The effect of pharyngeal packing on gastric volume in patients undergoing nasal surgery: a randomised, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of pharyngeal packing on antral cross-sectional area, gastric volume and post-operative complications. METHODS: In this prospective, randomised, controlled study, 180 patients were randomly assigned to a control group or a pharyngeal packing group. Gastric antral dimensions were measured with pre- and post-operative ultrasound scanning. Presence and severity of post-operative nausea and vomiting and sore throat were recorded. RESULTS: Post-operative antral cross-sectional area and gastric volume were significantly larger in the pharyngeal packing group compared to the control group. The incidence and severity of post-operative nausea and vomiting were significantly less in the pharyngeal packing group. More frequent and severe sore throat was observed in the control group within the ward. An increased Apfel simplified risk score and post-operative antral cross-sectional area were associated with post-operative nausea and vomiting during the first 2 hours, whereas septorhinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery, absent pharyngeal packing, and lower American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status were associated with post-operative nausea and vomiting within the ward. CONCLUSION: Regardless of operation type, pharyngeal packing use resulted in smaller gastric volume, which was associated with reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting frequency and severity, and lower sore throat incidence.

Airway management during unusual tracheal stenosis: A clinical feasibility trial.

Objectives: Prolonged intubation is a known risk factor of LTS. LTS related to COVID-19 may result in a different phenotype: pronation affects the location of stenosis and COVID-19 pneumonia can decline lung mechanics. Therefore, airway management in these patients may carry unique challenges for both anesthesiologists and surgeons.This prospective observational feasibility trial aims to evaluate the use of a novel thin, cuffed, endotracheal tube (Tritube) in combination with flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) in the management of patients with COVID-19-related LTS undergoing laryngeal surgery. Methods: 20 patients suffering from COVID-19-related LTS, as diagnosed by CT, requiring endolaryngeal surgery, with or without CO2 laser, were included. Ultrathin endotracheal tube Tritube, together with FCV was used for airway management and ventilation. Feasibility, ventilation efficiency, and surgical exposure were evaluated. Results: Median duration of mechanical ventilation during their ICU stay was 17 days, (range, 7-27), and all patients had been pronated. In 18/20 patients, endoscopic diagnosis confirmed the initial CT diagnosis: posterior subglottic stenosis. Surgeons' satisfaction on the view was rated 9 out of 10 (range 7-10), where 0 was the worst view and 10 was the best view. Hemodynamic and respiratory variables were within the normal clinical range during the surgical procedure. One patient that had a SpO2 of 90% before induction of anesthesia, a temporal drop to 89%, caused meeting the predefined requirement of "respiratory complication." Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using Tritube with FCV in patients with relatively unusual subglottic posterior location tracheal stenosis, undergoing laryngotracheal surgery. Tritube provides a good surgical field and FCV provides highly adequate ventilation especially in patients with compromised lung mechanics. Level of Evidence: IV, non-comparitive prospective clinical trial with 20 patients.

Integration of functional capacity to medically necessary, time-sensitive scoring system: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate 2 new modifications to medically necessary, time-sensitive (MeNTS) scoring systems integrating functional capacity assessment in estimating intensive care unit (ICU) requirements. METHODS: This prospective observational study included patients undergoing elective surgeries between July 2021 and January 2022. The MeNTS scores and our 2 modified scores: MeNTS-METs (integrated Duke activity status index [DASI] as metabolic equivalents [METs]) and MeNTS-DASI-5Q (integrated modified DASI [M-DASI] as 5 questions) were calculated. The patients' ICU requirements (group ICU+ and group ICU-), DASIs, patient-surgery-anesthesia characteristics, hospital stay lengths, rehospitalizations, postoperative complications, and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: This study analyzed 718 patients. The MeNTS, MeNTS-METs, and MeNTS-DASI-5Q scores were higher in group ICU+ than in group ICU- (p<0.001). Group ICU+ had longer operation durations and hospital stay lengths (p<0.001), lower DASI scores (p<0.001), and greater hospital readmissions, postoperative complications, and mortality (p<0.001). The MeNTS-METs and MeNTS-DASI-5Q scores better predicted ICU requirement with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.806 and 0.804, than the original MeNTS (AUC=0.782). CONCLUSION: The 5-questionnaire M-DASI is easy to calculate and, when added to a triage score, is as reliable as the original DASI for predicting postoperative ICU requirements.

