[Short version of recommendations for enhanced recovery program (ERP) for cystectomy: Technical measures]. / Version courte des recommandations de la récupération ameliorée après chirurgie (RAAC) pour la cystectomie : mesures techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The enhanced recovery program (ERP) is a management mode whose objective is to reduce the risk of complications and allow the patient to recover more quickly all its functional capacities and to reintegrate at most quickly and safely in his usual environment. This intentionally synthetic document aims to disseminate in the urological community the main points of the ERP recommendations for cystectomy. This work, coordinated by AFU, involves several other partners. The full document is available on the "Urofrance" website. Another article will follow on organizational measures. METHOD: The development of the recommendations is based on the method "formalized consensus of experts" proposed by the HAS. The report is based on a systematic review of the literature (January 2006-May 2017), two rounds of iterative quotations and a national proofreading. Levels of proof of conclusions and gradation of recommendations are based on the HAS grid. RESULTS: The bibliographic strategy made it possible to retain 298 articles. Only the recommendations that obtained a strong agreement after the two rounds of iterative listing were retained. The recommendations presented here are in chronological form (before, during, after hospitalization). Twenty-six key points on the technical and organizational measures of ERP have been identified. CONCLUSION: The result of the literature review, supplemented by expert opinion, suggests a significant clinical interest in the application and dissemination of ERP for cystectomy, despite the limited data available for this indication.

Use of analgesics in France, following dextropropoxyphene withdrawal.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, the European Medicines Agency recommended withdrawal of dextropropoxyphene (DXP); in March 2011 it was withdrawn from the market in France. Up until that time the combination dextropropoxyphene-paracetamol (DXP/PC) was widely used for analgesia. At withdrawal, French regulators recommended that DXP/PC be replaced by other step 2 analgesics, i.e. tramadol, codeine, or opium-containing drugs, or by PC for a weak level of pain. To investigate prescribing behaviours after DXP/PC withdrawal, dispensations of analgesics before and after withdrawal were analysed. METHODS: Aggregated dispensation data of analgesics prescribed between January 2009 and December 2012 in the Rhône-Alpes region were obtained from the general health insurance claims data; changes in analgesic dispensation over time were analysed with the ATC/DDD methodology. Pre (Jan-June 2009) and post-withdrawal (Jan-June 2012) changes of DDDs where computed for each analgesic step. RESULTS: The dispensations of DXP/PC experienced a two-step decrease until 2011. Over the withdrawal period 2009-2012, there was a 14% decrease in the overall use of analgesic (from 109 to 94 DDDs), while the use of step 2 analgesics declined by 46% (- 22 DDDs, from 47 to 25 DDDs). This latter decline included a cessation of use of DXP/PC (29 DDDs in 2009) that were only in part (+ 7 DDDs, from 18 to 25 DDDs) compensated by increased use of codeine, tramadol and opium, in monotherapy or combined with PC. For step 1 analgesics, use increased with 9%, mostly PC (+ 8 DDDs, from 31 to 39 DDDs). Step 3 analgesics dispensations remained largely unchanged over this period (around 3 DDDs). CONCLUSIONS: In the Rhône-Alpes region, DXP/PC withdrawal was accompanied in part by an increased use of same level analgesics, and in part by an increased use of PC in monotherapy. The extent of DXP/PC use before withdrawal, and the increased use of PC after DXP withdrawal, underline the complexity of pain management.

Far-field mapping of the longitudinal magnetic and electric optical fields.

In this Letter, we demonstrate the experimental mapping of the longitudinal magnetic and electric optical fields with a standard scanning microscope that involves a high-numerical-aperture far-field objective. The imaging concept relies upon the insertion of an azimuthal or a radial polarizer within the detection path of the microscope that acts as an optical electromagnetic filter aimed at transmitting selectively to the detector the signal from the magnetic or electric longitudinal fields present in the detection volume, respectively. The resulting system is thus versatile, noninvasive, and of high resolution, and shows high detection efficiencies. Magnetic optical properties of physical and biological micro- and nano-structures may thus be revealed with a far-field microscope.

