Which nostril should be used for nasotracheal intubation with Airtraq NT®: the right or left? A randomized clinical trial

Background/aim: Nasotracheal Airtraq is specifically designed to improve the glottis view and ease the nasotracheal intubation process in normal and difficult cases. Materials and methods: After Ethics committee approval, we decided to enroll 40 patients with an ASA physical status of I or II, between 18 and 70 years of age undergoing elective maxillofascial, oral, and double chin surgery to determine which nostril is more suitable for nasotracheal intubation with nasotracheal Airtraq. Patients were randomized into the right and left nostril groups. Results: Demographic and airway characteristics were similar among the groups. Nasotracheal intubation through the right nostril was shorter than that of the left nostril during nasotracheal intubation with the Airtraq NT (P < 0.001). 90° counterclockwise rotation of the tip of the tube was needed for directing the tube into the vocal cords in both right and left nostril groups (72% vs 88%). External laryngeal pressure and head flexion maneuvers can ease the intubation from the left nostril (P < 0.001 vs P = 0.03). Cuff inflation maneuver also can be helpful in some cases. We did not need any operator change or Magill forceps for any of the patients. Conclusion: Nasotracheal intubation via the right nostril can be safely and quickly performed with the Airtraq NT without the need of Magill forceps. We recommend the use of the 90° counterclockwise rotation, external laryngeal pressure, and head flexion maneuvers to direct the tube into the vocal cords first. On the other hand, cuff inflation maneuver must also be kept in mind.

Tracheal intubation with the McGrath MAC X-blade videolaryngoscope in morbidly obese and nonobese patients

Background/aim: Increased body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference are the two independent predictors of difficult intubation. McGrath MAC X-Blade is a videolaryngoscope specifically designed for difficult intubations. Materials and methods: Eighty patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I­III undergoing elective surgery requiring endotracheal intubation were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups, nonobese (BMI < 30) and morbidly obese (BMI > 35). All patients were intubated with the McGrath MAC X-Blade in both groups. View optimization and tube insertion maneuvers such as reinsertion of the device, slight removal of the device, cricoid pressure, handling force, 90° anticlockwise rotation of the tube, use of stylet, and head flexion maneuvers were recorded. Cormack­Lehane grades, insertion times, intubation, and total intubation times were recorded. The hemodynamic changes and postoperative minor complications were also recorded. Results: Body mass index, neck circumference, Mallampati scores, and ASA physical status were statistically higher in the morbidly obese group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05). Sternomental distances were shorter in the morbidly obese (P < 0.05). Cormack­Lehane grades were comparable among the groups. The morbidly obese patients required more reinsertion attempts and cricoid pressure maneuvers during intubation than the nonobese patients (P = 0.019 versus P = 0.012, respectively). Slight removal of the device, handling force, use of the stylet, 90° anticlockwise rotation of the tube, and head flexion maneuvers were also helpful in both groups. Although device insertion times were similar between the groups, intubation and total intubation times were longer in the morbidly obese group (P = 0.009 and P = 0.034, respectively). The groups were comparable in hemodynamic changes and postoperative minor complications. Conclusion: The McGrath MAC X-Blade videolaryngoscope could safely be used both in nonobese (BMI < 30) and morbidly obese (BMI > 35) patients with the aid of some key maneuvers and with a statistically significant but clinically negligible prolongation of the intubation time.

Nasotracheal intubation of a patient with restricted mouth opening using a McGrath MAC X-Blade and Magill forceps.

We experienced a case of successful nasotracheal intubation using the X-Blade of the McGrath MAC in a 28-year-old woman with a 2.5-cm mouth opening. She had no teeth on the right side, her neck movement was limited, her mandibular protrusion was grade C, and her Mallampati could not be evaluated. Her tongue was fixed to the left wall during a previous surgery. We evaluated the awake glottic view using the McGrath MAC X-Blade and topical oral anesthesia. We obtained a Cormack-Lehane grade II view and then decided to administer general anesthesia. Intubation was attempted with a Macintosh laryngoscope, but we could not insert the scope deeply enough and there was no area in which to insert the Magill forceps or endotracheal tube. We then used the X-Blade 3 of the McGrath MAC and obtained a sufficient area in which to insert the tube and manipulate the Magill forceps. A laryngoscopic view was achieved in 7 s and nasotracheal intubation was performed in 16 s with a 7.0-mm spiral tube using the Magill forceps. McGrath MAC X-Blade can be used with the Magill forceps in patients with restricted mouth opening with careful patient selection, in experienced hands.

