Sore throat following three adult supraglottic airway devices: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sore throat is a common complaint after surgery. It affects patient satisfaction and can affect activity after discharge. The supraglottic airway device (SAD) offers an alternative to traditional tracheal intubation with potential benefit in preventing sore throat. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of sore throat following three different SADs, the laryngeal mask airway Unique (LMA-U) and the more recent LMA Supreme (LMA-S) and the I-gel. DESIGN: A randomised single-blind controlled three parallel-group trial. SETTING: University Hospital of Nîmes, Division of Anaesthesia Intensive Care Pain and Emergency, Nîmes, France, from April 2009 to September 2012. PATIENTS: A total of 546 patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery of less than 2 h under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated to receive the LMA-U, the LMA-S or the I-gel. INTERVENTIONS: Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and sufentanil and maintained with propofol or with sevoflurane in air-oxygen. After airway device insertion, intra-cuff pressure was adjusted to less than 60 mmHg (LMA-U, LMA-S) and pressure-controlled ventilation initiated. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary study endpoint was to compare incidence of sore throat 24 h postoperatively (H+24) following placement of the LMA-U, LMA-S and the I-gel. Secondary endpoints were clinical performance (airway leak pressure, dynamic airway compliance, complications during maintenance), ease of use (device insertion time, success on first attempt, ease of insertion and removal) and other adverse events (neck or jaw pain, dysphonia, dysphagia, nausea and vomiting). RESULTS: The authors analysed 177, 174 and 173 patients who received LMA-U, the LMA-S and the I-gel, respectively. The primary endpoint was assessed in 436 patients. In total, 104 patients (23.9%) patients reported a H+24 sore throat, with no difference between groups (P = 0.34). H+24 dysphagia with liquids was higher (P = 0.0065) with the LMA-S (12.1%) compared with LMA-U (5.3%) and I-gel (2.9%). Airway leak pressure (cmH2O) was lower (P < 0.0001) with LMA-U [21 (18 to 27)] compared with I-gel [26 (20 to 30)] and LMA-S [25 (21 to 30)]. Device insertion time (sec) was shorter (P < 0.0167) with the I-gel [30 (20 to 40)] compared with the LMA-U [34 (23 to 48)] and LMA-S [32 (22 to 50)]. CONCLUSION: The incidence of postoperative sore throat was not significantly different between the three SADs studied.

The Influence of Arm Positioning on Ultrasonic Visualization of the Subclavian Vein: An Anatomical Ultrasound Study in Healthy Volunteers.

We hypothesized that placing the arm in 90° abduction, through 90° flexion and 90° external rotation, could improve ultrasound visualization of the subclavian vein. In 49 healthy volunteers, a single operator performed a view of the subclavian vein in neutral position and abduction position. A second blinded operator measured the cross-sectional area of the subclavian vein. Abduction position increased the cross-sectional area of the subclavian vein from 124 ± 46 (mean ± SD) to 162 ± 58 mm (P = 0.001). An increase of the cross-sectional area of ≥50% was observed in 41% volunteers (95% confidence interval, 27%-56%, n = 20); this technique offers an alternative approach (maybe safer) for ultrasound-guided catheterization of the subclavian vein.

