Randomized controlled trial of acupuncture to prevent emergence delirium in children undergoing myringotomy tube placement.

BACKGROUND: Myringotomy tube placement is a pediatric procedure frequently performed under inhalational anesthesia without intravenous line placement. Emergence delirium is common following sevoflurane anesthesia, and can lead to patient harm and escalation of nursing care. Our goal was to determine if intraoperative acupuncture, compared to standard of care, reduces emergence delirium in children undergoing myringotomy tube placement. METHODS: Single center, randomized, controlled trial at a university hospital, including children ages 1-6 years with ASA physical status 1-3 scheduled for myringotomy tube placement. Participants were stratified based on midazolam premedication and randomized to intraoperative acupuncture (AC, N.=49) or standard anesthesia care (SC, N.=50). Acupuncture needles were placed in bilateral Heart 7 (HT7) and ear Shen Men points after anesthesia induction. A blinded observer in the PACU assessed emergence delirium using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. Endpoints were highest PAED score in the recovery room and post-discharge agitation and sleep quality. RESULTS: Patient baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. With midazolam premedication, the highest PAED score was 11.6 in patients receiving AC and 12.0 for SC. Without midazolam premedication, the highest PAED was 11.8 in patients receiving AC and 10.7 for SC. The overall PAED score difference between AC and SC groups was 0.33 (95% CI -1.5, 2.2, P=0.723). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative acupuncture at HT7 and ear Shen Men did not reduce PAED scores after myringotomy tube placement. Based on these data, it is therefore unlikely that a larger study of the same design would demonstrate a significant effect of intraoperative acupuncture on emergence delirium after brief sevoflurane anesthesia. However, other acupuncture points or techniques could be considered.

Postoperative pain after vitreo-retinal surgery is influenced by surgery duration and anesthesia conduction.

BACKGROUND: The control of postoperative pain (POP) is a key component of perioperative care. POP after vitreo-retinal surgery (VRS) has been under-investigated, and its incidence remains elusive. METHODS: In order to assess POP after VRS, the associated risk factors and efficacy of the analgesic protocol in use at our institution, we made a one-year retrospective study on patients undergoing VRS. Patients aged >18 years, ASA Class I-III undergoing VRS entered the study. POP was evaluated by measuring a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and analgesic consumption. RESULTS: A total of 782 patients entered the study. Patients received locoregional (LRA) or general anesthesia (GA) with supplemental block. Twenty-two percent of patients needed analgesics (acetaminophen in 97% of cases), mostly between two and six hours after surgery. The univariate analysis showed a positive association between POP and duration of surgery (P<0.0001) and glaucoma (P=0.04), and a negative association with age (P=0.008), analgesic administration at the end of surgery (P=0.005) and the intraoperative administration of remifentanil for surgery under LRA (P=0.02); sedation to execute the block for LRA did not reduce POP. Patients treated with GA with supplemental block had less pain compared to those treated with LRA with/without remifentanil (P=0.03, P=0.002, respectively). The multivariate analysis confirmed a positive correlation between POP and duration of surgery (P=0.0007) and a negative correlation with the intraoperative remifentanil administration during LRA (P=0.04), and with GA with supplemental block (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of POP after VRS is low but not absent, especially for long procedures, it does not require postoperative opioids and can be modified by anesthesiologic choices.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in outpatient repair of inguinal hernia.