Face-to-face tracheal intubation in adult patients: a comparison of the Airtraq™, Glidescope™ and Fastrach™ devices.

PURPOSE: Airway management in emergency settings can be difficult due to limited access to the patient. The use of video laryngoscopes along with the Fastrach™ device improves tracheal intubation; however, the use of such devices in a face-to-face intubation model has not been evaluated in adult patients. METHODS: After obtaining official approval from the Local Research Ethics Committee and written informed consent from the patients, 120 patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. The patients were ASA I and ASA II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System. Rocuronium was administered for neuromuscular blockade following standard anesthesia monitoring and induction. The patients were divided into three groups (40 patients per group) and their tracheas were intubated via a face-to-face approach with the Airtraq™, Glidescope™ or Fastrach™ devices. RESULTS: The intubation success rates of the Airtraq™, Glidescope™ and Fastrach™ devices were similar (100, 98 and 90 %; p = 0.07). The insertion time for the Airtraq™ [8.5 (6-11) s] was the shortest followed by the Glidescope™ [11 (7-19) s] and the Fastrach™ [16.5 (14.3-21.8) s; p < 0.001]. The intubation time for the Airtraq™ [14 (10.3-18.8) s] was shorter than the Glidescope™ [25 (18-45) s], and Fastrach™ devices [46.5 (40-65) s; p < 0.001]. The Glidescope™ device required a greater number of optimization maneuvers (p = 0.009) and intubation attempts than the Airtraq™ (p = 0.004). Esophageal intubation (p = 0.001) and mucosal damage were more common in the Fastrach™ group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The Airtraq™ device provided faster insertion and intubation times and enabled better Cormack-Lehane grades. Additionally, the Airtraq™ device required the minimum number of optimization maneuvers and was associated with fewer complications and fewer intubation attempts than the Glidescope™ and Fastrach™ devices during face-to-face tracheal intubation.

The effect of lidocaine and amiodarone on prevention of ventricular fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: Ventricular fibrillation is common after aortic declamping in patients undergoing open heart surgery. This situation has a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the effect of administering lidocaine versus amiodarone before aortic declamping during elective coronary bypass grafting, paying close attention to when the initial effect of amiodarone sets in. METHODS: In this double blind, prospective, randomized, controlled study, 86 patients who were candidates for elective coronary artery bypass grafting were recruited into three groups: group lidocaine (group L, n=29); group amiodarone (group A, n=27); and group placebo (group P, n=30). Group L patients received 1.5 mg/kg of lidocaine 2 minutes before aortic declamping and group A patients received 300 mg of amiodarone intravenously 15 minutes before release of the aortic cross clamp. The primary endpoints were the incidence of ventricular fibrillation and the number of shocks required to terminate ventricular fibrillation. RESULTS: The frequency of ventricular fibrillation occurrence was significantly higher in group P (70%) when compared with group A (37%) and group L (38%) (P=.017). There was no statistically significant difference between the amiodarone and the lidocaine groups regarding ventricular fibrillation. However, when ventricular fibrillation occurred, the percentage of patients requiring electrical defibrillation was significantly higher in both group L and group P when compared with group A (P=.023). CONCLUSION: We suggest that during coronary arterial bypass surgery, administration of an amiodarone regime before release of the aortic cross clamp, paying particular attention to the start of the initial effect of amiodarone, is no more effective than lidocaine for prevention from arrhythmia; however, amiodarone reduces the need for electrical defibrillation.