Effect of sedative premedication on patient experience after general anesthesia: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Sedative premedication is widely administered before surgery, but little clinical evidence supports its use. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of sedative premedication on perioperative patient experience. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A randomized clinical trial, the PremedX study, enrolled 1062 adult patients who were younger than 70 years and had been scheduled for various elective surgeries under general anesthesia at 5 French teaching hospitals (in Marseille, Montpellier, Nimes, and Nice) between January 2013 and June 2014. Neurosurgery, obstetrical, cardiac, and outpatient surgery were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to 3 groups of 354 participants each to receive 2.5 mg of lorazepam, no premedication, or placebo. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was perioperative patient experience assessed 24 hours after surgery with a validated questionnaire (Evaluation du Vécu de l'Anesthésie Generale; EVAN-G) describing 6 domains of satisfaction and a global index (score range, 0-100; high scores represent high satisfaction); secondary outcomes included time to extubation and early cognitive recovery. A subgroup analysis was planned a priori in patients with a high level of preoperative anxiety. RESULTS: Premedication with lorazepam did not improve the EVAN-G mean global index for overall level of patient satisfaction (72 [95% CI, 70-73]; n = 330) compared with no premedication (73 [95% CI, 71-74]; n = 319) or placebo (71 [95% CI, 70-73]; n = 322) (P = .38). Among patients with heightened preoperative anxiety, there were no significant differences found in the EVAN-G mean global index between the lorazepam group (68 [95% CI, 65-72]; n = 87) and the no premedication group (73 [95% CI, 69-77]; n = 57) or the placebo group (70 [95% CI, 67-72]; n = 87) (P = .18). Time to extubation was 17 minutes (95% CI, 14-20 minutes) in the lorazepam group, 12 minutes (95% CI, 11-13 minutes) for the no premedication group, and 13 minutes (95% CI, 12-14 minutes) for the placebo group (P < .001) and the rate of early cognitive recovery was 51% (95% CI, 45%-56%), 71% (95% CI, 66%-76%), and 64% (95% CI, 59%-69%), respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia, sedative premedication with lorazepam compared with placebo or no premedication did not improve the self-reported patient experience the day after surgery, but was associated with modestly prolonged time to extubation and a lower rate of early cognitive recovery. The findings suggest a lack of benefit with routine use of lorazepam as sedative premedication in patients undergoing general anesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01901003.

Reversal of a rocuronium-induced grade IV anaphylaxis via early injection of a large dose of sugammadex.

AIM: To report rapid recovery from grade IV rocuronium-induced anaphylaxis with a large dose of sugammadex administered early after the onset of symptoms. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 22-yr-old female without relevant medical history developed an anaphylactic reaction within three minutes of rocuronium injection at induction of anesthesia for a routine cholecystectomy. During the first six minutes, she was unresponsive to usual treatment and her condition evolved to a grade IV anaphylaxis reaction despite a cumulated dose of epinephrine 0.7 mg. Sugammadex 14 mg·kg(-1), injected six minutes after rocuronium, resulted in total resolution of all manifestations of anaphylaxis within three minutes. The patient was discharged from hospital the next day. Allergy investigations confirmed rocuronium as the cause of anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: Very early administration of a large dose of sugammadex may be an effective treatment for rocuronium-induced anaphylaxis.

Blood wastage reduction: a 10-year observational evaluation in a large teaching institution in France.

CONTEXT: Blood transfusion has increased significantly during the last decade and blood wastage reduction is a medical and economic challenge in hospital practice and for institutional quality, particularly in the ICU and operating theatre. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of multiple strategies in one hospital to reduce red blood cell wastage. DESIGN: Multicentre, prospective, comparative, observational study. SETTING: Over 10 years, the study was conducted over two time periods. During the first period (2000 to 2003), information was given to medical professionals about blood wastage, and audits (reasons for wastage) were performed, in a large teaching institution (more than 4% wastage in 1999). The second period (2004 to 2010) was designed to analyse the impact of seven strategies intended to minimise blood wastage. Blood wastage reduction in the local centre was compared with regional (64 institutions) and national centres (1470 institutions). Reduction was compared using the Mann-Kendall non-parametric trend test. PATIENTS: Local centre (22,572 transfused patients, Nîmes, France), regional centre (South France, 64 institutions, 208,525 transfused patients) and national centres (France, 1470 institutions). INTERVENTIONS: Medical and surgical procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end-point was to describe the percentage of blood wastage for two periods in a local centre. The secondary objective was to compare the percentage of blood wastage in the local centre with wastage at regional and national centres. RESULTS: Over the 10 year study period the percentage of blood wastage in the local centre decreased, with a significant reduction in the second period, from more than 4% (1999) to less than 1% (2010; P < 0.05). Blood wastage at regional and national centres was never less than 1%. Inadequate containers for transport, absence of a temperature analyser in the ICU and inadequate intraoperative blood strategies (excessive orders of blood) were the main causes of wastage. Correction of these points affected the outcome favourably in the second period, but transfusion information was poor in the first period. CONCLUSION: Seven simple strategies (including transport containers with an effective temperature analyser and audits) decreased blood wastage, especially in the ICU and operating theatre.

