Comparison of Response First Technique with Reversal First Technique for Quality of Extubation in Patients Undergoing Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Early and smooth extubation following anesthesia is an important concern in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery to permit early neurological evaluation and prevent complications. The aim was to compare the RESPONSE FIRST and REVERSAL FIRST techniques for quality of extubation (QOE) in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. METHODS: Fifty-six patients aged 18-60 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Statuses I-II, and undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors were randomized into either the RESPONSE FIRST group, in which neuromuscular reversal was given following the patient's response to oral commands, or the REVERSAL FIRST group, in which reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) was given at the return of spontaneous respiration. QOE was the primary outcome. Hemodynamic response, jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjVO2), time to extubation, and awareness during emergence were assessed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The QOE in the RESPONSE FIRST group was significantly better than the REVERSAL FIRST group (mean (interquartile range (IQR)), 18 (17-19) vs 14 (12-14.75), P < 0.001). Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were better in the RESPONSE FIRST group when compared to the REVERSAL FIRST group at the time of extubation, at 5 minutes, and 15 minutes following extubation (P < 0.05). SjVO2values were higher in the REVERSAL FIRST group as compared to the RESPONSE FIRST group during extubation and at 5 minutes after extubation (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the time to extubation between the groups (P = 0.73). CONCLUSION: The RESPONSE FIRST technique is associated with better QOE and preservation of systemic and cerebral hemodynamics during extubation in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery when compared to the REVERSAL FIRST technique.

Hyperosmolar Therapy in Elderly Neurosurgical Patients: Comparison of the Effect of Mannitol (20%) and Hypertonic Saline (3%) on Advanced Cardiovascular Parameters Using Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Osmotherapeutic agents increase the intravascular volume by withdrawing water from the brain followed by relative hypovolemia due to diuresis leading to significant changes in systemic hemodynamics which might have adverse consequences in the elderly. We studied the effect of mannitol (20%) and hypertonic saline (HTS) (3%) on left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT-VTI) and cardiac output (CO) in elderly patients undergoing supratentorial neurosurgical procedures using transesophageal echocardiography. METHODS: We recruited 28 patients aged above 65 years undergoing supratentorial craniotomy who received equiosmolar solutions of 5.35 ml/kg of 3% HTS (group HS, n = 14) or 5 ml/kg of 20% mannitol (group M, n = 14). LVOT-VTI was recorded at baseline, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes postinfusion and CO was derived. We also recorded heart rate, blood pressure, fluid balance, brain relaxation, vasopressor use, complications, and neurological outcome. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in LVOT-VTI at 45, and 60 minutes in group M as compared to group HS [mean (standard deviation), 16.76 (1.81) vs. 20.78 (1.87), P < 0.001, 17.4 (2.38) vs. 19.16 (2), P = 0.044, respectively]. We also found a corresponding significant fall in CO [3863.16 (845.87) vs. 4745.59 (1209.33) ml/minute, P = 0.034] and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.039), at 45 minutes in group M. Urine output was higher in group M (P < 0.001). All other parameters were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: HTS appears to be associated with better systemic hemodynamics (LVOT-VTI, CO) while providing equivalent brain relaxation as mannitol in elderly patients. A future larger study is required to confirm our preliminary findings.

Comparison of the effects of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) on postoperative analgesia and intraoperative hemodynamics in patients undergoing spine surgery: A prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial.

Background: Opioids form the basis of perioperative pain management but are associated with multiple side effects. In opioid-free anesthesia (OFA), several non-opioid drugs or neuraxial/regional blocks are used as substitutes for opioids. Ketamine, a N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist, provides intense analgesia. However, there is a shortage of literature on the effects of ketamine-based OFA on hemodynamics (HD) and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracolumbar spine surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial included 60 adult patients. The patients in Group OFA (n = 30) received OFA with ketamine and ketofol (1:5) infusion, and those in Group OBA (n = 30) received opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) with fentanyl and propofol infusion. The postoperative pain-free period, pain scores, rescue analgesia, intraoperative HDs, and postoperative complications were assessed. Results: The mean pain-free period in Group OFA (9.86 ± 1.43 hr) was significantly higher than that in Group OBA (6.93 ± 1.93 hr) (P = 0.002). During the postoperative 48 hours, the total requirement of fentanyl was considerably lower in Group OFA (P < 0.05). There was a significantly higher incidence of hypertension in Group OFA (46%) and hypotension (43%) in Group OBA (43%), respectively. Postoperative nausea vomiting (PONV) was more common in Group OBA at the 2nd and 6th hr (P = 0.046 and P = 0.038). Conclusion: OFA with ketamine and ketofol provided adequate postoperative analgesia with a lower incidence of PONV after spine surgery. However, hypertension in the ketamine group and hypotension in the propofol group required fine titration of the infusion rate of drugs during the intraoperative period.

