Preoperatively, Which Parameter Allows Us to Predict the C5 Palsy After Cervical Open-Door Laminoplasty?

AIM: To uncover factors that can predict the development of C5 palsy before surgery by evaluating several different parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 177 patients who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2020 were included in the study. In total, C5 palsy was observed in 22 (12.4%) of our patients. The radiological and clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed and added to the data. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients who satisfied the criteria were included in the study, among whom 117 (66.1%) and 60 (33.9%) were male and female, respectively. Patients with ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) (92; 52.0%) needed surgery the most. C5 palsy developed in 16/92 (17.3%) patients who had surgery for OPLL. This result was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, a significant difference in the postoperative Pavlov ratio was noted between both groups (p=0.027). The foraminal dimensions for the C5 palsy group were significantly lower than those for the non-C5 palsy group. CONCLUSION: Smaller C5 root foramina diameter measurements were the most important predictive factor for the development of C5 palsy after open-door cervical laminoplasty. Although the pathophysiology remains to be fully understood, ischemia-reperfusion injury supposedly plays a role therein.

Three-Dimensional Printing Assisted Preoperative Surgical Planning for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study to investigate the benefits of patient-based 3-dimensional (3D) cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) models for preoperative surgical planning and education. METHODS: Fifteen patients were operated on for AVMs between 2015 and 2019 with patient-based 3D models. Ten patients' preoperative cranial angiogram screenings were evaluated preoperatively or perioperatively via patient-based 3D models. Two patients needed emergent surgical intervention; their models were solely designed based on their AVMs and used during the operation. However, the other patients who underwent elective surgery had the modeling starting from the skull base. These models were used both preoperatively and perioperatively. The benefits of patients arising from treatment with these models were evaluated via patient files and radiological data. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (10 males and five females) between 16 and 66 years underwent surgery. The mean age of the patients was 40.0±14.72. The most frequent symptom patients observed were headaches. Four patients had intracranial bleeding; the symptom of admission was a loss of consciousness. Two patients (13.3%) belonged to Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade I, four (26.7%) belonged to SM grade II, eight (53.3%) belonged to SM grade III, and one (6.7%) belonged to SM grade IV. The mean operation duration was 3.44±0.47 hours. Three patients (20%) developed transient neurologic deficits postoperatively, whereas three other patients died (20%). CONCLUSION: Several technological innovations have emerged in recent years to reduce undesired outcomes and support the surgical team. For example, 3D models have been employed in various surgical procedures in the last decade. The routine usage of patient-based 3D models will not only support better surgical planning and practice, but it will also be useful in educating assistants and explaining the situation to the patient as well.

Are 3D Printing Templates an Advantage in Upper Thoracic Pedicle Screw Fixation?

Background This study aims to compare the clinical results of patients with upper thoracic vertebral fractures treated with pedicle screw and posterior spinal fusion with preoperative surgical planning and 3-dimensional (3D) modeling and patients treated with freehand screws. Methods Fifty patients who underwent pedicle screw placement with a diagnosis of upper thoracic fracture between June 2018 and October 2020 were included in our study. Pedicle screws were used in 25 patients (group 1) after the planning was completed with the help of 3D preoperative printing and modeling. Pedicle screws were applied in 25 patients in the control group (group 2) using the freehand technique. Intraoperative bleeding amount, operation time, and correct screw placement data in both groups were recorded. Results The operation time was 134 ± 22 minutes for group 1 and 152 ± 38 minutes for group 2. The difference in operation times was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on axial and sagittal reconstruction images, the accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement (grades 0 and 1) in group I was 96.6% compared to 83.6% in group II. The minor perforation rate (grade 1, <2 mm) was 5.8% in group I compared to 11.8% in group II. The moderate perforation rate (grade 2, 2-4 mm) was 3.4% in group I compared to 14% in group II. The severe perforation rate (grade 3, >4 mm) was 2.3% in group II; however, misplaced screws were not associated with neurological deficits. The difference in overall accuracy rates between the two groups was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions For 3D models of upper thoracic pedicle screw insertion, guide plates can be produced inexpensively and individually. It provides a new method for the accurate placement of upper thoracic pedicle screws with high accuracy and secure use in screw insertion.

Evaluation of the neuroprotective effects of ozone in an experimental spine injury model.

OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of spine injury consists of primary and secondary damage mechanisms. The vast majority of treatments aim to prevent or at least stop the progression of secondary neurotoxic events during the acute period. Ozone has been found to have potent antiinflammatory effects, to activate the immune system, and to have a substantial impact on the antioxidant system. In this study the authors aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of ozone and their possible roles in recovery from spine injury, assessed based on biochemical, histological, and neurological parameters using an experimental spine injury model in rats. METHODS: The study included 31 female Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided randomly into 5 groups, with 7 rats in each group except the sham group, which contained 3 rats, as follows: group 1 (sham), laminectomy; group 2 (control), laminectomy and spinal trauma with no medical treatment (0.5 ml isotonic saline applied 1 hour postsurgery); group 3, single medical treatment with 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone applied intraperitoneally 1 hour after laminectomy and trauma; group 4, single medical treatment with 60 µg/ml ozone at 0.7 mg/kg applied intraperitoneally 1 hour after laminectomy and trauma; and group 5, double medical treatment with 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone and 60 µg/ml ozone at 0.7 mg/kg applied intraperitoneally 1 hour after laminectomy and trauma. After neurosurgery, neurobehavioral tests were performed in all groups. After 7 days of follow-up, all the rats were killed. Biopsy specimens obtained from trauma sites were examined using H & E, cresyl violet, immunohistochemical (anticonnexin-43), and TUNEL staining processes. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: The level of neurobehavioral healing was the highest in the double-treatment group (group 5), and the difference between the groups was significant. The minimum IL-6 level was found in group 5, indicating that the antiinflammatory impact was the most significant in this group (p = 0.01). Additionally, ozone was found to reduce oxidant stress more effectively than methylprednisolone (p = 0.03). Although methylprednisolone was superior to ozone in terms of the antiinflammatory effect, this effect was greater in group 5. Nevertheless, the number of neurons in group 5 was close to that of the control group, and the number of apoptotic cells was the least in group 5 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In acute spinal injury, the combined application of methylprednisolone and ozone was found to have a greater antiinflammatory effect, hasten clinical recovery, and increase histological recovery compared with methylprednisolone therapy alone. This study showed that this combination therapy of methylprednisolone with the addition of ozone might have a more beneficial effect in the treatment of spinal injury than methylprednisolone therapy alone.

Surgically Treated Status Epilepticus due to Large Cortical Tuber and Long-Term Follow-Up Results.

We present a case of invasive monitoring of a patient while he was being surgically treated in the status state. Our patient was a 27-year-old male who was hospitalized for frequent seizures, which began after a head trauma at the age of 3 years. Video electroencephalography was performed, and 25 clinical seizures were observed in 24 hours. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a right frontal lesion which was hyperintense in T2-weighted and hypointense in T1-weighted images, and a subependymal nodule. For invasive monitoring, subdural electrodes were placed on the cortex surface via a right frontal craniotomy. The patient was re-operated, and the epileptic zone resection was performed. There was no sign of neurological deficit. Histopathological examination revealed cortical tuber, and the patient was scanned for tuberous sclerosis. There was no sign of tuberous sclerosis in other organs. The diagnosis of our patient was tuberous sclerosis, cortical tuber, subependymal nodule, epilepsy, and intermediate mental retardation. Radiological diagnosis should also be considered. Cortical tuber can be confused with focal cortical dysplasia. Finally, staged resection may be performed as a surgical treatment in some cases.

Craniometric Analysis of Skullbase With Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Chiari Malformation.

Basilar invagination, Platibasi, increased tentorium angle, and posterior fossa hypoplasia are the anomalies associated with Chiari malformation. When Chiari is symptomatic; tonsillary ectopenia appears to be a definitive criterion for diagnosis and treatment, the detection of additional anomaly may alter the surgical outcome. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between tonsillar ectopia and other anomalies.The authors retrospectively reviewed 31 cases which had Chiari Malformation at our Hospital. There were 8 men (25.8%) and 23 female (74.2%). Average age of the samples is 37.93 ±â€Š12.93 years. Seventeen patients (54.8%) had tonsillar ectopia 0 to 5 mm, 14 patients had tonsillar ectopia over 5 mm. Seven patients had syrinx (22.6%), 2 patients had mild hydrocephalus (6.5%). Six patients had surgery for the treatment. The mean length of the clivus was 39.3 mm, supraoksiput length was 40.4 mm, cerebellar hemisphere length was 61.08 mm, Mc Rae line was 33.14 mm, Twinning Line was 79.4mm, and Tentorium-Twinning line angle was 40.35°. There was no significant difference between Tonsillar ectopia, syrinks, and hydrocephalus. Basilar invagination had relationship between platibasi (6 patients had platibasi according to 2 mm criteria, 2 patients had platibasi according to 5 mm criteria (P < 0.05). Patients with syrinx had relationship between Chamberlain line (P < 0.05).In the authors' study, although there was no statistically significant difference between the tonsillary ectopia and the criteria of these anomalies, the relationship between basilar invagination and platibasi was significant.

