Perioperative Management for the Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is on the rise worldwide due to an increase in metabolic syndrome, obesity, and aging. Patients with OSA are at higher risk of perioperative complications than those without OSA; however, OSA is often not diagnosed before surgery. For patients diagnosed with OSA or who are judged to be at risk of OSA by various screening tools, safe preparation for respiratory depression or difficult airway is critical. Exaggerated respiratory depression often occurs in response to commonly used sedatives and analgesics, and there is a high risk of hypoxic events due to difficulty in maintaining the airway. Currently, there is insufficient training of health care providers to screen and diagnose patients with OSA, and several screening tools are incomplete. In addition, the guidelines for optimal monitoring and perioperative management of patients with OSA have not yet been clearly established. In the present work, the author aims to explain the latest findings useful to sleep physicians regarding the overall management, including pre-operative evaluation and preparation, intraoperative anesthetic management, and post-operative general care and analgesic strategies, of patients at risk of OSA.

Perioperative Management for the Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is on the rise worldwide due to an increase in metabolic syndrome, obesity, and aging. Patients with OSA are at higher risk of perioperative complications than those without OSA; however, OSA is often not diagnosed before surgery. For patients diagnosed with OSA or who are judged to be at risk of OSA by various screening tools, safe preparation for respiratory depression or difficult airway is critical. Exaggerated respiratory depression often occurs in response to commonly used sedatives and analgesics, and there is a high risk of hypoxic events due to difficulty in maintaining the airway. Currently, there is insufficient training of health care providers to screen and diagnose patients with OSA, and several screening tools are incomplete. In addition, the guidelines for optimal monitoring and perioperative management of patients with OSA have not yet been clearly established. In the present work, the author aims to explain the latest findings useful to sleep physicians regarding the overall management, including pre-operative evaluation and preparation, intraoperative anesthetic management, and post-operative general care and analgesic strategies, of patients at risk of OSA.

Massive hemothorax after central venous catheter insertion in a patient with multiple trauma

Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is commonly used in the operating room and intensive care unit to monitor central venous pressure and secure an intravenous route to deliver medications and nutritional support that cannot be safely infused into peripheral veins. However, CVC insertion may be associated with serious complications such as arterial puncture, hematoma, pneumothorax, hemothorax, catheter infections, and thrombosis. Several methods have been recommended to prevent these complications. Here we report a case of massive hemothorax caused by attempts of CVC insertion into the internal jugular vein and subclavian vein in a patient with multiple trauma. CVC placement should be performed or supervised by an experienced physician to decrease the incidence of CVC-related complications. CVC insertion under ultrasound guidance is recommended.

Successful management of uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage due to morbidly adherent placenta with Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta during emergency cesarean section - A case report -

Background@#Morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) may cause life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) requiring massive transfusions. Furthermore, it could endanger the lives of both mother and baby. Despite various efforts, such as adjuvant endovascular embolization and hysterectomy, massive PPH due to MAP still occurs and is difficult to overcome. Case: Herein, we described the case of a 40-year-old woman with placenta previa totalis who experienced massive bleeding during a cesarean section. We used resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) and it improved the condition of the surgical field and the hemodynamic stability of the patient temporarily. The patient was successfully managed without further complications. @*Conclusions@#REBOA can be used as a rescue procedure for uncontrolled bleeding situations in patients with MAPs. Anesthesiologists should consider and recommend REBOA as another resuscitative therapeutic option in the case of massive PPH.

Life-threatening tension pneumothorax after unsuccessful tracheostomy tube exchange in a trauma patient - A case report -

Background@#Tracheostomy tube exchange is a common and safe procedure. However, when the tracheocutaneous tract is not completely mature, cannula exchange or endotracheal tube insertion via the tracheostomy site can rarely induce life-threatening complications, including subcutaneous emphysema, loss of airway, tension pneumothorax, and pneumoperitoneum.Case: We report a case of life-threatening tension pneumothorax developed during tracheostomy tube exchange with a reinforced endotracheal tube for a planned facial surgery after recent tracheostomy in a trauma patient. @*Conclusions@#Understanding of the pathogenesis and the use of preventive strategies based on it are expected to provide safer and more effective anesthetic management to patients with tracheostomy.

