Extended left hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: hepatic vein reconstruction with in-situ hypothermic perfusion and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with invasion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic veins (HV) is a challenging procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 63-year-old woman with a 6-cm, centrally located liver mass. Her biochemistry results were normal except for a Ca19-9 level of 1199 U/ml. The liver biopsy was consistent with ICC and 60% macrosteatosis. Abdominal CT scans revealed a large central mass invading the left HV, middle HV and right HV, infringing on their junction with the vena cava. An operation was planned using a 3-dimensional (3D) computer simulation model using dedicated software. We also describe a novel veno-portal-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VPV-ECMO) support with in-situ hypothermic perfusion (IHP) during this procedure. We aimed to perform an extended left hepatectomy and reconstruct 3 right HV orifices with an interposition jump graft to the IVC with total vascular exclusion (TVE) and IHP A supplemental video describing the preoperative planning, the operative procedure with the postoperative follow-up in detail is presented. After the patient was discharged, she developed a hepatic venous outflow obstruction 3 months postoperatively, which was effectively managed with hepatic venous stenting by interventional radiology. She is currently symptom free and without tumour recurrence at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates that extended left hepatectomy for IHC with IHP and VPV-ECMO is safe and feasible under the supervision of a highly experienced team.

The airway device preference may affect the overlapping of the common carotid artery by the internal jugular vein.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical variation in the internal jugular vein (IJV), as well as its small size, tendency to collapse, and proximity to the common carotid artery (CCA) makes central venous cannulation via the IJV a technically challenging procedure, especially in pediatric patients. AIM: We evaluated the effects of laryngeal mask airway insertion and endotracheal intubation (ETT) on the anatomical relationship between the IJV and the CCA in neutral and 40° head away positions. METHOD: After parental consent 92 patients with ASA physical status I-II, aged 0-17, undergoing elective urological surgery were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the airway management device used for anesthesia: Group laryngeal mask airway (n = 63) and Group ETT (n = 29). An ultrasonographic evaluation was performed before and after airway instrumentation at neutral and 40° head rotation. The IJV position in relation to the CCA was noted, and the overlap percentage of the CCA was calculated as the ratio of the CCA length covering by the internal jugular vein to the transverse diameter of the CCA. RESULTS: With no airway device insertion, the position of the IJV was found to be anterolateral to the CCA in the majority of patients (48.8% vs 35.3%, right vs left IJV) in the neutral head position. While there was no significant change in the overlap percentages of the CCA after laryngeal mask airway insertion in the neutral head position [48.71% vs 57.30% for the right IJV (difference in median: -21.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) of difference: -56.92 to 14.52; P = 0.133); 52.54% vs 60.36% for the left IJV (difference in median: -10.3; 95% CI of difference: -41.49 to 20.89; P = 0.128)], it increased significantly in the 40° head away position on both sides [50.11% vs 64.83% for the right IJV (difference in median: -55; 95% CI of difference: -84 to -25.24; P = 0.01); 53.82% vs 71.20% for the left IJV (difference in median: -46; 95% CI of difference: -86.85 to -5.15; P = 0.004)]. However, the overlap percentages of CCA decreased significantly on the right side with patients in a neutral head position (31.23% vs 6.27%, difference in median: 19; 95% CI of difference: -5.68 to 43.68; P = 0.002) and on both sides in the 40° head away position [29.50% vs 16.19%, difference in median: 26; 95% CI of difference: 2.84 to 49.16; P = 0.03 and 47% vs 31.94%, difference in median: 9.50; 95% CI of difference: -40.87 to 59.87; P = 0.03 for the right and left sides, respectively] after ETT insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal mask airway with 40° head rotation increases, whereas ETT decreases, the overlap percentage of CCA by IJV. Both head position and airway management methods have an influence on the overlap of the CCA by the IJV in pediatric patients.

What About Compressing the Oesophagus with an Ultrasound Probe for a Modified Sellick Maneuver?

