Massive blood loss in elective spinal and orthopedic surgery: Retrospective review of intraoperative transfusion strategy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative dynamics of hematologic changes and transfusion ratio in patients undergoing a major spinal surgery accompanied with massive bleeding defined as blood loss >5 liters. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Operating room of a university-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Adult patients who underwent elective neurosurgical, orthopedic, or combined spinal surgical procedure between 2008 and 2012. METHODS: Patients who underwent a major spinal or orthopedic surgery and who experienced major bleeding (>5 L) during surgery were identified and selected for final analysis. The following information was analyzed: demographics, clinical diagnoses, hematologic parameters, estimated intraoperative blood loss, blood product transfusions, and survival 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: During the study period, 25 patients, who underwent 28 spinal procedures, experienced intraoperative blood loss >5 L. Mean patient age was 50.5 years and 56.4% were males. The majority of patients underwent procedures to manage spinal metastases. Median estimated intraoperative blood loss was 11.25 L (IQR 6.35-22 L) and median number of units (U) transfused was 24.5 U (IQR 14.0-32.5 U) of packed red blood cells (RBCs), 24.5 U (IQR 14.0-34.0 U) of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and 4.5 U (IQR 3.0-11.5 U) of platelets (PLTs). The blood product transfusion ratio was 1 and 4 for RBC:FFP, and RBC:PLT, respectively. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, PLTs, partial thromboplastin, prothrombin time, INR, and, fibrinogen varied significantly throughout the procedures. However, acid-base status did not change significantly during surgery. Patients' survival at 1 year was 79.17%. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that a 1:1 RBC:FFP and 4:1 RBC:PLT transfusion ratio was associated with significant intraoperative variations in coagulation variables but stable intraoperative acid-base parameters. This transfusion ratio helped clinicians to achieve postoperative coagulation parameters not significantly different to those at baseline. Future studies should assess if more liberal transfusion strategies or point of care monitoring might be warranted in patients undergoing spinal surgery at risk of major blood loss.

A Prospective, Comparative Study for the Evaluation of Postoperative Pain and Quality of Recovery in Patients Undergoing Robotic Versus Open Hysterectomy for Staging of Endometrial Cancer.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare postoperative pain and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing either robotic or open laparotomy for surgical staging of endometrial cancer. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative study (Canadian Task Force classification II). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 142 patients undergoing either robotic or open laparotomy for surgical staging of endometrial cancer. INTERVENTIONS: Patients scheduled for surgical staging of endometrial cancer at a single institution were identified. The patients underwent either robotic or open hysterectomy for staging of endometrial cancer. The choice of operative approach (robotic vs laparotomy) was made by the faculty physician before enrollment. Patients participated in the study for up to 48 hours for pain assessments and up to 10 ± 3 days postoperatively for quality of recovery assessments. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The following measurements were performed: postoperative pain with the visual analog scale (VAS), 24-hour opioid consumption, and quality of recovery using the Quality of Recovery Questionnaire (QoR-40). The study was terminated owing to futility, given the lack of open procedures at our institution. Despite that lack of statistically significant difference between VAS scores at rest and with leg extension, there was a significant decrease in 24-hour opioid consumption in the robotic group. In addition, the QoR-40 showed an increased perception of recovery in patients within the robotic group compared with the laparotomy group. CONCLUSION: Patients with endometrial cancer who underwent robotic surgery had decreased postoperative opioid consumption and improved quality of recovery compared with those who underwent surgery via laparotomy.

Uso de monitorizacion cerebral para el despertar intraoperatorio / The use of cerebral monitoring for intraoperative awareness

Introduction: the bispectral index monitoring system (BIS) was introduced in the United States in 1994 and approved by the FDA in 1996 with the objective of measuring the level of consciousness through an algorithm analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG) during general anesthesia. This novelty allowed both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist to have a more objective perception of anesthesia depth. The algorithm is based on different EEG parameters, including time, frequency, and spectral wave. This provides a non-dimensional number, which varies from zero to 100; with optimal levels being between 40 and 60. Objectives: Perform an analysis of the advantages and limitations of the anesthetic management with the bispectral index monitoring, specifically for the management and prevention of intraoperative awareness. Methodology: A non-systematic review was made from literature available in PubMed between the years 2001 and 2015, using keywords such as "BIS", "bispectral monitoring", "monitoreo cerebral", "despertar intraoperatorio", "recall" and "intraoperative awareness". Results: A total of 2526 articles were found, from which only the ones containing both bispectral monitoring and intraoperative awareness information were taken into consideration. A total of 68 articles were used for this review. Conclusion: BIS guided anesthesia has documented less immediate postoperative complications such as incidence of postoperative nausea/vomit, pain and delirium. It also prevents intraoperative awareness and its complications.

