Reduction or elimination of postoperative pain medication after mastectomy through use of a temporarily placed local anesthetic pump vs. control group.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of a temporarily placed porous catheter with continuous application of a local anaesthetic(ON-Q( by l-Flow-Corp., Lake Forest, CA, USA) post mastectomy vs. patients without this device regarding postoperative need for opioid medication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At Fayette Medical Center, Alabama, a retrospective evaluation of all consecutive mastectomies (n = 49) within a five-year-period from 1/1997-12/2001 and statistical analysis regarding postoperative need for opioids was performed. The ON-Q pain management pump with continuous 0.25% Sensorcaine (Bupivacaine and Epinephrine) application for about 72 h (n- 22) was compared vs. a control group without pain management pump (n- 27). RESULTS: There were no statistical significant differences regarding patient demographics in both groups. Patients in the ON-Q group with no need of postoperative opioid pain medication were: 18.2 vs. 3.7 % (P - 0.1), no need for opioids after postoperative day 1: 68.2% vs. 11.1 % (P 0.001), total opioids usage in dose equivalents (DE): 1.25 vs. 3.36 DE (-62.8%) (P-0.016), opioids usage postoperative day 1: 0.65 vs. 1.82 DE (-64.6%) (P - 0.016),opioids usage postoperative day 2: 0.24 vs. 0.75 DE (-68.4%)(P - 0.011). The length of stay in hospital was 2.35 vs. 2.93 days(n.s.), and postoperative stay in PACU: 384 vs. 43.3 min (n. s.).OR time for placement of catheter and pump is only slightly increased. No complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Use of an ON-Q pain management pump could significantly reduce or even eliminate postoperative need for opioids analgesics.

437 classic intrafascial supracervical hysterectomies in 8 years.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To report technical aspects and practical long-term experience with classic intrafascial supracervical hysterectomy (CISH). DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). SETTING: Local community hospital in rural northwest Alabama. PATIENTS: Four hundred thirty-seven women. INTERVENTION: The procedure was performed as described originally but with slight modifications (vaginal manipulator, ETS stapler). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Follow-up was 44.7 months (range 3-97 mo). Average operating time was 1 hour 10 minutes (range 46 min-6 hrs, 10 min), average blood loss was 68 ml (range 10-765 ml), average length of hospital stay was 22 hours (range 10 hrs-5 days), and average return to work was 14 days (range 3-28 days). Complications were 11 bleeding cervices (7 occurring within 21 days after surgery, and 4 between 2 and 4 yrs after surgery), 1 case of uterine artery bleeding, 1 ileus, 1 pelvic hematoma, and 5 mucoceles between 2 and 27 months postoperatively. There were three conversions, one because of morbid obesity (185 kg) and two because of large uterus:pelvis ratio. CONCLUSION: CISH leaves the pelvic floor intact, has short recuperation and high patient satisfaction, and is cost effective at a low complication rate. It is an advanced laparoscopic procedure, is initially technically challenging, and has a learning curve.

Intraoperative evaluation of laparoscopic insufflation technique for quality control in the OR.

OBJECTIVE: With increasing technology and computerized systems in the OR, the physician's responsibility is growing. For intraoperative evaluation of insufflation techniques, a data acquisition model for quality control study of potential insufflation problems is necessary. METHODS: A computer-based, online data acquisition model was designed with a Pentium notebook, PCMCIA data acquisition board PCI-460-P1 and a Visual Designer 3.0 measurement program (both Intelligent Instrumentation, Inc., Tucson, AZ), temperature meters Therm 2280-1 and 2283-2 (Ahlborn, Holzkirchen, Germany) and temperature probes 401 AC and 402 AC (YSI, Inc., Yellow Springs, OH) and T-430-2R (Ahlborn, Holzkirchen, Germany). Gas flow was measured with laminar flow element LFE 1 and flow meters Digima premo 720 (both Special Instruments, Noerdlingen, Germany). During 73 standard laparoscopic procedures, gas flow (L/min) in the insufflation hose, pressure (mm Hg) in the hose and abdomen as well as temperature (degrees C) in the hose, abdomen and rectum were measured continuously at 3 Hz rate. RESULTS: Actual values measured show a wide range often not identical with insufflator presetting. Pressure in the abdomen is usually less than hose pressure. Intra-abdominal pressure peaks (< or = 50 mm Hg) occurred during insufficient anesthesia, while leaning on the abdomen, during trocar insertion and other manipulation. Blood-irrigation fluids found in the hose (n=3/73) can lead to bacterial contamination. Negative pressure (-50 mm Hg) was measured due to Endobag removal. Negative flow (< or = 15 L/min) was caused by pressure on the abdomen, insufflator regulation and an empty CO2 gas tank. Gas temperature in the hose equals room temperature but can decrease in the abdomen to 27.7 degrees C due to high gas flow, large amounts of gas used and prolonged insufflation. Further insufflation-related problems were documented. CONCLUSIONS: This computer-based measurement model proved to be useful for quality control study in the OR. Results demonstrate the need for intraoperative evaluation of insufflation techniques for laparoscopy. Although no obvious complication related to insufflation problems occurred, some findings potentially question patient security.

