The usefulness of dual channel elastomeric pump for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in geriatrics: a randomized, double-blind, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) is often used in the postoperative period. However, determining an appropriate opioid dose is difficult. A previous study suggested the usefulness of variable-rate feedback infusion. In this study, we used a dual-channel elastomeric infusion pump to provide changes in PCA infusion rate by pain feedback. METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing orthopedic surgery of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I-III and 65 to 79 years of age participated in the study. All patients were given a dual-chamber PCA. Patients were randomly allocated to a treatment group (Group D; PCA drugs divided into both chambers) or control group (Group C; PCA drugs only in the constant flow chamber with normal saline in the adjustable flow chamber). The primary outcome was the amount of fentanyl consumption via PCA bolus. The secondary outcome variables were pain score, total fentanyl consumption, rescue analgesic use, patient satisfaction, recovery scores, and adverse events including postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). RESULTS: Group D showed decreased fentanyl consumption of the PCA bolus, a decrease in rescue analgesic use, and better patient satisfaction compared with group C. The incidence of PONV was much higher in group C. There was no difference in other adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: We showed the usefulness of dual chamber IV-PCA to change the flow rate related to pain feedback without any complications. Our results suggest a noble system that might improve existing IV-PCA equipment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study registered at UMIN clinical trial registry (registered date: 05/03/2020, registration number: UMIN000039702 ).

Burst Stimulation of the Thoracic Spinal Cord near a Cardiac Pacemaker in an Elderly Patient with Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Case Report.

New developments in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have improved the treatment of patients with chronic pain. Although the overall safety of modern SCS has been established, there are no published reports regarding safety considerations when implanting a burst-mode spinal cord stimulator in patients with permanent cardiac pacemakers (PCPs). An 80-year-old man with a complete atrioventricular block implanted with a PCP was considered as a candidate for burst-mode SCS due to well-established postherpetic neuralgia (>180 days after rash). Cardiac monitoring during the burst-mode spinal cord stimulator trial and insertion did not indicate any interference. After the insertion of the burst-mode spinal cord stimulator, the patient showed functional improvement and significant pain relief. The safety of traditional tonic-mode SCS in patients with PCP has been previously reported. This is the first case report describing the safe and effective use of burst-mode SCS in a patient with PCP.

A Comparison of Bispectral Index and Entropy During Sevoflurane Anesthesia Induction in Children with and without Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the correlation of bispectral index (BIS) or entropy with different sevoflurane concentrations between children with and without cerebral palsy (CP) during induction. METHODS: For eighty-two children (40 CP and 42 non-CP children), anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane. BIS and entropy (response entropy and state entropy (RE and SE)) were recorded before and after the induction of anesthesia at end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations of 1-3 vol%. The sedation status was assessed using an Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale. The ability to predict awareness was estimated using the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. RESULTS: RE, SE and BIS values decreased continuously over the observed concentration range of sevoflurane in both groups. The SE values while awake and the RE, SE, BIS values at 3 vol% sevoflurane were lower in children with CP than in those without CP. The AUC of the BIS was significantly better than RE or SE in children without CP. The AUC of the BIS was not significantly higher than that of the RE or SE in children with CP. CONCLUSION: BIS seems better correlated than entropy with the clinical state of loss of response in children without CP, but not in those with CP.

Comparison of Surgical Pleth Index-guided Analgesia with Conventional Analgesia Practices in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: To compare surgical pleth index (SPI)-guided analgesia with conventional analgesia by evaluating intraoperative analgesic requirements, postoperative pain, and emergence agitation in children. METHODS: This study was designed as a parallel, two-arm, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Forty-five children undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy were randomly allocated to SPI-guided group (SPI-guided analgesia group, n = 21) or control group (conventional analgesia group, n = 24). Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 2 to 3 vol% in 50% nitrous oxide and oxygen to achieve state entropy between 40 and 60. Intraoperative fentanyl 0.5 µg/kg was administered for the first event persisting 3 min and subsequent events persisting 5 min. An event was defined as an SPI over 50 (SPI-guided group) or a blood pressure or heart rate 20% above the baseline (control group). The primary outcome was intraoperative fentanyl requirement. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative sevoflurane consumption, postoperative emergence agitation and pain score, and postoperative rescue analgesic requirements. RESULTS: Intraoperative fentanyl requirement was lower in SPI-guided group than in control group (0.43 ± 0.53 vs. 1.73 ± 0.59 µg/kg; P < 0.001). Intraoperative sevoflurane consumption was similar. The proportion of patients with high emergence agitation scores (4 to 5) was greater in SPI-guided group (61.9 vs. 25.0%; P = 0.01). The postoperative pain score and rescue fentanyl consumption were higher in SPI-guided group (7 [4.5; 9] vs. 3 [2; 6.75]; P = 0.002; 0.50 ± 0.34 vs. 0.29 ± 0.30 µg/kg; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: As currently constructed, SPI does not appear to be valid in children. This may be due to both differences in blood vessel distensibility and baseline increased heart rates in children versus adults.

