[Ephedrine vs. phenylephrine by intravenous bolus and continuous infusion to prevent hypotension secondary to spinal anesthesia during cesarean section: a randomized comparative trial]. / Efedrina frente a fenilefrina en bolo e infusión continua para prevención de la hipotensión arterial secundaria a la anestesia subaracnoidea en cesáreas. Estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado.

OBJECTIVE: Subarachnoid spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is associated with a high incidence of hypotension, which can require the use of vasoconstrictors. The aim of this trial was to compare ephedrine to phenylephrine for the prevention of secondary hypotension and to assess the adverse effects on both mother and newborn. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing elective or emergency cesarean section, in the absence of uterine activity or fetal risk, were randomized to receive prophylaxis with ephedrine or phenylephrine immediately after the spinal block. Patients in the ephedrine group received an intravenous bolus of 0.1 mg/kg plus continuous infusion at a rate of 0.5 mg/kg/h; patients in the phenylephrine group received an intravenous bolus of 1.5 microg/kg plus a continuous infusion at 1.5 microg/kg/min. Infusion was maintained until umbilical cord clamping. We recorded maternal blood pressure, heart rate, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, bradycardia, hypotension, hypertension, fetal Apgar index, and umbilical cord blood parameters (pH, PCO2, and HCO3). RESULTS: The overall incidence of hypotension was 11.2%, with no significant between-group differences (ephedrine group, 11.4%; phenylephrine group, 11.1%). The incidences of hypertension and bradycardia were higher in the phenylephrine group (27.8% and 2.3%, respectively) than in the ephedrine group (25% and 0%, respectively). Umbilical cord blood parameters and Apgar scores were similar. After suspension of continuous infusion, an episode of hypotension was detected in 22.5% of the patients (72.2% of these patients were in the phenylephrine group and 27.8% were in the ephedrine group). CONCLUSIONS: At the doses of ephedrine and phenylephrine administered in this trial, the ability of these drugs to prevent hypotension during cesarean section proved to be similar. Higher incidences of adverse events (hypertension and bradycardia) were observed in the phenylephrine group. No differences were observed in neonatal effects.

[Reasons residents choose to specialize in anesthesiology and postoperative critical care in the autonomous community of Madrid]. / Motivación de los residentes de Anestesia-Reanimación de la Comunidad de Madrid en la elección de su especialidad.

OBJECTIVES: Our main objective was to determine the reasons why residents chose to specialize in anesthesiology and postoperative critical care in the autonomous community of Madrid. We also wished to know if prior contact with this specialty influenced their choice, if those who chose it as a second specialization differed from those who were doing a first residency, what expectations the residents had and if they had been met, and if they were satisfied with their training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Survey of all residents in anesthesiology and postoperative critical care medicine in the community of Madrid between November 2008 and February 2010. The questionnaire items covered demographic data, prior specialty training, undergraduate contact with the specialty, reasons for choosing this specialty (technical, social, or employment-related interests), satisfaction, and expectations met. RESULTS: We received 89 valid questionnaires, a sample that represented 35% of the residents. The reasons expressed most often were learning and performing techniques (97.8%); that the specialty was dynamic, with broad theoretical and practical content (98.9%), and an interest in providing critical care (93.3%). These 3 reasons were considered important or very important by most of the respondents; 55.8% considered that learning and carrying out techniques was the most important reason. All the respondents who had previously done specialty training said they were dissatisfied. Prior contact with the specialty was associated with having different reasons and interests, such as an interest in pain (F = .037) or emulating a role model (P = .014). CONCLUSIONS: The specialty's mix of theoretical and practical content and the chance to perform techniques and provide critical care are the features the residents find most attractive. Residents who already have another specialty are less satisfied and their expectations are not as well met.

[Continuous spinal anesthesia in obstetrics]. / Anestesia subaracnoidea continua en obstetricia.

Despite the theoretical advantages of continuous anesthesia in obstetric patients (good-quality blockade at low doses, good hemodynamic stability, rapid onset of effect, and no risk of toxicity), little has been published on this technique and its use in pregnancy. Moreover, few descriptive studies or comparative trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of continuous spinal anesthesia, probably because of concerns about potential adverse effects-principally neurologic complications and postdural puncture headache. We review the literature on the use of continuous spinal anesthesia in obstetric patients, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages, indications, and adverse effects of this technique.