American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status system: a multicentre Francophone study to analyse reasons for classification disagreement.

CONTEXT: Variability of American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) physical status scores attributed to the same patient by multiple physicians has been reported in several studies. In these studies, the population was limited and diseases that induced disagreement were not analysed. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reproducibility of ASA physical status assessment on a large population, as used in current practice before scheduled surgery. DESIGN: Multicentre, randomised, blinded cross-over observational study. METHODS: During a 2-week period in nine institutions, ASA physical status and details of assessment performed routinely by anaesthesiologists for patients who underwent elective surgery were recorded. Records were blinded (including ASA physical status) by an independent statistical division and returned randomly to one of the nine centres for reassessment by accredited specialist anaesthesiologists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The level of agreement between the two measurements of the ASA physical status was calculated by using the weighted Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: During the study period, 1554 anaesthesia records were collected and 197 were excluded from analysis because of missing data. After the initial evaluation, the distribution of ASA physical status grades was as follows: ASA 1, 571; ASA 2, 591; ASA 3, 177; and ASA 4, 18. After the final evaluation, the distribution of ASA grades was as follows: ASA 1, 583; ASA 2, 520; ASA 3, 223; and ASA 4, 31. Two per cent of the patients had an underestimation of their physical status. The degree of agreement between the two measures evaluated by the weighted Kappa coefficient was 0.53 (0.49-0.56). No difference was observed between public and private institutions. Patients with co-existing diseases, obesity, allergy, sleep apnoea, obstructive lung disease, renal insufficiency and hypertension were least likely to have been graded correctly. CONCLUSION: The degree of agreement between two measures of the ASA physical status grade is moderate and influenced by staff characteristics and the complexity of diseases.

Comparison of single-use and reusable metal laryngoscope blades for orotracheal intubation during rapid sequence induction of anesthesia: a multicenter cluster randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Single-use metal laryngoscope blades are cheaper and carry a lower risk of infection than reusable metal blades. The authors compared single-use and reusable metal blades during rapid sequence induction of anesthesia in a multicenter cluster randomized trial. METHODS: One thousand seventy-two adult patients undergoing general anesthesia under emergency conditions and requiring rapid sequence induction were randomly assigned on a weekly basis to either single-use or reusable metal blades (cluster randomization). After induction, a 60-s period was allowed to complete intubation. In the case of failed intubation, a second attempt was performed using the opposite type of blade. The primary endpoint was the rate of failed intubation, and the secondary endpoints were the incidence of complications (oxygen desaturation, lung aspiration, and/or oropharynx trauma) and the Cormack and Lehane score. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in their main characteristics, including the risk factors for difficult intubation. The rate of failed intubation was significantly decreased with single-use metal blades at the first attempt compared with reusable blades (2.8 vs. 5.4%, P < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of grades III and IV in Cormack and Lehane score were also significantly decreased with single-use metal blades (6 vs. 10%, P < 0.05). The global complication rate did not reach statistical significance, although the same trend was noted (6.8% vs. 11.5%, P = not significant). An investigator survey and a measure of illumination pointed that illumination might have been responsible for this result. CONCLUSIONS: The single-use metal blade was more efficient than a reusable metal blade in rapid sequence induction of anesthesia.

Reversal of bupivacaine-induced cardiac electrophysiologic changes by two lipid emulsions in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated piglets.

