Effect of topical administration of tramadol on corneal wound healing in rats.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of topical tramadol administration on corneal wound healing, and examine ophthalmic structures and intraocular pressure 7 days after tramadol administration. The experiments were conducted on eight male Wistar rats (250-300 g). After ophthalmic examination, epithelial cell layers in the central cornea were wounded. Rats received 30 µL of tramadol hydrochloride in one eye (Group Tramadol) and the same volume of vehicle in the other (Group Control) every 12 h for 7 days. Both eyes were stained with fluorescein dye, photographed, and wound area was calculated every 8 h until complete healing was observed. Eye blink frequency and corneal reflex tests were measured before and after drug administrations. After 7 days, slit lamp biomicroscopy, fundoscopy, Goldmann applanation tonometry, and histological evaluation were performed. There was no difference in the corneal wound healing rates between the tramadol and control groups. Reduction in wound area over time was also similar; group-time interaction was insignificant (F = 738.911; p = 0.225). Tramadol application resulted in blinking and blepharospasm for 30 s, but vehicle did not. Corneal reflex was intact and eye blink frequency test results were similar in all measurement times in both groups. Slit lamp biomicroscopy, fundoscopy, and intraocular pressures were within normal range. Corneal cells appeared unaffected by the repeated doses of tramadol for 7 days. Topical tramadol application on the cornea did not cause any side effect, except for initial temporary blinking and blepharospasm. Corneal wound healing was not affected, either.

Comparison of the median and intermediate approaches to the ultrasound-guided sacral erector spinae plane block: a cadaveric and radiologic study.

BACKGROUND: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a well-established method for managing postoperative and chronic pain. ESPB applications for the sacral area procedures are called sacral ESPBs (SESPBs). This cadaveric study aimed to determine the distribution of local anesthesia using the median and intermediate approaches to the SESPB. METHODS: Four cadavers were categorized into the median and intermediate approach groups. Ultrasound-guided SESPBs were performed using a mixture of radiopaque agents and dye. Following confirmation of the solution distribution through computed tomography (CT), the cadavers were dissected to observe the solution distribution. RESULTS: CT images of the median group demonstrated subcutaneous pooling of the radiopaque solution between the S1 and S5 horizontal planes. Radiopaque solution also passed from the sacral foramina to the anterior sacrum via the spinal nerves between S2 and S5. In the intermediate group, the solution distribution was observed along the bilateral erector spinae muscle between the L2 and S3 horizontal planes; no anterior transition was detected. Dissection in the median group revealed blue solution distribution in subcutaneous tissue between horizontal planes S1 and S5, but no distribution in superficial fascia or muscle. In the intermediate group, red solution was detected in the erector spinae muscle between the L2 and S3 intervertebral levels. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologic and anatomic findings revealed the presence of radiopaque dye in the superficial and erector spinae compartments in both the median and intermediate groups. However, anterior transition of the radiopaque dye was detected only in the median group.

A novel comparison of erector spinae plane block and paravertebral block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Erector spinae plane block is an updated method than paravertebral block, possessing a lower risk of complications. This study aimed to compare erector spinae plane and paravertebral blocks to safely reach the most efficacious analgesia procedure in laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases. METHODS: The study included 90 cases, aged 18-70 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, who underwent an laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. They were randomly separated into three groups, namely, Control, erector spinae plane, and paravertebral block. No block procedure was applied to Control, and a patient-controlled analgesia device was prepared containing tramadol at a 10 mg bolus dose and a 10-min locked period. The pain scores were recorded with a visual analog scale for 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The visual analog scale values at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 60 min at rest and 60 min coughing were found to be significantly higher in Control than in paravertebral block. A significant difference was revealed between Control vs. paravertebral block and paravertebral block vs. erector spinae plane in terms of total tramadol consumption (p=0.006). Total tramadol consumption in the first postoperative 24 h was significantly reduced in the paravertebral block compared with the Control and erector spinae plane groups. CONCLUSION: Sonography-guided-paravertebral block provides sufficient postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. Erector spinae plane seems to attenuate total tramadol consumption.