[Neostigmine-induced neuromuscular blockade in the corrugator supercilii muscle]. / Bloqueo neuromuscular inducido por neostigmina en el músculo Corrugator supercilii.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a single dose of neostigmine, administered when the adductor pollicis muscle presents 2 twitches in train-of-four (TOF) stimulation, can reduce the TOF ratio in the corrugator supercilii muscle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We designed a case-control study of patients between 18 and 65 years of age classified ASA 1-2. We used 2 accelerometers--1 for the cubital nerve/thumb adductor muscle and 1 for the facial nerve/corrugator supercilii muscle. Neuromuscular blockade was induced with 0.6 mg x kg(-1) of rocuronium, and 40 microg x kg(-1) of neostigmine was administered at the third twitch in the TOF in the thumb adductor. If the TOF ratio in the corrugator supercilii fell by 10% or more at that time, the patient was classified as a case. We recorded the age, sex, weight, height, body mass index, duration of the procedure, and TOF ratio in the corrugator supercilii muscle when the neostigmine was administered. RESULTS: Ten cases and 10 controls were enrolled. No significant differences between cases and controls were found in any variables except the mean (SD) TOF ratio in the corrugator supercilii muscle: 70.9% (17.8%) in cases and 35.3% (7.8%) in controls (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In our patients, administration of neostigmine after the appearance of the third twitch in TOF stimulation of the thumb adductor was associated with a reduction in the TOF ratio in the corrugator supercilii. The similarity between blockades of the corrugator muscle, the diaphragm, and the larynx is of clinical interest.

[Even more critical medicine: a retrospective analysis of casualties admitted to the intensive care unit in the Spanish Military Hospital in Herat (Afghanistan)]. / Medicina aún más crítica: análisis retrospectivo de las bajas atendidas en la UCI del Hospital Militar español de Herat (Afganistán).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze casualties from firearm and explosives injuries who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in the Spanish ROLE-2E from December 2005 to December 2008 and to evaluate which damaging agent had produced the highest morbidity-mortality in our series using score indices with anatomical base (ISS and NISS). DESIGN: Observational and retrospective study performed between 2005 and 2008. SETTING: Polyvalent Intensive Care Unit in the Spanish Military Hospital of those deployed in Afghanistan. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: The inclusion criteria were all patients who had been wounded by firearm or by explosive devices and who had been admitted in ICU in Spanish Military Hospital in Herat (Afghanistan). INTERVENTION: The anatomic scores Injury Severity Score and the New Injury Severity Score (NISS) were applied to all the selected patients to estimate the grade of severity of their injuries. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Independent: damaging agent, injured anatomical area, protection measures and dependent: mortality, surgical procedure applied, score severity and socio-demographics and control variables. RESULTS: Eighty-six casualties, 30 by firearm and 56 by explosive devices. Applying the NISS, 38% of the casualties had suffered severe injuries. Mean stay in the ICU was 2.8 days and mortality was 10%. Significant differences in admission to the ICU for the damaging agent were not observed (P=.142). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were observed in the need for admission and stay in the ICU according to the damaging agent. The importance of the strategy, care and logistics of the intensive care military physician in Intensive Medicine in the Operating Room in Afghanistan is stressed.

Pre-Operative pro-adrenomedullin as a predictor of postoperative requirement of organ support in patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. A prospective observational pilot study. / Pro-adrenomedulina preoperatoria como predictor de la necesidad de soporte orgánico postoperatorio en pacientes programados para cirugía abdominal mayor.

