Comparative evaluation of pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of Posterior Transversus Abdominis Plane block with Fascia Transversalis Plane Block in adult patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair: A prospective, randomized, single-blind, two-arm parallel study.

Introduction: Abdominal wall blocks, in conjunction with multimodal analgesia, have demonstrated efficacy in providing post-operative analgesia, reducing opioid requirements in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. The inguinal region is primarily innervated by the ilioinguinal nerve (IIN) and iliohypogastric nerve (IIH). Posterior transverse abdominis plane block (pTAP) and fascia transversalis plane block (TFP) have been observed to reliably block IIN and IIH. We hypothesized that posterior TAP block (pTAP) owing to its potential paravertebral spread will provide better post-operative analgesia than TFP block in patients undergoing unilateral open inguinal hernia repair. Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-blind, two-arm parallel study was conducted over a duration of one year for which sixty patients undergoing unilateral open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia were enrolled. They were equally and randomly assigned to receive either preoperative pTAP block or TFP block. The primary aim of the study was to compare median static and dynamic NRS scores during a 24-hour period, with the secondary aim to compare the number of patients who required rescue analgesics in each group. Results: All enrolled patients completed the study. Results showed no statistically significant difference in median static NRS scores between Group pTAP and Group TFP at the designated time of observation during the 24-hour period [1.2 (0.4-1.60 vs. 1 (0.6-1)]. Group pTAP reported a higher median dynamic NRS scores during the 24-hour period [2.6 (1.2-3) v/s 2 (1.6-2.4); P < 0.035], although this difference was clinically insignificant. The mean time to request for the first rescue analgesia was comparable (11.7 h v/s 12 h; P = 0.99). In all the patients of both groups, loss of pinprick and cold touch sensation was observed at T10, T12, and L1 dermatomal levels. However, sensory assessment at T6 and T8 levels showed variability between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In conjunction with background analgesia and the use of dexamethasone as an adjuvant, both blocks (pTAP and TFP) were observed to be equally effective for post-operative pain relief with similar patient satisfaction scores.

Peri-operative management of diabetes mellitus - A survey of current practices among Indian anesthesiologists.

Background and Aims: Increased burden of diabetes in India has resulted in a spurt in the number of patients with diabetes posted for surgeries. The paucity of national guidelines can lead to marked practice variations in the peri-operative management of diabetes. This survey intends to discern current peri-operative practices among anesthesiologists working in medical colleges, tertiary care government, and private health care institutes of the country. Material and Methods: An anonymous online survey comprising of 25 closed-ended questions was conducted using Google Forms® and disseminated through social media, emails, and messaging platforms. The questionnaire dealt primarily with the peri-operative management of diabetes in patients scheduled for elective surgery. The survey was conducted over a period of 1 month and targeted anesthesia resident trainees with more than 1-year experience, senior residents, and consultants working in India. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed between the three types of health facilities with respect to prior evaluation for diabetes (P = 0.007), prioritizing operative list (P = 0.006), hospital encouragement of day care surgery (P < 0.001), glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c) level >8.5 for postponement of surgery (P < 0.05), insulin infusion preference (P < 0.001), hourly intra-operatively capillary blood glucose (CBG) assessment (P = 0.021), and avoiding peri-operative use of Ringer's lactate (RL) (P = 0.025). Conclusion: This survey primarily highlights the lack of prioritizing the operative list, early discontinuation of metformin, and reduced tendency to consider diabetics for day care surgeries.

Evaluation of the GCS-Pupils Score for PrOgnosis in trauMatic brAin injury- The COMA Study.

OBJECTIVES: Glasgow Coma Scale-Pupils (GCS-P) score has been found to be strongly related to in-hospital mortality in retrospective studies. We hypothesized that GCS-P would be better prognosticator than Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: In this prospective, multicentric, observational study, GCS and GCS-P scores were noted in adult TBI patients at ICU admission. Demographic variables, relevant clinical history, clinical/radiological findings and ICU complications were also noted. Extended Glasgow Outcome scale was noted at hospital discharge and at 6 months post-injury. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the odds for poor outcome adjusted for covariates. Sensitivity, specificity, area under curve (AUC) and odds ratio are reported for poor outcome at estimated cutoff point. RESULTS: A total of 573 patients were included in this study. The predictive power for mortality, shown by the AUC, was 0.81 [95% CI: 0.77-0.85] for GCS and 0.81 [95% CI: 0.77-0.86] for GCS-P score, both being comparable. Similarly, the predictive ability for outcome at discharge and 6 months, the AUC-ROC for both GCS and GCS-P were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: GCS-P is a good predictor of mortality and poor outcome. However, the predictive performance of GCS and GCS-P for in-hospital mortality and functional outcome at discharge and at 6 months remains comparable.

