Bacterial and fungal secondary infections occurring in COVID-19 patients followed in intensive care: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the effects of secondary bacterial and fungal infections on patient outcomes in patients followed up in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively analyzed reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients followed in the ICU of our hospital between March 2020 and June 2021, using the hospital information system. Demographic data, pathogens causing a secondary infection, onset time of secondary infection, and patient outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 251 RT-PCR positive patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. The mean length of stay (LOS) in the ICU was 13.3 ± 9.6 days. During this period, 165 (65.7%) patients died. When blood, urine, respiratory tract, and catheter cultures were examined, the number of patients with growth in at least one culture was 129 (51.4%). There was growth in a total of 227 cultures. The highest culture positivity rate was observed in respiratory tract samples (n = 94, 41.4%). Gram-negative bacterial pathogens (n = 130, 58.4%) predominated. Candida spp. was more frequent in urine cultures. The median day of the occurrence of secondary infection was 10 (range: 6-15). Patients who developed secondary infection had a longer LOS and higher mortality rate than patients who did not (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gram-negative secondary infections, predominantly in respiratory tract cultures, occurred in COVID-19 patients followed in the ICU. As a result, the LOS was prolonged and mortality rates increased.

Comparison of the Effects of Pectoral Nerve Block and Local Infiltration Anesthesia on Postoperative Pain for Breast Reduction Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the Pecs II block on postoperative pain in patients undergoing breast reduction surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, comparative, and observational study was conducted with 53 patients, with American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, between the ages of 18 and 65, and undergoing bilateral breast reduction surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: Pecs II block with general anesthesia (Pecs group; n = 26) and local infiltration anesthesia with general anesthesia (control group; n = 27). The patients' demographic data, duration of surgery and anesthesia, hemodynamic parameters, perioperative analgesia requirements, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores (at zero, one, three, six, nine, and 12 hours postoperative), the number of patients who needed analgesia at least once, the length of the hospital stay, and block-related complications were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in terms of the duration of surgery and anesthesia and hemodynamic parameters. Intraoperative total fentanyl consumption (128.85 ± 25.19 mcg in the Pecs group and 227.77 ± 44.58 mcg in the control group; P < .001) and postoperative analgesic requirement were significantly lower in the Pecs group (P < .001). The number of patients who needed analgesia at least once in the Pecs group was four (15.3%). Postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower (P < .001) and the length of the hospital stay was significantly shorter in the Pecs group (P < .001). No block-related complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Pecs II block with general anesthesia may significantly contribute to reducing intraoperative and postoperative analgesia requirements and provide long-lasting and more effective postoperative pain in breast reduction surgery.

Regional anesthesia in two consecutive surgeries in a patient with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy: a case report.

Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder which is due to mutations in TYMP. The case reported here is of an 18-year-old male with MNGIE syndrome who presented for two different operations on two different occasions under regional anesthesia. The patient presented with urinary incontinence and abdominal pain. A cystoscopy under spinal anesthesia was scheduled. At 3 months after discharge, gastric perforation was diagnosed and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, surgical repair was planned. Surgical and perioperative periods were uneventful. Based on this experience, we believe that regional anesthesia can be considered safe for use in patients with MNGIE disease.

The effect of different levels of pneumoperitoneum pressures on regional cerebral oxygenation during robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low- and high-pressure pneumoperitoneum pressures applied during robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on regional cerebral oxygenation saturation (rSO2). Materials and methods: The prospective, comparative, and observational study included patients aged 18­80 years, with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, who would undergo elective RALP. The patients were divided into two groups (12 mmHg of pneumoperitoneum pressure group, n=22 and 15 mmHg of pneumoperitoneum pressure group, n=23). Patients' demographic data, durations of anesthesia, surgery, pneumoperitoneum, and Trendelenburg position, intraoperative estimated blood loss, fluid therapy, urine output, hemodynamic and respiratory data, and rSO2 values were recorded at regular intervals. Results: The rSO2 values increased significantly during the pneumoperitoneum combined with steep Trendelenburg position (from t3 to t6) and at the end of the surgery (t7) in both groups, compared to the values 5 min after the onset of pneumoperitoneum in the supine position (t2) (P < 0.05), but no statistical significance was observed between the two groups. No cerebral desaturation was observed in any of our patients. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were preserved in both groups. The blood lactate levels were significantly higher in patients operated at high-pressure pneumoperitoneum, compared to those with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We believe that low-pressure pneumoperitoneum, especially in robotic surgeries, such as robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), can be applied safely.

