Comparison of midpoint transverse process to pleura (MTP) block and erector spinae plane block (ESP) for postoperative analgesia in modified radical mastectomy patients: A double-blinded, randomized control trial.

Background and Aims: Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is associated with moderate severity of postoperative pain. Besides intravenous (IV) analgesics, various nerve blocks are being described for pain relief of MRM patients. We compared erector spinae plane (ESP) block with midpoint transverse process to pleura (MTP) block in these patients for postoperative analgesia. Material and Methods: After receiving ethical committee approval from the institutional ethics committee (AIIMS, Jodhpur) and written informed consent from study participants, 66 patients who were assigned American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, aged 18-75 years, and were scheduled to undergo MRM were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups. Unilateral block was given before surgery at T3 or T4 level and with 15 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine in both the groups. Infusion of 0.5% ropivacaine (Neon laboratories limited, Mumbai, India) and 0.2% ropivacaine at a rate of 5 ml/h was maintained intraoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the next 24 hours. The total number of patients needing rescue analgesia, the total amount of rescue analgesics consumed in the next 24 hours, and patient satisfaction score were also compared between groups. Results: Demographics and baseline vitals were comparable in the groups. On comparing VAS scores in both the groups during rest and movement at different time intervals, there was no difference in pain scores during the initial two hours. From the third hour, there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in pain VAS scores in both groups. The ESP group had lower VAS scores compared to the MTP group when followed for the next 24 hours. There was a statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction. Conclusion: ESP block is more efficacious when compared to MTP block for postoperative analgesia in MRM patients.

Comparison of human cadaver and blue phantom for teaching ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia to novice postgraduate students of anesthesiology: A randomized controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Simulation is increasingly used in medical teaching. Various studies have evaluated different simulation models for training of regional anesthesia (RA). We compared the use of human cadaver and blue phantom models for training of regional anesthesia to novice postgraduate students of anesthesiology. Material and Methods: Fifty students were taught knobology of the ultrasonography (USG) machine. They were divided into two equal groups by computer-generated random number table, and the groups assigned were kept in sealed envelopes. In group BP, students were trained on a blue phantom model, and in group HC, students were trained on human cadaver. After training, a didactic video of sonoanatomy of the supraclavicular block was shown to all participants. The block performance was then judged on patients requiring supraclavicular block. The primary objective of the study was to compare the block performance time, and secondary objectives were the quality of image acquired, orientation of transducer to the target, identification of ultrasound artifacts, errors committed, complications, and success rate. Results: The mean block performance time was shorter in group HC compared to group BP (451.96 ± 50.25 and 526.48 ± 43.486 s, respectively; P < 0.001). The image quality score, transducer orientation to the target, and identification of USG artifacts were better in group HC compared to group BP, with lesser number of needle passes. Conclusion: Cadaver-based training produced better results compared to blue phantom simulator model for teaching of ultrasound-guided RA to novice postgraduate trainees of anesthesiology.

Comparison of neuraxial acoustic target window of the spine among rider sitting, cross leg, hamstring stretch, and classical sitting position: An observational study.

Background and Aims: To compare ultra-sonographic dimensions of acoustic target window of the spine in the participants at four different sitting positions namely cross leg sitting (CLP), hamstring stretch (HSP), classical sitting (CSP) and riders sitting position (RSP). The primary objective of this study was to measure the neuraxial acoustic target window (defined as interlaminar distance between L3-L4 lamina). The secondary objective was to compare ultra-sonographic measurements of the depth of ligamentum flavum from the skin, and to compare the diameter of intrathecal space and comfort score in the four different sitting positions. Material and Methods: This study is a prospective observational study. Eighty participants were included and positioned in four different sitting positions to perform an ultra-sonographic scan and measure various parameters of the acoustic neuraxial window. The interlaminar distance, the distance of skin from the ligamentum flavum, and the diameter of the spinal canal or intrathecal space was measured in the L3-L4 intervertebral space in different positions. Results: The mean value of interlaminar distance among four sitting positions was ranging from 1.40 cm to 1.44 cm (P value 0.725.) The distance of ligamentum flavum from skin and diameter of intrathecal space was also comparable in all the groups. The comfort score in CSP was significantly better when compared to other groups with a median score of 4 (P value < 0.001). Conclusions: There is no statistically significant difference in interlaminar distance in various sitting positions. All four positions are equally effective and can be used as an alternative to spinal/epidural intervention, but the CSP came out to be the most comfortable and more emphasis should be given to the comfort as it increases the chance of success rate of the procedure.