Introducción: El índice de monitoreo biespectral (BIS) fue introducido en Norte América en 1994 y aprobado por la FDA en 1996 con el objetivo de medir el nivel de conciencia realizando un análisis algorítmico del electroencefalograma (EEG) durante la anestesia general. Esta novedad permitió que tanto el cirujano como el anestesiólogo tuvieran una percepción más objetiva de la profundidad anestésica. El algoritmo está basado en diferentes parámetros del EEG, incluyendo tiempo, frecuencia y onda espectral. Esto provee un número no dimensional, que varía desde cero, hasta 100; siendo los niveles óptimos entre 40 y 60. Objetívos: Realizar un análisis de las ventajas y limitaciones del manejo anestésico con el monitor de análisis biespectral, específicamente en el manejo y prevención del despertar intraoperatorio. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión no sistemática de literatura disponible en PubMed entre los años 2001-2015, utilizando palabras clave como "BIS", "bispectral monitoring" "moni-toreo cerebral", "despertar intraoperatorio" "recall" y "intraoperative awareness". Resultados: Se encontraron un total de 2526 artículos, de los cuales solo se tomaron en cuenta aquellos que contenían información de tanto monitoria biespectral como despertar intraoperatorio. Un total de 68 artículos fueron utilizados para esta revisión. Conclusión: En la anestesia guiada por BIS se han documentado menores complicaciones postoperatorias inmediatas como la incidencia de nausea/vómito, dolor y delirium. Además de prevenir el despertar intraoperatorio y sus complicaciones.

Desflurane Allows for a Faster Emergence When Compared to Sevoflurane without Affecting the Baseline Cognitive Recovery Time.

AIMS: We compared the effect of desflurane and sevoflurane on anesthesia recovery time in patients undergoing urological cystoscopic surgery. The Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test (SOMCT) measured and compared cognitive impairment between groups and coughing was assessed throughout the anesthetic. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This investigation included 75 ambulatory patients. Patients were randomized to receive either desflurane or sevoflurane. Inhalational anesthetics were discontinued after removal of the cystoscope and once repositioning of the patient was final. Coughing assessment and awakening time from anesthesia were assessed by a blinded observer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed by using t-test for parametric variables and Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric variables. RESULTS: The primary endpoint, mean time to eye-opening, was 5.0 ± 2.5 min for desflurane and 7.9 ± 4.1 min for sevoflurane (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in time to SOMCT recovery (p = 0.109), overall time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (p = 0.924) or time to discharge (p = 0.363). Median time until readiness for discharge was 9 min in the desflurane group, while the sevoflurane group had a median time of 20 min (p = 0.020). The overall incidence of coughing during the perioperative period was significantly higher in the desflurane (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: We re-confirmed that patients receiving desflurane had a faster emergence and met the criteria to be discharged from the PACU earlier. No difference was found in time to return to baseline cognition between desflurane and sevoflurane.

Anestesia total intravenosa versus anestésicos inhalados en neurocirugía / Total intravenous anaesthesia versus inhaled anaesthetics in neurosurgery

Introduction: The way neurosurgery has evolved has led to increased emphasis on anaesthetic techniques aimed at improving patient well-being. In the United States alone, the number of neurosurgeries has increased significantly, with growth reflected in approximately 12,000 spine procedures per year and another 2700 different neurosurgical procedures per year. For anaesthetists, this means that they are faced more frequently with the need to select the most adequate neuroanaesthesia technique for each patient. Objectives: The purpose of this review is to analyze the role of inhaled and intravenous anaesthetics in neurosurgical procedures. Methodology: A search was conducted in PubMed using the terms TIVA, inhaled anaesthetics, neurosurgery and spine surgery. Results: The articles included in the review show that the adequate anaesthetic technique, besides ensuring a rapid onset of action, contributes to ease of titration with minimum effect on systemic and cerebral haemodynamics; it must enable intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and rapid emergence, in order to allow early assessment of the patient’s neurological function and improved outcome. Conclusions: In recent years, the question regarding the use of inhaled vs. intravenous anaesthetics in neurosurgery has given rise to several research studies. Although TIVA is the technique used most frequently, inhaled anaesthetics have also been shown to be safe, titratable, and to provide for adequate intraoperative monitoring and cerebral haemodynamic stability. In patients with normal intracranial compliance, inhaled agents (IA) are a good alternative to TIVA, especially in places where hospital resources are limited.