OBJECTIVE: Debates continue about the cricoid pressure, which has been used for many years to prevent gastric aspiration during intubation. Using ultrasound, the effects of this maneuver and alternatives like paralaryngeal pressure are revealed. The aim of this observational study was to determine the effect of paralaryngeal pressure with an ultrasound probe on the esophageal diameter in patients with different body mass indexes and neck circumferences. METHODS: After measuring the neck circumference at the level of the cricoid cartilage, the esophagus was visualized by ultrasonography. Compression was applied medially at a 45° angle toward the vertebral column by the ultrasound probe and esophageal anteroposterior outer diameters were measured. Correlations between body mass index, neck circumference, esophageal diameter, and esophageal diameter change ratio were evaluated with Pearson's r value. RESULTS: One hundred ten volunteers (52 women and 58 men) with mean age 33.7 ± 8.02 years and mean body mass index 25.6 ± 4.65 kg m-2 were recruited. The esophagus was located 78.18% partially to the left, 4.54% completely to the left, 1.81% to the right of the cricoid ring. In 15.45%, esophagus could not be displayed. The mean diameter of the esophagus was 7.6 ± 1.1 mm before pressure and 5.6 ± 0.09 mm after pressure (P < .001). There was no significant correlation between diameter change percentage and body mass index (r=-0.22; P > .05). However, weak correlation was found between diameter change percentage and neck circumference (r=-0.33; P=.016). CONCLUSIONS: Paralaryngeal pressure with an ultrasound probe has the potential to occlude the esophagus and may be effective in all patient groups.

Has the quality of abstracts for randomised controlled trials improved since the release of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trial guideline for abstract reporting? A survey of four high-profile anaesthesia journals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Randomised controlled trial (RCT) abstracts published in journal articles have traditionally been deficient of crucial information. To improve the quality of RCT abstracts, in January 2008, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trial (CONSORT) group published a checklist of essential information for inclusion. The current study assessed whether there has been an improvement in the quality of RCT abstracts published in main anaesthesia journals since this new guideline was introduced. METHODS: Articles involving human RCTs published in four high-profile anaesthesia journals (Anaesthesia, Anesthesia & Analgesia, Anesthesiology and the European Journal of Anaesthesiology) were reviewed, comparing those published from October 2005 to September 2006 (pre-CONSORT abstracts) with those published from October 2008 to September 2009 (post-CONSORT abstracts). Trials involving healthy volunteers or cadavers, cost-effectiveness studies, meta-analyses and letters were excluded. Abstracts from remaining RCTs were randomly assigned to four reviewers in a blinded fashion and reviewed for content using the new CONSORT checklist. RESULTS: In total, 527 RCT abstracts (pre-CONSORT RCTs, n = 275 and post-CONSORT RCTs, n = 252) were analysed. The majority of abstracts in both groups provided an appropriate description of study interventions (73.1 and 73.8%, pre-CONSORT abstracts versus post-CONSORT abstracts, respectively), objective (91.3 and 90.1%) and conclusions (72.4 and 66.3%). From pre-CONSORT to post-CONSORT guidelines for abstract reporting, there were significant improvements in correctly identifying blinding (18.2-29%) and harmful effects (31.6-42.1%). The improvement in reporting the nature of the trial in abstract titles (20.1-29%) and primary outcome measure in the methods section (22.9-30.6%) did not reach significance. There was no clear improvement in the already poor reporting of trial design, participants, randomisation, recruitment, outcomes, trial registration and funding sources. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some promising improvements and inter-journal differences, the overall quality of RCT abstracts and adherence to the CONSORT checklist for abstracts remains poor.

Postoperative analgesia in impacted third molar surgery: the role of preoperative diclofenac sodium, paracetamol and lornoxicam.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of preoperative intravenous (i.v.) paracetamol, diclofenac sodium and lornoxicam (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with impacted third molar who underwent surgical removal were randomly allocated into three groups: group P (n = 20), group D (n = 20) and group L (n = 20). Group P received preoperatively 1 g paracetamol i.v., group D 75 mg diclofenac sodium i.m. and group L 8 mg lornoxicam i.v. Postoperative pain intensity, additional consumption of analgesics postoperatively and postoperative complications were compared among groups. RESULTS: The groups were comparable for pain scores (p > 0.05). Maximum pain scores were recorded in postoperative 4th h in all groups (group L 22, 14-44 mm; group P 24, 13-43 mm; group D 14, 10-24 mm, p = 0.117). Patients experienced high satisfaction scores which were comparable among groups (group L 85, 75-100 mm; group P 87, 70-95 mm; group D 84, 77-98 mm, p = 0.457). CONCLUSION: Preoperative intramuscular diclofenac, intravenous paracetamol and lornoxicam effectively decreased the pain scores. The patients were satisfied with the three postoperative pain management regimens.