Slow injection of nefopam reduces pain intensity associated with intravenous injection: a prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the frequency and severity of pain associated with intravenous injection of nefopam and to determine whether a slow rate of administration can effectively reduce such pain. METHODS: We used a solution containing 30 mg nefopam diluted to 20 ml in saline. In all, 102 adult patients undergoing minor surgery were randomly allocated to one of three administration groups: A (60 ml/h, n = 34); B (120 ml/h, n = 34); or C (180 ml/h, n = 34). All patients scored the maximal pain experienced during the 120-s infusion period, using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the verbal pain score (VPS). Adverse events including phlebitis were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients (29 in group A, 27 each in groups B and C) were included in the final analysis. The incidence of injection pain was lower in group A (86.2 %) than in groups B (96.3 %) and C (100 %), but this difference was not statistically significant. The proportion of patients with a tolerable level of pain (VAS 0-3 and VPS 0-1) was significantly higher in group A (79.3 %) versus groups B (7.4 %) and C (3.7 %). The mean VAS scores for groups A, B, and C were 2.2 ± 1.3, 5.1 ± 1.6, and 7.2 ± 1.7, respectively, and these differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: At the slower rate of infusion (60 ml/h) of the 1.5 mg/ml nefopam solution, injection pain intensity was attenuated to a significantly greater degree than at the faster rates.

Comparison between the trapezius and adductor pollicis muscles as an acceleromyography monitoring site for moderate neuromuscular blockade during lumbar surgery.

Acceleromyography at the adductor pollicis located in a distal part of the body may not reflect the degree of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) at the proximally located muscles manipulated during lumbar surgery. We investigated the usefulness and characteristics of acceleromyographic monitoring at the trapezius for providing moderate NMB during lumbar surgery. Fifty patients were randomized to maintain a train-of-four count 1-3 using acceleromyography at the adductor pollicis (group A; n = 25) or the trapezius (group T; n = 25). Total rocuronium dose administered intraoperatively [mean ± SD, 106.4 ± 31.3 vs. 74.1 ± 17.6 mg; P < 0.001] and surgical satisfaction (median [IQR], 7 [5-8] vs. 5 [4-5]; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in group T than group A. Lumbar retractor pressure (88.9 ± 12.0 vs. 98.0 ± 7.8 mmHg; P = 0.003) and lumbar muscle tone in group T were significantly lower than group A. Time to maximum block with an intubating dose was significantly shorter in group T than group A (44 [37-54] vs. 60 [55-65] sec; P < 0.001). Other outcomes were comparable. Acceleromyography at the trapezius muscle during lumbar surgery required a higher rocuronium dose for moderate NMB than the adductor pollicis muscle, thereby the consequent deeper NMB provided better surgical conditions. Trapezius as proximal muscle may better reflect surgical conditions of spine muscle.

Antihistamine pretreatment to reduce incidence of withdrawal movement after rocuronium injection.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of antihistamine therapy for withdrawal movements caused by rocuronium injection. One hundred seventy one ASA I-II adults undergoing elective surgery were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Patients in the control group (Group C) were premedicated with 2 mL normal saline, and those in the antihistamine group (Group A) were pre-medicated with 2 mL (45.5 mg) pheniramine maleate. After the administration of thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was injected. Withdrawal movements were assessed using a four-grade scale. The administration of antihistamine reveals lower grade of withdrawal movement after rocuronium injection.

