[Analysis of the current status of neuroanesthesia in Spain using a national survey]. / Análisis de la situación actual de la neuroanestesia en España mediante una encuesta nacional.

OBJECTIVES: Advances in complementary diagnostic explorations, surgical support technology and the complexity of neurophysiological monitoring require anesthesiologists to acquire specific knowledge for dealing with neurosurgery. We aimed to study the implantation of new anesthetic-surgical techniques in the field of neurosurgery, and the state of neuroanesthesia as a subspecialty in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 20-item postal questionnaire sent to anesthesiology department heads of Spanish hospitals with neurosurgery teams. RESULTS: We received responses from 62% of the hospitals surveyed. Of these, 69% performed stereotaxic surgery, 30% functional cerebral surgery (for Parkinson's disease and epilepsy) and 21% offered neuroendoscopy. In 38% of the hospitals cerebral metabolism was monitored (hemoglobin oxygen saturation in the jugular or regional cerebral oxygen saturation) and/or cerebral electrophysiology (electroencephalogram, evoked potentials) and in 23.8% flows and pressures were measured (transcranial precordial and/or tracheoesophageal Doppler). Anesthesiologists specializing in neurosurgery are present in 62% of the hospitals. Interventionist neuroradiology is performed in 57%. It was noteworthy that 14.3% do not regularly have an anesthesiologist present during such high risk procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Although most centers continue performing "classical" neurosurgery with standard monitoring, a substantial proportion of hospitals (38%) show evidence of advancing in anesthetic techniques for neurosurgery in Spain. Anesthesia for neurosurgery as a subspecialty is available in 62% of the responding hospitals.

[Indication for spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in HELLP syndrome coagulopathy]. / Indicación de la anestesia espinal para la cesárea en la coagulopatía por síndrome de HELLP.

We describe the relation between coagulation and local-regional anesthesia in two women with HELLP syndrome who required emergency cesarean delivery. HELLP syndrome involves hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels and thrombopenia complicating the hypertension of pregnancy. Regional anesthesia presents advantages for mother and fetus in this context but also involves the risk of coagulopathy. In the first case we describe, coagulation was normal before surgery and epidural anesthesia was therefore prescribed. The initial epidural puncture was hemorrhagic and a second, higher puncture was made to insert the catheter. Shortly after surgery severe thrombopenia developed and lasted 24 hours; formation of an epidural hematoma caused by vascular lesion during puncture was suspected. The epidural catheter was left in place, and the patient was kept under observation and seen by a neurologist within the first 48 hours. Outcome was good. In the second patient, epidural puncture was contraindicated by the presence of preoperative coagulopathy, and the cesarean was performed without complications under intradural anesthesia provided with low doses of bupivacaine and fentanyl. The coagulopathy that accompanies HELLP syndrome should be assessed not only before taking the decision on anesthetic technique; as the condition can be progressive it can become most severe after the epidural puncture is performed, as shown by the first case we describe. The patient's condition must be watched closely until coagulation becomes normal. Removal of the epidural catheter must wait until coagulopathy is resolved. When coagulopathy is evident before surgery, intradural anesthesia is a safe option provided hemodynamic stability is assured, as demonstrated by the second case we report.

Epidural hematoma after epidural anesthesia in a patient with peripheral vascular disease. Case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidural hematoma is a severe, uncommon complication associated with epidural anesthesia in patients with peripheral vascular disease who require anticoagulant therapy. METHODS: An 84-year-old woman with acute left leg arterial ischemia underwent revascularization surgery under lumbar epidural anesthesia. Pre- and postoperative heparin was administered as an anticoagulant. RESULTS: Reperfusion of the leg was successful, however, 3 days later clinical signs of spinal cord compression appeared and epidural hematoma was diagnosed. Neurologic recovery was poor. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the need for careful individual preoperative analysis and postoperative observation to make anesthetic practice safe in patients receiving perioperative anticoagulant therapy.

[Peridural anesthesia for subcostal cholecystectomy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Apropos of 2 cases]. / Anestesia peridural para colecistectomía subcostal en pacientes con miocardiopatía dilatada. A propósito de dos casos.

