Single and double injection paravertebral block comparison in reduction mammaplasty cases: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: This study compares the analgesic effects and dermatomal blockade distributions of single and double injection bilateral thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) techniques in patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty. METHODS: After obtaining ethics committee approval, 60 patients scheduled for bilateral reduction mammaplasty were included in the study. Preoperatively, the patients received one of single (Group S: T3-T4) or double (Group D: T2-T3 & T4-T5) injection bilateral TPVBs using bupivacaine 0.375% 20 ml per side. All patients were operated under general anesthesia. The T3-T6 dermatomal blockade distributions on the midclavicular line were followed by pin-prick test for 30 min preoperatively and 48 h postoperatively. All patients received paracetamol 1 g when numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score was ≥ 4, and also tramadol 1 mg/kg when NRS was ≥ 4 again after 1 h. The primary endpoint was NRS pain scores at postoperative 12th h. The secondary endpoints were dermatomal blockade distributions and NRS scores through the postoperative first 48 h, time until first pain and the analgesic consumption on days 1 and 2. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients completed the study. The NRS pain scores at 12th h were similar (right side: P = 0.100, left side: P = 0.096). The remaining NRS scores and other parameters were also comparable within the groups (P ≥ 0.05). Only single injection TPVB application time was shorter (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The single injection TPVB technique provided sufficient dermatomal distribution and analgesic efficacy with the advantages of being faster and less invasive.

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.

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 .

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Sensorial Duration in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. Recovery from peripheral nerve blocks in diabetic patients with neuropathy may be delayed because of axonal degeneration and segmental demyelination. The aim of this study is to compare the infraclavicular brachial plexus block durations in patients with and without diabetes mellitus type 2. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 60 patients who were aged 40-80 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists I-IV physical status and scheduled for elbow, forearm, and/or hand surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks. All 30 patients in Group DM (patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 diagnosis) and 29/30 patients in Group NODM (patients without diabetes mellitus diagnosis) completed the study successfully. The sensorial block duration was documented as the primary outcome, and the motor block duration, time-to-first pain, numeric rating scale scores at rest/during mobilization, rescue analgesic use, and total consumed doses through the first 2 postoperative days were all documented as the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Sensorial block duration in Group DM (505 [315-1020] minutes) was longer than in Group NODM (440 [160-780] minutes) (P =.016). Motor block duration was also longer (488.7 ± 153.8 minutes vs 379.2 ± 118.9 minutes; P =.003), and time-to-first pain was prolonged (625 [360-1200] minutes vs 520 [300-900] minutes; P =.004) in Group DM. The highest NRS scores at the 6th hours, 12th hours, and rescue analgesic consumption through the first 2 postoperative days were lower in Group DM (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This infraclavicular brachial plexus block study highlights the current literature on diabetic patients with respect to longer block durations, prolonged time-to-first pain, lower pain scores, and less analgesic consumption.

Quadratus Lumborum Block with Laparoscopic Assisted Catheter Placement Technique in Donor Nephrectomy: A Preliminary Report.

Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a new fascial plane block that may be helpful for laparoscopic surgeries. In this present study, we aim to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of QLB in laparoscopic living related donor nephrectomy (LLRDN) applied continuously via a catheter that was placed under laparoscopic vision by the surgeon. Following the approval of the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty (2019/1552), 9 study (Group QLB) and 26 control (Group M) patients that underwent LLRDN were enrolled in this retrospective study. All donors underwent left nephrectomy via transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. An epidural catheter was placed between the QL and psoas major (PM) fascial plane intraoperatively by the surgeon under laparoscopic direct vision, and bupivacaine 0.25% 20 mL was injected through the catheter. After the operation, for group QLB, we used a continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.1% 7 mL/h over 24 hours. Group M patients received intravenous morphine patient controlled analgesia for 24 hours, postoperatively. Pain scores, total morphine consumption, and complications during the first 24 hours after surgery were recorded. During the first postoperative 24 hours, morphine requirement decreased by more than 70% in Group QLB (Group QLB: 5.11 ± 1.16 mg vs Group M: 16.8 ± 7.1 mg) (P < .0001). Postoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) values at the 45th minute and first hour were both significantly lower in Group QLB than Group M (P < .01). This preliminary report showed that QL catheter placement technique provides good postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing LLRDN. However, further randomized controlled studies with extended patient numbers are required to test the efficacy of the technic.