Practice advisory on the prevention and management of complications of pediatric regional anesthesia.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based recommendations for prevention and management of infections, bleeding, and local anesthetic toxicity in children undergoing regional anesthesia. DESIGN: A joint committee of the European Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA) and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) studied electronic literature databases of pediatric regional anesthesia to construct evidence-based recommendations. MAIN RESULTS: For epidural anesthesia lumbar or thoracic placement is preferred. Skin preparation prior to block placement with chlorhexidine is preferred to povidone iodine. A tunneled catheter technique is suggested when using the caudal route or if the epidural catheter placement is kept in situ for more than 3 days. Inspection of the epidural catheter insertion site should be performed at least once a day as part of the postoperative management. When medical and physical examination is normal, coagulation tests are usually unnecessary but if coagulation tests are abnormal, neuraxial and deep peripheral nerve blocks are contraindicated. For patients receiving Low Molecular Weight Heparin thromboprophylaxis, a safety interval of two half-lives plus the time required for heparin to reach maximal levels is considered an adequate compromise between bleeding risk and thrombosis risk when removing epidural catheters. Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks reduce the risk of vascular puncture and thus the risk of local anesthetic toxicity is reduced. CONCLUSIONS: In children undergoing regional anesthesia the incidence of infection, hematoma, and local anesthetic toxicity is low. The ASRA/ESRA joint committee proposes a practice advisory to prevent and treat these complications.

The learning process of the hydrolocalization technique performed during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Because poor echogenicity of the needle remains a safety issue, we decided to analyze the learning process of the hydrolocalization technique (Hloc) performed to continuously identify needle-tip anatomical position during many ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia procedures. METHODS: Ten senior anesthesiologists naïve to the Hloc agreed to participate in the study. They were requested to perform 40 out-of-plane (OOP) approach ultrasound-guided axillary blocks (AB) each using the Hloc. The Hloc, which is a needle-tip localization principle, was performed by means of repetitive injections of a small amount of a local anesthetic solution (0.5-1 ml) under an ultrasound beam. Details of the learning process and skill acquisition of the Hloc were derived from the following parameters: the duration of block placement, a measure of the perceived difficulty of needle-tip visualization, a measure of block placement difficulty, and the amount of local anesthetics solution required for the technique. RESULTS: Four hundred ABs were performed. The success rate of an ultrasound-guided AB was 98%. The Hloc was successful in all patients. Skill acquisition over time of the Hloc was associated with a significant reduction of both the duration and the perceived difficulty of ABs placement. Apprenticeship data revealed that 20 blocks were required to successfully place AB within 5 min in most cases using the Hloc. CONCLUSION: The Hloc performed during the OOP approach of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is a simple technique with a relatively short learning process feasible for efficient placement of ABs.

Local anaesthetic use for the iliac crest-donor site: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations.

During orthopaedic surgery of the limb, we performed a prospective, double blind controlled study on three parallel groups in 30 patients to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effect of infiltration of the iliac crest bone graft harvest site with 20 ml of bupivacaine (100 mg), ropivacaine (150 mg) or saline as control group (n = 10 in each group). Then, in a sheep model of iliac crest infiltration, we compared the pharmacokinetics of single administration of plain bupivacaine (100 mg) and bupivacaine (500 mg)-loaded microspheres. In the clinical control group, pain from the iliac crest was worse than pain from the primary surgical site. Pain from the iliac crest was significantly reduced during the first 12 postoperative hours in local anaesthetic groups compared to the control group. However, during this period, pain from the primary surgical site was increased compared to the control group. Finally, there was no difference between the three groups in the average intake of PCA morphine. There was no significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic difference between plain bupivacaine and ropivacaine. The maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) of ropivacaine and bupivacaine were 964 (282) ng ml(-1) and 638 (366) ng ml(-1), respectively. In the sheep model, it was clearly shown that the release of bupivacaine from microspheres was controlled and prolonged despite the largest dose of bupivacaine used (500 mg; n = 4). Wound infiltration of iliac crest harvest site with local anaesthetic is an easy technique for postoperative analgesia. However, this effect lasts only 12 hours without reducing the morphine consumption due to an increase of pain from the primary surgical site. The local anaesthetic infiltration produced a significant peak of plasma level, which could be dangerous if another infiltration or regional anaesthetic technique was associated with it. Experimentally, as a drug delivery system, the use of local anaesthetic-loaded microspheres could be an interesting alternative.

