The Effect of Oral Fluid Administration 1 Hour before Surgery on Preoperative Anxiety and Gastric Volume in Pediatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Today, preoperative fasting guidelines have changed, allowing clear liquid intake up to 1 h before surgery. However, concerns remain regarding the risk of aspiration associated with clear liquid intake. This study aimed to investigate the impact of clear fluid given 1 h before surgery on child anxiety and gastric volumes. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled study included 90 patients aged 5-12 years. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups by a computer-generated randomization: group F (n = 30): standard fasting group, group W (n = 30): patients who received oral water at a dose of 5 mL/kg 1 h before surgery, group C (n = 30): patients who received oral carbohydrate fluid at a dose of 5 mL/kg 1 h before surgery. All patients were assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS) before and 1 h after fluid administration. Antral cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured with ultrasonography after intubation, and gastric residual volume (GRV) was calculated. Hemodynamic data, blood sugar level, and parental satisfaction were also recorded. RESULTS: The m-YPAS scores obtained after 1 h were significantly lower in group C than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Antral CSA and GRV values were lower in group C and group W than in the fasting group (p < 0.001). Parental satisfaction was highest in group C. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that allowing a carbohydrate-rich clear liquid intake 1 h before surgery can significantly reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients without increasing the risk of aspiration.

Earthquake victims in focus: a cross-sectional examination of trauma and management in intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: After the Kahramanmaras earthquake of February 6, 2023, the disaster of the century, a significant number of victims were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). In this study, we aimed to share the characteristics and management of critical earthquake victims and shed light on our experiences as intensivists in future earthquakes. METHODS: The study included 62 earthquake victims in two tertiary ICUs. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, clinical characteristics, trauma and disease severity scores, treatments administered to patients, and the clinical course of the patients were recorded retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, survivors and nonsurvivors, according to 7-day mortality and into two groups according to the duration of their stay under the rubble: those who remained under the rubble for 72 hours or less and those who remained under the rubble for more than 72 hours. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the best cutoff value for the 'Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, and Speech' (CRAMS) score. RESULTS: The median age of the 62 patients included in the study was 35.5 (23-53) years. The median length of stay under the rubble for the patients was 30.5 (12-64.5) hours. The patient was transferred to the ward with a maximum duration of 222 hours under the rubble. The limb (75.8%) was the most common location of trauma in patients admitted to the ICU. Crush syndrome developed in 96.8% of the patients. There was a positive correlation between the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and myoglobin, serum lactate, and uric acid levels (r = 0.372, p = 0.003; r = 0.307, p = 0.016; r = 0.428, p = 0.001, respectively). The best cutoff of the CRAMS score to predict in-7-day mortality was < 4.5 with 0.94 area under the curve (AUC); application of this threshold resulted in 75% sensitivity and 96.3% specificity. CONCLUSION: Search and rescue operations should continue for at least ten days after an earthquake. The CRAMS score can be used to assess trauma severity and predict mortality in critically ill earthquake victims.

Thoracic Anaesthesia Practices in Turkey: A Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: In this survey study, we aimed to investigate thoracic anaesthesia practices in Turkey. METHODS: The survey was sent to the members of the Turkish Society of Anesthesiology and Reanimation by e-mail. Participants were asked to answer 35 questions about their thoracic anaesthesia practice. RESULTS: A total of 148 questionnaires were completed. Most of the participants preferred double-lumen endobronchial tube for one-lung ventilation. 69.6% of auscultation method and 45.9% of fiberoptic bronchoscope method were used to confirm the tube position. The most frequently used additional monitoring method was invasive blood pressure. Generally, intravenous anaesthetic agents were preferred for anaesthesia induction, and a combination of inhalation and intravenous agents was used for anaesthesia maintenance. Most of the participants used intraoperative lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategies. For postoperative analgesia, 75% of participants preferred regional analgesic techniques and 89.9% of them used routine opioid agents. In general, moderate amount of fluid was applied (57.4%), crystalloids were the first choice in fluid therapy, and intraoperative hypotension was generally treated with controlled intravenous fluid and vasoactive agents. The haemoglobin threshold value for blood transfusion was stated as 8 g dL-1 by 35.8% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that the anaesthesia management of thoracic surgery in Turkey is generally compatible with the current international guidelines. However, the following conclusion was reached: training on blood transfusion, the use of fiberoptic bronchoscope, regional techniques, and intraoperative additional monitoring would be beneficial, and a national consensus should be reached on the thoracic anaesthesia practice.