The changes of endotracheal tube intracuff pressures after ear and head and neck surgery-related positions: a prospective observational study / Alterações na pressão intracuff do tubo endotraqueal após posições cirúrgicas nas cirurgias de orelha e cabeça e pescoço: estudo observacional prospectivo

Abstract Introduction The cuff of an endotracheal tube seals the airway to facilitate positive-pressure ventilation and reduce subglottic secretion aspiration. However, an increase or decrease in endotracheal tube intracuff pressure can lead to many morbidities. Objective The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different head and neck positions on endotracheal tube intracuff pressure during ear and head and neck surgeries. Methods A total of 90 patients undergoing elective right ear (Group 1: n = 30), left ear (Group 2: n = 30) or head and neck (Group 3: n = 30) surgery were involved in the study. A standardized general anesthetic was given and cuffed endotracheal tubes by the assistance of video laryngoscope were placed in all patients. The pilot balloon of each endotracheal tube was connected to the pressure transducer and standard invasive pressure monitoring was set to measure intracuff pressure values continuously. The first intracuff pressure value was adjusted to 18.4 mmHg (25 cm H2O) at supine and neutral neck position. The patients then were given appropriate head and neck positions before related-surgery started. These positions were left rotation, right rotation and extension by under-shoulder pillow with left/right rotation for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The intracuff pressures were measured and noted after each position, at 15th, 30th, 60th, 90th minutes and before the extubation. If intracuff pressure deviated from the targeted value of 20-30 cm H2O at anytime, it was set to 25 cm H2O again. Results The intracuff pressure values were increased from 25 to 26.73 (25-28.61) cm H2O after left neck rotation (p = 0.009) and from 25 to 27.20 (25.52-28.67) cm H2O after right neck rotation (p = 0.012) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. In Group 3, intracuff pressure values at the neutral position, after extension by under-shoulder pillow and left or right rotation were 25, 29.41 (27.02-36.94) and 34.55 (28.43-37.31) cm H2O, respectively. There were significant differences between the neutral position and extension by under-shoulder pillow (p < 0.001), and also between neutral position and rotation after extension (p < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant increase of intracuff pressure between extension by under-shoulder pillow and neck rotation after extension positions (p = 0.033). Conclusion Accessing the continuous intracuff pressure value measurements before and during ear and head and neck surgeries is beneficial to avoid possible adverse effects/complications of surgical position-related pressure changes.

Resumo Introdução O manguito ou cuff de um tubo endotraqueal sela as vias aéreas para facilitar a ventilação com pressão positiva e reduzir a aspiração de secreção subglótica. Entretanto, o aumento ou diminuição da pressão intracuff do tubo endotraqueal pode levar a muitas morbidades. Objetivo Investigar o efeito de diferentes posições da cabeça e pescoço da pressão intracuff do tubo endotraqueal durante cirurgias de orelha e cabeça e pescoço. Método Participaram do estudo 90 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia eletiva na orelha direita (Grupo 1: n = 30), orelha esquerda (Grupo 2: n = 30) ou cabeça e pescoço (Grupo 3: n = 30). Um anestésico geral padronizado foi administrado e o tubo endotraqueal com cuff foi colocado em todos os pacientes através de videolaringoscopia. O balão-piloto de cada tubo endotraqueal foi conectado ao transdutor de pressão e o monitoramento-padrão da pressão invasiva foi estabelecido para medir continuamente os valores da pressão intracuff. O primeiro valor de pressão intracuff foi ajustado para 18,4 mmHg (25 cm H2O) na posição supina e neutra do pescoço. Em seguida, os pacientes foram colocados nas posições cirúrgicas apropriadas de cabeça e pescoço antes do início da cirurgia. Essas posições foram rotação esquerda, rotação direita e extensão por rotação esquerda/direita com almofada sob o ombro, para os grupos 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente. As pressões intracuff s foram medidas e anotadas após cada posição, aos 15, 30, 60, 90 minutos e antes da extubação. Se a pressão intracuff saísse do valor desejado de 20 ~ 30 cm H2O a qualquer momento, ela era definida em 25 cm H2O novamente. Resultados Os valores de pressão intracuff aumentaram de 25 para 26,73 (25-28,61) cm H2O após a rotação do pescoço para a esquerda (p = 0,009) e de 25 a 27,20 (25,52-28,67) cm H2O após rotação do pescoço para a direita (p = 0,012) nos grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente. No Grupo 3, os valores da pressão intracuff na posição neutra, após extensão com almofada sob o ombro e rotação para a esquerda ou direita, foram 25, 29,41 (27,02-36,94) e 34,55 (28,43-37,31) cm H2O, respectivamente. Houve diferenças significativas entre a posição neutra e a extensão com almofada sob o ombro (p < 0,001) e também entre a posição neutra e a rotação após a extensão (p < 0,001). Entretanto, não houve aumento estatisticamente significante da pressão intracuff entre extensão com almofada sob o ombro e rotação do pescoço após as posições de extensão (p = 0,033). Conclusão As medições contínuas do valor da pressão intracuff antes e durante cirurgias de orelha e cabeça e pescoço são benéficas para evitar possíveis efeitos adversos/complicações de alterações de pressão relacionadas à posição cirúrgica.