Genomic insights into in-ICU emergence of last-resort antimicrobial resistance in a rare, carbapenem resistant, ST16 Klebsiella pneumoniae strain from Jodhpur, India.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the genomic differences between two extensively drug resistant, ST16 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from patients in the same ICU, one of which was colistin resistant. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibilities of the isolates were determined using VITEK-2. Hybrid assemblies for both strains were generated using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina technologies. The sequence type, capsule type, O-locus type, antimicrobial resistance determinants and plasmids carried by the isolates were inferred from the genome sequence. The phylogenetic placement, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence determinants of the isolates relative to a collection (n = 871) of ST16 isolates were assessed. RESULTS: Both BC16, a colistin-resistant blood stream isolate and U23, a colistin-sensitive urinary isolate displayed near-identical antimicrobial resistance profiles and genome sequences with varying plasmid profiles. The BC16 genome only had 21 SNPs relative to U23 and belonged to the same capsule, O-antigen locus and multi-locus sequence types. The mgrB locus in BC16 was disrupted by an IS5 element. Phylogenetically, U23 and BC16 were placed on a clade with 4 strains belonging to K-type K48 and O-type O2a as opposed to majority (n = 807) of the strains (K-type K51 and O-type O3b). CONCLUSIONS: BC16 was a colistin resistant derivative of U23, which evolved colistin resistance by an IS5-mediated disruption of the mgrB locus, likely during treatment of the index patient with colistin in the ICU. The strains belong to a rare subtype of ST16 with unique capsular and O-antigen types underscoring the utility of genomic surveillance networks and open-access genomic surveillance data in tracking problem clones.

Gastric Insufflation with High Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy in Adult Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study.

Background: With the provision of a small positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) effect, high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) therapy carries a risk of stomach distension. The present study was conducted to find out the air leak in the gastric antrum leading to gastric distension in adult patients with acute respiratory failure receiving HFNO therapy. Materials and methods: Adult patients with early hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring HFNO therapy were enrolled in this trial. Before initiation of HFNO therapy, baseline gastric volume (GV) and the average number of peristaltic contractions over one minute were measured using ultrasound. Once the patient was stabilized on HFNO therapy, a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ultrasound scans were acquired at 10, 20, and 30 minutes respectively. Vitals and blood gas values were recorded at the baseline and after 30 min of initiation of HFNO therapy. Patient comfort, duration of HFNO therapy, and outcome were also recorded. Results: The GV at 10, 20, and 30 minutes were significantly larger (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. This increase in GV was associated with a significantly increased number of peristaltic contractions and had a significant positive correlation with the HFNO flow (r = 0.541; p < 0.001). The HFNO therapy was well tolerated by most of the patients and led to a significant improvement in the vitals and blood gas parameters at 30 minutes after initiation of HFNO therapy. Conclusion: In adult patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure, the use of HFNO therapy produces gas leaks into the stomach leading to increased gastric volume. The gastric distension increases the peristaltic contraction and higher flows result in more distension. How to cite this article: Ramachandran A, Bhatia P, Mohammed S, Kamal M, Chhabra S, Paliwal B. Gastric Insufflation with High Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy in Adult Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(4):393-398.

Manual Instruments as an Alternative to Drilling for Bony Exposure in Skull Base Surgery: Concept and Technique.

Background Drilling in neurosurgery is an integral part of surgical exposure, especially in skull base approaches and craniovertebral junction (CVJ) surgeries. Most of such drillings are done in close proximity to the neurovascular structures in skull base surgeries and cervical-medullary junction or facet/pedicle in CVJ surgeries. Reluctance to drilling among young neurosurgeons is due to less hands-on experience during training and also, in the early part of the career, due to fear of injury to neurovascular structures. Methods Five commonest bone removals for skull base region and CVJ surgeries that can be safely done using manual instruments were identified based on experiences of senior authors. The authors highlight key technical nuances to widen surgical corridors using manual instruments safely for skull base surgical approaches. Results Basic neuroanatomical concepts and basic physics help in using manual instruments safely for bone removals in various skull base surgical approaches. Conclusions Manual instruments may be used for bone removals in selected skull base surgical approaches, which help young neurosurgeons to perform these surgeries in limited-resource settings.

Comparison of the effects of dexmedetomidine and nitroglycerin on cerebral oxygen saturation using near-infrared spectroscopy in patients undergoing controlled hypotensive anaesthesia: A randomised controlled non-inferiority trial.

