Ultrasound-Guided External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Patient and Observer-Blinded Study.

PURPOSE: The external oblique intercostal plane (EOI) block is a novel block technique for anterolateral upper abdominal wall analgesia. The superficial nature of the external oblique intercostal plane allows it to be easily identified even in patients with obesity. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that EOI block would reduce IV morphine consumption within 24 h after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: EOI block group and control group. The patients in the EOI block group received ultrasound-guided bilateral EOI block with a total of 40 ml 0.25% bupivacaine after anesthesia induction. The patients in the control group received no intervention. Postoperatively, all the patients were connected to an intravenous patient controlled analgesia (PCA) device containing morphine. The primary outcome of the study was IV morphine consumption in the first postoperative 24 h. RESULTS: The median [interquartile range] morphine consumption at 24 h postoperatively was significantly lower in the EOI block group than in the control group (7.5 [3.5 to 8.5] mg vs 14 [12 to 20] mg, p = 0.0001, respectively). Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and during movement were lower in the EOI block group than in the control group at 2, 6, and 12 h but were similar at 24 h. No block-related complications were observed in any patients. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study demonstrated that bilateral EOI block reduced postoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain in patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05663658.

Immediate Extubation in the Operating Room Following Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Although immediate extubation in the operating room following pediatric liver transplantation can be safe and beneficial for select patients, many surgeons and anesthesiologists are still cautious. The study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of immediate extubation in the operating room following pediatric liver transplantation. METHODS: Sixty-four pediatric liver transplant recipients were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: immediate extubation (IE) (those who were extubated in the operating room) and delayed extubation (DE) (those who were extubated in the intensive care unit). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were recorded. RESULTS: Although a total of 19 (29.7%) patients were extubated in the pediatric intensive care unit (group DE), 45 (70.3%) were extubated in the operating room at the end of surgery (group IE). The use of fresh frozen plasma and platelets was statistically higher in group DE (P = .017 and P = .002, respectively). Duration of anesthesia and length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit was statistically longer in group DE (P = .020 and P = .0001, respectively). Three (15.8%) patients required reintubation in group DE and 2 (4.4%) in group IE. Hospital stay was statistically longer in group DE (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that immediate extubation in the operating room after surgery for pediatric patients who have undergone liver transplantation was safe. The duration of anesthesia and the intraoperative use of blood products such as platelet and fresh frozen plasma can effectively decide immediate extubation.

Is the Presence of 2 Renal Allograft Arteries Associated with Adverse Outcomes in Live Donor Kidney Transplantation?

OBJECTIVE: Although it was postulated that renal grafts with multiple arteries could lead to unfavorable recipient outcomes, this subject remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of recipients receiving renal allografts with a single artery with those receiving renal grafts with two arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who received live donor kidney transplantation in our center between January 2020 and October 2021 were included. Data including age, gender, body mass index, renal allograft side, pre-kidney transplantation dialysis status, human leukocyte antigen mismatch number, warm ischemia time, the number of renal allograft arteries (single/double), complications, duration of hospitalization, postoperative creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rates, early graft rejection, graft loss, and mortality were collected. Subsequently, patients who received single-artery renal allografts were compared with those who received double-artery renal allografts. RESULTS: Overall, 139 recipients were included. The mean recipient age was 43.73 ± 13.03 (21-69). While 103 recipients were male, 36 were female. The comparison between the 2 groups revealed that mean ischemia time was significantly longer in the double-artery than in the single-artery group (48.0 vs. 31.2 minutes) (P=.00). In addition, the single-artery group had significantly lower postoperative day 1 and day 30 mean serum creatinine levels. Also, the mean postoperative day 1 glomerular filtration rates were significantly higher in the single-artery group than in the double-artery group. However, the 2 groups were similar concerning the glomerular filtration rates measured at other times. On the other hand, there was no difference between the 2 groups regarding duration of hospitalization, surgical complication, early graft rejection, graft loss, and mortality rates. CONCLUSION: The presence of 2 renal allograft arteries does not have adverse effects on the postoperative parameters of the kidney transplantation recipients, including graft function, duration of hospitalization, surgical complication, early graft rejection, graft loss, and mortality rates.