Model to determine resistance and leakage-dependent flow on flow performance of laparoscopic insufflators to predict gas flow rate of cannulas.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To characterize insufflator CO2 gas flow performance to predict gas flow rate with standard cannulas. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Laboratory of university clinic. PATIENTS: None. Intervention. Gas flow (L/min) and average pressure (mm Hg) inside an abdomen model were measured at 12 mm Hg nominal pressure during steady state. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: An abdomen box model for laboratory measurements was designed with different entrance and exit diameters simulated with hole disks from 0.5 to 7.6 mm. With a computer-based data-acquisition model, five insufflators (Olympus 9L and 16L, Storz 10L and 30L, HiTec 16L) were evaluated with 150 disk combinations. Flow performance in three-dimensional profiles showed different flow rates for all insufflators depending on resistance and leakage combination, maximum flow rate, and insufflation principle. Maximum flow was reached without resistance only in the insufflation system at high leakage rates. Low-pressure principle is more affected by resistance. Cannula flow rates at 12 mm Hg and 15 L/minute leakage ranged from 4.8 (Origin) to 6.0 L/minute (Storz HiCap) for Olympus 9-L insufflators and from 5.4 (Origin) to 15.10 L/minute (Storz HiCap) for Storz 30-L Thermoflator. Reusable cannulas have more flow efficacy than disposable ones, especially with high-flow insufflators, because of larger diameter at insufflation supply. CONCLUSION: Gas flow depends not only on maximum flow of insufflators but also on resistance of cannulas and leakage rate. With this model it is possible to predict the real, available flow of insufflator-cannula combinations for the first time. Improved resistance of all components can save insufflation time.

An assessment of desflurane for use during cardiac electrophysiological study and radiofrequency ablation of supraventricular dysrhythmias in children.

Desflurane has several properties making it a desirable agent for use in electrophysiological studies (EPS) for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias. We studied 47 children, mean age 12.8+/-4.6 years, mean weight 52.9+/-24.0 kg, with clinical history of supra- ventricular tachycardia (SVT) during EPS using desflurane in a crossover comparison with fentanyl. The patients served as their own controls. All received oral premedication with lorazepam, and intravenous induction with thiopentone, rocuronium, and oxygen. Group 1 (n=24) were administered fentanyl 10 microg.kg-1 bolus i.v. with an infusion of 3 microg.kg-1.h-1 during initial EPS. Fentanyl was discontinued and desflurane, 6% endtidal, was administered and the EPS repeated. Group 2 (n=23) were initially administered 6% desflurane after induction, and following EPS the desflurane was discontinued and the patients administered fentanyl 3 microg.kg-1 bolus and EPS repeated (explanations of EPS abbreviations are provided). Desflurane reduced the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in all patients. In Group 1, desflurane shortened the sinus cycle length (SCL), i.e. increasing the heart rate, and atrial effective refractory period (AERP) while Group 2 demonstrated no such effect on AERP. There were no other significant differences between fentanyl or desflurane techniques in terms of EPS measurements. SVT was inducible with both agents in both groups. Desflurane seems an acceptable agent for use during EPS procedures.

Post-varicella epiglottitis and necrotizing fasciitis.

Varicella is a nearly ubiquitous acquired childhood disease. Infectious complications of varicella can be life- or limb-threatening. These complications appear 3 to 4 days after the appearance of varicella exanthem and are heralded by fever, pain, and erythema of the overlying skin. Airway complications of varicella are rare, rapidly evolving, and, unfortunately, difficult to visualize. We report a child who presented with a unique combination of varicella-induced airway complications-acute epiglottitis and subsequent necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck. varicella, epiglottitis, necrotizing fasciitis, group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, nasopharyngoscopy.