The effects of midazolam and dexmedetomidine infusion on peri-operative anxiety in regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the influences ofmidazolam and dexmedetomidine infusion on anxiety scores in patients undergoing surgery with regional anesthesia. METHODS: Eighty ASA I or II class patient undergoing elective surgery with regional anesthesia were included in the study. Permanent anxiety scores were determined using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-1 and 2 one day before the surgery. In Group I patients, dexmedetomidine 0.5 micro g/kg basal infusion for 10 min and 0.5 micro g/kg/h for maintenance was administered. In Group II patients, midazolam infusion at a rate of 0.05 mg/kg for 10 min and 0.05 mg/kg/h for maintenance was administered. The sedation scores were determined every 5 min. The steady state anxiety scores of the patients were determined one day before, 30 min after operation, at the end of the operation, and at 30 min and day 7 postoperatively using STAI-1 score. Side effects were determined and recorded. RESULTS: Sedation scores were comparable in both of two treatment groups. Anxiety scores were maintained with drug infusions. The incidences of side effects were significantly decreased in midazolam group compared to the dexmedetomidine group. CONCLUSION: Midazolam infusion was found to be more appropriate and efficient than dexmedetomidine during regional anesthesia practice. Dexmedetomidine infusion should be cautiously used in regional anesthetic techniques performing symphathetic blockade.

Catheter use in regional anesthesia: pros and cons.

Continuous peripheral nerve blocks refer to a local anesthetic solution administered via perineurally placed catheters in an effort to extend the benefits of a single-shot peripheral nerve block. They offer several advantages in the postoperative period including excellent analgesia, reduced opioid consumption and associated side effects, enhanced rehabilitation and improved patient satisfaction. The current trend towards less invasive, one-day surgery and enhanced recovery programs may decrease the requirement of catheter use. Prolonged motor block in particular is associated with undesirable outcomes. Should we routinely use continuous peripheral nerve blocks in our daily practice? This PRO-CON debate aims at answering the question from the experts' perspectives. Fascial compartment and wound catheters are outside the scope of this debate.

A rare case of axillary Schwannoma.

Schwannoma, neurilemmoma, is well capsulated, slowly growing tumor originating from benign neoplastic Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. Due to its rarity and complex anatomical location they can pose the misdiagnosis at clinical evaluation. A total surgical excision with a safety margin was performed for 63 year-old male with the complaints of painless lump at the axillary region for 4 months and the diagnosis of axillary Schwannoma confirmed by the histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. Although its rarity, Schwannoma should be kept in mind for the differential diagnosis of axillary masses. Its complete resection represents the cure for indicated cases. KEY WORDS: Axilla, Immunohistochemistry, Peripheral Nerve Sheath, Schwannoma.

A novel comparison of erector spinae plane block and paravertebral block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Erector spinae plane block is an updated method than paravertebral block, possessing a lower risk of complications. This study aimed to compare erector spinae plane and paravertebral blocks to safely reach the most efficacious analgesia procedure in laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases. METHODS: The study included 90 cases, aged 18-70 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, who underwent an laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. They were randomly separated into three groups, namely, Control, erector spinae plane, and paravertebral block. No block procedure was applied to Control, and a patient-controlled analgesia device was prepared containing tramadol at a 10 mg bolus dose and a 10-min locked period. The pain scores were recorded with a visual analog scale for 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The visual analog scale values at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 60 min at rest and 60 min coughing were found to be significantly higher in Control than in paravertebral block. A significant difference was revealed between Control vs. paravertebral block and paravertebral block vs. erector spinae plane in terms of total tramadol consumption (p=0.006). Total tramadol consumption in the first postoperative 24 h was significantly reduced in the paravertebral block compared with the Control and erector spinae plane groups. CONCLUSION: Sonography-guided-paravertebral block provides sufficient postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. Erector spinae plane seems to attenuate total tramadol consumption.

[Comparison of tramadol, tramadol-metamizol and tramadol-lornoxicam administered by intravenous PCA in management of postoperative pain]. / Postoperatif agri tedavisinde intravenöz hasta kontrollü analjezi yöntemi ile kullanilan tramadol, tramadol-metamizol ve tramadol lornoksikamin karsilastirilmasi.

