Effect of sugammadex, rocuronium and sevoflurane on oxidative stress and apoptosis in cerebral ischemia reperfusion model in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury causes neurological dysfunction and cell death. Sugammadex, as a large molecule, is normally difficult to pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In ischemia, molecules can pass into the brain tissue. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of sugammadex in the presence of cerebral I/R damage in rats with a general anesthesia model with sevoflurane and rocuronium. METHODS: Rats were divided into 7 groups; Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (Sham), Group 3 (Sevoflurane), Group 4 (Sugammadex), Group 5 (Sevoflurane + Rocuronium), Group 6 (Sevoflurane + Sugammadex), Group 7 (Sevoflurane + Rocuronium + Sugammadex). Brain tissues of rats with cerebral I/R damage with bilateral carotid occlusion were removed. Tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were examined with ELISA and apoptosis was examined by Caspase-3. RESULTS: The number of caspase-3 positive cells decreased the most in Group 4 compared to the other groups. Group 4's mean MDA and MPO levels were lower than Group 2. There was no significant difference in terms of SOD levels. CONCLUSION: The apoptotic effect of sugammadex was lowest compared to other agent groups, and it did not increase oxidative damage as much as the other groups.

Novel amino acid Schiff base Zn(II) complexes as new therapeutic approaches in diabetes and Alzheimer's disease: Synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies.

Schiff bases are compounds that have gained importance in the paint industry due to their colorful nature and in the field of chemistry and biochemistry due to their biological activities. Various biological applications of Schiff bases, such as antitumor, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antituberculosis, and anthelmintic, have been widely studied. Within the scope of the study, 5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and amino acid methyl esters (isoleucine, phenylalanine, and methionine) and amino acid Schiff bases were synthesized first. The synthesis of the new Zn(II) complexes of these Schiff bases was carried out by the reaction of synthesized Schiff bases and Zn(OAc)2 ·2H2 O. The structures of the synthesized complexes were elucidated using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, UV-visible, and thermal analysis spectroscopy techniques. These synthesized salts were found to be effective inhibitor compounds for the α-glycosidase, and acetylcholinesterase enzyme with Ki values in the range of 30.50 ± 3.82-38.17 ± 6.26 µM for α-glycosidase, 3.68 ± 0.54-10.27 ± 1.68 µM for butyrylcholinesterase, and 6.26 ± 0.83-15.73 ± 4.73 µM for acetylcholinesterase, respectively.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block in inguinal hernia surgery and the immunomodulatory effects of proinflammatory cytokines: prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) are among the cytokines released secondary to the surgical stress response. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block on postoperative pain and its immunomodulatory activity through proinflammatory cytokines. METHODS: TAP (study group; n=40) or p-TAP (placebo group; n=40). Patients in the TAP group underwent an Ultrasound (US) guided unilateral TAP block using 20-cc 0.5% bupivacaine solution. Patients in the p-TAP group underwent a sham block using 20-cc isotonic solution. The TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were measured three times at preoperative hour-0 and postoperative hours 4 and 24. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were recorded at 0-hours, 30-minutes, 4-hours, and 24-hours. Analgesic use within the first 24-hours following surgery was monitored. RESULTS: The postoperative VAS score was decreased in the TAP group at all time points (0, 4, and 24hours), and the differences between groups were statistically significant (p< 0.001 for all comparisons). In the TAP group, the TNF-α and IL-1ß levels at 4 and 24 hours post operation were significantly lower than the preoperative levels (p< 0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: The TAP block for pre-emptive analgesia enabled effective hemodynamic control during the intraoperative period, provided effective pain control in the postoperative period, and decreased inflammation and surgical stress due to the decreased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1ß in the first postoperative 24hours, indicating immunomodulatory effect.

