Postoperative pulmonary complications in awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: Our 10-year experience.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery on postoperative pulmonary complications among patients with different risk scores using the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT). Methods: Between January 2011 and August 2021, a total of 246 patients (158 males, 88 females; mean age: 59.1±13.6 years; range, 25 to 84 years) who underwent awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were retrospectively analyzed. According to the ARISCAT scores, the patients with low and intermediate scores were included in Group L (n=173), while those with high scores (n=73) were included in Group H. Sedation protocol consisted of the combination of midazolam and fentanyl with propofol infusion, if necessary. Oxygen was delivered via face mask or nasal canula (2 to 5 L/min) maintaining an oxygen saturation of >95%, and analgesia was achieved with intercostal nerve block. Demographics, operative, and postoperative data of the patients, and pulmonary complications were evaluated. Results: Demographics, operative, and postoperative data were similar between the groups. Postoperative pulmonary complications were observed in 20 (27%) patients in Group H and 29 (17%) patients in Group L without statistically significant difference (p=0.056). Surgical approaches consisted of pleural procedures (n=194) and pulmonary resection (n=52). The incidence of pulmonary complications was significantly higher in the pulmonary resection compared to non-pulmonary procedures (p=0.027). Conclusion: Awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery seems to be beneficial in reducing the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in high-risk patients as assessed with the ARISCAT.

The Effect of Anaesthesia Management with Different Fresh Gas Flows on Cognitive Functions of Geriatric Patients: A Randomized Double-blind Study.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effects of two different fresh gas flows (FGFs) (0.5 L min-1 and 2 L min-1) applied during maintenance of anaesthesia on recovery from anaesthesia and early cognitive functions in geriatric patients. Methods: In this prospective, randomised, double-blind study, sixty patients were divided into two groups according to the amount of FGF. Minimal-flow anaesthesia (0.5 L min-1 FGF) was applied to group I and medium-flow anaesthesia (2 L min-1 FGF) was applied to group II during maintenance of anaesthesia. Following the termination of inhalation anaesthesia, recovery times were recorded. The evaluation of cognitive functions was performed using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-R). Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics and recovery (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the preoperative day, the first postoperative day, and the third postoperative day; ACE-R scores (P > 0.05). In group II, on the third postoperative day ACE-R scores were found to be significantly lower than the preoperative ACE-R scores (P=0.04). In group II, third postoperative day ACE-R memory sub-scores (14.53 ± 3.34) were found to be significantly lower than preoperative ACE-R memory sub-scores (15.03 ± 3.57) (P=0.04). Conclusion: In geriatric patients, minimal-flow anaesthesia was not superior to medium-flow anaesthesia in terms of recovery properties and cognitive functions. Keeping in mind that hypoxaemia and changes in anaesthesia levels may occur with the reduction of FGF, both minimal- and medium-flow anaesthesia can be applied with appropriate monitoring without adverse effects on recovery and cognitive functions.

Magnesium and dexmedetomidine combination reduces sodium nitroprusside requirement in laparoscopic pheochromocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia management of pheochromocytoma excision surgery is associated with severe hemodynamic fluctuations. The objective of this study is to compare the number of hypertensive crisis requiring sodium nitroprusside (SNP) administration between the groups treated with magnesium (Mg)-dexmedetomidine (Dex) and conventional group in pheochromocytoma. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent pheochromocytoma surgery between 2011 and 2020. Patients were examined into two groups: 1-Conventional group (GC) included patients who were operated between 2011 and 2015 under standard anesthesia care and who did not receive perioperative additional medication. 2- Mg-Dex therapy group (GMD) comprised the patients who were operated between 2015 and 2020 and who had received 300 mg Mg per oral daily 1 week before the surgery and Mg-Dex infusion intraoperatively. Blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and SNP requirement were recorded throughout surgery as well as demographics and operative data. Hypertensive crisis was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) >180 mmHg, and tachycardia was defined as HR >110 bpm. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients' data were analyzed from 108 patients' documentary. (38 in GC, 40 in GMD) SNP requirement was significantly higher in GC (39.5%) comparing GMD (7.5%) (p=0.001). SBPs during tumor manipulation period were statistically higher in GC than in GMD at 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, and 35th min. HR values were significantly higher in GC compared to GMD at 10th and 15th min of tumor manipulation period (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination of Mg-Dex seems to be an alternative therapy for reducing vasodilator requirement in perioperative management of pheochromocytoma.

