Comparison of automated and manual control methods in minimal flow anesthesia.

PURPOSE: New-generation anesthesia machines administer inhalation anesthetics and automatically control the fresh gas flow (FGF) rate. This study compared the administration of minimal flow anesthesia (MFA) using the automatically controlled anesthesia (ACA) module of the Mindray A9 (Shenzhen, China) anesthesia machine versus manual control by an anesthesiologist. METHODS: We randomly divided 76 patients undergoing gynecological surgery into an ACA group (Group ACA) and a manually controlled anesthesia group (Group MCA). In Group MCA, induction was performed with a mixture of 40-60% O2 and air with a 4 L/min FGF until the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) reached 1. Next, MFA was initiated with 0.5 L/min FGF. The target fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) value was 35-40%. In Group ACA, the MAC was defined as 1, and the FiO2 was adjusted to 35%. Depth of anesthesia, anesthetic agent (AA) consumption, time to achieve target end-tidal AA concentration, awakening times, and number of ventilator adjustments were analyzed. RESULTS: The two groups showed no statistically significant differences in depth of anesthesia or AA consumption (Group ACA: 19.1 ± 4.9 ml; Group MCA: 17.2 ± 4.5; p-value = 0.076). The ACA mode achieved the MAC target of 1 significantly faster (Group ACA: 218 ± 51 s; Group MCA: 314 ± 169 s). The number of vaporizer adjustments was 15 in the ACA group and 217 in the MCA group. CONCLUSION: The ACA mode was more advantageous than the MCA mode, reaching target AA concentrations faster and requiring fewer adjustments to achieve a constant depth of anesthesia.

Relationship between platelet indices and red cell distribution width and short-term mortality in traumatic brain injury with 30-day mortality.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating whether there is a relationship between 7- or 30-day mortality and mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, platelet count-to-total lymphocyte count ratio, or red cell distribution width in patients with traumatic brain injury. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed intensive care unit patients with traumatic brain injury. We recorded patients' ages; genders; diagnoses; Glasgow Coma Scale scores; length of intensive care unit stay (in days); mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, platelet count-to-total lymphocyte count ratio, and red cell distribution width values upon hospital admission; and health on the 7th and 30th days of their stays. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 110 patients. Of these, 84 (76.4%) were male and 26 (23.6%) were female. On the 7- and 30-day mortality evaluations, compared to the living patients, the deceased patients had a significantly higher median age and a significantly lower median Glasgow Coma Scale. Thus, increased age and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores were associated with increased 7- and 30-day mortality rates. mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width values were similar in living and deceased patients. platelet count-to-total lymphocyte count ratio values were lower in deceased patients, but this difference was not statistically significant. Within 30 days after traumatic brain injury, deceased patients' red cell distribution width values were significantly elevated in deceased patients compared to those of living patients. CONCLUSION: Mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and platelet count-to-total lymphocyte count ratio values were not associated with 7- and 30-day mortality, whereas only elevated red cell distribution width was associated with 30-day mortality.

Relationship between platelet indices and red cell distribution width and short-term mortality in traumatic brain injury with 30-day mortality

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating whether there is a relationship between 7- or 30-day mortality and mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, platelet count-to-total lymphocyte count ratio, or red cell distribution width in patients with traumatic brain injury. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed intensive care unit patients with traumatic brain injury. We recorded patients' ages; genders; diagnoses; Glasgow Coma Scale scores; length of intensive care unit stay (in days); mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, platelet count-to-total lymphocyte count ratio, and red cell distribution width values upon hospital admission; and health on the 7th and 30th days of their stays. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 110 patients. Of these, 84 (76.4%) were male and 26 (23.6%) were female. On the 7- and 30-day mortality evaluations, compared to the living patients, the deceased patients had a significantly higher median age and a significantly lower median Glasgow Coma Scale. Thus, increased age and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores were associated with increased 7- and 30-day mortality rates. mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width values were similar in living and deceased patients. platelet count-to-total lymphocyte count ratio values were lower in deceased patients, but this difference was not statistically significant. Within 30 days after traumatic brain injury, deceased patients' red cell distribution width values were significantly elevated in deceased patients compared to those of living patients. CONCLUSION: Mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and platelet count-to-total lymphocyte count ratio values were not associated with 7- and 30-day mortality, whereas only elevated red cell distribution width was associated with 30-day mortality.

