Enhanced recovery after surgery: comes out to the Sun.

ERAS programs aim to reduce the length of hospital stays and lower costs, and minimize the risk of postoperative complications and readmissions while enhancing the overall patient experience. BMC Anesthesiology has initiated a new collection on ERAS, urging investigators to conduct large-scale, high-quality studies that address the existing knowledge gap.

The COVID-19 hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis perception of Indian anesthesiologists: A survey-based original article.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HCQ gained importance following the National Task Force advisory as an anti-SARS-Cov-2 (coronavirus disease-2019 [COVID-19]) drug for frontline healthcare workers (including anesthesiologists). Report of a young anesthesiologist in Assam developing cardiac arrest following HCQ intake for COVID-19 prophylaxis made us even more concerned. A conscious decision has been made by a large majority among us--to have or not to have HCQ. However, less severe complications such as gastrointestinal upset, skin-rash, visual-disturbance, headache, and dizziness even if experienced by HCQ users were likely to go unreported unless shared. The present survey was conducted to assess the prevailing perception among Indian anesthesiologists about HCQ's preventive effect against COVID-19. The information has been pooled together and discussed in this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 247 respondents participated in this pan-India survey. The survey questionnaire was prepared using "Google Forms" and conducted via links delivered through WhatsApp and electronic-mail. RESULTS: 55.9% (138/247) of the respondents had consumed HCQ, 38% (94/247) did not, and 6.1% (15/247) were undecided at the time of responding to the survey. In total, 47 respondents who ingested HCQ reported a side-effect, gastritis being the commonest (31). CONCLUSION: The evidence for the effectiveness of HCQ against COVID-19 in India is reportedly as strong and weak as other drugs that have been promoted. The survey highlights the reasons consumption of HCQ and represents the opinion of 247 practicing Indian anesthesiologists. It informs the benefits and side effects of HCQ, which can help others in reaching a balanced decision.

Functional analysis of vocal folds by transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound (TCLUS) can assess Vocal folds (VF) by subjectively identifying mobility or objectively by calculating vocal fold displacement velocity (VFDV). Optimal diagnostic approach (subjective assessment, VFDV estimation or a combination of both) is unresolved; hence, we conducted this prospective study in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. METHOD: Two anaesthetists performed TCLUS pre- and post-operatively for functional assessment of 200 VFs on 100 patients. Their findings were compared with pre-operative flexible laryngoscope (FL) performed by surgeons and with post-operative C-Mac video laryngoscope (C-Mac VL) by another independent anaesthetist. Correlation between FL and TCLUS findings and inter-rater agreement between TCLUS findings of both anaesthetists was analysed. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to compare clinical benefit of hoarseness, subjective VF movement, VFDV, and combined assessment for detecting disabled VFs. RESULTS: We found good correlation between VF mobility on TCLUS and FL (Spearman's r = 0.93, P < 0.0001) as well as C-Mac VL (Spearman's r = 0.83, P < 0.0001) with excellent inter-rater agreement between both anaesthetists. DCA showed combined assessment to have marginally higher clinical benefit than other diagnostic approaches at intermediate threshold probabilities while its benefit was similar to subjective evaluation at higher threshold probabilities. CONCLUSION: Provided achievement of optimal acoustic window, TCLUS can reliably assess disabled VFs with FL reserved for their confirmation or doubtful cases. Subjective assessment of VF mobility should suffice in most cases with additional VFDV estimation reserved pre-operatively for situations with higher risk of VFs disability, and post-operatively when subjective VF assessment findings are discordant from pre-operative status.

Simultaneous bilateral bullectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting through median sternotomy approach.

Lung bullae can severely compromise lung function. Smoking is an important cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease. Significant diseases in the cardiovascular and thoracic systems may require multiple interventions apart from medical management. We discuss a patient in which simultaneous bilateral bullectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting were performed through the median sternotomy approach.

Resection of Mycotic Iliac Artery Aneurysm with Extra-Anatomic Bypass: An Alternative to Aneurysmorrhaphy in Difficult Situations.