Comparison of the effects of continuous versus intermittent enteral feeding on plasma leptin and ghrelin levels in Intensive Care Units / Comparação do efeito da alimentação enteral contínua com o efeito da alimentação intermitente nos níveis plasmáticos de leptina e grelina em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this prospective randomized trial is to verify whether there is an association between the methods of administration of enteral nutrition and the leptin and ghrelin hormones, which have a major role in the regulation of energy metabolism. Methods: This study enrolled 38 enteral-fed patients aged 18 to 85 in the Intensive Care Unit. The patients were prospectively randomized to receive either continuous infusion (n=19) or intermittent feeding (n=18) of enteral nutrition. In addition to routine biochemical assays, blood samples were taken from the patients for leptin and ghrelin analyses on the 1th, 7th, and 14th days of enteral nutrition. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding descriptive statistics and categorical variables such as underlying diseases, complications, steroid use and others (p>0.05). The decrease in the number of white blood cells and in creatinine and C-reactive protein levels over time were statistically significant (p=0.010, p=0.026, p<0.001 respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to leptin and ghrelin levels (p=0.982 and p=0.054). Leptin levels did not change over time; however, the ghrelin levels of both groups were significantly higher on the 7th and 14th days than on the first day of analysis (p=0.003). Conclusion: This study revealed that both continuous and intermittent enteral nutrition feeding regimens were well tolerated in Intensive Care Unit patients showing minor complications. The method of administration of enteral nutrition alone did not affect the leptin and ghrelin levels. Randomized controlled large cohort trials are needed to to compare intermittent and continuous enteral nutrition to determine which one is more adaptable to diurnal patterns of secretion metabolic hormones.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este ensaio aleatório prospectivo tem por objetivo verificar se existe uma associação entre o programa de administração de nutrição enteral e os hormonios leptina e grelina, os quais funcionam no metabolismo energético. Métodos: Este estudo incluiu 38 pacientes de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva, com idades entre os 18 e os 85 anos, que receberam nutrição enteral. Os pacientes foram escolhidos aleatoriamente para receberem nutrição enteral utilizando infusão contínua (n=19) ou intermitente (n=18). Além de exames bioquímicos de rotina, foram colhidas amostras de sangue dos pacientes para análises dos níveis de leptina e grelina no 1º, 7º e 14º dias de nutrição enteral. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística significante entre os grupos em relação a dados descritivos e variáveis categóricas tais como doenças subjacentes, complicações, utilização de esteroides e outros (p>0,05). A diminuição no número de leucócitos e nos níveis de creatinina e proteína C-reativa com o tempo foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,010, p=0,026, p<0,001, respetivamente). Não existiu diferença com significância estatística entre os grupos em relação aos níveis de leptina e grelina (p=0,982 e p=0,054). Embora os níveis de leptina não mudaram com o tempo, os níveis de grelina de ambos os grupos foram significativamente superiores no 7° e 14° dias quando comparados aos verificados na análise do primeiro dia (p=0,003). Conclusão: Este estudo revelou que os programas de nutrição enteral contínua e intermitente foram bem tolerados com pequenas complicações apresentadas pelos pacientes em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. O padrão de administração de nutrição enteral por si só não afetou os níveis de leptina e grelina. Estudos controlados aleatórios em coortes maiores são necessários para verificar qual programa de administração de nutrição enteral, intermitente ou a contínuo, é mais adaptável ao padrão de secreção diurno de hormônios metabólicos.

Comparison of preventive analgesia techniques in circumcision cases: Dorsal penile nerve block, caudal block, or subcutaneous morphine?

