Application of the Bair Hugger™ core body temperature at wrist region with upper body warming blanket: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Body temperature monitoring is essential during the perioperative period. However, core body temperature measurement requires invasive device that may cause complications. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of non-invasive Bair Hugger™ core body temperature monitoring system (BHTMS) at the wrist compared with esophageal temperature under general anesthesia. METHODS: Twenty adult patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were enrolled. BHTMS sensor was applied at wrist region. After tracheal intubation, an esophageal probe was inserted. Bair Hugger™ upper body warming blankets were used. Esophageal temperature (Teso) and BHTMS at wrist (Twrist) were recorded every 10 min. RESULTS: Total of 257 pairs of data sets were analyzed: Teso and Twrist had no statistically significant difference (P = 0.103). Median of Teso and Twrist were 36.5°C and 36.4°C. Bland-Altman analysis showed Teso - Twrist of 0.14°C ± 1.44. Subsequently, 99 pairs of 0-40 min data set were analyzed and showed significant difference at 0 and 10 min (P < 0.001) but no significant difference at 20, 30 and 40 min. Bland- Altman plot by times showed difference (Teso - Twrist) of 1.49°C ± 2.00, 0.82°C ± 1.30, 0.29°C ± 1.32, -0.03°C ± 0.84, and -0.12°C ± 0.82 at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 min respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BHTMS at wrist area under the upper body warming blanket is a potential alternative other than esophageal temperature for monitoring body temperature after 30 min of anesthesia induction.

A new knotless parametrial tissue ligation technique for safe total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Parametrial tissue ligation during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is important in large uteri with large vessels. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at Asan Medical Center for comparing TLH performed with a new knotless parametrial tissue ligation method and conventional laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) from March 2019 to August 2021. For TLH, after anterior colpotomy, the parametrial tissue was ligated by anchoring the suture and making a loop in one direction three times using 1-0 V-LocTM 180 (Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) suture. Subsequently, the cranial part of the loop was cut using an endoscopic device. RESULTS: A total of 119 and 178 patients were included in the TLH and LAVH groups, respectively. The maximal diameter of the uterus was larger in the TLH group (106.29±27.16 cm) than in the LAVH group (99.00±18.92 cm, P=0.01). The change in hemoglobin (Hb) level was greater in the LAVH group than in the TLH group (P<0.001). The weight of the removed uterus was greater in the TLH group than in the LAVH group (431.95±394.97 vs. 354.94±209.52 g; P=0.03). However, when the uterine weight was >1,000 g, the operative times and change in Hb levels were similar between the two groups. In both groups, no ureteral complications occurred during or after surgery. CONCLUSION: Knotless parametrial tissue ligation using 1-0 V-LocTM 180 suture in TLH can be safely applied, even in cases with large uteri, without increased risks of ureteral injury or uterine bleeding.

Feasibility of ventilator-assisted tubeless anesthesia for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

General anesthesia providing one-lung ventilation (OLV) with double-lumen endotracheal intubation has been considered inevitable for thoracic surgery. However, with the recent trend of less invasive surgical technique and enhanced recovery after surgery, tubeless anesthesia has been performed in various thoracic surgeries. The aim of this study was to establish a feasible and safe strategy of ventilator-assisted tubeless anesthesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries (VATS) based on single-institution experiences. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent tubeless VATS from November 2019 to December 2021. Perioperative anesthetic and surgical variables as well as complications were reported. Seventeen patients with a median age of 29 and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to II underwent video-assisted pulmonary wedge resection under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) using propofol and remifentanil. Mechanical ventilation was applied in synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation with pressure support mode through facemask if respiratory support was required. During the operation, none of the patients showed hypoxemia or involuntary movement interfering operation. No patients were converted to general anesthesia or open thoracotomy unintentionally. All patients were discharged on median 2 days postoperatively without complications. Ventilator-assisted tubeless VATS is a feasible and safe option in low-risk patients undergoing video-assisted pulmonary wedge resection.