The effects of amantadine on lung tissue in lower limb ischemia/reperfusion injury model in rats.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the effect of amantadine on lung tissue of after lower limb ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 24 Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups including six rats in each: sham group (Group S), amantadine group (Group A), ischemia/reperfusion group (Group I/R), and ischemia/reperfusion + amantadine group (Group I/R-A). All groups underwent a midline abdominal incision. In Groups I/R and I/R-A, the infrarenal abdominal aorta was clamped for 120 min and, then, reperfused for 120 min after removal of the clamp. Amantadine hydrochloride 45 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally to the rats of Groups A and Group I/R-A 15 min before surgery. At the end of reperfusion period (240 min), all rats were sacrificed, and their lung tissues were obtained. Lung tissue catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione S-transferase and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed. Lung tissues were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: Catalase activity was lower in Groups A, I/R, and I/R-A compared to Group S. Superoxide dismutase activity was higher in Group I/R than Group S. Superoxide dismutase activity in Groups I/R-A and A decreased, compared to Groups S and I/R. Glutathione S-transferase levels decreased in Groups I/R and A, compared to Group S. Glutathione S-transferase levels in Group I/R-A were higher than Groups I/R and A. The highest level of malondialdehyde was found in Group I/R and the lowest level was found in Group I/R-A. According to histopathological examination, infiltration scores were significantly lower in Group S than Groups I/R and I/R-A (p=0.009 and p=0.011, respectively). The alveolar wall thickening scores in Group I/R were also significantly higher than Groups S and Group A (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Lung tissue can be affected histopathologically by ischemia/ reperfusion injury and this injury can be reversed by amantadine administration.

Chronic Pain after Open Appendectomy and Its Effects on Quality of Life in Children Aged 8-18 Years.

Background: Chronic postsurgical pain is an important problem for both children and adults. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of chronic postappendectomy pain (CPAP) in children and its social and physical effects. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on children aged 8-18 years who had undergone open appendectomies. In the sixth month after the surgical procedure, the presence of chronic pain was examined in the lower right abdominal area. CPAP and its effects on children's daily life activities were assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale (PedsQL). Results: Analysis was performed on 158 children, 97 of whom were boys (61.4%) and 61 were girls (38.6%). The average age was 12.8 ± 3 years, the average NRS was 4.48 ± 1.1, and the average scar length was 6.09 ± 1.6 cm. Twenty-nine children described CPAP, and its prevalence at six months after the surgery was 18.4%. Of these, 16 (55.2%) complained of pain only during exercise and 13 (44.8%) experienced pain while resting. The rate of CPAP was significantly higher in girls. Female gender and longer scar length were associated with the development of chronic pain. The PedsQL scores from the children's self-reports and their parents' reports were significantly lower for children who described CPAP as compared to those without CPAP. Conclusion: CPAP occurs quite frequently in children, especially in girls, and negatively affects children's quality of life.

[Mortality prediction ability of phycians in intensive care units of Turkey (MOPAP)]. / Türkiye'de yogun bakim ünitelerinde hekimin mortaliteyi öngörebilme gücü.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive care physicians are increasingly involved in decision making about the prognosis of intensive care unit ICU patients. With this study; we aimed to evaluate the power of clinician foresight at prediction of mortality in patient at triage to intensive care and patient follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in ICUs located in various geographical regions of Turkey between January 1, 2017-April 30, 2017.The clinical research was planned as observational, multicenter, cross-sectional. RESULT: A total of 1169 intubated patients were followed in 37 different ICU. At the beginning of the follow-up we asked the physician who will follow the patient in the ICU to give a score for the probability of survival of the patients. Scoring included a total of 6 scores from 0 to 5, with the "0" the worst probability "5" being the best. According to this distribution, only 1 (0.9%) of 113 patients who were given 0 points survived. Three (6.1%) of 49 with the best score of 5 died. Survival rates were significantly different in each score group (r: -0.488; p<0.001). After the combined mortality estimation scores based on the clinical observations of the physicians (0 and 1 point score was combined as non-survive, 4 and 5 score was combined as survived) 320 of the 545 patients were estimated to be dead and 225 were predicted survival. Sensitivity and spesifity of scoring system to predict mortality was 91.56% (95% CI: 87.96-94.37), 76.89% (95% CI: 70.82-82.23) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we concluded that the physicians who follow the patients in the ICU can predict the poor prognosis at the time of admission and the high mortality rate. The physician's opinion on mortality estimation should be considered in intensive care mortality scoring in addition to other laboratory and clinical parameters.