The changes of endotracheal tube intracuff pressures after ear and head and neck surgery-related positions: a prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The cuff of an endotracheal tube seals the airway to facilitate positive-pressure ventilation and reduce subglottic secretion aspiration. However, an increase or decrease in endotracheal tube intracuff pressure can lead to many morbidities. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different head and neck positions on endotracheal tube intracuff pressure during ear and head and neck surgeries. METHODS: A total of 90 patients undergoing elective right ear (Group 1: n=30), left ear (Group 2: n=30) or head and neck (Group 3: n=30) surgery were involved in the study. A standardized general anesthetic was given and cuffed endotracheal tubes by the assistance of video laryngoscope were placed in all patients. The pilot balloon of each endotracheal tube was connected to the pressure transducer and standard invasive pressure monitoring was set to measure intracuff pressure values continuously. The first intracuff pressure value was adjusted to 18.4mmHg (25cm H2O) at supine and neutral neck position. The patients then were given appropriate head and neck positions before related-surgery started. These positions were left rotation, right rotation and extension by under-shoulder pillow with left/right rotation for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The intracuff pressures were measured and noted after each position, at 15th, 30th, 60th, 90th minutes and before the extubation. If intracuff pressure deviated from the targeted value of 20-30cm H2O at anytime, it was set to 25cm H2O again. RESULTS: The intracuff pressure values were increased from 25 to 26.73 (25-28.61) cm H2O after left neck rotation (p=0.009) and from 25 to 27.20 (25.52-28.67) cm H2O after right neck rotation (p=0.012) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. In Group 3, intracuff pressure values at the neutral position, after extension by under-shoulder pillow and left or right rotation were 25, 29.41 (27.02-36.94) and 34.55 (28.43-37.31) cm H2O, respectively. There were significant differences between the neutral position and extension by under-shoulder pillow (p<0.001), and also between neutral position and rotation after extension (p<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant increase of intracuff pressure between extension by under-shoulder pillow and neck rotation after extension positions (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: Accessing the continuous intracuff pressure value measurements before and during ear and head and neck surgeries is beneficial to avoid possible adverse effects/complications of surgical position-related pressure changes.

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.

Can surgical approach affect postoperative analgesic requirements following laparoscopic nephrectomy: Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal? A prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: We performed this prospective clinical study to compare the postoperative recovery profile of our patients after transperitoneal (Group T) and retroperitoneal (Group R) laparoscopic nephrectomy approaches. Our primary hypothesis was that epidural analgesic consumption in Group R would be higher at the end of the first postoperative day. METHODS: Forty-four patients scheduled for elective transperitoneal or retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies were enrolled. All patients in both groups received epidural catheter and general anesthesia induction. At the end of the operation, patients were given 10 ml 0.25% bupivacaine through epidural catheters and extubated. Postoperatively, patients started to receive a continuous infusion of 0.1% bupivacaine and 1µg/ml fentanyl 5ml/h with patient-controlled boluses of an additional 4ml through a patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) device. They were prescribed IV tramadol 1mg/kg as a rescue analgesic VAS≥4). Total analgesic consumption from PCEA devices and VAS scores during the first 24 postoperative hours were recorded as well as number of patients who required analgesic rescue. RESULTS: Forty patients completed the study, 20 in each group. Total epidural analgesic consumption during the first 12 hours were significantly higher in Group R (p<0.05). Basal, postoperative 30 min, 2, 6 hours VASrest, VASmobilization and 12 h VASmobilization scores, and number of patients who required rescue analgesic at 0, 30 min in Group R were significantly higher than Group T (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy was found to be more painful and patients in this group required more epidural and analgesic rescue during the first 12 postoperative hours. ClinicalStudys.gov: (NCT02622893).

