Effect of permissive hypercarbia on lung oxygenation during one-lung ventilation and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: A prospective randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The effect of hypercarbia on lung oxygenation during thoracic surgery remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of hypercarbia on lung oxygenation during one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery and evaluate the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. DESIGN: Prospective randomised controlled trial. SETTING: A tertiary university hospital in the Republic of Korea from November 2019 to December 2020. PATIENTS: Two hundred and ninety-seven patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status II to III, scheduled to undergo elective lung resection surgery. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to Group 40, 50, or 60. An autoflow ventilation mode with a lung protective ventilation strategy was applied to all patients. Respiratory rate was adjusted to maintain a partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide of 40 ±â€Š5 mmHg in Group 40, 50 ±â€Š5 mmHg in Group 50 and 60 ±â€Š5 mmHg in Group 60 during one-lung ventilation and at the end of surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the arterial oxygen partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen ratio after 60 min of one-lung ventilation. RESULTS: Data from 262 patients were analysed. The partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen ratio was significantly higher in Group 50 and Group 60 than in Group 40 (269.4 vs. 262.9 vs. 214.4; P  < 0.001) but was not significantly different between Group 50 and Group 60. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was comparable among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Permissive hypercarbia improved lung oxygenation during one-lung ventilation without increasing the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications or the length of hospital stay. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04175379.

Intraoperative mean arterial pressure and acute kidney injury after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: a retrospective study.

Intraoperative hemodynamics can affect postoperative kidney function. We aimed to investigate the effect of intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) as well as other risk factors on the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 750 patients who underwent RALP. The average real variability (ARV)-MAP, standard deviation (SD)-MAP, time-weighted average (TWA)-MAP, area under threshold (AUT)-65 mmHg, and area above threshold (AAT)-120 mmHg were calculated using MAPs collected within a 10-s interval. Eighteen (2.4%) patients developed postoperative AKI. There were some univariable associations between TWA-MAP, AUT-65 mmHg, and AKI occurrence; however, multivariable analysis found no association. Alternatively, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ≥ III and the low intraoperative urine output were independently associated with AKI occurrence. Moreover, none of the five MAP parameters could predict postoperative AKI, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for ARV-MAP, SD-MAP, TWA-MAP, AUT-65 mmHg, and AAT-120 mmHg being 0.561 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.424-0.697), 0.561 (95% CI, 0.417-0.704), 0.584 (95% CI, 0.458-0.709), 0.590 (95% CI, 0.462-0.718), and 0.626 (95% CI, 0.499-0.753), respectively. Therefore, intraoperative MAP changes may not be a determining factor for AKI after RALP.

Effect of Propofol versus Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Acute Kidney Injury after Lung Transplantation Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following lung transplantation (LTx) surgery. Sixty adult patients undergoing bilateral LTx were randomized to receive either inhalation of sevoflurane or continuous infusion of propofol for general anesthesia. The primary outcomes were AKI incidence according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria and blood biomarker of kidney injury, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C levels within 48 h of surgery. Serum interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and superoxide dismutase were measured before and after surgery. The post-operative 30-day morbidity and long-term mortality were also assessed. Significantly fewer patients in the propofol group developed AKI compared with the sevoflurane group (13% vs. 38%, p = 0.030). NGAL levels were significantly lower in the propofol group at immediately after, 24 h, and 48 h post-operation. IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the propofol group immediately after surgery. AKI occurrence was significantly associated with a lower 5-year survival rate. Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol reduced the AKI incidence in LTx compared with sevoflurane, which is understood to be mediated by the attenuation of inflammatory responses.

Effects of Iloprost on Arterial Oxygenation and Lung Mechanics during One-Lung Ventilation in Supine-Positioned Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Patients undergoing one-lung ventilation (OLV) in the supine position face an increased risk of intraoperative hypoxia compared with those in the lateral decubitus position. We hypothesized that iloprost (ILO) inhalation improves arterial oxygenation and lung mechanics. Sixty-four patients were enrolled and allocated to either the ILO or control group (n = 32 each), to whom ILO or normal saline was administered. The partial pressure of the arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio, dynamic compliance, alveolar dead space, and hemodynamic variables were assessed 20 min after anesthesia induction with both lungs ventilated (T1) and 20 min after drug nebulization in OLV (T2). A linear mixed model adjusted for group and time was used to analyze repeated variables. While the alveolar dead space remained unchanged in the ILO group, it increased at T2 in the control group (n = 30 each) (p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed in the heart rate, mean blood pressure, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, or dynamic compliance in either group. Selective ILO nebulization was inadequate to enhance oxygenation parameters during OLV in the supine position. However, it favorably affected alveolar ventilation during OLV in supine-positioned patients without adverse hemodynamic effects.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Early Postoperative Cognitive Function in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery in Beach Chair Position: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