Preliminary report of laryngeal phonation during mechanical ventilation via a new cuffed tracheostomy tube.

OBJECTIVE: To study the safety, efficacy, patient tolerance, and patient satisfaction of the Blom Tracheostomy Tube and Speech Cannula (Pulmodyne, Indianapolis, Indiana), a new device that allows the patient to speak while the tracheostomy tube cuff is fully inflated. METHODS: With 10 tracheostomized mechanically ventilated patients we recorded ventilator settings and physiologic variables at baseline with patient's usual tracheostomy tube, then with the Blom Tracheostomy Tube and the Blom standard (non-speech) cannula, and then during three 30-min trials of the Blom Speech Cannula. During the Blom Speech Cannula trials we assessed the subjects' success in phonation (eg, sentence length and volume). RESULTS: Nine of the 10 subjects achieved sustained audible phonation and were very satisfied with the device. CONCLUSIONS: The Blom Speech Cannula appears to be safe, effective, and well tolerated in tracheostomized mechanically ventilated patients while maintaining full cuff inflation.

Anesthesia for a 16-month-old patient with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare disorder of chromosome abnormalities in which the paternal genes in chromosome 15 are lacking. The clinical course is characterized by hypotonia, hyperphagia, and morbid obesity. Both general and regional anesthesia in these patients is difficult due to morbid obesity and hypotonia. We report our anesthetic management in a patient with PWS with a body mass index (BMI) of 29.43 kg/m² who underwent orchiopexy and hypospadias repair. The clinical course of the patient was uneventful during the procedure and postoperative period. However, arrangements with a pediatric intensive care setting for the postoperative period are recommended for patients with PWS undergoing surgery.

The impact of two arterial catheters, different in diameter and length, on postcannulation radial artery diameter, blood flow, and occlusion in atherosclerotic patients.

PURPOSE: Arterial cannulation is a common intervention in anesthesia practice. However, the success rates and complications of radial arterial cannulation with 20-G or smaller catheters in patients with atherosclerosis have been underevaluated. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the efficacy of and complications with 20- and 22-G catheters for radial arterial cannulation in atherosclerotic patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with atherosclerosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) III-IV, undergoing general anesthesia were enrolled in the study. Radial artery cannulation was performed in group 20G (n = 15) with a 20-gauge (20 x 1.1 x 33 mm; flow, 61 ml.min(-1)) catheter and in group 22G (n = 15) with a 22-gauge (22 x 0.9 x 25 mm; flow, 36 ml.min(-1)) catheter. Radial artery systolic blood flow (SBF) and radial artery diameter (RAD) were assessed by a Doppler ultrasound probe before cannulation and 24 h after decannulation for vascular complications. The number of puncture attempts, arterial blood gas samples, and manual flushes; total heparinized solution consumption; duration of cannulation; decannulated radial arterial systolic blood flow; postcannulation RAD; and vascular complications such as occlusion, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, bleeding, and thrombosis were noted. The Mann Whitney U-test, chi(2) test, and one-sample t-test were used. Values are expressed as medians and quartiles and P < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The number of puncture attempts was greater in group 20G (range, 1 to 4) than in group 22G (range, 1 to 2; P = 0.02). In group 20G patients, postoperative RAD was larger than preoperative RAD (P = 0.02) and postoperative SBF was lower than preoperative SBF (P = 0.03). In group 22G patients postoperative SBF was higher than preoperative SBF (P = 0.03), while there was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative RAD. The occlusion rate of atherosclerotic radial arteries was 6% with the 22-gauge catheter and 26% with the 20-gauge catheter (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: A 22-gauge catheter for radial arterial cannulation in patients with atherosclerosis provides unchanged postcannulated radial artery diameter, decreases postcannulation complications, and improves the first-attempt success rate.