Variation of bispectral index under TIVA with propofol in a paediatric population.

BACKGROUND: In this prospective observational study, we aim to explore the relationship between age and bispectral index (BIS) values at different plasma concentrations of propofol. METHODS: Fifty children aged from 3 to 15 yr were included. Anaesthesia was induced using a target-controlled infusion of propofol with the Kataria pharmacokinetic model together with a bolus of remifentanil followed by a continuous infusion rate at 0.2 microg kg(-1) min(-1). Target plasma propofol concentration was initially stabilized to 6 microg ml(-1) and continued for 6 min. The target was then decreased and stabilized to 4 microg ml(-1) and then to 2 microg ml(-1). BIS values, plasma propofol concentration, and EEG were continuously recorded. In order to explore the relationship between variations in propofol concentration and the EEG bispectrum, we used a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). Results are shown in median (range). RESULTS: We found no statistical difference between BIS values with propofol 6 microg ml(-1) [23 (12-40)] and 4 microg ml(-1) [28 (9-67)]. At 2 microg ml(-1), BIS was significantly different [52 (24-71)], but a significant correlation between the age of children and BIS values was found (r2=0.66; P<0.01). There was little change in children's position between 6 and 4 microg ml(-1) in the structure model of the MCA. From 4 to 2 microg ml(-1), the position of children moved only on axis 2. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed the difficulty to interpret BIS values because of the absence of significant change for higher plasma propofol concentration variation or because of the link with age for the lower plasma concentration.

Effect of epinephrine on epidural, intrathecal, and plasma pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine and bupivacaine in sheep.

BACKGROUND: Local vasoconstriction induced by epinephrine added to epidural local anaesthetics has been shown to improve their quality and duration of action in several clinical reports. There are several assumptions on the mechanisms. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of epinephrine on transmeningeal uptake of epidurally administered ropivacaine and bupivacaine by measuring local anaesthetic concentrations in the epidural and intrathecal spaces and in plasma. METHODS: Ropivacaine (50 mg) and bupivacaine (30 mg) were administered epidurally in sheep with and without epinephrine (75 microg). A microdialysis technique was used to simultaneously measure epidural and intrathecal drug concentrations. Resulting dialysate and plasma concentrations were used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters for ropivacaine and bupivacaine. RESULTS: Co-administration of epinephrine decreased epidural clearance for ropivacaine [0.6 (sd 0.1) vs 0.4 (0.1) ml min(-1)] but not significantly for bupivacaine [1.2 (0.4) vs 0.8 (0.3) ml min(-1)]. The resultant increase in epidural area under the concentration-time curves (31% for ropivacaine and 52% for bupivacaine) was also observed in the intrathecal space (21% increase for ropivacaine and 37% for bupivacaine). There was no significant influence of epinephrine on ropivacaine plasma pharmacokinetics. Plasma Cmax for bupivacaine was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that epinephrine decreases the clearance and distribution processes involved in epidural disposition of ropivacaine and bupivacaine, leading to an increased uptake into the intrathecal space with an apparent more pronounced effect for bupivacaine.

[Regional organization for intensive care in children, need for maintenance of competence in paediatric anaesthesia and intensive care]. / SROS enfants-adolescents et nécessité du maintien de la compétence en anesthésie-réanimation pédiatrique.

