Etomidate alleviates ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the protective effects of etomidate against oxidative damage in an experimental model of ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: A total of 24 female rats were randomized into three groups. Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 underwent an ovarian torsion/detorsion procedure. Group 3 underwent similar procedures as Group 2; additionally, 4 mg/kg of etomidate was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before ovarian detorsion. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and antioxidant enzyme activity RESULTS: Biochemical analysis of blood samples revealed reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p=0.005, p=0.016, and p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was observed in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p<0.001). In contrast, activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), were significantly increased in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p=0.031 and p=0.001, respectively). Furthermore, Group 3 demonstrated notable reductions in histopathological scores for follicular degeneration, vascular occlusion, bleeding, and inflammation compared to Group 2 (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Etomidate alleviates ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat ovarian torsion-detorsion model by improving both histopathological and biochemical outcomes.

Effects of ketamine on penile tissues in an experimental priapism model in rats.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological and biochemical effects of ketamine on penile tissues following ischemia-reperfusion injury induced by priapism. METHODS: Twenty-four male rats were randomized into three groups. Group 1 served as the control group. Group 2 underwent the priapism model to induce ischemia-reperfusion injury. Group 3, the treatment group, experienced a similar ischemia-reperfusion model as Group 2; additionally, 50 mg/kg of ketamine was administered intraperitoneally just before reperfusion. Blood biochemical analyses and penile histopathological evaluations were performed. RESULTS: In Group 3, significant improvements were observed in all histopathological scores, including desquamation, edema, inflammation, and vasocongestion compared to Group 2 (p<0.001). Blood biochemical analyses showed that the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were recorded as 10 in Group 2, with a significant decrease in Group 3 (p=0.013). Similarly, proinflammatory cytokine levels, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were found to be suppressed in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p=0.003, p=0.022, and p=0.028, respectively). Antioxidant enzyme activities, such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were higher in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p=0.016 and p=0.024, respec-tively). CONCLUSION: Ketamine is an effective anesthetic agent in alleviating the effects of penile ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The effect of spousal support on distress experienced during pregnancy in COVID-19 pandemic: Sample of Türkiye.

We conducted this study with 147 volunteer pregnant women to determine the effect of spousal support on the stress experienced during pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic period. We determined that the prenatal stress level of the pregnant women was low (15.34 ± 7.07), they were not at risk for distress, and the spousal support level was high (74.58 ± 8.78). We found that the rate of spousal support was 0.897 times higher for women who did not experience distress. Due to the stay-at-home rule during the pandemic, couples had to be together at home, which caused high spousal support, and we found that women's stress levels were lower.

Effect of Educational Tools on the use of Patient-Controlled Analgesia Devices.

Objective: In the literature, there are confusing data about educational tools and device use. Therefore, it is not clear which method is superior to the other. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of educational tools on patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) usage in patients undergoing hysterectomy. Methods: Ninety-six patients undergoing hysterectomy were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to a group (verbal, brochure, or video) consisting of 32 patients each using the closed envelope method. After operations, all patients were sent to the ward and evaluated with numerical rating scale score for pain at 15th min., 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 18th, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th hours. Given dose, the number of button presses, presence of nausea and vomiting, and static and dynamic pain scores were recorded. During visits, patients who had a pain score ≥4 were administered paracetamol 1 g IV. Ondansetron 8 mg IV was injected into patients who had nausea and vomiting. Results: No significant differences were determined in resting and dynamic pain scores, number of button presses, and given doses between groups at 15th min., 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th hours. Conclusion: In this study, education type did not affect PCA device use. We believe that whatever method the infrastructure of hospitals is suitable for, should be used for PCA device education.