BACKGROUND: Mid-Regional-Pro-Adrenomedullin (MR-Pro-ADM) is a marker of severity in a wide spectrum of pathological conditions such as sepsis, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Its usefulness as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients has yet to be elucidated. We examined the ability of preoperative MR-Pro-ADM in predicting Postoperative Requirement of Organ Support (PROS). METHODS: One centre, pilot, prospective observational cohort study, enrolling adult patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. The accuracy of the MR-Pro-ADM to predict PROS was determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis. An univariate analysis was performed to identify the association of PROS and the MR-Pro-ADM value with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify preoperative MR-Pro-ADM as independent risk factor for PROS. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were enrolled. The incidence of PROS was 13.6%. The association of MR-Pro-ADM levels with the incidence of PROS, was determined by an area under the ROC curve of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74-0.96, p=0.002). The preoperative value of MR-Pro-ADM with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity to predict PROS was 0.87 nmol/l. Patients with preoperative serum levels of MR-Pro-ADM≥0.87 nmol/l had a significantly higher incidence of PROS (33.3% vs 4.9%, p=0.007). MR-Pro-ADM≥0.87 nmol/l was shown to be an independent risk factor for PROS (p=0.001; OR 9.758; IC 1.73-54.78) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The preoperative serum level of MR-Pro-ADM may be a useful biomarker of perioperative risk and to predict postoperative requirement of organic support (PROS) in adult patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery.

[Is postoperative acute pain control in colorectal surgery better within an enhanced recovery after surgery program (ERAS)?] / ¿Mejora el control del dolor postoperatorio en cirugía colorrectal tras la implementación de un protocolo de rehabilitación intensificada (ERAS)?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A good acute pain control is necessary to achieve the main objective of Enhanced recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs and accelerate recovery. The study objective is to evaluate postoperative (PO) acute pain, PO opioid consumption, and its association with functional recovery, after implementing a colorectal surgery ERAS program. An analysis was made as regards drugs adverse effects. METHODS: Observational cohort study on scheduled colorectal Surgery: one prospective cohort subjected to the ERAS care program, and one retrospective cohort that received traditional non-standardised care. A record was made of mean pain intensity (measured by a visual analogue scale, which classifies pain intensity from 0 to 10, from lower to higher intensity), as well as the amount of opioid consumption on the day of surgery and on the first three postoperative days, and drugs adverse effects. An analysis was made of the association between PO opioid consumption and ERAS program, and between PO opioid consumption and functional recovery. RESULTS: The study included a total of 410 patients (313 in the ERAS group and 97 in the control group). In the ERAS group, it was observed that the mean visual analogue scale was less than 2, with a smaller amount of PO opioid consumption, on each single day and the accumulated amount of the four days (4 [0-24] vs. 0 [0-4], P<.001). PO opioid consumption was associated with functional recovery (OR 0.97 [95% CI; 0.96-0.99], P=.011). No drugs adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: After implementing a colorectal Surgery ERAS program, good pain control was achieved, as well as a reduction in PO opioid consumption, which is associated with functional recovery. No drugs adverse effects were observed.

[Monitoring airway pressure in pediatric anesthesia: an experimental model of intratracheal medication and pressure-volume loops]. / Monitorización de las presiones de la vía aérea en anestesia pediátrica. Presentación de un modelo experimental de medición intratraqueal y bucles presión/volumen.

BACKGROUND: In the monitoring of anesthesia, airway pressure is measured in the ventilator or at the closest possible connection to the endotracheal tube. OBJECTIVE: To compare the airway pressures and pressure-volume loops obtained before connection to the endotracheal tube with those obtained in the trachea. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a single-blind prospective observational study on ASA 1 patients between the ages of 7 and 12 years ventilated in volume-control mode with an inspiration-to-expiration ratio of 1:2. Intratracheal and extratracheal peak and plateau pressures and pressure-volume loops were recorded. A special device was designed to monitor intratracheal pressure. Both sensors were connected to the same spirometric analysis system. The variables were measured on intubation and 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes after intubation. The recorded pressures were compared using the t test, the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r), and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (p), and regression models were fit to the data. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were enrolled. The mean (SD) pressure difference between the 2 systems was 3.5 (0.35) cm H2O (P < .01) and no differences between the endotracheal peak pressures and the plateau pressures were observed. The intratracheal areas of the pressure-volume loops were 15% lower than the extratracheal areas. The value of r for the correlation between the intratracheal peak and plateau pressures was 0.998 (P < .01). The value of r for the correlation between the intratracheal and extratracheal peak pressures was 0.981 (P < .01). Analysis of variance confirmed the linear relationship. CONCLUSIONS: The difference between the intratracheal and extratracheal pressure measurements is due to the different locations at which the measurements are taken.