Does the Anti-Migraine Drug Rizatriptan Affect Early Neural Tube Development in Chick Embryos?

AIM: To investigate the impact of rizatriptan on neural tube development using early chick embryos as a model organism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 36 pathogen-free Leghorn chicken eggs were selected and categorized in three groups: sham, therapeutic, and supra-therapeutic. After 24 hours, the eggs were opened and injected with sterile drugs, and then reclosed using plastic tape. After a period of 72 hours, the eggs were opened and assessed using the Hamburger-Hamilton chick embryology classification method. TUNEL staining was used to identify apoptosis, and hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to investigate neural tube closure. RESULTS: Treatment with rizatriptan significantly slowed down neural tube development. The supra-therapeutic group showed neural tube closure defects. CONCLUSION: Rizatriptan had a negative effect on neural tube closure. Further research is needed to identify a safe and effective drug for treating migraines during pregnancy.

Evaluation of the Olfactory Function With the "Sniffin' Sticks" Test After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the olfactory function of patients who had undergone endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. In this prospective study, the "Sniffin' Sticks" test was performed between June 2016 and April 2017 at Izmir Katip Celebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital. Thirty patients who were scheduled to undergo endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery were evaluated preoperatively and 8 weeks postoperatively using the Sniffin' Sticks test battery for olfactory function, odor threshold, smell discrimination, and odor identification. The patients were evaluated preoperatively by an otolaryngologist. The patients' demographic data and olfactory functions were analyzed with a t test and Wilcoxon-labeled sequential test. The study group comprised 14 women (46.7%) and 16 men (53.3%) patients. The mean age of the patients was 37.50 ±â€Š9.43 years (range: 16-53 years). We found a significant difference in the preoperative and postoperative values of the odor recognition test (P = 0.017); however, there was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative odor threshold values (P = 0.172) and odor discrimination values (P = 0.624). The threshold discrimination identification test scores were not significant (P = 0.110). The olfactory function of patients who were normosmic preoperatively was not affected postoperatively. This study shows that the endoscopic transsphenoidal technique for pituitary surgery without nasal flap has no negative effect on the olfactory function.

Pregabalin administration induces alterations in neural tube development during early embryonic stages.

AIM: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been known to cause congenital malformations, including neural tube defects. However, inadequate data are available regarding the effects of recently developed AEDs, such as pregabalin. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pregabalin on neural tube development using early chick embryos. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experiments were conducted on specific pathogen-free Leghorn chick embryos, which were equally divided into control and pregabalin-treated (therapeutic dose, 600 mg; supratherapeutic dose, 1200 mg) groups. The embryos were macroscopically and microscopically evaluated following pregabalin administration. Expression levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3) in the embryos were observed. RESULTS: The embryos in the therapeutic dose group appeared more curved than those in the control group. The vesicles in the supratherapeutic dose group were more distinct but smaller than those in the control and therapeutic dose groups. mTOR expression was high in the control group and low in the therapeutic and supratherapeutic dose groups. JNK expression was low in the control and therapeutic dose groups and moderate in the supratherapeutic dose group. LC3 expression was moderate in the control and therapeutic dose groups and strong in the supratherapeutic dose group. CONCLUSION: Pregabalin administration induced neural tube defects and fetal abnormalities in the chick embryos through increased autophagy due to enhanced apoptosis in the prenatal fetus.