The effects of music on anxiety and pain in patients during carotid endarterectomy under regional anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Music can be used as an alternative method to decrease anxiety in awake patients during surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that listening to music during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) under regional anesthesia decreases the patient's anxiety and pain. DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy under cervical plexus block. INTERVENTIONS: Patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy under cervical plexus block were randomized into two groups: Music Group and Control Group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint of this study was the difference in intraoperative anxiety in patients with or without music during CEA under regional anesthesia, and the secondary endpoints were intraoperative and postoperative pain, use of additional local anesthetics, use of intravenous analgesics, patient and surgeon satisfaction and complications. Anxiety was assessed using State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and numeric rating scale (NRS). Visual analog scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. RESULTS: The postoperative STAI scores were similar in both groups (p = 0.839). The NRS scores measured immediately after the end of the surgery were statistically higher in Music Group (p = 0.001). The intraoperative anxiety statistically increased in Music Group, when the scores of the intraoperative responses to the questions of "are you relaxed?" and "are you calm?" were compared. (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively). There were no statistical differences in terms of the amount of intraoperative and postoperative analgesic used (p = 0.801, p = 0.773, respectively). The intraoperative VAS scores, postoperative VAS scores, patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were similar in both groups (p = 0.586, p = 0.185, p = 0.302 and p = 0.599, respectively). Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were no different between Music Group and Control Group at any of all time points during the intraoperative period. Surgical side and contralateral side cerebral rSO2 values are similar in both groups (p = 0.438, p = 0.397, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Music use in CEA under regional anesthesia increased intraoperative patient anxiety, and had no effect on intraoperative and postoperative pain or patient satisfaction.

Comparison of the Effects of Different Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Levels on Cerebral Oxygen Saturation With Near Infrared Spectroscopy During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE: Although positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is commonly used to improve respiratory mechanics and oxygenation during pneumoperitoneum (PP), the effect of PEEP on cerebral homeostasis during carbon dioxide PP remains uncertain. This study investigated the changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) associated with 0, 5, and 10 cm H2O PEEP during PP while undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under sevoflurane anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 105 patients between the ages of 18 to 60 years, scheduled to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia, were studied. The patients were randomized, into 3 groups: group I (n=35) with no external PEEP, group II (n=35) with external PEEP of 5 cm H2O, group III (n=35) with external PEEP of 10 cm H2O. Heart rate, mean blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and rSO2 values were continuously recorded from awake status to tracheal extubation. RESULTS: The measurements of hemodynamic parameters were statistically similar between 3 groups (P>0.05). rSO2 values were statistically similar between 3 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We consider that both 5 and 10 cm H2O PEEP levels can be safely used during PP applied during laparoscopic surgery, without affecting hemodynamics, and without causing a decline in rSO2.

Simple handling of venous air embolism during abdominal myomectomy.

We report a case of venous air embolism during abdominal myomectomy. Although true incidence of venous air embolism is not known, in literature most of reported cases are belongs to sitting position craniotomies. Many of those are subclinical, and diagnostic methods have varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity. At time of suspicion, prevention of any subsequent air emboli is the cornerstone of treatment.

Anesthetic Management of Transapical Off-Pump Mitral Valve Repair With NeoChord Implantation.