Comparison of the Intravenous and Epidural Administration of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Antagonists in an Experimental Rat Pain Model.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory cytokines secreted from the nucleus pulposus are thought to lead to lumbar nerve root compression-like symptoms. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), an inflammatory cytokine, likely plays an important role in lumbar disc hernia-related leg pain. In this experimental study, we compared the effectiveness of TNF-α antagonists administered through the intravenous or epidural route in lumbar spine pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After ethics committee approval had been obtained, 24 Sprague Dawley male rats aged 70-90 days and weighing 250-300 g each were allocated to four groups. In Group I, only the surgical procedure was performed; in Group II, 1 ml of saline solution was administered into the epidural field; in Group III, 10 mg/kg of infliximab was administered into the coccygeal vein; and in Group IV (epidural group), 25 mg of etanercept was administered into the epidural region. RESULTS: When the left leg pull values were analyzed on day 14, whereas there was not a significant difference among the three groups, a decreasing difference was observed in Group IV (P < 0.05). When the 21st and 28th day left leg pull values were compared between groups, the values from Groups II, III, and IV were significantly lower than those of Group I (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The absence of a difference between the baseline values and left leg pull values on days 14, 21, and 28 in Group IV indicates that recovery began on day 21 with the epidural administration of etanercept. There was no difference between intravenous saline administration and intravenous infliximab administration with regard to the start of the recovery. In the present study of rats with discopathy, TNF-α antagonists administered epidurally led to earlier recovery from radiculopathy-related allodynia compared to intravenous administration.

Persistent postherniorrhaphy pain following inguinal hernia repair: A cross-sectional study of prevalence, pain characteristics, and effects on quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic inguinal pain due to the inguinal hernia repair is still a serious consideration, and its incidence is evident in approximately 3%-6% of the patients. The purpose of this study was performed to assess the prevalence of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair and the effects on the quality of life in our patient. METHODS: The records of the patients who were 18 years of age or older and had had an inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia after receiving a diagnosis of inguinal hernia at this hospital from 2009 to 2015 were accessed through the hospital's data system. Patients who had signed the informed consent agreement were given an Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ) and a Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN-4) questionnaire after recording their demographic data on the appointment day. Surgical incision line was evaluated with a dolorimeter and mild touch hypoesthesia, needle-touch hypoesthesia, brushing allodynia were evaluated with cotton, and 0.711 mm diameter Von-Frey filament (Touch-Test Sensory Evaluator Kit; North Coast Medical, Inc., Gilroy, CA, USA). RESULTS: The total number of patients who had ASA I-II scores and who had undergone a one-sided inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia in elective conditions with at least three or more months of recovery time months was 619. Of these 264 patients, 203 with absence of pain (score of the severest pain over the past week and now was 0) were classified as the Non-Pain group and 61 patients with inguinal pain (score of the severest pain over the past week or now was 1 or more) were classified as the Pain group. The incidence of chronic pain after inguinal hernia surgery was 23.48% (n = 61) in our study. The pain was localized at and near the surgical incision and radiated into the scrotum in 17.73% (n = 36) of the male patients having chronic pain. While chronic pain developed in 60 out of 239 patients who had pain prior to the surgery. The presence of pain prior to the surgery was evaluated as an effective factor for the chronic groin pain. Neuropathic pain was detected with the DN-4 questionnaire in 6 (2.95%) out of 203 patients who stated that they had no pain during the physical examination and the week prior to the exam. The frequency of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair was found 23.48% in our study. This is the same rate as previously reported. Quality of life of these patients was affected. We believe that there is an urgent need for prospective randomized studies with the aim of determining a standardized methodology towards preventive measures after determining the risk factors of chronic pain developed in the post inguinal hernia repair period.