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Axillary Brachial Plexus Block Properties in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 may have subclinical peripheral nerve neuropathy. We performed this study to compare the differences in duration of axillary brachial plexus blocks in patients with type 2 DM and without DM (NODM). Our hypothesis was that the sensory block duration would be prolonged in patients with DM. METHODS: A total of 71 patients who were scheduled for elective forearm and/or hand surgery were enrolled in this study. Before surgery, they received ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blocks with a mixture of 10 mL lidocaine 2% and 20 mL bupivacaine 0.5%. After surgery, all patients received 1 g paracetamol every 6 hours as needed. The primary end point was sensory block duration. Secondary end points were motor block duration, time until first pain (numeric rating scale [NRS] 4 or greater), highest NRS pain scores, and rescue analgesic consumption (NRS 4 or greater) through the first 2 postoperative days. RESULTS: In all, 67 patients completed the study: 22 in the DM group and 45 in the NODM group. Sensory and motor block durations were longer in the DM group than in the NODM group (mean [range], 773.5 [479-1155] vs 375 [113-900] minutes, and 523 [205-955] vs 300 [110-680] minutes). Time until first pain was 855 (590-1,285) minutes in the DM group and 500 (200-990) minutes in the NODM group. The highest NRS scores were also significantly lower in the DM group at 6 and 12 hours. Paracetamol consumption was lower in the DM group through the first 2 postoperative days. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of DM was associated with longer duration of the sensory block after axillary brachial plexus block. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Bipolar versus monopolar resection of benign prostate hyperplasia: a comparison of plasma electrolytes, hemoglobin and TUR syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar and monopolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) are both widely used for surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Systemic absorption of irrigation fluids during TURP operations leads to variations in blood chemistry. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to compare two different surgical techniques and the systemic effects of irrigation solutions (5 % mannitol vs. 0.9 % sodium chloride) under standardized anesthesia care. METHODS: Fifty-two patients who were scheduled for elective TURP were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups; the group M; 5 % mannitol was used for irrigation and the group B; 0.9 % sodium chloride was used for irrigation. Spinal anesthesia was performed to all patients. The patients' demographics, prostate volumes, hemodynamic parameters, volumes of irrigation, and IV fluids were recorded. Serum electrolytes (Na+, K+) and hemoglobin (Hb) were analyzed in blood samples taken before the operation (control), at the 45th min of the operation (1st measurement), and 1 h after the end of the surgery (2nd measurement) and recorded. RESULTS: The Na+ value of group M was significantly lower in both the 1st and 2nd measurements compared with the control value (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Na+ values of group M were also significantly lower than group B in both the 1st and 2nd measurements (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). The change in Na+ levels was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001) in group M, whereas the intergroup changes were not statistically significant in group B. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that bipolar resection coupled with 0.9 % sodium chloride has minimal effects on serum sodium levels compared with monopolar resection. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02681471.

Critical Incident Reporting System in Teaching Hospitals in Turkey: A Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: Critical incident reporting systems (CIRS) and morbidity-mortality meetings (MMMs) offer the advantages of identifying potential risks in patients. They are key tools in improving patient safety in healthcare systems by modifying the attitudes of clinicians, nurses and staff (human error) and also the system (human and/or technical error) according to the analysis and the results of incidents. METHODS: One anaesthetist assigned to an administrative and/or teaching position from all university hospitals (UHs) and training and research hospitals (TRHs) of Turkey (n=114) was contacted. In this survey study, we analysed the facilities of anaesthetists in Turkish UHs and TRHs with respect to CIRS and MMMs and also the anaesthetists' knowledge, experience and attitudes regarding CIs. RESULTS: Anaesthetists from 81 of 114 teaching hospitals replied to our survey. Although 96.3% of anaesthetists indicated CI reporting as a necessity, only 37% of departments/hospitals were reported to have CIRS. True definition of CI as "an unexpected /accidental event" was achieved by 23.3% of anaesthetists with CIRS. MMMs were reported in 60.5% of hospitals. Nevertheless, 96% of anaesthetists believe that CIRS and MMMs decrease the incidence of CI occurring. CI occurrence was attributed to human error as 4 [1-5]/10 and 3 [1-5]/10 in UHs and TRHs, respectively (p=0.005). In both hospital types, technical errors were evaluated as 3 [1-5]/10 (p=0.498). CONCLUSION: This first study regarding CIRS in the Turkish anaesthesia departments/hospitals highlights the lack of CI knowledge and CIRS awareness and use in anaesthesia departments/teaching hospitals in Turkey despite a safety reporting system set up by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Ultrasound-guided psoas compartment block and general anesthesia for arthroscopic knee surgery: a case report.

