Ropivacaine pharmacokinetics in the arterial and venous pools after ultrasound-guided continuous thoracic paravertebral nerve block.

Background and Aims: Although thoracic paravertebral blockade (TPVB) is employed in thoracic surgery to ensure satisfactory postoperative analgesia, large doses of anesthetics are required and manifestations of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) may appear. Currently, there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine after continuous TPVB. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate ropivacaine kinetics, in the arterial and venous pools, after continuous TPVB and assess the risk of LAST. Material and Methods: Immediately after induction of general anesthesia, an ultrasound-guided continuous TPVB at T5 or T6 or T7 thoracic level was performed in 18 adult patients subjected to open thoracotomy. A 25-ml single bolus injection of ropivacaine 0.5% was administered through thoracic paravertebral catheter, followed by a 14 ml/h continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% starting at the end of surgery. Quantification of total ropivacaine concentrations was performed using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. Population pharmacokinetic models were developed separately for arterial and venous ropivacaine data. Results: The best model was one-compartment disposition with an additional pre-absorption compartment corresponding to thoracic paravertebral space. Gender had a significant effect on clearance, with females displaying lower elimination than males. Some patients had ropivacaine concentrations above the toxic threshold, but none displayed evidence of LAST. Continuous thoracic paravertebral nerve blocks provided adequate postoperative analgesia. Conclusion: Ropivacaine doses at the upper end of clinical use (800 mg/d) did not inflict the manifestations of LAST and provided adequate postoperative pain control. Pharmacokinetic models were developed, and the effect of gender was identified.

Lessons learned from first case of Cesarean delivery in a COVID-19 positive parturient in Greek region.

We report the successful anesthetic management of a 24-year-old patient, with an active COVID-19 viral infection, scheduled for elective Cesarean section at 40th week of pregnancy. This was the first case in Greek region, and we report and discuss the difficulties and safety issues regarding a COVID-19 positive patient during an elective cesarean delivery. Regional anesthesia with full protective equipment for health personnel involved, along with careful planning and adherence to guidelines achieved safe completion of the operation.

A multicenter survey on the use of neuromuscular blockade in Greece. Does the real-world clinical practice indicate the necessity of guidelines?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of clinical practice regarding neuromuscular blocking drugs and their antagonists in Greece. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a multicenter survey, including a questionnaire based on previous studies, which was translated and modified by a Task Force of the Hellenic Society of Anaesthesiology. It was completed on a web-based database after invitation via e-mail and was left online for a period of 2 months. RESULTS: A total of 1,100 questionnaires were sent, with a response rate of 7.9%. 13.7% stated that they do not use neuromuscular monitoring. Rocuronium was most commonly used for intubation ["often" stated by 19 (21.8%) and "very often" by 62 (71.2%)], followed by cis-atracurium, atracurium, and succinylcholine. Neostigmine and sugammadex were both used, with reversal not always administered by 23 (26.4%). Both agents were mostly used at fixed doses and not calculated based on TOF monitoring or body weight. Sugammadex was preferred in special patient groups and in operations of short duration. Reversal was most often administered based on clinical signs of neuromuscular recovery rather than objective monitoring. A significant percentage of respondents used an inadequate TOF ratio for extubation [37 (43.2%) used a TOF ratio <90%]. The reported incidence of observed residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) was 44.8%. CONCLUSION: Great variability was observed in Greek clinical practice regarding the use of neuromuscular blockade, which indicates serious issues that must be addressed. The needs for educating anesthesia providers and developing official guidelines are obvious in order to improve patient outcomes.

Transient Effects of Anesthesia on Leukocyte Apoptosis and Monocyte Cytokine Stimulation: A Clinical Study.

The effects of anesthetics on immune cell apoptosis and cytokine stimulation were studied in a prospective study. American Society of Anesthesiologists I/II patients underwent elective inguinal hernia repair or varicose veins stripping surgery and were randomized to either epidural anesthesia (n = 14) or general anesthesia with sevoflurane (n = 19) or propofol (n = 15). Blood was sampled before anesthesia induction (T0), at the end of surgery (T1), and 6 h later (T2). Apoptosis was determined by ANNEXIN-V staining of white blood cells; monocytes were isolated and stimulated for cytokine production. Results were compared with 10 healthy volunteers well-matched for age and gender. Apoptosis of lymphocytes and monocytes was increased in the epidural and sevoflurane groups at T2. Propofol group had increased production of interleukin-6 at T1 and sevoflurane and epidural groups had decreased production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha at T2. Results emphasize the modulation of immune function by epidural and sevoflurane but not propofol anesthesia in a clinical setting.