Assessment of potential predictors affecting preoperative anxiety in Indian children- A prospective observational study.

Background and Aims: Preoperative anxiety is a common problem among children undergoing surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and identify various predictors of preoperative anxiety in Indian children. Material and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted on 60 children of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical status 1/2, aged 2-6 years and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Preoperative parental anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. The children's anxiety was assessed in the preoperative room, at the time of parental separation, and at the induction of anesthesia using modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) scoring by an anesthesiologist and a psychologist. Sedative premedication was employed prior to parental separation. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the possible predictors of anxiety. Results: The incidence of high preoperative anxiety among the studied children was 76% in the preoperative room, 93% during parental separation, and 96% during anesthetic induction. Among the nine possible predictors identified on univariate regression, the presence of siblings was found to be a significant independent predictor on multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.04). The inter-rater agreement was excellent for the assessment of preoperative anxiety using mYPAS by the anesthesiologist and psychologist (weighted Kappa, k = 0.79). Conclusion: The incidence of preoperative anxiety in Indian children in the age group of 2-6 years is very high. The preop anxiety escalates progressively at parental separation and induction of anesthesia despite sedative premedication. The presence of siblings is a significant predictor of preoperative anxiety.

Ketofol as an Anesthetic Agent in Patients With Isolated Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective, Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The effects of ketofol (propofol and ketamine admixture) on systemic hemodynamics and outcomes in patients undergoing emergency decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury (TBI) are unknown and explored in this study. METHODS: Fifty patients with moderate/severe TBI were randomized to receive ketofol (n=25) or propofol (n=25) for induction and maintenance of anesthesia during TBI surgery. Intraoperative hemodynamic stability was assessed by continuous measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and need for rescue interventions to maintain MAP within 20% of baseline. Brain relaxation scores, serum biomarker-glial fibrillary acidic protein levels, and extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) at 30 and 90 days after discharge were also explored. RESULTS: MAP was lower and hemodynamic fluctuations more frequent in patients receiving propofol compared with those receiving ketofol (P<0.05). MAP fell >20% below baseline in 22 (88%) patients receiving propofol and in 10 (40%) receiving ketofol (P=0.001), with a greater requirement for vasopressors (80% vs. 24%, respectively; P=0.02). Intraoperative brain relaxation scores and GOSE at 30 and 90 day were similar between groups. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was lower in the ketofol group (3.31±0.43 ng/mL) as compared with the propofol (3.41±0.17 ng/mL; P=0.01) group on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Compared with propofol, ketofol for induction and maintenance of anesthesia during decompressive surgery in patients with moderate/severe TBI was associated with improved hemodynamic stability, lower vasopressor requirement, and similar brain relaxation.

Comparison of Effects of Propofol and Sevoflurane on the Cerebral Vasculature Assessed by Digital Subtraction Angiographic Parameters in Patients Treated for Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have evaluated the effects of volatile and intravenous anesthetic agents on the cerebral vasculature with inconsistent results. We used digital subtraction angiography to compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on the luminal diameter of cerebral vessels and on cerebral transit time in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). METHODS: This prospective preliminary study included adult patients with good-grade aSAH scheduled for endovascular coil embolization; patients were randomized to receive propofol or sevoflurane anesthesia during endovascular coiling. The primary outcome was the luminal diameter of 7 cerebral vessel segments measured on the diseased and nondiseased sides of the brain at 3 time points: awake, postinduction of anesthesia, and postcoiling. Cerebral transit time was also measured as a surrogate for cerebral blood flow. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included in the analysis (9 per group). Baseline and intraoperative parameters were similar between the groups. Propofol increased the diameter of 1 vessel segment at postinduction and postcoiling on the diseased side and in 1 segment at postcoiling on the nondiseased side of the brain ( P <0.05). Sevoflurane increased vessel diameter in 3 segments at postinduction and in 2 segments at postcoiling on the diseased side, and in 4 segments at postcoiling on the nondiseased side ( P <0.05). Cerebral transit time did not change compared with baseline awake state in either group and was not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane has cerebral vasodilating properties compared with propofol in patients with good-grade aSAH. However, sevoflurane affects cerebral transit time comparably to propofol.

