Oxygenation Index and Oxygen Saturation Index for Predicting Postoperative Outcome in Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: The OI was originally evaluated as a prognostic tool for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in children and was an independent predictor for mortality in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: Oxygenation index and OSI of 201 adult patients undergoing emergency surgery were evaluated at different time points. The primary objective of this study was to find the correlation between OI and OSI. The secondary objectives were to find the prognostic utility of OI and OSI for postoperative mechanical ventilation and mortality. Results: Significant statistical correlation was found between OI and OSI both at the beginning (r 2 = 0.61; p < 0.001) and immediately after surgery (r 2 = 0.47; p < 0.001). Oxygen saturation index at the beginning [area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) (95% CI) 0.76 (0.62-0.89); best cutoff 3.9, sensitivity 64% and specificity 45%] and immediately after surgery [AUROC (95% CI) 0.82 (0.72-0.92); best cutoff 3.57, sensitivity 79%, and specificity 62%] were reasonable predictors of the requirement of invasive ventilatory support. Exploratory analysis reported that older age (p = 0.02), higher total leukocyte count (p = 0.002), higher arterial lactate (p = 0.02), and higher driving pressure (p < 0.001) were independently associated with hospital mortality. Conclusion: In adult patients undergoing emergency laparotomy under general anesthesia, OI and OSI were found to be correlated. Both metrics demonstrated reasonable accuracy in predicting the need for invasive ventilatory support beyond 24 hours and hospital mortality. How to cite this article: Thakuria R, Ernest EE, Chowdhury AR, Pangasa N, Kayina CA, Bhattacharjee S, et al. Oxygenation Index and Oxygen Saturation Index for Predicting Postoperative Outcome in Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(7):645-649.

Comparison of inflammatory markers in low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep neuromuscular block versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) is an attempt to improve laparoscopic surgery. Lower pressure causes lesser inflammation and better hemodynamics. There is a lack of literature comparing inflammatory markers in LPP with deep NMB to standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPP) with moderate NMB in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODOLOGY: This was a single institutional prospective randomized control trial. Participants included all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gall stone disease. Participants were divided into 2 groups group A and B. Group A-Low-pressure group in which pneumoperitoneum pressure was kept low (8-10 mmHg) with deep Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) and Group B-Normal pressure group (12-14 mmHg) with moderate NMB. A convenience sample size of 80 with 40 in each group was selected. Lab investigations like CBC, LFT, RFT and serum IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, TNF alpha levels were measured at base line and 24 h after surgery and compared using appropriate statistical tests. Other parameters like length of hospital stay, post-operative pain score, conversion rate (low-pressure to standard pressure), and complications were also compared. RESULTS: Eighty participants were analysed with 40 in each group. Baseline characteristics and investigations were statistically similar. Difference (post-operative-pre-operative) of inflammatory markers were compared between both groups. Numerically there was a slightly higher rise in most of the inflammatory markers (TLC, ESR, CRP, IL-6, TNFα) in Group B compared to Group A but not statistically significant. Albumin showed significant fall (p < 0.001) in Group B compared to Group A. Post-operative pain was also significantly less (p < 0.001) in Group A compared to Group B at 6 h and 24 h. There were no differences in length of hospital stay and incidence of complications. There was no conversion from low-pressure to standard pressure. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed under low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep NMB may have lesser inflammation and lesser post-operative pain compared to standard pressure pneumoperitoneum with moderate NMB. Future studies with larger sample size need to be designed to support these findings.

Lung Ultrasound Findings in a Patient with Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis.

How to cite this article: Bhattacharjee S, Prasanna M, Maitra S, Ray BR. Lung Ultrasound Findings in a Patient with Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(1):82-83.