Lung ultrasound score-based perioperative assessment of pressure-controlled ventilation-volume guaranteed or volume-controlled ventilation in geriatrics: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Recent studies have shown the potential benefits of pressure-controlled ventilation-volume guaranteed (PCV-VG) compared to volume-controlled ventilation (VCV), but the results were not impressive. We assessed the effects of PCV-VG versus VCV in elderly patients by using lung ultrasound score (LUS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Elderly patients (aged 65-90 years) scheduled for hip joint surgery were randomly assigned to either the PCV-VG or VCV group during general anesthesia. LUS and mechanical ventilator parameters were evaluated before induction, 30 mins after a semi-lateral position change, during supine repositioning before awakening, and 15 mins after arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Pulmonary function tests were performed before and after surgery. Other recovery indicators were also assessed in the PACU. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (40 for PCV-VG and 36 for VCV) were included this study. Demographic data showed no significant difference between the two groups. In both groups, LUSs before induction were significantly lower than those at other time points. LUSs of the VCV group were significantly increased during perioperative periods compared with the PCV-VG group (p=0.049). Visualized LUS modeling suggested an intuitive difference in the two groups and unequal distribution in lung aeration. Higher dynamic compliance and lower inspiratory peak pressure were observed in the PVC-VG group compared to the VCV group (33.54 vs 27.36, p<0.001; 18.93 vs 21.19, p<0.001, respectively). Postoperative forced vital capacity of the VCV group was lower than that of PCV-VG group, but this result was not significant (2.06 vs 1.79, respectively; p=0.091). The other respiratory data are comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The PCV-VG group showed better LUS compared with the VCV group. Moreover, LUS modeling in both groups suggests non-homogeneous and positional change in lung aerations during surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the UMIN clinical trials registry (unique trial number: UMIN000029355; registration number: R000033510).

The utility of bispectral index monitoring for prevention of rocuronium-induced withdrawal movement in children: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine whether a deep hypnotic state with a bispectral index (BIS) value less than 40 could alleviate withdrawal movement (WM) upon rocuronium injection during anesthesia induction in children. METHODS: Finally, 135 healthy children (3-12 years) scheduled for minor elective surgery were studied. Without premedication, anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg. Patients were randomized into 2 groups (control vs experimental) and then by virtue of rocuronium injection time, patients in the experimental group were allocated into 2 groups, as follows: in the control group (group C; n = 45), rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was administered at the loss of eyelash reflex; in the 1st experimental group, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was administered when BIS fell to less than 40 (group T; n = 45); however, if BIS did not fall below 40 after thiopental sodium administration, manual ventilation was provided with oxygen 6 L/minute using sevoflurane 8% and then rocuronium was administered when BIS fell below 40 (the 2nd experimental group, group S; n = 45). Rocuronium-induced WM was evaluated using a 4-point scale (no movement; movement/withdrawal involving the arm only; generalized response, with movement/withdrawal of more than 1 extremity, but no requirement for restraint of the body; and generalized response which required restraint of the body and caused coughing or breath-holding). RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the groups for patient characteristics including age, sex, height, and location of venous cannula. However, body weight, height, and body mass index in group S were all smaller than those in group T. The incidence of WM caused by rocuronium was 100% in group C, 95.6% in group T, and 80% in group S, and was significantly lower in group S than in group C. The grade of WM was 3.7 ±â€Š0.6 in group C, 3.2 ±â€Š0.9 in group T, and 2.6 ±â€Š1.0 in group S. It was significantly lower in group T than in group C and significantly lower in group S than in groups C and T. CONCLUSION: The confirmation of a deep hypnotic state with BIS values lower than 40 using BIS monitoring can reduce the grade of rocuronium-induced WMs during anesthesia induction using thiopental sodium or sevoflurane in children.

