Comprehensive coordinated community based palliative care (C3PaC) model for cancer patients in North India: a mixed-method implementation research study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cancer remains an escalating and challenging public health issue. The management, especially palliative care (PC), is disintegrated and out of reach of in need patients. The overall aim of the project is to develop a feasible and scalable Comprehensive Coordinated Community based PC model for Cancer Patients (C3PaC); congruent with socio-cultural, context and unmet needs in north India. METHODS: A mixed method approach will be used for three-phased pre- and post-intervention study in one of the districts of North India, having a high incidence of cancer. During phase I, validated tools will be used for quantitative assessment of palliative needs among cancer patients and their caregivers. Barriers and challenges for provision of palliative care will be explored using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among participants and health care workers. The findings of phase I along with inputs from national experts and literature review will provide inputs for the development of the C3PAC model in phase II. During phase III C3PAC model will be deployed over a period of 12 months and its impact assessed. Categorical and continuous variables will be depicted as frequency (percentages) and mean ± SD/median (IQR) respectively. Chi-square test/Fischer test, independent samples Student t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests will be used for categorical, normally and non-normally distributed continuous variables, respectively. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis using Atlas.ti 8 software. DISCUSSION: The proposed model is designed to address the unmet palliative care needs, to empower community-based healthcare providers in comprehensive home-based PC and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and caregivers. This model will provide pragmatic scalable solutions in comparable health systems particularly in low- and lower-middle Income countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered with the Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI/2023/04/051357).

Role of handgrip strength testing in pre-anaesthetic check-up: A prospective cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: Frailty has been known to be associated with postoperative adverse events and longer hospital length of stay (LOS). Hand grip strength (HGS) is one of the parameters of measuring frailty. The aim of the study was to correlate preoperative handgrip strength and 30-day outcome of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. It also aimed to evaluate the role of the standard preoperative variables like metabolic equivalents, revised cardiac risk index (RCRI), serum albumin, and serum creatinine along with their association with HGS testing in determining the postoperative outcome in surgical patients. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study included 149 American Society of Anesthesiologists class III/IV patients presenting for major abdominal surgery. A mean of three measurements of dominant HGS using Camry hand dynamometer was measured. The patients were divided into groups: weak, normal, and strong depending on grip strength. Patients were followed for 30 days and postoperative outcome in terms of ventilatory support, admission to intensive care unit, cardiac complications, in-hospital mortality, and LOS were recorded. Observational data obtained were reported as mean value and analyzed using Student's t-test or Wilcoxon/Mann-Whitney Rank test. Associations between RCRI, serum albumin, and LOS with HGS were evaluated using logistic regression. Results: The hospital LOS was significantly longer in patients with weak HGS (15.11 ± 11.03 days versus 10 ± 5.71 days, P = 0.001). Patients with weak HGS had significantly lower mean serum albumin levels compared to normal HGS (P = 0.0001) and a statistically significant RCRI score (P = 0.013). Conclusion: HGS can be used as a preoperative test in predicting hospital LOS after major surgery.

A comparative study of desflurane versus sevoflurane in obese patients: Effect on recovery profile.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anesthesia in obese patients is difficult due to associated comorbidities and altered physiology. Desflurane and sevoflurane have a low fat-blood solubility coefficient and are better suited in these patients to achieve a rapid emergence. We studied BIS guided drug titration to compare the postoperative recovery characteristics and cognitive function of desflurane versus sevoflurane in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent, sixty obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were randomized to receive either BIS guided desflurane or sevoflurane. Recovery was assessed by time taken for eye opening on verbal command, sustained head lift for 5 s, and extubation and orientation to time, place, and person after discontinuation of volatile anesthetic agent. For cognitive function, time taken to complete Mini mental state examination (MMSE) score to baseline was compared in both study groups. RESULTS: Difference of time taken for eye opening on verbal command, sustained head lift for 5 s, and extubation and orientation to time, place, and person was not significant between both anesthetic groups. Patients in sevoflurane group took significantly (P-value = 0.001) less time (40.07 ± 13 min) to achieve preoperative MMSE score than desflurane group (51.2 ± 11.7 min). CONCLUSION: Both desflurane and sevoflurane have similar recovery profile in obese patients when anesthetic concentration is carefully titrated. Reversal of cognitive function is significantly earlier in obese patients anesthetized with sevoflurane.