Paravertebral block versus erector spinae plane block for analgesia in modified radical mastectomy: a randomized, prospective, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Pain control after breast surgery is crucial and supported with regional techniques. Paravertebral block (TPVB) is shown to be effective in postoperative pain management. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is assumed to have a similar analgesic effect as an easier and safer block. Our aim was to compare TPVB and ESPB for modified radical mastectomy (MRM) in terms of analgesic efficiency and dermatomal spread. METHODS: Patients were randomized into Group E (ESPB) and Group P (TPVB). Total 83 patients completed study 42 in Group E and 41 in Group P. Blocks were performed under ultrasonography with 20 mL 0.375% bupivacaine at T4 prior to surgery. T1-10 dermatomal block was examined via pin-prick sensation on the midaxillary and midclavicular lines. Primary outcome was 24-hour morphine consumption. Dermatomal coverage, postoperative 0th minute, 30th minute, 1st, 4th, 6th, 12th and 24th hours pain scores, rescue analgesia requirement and adverse events were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Morphine consumption was lower in Group P (19.2±2.9 vs. 21±3.1, P=0.007; mean difference 1.8 mg, 95%CI=0.48-3.1 mg). The number of dermatomes with total loss of sensation was higher in Group P. Pain scores were significantly lower in Group P at all time points. The incidence of complications and adverse events was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracal paravertebral block reduced morphine consumption compared to ESPB after MRM, albeit a small difference. A through coverage of TPVB may be preferred with experienced operators in MRM due to lower pain scores.

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

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

Enhanced recovery after thoracic anesthesia.

In recent years, the concept of "Perioperative Medicine" has been evolved to a more concrete and sophisticated approach called "Enhanced Recovery After Surgery" (ERAS). ERAS has been first introduced in colorectal surgery by a dedicated leading ERAS® society, ERAS-criteria has been subsequently extended into several types of surgery, including thoracic surgery. Anesthesiology has always been one of the most important components of the multidisciplinary perioperative approaches, which is also valid for ERAS. There are several guidelines published on the enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS). This article focuses on the "official" ERATS protocols of a joint consensus of two different societies. Regarding thoracic anesthesia, there are some challenges to be dealt with. The first challenge, although there is a large number of studies published on thoracic anesthesia, only a very few of them have studied the overall outcome and quality of recovery; and only few of them were powered enough to provide sufficient evidence. This has led to the fact that some components of the protocol are debatable. The second challenge, the adherence to individual elements and the overall compliance are poorly reported and also hard to apply even in the best organized centers. This article explains and discusses the debatable viewpoints on the elements of the ERATS protocol published in 2019 aiming to achieve a list for the future steps required for a more effective and evidence-based ERATS protocol.

Thoracic Paravertebral Block Achieves Better Pain Control Than Erector Spinae Plane Block and Intercostal Nerve Block in Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB), thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), and intercostal nerve block (ICNB) after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, single-blind study. SETTING: University hospital, single institution. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients undergoing VATS. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasonography-guided ESPB, ultrasonography-guided TPVB, or ICNB. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients were enrolled into the following three groups according to analgesia technique as ESPB, TPVB, or ICNB, respectively, group erector spinae plane block (GESP) (n = 35), group thoracic paravertebral block (GTPV) (n = 35), and group intercostal nerve block (GICN) (n = 36). Multimodal analgesia was achieved with paracetamol, tenoxicam, and intravenous morphine (via patient-controlled analgesia) for all study groups. Pain scores were assessed by visual analog scale, and morphine consumption, rescue analgesic requirement, and side effects were recorded postoperatively. Dynamic visual analog scale at the first hour as primary outcome was determined five (two-seven), four (one-six) and (two-six) in GESP, GTPV, and GICN, respectively. Dynamic pain scores were significantly lower in GTPV compared with GESP and GICN at 24 hours (p < 0.017). Dynamic pain scores in GICN were significantly lower at 12 hours compared with GESP (p < 0.017). Morphine consumption for the first 24 hours was similar in GICN and GTPV, and it was significantly lower in GICN and GTPV in comparison to GESP (p < 0.017). Rescue analgesic requirement and side effects were similar among groups. CONCLUSIONS: All three blocks can obtain sufficient analgesia after VATS; however, TPVB appeared to be the preferable method compared with ESPB and ICNB, with a more successful analgesia and less morphine consumption.