BACKGROUND: Accidental IV administration of bupivacaine can compromise cardiovascular function by inducing lethal arrhythmias whose hemodynamic consequences may be alleviated by lipid emulsions. However, little is known about the electrophysiologic effects of lipid emulsions. In this study, we assessed whether 2 different lipid emulsions can reverse cardiac electrophysiologic impairment induced by the IV administration of bupivacaine in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated piglets. METHODS: Bupivacaine (4 mg . kg(-1)) was injected over a 30-second period in 26 piglets. Thirty seconds after the end of bupivacaine injection, 1.5 mL . kg(-1) saline solution for the control group, and long-chain triglyceride emulsion (LCT group) or a mixture of long-chain and medium-chain triglyceride emulsion (LCT/MCT group) were infused over 1 minute. Cardiac conduction variables and hemodynamic variables were monitored for 30 minutes after injection. RESULTS: Bupivacaine induced similar electrophysiologic and hemodynamic changes. After 3 minutes, His ventricle intervals (median and interquartiles) were 100 (85-105), 45 (35-55), and 53 (48-73) milliseconds in the control, LCT, and LCT/MCT groups, respectively (P < 0.001 between control and both lipid emulsion groups). Lipid emulsions also reversed the effects on QRS duration, atrial-His, and PQ (the onset of the P wave to the Q wave of the QRS complex) intervals. LCT/MCT emulsion restored the decrease in maximal first derivative of left ventricular pressure (P < 0.01 after 3 minutes versus control group). CONCLUSIONS: LCT and LCT/MCT emulsions reversed the lengthening of His ventricle, QRS, atrial-His, and PQ intervals induced by the IV injection of 4 mg . kg(-1) bupivacaine.

A comparison of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine, ropivacaine (with epinephrine) and their equal volume mixtures with lidocaine used for femoral and sciatic nerve blocks: a double-blind randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Mixtures of lidocaine with a long-acting local anesthetic are commonly used for peripheral nerve block. Few data are available regarding the safety, efficacy, or pharmacokinetics of mixtures of local anesthetics. In the current study, we compared the effects of bupivacaine 0.5% or ropivacaine 0.75% alone or in a mixed solution of equal volumes of bupivacaine 0.5% and lidocaine 2% or ropivacaine 0.75% and lidocaine 2% for surgery after femoral-sciatic peripheral nerve block. The primary end point was onset time. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized study, 82 adults scheduled for lower limb surgery received a sciatic (20 mL) and femoral (20 mL) peripheral nerve block with 0.5% bupivacaine (200 mg), a mixture of 0.5% bupivacaine 20 mL (100 mg) with 2% lidocaine (400 mg), 0.75% ropivacaine (300 mg) or a mixture of 0.75% ropivacaine 20 mL (150 mg) with 2% lidocaine (400 mg). Each solution contained epinephrine 1:200,000. Times to perform blocks, onset times (end of injection to complete sensory and motor block), duration of sensory and motor block, and morphine consumption via IV patient-controlled analgesia were compared. Venous blood samples of 5 mL were collected for determination of drug concentration at 0, 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min after placement of the block. RESULTS: Patient demographics and surgical times were similar for all four groups. Sciatic onset times (sensory and motor block) were reduced by combining lidocaine with the long-acting local anesthetic. The onset of bupivacaine-lidocaine was 16 +/- 9 min versus 28 +/- 12 min for bupivacaine alone. The onset of ropivacaine-lidocaine was 16 +/- 12 min versus 23 +/- 12 for ropivacaine alone. Sensory blocks were complete for all patients within 40 min for those receiving bupivacaine-lidocaine versus 60 min for those receiving bupivacaine alone and 30 min for those receiving ropivacaine-lidocaine versus 40 min for those receiving ropivacaine alone (P < 0.05). Duration of sensory and motor block was significantly shorter in mixture groups. There was no difference among groups for visual analog scale pain scores and morphine consumption during the 48 h postoperative period, except for bupivacaine alone (median: 9 mg) versus bupivacaine-lidocaine mixture (15 mg), P < 0.01. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events among groups. Plasma concentrations of bupivacaine and ropivacaine were higher, and remained elevated longer, in patients who received only the long-acting local anesthetic compared to patients who received the mixture of long-acting local anesthetic with lidocaine (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Mixtures of long-acting local anesthetics with lidocaine induced faster onset blocks of decreased duration. Whether there is a safety benefit is unclear, as the benefit of a decreased concentration of long-acting local anesthetic may be offset by the presence of a significant plasma concentration of lidocaine.