The effect of nicardipine on the surgical pleth index during thyroidectomy under general anesthesia: A prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of surgical pleth index (SPI) for managing nociception-antinociception balance during general anesthesia with vasodilators, including nicardipine has not been demonstrated. We aimed to compare the time course during surgery in SPI values in patients receiving nicardipine or remifentanil infusion during thyroidectomy. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to receive nicardipine (group N; n = 19) or remifentanil (group R; n = 21) along with induction (propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium) and maintenance (50% desflurane/nitrous oxide in oxygen) anesthesia (goal bispectral index [BIS] ∼50). The infusion of nicardipine or remifentanil was started before the 1st incision and adjusted to keep mean blood pressure (MBP) within ±20% of the preoperative value. SPI, BIS, end-tidal desflurane concentration (EtDes), MBP, and heart rate were recorded at 2.5 minute intervals from the 1st incision to the end of surgery. Extubation and recovery times, pain score/rescue ketorolac consumption, and adverse events in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) were recorded. RESULTS: The trend of SPI during surgery was comparable between the 2 groups (P = 0.804), although the heart rates in group N were significantly higher than those in group R (P = 0.040). The patient characteristics, trends of BIS, EtDes, and MBP during surgery, extubation and recovery times, and incidence of nausea/vomiting were comparable between the groups. Group N had significantly lower pain scores and rescue ketorolac consumption at PACU. CONCLUSION: SPI was comparable between patients receiving nicardipine or remifentanil infusion during thyroidectomy under general anesthesia, which suggests that the administration of nicardipine may confound the interpretation of SPI values during general anesthesia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the UMIN clinical trials registry (unique trial number: UMIN000019058; registration number: R000022028; principal investigator's name: Young Ju Won; date of registration: September 17, 2015).

Oxidative damages in the DNA, lipids, and proteins of rats exposed to isofluranes and alcohols.

DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation were evaluated in rats exposed to a 1% isoflurane atmosphere with or without alcohol administration (administrated by gastric intubation at 4 g/kg body weight as a 50% solution). Single cell gel electrophoresis assays were performed in order to evaluate DNA damage occurring in the lymphocytes, spleen, bone marrow, brain, livers and lung of rats exposed to 1% isoflurane for 30 or 60 min with/without ethanol. Levels of malondialdehydes (MDA), a metabolite of lipid peroxidation, were determined in plasma and tissues. Carbonyl contents were also analyzed to determine levels of protein oxidation in plasma and tissues. Levels of DNA damage in lymphocytes, bone marrow, and the organ tissues of rats exposed to isoflurane were found to increase time dependently, and alcohol increased DNA damage. Lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation results showed patterns that differed from those of DNA damage. Levels of MDA in plasma, bone marrow, spleen, and the livers of rats exposed to isoflurane with/without ethanol were found to be time dependently increased, but this was not observed in the brain or lung. However, protein oxidation levels were significantly increased in the plasma, brains, and lungs of rats exposed to isoflurane, and exposure to isoflurane and alcohol, significantly increased these levels in plasma and brain. The present study demonstrates that isoflurane exposure results in significant DNA damage in rat lymphocytes, bone marrow, spleen, brain, livers, and lung. Moreover, alcohol was found to be as a strong inducer of DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. However, no evidence in association between DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation was found. Regarding the effects of isoflurane and alcohol on oxidative damages, single strand DNA damages may be a useful biomarkers and blood cells and plasma appear to be more sensitive targets to oxidative damage than other tissues.

Comparison of clinical validation of acceleromyography and electromyography in children who were administered rocuronium during general anesthesia: a prospective double-blinded randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Electromyography and acceleromyography are common neuromuscular monitoring devices. However, questions still remain regarding the use of acceleromyography in children. This study compared the calibration success rates and intubation conditions in children after obtaining the maximal blockade depending on each of the devices. METHODS: Children, 3 to 6 years old, were randomly allocated to the TOF-Watch SX acceleromyography group or the NMT electromyography group. The induction was performed with propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium. The bispectral index and 1 Hz single twitch were monitored during observation. The calibration of the each device was begun when the BIS dropped to 60. After successful calibration, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was injected. A tracheal intubation was performed when the twitch height suppressed to 0. The rocuronium onset time (time from administration to the maximal depression of twitch height) and intubating conditions were rated in a blinded manner. RESULTS: There was no difference in the calibration success rates between the two groups; and the calibration time in the electromyography group (16.7 ± 11.0 seconds) was shorter than the acceleromyography group (28.1 ± 13.4 seconds, P = 0.012). The rocuronium onset time of the electromyography group (73.6 ± 18.9 seconds) was longer than the acceleromyography group (63.9 ± 18.8 seconds, P = 0.042) and the intubation condition of the electromyography group (2.27 ± 0.65) was better than the acceleromyography group (1.86 ± 0.50, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Electromyography offers a better compromise than acceleromyography with respect to the duration of calibration process and surrogate for the optimal time of tracheal intubation in children.