This study sought to determine whether intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion might reduce the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and alleviate the neuroinflammatory response in patients who have undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery. A total of 80 patients over 60 years of age who had undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach chair position were randomly allocated to either the dexmedetomidine group (Group D) or the control group (Group C). Dexmedetomidine (0.6 µg/kg/h) or a comparable amount of normal saline was infused into each group during the surgery. The early incidence of POCD was assessed by comparing cognitive tests on the day before and 1 d after surgery. The neuroinflammatory response with the S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100ß) assay was compared prior to anesthetic induction and 1 h following surgery. The incidence of POCD was comparable between groups D (n = 9, 22.5%) and C (n = 9, 23.7%) (p = 0.901). However, the results of the cognitive test revealed a significant difference between the groups after surgery (p = 0.004). Although the S100ß levels measured at the end of surgery were significantly higher than those at baseline in both groups (p < 0.001), there was no difference between the groups after the surgery (p = 0.236). Our results suggest that intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion neither reduce the incidence of early POCD nor alleviated the neuroinflammatory response in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Effects of Iloprost on Oxygenation during One-Lung Ventilation in Patients with Low Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The protective mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction during one-lung ventilation (OLV) is impaired in patients with a low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). We hypothesized that iloprost inhalation would improve oxygenation and lung mechanics in patients with low DLCO who underwent pulmonary resection. Forty patients with a DLCO < 75% were enrolled. Patients were allocated into either an iloprost group (ILO group) or a control group (n = 20 each), in which iloprost and saline were inhaled, respectively. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio, pulmonary shunt fraction, alveolar dead space, dynamic compliance, and hemodynamic parameters were assessed 20 min after the initiation of OLV and 20 min after drug administration. Repeated variables were analyzed using a linear mixed model between the groups. Data from 39 patients were analyzed. After iloprost inhalation, the ILO group exhibited a significant increase in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and a decrease in alveolar dead space compared with the control group (p = 0.025 and p = 0.042, respectively). Pulmonary shunt, dynamic compliance, hemodynamic parameters, and short-term prognosis were comparable between the two groups. Selective iloprost administration during OLV reduced alveolar dead space and improved oxygenation while minimally affecting hemodynamics and short-term prognosis.

Effect of upper respiratory infection on anaesthesia induced atelectasis in paediatric patients.

Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) symptoms are known to increase perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs) in children undergoing general anaesthesia. General anaesthesia per se also induces atelectasis, which may worsen with URIs and yield detrimental outcomes. However, the influence of URI symptoms on anaesthesia-induced atelectasis in children has not been investigated. This study aimed to demonstrate whether current URI symptoms induce aggravation of perioperative atelectasis in children. Overall, 270 children aged 6 months to 6 years undergoing surgery were prospectively recruited. URI severity was scored using a questionnaire and the degree of atelectasis was defined by sonographic findings showing juxtapleural consolidation and B-lines. The correlation between severity of URI and degree of atelectasis was analysed by multiple linear regression. Overall, 256 children were finally analysed. Most children had only one or two mild symptoms of URI, which were not associated with the atelectasis score across the entire cohort. However, PRAE occurrences showed significant correspondence with the URI severity (odds ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.67, p = 0.004). In conclusion, mild URI symptoms did not exacerbate anaesthesia-induced atelectasis, though the presence and severity of URI were correlated with PRAEs in children.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03355547).