Propofol versus Desflurane in Moyamoya Disease Patients-A Pilot Study.

Objectives The choice of inhalational or intravenous anesthetic agents is debatable in neurosurgical patients. Desflurane, a cerebral vasodilator, may be advantageous in ischemic cerebral pathologies. Hence, we planned to compare desflurane and propofol in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) with the objective of comparing neurological outcomes. Materials and Methods This prospective pilot trial was initiated after institutional ethics committee approval. Patients with MMD undergoing revascularization surgery were randomized into two groups receiving either desflurane or propofol intraoperatively. Neurological outcomes were assessed using a modified Rankin score (mRS) at discharge and an extended Glasgow outcome score (GOS-E) at 1 month. Intraoperative parameters, including hemodynamic parameters, end-tidal carbon dioxide, entropy, intraoperative brain relaxation scores (BRS), and rescue measures for brain relaxation, were compared. Statistical Analysis The normality of quantitative data was checked using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests of normality. Normally distributed data were compared using unpaired t -tests, skewed data using Mann-Whitney U tests, and categorical variables using chi-squared tests. Results A total of 17 patients were randomized, 10 in the desflurane and 7 in the propofol group. mRS (1.3 ± 0.6 and 1.14 ± 0.4, p = 0.450) and GOS-E (6.7 ± 0.6 and 6.85 ± 0.5, p = 0.45) were comparable between desflurane and propofol groups, respectively. BRS was significantly higher in the desflurane group (3.6 ± 0.5) compared to the propofol group (2.1 ± 0.3, p = 0.001), with a significant number of patients requiring rescue measures in the desflurane group (70%, p < 0.001). Other outcome parameters were comparable ( p > 0.05). Conclusion We conclude that postoperative neurological outcomes were comparable with using either an anesthetic agent, desflurane, or propofol in MMD patients undergoing revascularization surgery. Maintenance of anesthesia with propofol had significantly superior surgical field conditions.

Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss and the Quality of Surgical Field in Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgeries: Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Control Trial.

Background and Aims: Pituitary adenomas are common intracranial neoplasms and several cases require surgery, radiotherapy or radiosurgery. Transsphenoidal access to the pituitary gland is the commonest surgical approach. In microscopic or endoscopic approach to the pituitary, even modest bleeding can significantly worsen the surgical field for the neurosurgeon, lengthen intra-operative time and lead to potentially catastrophic complications. Methods: The investigators hypothesized that administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) would improve the quality of the surgical field and reduce bleeding during transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) of pituitary tumors. Fifty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical-status 1 or 2 patients undergoing TSS were randomized into two groups: T and P. Patients in Group T received 25 mg/kg bolus of TXA followed by intraoperative infusion of 1 mg/kg/hour, while those in Group P received a matching saline infusion. The operating neurosurgeon, and the anesthesiologist, who managed the patient and collected data, were blinded to the test drug. Surgical field quality was assessed using the Boezaart scale. A single neurosurgeon performed all the surgeries to ensure consistency in estimating the quality of the surgical field. Results: The median Boezaart score (interquartile range) was 3 (1.0) in Group T and 3.0 (1.5) in Group P (P = 0.03). There was an absolute blood loss reduction of nearly 32% with TXA use. Blood loss in Group T was 334 ± 101 mL, compared to 495 ± 226 mL in Group P (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The administration of TXA significantly improved the quality of surgical field and reduced blood loss in patients undergoing TSS.

Impact of Stellate Ganglion Block in the Management of Cerebral Vasospasm: A Prospective Interventional Study.