Two patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were considered to be at high risk for anesthesia and surgery due to possible complications during and after surgery. The anesthetic technique used in such cases must be selected based on the type of surgery and the severity of heart disease. We describe the cases of 2 patients with histories of DCM, arising in a context of alcohol use in one case and of ischemia in the other. The patients were scheduled for uncomplicated cholecystectomy by subcostal approach under epidural anesthesia. The patients remained hemodynamically stable during surgery and there were no complications. They were released 26 and 13 days after surgery, respectively. We conclude that epidural anesthesia is a valid alternative to general anesthesia in DCM patients undergoing subcostal cholecystectomy.

[Implantable automatic cardioverter-defibrillator: anesthesia experience]. / Desfibrilador-cardioversor automático implantable: experiencia anestésica.

To evaluate the anesthetic management and intraoperative events in patients benefiting from an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 12 male patients in whom we had placed automatic implantable defibrillators (AID). In particular we assessed anesthetic management, recording type of anesthetic and intraoperative monitoring, the technique used to implant the AID and complications during and after surgery. Arterial pressure and heart rate were also analyzed. All patients experienced tachyarrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation. Ten of the 12 patients presented left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) between 21 and 28%; LVEF in the other 2 patients exceeded 30% (45 and 62%). All experienced statistically significant decreases in arterial pressure coincident with fibrillation. Three patients required dobutamine for sustained hypotension. Six presented ventricular extrasystoles during surgery. Late complications included 1 sudden death after surgery and 1 infection which obliged removal of the AID. AID implantation is not risk-free, given that the patients involved have heart disease with considerable degrees of deterioration in myocardial function. Nevertheless, with extensive preoperative examination of the patient and proper anesthetic management, complications before and after surgery are rare.

[Postoperative analgesia in herniated disk surgery. Comparative study of diclofenac , lysine acetylsalicylate, and ketorolac]. / Analgesia postoperatoria en la cirugía de hernia discal. Estudio comparativo de diclofenaco, acetilsalicilato de lisina y ketorolaco.

INTRODUCTION: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in treating musculoskeletal pain and are theoretically ideal for treating postoperative pain of the lumbar column. OBJECTIVES: To compare the analgesic efficacy and side effects of treatment with 3 NSAIDs (lysine acetylsalicylate, ketorolac and diclofenac) in the treatment of pain after surgery for lumbar disc hernia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 75 ASA I-II patients undergoing discectomy because of lumbar disc hernia; balanced general anesthesia was used in all cases. The patients were randomly distributed in 3 groups based on type of analgesia given in the immediate postoperative period. Group A received lysine acetylsalicylate (1800 mg), group B received ketorolac (30 mg) and group C received diclofenac (75 mg). The analgesics were diluted in 100 mg of saline solution and administered through a peripheral vein over 10 min. We evaluated the analgesia attained on a visual analog scale (VAS) and the physiological response to pain was assessed by monitoring changes in arterial pressure, heart rate and breathing frequency. If analgesia was insufficient 30 min after administration of the drug, 200 mg of lysine cloximate was given as a top-up. The side effects of each drug were also recorded. RESULTS: VAS evaluation showed significant reductions in pain 60 min after administration in groups A and B and after 120 min in group C. Nine patients in each group required lysine cloximate. There were no significant differences in physiological response among the 3 groups. No patient suffered major side effects. Mild side effects were reported most often in group B. CONCLUSIONS: The NSAIDs studied were inadequately for treating pain after surgery for lumbar disc hernia. Ketorolac was no better than the other analgesics studied but was associated with a higher number of mild side effects.

Epidural anesthesia in a patient with single ventricle.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Single ventricle is a complex congenital cardiopathy characterized by a unit ventricular chamber. Changes of the cardiovascular system in response to epidural anesthesia in these patients have yet to be clearly elucidated. METHODS: A 26-year-old man with single ventricle underwent an orchiopexy under lumbar epidural anesthesia with intravenous sedation. RESULTS: Orchiopexy was successfully performed and the patient was discharged from hospital 4 days later. CONCLUSION: This case report emphasizes the issues of importance to anesthesiologists in regard to this cardiopathy and describes a successful technique of caring for a patient with a complex problem in an emergency situation.