OBJECTIVE: To compare 3 different techniques of preventive analgesia before circumcision operations in male children between 6-12 years of age. Our objective was to investigate the duration and quality of postoperative analgesia in patients, who were subject to caudal block technique, dorsal penile nerve block or who were administered subcutaneous morphine. METHODS: The prospective, randomised, single-blind study was conducted at Ordu University Training and Research Hospital, Ordu, Turkey, from January 1 to June 30, 2015, and comprised boys aged 6-12 years, who were scheduled to undergo circumcision operation. All patients were under general anaesthesia by means of laryngeal masks. The patients were randomised into 3 equal groups. The patients in Group C received caudal block with bupivacaine 0.25% in a total volume of 0.50 ml/kg in lateral position. Those in Group M received injections of 100 mcg/kg of subcutaneous morphine into the deltoid muscle. Patients in Group DP were subjected to dorsal penile nerve block with 1 mg/kg of bupivacaine 0.25%. Intraoperative haemodynamic data, pain and sedation scores, according to Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontorio Pain Scale and Ramsay Sedation Scale, were recorded at postoperative 1st, 6th and 24th hours in all cases. RESULTS: The 60 subjects in the study were divided into 3 groups of 20(33.3%) each. The overall mean age was 7.75±8.12 years. At 1 hour after surgery; 8(40%) cases in Group M, 5(25%) cases in Group DP, and all the 20(100%) cases in Group C had a pain score <6 (p<0.05). When the scores were analysed 12 hours post-operatively, 5(25%) cases in Group M and 10(50%) cases in Group DP had a pain score >6, while the pain scores of all the 20(100%) cases in Group C were <6 (p<0.01). Among the groups, there was no statistically significant difference regarding the sedation scores (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using the three methods, analgesia lasted until 12 hours postoperatively, being more evident in the caudal block group, minimising postoperative stress in children and parents.

Comparison of the effects of sugammadex and neostigmine on postoperative nausea and vomiting.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to compare the effects of sugammadex and neostigmine, used for neuromuscular blockage antagonism, on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: Our study was completed with 98 ASA I-II risk patients undergoing endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia. At the end of the surgery patients were randomly divided into two groups given 2mgkg-1 sugammadex (Group S) or 50µgkg-1 neostigmine plus 0.2mgkg-1 atropine (Group N). Monitoring and recording times were set as 1 hour postoperative and from 1-6, 6-12, and 12-24hours. The anti-emetic amounts administered were recorded. RESULTS: In the first hour postoperative 13 patients in Group N (27%) and 4 in Group S (8%) were observed to have nausea and/or vomiting and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.0016). During the 24 hours of monitoring there was no significant difference in the incidence and severity of PONV (p>0.05), however the number of patients given ondansetron for PONV treatment in Group N was statistically significantly higher than the number in Group S (16 in Group N, 6 in Group S, p<0.011). CONCLUSIONS: At the end of our study comparing neostigmine with sugammadex for neuromuscular blockage antagonism, we found use of sugammadex had lower incidence of PONV in the postoperative 1st hour and less anti-emetic use in 24 hours of monitoring.

[Comparison of the effects of sugammadex and neostigmine on postoperative nausea and vomiting]. / Comparação dos efeitos de sugamadex e neostigmina em náusea e vômito no pós­operatório.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to compare the effects of sugammadex and neostigmine, used for neuromuscular blockage antagonism, on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: Our study was completed with 98 ASA I-II risk patients undergoing endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia. At the end of the surgery patients were randomly allocated into two groups given 2mgkg-1 sugammadex (Group S) or 50µgkg-1 neostigmine plus 0.2mgkg-1 atropine (Group N). Monitoring and recording times were set as 1 hour postoperative and from 1-6, 6-12, and 12-24hours. The anti-emetic amounts administered were recorded. RESULTS: In the first postoperative hour 13 patients in Group N (27%) and 4 in Group S (8%) were observed to have nausea and/or vomiting and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.0016). During the 24hours of monitoring there was no significant difference in the incidence and severity of PONV (p>0.05), however the number of patients given ondansetron for PONV treatment in Group N was significantly higher than the number in Group S (16 in Group N, 6 in Group S, p<0.011). CONCLUSIONS: At the end of our study comparing neostigmine with sugammadex for neuromuscular blockage antagonism, we found use of sugammadex had lower incidence of PONV in the postoperative 1st hour and less anti-emetic use in 24hours of monitoring.