Factors associated with the presence of postoperative headache in elective surgery patients: a prospective single center cohort study.

PURPOSE: Headache is an important cause of minor postoperative morbidity. In this study we evaluated the association of anesthesia and surgery with the occurrence of postoperative headache in elective surgery patients. METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval, 446 patients were enrolled in this prospective, single-centre cohort study. Participants were interviewed preoperatively, and for five days postoperatively, regarding the appearance of headache, while demographics, lifestyle, type of anesthesia and surgery, the anesthetic drugs administered and intraoperative adverse effects were recorded. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted in order to identify independent factors associated with postoperative headache, both in the total sample and in patients without previous history of headache. RESULTS: The observed overall frequency of postoperative headache was 28.3% (N = 126) in the total sample. In patients with previous history of headache, the frequency of postoperative headache was 41% (N = 89), while in those with no history the frequency of postoperative headache was 16.2% (N = 37). Female gender [p = 0.024; odds ratio (OR) = 2.1], sevoflurane administration (p < 0.001; OR = 3.66), intraoperative hypotension (p = 0.008; OR = 2.12) and smoking (p = 0.006; OR = 1.74) were independently associated with postoperative headache. In patients without previous history, female gender (p = 0.005; OR = 4.77), sevoflurane administration (p = 0.001; OR = 6.9), intraoperative hypotension (p = 0.006; OR = 6.7) and caffeine consumption (p = 0.041; OR = 5.28) presented greater likelihood for postoperative headache, while smoking revealed no association. CONCLUSION: Female gender, sevoflurane, smoking and intraoperative hypotension were documented as independent risk factors for postoperative headache. In patients with no previous history of headache, caffeine consumption was an additional independent factor for postoperative headache, while smoking revealed no association.

REMIFENTANIL VS FENTANYL DURING DAY CASE DENTAL SURGERY IN PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: A COMPARATIVE, PILOT STUDY OF THEIR EFFECT ON STRESS RESPONSE AND POSTOPERATIVE PAIN.

BACKGROUND: People with special needs undergoing dental surgery frequently require general anesthesia. We investigated the effect of remifentanil vs fentanyl on stress response and postoperative pain in people with special needs undergoing day-case dental surgery. METHODS: Forty-six adult patients with cognitive impairment undergoing day-case dental surgery under general anesthesia were allocated to receive intraoperatively either fentanyl 50 µg iv bolus (group F, n = 23) or continuous infusion of remifentanil 0.5-1 µg/kg/min (group R, n = 23). Iintraoperative hemodynamic parameters were recorded and serum inflammatory mediators [tumor necrosis factor-α, substance-P], stress hormons (melatonin, cortisol) and ß-endorphin were measured. Postoperative pain was assessed during the first postoperative 12 hours with the Wong-Baker faces pain-rating scale. RESULTS: Demographics were similar in two groups. The two groups did not differ regarding their effects on inflammatory mediators, stress hormons and postoperative pain scores. However, the use of remifentanil prevented intraoperative increases of arterial blood pressure and heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil and fentanyl did not affect differently stress and inflammatory hormones during day-case dental surgery, although remifentanil may render intraoperative management of hemodynamic responses easier. Both opioids are equally efficient for postoperative pain management following dental surgery in people with special needs.

The effect of 0.5 L 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.42 versus 1 L Ringer's lactate preload on the hemodynamic status of parturients undergoing spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery using arterial pulse contour analysis.

