Effects of Supraglottic Airway Devices on Hemodynamic Response and Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter: Proseal LMA, LMA Supreme, and I-gel LMA.

Background and Objectives: Supraglottic airway devices (SADs) are known to be useful in eliminating the drawbacks of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, especially ocular pressure and stress responses. The ultrasonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) reflects increases in intracranial pressure (ICP). In our study, we aimed to compare the effects of SADs on hemodynamic response and ONSD. Materials and Methods: Our prospective study included 90 ASA I-II patients over the age of 18 who did not have a history of difficult intubation or ophthalmic pathology. The patients were randomly divided into three groups based on the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) devices used: ProSeal LMA (pLMA, n = 30), LMA Supreme (sLMA, n = 30), and I-gel (n = 30). The bilateral ONSD measurements and hemodynamic data of the patients who underwent standard anesthesia induction and monitoring were recorded before induction (T0) and 1 min (T1), 5 min (T5), and 10 min (T10) after SAD placement. Results: At all measurement times, the hemodynamic responses and ONSD values of the groups were similar. In all three groups, intergroup hemodynamic changes at T0 and T1 were similar and higher than those at other times of measurement (p < 0.001). The ONSD values of all groups increased at T1, and they tended to return to baseline values afterward (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We concluded that all three SADs could be used safely because they preserved both hemodynamic stability and ONSD changes in their placement processes, and they did not cause elevations in ONSD to an extent that would lead to increased ICP.

Effects of continuous erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of ultrasonography (USG) guided continuous erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for postoperative analgesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). METHODS: Eighty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III patients aged 18-75 and who were to undergo VATS were included in this study. Randomization was performed in 2 groups, continuous ESPB (ESPB Group) and no intervention (Control Group). 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was administered for the block. Immediately after surgery, the patient received continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine at 4 mL h-1 via the catheter inserted for the block. Patients in both groups received tramadol via an intravenous patient-controlled analgesia device. Tramadol and meperidine consumption, visual analog scale pain scores and opioid-related side effects were recorded at 0, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The use of continuous ESPB in VATS significantly decreased the amount of tramadol used in the first 48 h postoperatively (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of meperidine rescue analgesia administered between the ESPB and Control Groups (P < 0.001). While the incidences of nausea and itching were higher in Control Group, there were no differences in terms of the other side effects between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that USG-guided continuous ESPB provides adequate analgesia following VATS as part of multimodal analgesia. Continuous ESPB significantly reduced opioid consumption and opioid-related side effects compared to those in the Control Group.

The effect of sugammadex on postoperative cognitive function and recovery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sugammadex is the first selective relaxant binding agent. When compared with neostigmine, following sugammadex administration patients wake earlier and have shorter recovery times. In this study, we hypothesized that fast and clear awakening in patients undergoing general anesthesia has positive effects on cognitive functions in the early period after operation. METHODS: Approved by the local ethical committee, 128 patients were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, controlled, double-blind study. Patients were allocated to either Sugammadex group (Group S) or the Neostigmine group (Group N). The primary outcome of the study was early postoperative cognitive recovery as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). After baseline assessment 12-24h before the operation. After the operation, when the Modified Aldrete Recovery Score was ≥9 the MMSE and 1h later the MoCA tests were repeated. RESULTS: Although there was a reduction in MoCA and MMSE scores in both Group S and Group N between preoperative and postoperative scores, there was no statistically significant difference in the slopes (p>0.05). The time to reach TOF 0.9 was 2.19min in Group S and 6.47min in Group N (p<0.0001). Recovery time was 8.26min in Group S and 16.93min in Group N (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: We showed that the surgical procedure and/or accompanying anesthetic procedure may cause a temporary or permanent regression in cognitive function in the early postoperative period. However, better cognitive performance could not be proved in the Sugammadex compared to the Neostigmine.

[The effect of sugammadex on postoperative cognitive function and recovery]. / O efeito de sugamadex sobre a função cognitiva e recuperação no pós-operatório.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sugammadex is the first selective relaxant binding agent. When compared with neostigmine, following sugammadex administration patients wake earlier and have shorter recovery times. In this study, we hypothesized that fast and clear awakening in patients undergoing general anesthesia has positive effects on cognitive functions in the early period after operation. METHODS: Approved by the local ethical committee, 128 patients were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, controlled, double-blind study. Patients were allocated to either Sugammadex group (Group S) or the Neostigmine group (Group N). The primary outcome of the study was early postoperative cognitive recovery as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). After baseline assessment 12-24h before the operation. After the operation, when the Modified Aldrete Recovery Score was ≥9 the MMSE and 1h later the MoCA tests were repeated. RESULTS: Although there was a reduction in MoCA and MMSE scores in both Group S and Group N between preoperative and postoperative scores, there was no statistically significant difference in the slopes (p>0.05). The time to reach TOF 0.9 was 2.19min in Group S and 6.47min in Group N (p<0.0001). Recovery time was 8.26min in Group S and 16.93min in Group N (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: We showed that the surgical procedure and/or accompanying anesthetic procedure may cause a temporary or permanent regression in cognitive function in the early postoperative period. However, better cognitive performance could not be proved in the Sugammadex compared to the Neostigmine.