[Intravenous anesthesia using propofol during lengthy neurosurgical interventions]. / Anestesia intravenosa con propofol en intervenciones neuroquirúrgicas de larga duración.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the hemodynamic stability and time to recovery of consciousness after long-duration (> 3 h) neurosurgery with 2 anesthetic protocols: total intravenous anesthesia with propofol as the single hypnotic agent and inhalational anesthesia with isoflurane. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We studied 58 middle-aged patients (range 40-50 years) scheduled for intracranial surgery. The patients, who all scored over 13 on the Glasgow coma scale before surgery, were randomly divided into two groups: 27 in group I received isoflurane and 31 in group II received propofol. Anesthetic induction was with sodium thiopental 4 mg/kg i.v. in group I and with propofol 2.5 mg/kg i.v. in group II. Both groups then received fentanyl 2 micrograms/kg i.v., lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg i.v. and vecuronium 0.2 mg/kg i.v. Before placement of the Mayfield head grip, with clamps, or before start of surgery in those cases in which the head grip was not used, all patients were given a 3 micrograms/kg i.v. dose of fentanyl. Hypnosis was maintained in group I with concentrations of isoflurane that were adequate for keeping minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) between 0.6 and 1. In group II maintenance was by continuous i.v. perfusion of propofol 10 mg/kg/h for 30 min., followed by 8 mg/kg/h for 30 min. and 6 mg/kg/h until the end of surgery. N2O was never used. RESULTS: After induction systolic and mean arterial pressures (SAP and MAP) decreased significantly in both groups in comparison with baseline values (SAP: 113.1 +/- 30.0 vs. 140.9 +/- 27.08 mmHg in group I and 109.6 +/- 22.1 vs. 135.0 +/- 19.7 mmHg in group II; MAP: 76.8 +/- 18.7 vs. 95.6 +/- 17.0 mmHg in group I and 74.9 +/- 13.2 vs. 93.4 +/- 13.7 mmHg in group II). The patients in group II showed less tendency to develop arterial hypertension in response to orotracheal intubation (SAP and MAP at the moment of intubation: 156.4 +/- 33.7 and 104.6 +/- 18.1 mmHg, respectively, in group I as compared to 135.1 +/- 31.2 and 93.5 +/- 22.4 mmHg in group II; p < 0.05 between the 2 groups and p < 0.05 for the baseline and intubation pressures in group I). Time to recovery of effective, spontaneous breathing was shorter in group I (5.9 +/- 4.9 and 8.9 +/- 5.7 min.) than in group II (10.9 +/- 9.6 and 13.0 +/- 7.4 min.) and tubes could be extracted earlier from patients in the isoflurane group (10.4 +/- 6.1 min. vs. 17.6 +/- 12.8 min.; p < 0.01). We found no differences between the 2 groups for time until eye opening, response to verbal orders or time until start of spontaneous movement. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol can be considered an alternative to the traditional thiopental-isoflurane sequence in neurosurgery lasting more than 3 h. In our study the hypertensive response to the stimulus of orotracheal intubation was lower in the propofol group than in the thiopental-isoflurane group.

Maintained unilateral analgesia.

We describe a case of a patient subjected to what proved to be an epidural puncture with catheter placement resulting in persistent unilateral analgesia. The epidurographic study by contrast medium injection through the catheter showed unilateral distribution of the contrast following the cranio-caudal axis in the anterior epidural space.

[External laryngeal injuries. Study of 12 cases]. / Traumatimos laríngeos externos. Estudio de 12 casos.

Laryngeal trauma can cause severe, life-threatening damage in the upper respiratory tract. Management of trauma presents difficulties with respect to airway control and the procedural decisions are challenging. We studied 12 patients treated at our hospital after laryngeal trauma of various degrees of severity. Respiratory failure detected in some cases was critical from the moment of trauma, whereas other patients were asymptomatic at first but experienced progressive respiratory failure over the next few hours. We looked at the method applied to gain initial control of the upper airway and also considered the laryngeal lesions themselves, associated lesions and established treatment. We then looked for relationships between these and evolution and laryngeal sequelae 6 months after trauma. In agreement with other studies we found that the severity of sequelae depends on the severity of the lesion incurred and on how early treatment is established. The choice of whether to use orotracheal intubation or tracheotomy to control the upper airway was less important, as that decision would depend largely on severity of the lesion, although orotracheal intubation is recommended whenever possible.