[Monitoring airway gas in pediatric anesthesia: an experimental model for endotracheal gas measurement]. / Monitorización de los gases de la vía aérea en anestesia pediátrica. Presentación de un modelo experimental de medición endotraqueal de gases.

BACKGROUND: We designed an endotracheal probe for measuring inspired and expired gas fractions during pediatric general anesthesia. OBJECTIVE: To compare the gas fractions measured by means of intratracheal and extratracheal monitoring. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included ASA 1 patients between the ages of 7 and 12 years under inhaled anesthesia with mechanical ventilation. The following parameters were recorded inside and outside the trachea: inspired and expired oxygen, nitric oxide (N2O) and sevoflurane fractions; the expired and inspired fraction gradients; PaCO2; and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2). Measurements were taken by an airflow sensor (Pedi-Lite) in the circuit before the point of connection to the endotracheal tube and by an intratracheal probe placed between the tube and the carina. Both sensors were connected to the same monitor. Measurements were taken on intubation and 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes thereafter. PaCO2 was recorded at the same time. The recorded values were analyzed using the t test and the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r), and regression models were constructed using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were enrolled in the study. The mean difference (SD) ETCO2 was 5 (3) mm Hg higher according to endotracheal measurement (P < .005), and that measurement was almost identical (+/-13 mm Hg) to the PaCO2 (P < or = .5). The inspired/expired gradients of endotracheal measurement of oxygen and N2O were 3 (2) points higher (P < .05) than the gradients of extratracheal measurements. In the case of sevoflurane gradients, however, the extratracheal values were higher (mean difference, 0.6 [0.2] points, P < .05). The inspired/expired oxygen and N2O gradients became equal after 18 (3) minutes; the sevoflurane gradients became equal after 8 (2) minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Intratracheal and extratracheal measurements of the inspired and expired fractions of mixed gases provide different results.

[General anesthesia in mentally disabled patients undergoing dental surgery]. / Anestesia general en pacientes con discapacidad intelectual sometidos a cirugía dental.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anesthetic technique used, the evaluation of airway patency, and the perioperative complications in patients with lower than average intelligence (mentally disabled) who are administered general anesthesia for dental surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a prospective, descriptive, comparative study of mentally disabled ASA 2-3 patients. The patients were distributed in 2 groups: mild to moderate mental disability and severe to very severe mental disability. Induction was via intravenous or inhaled anesthesia depending on availability of venous access. Maintenance was with sevoflurane in oxygen and air at variable concentrations in order to maintain a bispectral index (BIS) between 40 and 60. Statistical comparisons were based on the chi2 test, the log-rank test and the t test. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were enrolled. The anesthetic technique maintained hemodynamic stability in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found in Mallampati classification, Cormack-Lehane classification, or level of disability. The incidence of complications was higher in the group with more severe disability; the most common complication was difficult tracheal intubation. Bradycardia was the most common complication in the group with mild to moderate mental disability. CONCLUSIONS: The anesthetic technique used in this study proved to be safe and effective in this type of patient. A higher degree of mental disability led to less effective examination of the airway and more difficult direct laryngoscopy. BIS was as effective for monitoring in this population as it is in the general population.

Análisis de la atención sanitaria realizada en el buque escuela «Juan Sebastián de Elcano» durante diez años (2010-2020) / Analysis of health care performed on the Juan Sebastian de Elcano School Ship during ten years (2010-2020)

