Comparing the clinical features of lateral and medial approaches of costoclavicular technique versus traditional lateral sagittal technique as infraclavicular brachial plexus block methods: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It is aimed to compare the block onset times and performance features of costoclavicular techniques (medial and lateral approach) versus lateral sagittal technique. METHODS: Patients were randomized into three groups. For costoclavicular techniques, ultrasound probe was placed parallel to clavicle obtaining nerve cords, axillary artery and axillary vein visual from lateral-to-medial, respectively. The block needle was advanced from lateral (Group CLB) or medial (Group CMB) to perform costoclavicular block. For lateral sagittal technique (Group LSB), ultrasound probe was placed sagittal and perpendicular below the coracoid process to obtain sagittal artery image with the cords around. Total 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 10 ml of 2% lidocaine were deposited for all groups. Sensory and motor block onset times, block performance properties, complications, and patient/surgeon satisfactions were investigated. RESULTS: Among 56 patients, the primary outcome, sensory block onset time was shorter in Group CLB than Group CMB and Group LSB (10 [5-15], 10 [10-20], and 15 [10-15] minutes, respectively, p < 0.05). Motor block onset was also fastest in Group CLB (15 [10-20] mins for CLB, 20 [15-20] mins for LSB, and 22.5 [15-25] mins for CMB, p = 0.004). Block performance properties did not differ between the groups. The only complication observed was vascular puncture with an incidence of 28% in Group CMB. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral approach costoclavicular technique provides fastest block onset than the other techniques. Considering the success and safety profile, this technique stands as a good alternative in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is prospectively registered to clinicaltrials.gov on 20/02/2022 (NCT05260736).

Prehabilitation: a narrative review focused on exercise therapy for the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications following lung resection.

Extensive preventive strategies in the perioperative period are popular worldwide. Novel "prehabilitation" approaches are being defined for every individual surgical discipline. With intention to reduce perioperative morbidity, "prehabilitation" was developed to increase "physical wellness" considering exercise capacity, nutritional status, and psychological support. Thus, prehabilitation could be well-suited for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. Theoretically, improving physical condition may increase the chances of having a better post-operative course, especially among frail patients. In this review, we describe the concept of prehabilitation with possible benefits, its role in the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, and its potential for the future.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular and costoclavicular brachial plexus blocks in pediatric patients: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Costoclavicular brachial plexus block has been described recently as a new technique in adults and pediatric patients. In this study, we aimed to compare the supraclavicular and costoclavicular approaches, which are claimed to be effective and practical in pediatric patients. METHODS: Sixty children were randomized to receive supraclavicular (SC group) or costoclavicular (CC group) brachial plexus blocks prior to surgical incision. Block performance times were recorded as the primary outcome. Procedural features (ideal brachial plexus cord visualization/needle pathway planning time, needle tip/shaft visualization difficulty, number of needle maneuvers, requirement of extra needle maneuvers due to insufficient local anesthetic distribution) and postoperative pain-related data (sensorimotor block intensities, Wong-Baker and FLACC pain scores and analgesic requirements) were also evaluated. To observe the tendency toward respiratory complications, ultrasonographic diaphragm movement amplitude (with M-mode) and diaphragm thickness (with B-mode) were measured postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were included. Block performance times [70(7-97) vs. 115(75-180) s] were significantly lower in the CC group (p < 0.01). The block success rates did not differ (p > 0.05). The incidence of hemidiaphragm paralysis was 44% in the SC group (p < 0.001), and inspiratory diaphragm thickness was significantly lower (p < 0.01). None of CC group patients experienced hemidiaphragm paralysis. All other parameters were comparable (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although costoclavicular block did not show superiority in pain management, the block performance was perceived as more practical than supraclavicular block. We believe that costoclavicular brachial plexus block stands as a good option in upper extremity surgeries with the advantages of shorter block performance time and reduced ipsilateral hemidiaphragm paralysis risk in pediatric patients.