The Simplified Predictive Intubation Difficulty Score: a new weighted score for difficult airway assessment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Using the Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS) more than 5 as a standardized definition of difficult intubation, we propose a new score to predict difficult intubation: the Simplified Predictive Intubation Difficulty Score (SPIDS). METHODS: We prospectively studied 1024 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Using bivariate and multivariable analysis, we established risk factors of difficult intubation. Then, we assigned point values to each of the adjusted risk factors, their sum composing the SPIDS. We assessed its predictive accuracy using sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and compared it with the corresponding nonweighted score. The optimal predictive level of the SPIDS was determined using ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: We found five adjusted risk factors for IDS more than 5: pathological conditions associated with difficult intubation (malformation of the face, acromegaly, cervical rheumatism, tumours of the airway, and diabetes mellitus), mouth opening less than 3.5 cm, a ratio of patient's height to thyromental distance 25 at least, head and neck movement less than 80 degrees , and Mallampati 2 at least. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the SPIDS were 65, 76, 14 and 97%, respectively. AUC of the SPIDS and the nonweighted score (obtained previously using a stepwise logistic regression) were respectively 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-0.84] and 0.69 (95% CI 0.64-0.73). The threshold for an optimal predictive level of the SPIDS was above 10 of 55. CONCLUSION: The SPIDS seems easy to perform, and by weighting risk factors of difficult intubation, it could help anaesthesiologists to plan a difficult airway management strategy. A value of SPIDS strictly above 10 could encourage the anaesthesiologists to plan for the beginning of the anaesthetic induction with 'alternative' airway devices ready in the operating theatre.

Incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly ambulatory patients: A prospective evaluation using the FAM-CAM instrument.

BACKGROUND: While the incidence of postoperative delirium is high in aged hospitalized patients undergoing major surgery, little is known concerning patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of postoperative delirium in aged patients after hospital discharge from an ambulatory surgery unit. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PATIENTS: Elderly patients (≥75 years) scheduled for a surgical procedure on an ambulatory basis. INTERVENTIONS: Filling of the Family Confusion Assessment Method (FAM-CAM) questionnaire (11 items) during a phone interview of family caregivers on two separate occasions: five to three days before surgery, and three to five days after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The detection of acute onset and fluctuating course inattention, disorganized thinking, altered level of consciousness, disorientation, perceptual disturbances, and psychomotor agitation from the observations of family caregivers. RESULTS: Signs of delirium appeared de novo in 2 of 141 patients (incidence 1.4%) in the postoperative period: a 80-years old man who was disoriented and had incoherent and illogical speech on postoperative day 1 of resection of a cephalic cutaneous melanoma under local anesthesia and sedation (midazolam, sufentanil, and propofol), and a 83-years old woman with a pre-existing mental confusion, who experienced visual and hearing hallucinations and had inappropriate behaviour on postoperative day 2 of cataract surgery performed under episcleral block. Both patients returned to their preoperative states within a few days. CONCLUSIONS: Using the FAM-CAM instrument for the detection of postoperative delirium in ambulatory patients, the study showed that the incidence of cognitive changes in the ambulatory setting is very low. Among several putative factors, the lightness of the surgical procedure, the wide use of regional anesthesia, and the short hospital stay may be contributing factors to this result. The findings of this study need to be confirmed in a larger sample of patients.