Comparison of tramadol, tramadol-metamizol and tramadol-lornoxicam administered by intravenous PCA in management of postoperative pain. The aim of the present study was to compare of the postoperative analgesic effects of tramadol, combinations of tramadol-metamizol and tramadol-lornoxicam administered by intravenous Patient Control Analgesia (PCA) in lower abdominal surgery. Sixty adult, female patients who undergoing lower abdominal surgery, were included in this study. Patients were randomized to three groups. The solutions were prepared containing 500 mg tramadol in 50 ml saline (10 mg/ml tramadol) for Group I, 250 mg tramadol+3000 mg metamizol in 50 ml saline (5 mg/ml tramadol+60 mg/ml metamizol) for Group II and 250 mg tramadol+20 mg lornoxicam in 50 ml saline (5mg/ml tramadol + 0.4 mg/ml lornoxicam) for Group III. Loading dose 10 ml was administrated within 30 min 30 to 40 min before the end of the surgery. PCA was started at the first complaint of pain. Pain was evaluated by VAS in every 15 minute intervals at the first hour and later at 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 18th and 24th hours postoperatively. Vital parameters, side-effects, sedation scores and total analgesic consumptions were also recorded concurrently. Total tramadol and anti-emetic consumption, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were significantly higher in group I than the other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion; Tramadol-metamizol and tramadol-lornoxicam combinations administered by intravenous PCA provide efficient postoperative analgesia with less side effects.

[The postoperative analgesic effects of magnesium infusion on brachial plexus block]. / Aksiller brakiyal pleksus blokajinda magnezyum infüzyonunun postoperatif analjeziye etkileri.

Magnesium sulphate infusion decreases analgesic requirements after general anesthesia. Aim of this study was to assess the effects of postoperative magnesium infusion for 24 hours on duration of the block, sedation and postoperative analgesic consumption after brachial plexus block. After obtaining approval from local ethic committee, 70 ASA class I and II patients were included to the randomised double blind study. Brachial plexus block was performed using axillary approach with lignocaine 1.25% adrenaline 1/200 000 40 ml. Groups received 5 mg/kg bolus and 500 mg/h magnesium sulphate infusion or saline controls at the same volume during 24 hour. Analgesia and sedation were assessed while determining time to first pain and rescue analgesic, time to regain motor capability, visual analogue scale and sedation scores for every 4 hour during postoperative 24 h. period. While time to first pain and rescue analgesic was increased, total analgesic consumption was reduced significantly on magnesium infusion group (Meperidine: C: 36.3 +/- 42.6 mg, Mg: 11.7 +/- 12.2 mg, p: 0.001). Visual analogue scales were also observed to be lower in all periods. Time to motor block resolution, and sedation scores were similar. Magnesium sulphate infusion is thought as a safe and suitable adjunct for reducing analgesic consumption and possible complications without interfering daily activity in patients undergoing brachial plexus block.

[The association between thenar eminence and I-gel™ dimensions in paediatric patients]. / Associação entre as dimensões da eminência tênar e I-gel™ em pacientes pediátricos.

OBJECTIVES: A practical anatomic landmark may be helpful to perform the appropriate size of the airway devices easily in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between thenar eminence and I-gel dimensions in children. METHODS: After Institutional Ethics Committee approval, two hundred and seventy ASA Class I-II patients between 0 and 12 years old, who were scheduled for elective procedures under general anaesthesia not requiring tracheal intubation, were recruited to the study. The size of the I-gel selected was based on the patient's body weight according to the manufacturer's recommendation. After successful insertion of the I-gel, thenar eminence dimensions were determined. Long-axis (Th-l) was measured from junction point of the thumb to wrist curl and short-axis (Th-w) constitutes the largest portion of the thenar eminence from lateral end of the thumb to the first hand line. The manufacturer's dimensions of the I-gel which was inserted into the patients were compared with the measurements obtained from thenar eminence. RESULTS: The mean (SD) values for (Ig-w) and (Ig-l) were 2.98cm (0.53) and 4.54cm (0.82), and the mean (SD) values for (Th-w) and (Th-l) were 2.99cm (0.60) and 3.88cm (0.93), respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between Th-w and Ig-w (r=0.794, p<0.001), and between Th-l and Ig-l (r=0.820, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The dimensions of thenar eminence were fitted to that of the weight based size of I-gel and this anatomic landmark may be a practical tool to assess appropriate size for paediatric patients.