Effects of peroperative intravenous paracetamol and lornoxicam for lumbar disc surgery on postoperative pain and opioid consumption: A randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present randomized, placebo-controlled study was to compare postoperative analgesic effects of peroperative paracetamol and lornoxicam administration. METHODS: Sixty adult patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk classification I-II, who would undergo single-level lumbar discectomy under general anesthesia, were enrolled. Patients were administered either 1000 mg paracetamol (Group P), 8 mg lornoxicam (Group L), or saline (Group C) prior to induction of anesthesia (n=20 for all groups). All patients were administered the same anesthesia induction and maintainance. Postoperative analgesia was maintained with the same analgesic drug in each group. Rescue analgesia was supplied with intravenous meperidine delivered by a patient-controlled analgesia device. Numeric rating score (NRS) results, first analgesic demand time, and cumulative meperidine consumption were recorded postoperatively. Primary outcome was NRS at first postoperative hour. Secondary outcome was measure of opioid consumption during first 24 postoperative hours. RESULTS: At first postoperative hour, NRS of Group L [4 (0-8)] was lower than NRSs of Groups P and C [6(0-7); 6(0-9), respectively; p<0.016]. Time to first analgesic demand of Group L was longer, compared with those of the other groups (p<0.016). Cumulative postoperative meperidine consumption in Group L was less than those of Groups P and C at 2-, 12-, and 24-hour time intervals (p<0.016), while Groups P and C had similar findings for the same time intervals. CONCLUSION: Preoperative lornoxicam administration decreased early postoperative pain scores more effectively than paracetamol.

The comparison of levobupivacaine in continuous or single dose spinal anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostate surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine induced continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) versus single dose spinal anesthesia (SDSA) in patients who are planned to undergo transurethral prostate resection. METHODS: Sixty years or older, ASA I-II or III, 50 patients were included in the study. 12.5mg 0.5% levobupivacaine were administered intrathecally in SDSA group. In CSA group, initially 2mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through spinal catheter. In order to achieve sensory block level at T10 dermatome, additional 1mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through the catheter in every 10min. Hemodynamic parameters and block characteristics were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative blood samples of the patients were drawn to determine plasma cortisone and plasma epinephrine levels. RESULTS: CSA technique provided better hemodynamic stability compared to SDSA technique particularly 90min after intrathecal administration. The rise in sensory block level was rapid and the time to reach surgical anesthesia was shorter in SDSA group. Motor block developed faster in SDSA group. In CSA group, similar anesthesia level was achieved by using lower levobupivacaine dose and which was related to faster recovery. Although, both techniques were effective in preventing surgical stress respond, postoperative cortisone levels were suppressed more in SDSA group. CONCLUSION: CSA technique with 0.25% levobupivacaine can be used as a regional anesthesia method for elderly patients planned to have TUR-P operation.

Dexmedetomidine did not reduce the effects of tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury during general anesthesia.

Ischemia reperfusion injury causes the release of free oxygen radicals. Free oxygen radicals initiate the production of toxic metabolites, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), through the lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes. Following lipid peroxidation, the antioxidant enzyme system is activated against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and attempts to protect cells from oxidative damage. There is a balance between the scavenging capacity of antioxidant enzymes and ROS. Because of this balance, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measurement is a sensitive indicator of the overall protective effects of the antioxidants. Alpha(2) receptor agonists are effective in preventing hemodynamic reactions during extremity surgeries by preventing the release of catecholamines secondary to tourniquet application. They have also been shown to possess preventive effects in various ischemia-reperfusion injury models. In our study, we examined the effects of dexmedetomidine on tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury in lower extremity surgeries performed under general anesthesia. The effects of dexmedetomidine were measured with serum MDA and TAC levels. We studied 60 adult American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II patients undergoing one-sided lower extremity surgery with tourniquet. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group D was administered a dexmedetomidine infusion at a rate of 0.1µg/kg/minute(-1) for 10 minutes prior to induction and then at 0.7µg/kg/hour(-1) until 10 minutes before the end of the operation. The control group (Group C) received a saline infusion of the same amount and for the same period of time. General anesthesia was induced with thiopental, fentanyl, and rocuronium and maintained with nitrous oxide and sevoflurane in both groups. Venous blood samples were obtained before the administration of the study drugs (basal) at 1 minute before tourniquet release and at 5 and 20 minutes after tourniquet release (ATR). In both groups, MDA levels decreased at 5 and 20 minutes ATR when compared with the basal values (p<0.05). TAC levels decreased at 1 and 5 minutes ATR and then returned to basal values at 20 minutes ATR (p<0.05). In reference to the prevention of lipid peroxidation in tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury, the results from the two groups in our study showed that dexmedetomidine did not have an additional protective role during routine general anesthesia.