Results of Using the Cystic Duct for Reconstruction of One of the Multiple Bile Ducts in Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: In right-lobe liver grafts, variations in the biliary tree anatomy can result in multiple bile duct orifices. We present our experience of 10 patients in which biliary reconstruction was performed with the cystic duct for 1 of the anastomoses with 2 separated ducts. Also, we investigated whether the bile duct anastomosis technique, number of bile duct anastomoses, and use of biliary stents affect the rate of biliary complications. METHODS: We evaluated patients who underwent right-lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) at Istinye University Hospital and Istanbul Aydin University Hospital between December 2017 and June 2020. The patients were divided into 4 groups: duct-to-duct (D-D), duct-to-sheath, double duct-to-duct, and duct-to-duct plus cystic duct-to-duct. Biliary complication rates were compared among these 4 groups, between single- and double-duct groups, and between stent (+) and stent (-) groups. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients who underwent right-lobe LDLT (60 men, 33 women) with a mean age of 51 ± 13 years were included. Mean follow-up time was 18.5 ± 8.3 months. The overall biliary complication rate was 17.2% for all patients, 12.1% for the D-D (single-duct) group (33 patients), 16.1% for the duct-to-sheath group (31 patients), 26.3% for the double duct-to-duct group (19 patients), 20% for the duct-to-duct plus cystic duct-to-duct group (10 patients), 20% for the double-duct group (60 patients), 14.5% for the stent (+) group (69 patients), and 25% for the stent (-) group (24 patients). There were no significant differences among these groups in terms of biliary complication rates. Bile stricture occurred in only 1 cystic duct anastomosis (10%), and no bile leakage was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple D-D biliary reconstruction using the cystic duct with external drainage tubes is feasible and safe for LDLT.

Renal Hilus Ligation With Single Stapler in Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Ligation of renal hilus is the most important stage of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Laparoscopic staplers are securely used for renal pedicle control. We present our donor nephrectomy cases in which we used 1 stapler for renal artery and vein ligation. METHODS: Demographic data, number of arteries and veins, ligation types, operation time, and complication rates are recorded. RESULTS: One hundred twenty laparoscopic donor nephrectomy cases who were operated between December 2017 and August 2018 in Istinye University Hospital and Istanbul Aydin University Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. All of the operations were done by 2 surgeons with a fully laparoscopic method. None of the cases were converted to open nephrectomy. There was 1 renal artery in 110 (91.7%) cases, 2 renal arteries in 9 (7.5%) cases, and 3 arteries in 1 (0.8%) case. Renal artery and vein were ligated with single stapler in 115 (95.8%) cases. Double stapler was used in 5 (4.2%) patients. There were no major complications for donors and no implantation problems for grafts. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is the most used technique for living donor operations. Vascular stapler is securely used for renal artery and vein ligation with high costs. Two or, due to the number of vessels, sometimes 3 staplers are used in the standard technique. In our study, the operation was finished securely in 95.8% of the patients with single stapler use. Single stapler use for ligating renal hilus is safe in kidneys even with suitable multiple arteries and veins in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet syndrome: Outcomes for patients admitted to intensive care at a tertiary referral hospital.

PURPOSE: The aim was to assess outcomes for pregnancies in which hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome develops and the patient requires transfer for critical care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cases of women with HELLP syndrome who delivered at our tertiary center or surrounding hospitals and were admitted to the intensive care between January 2007 and July 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Results were compared for the surviving and non-surviving patients. RESULTS: Among the 77 women with HELLP syndrome, maternal mortality rate was 14% and 24 (30%) of 81 fetuses and newborns died in the perinatal period. The most common maternal complications were disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (n = 22; 29%), acute renal failure (n = 19; 25%), and postpartum hemorrhage (n = 16; 21%). Compared with surviving women, the non-surviving women had higher mean international normalized ratio (INR) (p < 0.0001); higher mean serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p < 0.0001); higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.0001); higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p < 0.0001), and higher bilirubin (p = 0.040) levels; and lower platelet count (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: DIC is a major risk factor for maternal outcome among patients with HELLP syndrome who require intensive care. Low platelet count; high AST, ALT, LDH, INR; and total bilirubin are associated with high mortality risk in this patient group. In addition, low platelet count; low fibrinogen level; prolonged activated thromboplastin time; high INR; and high total bilirubin, LDH, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine are associated with high risk for complications in this patient group.

Blood glucose regulation during living-donor liver transplant surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to compare the effects of 2 different regimens on blood glucose levels of living-donor liver transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study participants were randomly allocated to the dextrose in water plus insulin infusion group (group 1, n = 60) or the dextrose in water infusion group (group 2, n = 60) using a sealed envelope technique. Blood glucose levels were measured 3 times during each phase. When the blood glucose level of a patient exceeded the target level, extra insulin was administered via a different intravenous route. The following patient and procedural characteristics were recorded: age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, end-stage liver disease, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, total anesthesia time, total surgical time, and number of patients who received an extra bolus of insulin. The following laboratory data were measured pre- and postoperatively: hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, potassium, creatinine, total bilirubin, and albumin. RESULTS: No hypoglycemia was noted. The recipients exhibited statistically significant differences in blood glucose levels during the dissection and neohepatic phases. Blood glucose levels at every time point were significantly different compared with the first dissection time point in group 1. Excluding the first and second anhepatic time points, blood glucose levels were significantly different as compared with the first dissection time point in group 2 (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that dextrose with water infusion alone may be more effective and result in safer blood glucose levels as compared with dextrose with water plus insulin infusion for living-donor liver transplant recipients. Exogenous continuous insulin administration may induce hyperglycemic attacks, especially during the neohepatic phase of living-donor liver transplant surgery. Further prospective studies that include homogeneous patient subgroups and diabetic recipients are needed to support the use of dextrose plus water infusion without insulin.