Introducción: El buque escuela Juan Sebastián de Elcano es un bergantín-goleta de la Armada. Debido a sus características y tipo de navegaciones, la asistencia sanitaria (prestada por un Role 1 embarcado y, puntualmente, por un equipo quirúrgico compuesto por un oficial médico cirujano general y un oficial médico anestesiólogo), está considerada un recurso esencial. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo sobre las atenciones médicas realizadas a bordo agrupadas por especialidad, pruebas médicas complementarias, consumo de hemoderivados, motivo de asistencia médica en puerto, número de evacuaciones hasta territorio nacional y tipo de consultas realizadas por telemedicina al Role 4 durante doce cruceros de navegación entre 2010 y 2020. Resultados: Las asistencias sanitarias más prevalentes han sido: traumatológicas (n=1.982, 22.04 %), seguidas de otorrinolaringológicas (n=1.234, 13,72 %) y finalmente la tercera especialidad con consultas más prevalentes fue medicina interna (n=1.125, 12,50 %). Se llevaron a cabo 112 interconsultas en puerto (primera causa odontología y segunda traumatología) y 24 evacuaciones a territorio nacional. Las pruebas complementarias más frecuentemente solicitadas fueron: control de estupefacientes y radiografías. Se realizaron 37 consultas de telemedicina y no se transfundió ninguna unidad de hemocomponentes durante el periodo analizado. Conclusiones: El estudio de la asistencia sanitaria en el buque escuela de la Armada ha revelado que la traumatología es la causa más prevalente de las consultas a bordo, seguida de las interconsultas en puerto, las consultas por telemedicina y evacuaciones en territorio nacional. Gracias a la labor de la Sanidad Militar a bordo es posible la función marinera, docente y embajadora en los mares. (AU)

Overview: Juan Sebastián de Elcano training ship is a brigantine-school of the Spanish Navy. Due to its characteristics and navigation type, health care (provided by a Role 1 on-board and occasionally enhanced by a surgical team that includes a general surgeon medical officer and an anesthesiologist medical officer), is considered an essential resource. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of medical care provided on board, grouped by medical specialty, complementary tests, blood products consumption, reason of medical assistance in port, number of evacuations to national territory and type of consultations performed by telemedicine to Role 4 during twelve sailing cruises between 2010 and 2020. Results: The most prevalent healthcare services were traumatology (n=1.982, 22.04%), followed by otorhinolaryngology (n=1.234, 13.72%) and the third was internal medicine (n=1.125, 12.50%). 112 internal medicine consultations were conducted in port (dental first and traumatology second) and 24 evacuations to national territory. The most often requested complementary tests were drug control and X-rays. There were 37 telemedicine consultations and no unit of blood components were transfused during the analyzed period. Conclusions: The study of health care on the navy training ship has shown that traumatology is the most frequent cause of medical consultations on board, followed by internal medicine consultations in port, telemedicine consultations and evacuations to national territory. Thanks to the work of the Military Health on board, it is possible to sail, teach and be ambassador on the seas. (AU)

Análisis de la atención sanitaria realizada en el buque escuela «Juan Sebastián de Elcano» durante diez años (2010-2020) / Analysis of health care performed on the Juan Sebastian de Elcano School Ship during ten years (2010-2020)

Introducción: El buque escuela Juan Sebastián de Elcano es un bergantín-goleta de la Armada. Debido a sus características y tipo de navegaciones, la asistencia sanitaria (prestada por un Role 1 embarcado y, puntualmente, por un equipo quirúrgico compuesto por un oficial médico cirujano general y un oficial médico anestesiólogo), está considerada un recurso esencial. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo sobre las atenciones médicas realizadas a bordo agrupadas por especialidad, pruebas médicas complementarias, consumo de hemoderivados, motivo de asistencia médica en puerto, número de evacuaciones hasta territorio nacional y tipo de consultas realizadas por telemedicina al Role 4 durante doce cruceros de navegación entre 2010 y 2020. Resultados: Las asistencias sanitarias más prevalentes han sido: traumatológicas (n=1.982, 22.04 %), seguidas de otorrinolaringológicas (n=1.234, 13,72 %) y finalmente la tercera especialidad con consultas más prevalentes fue medicina interna (n=1.125, 12,50 %). Se llevaron a cabo 112 interconsultas en puerto (primera causa odontología y segunda traumatología) y 24 evacuaciones a territorio nacional. Las pruebas complementarias más frecuentemente solicitadas fueron: control de estupefacientes y radiografías. Se realizaron 37 consultas de telemedicina y no se transfundió ninguna unidad de hemocomponentes durante el periodo analizado. Conclusiones: El estudio de la asistencia sanitaria en el buque escuela de la Armada ha revelado que la traumatología es la causa más prevalente de las consultas a bordo, seguida de las interconsultas en puerto, las consultas por telemedicina y evacuaciones en territorio nacional. Gracias a la labor de la Sanidad Militar a bordo es posible la función marinera, docente y embajadora en los mares. (AU)