PURPOSE: Nausea and vomiting are among the most frequent complications following anesthesia and surgery. Due to anesthesia seems to be primarily responsible for post operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in Day Surgery facilities, the aim of the study is to evaluate how different methods of anesthesia could modify the onset of postoperative nausea and vomiting in a population of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Ninehundredten patients, aged between 18 and 87 years, underwent open inguinal hernia repair. The PONV risk has been assessed according to Apfel Score. Local anesthetic infiltration, performed by the surgeon in any cases, has been supported by and analgo-sedation with Remifentanil in 740 patients; Fentanyl was used in 96 cases and the last 74 underwent deep sedation with Propofol . RESULTS: Among the 910 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair, PONV occurred in 68 patients (7.5%). Among patients presenting PONV, 29 received Remifentanil, whereas 39 received Fentanyl. In the group of patients receiving Propofol, no one presented PONV. This difference is statistically significant (p < .01). Moreover, only 50 patients of the total sample received antiemetic prophylaxis, and amongst these, PONV occurred in 3 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to Remifentanil, Fentanyl has a major influence in causing PONV. Nonetheless, an appropriate antiemetic prophylaxis can significantly reduce this undesirable complication. Key words: Day Surgery, Fentanyl, Inguinal, Hernia repair, Nausea, Vomiting.

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[Anesthesia for ophthalmic surgery]. / Anästhesie bei ophthalmologischen Operationen - eine Standortbestimmung.

The majority of ophthalmic interventions can be done today under locoregional anesthesia using "Monitored Anesthesia Care" (MAC). General anesthesia techniques are mostly reserved for the pediatric segment and for patients with specific comorbidity and/or lengthy procedure. Cataract surgery in predominantly geriatric patients belongs to the field of the so-called "high volume-surgery": Given the low perioperative risk in this patient group, adapted and optimized processes are indicated. A focused premedication and informing these patients ensures good perioperative compliance. Preoperative tests are be conducted in this patient population only as a function of relevant comorbidity. Premedication usually takes place as a classical anesthesia consultation, but new methods such as an internet-based premedication for healthy patients offers a new option. The intraoperative anesthesia method depends on the needs of the surgeon and the expectations and possibilities of cooperation of the patient.

Non-pharmacological interventions for assisting the induction of anaesthesia in children.

BACKGROUND: Induction of general anaesthesia can be distressing for children. Non-pharmacological methods for reducing anxiety and improving co-operation may avoid the adverse effects of preoperative sedation. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of non-pharmacological interventions in assisting induction of anaesthesia in children by reducing their anxiety, distress or increasing their co-operation. SEARCH METHODS: In this updated review we searched CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 12) and searched the following databases from inception to 15 January 2013: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science. We reran the search in August 2014. We will deal with the single study found to be of interest when we next update the review. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials of a non-pharmacological intervention implemented on the day of surgery or anaesthesia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias in trials. MAIN RESULTS: We included 28 trials (2681 children) investigating 17 interventions of interest; all trials were conducted in high-income countries. Overall we judged the trials to be at high risk of bias. Except for parental acupuncture (graded low), all other GRADE assessments of the primary outcomes of comparisons were very low, indicating a high degree of uncertainty about the overall findings. Parental presence: In five trials (557 children), parental presence at induction of anaesthesia did not reduce child anxiety compared with not having a parent present (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.14 to 0.20). In a further three trials (267 children) where we were unable to pool results, we found no clear differences in child anxiety, whether a parent was present or not. In a single trial, child anxiety showed no significant difference whether one or two parents were present, although parental anxiety was significantly reduced when both parents were present at the induction. Parental presence was significantly less effective than sedative premedication in reducing children's anxiety at induction in three trials with 254 children (we could not pool results). Child interventions (passive): When a video of the child's choice was played during induction, children were significantly less anxious than controls (median difference modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) 31.2, 95% CI 27.1 to 33.3) in a trial of 91 children. In another trial of 120 children, co-operation at induction did not differ significantly when a video fairytale was played before induction. Children exposed to low sensory stimulation were significantly less anxious than control children on introduction of the anaesthesia mask and more likely to be co-operative during induction in one trial of 70 children. Music therapy did not show a significant effect on children's anxiety in another trial of 51 children. Child interventions (mask introduction): We found no significant differences between a mask exposure intervention and control in a single trial of 103 children for child anxiety (risk ratio (RR) 0.59, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.11) although children did demonstrate significantly better co-operation in the mask exposure group (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.51). Child interventions (interactive): In a three-arm trial of 168 children, preparation with interactive computer packages (in addition to parental presence) was more effective than verbal preparation, although differences between computer and cartoon preparation were not significant, and neither was cartoon preparation when compared with verbal preparation. Children given video games before induction were significantly less anxious at induction than those in the control group (mYPAS mean difference (MD) -9.80, 95% CI -19.42 to -0.18) and also when compared with children who were sedated with midazolam (mYPAS MD -12.20, 95% CI -21.82 to -2.58) in a trial of 112 children. When compared with parental presence only, clowns or clown doctors significantly lessened children's anxiety in the operating/induction room (mYPAS MD -24.41, 95% CI -38.43 to -10.48; random-effects, I² 75%) in three trials with a total of 133 children. However, we saw no significant differences in child anxiety in the operating room between clowns/clown doctors and sedative premedication (mYPAS MD -9.67, 95% CI -21.14 to 1.80, random-effects, I² 66%; 2 trials of 93 children). In a trial of hypnotherapy versus sedative premedication in 50 children, there were no significant differences in children's anxiety at induction (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.04). Parental interventions: Children of parents having acupuncture compared with parental sham acupuncture were less anxious during induction (mYPAS MD -17, 95% CI -30.51 to -3.49) and were more co-operative (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.53) in a single trial of 67 children. Two trials with 191 parents assessed the effects of parental video viewing but did not report any of the review's prespecified primary outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that the presence of parents during induction of general anaesthesia does not diminish their child's anxiety. Potentially promising non-pharmacological interventions such as parental acupuncture; clowns/clown doctors; playing videos of the child's choice during induction; low sensory stimulation; and hand-held video games need further investigation in larger studies.