Off-pump ascending aorta or aortic arch to descending aorta bypass with a pericardial roll for the treatment of critically ill infants with interrupted aortic arch.

AIM: Standard surgical treatment of the interrupted aortic arch with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass is risky especially in critically ill babies. In this manuscript, we present the results of off-pump pericardial roll bypass for the treatment of aortic interruption. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The technique was applied in nine critically ill infants between July 2011 and December 2019. Data were reviewed retrospectively. There were four girls and five boys. The types of the interruption were type B in six cases and type A in three babies. Additional cardiovascular anomalies were ventricular septal defect in all, atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale in all, single-ventricle pathologies in two and bicuspid aortic valve in three cases. All the patients were in critical situations such as intubated, having symptoms of infection, congestive heart failure or ischaemia and malperfusion leading visceral organ dysfunction. RESULTS: All patients underwent off-pump ascending aorta or aortic arch to descending aorta bypass with a pericardial roll. Post-operative early mortality occurred in one patient with severe mitral regurgitation due to cardio-septic shock. One patient who had single-ventricle pathology underwent bidirectional Glenn and was lost on the post-operative 26th day due to sepsis 2 years after operation. Two patients presented with dilatation of the pericardial tube 18 and 24 months after the operations and one underwent reconstruction of the neo-arch. The remaining patients are asymptomatic, active and within normal limits of body and mental growth. CONCLUSION: Treatment of interrupted aortic arch with a bypass with an autologous pericardial roll treated with gluteraldehyde without cardiopulmonary bypass seems a safe and reliable technique especially for the treatment of critically ill infants.

Comparison of epidural analgesia combined with general anesthesia and general anesthesia for postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction in the early postoperative course is common for the elderly population. Anesthetic management may affect postoperative cognitive decline. Effective analgesia, early recovery and modulation of the stress response are advantages of neuraxial blocks. This study aims to compare the effects of general anesthesia and the combination of general anesthesia with epidural analgesia for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). We hypothesized that neuraxial block combined with general anesthesia (GA) would have a favorable influence on POCD prevention. METHODS: Patients above 60 years undergoing non-cardiac surgery were included in this randomized, prospective study and randomized into two groups. Patients in the first group (GI) were treated under GA, whereas in the second group (GII), epidural analgesia was combined with GA. Patients' cognitive function was assessed before and one week after surgery using a neuropsychological test battery. POCD was defined as a drop of one standard deviation from baseline on two or more tests. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were allocated for the final analysis. Demographic and operative data were similar between groups, except maximum pain scores, which were significantly higher in GI than GII (4.9±2.8 vs. 1.7±1.7; p<0.001, respectively). The incidence of POCD was comparable between groups (26% in GI and 24% in GII). Memory performance, visuospatial functions, and language skills tests were significantly higher in GII compared to GI. CONCLUSION: General anesthesia and epidural analgesia combined with general anesthesia resulted in similar POCD in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery. However, in combined anesthesia group memory, language skills and visuospatial functions appeared to be better preserved. Effective pain control might contribute to preventing cognitive decline in some domains.