Background and Aims: There is limited literature wherein the hypotensive drugs have been compared to know the cerebral effects by monitoring regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2). This study aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and nitroglycerin on rScO2 during controlled hypotensive anaesthesia using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The primary objective was to evaluate the non-inferiority of dexmedetomidine versus nitroglycerin in the occurrence of cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) during hypotensive anaesthesia. Methods: Adult patients scheduled to undergo head and neck surgery under general anaesthesia randomised to receive either dexmedetomidine or nitroglycerin infusion for controlled hypotensive anaesthesia. Cerebral oximetry was monitored with NIRS, and data regarding CDEs, bilateral rScO2, and peri-operative haemodynamics were collected. Continuous data were analysed using unpaired Student's t-tests except for intra-group analyses, which were analysed using paired t-tests. Categorical data were analysed using the Chi-square test. For comparison of time to CDEs, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank test was performed. Results: Of the 82 patients in both groups, CDEs were observed in 15 patients each. A decrease from baseline by 20% was observed in three patients: one in Group N and two in Group D. Statistically, there was an equal risk of getting CDEs in the groups. The time to CDE was comparable (P > 0.05). The difference in heart rate was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is non-inferior to nitroglycerin in terms of the occurrence of cerebral desaturation events when used for controlled hypotensive anaesthesia in head and neck surgeries.

Comparison of Oxygen Delivery Devices in Postoperative Patients with Hypoxemia: An Open-labeled Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is among the more commonly occurring complications in postoperative patients. Supplemental oxygen and addressing the primary etiology form the basis of its treatment. Materials and methods: We conducted an open-labeled randomized control trial with 90 adult patients and compared three oxygen delivery vehicles (ODV), i.e., noninvasive ventilation (NIV), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), and venturi mask (VM) in postoperative hypoxemic patients. The primary outcome variable was a change in the P/F ratio after 2 hours of use of ODV. Results: It was observed that the change in P/F ratio after 2 hours was similar in all three ODV groups (p = 0.274). The mean values of the post-ODV P/F ratio were comparable with the pre-ODV P/F ratio in all three modalities. The P/F ratio after HFNC was 358.08 ± 117.95; after NIV was 357.60 ± 220.67; and after VM was 355.47 ± 101.90 (p = 0.997). Conclusion: Among HFNC, NIV, and VM, none of the devices proved superior to the other for use in postoperative hypoxemia. How to cite this article: Mishra S, Kothari N, Sharma A, Goyal S, Rathod D, Meshram T, et al. Comparison of Oxygen Delivery Devices in Postoperative Patients with Hypoxemia: An Open-labeled Randomized Controlled Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(3):294-298.

Effects of Different Extubation Strategies on Atelectasis in Older Adults after Major Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Older patients are particularly vulnerable to age-related respiratory changes. This prospective randomized controlled trial studied the effects of high and low fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2) with the recruitment maneuver (RM) during extubation on lung atelectasis postoperatively in older patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. METHODS: We randomized a total of 126 patients aged >60 years who underwent both elective and emergency major abdominal surgeries and met the inclusion criteria into three groups (H, HR, and LR) using computer-generated block randomization. Group H received high FiO2 (1), Group HR received high FiO2 (1) with RM followed by a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O, and Group LR received low FiO2 (0.4) with RM followed by a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O 10 minutes before extubation. Oxygenation and atelectasis were measured using the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)/FiO2 ratios and lung ultrasound score. Postoperative pulmonary complications were recorded up to 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean PaO2/FiO2 at 30 minutes post-extubation was significantly higher in Groups LR and HR compared to that in Group H (390.71±29.55, 381.97±24.97, and 355.37±31.70; p<0.001). In the immediate postoperative period, the median lung ultrasound score was higher in Group H than that in Groups LR and HR (6 [5-7], 3 [3-5], and 3.5 [2.25-4.75]; p<0.001). The incidence of oxygen desaturation and oxygen requirements was higher in Group H during the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The RM before extubation is beneficial in reducing atelectasis and postoperative pulmonary complications, irrespective of the FiO2 concentration used in older adults undergoing major abdominal surgeries. (Trail registration number: Reference No. CTRI/2022/04/042115; date of CTRI registration 25/02/2022; and date of enrolment of the first research participant 05/05/2022).

