groups were compared in core and skin temperature changes after administration of spinal anesthesia, length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit, shivering score, and the thermal comfort scale. FINDINGS: A statistically significant difference was found between the groups on time for a 1 °C increase in ankle and toe skin temperatures (P < .001). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in core temperature measurements (P < .001). When thermal comfort was compared between the groups, a statistically significant difference was found (P < .001). Patients' shivering score (P = .704), and length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (P = .059) between the groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Skin temperature changes in the prewarming group were lower, and this group had a lower rate of increase than the nonprewarming group. Therefore, skin temperature changes in the lower extremity can be used to determine the success of spinal anesthesia in patients who are prewarmed, with the awareness of these differences.

Effect of preoperative hospitalisation period on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing hip surgery under regional anaesthesia.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The main objective of this prospective and observational study was to investigate the effect of the preoperative hospitalisation period on early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) development in patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery under regional anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2013 and September 2014, 64 patients were enrolled in the study. Mini Mental Test (MMT) scores were obtained on the initial admission day (MMT1), 24 hours prior to the surgery (MMT2) and 24 hours after the surgery (MMT3). The patients were divided into two groups according to the MMT scores: 'no cognitive dysfunction' (group 1) and 'cognitive dysfunction' (group 2). Differences between the groups were evaluated statistically. The statistical significance level was set as P < .05 in a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The POCD incidence rate was calculated as 43.8% in all patients. The preoperative hospitalisation duration was significantly longer in patients with POCD than in patients without POCD (P < .001). The factors that affected POCD development were found to be advanced age (P < .001), high American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (P = .004), the presence of comorbid disease (P = .025), durations of surgery (P = .018) and decreased postoperative haematocrit levels (P = .014). CONCLUSION: In this study, we observed that patients with early POCD had relatively longer preoperative hospitalisation periods than those in patients without POCD. We consider that prolonged preoperative hospitalisation may contribute to increased POCD incidence rates in patients with risk factors.

Comparison of efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block and iliohypogastric/ilioinguinal nerve block for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy with spinal anesthesia: a prospective randomized controlled open-label study.

PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of lateral abdominal transversus abdominis plane block (TAP block) and iliohypogastric/ilioinguinal nerve block (IHINB) under ultrasound guidance for postoperative pain management of inguinal hernia repair. Secondary purposes were to compare the complication rates of the two techniques and to examine the effects of TAP block and IHINB on chronic postoperative pain. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled open-label study. After approval of the Research Ethics Board, a total of 90 patients were allocated to three groups of 30 by simple randomized sampling as determined with a priori power analysis. Peripheral nerve blocks (TAP block or IHINB) were administered to patients following subarachnoid block according to their allocated group. Patient pain scores, additional analgesic requirements and complication rates were recorded periodically and compared. RESULTS: Pain scores were significantly lower in the study groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 for 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h and at 1 and 6 months, respectively). First pain declaration times were significantly longer in the study groups (TAP block group [GT] 266.6 ± 119.7 min; IHINB group [GI] 247.2 ± 128.7 min; and control group [GC] 79.1 ± 66.2 min; p < 0.001). At 24 h, the numeric rating scale scores of GT were significantly lower than GI (p = 0.048). Additional analgesic requirements of GT and GI patients were found to be significantly lower than GC patients (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.006, p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p < 0.001 for 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h, respectively). CONCLUSION: We conclude that administration of TAP block or IHINB for patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy reduces the intensity of both acute and chronic postoperative pain and additional analgesic requirements.

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.

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.

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.

Easy method to determine fluid responsiveness in septic shock patients: end-tidal CO2 - a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: In critically ill patients, especially those with septic shock, fluid management can be a challenging aspect of clinical care. One of the primary steps in treating patients with hemodynamic instability is optimizing intravascular volume. The Passive Leg Raising (PLR) maneuver is a reliable test for assessing fluid responsiveness, as demonstrated by numerous studies and meta-analyses. However, its use requires the measurement of cardiac output, which is often complex and may necessitate clinician experience and specialized equipment. End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) measurement is relatively easy and is generally stable under steady metabolic conditions. It depends on the body's CO2 production, diffusion of CO2 from the lungs into the bloodstream, and cardiac output. If the other two parameters (metabolic conditions and minute ventilation) are constant, ETCO2 can provide information about cardiac output. The aim of the present study is to investigate the sensitivity of ETCO2 measurement in demonstrating fluid responsiveness. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with septic shock and meeting the inclusion criteria were subjected to a passive leg raising test, and cardiac outputs were measured by echocardiography. An increase in cardiac output of 15% or more was considered indicative of the fluid responder group, while patients with an increase below 15% or no increase were classified as the non-responder group. Patients' intensive care unit admission diagnoses, initial laboratory parameters, tidal volume, minute volume before and after the PLR maneuver, mean and systolic blood pressure, heart rate, Pulse Pressure Variation (PPV) values, and ETCO2 values were recorded. RESULTS: Before and after the ETCO2 test, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, the change in ETCO2 (ΔETCO2) was significantly higher in the responder group. In the non-responder group, ΔETCO2 was 2.57% (0.81), whereas it was 5.71% (2.83) in the responder group (p<0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed for ΔETCO2, baseline Stroke Volume Variation (SVV), ΔSVV, baseline Heart Rate (HR), ΔHR, baseline PPV, and ΔPPV to predict fluid responsiveness. ΔETCO2 predicted fluid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 86% when it was 4% or higher. When ΔETCO2 was 5% or higher, it predicted fluid responsiveness with a specificity of 99.3% and a sensitivity of 75.5%, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.828-0.961). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that in septic patients, ETCO2 during the PLR test can indicate fluid responsiveness with high sensitivity and specificity and can be used as an alternative to cardiac output measurement.

The Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block for Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Objective: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is accompanied by somatic and visceral pain intraoperatively and postoperatively. However, pain management strategies lack a decisive consensus. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel paraspinal fascial block that can be used in PCNL patients, and we aimed to investigate whether ESPB will reduce intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain scores in PCNL patients. Methods: The study was randomized, controlled, and open-label. Two groups were formed as the control group (GCont) and block group (Gblock), and patients received total intravenous anaesthesia. GBlock received an ESPB catheter in addition in the prone position. Intraoperative parameters and infusion doses, postoperative rescue analgesic doses, and pain scores were recorded. The primary endpoint was intraoperative analgesic consumption, and the secondary endpoints were postoperative pain scores and analgesic consumption. Results: Sixty-four patients were analyzed. Remifentanil consumption of GCont was found to be significantly higher (GBlock: 0.0865 ± 0.030 vs GCont: 0.1398 ± 0.034, µg kg-1 min-1, P < 0.001). The control group reported higher pain scores between the 30th min and 24th hours and needed more analgesics between the 1st and 6th hours postoperatively. GBlock received local anaesthetics via ESPB catheter before nephrostomy tube removal and fewer patients needed analgesics [5 patients (15.6%) vs. 28 patients (87.5%), P < 0.001]. GCont consumed more tramadol postoperatively (262.5 mg vs. 75 mg, P < 0.001). Conclusion: We found that ESPB reduced intraoperative opioid consumption. It also reduced the need for rescue analgesia and postoperative pain scores during nephrostomy tube removal. We concluded that the ESPB catheter may effectively be used in analgesia management during and after PCNL operations.

Risks of Polymyxin B Nephrotoxicity and Its Precursors in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Polymyxin group antibiotics constitute a part of our limited arsenal in the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. However, their use is limited especially due to nephrotoxicity and other side effects. In this study, we primarily aimed to determine the effect of polymyxin B on the rate of nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients, and secondly to identify the factors that facilitate nephrotoxicity caused by polymyxin B. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study and conducted by scanning patients aged 18 years or older who had been admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) in 2022 and treated with polymyxin B for at least 72 hours. Patients without chronic renal failure and acute kidney injury (AKI) before starting polymyxin B therapy were included and AKI was examined after the use of polymyxin B. The patients were then divided into two groups, those with AKI and those without AKI. We tried to find factors that may facilitate AKI by comparing the two groups. RESULTS: Of the patients, 26 were female and 34 were male. In 21 of the patients (35%), renal damage of varying degrees developed; these patients belonged to the nephrotoxicity (NT) group, while the rest belonged to the non-nephrotoxicity (non-NT) group. We found that advanced age (p=0.008), low baseline GFR (p=0.01), baseline creatinine (p=0.006), BMI (p=0.011), concomitant diseases (p<0.001), and days of use of polymyxin B (p=0.006) were statistically different between the two groups. In multivariate analysis of univariate analysis, we found that duration of polymyxin B use, BMI, and advanced age were independent risk factors for AKI development. CONCLUSION: We found that 21 (35%) of 60 intensive care unit patients who had no previous history of kidney injury developed kidney injury after being treated with polymyxin B. We identified advanced age, high BMI, and duration of polymyxin B use as independent risk factors. Therefore, we recommend close monitoring of renal function and prompt intervention, particularly in patients with risk factors, during polymyxin B use.