Background: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) causes blockage of sympathetic nerve activity, which may lead to intracerebral vessel dilatation and relieve cerebral vasospasm in patients of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SGB to relieve cerebral vasospasm on clinicoradiological parameters. Materials and Methods: We prospectively included 20 patients with clinical and angiographic evidence of vasospasm post aneurysmal clipping. Cerebral blood flow velocity and Lindegaard ratio were assessed using transcranial Doppler (TCD). Location of vasospasm, vessel diameter, vasospasm severity, parenchymal filling time, and venous sinus filling time were assessed on digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Patients received ultrasound-guided SGB with 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine on the ipsilateral side of the vasospasm. After 30 minutes, the neurological status, TCD, and DSA parameters were reevaluated. Results: After SGB, there was statistically significant reduction in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (P = 0.005), mean flow velocity (P = 0.025), and Lindegaard ratio (P = 0.022) on TCD. We observed significant dilatation in the mean vessel diameter measured at the mid-M1 segment of MCA (P = 0.003) and mid-A1 segment of ACA (P = 0.002) on DSA. The mean parenchymal filling time and mean venous sinus filling time decreased nonsignificantly after SGB (P = 0.163/0.104). Neurological improvement was observed in five (25%) patients. Conclusion: SGB has positive clinicoradiological influence in the management of cerebral vasospasm of large vessels. However, its effect on cerebral microvasculature is limited and needs a larger database for further analysis.

Goal-directed Fluid Therapy Versus Conventional Fluid Therapy During Craniotomy and Clipping of Cerebral Aneurysm: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Fluid imbalance is common after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and negatively impacts clinical outcomes. We compared intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) using left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT-VTI) measured by transesophageal echocardiography with central venous pressure (CVP)-guided fluid therapy during aneurysm clipping in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. METHODS: Fifty adults scheduled for urgent craniotomy for aneurysm clipping were randomly allocated to 2 groups: group G (n=25) received GDFT guided by LVOT-VTI and group C (n=25) received CVP-guided fluid management. The primary outcome was intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP). Secondary outcomes included volume of fluid administered and several other intraoperative and postoperative variables, including neurological outcome at hospital discharge and at 30 and 90 days. RESULTS: There was no difference in MAP between the 2 groups despite patients in group G receiving lower volumes of fluid compared with patients in group C (2503.6±534.3 vs. 3732.8±676.5 mL, respectively; P <0.0001). Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure were also comparable between groups, whereas systolic blood pressure was higher in group G than in group C at several intraoperative time points. Other intraoperative variables, including blood loss, urine output, and lactate levels were not different between the 2 groups. Postoperative variables, including creatinine, duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and incidence of acute kidney injury, pneumonitis, and vasospasm were also comparable between groups. There was no difference in neurological outcome at hospital discharge (modified Rankin scale) and at 30 and 90 days (Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with CVP-guided fluid therapy, transesophageal echocardiography-guided GDFT maintains MAP with lower volumes of intravenous fluid in patients undergoing clipping of intracranial aneurysms with no adverse impact on postoperative complications.

Diclofenac Is Superior to Paracetamol in Postoperative Pain Scores and Analgesic Consumption in Supratentorial Craniotomy With No Difference in Platelet and Clot Function: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in neurosurgery remains controversial because of potential risk of hematoma formation secondary to platelet dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of diclofenac compared with paracetamol for the management of postcraniotomy pain. METHODS: In all, 110 adult patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumors were randomized to receive either intravenous paracetamol (15 mg/kg) or intravenous diclofenac sodium (1.5 mg/kg) 30 minutes before the end of surgery and postoperatively at 12-hour intervals up to 48 hours. The analgesic efficacy of diclofenac and paracetamol was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score at 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. We also examined the need for rescue analgesia, coagulation profiles using a Sonoclot analyzer, and incidence of intracranial hematoma formation. RESULTS: At 24 hours postsurgery, NRS scores were lower in group D than in group P; median (interquartile range) and mean rank NRS score in group D was 3.00 (1.0), 43.71, respectively, compared with 3.00 (1.0), 59.29 in group P (P=0.004). Patients in group P received more rescue analgesia than those in group D. Coagulation profiles were similar between groups at 24 hours. Activated clotting time was longer in group D (128.76±12.61 s) than in group P (123.84±09.77 s; P=0.03) at 48 hours, although remained within normal limits in both groups; clot rate and platelet function were similar at 48 hours. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative tumor bed hematoma. CONCLUSION: Compared with paracetamol, diclofenac sodium provided more effective postoperative analgesia at 24 hours with no evidence of adverse effects on coagulation profiles in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumors.

Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway-assisted Flexible Bronchoscopic Intubation Is Associated With Reduced Cervical Spine Motion When Compared With C-MAC Video Laryngoscopy-guided Intubation: A Prospective Randomized Cross Over Trial.

BACKGROUND: In the evolving research into cervical spine mechanics during airway intervention, new devices are being constantly added to the armamentarium of anesthesiologists. In this study we compared cervical spine movement during orotracheal intubation using an intubating laryngeal mask airway (LMA Fastrach) assisted flexible bronchoscope or video laryngoscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 40 consenting patients without history of abnormalities of cervical spine and planned for elective neuroradiologic interventions in the angiography suite were enrolled in this randomized crossover trial. Every patient was subjected to LMA Fastrach-guided flexible bronchoscopic as well as video laryngoscopy guided intubation. Cervical spine motion at the occipital bone, C1-C5 vertebrae, the occiput-C1, C1-C2, C2-C3 and C4-C5 junctions was investigated using continuous fluoroscopy during intubation. The primary outcome of the study was combined craniocervical motion from occiput to C5 between the 2 intubation techniques. RESULTS: There was less (62%) combined craniocervical movement from occiput to C5 during the LMA Fastrach-flexible bronchoscopy-guided technique as compared with video laryngoscopy-guided intubation (17.55±14.23 vs. 28.95±11.58 degrees, respectively; P<0.001). The LMA Fastrach flexible bronchoscopy-guided technique also produced significantly less movement as compared to the video laryngoscope at the occiput-C1 (9.75±8.59 vs. 15.00±10.48 degrees; P=0.000) and C1-C2 level (3.95±7.51 vs. 7.53±9.1 degrees; P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: There was significantly less movement in the craniocervical and upper cervical spine during LMA Fastrach assisted flexible bronchoscopic intubation compared to video laryngoscopic intubation.

Radiofrequency Thermoablation of the Gasserian Ganglion Versus the Peripheral Branches of the Trigeminal Nerve for Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Randomized, Control Trial.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia is the most painful condition of facial pain leading to impairment of routine activities. Although radiofrequency thermoablation (RFT) of the Gasserian ganglion is widely used for the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia in patients having ineffective pain relief with medical therapy, the incidence of complications like hypoesthesia, neuroparalytic keratitis, and masticatory muscles weakness is high. Recent case reports have shown the effectiveness of RFT of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve for relief of refractory chronic facial pain conditions including trigeminal neuralgia. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of RFT of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve with RFT of the Gasserian ganglion for the management of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, observer-blinded, clinical trial. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital and medical education and research institute. METHODS: A total of 40 adult patients of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The control group received RFT of the Gasserian ganglion while the study group received RFT of the peripheral branches of trigeminal nerve. The procedures were performed in the operation room under all aseptic precautions with fluoroscopic guidance. Post-procedure, the patients were assessed for loss of sensation along the nerve distribution and the adequacy of pain relief on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The patients were followed up for 3 month to assess the quality of pain relief by the NRS and the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity scale. Improvement in pain was considered excellent if patients had complete pain relief without any medication, good if there was significant reduction in pain (> 50%) with or without medication, and poor if there was less than 50% reduction in pain with medications. Patients were also assessed for numbness and any other side effects. Patients' satisfaction with the procedure was recorded. RESULTS: Nineteen patients in the control group and 18 in study group had effective pain relief of up to 3 months. Their pain scores were comparable at all time intervals, though the number of patients receiving supplementary medications was more in study group at 2 months (P = 0.015). The patients showed overall satisfaction score of 8.5 (8-9) and 8 (7-9) in control and study groups respectively. The average procedure duration was 30 (30-38) minutes in the control group and 28 (25-40) minutes in the study group. Most of the patients in both groups had mild numbness after the procedure. One patient in the control group had lower eyelid swelling and another had mild weakness of the masseter muscle, which resolved few days later. No major complication was reported in the study group except for 1 patient who reported local ecchymosis. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of the study is that the patients and the investigator performing the procedure were not blinded, though the person who assessed the patient during follow-up was blinded to the group assignment. Another limitation is that we could not follow up with the patients after 3 months due to time constraints. CONCLUSION: We found that radiofrequency thermoablation of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve is an effective and safe procedure for the management of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. KEY WORDS: Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia, radiofrequency thermoablation, Gasserian ganglion, peripheral nerve branches, pain, trigeminal nerve.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting in neurosurgical patients: Current concepts and management.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a significant complication for neurosurgical patients. PONV affects patient satisfaction, prolongs hospital stay, and increases the economic burden and morbidity. In addition to these problems, there are certain consequences of PONV specific to the craniotomy, including increased intracranial pressure and increased risk of tumor bed hematoma formation. Expert panels have suggested that, if the consequences of PONV are deleterious to the patients, then prophylaxis should be instituted. This article describes the pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, and management of PONV in neurosurgery patients as per the recent guidelines.