A comparison of different densities of levobupivacaine solutions for unilateral spinal anaesthesia / Uma comparação das diferentes densidades das soluções de levobupivacaína para raquianestesia unilateral

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the block characteristics and clinical effects of dextrose added to levobupivacaine solutions at different concentrations to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomised, double-blind study comprised 75 ASA I-II risk patients for whom unilateral total knee arthroscopy was planned. The patients were assigned to three groups: in Group I, 60 mg dextrose was added to 7.5 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine, in Group II, 80 mg and in Group III, 100 mg. Spinal anaesthesia was applied to the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the operated side below and the patient was kept in position for 10 min. RESULTS: The time for the sensorial block to achieve T12 level was slower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p < 0.05, p< 0.00). The time to full recovery of the sensorial block was 136 min in Group I, 154 min in Group II and 170 min in Group III. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean duration of the motor block was 88 min in Group I, 105 min in Group II, and 139 min in Group III and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The time to urination in Group I was statistically significantly shorter than in the other groups (p < 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that together with an increase in density, the sensory and motor block duration was lengthened. It can be concluded that 30 mg mL-1 concentration of dextrose added to 7.5 mg levobupivacaine is sufficient to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in day-case arthroscopic knee surgery.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Comparar as características do bloqueio e os efeitos clínicos da adição de dextrose às soluções de levobupivacaína em diferentes concentrações para proporcionar raquianestesia unilateral em cirurgia de extremidade inferior. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randômico e duplo-cego conduzido com 75 pacientes, estado físico ASA I-II, programados para artroplastia unilateral total do joelho. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: no Grupo-I, 60 mg de dextrose foram adicionados a 7,5 mg de levobupivacaína a 0,5%; no Grupo II, 80 mg e no Grupo III, 100 mg. A raquianestesia foi aplicada ao paciente posicionado em decúbito lateral, com o lado operado abaixo, e o paciente foi mantido em posição durante 10 minutos. RESULTADOS: O tempo para o bloqueio sensorial atingir o nível T12 foi mais lento no Grupo-I do que nos grupos II e III (p < 0,05,p < 0,00). O tempo de recuperação total do bloqueio sensorial foi de 136 minutos no Grupo-I, 154 minutos no Grupo-II e 170 minutos no Grupo III. As diferenças foram estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05). A média da duração do bloqueio motor foi de 88 minutos no Grupo-I, 105 minutos no Grupo-II e 139 minutos no Grupo-III e as diferenças foram estatisticamente significativas (p< 0,05). O tempo de micção foi significativamente menor no Grupo-I do que nos outros grupos (p < 0,00). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados do estudo mostraram que, junto com um aumento da densidade, a duração dos bloqueios sensorial e motor foi prolongada. Pode-se concluir que uma concentração 30 mg mL-1 de dextrose adicionada a 7,5 mg de levobupivacaína é suficiente para proporcionar raquianestesia unilateral para artroscopia do joelho em regime ambulatorial.

A comparison of different densities of levobupivacaine solutions for unilateral spinal anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the block characteristics and clinical effects of dextrose added to levobupivacaine solutions at different concentrations to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomised, double-blind study comprised 75 ASA I-II risk patients for whom unilateral total knee arthroscopy was planned. The patients were assigned to three groups: in Group I, 60mg dextrose was added to 7.5mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine, in Group II, 80mg and in Group III, 100mg. Spinal anaesthesia was applied to the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the operated side below and the patient was kept in position for 10min. RESULTS: The time for the sensorial block to achieve T12 level was slower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p<0.05, p<0.00). The time to full recovery of the sensorial block was 136min in Group I, 154min in Group II and 170min in Group III. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean duration of the motor block was 88min in Group I, 105min in Group II, and 139min in Group III and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The time to urination in Group I was statistically significantly shorter than in the other groups (p<0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that together with an increase in density, the sensory and motor block duration was lengthened. It can be concluded that 30mg mL(-1) concentration of dextrose added to 7.5mg levobupivacaine is sufficient to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in day-case arthroscopic knee surgery.