A novel electromagnetic guidance ultrasound system on radial artery cannulation: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Radial artery cannulation can cause complications such as haematoma formation or thrombosis due to its small diameter. Recently, a novel ultrasound device equipped with an electromagnetic guidance system was introduced, showing the path and alignment of the needle during the procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of this novel system on both success and complication rates during radial artery cannulation under ultrasound guidance. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 76 adults scheduled for neurosurgery requiring radial artery cannulation were recruited. In group E (n = 38), radial artery cannulation was performed using the electromagnetic guidance ultrasound system, whereas in group C (n = 38), the procedure was performed using conventional ultrasound guidance. The success rates of cannulation on the first attempt, cannulation times, number of attempts, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the success rates on the first attempt between the two groups (group C = 78.9% vs. group E = 94.7%, P = 0.042). Incidences of posterior wall puncture and haematoma formation (group C = 8 vs. group E = 1; P = 0.028) were significantly lower in group E than in group C. The median cannulation time for successful attempts was comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the novel electromagnetic guidance system resulted in a better success rate on the first attempt and a lower incidence of complications during radial artery cannulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at http://cris.nih.go.kr (registration number: KCT0002476 ).

Initial experience of irreversible electroporation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer in a Korean population.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel technique that uses a non-thermal ablation to avoid vessel or duct injury. PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of IRE for the management of LAPC in a Korean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients (median age 64 years; age range 46-73 years) treated between December 2015 and March 2017 underwent intraoperative IRE for LAPC. Technical success and clinical outcomes, including complications, serum pancreatic enzyme levels, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS), were evaluated. RESULTS: Tumors were located in the pancreas head in 7 (58.3%) patients and in the body/tail in 5 (41.7%) patients. The median tumor diameter in the longest axis was 3.1 cm. Vascular invasion was observed in all patients and bowel abutment in 3 (25%) patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The median serum levels of amylase and lipase were 55 U/L and 31 U/L, respectively, at baseline, increased to 141.5 U/L (P = 0.008) and 53 U/L (P = 0.505), respectively, one day after IRE, and normalized after one week. The rate of 30-day mortality of unknown relation was 8.3% (one individual experienced massive hematemesis 12 days after IRE). The median OS from diagnosis and IRE was 24.5 months and 13.5 months, respectively. The median PFS from diagnosis and IRE was 19.2 months and 8.6 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: For patients with LAPC, IRE appears to be a promising treatment modality with an acceptable safety profile.

Sleep disturbance and delirium in patients with acromegaly in the early postoperative period after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

Sleep disturbance is a common comorbidity among patients with acromegaly [patients with growth hormone (GH)-secreting tumor] due to somatotropic axis change and sleep apnea. However, no previous studies exist concerning sleep disturbance and delirium in the early postoperative period in patients with acromegaly undergoing transsphenoidal tumor surgery. Herein, we aimed to compare the incidence of postoperative sleep disturbance and delirium in the early postoperative period between patients with GH-secreting and nonfunctioning pituitary tumors.We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1286 patients (969 with nonfunctioning and 317 with GH-secreting tumors) without history of psychological disease and sedative or antipsychotic use. We examined the use of antipsychotics/sedatives and findings of psychology consultation within the first postoperative week. Only patients with sleep disturbance noted in medical records were considered to have postoperative sleep disturbance. Patients with an Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist score of 4 or more were considered to have postoperative delirium.The incidence of postoperative sleep disturbance was higher in the GH-secreting group than in the nonfunctioning tumor group (2/969 [0.2%] vs 6/317 [1.9%]; P = .004; odds ratio = 9.328 [95% confidence interval, 1.873-46.452]). Univariable regression analysis showed that only diagnosis (GH-secreting tumor or nonfunctioning tumor) was a risk factor for sleep disturbance, and not sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score, surgery duration, anesthesia duration, anesthesia type, tumor size, cavernous sinus invasion, or bleeding. The incidence of postoperative delirium was comparable between the 2 groups (6/969 [0.6%] vs 0/317 [0%]; P = .346).Patients with acromegaly showed increased incidence of sleep disturbance than those with nonfunctioning tumors in the early postoperative period after transsphenoidal tumor surgery. A prospective study evaluating sleep quality in patients with GH-secreting tumors in the early postoperative period could be conducted based on our findings.

Prognostic role of serum high mobility group box 1 concentration in cardiac surgery.