Effect of incremental PEEP titration on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) has a significant negative impact and are associated with increased length of hospital stay and cost of care. Emergency surgery is a well-established risk factor for PPC. Previous studies reported that personalized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) might reduce postoperative atelectasis and postoperative pulmonary complications. N = 168 adult patients undergoing major emergency laparotomy under general anesthesia were recruited in this study. A minimum driving pressure based incremental PEEP titration was compared to a fixed PEEP of 5 cmH2O. The primary outcome was PPC up to postoperative day 7. The mean (standard deviation) of the recruited patients was 41.7(16.1)y, and 48.8% (82 of 168 patients) were female. The risk of PPC at postoperative day 7 was similar in both the study groups [Relative risk (RR) (95% Confidence interval, CI) 0.81 (0.58, 1.13); p = 0.25]. In addition, the incidence of intraoperative hypotension [p = 0.75], oxygen-free days at day 28 [p = 0.27], duration of postoperative hospital stay [p = 0.50], length of postoperative intensive care unit stay [p = 0.28], and in-hospital mortality [p = 0.38] were similar in two groups. Incidence of PPC was not reduced with the use of an individualized PEEP strategy based on lowest driving pressure. However, the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia was also not increased with titrated PEEP.Trial Registration: www.ctri.nic.in ; CTRI/2020/12/029765.

Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep neuromuscular blockade versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease: a non-inferiority randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) is an attempt at improving laparoscopic surgery. However, it has the issue of poor working space for which deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) may be a solution. There is a lack of literature comparing LPP with deep NMB to standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPP) with moderate NMB. METHODOLOGY: This was a single institutional prospective non-inferiority RCT, with permuted block randomization of subjects into group A and B [Group A: LPP; 8-10 mmHg with deep NMB [ Train of Four count (TOF): 0, Post Tetanic Count (PTC): 1-2] and Group B: SPP; 12-14 mmHg with moderate NMB]. The level of NMB was monitored with neuromuscular monitor with TOF count and PTC. Cisatracurium infusion was used for continuous deep NMB in group A. Primary outcome measures were the surgeon satisfaction score and the time for completion of the procedure. Secondarily important clinical outcomes were also reported. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients screened, 181 participants were enrolled [F: 138 (76.2%); M: 43 (23.8%); Group A n = 90, Group B n = 91]. Statistically similar surgeon satisfaction scores (26.1 ± 3.7 vs 26.4 ± 3.4; p = 0.52) and time for completion (55.2 ± 23.4 vs 52.5 ± 24.9 min; p = 0.46) were noted respectively in groups A and B. On both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis it was found that group A was non-inferior to group B in terms of total surgeon satisfaction score, however, non-inferiority was not proven for time for completion of surgery. Mean pain scores and incidence of shoulder pain were statistically similar up-to 7 days of follow-up in both groups. 4 (4.4%) patients in group B and 2 (2.2%) in group A had bradycardia (p = 0.4). Four (4.4%) cases of group A were converted to group B. One case of group B converted to open surgery. Bile spills and gallbladder perforations were comparable. CONCLUSION: LPP with deep NMB is non-inferior to SPP with moderate NMB in terms of surgeon satisfaction score but not in terms of time required to complete the procedure. Clinical outcomes and safety profile are similar in both groups. However, it could be marginally costlier to use LPP with deep NMB.