OBJECTIVES: Various minimally invasive surgical approaches have been used in mitral valve (MV) surgery. The transapical off-pump mitral valve intervention with NeoChord implantation (TOP-MINI) is a minimally invasive, alternative procedure for the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation. There are several special considerations for the anesthesiologist during the TOP-MINI procedure. The main purpose of this study was to present the anesthetic management of the TOP-MINI procedure. DESIGN: An observational study. SETTING: Training and research hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients who underwent MV repair with the NeoChord DS1000 system (NeoChord Inc, St Louis Park, MN). INTERVENTIONS: The study included 12 consecutive patients who underwent MV repair with the NeoChord DS1000 system at the Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey, between June 2014 and December 2015. A record was made of preoperative demographic details, comorbidities, preoperative and postoperative mitral regurgitation severity, preoperative and postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second values, use of blood products and vasoactive drugs, surgical times, mechanical ventilation times, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, visual analog scale scores, analgesic requirement in ICU and perioperative complications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: TOP-MINI was performed completely off-pump in 12 patients. Intraoperative salvaged blood via cell-saver was 660±196 mL. Patients required 0.8±0.7 U of red blood cells and 2.0±0.9 U of fresh frozen plasma in the ICU. Inotropic support was used in 5 patients. There was a significant decline in mean arterial pressure from before surgery to during implantation (70.9±4.5 mmHg v 51.7±5.8 mmHg, respectively). A statistically significant increase was demonstrated in mean arterial pressure from during implantation to postimplantation (51.7±5.8 mmHg v 67.0±6.8 mmHg, respectively). There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second values. Defibrillation was required in 1 patient, and temporary atrial fibrillation was observed in 1 patient during the procedure. Atelectasis occurred in the postoperative period in 1 patient. The mean visual analog scale score was 3.6±1.4, and the mean tramadol consumption was 77±39 mg in the ICU. Extubation time and the mean length of stay in the ICU and hospital were 2.6±0.5 hours, 19.8±2.7 hours, 5±1 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The TOP-MINI procedure requires complex anesthetic management. Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance is essential for this procedure. One-lung ventilation, fluid administration, avoidance of hypothermia, and pain management are the bases for anesthetic management.

Anaesthetic Management of Laparoscopic Morgagni Hernia Repair in a Patient with Coexisting Down Syndrome, Patent Foramen Ovale and Pectus Carinatum.

Laparoscopic repair has several advantages with a minimally invasive surgical option for children with Morgagni hernias; however, a number of physiological sequelae results from pneumoperitoneum and insufflation. These physiological changes may be more significant in patients with a congenital heart disease. Perioperative detailed evaluation, meticulous monitorization and cooperation with a surgical team are important in cases with patent foramen ovale for the possible risk of the paradoxical gas embolism. We present the anaesthetic management of a patient with patent foramen ovale, Down syndrome and pectus carinatus who successfully underwent laparoscopic Morgagni hernia repair. Under a well-managed anaesthesia that prevented complications because of pneumoperitoneum, laparoscopic surgery would be safe enough for patients with Morgagni hernia having an associated congenital heart disease.

Anxiety Levels in Patients Undergoing Sedation for Elective Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety is a common preprocedural problem and during processing especially in interventional medical processes. AIM: Aim of this study was to assess the level of anxiety in patients who will undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and coloscopy. METHODS: Five hundred patients scheduled to undergo sedation for elective upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy were studied. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was administered to each patient before brought to the endoscopy room. Demographic data of patients were collected. RESULTS: BAI scores and anxiety levels were significantly lower in; males compared to females, patients with no comorbidity compared to patients with comorbidity (both P values < 0.001). BAI scores were significantly lower in patients educational status university and upper compared to patients educational status primary-high school (p=0.026). There were no significant difference between BAI and anxiety levels compared to procedures (Respectively, P=0.144 P=0.054). There were no significant difference between BAI scores and anxiety levels compared to age groups (Respectively, P=0.301 P=0.214). CONCLUSIONS: We think that level of anxiety in patients who will undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy was effected by presence of comorbidities and gender but was not effected by features such as age, procedure type and educational status.

