The perils of dental vacation: possible anaesthetic and medicolegal consequences.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper is to emphasize anaesthesiologists' difficulty in detecting poor dentition in cases of poorly applied prostheses and/or advanced periodontal disease, and to establish whether it is possible, and in which conditions, to calculate compensation in cases of dental damage postlaryngoscopy and/or intubation. The main complex problem here lies in trying to reconstruct exactly what the dental situation was before the teeth were damaged. For this reason the important preoperative factors (dental prostheses, crown fractures, parodontal disease, etc.) must be clearly shown before surgery on a dental chart. CLINICAL CASES: Two cases of interest, both to anaesthesiologists practising intubation and medicolegal physicians who have to deal with potential claims, are briefly reported. The first patient was a 55-year-old diabetic patient, who underwent emergency surgery for acute abdominal pathology. He had gone outside Italy for dental treatment three years previously and now presented with very poor pre-existing dentition, carefully noted on an anaesthetic chart. He now demanded compensation for dental damage due to intubation in Italy; the resulting dental treatment was very expensive because substantial remedial work was required. The second patient had received treatment outside Italy, work which involved cosmetic coating of the teeth. After surgery in Italy, she demanded compensation because one tooth, which had been coated and appeared to be healthy, was broken after emergency intubation. In both cases, the patients demanded very high compensation. COMMENT: Dental tourism alone accounts for more than 250,000 patients each year who combine a holiday with dental treatment in Eastern Europe. However, if prosthetic devices or conservative treatments are not applied correctly, it should be noted that durability may be poorer than expected, but iatrogenic damage may also be caused.

Traumatic dental injuries during anaesthesia. Part II: medico-legal evaluation and liability.

INTRODUCTION: Claims for tooth damage following intubation are increasing. An anaesthetic chart (AC) has been proposed to describe patient's pre-existent dental diseases and any possible lesions caused during intubation and extubation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 235 cases of dental lesions reported in litigation files from January 2000 to June 2009. Based on preoperative oral inspection the anaesthetist decided whether or not to use a protective aid. Two different tooth protectors were applied: (i) a standard mouthguard and (ii) silicone impression putty. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 110 female (age 6-88 years) and 125 male patients (11-90 years) patients. In 66% of cases greater risk of perianesthetic dental injury was reported in the AC due to pre-existing poor dentition. In intubation procedures without protective devices dental subluxation/luxation occurred in 55% of patients, dental avulsion in 43%, exfoliation in 2%, and soft tissue damage in five patients. One patient suffered from transient facial nerve paralysis. The costs of treatments and of impression materials, as well as the total value of compensation for injuries are reported. DISCUSSION: Definition and demonstrability of damages on the AC is important in order to separate the cases worthy of compensation from the non-compensable ones, as to evaluate the possibility of solving the litigation by extrajudicial channels. There are cases in which, based on AC reporting and device adoption the damage resulted to be compensable, but the costs were defined on different estimates of lesions. The use of a protective device makes it possible to down-modulate the damage compensation. CONCLUSION: The analysis of litigation records and 'incident reports' has suggested that the choice of accurate proceeding and the use of protection aids could reduce the number of claims, insurance premiums and the costs of litigation process, thus improving physician-patient relationship.

[Erector spinae plane block as a multiple catheter technique for open esophagectomy: a case report]. / Bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha com técnica de múltiplos cateteres para esofagectomia aberta: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Erector spinae plane block is a valid technique to provide simultaneously analgesia for combined thoracic and abdominal surgery. CASE REPORT: A patient underwent open esophagectomy followed by reconstructive esophagogastroplasty but refused thoracic epidural analgesia; a multi-modal analgesia with a multiple erector spinae plane block was then planned. Three erector spinae plane catheters (T5 and T10 on the right side and T9 on the left side) for continuous analgesia were placed before surgery. During the first 48h pain was never reported in the thoracic area but the patient reported multiple times to feel a pain well localized in epigastrium, but never localized in any other abdominal quadrant. DISCUSSION: Erector spinae plane block is a valid technique to provide analgesia simultaneously for combined thoracic and abdominal surgery and could be a valid alternative strategy if the use of epidural analgesia is contraindicated.