Effect of erector spinae plane block on postoperative intravenous morphine consumption in open subcostal nephrectomy: A prospective randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: We began with the hypothesis that the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) would decrease postoperative morphine consumption in patients scheduled for open subcostal nephrectomy. METHODS: After obtaining ethics committee approval and informed patient consent, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, 46 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who were scheduled for elective nephrectomy with an anterior subcostal incision were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, the ESPB and the control group, using the sealed envelope technique. In the ESPB group, ESPB was applied with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the T10 level at the block corner before being taken to the operating room. Patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine was applied to both the ESPB and the control groups. RESULTS: Intraoperative remifentanil consumption in the ESPB group was statistically significantly less than in the control group (1069.5±211.54 micrograms versus 1471.4±202.21 micrograms) (p<0.001). Postoperative morphine consumption of the patients was also lower in the ESPB group (16.8±4.13 milligrams versus 33.65±6.91 milligrams) (p<0.001). The numeric rating scales of the patients in the ESPB group were lower than in the control group (p<0.001). The additional analgesic requirements of patients were less in the ESPB group (35% vs 95%, p<0.001). Patient satisfaction was higher in the ESPB group compared to the control group (p=0.009). Nausea was lower in the ESPB group than in the control group (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Preemptive administration of ESPB is a safe and beneficial analgesic method in patients undergoing open subcostal nephrectomy.

[Comparison of channelled videolaryngoscope and intubating laryngeal mask airway for tracheal intubation in obese patients: a randomised clinical trial]. / Comparação de videolaringoscópio com canal e máscara laríngea na intubação traqueal de pacientes obesos: estudo clínico randomizado.

BACKGROUND: Obesity causes various difficulties in intubation and ventilation, which are confronted due to increased fat tissue in the upper airway and diminished compliance in the chest wall. Videolaryngoscopes and Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (ILMA) are good options as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesologists (ASA) difficult airway guidelines. We aimed to compare ILMA and Airtraq (a channeled videolaryngoscope) in obese patients. METHODS: Eighty patients with ASA physical status I-III, aged between 18 and 65 years and with a body mass index greater than 35 kg.m-2, who were undergoing elective surgery requiring orotracheal intubation, were included in the study. Patients were intubated with one of the devices cited. RESULTS: There was no difference between the number of intubation attempts, insertion times and need for optimisation manoeuvres of Airtraq and ILMA. The intubation with Airtraq was accomplished in a shorter period of time than in that in the ILMA group (29.9±22.1s vs. 50.7±21.2s; p<0.001). A significant difference was found when the times of total intubation were compared (29.9±22.1s vs. 97.4±42.7s; p<0.001). The mean arterial pressure statistically increased after device insertion in the ILMA group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Airtraq appears to be superior to ILMA in obese patients, with a total of time intubation of less than 60 seconds and with low mean arterial pressure changes. However, ILMA is still a useful tool that provides both ventilation and intubation throughout the whole intubation process.

The Channelled Airtraq® as a Rescue Device Following Failed Expected Difficult Intubation with an Angulated Video Laryngoscope.

We herein report two expected difficult intubation cases that failed with an angulated-type video laryngoscope (C-MAC D-blade) and were rescued with a channelled-type Airtraq® device. The common signs and characteristics which indicated difficult ventilation and intubation in these patients were Mallampati 4 (with phonation), mandibular protrusion of B, obstructive sleep apnoea disorder, male gender, and thick neck (>46 cm). We had aids ready in the operating theatre for the anticipated difficult intubation. We first attempted to intubate the trachea in two patients with direct laryngoscopy; as expected, the Cormack-Lehane (CL) grades of the two patients were 4, even cricoid pressure was applied. Second, we attempted to intubate with the angulated-type C-MAC D-blade; the CL grades improved to 2. However, despite tube adjustment manoeuvres and use of a rigid stylet, we were unable to insert the tube into the trachea. Then, we attempted to intubate with a channelled-type Airtraq® device. Consequently, without need for a stylet or use of any manoeuvres, we were able to intubate the tracheas at the first attempt.

Fluoroscopic Comparison of Cervical Spine Motion Using LMA CTrach, C-MAC Videolaryngoscope and Macintosh Laryngoscope.