The effect of play distraction on anxiety before premedication administration: a randomized trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The majority of children scheduled to undergo surgery experience substantial anxiety in the preoperative holding area before induction of anesthesia. Pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing perioperative anxiety are paradoxically a source of stress for children themselves. Midazolam is frequently used as premedication, and the formula of this drug in Turkey is bitter. We aimed to assess the role of distraction in the form of playing with play dough (Play-Doh) on reducing premedication anxiety in children. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Preoperative holding area. PATIENTS: One hundred four healthy children aged 3 to 7 years scheduled to undergo elective surgery were enrolled into the study. INTERVENTIONS: All children routinely receive sedative premedication (oral midazolam) before anesthesia. Children were randomized to 2 groups to receive either play dough (group PD) (n=52) or not (group C) (n=52) before administration of oral premedication. MEASUREMENTS: Children's premedication anxiety was determined by the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS). MAIN RESULTS: The difference in mYPAS scores between groups at T0 (immediately after entering the preoperative holding area) was not significant (P=.876). Compared with group C, group PD was associated with lower mYPAS scores at T1 and T2 (P<.001). In group PD, mYPAS scores were significantly lower at both T1 and T2 as compared with the scores at T0 (P<.001); they were similar between T1 and T2 (P>.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that distraction in the form of playing with play dough facilitated administration of oral midazolam in young children.

Local Tissue Electrical Resistances in Transpedicular Screw Application in the Thoracolumbar Region.

AIM: To determine local tissue electrical resistance differences generated during a screw pass from the pedicle to another tissue rather than determining all individual electrical tissue resistance values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We attempted to measure electrical resistance values of regional tissues in addition to fluoroscopic imaging during application of fixation via a transpedicular screw. We also attempted to detect local tissue electrical resistance alterations in case of malposition of the screw inside the pedicle. For this purpose, local tissue electrical resistances of 10 transpedicular tracks opened with standard track openers bilaterally in 5 vertebrae, and of spinal cord accessed by puncturing the medial walls of three vertebrae in a cadaver were measured. These resistance differences were not only measured in human cadaveric tissue but also in 36 pedicles belonging to a total of 18 vertebrae between Th 1-S1 vertebrae of a sheep cadaver. Both medial and lateral walls were drilled to measure local tissue resistance differences in a sheep cadaver. RESULTS: Our results indicated that local tissue electrical resistance changes were statistically significant in both human and sheep cadaver. CONCLUSION: It is possible to prevent screw malposition using a simple and cheap electrical resistance measurement. Local tissue electrical resistance measurement during transpedicular screw insertion is a safe, simple, cheap, and practical method.

Comparison of the i-gelTM and the Laryngeal Mask Airway ClassicTM in terms of clinical performance / Comparação da máscara laríngea i-gel (i-gelTM) com a máscara laríngea clássica (LMA-ClassicTM) em relação ao desempenho clínico

ABSTRACTPURPOSE: The i-gelTM is one of the second generation supraglottic airway devices. Our study was designed to compare the i-gel and the Laryngeal Mask Airway ClassicTM with respect to the clinical performance.METHODS: We compared the performance of the i-gel with that of the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic in 120 patients undergoing urologic surgery during general anesthesia without muscle relaxant with respect to the number of attempts for successful insertion, insertion time, peak airway pressure, incidence of regurgitation, fiberoptic glottic view and postoperative complications. Second generation supraglottic airway devices were inserted by the same anesthesiologist, experienced in use of both devices (>200 uses and first time failure rate <5%). Methylene blue method was used to detect gastric regurgitation.RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding the success of insertion of second generation supraglottic airway device (p = 0.951). The laryngeal mask insertion time for the i-gel group was significantly shorter than that for the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic group (11.6 ± 2.4 s versus 13.1 ± 1.8 s [p = 0.001]). The fiberoptic glottic view scores for the i-gel group was significantly better than that for the ones for the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic group (p = 0.001). On fiberoptic view, there was no sign of methylene blue dye at any time point in either group. In addition, there was no difference between the groups in patient response regarding the presence of a sore throat when questioned 24 h after the procedure (p = 0.752).CONCLUSION: Both devices had good performance with low postoperative complications and without occurrence of regurgitation. The i-gel provided a shorter insertion time and a better fiberoptic view than the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic.

RESUMOJUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: A i-gel é um dos dispositivos supraglóticos de segunda geração para o manejo das vias aéreas. Nosso estudo foi projetado para comparar a i-gelTM e a máscara laríngea clássica (Laryngeal Mask Airway ClassicTM, LMA-C) em relação ao desempenho clínico.MÉTODOS: Avaliamos os desempenhos de i-gel e LMA-C em 120 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia urológica sob anestesia geral sem relaxante muscular. Comparamos o número de tentativas de inserção bem-sucedidas, o tempo de inserção, a pressão de pico das vias aéreas, a incidência de regurgitação, a visibilidade da glote com o uso de fibra óptica e as complicações no pós-operatório. Os dispositivos supraglóticos de segunda geração foram inseridos pelo mesmo anestesiologista com experiência na aplicação de ambos os dispositivos (> 200 aplicações e taxa de falha na primeira tentativa < 5%). O corante azul de metileno foi usado para detectar regurgitação gástrica.RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatística entre os dois grupos em relação ao sucesso da inserção do dispositivo supraglótico de segunda geração (p = 0,951). O tempo de inserção da máscara laríngea no grupo i-gel foi significativamente menor do que no grupo LMA-C (11,6 ± 2,4 segundos vs. 13,1 ± 1,8 segundos, p = 0,001). O escore de visibilidade da glote via fibra óptica do grupo i-gel foi significativamente melhor do que o do grupo LMA-C (p = 0,001). Na visão via fibra ótica, sinais do corante azul de metileno não foram observados em qualquer momento em ambos os grupos. Além disso, não houve diferença entre as respostas dos grupos quando perguntados sobre a presença de dor de garganta 24 horas após o procedimento (p = 0,752).CONCLUSÃO: Ambos os dispositivos apresentaram bom desempenho, com poucas complicações no pós-operatório e sem ocorrência de regurgitação. A máscara laríngea i-gel proporcionou um tempo de inserção mais curto e uma visão via fibra óptica melhor do que a LMA-C.

Comparison of the i-gel™ and the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic™ in terms of clinical performance.

PURPOSE: The i-gel™ is one of the second generation supraglottic airway devices. Our study was designed to compare the i-gel and the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic™ with respect to the clinical performance. METHODS: We compared the performance of the i-gel with that of the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic in 120 patients undergoing urologic surgery during general anesthesia without muscle relaxant with respect to the number of attempts for successful insertion, insertion time, peak airway pressure, incidence of regurgitation, fiberoptic glottic view and postoperative complications. Second generation supraglottic airway devices were inserted by the same anesthesiologist, experienced in use of both devices (>200 uses and first time failure rate <5%). Methylene blue method was used to detect gastric regurgitation. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding the success of insertion of second generation supraglottic airway device (p=0.951). The laryngeal mask insertion time for the i-gel group was significantly shorter than that for the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic group (11.6±2.4s versus 13.1±1.8s [p=0.001]). The fiberoptic glottic view scores for the i-gel group was significantly better than that for the ones for the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic group (p=0.001). On fiberoptic view, there was no sign of methylene blue dye at any time point in either group. In addition, there was no difference between the groups in patient response regarding the presence of a sore throat when questioned 24h after the procedure (p=0.752). CONCLUSION: Both devices had good performance with low postoperative complications and without occurrence of regurgitation. The i-gel provided a shorter insertion time and a better fiberoptic view than the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic.

[Comparison of the i-gel™ and the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic™ in terms of clinical performance]. / Comparação da máscara laríngea i-gel (i-gel™) com a máscara laríngea clássica (LMA-Classic™) em relação ao desempenho clínico.

PURPOSE: The i-gel™ is one of the second generation supraglottic airway devices. Our study was designed to compare the i-gel and the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic™ with respect to the clinical performance. METHODS: We compared the performance of the i-gel with that of the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic in 120 patients undergoing urologic surgery during general anesthesia without muscle relaxant with respect to the number of attempts for successful insertion, insertion time, peak airway pressure, incidence of regurgitation, fiberoptic glottic view and postoperative complications. Second generation supraglottic airway devices were inserted by the same anesthesiologist, experienced in use of both devices (>200 uses and first time failure rate <5%). Methylene blue method was used to detect gastric regurgitation. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding the success of insertion of second generation supraglottic airway device (p=0.951). The laryngeal mask insertion time for the i-gel group was significantly shorter than that for the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic group (11.6±2.4s versus 13.1±1.8s [p=0.001]). The fiberoptic glottic view scores for the i-gel group was significantly better than that for the ones for the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic group (p=0.001). On fiberoptic view, there was no sign of methylene blue dye at any time point in either group. In addition, there was no difference between the groups in patient response regarding the presence of a sore throat when questioned 24h after the procedure (p=0.752). CONCLUSION: Both devices had good performance with low postoperative complications and without occurrence of regurgitation. The i-gel provided a shorter insertion time and a better fiberoptic view than the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic.