Effect of preemptive intravenous oxycodone on low-dose bupivacaine spinal anesthesia with intrathecal sufentanil.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of preemptive intravenous oxycodone on low-dose bupivacaine spinal anesthesia with intrathecal sufentanil in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 60 patients undergoing TURP were allocated into 2 groups: oxycodone group (group O, n=30) and a normal saline group (group N, n=30). Oxycodone 0.1 mg/kg, or normal saline 0.1 ml/kg was administered intravenously 10 minutes before surgical procedures in group O, or in group N. All patients received sufentanil 5 µg + bupivacaine 0.5% (0.8 ml) + normal saline 0.7 ml - in total, bupivacaine 0.25% (1.6 ml) intrathecally. Spinal block characteristics, hemodynamic values, the perioperative analgesic requirements, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Ramsay sedation scale, and side effects were assessed. The study was carried out at the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China between March and September 2014. RESULTS: The time to 2-segment regression of sensory block, full recovery of sensory block, and first analgesic request was longer in group O. Fewer patients required postoperative analgesics, and the VAS pain scores at 4, 8, 16, and 24 hour after operation were significantly lower in group O. CONCLUSION: Preemptive intravenous oxycodone was an efficient and safe method to decrease postoperative pain and reduce tramadol analgesia in patients under low-dose dilute bupivacaine spinal anesthesia combined with intrathecal sufentanil.

[The premedication visit--suggestions for a patient-friendly design]. / Das Prämedikationsgespräch--Anregungen zu einer patientenfreundlichen Gestaltung.

The premedication visit is often a difficult situation for the anaesthetist. On the one hand the patient needs to be informed in detail, but on the other he must not be alienated unnecessarily. Furthermore, a hospital stay represents an exceptional situation for the patient in which he behaves differently than in everyday life and shows a limited ability to process information. Following certain communication strategies allows to convey information to the patient in a comprehensible manner and to describe his individual anaesthesiological risk without needlessly creating fear.