Effects of cerebral oxygen changes during coronary bypass surgery on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients: a pilot study / Efeitos das alterações no oxigênio cerebral durante cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sobre a disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório em pacientes idosos: estudo piloto

Abstract Background and objectives: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery. Adequate cerebral perfusion is essential and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can measure cerebral oxygenation. Aim of this study is to compare incidence of early and late postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients treated with conventional or near infrared spectroscopy monitoring. Methods: Patients undergoing coronary surgery above 60 years, were included and randomized to 2 groups; control and NIRS groups. Peroperative management was NIRS guided in GN; and with conventional approach in control group. Test battery was performed before surgery, at first week and 3rd month postoperatively. The battery comprised clock drawing, memory, word list generation, digit spam and visuospatial skills subtests. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was defined as drop of 1 SD (standard deviation) from baseline on two or more tests. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of quantitative measurements; Chi-square exact test to compare quantitative data. Results: Twenty-one patients in control group and 19 in NIRS group completed study. Demographic and operative data were similar. At first week postoperative cognitive dysfunction were present in 9 (45%) and 7 (41%) of patients in control group and NIRS group respectively. At third month 10 patients (50%) were assessed as postoperative cognitive dysfunction; incidence was 4 (24%) in NIRS group (p:0.055). Early and late postoperative cognitive dysfunction group had significantly longer ICU stay (1.74 + 0.56 vs. 2.94 + 0.95; p < 0.001; 1.91 + 0.7 vs. 2.79 + 1.05; p < 0.01) and longer hospital stay (9.19 + 2.8 vs. 11.88 + 1.7; p < 0.01; 9.48 + 2.6 vs. 11.36 + 2.4; p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this pilot study conventional monitoring and near infrared spectroscopy resulted in similar rates of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Late cognitive dysfunction tended to ameliorate with near infrared spectroscopy. Early and late cognitive declines were associated with prolonged ICU and hospital stays.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório é comum após cirurgia cardíaca. A perfusão cerebral adequada é essencial e a espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo (NIRS) pode medir a oxigenação cerebral. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a incidência de disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório, precoce e tardio, em pacientes idosos tratados com monitoração convencional ou espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo. Métodos: Os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia coronariana, acima de 60 anos, foram incluídos e randomicamente alocados em dois grupos: grupo controle e grupo NIRS. O manejo dos pacientes no período perioperatório foi feito com NIRS no grupo NH e com abordagem convencional no grupo controle A bateria de testes foi feita antes da cirurgia, na primeira semana e no terceiro mês de pós-operatório. A bateria incluiu o desenho do relógio, a memória, a geração de uma lista de palavras, a sequência de dígitos e subtestes que exigem habilidades visuoespaciais.Disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório foi definida como queda de um DP (desvio-padrão) da fase basal em dois ou mais testes. O teste U de Mann Whitney foi usado para comparação de medidas quantitativa e o teste exato do qui-quadrado para comparar dados quantitativos. Resultados: Vinte e um pacientes do grupo controle e 19 do grupo NIRS concluíram o estudo. Os dados demográficos e operacionais foram semelhantes. Na primeira semana, nove pacientes (45%) do GC e sete pacientes (41%) do grupo NIRS apresentaram disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório. No terceiro mês, 10 pacientes (50%) foram avaliados como disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório; a incidência foi de quatro (24%) no grupo NIRS (p = 0,055). O grupo que apresentou disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório precoce e tardio teve uma permanência significativamente maior na UTI (1,74 + 0,56 vs. 2,94 + 0,95; p < 0,001; 1,91 + 0,7 vs. 2,79 + 1,05; p < 0,01) e permanência hospitalar mais longa (9,19 + 2,8 vs. 11,88 + 1,7; p < 0,01; 9,48 + 2,6 vs. 11,36 + 2,4; p < 0,05). Conclusão: Neste estudo piloto, a monitoração convencional e a espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo resultaram em taxas semelhantes de disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório precoce. A disfunção cognitiva tardia tende a melhorar com espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo. Os declínios cognitivos precoces e tardios foram associados a internações prolongadas tanto em UTI quanto hospitalares.