Comparison of Airway Ultrasound Indices and Clinical Assessment for the Prediction of Difficult Laryngoscopy in Elective Surgical Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound is evolving as a probable tool in airway assessment. The upper airway is a superficial structure and has sonographically identifiable structures which makes it ideal for evaluation with the ultrasound. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of skin to hyoid and skin to thyrohyoid membrane distance in prediction of difficult laryngoscopy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a prospective observational study included 150 patients aged 18-60 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I and II scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia requiring laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The modified Mallampati score, mouth opening, mentohyoid distance, thyromental distance were noted. Skin to hyoid bone distance and skin to thyrohyoid membrane distance were measured by ultrasound. Patients were clubbed retrospectively into easy and difficult laryngoscopy groups on the basis of Cormack Lehane grading, and the characteristics of both groups were compared. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Independent samples t-test was used to compare the means between difficult and easy laryngoscopy patients. Diagnostic accuracy of the significant (P < 0.05) variables between difficult and easy laryngoscopy patients was calculated using receiver operating characteristics curve in terms of their area under curve. Appropriate cutoff values (with corresponding sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy) were also identified. RESULTS: Out of 150 patients, 13 (8.7%) were identified as difficult laryngoscopy whereas 137 patients (91.3%) were identified as easy laryngoscopy. The demographics of both groups were comparable. Mentohyoid distance, skin to hyoid bone distance, and skin to thyrohyoid distance were statistically different between easy and difficult laryngoscopy patients, with lower mentohyoid distance and higher skin to hyoid bone distance and skin to thyrohyoid distance in difficult laryngoscopy patients. Diagnostic accuracy of the mentohyoid distance (70.3%) was slightly superior to skin to hyoid bone distance (67.1%) and skin to thyrohyoid distance (68.1%). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound measurements of skin to hyoid bone and skin to thyrohyoid membrane distance fail to eclipse clinical parameters in accurately predicting a difficult laryngoscopy.

To Study the Effect of Noninvasive Ventilation on Hemodynamics and Respiratory Parameters in Postoperative CABG Patients.

Background and Aim: Bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) is emerging as a useful modality in prevention as well as the management of postoperative respiratory dysfunction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients who underwent CABG were managed using BIPAP during postoperative period. Acid-base gas parameters, electrolyte levels, respiratory and hemodynamic parameters, and 24 h urine output before and after BIPAP application were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 version. Paired "t"-test was used to compare the changes in different parameters. Results: The mean age of patients was 57.72 ± 9.67 years (range: 36-85 years), majority were males (84%). Mean body mass index and mean left ventricular ejection fraction of patients were 24.26 ± 3.74 kg.m -2 and 52.77 ± 10.26%, respectively. Mean pO2, pCO2, and respiratory rate before BIPAP application were 90.62 ± 12.90 torr, 40.26 ± 5.39 torr, and 25.64 ± 6.21/min, respectively, which became 158.52 ± 50.43 torr, 37.77 ± 6.98 torr, and 21.78 ± 4.79/min, respectively, after BIPAP application, thus showing a significant change (P < 0.05). No significant change in other parameters was observed. No other adverse effect was noted. Conclusion: BIPAP application helped in improving ventilatory parameters without any adverse impact on hemodynamics and other parameters. Its application was a safe method to prevent respiratory disturbances following cardiac surgery.

Ultrasound-Guided Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Hip and Femur Surgeries: A Retrospective Analysis.

CONTEXT: Fractures of femur and hip surgeries pose a challenge because of excruciating pain. Fascia iliaca compartment block is an effective and easily learned procedure to decrease postoperative pain score and dosage of opioid. Many adjuvants are combined with local anesthetics to prolong the postoperative analgesia. AIMS: The aim was to study duration of postoperative analgesia in terms of Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), number of times rescue analgesic used, any adverse effect, and patient satisfaction score. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Operation theatre of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was retrospective study with 203 patients evaluated. Based on the combination of the anesthesia and drugs, study patients were divided into six groups. Pain scores were assessed at 6 hourly intervals for 24 h. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Kruskal-Wallis H-test used to compare NRS as well as age and duration of anesthesia. Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test used to compare the proportions. RESULTS: Postoperative analgesia was comparable and insignificant (P > 0.05) at 0, 6, 12 h in all six groups. Better postoperative analgesia was observed with dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvant at 18 h, dexmedetomidine as adjuvant in comparison to dexamethasone as adjuvant at 24 h. Rescue analgesia in postoperative period was required maximum in plain bupivacaine. Satisfaction levels were good and excellent in dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvant. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine provides longer duration, good quality postoperative analgesia, reduced requirement for rescue analgesic, lesser postoperative nausea and vomiting, and better satisfaction levels.