How Does the Addition of Dexamethasone to a Brachial Plexus Block Change Pain Patterns After Surgery for Distal Radius Fractures? A Randomized, Double-blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Although brachial plexus block in volar plating surgery for distal radius fractures is reportedly associated with lower postoperative pain scores, rebound pain has been reported to occur after the initial block wears off. Dexamethasone can be used in multimodal strategies for antiemesis and to control pain postoperatively. Although prior studies have suggested that anesthesia can be prolonged by adding dexamethasone to regional blocks, no randomized trials we are aware of have ascertained whether doing so will make a clinically important difference in pain after surgery for distal radius fractures. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Do patients who receive supplemental dexamethasone in a brachial plexus block for volar plating of unstable distal radius fractures have (1) better pain scores at 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively than patients who have not received dexamethasone, and (2) lower fentanyl consumption and administration of antiemetic drugs without change in serum blood glucose, as well as a longer analgesic duration from the block after surgery than patients who have not received dexamethasone? METHODS: This randomized, double-blind trial included 69 patients undergoing surgery for distal radius fractures under ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks who were randomly allocated into two groups: a nondexamethasone group receiving a brachial plexus block with 0.5% ropivacaine and a dexamethasone group receiving 0.5% ropivacaine and 5 mg of dexamethasone. Thirty-four patients were allocated to the dexamethasone group and 35 were allocated to the nondexamethasone group. Nine patients (four in the dexamethasone group and five in the nondexamethasone group) were excluded after randomization because local anesthetics were used during their surgical procedures owing to an incomplete block or they requested patient-controlled analgesia after surgery. The treatment groups did not differ in any important ways, including age, gender, BMI, hand dominance, and AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification. All patients received the same surgical procedure and perioperative care protocol, except for the injected agents during their brachial plexus block. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, evaluated using a 10-mm VAS at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. The minimum clinically important difference for the VAS score was 2 of 10 points. Secondary outcome variables included fentanyl administration as a rescue analgesic, the number of patients receiving antiemetic medications because of fentanyl administration, and the duration of brachial plexus block. Serum blood glucose was measured 1 day before, immediately after, and 24 hours after surgery. Patients, surgeons, and outcome assessors were blinded to treatment allocation. RESULTS: The only clinically important between-group difference in VAS pain scores was at 8 hours, favoring the group that received dexamethasone over the group that did not (1.9 ± 1.6 versus 4.7 ± 2.7; mean difference -2.8 [95% CI -3.9 to -1.6]; p < 0.001). After brachial plexus block, the most severe pain score in both groups was reported at 12 hours postoperatively and gradually diminished over time. There was no between-group difference in fentanyl use between those who received dexamethasone and those who did not (21 ± 38 mcg versus 31 ± 29 mcg; mean difference -10 [95% CI -27.4 to 7.4]; p = 0.26). Furthermore, the use of antiemetics did not differ between the groups (27% [eight of 30] versus 37% [11 of 30]; odds ratio 1.6 [95% CI 0.5 to 4.8]; p = 0.41). Baseline and 24-hour postoperative serum blood glucose level did not differ between the groups. However, the immediately postoperative serum blood glucose level was higher in the dexamethasone group than in the nondexamethasone group (121 ± 29 versus 104 ± 20; mean difference 16 [95% CI 3.3 to 28.8]; p = 0.02). The brachial plexus block duration was 3 hours longer (95% CI 0.8 to 5.2 hours) in the dexamethasone group than that in the nondexamethasone group (11 ± 5 hours versus 8 ± 3 hours; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The postoperative pain level in patients who received supplemental dexamethasone in a regional block was not clinically different from that of patients who received conventional brachial plexus block anesthesia when undergoing volar plating for distal radius fractures. However, patients who received a brachial plexus block with dexamethasone experienced slight prolongation of their block and decrease in pain 8 hours after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

The antioxidant effect of preischemic dexmedetomidine in a rat model: increased expression of Nrf2/HO-1 via the PKC pathway