The effect of erythropoietin on anastomotic healing of irradiated rats.

AIM: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the possible protective effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on anastomotic wound healing after preoperative radiotherapy according to its pleiotropic mechanism of action. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups containing eight rats each: ANAS group, standard resection plus anastomosis; RT+ANAS group, radiation plus standard resection plus anastomosis; ANAS+EPO group, standard resection plus anastomosis plus EPO; RT+ANAS+EPO, radiation plus standard resection plus anastomosis plus EPO. All animals were sacrificed by cardiac puncture, and anastomotic healing was measured by bursting pressure, hydroxyproline (OHP) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histopathological evaluations. Malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were also measured in serum specimens. RESULTS: OHP levels in the RT+ANAS + EPO group were significantly increased compared with other groups (p < .05). In contrast, MPO activity in the RT+ANAS+EPO group was significantly decreased compared with other groups (p < .05). Serum MDA levels were found to be decreased in the ANAS+EPO and RT+ANAS+EPO groups (p < .05). Group comparisons demonstrated that bursting pressure was significantly higher in EPO treated rats (p < .05). The histopathology results revealed that EPO treatment improves anastomotic wound healing though decreased necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and increased fibroblast activity. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study indicate that EPO contributes to wound healing and the strength of colon anastomosis following radiation due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but further studies are needed to explore the significance of these effects.

Preoperative abnormal P and QTc dispersion intervals in patients with metabolic syndrome.

We evaluated P wave dispersion (Pwd), QT, corrected QT (QTc), QT dispersion, and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) intervals in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Patients scheduled to undergo elective noncardiac surgery were included in the study. The main diagnoses, anthropometric measurements, waist circumferences, body mass index, electrocardiograms, serum levels of electrolytes, glucose, and lipids were recorded for all patients. QTc, QTcd intervals were determined with the Bazett formula. MetS (group M, n = 36) was diagnosed using the Adult Treatment Panel III. Controls (group C, n = 40) were chosen on the basis of patients with no MetS and matched for age and gender. There were no differences between groups in terms of age, sex, or serum electrolyte levels (P > 0.05). Waist circumferences, body mass index, serum glucose, and triglyceride values in group M were significantly higher than those in group C (P < 0.001). In group M, Pwd, QTc, QT dispersion and QTcd intervals were significantly longer than those in group C (P < 0.001). This finding and our retrospective analysis suggest that these patients may be at greater risk of perioperative arrhythmias.

Anesthesia induction with sevoflurane and propofol: evaluation of P-wave dispersion, QT and corrected QT intervals.

The present study compared the effects of anesthesia induction with sevoflurane and propofol on hemodynamics, P-wave dispersion (Pwd), QT interval and corrected QT (QTc) interval. A total of 72 adult patients were included in this prospective study. All patients had control electrocardiograms (ECGs) before anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane inhalation or intravenous propofol. Electrocardiography for all patients was performed during the 1(st) and 3(rd) minutes of induction, 3 minutes after administration of muscle relaxant, and at 5 minutes and 10 minutes after intubation. Pwd and QT intervals were measured on all ECGs. QTc intervals were determined using the Bazett formula. There was no significant difference in Pwd and QT and QTc intervals on control ECGs. In the sevoflurane group, except for control ECGs, Pwd and QTc interval on all ECGs were significantly longer than those in the propofol group (p < 0.05). We conclude that propofol should be used for anesthesia induction in patients with a predisposition to preoperative arrhythmias, and in those whose Pwd and QTc durations are prolonged on preoperative ECGs.

Effect of low-flow anesthesia education on knowledge, attitude and behavior of the anesthesia team.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of education on the knowledge, attitude and behavior of anesthesiology staff and residents towards low-flow anesthesia. The staff and residents in the Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Zonguldak Karaelmas University were given theoretical and practical training in delivering low-flow anesthesia. To evaluate their attitudes and behaviors toward low-flow anesthesia, we collected data during the 6 months before training, during the first 3 months after training, and at 4-6 months after training. Anesthesia follow-up records, operation time, volatile anesthetic agent used, and the amount (in liters) of fresh gas low mid-anesthesia were recorded in all three stages. A total of 3,158 patients received general anesthesia and inhalation anesthesia was used in 3,115 of these patients. Our study group consisted of 2,752 patients who had no absolute or relative contraindications to low-flow anesthesia. While the mean fresh gas flow was 4.00 +/- 0.00 L/min before training, this level dropped to 2.98 L/min in the first 3 months after training, and to 3.26 L/min in the following 3 months. The mean fresh gas flow was significantly lower at the two post-training assessments than before training (p < 0.05). In conclusion, low-flow anesthesia may be used more frequently if educational seminars are provided to anesthetists. The use of low-flow anesthesia may increase further by allocating more time to this technique in anesthesia training programs provided at regular intervals.