Impacted dental bridge in the esophagus following general anesthesia: A case report

A dental bridge impacted in the esophagus of a 43-year-old man was successfully removed using endoscopy, without any further complications. It is of utmost importance that the medical staff carefully assess the patient's dental condition, provide clear documentation, and notify the patient appropriately to prevent dental prosthesis-related complications and claims. Anesthesiologists also need to be more cautious in the perioperative period, even after extubation, because this complication may not be completely avoidable.

The effect of endotracheal 1% lidocaine administration to reduce emergence phenomenon after general anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation often causes sore throat and coughing. The aim of this study was to decrease the incidence and severity of cough, sore throat, and hemodynamic changes after extubation by endotracheal administration of 1% lidocaine. METHODS: Sixty patients physical status American Society of Anesthesiologists classes I, II, and III who received a surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. L group was given 1% lidocaine 0.5 mg/kg by endotracheal administration. The other group, N group, received the same volume of normal saline. The number of cough, the severity of sore throat with numerical rating score (NRS), incidence of local anesthetic systemic toxic reaction, laryngospasm, and hoarseness were recorded. In addition, the number of coughs was divided into three levels by its severity, and it was converted into an indicator of cough score. RESULTS: L group had a significantly lower number of cough and sore throat NRS (P value < 0.05) than the N group, and also hoarseness did not occur. The changes in the hemodynamic parameters, before and after the emergence of anesthesia, were more stable in the L group than those in the N group, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that endotracheal administration of 1% lidocaine is effective and safe method to reduce cough and sore throat caused by extubation.

Fatal pulmonary aspiration during balanced sedation with dexmedetomidine and midazolam: A case report

Recently, balanced sedation has commonly been used during procedural sedation. Dexmedetomidine is known for its relative safety to cause “conscious sedation” with little respiratory depression but has some limitations such as frequent awakening and hemodynamic instability during surgery. To facilitate sedation, a small dose of midazolam can be co-administered rather than escalating the dose of dexmedetomidine, especially in elderly patient. Despite the respiratory safety profile of dexmedetomidine, the overall safety of co-administration has not been clarified. We describe the first case of fatal pulmonary aspiration that developed in an elderly patient during balanced sedation with spinal anesthesia for elective femur fracture surgery.

Laryngeal granulomas in patients after two-jaw surgery: Four cases report

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation can cause focal ischemia, damage or edema to the laryngeal mucosa, and may be followed by serious complications such as vocal cord paralysis, ulcers, and granulation tissue formation. Laryngeal granuloma is rare but also a significant late complication of endotracheal intubation, and anesthesiologists should be concerned about it.CASE: We experienced four cases of laryngeal granuloma that developed after two-jaw surgery January 2017–December 2018 in our hospital and would like to report these cases with brief review of literature.CONCLUSIONS: There are frequent movements on the head and neck in maxillofacial surgery and the nasotracheal intubation should be prolonged after bimaxillary osteotomy surgery because of post-operative airway problems. This may be why two-jaw surgery may have higher occurrence of laryngeal granuloma than others.

Successful intubation using a specially bent lighted stylet to fit the upper airway passage of a patient with ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint and deep cervical abscesses: A case report

A bent lighted stylet has demonstrated effectiveness for intubating patients with difficult airways. We report a case of successful intubation using a lighted stylet that was bent to configure the upper airway passage in a patient with ankylosis of the temporo-mandibualr joint and a small inter-incisor gap with diffuse submandibular abscesses. We suppose that lighted stylets with different bends can be used in difficult airway cases. The usefulness of a bent lighted stylet to fit the upper airway passage needs further evaluation for additional clinical application.

Effectiveness of milrinone for cardiogenic shock due to massive pulmonary aspiration: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is one of the most frightening complications during anesthesia. Although pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents in general surgical patients is not common and resulting long-term morbidity and mortality are rare, severe hypoxemia and other sequelae of pulmonary aspiration continue to be reported. We report a case of massive aspiration of gastric contents during induction of general anesthesia, resulting in cardiac arrest due to severe pulmonary hypertension and myocardial infarction. Sustained cardiac arrest and shock that did not respond the conventional resuscitation was successfully treated using milrinone. The patient was discharged without complications in 20 days.