PURPOSE: Fluid loading attenuates the hypotensive response to spinal anesthesia (SA). This study aimed to compare the preload efficacy of 0.5 L hydroxyethyl starch (HES) versus 1 L Ringer's lactate (R/L) in the prevention of hypotension after SA for elective cesarean delivery (CD). Assessment of maternal hemodynamic variables using FloTrac/Vigileo™ and neonatal outcome constituted secondary outcomes. METHODS: Thirty-two ASA I/II parturients scheduled for elective CD were preloaded with either 1 L R/L (Group R/L, n = 16) or 0.5 L HES 6% 130/0.42 (Group T, n = 16) approximately 25 min before SA. Hypotension, defined as a 20% decrease of systolic arterial pressure (SAP) from baseline or SAP <100 mmHg, was treated with vasopressors according to a predetermined algorithm. The overall duration of hypotensive episodes and the total amount of vasopressors administered determined the severity of the hemodynamic instability. RESULTS: The incidence of hypotension was 73.3% in Group R/L and 46.7% in Group T. HES compared to R/L preload was associated with a shorter overall duration of hypotensive episodes (p < 0.001), a significantly less usage of ephedrine and phenylephrine (p = 0.015 and p = 0.029, respectively) and a greater impact, although not statistically significant, on cardiac index (CI) and stroke volume index (SVI). Although no statistical difference was detected between groups over time, there was a significant drop in CI, SVI and SAP within groups (p < 0.001) up to 14 min after SA. No difference was recorded in neonatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Preloading with 0.5 L HES 130/0.42 produced more stable hemodynamics compared to 1 L R/L solution in obstetric patients.

Ultrasound imaging of the musculocutaneous nerve of infants, preschool children, and school children.

The purpose of this imaging study was to investigate whether the musculocutaneous nerve could be visualized ultrasonographically in childhood and to assess how its visualization changes with age. Forty-two children participated in this prospective imaging study. The musculocutaneous nerve was sought both proximally (near the axillary artery) and distally (within the coracobrachialis muscle) by use of an linear ultrasound probe. Location of the musculocutaneous nerve was good (93 %) for all the children, both proximally and distally. For school-aged children, distal visualization of the musculocutaneous nerve reached 100 %. The musculocutaneous nerve is detectable in childhood by use of ultrasonography; success of detection was high for all the age groups examined.

A Comparative Study of the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Mental Health, Healthcare Access, and Pain Levels of Patients with Chronic Pain from Spring 2020 to Spring 2021.

Purpose: The short-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on patients with chronic pain has been under the microscope since the beginning of the pandemic. This time-lag design study aimed to track changes in pain levels, access to care, mental health, and well-being of Greek chronic pain patients within the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: 101 and 100 chronic pain patients were contacted during the Spring of 2020 and 2021, respectively. A customized questionnaire was used to evaluate the perceived impact of the pandemic on pain levels and healthcare access. Psychological responses, personality characteristics, and overall well-being were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42), the Ten-Item Personality Index (TIPI) and the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). Results: The perceived effect of the pandemic and the Covid-related restrictions affected significantly access to healthcare, pain levels and quality of life. Differences were detected in the PWI sub-scales regarding Personal Safety, Sense of Community-Connectedness, Future Security, Spirituality-Religiousness, and General Life Satisfaction. Marital status, parenthood, education and place of residence were associated with differences in pain levels, emotional and psychological responses. Conclusion: Changes in chronic pain levels, emotional responses, and overall well-being took place throughout the year. Also, an evident shift took place in the care delivery system. Both tendencies disclose an ongoing adaptation process of chronic pain patients and healthcare services that needs further monitoring.

Cognitive function and oxidative stress after carotid endarterectomy: comparison of propofol to sevoflurane anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the antioxidant role of propofol in ischemia-reperfusion during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and its influence on cognitive dysfunction after CEA. DESIGN: A randomized prospective study. SETTING: Single-center study in a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent elective CEA under general anesthesia with either sevoflurane (group S, n = 21) or propofol (group P, n = 23). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before CEA, 1 hour after CEA, and 24 hours after CEA. Blood samples from the radial artery and the internal jugular vein were drawn before carotid clamping and 5 minutes following unclamping, and peripheral blood was obtained 24 hours postoperatively. Samples were analyzed for lactate, S100B, and P-selectin concentrations and for the antioxidative markers malondialdehyde/low-density lipoprotein ratio and nitrate + nitrite concentrations. Compared with group S, patients in group P exhibited a greater increase in their MMSE values 24 hours postoperatively. Patients who had their MMSE performance reduced at 24 hours also were significantly fewer in group P (13% v 43% in group S, p<0.05). Significantly lower levels of lactate and S100B were observed in arterial and jugular vein samples in group P. In addition, the jugular vein-arterial differences of malondialdehyde-to-low-density lipoprotein ratio and nitrates + nitrites concentrations were lower during propofol anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol seemed to improve cognitive performance after CEA. This improvement was associated with decreased indices of ischemic cerebral damage and seemed to be due to antioxidative effect in the ischemic cerebral circulation.