Brief report: the effects of the menstrual cycle on the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

We designed this study to determine the effect of the menstrual cycle on the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation (TI). Sixty-two ASA I women who were either in the follicular phase (group F, n = 31) or luteal phase (group L, n = 31) of their menstrual cycle were included in the study. Patients received propofol and rocuronium for intubation. Hemodynamic variables were recorded before administration of the IV anesthetic, as well as after TI. Rate pressure products were calculated. Groups were similar in terms of demographic data. Rate pressure products values at the first minute after TI were significantly increased in group L than were those in group F (P < 0.001). We conclude that the phase of the menstrual cycle is an important factor in the hemodynamic response to TI.

Effects of fentanyl-lidocaine-propofol and dexmedetomidine-lidocaine-propofol on tracheal intubation without use of muscle relaxants.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of fentanyl or dexmedetomidine when used in combination with propofol and lidocaine for tracheal intubation without using muscle relaxants. Sixty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists stage I risk were randomized to receive 1 mg/kg dexmedetomidine (Group D, n = 30) or 2 mg/kg fentanyl (Group F, n = 30), both in combination with 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine and 3 mg/kg propofol. The requirement for intubation was determined based on mask ventilation capability, jaw motility, position of the vocal cords and the patient's response to intubation and inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff. Systolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation values were also recorded. Rate pressure products were calculated. Jaw relaxation, position of the vocal cords and patient's response to intubation and inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff were significantly better in Group D than in Group F (p < 0.05). The intubation conditions were significantly more satisfactory in Group D than in Group F (p = 0.01). Heart rate was significantly lower in Group D than in Group F after the administration of the study drugs and intubation (p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in Group F than in Group D after propofol injection and at 3 and 5 minutes after intubation (p < 0.05). After intubation, the rate pressure product values were significantly lower in Group D than in Group F (p < 0.05). We conclude that endotracheal intubation was better with the dexmedetomidine-lidocaine-propofol combination than with the fentanyl-lidocaine-propofol combination. However, side effects such as bradycardia should be considered when using dexmedetomidine.

Effect of menstrual cycle on the injection pain due to propofol.

BACKGROUND: This prospective, double-blind and randomized study is designed to determine the effect of menstrual cycle on the injection pain of propofol. METHODS: Seventy-two patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were divided into two groups according to the phase of the menstrual cycle. Patients were at follicular phase (Pd 8-12) in Group F (n = 36) and luteal phase (Pd 20-24) in Group L (n = 36). Injection pain was evaluated with 10-point numeric rating scale after 25% of the total propofol dose was injected over 20 s. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in terms of patient characteristics (P > 0.05). The mean propofol pain score was found 1.81 +/- 2.30 in Group F and 4.83 +/- 3.09 in Group L. Group L was found to have higher propofol injection pain scores than Group F (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the menstrual phase changes the perception of pain due to propofol injection, which is higher in the lutheal phase. In clinical practice, the phases of the menstrual cycle may have a significant role on injection pain of propofol in woman.

Effects of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on bupivacaine cardiotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on bupivacaine cardiotoxicity in anesthetized rats. METHODS: Sixteen Wistar-Albino male rats (300-400 g) were anesthetized with ketamine. Electrocardiographic and invasive blood pressure monitoring were performed, and the results were continuously recorded. The rats were randomized into 2 groups. In group D, rats were pretreated with intravenous dexmedetomidine at a dose of 10 Kg/kg (n = 8), whereas in group S, rats were pretreated with intravenous saline (n = 8). Fifteen minutes later, bupivacaine was infused at a rate of 3 mg/kg per minute until cardiac asystole occurred. The timing of specific cardiotoxic events (a 25%, 50%, and 75% reductions of mean arterial pressure and heart rate as well as occurrence of the first arrhythmia and asystole) was recorded. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine pretreatment reduced the heart rates and mean arterial pressures of the rats who received it (P G 0.05). Dexmedetomidine pretreatment before bupivacaine administration also significantly increased the time to the 25%, 50%, and 75% reductions in mean arterial pressure and the time to the 25% and 50% reductions in heart rate (P G 0.05). In addition, dexmedetomidine significantly increased the time to first arrhythmia and time to asystole (P G 0.05) in the rats who received it before receiving bupivacaine. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine pretreatment delays the effects of bupivacaine cardiotoxicity.