Measurement of CO(2) hypothermia during laparoscopy and pelviscopy: how cold it gets and how to prevent it.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intraabdominal CO(2) temperature during a variety of standard operative laparoscopy procedures with different insufflators (BEI Medical, Snowden & Pencer, Storz Laparoflator, Storz Endoflator, Wolf) and devices to maintain body temperature (Bair Hugger, fluid warmer, Blanketrol blankets). DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: Community hospital in rural Alabama. PATIENTS: Sixty-two consecutive patients (53 women, 9 men; average age 56.8 yrs, range 21-94 yrs). INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent standard laparoscopic and pelviscopic procedures during which intraoperative temperature changes in the insufflation system, abdomen, and rectum were measured. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Carbon dioxide was at room temperature in the insufflation hose ( approximately 23 degrees C). During insufflation, intraabdominal gas temperature decreased to as much as 27.7 degrees C (average 32.7 degrees C) depending on length of operation (23 min-5 hrs 8 min), amount of gas used (12.8-801 L), gas flow (up to 20 L/min), and leakage rate. Preoperative and postoperative temperature comparisons showed no decline in rectal temperature (average +0.18 degrees C) because warming equipment was sufficient. CONCLUSION: The decrease in intraoperative intraabdominal gas temperature is remarkable and can potentially harm the patient. It can be limited by restricting gas flow and leakage. In operations longer than 1 hour, substantial core body temperature drop should be prevented with appropriate heating and hydration devices. An insufflator with internal gas heating (Snowden & Pencer) had no significant clinical effect. (J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 6(3):289-295, 1999)

Syncope-related trauma: rationale and yield of diagnostic studies.

BACKGROUND: Syncope occasionally occurs in trauma patients. The most appropriate and cost-effective evaluation for such patients is unknown. METHODS: Trauma patients admitted to a Level I trauma center with a diagnosis of syncope or possible syncope between 1988 and 1994 were reviewed. History, physical examination, and past medical history were noted, as were the results of tests done as part of the syncope evaluation. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were reviewed; 45% had been injured in falls. Thirteen patients who remembered their entire injury and denied syncope as a cause had negative evaluations. History, physical examination, and admission laboratory values were helpful in diagnosis 59% of the time. Subsequent evaluation provided useful diagnostic information 30% of the time. No patients with normal admission electrocardiograms (EKGs) had cardiac causes for their syncope. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Patients with possible syncope without loss of consciousness require no further evaluation. (2) A cerebrovascular evaluation should be the initial diagnostic approach in patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of stroke or transient ischemic attack. (3) Possible syncope patients with normal admission EKGs should undergo computed tomography of the head and electroencephalography. Those with abnormal EKGs should undergo echocardiography.

Preoxygenation before laryngoscopy in children: how long is enough?

The ideal preoxygenation period prior to laryngoscopy in children is unclear. This study was performed to determine an appropriate duration of preoxygenation for infants and children prior to laryngoscopy using endtidal oxygen (FE'O2) criteria. Healthy paediatric patients for elective day surgery procedures were studied. An inflatable mask connected to an oxygen-primed paediatric anaesthesia semiclosed circuit was placed on the face while patients breathed spontaneously during 6.min-1 oxygen flow. An FE'O2 of 0.9 was considered the endpoint, and if not achieved in two min the protocol was ended. Fifty-eight children were studied. Six patients never achieved an FE'O2 of 0.9 and were not considered in the analysis. The times (in seconds with mean +/- SD and range) to achieve a minimum endtidal (FE'O2) of 0.9 for under six months were 36 +/- 11.4(20-50), 7-12 months were 35.5 +/- 13.3(20-60), 13-36 months were 42.6 +/- 18.7(20-90), 37-60 months were 50.8 +/- 18.5(30-90), > 60 months were 68.4 +/- 24.1(30-100). Logistic regression curves were determined for each age group describing the probability of achieving an FE'O2 of 0.9 against time of preoxygenation. All children with satisfactory mask fit were able to preoxygenate to an FE'O2 of 0.9 within 100 s.

Laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic bowel anastomosis stenosis revision with stapler: report of two cases.