[Effects of cerebral oxygen changes during coronary bypass surgery on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients: a pilot study]. / Efeitos das alterações no oxigênio cerebral durante cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sobre a disfunção cognitiva no pós­operatório em pacientes idosos: estudo piloto.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery. Adequate cerebral perfusion is essential and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can measure cerebral oxygenation. Aim of this study is to compare incidence of early and late postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients treated with conventional or near infrared spectroscopy monitoring. METHODS: Patients undergoing coronary surgery above 60 years, were included and randomized to 2 groups; control and NIRS groups. Peroperative management was NIRS guided in GN; and with conventional approach in control group. Test battery was performed before surgery, at first week and 3 rd month postoperatively. The battery comprised clock drawing, memory, word list generation, digit spam and visuospatial skills subtests. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was defined as drop of 1 SD (standard deviation) from baseline on two or more tests. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of quantitative measurements; Chi-square exact test to compare quantitative data. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients in control group and 19 in NIRS group completed study. Demographic and operative data were similar. At first week postoperative cognitive dysfunction were present in 9 (45%) and 7 (41%) of patients in control group and NIRS group respectively. At third month 10 patients (50%) were assessed as postoperative cognitive dysfunction; incidence was 4 (24%) in NIRS group (p:0.055). Early and late postoperative cognitive dysfunction group had significantly longer ICU stay (1.74+0.56 vs. 2.94+0.95; p<0.001; 1.91+0.7 vs. 2.79+1.05; p<0.01) and longer hospital stay (9.19+2.8 vs. 11.88+1.7; p<0.01; 9.48+2.6 vs. 11.36+2.4; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study conventional monitoring and near infrared spectroscopy resulted in similar rates of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Late cognitive dysfunction tended to ameliorate with near infrared spectroscopy. Early and late cognitive declines were associated with prolonged ICU and hospital stays.

The effect of two different glycemic management protocols on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in coronary artery bypass surgery / Efeito de dois protocolos de controle glicêmico diferentes sobre a disfunção cognitiva após cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio

Abstract Introduction: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is an adverse outcome of surgery that is more common after open heart procedures. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of tightly controlled blood glucose levels during coronary artery surgery on early and late cognitive decline. Methods: 40 patients older than 50 years undergoing elective coronary surgery were randomized into two groups. In the "Tight Control" group (GI), the glycemia was maintained between 80 and 120 mg dL-1 while in the "Liberal" group (GII), it ranged between 80-180 mg dL-1. A neuropsychological test battery was performed three times: baseline before surgery and follow-up first and 12th weeks, postoperatively. POCD was defined as a drop of one standard deviation from baseline on two or more tests. Results: At the postoperative first week, neurocognitive tests showed that 10 patients in the GI and 11 patients in GII had POCD. The incidence of early POCD was similar between groups. However the late assessment revealed that cognitive dysfunction persisted in five patients in the GII whereas none was rated as cognitively impaired in GI (p = 0.047). Conclusion: We suggest that tight perioperative glycemic control in coronary surgery may play a role in preventing persistent cognitive impairment.

Resumo Introdução: A disfunção cognitiva pós-operatória (DCPO) é um resultado adverso cirúrgico que é mais comum após cirurgias cardíacas abertas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel dos níveis de glicose no sangue rigorosamente controlados durante a cirurgia coronariana no declínio cognitivo precoce e tardio. Métodos: Foram randomizados em dois grupos 40 pacientes acima de 50 anos e submetidos à cirurgia coronariana eletiva. No grupo "controle rigoroso" (GI), a glicemia foi mantida entre 80-120 mg.dL-1; enquanto no grupo "liberal" (GII), variou entre 80-180 mg.dL-1. A bateria de testes neuropsicológicos foi feita três vezes: fase basal, antes da cirurgia e na primeira e 12ª semana de acompanhamento no pós-operatório. DCPO foi definida como uma queda de um desvio padrão da fase basal em dois ou mais testes. Resultados: Na primeira semana de pós-operatório, os testes neurocognitivos mostraram que 10 pacientes no GI e 11 pacientes no GII apresentaram DCPO. A incidência de DCPO precoce foi semelhante entre os grupos. No entanto, a avaliação tardia revelou que a disfunção cognitiva persistiu em cinco pacientes no GII, enquanto nenhum paciente foi classificado como cognitivamente prejudicado no GI (p = 0,047). Conclusão: Sugerimos que o controle glicêmico rigoroso no perioperatório de cirurgia coronariana pode desempenhar um papel na prevenção da deterioração cognitiva persistente.