Anesthetizing the lumbar plexus at its origin facilitates a more "complete" psoas compartment block compared to peripheral approaches. It is usually performed using surface anatomical landmarks, and the site for local anesthetic injection is confirmed by observing quadriceps muscle contraction to peripheral nerve stimulation. Ultrasound may provide guidance alone or together with the aid of nerve stimulation during nerve blocks. We present a 48-year-old male patient, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II, who refused spinal anesthesia, and underwent knee arthroscopy with ultrasound-guided psoas compartment block and general anesthesia. Following the standard monitoring and lateral decubitus positioning, the vertebral body, psoas, erector spinae, and quadratus lumborum muscles and hyperechoic nerve roots of the patient were visualized at the level of L4-5 with curvilinear ultrasound probe. The needle was inserted with ultrasound guidance, and correct tip position was confirmed with quadriceps contraction. Then, the mixture of 30 mL local anesthetic (10 mL 2% lidocaine and 20 ml 5% levobupivacaine) was injected at the estimated position of the lumbar plexus (junction of the posterior third and anterior two-thirds of the psoas muscle). He also received general anesthesia for the surgery. Anesthesia and surgical procedures were completed successfully without any additional anesthetic/analgesic requirement or complication. The postoperative period was pain-free both at rest and during mobilization for 24 hours. This case report shows that ultrasound-guided psoas compartment block is feasible and efficient for peri- and postoperative analgesia during knee arthroscopy.

Continuous interscalene block in patients having outpatient rotator cuff repair surgery: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: We performed this randomized trial to compare the recovery profile of patients receiving single injection (SISB) and continuous interscalene brachial plexus block (CISB) or general anesthesia (GA) for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery through the first postoperative week. Our primary hypothesis was that the highest pain numeric rating scale (NRS) (worst pain score) at the end of the study week would be lower for patients in the CISB group than for patients in the SISB or GA groups. METHODS: Seventy-one patients scheduled for elective outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were enrolled. CISB patients received 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine as a bolus through a catheter, whereas SISB patients received the same injection volume through a needle. CISB patients received an infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 5 mL/h with a patient-controlled bolus of 5 mL hourly for 48 hours. GA-only patients received a standardized general anesthetic. Postoperative highest NRS pain scores through the first postoperative week, time-to-first pain, analgesic consumption, fast-tracked postoperative anesthesia care unit (PACU) bypass rate, length of PACU stay, time-to-discharge home, total hours of sleep, and related adverse effects were recorded in the PACU and at home on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 7. RESULTS: No patient in the CISB or SISB groups reported a NRS ≥1 or required analgesics while in the PACU. While most patients in the CISB and SISB groups were fast-tracked to PACU discharge, no patient in the GA group was fast-tracked (Χ P = 0.003). Length of stay in the PACU was significantly shorter for the CISB and SISB groups than for the GA group (20 ± 31, 30 ± 42, and 165 ± 118 minutes, respectively (CISB vs GA, P < 0.001; SISB vs GA, P <0.001), and time-to-discharge home was significantly shorter when compared with the GA group. Time to first pain report was longer in the CISB group. Mean NRS scores were lower for patients in the CISB group than in the SISB and GA groups on postoperative days 1 and 2, and use of narcotics (doses ≥1) was lower until postoperative day 3. Patients who received CISB slept significantly longer than patients who received SISB or GA (P < 0.01) during the first 48 hours postoperatively. By the end of the study week, 26% of patients in the CISB group, 83% in the SISB group, and 58% of GA patients reported NRS ≥4 (both P-values ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The analgesic benefits of CISB found in the PACU and immediately after discharge extend through the intermediate recovery period ending on postoperative day 7.

Case report: ultrasound-guided continuous thoracic paravertebral block for outpatient acute pain management of multilevel unilateral rib fractures.

A 61-year-old man with multiple unilateral rib fractures (T3-T8) gained the ability to breathe deeply and to ambulate after ultrasound-guided continuous thoracic paravertebral block and was discharged home after being observed for 15 hours after the block. The ultrasound guidance was helpful in determining the site of rib fractures and the optimal level for catheter placement. This report also discusses the management of analgesia using continuous paravertebral block in an outpatient with trauma.