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.

Comparison of Stroke Volume Variation-based goal-directed Therapy Versus Standard Fluid Therapy in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Perioperative fluid therapy is used to avoid dehydration and hypovolemia. Optimum perioperative fluid administration may improve postoperative outcomes after major surgery, and the optimal strategy remains controversial and uncertain. Aims: The primary outcome was the total amount of intraoperative fluids given between perioperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) guided by a hemodynamic monitoring system and standard fluid therapy based on "mean arterial pressure-diuresis" data in patients undergoing head and neck surgery. The secondary outcomes were the hemodynamics and laboratory variables, postoperative complications, length of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital stay. Study Design: A randomized controlled study. Methods: Sixty patients were scheduled and randomized into two groups of 30 patients each: in the study group, an arterial pressure catheter was inserted and connected to the FloTrac system, whereas in the control group, an arterial pressure catheter was inserted and integrated into the hemodynamic monitoring system with a special transducer. The control group had fluids administered at the discretion of the anesthesiologist according to the mean arterial pressure >65 mmHg and diuresis >0.5 ml/kg/h. In the study group, fluid management was administered to achieve a target value of ≤13% through the stroke volume variation. Results: The total amounts of fluid in the intraoperative period were different between the groups, with the study group receiving significantly more fluids (P = 0.0455). The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the study group than in the control group (P = 0.012), but prolonged oxygen demand was significantly more frequent in the control group than in the study group (P = 0.017). No difference was found in hemodynamics, lactate kinetics, and vasoactive agent requirements. Conclusion: The standard fluid therapy guided by conventional circulatory parameters appears sufficient for patients with low-tomoderate risk during head and neck surgery.

Postoperative Pain in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type of scoliosis, and its treatment is essentially surgical for curves above 40 degrees. Posterior spinal instrumentation (PI) is the usual technique, while the vertebral body tethering (VBT) method is tested technique for this study as a new treatment option. OBJECTIVES: To compare postoperative pain outcomes between PI and VBT with mini-thoracotomy surgeries performed in AIS patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled study registered with the Clinical Trials Portal (NCT04822935). SETTING: Department of Anesthesiology. METHODS: We randomly divided 31 adolescents (28 women, 3 men) aged 11 to 18, with a diagnosis of AIS into 2 groups using computer software: the PI and the VBT groups. Postoperative morphine consumption and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) scores at the 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th, and 48th hours and at 4 weeks were recorded. Length of hospital stays, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stays, duration of operation, postoperative patient satisfaction with the Likert scale, and complications such as bleeding and respiratory distress were recorded. Preoperative and follow-up Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaires were obtained to assess patient outcomes at 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperative morphine consumption and the NRS scores at the 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th, and 48th hours were significantly higher in group VBT (P < 0.05). The amount of bleeding was significantly higher in group PI (P = 0.002). The ICU and the hospital length of stays in the VBT group were significantly higher (respectively, P = 0.011; P = 0.032). Discharge NRS scores, ODI scores as well as patients' satisfaction were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS: Firstly, this was a single-centered study with a small sample owing to the rarity of AIS surgeries. Moreover, double-blinding was not applied to the patients and doctors because of the surgery incision places. CONCLUSION: From our results, both techniques can be employed for AIS surgery, but a meticulous approach is essential for the prevention of acute pain for VBT.

A retrospective analysis of dexmedetomidine and morphine in the fast-track and ultra-fast-track extubation protocol after congenital cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: After congenital cardiac surgery, the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) is related to the clinical status, type of operation, and the sedative-analgesic agents used postoperatively. This study aims to examine the effects of dexmedetomidine and morphine on the fast-track extubation (FTE) and ultra-fast-track extubation (UFTE) protocol after congenital cardiac surgery. METHODS: A total of 251 pediatric patients were divided into two groups: 118 patients in the morphine group (Group M) and 133 patients in the dexmedetomidine group (Group D). We retrospectively reviewed medical data including hemodynamic parameters, duration of MV and cardiovascular intensive care unit (CICU), additional sedative/analgesic requirement, adverse events, the need for reintubation, and noninvasive MV, sedation, and pain scores. RESULTS: The mean mechanical ventilation duration of Group D was significantly shorter than Group M (3.74 ± 0.83 h in Group D, 5.72 ± 1.54 h in Group M, respectively) (p = .001; p < .05). In Group D, the success rate of FTE was 92.5% (n = 123) and UFTE was 7.5% (n = 10) (p = .001). In Group M, the success rate of FTE was 72.9% (n = 86) and UFTE was 0% (n = 0) (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine and morphine have clinical benefits which encourage their use for FTE protocol. Dexmedetomidine has more benefits compared to morphine. It can be used in UFTE protocol, besides its use in FTE protocol with fewer side effects.