[The effect of two different glycemic management protocols on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in coronary artery bypass surgery]. / Efeito de dois protocolos de controle glicêmico diferentes sobre a disfunção cognitiva após cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is an adverse outcome of surgery that is more common after open heart procedures. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of tightly controlled blood glucose levels during coronary artery surgery on early and late cognitive decline. METHODS: 40 patients older than 50 years undergoing elective coronary surgery were randomized into two groups. In the "Tight Control" group (GI), the glycemia was maintained between 80 and 120mg·dL-1 while in the "Liberal" group (GII), it ranged between 80-180mg·dL-1. A neuropsychological test battery was performed three times: baseline before surgery and follow-up first and 12th weeks, postoperatively. POCD was defined as a drop of one standard deviation from baseline on two or more tests. RESULTS: At the postoperative first week, neurocognitive tests showed that 10 patients in the GI and 11 patients in GII had POCD. The incidence of early POCD was similar between groups. However the late assessment revealed that cognitive dysfunction persisted in five patients in the GII whereas none was rated as cognitively impaired in GI (p=0.047). CONCLUSION: We suggest that tight perioperative glycemic control in coronary surgery may play a role in preventing persistent cognitive impairment.

Fluid management in thoracic anesthesia.

Fluid management during thoracic anesthesia remains as a challenge for the anesthesiologists. The "safe zone" between volume overload (risk of pulmonary edema) and hypovolemia (potential risk of renal failure) is hard to determine and narrow. Relationship between perioperative fluid administration and postoperative lung injury has been clearly demonstrated but lung injury can even occur after the most restrictive management. Multiple hit hypothesis and endothelial glycocalyx in addition to revised Starling equation can help us understand this dilemma. Although a "liberal" fluid strategy is out of question for thoracic surgery, evidence on "restrictive" and "goal-directed" fluid strategies are missing. New monitors with dynamic parameters can help to evaluate if the patient will respond to a fluid challenge. However, "volume responsiveness" should not be equated with volume deficiency, especially in a patient with thoracic epidural catheter. Fluid type (crystalloids or colloids) is also another unclear point, although balanced solutions should be preferred for crystalloids. Minimal discontinuation of oral hydration, early feeding and mobilization should be encouraged. This review summarizes current evidence on the topic and highlights unanswered questions.

Patient state index and cerebral blood flow changes during shoulder arthroscopy in beach chair position / Patient State Index e alterações do fluxo sanguíneo cerebral durante artroscopia do ombro em posição de cadeira de praia