Periarticular infiltration for pain relief after total hip arthroplasty: a comparison with epidural and PCA analgesia.

PURPOSE: Epidural and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) are established methods for pain relief after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Periarticular infiltration is an alternative method that is gaining ground due to its simplicity and safety. Our study aims to assess the efficacy of periarticular infiltration in pain relief after THA. METHODS: Sixty-three patients undergoing THA under spinal anaesthesia were randomly assigned to receive postoperative analgesia with continuous epidural infusion with ropivacaine (epidural group), intraoperative periarticular infiltration with ropivacaine, clonidine, morphine, epinephrine and corticosteroids (infiltration group) or PCA with morphine (PCA group). PCA morphine provided rescue analgesia in all groups. We recorded morphine consumption, visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest and movement, blood loss from wound drainage, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and adverse effects at 1, 6, 12, 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Morphine consumption at all time points, VAS scores at rest, 6, 12 and 24 h and at movement, 6 and 12 h postoperatively were lower in infiltration group compared to PCA group (p < 0.05), but did not differ between infiltration and epidural group. There was no difference in adverse events in all groups. At 24 h, MAP was higher in the PCA group (p < 0.05) and blood loss was lower in the infiltration group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study periarticular infiltration was clearly superior to PCA with morphine after THA, providing better pain relief and lower opioid consumption postoperatively. Infiltration seems to be equally effective to epidural analgesia without having the potential side effects of the latter.

Unusual Presentation of Pneumocephalus With Late Onset During Labour Epidural Analgesia.

A 36-year-old woman with no significant medical history was in active labour and requested labour analgesia. While the epidural technique was performed at the L4-L5 interspace, using the loss of resistance to air technique (LORA), inadvertent dural puncture occurred. Since the patient reported no headache or discomfort, the same procedure was repeated at the L3-L4 interspace successfully. Loss of resistance was reported at 3 cm and the epidural catheter was advanced uneventfully at 8 cm. Aspiration was negative for blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and a test dose of 2 ml lidocaine 2% was administered epidurally. Within five minutes the patient exhibited a mild hypotensive episode successfully treated with 2.5 mg ephedrine IV, a sensory blockade up to T6 level, and a motor blockade up to T10 level. Both the woman's and the baby's vital signs remained stable, no further drugs were administered epidurally and labour progressed painlessly and uncomplicated for 90 minutes with subsequent vaginal delivery of a healthy newborn. During the episiotomy incision repair, the patient complained of light dizziness and nausea. Her vital signs and the arterial blood gases (ABGs) ordered were within normal range, but the neurological examination revealed an isolated Babinski on the right foot. The head CT scan requested indicated a considerable quantity of air within the subarachnoid region. The patient was treated conservatively; symptoms showed steady improvement with total resolution on the sixth day, and the woman was discharged. This case reemphasizes the possibility of pneumocephalus, which may, in reality, occur more frequently than is commonly recognized without a CT confirmation.

Applying the Suprainguinal Approach of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block for Surgical Anesthesia in a Patient Undergoing Emergency Femoral Thrombectomy: A Case Report.

We present the first documented case of achieving surgical anesthesia for a vascular surgery using the suprainguinal approach of the fascia iliaca compartment block (SFICB), in a patient with severe comorbidities from the cardiovascular system. More specifically, a male elderly patient with a history of cardiac amyloidosis, severe aortic stenosis, and coronary artery disease, was in need of emergent thrombectomy due to acute lower limb ischemia. During the evaluation of this patient, general and neuraxial anesthesia were both considered. However, the former would expose him to the risk of myocardial ischemia and other complications due to cardiovascular instability caused by the general anesthetic agents while the latter was absolutely contraindicated due to recent clopidogrel use and the specific pathophysiology changes induced by cardiac amyloidosis. Thus, a peripheral nerve block was deemed to be the best option in this case. SFICB, despite being challenging, could offer adequate analgesic results so it was the anesthetic technique of choice. The surgery was completed and the patient recovered appropriately. The aim of this report is to discuss the specific anesthetic considerations of this case, highlight the ability of SFICB to achieve surgical anesthesia in vascular surgeries, and increase familiarity with the procedure.

GReek Anaesthesiologists's Burnout EPidemic within the COVID-19 pandemic (GRABEP study); a multicenter study on burn out prevalence among Greek anesthesiologists and association with personality traits.

COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented crisis with extreme distress for the frontline physicians and increased risk of developing burnout. Burnout has a negative impact on patients and physicians, posing a substantial risk in patient safety, quality of care and physicians' overall wellbeing. We evaluated burnout prevalence and possible predisposing factors among anaesthesiologists in the COVID-19 referral university/tertiary hospitals in Greece. In this multicenter, cross-sectional study we have included anaesthesiologists, involved in the care of patients with COVID-19, during the fourth peak of the pandemic (11/2021), in the 7 referral hospitals in Greece. The validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) were used. The response rate was 98% (116/118). More than half of the respondents were females (67.83%, median age 46 years). The overall Cronbach's alpha for MBI and EPQ was 0.894 and 0.877, respectively. The majority (67.24%) of anaesthesiologists were assessed as "high risk for burnout" and 21.55% were diagnosed with burnout syndrome. Almost half participants experienced high levels of all three dimensions of burnout; high emotional exhaustion (46.09%), high depersonalization (49.57%) and high levels of low personal accomplishment (43.49%). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that neuroticism was an independent factor predicting "high risk for burnout" as well as burnout syndrome, whereas the "Lie scale" of EPQ exhibited a protective effect against burnout. Burnout prevalence in Greek anaesthesiologists working in COVID-19 referral hospitals during the fourth peak of the pandemic was high. Neuroticism was predictive of both "high risk for burnout" and "burnout syndrome".

Analgesia with remifentanil versus anesthesia with propofol-alfentanil for transvaginal oocyte retrieval: a randomized trial on their impact on in vitro fertilization outcome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of analgesia with remifentanil versus anesthesia with propofol and alfentanil on in vitro fertilization outcome. METHODS: The study included 58 women undergoing ultrasound transvaginal oocyte retrieval, who were randomized to receive either analgesia with remifentanil (n = 29) or anesthesia with propofol and alfentanil (n = 29). The subjects were compared for number of collected and matured oocytes, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and embryo quality. Anesthesia related side effects and both patient and gynecologist satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in collected oocytes, matured oocytes, fertilization and cleavage rate, embryo quality and implantation and pregnancy rate between the two groups. There was no difference regarding side effects and both patient and gynecologist satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Analgesia with remifentanil compared with anesthesia with propofol and alfentanil, provided equally effective and safe anesthesia during ultrasound transvaginal oocyte retrieval.

Opioid-Free Anesthesia and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction After Minor Urological Surgery: A Case Series Study.

Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a complication that mainly occurs in adult patients and refers to a new-onset decline in cognitive function after anesthesia and surgery. The literature lacks evidence regarding opioid-free anesthesia and its impact on mental function postoperatively. Objectives: The effect of opioid-free anesthesia on POCD following urological surgery has not been previously reported. Accordingly, we present a case series of 15 adult patients undergoing transurethral urological surgery under general anesthesia using an opioid-free protocol with dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine. Methods: Patients that underwent simple transurethral elective urological procedures under general opioid-free anesthesia were included. This case series is part of a prospective clinical study regarding opioid-free anesthesia and served as a pilot sample. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) test, performed preoperatively and 12 hours postoperatively, was applied to assess POCD. Results: Fifteen patients with a mean age of 68 years old were included in the study. The opioid-free protocol was associated with non-statistically significant changes of the MMSE test after minor urological procedures. Conclusions: In our study, an opioid-free protocol of general anesthesia, using a mixture of dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine, did not seem to have a negative impact on postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing transurethral urological surgery. Further studies specifically designed to identify this effect are certainly required to further prove such an effect.

Prediction and Prevention of Intraoperative Hypotension with the Hypotension Prediction Index: A Narrative Review.

Intraoperative hypotension is common and has been associated with adverse events. Although association does not imply causation, predicting and preventing hypotension may improve postoperative outcomes. This review summarizes current evidence on the development and validation of an artificial intelligence predictive algorithm, the Hypotension Prediction (HPI) (formerly known as the Hypotension Probability Indicator). This machine learning model can arguably predict hypotension up to 15 min before its occurrence. Several validation studies, retrospective cohorts, as well as a few prospective randomized trials, have been published in the last years, reporting promising results. Larger trials are needed to definitively assess the usefulness of this algorithm in optimizing postoperative outcomes.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy as a feasible choice for periampullary malignancy in octogenarians.