Effects of personality traits on severity of sepsis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of the individual's lifestyle and personality traits on the disease process in patients with sepsis and to have clinical predictions about these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was planned as a multi-center, prospective, observational study after obtaining the approval of the local ethics committee. Patients were hospitalized in different intensive care units. Besides demographics and personal characteristics of patients, laboratory data, length of hospital and ICU stay, and mortality was recorded. Two hundred and fifty-nine patients were followed up in 11 different intensive care units. Mortality rates, morbidities, blood analyses, and personality traits were evaluated as primary outcomes. RESULT: Of the 259 patients followed up, mortality rates were significantly higher in men than in women (p= 0.008). No significant difference was found between the patients' daily activity, tea and coffee consumption, reading habits, smoking habits, blood groups, atopy histories and mortality rates. Examining the personal traits, it was seen that 90 people had A-type personality structure and 51 (56.7%) of them died with higher mortality rate compared to type B (p= 0.038). There was no difference between personalities, in concomitant ARDS occurrence, need for sedation and renal replacement therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Among individuals diagnosed with sepsis/septic shock, mortality increased significantly in patients with A-type personality trait compared to other personality traits. These results showed that personal traits may be useful in predicting the severity of disease and mortality in patients with sepsis/septic shock.

Evaluation of regular insulin adsorption to polypropylene bag and polyvinyl chloride infusion set.

AIM: Clinical application of insulin infusion therapy is usually accomplished with regular human insulin. It is known that the regular insulin adsorbed to the hydrophobic surfaces and different approaches were implemented into the clinical practices. It was aimed to evaluate the rate of adsorption of insulin to polypropylene (PP) bags and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) infusion sets and stability of insulin during the infusion. METHODS: A 100 IU insulin was added to PP bags containing 100 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution (n = 6). The infusion was started at a rate of 2 mL/h using infusion sets in the PVC structure. Insulin quantification was performed in the samples taken both from the bag and from the end tip of the infusion set during infusion. The stability of insulin solutions stored at room (+25°C) and refrigerator (+4°C) temperatures were compared. Samples were analysed using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the concentrations of the samples taken from the bags stored at room and refrigerator temperatures at the 4th, 12th, and 24th hours (P > .05). It was seen that the adsorption rate of insulin to PVC set was 57% and PP bags is at most 5% at the 24th hour. CONCLUSION: When PP bags are used for insulin infusion, it is predicted that 24-hour change can be made instead of frequent change. In addition, losses caused by the high rate of insulin adsorption to PVC infusion sets should be considered and PP infusion sets would be the better option to use if available.

Molecular determinants of behavioral changes induced by neonatal ketamine and dexmedetomidine application.

Ketamine (KET), an anesthetic, analgesic, and a sedative N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist agent, exposure during neonatal period may lead to learning impairment, behavioral abnormalities, and cognitive decline in the later years of life. In recent studies, it has been reported that sedative-acting α2 agonist dexmedetomidine (DEX), which is commonly used in clinical practice with KET, has neuroprotective effects and prevents the undesirable effects of anesthesia. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these actions, we investigated the interaction between NMDA receptors α2 adrenoceptor and adulthood behaviors in neonatally KET and/or DEX administrated mice. Balb/c male mice were administrated with saline, KET (75 mg/kg), DEX (10 µg/kg), or KET + DEX (75 mg/kg + 10 µg/kg) on postnatal day 7. During adulthood (8-10 weeks old) mice were subjected to elevated plus maze, open field, and Morris water maze tests. After behavioral tests, hippocampus samples were extracted for mRNA expression studies of NMDAR subunits (GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B) and α2 adrenoceptor subunits (α2A, α2B, and α2C) by real-time PCR. Ketamine increased horizontal and vertical locomotor activity (p < 0.01) and impaired spatial learning-memory (p < 0.05). DEX increased anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.01), but did not affect spatial learning-memory and locomotor activity. KET + DEX impaired spatial learning-memory (p < 0.01), increased horizontal locomotor activity (p < 0.01), and anxiety-like behavior (p < 0.05). Our study implies that DEX cannot prevent the adverse effects of KET, on spatial learning-memory, and locomotor activity. In addition to this, it can be thought that during brain development, there is an interaction between NMDAR and α2 adrenoceptor systems.

Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block on Postoperative Pain in Children Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) and intravenous paracetamol on postoperative pain control in paediatric patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). METHODS: Forty patients aged 1-5 years, with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, scheduled for PNL were enrolled into this prospective randomised controlled trial. After arrival in the operating room, all patients were administered standardised general anaesthesia. Patients in Group PVB received ultrasound-guided PVB using bupivacaine 0.5% at a total volume of 0.5 mL kg-1 at the vertebral levels T11, T12 and L1. Patients in Group P were administered paracetamol intravenously (15 mg kg-1) before the beginning of surgery. Patients in both groups were given tramadol (1 mg kg-1) for supplemental analgesia. Patient demographics, haemodynamic parameters, peripheral oxygen saturation and sevoflurane concentration were recorded. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability pain scores; satisfaction of parents; the number of patients requiring supplemental analgesia; and complications were evaluated during the postoperative period. RESULTS: Pain scores were significantly lower in Group PVB compared with Group P (p=0.001). There were no analgesic requirements in Group PVB; however, all patients needed a supplemental analgesic in Group P. Parental satisfaction was higher in Group PVB than in Group P. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that ultrasound-guided PVB provides more effective postoperative analgesia with no side effects compared to intravenous paracetamol in children undergoing PNL.

Anaesthesia Management of Premature Conjoined Twins with Anal Atresia.

Anaesthesia management of the conjoined twins poses some difficulties both for the anaesthesiologist and the twins. The airway management, presence of cross circulation, hypothermia and positioning are significant points during anaesthesia. We report the anaesthetic management during the colostomy opening of omphalopagus twins with anal atresia, and ultrasound-guided central venous catheterisation.

The Effect of Sevoflurane and Dexmedetomidine on Pulmonary Mechanics in ICU Patients.

OBJECTIVE: In intensive care unit (ICU) patients, intravenous (iv) and volatile agents are used for sedation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine and sevoflurane on pulmonary mechanics in ICU patients with pulmonary disorders. METHODS: After approval of the ethical committee and informed consent between the ages of 18-65 years were obtained, 30 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologist status I-III, who were mechanically ventilated, who had pulmonary disorders and who needed sedation were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were severe hepatic, pulmonary and renal failures; pregnancy; convulsion and/or seizure history; haemodynamic instability and no indication for sedation. Patients were divided into two groups by randomised numbers generated by a computer. For sedation, 0.5%-1% sevoflurane (4-10 mL h-1) was used by an Anaesthetic Conserving Device in Group S (n=15), and iv dexmedetomidine infusion (1 µg-1 kg-1 10 min-1 loading and 0.2-0.7 µg-1 kg-1 h-1 maintenance) was performed in Group D (n=15). Arterial blood gas analysis, airway resistance, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), frequency, tidal volume (TV), peak airway pressure (Ppeak), static pulmonary compliance and end-tidal CO2 values were recorded at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h. RESULTS: Demographic data, airway resistance, PEEP, frequency, TV, Ppeak and static pulmonary compliance values were similar between the groups. PaCO2 and end-tidal CO2 values were higher in Group S than in Group D. Sedation and patient comfort scores were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine are suitable sedative agents in ICU patients with pulmonary diseases.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale

Background/aim: The modifiedYa l ePreoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS) is widely used to measure children's anxiety levels. The aim of this study was to translate the m-YPAS into Turkish and test its validity and reliability in Turkish children. Materials and methods: The English version of the m-YPAS was translated into Turkish using the forward-back-forward translation technique. This study enrolled 120 children. The m-YPAS was administered to 120 children who were recorded on video. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) was used for only 30 of 120 children. The videotapes were evaluated by two experienced observers [an anesthesiologist, ObA(an), and a psychologist, ObB(ps)]. The interrater reliability, concurrent validity, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the children was 7.8 ± 2.2 years.The weighted kappa values of the m-YPAS between observers were in substantial agreement (κw = 0.74­0.80) and almost perfect agreement (κw = 0.84­0.85). The Cronbach alpha values were high [α = 0.85 for ObA(an) and α = 0.86 for ObB(ps)]. The correlation between m-YPAS and STAIC showed good agreement (P < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity were high, and the predictive value was 92.86%. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the m-YPAS can be applied as a reliable and valid observational questionnaire for Turkish children.