Measuring potassium level in packed red blood cells before using: Word of caution for congenital cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Transfusion-associated hyperpotassemia is a serious complication of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion after congenital cardiac surgery. Our study aimed to identify risk factors and potential preventive measures of transfusion-associated hyperpotassemia in neonates and infants after congenital cardiac surgery. METHODS: Pediatric patients who underwent congenital cardiac surgery and need transfusion were enrolled in this prospective study. The potassium concentration of PRBC was checked from the sample taken from the segment. The volume of transfusion, age of PRBC, potassium concentration of unit were recorded. The estimated increment of potassium level in patients after PRBC transfusion was calculated. RESULTS: Seventy-four individual patients, 95 distinct transfusions, 112 blood products were evaluated. The mean age of the blood unit was 3.8 ± 1.4 days. The mean potassium concentration in the PRBCs was 9.9 ± 2.4 mmol/L. A weak correlation was observed between the potassium value of the PRBC and the age of PRBC (p = 0.049, r = 0.2, y = 0.24 × x + -0.68). There was a weak correlation between the potassium value of PRBCs and the age of the unit (p < 0.001, r = 0.37, y = 2.8 × x + -3.6). CONCLUSIONS: Before transfusion, even PRBC is fresh, measuring the potassium level of PRBC and the potassium that will be given to the pediatric patient with transfusion can prevent transfusion-related hyperpotassemia and related complications. Otherwise, high potassium levels, which may be overlooked despite being fresh, may cause serious complications, even cardiac arrest, especially in neonates and infants.

The Role of Indirect Laryngoscopy, Clinical and Ultrasonographic Assessment in Prediction of Difficult Airway.

OBJECTIVES: Pre-operative airway evaluation is essential to decrease the proportion of possible mortality and morbidity due to difficult airway (DA). The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pre-operative ultrasonographic airway assessment (UAA) and indirect laryngoscopy (IL) in predicting DA. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective obsevational study. METHODS: Preoperative clinical examination (body mass index [BMI], mallampati classification [MP], thyromental distance, sternomental distance, neck circumference), UAA (epiglottis-skin distance [ESD], hyoid bone-skin distance [HSD], the thickness of tongue root [ToTR], anterior commissure-skin distance [ACSD]) and IL with the rigid 70-degree laryngoscope were performed to predict DA (Cormack-Lehane grade 3 and 4). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PP), and negative predictive values of the parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 140 (15.7%) patients were diagnosed with DA. The cut-off points of ESD, HSD, ToTR, ACSD, and BMI were 2.09 cm, 0.835 cm, 4.05 cm, 0.545 cm, and 27.10, respectively. AUC values were 0.874, 0.885, 0.871, 0.658, and 0.751 in the same order. AUC values for IL and MP were 0.773 and 0.925, respectively. MP and HSD had the best sensitivity (91%), IL grading had the best specificity (100%), and PP (100%) value among all measurements. The best-balanced sensitivity (91%), specificity (97%), and PP (88%) values were obtained by combining the IL with MP and ESD or with MP and HSD. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic measurements and IL were found significantly correlated to predict DA. Combined parameters, the IL with MP and ESD or with MP and HSD, are the best parameters in predicting the DA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E555-E560, 2021.

An Unexpected Infection in Loss-of-Function Mutations in STAT3: Malignant Alveolar Echinococcosis in Liver.

Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene causes autosomal dominant hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome (AD-HIES or Job's Syndrome), a rare and complex primary immunodeficiency (PID) syndrome characterized by increased levels of IgE (>2000 IU/mL), eosinophilia, recurrent staphylococcal skin abscesses, eczema, recurrent pneumonia, skeletal and connective tissue abnormalities. Although bacterial and fungal infections are common in AD-HIES, susceptibility to parasitic infections has not been reported. Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a zoonosis caused by the growth of the Echinococcus multilocularis (EM) metacestode, mimics slow-growing liver cancer. The mortality rate of AE is very high when it is diagnosed late or under-treated. Here, we report a 14-year-old boy with AE infections of the liver and the lung resulting in liver failure and diagnosed as STAT3-LOF. To our knowledge, the association between these two conditions has not been reported in the literature before.

Familial Mediterranean Fever with Neonatal Onset: Case Report.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder characterized by recurrent fever and attacks of abdominal pain, chest pain, and joint pain. Attacks of recurrent fever and serositis are encountered clinically. Attacks may present either with only one symptom or many simultaneous symptoms. Although most of the patients are diagnosed clinically above the age of 2, those cases who are diagnosed before 2 years of age and with clinical course of isolated fever are believed to have a more serious course and tend to develop amyloidosis. In this article, a case who was admitted first on the 22nd day of life and later diagnosed to have FMF with recurrent attacks of isolated fever and no other focus is presented. We emphasize that FMF may present as early as in the first month of life, and it should be considered in cases presenting with fever of unknown origin and misdiagnosed to have late neonatal sepsis or occult bacteremia at this age group.

Role of ultrasonography in determining the cricothyroid membrane localization in the predicted difficult airway.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the success rates of ultrasound (US) and palpation methods in identifying the cricothyroid membrane (CTM), and compare the results with the gold standard method-computed tomography (CT) scan. METHODS: A total of 110 patients were included into the study. The midline was estimated by a single investigator using both the US and palpation methods from the prominence of the thyroid cartilage to the center of the sternal notch, and the distance was measured (in millimeters) between the two points: Point A (the midpoint of CTM) and Point B (the inferior process of thyroid cartilage). Furthermore, the distance between Point A and Point B was calculated using the CT images. Time taken to assess the CTM by using US and palpation methods were recorded. Moreover, difficulty in using the two methods was measured with the visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, demographic and morphometric characteristics of the patients were noted. RESULTS: The CTM was detected accurately in 50 (45.5%) patients with palpation and 82 (74.5%) with US. In the Bland-Altman analysis, a better agreement was observed with US. The time to assess CTM was shorter with US than with palpation, p<0.001. The VAS scores for the palpation and US difficulty were 5.13+-1.1 and 3.32+-0.9 (p<0.001), respectively. While an increased neck circumference and thyromental distance were found to be independent risk factors for the success rates of determining the CTM by palpation, body mass index is an independent risk factor for US. CONCLUSION: Localization of the CTM is more accurate and easier with US than palpation. Furthermore, the results gathered with US are in a closer range to CT scan.

Learning Curves for Two Fiberscopes in Simulated Difficult Airway Scenario With Cumulative Sum Method.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this randomized prospective mannequin study were to determine the amount of attempts required for successful intubation using different fiberscopes (Bonfils and SensaScope) by inexperienced anesthesiologists in a difficult airway scenario and to build the associated learning curves. METHODS: Difficult airway simulation was achieved with tongue edema in mannequin. After approval of volunteers, we asked 15 anesthesiology residents without any experience with fiberscopes to intubate with each device in a random order. Intubation success (endotracheal intubation within 120 seconds), the degree of difficulty of intubation, and reality of simulation using a 10-point scale were recorded. Learning curves were generated with cumulative sum method. RESULTS: With Bonfils, 13 volunteers were able to pass lower decision boundary with a median number of 26 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 21.4-25.9] attempts, whereas in SensaScope, the same outcome was observed in 10 residents with a median number of attempts of 26 (95% CI = 23.5-32.5). Total success rate was found significantly higher with Bonfils compared with SensaScope (550/600 vs 512/600, respectively, P < 0.001). Intubation with Bonfils was considered as less difficult compared with SensaScope [median = 4 (95% CI = 3.32-4.42) and 6 (95% CI = 4.96-6.64), P = 0.01, respectively]. The reality of the simulation was rated as a median of 5 (95% CI = 4.37-5.8). CONCLUSIONS: Although a similar number of attempts were required to reach predetermined competency for both fiberscopes, only 10 of residents were able to obtain the targeted success using SensaScope as compared with 13 with Bonfils. Inexperienced residents found intubation via Bonfils less difficult than SensaScope. High individual variability in obtaining competency observed in this study with cumulative sum analysis underlines the importance of defining success a priori to simulation, the need for follow-up of individual progress, and the need to offer adequate trials to achieve competency. Therefore, learning opportunities should be adapted accordingly.