Effects of ultrasound guided caudal epidural and transversus abdominis plane block on postoperative analgesia in pediatric inguinal hernia repair surgeries.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound guided caudal epidural block (CEB) and transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) are two techniques which are used for pain management after inguinal hernia surgeries (IHR). CEB is accepted as gold standard for lower abdominal surgeries while TAPB is more popular. OBJECTIVE: It is aimed to compare ultrasound guided CEB and TAPB for postoperative pain scores, additional analgesic requirement and chronic pain development in pediatric bilateral open IHR. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy patients aged 1-7 years undergoing bilateral open IHR were included in this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Patients were randomized into group T (Bilateral TAPB) and group C (CEB). Postoperative FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scores were evaluated for pain density. Additional analgesic requirement, length of hospital stay was also recorded. Chronic pain is evaluated within a subgroup by using "revised Bieri faces pain scale" in the postoperative second month. RESULTS: Postoperative 15th, 30th, 45th min, first, second hour FLACC scores were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). In group C, FLACC scores at postoperative sixth and 24th were significantly higher than group T (1 (0-5) vs 0 (0-2); 1 (0-3) vs 0 (0-2), respectively; P < 0.001). Additional analgesic requirement in the postoperative 24 h was found to be statistically higher in Group C (56.7%) than in Group T (20%) (P < 0.01). Chronic pain development did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). Length of hospital stay was found to be shorter in patients in Group T compared to patients in Group C [10 (5-14) vs 16 (5-18) hours, respectively; P < 0.01)]. DISCUSSION: Our results exhibited that TAPB and CEB for bilateral IHR have similar early analgesic efficacy in children. However; CEB patients experienced higher FLACC scores at the postoperative sixth and 24th hours, and the need for additional analgesics was higher and the length of hospital stay was longer comparing to TAPB. Of note, chronic pain was not observed in any of our subgroup patients (n = 21) who are older than four years. CONCLUSION: For bilateral IHR, US-guided CEB and TAPB have similar analgesic efficacy in the first six hours, postoperatively, However, TAPB appears to be slightly superior than CEB in terms of subacute pain and length of stay which is still not clinically distinctive.

The Effects of Lateral 45° Head-Down Position and Carbon Dioxide Pneumoperitoneum on the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Nephrectomies: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the extent of the increased intracranial pressure resulting from lateral decubitus and 45° downward positioning using sonographic optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in patients undergoing laparoscopic transperitoneal nephrectomy. In addition, we evaluated the effect of the carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum (CO2PP) on ONSD. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adults were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Longitudinal and transverse ONSDs were measured for each eye by ocular ultrasonography. The values were noted in supine position (T0), 20 minutes after induction of anesthesia (T1), after insufflation of the abdomen in lateral 45° head-down position (T2), at 30-minute intervals during surgery (T3-T4-T5), during lateral 45° head-down position after CO2 exsufflation (T6), before awakening while supine (T7), and at postoperative 24th hour (T8). Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were investigated at the measurement time points. Results: Average ONSD values for the lower eye was T0 = 4.27 ± 0.4 mm, T1 = 4.56 ± 0.6 mm, T2 = 4.84 ± 0.6 mm, T3 = 4.91 ± 0.4 mm, T4 = 4.99 ± 0.5 mm, T5 = 4.97 ± 0.5 mm T6 = 4.96 ± 0.5 mm, T7 = 4.76 ± 0.4 mm, T8 = 4.36 ± 0.5 mm and for the upper eye was T0 = 4.24 ± 0.4 mm, T1 = 4.39 ± 0.5 mm, T2 = 4.54 ± 0.5 mm, T3 = 4.60 ± 0.4 mm, T4 = 4.66 ± 0.4 mm, T5 = 4.72 ± 0.7 mm, T6 = 4.68 ± 0.4 mm, T7 = 4.52 ± 0.4 mm, T8 = 4.30 ± 0.4 mm (P < .001). Conclusion: In our study, we observed a significant increase in ONSD within minutes after the patient was placed in a head-down position. We also observed that the difference increased more with CO2PP and was proportional to the length of the surgery. We found that it regressed to initial levels at the postoperative 24th hour. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05185908.