The recent French text concerning the medical care both of the child and the teenager classifies the establishments either in specialized centers or in proximity centers according to their level in the management of children and teenagers, the competences of their medical teams, their organization in permanence of care and the volume of acts they carry out and pathologies they treat by class of age. This grid of the paediatric activities implies a new organization both in paediatric surgery and in paediatric ENT and consequently in the anaesthetic organization. Anaesthetic competences necessary to the achievement of this mission and the means of maintaining these later are analyzed and compared with some foreign experiments.

Predictors of failure for prosthetic joint infections treated with debridement.

OBJECTIVE: Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) may be cured in selected patients with debridement and prosthesis retention. We aimed to identify predictors of failure to better target patients most likely to benefit from this conservative strategy. METHODS: Observational study of patients presenting with PJI initially treated at our hospital with debridement between 2008 and 2011, with>6 months of post-treatment follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty consecutive patients presenting with PJI (hip, n=34; knee, n=26) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Failures (n=20, 33%), predefined as persistence of PJI signs or relapses, were managed with additional surgery (n=17) and/or lifelong suppressive antibiotic treatment (n=6). Variables independently associated with failure: previous surgery on the prosthetic joint (OR: 6.3 [1.8-22.3]), Staphylococcus aureus PJI (OR: 9.4 [1.6-53.9]), post-debridement antibiotic treatment for <3 months (OR: 20.0 [2.2-200]). CONCLUSION: Previous surgery, S. aureus PJI, and short duration antibiotic treatment are associated with an increased risk of failure after debridement.

The failure of venovenous bypass to prevent graft liver postreperfusion syndrome.

We studied 58 patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation, aged 42 +/- 10 years (mean +/- SD), and weighing 65 +/- 14 kg. Anesthesia was maintained with fentanyl, midazolam, and vecuronium. Serum bicarbonate, serum potassium, serum ionized calcium and pH did not change significantly throughout the study. Usual hemodynamic parameters were recorded. Hemodynamic tolerance was assessed by a trial of clamping of the inferior vena cava, above and below the liver and the portal vein; patients were allocated to two groups: the group without venovenous bypass (NBP, n = 29) consisted of patients whose MAP did not decrease by more than 30% and/or cardiac output did not decrease by more than 50%; the group with venovenous bypass (BP, n = 29) consisted of patients whose MAP decreased by more than 30% and/or cardiac output decreased by more than 50% or required venovenous bypass for easier surgical dissection. After clamping of the vena cava and the portal vein, the cardiac index (CI) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) decreased significantly, whereas systemic vascular resistances (SVR) increased. After unclamping the inferior vena cava suprahepatically and infrahepatically, no hemodynamic change was observed. After unclamping the portal vein, MAP decreased, despite the increase in the CI, because of an significant decrease in SVR; in addition MPAP increased despite the decrease in pulmonary vascular resistances. The decrease in MAP of more than 30% during at least 1 min occurred in 6 patients (20%) in the NBP group and in 6 patients (20%) in the BP group. We concluded that the occurrence of the syndrome of cardiovascular collapse following liver reperfusion was similar whether venovenous bypass was used or not.

Ventilation and thoracoabdominal asynchrony during halothane anesthesia in infants.

To evaluate the ventilatory consequences of high chest wall compliance during anesthesia in infants, we assessed the effects of halothane at different fractions of minimal alveolar concentration (0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 MAC) on ventilation and movements of the rib cage and abdomen in infants < or = 12 mo of age (group I) and children (group II) > or = 12 mo of age. Minute ventilation decreased in group I, (20.6%, 0.75 to 1.5 MAC), but the change in group II did not reach the level of statistical significance. Tidal volume decreased with halothane level between 0.75 and 1.5 MAC, and its fall was greater in group I (32.7 +/- 11.2 vs. 22.6 +/- 9.3% in group II, P < 0.05). Duty cycle, or ratio of inspiratory to total time (TI/TT), increased in group II with halothane level but did not change in group I, resulting in a decreased TI in group I at higher halothane levels. Thoracic paradox increased with halothane level in group I but not group II. The increase in thoracic paradox in association with the fall in tidal volume between 0.75 and 1.5 MAC was greater in group I than group II (P < 0.05). We conclude that smaller infants depend more on inspiratory intercostal muscle activity to stabilize the thorax, leading to a greater degree of depression of ventilation during halothane depression of inspiratory intercostal activity.