Does Sugammadex Administration Affect Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of sugammadex on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Eighty patients who were scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned to neostigmine (group N) or sugammadex (group S) for neuromuscular antagonism at the end of anesthesia. The incidence of PONV and antiemetic consumption were recorded. RESULTS: Nausea and vomiting were observed in 60% of the patients given sugammadex and 77.5% given neostigmine during the initial 24 hours postoperatively. The incidence of nausea and the need for rescue antiemetic were lower in group S than group N during all time intervals but there were no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sugammadex seems to be effective in decreasing the incidence of PONV, severity of nausea, number of patients who suffered from nausea and vomiting, and need for rescue antiemetic, although there were no significant differences.

Chronic postsurgical pain and neuropathic symptoms after abdominal hysterectomy: A silent epidemic.

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is an important clinic problem. It is assessed that prevalence of chronic pain extends to 30% but it is contended that there are various risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of chronic pain after hysterectomy, risk factors of chronicity, neuropathic features of pain, and sensorial alterations at surgery area.Between years 2012 and 2015, 16 to 65 ages old patients that electively undergone total abdominal hysterectomy bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and passed minimum 3 months after surgery were included to study. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4-questionnaire (DN-4) surveys were used to evaluate pain symptoms, algometry device was used for evaluating abdominal pressure threshold and Von Frey Filament was used for sensorial alterations.Ninety-three of 165 eligible patients were included to study. As the groups were compared by demographic data, no difference was obtained (P > 0.05). There was no difference between groups regarding patient and surgery attributes (P > 0.05). Most frequently performed incision type was Pfannenstiel. Neuropathic symptoms were observed in 90 patients (96.8%). Sensorial alterations as hypoesthesia and hyperesthesia were detected around abdominal scar in 18 patients (19.4%) with pinprick test.Neuropathic symptoms should not be ignored in studies evaluating CPSP and a standard methodology should be designed for studies in this topic.

Effects of carbon dioxide insufflation on regional cerebral oxygenation during laparoscopic surgery in children: a prospective study / Efeitos da insuflação de dióxido de carbono sobre a oxigenação cerebral regional durante cirurgia laparoscópica em crianças: um estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic surgery has become a popular surgical tool when compared to traditional open surgery. There are limited data on pediatric patients regarding whether pneumoperitoneum affects cerebral oxygenation although end-tidal CO2 concentration remains normal. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the changes of cerebral oxygen saturation using near-infrared spectroscope during laparoscopic surgery in children. METHODS: The study comprised forty children who were scheduled for laparoscopic (Group L, n = 20) or open (Group O, n = 20) appendectomy. Hemodynamic variables, right and left regional cerebral oxygen saturation (RrSO2 and LrSO2), fraction of inspired oxygen, end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PETCO2), peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), respiratory minute volume, inspiratory and end-tidal concentrations of sevoflurane and body temperature were recorded. All parameters were recorded after anesthesia induction and before start of surgery (T0, baseline), 15 min after start of surgery (T1), 30 min after start of surgery (T2), 45 min after start of surgery (T3), 60 min after start of surgery (T4) and end of the surgery (T5). RESULTS: There were progressive decreases in both RrSO2 and LrSO2 levels in both groups, which were not statistically significant at T1, T2, T3, T4. The RrSO2 levels of Group L at T5 were significantly lower than that of Group O. One patient in Group L had an rSO2 value <80% of the baseline value. CONCLUSIONS: Carbon dioxide insufflation during pneumoperitoneum in pediatric patients may not affect cerebral oxygenation under laparoscopic surgery.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cirurgia laparoscópica se tornou uma ferramenta cirúrgica popular em comparação com a cirurgia aberta tradicional. Há poucos dados sobre pacientes pediátricos no que se refere ao pneumoperitônio afetar a oxigenação cerebral enquanto a concentração de CO2 no fim da expiração continua normal. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as alterações da saturação de oxigênio cerebral com espectroscopia de infravermelho próximo durante cirurgia laparoscópica em crianças. MÉTODOS: O estudo recrutou 40 crianças programadas para apendicectomia laparoscópica (Grupo L, n = 20) ou aberta (Grupo A, n = 20). Variáveis hemodinâmicas, saturação de oxigênio cerebral regional direita e esquerda (RrSO2 e LrSO2), fração inspirada de oxigênio, pressão expiratória final de dióxido de carbono (PETCO2), pico de pressão inspiratória (Ppico), volume minuto respiratório, concentrações de sevoflurano inspirado e expirado e temperatura corporal foram registrados. Todos os parâmetros foram registrados após a indução da anestesia e antes do início da cirurgia (T0, basal), 15 minutos após o início da cirurgia (T1), 30 minutos após o início da cirurgia (T2), 45 minutos após o início da cirurgia (T3), 60 minutos após o início da cirurgia (T4) e no fim da cirurgia (T5). RESULTADOS: Houve diminuição progressiva em ambos os níveis de RrSO2 e LrSO2 nos dois grupos, mas não foi estatisticamente significativa em T1, T2, T3, T4. Os níveis de RrSO2 do Grupo L em T5 foram significativamente menores do que os do Grupo A. Um paciente do Grupo L apresentou um valor rSO2 < 80% do valor basal. CONCLUSÕES: A insuflação de dióxido de carbono durante o pneumoperitônio em pacientes pediátricos pode não afetar a oxigenação cerebral em cirurgia laparoscópica.