OBJECTIVE: Endotracheal intubation should be performed with care when cervical spine (C-spine) injury is suspected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the movement of the C-spine using fluoroscopy during intubation with Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) CTrach, C-MAC videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope. METHODS: This was a single-centre, prospective, observational, controlled trial. In total, 22 surgical patients aged 18-65 years planned to undergo operation under general anaesthesia, were enrolled. X-ray images of the C-spine were obtained using fluoroscopy with the patients' head in a neutral position. All patients underwent laryngoscopy using a Macintosh blade, LMA CTrach and C-MAC videolaryngoscope, and fluoroscopic images of the C-spine were obtained. All the patients were intubated at the last laryngoscopy simulation (using the C-MAC). The atlanto-occipital distance (AOD) and angles between C0C1, C0C2, C0C3, C0C4, C1C2 and C2C3 lines were measured and compared between each device. RESULTS: The mean AOD was measured as 20.4 mm in a neutral position, which decreased to 13.1, 17.2 and 12.3 mm after the insertion of the Macintosh laryngoscope, LMA CTrach and C-MAC videolaryngoscope, respectively. The differences were significant (p<0.001). Moreover, significant difference was noted in C0C2, C0C3 and C1C2 angles with the insertion of the three devices (p<0.001). The LMA CTrach resulted in significantly lesser C-spine movements in C0C2, C0C3 and C0C4 angles compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope and C-MAC videolaryngoscope (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The LMA CTrach resulted in lesser C-spine movements compared to Macintosh laryngoscope and C-MAC videolaryngoscope. In case of the C-spine injury, LMA CTrach may be preferred and may cause fewer traumas during endotracheal intubation.

Effect of Cricoid Pressure on Laryngeal View During Macintosh, McGrath MAC X-Blade and GlideScope Video Laryngoscopies.

OBJECTIVE: Cricoid pressure is useful in fasted patients requiring emergency intubation. We compared the effect of cricoid pressure on laryngeal view during Macintosh, McGrath MAC X-Blade and GlideScope video laryngoscopy. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee and written informed consent from patients, we enrolled 120 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, age 18-65 years) undergoing elective surgery that required endotracheal intubation in this prospective randomised study. Patients were divided into three groups (Macintosh, McGrath MAC X-Blade and GlideScope). RESULTS: Demographic and airway variables were similar in the groups. Cormack-Lehane grades were improved or unchanged on using cricoid pressure in Macintosh and McGrath MAC X-Blade groups. However, laryngeal views worsened in 12 patients (30%), remained unchanged in 26 patients (65%) and improved in 2 patients (5%) in the GlideScope group (p<0.001). Insertion and intubation times for Macintosh and McGrath MAC X-Blade video laryngoscopes were similar. Insertion times for GlideScope and Macintosh video laryngoscopes were similar, but were longer than those for the McGrath MAC X-Blade video laryngoscope (p=0.02). Tracheal intubation took longer with the GlideScope video laryngoscope than with the other devices (p<0.001 and p=0.003). Mean arterial pressures after insertion increased significantly in Macintosh and GlideScope groups (p=0.004 and p=0.001, respectively) compared with post-induction values. Heart rates increased after insertion in all three groups compared with post-induction values (p<0.001). Need for optimisation manoeuvres and postoperative minor complications were comparable in all three groups. CONCLUSION: Although all three devices are useful for normal or difficult intubation, cricoid pressure improved Cormack-Lehane grades of Macintosh and McGrath MAC X-Blade video laryngoscopes but statistically significantly worsened that of the GlideScope video laryngoscope.

Intubation of a Paediatric Manikin in Tongue Oedema and Face-to-Face Simulations by Novice Personnel: a Comparison of Glidescope, Airtraq and Direct Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Glidescope and Airtraq were designed for facilitating intubation and for teaching regarding the airway anatomy. We aimed to evaluate their efficacy in normal airway, tongue oedema and face-to-face orotracheal intubation models when used by novice personnel. METHODS: After the local human research ethics committee approval, 36 medical students who were in the beginning of their third year were enrolled in this study. After watching a video regarding intubation using one of these devices, the students intubated a paediatric manikin with a Glidescope or Airtraq via the normal airway, tongue oedema and face-to-face approach. RESULTS: Although the insertion and intubation times were similar among the groups, the intubation success rate of the Glidescope was higher in the normal airway (100% vs 67%) and tongue oedema (89% vs. 50%) compared with the Airtraq (p=0.008 and p=0.009). The success rates with the paediatric manikin by the face-to-face approach were similar among the groups (50%) (p=0.7). The need for manoeuvres in the Glidescope was lower in the normal and tongue oedema models (p=0.02 and p=0.002). In addition, oesophageal intubation was low in the control and tongue oedema models with the Glidescope (p=0.03 and p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Novice personnel could more easily intubate the trachea with the Glidescope than with the Airtraq. Intubation with the Glidescope was superior to that with the Airtraq in the normal and tongue oedema models. The face-to-face intubation success rates were both low with both the Glidescope and Airtraq groups.