Investigation of the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided thoracolumbar interfacial plane block in vertebral surgery: A prospective randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of thoracolumbar interfacial plane block (TLIP) on analgesic consumption and pain score in vertebral surgery. METHODS: All patients (64 patients undergoing vertebral surgery) were randomly allocated as Group T (patients with block, n=32) and Group C (patients without block, n=32). After surgery, patient-controlled analgesia using tramadol was administered to all patients. Pain intensity was evaluated with visual analogue scale (VAS; recovery room at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperative), and as rescue analgesia, morphine was administered to patients with VAS scores of >4. In this study, total tramadol consumption, the number of patients requiring morphine, VAS score, and Quality of Recovery-40 of all patients questionnaire was evaluated. RESULTS: There were important differences between the 2 groups according to mean postoperative tramadol consumption (Group T and Group C; 180 mg [100-260] vs. 210 mg [100-300]; p=0.001) and the number of patients requiring additional analgesia (n=4; 12.5% vs. n=24; 75%, p=0.000). There were important differences between the 2 groups according to the postoperative VAS pain score (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-TLIP reduces analgesic consumption and pain severity after vertebral surgery. Therefore, it is an important regional analgesia technique. CLINICALTRIALSGOV GRANT NO: NCT04548076.

The effect of head position on glottic visualization with video laryngoscope and intubation success in obese patients who are not expected to have a difficult airway: a prospective randomized clinical study.

Intubation is required to maintain anesthesia in patients who are planned to undergo surgery under general anesthesia. One of the most important steps for successful intubation is to position head and neck appropriately. Sniffing position, head extension position, and neutral head position are the most known and used head and neck positions. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of head position on glottic visualization with McGrath MAC® video laryngoscope (VL) and intubation success in obese patients who are scheduled for surgery. A total of 150 patients, 50 patients in each group, with a body mass index of 30 and above were included in the study. The patients included in the study were divided into three groups: neutral head position, head extension position and sniffing position. During the intubation with McGrath MAC® VL, the groups were compared in terms of percent of glottic opening (POGO) score, intubation duration and Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS) score. While the POGO score was found to be statistically significantly higher in the sniffing position than in the neutral head position (p < 0.001), it was similar in the extension position. The intubation duration was found to be statistically significantly shorter in the sniffing position than in the neutral head position (p = 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between sniffing and extension positions. IDS score was found to be statistically significantly higher in the neutral head position compared to the other positions (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, the IDS score was statistically significantly higher in head extension position than in sniffing position (p = 0.016). This study is a randomized controlled trial of 150 patients investigating the impact of head position on glottic visualization and intubation success in obese patients when using Macintosh-like VL. The results show that sniffing position may be favored.

Associations between postoperative analgesic consumption and distress tolerance, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Patients' postoperative treatment might be affected by their psychological state. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of anxiety, coping ability (stress tolerance), depression, and pain catastrophizing on analgesic consumption in patients scheduled for sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: This prospective observational study consisted of 72 patients. The Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) were completed in the preoperative period. In the postoperative period, pain intensity, as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and morphine consumption (mg) were evaluated after 2, 6, 8, and 24 hours. Total morphine consumption was recorded. RESULTS: The results revealed a strong negative correlation between distress tolerance and postoperative total morphine consumption (r = -0.702, p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between total morphine consumption and pain catastrophizing (r = 0.801, p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between total morphine consumption and anxiety and between total morphine consumption and depression (r = 0.511, p < 0.001; r = 0.556, p < 0.001, respectively). Linear regression revealed that distress tolerance, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing are predictors of postoperative morphine consumption (ß = 0.597, p < 0.001; ß = 0.207, p = 0.036; ß = 0.140, p = 0.208; ß = 0.624, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Distress tolerance, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing can be predictive of postoperative analgesic consumption. In the estimation of postoperative analgesic consumption, distress tolerance, as well as anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing, were found to be important predictors.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on quality of recovery and pain after abdominal hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a noninvasive complementary therapy for postoperative pain management. The effect of TENS on quality of recovery (QoR) and pain treatment in the early postoperative period is not well documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TENS on postoperative QoR and pain in patients who had undergone a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH + BSO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients were randomized into two groups: control (sham TENS treatment) and TENS (TENS treatment). QoR, dynamic pain, and static pain were evaluated after surgery. RESULTS: The QoR score was significantly higher in the TENS group as compared with that in the control group (P = 0.029). Pain scores during coughing (dynamic pain) were significantly less in TENS group compared to control group (P <0.001). However, there was no between-group difference in pain scores at rest (static pain) or total analgesic consumption (P = 0.63 or P = 0.83, respectively). CONCLUSION: TENS may be a valuable tool to improve patients' QoR and dynamic pain scores after TAH + BSO.