Thoracic Epidural Blood Patches in the Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Retrospective Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) results from leaks developing in the dura mater. The major symptom is orthostatic headache which gradually disappears after lying down. Lumbar epidural blood patches (EBPs) can be effective in relieving headaches, however, thoracic and cervical EBPs have also been applied to alleviate the symptoms. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: Retrospective collection of the main characteristics of SIH, site and amount of blood injection, and clinical outcomes of 18 patients who underwent thoracic EBPs for intractable SIH. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series RESULTS: All thoracic autologous EBPs except 3 were performed in the sitting position. Patients undergoing epidural puncture at lower thoracic levels (T10-T12) received 25 mL of autologous blood, 15 mL and 18 mL were injected at spinal segments T5-T7 (mid-thoracic) and T2-T4 (upper- thoracic), respectively. Thoracic EBPs did not lead to immediate resolution of symptoms in 3 of 18 patients; one of them underwent early repetition with complete headache relief, one refused a second EBP, and one experienced partial resolution, followed by a recurrence, and then satisfactory improvement with a second high thoracic EBP. In long-term follow-up only 2 patients complained of symptoms or relapses. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective nature of the case series, single center experience. CONCLUSIONS: Performing thoracic-targeted EBPs as the preferred approach theoretically improves results with respect to those observed with lumbar EBPs. The immediate response was comparable with that of other reports, but the long-term success rate (90%) turned out to be very effective in terms of both quality of headache relief and very low incidence of recurrence.

Erector spinae plane block as a multiple catheter technique for open esophagectomy: a case report / Bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha com técnica de múltiplos cateteres para esofagectomia aberta: relato de caso

Abstract Background and objective: Erector spinae plane block is a valid technique to provide simultaneously analgesia for combined thoracic and abdominal surgery. Case report: A patient underwent open esophagectomy followed by reconstructive esophagogastroplasty but refused thoracic epidural analgesia; a multi-modal analgesia with a multiple erector spinae plane block was then planned. Three erector spinae plane catheters (T5 and T10 on the right side and T9 on the left side) for continuous analgesia were placed before surgery. During the first 48 h pain was never reported in the thoracic area but the patient reported multiple times to feel a pain well localized in epigastrium, but never localized in any other abdominal quadrant. Discussion: Erector spinae plane block is a valid technique to provide analgesia simultaneously for combined thoracic and abdominal surgery and could be a valid alternative strategy if the use of epidural analgesia is contraindicated.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo: O bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha é uma técnica válida para fornecer analgesia em cirurgias combinadas, torácica e abdominal, de modo simultâneo. Relato de caso: Um paciente foi submetido à esofagectomia aberta seguida de esofagogastroplastia reconstrutiva, mas recusou analgesia peridural torácica; uma analgesia multimodal com o bloqueio dos múltiplos segmentos do eretor da espinha foi então planejada. Três cateteres foram colocados no plano do eretor da espinha (T5 e T10 no lado direito e T9 no lado esquerdo) para analgesia contínua antes da cirurgia. Durante as primeiras 48 horas, não houve queixa de dor na área torácica, mas várias vezes o paciente relatou sentir uma dor bem localizada no epigástrio, mas nunca localizada em qualquer outro quadrante abdominal. Discussão: O bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha é uma técnica válida para fornecer analgesia de modo simultâneo em cirurgias combinadas - torácica e abdominal - e pode ser uma estratégia opcional também válida nos casos em que o uso de analgesia peridural for contraindicado.

The effects of acupuncture after thyroid surgery: A randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for pain relief. Previous studies supported the effectiveness of several acupuncture techniques for postoperative pain. The aim of this randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in reducing pain after thyroid surgery. METHODS: We randomized 121 patients to a control group (undergoing only standard postoperative analgesic treatment with acetaminophen) and an acupuncture group, undergoing also either electroacupuncture (EA) or traditional acupuncture (TA). Pain was measured according to intraoperative remifentanil use, acetaminophen daily intake, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and McGill Pain Questionnaire on postoperative days (POD) 1-3. RESULTS: Acupuncture group required less acetaminophen than controls at POD 2 (P = .01) and 3 (P = .016). EA patients required less remifentanil (P = .032) and acetaminophen than controls at POD 2 (P = .004) and 3 (P = .008). EA patients showed a trend toward better NRS and McGill scores from POD 1 to 3 compared with controls. EA patients had a lower remifentanil requirement and better NRS and McGill scores than TA patients. No differences occurred between TA patients and controls. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may be effective in reducing pain after thyroid surgery. EA is more useful; TA achieves no significant effects.

Blood loss, predictors of bleeding, transfusion practice and strategies of blood cell salvaging during liver transplantation.