Effects of carbon dioxide insufflation on regional cerebral oxygenation during laparoscopic surgery in children: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic surgery has become a popular surgical tool when compared to traditional open surgery. There are limited data on pediatric patients regarding whether pneumoperitoneum affects cerebral oxygenation although end-tidal CO2 concentration remains normal. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the changes of cerebral oxygen saturation using near-infrared spectroscope during laparoscopic surgery in children. METHODS: The study comprised forty children who were scheduled for laparoscopic (Group L, n=20) or open (Group O, n=20) appendectomy. Hemodynamic variables, right and left regional cerebral oxygen saturation (RrSO2 and LrSO2), fraction of inspired oxygen, end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PETCO2), peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), respiratory minute volume, inspiratory and end-tidal concentrations of sevoflurane and body temperature were recorded. All parameters were recorded after anesthesia induction and before start of surgery (T0, baseline), 15min after start of surgery (T1), 30min after start of surgery (T2), 45min after start of surgery (T3), 60min after start of surgery (T4) and end of the surgery (T5). RESULTS: There were progressive decreases in both RrSO2 and LrSO2 levels in both groups, which were not statistically significant at T1, T2, T3, T4. The RrSO2 levels of Group L at T5 were significantly lower than that of Group O. One patient in Group L had an rSO2 value <80% of the baseline value. CONCLUSIONS: Carbon dioxide insufflation during pneumoperitoneum in pediatric patients may not affect cerebral oxygenation under laparoscopic surgery.

[Effects of carbon dioxide insufflation on regional cerebral oxygenation during laparoscopic surgery in children: a prospective study]. / Efeitos da insuflação de dióxido de carbono sobre a oxigenação cerebral regional durante cirurgia laparoscópica em crianças: um estudo prospectivo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic surgery has become a popular surgical tool when compared to traditional open surgery. There are limited data on pediatric patients regarding whether pneumoperitoneum affects cerebral oxygenation although end-tidal CO2 concentration remains normal. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the changes of cerebral oxygen saturation using near-infrared spectroscope during laparoscopic surgery in children. METHODS: The study comprised forty children who were scheduled for laparoscopic (Group L, n=20) or open (Group O, n=20) appendectomy. Hemodynamic variables, right and left regional cerebral oxygen saturation (RrSO2 and LrSO2), fraction of inspired oxygen, end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PETCO2), peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), respiratory minute volume, inspiratory and end-tidal concentrations of sevoflurane and body temperature were recorded. All parameters were recorded after anesthesia induction and before start of surgery (T0, baseline), 15min after start of surgery (T1), 30min after start of surgery (T2), 45min after start of surgery (T3), 60min after start of surgery (T4) and end of the surgery (T5). RESULTS: There were progressive decreases in both RrSO2 and LrSO2 levels in both groups, which were not statistically significant at T1, T2, T3, T4. The RrSO2 levels of Group L at T5 were significantly lower than that of Group O. One patient in Group L had an rSO2 value <80% of the baseline value. CONCLUSIONS: Carbon dioxide insufflation during pneumoperitoneum in pediatric patients may not affect cerebral oxygenation under laparoscopic surgery.