Paravertebral Block Combined with Sedation for a Myasthenic Patient Undergoing Breast Augmentation.

Paravertebral block is a unilateral analgesic technique that can provide adequate surgical anesthesia and great advantages in many types of surgery with a low side-effect profile. In this case we present combination of bilateral thoracic paravertebral block under ultrasound guidance with sedation which provides complete anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in a myasthenic patient undergoing cosmetic breast surgery. In myasthenic patients paravertebral blocks may be a better option for breast surgery with avoiding the need for muscle relaxants and opioids and risk of respiratory failure in postoperative period.

Analgesia and respiratory function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients receiving ultrasound-guided bilateral oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block: a randomized double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been shown to ameliorate postoperative pain after abdominal surgery. Postoperative pain-associated respiratory compromise has been the subject of several studies. Herein, we evaluate the effect of oblique subcostal TAP (OSTAP) block on postoperative pain and respiratory functions during the first 24 postoperative hours. MATERIAL/METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized study, 76 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were assigned to either the OSTAP group (n=38) or control group (n=38). Bilateral ultrasound-guided OSTAP blocks were performed with 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine after induction of general anesthesia. Both the OSTAP and control groups were treated with paracetamol, tenoxicam, and tramadol as required for postoperative analgesia. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores (while moving and at rest), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), arterial blood gas variables, and opioid consumption were assessed during first 24 h. RESULTS: VAS pain scores at rest and while moving were significantly lower in the OSTAP group on arrival to PACU and at 2 h postoperatively. The total postoperative tramadol requirement was significantly reduced at 0-2 h and 2-24 h in the OSTAP group. Postoperative deterioration in FEV1 and FVC was significantly less in the OSTAP group when compared to the control group (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). There were no between-group differences in arterial blood gas variables. CONCLUSIONS: After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, OSTAP block can provide significant improvement in respiratory function and better pain relief with lower opioid requirement.

The effects of bispectral index monitoring on hemodynamics and recovery profile in developmentally delayed pediatric patients undergoing dental surgery.

BACKGROUND: General anesthesia is often preferred for dental surgery or rehabilitation in developmentally delayed pediatric patients. Bispectral index monitoring is used to monitor the depth of anesthesia and to ensure early recovery. However, studies on the topic in developmentally delayed pediatric patients are limited. AIM: To evaluate the effects of Bispectral Index Scale (BIS) on hemodynamics and recovery profile in developmentally delayed pediatric patients undergoing dental surgery. METHODS: Forty children between the ages of 6-16 years were studied in this prospective and randomized study. The children were randomized into two groups. In Group 1 (n = 20), general anesthesia was maintained with 1-2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane in oxygen by standard practice. In Group 2 (n = 20), the depth of anesthesia was monitored by BIS. BIS values were continuously recorded from awake status to tracheal extubation. The duration of the surgical procedure, anesthesia, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay was noted. To evaluate recovery profile, time to spontaneous ventilation, extubation, open eyes, and PACU discharge were also noted. RESULTS: There were significant differences between recovery times and Non-communicating Children's Pain Checklist - Postoperative Version (NCCPC-PV) scores of two groups. Time to spontaneous ventilation [Difference in means (95% CI); 3.17 (1.79-4.54) P < 0.001], extubation [Difference in means (95% CI); 3.13 (1.66-4.60) P < 0.001], open eyes [Difference in means (95% CI); 3.97 (2.34-5.59) P < 0.001], and PACU stay time [Difference in means (95% CI); 23.55 (18.08-29.01) P < 0.001] were significantly shorter in Group 2. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, results suggest that routine BIS monitoring may be beneficial due to its favorable effects on the recovery profile in developmentally delayed pediatric patients.