[Perioperative analgesic efficacy of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a randomized controlled trial]. / Eficácia analgésica perioperatória do bloqueio bilateral do plexo cervical superficial em pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia: estudo clínico randomizado.

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) is a common method used for analgesia in thyroid surgery. We investigated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block in the intraoperative and postoperative periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 46) undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly separated into the following 2 groups: the general anesthesia group (GA; n = 23) and the general anesthesia plus BSCPB group (GS; n = 23). The intraoperative analgesic requirement (remifentanil) visual analog scale (VAS) score at multiple time points during the postoperative period (after extubation, at 15 and 30 minutes and 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours post operation) were evaluated. Total tramadol and paracetamol consumption as well as the amount of ondansetron used was recorded. RESULTS: The intraoperative remifentanil requirement was significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group (p = 0.009). The postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group at 15 (p < 0.01) and 30 (p < 0.01) minutes and 1 (p < 0.01), 2 (p < 0.01), 6 (p < 0.01), 12 (p < 0.01) and 24 (p = 0.03) hours. The postoperative tramadol requirement was significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group (p = 0.01). The number of patients that used ondansetron was significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: We concluded that BSCPB with 0.25% bupivacaine reduces the postoperative pain intensity and opioid dependency in thyroid surgery patients.

A randomized placebo-controlled study of aromatherapy for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the aromatherapy treatment effects on PONV patients using ginger, lavender and rose oils and a placebo. DESIGN: A randomized 4-armed placebo controlled study. SETTING: Gaziosmanpasa University, School of Medicine, Health Research and Application Center. INTERVENTION: The total of 184 patients were randomized into 4 groups: Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil (Lavender group), with rose essential oil (Rose group), with ginger essential oil (Ginger group) or with pure water (Placebo group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative nausea (0-3 Likert type; 0=no nausea, 1=some, 2=a lot, 3=severe) and vomiting scores (0-3 Likert type; 0=no vomiting, 1 = 1 time, 2 = 2 or 3 time, 3 = 4 times and up) and antiemetic medication requirement. RESULTS: The nausea scores at 15 min were statistically significantly different between the groups (p = 0.00). The postoperative nausea scores improved in 20 (43.5%) subjects in the placebo group, 38 (82.6%) subjects in the lavender group, 22 (47.8%) subjects in the rose group and 30 (65.2%) subjects in the ginger group (p = 0.00). There were statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to the vomiting and antiemetic drug requirements (p = 0.00). CONCLUSION: The aromatherapy can be used as an alternative or complementary method for managing PONV. Specifically, the ginger and lavender essential oils were superior to the rose oil and pure water for the aromatherapy treatments. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm these results.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular and Interscalene Brachial Plexus Blocks in Postoperative Pain Management After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBB) is an effective procedure for minimizing postoperative opioid consumption and pain following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The ultrasound (US)-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCBB) seems to be an alternative technique for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, evidence is lacking regarding the impact of SCBB on postoperative pain management and recovery after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of SCBB with ISBB in terms of postoperative pain and quality of recovery after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: A total of 62 adult patients scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia were randomized into 2 groups to receive either ISBB (IB group, n = 31) or SCBB (SB group, n = 29) with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine under US guidance. Assessments included postoperative pain scores, additional analgesic requirement, timing of the first analgesic requirement, Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) scores, block characteristics, and side effects. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups for pain scores (P = 0.34), timing of first analgesic requirement (P = 0.30), additional analgesic requirement (P = 0.34), or QoR-40 scores (P = 0.13). The block characteristics regarding procedure time (P = 0.95), block failure, and onset time of sensory blockade (P = 0.33) were similar. Horner's syndrome occurred in 8 patients in the IB group and 1 patient in the SB group (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that US-guided SCBB is as effective as ISBB in reducing postoperative pain and improving the quality of recovery for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Evaluation of the perfusion index according to the visual analog scale in postoperative patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possible value of the perfusion index (PI) as a tool for pain assessment. Methods: This prospective, observational study was performed with 89 patients underwent surgery with general anesthesia. The patients with visual analog scale (VAS) greater than 3 were grouped as M1, and patients with VAS≤3 and performed morphine were grouped as M2. After surgery patients with VAS greater than 3 were given 2mg morphine. Patients with VAS greater than 3 were given increments of intravenous morphine (2 mg) at 20 minute intervals until VAS less than 3. The correlation and difference between PI and VAS score values were evaluated before and after analgesic administration. Results: Significant changes were found in both PI values and VAS scores between M1 and M2 groups (2.80±0.77, 3.97±0.94, p less than 0.001; 6.60±1.20, 2.74±0.46, p less than 0.001) Despite no correlation was found between PI values and VAS scores of M1 and M2 groups, weak negative correlation was detected between differences in PI values and VAS scores among groups (r=-0.255, p=0.016). Conclusion: Perfusion index is a parameter that can be used in the assessment of postoperative pain and responses to analgesics.