Blood loss during liver transplantation (OLTx) is a common consequence of pre-existing abnormalities of the hemostatic system, portal hypertension with multiple collateral vessels, portal vein thrombosis, previous abdominal surgery, splenomegaly, and poor "functional" recovery of the new liver. The intrinsic coagulopathic features of end stage cirrhosis along with surgical technical difficulties make transfusion-free liver transplantation a major challenge, and, despite the improvements in understanding of intraoperative coagulation profiles and strategies to control blood loss, the requirements for blood or blood products remains high. The impact of blood transfusion has been shown to be significant and independent of other well-known predictors of posttransplant-outcome. Negative effects on immunomodulation and an increased risk of postoperative complications and mortality have been repeatedly demonstrated. Isovolemic hemodilution, the extensive utilization of thromboelastogram and the use of autotransfusion devices are among the commonly adopted procedures to limit the amount of blood transfusion. The use of intraoperative blood salvage and autologous blood transfusion should still be considered an important method to reduce the need for allogenic blood and the associated complications. In this article we report on the common preoperative and intraoperative factors contributing to blood loss, intraoperative transfusion practices, anesthesiologic and surgical strategies to prevent blood loss, and on intraoperative blood salvaging techniques and autologous blood transfusion. Even though the advances in surgical technique and anesthetic management, as well as a better understanding of the risk factors, have resulted in a steady decrease in intraoperative bleeding, most patients still bleed extensively. Blood transfusion therapy is still a critical feature during OLTx and various studies have shown a large variability in the use of blood products among different centers and even among individual anesthesiologists within the same center. Unfortunately, despite the large number of OLTx performed each year, there is still paucity of large randomized, multicentre, and controlled studies which indicate how to prevent bleeding, the transfusion needs and thresholds, and the "evidence based" perioperative strategies to reduce the amount of transfusion.

A fatal case of anaphylactic shock during paragliding.

The growth in popularity of flying ultralight aircraft and paragliding has been associated with an increased involvement of Emergency Medical Services because of various types of trauma suffered from both inexperienced and skilled individuals. This case presentation reports on a paraglider pilot, who was seen spinning "unusually" rapidly toward the ground, without visible attempts to regain control of the aircraft. Besides the bilateral mydriasis and the absence of any ECG activity, there was a significant swelling of face, lips, neck, and tongue. Upon opening the mouth, a dead bee was found over the tongue, underneath the palate. A fatal anaphylactic shock was the likely cause of death of the pilot while still "in mid-air." This case is certainly different from the commonly reported accidents during paragliding. An updated review of the medical literature shows no reported cases of fatal anaphylactic shock during the practice of paragliding.

Intensive care management of liver transplanted patients.

Advances in pre-transplant treatment of cirrhosis-related organ dysfunction, intraoperative patient management, and improvements in the treatment of rejection and infections have made human liver transplantation an effective and valuable option for patients with end stage liver disease. However, many important factors, related both to an increasing "marginality" of the implanted graft and unexpected perioperative complications still make immediate post-operative care challenging and the early outcome unpredictable. In recent years sicker patients with multiple comorbidities and organ dysfunction have been undergoing Liver transplantation; appropriate critical care management is required to support prompt graft recovery and prevent systemic complications. Early post-operative management is highly demanding as significant changes may occur in both the allograft and the "distant" organs. A functioning transplanted liver is almost always associated with organ system recovery, resulting in a new life for the patient. However, in the unfortunate event of graft dysfunction, the unavoidable development of multi-organ failure will require an enhanced level of critical care support and a prolonged ICU stay. Strict monitoring and sustainment of cardiorespiratory function, frequent assessment of graft performance, timely recognition of unexpected complications and the institution of prophylactic measures to prevent extrahepatic organ system dysfunction are mandatory in the immediate post-operative period. A reduced rate of complications and satisfactory outcomes have been obtained from multidisciplinary, collaborative efforts, skillful vigilance, and a thorough knowledge of pathophysiologic characteristics of the transplanted liver.

Unusual Displacement of a Mobilised Dental Bridge during Orotracheal Intubation.

Dental trauma during tracheal intubation mostly happens in case of poor dentition, restricted mouth opening, and/or difficult laryngoscopy. 57-year-old man undergoing laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma had his dental work detached at induction of anesthesia. Oropharyngeal direct view, manual inspection, fibreoptic nosendoscopy, tracheobronchoscopy, and fiberoptic inspection of the esophagus and stomach were unsuccessful in locating the dislodged bridge. While other possible exams were considered, such as lateral and AP x-ray of head and neck, further meticulous manual "sweepings" of the mouth were performed, and by moving the first and second fingers below the soft palate deep towards the posterolateral wall of the pharynx, feeling consistent with a dental prosthesis was detected in the right pharyngeal recess. Only after pulling the palatopharyngeal arch upward was it possible to grasp it and extract it out with the aid of a Magill Catheter Forceps. Even though the preexisting root and bridge deficits were well reported by the consultant dentist, the patient was fully reimbursed. The lack of appropriate documentation of the advanced periodontal disease in the anesthesia records, no mention of potential risks on anesthesia consent, and insufficient protective measures during airway instrumentation reinforced the reimbursement claim.