Abstract Background The precise underlying mechanism of antioxidant effects of dexmedetomidine-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia has not yet been fully elucidated. Activation of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) represents a major antioxidant-defense mechanism. Therefore, we determined whether dexmedetomidine increases Nrf2/HO-1 expression after global transient cerebral ischemia and assessed the involvement of Protein Kinase C (PKC) in the dexmedetomidine-related antioxidant mechanism. Methods Thirty-eight rats were randomly assigned to five groups: sham (n = 6), ischemic (n = 8), chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor; 5 mg.kg-1 IV administered 30 min before cerebral ischemia) (n = 8), dexmedetomidine (100 µg.kg-1 IP administered 30 min before cerebral ischemia (n = 8), and dexmedetomidine + chelerythrine (n = 8). Global transient cerebral ischemia (10 min) was applied in all groups, except the sham group; histopathologic changes and levels of nuclear Nrf2 and cytoplasmic HO-1 were examined 24 hours after ischemia insult. Results We found fewer necrotic and apoptotic cells in the dexmedetomidine group relative to the ischemic group (p< 0.01) and significantly higher Nrf2 and HO-1 levels in the dexmedetomidine group than in the ischemic group (p< 0.01). Additionally, chelerythrine co-administration with dexmedetomidine attenuated the dexmedetomidine-induced increases in Nrf2 and HO-1 levels (p< 0.05 and p< 0.01, respectively) and diminished its beneficial neuroprotective effects. Conclusion Preischemic dexmedetomidine administration elicited neuroprotection against global transient cerebral ischemia in rats by increasing Nrf2/HO-1 expression partly via PKC signaling, suggesting that this is the antioxidant mechanism underlying dexmedetomidine-mediated neuroprotection.

Effect of Tulobuterol Patch Versus Placebo on the Occurrence of Respiratory Adverse Events in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomies: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative respiratory adverse events are common in children. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the transdermal ß-2 agonist, tulobuterol, compared with that of placebo on the incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. METHODS: In this triple-blinded (patient, anesthesia provider, and outcome assessor) randomized controlled trial, 188 patients were randomly allocated to receive tulobuterol or a placebo. The tulobuterol groups received a tulobuterol patch (1 mg) masked with a bandage, whereas the placebo only received the bandage. The assigned bandage was applied to the patients 8 to 10 hours before the surgery. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any perioperative respiratory adverse events: oxygen desaturation <95%, airway obstruction, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, severe coughing, or stridor. The outcomes were evaluated using the average relative effect test, which estimates the effect of individual components of a composite outcome and then averages effects across components. RESULTS: A total of 88 and 94 patients who received tulobuterol and placebo, respectively, were analyzed. The incidence of any perioperative respiratory adverse event was lower with tulobuterol (n = 13/88; 14.7%) than that with the placebo (n = 40/94; 42.5%), with an estimated average relative risk (95% confidence interval) across components of 0.35 (0.20-0.60; P < .001). The symptoms of airway obstruction were lower with tulobuterol (n = 8/88; 9.0%) than that with the placebo (n = 32/94; 34.0%), with relative risk (95% CI) of 0.31 (0.17-0.56; P < .001). The occurrence of severe coughing was lower with tulobuterol (n = 1/88; 1.1%) than that with the placebo (n = 8/94; 8.5%), with relative risk (95% CI) of 0.15 (0.03-0.68; P = .014). CONCLUSIONS: In preschool children undergoing tonsillectomy, the preoperative application of a tulobuterol patch could decrease the occurrence of perioperative respiratory adverse events. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of the tulobuterol patch in a broad spectrum of pediatric anesthesia.

The antioxidant effect of preischemic dexmedetomidine in a rat model: increased expression of Nrf2/HO-1 via the PKC pathway.