Anesthetic experience in a clinically euthyroid patient with hyperthyroxinemia and suspected impairment of T4 to T3 conversion: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

We report an anesthetic experience in a clinically euthyroid patient with hyperthyroxinemia (elevated free thyroxine, fT4 and normal 3, 5, 3'-L-triiodothyronine, T3) and suspected impairment of conversion from T4 to T3. Despite marked hyperthyroxinemia, this patient's perioperative hemodynamic profile was suspected to be the result of hypothyroidism, in reference to the presence of T4 to T3 conversion disorder. We suspected that pretreatment with antithyroid medication before surgery, surgical stress and anesthesia may have contributed to the decreased T3 level after surgery. She was treated with liothyronine sodium (T3) after surgery which restored her hemodynamic profile to normal. Anesthesiologists may be aware of potential risk and caveats of inducing hypothyroidism in patients with euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia and T4 to T3 conversion impairment.

Incidental finding of an arachnoid cyst in a patient presenting with features of postural headache after spinal anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Incidental finding of an arachnoid cyst in a patient presenting with features of postural headache after spinal anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

A Correlation between Low Back Pain and Associated Factors: A Study Involving 772 Patients who Had Undergone General Physical Examination

Many factors are associated with the development of low back pain. Among them, exercise, obesity, smoking, age, educational level and stress are the most common. This study examined the association of these factors with low back pain. An additional aim was to determine a procedure for preventing low back pain. This study analyzed the responses to a questionnaire sent to 772 individuals who had undergone a medical examination at this hospital in 2003 and excluded the individuals who had shown symptoms or their test results indicated a particular disease. Assuming that there were no variables, individuals who exercised regularly 3-4 times per week would have a lower chance of having low back pain than those who did not exercise regularly. The analysis revealed that individuals with a college degree or higher education have a lower chance of experiencing low back pain than those with only a high school education or even college drop-outs. When the other variables were constant, age, extent of obesity (body mass index), smoking and level of stress were not found to affect the development of low back pain. The level of education was associated with the development of low back pain. However, regular exercise 3-4 times per week or more would be most effective in reducing the incidence and duration of low back pain.

The Examination of Internal Jugular Vein and Carotid Artery in Trendelenburg Position with Head Rotation; A Prospective, Randomized Study / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the position and relationship between the right internal jugular vein (IJV) and the surrounding external landmarks using ultrasonography. METHODS: Fifty-four patients undergoing central vein access for cardiac surgery were enrolled in this study. The IJV, carotid artery (CA) and sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) at the cricoid cartilage level in 15o trendelenburg position with 30o head rotation were examined using a two dimensional ultrasound transducer of a TEE machine. Images of the vessels and the demographic data of the patients were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: At the level of the cricoid cartilage, the position of the right IJV was medial to middle of the clavicular head of the SCM muscle in 26 cases (48.2%), lateral in 11 cases (20.4%) and just above the middle of clavicular head of the SCM muscle in 17 cases (31.5%). In 43 patients (79.6%), the IJV overlapped the CA anterolaterlly < 5 mm, and these cases were regarded as normal. Ten patients (18.5%) had a medially positioned IJV overlapping the CA more than 5 mm and the IJV was positioned lateral to CA in 1 (2%) patient. The mean ratio of the overlapped diameter and the diameter of the CA was 33.6% and the overlapping ratios were greater than 50% in 10 patients (31.4%). The mean skin-to-vein distance at the angle of 30degrees was 1.82 cm. CONCLUSIONS: In 18.5% of patients positioned in the 15o Trendelenburg position, with their head turned to the left 30degrees, the IJV overlapped the CA medially more than 5 mm, which increased the risk of a carotid puncture using the blind technique.