Propofol Versus Thiopental for Rapid-Sequence Induction in Isolated Systolic Hypertensive Patients: A Factorial Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of four different anaesthesia induction protocols on the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation during rapid-sequence induction (RSI) in systolic hypertensive patients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty hypertensive adult patients (systolic pressure >140 mmHg and diastolic pressure <90 mmHg), classified according to the American Association of Anesthesiologists as Class II and III were randomized into four groups. After pre-oxygenation for 3 minutes, induction and tracheal intubation were performed by blinded investigators, who also scored the intubation. Study groups composed of 30 patients each received lidocaine 1 mg kg-1+thiopental 5 mg kg-1 or remifentanil 1 µg kg-1+thiopental 5 mg kg-1 or lidocaine 1 mg kg-1+propofol 2 mg kg-1 or remifentanil 1 µg kg-1+propofol 2 mg kg-1. Succinylcholine was the muscle relaxant. Haemodynamic data were obtained before (baseline) and after induction, at intubation, and at 1, 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation. A rise or drop in the arterial blood pressure and heart rate >20% were considered to be significant. RESULTS: Patients receiving remifentanil+propofol had a reduction in the systolic and mean blood pressure >20% when compared to patients receiving remifentanil and thiopental: systolic values were 125±27 mmHg in the remifentanil+propofol group versus 153±35 mmHg in the remifentanil+thiopental group 1 minute after intubation (p<0.01); the mean arterial pressure values were 87±18 mmHg in the remifentanil+propofol group versus 105±25 mmHg in the remifentanil+thiopental group 1 minute after intubation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Propofol was not superior to thiopental for the attenuation of the response to laryngoscopy and intubation during RSI in systolic hypertensive patients, whereas propofol+remifentanil combination appears to be so in terms of the heart rate stability.

Use of ultrasonography as a noninvasive decisive tool to determine the accurate endotracheal tube size in anesthetized children. / Uso de la ecografía como una herramienta no invasiva decisiva para determinar el tamaño preciso del tubo endotraqueal en niños anestesiados.

BACKGROUND: It is hard to determine the appropriate size and correct tracheal position of endotracheal tube (ETT) in children. The aim of this study is to determine tracheal diameter in children by using ultrasonography technique as objective tool and compare it with commonly used aged based formulas for the ETT size estimation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing elective surgery in a tertiary children's hospital were prospectively enrolled. The subglottic transverse tracheal diameter was determined by ultrasonography. An anesthesiologist who was blind to ultrasonographic examination, determined the tube size and performed intubation by evaluating the space between vocal cords with the help of a direct laryngoscopic view. Ultrasonographically measured tracheal diameter, tube diameters, leak/pressure controls, and results of age-based tube size calculations were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients, mean age of 12 ± 4.21 (2- 17) years and mean weight of 38 ± 22.94 (10-106) kg were enrolled. The diameter of trachea measured by ultsonography was 13.0 (11.4-15.1). Outer diameter (mm) of the ETT determined by anesthesiologist was 8.42 ± 1.43; calculated by Cole formula was 9.0 ± 1,42; calculated by Khine formula was 7.67 ± 1.46; calculated by Motoyama formula was 8.33 ± 1.42. ETT cuff was inflated after ETT placement due to leak in 31 (47.7%) patients. Tube was replaced by a larger tube due to excessive leak in one patient. Poor intraclass correlation was found between ultrasonographically determined tracheal diameter and aged based tube diameter calculations (tracheal diameter vs Cole [0.273], Khine [0.207], and Motoyama [0.230]). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographical determination of transverse tracheal diameter is a suitable method for determining the correct endotracheal tube size when compared with the age based formulas.

Introducción. Es difícil determinar el tamaño adecuado y la posición traqueal correcta del tubo endotraqueal (TET) en los niños. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el diámetro traqueal en los niños mediante el uso de la técnica ecográfica como herramienta objetiva y compararlo con fórmulas de uso frecuente basadas en la edad para calcular el tamaño del TET. Pacientes y métodos. Se inscribió de forma prospectiva a pacientes a los que se les iba a practicar una cirugía programada en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad. Se determinó el diámetro traqueal transversal infraglótico mediante ecografía. Un anestesista, que no podía ver el examen ecográfico, determinó el tamaño del tubo y realizó la intubación evaluando el espacio entre las cuerdas vocales con la ayuda de la vista directa de un laringoscopio. Se registraron los diámetros traqueales medidos con las ecografías, los diámetros de los tubos, los controles de presión/ pérdida de aire y los resultados de los cálculos del tamaño de los tubos basados en la edad. Resultados. Se inscribieron en total 61 pacientes con una media de edad de 12 ± 4,21 (2-17) y un peso medio de 38 ± 22,94 (10-106). El diámetro de la tráquea en la medición ecográfica fue de 13,0 (11,4-15,1). El diámetro externo del TET determinado por el anestesista fue de 8,42 ± 1,43, el calculado por la fórmula de Cole fue de 9,0 ± 1,42, el calculado por la fórmula de Khine fue de 7,67 ± 1,46 y el calculado por la fórmula de Motoyama fue de 8,33 ± 1,42. En 31 (47,7%) pacientes, se insufló el manguito después de la colocación del TET debido a la pérdida de aire. El tubo tuvo que reemplazarse por uno más grande a causa de la pérdida excesiva de aire en un paciente. Se halló una correlación intraclase deficiente entre los cálculos del diámetro traqueal determinado por ecografía y los cálculos del diámetro del tubo basado en la edad (diámetro traqueal frente a Cole [0,273], Khine [0,207] y Motoyama [0,230]). Conclusión. La medición ecográfica del diámetro traqueal transversal es un método adecuado para determinar el tamaño correcto del tubo endotraqueal en comparación con las fórmulas basadas en la edad.