Use of triazolam and alprazolam as premedication for general anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Triazolam has similar pharmacological properties as other benzodiazepines and is generally used as a sedative to treat insomnia. Alprazolam represents a possible alternative to midazolam for the premedication of surgical patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic, sedative, and amnestic properties of triazolam and alprazolam as pre-anesthetic medications. METHODS: Sixty adult patients were randomly allocated to receive oral triazolam 0.25 mg or alprazolam 0.5 mg one hour prior to surgery. A structured assessment interview was performed in the operating room (OR), the recovery room, and the ward. The levels of anxiety and sedation were assessed on a 7-point scale (0 = relaxation to 6 = very severe anxiety) and a 5-point scale (0 = alert to 4 = lack of responsiveness), respectively. The psychomotor performance was estimated using a digit symbol substitution test. As a memory test, we asked the patients the day after the surgery if they remembered being moved from the ward to the OR, and what object we had shown them in the OR. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to anxiety and sedation. The postoperative interviews showed that 22.2% of the triazolam-treated patients experienced a loss of memory in the OR, against a 0% memory loss in the alprazolam-treated patients. In comparison with alprazolam 0.5 mg, triazolam 0.25 mg produced a higher incidence of amnesia without causing respiratory depression. CONCLUSIONS: Oral triazolam 0.25 mg can be an effective preanesthetic medication for psychomotor performance.

Ropivacaine plasma levels following local infiltration analgesia for primary total hip arthroplasty.

We measured total and free plasma concentrations of ropivacaine following high-volume, high-dose local infiltration analgesia in 19 patients aged 65 years or over undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty. The patients received 180 ml ropivacaine 0.2% (360 mg), which was injected into the deep and peri-capsular tissues, the gluteal muscles and fascia lata, and the subcutaneous tissues and skin. Patients were monitored for clinical symptoms and signs of systemic local anaesthetic toxicity. Total levels of plasma ropivacaine varied from 0.081 to 1.707 µg.ml(-1) (mean (SD) 0.953 (0.323) µg.ml(-1) ). Free levels of plasma ropivacaine varied from 0.000 to 0.053 µg.ml(-1) (mean (SD) 0.024 (0.011) µg.ml(-1) ). No samples reached the toxic threshold for venous ropivacaine concentration, although four patients exhibited mild symptoms consistent with local anaesthetic toxicity. One patient had episodes of complete heart block on ECG monitoring, but plasma ropivacaine levels were below toxic levels. We conclude that plasma levels for ropivacaine associated with toxicity in a volunteer population (total 2.2 µg.ml(-1) , free 0.15 µg.ml(-1) ) are not reached during local infiltration analgesia for hip arthroplasty in elderly patients.

Efficacy of sugammadex for the reversal of moderate and deep rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block in patients pretreated with intravenous magnesium: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium enhances the effect of rocuronium. Sugammadex reverses rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. The authors investigated whether magnesium decreased the efficacy of sugammadex for the reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. METHODS: Thirty-two male patients were randomized in a double-blinded manner to receive magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) 60 mg/kg or placebo intravenously before induction of anesthesia with propofol, sufentanil, and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored using TOF-Watch SX acceleromyography (Organon Ltd., Dublin, Ireland). In 16 patients, sugammadex 2 mg/kg was administered intravenously at reappearance of the second twitch of the train-of-four (moderate block). In 16 further patients, sugammadex 4 mg/kg was administered intravenously at posttetanic count 1 to 2 (deep block). Primary endpoint was recovery time from injection of sugammadex to normalized train-of-four ratio 0.9. Secondary endpoint was recovery time to final T1. RESULTS: Average time for reversal of moderate block was 1.69 min (SD, 0.81) in patients pretreated with MgSO4 and 1.76 min (1.13) in those pretreated with placebo (P = 0.897). Average time for reversal of deep block was 1.77 min (0.83) in patients pretreated with MgSO4 and 1.98 min (0.58) in those pretreated with placebo (P = 0.572). Times to final T1 were longer compared with times to normalized train-of-four ratio 0.9, without any difference between patients pretreated with MgSO4 or placebo. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with a single intravenous dose of MgSO4 60 mg/kg does not decrease the efficacy of recommended doses of sugammadex for the reversal of a moderate and deep neuromuscular block induced by an intubation dose of rocuronium.