Introducción: La evolución en neurocirugía ha fomentado las técnicas anestésicas en pro del bienestar del paciente. Solo en Estados Unidos el volumen de neurocirugías ha aumentado de forma significativa, mostrando un crecimiento aproximado de 12.000 procedimientos de columna al a ˜no, y de otros procedimientos neuroquirúrgicos de 2.700/a ˜no. Esto enfrenta con mayor frecuencia a los anestesiólogos a la elección de la técnica neuroanestésica adecuada para cada paciente. Objetivos: Esta revisión pretende realizar un análisis del rol de los anestésicos inhalados e intravenosos en procedimientos neuroquirúrgicos. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed utilizando TIVA, anestésicos inhalados, neurocirugía y cirugía de columna como términos de búsqueda. Resultados: Los artículos revisados muestran que, la técnica anestésica adecuada, además de tener un rápido inicio de acción, ser fácilmente titulable, con mínimo efecto en la hemodinámia sistémica y cerebral; debe permitir monitorización neurofisiológica intraoperatoria, y un rápido despertar, con el fin de permitir una evaluación temprana de la función neurológica del paciente y mejorar su desenlace. Conclusiones: Durante los últimos a ˜nos la disyuntiva del uso de anestésicos inhalados ver sus intravenosos en neurocirugía ha producido el desarrollo de diversas investigaciones. Aunque TIVA es la técnica usada con mayor frecuencia, los anestésicos inhalados, también han mostrado ser seguros, titulables, proveer una adecuada monitorización intraoperatoria, y estabilidad hemodinámica cerebral. En pacientes con complacía intracraneal normal los agentes inhalados, son una buena alternativa a la anestesia con TIVA, especialmente en lugares con recursos hospitalarios limitados.

Elevated transaortic valvular gradients after combined aortic valve and mitral valve replacement: an intraoperative dilemma.

High transaortic valvular gradients, after combined aortic valve and mitral valve replacement, require prompt intraoperative diagnosis and appropriate management. The presence of high transaortic valvular gradients after cardiopulmonary bypass, in this setting, can be secondary to the following conditions: prosthesis dysfunction, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, supravalvular obstruction, prosthesis-patient mismatch, hyperkinetic left ventricle from administration of inotropes, left ventricular intracavitary gradients, pressure recovery phenomenon, and increased transvalvular blood flow resulting from hyperdynamic circulation or anemia. Transesophageal echocardiography is an extremely useful tool for timely diagnosis and treatment of this complication. We describe a case of a critically ill patient with endocarditis and acute lung injury, who presented for combined aortic valve and mitral valve replacement. Transesophageal echocardiographic assessment, post-cardiopulmonary bypass, revealed high transaortic valvular gradients due to encroachment of the mitral prosthesis strut on the left ventricular outflow tract, which was compounded by a small, hypertrophied, and hyperkinetic left ventricle. Discontinuation of inotropic support, administration of fluids, phenylephrine, and esmolol led to resolution of the high gradients and prevented further surgery.

Unicuspid Aortic Stenosis in a Patient with Turner Syndrome: A Case Report.

Congenital aortic valve anomalies are the cause of premature aortic stenosis in pediatric and younger adult populations. Despite being very rare, unicuspid aortic valves account for approximately 5% of isolated aortic valve replacements. Patients with aortic stenosis, present with the same symptomatology independent of leaflet morphology. However, the presence of bicuspid and unicuspid aortic stenosis is associated with a higher incidence of aortopathy, especially in Turner syndrome patients. Turner syndrome, an X monosomy, is associated with aortic valve anomalies, aortopathy, and hypertension. These risk factors lead to a higher incidence of aortic dissection in this population. Patients with Turner syndrome and aortic stenosis that present for aortic valve replacement should therefore undergo extensive aortic imaging prior to surgery. Transthoracic echocardiography is the diagnostic tool of choice for valvular pathology, yet it can misdiagnose unicuspid aortic valves as bicuspid valves due to certain similarities on imaging. Transesophageal echocardiography is a better tool for distinguishing between the two valvular abnormalities, although diagnostic errors can still occur. We present a case of a 50-year-old female with history of Turner syndrome and bicuspid aortic stenosis presenting for aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta replacement. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed a stenotic unicommissural unicuspid aortic valve with an eccentric orifice, which was missed on preoperative imaging. This case highlights the importance of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in confirming preoperative findings, diagnosing further cardiac pathology, and ensuring adequate surgical repair.