Outcomes of cardiac surgery are influenced by systemic inflammation. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a pivotal inflammatory mediator, plays a potential role as a prognostic biomarker in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this prospective, observational study was to investigate the relationship between serum HMGB1 concentrations and composite of morbidity endpoints in cardiac surgery. Arterial blood samples for HMGB1 measurement were collected from 250 patients after anaesthetic induction (baseline) and 1 h after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (post-CPB). The incidence of composite of morbidity endpoints (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure and prolonged ventilator care) was compared in relation to the tertile distribution of serum HMGB1 concentrations. The incidence of composite of morbidity endpoints was significantly different with respect to the tertile distribution of post-CPB HMGB1 concentrations (p = 0.005) only, and not to the baseline. Multivariable analysis revealed post-CPB HMGB1 concentration (OR, 1.072; p = 0.044), pre-operative creatinine and duration of CPB as independent risk factors of adverse outcome. Accounting for its prominent role in mediating sterile inflammation and its relation to detrimental outcome, HMGB1 measured 1 h after weaning from CPB would serve as a useful biomarker for accurate risk stratification in cardiac surgical patients and may guide tailored anti-inflammatory therapy.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Novel Triple-Cuffed Double-Lumen Endobronchial Tubes with Conventional Double-Lumen Endobronchial Tubes for Lung Isolation.

Placing a double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) in an appropriate position to facilitate lung isolation is essential for thoracic procedures. The novel ANKOR DLT is a DLT developed with three cuffs with a newly added carinal cuff designed to prevent further advancement by being blocked by the carina when the cuff is inflated. In this prospective study, the direction and depth of initial placement of ANKOR DLT were compared with those of conventional DLT. Patients undergoing thoracic surgery (n = 190) with one-lung ventilation (OLV) were randomly allocated into either left-sided conventional DLT group (n = 95) or left-sided ANKOR DLT group (n = 95). The direction and depth of DLT position were compared via fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) after endobronchial intubation between the groups. There was no significant difference in the number of right mainstem endobronchial intubations between the two groups (p = 0.468). The difference between the initial depth of DLT placement and the target depth confirmed by FOB was significantly lower in the ANKOR DLT group than in the conventional DLT group (1.8 ± 1.8 vs. 12.9 ± 9.7 mm; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the ANKOR DLT facilitated its initial positioning at the optimal depth compared to the conventional DLT.

Effects of Inhaled Iloprost on Lung Mechanics and Myocardial Function During One-Lung Ventilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Combined With Poor Lung Oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: The ventilation/perfusion mismatch in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients can exacerbate cardiac function as well as pulmonary oxygenation. We hypothesized that inhaled iloprost can ameliorate pulmonary oxygenation with lung mechanics and myocardial function during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in COPD patients combined with poor lung oxygenation. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with moderate to severe COPD, who exhibited the ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FIO2) <150 mm Hg 30 minutes after initiating OLV, were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly allocated into either ILO group (n = 20) or Control group (n = 20), in which iloprost (20 µg) and saline were inhaled, respectively. The PaO2/FIO2 ratio, dead space, dynamic compliance, and tissue Doppler imaging with myocardial performance index (MPI) were assessed 30 minutes after initiating OLV (pre-Tx) and 30 minutes after completion of drug inhalation (post-Tx). Repeated variables were analyzed using a linear mixed-model between the groups. RESULTS: At pre-Tx, no differences were observed in measured parameters between the groups. At post-Tx, PaO2/FIO2 ratio (P < .001) and dynamic compliance (P = .023) were significantly higher and dead space ventilation was significantly lower (P = .001) in iloprost group (ILO group) compared to Control group. Left (P = .003) and right ventricular MPIs (P < .001) significantly decreased in ILO group compared to Control group. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled iloprost improved pulmonary oxygenation, lung mechanics, and cardiac function simultaneously during OLV in COPD patients with poor lung oxygenation.

Effectiveness of quadratus lumborum block for postoperative pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of quadratus lumborum (QL) block on pain after surgeries under general or spinal anesthesia. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed to compare pain scores at rest and with movement 48 h postoperatively in a QL block group and a control group both with placebo block and without block and the time to first additional analgesics. The analgesic effect of the QL block according to the type of surgery and block approach was also examined. A literature search was performed using well-known databases for articles published up to March 2019. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Nine RCTs were included. Compared to the control group, pain scores at rest were significantly lower for 48 h postoperatively in the QL block group. QL block reduced pain scores with movement at six, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. The QL block group exhibited the most improved numerical pain scores at 12 h postoperatively both at rest and with movement, with a mean difference (MD) of -2.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] -3.12 to -1.20) and -2.26 [95% CI -3.54 to -0.98]), respectively. The subgroup analysis of pain scores at rest showed a statistically significant subgroup difference (P=0.02, I2=75.7%), suggesting a different analgesic effect of QL block based on the approach. Time to first additional analgesics postoperatively was longer in the QL block group than in the control group (MD 333.51 minutes [95% CI 69.37 to 597.64]). CONCLUSIONS: QL block may be a good multimodal analgesic approach for pain after abdominal surgeries.