Endotracheal tube cuffs filled with lidocaine as a drug delivery system: in vitro and in vivo investigations.

The purpose of this study was to examine if lidocaine diffusion across an endotracheal tube cuff could improve post-operative tolerance, especially sore throat. The in vitro release of lidocaine from tube cuffs filled with different lidocaine formulations (base form, hydrochloride form or alkalinized lidocaine hydrochloride) was investigated. A preliminary pilot clinical study in anaesthesia for spine surgery in smoker patients was carried out to examine the pharmacokinetic (i.e. systemic uptake) and pharmacodynamic effects (i.e. incidence of sore throat) obtained with the endotracheal tube cuff filled with lidocaine solution, compared to cuffs inflated only with air. From our in vitro experiment, only the hydrophobic neutral base form of lidocaine was able to diffuse (65.1+/-1.1% released after 6 h), while for the charged hydrochloride form, only a permeation phenomenon occurred concerning only 1% of the total drug. Alkalinization of lidocaine hydrochloride (the only form available as a drug) allows smaller amounts to be used compared to previous published studies (20-40 mg vs. 200-500 mg) and no lag time for diffusion. Such a system could provide a controlled release reservoir for lidocaine to adjacent tracheal tissue. This was shown in our pilot study with sustained plasmatic profiles and improved tolerance (decreased pain scores) in the rank order: air group<

Perioperative pharmacokinetics of piperacillin during liver transplantation.

There have been few evaluations of the perioperative pharmacokinetics of antibiotics. Piperacillin (PPR) is a widely prescribed ureidopenicillin of established efficacy against enterobacteria and P. aeruginosa. The serum pharmacokinetics and perioperative safety of PPR were evaluated in 8 patients hospitalized for an orthotopic liver transplantation. The subjects were given a 60 mg/kg infusion of PPR once every 8 hours. PPR was assayed by HPLC and data were analyzed by a noncompartmental method. There were no adverse events during surgery. It seems that kinetics of PPR showed no variation during the anhepatic period. However, transplants notably modified the kinetics of PPR in comparison with data previously published in healthy volunteers. Trends were as follows: flattening of Cmax and prolongation of T1/2 (2.2 h vs 0.92 h). This phenomenon seems to be due to a marked increase in V(area) (44.0 1 vs 16.2 1) while C1 were similar. The increase in V(area) is probably the combined results of multiple factors including blood loss, vascular filling, combined prescription of vasoactive drugs, and, obviously, the surgical procedure itself. Concentrations of PPR were after 4 hours below (i.e. 5/8 patients) the MIC of P. aeruginosa (i.e. < or = 16 micrograms/ml). From 6 hours onwards antibacterial cover was insufficient against the majority of enterobacteria (i.e. < or = 8 micrograms/ml). This inadequate protection included the critical anhepatic period. Measured concentrations achieved by the initial dosage regimen were compared to those obtained by simulation using modified dosing pattern in order to ensure circulating levels constantly of 16 micrograms/ml or more. This leads to a suggested modified dosage pattern in which PPR would be given as 1 dose of 60 mg/kg every 4 hours. Under these conditions the expected concentrations should be constantly over 16 micrograms/ml and any risk of systemic accumulation is excluded.