Does Maintaining a Targeted Abdominal Perfusion Pressure Reduce Renal Damage in Patients with Septic Shock?: A Randomized, Controlled, and Open-label Study

Background: Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in patients admitted to the intensive care unit leads to reduced abdominal perfusion pressure (APP), causing circulatory insufficiency and organ failure. Aims: To investigate the effect of maintaining a targeted APP on renal injury and the effect of increased IAP on the mortality rate in patients with septic shock. Study Design: Randomized, controlled, open-label study. Methods: A total of 72 patients were randomly divided into two groups (MAP65 or APP60). The MAP target for patients in the MAP65 group (n = 36) was 65 mmHg according to the Surviving Sepsis Guidelines. In the APP60 group (n = 36), the target APP was set to > 60 mmHg. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), inotrope consumption, and IAP were recorded daily. The need for renal replacement therapy, decrease in GFR, and 30- and 90-day mortality rates were compared between the two groups. Results: In both the groups, the IAP was statistically similar (p = 0.458). The decreased in GFR was similar in both groups during the first 2 days. From day 3, there was a more statistically significant rapid decline in GFR in the MAP65 group than in the APP60 group. The GFR p-values on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days were 0.040, 0.043, and 0.032, respectively. Eight patients (22.2%) in the MAP65 group and three patients (8.3%) in the APP group required renal replacement therapy (p = 0.101). The 30-day mortality rates in the MAP65 and APP60 groups were 61.1%, and 47.7%, respectively (p = 0.237). The 90-day mortality rates in the MAP65 and APP60 groups were 66.7% and 66.7%, respectively (p = 1). Conclusion: Setting an APP target limited the reduction in GFR. The mortality rates were similar in the two groups and there was no difference in the rate of end-stage renal failure between the groups.

The distal quarter of the forearm is the optimal insertion site for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend the use of ultrasound guidance for arterial cannulation. However, there are no recommendations on the best insertion site for radial artery cannulation in terms of catheter dwell time and incidence of complications. METHODS: In this randomized controlled study 94 patients were randomly assigned into three groups, corresponding to three different sites of insertion for radial artery cannulation: hand wrist: (Site/group 1, n = 29), distal quarter part of the forearm (Site/group 2, n = 30) and the midpoint of the forearm (Site/group 3, n = 35). Age, height, weight, and diagnosis of each patient were recorded prior to insertions which were performed by a single investigator experienced in ultrasound-guided vascular access. RESULTS: Radial artery diameters were similar (2.4 ± 0.4 vs 2.5 ± 0.3 vs 2.6 ± 0.4 mm), however skin to vessel distances were different between groups, and the depth of the radial artery increased progressively from distal to proximal sites. There was a significant difference between groups in terms of success rates at the first attempt. Only two cannulations were successful at first attempt, and overall, only 17 of 35 cannulations were successful at Site 1. Arterial cannula dislodgement rate was highest at Site 1(8/29, 26.7%), while the longest dwell time was at Site 2 with a median of 4 (IQR 3) days. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the high removal rate at the wrist region and the high failure rate at the midpoint of the forearm, the distal quarter of the forearm can be identified as "the optimal insertion site' for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation.

Assessment of the Tip Position of Central Venous Catheters Inserted Using Peres' Height Formula.

OBJECTIVES: The tip of a central venous catheter (CVC) should be positioned in the proximity of the cavo-atrial junction (CAJ) where the lower third of the superior vena cava (SVC) and the upper right atrium (RA) are located to prevent life-threatening complications. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of Peres' height formula in predicting the correct insertion depth of CVC.  Methods: A total of 332 patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. All CVCs were inserted using Peres' formula. The 'correct' tip position of CVC was the placement of the CVC tip 1 cm above and 1 cm below the carina in CXR. Rates of correct placements for each side and site of catheter insertions, gender, and body mass index (BMI) differences were evaluated. RESULTS: The correct placement rate of all catheters was 74.4%. There were statistically significant correlations between the correct placement of right-sided jugular and subclavian catheters (p<0.001) and left-sided jugular and subclavian catheters (p=0.014). There was a statistically significant difference in male patients (p=0.047). Higher BMI resulted in a lower rate of correct placement with no statistically significant difference (p=0.457). CONCLUSIONS: Peres' formula can be easily used to determine the correct position of CVC tips with a success rate in the Turkish population. However, practitioners should be aware of the low accuracy rate of Peres' formula in female patients (68.5%) and patients with BMI over 35 kg/m2 (62.5%).