Overview: Juan Sebastián de Elcano training ship is a brigantine-school of the Spanish Navy. Due to its characteristics and navigation type, health care (provided by a Role 1 on-board and occasionally enhanced by a surgical team that includes a general surgeon medical officer and an anesthesiologist medical officer), is considered an essential resource. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of medical care provided on board, grouped by medical specialty, complementary tests, blood products consumption, reason of medical assistance in port, number of evacuations to national territory and type of consultations performed by telemedicine to Role 4 during twelve sailing cruises between 2010 and 2020. Results: The most prevalent healthcare services were traumatology (n=1.982, 22.04%), followed by otorhinolaryngology (n=1.234, 13.72%) and the third was internal medicine (n=1.125, 12.50%). 112 internal medicine consultations were conducted in port (dental first and traumatology second) and 24 evacuations to national territory. The most often requested complementary tests were drug control and X-rays. There were 37 telemedicine consultations and no unit of blood components were transfused during the analyzed period. Conclusions: The study of health care on the navy training ship has shown that traumatology is the most frequent cause of medical consultations on board, followed by internal medicine consultations in port, telemedicine consultations and evacuations to national territory. Thanks to the work of the Military Health on board, it is possible to sail, teach and be ambassador on the seas. (AU)

[Analysis of resident anesthesiologists' difficulties with epidural analgesia for labor and childbirth and complication rates]. / Análisis de las dificultades y complicaciones de la analgesia epidural para el trabajo de parto realizada por médicos residentes.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the number of attempts to provide an epidural or spinal-epidural block for labor and complication rates when the procedures are performed by resident or staff anesthesiologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, observational study in all women who asked for epidural or spinal-epidural analgesia for labor and childbirth over a 2-month period. RESULTS: We enrolled 1097 women. The procedure was performed by residents in 74.6% of the cases. The mean (SD) number of attempts needed to perform the technique was 1.46 (0.9) regardless of whether the anesthesiologist was a resident or on staff. Accidental dural puncture occurred in 14 cases (1.3%). The most common complication during puncture was paresthesia (34.1%), and the difference between the rates for staff anesthesiologists and residents was not significant. Asymmetric analgesia was the most common complication during the dilatation phase (37.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The number of attempts needed was 1.28 for staff anesthesiologists and 1.52 for residents (P = .02). The differences between the 2 groups in the incidences of complications (blood noted during puncture, accidental dural puncture, pain during expulsion, repeat epidural or spinal puncture, nausea, or back pain) were not significant.

Vancomycin added to the wash solution of the cell-saver. Effect on bacterial contamination. / Adición de vancomicina al suero de lavado del recuperador de sangre. Efecto sobre la contaminación bacteriana.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to test whether the addition of a low-dose of antibiotic (vancomycin) to the wash solution (saline) of the cell-saver reduces the incidence of bacterial contamination of the autologous red blood cell (RBCs) concentrate recovered. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Experimental, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study performed on 20 consecutive patients scheduled for posterior spinal fusion surgery. Intraoperative bleeding was processed through a cell-saver: HaemoLite® 2+, in which the RBCs were washed according to randomization group, with saline (control group) or saline+10µg/ml-1 vancomycin (vanco group). Data regarding age, weight, processed and recovered volume, blood count, blood culture, and vancomycin concentration in RBCs concentrates obtained and incidence of fever after reinfusion were collected. RESULTS: Processed volume was 843±403ml and recovered volume 121±29ml, with haemoglobin concentration 10.4±5.0g/dl-1 and haematocrit 29.1±15.9% (mean±SD). Recovered RBC concentrate cultures were positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 5 cases (50%) of the control group while all cultures were negative in the vanco group (P=.016). The difference between the theoretical concentration of vancomycin administered and the concentration determined in the recovered RBC concentrate was 1.31µg/ml-1 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.43; P=.074). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of vancomycin at a concentration of 10ug/ml-1 to the wash solution of the cell-saver achieved similar concentrations in the autologous blood concentrate recovered allowing for bacterial removal, with negative blood cultures in all cases.

Modern approach to an old technique: Narrative revision of techniques used to locate the epidural space. / Visión moderna sobre una técnica antigua: revisión narrativa de técnicas de localización del espacio epidural.