Treatment of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome that Occurred in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by Plasmapheresis.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is characterized by visual and mental disturbances, nausea and vomiting and generalized or focal convulsions and often represents itself with parietal and occipital oedema formation. We want to report the treatment of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with plasmapheresis, which developed in a 35-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed by renal biopsy 3 years ago. She has been followed up in the intensive care unit three times. However, she had been transferred to the nephrology department of our university hospital because of her uncontrolled blood pressure. Oral antihypertensive therapy, corticosteroid 500 mg 1 × 1 and cyclophosphamide were started for the activation of lupus. After the detection of low complement levels, systemic lupus erythematosus activation was suspected. She developed mental deterioration after her first plasmapheresis treatment and was then consulted by the neurology and intensive care unit doctors. Diffusion cranial magnetic resonance imaging was found compatible with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. The patient was transferred to our intensive care unit. The patient gained consciousness after her second plasmapheresis. After 5 days of follow-up in our intensive care unit and after significant regression was observed in the magnetic resonance imaging analysis, the patient was transferred to the nephrology service conscious, cooperated and orientated. At the nephrology service, after a total of 13 times of plasmapheresis, complement levels were increased and she was discharged with corticosteroid therapy. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome can be observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and intensive care unit treatment may be required. To control the hypertension, plasmapheresis should be kept in mind in addition to the multiple antihypertensive therapy in these patients.

[Our ultrasound-guided paravertebral block experiences in thoracic surgery]. / Torasik cerrahide ultrason rehberliginde paravertebral blok deneyimlerimiz.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) may be employed for postoperative analgesia in thoracic surgery. In application of TPVB, single injections, multiple injections or catheter techniques may be used. In this paper we present our experiences with ultrasound-guided TPVB in thoracic surgery patients for postoperative analgesia. METHODS: Patients undergoing thoracic surgery and on whom ultrasound-guided TPVB was performed for postoperative analgesia from January 2012 to March 2013 in our clinic were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data, block technique, complications and 1st, 6th, 12th and 24th hour VAS scores were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients had TPVB. Single injection was administered to 9 patients, multiple injections to 5, and catheters to 4. While statistically insignificant, 1st hour VAS scores were found to be greater than 3 in the single injection and catheter groups. CONCLUSION: Similarly to multiple injection and continuous TPVB administration, ultrasound-guided single injection TPVB provides effective 24-hour postoperative analgesia.

Comparison of channelled videolaryngoscope and intubating laryngeal mask airway for tracheal intubation in obese patients: a randomised clinical trial / Comparação de videolaringoscópio com canal e máscara laríngea na intubação traqueal de pacientes obesos: estudo clínico randomizado

Abstract Background: Obesity causes various difficulties in intubation and ventilation, which are confronted due to increased fat tissue in the upper airway and diminished compliance in the chest wall. Videolaryngoscopes and Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (ILMA) are good options as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesologists (ASA) difficult airway guidelines. We aimed to compare ILMA and Airtraq (a channeled videolaryngoscope) in obese patients. Methods: Eighty patients with ASA physical status 1-3, aged between 18 and 65 years and with a body mass index greater than 35 kg.m-2, who were undergoing elective surgery requiring orotracheal intubation, were included in the study. Patients were intubated with one of the devices cited. Results: There was no difference between the number of intubation attempts, insertion times and need for optimisation manoeuvres of Airtraq and ILMA. The intubation with Airtraq was accomplished in a shorter period of time than in that in the ILMA group (29.9 ± 22.1s vs. 50.7 ± 21.2s; p < 0.001). A significant difference was found when the times of total intubation were compared (29.9 ± 22.1s vs. 97.4 ± 42.7s; p < 0.001). The mean arterial pressure statistically increased after device insertion in the ILMA group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Airtraq appears to be superior to ILMA in obese patients, with a total of time intubation of less than 60 seconds and with low mean arterial pressure changes. However, ILMA is still a useful tool that provides both ventilation and intubation throughout the whole intubation process.

