Are there predictive tests that determine the difficulty in Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive tests for difficulty in laryngeal mask airway insertion, and to observe the success rate of insertion in the first attempt. METHODS: The prospective, observational study was conducted at Bülent Ecevit University Hospital, Turkey, from September 2013 to 2014, and comprised patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade I to IV adult patients who underwent elective surgery under general anaesthesia. The supraglottic airway device was randomly selected for each patient, and the laryngeal mask airway was used as per the decision of an anaesthesiologist who was not part of the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to laryngeal mask airway types as classic group A, i-gel group B and suprema group C. These were inserted by anaesthesia residents with the same seniority when bispectral index value reached 40-60. Data was noted and analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Of the 120 patients, 40(33.33%) were in cLMA, 38(31.66%) in i-gel, and 42(35%) in sLMA. There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of demographics (p>0.05). Apart from the height/thyromental distance ratio (p=0.046), no predictive test was statistically significant in identifying the difficulty in laryngeal mask airway insertion (p>0.05). There was no significant difference involving number of attempts, difficulty in insertion, and patient response (p>0.05). Placement success rate at first attempt was similar among the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher height/thyromental distance ratio values were associated with difficulty in laryngeal mask airway insertion, and first-attempt success rate was similar in all the three laryngeal mask airway types.

Efficacy of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic pericardial window creation using two lung ventilation in chronic large pericardial effusions.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that two lung ventilation under general anaesthesia may also be safely performed to create pericardial window with uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. METHOD: The single-centre, retrospective, comparative study was conducted at Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey, comprised data from March 2011 to March 2018 of patients with recurrent and/or with chronic large pericardial effusions unresponsive to medical therapy and/or to pericardiocentesis and who underwent pericardial window creation with uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Group 1 had data of patients in whom pericardial windows were created under general anaesthesia, while group 2 had patients with two lung ventilation. Parameters compared between the groups were gender, age, operation side, operation time amount of drainage, complication, recurrences and survival. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients, 9(45%) were males and 11(55%) were females. Group 1 had 14(70%) patients, while group 2 had 6(30%). The age of patients in group 2 was significantly higher than those in group 1 (p=0.041). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to gender, amount of drainage, operation time and post-operative complications (p>0.05). There was no recurrence or mortality in either of the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pericardial window could be created safely with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under two lung ventilation for patients carrying high risk for one lung ventilation.

Flavonoids protect colon against radiation induced colitis.

Radiation induced colitis is one the most common clinical issue for patients receiving radiotherapy. For this reason, we aimed to investigate the effect of antioxidant-effective flavonoids hesperidin and quercetin on the intestinal damage induced by radiation in this study. TNF-alpha, interleukin-10 (IL-10), heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) and caspase 3, 8, 9 markers of apoptotic pathways were measured in the colon tissues of irradiated acute intestinal damage by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Irradiation of rats caused a significance increase of TNF-alpha, caspase 3/8/9 and decrease of IL-10 concentrations. Hesperidin and quercetin treatment resulted in decreased levels of TNF-alpha and increased levels of IL-10. Quercetin significantly decreased caspase 3/8/9 levels. Hesperidin produced a decreased of caspase 3/8/9 levels compared with irradiation group but this was statistically not significant. Only significant alteration of HSP 70 were seen in hesperidin treated rats. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism by which flavonoids induced signaling provides protection against apoptosis and inflammation.

The effect of bariatric anaesthesia on postoperative pulmonary functions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate respiratory function in the post-operative early period of patients undergoing bariatric surgery using the sleeve gastrectomy technique. METHODS: This prospective, observational study was conducted at Bülent Ecevit University Health Application and Research Centre, Zonguldak, Turkey from June to December 2014, and comprised patients with planned bariatric sleeve gastrectomy under general anaesthesia. Participants were visited 12-24 hours before the operation to record accompanying diseases and demographic data. Before the operations, respiratory function test, maximum expiratory pressure, maximum inspiratory pressure and arterial blood gas assessment tests were done and recorded as T0. After one hour of the operation, Aldrete scores >9 and the above-mentioned tests were repeated and recorded as T1. SPSS 18 and MedCalc 12.2.1.0 were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 76 participants, 60(78%) were women and 16(21%) were men. The overall median age was 39 years (inter-quartile range: 32-47 years). The mean and median values for forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure and the ratio between partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood and fraction of inspired oxygen at T0 were 101±17, 102±17, 66 (interquartile range: 59-74), 114 (interquartile range: 100-138) and 379±49, respectively, compared with 78±18, 76±18, 53 (interquartile range: 48-59), 85 (interquartile range: 73-95) and 331±49at T1 (p<0.001 each). Also, 38(50%) participants were given sugammadex and 38(50%) were given neostigmine. At the end of the test, sugammadex (odds ratio: 5.80; 95% confidence interval: 1.26-26.69; p=0.024) and pre-operative ratio between partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood and fraction of inspired oxygen (odds ratio: 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.06; p<0.0001) were found to correlate significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Impairment of respiratory function was found during the early post-operative period.