Sugammadex for reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in pediatric patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that sugammadex, a modified γ-cyclodextrin, is a well-tolerated agent for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) induced by a steroidal neuromuscular blocking drug in adult patients. However, its use has not been reviewed in pediatric patients. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sugammadex in the reversal of rocuronium-induced NMB during surgery under general anesthesia in pediatric patients. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the Pubmed, EMBASE: Drugs and pharmacology, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3. Data collected from different trials were pooled; the weighted mean difference or the pooled risk ratio and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for analysis, and heterogeneity (I) assessment was performed. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials comparing 253 pediatric patients (age range, 2-18 years) were included in the final analysis. The mean time taken to reach a train-of-four ratio of ≥0.9 was significantly shorter in the sugammadex groups (2 and 4 mg/kg) than in the control group (neostigmine or placebo), although the heterogeneity was high. The weighted mean differences of the 2 and 4 mg/kg sugammadex groups were -7.15 (95% CI: -10.77 to -3.54; I = 96%; P = 0.0001) and -17.32 (95% CI: -29.31 to -5.32; I = 98%; P = 0.005), respectively. The extubation time in the sugammadex group was shorter than that in the control group; the weighted mean difference of the sugammadex group was -6.00 (95% CI: -11.46 to -0.53; I = 99%; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the incidence of postanesthetic adverse events; the pooled risk ratio was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.27-1.71; I = 59%; P = 0.41). CONCLUSION: We suggest that sugammadex is fast and effective in reversing rocuronium-induced NMB in pediatric patients. Although there was no evidence of a higher incidence of adverse events with sugammadex compared to that with neostigmine or placebo, much more data regarding the safety of sugammadex in pediatric patients may be still required.

Comparison of relative oxycodone consumption in surgical pleth index-guided analgesia versus conventional analgesia during sevoflurane anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The surgical pleth index (SPI) is proposed for titration of analgesic drugs during general anesthesia. Several reports have investigated the effect of SPI on the consumption of opioids including remifentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil during anesthesia, but there are no reports about oxycodone. We aimed to investigate intravenous oxycodone consumption between SPI-guided analgesia and conventional analgesia practices during sevoflurane anesthesia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. METHODS: Forty-five patients undergoing elective thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to an SPI group (SPI-guided analgesia group, n = 23) or a control group (conventional analgesia group, n = 22). Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane to achieve bispectral index values between 40 and 60. In the SPI group, oxycodone 1 mg was administered intravenously at SPI values over 50; in the control group, oxycodone 1 mg was administered intravenously at the occurrence of tachycardia or hypertension event. Intraoperative oxycodone consumption and extubation time were recorded. The number of hemodynamic and somatic movement events was recorded, as were postoperative pain and recovery scores. RESULTS: Patients' characteristics were comparable between the groups. Intraoperative oxycodone consumption in the SPI group was significantly lower than the control group (3.5 ±â€Š2.4 vs 5.1 ±â€Š2.4 mg; P = 0.012). Extubation time was significantly shorter in the SPI group (10.6 ±â€Š3.5 vs 13.4 ±â€Š4.6 min; P = 0.026). Hemodynamic and somatic movement events during anesthesia were comparable between the groups, as were numeric rating scales for pain and modified Aldrete scores at postanesthesia care unit. CONCLUSIONS: SPI-guided analgesia reduces intravenous oxycodone consumption and extubation time compared with conventional analgesia based on clinical parameters during sevoflurane anesthesia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