Resumo Justificativa: A obesidade dificulta a ventilação manual e intubação traqueal devido ao acúmulo de tecido adiposo na via aérea superior e a complacência diminuída na caixa torácica. Os videolaringoscópios e as Máscaras Laríngeas para Intubação (MLI) são alternativas boas para o manuseio da via aérea difícil, de acordo com as diretrizes da Sociedade Americana de Anestesologia (ASA). O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o uso da MLI e do Airtraq, um videolaringoscópio com canal, em pacientes obesos. Método: Estudamos 80 pacientes com classificação ASA I-III, com idades entre 18 e 65 anos e índice de massa corporal acima de 35 kg.m-2, submetidos a cirurgia eletiva com indicação de intubação orotraqueal. Os pacientes foram intubados empregando-se um dos seguintes dispositivos: MLI ou Airtraq. Resultados: Não houve diferença entre o número de tentativas de intubação, tempo de inserção do dispositivo e necessidade de manobras de otimização para o Airtraq e MLI. A intubação com Airtraq foi realizada mais rapidamente do que no Grupo MLI (29,9 ± 22,1 s vs. 50,7 ± 21,2 s; p < 0,001). Houve diferença significante na comparação do tempo total para intubação (29,9 ± 22,1 s vs. 97,4 ± 42,7 s; p < 0,001). Houve aumento estatisticamente significante da pressão arterial média após a inserção do dispositivo no Grupo MLI (p < 0,05). Conclusões: Airtraq parece ser superior a MLI em pacientes obesos, apresentando tempo total de intubação abaixo de 60 segundos e com menor variação na pressão arterial média. Todavia, a MLI ainda é ferramenta útil que propicia tanto ventilação quanto intubação durante todo o processo de manejo da via aérea.

Assessment of Some Public Hospitals in Turkey Regarding Anaesthetist, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Equipment.

OBJECTIVE: Every year, 230 million patients undergo major general surgery with anaesthesia worldwide, and 7 million resulted with major complications. Monitorisation and equipment has a great role in increasing patient safety and safe surgery during anaesthesia. METHODS: Turkey is divided into 12 Eurostut-NUTS regions and 26 subregions statistically. Totally, 303 hospitals that are included in these regions were enrolled in this descriptive trial. The hospitals were contacted by telephone between October 2012 and August 2013. Data collecting forms were e-mailed to any of the anaesthetists or anaesthesia technicians of the hospital and they were requested to fill the forms and forward them to one of the investigators. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 221 of 303 hospitals (73%). Twenty-three hospitals were tertiary (university and education and research), 21 were city and 177 were county hospitals. No anaesthetist, operating rooms or intensive care units were available in 114 of the county hospitals. Anaesthetists were responsible for 61% of these active working theatres. Electrocardiogram, heart rate, non-invasive blood pressure and saturation could be monitored in 97% of them. End-tidal carbon dioxide could be monitored in 91% of at least one operating room in these hospitals. However, if the subject became to end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring in every room, this ratio decreased to 63%. Defibrillators were absent in 6% of these rooms. Adult intensive care units were available in 33% of the hospitals and paediatric intensive care units were available in 32.4%; the responsibility of these intensive care units were carried out by anaesthetists at a 91.4% ratio. End-tidal carbon dioxide could be monitored in 54% of these units; invasive monitorisation could be applied in 68.4% if needed. CONCLUSION: It was observed that hospitals have different standards according to their infrastructures of anaesthesia and intensive care unit equipment. We think that the elimination of these differences is an important step with respect to increasing patient safety and enhancement of the service quality in hospitals.

Comparison of Size 2 LMA-ProSeal™ and LMA-Supreme™ in Spontaneously Breathing Children: a Randomised Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare size 2 Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal and size 2 Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme in spontaneously breathing children undergoing lower abdominal elective surgery of <1 hour duration. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty children aged 1-7 years, weighing 10-20 kg, ASA I physical status were randomly allocated to the Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal and Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic variables, ease of gastric tube placement, ease of insertion and ventilation, number of insertion attempts, hemodynamic changes on insertion, postoperative complications and bloodstaining between the groups. Gastric insufflation was detected and gastric tube was placed in all patients except one in LMA Supreme. Postoperative cuff volumes were comparable with the preoperative values in group itself. Oropharyngeal leak pressures were higher in Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal (24.6±5.5 vs 21.3±4.2, respectively; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: As a result Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal and Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme can safely be used in spontaneously breathing pediatric population undergoing lower abdominal elective surgery.