Postoperative pulmonary complications with high versus standard FiO2 in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: A noninferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the possible clinical benefit of high intraoperative oxygen therapy on surgical site infection, the effect on postoperative respiratory function is debatable. However, it remains yet to be elucidated whether hyperoxia due to a high fraction of inspired oxygen used in conjunction with lung protective ventilation can lead to increased incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. METHODS: In this noninferiority randomized trial, an intraoperative high fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.8 (group H) was compared to a standard fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.3 to 0.4 (group S) in adult patients undergoing major elective or emergency surgery. A lung protective ventilation strategy was employed in all patients, including volume control ventilation with a tidal volume of 6 to 8 mL/kg of predicted body weight, respiratory rate of 12 beats per minute, and positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 to 8 cm H2O. Postoperative pulmonary complications were assessed on postoperative days 3 and 5 by the Melbourne group scale. RESULTS: In this trial, n = 226 patients were randomized; among them, 130 patients underwent routine surgery, and 96 patients underwent emergency surgery. The median (interquartile range) of the patients was 48 (35-58) years, and 47.3% were female. Melbourne group scale scores at postoperative day 3 (median [interquartile range] 2 [1-4] in group S vs 2 [1-3] in group H; the difference in median [95% confidence interval] 0 [0, -1]; P = .13) and day 5 (median [interquartile range] 1 (0-3) in group S vs 1 [0-3] in group H; the difference in median [95% confidence interval] 0 [0, 0.5]; P = .34) were statistically similar in both the groups and the upper margin was within the predefined margin of 1. Incidence of surgical site infection (P = .46), postoperative hospital stay (P = .29), and days alive without antibiotic therapy at postoperative day 28 (P = .95) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: High intraoperative fiO2 was noninferior to standard fiO2 in postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major surgery.

Ultrasonographic assessment of brachial artery reactivity as a predictor of adverse outcome in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforated peritonitis - Prospective observational study.

Background and Aims: This study aimed to assess if pre- and postoperative parameters of brachial artery reactivity (BAR), like flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and hyperaemic velocity (HV), could predict in-hospital mortality in perforation peritonitis patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Methods: In this prospective observational study, adult patients with perforation peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy were recruited. FMD and HV were measured preoperatively, postoperatively and at 24 and 48 h post-surgery. Adult patients undergoing elective laparotomy served as the control group. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Baseline and BAR parameters were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Risk factors for mortality were identified by univariate analysis. Prognostic performances of BAR parameters were assessed by different models using logistic regression. All statistical analyses were performed on STATA version 13 for Mac OS. Results: Seventy-six emergency laparotomy patients were recruited, and 26 died during the hospital stay. FMD and HV were comparable at all time points between survivors and non-survivors, except that HV was higher in survivors at 48 h post-surgery (median [interquartile range] 1.28 [1.16-1.49] vs. 1.16 [0.86-1.35], P = 0.010]. HV at 48 h predicted mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval] 21.05 [1.04-422.43], P = 0.046), and a model consisting of age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) score and HV at 48 h was the best predictor of mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve 0.82). Conclusion: HV, as measured by ultrasonography of the brachial artery at 48 h postoperatively, is a good predictor of mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforation peritonitis.

Comparative evaluation of isoflurane and desflurane for postoperative cognitive decline in elderly patients: A prospective observational pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 16%-62% of patients undergoing non cardiac surgeries develop postoperative cognitive dysfunction. We compared the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older adults aged 60-80 years who underwent open abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia using isoflurane or desflurane and correlated it with the serum concentration of interleukin 1, interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor alpha, amyloid ß and S100 on postoperative day 3. METHOD: Forty American Association of Anesthesiologists Physical Classification I or II patients were included after acquiring institutional ethics committee approval, registering in the Clinical Trials Registry - India, and informed written consent. They underwent open abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia and epidurals between 2017 and 2019. Patients with substance abuse or any disorder affecting cognition were excluded. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was assessed by Stroop test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Trail making test - B, Porteus Maze test, PGI memory scale, mini-mental state examination, and Bender Gestalt test the day before surgery and on the third postoperative day along with blood samples. RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent of the patients developed postoperative cognitive dysfunction. The risk was similar to isoflurane in comparison with desflurane (risk ratio: 0.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.30, 1.40). A significant percentage increase in reaction time for Porteus Maze test and Trail making test - B was noted with isoflurane (6.69 (4.20-8.94) and 8.01 (2.08-12.5), respectively) in comparison with desflurane group (13.01 (9.09-17.33), p = 0.003 and 11.62 (7.5-17.5), p = 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSION: Isoflurane and desflurane had a similar impact on the elderly for developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction and no correlation with any of the biomarkers used in the study on postoperative day 3.