Effects of incrementally increasing tidal volume on the right internal jugular vein in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of incremental increases of tidal volume (TV) on the cross-sectional area (CSA) and size of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV), and the relationship between RIJV and the carotid artery (CA). METHODS: This prospective study included 23 pediatric patients aged between 7 and 12 years who were anesthetized. Using a standard anesthesia protocol, the TV was increased from 6 to 10 mL/kg in 1 mL/kg increments. For each TV, images of the RIJV and CA at the level of the cricoid cartilage were recorded at the end of the inspiration. From these results, the CSA and size of the RIJV and the percentage of CA overlap were calculated. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) RIJV CSA was 0.82 (0.52-1.07) cm2 at a TV of 6 mL/kg and significantly increased to 0.86 (0.58-1.05), 0.88 (0.55-1.08), 0.95 (0.62-1.17) and 1.02 (0.70-1.20) cm2 at TVs of 7, 8, 9 and 10 mL/kg, respectively. There were no significant differences in the percentage overlap of the CA between all TVs. The median (interquartile range) transverse diameter was 1.16 (0.99-1.36) cm at a TV of 6 mL/kg and significantly increased to 1.20 (1.10-1.41), 1.26 (1.05-1.45), 1.28 (1.10-1.49) and 1.35 (1.12-1.52) cm at TVs of 7, 8, 9 and 10 mL/kg, respectively. The median (interquartile range) anteroposterior diameter was 0.77 (0.72-0.90) cm at a TV of 6 mL/kg and significantly increased to 0.81 (0.72-0.94), 0.85 (0.74-0.99), 0.88 (0.75-1.02) and 0.89 (0.79-1.06) cm at TVs of 7, 8, 9 and 10 mL/kg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that a TV of 10 mL/kg in anesthetized children achieved the greatest size in the RIJV, and caused no difference in the CA overlap. These results suggest that a TV of 10 mL/kg is the optimal choice when facilitating catheterization and in the avoidance of complications in anesthetized children connected to mechanical ventilator that are required to undergo RIJV catheterization.

External jugular vein catheterization using 'intra-atrial electrocardiogram'.

PURPOSE: To investigate the reliability of intra-atrial electrocardiogram (ECG) use for external jugular vein (EJV) catheterization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing open heart surgery in Suleyman Demirel University Hospital between February and June 2006 were included in the study. Using a sterile Seldinger technique, a triple lumen polyurethane central venous catheter was introduced (Certofix Trio V 720, length 20 cm, 7 French) under intra-atrial ECG guidance. The presence of an increase in P-wave size was recorded. Just after the surgery, a portable chest X-ray was taken. The method was considered to be successful when a change in P-wave could be seen and the catheter was in the superior vena cava, as well as when there was no change in P-wave and the catheter was not in the superior vena cava. RESULTS: In six patients (12%), we were not able to advance the guidewire. In the remaining 44 patients, the catheter was inserted without problem. Eight of these 44 catheters were positioned in the innominate vein, with a malposition ratio of 18%. The success rate of external jugular vein cannulation with intra-atrial ECG was 95%. No complications occured related to the EJV cannulation. CONCLUSION: Considering that it is easily accessed without complication, and the malposition is successfully detected by intra-atrial ECG, EJV is a suitable access for central venous cannulation when internal jugular vein (IJV) is not usable.

Comparison of meperidine alone with meperidine plus dexmedetomidine for postoperative patient-controlled analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the addition of dexmedetomidine to meperidine in a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device would reduce postoperative meperidine consumption when compared with meperidine alone. METHODS: Forty patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery under general anesthesia in Suleyman Demirel University Medical School, Isparta, Turkey between February and September 2006, were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group I: meperidine 0.25 mg kg-1 intravenous bolus and dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg kg-1 in 50 ml of saline solution infusion before the end of surgery. Group II: meperidine 0.25 mg kg-1 intravenous bolus and 50 ml of saline solution infusion. In the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) patients in both groups received intravenous meperidine 10 mg with 5-minutes intervals until the patient`s verbal pain score is lower than 2. Patients in both groups received PCA during the 24 hours after surgery (meperidine 5 mg + dexmedetomidine 10 mcg bolus for group I, meperidine 5 mg for group II). The verbal rating score of pain and meperidine requirement is recorded during PACU stay. Meperidine consumption with PCA is recorded until 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Verbal rating score of pain in the PACU was lower in group I than group II (p<0.05). Meperidine consumption was lower in group I than group II during the PACU stay and until 24 hours postoperatively (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: When compared with meperidine PCA, meperidine-dexmedetomidine PCA reduces postoperative meperidine consumption.