Since the first description of the epidural technique during the 1920s, the continuous progress of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the epidural space has allowed the development of different techniques to locate this space while increasing both the safety and efficacy of the procedure. The most common techniques used today are based on the two main characteristics of the epidural space: the difference in distensibility between the ligamentum flavum and the epidural space, and the existence of negative pressure within the epidural space. However, over recent years, technological advances have allowed the development of new techniques to locate the epidural space based on other physical properties of tissues. Some are still in the experimental phase, but others, like ultrasound-location have reached a clinical phase and are being used increasingly in daily practice.

[Perioperative treatment of a pregnant woman with recent cerebral infarction secondary to noncompaction cardiomyopathy]. / Tratamiento perioperatorio de una gestante con infarto cerebral reciente secundario a miocardiopatía no compactada.

Recent-onset noncompaction of the myocardium is a rare but serious entity with uncertain prognosis. Cerebral infarction is among the forms of presentation, and pregnancy and hypercoagulability increase risk. We report the case of a pregnant woman brought to the emergency department with ischemic cerebral infarction. Investigation demonstrated the cause to be cardiac embolism, and noncompaction of the myocardium was diagnosed. She was stabilized and a few days later underwent elective cesarean section under general anesthesia. Surgery and postoperative recovery were uneventful, and she was transferred for rehabilitation. Myocardial injury and progression to cerebrovascular accident must be prevented in such cases; the patient must be stabilized and antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy initiated before surgery. Hemodynamic stability must be maintained throughout the perioperative period and neonatal depression avoided after delivery. Various approaches are available to be adapted to the patient's situation.

[Occupational exposure to nitrous oxide and sevoflurane during pediatric anesthesia: evaluation of an anesthetic gas extractor]. / Exposición laboral al óxido nitroso y sevoflurano durante la anestesia en pediatráa: evaluación de un dispositivo de extracción de gases anestésicos.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of occupational exposure to anesthetic gases in the absence of an extractor during pediatric anesthesia and to assess the efficacy of a purpose-built extraction system. METHODS: The patients were 24 children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Gases were extracted from the room for 1 group and were not extracted for the other group (n=12 in each group). Induction was with 8% sevoflurane, 60% nitrous oxide (N2O), 40% oxygen at a flow rate of 8 L x min(-1) through a Mapleson C circuit. Maintenance was with 2% sevoflurane at the same flow rate and gas mixture under spontaneous ventilation with an endotracheal tube and a Mapleson D circuit. The circuits were equipped with an airway pressure-limiting valve to allow connection to an anesthetic gas extractor. Ambient levels of sevoflurane and N2O were measured in the breathing area around the anesthesiologist. The surgeon and the nurse were asked about symptoms related to occupational exposure. RESULTS: The mean (SD) exposure to N2O and sevoflurane in the group without an extractor was 423 (290) and 12 (10.9) parts per million (ppm), respectively. In the group working with the extractor, exposure was 94% and 91% lower: 24.7 (26) and 1.1 (1) ppm (P<.001). A higher incidence of noticing a "smell of gas" was registered for the group without an extractor (87% vs 11% in the extractor group, P=.003). Higher rates were also found for general discomfort (62% vs 11%, P=.05), nausea (62% vs 0%, P=.009), and headache (62% vs 0%, P=.009) in the absence of the extractor. CONCLUSIONS: Gas extraction decreased the level of exposure by up to 94%, achieving levels that were below the recommended limits and greatly reducing occupational risk.

Historia de la administración de éter por vía intravenosa / History of intravenous ether administration

La anestesia con éter por vía intravenosa fue una técnica anestésica utilizada en los años iniciales del siglo XX. Tuvo una granaceptación en Alemania. En la década de los sesenta del siglo pasado fue usada en cirugía endoscópica. El éter ha sido utilizadocon éxito para estudiar los tiempos de la circulación portal. (AU)

Intravenous ether anesthesia was an anesthetic technique used in the initial years of the XX century. It was mostly used in Germany.In the sixties decade of the past century it was used for endoscopic surgery. Ether has been used successfully for the study of circulation time of portal circulation. (AU)