Association between intraoperative starch use and postoperative kidney dysfunction in patients undergoing major gastro-intestinal surgery: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of intraoperative starch-based fluid therapy on postoperative kidney dysfunction in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery is uncertain. Low molecular weight starch is expected to cause less postoperative kidney dysfunction. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated the impact of intraoperative 6% hydroxyethyl starch on postoperative renal dysfunction. The primary outcome of this study was postoperative acute kidney injury as per KDIGO definition within 72 hours of surgery. RESULTS: This study analysed data from 461 patients with a median (interquartile range) age of 45 (33-58) years, and 48.2% of all patients were female. The proportion (95% confidence interval) of patients who developed acute kidney injury was 0.18 (0.14-0.21); 62.9% of patients had acute kidney injury stage I, 32% had acute kidney injury stage II, and the rest were acute kidney injury stage III. In the propensity score-matched sample, the average treatment effect of intraoperative colloid use on postoperative serum creatinine at day 3 (p = 0.32), duration of postoperative intensive care unit stay (p = 0.97), duration of hospital stay (p = 0.37), postoperative worst international normalised ratio (p = 0.92), and postoperative transfusion requirement (p = 0.40) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative use of low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch use was not associated with postoperative kidney dysfunction and coagulopathy in adult patients undergoing major open abdominal surgery.

Comparative evaluation of intraoperative dexmedetomidine versus lidocaine for reducing postoperative cognitive decline in the elderly: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroinflammation, neuronal cytotoxicity, and apoptosis due to exposure to anaesthetic agents are often implicated in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Lidocaine and dexmedetomidine have been shown to suppress the neuron-specific markers of inflammation, and we aimed to compare their neuroprotective efficacy in elderly patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective randomized control study compared the incidence of POCD in ASA I/II patients aged 60 to 80 years without any history of substance abuse or any disorder affecting cognition. Dexmedetomidine and lidocaine were administered intraoperatively, and their effects on POCD were correlated with serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, amyloid-ß, and S100 on postoperative day 3. POCD was assessed by the Stroop test, Trail making test-B, Porteus Maze test, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) on the day before surgery and the third postoperative day, along with blood samples. RESULTS: Demographic parameters, anaesthesia duration, exposure to anaesthetic gases, intraoperative opioid use, and blood transfusion were similar in the lidocaine ( n = 31) and dexmedetomidine ( n = 29) groups. The incidence of POCD was 29.03% in the lidocaine group and 24.1% in the dexmedetomidine group ( P = 0.77). On postoperative day 3, IL-1 levels increased by 449% with lidocaine and 202% with dexmedetomidine ( P = 0.03). TNF-a, IL-6, and S-100ß levels increased similarly in both groups. There was no significant correlation between percentage changes in neuropsychological tests and biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of POCD, but dexmedetomidine had a better anti-inflammatory effect in terms of lesser rise of postoperative IL-1 compared to lidocaine.

Assessment of role of inferior vena cava collapsibility index and variations in carotid artery peak systolic velocity in prediction of post-spinal anaesthesia hypotension in spontaneously breathing patients: An observational study.

Background and Aims: Post-spinal anaesthesia hypotension (PSH) is common and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) and carotid artery peak systolic velocity variations (CAPVV) are two widely used parameters for assessing the volume status of critically ill patients which have also been investigated as predictors of PSH and hypotension after induction of general anaesthesia. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of IVCCI and CAPVV as predictors of PSH. Methods: A total of 50 patients aged between 18 and 65 years undergoing elective lower abdominal surgeries under spinal anaesthesia were included. The IVCCI and CAPVV were measured using ultrasound pre-operatively. After administering spinal anaesthesia, haemodynamic data were collected till 15 min. Our primary objective was to evaluate the role of IVCCI and CAPVV to predict PSH. The secondary objectives were to compare the predictive efficacy of these two parameters and to detect other parameters for predicting PSH. We constructed the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for IVCCI and CAPVV and obtained the best cut-off values. Results: The PSH occurred in 34% of the patients. IVCCI >21.15 could predict PSH with 58.8% sensitivity and 69.7% specificity. CAPVV >18.33 predicted PSH with 70.6% sensitivity and 54.6% specificity and IVC max/IVCCI >60 could predict PSH with 58.8% sensitivity and 54.5% specificity. A composite model comprising IVCmax (maximum IVC diameter), CAPVV, and baseline mean blood pressure was able to predict PSH. Conclusion: Both IVCCI and CAPVV have poor diagnostic accuracy in predicting PSH in adult patients undergoing elective infra-umbilical surgery.