Infraclavicular block with lateral approach and nerve stimulation: extent of anesthesia and adverse effects.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The infraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus is little used despite theoretical advantages of the technique. Using a vertical paracoracoid approach, we assessed the extent of the sensory block and the incidence of adverse effects. METHODS: After obtaining informed consent, 100 patients undergoing surgical procedures distal to the elbow were evaluated. The block was performed using a peripheral nerve stimulator. The puncture site was located in the infraclavicular fossa; the direction of the insulated needle was perpendicular to the skin. Motor response was sought in the hand or wrist at < or = 0.6 mA. A total of 40 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine was administered as a single injection. The sensory block was evaluated every 5 minutes for 30 minutes before surgery in the cutaneous distribution of terminal branches of the brachial plexus. RESULTS: When one considers the cutaneous distributions of the median, ulnar, radial, and musculocutaneous nerves, the success rate was 89% for surgery without need for additional peripheral nerve blocks or general anesthesia. In contrast, cutaneous areas innervated by the axillary and medial cutaneous nerves were rarely anesthetized. We were unable to demonstrate a correlation between the intensity of the stimulation and the success of the block. On the other hand, a correlation was found between tourniquet sensation and the absence of anesthesia of the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm. Local anesthetic toxicity, Horner's syndrome, and vascular puncture were respectively observed in 1%, 4%, and 5% of cases. The depth of the needle introduction was correlated with the body mass index (P <.001; r =.63). CONCLUSION: Single injection infraclavicular block, using a vertical paracoracoid approach, appears suitable for surgery distal to the elbow. Selective anesthesia of the medial cutaneous nerve is useful in improving tolerance of the tourniquet.

Relationship between clinical history, coagulation tests, and perioperative bleeding during tonsillectomies in pediatrics.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of clinical history and preoperative coagulation tests. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter clinical investigation. SETTING: Twenty-four centers over a one-year period. PATIENTS: 1,706 children scheduled for tonsillectomy. In 1, 479 out of 1,706 children, studied age was ranged from 9 months to 15 years. Indications for surgery were tonsillar infection 54%, sleep apnea 33%, or both 13%. Surgical dissection was performed in 1, 284 cases (88%) and sluder technique in 172 cases (12%). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clinical history of bleeding, preoperative coagulation tests, and perioperative bleeding were recorded. Clinical history of bleeding was positive in 13 patients; clinical history cannot predict abnormal coagulation tests. Coagulation tests were abnormal in 57 children (4%). Only 8 patients had disease-induced bleeding; five children had a preoperative correction of the deficiency in factor of coagulation or received desmopressin acetate prior to surgery in the case of von Willebrand's disease. Bleeding that occurred during the intraoperative period was assessed as abnormal by the surgeon in 101 children (7%) and during the postoperative period in 50 children (3%). Univariate analysis showed a relationship between intraoperative bleeding and age (p < 0.001), sluder technique (p < 0. 001), and abnormal preoperative coagulation tests (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed the probability that bleeding was linked to the center where the surgery took place, the technique used, i.e., sluder technique, and the child's age, i.e., the older children. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative assessment based on the history of bleeding cannot predict abnormal laboratory tests. Neither the history of bleeding or laboratory tests can predict postoperative bleeding.

Comparison of fentanyl and sufentanil in combination with bupivacaine for patient-controlled epidural analgesia during labor.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of fentanyl plus bupivacaine with sufentanil plus bupivacaine for treatment of pain during labor and delivery using patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, clinical investigation. SETTINGS: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: 226 ASA physical status I and II laboring patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive 0.125% bupivacaine with fentanyl (2 micro g.ml(-1)) or 0.125% bupivacaine with sufentanil (0.25 micro g.ml(-1)) through PCEA. MEASUREMENTS: Maternal analgesia assessed by visual analog scale was recorded before epidural block, 1 and 3 hours after epidural block, at full cervical dilation, and at delivery. Motor blockade assessed by Bromage scale was recorded at delivery. MAIN RESULTS: Nine patients in group fentanyl, and 11 in group sufentanil were excluded from the study. Overall analgesia was good and no difference was observed between the two groups. Total boluses of 4 mL bupivacaine-opioid administered and the number of supplementary top-up injections of 5 mL 0.25% bupivacaine were similar in both groups. In group sufentanil, motor blockade and pruritus were significantly lower than in group fentanyl. Nausea was not recorded in any patients. Mode of delivery was similar in both groups, i.e., cesarean section, vacuum or forceps, or spontaneous vaginal delivery. No difference was observed in Apgar scores. CONCLUSIONS: Sufentanil is preferable to fentanyl during bupivacaine PCEA as there is less incidence of motor blockade and pruritus.