BACKGROUND: The precise underlying mechanism of antioxidant effects of dexmedetomidine-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia has not yet been fully elucidated. Activation of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) represents a major antioxidant-defense mechanism. Therefore, we determined whether dexmedetomidine increases Nrf2/HO-1 expression after global transient cerebral ischemia and assessed the involvement of Protein Kinase C (PKC) in the dexmedetomidine-related antioxidant mechanism. METHODS: Thirty-eight rats were randomly assigned to five groups: sham (n...=...6), ischemic (n...=...8), chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor; 5...mg.kg-1 IV administered 30...min before cerebral ischemia) (n...=...8), dexmedetomidine (100.....g.kg-1 IP administered 30...min before cerebral ischemia (n...=...8), and dexmedetomidine...+...chelerythrine (n...=...8). Global transient cerebral ischemia (10...min) was applied in all groups, except the sham group; histopathologic changes and levels of nuclear Nrf2 and cytoplasmic HO-1 were examined 24...hours after ischemia insult. RESULTS: We found fewer necrotic and apoptotic cells in the dexmedetomidine group relative to the ischemic group (p...<...0.01) and significantly higher Nrf2 and HO-1 levels in the dexmedetomidine group than in the ischemic group (p...<...0.01). Additionally, chelerythrine co-administration with dexmedetomidine attenuated the dexmedetomidine-induced increases in Nrf2 and HO-1 levels (p...<...0.05 and p...<...0.01, respectively) and diminished its beneficial neuroprotective effects. CONCLUSION: Preischemic dexmedetomidine administration elicited neuroprotection against global transient cerebral ischemia in rats by increasing Nrf2/HO-1 expression partly via PKC signaling, suggesting that this is the antioxidant mechanism underlying dexmedetomidine-mediated neuroprotection.

A nationwide survey on the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and respiratory disease in South Korea.

Background: This study aimed to explore individual prevalence of respiratory symptoms and to describe the Korean population's treatment approaches, preventive health behaviors, and mental health conditions during the pandemic. Methods: We analyzed responses from an online nationwide survey, conducted between February 2021 to May 2021, about people's experiences during the pandemic. Statistical analysis was also performed to see if there were any significant differences in treatment and prevention strategies between different groups of respondents (between those had respiratory symptoms, compared with those who did not, and between those tested positive for COVID-19, compared with those who did not). Results: A total of 2,177 survey respondents completed the survey and, of these, only 142 had experienced symptoms. The most frequently reported respiratory infections related symptoms were runny or blocked nose (47.6%), cough (45.5%), fever (44.1%), sore throat (42.0%), and fatigue (30.1%). More than half of the respondents (53.1%) used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches as means of preventive measures. In terms of preventive behaviors, the more emphasized behaviors were mask-wearing (58.9%) and hand-washing after coming home (42.7%). The majority of the respondents (64.9%) did not show signs of mental health issues. Conclusion: In South Korea, conventional medicine was mainly used for COVID-19 treatment whereas CAM was commonly used as preventive measures. COVID-19 was also found to have less impact on the general population's mental health. The findings of this study may shed light on how the pandemic impacted the general population.

Effects of ramosetron orally disintegrating tablets on the prophylaxis of post-discharge nausea and/or vomiting in female patients undergoing day surgery under general anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of ramosetron orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) in preventing post-discharge nausea and/or vomiting (PDNV) in female patients following outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. METHODS: This multicenter randomized study included three South Korean tertiary hospitals. Before surgery, 138 patients were randomly allocated into two groups. In the ramosetron group, ramosetron ODT 0.1 mg was administered after discharge in the morning of postoperative days 1 and 2. Metoclopramide 10 mg was administered as a rescue antiemetic (capped at 30 mg per day). In the control group, patients were administered only metoclopramide 10 mg when nausea and/or vomiting occurred. The primary outcome was the incidence of nausea during 24 h after discharge. RESULTS: We found significant differences in the incidence (13% vs. 33%, P = 0.008) and severity (P = 0.011) of nausea between the ramosetron and the control groups during 24 h after discharge. In addition, the rate of rescue antiemetic (metoclopramide) administration during 24 h after discharge was lower in the ramosetron group (6%) than in the control group (18%) (P = 0.033). Patient satisfaction score was higher in the ramosetron group than in the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ramosetron ODT reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea after discharge during the first 24 h and may be a valuable option for the prevention of PDNV in female patients after day surgery under general anesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04297293 . Registered on 05 March 2020.

The effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block on pulmonary function in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) is commonly used for postoperative pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, few studies have analyzed its effect on pulmonary function. The goal of this study was to elucidate the effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB on pulmonary function preservation and analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: We enrolled 58 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Among them, 53 were randomized to group T (n = 27) and group C (n = 26). Group T and group C received ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB with 40 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine and 40 ml of 0.9% normal saline, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) consumption, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and modified Borg scale scores were measured until 24 h post-surgery. RESULTS: The VAS scores were significantly lower in group T than in group C at 1 and 8 h after the surgery. PCA consumption was significantly lower in group T than in group C at all postoperative time points. FEV1, PEF, and FEV1/FVC were more preserved in group T than in group C at 1 h. Group T had significantly lower modified Borg scale scores than did group C at 1 and 8 h. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided TAPB is effective in pulmonary function preservation and pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Therefore, it could be a great option for multimodal analgesia, preservation of pulmonary function, prevention of pulmonary complications including atelectasis, and promotion of postoperative recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: This study was enrolled in the Clinical Research Information Service (Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0004435, Hwa Yong Shin, 2019-08-19).

Diagnosis and treatment of nerve injury following venipuncture - A report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Venipuncture is one of the one of the most commonly performed, minimally-invasive procedures; however, it may lead to peripheral nerve injury. Here, we describe the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of two self-reported cases of nerve injury during venipuncture with the aim of drawing attention to possible needle-related nerve injuries. CASE: Two anesthesiologists in our hospital experienced an injury of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous branch of the musculocutaneous nerve during venipuncture. Immediately, they underwent ultrasound examinations and nerve blocks with oral medication, resulting in full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is important for the early and confirmative diagnosis of a nerve injury during venipuncture, and for immediate treatment with a nerve block. Moreover, it is imperative for both the practitioner and the patient to be aware of the possible complication of nerve injury after venipuncture.

Neonatal outcomes between discordant monochorionic and dichorionic twins.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare obstetrical complications and neonatal outcomes between monochorionic and dichorionic discordant twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We enrolled 296 patients with twin pregnancy who delivered at Busan Paik Hospital between January 2014 and December 2017. The prevalence of obstetrical complications, neonatal mortality between monochorionic and dichorionic twins was compared. We also investigated whether there is a difference in neonatal outcome and neonatal morbidity between monochorionic discordant twins without monochorionic-specific complications and dichorionic discordant twins. RESULTS: The risk of fetal death in utero (13.2 versus 5.2%, p = .025) and inter twin birth weight discordance (35.1 versus 20.8%, p = .031) is increased in monochorionic twins than in dichorionic twins. However, no difference was noted in obstetrical complication and neonatal mortality and morbidity between two groups. Among twin pregnancies with intertwin birth weight discordance, after excluding fetal death in utero and monochorionic specific complication, there was no difference in obstetrical complication and neonatal mortality and morbidity according to chorionicity. There was no difference in neonatal morbidity between monochorionic twins and dichorionic twins when comparing larger neonates and smaller neonates of each group. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of birth weight discordance is higher in monochorionic twin but no significant difference was observed in maternal outcomes, neonatal mortality and morbidity between noncomplicated monochorionic and dichorionic discordant twins.

Placental Pathologic Changes Associated with Fetal Growth Restriction and Consequent Neonatal Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pathological changes of the placenta to determine the mechanism underlying placenta-derived fetal growth restriction (FGR) and investigate its influence on neonatal outcomes. Study design: This retrospective case-control study included 120 singleton pregnancies with FGR as well as 120 gestational age-matched controls. We compared the placental pathological findings and neonatal outcomes according to the presence of placental malperfusion. Results: The FGR group demonstrated lower placental weight (350.8 ± 118.8 vs. 436.1 ± 109.7g, P < .0001), smaller chorionic plate area (157.7 ± 48.0 vs. 201.5 ± 53.4 cm2, P < .0001), and higher rate of villous change lesions (84.2% vs. 52.5%, P < .0001) than the control group. FGR neonates with placental malperfusion had a higher rate of adverse neonatal outcomes (87.1% vs. 63.2%, P = .0175). Conclusion: Small placentas and placental malperfusion reflected in villous changes are associated with FGR. FGR neonates with placental malperfusion are more susceptible to adverse neonatal outcomes.