A rational approach to manage surgical procedures in COVID Era - A perspective based on experience in a private referral hospital.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: COVID-19 disease has imposed challenges in caring for non-Covid elective surgical patients. As elective surgeries become essential, we propose to evaluate our approach and outcomes of surgical procedures performed during the initial period of COVID-19 pandemic so as to provide a road-map for safer approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated outcomes in patients who underwent essential elective and emergency surgeries during the 5-week period between April 18, 2020 and May 28, 2020. All patients were screened at the front desk on their arrival to identify possible exposure to SARS- CoV-2. Nasopharyngeal swab of patients requiring hospital admission was tested for COVID-19 by quantitative RT-PCR. Patients needing essential elective surgery were taken up for surgery if they tested negative for COVID-19. Emergency procedures were undertaken in a demarcated theatre for COVID after taking level-3 protection without delay. The clinical data was reviewed and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 764 surgical procedures were conducted, of which 70.7% were elective essential surgeries, with 95.4% of these patients being discharged in stable healthy condition. Approximately 23% of the elective and 26% of the emergency surgeries was categorised in the surgical difficulty category III and majority of these were performed under general anesthesia. Postoperative mortality was 1.04%, but the overall mortality rate was approximately 2.5%. Only two patients (0.3%) tested positive for COVID-19 in our series. CONCLUSION: A robust preoperative screening and testing can enable safe scheduling of essential elective surgeries.

Management of pregnant laboring women during COVID-19 pandemic.

Since its first outbreak in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global public health threat. In the midst of this rapidly evolving pandemic condition, the unique needs of pregnant women should be kept in mind while making treatment policies and preparing response plans. Management of COVID-19 parturients requires a multidisciplinary approach consisting of a team of anesthesiologists, obstetricians, neonatologists, nursing staff, critical care experts, infectious disease, and infection control experts. Labor rooms as well as operating rooms should be in a separate wing isolated from the main wing of the hospital. In the operating room, dedicated equipment and drugs for both neuraxial labor analgesia and cesarean delivery, as well as personal protective equipment, should be readily available. The entire staff must be specifically trained in the procedures of donning, doffing, and in the standard latest guidelines for disposal of biomedical waste of such areas. All protocols for the management of both COVID-19 suspects as well as confirmed patients should be in place. Further, simulation-based rehearsal of the procedures commonly carried out in the labor room and the operation theaters should be ensured.

Evaluation of airway care score as a criterion for extubation in patients admitted in neurosurgery intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early extubation in neurocritical patients has several potential benefits. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a crude measure of neurologic function in these patients and a low GCS score does not necessarily mean contraindication for extubation. Data on patients with neurosurgical or neurological pathology undergoing early extubation utilizing the airway score criteria is limited. Hence, this study was conceived to assess the usefulness of modified airway care score (ACS) as a criterion for successful extubation of neurocritical patients whilst comparing various outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty four patient who underwent endotracheal intubation in the neurocritical care unit were enrolled in this prospective observational study over a period of 12 months. Patients were randomly enrolled into either the study group patients (S), who were extubated immediately after a successful spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) and an ACS ≤7 or into the control group (N), wherein patients were extubated/tracheostomized at discretion of the attending neurointensivist. Both groups were observed for comparison of preset outcomes and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Patients of study group experienced a statistically significant shorter extubation delay (3.28 h vs 25.41 h) compared to the control group. Successful extubation rate was significantly higher and reintubation rate was significantly lower in study group (6.6% vs 29.3%). Incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, duration of ICU stay and overall duration of mechanical ventilation were significantly lower in the study group. ACS and GCS had a negative correlation at the time of extubation. CONCLUSION: ACS can be used as a criterion for successful early extubation of neurocritical patients.