Comparison of axillary nerve block duration using mepivacaine in non-insulin diabetic or renal insufficiency patients: a controlled observational matched multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Although studies in diabetic patients demonstrated delayed recovery after long-acting local anesthetic, its effects with short-acting LA remains to be determined. Using mepivacaine, the authors evaluated the duration of axillary nerve blocks in diabetic (DP), renal failure (creatinine clearance <30 mL.min-1) (RP) and healthy patients (HP). METHODS: We prospectively included consecutive patients aged 18-80 years, with DP (N.=37), RP (N.=32) and HP (N.=48) scheduled for distal upper limb surgery. Before surgery, an axillary nerve block (20 mL mepivacaine 15 mg.mL-1) was performed with an ultrasound approach combined with nerve stimulation. Five mL was injected for each nerve: median, ulnar, radial, musculocutaneous nerves. The primary endpoint measured was the duration of sensory block. For statistical analysis, each HP patient was matched with RP and DP patient (1:1), with regards to age (range±5 years) and sex. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were similar between groups. Creatinine clearance was 14±8 mL.min-1 in RP group and HbA1c (%) was 7.5±1.5 in DP group. Mean duration of diabetic or renal insufficiency illness were respectively eight and 12 years. Onset time for sensory and motor blocks were similar between groups. Average time for sensory block duration was similar between DP vs. HP (235±52 vs. 230±54 min, P=0.71); and between RP vs. HP (234±51 vs. 229±57 min, P=0.65). CONCLUSIONS: The short-acting LA (mepivacaine) are associated with similar pharmacodynamic effects in diabetic and renal failure patients as compared with healthy patients.

[Simulation of difficult airway management for residents: prospective comparative study]. / Simulação de manejo de via aérea difícil para residentes: estudo comparativo prospectivo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Procedural simulation training for difficult airway management offers acquisition opportunities. The hypothesis was that 3 hours of procedural simulation training for difficult airway management improves: acquisition, behavior, and patient outcomes as reported 6 months later. METHODS: This prospective comparative study took place in two medical universities. Second-year residents of anesthesiology and intensive care from one region participated in 3h procedural simulation (intervention group). No intervention was scheduled for their peers from the other region (control). Prior to simulation and 6 months later, residents filled-out the same self-assessment form collecting experience with different devices. The control group filled-out the same forms simultaneously. The primary endpoint was the frequency of use of each difficult airway management device within groups at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included modifications of knowledge, skills, and patient outcomes with each device at 6 months. Intervention cost assessment was provided. RESULTS: 44 residents were included in the intervention group and 16 in the control group. No significant difference was observed for the primary endpoint. In the intervention group, improvement of knowledge and skills was observed at 6 months for each device, and improvement of patient outcomes was observed with the use of malleable intubation stylet and Eschmann introducer. No such improvement was observed in the control group. Estimated intervention cost was 406€ per resident. CONCLUSIONS: A 3h procedural simulation training for difficult airway management did not improve the frequency of use of devices at 6 months by residents. However, other positive effects suggest exploring the best ratio of time/acquisition efficiency with difficult airway management simulation. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02470195.

Does sciatic parasacral injection spread to the obturator nerve? An anatomic study.