Effect of One-Lung Ventilation on Blood Sevoflurane and Desflurane Concentrations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the blood sevoflurane and desflurane concentrations during one-lung ventilation (OLV). DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind study. SETTING: Single university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 24 patients, 35 to 70 years old who were scheduled for either a major abdominal surgery or thoracotomy. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were divided into the following 4 groups: sevoflurane two-lung ventilation (TLV), sevoflurane OLV, desflurane TLV, and desflurane OLV. Vaporizers were set at 1.5% sevoflurane or 6% desflurane. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In the TLV groups, blood samples were taken in 10-minute intervals starting 40 minutes after the start of TLV (T1-T9) for blood gas analysis and gas chromatography. In the OLV groups, the first sample was collected at 40 minutes of TLV (T1), and other samples were collected in 10-minute intervals from the start of OLV (T2-T9). Saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), hemodynamic variables, and inspired and end-tidal volatiles were recorded. The fraction uptake of the volatile agents (F) was calculated for each patient at the same time points. The mean arterial sevoflurane concentration in the sevoflurane OLV group at T1 decreased from 40.7 ± 4.4 to 30.2 ± 2.5 µg/mL at T3 (p = 0.014, 26% decrease). In the OLV desflurane group, the mean arterial desflurane concentration at T1 declined from 224.6 ± 44.8 to 159.8 ± 32 µg/mL at T3 (p=0.018, 29% decrease). However, the reduction of sevoflurane concentration compared with that of desflurane at T3 was not statistically significant (p = 0.31). In addition, the fraction uptake of the volatile agents values significantly increased at the start of OLV (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: An OLV procedure causes a decrease in the both arterial and venous blood concentrations of sevoflurane and desflurane. This reduction is believed to be due to ventilation-perfusion mismatch.

Determining the effect of long-term dexamethasone and prednisolone treatment on sugammadex

Background/aim: We aimed to investigate the effect of long-term use of dexamethasone and prednisolone on the reversal effect of sugammadex. Materials and methods: TTwenty-four male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. Dexamethasone (600 µg/kg) was given to group D, prednisolone (10 mg/kg) was given to group P, and an equivalent volume of saline per day was administered intraperitoneally to group S for 14 days, respectively. The left hemidiaphragm with attached phrenic nerve was maintained in Krebs solution. Sugammadex (30 µmol/L) was applied while rocuronium (10 µmol/L) was present in an organ bath and a single twitch was obtained. The right hemidiaphragm was used for both adult ( ε-subunit) and fetal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) ( ε-subunit) determination using polymerase chain reaction. Results: All animals lost weight, except group S. The mean baseline single-twitch tension was lower in both group D (14.4 ± 1.7 g) and group P (12.68 ± 0.05 g) than group S (16.8 ± 0.5 g) (P < 0.001). When sugammadex was added to the organ bath while rocuronium was present, the single twitch was measured to be lower in both group D (11.7 ± 0.7 g) and group P (11.5 ± 0.78 g) than group S (16.5 ± 0.24 g) (P < 0.001). Ɣ-AChR expression was higher in both dexamethasone and prednisolone than in saline. Conclusion: Long-term medication with dexamethasone and prednisolone caused muscle weakness, resistance to neuromuscular blockers, and upregulation of immature Ɣ-AChR and reduced the neuromuscular reversal effect of sugammadex.

Remifentanil-ketamine vs. propofol-ketamine for sedation in pediatric patients undergoing colonoscopy: A randomized clinical trial / Remifentanil-cetamina vs. propofol-cetamina para sedação em pacientes pediátricos submetidos à colonoscopia: ensaio clínico randômico