[Comparative study between anesthesia by continuous perfusion with propofol or thiopental-isoflurane in laryngeal surgery]. / Estudio comparativo entre la anestesia con perfusión continua de propofol o tiopental-isoflurano en cirugía de laringe.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two anesthetic protocols for maintenance of anesthesia during laryngectomy (propofol vs thiopental-isoflurane), assessing its effects on intraoperative hemodynamic stability and recovery time after withdrawal of anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Thirty-one patients undergoing laryngectomy. Anesthetic technique was the same except for the maintenance anesthetic used (isoflurane in group I [n = 16]; propofol in group P [n = 15]). We recorded heart rate and systolic/diastolic arterial pressure before surgery, 10 minutes after induction, at 10, 60 and 120 min after start of surgery and at the end of the procedure. Postanesthesia recovery time was measured by the Steward test (recovery of consciousness, control of voluntary movement and of breathing) applied at 3, 5, 10, 30 and 60 min after withdrawal of anesthesia. RESULTS: There were no demographic differences between the two groups and heart rate and systolic/diastolic pressures were comparable. Postanesthetic recovery time was shorter in group P than in group I, with a statistically significant difference 5 min after withdrawal of drug (p < 0.05) owing to the item recovery of consciousness in the Steward test (p < 0.05 at times 5 and 10 min for this item). There were no significant differences in control of breathing or movement. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol for anesthetic maintenance is effective and safe. There are no differences in hemodynamic changes produced by propofol and isoflurane. Time until recovery of consciousness is longer with isoflurane, although we believe that this is not clinically relevant in this type of procedure.

[Continuous epidural perfusion with meperidine on demand for the treatment of postoperative pain]. / Perfusión continua más demanda de meperidina por vía peridural en el tratamiento del dolor postoperatorio.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether epidural administration of meperidine through a system affording patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is appropriate for postoperative pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective double-blind study of 30 patients undergoing high abdominal surgery randomly into two groups. After surgery with the same type of general anesthesia for both groups, group A received epidural meperidine through a PCA pump (initial boluses of 50 mg + infusion of 10 mg/h with additional doses of 25 mg upon patient demand and closure time of 90 min). Control group B received 0.9% saline serum through an epidural PCA system with identical perfusion characteristics. All patients had access to additional analgesia with subcutaneous meperidine (1 mg/kg weight). RESULTS: There was a wide interindividual variation in meperidine consumption in group A, with a mean total dose of 301.4 +/- 73 mg in 24 hours and no patient requiring additional subcutaneous meperidine. Subcutaneous meperidine required in group B reached 273 +/- 65.8 mg in 24 hours, with no significant differences between groups A and B for total dose given. No side effects inherent to the technique were found. Sufficient control of pain was achieved for all patients receiving epidural meperidine. CONCLUSIONS: Epidurally administered PCA with meperidine affords better pain relief with greater patient satisfaction than the same amount of drug given subcutaneously in successive doses upon patient request.

[Effects of premedication in children with congenital cardiopathy]. / Efectos de la premedicación en niños afectados de cardiopatía congénita.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of premedication in children with congenital heart disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five children scheduled for surgical repair of congenital heart defects were studied. Two groups were formed based on whether cardiopathy was noncyanotic (group CNC) or cyanotic (group CC). Patients were premedicated rectally with 4 mg/kg pentobarbital and, 15 minutes later, with 0.15 mg/kg of morphine chloride by subcutaneous perfusion. SpO2 was monitored, as was the degree of sedation and airway obstruction prior to premedication (T1), 15 minutes after administration of pentobarbital (T2) and 30 minutes after morphine (T3). RESULTS: In the children with cyanotic cardiopathy, SpO2 increased over T1 (75.5 +/- 8.7%) at times T2 (76.2 +/- 7.7%) and T3 (78.1 +/- 8%), although the change was not statistically significant. In group CNC, average SpO2 did not change, although one case of clinically significant desaturation due to hypoventilation was observed at T3. Adequate sedation was attained in 36% of patients at T2 and in 80% at T3 (p < 0.002). There were no cases of airway obstruction. CONCLUSION: Premedication with 4 mg/kg pentobarbital rectally does not provide adequate sedation. Addition of 0.15 mg/kg subcutaneous morphine chloride increased the effect considerably, providing stability in SpO2 and even improving it in group CC.