The effect of patient positions on perfusion index.

BACKGROUND: The optimal position for surgery is one in which the patient is provided the best possible surgical intervention and put at minimum risk. Different surgical positions may cause changes in tissue perfusion. This study investigates the relationship between surgical patient positions and perfusion index. METHODS: A sample of 61 healthy individuals with no peripheral circulatory disorders, chronic diseases, or anemia was included in this study. Participants held six different positions: supine, prone, 45-degree sitting-supine, 45-degree supine with legs lifted, Trendelenburg (45-degrees head down), and reverse Trendelenburg (45-degrees head up). Perfusion index values were then measured and recorded after individuals held their positions for five minutes. RESULTS: Participants' perfusion index values were affected by different body positions (p < 0.05). Perfusion index was lowest in the sitting position (4.5 ± 2.5) and highest in individuals with Trendelenburg position (7.8 ± 3.8). CONCLUSION: Different body positions can cause changes in tissue perfusion. This should be considered in patient follow-up along with the perfusion index.

The effects of transversus abdominis plane block on analgesic and anesthetic consumption during total abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized controlled study / Efeitos do bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal sobre o consumo de analgésico e anestésico durante histerectomia abdominal total: um estudo randômico e controlado

Abstract Background and objectives: A transversus abdominis plane block is a peripheral block method that has been used successfully for pain relief after total abdominal hysterectomy. However, the effects of the combination of the transversus abdominis plane block and general anesthesia on analgesic and anesthetic requirements remain unclear. This randomized placebo-controlled study is aimed to evaluate the effects of transversus abdominis plane block on analgesic and anesthetic consumption during total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia. Methods: Sixty-six women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were randomized into two groups to receive general anesthesia alone (control group) or with transversus abdominis plane block using 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (transversus abdominis plane group). Intraoperative remifentanil and sevoflurane consumption were recorded. We also evaluated the postoperative pain, nausea, quality of recovery scores and rescue analgesic requirement during postoperative 24 hours. Results: The total remifentanil and sevoflurane consumption is significantly lower in transversus abdominis plane group; respectively mean (SD) 0.130 (0.25) vs. 0.094 (0.02) mcg.kg-1.min-1; p < 0.01 and 0.295 (0.05) vs. 0.243 (0.06) mL.min-1; p < 0.01. In the postoperative period, pain scores were significantly reduced in transversus abdominis plane group soon after surgery; median (range) 6 (2-10) vs. 3 (0-5); p < 0.001, at 2 h (5 [3-9] vs. 2.5 [0-6]; p < 0.001), at 6 h (4 [2-7] vs. 3[0-6], p < 0.001), at 12 h (3.5 [1-6] vs. 2 [1-5]; p = 0.003). The patients in the transversus abdominis plane group had significantly higher QoR-40 scores 190.5 (175-197) vs. 176.5 (141-187); p < 0.001). Conclusion: Combining transversus abdominis plane block with general anesthesia can provide reduced opioid and anesthetic consumption and can improve postoperative pain and quality of recovery scores in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal é um método de bloqueio periférico que tem sido usado com sucesso para alívio da dor após histerectomia abdominal total. No entanto, os efeitos da combinação do bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal e da anestesia geral sobre a necessidade de analgésico e anestésico ainda não estão claros. Este estudo randômico e controlado com placebo tem como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal sobre o consumo de analgésico e anestésico durante histerectomia abdominal total sob anestesia geral. Métodos: Foram randomizadas em dois grupos 66 mulheres submetidas à histerectomia abdominal total para receber apenas anestesia geral (grupo controle) ou associada a bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal com 20 mL de bupivacaína a 0,25% (grupo plano transverso abdominal). O consumo de remifentanil e sevoflurano no período intraoperatório foi registrado. Também avaliamos a dor pós-cirurgia, náusea, qualidade dos escores de recuperação e necessidade de analgésico de resgate durante as 24 horas de pós-operatório. Resultados: O consumo total de remifentanil e sevoflurano foi significativamente menor no grupo plano transverso abdominal, respectivamente, média (DP): 0,130 (0,25) vs. 0,094 (0,02) mcg.kg-1.min-1; p < 0,01 e 0,295 (0,05) vs. 0,243 (0,06) mL.min-1; p < 0,01. No pós-operatório, os escores de dor foram significativamente reduzidos no grupo plano transverso abdominal logo após a cirurgia; mediana (intervalo): 6 (2-10) vs. 3 (0-5); p < 0,001, em 2 h (5 [3-9] vs. 2,5 [0-6]; p < 0,001), em 6 h (4 [2-7] vs. 3 [0-6], p < 0,001), em 12 h (3,5 [1-6] vs. 2 [1-5]; p = 0,003). As pacientes do grupo plano transverso abdominal apresentaram escores QoR-40 significativamente maiores: 190,5 (175-197) vs. 176,5 (141-187); p < 0,001). Conclusão: A combinação de bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal e anestesia geral pode proporcionar um consumo reduzido de opioides e anestésicos e melhorar a dor pós-cirúrgica e a qualidade dos escores de recuperação em pacientes submetidas à histerectomia abdominal total.