Effectiveness of Preemptive Analgesia Using a Frequency Rhythmic Electrical Modulation System in Patients Having Instrumented Fusion for Lumbar Stenosis

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized prospective study. PURPOSE: To assess postoperative analgesic requirements after Phyback therapy preemptively in patients undergoing lumbar stabilization. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Frequency Rhythmic Electrical Modulation System is the latest method of preemptive analgesia. METHODS: Forty patients were divided into two groups. Patients who were to receive tramadol were allocated to "group A" and those who were to receive Phyback therapy were allocated to "group B." In patients with a visual analog scale score of >4 or a verbal rating scale score of >2, 75 mg of diclofenac IM was administered. The amount of analgesic consumption, the bolus demand dosage, and the number of bolus doses administered were recorded. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the visual analog patient satisfaction scale. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the visual analog scale and verbal rating scale scores in the fourth, sixth, 12th, and 24th hours. The number of bolus infusions was significantly lower in group B. The amount of analgesic consumption was higher in group A. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the number of bolus infusions and the total amount of analgesic consumption, and this comparison showed better results for group B. CONCLUSIONS: Application of Phyback therapy reduced postoperative opioid consumption and analgesic demand, and it contributed to reducing patients' level of pain and increased patient satisfaction. Moreover, the application of preemptive Phyback therapy contributed to reducing preoperative pain which may have reduced patient anxiety.

[Anesthesia in spontaneous ventilation for difficult intubation]. / Quelle technique d'anesthésie en ventilation spontanée pour l'intubation difficile?

Difficult intubation in children is rare and often predictable during anesthesia consultation. This allows to establish a strategy to provide fiberoptic guided tracheal intubation with spontaneous ventilation in function of age and children pathology. A good knowledge of physiologic and anatomic children particularities, of fiberoptic technique and the respect for some principles lead to ensure the security of this procedure. First principle is to use only one anesthetic inhaled or intravenous agent in order to limit an important decrease of ventilation. The anesthetic technique recommended for pediatric fiberoptic guided intubation is inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane. But it is possible to use an intravenous agent, like propofol, with a continuous infusion (bolus of 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg then 0.1-0.3mg/kg per hour for maintenance) or with target controlled infusion (Schnider model, initial concentration 2.5 µg/mL, then increase by 0.5 µg/mL steps) particularly in children older than 5 years with an anesthetic depth control. Whatever the agent, the dose must to be titrated to maintain spontaneous ventilation. Second principle is to combine an airway local anesthesia with general anesthesia to limit airway reactivity. First, a nose topical anesthesia is administered with lidocaine plus naphazoline in children older than 2 years. Then, a laryngeal topical anesthesia is realized with lidocaine 1% (1-2 mL, 2mg/kg) through operating channel of fiberoptic bronchoscope. Finally, third principle is to ensure patient oxygenation with several techniques like use of endoscopic facial mask or nasopharyngeal tube. The use of laryngeal mask is a rescue technique in case of spontaneous ventilation lost. In conclusion, each institution has to establish an algorithm with his own knowledge, constantly feasible and regularly taught.

The safety and efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine during electrochemotherapy for facial vascular malformation: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Intranasal dexmedetomidine is noninvasive and has been reported as premedication for children undergoing surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine during electrochemotherapy for facial vascular malformation under local anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was designed. Patients with facial vascular malformation scheduled for electrochemotherapy under local anesthesia were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (group IN, IV, or C). Patients in group IN received dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg intranasally. Patients in group IV received dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg intravenously. Patients in group C received 0.9% saline intranasally and intravenously. Sedation status and vital signs were assessed at baseline, 15 and 30 minutes after drug administration, before surgery, and 15 minutes after the start of surgery. Midazolam was used as a rescue. Data were analyzed by 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Sixty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were enrolled. Patients in groups IN and IV were significantly more sedated than those in group C before the beginning of surgery (P < .001 for the 2 comparisons). After nasal administration, adequate sedation was achieved within 30 to 45 minutes. In group IV, the onset of sedation was 15 to 20 minutes. There were no clinically significant adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal dexmedetomidine has a sedative effect under local anesthesia and offers a noninvasive, better-tolerated alternative to intravenous administration.