Preoperative diclofenac sodium and tramadol for pain relief after bimaxillary osteotomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic affects of preoperative use of a synthetic opioid tramadol and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium for postoperative pain, with placebo, in patients undergoing bimaxillary osteotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six orthognathic surgery patients who underwent both Le Fort I osteotomy in the maxilla and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy in the mandible as bimaxillary osteotomy were randomly allocated into 3 groups via sealed envelope technique. Group T (n = 12), group D (n = 12), and group P (n = 12) received preoperative 50 mg tramadol intramuscularly, 75 mg diclofenac sodium intramuscularly, and saline, respectively. Postoperative pain intensity (visual analog scale, verbal pain score), postoperative opioid consumption with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, hemodynamic variables, and postoperative complications were compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: The median number of patient-controlled analgesia demands (n) in group P (34, 28-39) was higher than other groups (group D 14, 11-13; group T 19, 12-25; P = .001). Total tramadol consumption was higher in group P (330 mg, 290-390) compared with group D (260 mg, 190-340; P = .046) and group T (270 mg, 200-330; P = .034). The 3 groups were comparable for the area under the hemodynamic variables time curves. The area under the visual analog scale and verbal pain score curves were lower in group D and group T compared with group P, however, there was no significant difference between group T and group D. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative diclofenac or tramadol, compared with placebo, effectively decreases postoperative opioid consumption via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia.

Comparison of different extubation techniques in lumbar surgery: prone extubation versus supine extubation with or without prior injection of intravenous lidocaine.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of coughing and breath holding in patients undergoing lumbar surgery extubated in prone position, supine position, or supine position with intravenous lidocaine before extubation. About 105 ASA I to II patients undergoing lumbar surgery were extubated in prone position in group P (n = 35), in supine position in group S (n = 35) and in supine position with intravenous 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine 10 minutes before extubation in group SL (n = 35). The number of patients who coughed and demonstrated breath holding was noted at emergence period. The time of loss of monitoring while repositioning the patient was recorded. The frequency of cough in group S was higher compared with group P at 1 minute after extubation (P = 0.008). Two and three minutes after extubation, the patients in group S demonstrated higher cough incidence compared with groups P and SL (P < 0.05). The incidence of breath holding in the first 6 minutes was lower in group P (n = 11) compared with groups S (n = 29) and SL (n = 25)(P = 0.001). The loss of monitoring time was longer in groups S (62 +/- 40 s) and SL (53 +/- 39 s) when compared with group P (0 s) (P < 0.01). Prone emergence and supine emergence with intravenous lidocaine provides an alternative approach to conventional supine emergence and prone extubation offers less cough and breath holding and continuation of monitoring.