[The effects of transversus abdominis plane block on analgesic and anesthetic consumption during total abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized controlled study]. / Efeitos do bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal sobre o consumo de analgésico e anestésico durante histerectomia abdominal total: um estudo randômico e controlado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A transversus abdominis plane block is a peripheral block method that has been used successfully for pain relief after total abdominal hysterectomy. However, the effects of the combination of the transversus abdominis plane block and general anesthesia on analgesic and anesthetic requirements remain unclear. This randomized placebo-controlled study is aimed to evaluate the effects of transversus abdominis plane block on analgesic and anesthetic consumption during total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty-six women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were randomized into two groups to receive general anesthesia alone (control group) or with transversus abdominis plane block using 20mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (transversus abdominis plane group). Intraoperative remifentanil and sevoflurane consumption were recorded. We also evaluated the postoperative pain, nausea, quality of recovery scores and rescue analgesic requirement during postoperative 24hours. RESULTS: The total remifentanil and sevoflurane consumption is significantly lower in transversus abdominis plane group; respectively mean (SD) 0.130 (0.25) vs. 0.094 (0.02) mcg.kg-1.min-1; p<0.01 and 0.295 (0.05) vs. 0.243 (0.06) mL.min-1; p<0.01. In the postoperative period, pain scores were significantly reduced in transversus abdominis plane group soon after surgery; median (range) 6 (2-10) vs. 3 (0-5); p<0.001, at 2h (5 [3-9] vs. 2.5 [0-6]; p<0.001), at 6h (4 [2-7] vs. 3[0-6], p<0.001), at 12h (3.5 [1-6] vs. 2 [1-5]; p=0.003). The patients in the transversus abdominis plane group had significantly higher QoR-40 scores 190.5 (175-197) vs. 176.5 (141-187); p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Combining transversus abdominis plane block with general anesthesia can provide reduced opioid and anesthetic consumption and can improve postoperative pain and quality of recovery scores in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy.

Comparison of the efficacy of femoral nerve block and fascia iliaca compartment block in patients with total knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: Blocking the femoral nerve reduces postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in patients who have undergone total knee and hip replacement surgery. A limited number of studies have compared the efficacy of the fascia iliaca compartment and femoral nerve block techniques. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the analgesic effectiveness of fascia iliaca compartment block (FIB) and femoral nerve block using ultrasound. METHODS: A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into two randomized and equal groups (Group I had patients who underwent fascia iliaca compartment block, N.=50; Group II had patients who underwent femoral nerve block, N.=50). Visual Analogue Scale levels (VAS) in the postoperative 30th min and 1st, 2nd, 6th, 12th and 24th hours and the amounts of analgesic consumption were recorded. The Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire was completed by patients 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: The VAS level at the 24th hour was significantly lower in Group I compared to Group II. Analgesic consumption between 0-30th minutes was lower in Group II than in Group I; however, it was significantly lower in the 6-24 hours of Group I compared to Group II. The QoR-40 score was found to be significantly higher in Group I than Group II. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral nerve block provided more potent analgesia in the first six hours after operation. After six hours, FIB demonstrated better pain control. The quality of postoperative recovery was higher in patients with fascia iliaca compartment block.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Dexamethasone on Cognitive Dysfunction Induced by Sevoflurane in Adult Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is common after anaesthesia in elderly patients. However, it may appear in patients of all ages. The main pathogenesis of cognitive dysfunction remains unclear, although there is some evidence that brain inflammation may alter cognitive abilities. In the present study, we aim to evaluate short-term and long-term effects of dexamethasone on cognitive dysfunction induced by sevoflurane anaesthesia in adult rats. METHODS: Seven-month-old 30 male Wistar albino rats were randomised into three groups: sevoflurane group (exposure to sevoflurane), sevoflurane + dexamethasone group (exposure to sevoflurane and dexamethasone injection), and control group (exposure to 100% oxygen). Spatial learning and short-term (7 days after exposure) and long-term (30 days after exposure) memory were evaluated using Morris water maze test. RESULTS: Sevoflurane induced significant deficit in spatial learning and short-term and long-term memory in adult rats. Dexamethasone-treated animals exposed to sevoflurane had equivalent performance as control animals in training and probe trials. CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane may impair spatial learning and short-term and long-term memories in adult rats. The co-administration of dexamethasone and sevoflurane may ameliorate short-term and long-term cognitive dysfunctions induced by sevoflurane in adult rats.