Comparative evaluation of the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus intrathecal morphine in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery: A prospective randomized pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Existing research on erector spinae plane block and intrathecal morphine in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery is limited. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized study, 60 patients aged between 18 and 60 years were randomized into two groups (erector spinae plane block and intrathecal morphine). In the erector spinae plane block group, ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block was performed, following which a mixture of 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and 0.5 mcg/kg of clonidine was injected. In the intrathecal morphine group, 150 mcg preservative-free morphine with 2 mL of normal saline was administered intrathecally. The primary outcome was to evaluate the perioperative opioid consumption in the first 24 h. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate hemodynamic response to surgical stimulus, visual analogue scale score, time to first analgesic requirement, postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative opioid consumption, urethral irritation, and incidence of drug-related adverse effects. RESULTS: Total perioperative opioid consumption in the erector spinae plane block group was 355.0 (265.0, 485.0) µg and 240.0 (145.0, 370.0) µg in the intrathecal morphine group (P = 0.09). However, the patients in the erector spinae plane block group had significantly greater postoperative fentanyl consumption (235.0 [120.0, 345.0] µg) compared with those in the intrathecal morphine group (105.0 [30.0, 225.0] µg). There were no statistically significant differences noted for intraoperative opioid consumption, postoperative visual analogue scale score, time to first analgesic request, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and catheter irritation between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although no statistically significant difference in intraoperative opioid consumption was seen between the erector spinae plane block and intrathecal morphine groups, postoperative opioid consumption was significantly higher in the erector spinae plane block group than in the intrathecal morphine group in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery.

Optimum time of LMA ProSeal removal in adult patients undergoing isoflurane anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Optimum timing of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) removal after general anesthesia with isoflurane is debatable. The objective was to investigate the potential benefits of removing LMA ProSeal at ≤0.4 Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane over awake and "deep plane" extubation after short duration laparoscopic gynecological surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized trial 90 adult female patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia using LMA ProSeal™ as airway device were included. At the end of surgery, LMA ProSeal™ was removed when the patient was awake, could open mouth following verbal command (Group A); at MAC ≤0.4 (Group B); or at MAC of 0.6 (Group C). Adverse airway events like nausea, vomiting, airway obstruction, coughing, bucking, laryngospasm were noted. Statistical analyses were done by SPSS statistical software (IBM SPSS Statistics for Mac OS X, Version 21.0. IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable in all three groups. Coughing or bucking at the time of LMA removal was higher in group A (P = 0.004). Snoring and airway obstruction after LMA removal was significantly higher in group C compared to group A and group B (P = 0.002 and P = 0.011, respectively). There was significant change in mean arterial pressure and heart rate between before and after LMA removal on group A (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively) but not in other groups. CONCLUSION: MAC ≤0.4 can be considered optimum depth of anesthesia for removal of LMA Proseal in adult patients undergoing isoflurane anesthesia.