Comparison of procedural time with two different ultrasound-guided approaches for dorsalis pedis artery cannulation in adult patients: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: In adult patients, there has never been an evaluation of short-axis out-of-plane versus long-axis in-plane approaches of ultrasound-guided dorsalis pedis artery cannulation. This research was conducted to compare these two techniques to cannulate the dorsal pedis artery. METHODS: In this trial, 128 adult patients undergoing surgery and necessitating arterial cannulation were examined. Dorsalis pedis artery cannulation was performed utilizing an ultrasound by long-axis in-plane approach (group L) or short-axis out-of-plane (group S) techniques. RESULTS: Group S had a higher first attempt success rate than group L (46.9% vs 28.6%, p = 0.039). The S group had a lower assessment time than the L group (11.48 ± 3.07 vs 19.68 ± 2.79 s; p = 0.000). Cannulation time was higher in the S group (18.91 ± 1.92 s) compared to the L group (12.48 ± 1.61 s; p = 0.000). Nevertheless, the total procedure time was comparable between the L group and the S group (32.16 ± 2.95 vs 30.42 ± 4.07 s; p = 0.107). CONCLUSIONS: In adults, both views of ultrasonography can be used to guide DPA cannulation. The cannulation time for the DPA in L group was less than the S group, whereas the assessment time was less in S group. The total procedure time, however, was similar between both the groups.

Short-term outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in minimally invasive oesophagectomy: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although fast-track treatment pathways are well established in colorectal surgeries, their role in oesophageal resections has not been well studied. This study aims to prospectively evaluate the short-term outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in patients undergoing minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE) for oesophageal malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied a prospective cohort of 46 consecutive patients from January 2019 to June 2022 who underwent MIE for oesophageal malignancy. The ERAS protocol mainly consists of pre-operative counselling, pre-operative carbohydrate loading, multimodal analgesia, early mobilisation, enteral nutrition and initiation oral feed. Principal outcome measures were the length of post-operative hospital stay, complication rate, mortality rate and 30-day readmission rate. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of patients was 49.5 (42, 62) years, and 52.2% were female. The median (IQR) post-operative day of intercoastal drain removal and initiation of oral feed was 4 (3, 4) and 4 (4, 6) days, respectively. The median (IQR) length of hospital stay was 6 (6.0, 7.25) days, with a 30-day readmission rate of 6.5%. The overall complication rate was 45.6%, with a major complication (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) rate of 10.9%. Compliance with the ERAS protocol was 86.9%, and the incidence of major complications was associated with failure to follow the protocol ( P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: ERAS protocol in minimally invasive oesophagectomy is feasible and safe. This may result in early recovery with shortened length of hospital stay without an increase in complication and readmission rates.

Continuous erector spinae plane block for analgesia and better pulmonary functions in patients with multiple rib fractures: a prospective descriptive study

Abstract Background: The present study explored the role of continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block for analgesia as well as its impact on pulmonary functions in patients with multiple rib fractures. Methods: Ten patients with multiple rib fractures were enrolled after getting informed and written consent. Ultrasound-guided ESP block was performed at the level midway between the fractured ribs followed by the insertion of the catheter. Pre- and post-block VAS score, hemodynamics, respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), inspiratory capacity (IC), blood gases (PaO2 and PCO2), and complications were compared. Results: Pain scores at rest as well as on movement showed a significant reduction from 5.9 and 7.5 pre block to 1.6 and 2.5 respectively at 96 hours (p < 0.0001). Similarly, RR, SpO2, IC, and PaO2 were significantly better after the block placement (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Continuous ESP block provide adequate analgesia with better respiratory functions in patients with multiple rib fractures.

Effect of sevoflurane, propofol and propofol with dexmedetomidine as maintenance agent on intracranial pressure in the Trendelenburg position during laparoscopic surgeries.

Background and Aim: Pneumoperitoneum (PP) and the Trendelenburg position (TP) in laparoscopic surgeries are associated with rise in intracranial pressure (ICP). The optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is a surrogate marker of ICP. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sevoflurane, propofol and propofol with dexmedetomidine as maintenance agent on ICP in TP during laparoscopic surgeries. Material and Methods: A total of 120 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I/II patients, aged 18-65 years were randomly allocated into three groups: sevoflurane as group S, propofol as group P, and propofol with dexmedetomidine as group PD. The intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was kept in the range of 12-14 mmHg and TP varied between 15°- 45° angle. The primary objective was comparison of ICP and secondary objectives were IOP, intraoperative hemodynamic and postoperative recovery characteristics among groups. The ONSD and IOP were measured in both eyes 10 min after endotracheal intubation (T0), 5 min after CO2 insufflation (T1), 5 min after TP (T2) and 5 min after deflation of gas (T3). The data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Results: ONSD and IOP at T1 and T2 were significantly higher than T0 in all groups, but no significant difference was found among the intergroup groups. Significantly lower heart rate and mean blood pressure were observed in PD group at T1 and T2 compared to group S and group P. Conclusion: The rise in ICP was comparable among sevoflurane, propofol, and propofol-dexmedetomidine combination as a maintenance agent during laparoscopic surgeries in TP.