Intraoperative and Postoperative Administration of Dexmedetomidine Reduces Anesthetic and Postoperative Analgesic Requirements in Patients Undergoing Cervical Spine Surgeries.

BACKGROUND: Early recovery from anesthesia and avoidance of analgesics with respiratory depressant properties are vital for maintenance of extubated airway in cervical spine surgeries. The current study investigated the role of dexmedetomidine as an anesthetic sparing agent and as a sole postoperative analgesic in these cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adult patients undergoing cervical spine surgeries were randomized into 2 groups. Group D received intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion 0.5 µg/kg/h throughout the surgery after a loading dose of 1 µg/kg over 10 minutes. Postoperatively, dexmedetomidine infusion was continued at 0.2 µg/kg/h for 24 hours. Group C received a volume-matched bolus and infusion of 0.9% saline. Intraoperative anesthetic requirement, time to recovery, and discharge were recorded. Patients were observed for rescue analgesic requirements for 24 hours after surgery. Hemodynamic stability, sedation scores, and pain scores were assessed for 48 hours after surgery. RESULTS: There was significant reduction in intraoperative anesthetic requirement in group D (P<0.001). Although sedation scores and recovery criteria were comparable, pain scores were significantly lower in group D compared with group C for first 24 hours postoperatively at all corresponding times. The mean pain-free period after surgery was significantly longer in group D (1460.67±517.16 min) with significantly less rescue analgesic requirement during 24-hour postoperative period (P=0.018) compared with group C (98.17±81.20 min). Hemodynamic parameters were maintained within clinically normal range during study period. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine lowered the anesthetic requirement with clinically permissible hemodynamic variations without undue prolongation of recovery time. Postoperative dexmedetomidine infusion provided effective analgesia without excessive sedation in patients undergoing cervical spine surgeries.

Evaluation of the Effect of Aneurysmal Clipping on Electrocardiography and Echocardiographic Changes in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic changes that are subsequent to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a-SAH) are commonly observed with a prevalence varying from 27% to 100% and 13% to 18%, respectively. There are sparse data in the literature about the pattern of ECG and echocardiographic changes in patients with SAH after clipping of the aneurysm. Hence, we observed the effect of aneurysmal clipping on ECG and echocardiographic changes during the first week after surgery, and the impact of these changes on outcome at the end of 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, observational study was conducted in 100 consecutive patients with a-SAH undergoing clipping of ruptured aneurysm. ECG and echocardiographic changes were recorded preoperatively and every day after surgery until 7 days. Outcome was evaluated using the Glasgow outcome scale at the end of 1 year. RESULTS: Of 100 patients, 75 had ECG changes and 17 had echocardiographic changes preoperatively. The ECG changes observed were QTc prolongation, conduction defects, ST-wave and T-wave abnormalities, tachyarrhythmias, and bradyarrhythmias. The echocardiography changes included global hypokinesia and regional wall motion abnormalities. Both echocardiographic and ECG changes showed significant recovery on the first postoperative day. Patients presenting with both echocardiographic and ECG changes were found to require higher ionotropic support to maintain the desired blood pressure, and were associated with poor outcome (Glasgow outcome scale, 1 to 2) at 1 year after surgery. There was no association of ECG and echocardiographic changes with mortality (both in-hospital or at 1 year). CONCLUSIONS: The ECG changes, such as QTc prolongation, bradycardia, conduction abnormality, and echocardiographic changes, recover on postoperative day-1, in most of the cases after clipping. Patients with combined ECG and echocardiographic changes tend to have poor neurological outcome at the end of 1 year.

