A Comparison of the Effects of Prolonged Infusion of Propofol 2% and 1% During Total Intravenous Anaesthesia Using Target-Controlled Infusion Technique for Elective Neurosurgery.

Background: Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with a combination of target-controlled infusions (TCIs) of propofol and remifentanil has been advocated for a favourable neurosurgical outcome. Neurosurgical procedures often involve a prolonged duration and large cumulative infusion of propofol. This study compares the serial serum lipid profile, acid-base balance and lactate level of neurosurgical patients anaesthetised with TCIs of propofol at 2% versus 1%. Methods: A total of 74 patients who underwent an elective craniotomy under general anaesthesia were randomised into two groups: i) propofol 1% (n = 37) and ii) propofol 2% (n = 37). All patients were anaesthetised using TCIs of propofol and remifentanil. Serial lipid profiles (serum triglyceride [TG] and cholesterol levels) were taken at the baseline, upon cessation of propofol and at 2 h post-operation. The total dosage, volume used and syringe changes of both groups were also documented. Results: The total volume of propofol used was significantly lower in the 2% group than the 1% group (157.19 mL [SD = 77.14] versus 335.17 mL [SD = 174.27]; P = 0.005) and the frequency of syringe changes was also less in the 2% than the 1% group (2 [3] versus 6 [3]; P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of serial serum TG, cholesterol, the acid-base balance or the lactate level. There was also no significant correlation of lipid profile with cumulative dose or volume of propofol infused between the two groups. Conclusion: Both concentrations of propofol, 1% and 2%, were comparable in terms of the serial lipid profile, acid-base balance and lactate level during TIVA using TCIs for elective neurosurgery. The benefits of propofol at 2% were that a lower volume was used and there were fewer syringe changes, which could minimise anaesthesia interruption throughout surgery.

Comparison of the Parker flex tip and the unoflex reinforced endotracheal tube for orotracheal fibreoptic intubation in simulated difficult intubation patients.

INTRODUCTION: The choice of endotracheal tube (ETT) is important for successful orotracheal fibreoptic intubation (OFI). The aim of this study was to compare the use of the Parker flex tip (PFT) with the unoflex reinforced (UFR) ETT during OFI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 58 patients who underwent elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomised to two ETT groups, the PFT group (n = 29) and the UFR group (n = 29), for OFI in simulated difficult intubation patients using a rigid cervical collar. After successful standardised induction and relaxation, OFI and railroading of selected ETT were subsequently performed by a similarly experienced practitioner. Ease of insertion, degree of manipulation, time to successful intubation, post-intubation complications and haemodynamic changes were recorded for both groups. RESULTS: he percentage of easy intubation was comparable between both groups with a slightly higher percentage in the UFR group than the PFT group (69.0% vs. 62.0%; P = 0.599). Degree of manipulation was also comparable between the two groups; the percentage of cases in which manipulation was not required was slightly higher in the UFR group than the PFT group (69.0% vs. 62.1%; P = 0.849). Time to successful intubation was also comparable between the groups, although the time was slightly shorter for the UFR group than the PFT group (56.9 s ± 39.7 s vs. 63.9 s ± 36.9 s; P = 0.488). There were also no significant differences in other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The Parker flex tip ETT was comparable to the unoflex reinforced ETT for OFI in simulated difficult airway patients.

Comparison of the Baska mask and the i-gel supraglottic airway devices in patients undergoing elective surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The Baska mask and i-gel are two new types of second-generation supraglottic airway devices. The aim of this study was to compare these two devices in terms of quality of insertion, quality of ventilation and post-insertion complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 adult patients who were scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomised to two groups: Group BM: Baska mask (n = 40) and Group IG: i-gel (n = 40). The assessment focused on ease of insertion, number of attempts, insertion time, number of corrective manoeuvres, oropharyngeal leak pressure, tidal volume, peak airway pressure (PAP) and post-insertion complications. RESULTS: Group IG showed a significantly shorter median insertion time (13.3 [interquartile range, IQR 7.8] vs. 17.0 [IQR 9.6] s; P < 0.001), a higher percentage in the 'very easy' ease of insertion category (62.5% vs. 10.0%; P < 0.001), a higher percentage in the no corrective manoeuvre category (92.5% vs. 72.5%; P = 0.003) and a higher percentage in the no post-operative throat pain category (67.5% vs. 32.5%; P = 0.011) than Group BM. However, Group BM showed a significantly higher generated PAP than Group IG (12.7 [1.8] and 11.5 [2.2] cm H2O, respectively; P = 0.010). There were no significant differences in other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The i-gel was better than the Baska mask in terms of ease of insertion, speed of insertion, fewer corrective manoeuvres and less post-operative throat pain. However, the Baska mask had a better cuff seal, as shown by a higher generated PAP.

Undiagnosed chicken meat aspiration as a cause of difficult-to-ventilate in a boy with traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchoscopy is a commonly used procedure in the context of aspiration in the Intensive Care Unit setting. Despite its ability to remove mucus plug and undigested gastric contents, aspiration of gastric content into the trachea is one of the most feared complications among anesthesiologist. DISCUSSION: The scenario is made worst if the aspiration causes acute hypoxemic respiratory failure immediately post intubation. However, in the event of desaturation, the quick decision to proceed with bronchoscopy is a challenging task to the anesthesiologist without knowing the causes. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 12-year-old boy who had a difficult-to-ventilate scenario post transferring and immediately connected to ventilator in operation theatre (OT) from portable ventilator from the emergency department. She was successfully managed by bronchoscopy. CONCLUSION: Special attention should be given to the difficult-to-ventilate scenario post intubation of traumatic brain injury patient prior to operation. Prompt diagnosis and bronchoscope-assisted removal of foreign body was found to be a successful to reduce morbidity and mortality.