Mycotic aneurysms of the iliac and other large arteries are rare and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment of mycotic aneurysms usually requires modification of the surgical technique done for cases of degenerative or atherosclerotic aneurysms. Degenerative and atherosclerotic fusiform aneurysms are usually managed with aneurysmorrhaphy using a prosthetic graft, which however is not ideal for mycotic aneurysms. Avoidance of prosthetic material at the site of mycotic aneurysm is a better option with higher chances of resolution of infection and favorable patient outcome.

Ewing's sarcoma of kidney extending into IVC and RA: resection using modified cannulation strategy for CPB.

Ewing's sarcoma of the kidney is a rare tumor. Although renal carcinomas are known to involve the inferior cava, extension of the tumor up to the right atrium is not common. In the majority of cases when the tumor extends into the infrahepatic part of the inferior vena cava, it can be removed from the abdominal approach. Few patients require the use of cardiopulmonary bypass for removal of the tumor in the inferior vena cava and right atrium. The management of patients requiring resection of kidney tumors and right atrial mass is more complicated and requires a team approach consisting of oncosurgeons, cardiac surgeons, and cardiac anesthetists. The resection of the kidney tumor with a mass in the right atrium is usually done concomitantly. The cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation strategy needs to be modified in such cases.

Excision of a giant lung bulla in a child: Repair of bronchial leaks using redundant bullous wall/membrane.

Large lung bullae are rare in children. We report a rare case of a large bulla in the right lung causing compression of the underlying lung with a shift of the mediastinum to the contralateral side. Excision of the bulla was done and a novel technique was used in the repair of bronchial air leakage sites with part of the bullous wall/membrane. The patient recovered well with re-expansion of the underlying collapsed lung.

Mitral valve replacement in patients of rheumatic heart disease associated with immune thrombocytopenia.

Immune thrombocytopenia in association with rheumatic heart disease is not commonly seen. Surgical management of rheumatic heart disease becomes more challenging in the presence of immune thrombocytopenia. The risk of complications increases manifold and judicious medical management before, during, and after surgery is imperative. We discuss two such cases, the complications we faced and the problems we anticipated before, and their prevention. Both patients were managed without using immunoglobulins or doing splenectomy. The literature on valve replacement in patients of immune thrombocytopenia and the implications of immune thrombocytopenia in the management of patients with rheumatic heart disease is also reviewed.

Vein of Giacomini can lead to the recurrence of varicosities after endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins.

Endovenous laser ablation is a commonly performed intervention in the treatment of varicose veins. The technique is generally safe and has low complication rates. A case of recurrent varicose veins that had undergone endovenous laser ablation multiple times is reported. The cause of recurrence, in this case, was the vein of Giacomini, the presence of which was probably missed at the time of initial intervention. This case highlights the importance of the vein of Giacomini in causing recurrent varicosities after laser ablation.

Large mediastinal/thoracic benign teratoma presenting with haemoptysis: Report of a case and review of the literature.

The mediastinal teratomas can grow to a large size before becoming symptomatic. The symptoms are usually due to the compression of adjacent structures. A computed tomographic scan of the chest is the investigation of choice for making a provisional diagnosis and planning for further management. Removal of large mediastinal/thoracic teratoma can be associated with various intraoperative and postoperative complications, which can be life-threatening sometimes. We operated on a patient with a large mediastinal mass extending into the right thoracic cavity up to the costo-phrenic angle. The postoperative period was eventful and required judicious intensive care. The patient eventually recovered with conservative treatment. A literature search was done on PubMed using the keywords benign mediastinal teratoma. Case series/original articles published in the last two decades, that is, after the year 2000, were evaluated. As per the review of the literature, the prevalence of benign mediastinal teratoma may be higher in eastern countries. Thoracoscopic surgery is the preferred modality except for cases with adhesions or infiltration into surrounding structures.

Comparing Efficacy of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine and Lidocaine on Perioperative Analgesic Consumption in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery.