[A comparison of different densities of levobupivacaine solutions for unilateral spinal anaesthesia]. / Uma comparação das diferentes densidades das soluções de levobupivacaína para raquianestesia unilateral.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the block characteristics and clinical effects of dextrose added to levobupivacaine solutions at different concentrations to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomised, double-blind study comprised 75 ASA I-II risk patients for whom unilateral total knee arthroscopy was planned. The patients were assigned to three groups: in Group I, 60mg dextrose was added to 7.5mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine, in Group II, 80mg and in Group III, 100mg. Spinal anaesthesia was applied to the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the operated side below and the patient was kept in position for 10min. RESULTS: The time for the sensorial block to achieve T12 level was slower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p<0.05, p<0.00). The time to full recovery of the sensorial block was 136min in Group I, 154min in Group II and 170min in Group III. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean duration of the motor block was 88min in Group I, 105min in Group II, and 139min in Group III and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The time to urination in Group I was statistically significantly shorter than in the other groups (p<0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that together with an increase in density, the sensory and motor block duration was lengthened. It can be concluded that 30mgmL(-1) concentration of dextrose added to 7.5mg levobupivacaine is sufficient to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in day-case arthroscopic knee surgery.

Haemodynamic Responses to Tracheal Intubation Using Propofol, Etomidate and Etomidate-Propofol Combination in Anaesthesia Induction.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to measure the haemodynamic responses to a etomidate-propofol combination used for anaesthesia induction and to compare the haemodynamic responses with the separate use of each drug. METHODS: The patients were randomly divided into three groups as group P (n = 30, propofol 2.5 mg kg(-1)), group E (n = 30, etomidate 0.3 mg kg(-1)) and group PE (n = 30, propofol 1.25 mg kg(-1) + etomidate 0.15 mg kg(-1)). For each patient, the times of measurement of the heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure values were defined as baseline, after the induction, before the intubation, immediately after the intubation and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 minutes after the intubation. RESULTS: In all 3 groups, a significant decrease in MAP values were seen at T2 and T3 compared to the baseline values, and this decrease was greater in group P compared to that in group E and PE (P < 0.001, P < 0.01). A significant increase was seen in all 3 groups in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) value at T4 after the intubation. When the groups were compared with each other, this increase was greater in group E than in the other two groups (with group P, P < 0.001; with group PE, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Etomidate-propofol combination may be a valuable alternative when extremes of hypotensive and hypertensive responses due to propofol and etomidate are best to be avoided.

Intraocular pressure changes associated with tracheal extubation: Comparison of sugammadex with conventional reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of neostigmine/atropine combination and sugammadex on intraocular pressure during tracheal extubation period. METHODS: The single-blind prospective randomised controlled study was conducted at Ordu University Research and Training Hospital from August to October 2014, and comprised patients who were randomly assigned to 2 groups according to the agent used for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Group N received 0.05mgkg-1 neostigmine and 0.02 mgkg-1 atropine and the patients in Group S received 2mgkg-1 sugammadex intravenously. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure and intraocular pressure were measured at baseline, before the induction (T1), after the application of reversal agent (T2), and 1 (T3), 3 (T4), 5 (T5) and 10 (T6) minutes after the extubation. SPSS 16 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 36 patients in the study; 18(50%) in each group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender and body mass index (p>0.05 each). Intraocular pressure was significantly higher when the baseline level was compared with all measurement intervals in Group N (p<0.05 each). In Group S, it showed no significant difference at T2 (p>0.05) whereas it was significantly higher at all other measurement intervals (p<0.05 each). Intergroup comparisons showed statistically significant difference in heart rate and mean arterial pressure levels at T2 interval which were higher in Group N (p<0.01). Intraocular pressure levels at T2 and T3 intervals were significantly higher in Group N (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lower end-extubation intraocular pressure levels were obtained when sugammadex was used as a neuromuscular block reversal agent in comparison with neostigmine-atropine combination. Sugammadex may be a better option for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade and intraocular pressure increase should be avoided in patients with glaucoma or penetrating eye injury.

Effect of Sugammadex on Postoperative Bleeding and Coagulation Parameters After Septoplasty: A Randomized Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Sugammadex is a reversal agent with well known advantages but it's effects on haemostasis and bleeding have been a topic of interest. Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure with postoperative respiratory complications and bleeding. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of sugammadex on postoperative coagulation parameters and bleeding after septoplasty procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled study, fifty patients were grouped into two groups; neostigmine (Group N) vs. sugammadex (Group S). For the evaluation of PT, aPTT and INR, blood samples were taken for at the postoperative 120th minutes and alteration of these values with respect to preoperative values were documented. Postoperative bleeding was measured by evaluating the amount of blood absorbed on the nasal tip dressing during 3 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding amount was significantly higher in the Group S compared to Group N (p=0.013). No significant difference was observed between two groups according to coagulation parameters (PT; p=0.953, aPTT; p=0.734, INR; p=0.612). CONCLUSIONS: Sugammadex was associated with higher amount of postoperative bleeding than neostigmine in septoplasty patients. In surgical procedures having high risk of bleeding the safety of sugammadex need to be verified.