BACKGROUND: The ability of parasacral sciatic nerve block to provide consistent obturator nerve and perineal blockade remains undetermined. In this anatomic work, we assessed the spread of a colored latex mimicking a parasacral injection, and observed the spread to the obturator nerve and sacral nerve roots. METHODS: Fourteen parasacral injections were performed bilaterally on seven human cadavers. Dissection was performed in two steps. First, the posterior approach confirmed the presence of dye on the sciatic nerve at the level of the piriformis muscle to define the success of the injection. Second, the anterior endopelvic dissection assessed the presence of dye around the pelvic portion of the obturator nerve and on the sacral roots (S1-3). The same score was used for all the nerves, from 0 (total failure) to 3 (total success). For all nerves (sciatic, obturator, sacral roots), a score of 2 or 3 was considered a successful injection. RESULTS: Eleven of 14 injections were considered successful parasacral injections. The three failed injections were excluded from further analysis. One was intravascular and two (same cadaver) in the gluteal muscles were too superficial. Of the 11 successful injections, 9 (82%) were scored as providing the spread of latex to both the obturator nerve and to the sacral roots. CONCLUSION: We conclude from this anatomical study that successful parasacral injection consistently spreads to the pelvic portion of the obturator nerve and to the sacral roots. Therefore, parasacral block should theoretically provide obturator and perineal blockade, and eliminate the need for systematic separate obturator nerve block. These results must be confirmed by further clinical studies.

The intrathoracic blood volume index as an indicator of fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure: a comparison with central venous pressure.

BACKGROUND: The intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) and central venous pressure (CVP) are routinely used to predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg or vasopressor requirement). However, they have never been compared. METHODS: In this prospective interventional study, we included 35 (21 men) mechanically ventilated and sedated patients with acute cardiovascular failure requiring cardiac output measurement (transpulmonary thermodilution technique). Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in stroke index (cardiac output/heart rate/body surface area) > or =15%. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for ITBVI and CVP. RESULTS: Fluid challenge induced a stroke index increase > or =15% in 18 (51%) patients (responders). At baseline, no studied hemodynamic variables were different between responders and nonresponders. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.64 [95% CI: 0.46-0.80] for ITBVI and 0.68 [95% CI: 0.50-0.83] for CVP, without any statistical difference (P = 0.73). The best cut-off values for CVP and ITBVI were 9 mm Hg (sensitivity = 61%; specificity = 82%) and 928 mL . m(-2) (sensitivity = 78%; specificity = 53%). CONCLUSION: ITBVI is similar to CVP in its ability to predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure.

Tracheal extubation with suction vs. positive pressure during emergence from general anaesthesia in adults: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: After general anaesthesia (GA) in adults, the optimal tracheal extubation technique (positive pressure or suctioning) remains debated. The primary endpoint of this study was to assess the effects of these techniques on onset time of desaturation (SpO2<92%). METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with a body mass index<30 scheduled for elective orthopaedic surgery were allocated to positive pressure (PP) or suctioning (SUC) group. GA was standardised with propofol and remifentanil via target-controlled infusion. A morphine bolus of 0.15mg/kg was administered 20-30mins before the end of surgery. The effect of extubation technique on onset time of desaturation (T92) was assessed during the first 10mins after extubation during the spontaneous air breathing. Secondary endpoints included: frequency of desaturation, respiratory complications, need to use oxygen therapy and SpO2 at the end of the first hour while breathing in air (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01323049). RESULTS: Baseline patient characteristics and intraoperative management data for the 68 patients included had no relevant clinical difference between groups. T92 (sec) after tracheal extubation was 214 (168) vs. 248 (148) in the PP and SUC groups, respectively (P=0.44). In the PP and SUC groups, 50 and 43% reached a SpO2<92% within the first 10mins after extubation respectively (P=0.73). There were no statistically significant differences between groups for any secondary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: Positive pressure extubation as compared with suctioning extubation did not seem to delay onset time of desaturation after GA in standard weight adult patients.

Residual anxiety after high fidelity simulation in anaesthesiology: An observational, prospective, pilot study.