Effect of driving pressure-guided positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration on postoperative lung atelectasis in adult patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: As respiratory system compliances are heterogenous, we hypothesized that individualized intraoperative positive end-expiratory pressure titration on the basis of lowest driving pressure can reduce postoperative atelectasis and improve intraoperative oxygenation and postoperative lung functions. METHODS: Eighty-two adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were recruited in this randomized trial. In the titrated positive end-expiratory pressure group, positive end-expiratory pressure was titrated incrementally until lowest driving pressure was achieved, and the same procedure was repeated in every 2 hours. In the fixed positive end-expiratory pressure group, a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O was used throughout the surgery. The primary objective of this study was lung ultrasound score noted at the completion of surgery and 5 minutes after extubation at 12 lung areas bilaterally. RESULTS: Mean (standard deviation) age of the recruited patients were 43.8 (17.3) years, and 50% of all patients (41 of 82) were women. Lung ultrasound aeration scores were significantly higher in the fixed positive end-expiratory pressure group both before and after extubation (median [interquartile range] 7 [5-8] vs 4 [2-6] before extubation and 8 [6-9] vs 5 [3-7] after extubation; P = .0004 and P = .0011, respectively). Incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was significantly lower in the titrated positive end-expiratory pressure group (absolute risk difference [95% CI] 17.1% [32.5%-1.7%]; P = .034). The number of patients requiring postoperative supplemental oxygen therapy to maintain SpO2 >95%, the requirement of intraoperative rescue therapy, and the duration of hospital stay were similar in both of the groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative titrated positive end-expiratory pressure reduced postoperative lung atelectasis in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Further large clinical trials are required to know its effect on postoperative pulmonary complications.

Emergency Surgery during COVID-19: Lessons Learned.

Introduction The ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health services throughout the world. It has brought in several new challenges to deal with surgical emergencies. Herein, we report two suspected cases of COVID-19 that were operated during this "lockdown" period and highlight the protocols we followed and lessons we learned from this situation. Result Two patients from "red zones" for COVID-19 pandemic presented with acute abdomen, one a 64-year male, who presented with perforation peritonitis and another, a 57-year male with acute intestinal obstruction due to sigmoid volvulus. They also had associated COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19 test could not be done at the time of their presentation to the hospital. Patients underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy assuming them to be positive for the infection. Surgical team was donned with full coverall personal protective equipment. Sudden and uncontrolled egression intraperitoneal free gas was avoided, Echelon flex 60 staplers were used to resect the volvulus without allowing the gas from the volvulus to escape; mesocolon was divided using vascular reload of the stapler, no electrosurgical devices were used to avoid the aerosolization of viral particles. Colostomy was done in both the patients. Both the patients turned out to be negative for COVID-19 subsequently and discharged from hospital in stable condition. Conclusion Surgeons need to adapt to safely execute emergency surgical procedures during this period of COVID-19 pandemic. Preparedness is of paramount importance. Full precautionary measures should be taken when dealing with any suspected case.

Comparison of colloid and crystalloid using goal-directed fluid therapy protocol in non-cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: A few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared crystalloid-based goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) with starch-based GDFT in patients undergoing major surgical procedures with conflicting results. In this meta-analysis, colloid-based GDFT was compared with crystalloid-based GDFT. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, RCTs comparing colloid- and crystalloid-based GDFT in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery were included. Binary outcomes were reported as risk ratio (RR) and continuous outcomes were reported as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). PubMed, PubMed central, The Cochrane Library database and EMBASE were searched for potentially eligible trials from inception to 28 February 2020. RESULTS: Data of 2392 patients from nine RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Mortality at the longest available follow-up [RR (95% CI) 1.44 (0.88, 2.34); p = 0.15], postoperative kidney dysfunction [RR (95% CI) 1.07 (0.72, 1.60); p = 0.73], postoperative length of hospital stay [MD (95% CI) - 0.29 ( - 1.25, 0.66) d; p = 0.55], cardiovascular complications [RR (95% CI) 1.20 (0.50, 2.88); p = 0.68], wound complications [RR (95% CI) 1.08 (0.76, 1.54); p = 0.66], pulmonary complications [RR (95% CI) 0.90 (0.71, 1.140); p = 0.40] and bleeding [RR (95% CI) 1.24 (0.77, 1.99); p = 0.37] were similar in both the groups. Postoperative major complications were also similar between patients who received colloid and crystalloid [RR (95% CI) 0.79 (0.48, 1.29); p = 0.34]. CONCLUSION: Colloids in goal-directed fluid therapy protocol does not offer any benefit over crystalloid-based goal-directed fluid therapy protocol in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgical procedure.