Postoperative analgesic effects of wound infiltration with tramadol and levobupivacaine in lumbar disk surgeries.

BACKGROUND: Wound infiltration with local anesthetics may improve postoperative analgesia. Tramadol has been shown to have effects similar to those of local anesthetics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of wound infiltration with levobupivacaine and tramadol on postoperative analgesia for lumbar discectomies. METHODS: Eighty adult patients who were scheduled to undergo elective lumbar discectomy operations were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to 4 groups: wound infiltration with 100 mg levobupivacaine (group L), 2 mg/kg tramadol (group T), 2 mg/kg tramadol plus 100 mg levobupivacaine (group LT), and saline (group C). Pain scores with the visual analog scale, patient-controlled analgesic consumption (pethidine), time to first analgesic treatment, and side effects were assessed during the postoperative period. RESULTS: The time to first analgesia was earliest in group C (11.3±2.2 min), followed by group L (163.0±216.3 min) and group T (803.2±268.4 min) (P<0.001). None of the patients in group LT required postoperative analgesic supplementation, and the visual analog scale scores were <3 at all measurement times (P<0.05). Postoperative opioid consumption was 196.0±71.6 mg in group C, 129.0±78.3 mg in group L, and 37.0±35.4 mg in group T (P<0.001). The incidence of side effects was lower in group LT than in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Wound infiltration with combined levobupivacaine and tramadol resulted in elimination of postoperative analgesic demand and reduction in the incidence of side effects. We conclude that infiltration of the wound site with combined levobupivacaine and tramadol provides significantly better analgesia compared with levobupivacaine or tramadol alone.

Anesthetic care and perioperative complications of children with Morquio syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to make recommendations based on our experience and findings from this study regarding the anesthetic care of children with Morquio syndrome (MS). We emphasize information not readily available in the Anesthesiology literature. AIM: To describe the unique nature of difficulties, especially the relationship of the head and neck to airway patency. In addition, we aim to examine 83 intubations performed in 28 patients and report on observed preferences. BACKGROUND: Much of the available literature in Anesthesiology consists of case reports of single or small groups of cases, many describing a nonhomogenous population inclusive of many mucopolysaccharidoses. METHODS/MATERIALS: We retrospectively studied 28 children with MS who underwent 108 surgical procedures at our pediatric hospital, which provides multidisciplinary, comprehensive care to children with skeletal dysplasia. RESULTS: Cervical fusion was performed in 22 of 28 patients in our study. Eight children after cervical fusion became difficult to intubate for subsequent surgical procedures. In addition, we found airway abnormalities including tortuous appearance of the trachea and bronchi, evident on chest radiograph, as a result of the abnormalities in the hyaline cartilage and deposits of glycosaminoglycans. CONCLUSION: Morquio syndrome results in abnormalities of not only upper airway but also of large airways. Information from 83 intubations of 108 anesthetics (in 28 patients) shows a preference for Glidescope when intubating children with MS. Displacing the tongue anteriorly prior to intubation by manual retraction using a ring forceps or a piece of gauze helps to access the larynx in children with MS.

The effect of adjuvant drugs on the quality of tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants in children: a systematic review of randomized trials.

Intubation without prior administration of muscle relaxants is a common practice in children. However, succinylcholine may be considered as the golden standard for optimizing intubating conditions. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify drug combinations that included induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane or propofol. Our aim was to select drug combinations that yield excellent intubating conditions ≥80%; we identified six combinations in children aged 1-9 years. Sevoflurane with remifentanil (1 or 2 µg·kg(-1) ), lidocaine (2 mg·kg(-1) ), or propofol (2 mg·kg(-1) ) as the adjuvant shared the following characteristics: premedication with midazolam and/or ketamine, long sevoflurane exposure time, high inspired and endtidal sevoflurane concentration, and assisted ventilation. One combination using sevoflurane with propofol (3 mg·kg(-1) ) without premedication, with shorter sevoflurane exposure time, and spontaneous breathing indicated that propofol may be the adjuvant of choice for a rapid sevoflurane induction. The only adjuvant identified in propofol induction was remifentanil (4 µg·kg(-1) ). No serious adverse events were reported with these combinations.