Effects of Sugammadex and Neostigmine on Renal Biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Neostigmine, the currently commonly used agent for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Sugammadex is a novel and unique compound designed as an antagonist of steroidal neuromuscular blockers. In this study, we evaluated the effects of sugammadex or neostigmine on kidney functions in patients scheduled for elective surgery. MATERIAL/METHODS: Patients scheduled for a surgical procedure under desflurane/opioid anesthesia received an intubating dose rocuronium. Patients were divided into 2 groups receiving either sugammadex or neostigmine atropine to reverse neuromuscular blockade. Cystatin C, creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, and calcium levels in the blood and α1microglobulin, ß2microglobulin, and microalbumin levels in the urine were measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the demographic data. In the Neostigmine Group, although ß2microglobulin and microalbumin were similar, a significant increase was found in the postoperative α1microglobulin and cystatin C values. In the Sugammadex Group, although ß2-microglobulin and cystatin C were similar, a significant increase was found in the postoperative α1-microglobulin and microalbumin values. The only significant difference was cystatin C value variation in the Neostigmine Group compared to the Sugammadex Group. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the use of more specific and sensitive new-generation markers like cystatin C to evaluate kidney function will provide a better understanding and interpretation of our results. Sugammadex has more tolerable effects on kidney function in patients than does neostigmine. However, when compared to preoperative values, there is a negative alteration of postoperative values. Neostigmine and sugammadex do not cause renal failure but they may affect kidney function.

Effect of controlled hypotension on regional cerebral oxygen saturation during rhinoplasty: a prospective study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of controlled hypotension on cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and evaluation of postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing rhinoplasty. Fifty adult patients who were scheduled for elective rhinoplasty surgery and required controlled hypotension were enrolled in this prospective study. Controlled hypotension was provided using a combination of propofol and remifentanil infusion supplemented with nitroglycerin infusion as necessary. rSO2 was evaluated during controlled hypotension by NIRS. Cerebral desaturation was observed in 5 out of 50 patients (10 %) during hypotensive anesthesia. The greatest decrease from baseline was 28 % when MAP was 57 mmHg. In both non-desaturated and desaturated patients, postoperative MMSE scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores. There was a 4 % decrease in the non-desaturated patients and a 7 % decrease in the desaturated patients when preoperative and postoperative MMSE scores were compared. A decline in cognitive function 1 day after surgery was observed in 23 patients (46 %) and in all patients with intraoperative cerebral desaturation. The current study showed that even if SpO2 is in the normal range, there might be a decrease of more than 20 % in cerebral oxygen saturation during controlled hypotension.

Total Spinal Block after Thoracic Paravertebral Block.

Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) can be performed with or without general anaesthesia for various surgical procedures. TPVB is a popular anaesthetic technique due to its low side effect profile and high analgesic potency. We used 20 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine for a single injection of unilateral TPVB at the T7 level with neurostimulator in a 63 year old patient with co-morbid disease who underwent cholecystectomy. Following the application patient lost consciousness, and was intubated. Haemodynamic instability was normalised with rapid volume replacement and vasopressors. Anaesthetic drugs were stopped at the end of the surgery and muscle relaxant was antagonised. Return of mucle strenght was shown with neuromuscular block monitoring. Approximately three hours after TPVB, spontaneous breathing started and consciousness returned. A total spinal block is a rare and life-threatening complication. A total spinal block is a complication of spinal anaesthesia, and it can also occur after peripheral blocks. Clinical presentation is characterised by hypotension, bradicardia, apnea, and cardiac arrest. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is life saving. In this case report, we want to present total spinal block after TPVB.