The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in total knee and hip arthroplasty / Relação entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e a dor pós-operatória em artroplastia total de joelho e quadril

Abstract Background and objectives: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a simple, cost-effective and easily applicable inflammation indicator that is being used frequently in mortality, morbidity and prognosis studies in the recent years. We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Material and methods: We included 101 patients who preferred spinal anesthesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in accordance and divided them into two groups, total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. We recorded demographic information, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, analgesics consumption, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio results and postoperative pain using Visual Analog Scale. Results: The morphine consumption of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 7.38 mg, 7.80 mg; 8th hour: 12.19 mg, 13.29 mg; 12th hour: 16.94 mg, 19.18 mg; 24th hour: 25.97 mg, 27.98 mg; 48th hour: 36.38 mg, 39.59 mg. The Visual Analog Scale scores of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 4.10, 4.51; 8th hour: 3.02, 3.43; 12th hour: 2.29, 2.55; 24th hour: 1.90, 1.87; 48th hour: 1.08, 1.13. In group total hip arthroplasty, we found a statistically significant association between postoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the Visual Analog Scale values on the 48th hour in a positive direction (r = 0.311; P = 0.031; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio can be accepted as a relatively objective method for the diagnosis of postoperative pain.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A proporção entre neutrófilo/linfócito é um indicador de inflamação simples, custo-efetivo e de fácil aplicação que vem sendo usado com frequência em estudos de mortalidade, morbidade e prognóstico nos últimos anos. Avaliamos a relação entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e a dor pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho. Material e métodos: No total, 101 pacientes que preferiram a raquianestesia e a analgesia venosa controlada pelo paciente foram incluídos e divididos em dois grupos neste estudo: artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho. Os dados demográficos e os tempos de operação, internação hospitalar e consumo de analgésicos e os resultados da proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e da dor pós-operatória foram registrados usando uma escala visual analógica. Resultados: O consumo de morfina dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho nas horas 4, 8, 12, 24 e 45 foi de, respectivamente: 7,38 mg e 7,80 mg; 12,19 mg e 13,29 mg; 16,94 mg e 19,18 mg; 25,97 mg e 27,98 mg; 36,38 mg e 39,59 mg. Os escores obtidos na escala visual analógica dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho nas horas 4, 8, 12, 24 e 48 foram, respectivamente: 4,10 e 4,51; 3,02 e 3,43; 2,29 e 2,55; 1,90 e 1,87; 1,08 e 1,13. Na artroplastia total do quadril, uma associação estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito no pós-operatório e os valores da escala visual analógica na 48ª hora em uma direção positiva (r = 0,311; p = 0,031; p < 0,05). Conclusão: A proporção neutrófilo/linfócito pode ser aceita como um método relativamente objetivo para o diagnóstico da dor pós-operatória.

Outcome of treosulfan-based reduced-toxicity conditioning regimens for HSCT in high-risk patients with primary immune deficiencies.

INTRODUCTION: HSCT is the curative therapeutic option in PIDs. Due to the increase in survival rates, reduced-toxicity conditioning regimens with treosulfan have become another alternative. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the outcome of treosulfan-based conditioning before HSCT for patients with PID. METHOD: A total of 15 patients that received a treosulfan-based conditioning regimen for HSCT were recruited. Type of diagnosis, donor and stem cell source, pretransplant organ damage, infections, engraftment, chimerism, and transplant-related toxicities were analyzed. RESULTS: At a median follow-up time of 32 months, the overall survival was 86.7%. Following HSCT, 14 of 15 patients had engraftment, with 86.7% of the cohort having full-donor chimerism. The most common toxicity was seen on the skin (53.3%). Acute GVHD and chronic GVHD were documented in 53% and 20% of the study population, respectively. Although the cohort consisted of patients with pretransplant liver damage, SOS manifestations were documented in 20%. CONCLUSION: Treosulfan-based conditioning regimens before HSCT are associated with lower toxicity compared to myeloablative regimens, are safe, and have high engraftment rates with full-donor chimerism in patients having PID, regardless of the specified genetic diagnosis and donor type.