Selenium, copper, zinc, iron levels and mortality in patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in Western Black Sea Region, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changing levels of selenium, copper, zinc and iron in patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome and their influence on mortality. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care university hospital in Zonguldak city in the western Black Sea region of Turkey from January 2012 to December 2013, and comprised patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Blood samples were taken on 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days to measure serum selenium, copper, zinc and iron levels. Patients' demographic data, presence of additional diseases and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 57 patients, 28(49.1%) were female and 29(50.9%) were male, with an overall mean age of 60.3±19.4 years, mean height of 166.1±11.4cm, mean weight of 76.5±17.5kg. Copper and zinc levels were in the normal range, while selenium and iron levels were lower than the limit values at all measuring periods. There was no significant difference between first and other days in accordance with element levels (p>0.05). Baseline copper levels in patients with malignancy were lower than patients without malignancy (p< 0.05). In hypertensive patients, baseline copper levels were higher and 7th day levels were lower than non-hypertensive (p< 0.05). Baseline selenium levels of those who died were lower than the other patients (p< 0.05). Selenium and iron levels were decreased in patients with sepsis-systemic inflammatory response syndrome and copper levels were lower in patients with malignancy, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p< 0.05). There was no change in zinc levels of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced basal selenium levels of patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were associated with mortality.

The effect of PECS-1 block on postoperative pain in total implantable venous access port catheter (TIVAP) insertion.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of US-guided Pectoral (PECS) I blocks on postoperative analgesia after TIVAP insertion. METHODS: A hundred-twenty patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group PECS and Group INF (infiltration). A total 0.4 mL kg-1 0.25% bupivacaine was injected to below the middle of the clavicle in the interfascial space between the pectoralis major and minor muscles for PECS-1. The skin and deep tissue infiltration of the anterior chest wall was performed with 0.4 mL kg-1 0.25% bupivacaine for INF group. Tramadol and paracetamol consumption, visual analog scale pain scores were recorded at 0, 1, 4, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The use of the PECS in TIVAP significantly decreased the amount of paracetamol used in the first 24 h postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of tramadol rescue analgesia administered between the groups (p < 0.001) There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the VAS scores at 0 and 24 h. However, VAS scores at 1, 4, and 12 h were found to be significantly lower in patients who underwent PECS than in those who received infiltration anesthesia (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that US-guided PECS-1 provides adequate analgesia following TIVAP insertion as part of multimodal analgesia. The PECS-1 significantly reduced opioid consumption.

The effects of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block on intraoperative opioid consumption and hemodynamic stability during breast surgery: A randomized controlled study.

AIM: To determine effect of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) on intraoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing oncoplastic breast surgery under general anesthesia. METHODS: This study was conducted as a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Forty-four patients enrolled, aged 18 to 75 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to III, undergoing elective oncoplastic breast surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to receive SAPB with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine + general anesthesia (group SAPB) or only general anesthesia (group control). The primary outcome was assessing the effect of SAPB on intraoperative remifentanil consumption. Patients were assessed for emergence time, hemodynamic parameters, doses of rescue drugs used to control hemodynamic parameters, and duration of stay in the recovery room. RESULTS: Preoperative SAPB with 0.25% bupivacaine reduced intraoperative opioid consumption (851.2 ± 423.5 vs 1409.7 ± 756.1 µg, P = .019). Emergence time was significantly shorter in group SAPB (6.19 ± 1.90 minutes) compared to group control (9.50 ± 2.39 minutes; P < .001). There were no significant differences in the doses of rescue drugs used for systolic blood pressure and heart rate between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative SAPB with bupivacaine reduced intraoperative opioid consumption and shortened emergence time and duration of stay in the recovery unit, and hemodynamic stability was maintained without block-related complications.