The efficacy and safety of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has not been yet studied in octogenarians in Greece. The present study reviewed records of all consecutive patients that underwent PD at the 4th Surgical Department of Attikon University Hospital (Athens, Greece) between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2019. Differences between two age groups (group Y <80 years; group O >80 years) were analyzed. Study endpoints were length of stay, overall morbidity, 30-day mortality and overall survival (OS). There were 198 patients in Group Y (mean age, 65 years) and 20 patients in Group O (mean age, 82 years). Octogenarians had worse American Society of Anesthesiology score (>2; 31.3 vs. 65%; P=0.018). Median stay was not significantly different between the two groups (14 days vs. 16 days; P=0.307), neither was the 30-day mortality (6.1 vs. 5.0%; P>0.99). Median OS was similar between the two groups (35 months vs. 28 months; P=0.577). In a tertiary center in Greece, morbidity and mortality rates after PD were similar between the two groups. Patients should not be denied a PD, solely based on advanced age.

Severity of Pancreatic Leak in Relation to Gut Restoration After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: The Role of the Roux-en-Y Configuration.

Background: Pancreatic leak after pancreaticoduodenectomy and gut restoration via a single jejunal loop remains the crucial predictor of patients' outcome. Our reasoning that active pancreatic enzymes may be more disruptive to the pancreatojejunostomy prompted us to explore a Roux-en-Y configuration for the gut restoration, anticipating diversion of bile salts away from the pancreatic stump. Our study aims at comparing two techniques regarding the severity of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and patients' outcome. Methods: The files of 415 pancreaticoduodenectomy patients were retrospectively reviewed. Based on gut restoration, the patients were divided into: cohort A (n = 105), with gut restoration via a single jejunal loop, cohort B (n = 140) via a Roux-en-Y technique assigning the draining of pancreatic stump to the short limb and gastrojejunostomy and bile (hepaticojejunostomy) flow to long limb, and cohort C (n = 170) granting the short limb to the gastric and pancreatic anastomosis, whereas hepaticojejunostomy was performed to the long limp. The POPF-related morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Results: Overall POPF in cohort A versus cohorts B and C was 19% versus 12.1% and 9.4%, respectively (P = 0.01 A vs B + C). POPF-related morbidity in cohort A versus cohorts B and C was 10.5% versus 7.3% and 6.3%, respectively (P = 0.03 A vs B+C). POPF-related total hospital mortality in cohorts A versus B and C was 1.9% versus 0.8% and 0.59%, respectively (P = 0.02 A vs B+C). Conclusion: Roux-en-Y configuration showed lower incidence and severity of POPF. Irrespective of technical skill, creating a gastrojejunostomy close to pancreatojejunostomy renders the pancreatic enzymes less active by leaping the bile salts away from the pancreatic duct and providing a lower pH.

Sevoflurane impairs post-operative olfactory memory but preserves olfactory function.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The effect of anaesthesia on olfaction has not been systematically studied. Our aim is to compare the effects of general and regional anaesthesia on olfactory acuity and memory in the immediate post-operative period. METHODS: Sixty adult patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II status scheduled for elective minor surgery were included. Exclusion criteria were smoking, alcoholism, psychiatric disease and recent or past airway infection with resulting hyposmia. Patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups (in the analysis, n = 16 in each group): epidural anaesthesia (group E), general anaesthesia with propofol (group P) and general anaesthesia with sevoflurane (group S) of 40-120 min duration. The evening before surgery, at 0.5 and at 3 h post-operatively olfactory acuity and memory were tested, along with blood sampling to measure plasma melatonin and oxytocin levels. Olfactory acuity was tested with successive dilutions of n-butyl-alcohol, and olfactory memory (interpretation of odours) with the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. RESULTS: Patient characteristics did not differ between groups. Olfactory acuity was intact in all patients, before and after anaesthesia. Olfactory memory deteriorated in group S compared to groups P and E at both post-operative time-points. This was accompanied by a significant post-operative reduction of plasma melatonin levels in group S. Oxytocin levels remained constant in all groups. CONCLUSION: Our results manifest a specific effect of sevoflurane on olfactory memory, not observed with neuraxial or total intravenous anaesthesia. The misinterpretation of odours in the immediate post-operative period by sevoflurane could be mediated by the decreased levels of melatonin.