Background: Perioperative pain management is a major challenge for anaesthesiologists. IV lidocaine and dexmedetomidine have been utilised for peri-operative pain management. Aims and Objectives: To analyse the effects of intraoperative intravenous lignocaine/dexmedetomidine on pain relief, opioid consumption, peri-operative hemodynamic and side-effect profiles/unique interactions in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. Materials and Methods: Prospective, interventional, single-centric, double-blind, randomised, active-controlled, Helsinki protocol-compliant clinical study was conducted on 90 ASA I/II class patients aged 18-60 yrs. This Patients were block-randomised to Group-L (2% Lignocaine), Group-D (dexmedetomidine) and Group C (Control/Placebo/0.9% normal saline). Hemodynamic were noted at pre-defined time frames intra-/post-operatively. Post-operative VAS score and Richmond Agitation Sedation Score monitoring was done. Results: Demographic parameters of were comparable. Mean intra-operative fentanyl consumption amongst the three groups were 20.5 ± 20.05 mcg, 26.5 ± 17.57 mcg and 46.83 + 21.31 mcg (Group-L, Group-D, Group-C; P value Group-L vs Group-D:0.22, Group L/D vs Group C: <0.0001). Group-D exhibited the lower heart rates and MAP (P < 0.05). Extubation- First rescue analgesic phase was comparable for the Group-C and Group-L (59.17 ± 46.224 min vs 61.64 ± 53.819 min) and significantly greater in Group-D (136.07 + 55.350 min; P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Both Dexmedetomidine and lignocaine can be useful intra-operative pain relief adjuncts. Dexmedetomidine delayed First rescue analgesic and total analgesic consumption more than lignocaine. Dexmedetomidine patients exhibited bradycardia intraoperatively more than the other groups. we recommend, Dexmedetomidine in the intra-operative phase and lignocaine in the post-operative phase can be an alternative in patients who are poor candidates for post-operative opioids/sedation/contraindicated regional anaesthesia regimes.

Comparison of Intravenous Versus Nebulized Dexmedetomidine for Laryngoscopy and Intubation-Induced Sympathoadrenal Stress Response Attenuation.