Effects of sevoflurane on female reproductive functions in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of sevoflurane by inhalation on female reproductive hormones and ovarian tissues. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted at the Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey, and comprised Wistar-Albino female rats. The rats were divided into six groups; one control and five study groups. The control group (C) received 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days; the first study group (S1) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days; the second group (S2) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days and no treatment for the following seven days; the third group (S3) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days; the fourth group (S4) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days and no treatment for the following seven days; and the fifth group (S5) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days and no treatment for the following 14 days. The duration of the study was 28 days in February 2015. Reproductive system hormone levels were analysed and histological assessment of the ovaries was performed. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 30 rats, there were 5(16.7%) in each group. Histological injury scores in S2, S3, S4, and S5 were significantly higher than in C (p=0.016, p=0.008, p=0.016 and p=0.032, respectively). The hormone levels belonging to follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, estradiol and progesterone revealed significant alterations in all groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exposure to sevoflurane negatively affected the histological structure of the ovary and hormonal regulation.

Prediction of difficult laryngoscopy using spirometry: a pilot study.

Prediction of difficult laryngoscopy is still the uncovered secret of anesthetic practice. This pilot study is aimed to assess the efficacy of spirometry measurements in predicting difficult laryngoscopy compared with conventional airway assessment techniques. We enrolled 202 adults, ages 18-40 years, with an American Society of Anaesthesiologists score of I or II, scheduled for elective surgery and undergoing general anesthesia. Spirometry was used for lung capacity measurements before the operation. The Mallampati classification, neck circumference, sternomental distance, thyromental distance, maximum mouth-opening measurement, and upper lip bite test of the subjects were measured. During intubation, the Cormack-Lehane grade was recorded. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to define the linearity between spirometry outputs and airway measurements. Receiver operating curves were drawn to discriminate the predictive features of the significant values. The thyromental distance showed a higher correlation with forced inspiratory vital capacity (ρ = 0.420, P < 0.001). In a multivariate linear regression model, all spirometry measurements revealed that forced inspiratory vital capacity (ß = -2.050, P = 0.022) was the significant predictor for difficult laryngoscopy. The area under the curve for forced inspiratory vital capacity with a cut-off value of 3.1950 L while using thyromental distance as difficult laryngoscopy indicator is 0.754 and forced inspiratory vital capacity showed a sensitivity of 0.718 and specificity of 0.714 with a positive likelihood ratio of 2.5104 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.3949. Forced inspiratory vital capacity showed a close association with the prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.

Intraocular pressure changes: the McGrath video laryngoscope vs the Macintosh laryngoscope; a randomized trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the McGrath Series 5 video laryngoscope on intraocular pressure (IOP) during laryngoscopy. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double blind. SETTING: Operating room. PATIENTS: Eighty adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status 1 scheduled for nonophthalmic elective surgery under general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: The endotracheal intubation was provided using McGrath series 5 video laryngoscope in MG group (n=40) or Macintosh laryngoscope in M group (n=40). MEASUREMENTS: The IOP of the right and left eyes was measured before and after the laryngoscopic process. MAIN RESULTS: The mean arterial blood pressure values just before laryngoscopy and intubation and after intubation were 77.38±6.18 and 97.38±12.77 in the McGrath video laryngoscope group and 75.85±7.88 and 99.12±14.30 in the Macintosh laryngoscope group, respectively. The IOP values of the left eye after intubation and at the 5th and the 10th minutes in the Macintosh laryngoscope group were found to be significantly higher than those in the McGrath video laryngoscope group (P=.019, P=.019, and P=.007, respectively). In addition, the IOP values of the right eye were found to be higher after intubation and at the 5th and the 10th minutes in the Macintosh laryngoscope group, compared to the McGrath video laryngoscope group (P=.009, P=.021, and P=.011, respectively). The mean IOP values for the left eye just before laryngoscopy and intubation and after intubation were 10.65±2.52 and 15.57±3.62 in the McGrath video laryngoscope group, and for the right eye, they were 10.60±1.64 and 17.17±2.38 in the Macintosh laryngoscope group, respectively. CONCLUSION: The McGrath Series 5 video laryngoscope may provide a lower IOP level compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope in an otherwise healthy, young patient population.