BACKGROUND: High fidelity simulation (HFS) in anaesthesiology intentionally provides stress on students, but anxiety may be detrimental if it goes on through debriefing. The primary goal of this study was to estimate the proportion of students with significant anxiety remaining after debriefing (residual anxiety [RA]). Secondary goals were to evaluate the instructors' ability to estimate students' RA and to identify potential risk factors for high RA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Following IRB approval and informed consent, data from a cohort of subjects were prospectively collected by an independent expert. State-anxiety after debriefing (RA) was prospectively measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (a score varying from 20 to 80/80). RA was considered significant when≥36/80. Instructors simultaneously estimated the levels of subjects' RA via a visual analogue scale. Data about subjects, stress during scenarios (including continuous heart rate monitoring), and debriefings (including DASH© quality scores) were also collected. RESULTS: Seventy study subjects (30 residents, 26 nurses and 14 anaesthetists) were enrolled during 52 HFS sessions. As concerns the primary endpoint, RA was≥36/80 in 15 subjects (21%; 95% CI: 13-32). The median RA was 30/80 [25-35]. For secondary endpoints, the instructors' estimations poorly correlated with measurements: rho=0.36 (P<0.01); limits of agreement: -16 and 22. Subjects with RA≥36/80 had significantly higher trait-anxiety (P<0.01). An easy scenario (P=0.04) and low quality debriefing (P=0.04) were associated with higher RAs. CONCLUSION: Most students experienced low anxiety after debriefing. Instructors seem to be unable to reliably estimate students' RA. Students with an anxious personality are more likely to be anxious after debriefing.

Opioid-sparing effect of nefopam in combination with paracetamol after major abdominal surgery: a randomized double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Because nefopam's morphine-sparing is debated when combined with paracetamol, this study aimed to assess pain relief by IV nefopam in combination with paracetamol after major abdominal surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blinded randomized controlled study including patients (ASA I-III, >18 years) scheduled for elective colectomy surgery by laparotomy. Patients were randomized into the nefopam group (N.=37, continuous IV 120 mg nefopam) or control group (N.=32, placebo, same infusion) for 48 hours after surgery (both groups: IV paracetamol 1 g/6 h + IV PCA morphine rescue). The primary endpoint was the total morphine consumption from the potential titration in the postoperative care unit to 48 hours (20% reduction in nefopam group). The secondary endpoints were adverse events and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Both groups were similar for demographic characteristic, surgery, and anesthesia (including IV sufentanil 20 [20-25] µg for nefopam vs. 22.5 [20-25] µg for the control, P=0.6). Time in PACU and hospital stay were not statistically different. The number of patients requiring titration in PACU and the amount of IV morphine titration were similar. As the main endpoint, morphine consumption over the study period was similar between nefopam and the control group (respectively, 53±37 and 54±34 mg, P=0.86). No difference was observed for pain relief satisfaction between groups or total adverse events like PONV, ileus, desaturation, or confusion (nefopam 14±38 vs. control group 11±34, P=0.77). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective randomized study suggested that nefopam in combination with paracetamol has no benefit after open abdominal surgery.

A comparison of mepivacaine versus lidocaine for episcleral (sub-tenon's) block for cataract surgery in an ambulatory setting.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: For eye surgery, motor block is still often requested by the surgeon. For cataract surgery, rapid block resolution allows eyelids to move and allows eye-patch removal. Therefore, short-duration block is useful in early rehabilitation for ambulatory surgery. Lidocaine is classically assumed to have shorter duration than mepivacaine. Therefore, lidocaine alone might be considered as an alternative to mepivacaine. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind study, we compared mepivacaine 2% (n = 22) and lidocaine 2% (n = 25) in 47 patients who received episcleral (sub-Tenon's) block for cataract surgery. Akinesia score was measured 1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes and 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after the end of injection. Primary outcome was block duration (time from injection to full recovery). Secondary outcomes were time to block onset and best akinesia score for each patient. Complications were recorded. RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar for demographic and anesthetic features. We observed no significant difference between mepivacaine and lidocaine in terms of onset, quality of akinesia, and block duration. One case of ocular hypertonia and 1 case of strabismus were observed in the lidocaine group, which could be imputed to hyaluronidase unavailability during the study period or to increased lidocaine myotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: We found no argument to favor lidocaine over mepivacaine in episcleral (sub-Tenon's) eye block, especially in terms of motor-block duration.