Comparison of Small Dose Ketamine and Dexmedetomidine Infusion for Postoperative Analgesia in Spine Surgery--A Prospective Randomized Double-blind Placebo Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: High doses of opioids are frequently used to treat postoperative pain after spine surgery. This leads to opioid-related side effects like nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, etc. The current study is an attempt to find a safe analgesic adjuvant, which will afford opioid sparing property. METHOD: Sixty-six patients undergoing spine surgery were randomized into 1 of the 3 groups-group K (ketamine bolus 0.25 mg/kg followed by infusion of 0.25 mg/kg/h with midazolam bolus 10 µg/kg and infusion of 10 µg/kg/h mixed in the same infusion pump), group D (dexmedetomidine bolus 0.5 µg/kg followed by 0.3 µg/kg/h infusion), and group C (normal saline). Study drugs were started in the postoperative period and continued for 24 hours. Pain-free period, pain scores, rescue analgesic (morphine) requirements, and side effects were noted for 48 hours postoperatively. RESULT: Mean pain-free periods in the ketamine group (860 min) and the dexmedetomidine group (580 min) were longer than in the saline group (265 min) (P<0.002) during the observation period of 48 hours. There was a significant decrease in the rescue analgesic requirement in both ketamine and dexmedetomidine group (P<0.05) (cumulative morphine requirement at 24 h-group C 15.64±9.31 mg, group D 6.89±5.88 mg, group K 2.45±2.06 mg; at 48 h-group C 21.09±12.88 mg, group D 7.98±7.72 mg, group K 2.59±1.97 mg). Hemodynamics were maintained within normal range in all the groups. Patients in ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups were sedated, but none required assistance for maintaining airway patency. Few patients in the ketamine group had nausea, dizziness, and diplopia, but the difference was insignificant in comparison with other groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of low-dose ketamine and dexmedetomidine both provide good postoperative analgesia with minimal side effects. Both of the tested analgesic regimes can be used safely and effectively for postoperative pain relief in patients after spine surgery.

Comparison of different routes of administration of clonidine for analgesia following anterior cruciate ligament repair.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A high percentage of patients undergoing arthroscopic repairs on day care basis complain of inadequate postoperative pain relief. Clonidine was evaluated for the best route as an adjuvant in regional anesthesia in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair to prolong analgesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blinded study was planned in a tertiary care hospital in North India in which 85 American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients undergoing ACL repair were enrolled. All groups received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally as in control group C. Group IT received intrathecal 1 µg/kg of clonidine along with hyperbaric bupivacaine, group IA received 0.25% bupivacaine and 1 µg/kg clonidine intra-articularly, and group NB received 0.25% bupivacaine and 1 µg/kg clonidine in femoro-sciatic nerve block (FSNB). Postoperative pain free interval and block characteristics were the primary outcomes studied. RESULTS: Pain-free duration was 546.90 (±93.66) min in group NB (P < 0.001) in comparison to 234.90 (±20.99), 367.80 (±47.40) and 172.20 (±54.82) min in groups IA, IT and C, respectively. Sensory block and motor blockade in NB were 474.90 (±43.80) and 267.40 (±34.59) min, respectively, and were significantly prolonged (P > 0.001) in comparison to other groups. The mean rescue analgesic requirement and cumulative frequency of rescue analgesia were least in group NB, followed by groups IT, IA and C. CONCLUSION: Clonidine is safe and effective adjuvant with bupivacaine in prolonging analgesia through various routes employed for post knee surgery pain. The maximum prolongation of analgesia is achieved through FSNB with a risk of prolonging postanesthesia care unit stay.