The effects of dexmedetomidine on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury of the liver may cause various types of damage to hepatic tissues. It can affect the prognosis of patients and the success of an operation. Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2 receptor agonist. We investigated whether dexmedetomidine provides protection against IR-induced liver injury in rats. METHODS: Forty rats were divided equally into four groups. In group 1, the liver was manipulated after the laparotomy, and no occlusion of the vessels of the liver was performed. In group 2, once the abdomen was opened, 60 min of ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion were applied according to the segmental hepatic ischemia model. In group 3, 10 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine was injected into the peritoneal cavity 30 min before ischemia. In group 4, 100 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine was injected into the peritoneal cavity 30 min before ischemia. Further procedures in groups 3 and 4 were the same as those of group 2. After the experiment was completed, the rats were killed. Liver tissues were removed and stored until biochemical and histologic assessments were performed. RESULTS: The malondialdehyde level in group 2 was higher than that of groups 1, 3, and 4 (P = 0.001, P = 0.000, and P = 0.000, respectively). Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels in group 2 were lower than those in group 1 (P = 0.001, P = 0.027, and P = 0.014, respectively). Superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in group 4 were higher than those in group 2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.000, respectively). GSH levels in groups 3 and 4 were higher than those in group 2 (P = 0.049 and P = 0.006, respectively). A lower glutathione peroxidase level was detected in groups 2 and 3 than that in group 1 (P = 000). Group 4 demonstrated an increase in glutathione peroxidase levels compared with group 3 (P = 0.014). The histologic injury scores in groups 2-4 were higher than those in group 1 (P = 0.003, P = 0.002, and P = 0.001, respectively). However, the histologic injury scores were lower in groups 3 and 4 than those in group 2 (P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that dexmedetomidine may protect the liver against IR injury in rats.

Anaesthesia for Caesarean Delivery in a Pregnant with Acute Type B Aortic Dissection.

About 50% of aortic dissections in women younger than 40 years occur during pregnancy; mostly in the 3rd trimesters and postpartum period. Aortic dissection in pregnancy creates a serious mortality risk for both mother and the foetus. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the foetus. In such cases, the best method of anaesthesia for caesarean delivery is still controversial. The first aim of anaesthetic management is to reduce the effect of cardiovascular instability on the dissected aorta. Here, we report the anaesthetic management of a 36 year-old pregnant woman who developed acute type B aortic dissection in the 30(th) gestational weeks and scheduled for caesarean section. Since hemodynamic stability could not be achieved despite nitro-glycerine and esmolol infusions, together with invasive arterial monitoring, the decision for caesarean delivery was taken. A team of Cardiovascular Surgeons and an operating room were prepared because of the risks of aortic rupture and hemodynamic collapse during operation. Combined-spinal epidural anaesthesia was administered using 5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine and 20 µg fentanyl given at the L3-4 spinal level in the side lying position. After achieving T4 sensory block level, the operation proceeded and a baby weighing 1432 grams was delivered in 4 min with a median subumbilical incision. Epidural patient controlled analgesia was applied to the patient during follow-up with medical treatment at postoperative period. In pregnant women with acute Type B aortic dissection, if adequate sensory block level cannot be achieved despite using a combination of low dose local anaesthetic (spinal use) and opioids, we are in the opinion that combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia, which allows the use of additional doses can be a decent choice.

Assessment of valvulopathy in Parkinson's disease patients on pergolide and/or cabergoline.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of ergot derivatives on cardiac valves in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Echocardiography was performed on 46 PD patients who used either pergolide or cabergoline (MonoPD) or both (MixPD) for a minimum of 1 year and 49 age-matched healthy controls. Valvular regurgitation was graded as mild, moderate and severe. MonoPD and MixPD groups were compared with regard to demographic features, drug profile and valvulopathy. RESULTS: The PD group had a mean age of 63 years, agonist duration of 3.8 years and agonist equivalent dose of 3.5mg/day. Moderate regurgitation in all three valves was significantly more common in the PD group than the controls. Severe valvular regurgitation was not observed in either group, with the exception of one PD patient. The frequency of valvulopathy and doses of agonists did not differ between MixPD and MonoPD groups. CONCLUSION: PD patients on dopamine ergot agonists are prone to moderate valvular regurgitation more than age-matched controls. However, the frequency of valvulopathy was similar in patients who used either one or more agonists.