Comparison of buccal and intramuscular dexmedetomidine premedication for arthroscopic knee surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, hemodynamic, and respiratory effects of buccal dexmedetomidine with intramuscular (IM) dexmedetomidine for premedication in patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery during spinal anesthesia. DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: 75 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery with spinal anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to one of three groups for premedication: group B, buccal dexmedetomidine 2.5 microg kg(-1); group IM, IM dexmedetomidine 2.5 microg kg(-1); and group P, buccal 0.9% and NaCl 2 mL. MEASUREMENTS: Noninvasive blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded. Sedation and anxiety levels were consecutively assessed with Ramsay sedation scores and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores of anxiety before premedication, before spinal anesthesia, during surgery, and at the end of surgery. Two, 4, and 8 hours after surgery, sedation levels, postoperative VAS pain scores, and consumption of analgesics (diclofenac sodium) were recorded. MAIN RESULTS: Before spinal anesthesia, during surgery, and at the end of surgery, sedation and anxiety scores of the patients receiving buccal or IM dexmedetomidine were, respectively, higher and lower than in group P. Patients receiving buccal dexmedetomidine (group B) had lower requirement of diclofenac sodium than group P and lower pain scores than groups P and IM. Mild hypotension and bradycardia were observed in the buccal and IM dexmedetomidine patients. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal dexmedetomidine for premedication in arthroscopic knee surgery provided equal levels of sedation and anxiolysis, and more evident analgesia compared with IM dexmedetomidine.

Effect of transurethral resection of the prostate on blood coagulation test results.

AIM: To evaluate results of coagulation tests and serum sodium levels during the early postoperative period in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, blood coagulation tests were performed and serum sodium levels measured in 27 patients before and at the end of transurethral resection of the prostate and 24 h later. The causes of the changes in coagulation test results were also investigated. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in the platelet counts (p < 0.001) and fibrinogen (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p < 0.05), and sodium (p < 0.0001) concentrations at the end of the operation. The prothrombin time was prolonged (p < 0.01). The activated partial thromboplastin time did not change. There was a statistically significant correlation between the changes in prothrombin time and fibrinogen concentration and the amount of irrigating solution used during the operation and the difference between the volume given and collected as irrigation. Coagulation test results, hemoglobin concentration, and serum sodium level returned to normal values 24 h after the operation. CONCLUSION: Our results show that there was a transient change in platelet count, prothrombin time, and fibrinogen and serum sodium concentrations during the early postoperative period which can be explained on the basis of dilution of the blood.

Intratubal methotrexate for prevention of persistent ectopic pregnancy after salpingotomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether frequency of persistent ectopic pregnancy after linear salpingotomy can be reduced by prophylactic administration of a single intraoperative injection of local methotrexate. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-five women with unruptured ectopic pregnancy. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic salpingotomy with or without a single intratubal dose of methotrexate 1 mg/kg. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In the prophylaxis group, 22 patients received a single dose of intratubal methotrexate 1 mg/kg after linear salpingotomy; 43 controls had only linear salpingotomy. Six women (14%) in the control group developed persistent ectopic pregnancy, compared with none in the prophylaxis group (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: In our opinion, intratubal methotrexate injection during laparoscopic salpingotomy is a practical option for women with unruptured ectopic pregnancy.