Estudio epidemiológico multicéntrico de las técnicas anestésicas en la cirugía de la hernia inguinal en España / Multicentre epidemiological study of anaesthetic techniques in inguinal hernia surgery in Spain

Objetivo: Recientemente se ha producido renovado interés sobre la técnica anestésica en la cirugía de la hernia inguinal y las ventajas y los inconvenientes derivados de las diferentes técnicas anestésicas. En nuestro país no hay información acerca de la la técnica anestésica en la hernioplastia. Nuestro objetivo es realizar un estudio epidemiológico sobre las técnicas anestésicas en la cirugía de la hernia inguinal. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio epidemiológico transversal, descriptivo y multicéntrico en 20 hospitales de España. Cada centro incluyó a 12 pacientes sometidos a herniorrafia y registró datos sociodemográficos, antecedentes patológicos, técnica realizada, parámetros de recuperación y complicaciones. Resultados: Se incluyó a 238 pacientes (el 91% ASA I-II), con una media de edad de 57 (25-84) años, 213 varones y 25 mujeres. El régimen de hospitalización fue: cirugía ambulatoria un 47%, corta estancia un 26% y el resto con ingreso. Se realizó anestesia subaracnoidea en un 60%, anestesia general en un 27% y anestesia local con sedación, habitualmente benzodiacepinas, en un 13% de los casos. El alta de los pacientes intervenidos en régimen de cirugía ambulatoria fue entre 1 y 6 h en el 94 y el 100% de los casos de anestesia general y anestesia local respectivamente, frente a un 68% para la anestesia subaracnoidea. No hubo diferencias en las características del dolor, náuseas y vómitos entre las técnicas anestésicas; sin embargo, hubo 10 episodios de retención urinaria, todos ellos en el grupo de anestesia subaracnoidea, en pacientes varones y con una edad media de 68 años. Conclusiones: La anestesia subaracnoidea es la más utilizada en España para la herniorrafia, y se asocia con una elevada incidencia de retención urinaria y retraso en el alta hospitalaria (> 6 h en un 32% de los casos) en comparación con la anestesia local. Esta debería ser promovida activamente en nuestro país(AU)

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Passiflora incarnata Linneaus as an anxiolytic before spinal anesthesia.

PURPOSE: Patients who undergo regional anesthesia experience anxiety in the preoperative period. Passiflora incarnata Linneaus is a plant that has traditionally been used as an anxiolytic and sedative. We aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative oral administration of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus on anxiety, psychomotor functions, sedation, and hemodynamics in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Under local ethics committee approval, 60 patients who were aged 25-55 years and ASAI-II and who were scheduled for spinal anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. Thirty minutes before spinal anesthesia, baseline hemodynamic parameters, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score, sedation score, and psychomotor function test results were measured, then patients were randomly assigned to two groups: oral Passiflora incarnata Linneaus extract or placebo was given to the patients. Tests were repeated just before spinal anesthesia. Hemodynamics, sedation score, sensory-motor block and side effects were assessed during the operation. Psychomotor function tests were repeated at the end of the operation and 60 min after the operation. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups for the increase in State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) score obtained just before spinal anesthesia when compared to the baseline. There was no statistically significant difference in psychomotor function from the baseline for either group. A significant difference was not found between the two groups in demographics, psychomotor function, sedation score, hemodynamics, and side effects. CONCLUSION: Oral preoperative administration of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus suppresses the increase in anxiety before spinal anesthesia without changing psychomotor function test results, sedation level, or hemodynamics.