Transversus abdominis plane block with different bupivacaine concentrations in children undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a single-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Current knowledge on the ideal local anesthetic concentration for the ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in pediatrics is scarce. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of US-guided TAPB at two different concentrations of bupivacaine in pediatrics undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: After random allocation, 74 children aged 1-8 were randomized to receive US-guided TAPB by using 1 mg.kg- 1 bupivacaine as either 0,25% (0,4 ml.kg- 1) (Group 1) or 0,125% (0,8 ml.kg- 1) (Group 2) concentration. All blocks were performed under general anesthesia, immediately after the induction, unilaterally with a lateral approach. All subjects received intravenous 15 mg/kg paracetamol 0.15 mg/kg dexamethasone and 0.1 mg/kg ondansetron intraoperatively. The primary outcome was the efficacy which is assessed by postoperative FLACC behavioral pain assessment score at 15', 30', 45', 1 h, 2 h, 6 h, and 24 h. The secondary outcomes were to assess the total dose of rescue analgesic consumption, length of hospital stay, the incidence of side effects, complications and satisfaction levels of the patients' parents and the surgeons. RESULTS: Sixty-four children were recruited for the study. Postoperative pain scores were equal between the two groups. There was no need for a rescue analgesic in any group after the postoperative 6thhour. No local or systemic complication or side effect related to anesthesia or surgery was reported. CONCLUSION: TAPB using 1 mg.kg- 1 bupivacaine administered as either high volume/low concentration or low volume/high concentration was providing both adequate analgesia and no side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrals.gov , NCT04202367 .

Should fluid management in thoracic surgery be goal directed?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To find a reliable answer to the question in the title: Should fluid management in thoracic surgery be goal directed? RECENT FINDINGS: 'Moderate' fluid regimen is the current recommendation of fluid management in thoracic anesthesia, however, especially in more risky patients; 'Goal-Directed Therapy' (GDT) can be a more reliable approach than just 'moderate'. There are numerous studies examining its effects in general anesthesia; albeit mostly retrospective and very heterogenic. There are few studies of GDT in thoracic anesthesia with similar drawbacks. SUMMARY: Although the evidence level is low, GDT is generally associated with fewer postoperative complications. It can be helpful in decision-making for volume-optimization, timing of fluid administration, and indication of vasoactive agents.

Airway management of major blunt tracheal and esophageal injury: A case report.

Trans-sectional injuries of trachea are quite rare and can be extremely challenging for anesthesiologists to deal with. About 25% of post-traumatic deaths are due to thoracic traumas in which blunt injuries take a rather small place within and the resultant damage of respiratory tract is quite rare with an incidence of 0.5-2%. A recent review from a single trauma center revealed an incidence of 0.4% for tracheobronchial injury (TBI) due to blunt thoracic injuries. Most of the patients having tracheal transection lose their lives on the field due to loss of airway. Patients mostly present with a large spectrum of clinical features varying from hoarseness to respiratory collapse; though subcutaneous emphysema is the most common presenting sign which should remind possible TBI. Emergent surgery is preferred seldomly; such in cases of partial damage or because of late diagnosis, due to favorable outcome of conservative approach. Herein, we report the management of a case on TBI due to blunt thoracic trauma, experiencing difficult ventilation despite tracheal intubation. Fiber-optic bronchoscope (FOB) seems obligatory to visualize site and severity of injury and to ensure safe airway during procedures such as the neck exploration, primary end-to-end anastomosis of the trachea, tracheostomy, diversion pharyngostomy, and feeding jejunostomy.

Investigating antimicrobial features and drug interactions of sedoanalgesics in intensive care unit: an experimental study.

Study Objective: Aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial effects and interaction between analgesic combinations of fentanyl citrate, dexmedetomidine hydrochloride and tramadol hydrochloride on Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans which are some of the most common nosocomial infection related microorganisms. Design: In vitro prospective study. Setting: University Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. Measurements: In order to evaluate in vitro antimicrobial effects and interaction between analgesic combinations, tramadol hydrochloride, fentanyl citrate and dexmedetomidin were used against S. aureus ATCC 29213, K. pneumoniae, E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and C. albicans ATCC 10231 standard strains by microdilution method. Main Results: According to microdilution assays tramadol has shown the most efficient antimicrobial activity also it has been observed that 10 µg/ml concentrated dexmedetomidine has antimicrobial effects on S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. Fentanyl has displayed evident inhibitory potency on the pathogens except for Klebsiella pneumoniae, nevertheless our predefined minimum concentration inhibited growth by 9.5 %. Fentanyl and dexmedetomidine together exhibited more antimicrobial effect on P. aeruginosa and E. coli growth. Additionally, when the three drugs examined together, microbial inhibition occurred more than expected on E. coli again and also on C. albicans growth. Conclusions: Our results revealed the antimicrobial properties and synergy with the different combinations of fentanyl, dexmedetomidine and tramadol against the most common nosocomial infection agents in the ICU. This is the first study in the literature looking into the microbial "interactions" of opioids and sedative drugs but more research is needed in order to define clinico-laboratory correlation.