Effects of continuous erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of ultrasonography (USG) guided continuous erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for postoperative analgesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). METHODS: Eighty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III patients aged 18-75 and who were to undergo VATS were included in this study. Randomization was performed in 2 groups, continuous ESPB (ESPB Group) and no intervention (Control Group). 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered for the block. Immediately after surgery, the patient received continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine at 4 mL h-1 via the catheter inserted for the block. Patients in both groups received tramadol via an intravenous patient-controlled analgesia device. Tramadol and meperidine consumption, visual analog scale pain scores and opioid-related side effects were recorded at 0, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The use of continuous ESPB in VATS significantly decreased the amount of tramadol used in the first 48 h postoperatively (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of meperidine rescue analgesia administered between the ESPB and Control Groups (P < 0.001). While the incidences of nausea and itching were higher in Control Group, there were no differences in terms of the other side effects between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that USG-guided continuous ESPB provides adequate analgesia following VATS as part of multimodal analgesia. Continuous ESPB significantly reduced opioid consumption and opioid-related side effects compared to those in the Control Group.

Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction induced by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the most common cause of poisoning-related death in the world. Cardiovascular complications of CO intoxication includes myocardial damage, left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary edema, and arrhythmias. The carboxyhemoglobin level does not correlate with the clinical severity of CO intoxication. This case report presents a patient with acute myocardial infarction secondary to carbon monoxide poisoning who was successfully treated with coronary bypass surgery.

The effect of laryngoscope types on hemodynamic response and optic nerve sheath diameter. McCoy, Macintosh, and C-MAC video-laryngoscope.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effect of McCoy, Macintosh laryngoscope, and C-MAC video-laryngoscopes on optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation. METHODS: This prospective randomized study was conducted in Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Hospital, Zonguldak, Turkey, between July 2019 and January 2020. Informed written consent was obtained from all patients. Patients with previous intracranial/ocular surgery or glaucoma were excluded from the study. The patients were randomized to use McCoy, Macintosh, and C-MAC (30 per group). Intubations were performed by the same person. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), and ONSD were recorded before the induction and repeated in 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after the intubation. RESULTS: The effects of laryngoscopy and intubation on hemodynamic responses and ONSD were similar between groups (p greater than 0.05). While the comparison within groups showed ONSD increase in McCoy group and HR and ONSD increase in the Macintosh group compared to baseline 1 min after the intubation, no change was observed in hemodynamic responses and ONSD measurements in the C-MAC® group (p greater than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of ONSD and hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation. It was observed that there were no significant changes in ONSD values just in C-MAC® video-laryngoscope group. Therefore, intubations with C-MAC® video-laryngoscope are thought to be more appropriate for patients with an increase in intracranial pressure.

Perfusion Index and ultrasonography in the evaluation of infraclavicular block.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that noninvasive, objective tests are needed for determining the success of peripheral nerve blocks because conventional methods necessitate the cooperation of the patient. It is also known that the brachial plexus block causes vasodilatation and an increase in blood flow due to its sympathectomy effect. Our study aimed to determine whether Perfusion Index (PI) and measured regional hemodynamic changes using ultrasound were reliable parameters in evaluating the early success of an infraclavicular block. METHODS: Forty ASA I-III patients who were administered a successful infraclavicular block were included in this study. In addition to the baseline hemodynamic measurements, PI and regional hemodynamic parameters, such as brachial artery diameter (BAD), brachial arterial area (BAA), blood flow (BF), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), Resistance Index (RI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and time average velocity (TAV) were measured. After completing the block procedure, all values were rerecorded at the 10th, 20th, and 30th minute. Patients with a successful block during the first 10 minutes were assigned to Group A, while patients with a successful block after the 10th minute were assigned to Group B. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed for all regional hemodynamic variables and PI after 10 minutes. When the regional hemodynamic data and PI were compared between the groups, differences were identified for PI, BF, PSV, EDV, and TAV. Within the measured parameters, EDV was the parameter showing the greatest proportional change. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in EDV, especially RI and PI, provide more effective and objective results for the assessment of early regional block success.

The role of cerebral oximetry monitoring in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery of Moyamoya disease.

Moyamoya disease is a chronic cerebrovascular disease characterized by the development of compensatory collateral vessels due to progressive narrowing or obstruction of the intracranial arteries. Neurological complications after coronary bypass in patients with Moyamoya disease may be prevented by recent technical developments, surgical modifications, and cerebral monitorization. The objective of perioperative anesthetic management is to provide balance between oxygen supply and consumption of the brain. In this case report, we aim to share our anesthetic experience in a patient with Moyamoya disease who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery and cerebral oximetry monitoring.

Neuroprotective effects of Quercetin on radiation-induced brain injury in rats.