The analgesic effect of nefopam combined with low dose remifentanil in patients undergoing middle ear surgery under desflurane anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of the combined administration of nefopam, a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and low dose remifentanil, on early postoperative pain and analgesic requirement. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled to undergo mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty were randomized to be given either nefopam 40 mg mixed with normal saline 100 ml (Group N) or an equal amount of normal saline (Group C) before anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was maintained with 5-6 vol% desflurane and remifentanil 0.05-0.15 µg/kg/min during the surgery. Postoperative pain was controlled by titration of ketorolac in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and ward. We evaluated the intraoperative remifentanil dose, recovery profiles, ketorolac demand in the PACU and ward, numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain at time intervals of every 10 min for 1 h in the PACU, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h in a ward, as well as the time to first analgesic requirement in the PACU and ward. RESULTS: Ketorolac demand and NRS in the PACU were significantly lower in Group N than Group C (P = 0.002, P = 0.005, respectively). The time to first analgesic requirement in the PACU in Group N were significantly longer than Group C (P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in intraoperative remifentanil dose, ketorolac demand, NRS, and the time to first analgesic requirement in the ward between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nefopam administration combined with low dose remifentanil infusion reduces pain and analgesic consumption during the immediate postoperative period in patients undergoing middle ear surgery under desflurane anesthesia.

Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for lumbar discectomy in a patient with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis: a case report.

The use of neuraxial anesthesia has traditionally been contraindicated in patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, general anesthesia can be riskier than neuraxial anesthesia for severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing spinal surgeries in the prone position as this can cause a major reduction in cardiac output secondary to diminished preload. In addition, general anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and positive-pressure ventilation can decrease venous return and reduce vascular tone, further compromising cardiac output. Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with closely monitored, careful titration of the local anesthetic dose can be an efficient and safe anesthetic method for managing such patients. We describe the successful management of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in an asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis patient scheduled for lumbar discectomy.

Public awareness about the specialty of anesthesiology and the role of anesthesiologists: a national survey.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this national survey were to determine the views of Korean people regarding the specialty of anesthesiology and the role of anesthesiologists and to consider the ways in which individual anesthesiologists and the Korean Society of Anesthesiologists inform the public. METHODS: This off-line national survey was conducted by a professional research organization to obtain exact and reliable data. The questionnaire included structured questions to identify perceptions of the specialty of anesthesiology and the role of anesthesiologists inside and outside the operating room, people's desire for explanation of anesthesia by anesthesiologists, and their opinion about the best way to raise awareness about anesthesia and anesthesiologists. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 25.2% did not know that anesthesiologists are in charge of anesthesia during surgery. Furthermore, even respondents who knew that had very little knowledge of anesthesiologists' actual roles inside and outside the operating room. Respondents wanted their anesthesiologist to inform them about their anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The public's awareness regarding the role of anesthesiologists seems to be inadequate. To improve this awareness, in hospitals, each anesthesiologist should provide patients with more exact and detailed information. Simultaneously, the National Society of Anesthesiology should provide systematic information reflecting the public's thoughts.

Comparison of emergence agitation between sevoflurane/nitrous oxide administration and sevoflurane administration alone in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy with preemptive ketorolac.

BACKGROUND: Sevoflurane anesthesia commonly causes emergence agitation (EA) in children. One previous study has reported that the use of nitrous oxide (N2O) during the washout of sevoflurane may reduce EA by decreasing the residual sevoflurane concentration, while many animal studies suggest that N2O poses a potential risk to children. The present study was designed to compare EA in children assigned to receive sevoflurane with N2O (group N) or sevoflurane alone (group S). METHODS: We enrolled 80 children aged 3-10 years. Anesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg thiopental sodium, 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium and 0.5 mg/kg ketorolac, and was maintained with 50% N2O and sevoflurane in group N or with sevoflurane alone in group S. The sevoflurane concentration was adjusted with a bispectral index (BIS) of 40-60. After completion of the surgery, N2O and sevoflurane were simultaneously discontinued and replaced with oxygen (O2) at 6 L/min. End-tidal sevoflurane concentration (Et Sevo) (%), BIS at the end of surgery, Et Sevo at recovery of self-respiration and emergence profiles were recorded. EA occurrence, pain score and rescue fentanyl consumption were assessed in the postanesthesia care unit. RESULTS: Et Sevo was significantly lower in group N (1.9%) than in group S (2.3%) at the end of surgery. However, there were no differences in Et Sevo at recovery of self-respiration, emergence times, the incidence of EA, pain score or dose of rescue fentanyl between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In children undergoing adenotonsillectomy with preemptive ketorolac, anesthetic maintenance using sevoflurane alone does not affect the incidence of EA or emergence profiles compared to anesthetic maintenance using sevoflurane with N2O.