Comparative Evaluation of Sevoflurane, Propofol, and Combination of Sevoflurane and Propofol on Insertion Characteristics of Reusable Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Adequate depth of anaesthesia is needed for successful placement LMA. under lighter plane of anaesthesia inadequate mouth opening,coughing,body movements can lead to rejection of LMA and may be associated with breath holding and bronchospasm. Use of propofol in doses which allow adequqate jaw relaxation and prevent patient reaction to LMA commonly results in hypotension and prolonged apnoea. Apart from minimal respiratory irritant properties sevoflurane as compared to propofol has the advantage of providing better hemodynamic stability and a smoother transition to the maintainance phase without a period of apnea. However sevoflurane is associated with delayed jaw relaxation and a longer time for the insertion of the LMA.Our hypothesis is that induction of anaesthesia with the combination of sevoflurane and small dose of propofol may optimize the insertion conditions of LMA and decrease the side effects of individual drugs. METHODS: 90 patients aged 18-65 yrs ASA physical status I and II undergoing elective procedures were randomly allocated into 3 groups of 30 patients each. No patient had been given any premedication. Patients in group P were induced with iv inj propofol 3 mg/kg. Patients in group S an SP were induced with tidal volume breathing induction technique using sevoflurane 8% along withN20: 02: 67:33 @ 6L/MIN In addition, in group SP after loss of eye lash reflex patients were given IV propofol 1.5 mg/kg. An independent observer assessed insertion characteristics. RESULTS: our results showed that induction of anesthesia using the combination of sevoflurane and propofol resulted in the most frequent successful LMA insertion at first attempt as compared with induction of anesthesia with either sevoflurane or propofol alone.

Comparative Evaluation of Three Different Doses of Spinal Isobaric Ropivacaine in Patients Undergoing Day Care Perineal Surgeries: A Randomized Double-blind Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ropivacaine owing to its propensity of causing motor blockade of reduced duration, is preferred for ambulatory day care surgery. Intrathecal ropivacaine has shown effective analgesia for lower limb surgery. Our study plans to evaluate spinal ropivacaine in three different doses in patients undergoing day care perineal surgery. METHODOLGY: 90 ASA-I patients scheduled to undergo day care perineal surgery were randomized to receive intrathecal ropivacaine. Group I (n=30) received 15mg of intrathecal ropivacaine, Group II (n=30) received 18.75 mg of intrathecal ropivacaine and Group III (n=30) received 22.5 mg of intrathecal ropivacaine. Onset of sensory block at T 10, peak sensory block level, duration of sensory block, onset and duration of motor block and relevant safety data were recorded. RESULT: Onset of analgesia was significantly shorter in Group III (3.5 min ; P <0.0001). However, time taken for peak sensory blockade was comparable in group II and III (12.76 and 11.93 mins). Duration of analgesia was longer and statistically significant in Group III (201.6 mins: P <0.0001) when compared to Group I and II. Onset of motor block was observed to be shortest in Group III (6.7 mins) and duration of motor block was longest in Group III (153.73 mins). These two parameters were statistically significant than Group I and II (P <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Intrathecal ropivacaine in a dose of 18.75 and 22.5 mg were observed to be equally effective in providing satisfactory analgesia. However, higher dose was associated with profound sensory and motor block.

Paediatric VIPoma: A Jamboree of Electrolytes.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide secreting tumour (VIPoma) is a rare type of neuroendocrine tumour (NET), primarily located in the tail of pancreas. This type of tumour presents with myriad of metabolic and electrolyte misbalances in the preoperative period, mainly due to increased vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels. Perioperative management of patients with VIPoma is challenging, especially when dealing with paediatric patients. The anaesthetic management of a two-year-old girl who was selected for VIPoma resection is hereby presented.

Ultrasound guided internal jugular vein cannulation in infants: Comparative evaluation of novel modified short axis out of plane approach with conventional short axis out of plane approach.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Central venous cannulation (CVC) through right internal jugular vein (IJV) route is routinely performed in paediatric patients undergoing major surgery and in those admitted to intensive care units. A novel technique (modified short-axis out-of-plane [MSA-OOP]) to improve first pass success rate of ultrasound-guided IJV CVC in neonates and infants is being compared with conventional SA-OOP method. METHODS: A total of 120 patients were enroled in the study over a period of 6 months. All paediatric patients with age <1 year and weight <10 kg who underwent a major surgery requiring CVC were included. Patients were randomised to either of the two approaches of ultrasound-guided IJV cannulation; SA-OOP and modified SA-OOP (MSA-OOP). In modified approach, the midline of probe footprint was marked with a radio-opaque barium wire that casted a central acoustic shadow on ultrasound screen. RESULTS: In MSA-OOP group, 83.1% of patients were cannulated in the first attempt as compared to 49.2% patients in group SA-OOP. Patients in MSA-OOP group required significantly fewer attempts for successful CVC as compared to patients in the SA-OOP group ( MSA-OOP: median = 1, interquartile range [1-1]; SAOOP: median = 2, interquartile range [1-2], P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test). CONCLUSION: The use of MSA-OOP ultrasound technique for IJV CVC cannulation results in a higher first-attempt success rate and reduces the number of cannulation attempts.