Is there an ideal approach for rapid-sequence induction in hypertensive patients?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare 4 different anesthesia induction protocols, in a simulated model of rapid-sequence induction, in controlled hypertensive patients. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical investigation. SETTING: Large metropolitan university hospital. PATIENTS: 120 ASA II-III adult hypertensive patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated to 4 groups at random. After preoxygenation for 3 minutes, induction and tracheal intubation was performed in a 30 degrees head-up position. Thiopental (5-7 mg/kg) was the induction agent. Study groups were as follows: group LS (n = 30), lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) and succinylcholine (1 mg/kg); group LR (n = 30), lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) and rocuronium (1 mg/kg); group RS (n = 30), remifentanil (1 microg/kg) and succinylcholine (1 mg/kg); group RR (n = 30), remifentanil (1 microg/kg) and rocuronium (1 mg/kg). Patients were intubated 60 seconds after administration of muscle relaxant. MEASUREMENTS: Hemodynamic data were obtained before induction (baseline), after induction, at intubation, and at 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after intubation. More than 20% change in blood pressure and heart rate was considered significant. MAIN RESULTS: Systolic and mean arterial blood pressures at intubation and 1 and 3 minutes after intubation were higher in group LS compared with groups RS and RR (P < 0.01). Mean arterial blood pressure decreased after induction in groups LS, LR, and RR, but increased at intubation and 1 minute after intubation in groups LS and LR (P < 0.01). Mean arterial blood pressure was similar at all measurement intervals in group RS. The median area under the systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressure time curves was higher in groups LS and LR compared with groups RS and RR (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil is a better adjunct for attenuation of the response to laryngoscopy and intubation compared with lidocaine, whereas remifentanil-succinylcholine combination appears to be more beneficial in terms of hemodynamic stability in hypertensive patients.

Comparison of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) with cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes in infants.

We aimed to compare cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) with ProSealTM laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) in terms of airway security and extubation, starting out from the hypothesis that PLMA will provide alternative airway safety to the endotracheal tubes, and that airway complications will be less observed. After obtaining approval from the local Ethics Committee and parental informed consent, 120 pediatric patients 1-24 months old, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, requiring general anesthesia for elective lower abdominal surgery, were randomized into PLMA (Group P, n = 40), cuffed ETT (Group C, n = 40), and uncuffed ETT (Group UC, n = 40) groups. The number of intubation or PLMA insertion attempts was recorded. Each patient's epigastrium was auscultated for gastric insufflation, leak volumes and air leak fractions (leak volume/inspiratory volume) were recorded. Post-operative adverse events related to airway management were also followed up during the first post-operative hour. Demographic and surgical data were similar among the groups. There were significantly fewer airway manipulations in the Group P than in the other groups (p < 0.01), and leak volume and air leak fractions were greater in the Group UC than in the other two groups (p < 0.01). Laryngospasm was significantly lower in the Group P during extubation and within the first minute of post-extubation than in the other groups (p < 0.01). Based on this study, PLMA may be a good alternative to cuffed and uncuffed ETTs for airway management of infants due to the ease of manipulation and lower incidence of laryngospasm.

Influence of Different Doses of Ketamine on Intubating Conditions during a Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation Model.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study aimed to compare the effects of three different doses of ketamine or lidocaine on intubating conditions and haemodynamics in a rapid-sequence induction model with 3 mg kg(-1) propofol and 0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium. METHODS: A total of 128 ASA I-III patients who were scheduled for elective surgery were randomized in the following five groups: Group 1 (n=24), 1 mg kg(-1) lidocaine+3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium; Group 2 (n=23), 0.1 mg kg(-1) ketamine+3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium; Group 3 (n=29), 0.3 mg kg(-1) ketamine+3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium; Group 4 (n=26), 0.5 mg kg(-1) ketamine+3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium and Group 5 (n=26), 3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium+saline as placebo. After preoxygenation, induction was performed with the assigned combination, and intubation was initiated after 60 s. The time to intubation, intubation score (Viby-Mogensen score) and haemodynamic data were recorded. Postoperative hoarseness, sore throat and hallucination incidences were followed up. RESULTS: Demographic, time to intubation and haemodynamic data were comparable among groups. Group 4 [13.5 (4-14)] revealed a higher intubation score then groups 1, 2 and 5 [12 (3-14), 11 (2-14) and 9.5 (0-13) and p=0.026, p=0.001 and p=0.000001, respectively]. Groups 3 [13 (4-14)] and 4 [13.5 (4-14)] had similar intubation scores. Side effects were comparable among all groups. CONCLUSION: The combination of 0.5 mg kg(-1) ketamine and 0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium along with propofol improves intubation conditions in a stimulated rapid-sequence induction model.