Background: Nebulized dexmedetomidine has been used for procedural sedation and allaying separation anxiety in children. Literature regarding its use in the attenuation of laryngoscopy and intubation response via the nebulized route is scarce. We evaluated preoperative dexmedetomidine nebulization on the hemodynamic response arising from laryngoscopy/intubation, hemodynamics, analgesic consumption, and postoperative sore throat. Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate/compare the hemodynamic effects of preoperative intravenous and nebulized dexmedetomidine on laryngoscopy/intubation and compare the efficacy of the two routes in blunting the sympathoadrenal response. The secondary objective was to evaluate their effects on intraoperative analgesic consumption and incidence and sore throat postoperatively. Methods: 120 ASA I & II adult patients undergoing elective surgeries requiring tracheal intubation were randomized to receive intravenous dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg over 10 minutes) and nebulized dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg in 3 - 4 mL of 0.9% saline), 30 min before anesthesia induction. Heart rate and non-invasive blood pressure were monitored for 10 min following laryngoscopy and then throughout the surgery. Intraoperative analgesic consumption, postoperative sore throat, and recovery from anesthesia were assessed. Results: No significant hemodynamic difference was found between the two groups till three minutes. Then, the difference turned significant owing to a greater fall in the heart rate and mean arterial pressure in the intravenous group. Nebulized dexmedetomidine exhibited a lesser tendency of hypo/hypertension and brady/tachycardia, while hemodynamics was more stable. There was lesser sore throat and sedation in the nebulized group. Intraoperative analgesic and propofol consumption was comparable between the two groups. Conclusions: Nebulized dexmedetomidine attenuated laryngoscopy and intubation response, although to a lesser extent than the intravenous group in equivalent doses. However, the nebulized route provided greater hemodynamic stability in the intraoperative period and lesser sedation/sore throat postoperatively without an increase in adverse effects. Nebulized dexmedetomidine may provide a more holistic and viable alternative in patients who poorly tolerate hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block with Sub-Arachnoid Block for Open Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Background: Open inguinal hernia repair is one of the routine day-care procedures performed across the world. A multitude of anesthetic techniques have been outlined for painless inguinal hernia repair, comprising general anesthesia and regional anesthesia such as spinal, epidural, and nerve blocks; with regional anesthetic techniques often favored for uncomplicated open inguinal hernia repair. Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks have made rapid strides and are gaining popularity because of the reduced incidence of adverse events. Aims: We aim to compare the efficacy of two regional anesthesia techniques to compare the adequacy of surgical anesthesia and their efficacy to ease postoperative pain with least potential side effects. Settings and Design: This prospective, interventional, single-centric, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, Helsinki protocol-compliant clinical study was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2021/04/033109). It was conducted after obtaining written informed consent from all patients and approval from the institutional review board. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classes I/II, in the age group of 18-60 years of either sex, scheduled for elective open inguinal hernia repair, were enrolled into two groups of 30 patients each according to the anesthetic technique used. Group T comprised patients receiving ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAP block), whereas the Group S comprised patients administered spinal anesthesia for elective open inguinal hernia repair. The primary end points of this study were to assess the adequacy of surgical anesthesia and duration of postoperative analgesia, whereas the secondary end points included assessment of patients' hemodynamic profile post institution of the block and comparing the incidence of adverse events associated with the two techniques. Statistical Analysis: SPSS version 20.0 was used for analysis. Frequency, mean distribution, standard deviation, Chi Square test and student t Test were calculated to p value. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continuous variables were expressed as mean + SD, whereas categorical variables were expressed as absolute numbers and percentages. Intergroup nominal categorical data were compared by Chi-square test. Results: The visual analog scale score was found significantly lower in Group T at all time points except immediate postsurgery (3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) as compared to Group S (0.357 ± 0.4880 vs. 1.393 ± 1.8527; P = 0.006, 1.393 ± 0.4973 vs. 2.893 ± 2.3148; P = 0.001, 2.429 ± 0.9201 vs. 3.321 ± 2.0377; P = 0.039, 1.214 ± 0.4179 vs. 2.286 ± 1.9217; P = 0.006, and 1.143 ± 0.3563 vs. 1.643 ± 1.5685; P = 0.106, respectively), and the duration of postoperative analgesia was highly significant (P < 0.001) in Group T (724.00 ± 103.2914 min) as compared to Group S (256.643 ± 73.4218 min). Difference in the number of rescue analgesics administered over the first 24 and 24-48 h was significantly higher in the spinal group which comprised patients administered with the TAP block. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided TAP block provides better intra-operative and postoperative analgesia as compared to subarachnoid block especially in respiratory and cardiovascular cripples without any significant adverse events and hemodynamic changes.

Sequential Combined Spinal-epidural Anesthesia in a Multiple Comorbidity Patient: An Indispensable Tool in Anesthesiologists' Armamentarium.

Primary total knee joint arthroplasty (TKA) is a frequently performed procedure as part of osteoarthritis treatment. Optimal perioperative analgesia will augment functional recovery, improve knee mobility, and reduce postoperative morbidity. Octa- and nonagenarians undergoing TKA are often considered particularly difficult to manage and involve high levels of competence due to associated comorbidities these patients present with. We report a case of a geriatric patient with coronary artery disease and low ejection fraction with pulmonary fibrosis who underwent successful total knee arthroplasty under sequential combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.