Abstract Background and objectives: The aim of the study were to demonstrate the possible hemodynamic changes and cerebral blood flow alterations in patients who were positioned from supine to beach chair position; and to detect if the position change causes any cortical activity alteration as measured by the 4-channeled electroencephalography monitor. Methods: 35 patients were included. Before the induction, mean arterial pressure and patient state index values were recorded (T0). After the intubation, doppler-ultrasonography of the patients’ internal carotid and vertebral arteries were evaluated to acquire cerebral blood flow values from the formula. In supine position, mean arterial pressure, patient state index and cerebral blood flow values were recorded (T1) and the patient was positioned to beach chair position. After 5 min all measurements were repeated (T2). Measurements of patient state index and mean arterial pressure were repeated after 20 (T3), and 40 (T4) min. Results: There was a significant decrease between T0 and T1 in heart rate (80.5 ± 11.6 vs. 75.9 ± 14.4 beats/min), MAP (105.8 ± 21.9 vs. 78.9 ± 18.4 mmHg) and PSI (88.5 ± 8.3 vs. 30.3 ± 9.7) (all p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after position change, and remained decreased, compared to T1. The overall analysis of patient state index values (T1-T4) showed no significant change; however, comparing only T1 and T2 resulted in a statically significant decrease in patient state index. There was a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow after beach chair position. Conclusion: Beach chair position was associated with a decrease in cerebral blood flow and patient state index values. Patient state index was affected by the gravitational change of the cerebral blood flow; however, both factors were not directly correlated to each other. Moreover, the decrease in patient state index value was transient and returned to normal values within 20 min.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Demonstrar as possíveis alterações hemodinâmicas e do fluxo sanguíneo cerebral (FSC) em pacientes que foram posicionados de supinação para cadeira de praia (CP) e detectar se a mudança de posição causa alguma alteração na atividade cortical como mensurado pelo monitor de EEG com quatro canais. Métodos: Foram incluídos 35 pacientes. Antes da indução, os valores da PAM e do IEP foram registrados (T0). Após a intubação, ultrassonografias com Doppler da carótida interna e artérias vertebrais dos pacientes foram avaliadas para adquirir os valores do FSC a partir da fórmula. Em supinação, os valores da PAM, IEP e FSC foram registrados (T1) e o paciente foi posicionado em CP. Após cinco minutos, todas as mensurações foram repetidas (T2). As mensurações do IEP e PAM foram repetidas após 20 (T3) e 40 minutos (T4). Resultados: Houve uma diminuição significativa entre T0 e T1 na FC (80,5 ± 11,6 vs. 75,9 ± 14,4 bpm), PAM (105,8 ± 21,9 vs. 78,9 ± 18,4 mmHg) e IEP (88,5 ± 8,3 vs. 30,3 ± 9,7) (p < 0,05 para todos). A PAM diminuiu significativamente após a mudança de posição e permaneceu diminuída em relação a T1. A análise global dos valores do IEP (T1-T4) não mostrou mudança significativa, mas a comparação de apenas T1 e T2 resultou em redução estatisticamente significativa do IEP. Houve redução significativa do FSC após o posicionado em CP. Conclusão: O posicionado em CP foi associado à diminuição do FSC e dos valores do IEP. O IEP foi afetado pela mudança gravitacional do FSC; no entanto, ambos os fatores não estavam diretamente correlacionados. Além disso, a diminuição do valor do IEP foi transitória e voltou aos valores normais dentro de 20 minutos.

Patient state index and cerebral blood flow changes during shoulder arthroscopy in beach chair position.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study were to demonstrate the possible hemodynamic changes and cerebral blood flow alterations in patients who were positioned from supine to beach chair position; and to detect if the position change causes any cortical activity alteration as measured by the 4-channeled electroencephalography monitor. METHODS: 35 patients were included. Before the induction, mean arterial pressure and patient state index values were recorded (T0). After the intubation, doppler-ultrasonography of the patients' internal carotid and vertebral arteries were evaluated to acquire cerebral blood flow values from the formula. In supine position, mean arterial pressure, patient state index and cerebral blood flow values were recorded (T1) and the patient was positioned to beach chair position. After 5min all measurements were repeated (T2). Measurements of patient state index and mean arterial pressure were repeated after 20 (T3), and 40 (T4)min. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease between T0 and T1 in heart rate (80.5±11.6 vs. 75.9±14.4beats/min), MAP (105.8±21.9 vs. 78.9±18.4mmHg) and PSI (88.5±8.3 vs. 30.3±9.7) (all p<0.05). Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after position change, and remained decreased, compared to T1. The overall analysis of patient state index values (T1-T4) showed no significant change; however, comparing only T1 and T2 resulted in a statically significant decrease in patient state index. There was a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow after beach chair position. CONCLUSION: Beach chair position was associated with a decrease in cerebral blood flow and patient state index values. Patient state index was affected by the gravitational change of the cerebral blood flow; however, both factors were not directly correlated to each other. Moreover, the decrease in patient state index value was transient and returned to normal values within 20min.