Abstract Background and objectives: Pediatric patients frequently require deep sedation or general anesthesia for colonoscopy. This study was designed to compare the sedative efficacy of remifentanil-ketamine combination with propofol-ketamine combination in children undergoing colonoscopy. Methods: Seventy patients, between 2 and 16 years of age, scheduled for diagnostic colonoscopy were randomly allocated into two groups. Remifentanil-ketamine group received intravenous ketamine 2 mg.kg−1 and remifentanil 0.25 µg.kg−1 combination, followed by 0.1 µg.kg−1.min−1 remifentanil infusion. Propofol-ketamine group received intravenous propofol 1 and 2 mg.kg−1 ketamine combination, followed by 1 mg.kg−1.h−1 propofol infusion. In the case of children discomfort (cry, movement, and cough), remifentanil 0.1 µg.kg−1 in the remifentanil-ketamine group or propofol 0.5 mg.kg−1 in the propofol-ketamine group were administered to improve children discomfort. Despite the therapy given above, if children still experience discomfort, 1 mg.kg−1 of ketamine was administered as a rescue drug, regardless of the group. Ramsay sedation score, hemodynamic variables, drug requirements, gastroenterologists' satisfaction, colonoscopy duration, recovery time, and side effects were recorded throughout the procedure and the recovery period. Results: The percentage of patients with a Ramsay sedation score of 4 or higher during the procedure was 73.5 and 37.1% in remifentanil-ketamine and propofol-ketamine groups, respectively (p = 0.02). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure variables were significantly higher only after induction in the remifentanil-ketamine group than in the propofol-ketamine group (p = 0.015). Conclusion: Coadministration of ketamine with either remifentanil or propofol effectively and safely provides sedation and analgesia in children undergoing colonoscopy. Sedation scores were significantly better in remifentanil-ketamine group than in propofol-ketamine group.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Os pacientes pediátricos com frequência precisam de sedação profunda ou anestesia geral para colonoscopia. Este estudo foi desenhado para comparar a eficácia sedativa da combinação de remifentanil-cetamina e de propofol-cetamina em crianças submetidas à colonoscopia. Métodos: Setenta pacientes, entre 2-16 anos, programados para colonoscopia diagnóstica foram alocados randomicamente em dois grupos. O grupo remifentanil-cetamina recebeu a combinação de 2 mg.kg−1 de cetamina por via intravenosa e 0,25 µg.kg−1 de remifentanil; seguido de infusão de remifentanil (0,1 µg.kg−1.min−1). O grupo propofol-cetamina recebeu a combinação de 1 mg.kg−1 de propofol e 2 mg.kg−1 de cetamina; seguido de infusão de propofol (1 mg.kg−1.h−1). Em caso de desconforto das crianças (choro, movimento e tosse), remifentanil (0,1 µg.kg−1) seria administrado ao grupo remifentanil-cetamina ou propofol (0,5 mg.kg−1) ao grupo propofol-cetamina. A despeito da terapia acima citada, caso as crianças ainda sentissem desconforto, cetamina (1 mg.kg−1) seria administrada como fármaco de resgate, independentemente do grupo. Escore de sedação de Ramsay, variáveis hemodinâmicas, necessidade de medicamentos, satisfação dos gastroenterologistas, duração da colonoscopia, tempo de recuperação e efeitos colaterais foram registrados durante o procedimento e o período de recuperação. Resultados: O percentual de pacientes com escore 4 ou mais na escala de sedação de Ramsay durante o procedimento foi de 73,5% e 37,1% nos grupos remifentanil-cetamina e propofol-cetamina, respectivamente, (p = 0,02). As variáveis, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, foram significativamente maiores no grupo remifentanil-cetamina do que no grupo propofol-cetamina, mas somente após a indução (p = 0,015). Conclusão: A coadministração de cetamina com remifentanil ou propofol fornece sedação e analgesia de forma eficaz e segura em crianças submetidas à colonoscopia. Os escores de sedação foram significativamente melhores no grupo remifentanil-cetamina do que no grupo propofol-cetamina.