The Effect of Additional Stepwise Venous Inflow on Differential Hypoxia of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Use of femoral-femoral veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiopulmonary support during lung transplantation can be inadequate for efficient distribution of oxygenated blood into the coronary circulation. We hypothesized that creating a left-to-right shunt flow using veno-arterio-venous (VAV) ECMO would alleviate the differential hypoxia. Total 10 patients undergoing lung transplantation were enrolled in this study. An additional inflow cannula was inserted into the right internal jugular (RIJ) vein for VAV ECMO. During left one-lung ventilation using a 1.0 inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2), the left-to-right shunt flow was incrementally increased from 0 to 500, 1,000, and 1,500 ml/min. The arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) were measured at the proximal ascending aorta and right radial artery. The ascending aorta gas analysis revealed that six patients had a PaO2/FiO2 ratio less than 200 mm Hg at a 0 ml/min shunt flow. The PaO2 (SaO2) values were 48.5 ± 14.8 mm Hg (80.9 ± 11.6%) at the ascending aorta and 77.8 ± 69.7 mm Hg (83.3 ± 13.2%) at the right radial artery. As the left-to-right shunt flow rate increased over 1,000 ml/min, the PaO2 and SaO2 values for the ascending aorta and right radial artery significantly increased. In conclusion, femoral-femoral VA ECMO can produce suboptimal coronary oxygenation in patients unable to tolerate one-lung ventilation. A left-to-right shunt using VAV ECMO can alleviate the differential hypoxia.

Use Of Regional Anesthesia For Lower Extremity Amputation May Reduce The Need For Perioperative Vasopressors: A Propensity Score-Matched Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Lower extremity amputation (LEA) is associated with a high risk of postoperative mortality. The effect of type of anesthesia on postoperative mortality has been studied in various surgeries. However, data for guiding the selection of optimal anesthesia for LEA are limited. This study aimed to determine the effect of anesthesia type on perioperative outcomes in patients with diabetes and/or peripheral vascular disease undergoing LEA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent LEA at our center between September 2007 and August 2017, who were grouped according to use of general anesthesia (GA) or regional anesthesia (RA). Primary outcomes were 30-day and 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were postoperative morbidity, intraoperative events, postoperative intensive care unit admission, and postoperative length of stay. Propensity score-matched cohort design was used to control for potentially confounding factors, including patient demographics, comorbidities, medications, and type of surgery. RESULTS: Five hundred and nineteen patients (75% male, mean age 65 years) were identified to have received GA (n=227) or RA (n=292) for above-knee amputation (1.5%), below-knee amputation (16%), or more minor amputation (82.5%). Before propensity score matching, there was an association of GA with coronary artery disease (44% [GA] vs 34.5% [RA], p=0.028), peripheral arterial disease (73.1% vs 60.2%, p=0.002), and preoperative treatment with aspirin and clopidogrel (68.7% vs 55.1%, p=0.001; 63% vs 41.8%, p<0.001, respectively). Propensity score matching produced a cohort of 342 patients equally divided between GA and RA. There was no significant between-group difference in 30-day (3.5% vs 2.9%, p=0.737) or 90-day (6.4% vs 4.6%, p=0.474) mortality or postoperative morbidity. However, postoperative ICU admission (14.6% vs 7%, p=0.032), intraoperative hypotension (61.4% vs 14.6%, p<0.001), and vasopressor use (52% vs 14%, p<0.001) were more common with GA than with RA. CONCLUSION: Type of anesthesia did not significantly affect mortality or morbidity after LEA. However, intraoperative hypotension, vasopressor use, and postoperative ICU admission rates were lower with RA.

