ABSTRACT
Introduction Post-spinal hypotension (PSH) frequently occurs in women undergoing cesarean section. In recent studies, Ultrasound-guided measurements of the internal jugular vein (IJV) have been reported to predict fluid responsiveness. We planned to evaluate the correlation between the internal jugular vein collapsibility index (IJVCI) and PSH in cesarean section patients. Methods Ninety-one parturients who underwent elective lower segment cesarean section with a singleton pregnancy were recruited. Preoperatively, patients were placed in a supine position with a 15-degree left lateral tilt. Maximum (at the end of expiration) and minimum (at the end of inspiration) IJV diameters (mm) and IJVCI were assessed using M-mode imaging during spontaneous and deep breathing. Spinal anaesthesia was performed at the L3-4 or L4-5 level. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2 were recorded from baseline till the delivery of the baby. Results Among 91 patients, 40 (45.5%) patients had at least one episode of hypotension. Demographic variables and baseline vitals were comparable between the hypotensive and normotensive groups (p>0.05). In spontaneous and deep breathing, IJV diameter at the end-expiration (IJVdmax), end-inspiration (IJVdmin), and IJVCI amongst both hypotensive and non-hypotensive pregnant women were statistically similar. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that during spontaneous breathing, using a cut-off point of 29.5%, IJVCI had a sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 23%, respectively, for predicting PSH; whereas during deep breathing, IJVCI had a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 27%, respectively, for predicting the same using a cut-off value of 37.5%. Conclusion We conclude that internal jugular vein parameters such as maximum diameter, minimum diameter, and IJVCI during spontaneous and deep breathing cannot be used as reliable predictors of post-spinal hypotension in pregnant patients undergoing elective cesarean section.
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is an effective analgesic technique for breast surgery, although it has many associated complications. Ultrasound (US)-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block requires less technical expertise, is safe and may be an alternative to TEA. We aimed to compare the efficacy of TEA with US-guided continuous ESP block for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) surgeries. Methods: Sixty-six female patients of age group 18-65 years, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, undergoing MRM surgeries were recruited. Patients received TEA in Group Ep and US-guided ESP block in Group Er, before induction of general anaesthesia. Both the groups received 0.2% ropivacaine 15 mL, followed by 5 mL.h-1 infusion for 24 h. The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes were total doses of rescue analgesics in 24 hours and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Results: The mean duration of analgesia was 21.72 ± 4.73 hours in Ep group and 20.60 ± 5.77 hours in Er group (P = 0.39). The total dose of rescue analgesics in the postoperative period was comparable between both the groups. There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the groups over 24 h. Conclusion: US-guided ESP block can be used as safe and easy to perform alternative analgesic technique over thoracic epidural analgesia for peri-operative pain management in breast cancer surgeries.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Various adjuvants to local anesthetics are used in spinal anesthesia for improving the quality and prolonging postoperative analgesia. We aim to compare the analgesic efficacy of morphine or dexmedetomidine given intrathecally as adjuvants to isobaric levobupivacaine. Materials and Methods: Seventy patients of age group 18-60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists 1 and 2 undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy, were randomized into two groups. Group M received spinal anesthesia with 3 mL of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine with 250 µg of preservative-free morphine. Group D received 3 mL of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine with 5 µg of dexmedetomidine. Quality of anesthesia, sensory and motor block characteristics, duration of effective analgesia, and incidence of side effects were compared. Results: The time for the first analgesic request was 320.80 ± 41.75 min in the dexmedetomidine group as compared to the morphine group (451.63 ± 38.55 min), P = 0.000. The analgesic requirement in the first 24 h was significantly higher in Group D as compared to Group M, P = 0.000. Adverse effects were similar in both the groups, except pruritus which was seen only in Group M. Conclusion: Our study shows that the use of intrathecal morphine as an adjuvant to isobaric levobupivacaine provides better analgesia than intrathecal dexmedetomidine; however, adverse effects such as nausea and pruritus may be seen.