Comparison of pectoralis plane blocks with ketamine-dexmedetomidine adjuncts and opioid-based general anaesthesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Regional anaesthesia attenuates surgical stress-response, provides superior analgesia, reduces recovery time with early mobilisation and is opioid-sparing [addresses post-operative nausea vomiting (PONV), constipation, immunosuppression and cancer-progression concerns with opioids]. Hence, we studied pectoralis (PECS) blocks for modified radical mastectomy (MRM). METHODS: A prospective, interventional, double-blind, randomised, parallel-arm, active-controlled study comparing two anaesthetic techniques for post-operative pain relief in70 adult American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I/II carcinoma breast patients undergoing MRM was conducted. Patients were randomised to Group-O (opioids, sevoflurane) and Group-P (PECS-block, pre-incisional intravenous (IV) ketamine (0.5 mg/kg), pre-incisional IVdexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg over 10 min, then 0.6 µg/kg/h). Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version-23 and independent sample t-test/Welch test for equality of means and expressed as dotted box-whisker plots. Nominal categorical intergroup data was compared using Chi-squared test/Fisher's exact test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Clinical significance was calculated. RESULTS: Higher Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)-scores were recorded in Group-O versus Group-P, immediately post-extubation [mean (SD) 3.6 ± 1.5 and 0.76 ± 0.6] and at 1h (3.1 ± 1.2 and1.4 ± 0.5), 2h (2.5 ± 0.9 and 1.2 ± 0.6) and 4h (2.2 ± 0.5 and 1.7 ± 0.9) respectively. At 8h and 24h post-surgery VAS was comparable. Cumulative-VAS was lower in Group-P. Intraoperative haemodynamics were comparable. Incidence of PONV and constipation was higher in Group-O where each patient received average 27.46 mg morphine-equivalents of opioids. Time to discharge from surgical intensive care unit was 2h shorter in Group-P. CONCLUSION: Pre-emptive PECS-blocks supplemented with low-dose ketamine and dexmedetomidine comprise a practical and useful alternative technique to the standard opioid-based general anaesthetic technique for MRM.

Novel reversal agents and laboratory evaluation for direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC): An update.

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are no longer "novel" but their reversal agents definitely are. Although NOACs enjoy high clinical efficacy, monitoring and reversal of their effect is a challenge which this review attempts to surmount. Ideally, for NOAC activity measurement, specific anti-Factor IIa levels and anti -Factor Xa levels should be monitored (chromogenic assays), but such tests are not readily available. Modifications of the existing coagulation tests catering to this unmet need for quantification of DOAC activity have been reviewed. The available United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved reversal agents, idarucizumab for dabigatrin and andexanet alfa for anti-Xa direct acting oral anticoagulants have given promising results but are prohibitively priced. Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases were thoroughly searched for clinical trials on laboratory investigations and specific as well as non-specific reversal-agents for DOACs.

Resection of Mycotic Iliac Artery Aneurysm with Extra-Anatomic Bypass: An Alternative to Aneurysmorrhaphy in Difficult Situations

ABSTRACT Mycotic aneurysms of the iliac and other large arteries are rare and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment of mycotic aneurysms usually requires modification of the surgical technique done for cases of degenerative or atherosclerotic aneurysms. Degenerative and atherosclerotic fusiform aneurysms are usually managed with aneurysmorrhaphy using a prosthetic graft, which however is not ideal for mycotic aneurysms. Avoidance of prosthetic material at the site of mycotic aneurysm is a better option with higher chances of resolution of infection and favorable patient outcome.

Major vessel venous thrombosis in patients of posttubercular chronic constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardectomy: A rare scenario.

We are reporting two cases of neck and arm major venous thrombosis in patients of posttubercular chronic constrictive pericarditis posted for pericardectomy. There was unanticipated difficulty in placement of Internal Jugular vein catheter and subsequent ultrasound revealed thrombosis in the major veins. It was not diagnosed in the preoperative period. This report raises this major complication and highlights the use of ultrasound in such scenarios.

Pressure bandage over venous conduit harvesting site causing compartment syndrome in a patient with intra-aortic balloon pump: An unusual cause.

Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is conventionally used to support coronary perfusion and weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. IABP in situ has its own share of complications. We present a case where a patient on IABP support who had reduced peripheral pulsations of the ipsilateral limb and was initially misdiagnosed as IABP catheter associated thromboembolism. A negative embolectomy ruled out the same. Further looking for the cause of reduction of ipsilateral pulses it was found that the tight compressive bandage at saphenous vein conduit harvesting site had led to development of compartment syndrome (CS).