Relationship between Surgery under General Anesthesia and the Development of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between exposure to general anesthesia and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia by reviewing and integrating the evidence from epidemiological studies published to date. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar to identify all relevant articles up to April 2018 reporting the risk of AD/dementia following exposure to general anesthesia and finally updated in February 2020. We included patients older than 60 or 65 years who had not been diagnosed with dementia or AD before the study period. The overall pooled effect size (ES) was evaluated with a random-effect model. Subgroup analyses were conducted and possibility of publication bias was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies with 412253 patients were included in our analysis. A statistically significant positive association between exposure to general anesthesia and the occurrence of AD was detected in the overall analysis (pooled ES = 1.11, 95%confidence interval = 1.07-1.15), but with substantial heterogeneity (p χ 2 < 0.001, I 2 = 79.4). Although the overall analysis revealed a significant association, the results of the subgroup analyses were inconsistent, and the possibility of publication bias was detected. CONCLUSION: s. This meta-analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between general anesthesia and AD. However, considering other results, our meta-analysis must be interpreted with caution. Particularly, it should be considered that it was nearly impossible to discriminate the influence of general anesthesia from the effect of surgery itself on the development of AD. Further, large-scale studies devised to reduce the risk of bias are needed to elucidate the evidence of association between general anesthesia and AD. Trial registration. PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews CRD42017073790.

Data for oropharyngeal leak pressure, peak inspiratory pressure, and gastric tube insertion success rate of supraglottic airway devices in laparoscopic surgeries (A network meta-analysis dataset).

This article presents dataset of network meta-analysis (NMA) and systemic review, entitled, Comparison of supraglottic airway devices in laparoscopic surgeries: A network meta-analysis Yoon SW et al., 2019. The data tables demonstrate numeric values for endpoints: oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) before and after pneumoperitoneum, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) before and after pneumoperitoneum, and gastric tube insertion success rate for each supraglottic airway device (SAD). All relevant randomized controlled trials published up to 31 March 2018 were collected from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar databases. 26 studies with a total of 2142 patients that included eight different SADs were included. The data described in this article are available as a supplementary file.

The first case of vaginal angiomatoid Spitz nevus causing vaginal bleeding.

Angiomatoid Spitz nevus is a variant of melanocytic nevus with prominent vasculature. Due to its pathologic features, angiomatoid Spitz nevus in the vaginal wall is extremely rare. A 42-year-old woman presented to the hospital with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Vaginal examination revealed a 2×2-cm well-demarcated tumor on the posterior wall of the vagina. The mass was successfully removed by complete excision and was diagnosed as angiomatoid Spitz nevus on pathologic examination. We present the first reported case of vaginal angiomatoid Spitz nevus, which caused vaginal bleeding. Although angiomatoid Spitz nevus has many histopathological similarities with malignant melanoma, precise histopathological diagnosis is important for preventing overtreatment.

A comparison of 2 intravenous patient-controlled analgesia modes after spinal fusion surgery: Constant-rate background infusion versus variable-rate feedback infusion, a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Conventional intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), which usually involves constant-rate background infusion plus demand dosing, may cause adverse effects or insufficient analgesia. When variable-rate feedback infusion plus demand dosing mode is used, the infusion rate can be changed according to the patient's needs. METHODS: In this prospective randomized double-blind study, 78 adults who were undergoing spinal fusion surgery were randomly allocated to either the constant-rate background infusion plus demand dosing group (group C) or the variable-rate feedback infusion plus demand dosing group (group V). The number of demands, volume delivered, numerical rating scale (NRS) score, adverse effects and the use of rescue analgesics were examined at 30 minutes after the operation in the post-anesthesia care unit, and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. RESULTS: The number of demands was significantly lower in group V than in group C at 12-24 hours (4.59 ±â€Š4.31 vs 9.21 ±â€Š6.79 times, P = .001) and over the total period. The volume delivered via PCA was significantly lower in group V than in group C at 12 to 24 hours (13.96 ±â€Š13.45 vs 21.19 ±â€Š8.66 mL, P = .006), 24 to 48 hours (13.39 ±â€Š12.44 vs 33.6 ±â€Š12.49 mL, P = .000), and over the total period. NRS scores, administration of rescue analgesics, and postoperative nausea and vomiting showed no between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: Variable-rate feedback infusion plus the demand dosing mode can control postoperative pain more efficiently, with lower dosages of analgesics, than constant-rate background infusion plus demand dosing in patients who undergo spinal fusion surgery.