Extensive research has been focused on radiation-induced brain injury. Animal and human studies have shown that flavonoids have remarkable toxicological profiles. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of quercetin in an experimental radiation-induced brain injury. A total of 32 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, quercetin, radiation, and radiation+quercetin groups, with eight rats in each group). Doses (50 mg/kg) of quercetin were administered to the animals in the quercetin and radiation+quercetin groups; radiation and radiation+quercetin groups were exposed to a dose of 20 Gy to the cranium region. Tissue samples, and biochemical levels of tissue injury markers in the four groups were compared. In all measured parameters of oxidative stress, administration of quercetin significantly demonstrated favorable effects. Both plasma and tissue levels of malondialdehyde and total antioxidant status significantly changed in favor of antioxidant activity. Histopathological evaluation of the tissues also demonstrated a significant decrease in cellular degeneration and infiltration parameters after quercetin administration. Quercetin demonstrated significant neuroprotection after radiation-induced brain injury. Further studies of neurological outcomes under different experimental settings are required in order to achieve conclusive results.

Anesthesia methods used by anesthetic specialists for circumcision cases. National survey study for Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the anesthesiologist's choice for anesthesia techniques and drugs in circumcision and determine the preoperative examination, intraoperative monitoring techniques, postoperative analgesia methods, and common complications among anesthesiologists working in Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Bulent Ecevit University Hospital, Zonguldak, Turkey, between May and July 2012. Survey data were obtained via survey forms through electronic data over the web. The questionnaire consists of 20 questions. These questions included demographic data, methods of anesthesia for circumcision, postoperative analgesia methods, and monitoring methods. Results: The data were obtained from 206 anesthesiologists who agreed to participate in the survey. Circumcision was performed most frequently in the age group of 3-6 years old. It was found that 47% of routine preoperative laboratory tests were coagulation parameters and complete blood count tests. The most common method of anesthesia was laryngeal mask. The frequency of administration of regional anesthesia was 37.4%, and caudal block was more preferable. Bupivacaine as a local anesthetic in regional anesthesia and midazolam and ketamine were the most preferred agents in sedoanalgesia. During regional anesthesia, ultrasound was most often used by anesthesiologists (31.6%). Conclusion: Ambulatory anesthesia protocols, which are also needed in circumcision, can be improved with international recommendation, and these protocols could be conformed as sociocultural structure in societies. This study should be regarded as a preliminary study to attract attention on anesthesia techniques in circumcision.

[The effect of sugammadex on postoperative cognitive function and recovery]. / O efeito de sugamadex sobre a função cognitiva e recuperação no pós-operatório.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sugammadex is the first selective relaxant binding agent. When compared with neostigmine, following sugammadex administration patients wake earlier and have shorter recovery times. In this study, we hypothesized that fast and clear awakening in patients undergoing general anesthesia has positive effects on cognitive functions in the early period after operation. METHODS: Approved by the local ethical committee, 128 patients were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, controlled, double-blind study. Patients were allocated to either Sugammadex group (Group S) or the Neostigmine group (Group N). The primary outcome of the study was early postoperative cognitive recovery as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). After baseline assessment 12-24h before the operation. After the operation, when the Modified Aldrete Recovery Score was ≥9 the MMSE and 1h later the MoCA tests were repeated. RESULTS: Although there was a reduction in MoCA and MMSE scores in both Group S and Group N between preoperative and postoperative scores, there was no statistically significant difference in the slopes (p>0.05). The time to reach TOF 0.9 was 2.19min in Group S and 6.47min in Group N (p<0.0001). Recovery time was 8.26min in Group S and 16.93min in Group N (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: We showed that the surgical procedure and/or accompanying anesthetic procedure may cause a temporary or permanent regression in cognitive function in the early postoperative period. However, better cognitive performance could not be proved in the Sugammadex compared to the Neostigmine.

The effect of sugammadex on postoperative cognitive function and recovery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sugammadex is the first selective relaxant binding agent. When compared with neostigmine, following sugammadex administration patients wake earlier and have shorter recovery times. In this study, we hypothesized that fast and clear awakening in patients undergoing general anesthesia has positive effects on cognitive functions in the early period after operation. METHODS: Approved by the local ethical committee, 128 patients were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, controlled, double-blind study. Patients were allocated to either Sugammadex group (Group S) or the Neostigmine group (Group N). The primary outcome of the study was early postoperative cognitive recovery as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). After baseline assessment 12-24h before the operation. After the operation, when the Modified Aldrete Recovery Score was ≥9 the MMSE and 1h later the MoCA tests were repeated. RESULTS: Although there was a reduction in MoCA and MMSE scores in both Group S and Group N between preoperative and postoperative scores, there was no statistically significant difference in the slopes (p>0.05). The time to reach TOF 0.9 was 2.19min in Group S and 6.47min in Group N (p<0.0001). Recovery time was 8.26min in Group S and 16.93min in Group N (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: We showed that the surgical procedure and/or accompanying anesthetic procedure may cause a temporary or permanent regression in cognitive function in the early postoperative period. However, better cognitive performance could not be proved in the Sugammadex compared to the Neostigmine.