RESUMEN
The objective of this study was to compare facial temperatures and the visual analogue scale (VAS) between the drip method and the topical method of transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB). The transnasal SPGB is administered to patients with facial or head and neck pain. In the transnasal approach, the drip and topical methods are frequently used. We compared facial temperatures and VAS after transnasal SPGB. Medical records of 74 patients who visited the pain clinic and underwent transnasal SPGB were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 156 transnasal SPGB were performed. The patients were divided into the drip-method and topical-method groups. Facial temperatures were measured in six areas of the right and left forehead, maxilla, and mandible before and 30 min after completion of the transnasal SPGB. Temperatures were compared before and 30 min after SPGB in each group and between the two groups. VAS scores were compared at the same times of SPGB in each group and between the two groups. In the drip-method group, there were significant increases at four areas of the face in temperature changes at 30 min after SPGB. In the topical-method group, there was no significant difference in the temperature changes at 30 min after SPGB. There were statistically significant differences in the facial temperature changes between the two groups in the right forehead (p = 0.001), left forehead (p = 0.015), and right maxillary area (p = 0.046). In herpes zoster, there were statistically significant differences in the VAS scores between before and 30 min after SPGB in both groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.008) and between two groups (p < 0.001). In migraine, there were statistically significant differences in VAS scores between before and 30 min after SPGB in both groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.004) and between two groups (p = 0.014). Transnasal SPGB using two methods showed different temperature changes and VAS scores.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: For patients suspicious of cervical spine injury, a Philadelphia cervical collar is usually applied. Application of Philadelphia cervical collar may cause difficult airway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the laryngeal view and the success rate at first intubation attempt of the Airtraq and conventional laryngoscopy in patients with simulated cervical spine injury after application of a Philadelphia cervical collar. METHODS: Anesthesia was induced with propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium. After a Philadelphia cervical collar applied, patients were randomly assigned to tracheal intubation with an Airtraq (Group A, n = 25) or with conventional laryngoscopy (Group L, n = 25). Measurements included intubation time, success rate of first intubation attempt, number of intubation attempts, and percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score. Mean blood pressure and heart rate were also recorded at baseline, just before and after intubation. RESULTS: The success rate of the first attempt in Group A (96%) was significantly greater than with the Group L (40%). POGO score was significantly greater in Group A (84 ± 20%) than in Group L (6 ± 11%). The duration of successful intubation at first tracheal intubation attempt and hemodynamic changes were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Airtraq offers a better laryngeal view and higher success rate at first intubation attempt in patients who are applied with a Philadelphia cervical collar due to suspicion of cervical spine injury.