The association between thenar eminence and I-gel™ dimensions in paediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: A practical anatomic landmark may be helpful to perform the appropriate size of the airway devices easily in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between thenar eminence and I-gel dimensions in children. METHODS: After Institutional Ethics Committee approval, two hundred and seventy ASA Class I-II patients between 0 and 12 years old, who were scheduled for elective procedures under general anaesthesia not requiring tracheal intubation, were recruited to the study. The size of the I-gel selected was based on the patient's body weight according to the manufacturer's recommendation. After successful insertion of the I-gel, thenar eminence dimensions were determined. Long-axis (Th-l) was measured from junction point of the thumb to wrist curl and short-axis (Th-w) constitutes the largest portion of the thenar eminence from lateral end of the thumb to the first hand line. The manufacturer's dimensions of the I-gel which was inserted into the patients were compared with the measurements obtained from thenar eminence. RESULTS: The mean (SD) values for (Ig-w) and (Ig-l) were 2.98cm (0.53) and 4.54cm (0.82), and the mean (SD) values for (Th-w) and (Th-l) were 2.99cm (0.60) and 3.88cm (0.93), respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between Th-w and Ig-w (r=0.794, p<0.001), and between Th-l and Ig-l (r=0.820, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The dimensions of thenar eminence were fitted to that of the weight based size of I-gel and this anatomic landmark may be a practical tool to assess appropriate size for paediatric patients.

Segmental epidural anesthesia for percutaneous kyphoplasty:comparison with general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This is a feasibility study evaluating whether segmental epidural anesthesia is an alternative anesthetic approach to general anesthesia for percutaneous kyphoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After ethics committee approval was obtained, 52 ASA class I-III patients scheduled for elective, single-level percutaneous kyphoplasty were recruited. The patients were divided into two equal groups. In Group E (Group Epidural) segmental epidural anesthesia was performed using the loss of resistance technique with saline. In Group G (Group Control) general anesthesia was performed. Hemodynamic parameters, intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Hemodynamics were similar between the two groups. Postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly higher in Group G than in Group E (P < 0.004). VAS scores were significantly lower in Group E than in Group G (P < 0.05). Time to first pain experience at the first postoperative 4 h was significantly longer and length of stay in the PACU was significantly shorter in Group E than in Group G (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Segmental epidural anesthesia is a safe anesthetic technique for percutaneous kyphoplasty. This technique offered advantages over general anesthesia in terms of postoperative analgesia, analgesic consumption, early recovery, and short PACU stay. Therefore, it should be considered a suitable anesthetic technique in patients undergoing single level percutaneous kyphoplasty.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of commonly used vasoactive drugs.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Microbial contamination during preparation of the infusion drugs is an important issue in intensive care units. Objective of this study was to investigate in vitro antimicrobial properties of commonly used vasoactive drugs. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Clinical microbiology laboratory of a university hospital. MEASUREMENTS: Growth of the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in saline dilutions of adrenaline at 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL; noradrenaline at 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL; and dopamine at 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL concentrations was investigated. Each drug solution and saline were analyzed with a digital pH meter. MAIN RESULTS: Saline dilutions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine at clinically used concentrations decreased microbial growth. The highest concentration doses of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine used in the study had significant antimicrobial effect when compared to the low and moderate doses. This effect was shown with the all microorganisms. S aureus, S epidermidis, and C albicans were more sensitive; on the other hand, E coli and P aeruginosa were more resistant against the effect of the drug dilutions. CONCLUSIONS: To limit microbial growth in case of contamination of the drug solution, it is advisable to use more concentrated dilutions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine used in clinical practice.

Anesthetic effectiveness of topical levobupivacaine 0.75% versus topical proparacaine 0.5% for intravitreal injections.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Today no method of topical anesthesia for intravitreal injection administration has been proven to make the patient comfortable yet. We compared the efficacy of topical levobupivacaine 0.75% and proparacaine 0.5% in patients undergoing intravitreal injections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized study comparing two agents for topical anesthesia in intravitreal injections. Ninety-six consecutive patients were enrolled into two groups to receive either topical levobupivacaine 0.75% (n=48) or proparacaine 0.5% (n=48). Patients were asked to score their pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) immediately following the injection. The average of these scores was used as the primary outcome. The surgeon performing the procedure scored his perception of the patients' pain using the Wong-Baker FACES scale. RESULTS: Mean VAS pain scores for two groups were found to be 44.77 ± 16.42 and 34.18 ± 14.83, respectively. Mean VAS pain score in the proparacaine group was significantly lower than that in the levobupivacaine group (P= 0.003). Mean Wong-Baker FACES scores for the two groups were 1.08 ± 0.49 and 1.10 ± 0.30, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between levobupivacaine and proparacaine groups (P=0.824). CONCLUSIONS: Topical proparacaine 0.5% was more effective in preventing pain during intravitreal injections.