The Effect of Perioperative Pregabalin on Pain after Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pain after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is usually intense in the early postoperative period, but the efficacy of a multimodal analgesia approach remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of pregabalin in multimodal analgesia after ACL reconstruction. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction under spinal anesthesia and agreed to use intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) were randomly administered placebo (control group, n = 47) or pregabalin 150 mg (pregabalin group, n = 46) 1 h before surgery and 12 h after initial treatment. Pain by verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) at rest and with passive flexion of knee was assessed at postoperative 12, 24, and 36 h and 2 weeks. IV-PCA consumption, rescue analgesic use, and side effects were also evaluated. Lower scores of VNRS were obtained with passive flexion of knee in the pregabalin group than in the control group at postoperative 24 (7(4-8) vs. 8(6-9), p = 0.043) and 36 h (4(3-7) vs. 5(4-9), p = 0.042), and lower value of VNRS at rest was observed in the pregabalin group [0(0-1)] than in the control group [1(0-2)] at postoperative 2 weeks (p < 0.001). No differences were obtained for IV-PCA consumption, rescue analgesic use, and side effects except for dizziness for postoperative 12 h. Pregabalin as an adjuvant to multimodal analgesic regimen significantly reduced early postoperative pain in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

Successful blind lung isolation with the use of a novel double-lumen endobronchial tube in a patient undergoing lung transplantation with massive pulmonary secretion: A case report.

RATIONALE: Precise lung isolation technique with visual confirmation is essential for thoracic surgeries to create a safe and clear surgical field. However, in certain situations, such as when patients have massive pulmonary secretion or when the fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is not applicable, lung isolation has been performed blindly. PATIENT CONCERN: A 52-year-old woman, whose airway was unable to visualize with FOB due to massive pulmonary secretion, was presented for bilateral sequential lung transplantation. Extracorporeal membranous oxygenation, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation were applied to the patient for 39 days preoperatively as a bridge for lung transplantation. DIAGNOSIS: Patient was diagnosed with an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and obesity. INTERVENTION: Initially, height-based blind positioning with a conventional double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) failed to ventilate the patient properly, and the confirmation of DLT positioning with FOB was impossible due to massive pulmonary secretion. Therefore, a novel DLT (ANKOR DLT) that has one more cuff, located at a point between the distal opening of the tracheal lumen and the starting point of bronchial cuff, than conventional DLT was used for the lung isolation in the patient. OUTCOMES: After the completion of lung graft, FOB finding showed that the ANKOR DLT was optimally positioned at the tracheobronchial tree of the patient, and its depth was 2.5 cm shallower than that of the conventional tube. LESSONS: ANKOR DLT would be a feasible choice to achieve successful blind lung isolation when the use of FOB is impossible to achieve the optimal lung isolation.

Propofol Requirement in Patients with Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Tumors Undergoing Transsphenoidal Surgery.

Growth hormone (GH) secretion is regulated by various hormones or neurotransmitters, including gamma-aminobutyric acid. The aim of this study was to determine the propofol requirement in patients with GH-secreting pituitary tumors undergoing transsphenoidal surgery. General anesthesia was induced in 60 patients with GH-secreting tumors (GH group, n = 30) or nonfunctioning pituitary tumors (NF group, n = 30) using an effect-site target-controlled intravenous propofol infusion. The effect-site concentrations were recorded at both a loss of consciousness and a bispectral index (BIS) of 40, along with the effect-site concentration after extubation, during emergence from the anesthesia. The effect-site concentration of propofol was higher in the GH group than in the NF group at a loss of consciousness and a BIS of 40 (4.09 ± 0.81 vs. 3.58 ± 0.67, p = 0.009 and 6.23 ± 1.29 vs. 5.50 ± 1.13, p = 0.025, respectively) and immediately after extubation (1.60 ± 0.27 vs. 1.40 ± 0.41, p = 0.046). The total doses of propofol and remifentanil during anesthesia were comparable between the groups (127.56 ± 29.25 vs. 108.64 ± 43.16 µg/kg/min, p = 0.052 and 6.67 ± 2.89 vs. 7.05 ± 1.96 µg/kg/h, p = 0.550, respectively). The propofol requirement for the induction of a loss of consciousness and the achievement of a BIS of 40 is increased during the induction of general anesthesia in patients with GH-secreting tumors.