[Remifentanil-ketamine vs. propofol-ketamine for sedation in pediatric patients undergoing colonoscopy: A randomized clinical trial]. / Remifentanil­cetamina vs. propofol­cetamina para sedação em pacientes pediátricos submetidos à colonoscopia: ensaio clínico randômico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pediatric patients frequently require deep sedation or general anesthesia for colonoscopy. This study was designed to compare the sedative efficacy of remifentanil-ketamine combination with propofol-ketamine combination in children undergoing colonoscopy. METHODS: Seventy patients, between 2 and 16 years of age, scheduled for diagnostic colonoscopy were randomly allocated into two groups. Remifentanil-ketamine group received intravenous ketamine 2mg.kg-1 and remifentanil 0.25µg.kg-1 combination, followed by 0.1µg.kg-1.min-1 remifentanil infusion. Propofol-ketamine group received intravenous propofol 1 and 2mg.kg-1 ketamine combination, followed by 1mg.kg-1.h-1 propofol infusion. In the case of children discomfort (cry, movement, and cough), remifentanil 0.1µg.kg-1 in the remifentanil-ketamine group or propofol 0.5mg.kg-1 in the propofol-ketamine group were administered to improve children discomfort. Despite the therapy given above, if children still experience discomfort, 1mg.kg-1 of ketamine was administered as a rescue drug, regardless of the group. Ramsay sedation score, hemodynamic variables, drug requirements, gastroenterologists' satisfaction, colonoscopy duration, recovery time, and side effects were recorded throughout the procedure and the recovery period. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with a Ramsay sedation score of 4 or higher during the procedure was 73.5 and 37.1% in remifentanil-ketamine and propofol-ketamine groups, respectively (p=0.02). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure variables were significantly higher only after induction in the remifentanil-ketamine group than in the propofol-ketamine group (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Coadministration of ketamine with either remifentanil or propofol effectively and safely provides sedation and analgesia in children undergoing colonoscopy. Sedation scores were significantly better in remifentanil-ketamine group than in propofol-ketamine group.

Comparative study of ultrasound-guided paravertebral block versus intravenous tramadol for postoperative pain control in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for renal calculi, and nephrostomy tubes lead to postoperative pain after PCNL. Regional techniques (e.g., epidural analgesia and peripheral blocks) and opioids are applied for postoperative pain treatment. The aim of this study was to compare effectiveness of ultrasound-guided paravertebral block (PVB) and tramadol on postoperative pain in patients who underwent PCNL. METHOD: Fifty-three patients were included in this prospective randomized study. The patients were allocated into two groups: the PVB group (group P, n = 26) and the tramadol group (group T, n = 27). All patients were administered standard general anaesthesia. Ultrasound-guided PVB was performed at the T11- L1 levels using 0.5% bupivacaine for a total dose of 15 mL in group P. Patients in group T were intravenously administered a loading dose of 1 mg/kg tramadol. Patients in both groups were given patient-controlled analgesia. Haemodynamic parameters, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, side effects, and complications, tramadol consumption and additional analgesic requirements of the patients were recorded after surgery. RESULTS: Haemodynamic parameters were statistically similar between the groups. The VAS in group P were statistically lower than in group T. In the 24-h period after surgery, total PCA tramadol consumption was statistically lower in group P than in group T. The use of supplemental analgesic in group T was higher than in group P. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided PVB was found to be an effective analgesia compared to tramadol, and no additional complications were encountered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02412930 , date of registration: March 27, 2015, retrospectively registered.

Comparison of TIVA with different combinations of ketamine-propofol mixtures in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: Adding ketamine to propofol has been suggested to be useful for sedation and general anesthesia. This study aimed to determine the effect of TIVA with different ratios of ketofol on recovery in children. METHODS: Seventy-five children aged 3-12 years and undergoing adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy surgery were randomized into three groups. Ratios of 1:5, 1:6.7 and 1:10 ketamine-propofol mixture (ketofol) were prepared in the same syringe for groups I, II and III, respectively. Induction and maintenance of anesthesia were performed with 1:5, 1:6.7 and 1:10 ratios of ketofol in groups I, II and III, respectively. A McFarlan infusion dose regimen was used (15 mg/kg/h for 15 min, 13 mg/kg/h for 15 min, 11 mg/kg/h for 30 min) and infusion rates were decreased for the different ratios. Infusion rates were reduced to 67, 80 and 90% of the McFarlan dose regimen for groups I, II and III, respectively. Extubating time, length of stay in PACU, postoperative PAED and FLACC scores were recorded. RESULTS: Extubating time was significantly lower [mean 254.3 ± 92.7 s (95% CI 216.6-292.6, p = 0.001)] in group III than in groups I and II [371.3 ± 153 s (308.1-434.48) and 343.2 ± 123.7 s (292.2-394.3), respectively]. Length of stay in the PACU was lower in group III [median 15 min (interquartile range 15-20, p = 0.001)] than in groups I and II: 20 (15-27.5) and 20 min (20-27.5), respectively. CONCLUSION: TIVA with a 1:10 ratio of ketofol admixture with a 90% reduction of McFarlan regimen can provide improved recovery conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02848963.