[An atypical neuropathic pain; spontaneous epidural hemorrhage under oral anticoagulant therapy]. / Atipik nedenli nöropatik agri; oral antikoagülan tedavi altinda spontan epidural kanama.

Spontaneous epidural hemorrhage is one of the rare neuropathic pain etiologies. In this case, a 68-year-old patient, who had atrial fibrillation and cardioversion history, is evaluated for neuropathic pain due to spontaneous epidural hemorrhage that arose from oral anticoagulant therapy. As well as being unique in etiologic terms, we thought it is an uncommon occasion for management worth sharing.

Use of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block as an anesthesia technique in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by cutaneous and/or plexiform neurofibromas and hyperpigmented café-au-lait spots. It affects multiple endocrine and visceral organs and can be associated with several difficulties such as potential airway (ventilation/intubation) problems, abnormal spinal anatomy, and peripheral neurofibromas. Therefore, anesthesia technique selection becomes more of an issue in terms of avoiding complications and decreasing morbidity and mortality. In the present case, we describe the use of ultrasound and the successful performance of supraclavicular brachial plexus block for surgery on the arm and forearm in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Postoperative analgesia after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: A comparison between single-shot interscalene block and single-shot supraclavicular block.

OBJECTIVES: In arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery for postoperative analgesia opioids, nonsteroid analgesics, and local anesthetics can be used. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness, additional analgesic requirements, patients satisfaction, and complications of single-shot interscalene and supraclavicular blocks. METHODS: After obtaining the ethics committee's approval and informed consent, 50 ASA I-II patients were randomized to either the interscalene (GISB) or supraclavicular (GSCB) group. Preoperatively, patients received an ultrasonography-guided block using 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine. In the postoperative period, morphine patient-controlled analgesia was administered as a 0.3-mg/h basal dose and 1-mg bolus dose, with a 20-min lockout time. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS; 0-10 cm) scores of the patients were evaluated at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively; additional analgesic requirements, adverse effects, and complications were recorded. Patient satisfaction (PS) scores were evaluated after 24 h. RESULTS: VAS scores at 4 h were lower in the GSCB group than in the GISB group, and the VAS scores at 8, 12, and 24 h were lower in the GISB group than in the GSCB group, with no statistical significance. Additional analgesic requirements was 28% in the GISB group and 68% in the GSCB group (p < 0.05). Total morphine consumption was lower in the GISB group than in the GSCB group (18.95±9.2 mg vs. 30.6 ± 9.6 mg; p < 0.001). PS scores were higher in the GISB group than in the GSCB group (7.0±1.0 vs. 6.1±0.9; p < 0.01). Adverse effects and complication rates were similar in both the groups. In GISB group, seven patients (28%) had nausea/vomiting, whereas in the GSCB group, 12 patients (48%) had nausea/vomiting. This difference was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Supraclavicular block can be considered as an alternative to interscalene block for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Ultrasonographic Measurement of Subglottic Diameter for Paediatric Cuffed Endotracheal Tube Size Selection: Feasibility Report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this feasibility study was to investigate the first attempt success of ultrasonography (USG) in paediatric patients in predicting an appropriate cuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) size. METHODS: Fifty children who were 1-10 years of age and who received general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation for adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy were enrolled in the study. In all participants, the transverse diameter of the subglottic airway was measured with USG at the cricoid level without ventilation. The outer diameter (OD) of the maximum allowable ETT was chosen according to the measured subglottic airway diameter. In the presence of resistance to passage of the tube into the trachea or in the absence of an audible leak at airway pressure of >25 cm H2O, the ETT was replaced with a tube whose internal diameter (ID) was 0.5 mm smaller. If a leak was audible at airway pressures of <10 cm H2O, if a seal could not be achieved with a cuff pressure of >25 cm H2O or if a peak airway pressure of >25 cm H2O was observed during ventilation, the tube was changed to a tube one size larger. The OD of the best-fit ETT was converted to the ID. The best-fit ID, the requirement for ETT replacement, the duration of airway diameter measurement by USG and the peak airway pressure were recorded. RESULTS: The success rate of the first attempt with USG was 86%; the ETT was replaced in five patients with a tube one size larger and in two patients with a tube one size smaller. CONCLUSION: Our findings show the subglottic diameter measured by USG to be a reliable predictor in estimating the appropriate paediatric ETT size.