Modified technique for endobronchial blocker placement in pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

BACKGROUND: One lung ventilation (OLV) in small children can be achieved using an Arndt endobronchial blocker (AEBB), but it presents challenges. OLV during thoracic procedures provides better surgical conditions and postoperative outcomes. AIM: To report a novel technique to improve placement and repositioning of an extraluminal AEBB for OLV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe how an angled wire is successfully used for extraluminal AEBB placement in pediatric thoracic procedures. DISCUSSION: Since 2017, we have successfully used this technic in over 50 infants and toddlers and overcome challenges of the classic OLV in this age group. CONCLUSIONS: The described technique allows for fast, safe, and reliable OLV while maintaining the ability to reposition the AEBB.

Preoperative Opioids Associated With Increased Postoperative Opioid Use in Pediatric Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: In light of current opioid-minimization efforts, we aimed to identify factors that predict postoperative opioid requirement in pediatric appendicitis patients. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted of children (<18 y) who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis between January 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019. Patients who underwent open or interval appendectomies were excluded. The primary outcome was morphine milliequivalents (MMEs) per kilogram administered between 2 and 24 h after surgery. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of postoperative opioid use. Clinically sound covariates were chosen a priori: age, weight, simple versus complicated appendicitis, preoperative opioid administration, and receipt of regional or local anesthesia. RESULTS: Of 546 patients, 153 (28%) received postoperative opioids. Patients who received postoperative opioids had a longer median preadmission symptom duration (48 versus 24 h, P < 0.001) and were more likely to have complicated appendicitis (55% versus 21%, P < 0.001). Patients who received postoperative opioids were more likely to have received preoperative opioids (54% versus 31%, P < 0.001). Regional and local anesthesia use was similar between groups. Nearly all patients (99%) received intraoperative opioids. Each preoperative MME per kilogram that a patient received was associated with receipt of 0.29 additional MMEs per kilogram postoperatively (95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative opioid administration was independently associated with increased postoperative opioid use in pediatric appendicitis. These findings suggest that preoperative opioids may potentiate increased postoperative pain. Limiting preoperative opioid exposure, through strategies such as multimodal analgesia, may be an important facet of efforts to reduce postoperative opioid use.

Anesthesia for children with mitochondrial disorders: a national survey and review.

PURPOSE: Mitochondrial diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders. Patients with such diseases often need general anesthesia for diagnostic procedures and surgery; guidelines are lacking for the anesthetic care of these patients. METHODS: We conducted a survey to investigate the current practices of pediatric anesthesiologists in the US in order to determine and document current practice. The survey consisted of twenty questions, including two demographic questions. A link to the survey was sent via email to members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (2440), and was available online for 14 weeks. RESULTS: Only 503 completed the survey: a response rate of 20.61 %. Among the responders, 93.2 % had children with mitochondrial disorders among their patients, but only 11 % had institutional guidelines for such cases in place. Among the responders, 80.3 % used the standard nil per os (NPO) status guidelines, while the rest give intravenous dextrose solution once NPO was in effect. Only 18.3 % took precautions for malignant hyperthermia during treatment. The majority of the practitioners chose sevoflurane as the safest inhaled agent for induction and maintenance (89.7 and 78.5 %, respectively). Regional anesthesia was deemed safe by 97.3 % of the responders. Lactated Ringer's solution was considered safe for these children by 49 %; only 47.8 % used dextrose-containing fluids for fluid replacement. The blood glucose was monitored by 72.7 %, and the majority (85 %) of this monitoring was done in a postanesthesia care unit. CONCLUSION: Although the response rate was low, the majority of the responders provide care to these children routinely, so it can be inferred that the results of this survey are the closest published results to the true trend.

Massive Transfusion of 5 U Packed Redblood Cells, 3 U Fresh Frozen Plasma, and 160 cc of Platelets in a 14-Month-Old Patient.

BACKGROUND: We present a case in which extremely rapid massive transfusion was successfully used to combat severe acute bleeding during a parietooccipital tumor resection in a 14-month-old patient. CASE REPORT: An 8-kg patient was found to have a 4 × 5 × 5-cm parietooccipital tumor on computed tomography scan, for which resection was urgently planned. Sudden acute bleeding was encountered, which was communicated to the anesthesia team. Transfusion was initiated and a total of 5 units of packed red blood cells, 3 units of fresh frozen plasma, 160 ml of platelets, 200 ml of albumin, and 500 ml of 0.9% normal saline were transfused during a 4-h period. We administered 4 g of mannitol and 0.8 mg of furosemide to deal with anticipated fluid overload. The patient was sent to the intensive care unit and extubated the next day. No clinically significant hemostatic or fluid overload complications were noted after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Massive transfusion (MT) was found to be safe and effective in this case. Most of what we know about pediatric MT is an extrapolation of data from adult studies. Although practical, it might not be ideal due to the differences in the physiology and incomplete development of hemostatic mechanisms in children, especially those younger than 12 months. Studies evaluating the use of pediatric MT protocols have not shown a significant advantage over transfusion per clinician discretion.