Anastomosis stenosis is a complication after bowel surgery. We performed laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic revision of bowel anastomosis stenosis with a stapler in two cases: first, for secondary anastomosis stenosis 14 months after sigmoid colon resection, and second, for inadequate-size primary anastomosis after segmental colon resection requiring immediate revision. A stapler, an endoscopic linear cutter Endopath ETS (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A.), is transanally inserted and fired once into the stricture to enlarge the inner lumen. The procedure seems to be fast and safe, less invasive, and cost-effective. This new technique can be used to avoid open surgery in cases of postoperative anastomosis stenosis as well as initially to increase the anastomosis diameter of the lower colon.

The Jehovah's Witness family, transfusions, and pediatric day surgery.

The pediatric otolaryngologist and anesthesiologist, when encountering a family of the Jehovah's Witness (JW) faith, should be aware of the potential problems which may arise when deciding to proceed with surgery. Two case reports are presented which illustrate the difficult situations which can occur when unanticipated complications (i.e. profound bleeding) arise perioperatively. An overview of the history and common tenets of the JW faith, previous legal perspectives, pertinent clinical information from the medical literature, and the protocol of The Children's Hospital, Denver, for dealing with this sensitive issue (drafted with the cooperation of the local JW Hospital Liaison Committee) are presented.

Complications after negative laparotomy for trauma: long-term follow-up in a health maintenance organization.

OBJECTIVE: To assess short-term and long-term complication rates after trauma laparotomy in a group of health maintenance organization (Kaiser Permanente) patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of patients belonging to Kaiser Permanente. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty Kaiser patients who underwent a negative or nontherapeutic laparotomy for trauma at a Level I trauma center (University of California, Davis Medical Center (UCDMC)) between April 1989 and May 1994 were identified. Demographic data, past medical history, mechanism of injury, indications for surgery, findings at laparotomy, and short-term complications were abstracted from the UCDMC record. Long-term complications were taken from the Kaiser record. MEASUREMENTS: Long-term complications, including small bowel obstruction, hernia, and cosmesis. Short-term complications, including pneumonia, cellulitis, wound infection, prolonged ileus, and urinary tract infection. RESULTS: The single death in the early postoperative period was not related to the laparotomy. Mean follow-up was 36 +/- 2 months (median, 36 months); 86% had follow-up of at least 1 year. The incidence of short-term complications was 43% in patients with associated extra-abdominal injuries and 20% in patients without associated extra-abdominal injuries (p = 0.17). On long-term follow-up, there were no small bowel obstructions, incisional hernias, or cosmetic problems requiring correction. One patient developed a stitch abscess 6 weeks after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of long-term complications after negative or nontherapeutic laparotomy for trauma is low.

Safety and effectiveness of intranasal administration of sedative medications (ketamine, midazolam, or sufentanil) for urgent brief pediatric dental procedures.

Thirty children presenting to the dental clinic of a pediatric hospital who required brief but urgent dental care, and who could not be satisfactorily examined or treated, were administered one of three medications--ketamine (Ketalar), 3 mg/kg; midazolam (Versed), 0.4 mg/kg; or sufentanil (Sufenta), 1.5 or 1.0 micrograms/kg--intranasally in a randomized, double-blinded protocol. The patients were brought to the day surgery area following appropriate fasting and administered one of the medications diluted in a dose of 0.1 mL/kg normal saline while sitting in a nurse's arms. Cardiorespiratory monitors were applied when tolerated, and the child was placed on the operating room table. Each child was injected locally with up to one dental cartridge of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine before dental extractions. A sedation score was recorded using a scale where 1 = hysterical/untreatable, 5 = ideal sedation, and 10 = obtunded and desaturated, requiring airway management assistance. Midazolam administration resulted in acceptable sedation (mean score: 4) with no desaturations below 90% as measured by pulse oximetry and a mean recovery room observation time of only 3 +/- 2 min (+/- SD). Ketamine also had a mean sedation score of 4 and a short recovery period (7 +/- 7 min); however, two children experienced brief desaturations. Sufentanil at 1.5 micrograms/kg was noted to produce much more heavily sedated children (mean score 7), with a high incidence of significant oximetry desaturation (80%) and prolonged recovery room duration (58 +/- 40 min). Use of 1.0 microgram/kg sufentanil resulted in no desaturations, less sedation (mean score 4), and a brief recovery time (7 +/- 13 min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)