Comparison of Different Cuff Pressure Use with the Supreme Laryngeal Mask Airway on Haemodynamic Response, Seal Pressure and Postoperative Adverse Events: A Prospective Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: The Supreme™ laryngeal mask airway (SLMA) is a supra glottic airway (SGA) device that is used as an alternative to endotracheal tubes. In the present study, we aimed to compare the use of the SLMA with normal cuff pressure and low cuff pressure, primarily for haemodynamic response. METHODS: In the present study, 120 patients diagnosed with hypertension and scheduled for varicose vein or inguinal hernia operation were enrolled and 99 patients finished. Using randomization, patients were divided into two groups according to cuff pressure as a low-pressure group (Group L, 45 cm H2O) and a normal-pressure group (Group N, 60 cm H2O). Demographics, Mallampati score and the type and duration of surgery, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), percentage of tidal volume leakage, Ppeak, Pmean, etCO2, seal pressure, fibreoptic scores and postoperative adverse effects of all patients were recorded. RESULTS: MAP and HR values immediately and 2 minutes after SLMA insertion were significantly lower in Group L (p<0.001). In Group L and Group N, the seal pressures were 24.1±3.1 cm H2O and 26.2±3.9 cm H2O, respectively (p=0.003). Also, blood staining and sore throat occurred less frequently in Group L (p<0.05). The fibreoptic average score, insertion features and ventilation parameters were similar between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: SLMA use with a cuff pressure of 45 cm H2O significantly decreases haemodynamic response and post-operative side effects compared with a normal cuff pressure. Therefore, except for some specific surgeries that require higher seal pressures, we recommend the use of the SLMA with cuff pressures as low as 45 cm H2O.

A Practical Recommendation for Teaching Neck Anatomy During Neck Dissection in the Operating Room.

Anatomy knowledge is not only essential for surgeons but also has importance for anyone who performs an invasive procedure on a patient, and provides examination and diagnosis of patients and sharing of these findings to the patient and other medical professionals. It is accepted that most surgical procedures could facilitate anatomic perception in surgical internships. There is an educational tendency to explore innovative instructional tools and methods that can help support current education styles. This study investigates the effect of a green laser pointer on students' perceptions and educational effectiveness when neck dissection is performed in the operating room.

High frequency jet ventilation during endolaryngeal surgery: Risk factors for complications.

Objective: Microlaryngeal surgery requires teamwork between surgeons and anesthesiologists. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is an artificial breathing technique, preferred during endolaryngeal interventions, which offers a good solution for the requirements. Most studies investigating independent risk factors for intraoperative complications during HFJV in endolaryngeal surgery (ELS) has been retrospective and not standardized and the anesthetic approach has not been standardized. This prospective cohort study aimed to identify risk factors of complications related to HFJV in ELS under a standardized anesthesia regimen. Methods: 243 patients who underwent ELS with infraglottic HFJV were investigated. Infraglottic jet ventilation catheter was placed and anesthesia was standardized. Demographic and operative data were noted. Hemodynamics, SpO2 and end-tidal CO2 were recorded at regular intervals. Complications such as hemodynamic disturbances, respiratory problems, barotrauma, equipment failure and requirement for conventional ventilation were also documented. Results: 222 patients were included. Hypoxia, hypercapnia and the need for intubation were observed in 20(9%), 4(1.8%), 10(4.5%) patients. Bradycardia, hypotension and arrhythmia were observed in six (2.7%), 24(10.8%), and four (1.8%) patients respectively. Respiratory complications were associated with body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001, OR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.31­1.88) and previous major airway surgery (p < 0.001, OR: 34.0, 95%CI:3.52­328.24), whereas hemodynamic complications were associated with duration of the operation (p = 0.034, OR:1.04, 95%CI:1.0­1.09) and history of previous major airway surgery (p = 0.005, OR:9.57, 95%CI:1.97­46.49). Conclusion: Infraglottic HFJV can be evaluated as an alternative breathing technique to conventional ventilation during endolaryngeal interventions. However, longer operation and previous laryngeal surgeries can increase the incidence of respiratory complications.