Vasoconstrictive effects of levobupivacaine on the basilar artery in the rabbit.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal anesthesia is a widely used technique of the modern practice of anesthesia. Spinal cord ischemia is a rare but catastrophic complication of spinal anesthesia which may be caused by a direct vasoconstrictive effect of the local anesthetic. Although the vasoconstrictive effects of levobupivacaine have been widely studied, the vasoconstrictive effects of this drug on the intradural arteries have never been studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether levobupivacaine has vasoconstrictive effects on the basilar artery in rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty male New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into three groups of ten rabbits each: group 1 (control); group 2 (0.125% levobupivacaine); group 3 (0.25% levobupivacaine). The cisterna magna was punctured as described below, then 1 ml of saline or 0.125% or 0.25% levobupivacaine was injected into the cisterna magna in 10 min by an infusion pump in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. All animals were euthanized by perfusion-fixation 30 min after the procedure. The luminal area and the size of the cross-sectional area for each basilar artery were measured. RESULTS: Both 0.125% and 0.25% levobupivacaine infusion caused significant vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction was more significant for the 0.125% concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that both 0.125% and 0.25% concentrations of levobupivacaine caused significant vasoconstriction of the basilar artery when administered into the subarachnoid space. This may constitute proof that subarachnoid administration of levobupivacaine may diminish the spinal cord blood flow, causing ischemia.

Purification of bovine serum paraoxonase and its immobilization on Eupergit C 250 L by covalent attachment.

Serum paraoxonase (PON1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme that protects lipoproteins, both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL, against oxidation, and is considered as an antioxidative/anti-inflammatory component of HDL. In this study, PON1 was purified from bovine serum by ammonium sulfate precipitation and hydrophobic interaction chromatography on sepharose-4B-l-tyrosine-1-napthylamine. It was then immobilized on an unmodified Eupergit® C 250 L support. The immobilized PON1 retained a high catalytic activity and showed increased thermal stability compared to the native enzyme.

Comparison of Siccoral® spray, Stomatovis ® gargle, and Strefen ® lozenges on postoperative sore throat.

PURPOSE: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a frequent complication caused by mucosal trauma to the pharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal airway after endotracheal intubation. We compared the effectiveness of Siccoral, Strefen, and Stomatovis treatments in alleviating POST. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial compares the incidence of POST with Strefen lozenges, Siccoral spray, or Stomatovis gargle. Three hundred and twenty American Society of Anesthesiologists class I-III patients undergoing elective genitourinary surgery under general orotracheal anesthesia were randomly allocated to four groups of 80 patients each. In the postoperative awakening unit and during related services, POST was evaluated by a blinded anesthesiologist at 0, 1, 6, and 24 h post extubation. RESULTS: The highest incidence of POST occured at 0 and 1 h post extubation in all groups (P = 0.002 × 10(-7), P = 0.004 × 10(-6), respectively). A significantly lower incidence of POST was observed in Strefen and Siccoral groups at 0 and 1 h compared to Control group (Strefen: P = 0.004 × 10(-2), P = 0.007 × 10(-4); Siccoral: P = 0.003 × 10(-8), P = 0.007 × 10(-5), respectively). A significantly lower incidence of POST was observed with Siccoral treatment at 0 h post extubation (P = 0.002 vs. Strefen treatment). Although POST incidence was not significantly different between the Stomatovis and Control groups, it was lower in the Stomatovis group at 0 and 1 h (P = 0.026 and 0.013, respectively). The incidence of POST was similar in all groups at 6 and 24 h post extubation (P = 0.141 and 0.426, respectively). CONCLUSION: Siccoral and Strefen can be effective in relieving POST in the early hours after extubation.