The Effects of the Preoperative Education about Analgesics and Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) on the Consumption of Analgesics after Operation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the patients' general perception about the analgesics and the effects of the preoperative education about analgesics and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). METHODS: One hundred patients scheduled for elective gastrectomy were randomly allocated into two groups. In control group (n = 50), patients were given conventional preanesthetic visit with questionnaire survey on PCA one day before operation. In study group (n = 50), patients were sufficiently explained about postoperative analgesia and PCA by anesthesiologist and given precise explanation sheet about PCA. Total amounts of drug used in PCA as well as rescue analgesics, the pain scores, and side effects were compared. RESULTS: 62.2% of patients had much information from various sources that analgesics effects positively in the recovery phase, but actually 73.7% of patients considered that analgesics do not seem to have any influence on the recovery after operation. There was no difference between the amounts of total PCA used, rescue analgesics, and the pain scores. However, the educated patients complained less dizziness at postoperative days (POD) one. Also, the number of patients excluded from study due to the PCA discontinuation secondary to related side effects was less in educated patients (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative education about analgesics and PCA failed to demonstrate significant decrease in the amount of analgesics and of pain scores. However, it lowered the incidence of PCA discontinuation due to side effects.

Benign and Malignant Tumors Detected in the Patients with Intractable Chest Pain: 2 case reports / 대한통증학회지

Many patients with intractable chest pain visit pain clinics, two of which, with rare cases of an intraspinal tumor and malignant mesothelioma were experiences at our clinic. A 37-year old female patient presented with exacerbating chest pain, but without neurological manifestations, of 15-months duration. Her laboratory findings, such as blood tests, chest X-ray, EKG, abdominal ultrasonography and chest CT, were normal. MRI revealed an intradural extramedullary schwannoma at the T 5 and 6 levels of the thoracic spine. She completely recovered following a laminectomy, with removal of the tumor. The other case was a 65-year old male patient, who presented with chest and back pain in the thoracic area of 6 months duration. He had no cough and dyspnea, and was initially misdiagnosed with intercostal neuralgia; therefore, pain control medication was administered, but all trials were ineffective. Finally, chest CT revealed a malignant mesothelioma, with multiple spine metastases. In conclusion, patients with intractable chest pain should be re-examined both clinically and radiographically.

Outcome of Total Knee Arthroplasty Depending on Post-operative Pain Control Methods / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation physical therapy after a total knee arthroplasy (TKA) is important for the functional prognosis of the surgery and the methods of postoperative analgesic control could have influence on physical therapy. Therefore we compared surgical outcome of TKA patients receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IPCA) and epidural patient-controlled analgesia (EPCA) for pain control. METHODS: Forty four patients scheduled for a TKA were randomly allocated into two groups. The IPCA group received intravenous PCA (fentanyl 30mu g/ml, ketorolac 3 mg/ml, 0.5 ml/15 min/0.5 ml) after general anesthesia and the EPCA group received epidural PCA (0.1% bupivacaine, fentanyl 3 microgram/ml, 3 ml/15 min/3 ml) after combined spinal epidural anesthesia for an operation. Pain score and side effects were checked at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the operation. Range of motion (ROM) was evaluated at discharge, 1 and 3 months after the operation. RESULTS: The EPCA group showed better analgesia and ROM than the IPCA group but the advantage on ROM did not last up to the 3 month follow up. Nausea/vomiting and sedation was more in the IPCA group, and backache, paresthesia and motor eakness of the lower limbs were more in the EPCA group. However, all side effects were tolerable for the patients. There was 31.8% of epidural catheter dislodgement or occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Better analgesia with epidural PCA resulted in a better functional prognosis, but more effort would be needed to manage an epidural catheter.

Administration of Atracurium in a Patient Recovering from Organophosphate Poisoning / 대한마취과학회지

A 67-year-old woman accidentally ingested insecticide 3 months ago and received ventilator care for 1 month. Thereafter, she developed tracheal stenosis combined with a tracheal-esophageal fistula, and she was scheduled to receive a tracheal resection anastomosis. We anesthetized her with atracurium under the monitoring of an accelerograph and she did not represent any prolonged respiratory paralysis postoperatively. We administered atracurium 10 mg twice initially and then gave additional 5 mg boluses when the TOF ratio became greater than 0.5. The total dose of administered atracurium was 40 mg and total duration of anesthesia was 360 minutes. We did not extubate her in the operating room in spite of complete recovery from atracurium to preoperative status because her lung condition was not very good preoperatively and severe necK flexion was done for the anastomosis. In the intensive care unit, the patient's condition progressively deteriorated with the development of adult respiratory distress syndrome and acute renal failure. Despite vigorous organ specific support, she discharged hopelessly 24 days after the operation.