Formulation of a multivariate predictive model for difficult intubation: A double blinded prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Various models were devised for prediction of difficult intubation but have low positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity. We aimed to predict difficult intubation from various airway predictive indices, in isolation and combination, and to formulate a multivariate model that can aid in accurate prediction of difficult intubation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective double blinded study was conducted on 500 adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Preoperatively, they were assessed for airway screening tests. After standardized induction of anaesthesia, laryngoscopic view was classified according to the Modified Cormack and Lehane (MCL) classification. Variables' association with intubation findings was evaluated using Chi-square statistic. Stepwise logistic regression identified the multivariate independent predictors of difficult intubation and combinations were made using forward selection process. 8 models were formulated and a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve worked out for them. Sensitivity and specificity analysis validated the final model. RESULTS: Age, sex, weight, BMI, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), diabetes, hypertension, upper lip bite test (ULBT), Mallampati grade (MPS), thyromental distance (TMD), sternomental distance (SMD), neck movements (NM), neck circumference (NC) and inter-incisor gap (IIG) had significant correlation with difficult intubation. Based upon sensitivity and specificity analysis, model comprising of MPS, NM, NC and SMD was found to be most accurate. It had highest sensitivity 80%, specificity 87% and area under curve 0.90, thus validating the model. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that a combination of MPS, SMD, NM and NC permits reliable, accurate and quick preoperative prediction of difficult intubation.

Effect of clonidine and/or fentanyl in combination with intrathecal bupivacaine for lower limb surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Various adjuncts to local anesthetics have been used with the purpose of improving the quality of subarachnoid block. This randomized double-blind study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of adding clonidine to bupivacaine and bupivacaine-fentanyl combination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients scheduled for surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 25 each) to receive intrathecal bupivacaine 7.5 mg plus normal saline 0.5 ml (group BS), intrathecal bupivacaine 7.5 mg, and fentanyl 25 µg (group BF), intrathecal bupivacaine 7.5 mg and clonidine 75 µg (group BC), intrathecal bupivacaine 7.5 mg, clonidine 37.5 µg, and fentanyl 12.5 µg (group BCF). The time of onset and duration of sensory block, highest dermatome level of sensory block, time of onset of motor block, time to complete motor block recovery and duration of spinal anesthesia, intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamics and side effects if any were recorded. VAS, total number of patients who were administered supplemental analgesic in each group and the total amount of supplemental analgesic administered in the next 24 h was quantified and documented in all the groups. RESULTS: The time of onset of sensory block (min) in groups BS, BC, BCF, and BF was 10.80 ± 2.26, 10.20 ± 1.00, 10.00 ± 0.00, and 13.80 ± 2.61 respectively, thus onset of sensory block was significantly earlier in groups BC and BCF. Similarly, onset of motor block was also quicker in groups BC and BCF. Time of requirement of supplemental analgesia was 135.20 ± 12.70 min, 199.2 ± 21.92 min, 209.80 ± 26.32 min, and 208.00 ± 26.58 min in groups BS, BF, BC, and BCF respectively. Intraoperative and postoperative changes in heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate were comparable. Sedation scores were significantly higher in group BC. Pruritus was only observed in groups BF and BCF. Mean nausea vomiting scores were comparable in all groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the addition of clonidine in doses of 75 µg and 37.5 µg to low-dose bupivacaine and bupivacaine-fentanyl prolongs the sensory and motor block while increasing the duration of postoperative analgesia without significant side-effects.

Comparative study of epidural application of morphine versus gelfoam soaked in morphine for lumbar laminectomy.

BACKGROUND: Epidural application of morphine has been used for postoperative analgesia following spine surgery but short duration of action of single application limits its widespread use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy were randomly allocated to two groups of 75 patients each. Anesthetic technique was standardized in both the groups. In Group I, at the completion of laminectomy, a 5 × 1-cm strip of gelfoam soaked in 5 mg morphine (1 mg/ml) was contoured to be placed in the epidural space whereas, in group II, gelfoam soaked in saline was placed in the epidural space and 5 mg morphine (1mg/ml) was instilled over the intact epidural space. Analgesic consumption for 48 hours, time-of first analgesic request, time of ambulation, time of discharge from post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and hospital and adverse effects were recorded. The data was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Mean analgesic consumption in 48 hours was significantly less in group I (8.47 ± 3.674 mg) as compared to group II (24.80 ± 6.009 mg). Supplemental analgesia was requested at 30.03 ± 6.796 hours in Group I, vs 10.25 ± 2.243 in group II (P < 0.001). Group I patients were discharged earlier from PACU as compared to group II (P < 0.001) though time of discharge from hospital was similar in both the groups. There were no major adverse effects except pruritis, which was observed in 30.6% patients in group I and 37.3% in group II (statistically insignificant (P > 0.01)). CONCLUSION: Epidural application of morphine soaked in gelfoam is an effective method for prolonging the postoperative analgesia after spine surgery.