Comparison of randomized preemptive dexketoprofen trometamol or placebo tablets to prevent withdrawal movement caused by rocuronium injection.

Rocuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent which is associated with injection pain and induces withdrawal movement of the injected hand or arm or generalized movements of the body after intravenous injection. The aim of this randomized study was to compare the efficacy of pretreatment with oral dexketoprofen trometamol (Arvelles(®); Group A) with placebo (Group P) without tourniquet to prevent the withdrawal response caused by rocuronium injection. The study cohort comprised 150 American Society of Anaesthesiologists class I-III patients aged 18-75 years who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery with general anesthesia. The patients response to rocuronium was graded using a 4-point scale [0 = no response; 1 = movement/withdrawal at the wrist only, 2 = movement/withdrawal involving the arm only (elbow/shoulder); 3 = generalized response]. The overall incidence of withdrawal movement after rocuronium injection was significantly lower in Group A (30.1 %) than in Group P (64.6 %) (p < 0.001). The incidence of score 0 withdrawal movements was higher in Group A (69.9 %) than in Group P (35.4 %), that of score 1 withdrawal movements was similar between groups (Group A 21.9 %; Group B 26.1 %) (p = 0.560) and that of score 2 withdrawal movements was lower in Group A (8.2 %) than in Group P (38.5 %) (p < 0.001). There were no score 3 withdrawal movements in either group (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that the preemptive administration of dexketoprofen trometamol can attenuate the degree of withdrawal movements caused by the pain of the rocuronium injection.

Comparison of anti-embolic protection with proximal balloon occlusion and filter devices during carotid artery stenting: clinical and procedural outcomes.

AIM: The objective of this study was to compare the periprocedural and clinical outcomes after carotid artery stenting (CAS) with proximal protection devices versus with distal protection devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis undergoing CAS with cerebral embolic protection were randomly assigned to proximal balloon occlusion or distal filter protection. Adverse events were defined as death, major stroke, minor stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and myocardial infarction (MI). Periprocedural and 30-day adverse events and ICA vasospasm rates were compared between the two embolic protection groups. RESULTS: Eighty-eight consecutive patients were randomized: 48 patients with proximal protection (mean age 68.8 ±13.6, 66% male) and 40 patients with a distal protection device (mean age 65.4 ±12.3; 70% male). There was no significant difference in periprocedural or 30-day adverse event rates between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, there was a higher periprocedural ICA vasospasm rate in the distal filter protection group (9 patients, 23%) compared with the proximal balloon occlusion group (1 patient, 2%) (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between the clinical periprocedural and 30-day adverse event rates of distal filter and proximal balloon protection systems. However, distal filter protection systems showed higher rates of periprocedural ICA vasospasm.

Fate of vena saphena magna stump after endovenous laser ablation with 980-nm diode laser: 12-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the fate of VSM stump and its relation to the incidence of thrombosis during a-12 mo follow-up. BACKGROUND DATA: Varicose veins are a common problem. There are several treatment alternatives available. Conventional surgical treatment is associated with high recurrence and complications. However, with the recent development of minimal invasive surgery, various techniques have been developed. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is one of these techniques, which has proven to be safe and effective. Since EVLA is safe and has minor adverse reactions, residual VSM stump and its association with thrombosis after EVLA has not been well studied in literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients underwent EVLA with a 980-nm diode laser (Ceralas D, Biolitec AG, Jena, Germany), and retrospectively obtained data were analyzed over a 12-mo period. Twenty-six patients were excluded due to the lack of follow-up. All EVLA procedures were performed by the same surgeon, who has experience of EVLA. Laser power was set at 10-15 W depending on the size of targeted vein. The saphenous vein was percutaneously punctured with an 18-gauge needle under ultrasonography guidance. Patients were reassessed at 1 wk, and at 3, 6, and 12 mo after the procedure. RESULTS: Technical success was accomplished in all patients. One patient had flow signals with patent segment of the VSM visualized by venous duplex ultrasonography at 1 mo, which persisted until the 12-mo follow-up. None of the patients developed acute deep-venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that residual VSM stump-length measurement differences at 7 d and 12 mo were statistically significant. In future, large-scale studies are needed, focusing on the proper position of the catheter tip to the saphenofemoral junction and timing the intervals of follow-up after EVLA.