Hypercapnia during transperitoneal and retroperitoneal endoscopic spinal surgery: a prospective study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) pneumoperitoneum and retropneumoperitoneum insufflation on CO(2) excretion. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Operating room and recovery room in a teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 29 patients scheduled for orthopedic spine fusion surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received either transperitoneal insufflation (n = 12) or retroperitoneal insufflation (n = 17). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Increases in the partial pressure of end-tidal CO(2) (PetCO(2)) and arterial CO(2) tension (PaCO(2)) during retropneumoperitoneum exceeded those obtained during pneumoperitoneum. Furthermore, PetCO(2) increased faster during retroperitoneum and did not reach a plateau. Finally, 76% of the patients in this group required ventilatory adjustment due to high PetCO(2) levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study may focus attention on the need for continuous ventilatory adjustments during transperitoneal endoscopic surgery.

Pilot study on the effect of tourniquet use on sufentanil pharmacokinetics.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To test our hypothesis that sequestration of sufentanil can occur during surgery when a pneumatic tourniquet is used. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Operating room and recovery room of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 16 ASA physical status I and II patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery with pneumatic tourniquet use. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized to three groups. Sufentanil was given intravenously at 0.5 microg kg(-1) bolus at the same time that a constant infusion was started at 0.5 microg kg h(-1). In Group 1, continuous infusion of sufentanil was stopped when the tourniquet was released (n = 6). In Group 2, continuous infusion of sufentanil was stopped 15 minutes after tourniquet release (n = 6). In Group 3, as a control group, the sufentanil bolus was started after tourniquet inflation (n = 4). MEASUREMENTS: Plasma sufentanil concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. To compare pharmacokinetic results, a simulation of the sufentanil plasma concentrations was achieved. MAIN RESULTS: Exsanguination and inflation of the pneumatic tourniquet had no significant effect on pharmacokinetic results. In 75% of patients, a significant increase in sufentanil plasma concentration occurred between 30 and 60 minutes after tourniquet deflation in all three groups, probably as a result of patient mobilization. One respiratory distress event occurred in a Group 2 patient following extubation at 55 minutes after the end of the sufentanil infusion. The rebound of sufentanil concentration was higher in Group 2; it may be due to a reduced effect of the restoring circulation in the ischemic leg by a prolonged infusion after tourniquet deflation. CONCLUSIONS: Using a pneumatic tourniquet induces transient changes in the pharmacokinetics of sufentanil. These changes may have clinical relevance during the first hour after tourniquet release.

[Laryngeal mask airway in paediatrics: when? How?]. / Le masque laryngé en pédiatrie : quand ? comment ?

Since its introduction in 1981 by Brain, the laryngeal mask airway has achieved increased popularity in pediatrics. Despite widespread use, the definitive role of the laryngeal mask airway has yet to be established. We attempt to clarify the role of the laryngeal mask airway in airway management during anaesthesia by discussing the advantages and disadvantages as well as the indications and contra-indications of its use. The use in failed or suspected difficult endotracheal intubation was also described. Finally, we review the techniques of insertion, details of misplacement, the removal and complication associated with the use of laryngeal mask airway. Cleaning, pre-use checking and maintenance were also discussed.