Comparison of nasal and face mask ventilation in anaesthetised obese adults: A randomised controlled study.

Background and Aims: The use of a face mask while inducing general anaesthesia (GA) in obese patients is often ineffective in providing adequate ventilation. Although nasal mask ventilation has demonstrated effectiveness for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), it has not yet been applied to the induction of anaesthesia. This study evaluated the efficacy of nasal mask ventilation against standard face mask ventilation in anaesthetised obese patients with body mass index (BMI)>25 kg/m2. Methods: Ninety adult patients with BMI >25 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to receive either facemask (Group FM) or nasal-mask (Group NM) ventilation during induction of GA. Expired tidal volume (VtE), air leak, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), plateau pressure (PPLAT), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) were recorded for10 breaths, and their mean was analysed. Results: The mean (standard deviation) VtE measured was not significantly higher in Group NM [455.98 (55.64) versus 436.90 (49.50) mL, P = 0.08, degree of freedom (df):88, mean difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) -19.08 (-41.14, 2.98) mL]. Mean air-leak [16.44 (22.16) versus 31.63 (21.56) mL, P = 0.001, df: 88, mean difference 95%CI: 15.19 (6.03,24.35)], mean PIP [14.79 (1.39) versus 19.94 (3.05) cmH2O, P = 0.001, df: 88, mean difference, 95%CI: 5.15 (4.16, 6.14)], and mean PPLAT [12.04 (1.21) versus 16.66 (2.56) cmH2O, P = 0.001, df: 88, mean difference 95% CI: 4.62 (3.78, 5.45)] were significantly lower in Group NM. EtCO2, SpO2, and haemodynamic measurements were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Nasal mask ventilation is an effective ventilation method and can be used as an alternative to face mask ventilation in anaesthetised obese adults with BMI>25 kg/m2.

Preemptive analgesia with Ketamine for Laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of preemptive analgesia is to reduce central sensitization that arises from noxious inputs across the entire perioperative period. N-methyl d-aspartate receptor antagonists have the potential for attenuating central sensitization and preventing central neuroplasticity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into four groups of 20 patients each, who were administered the study drug intravenously 30 min before incision. Groups A, B, and C received ketamine in a dose of 1.00, 0.75 and 0.50 mg/kg, respectively, whereas group D received isotonic saline. Anesthetic and surgical techniques were standardized. Postoperatively, the degree of pain at rest, movement, and deep breathing using visual analogue scale, time of request for first analgesic, total opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded in postanesthesia care unit for 24 h. RESULTS: Pain scores were highest in Group D at 0 h. Groups A, B, and C had significantly decreased postoperative pain scores at 0, 0.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12 h. Postoperative analgesic consumption was significantly less in groups A, B, and C as compared with group D. There was no significant difference in the pain scores among groups A, B, and C. Group A had a significantly higher heart rate and blood pressure than groups B and C at 0 and 0.5 h along with 10% incidence of hallucinations. CONCLUSION: Preemptive ketamine has a definitive role in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic requirement in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The lower dose of 0.5 mg/kg being devoid of any adverse effects and hemodynamic changes is an optimal dose for preemptive analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A comparison of intrathecal dexmedetomidine, clonidine, and fentanyl as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine for lower limb surgery: A double blind controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Various adjuvants are being used with local anesthetics for prolongation of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Dexmedetomidine, the highly selective 2 adrenergic agonist is a new neuraxial adjuvant gaining popularity. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted in prospective, double blind manner. It included 120 American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I and II patients undergoing lower limb surgery under spinal anesthesia after approval from hospital ethics committee with written and informed consent of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were randomly allocated into four groups (30 patients each). Group BS received 12.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine with normal saline, group BF received 12.5 mg bupivacaine with 25 g fentanyl, group BC received 12.5 mg of bupivacaine supplemented 30 g clonidine, and group BD received 12.5 mg bupivacaine plus 5 g dexmedetomidine. The onset time to reach peak sensory and motor level, the regression time of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic changes, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Patients in Group BD had significantly longer sensory and motor block times than patients in Groups BC, BF, and BS with Groups BC and BF having comparable duration of sensory and motor block. The mean time of two segment sensory block regression was 147 ± 21 min in Group BD, 117 ± 22 in Group BC, 119 ± 23 in Group BF, and 102 ± 17 in Group BS (P > 0.0001). The regression time of motor block to reach modified Bromage zero (0) was 275 ± 25, 199 ± 26, 196 ± 27, 161 ± 20 in Group BD, BC, BF, and BS, respectively (P > 0.0001). The onset times to reach T8 dermatome and modified Bromage 3 motor block were not significantly different between the groups. Dexmedetomidine group showed significantly less and delayed requirement of rescue analgesic. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is associated with prolonged motor and sensory block, hemodynamic stability, and reduced demand of rescue analgesics in 24 h as compared to clonidine, fentanyl, or lone bupivacaine.