A comparison of two different doses of morphine added to spinal bupivacaine for inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different doses of intrathecal morphine on postoperative analgesia, postoperative first mobilization and urination times and the severity of side effects. METHODS: After Institutional Ethical Committee approval, 48 ASA I-II patients were enrolled in this randomized double-blinded study. Spinal anesthesia was performed with 0.1mg (Group I, n=22) or 0.4mg (Group II, n=26) ITM in addition to 7.5mg heavy bupivacaine. The first analgesic requirement, first mobilization and voiding times, and postoperative side effects were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 15.0 and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The numeric data were analyzed by the t-test and presented as mean±SD. Categorical data were analyzed with the chi-square test and expressed as number of patients and percentage. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar among groups. There were no differences related to postoperative pain, first analgesic requirements, and first mobilization and first voiding times. The only difference between two groups was the vomiting incidence. In Group II 23% (n=6) of the patients had vomiting during the first postoperative 24h compared to 0% in Group I (p=0.025). CONCLUSION: For inguinal hernia repairs, the dose of 0.1mg of ITM provides comparable postoperative analgesia with a dose of 0.4mg, with significantly lower vomiting incidence when combined with low dose heavy bupivacaine.

[A comparison of two different doses of morphine added to spinal bupivacaine for inguinal hernia repair]. / Comparação de duas doses diferentes de morfina adicionadas à bupivacaína em raquianestesia para herniorrafia inguinal.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different doses of intrathecal morphine on postoperative analgesia, postoperative first mobilization and urination times and the severity of side effects. METHODS: After Institutional Ethical Committee approval, 48 ASA I-II patients were enrolled in this randomized double-blinded study. Spinal anesthesia was performed with 0.1mg (Group I, n=22) or 0.4mg (Group II, n=26) ITM in addition to 7.5mg heavy bupivacaine. The first analgesic requirement, first mobilization and voiding times, and postoperative side effects were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 15.0 and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The numeric data were analyzed by the t-test and presented as mean±SD. Categorical data were analyzed with the chi-square test and expressed as number of patients and percentage. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar among groups. There were no differences related to postoperative pain, first analgesic requirements, and first mobilization and first voiding times. The only difference between two groups was the vomiting incidence. In Group II 23% (n=6) of the patients had vomiting during the first postoperative 24h compared to 0% in Group I (p=0.025). CONCLUSION: For inguinal hernia repairs, the dose of 0.1mg of ITM provides comparable postoperative analgesia with a dose of 0.4mg, with significantly lower vomiting incidence when combined with low dose heavy bupivacaine.

CHALLENGES OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA: DIFFICULT LARYNGEAL VISUALIZATION.

Obstetric anesthesia is one of the high risk subspecialties of anesthesia practice. Anesthesia related complications are the sixth leading cause of maternal mortality. Difficult or failed intubation following induction of general anesthesia for CS remains the major contributory factor to anesthesia-related maternal complications. The airway management of obstetric patients is a challenging issue for several reasons. Anatomic and physiologic changes related to pregnancy may increase the difficult and failed intubation rates compared to the general surgical population. Proper evaluation of the airway anatomy and airway structures is vital to prevent airway management related catastrophes. In addition to basic airway and intubation equipment, each anesthesia department must have difficult intubation equipment cart including fiber optic laryngoscope, video laryngoscopes, and different types of laryngeal masks. It is essential that all anesthesiologists have a preconceived and well thought-out algorithm and emergency airway equipment to deal with airway emergencies during difficult or failed intubation of a parturient.

Does ultrasonographic volume of the thyroid gland correlate with difficult intubation? An observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland done by surgeons could let us foresee airway management challenges. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid-related parameters assessed preoperatively by surgeons via ultrasonography and chest X-ray on intubation conditions. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled. Thyromental distance, Mallampati score, neck circumference and range of neck movement were evaluated before the operation. Thyroid volume, signs of invasion or compression and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray were also noted. The intubation conditions were assessed with Cormack and Lehane score and the intubation difficulty scale. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: The mean thyroid volume of the patients was 26.38 ± 14 mL. The median intubation difficulty scale was 1 (0-2). Thyromental distance (p = 0.011; r = 0.36; 95% CI 0.582-0.088), Mallampati score (p = 0.041; r = 0.29; 95% CI 0.013-0.526), compression or invasion signs (p = 0.041; r = 0.28; 95% CI 0.006-0.521) and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray (p = 0.041; r = 0.52; 95% CI 0.268-0.702) were correlated with intubation difficulty scale. Also patients were classified into two groups related to their intubation difficulty scale (Group I, n = 19: intubation difficulty scale = 0; Group II, n = 31: 1< intubation difficulty scale ≤ 5) and difficult intubation predictors and thyroid-related parameters were compared. Only Mallampati score was significantly different between groups (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The thyroid volume is not associated with difficult intubation. However clinical assessment parameters may predict difficult intubation.