Comparison of supraglottic airway devices in laparoscopic surgeries: A network meta-analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To review all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on supraglottic airway devices (SADs) used in laparoscopy and compare their oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) before and after pneumoperitoneum, and success rate of gastric tube insertion rate. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs. SETTING: Laparoscopic surgeries using SADs. PATIENTS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases to detect all relevant RCTs on SADs for laparoscopic surgery published until March 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Use of different SADs. MEASUREMENTS: The primary endpoint was OLP before and after pneumoperitoneum. The secondary endpoints were PIP before and after pneumoperitoneum and gastric tube insertion success rate. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-six studies involving 2142 patients with eight different SADs were evaluated. According to surface under the cumulative ranking curve value, the OLP before pneumoperitoneum was the highest in Ambu AuraGain (95.7%), followed by Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal (77.3%) and Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (75.6%); after pneumoperitoneum, the pressure was the highest in i-gel (95.8%). PIP was the highest in Ambu AuraGain (80.9%) before pneumoperitoneum and i-gel (69.4%) after pneumoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Although all SADs available were not evaluated, and further studies are needed to establish our results, OLP was the highest in Ambu AuraGain before pneumoperitoneum and i-gel after pneumoperitoneum.

Vasopressors for the management of maternal hypotension during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: A Systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is the standard technique for elective cesarean section, but the incidence of maternal hypotension in this setting is reportedly about 80%, without any prophylactic management. Vasopressors are the most reliable method for counteracting the hypotension induced by spinal anesthesia. However, studies investigating the effects of vasopressors have yielded inconsistent and debatable results. Therefore, we plan to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis to identify the most effective vasopressor to prevent maternal hypotension, and to decrease fetal acidosis in women undergoing spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section. METHODS: A systematic and comprehensive search to detect all the randomized controlled studies on vasopressors for the management of maternal hypotension during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia will be performed using information in the databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar, beginning from their inception to October 2018. We will conduct a network meta-analysis to combine the direct and indirect comparisons of the vasopressors. We will use the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values and rankograms to present the hierarchy of vasopressors. A comparison-adjusted funnel plot will be used to assess the presence of small-study effects. The quality of the studies included will be assessed using the risk of bias tool. All statistical analyses will be performed using Stata SE version 15.0. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Ethical approval and informed consent are not required, as the study will be a literature review and will not involve direct contact with patients or alterations to patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The protocol for this review has been registered in the PROSPERO network (registration number: CRD42018111852).

Myoclonic movement after general anesthesia: A case report and review of the literature.

RATIONALE: Myoclonic movement is a rare side effect after general anesthesia. Since we use various intravenous agents during general anesthesia recently, it is troublesome to find out the exact cause of this neurologic complication. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 31-year-old female patient without any past medical history underwent hip arthroscopic surgery under general anesthesia. DIAGNOSES: Although there was no specific event during the operation, she showed a sudden myoclonic movement confined to left upper extremity in recovery room. INTERVENTIONS: We administered anticonvulsant agents intrvenously, the myoclonus was stopped shortly but recurred over again. As we stopped the patient-controlled analgesia due to nausea, the symptom halted. OUTCOMES: There was no significant abnormality in electroencephalography or brain diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, which was taken after the event. LESSONS: Clinicians should carefully consider the pharmacologic characteristics and neurologic adverse effects of all administered agents when myoclonus occurs after general anesthesia.