Regional anesthesia in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension.

Pregnancy induced hypertension is a hypertensive disorder, which occurs in 5% to 7% of all pregnancies. These parturients present to the labour and delivery unit ranging from gestational hypertension to HELLP syndrome. It is essential to understand the various clinical conditions that may mimic preeclampsia and the urgency of cesarean delivery, which may improve perinatal outcome. The administration of general anesthesia (GA) increases morbidity and mortality in both mother and baby. The provision of regional anesthesia when possible maintains uteroplacental blood flow, avoids the complications with GA, improves maternal and neonatal outcome. The use of ultrasound may increase the success rate. This review emphasizes on the regional anesthetic considerations when such parturients present to the labor and delivery unit.

Lateral Decubitus Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in Transverse Myelitis.

Transverse myelitis is a rare inflammatory condition typically presenting with symptoms like muscle weakness, sensory issues, and problems affecting bowel and bladder function. In this study, we describe the successful anesthesia management of an adult patient with transverse myelitis exhibiting spastic paralysis and compromised cardiopulmonary reserves, whose preferred resting position was lateral decubitus. Targeted anesthesia was administered via a supraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus block for wrist deformity fixation surgery, mitigating the pulmonary complications associated with general anesthesia, achieving earlier recovery, and avoiding the use of opioids. This case underscores the significance of customizing the patient's personalized positioning, while also highlighting the potential for effective regional anesthesia in atypical positions. We illustrate the successful use of supraclavicular brachial plexus block for left wrist deformity fixation and debridement surgery in the lateral decubitus, the most convenient position for the transverse myelitis patient with spastic paraplegia.

Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange Versus Conventional Facemask Breathing for Preoxygenation During Rapid Sequence Induction.

INTRODUCTION: Transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE), if used for pre-oxygenation and apnoeic oxygenation, has the propensity to extend the safe apnoea time and thereby decrease the incidence of desaturation during rapid sequence induction (RSI) for emergency surgeries. Hence, we proposed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of pre-oxygenation with the use of conventional facemask breathing versus THRIVE during RSI in patients undergoing general anaesthesia (GA) for emergency surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing RSI under GA for emergency abdominopelvic surgery were divided randomly into two groups. Patients were preoxygenated for three minutes with 100% oxygen via either a high-flow nasal cannula at a flow of 60 L/minute using THRIVE or a tightly-held, snuggly-fitting facemask at a flow of 12L/minute using a circle system. RSI was administered followed by laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) measured immediately after successful endotracheal intubation was our primary outcome. The lowest peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), apnoea time, number of attempts at laryngoscopy, use of any rescue manoeuvres, and any adverse event were also recorded. Data thus collected were statistically analysed. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in PaO2 value was observed after successful intubation, lowest SpO2, apnoea time, number of attempts at laryngoscopy, use of any rescue manoeuvres, and adverse event between both the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that though not superior to conventional facemasks, THRIVE is a safe, practicable, and efficient pre-oxygenation tool during RSI of GA for patients undergoing emergency surgeries.