Correlation Between Doppler Derived Carotid Artery Corrected Flow Time and Pressure Transducer Derived Radial Artery Corrected Flow Time: A Prospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Carotid artery corrected flow time (cFT) derived from Doppler USG is a known predictor of volume responsiveness. However, it can't be obtained continuously, and is operator dependent. In this prospective study, correlation between Doppler derived carotid artery cFT and pressure transducer derived radial artery cFT was evaluated in adult patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. METHODS: Doppler derived carotid artery cFT were obtained from n = 51 adult patients at n = 125 time points. Simultaneously, pressure transducer waveforms were saved at the time of measurement of carotid artery cFT. Later, images were analyzed by an image processing computer software; both pulse pressure variation and cFT were estimated from pressure transducer waveform. RESULTS: Radial artery flow times measured by two independent observers, were significantly correlated (r2 = 0.99, p < 0.00001). Bland-Altman analysis found limits of agreement - 8.3 to 6.3 ms [mean difference (95% CI) - 0.98 (- 1.63, - 0.32)]. Doppler derived carotid artery cFT & pressure transducer derived radial artery cFT were also significantly correlated [r2 = 0.78, p < 0.0001]. However, radial artery cFT was significantly higher than carotid artery cFT [p < 0.0001, paired sample t test]. Radial artery cFT > 404.4 ms had an sensitivity and specificity of 87.34% and 85% respectively with a grey zone was between 393.7 and 417 ms to predict PPV ≥ 12%. CONCLUSION: Pressure transducer derived radial artery cFT correlated with Doppler derived carotid artery cFT and may be a reasonable predictor of volume responsiveness. Further studies are required to confirm its role in various clinical scenario for prediction of volume responsiveness.

Carotid Artery Corrected Flow Time and Respiratory Variations of Peak Blood Flow Velocity for Prediction of Hypotension After Induction of General Anesthesia in Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: Hypotension is common after induction of general anesthesia, and intraoperative hypotension is associated with postoperative end-organ injury such as acute kidney injury and myocardial ischemia. This study was designed to determine the utility of the carotid corrected flow time (cFT) and carotid artery peak blood flow velocity variation (ðVpeak ) for prediction of hypotension after induction of general anesthesia. METHODS: Adult patients (n = 112) undergoing any elective surgery under general anesthesia who fasted for at least 6 to 8 hours were recruited in this prospective observational study. The common carotid artery cFT and ðVpeak were measured with ultrasound 10 minutes before induction of general anesthesia. After that, general anesthesia with propofol was used, and hemodynamic data were collected until 3 minutes after induction of anesthesia. RESULTS: The carotid cFT was significantly correlated with percentages of the fall in the systolic blood pressure at 2 minutes (P < .0001) and 3 minutes (P < .0001) and percentages of the fall in the mean arterial pressure at 1 minute (P = .0006), 2 minutes (P < .0001), and 3 minutes (P < .0001). The cFT was a predictor of hypotension after induction of general anesthesia, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91. The best cutoff value obtained from this study was 330.2 milliseconds or less, which predicted postinduction hypotension with sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 96.8%, respectively. The ðVpeak was an inferior predictor of postinduction hypotension, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.68. The optimum cutoff value was 18.8%, with sensitivity and specificity of 61.9% and 67.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The cFT measured in the common carotid artery is a reasonable predictor of hypotension after induction of general anesthesia in American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II patients. Further studies are required to identify its role in high-risk patients such as older groups and patients with cardiovascular diseases and also to identify interobserver and intraobserver variability of cFT and ðVpeak measurements.