Effectiveness of Using a Gelatine-Based Model in Ultrasonography-guided Jugular Central venous Catheter Placement Training: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of using a gelatine-based model, that can be prepared easily and at a low cost, compared to training without a model in ultrasonography (USG) guided internal jugular venous catheter placement training. STUDY DESIGN: An open-label, randomised clinical trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: (UHS) Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, from 1st to 30th July 2019. METHODOLOGY: Analysis was conducted with the data of 48 participants (resident physicians-RP). Group 1 (n: 26) received imaging training with USG on a human subject and then performed needle insertion training on the gelatine-based jugular vein model with the USG guidance. Group 2 (n: 22) received the same imaging training with USG but did not perform needle insertion training. Evaluation of the participants included successful long axis vein imaging time, successful in-plane needle imaging, number of changes in needle angles, the total number of punctures, successful vein puncture time, successful catheterization time, and catheterization success with the gelatine-based test manikin. RESULTS: Comparison of the rates of successful in-plane needle imaging (Group 1: 92.3%, Group 2: 59.1%; p = 0.006), catheterization success (Group 1: 92.3%, Group 2: 59.1%; p = 0.006), successful catheterisation time (Group 1: 77.5 sec, Group 2: 152.5 sec; p = 0.026), and total complications (Group 1: 3.8%, Group 2: 31.8%; p = 0.010) demonstrated that the model-trained RPs were significantly more successful. CONCLUSION: The study results suggest that the use of a gelatine-based model in USG-guided central jugular vein catheterisation training can be an effective method to reduce complications. KEY WORDS: Central venous catheter, Medical training, Simulation-based training, Ultrasonography.

Success of the Cytokine Absorption Therapies in COVID-19 Patients Diagnosed with Cytokine Release Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of cytokine absorption therapy with a resin-based cytokine absorption cartridge to tocilizumab treatment in critically ill COVID-19 patients diagnosed with cytokine release syndrome (CRS). STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: University of Health Sciences, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey from April 2020 to April 2021. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four intensive care unit (ICU) patients were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of severe COVID-19, diagnosis of CRS and age of older than 18 years. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, malignancy, prior COVID-19 vaccination, procalcitonin levels higher than 2 ng/ml and life-threatening comorbidities before ICU admission. Twelve patients received tocilizumab and the other 12 patients received cytokine absorption therapy. The groups were compared for clinical outcomes and inflammatory markers (CRP, fibrinogen, ferritin, D-dimer). RESULTS: Inflammatory markers showed smilar changes with both treatments, mostly toward improvement, on the same post-treatment days. The mortality rate was 58% (seven patients) in the cytokine absorption group and 50% (six patients) in the tocilizumab group (p = 0.682). CONCLUSION: It was found that the cytokine absorption therapy reduces inflammatory mediators in intubated and critically ill Covid-19 patients similar to tocilizumab treatment, and both treatments have comparable clinical outcomes. KEY WORDS: SARS-CoV-2, Cytokine release syndrome, Chemokines, Absorption, Tocilizumab.

Posterior quadratus lumborum versus transversus abdominis plane block for inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the analgesic effects of both posterior (type 2) Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) and Transversus Abdominis Plane Block (TAPB) compared to spinal anesthesia alone for postoperative pain management in inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: This study enrolled 63 patients scheduled for open inguinal hernia repair. The eligibility criteria were undergoing elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair surgery, having an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, II, or III, and not suffering from any chronic pain condition. Group S patients received spinal anesthetics and no additional analgesic treatments. Group T patients received TAPB, and Group Q patients received QLB as analgesic technique in addition to spinal anesthetics. RESULTS: The pain scores at 6 hours (VAS 6) and 24 hours (VAS 24) were significantly different between groups (p < 0.01). Additionally, the sensory and motor block levels were significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). Multiple comparison tests showed that patients in Group Q had significantly higher sensory and motor block levels (p < 0.01 compared with Group S; p < 0.05 compared with Group T). Opioid consumption was significantly different between Groups Q and S (p < 0.01) after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that both blocks are similarly effective for the management of postoperative pain compared to spinal anesthesia alone for inguinal hernia repair. We found that QLB resulted in a significant cranial spread compared to TAPB. Opioid consumption in QLB was significantly lower than that in controls but similar to that in TAPB.

Unexpectedly prolonged fasting and its consequences on elderly patients undergoing spinal anesthetics. A prospective observational study1.

PURPOSE: To measure the preoperative fasting durations with respect to time of the day and its effect on vital parameters and electrocardiogram in elderly patients undergoing surgery under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: This study investigated 211 patients older than 60 years undergoing elective surgery under spinal anesthesia. Patients scheduled for surgery in morning hours (AM) and afternoon hours (PM) were compared. Patients fasting hours and repeated measurements of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (Sp02) and the type and number of ischemic electrocardiogram (ECG) signs were recorded and compared [preoperative, zeroth, 2nd,5th,15th,30th minutes following spinal anesthesia(SA)]. RESULTS: Mean fasting durations were 12±2.8 and 9.5±2.1 hours in AM group and 15.5±3.4 12.7±4.4 hours in PM group for foods and liquids respectively. ECG changes were significantly more frequent in PM group and body temperatures were significantly higher in AM group patients. CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that fasting times in our population is far longer than recommended and fasting prolonged>15 hours is related to a transiently increased cardiac stress and mild hypothermia.

[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.

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.

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.