Comparison of the analgesic effects of paracetamol and tramadol in lumbar disc surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy and side effects of paracetamol and tramadol in patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group P (paracetamol group) was given 1 g of paracetamol intravenously 30 min before the end of the operation and 1 g each day at 6-h intervals. Group T (tramadol group) was given 1.5 mg/kg of tramadol as a loading dose and patient-controlled analgesia for 1 day. Hemodynamic parameters, modified Aldrete score, Ramsay sedation scale score, patient satisfaction scale (PSS) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, nausea/vomiting scale score, and additional analgesic needs/times were recorded. RESULTS: PSS scores were significantly higher in Group T (P < 0.05). The total analgesic consumption was significantly higher in Group P. There were no significant differences in the VAS scores at any time points. Twenty-one patients in Group P and 8 patients in Group T needed additional analgesia (P < 0.05). The first additional analgesic time was earlier in Group P, and pain was more evident at the 15th minute and at hours 2 and 6 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Paracetamol alone was not able to provide effective analgesia. Tramadol was more effective in the treatment of postoperative pain after lumbar disc surgery.

A Retrospective Analysis of Comparison of General Versus Regional Anaesthesia for Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare general anaesthesia (GA) versus regional anaesthesia (RA) for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: We analysed the files of 89 patients between August 2010-August 2012 who underwent elective EVAR retrospectively. RESULTS: We performed RA for 32 patients (36%) and GA for 57 patients (64%). The operations were completed successfully in both groups and did not require conventional surgery. The mean age of the patients was 71.5±7 (range 50-88 years). RA was preferred more than GA in the presence of advanced-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease statistically (p=0.032). The usage of vasodilator drug and atropine was found to be higher in the GA group than the RA group in the intraoperative period (p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). The intensive care unit (ICU) was necessary for 5 patients in the RA group (16%) and 13 patients for the GA group (23%) postoperatively (p=0.301). The median ICU stay in the RA group was 2 hours and 4.4 hours in the GA group (p=0.114). The median hospital stay was 2.63±1.91 days in the RA group and 2.04±1.16 days in the GA group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.120). There was no mortality of patients in either group for the peroperative period and the 30-day follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Our present study suggests that patient characteristics are more important than the anaesthetic method on the outcomes of EVAR.

Comparison of Dexmedetomidine Versus Ketamine-Propofol Combination for Sedation in Cataract Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the sedative properties and haemodynamic and respiratory effects of dexmedetomidine and a ketamine-propofol combination (ketofol), which are expected to have minimal effects on spontaneous breathing. METHODS: Sixty patients were enrolled in this prospective randomised study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the administration of dexmedetomidine (Group D) and ketofol (Group K). Target sedation level was determined as a Ramsay Sedation Score of 3. In Group D, 0.5 mcg kg(-1) dexmedetomidine was administered via intravenous route in 10 minutes versus 0.125 mL kg(-1) of a solution containing 200 mg propofol and 100 mg ketamine in Group K. Haemodynamic and respiratory effects, postoperative awakening time, analgesic properties and satisfaction levels of the patients and surgeon were assessed. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in mean arterial pressures following drug administration compared to initial measurements in both groups. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in heart rate only in Group D. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding respiratory rate and protection of spontaneous respiration. Although the time for Aldrete score to be 9 was 16.1 minutes for Group K, it was 24.9 minutes for Group D, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding adverse effects, pain scores and satisfaction levels of the patients and surgeon. CONCLUSION: Compared to dexmedetomidine, at similar sedation levels, sedation provided by ketofol enables satisfactory analgesia. Moreover, ketofol has a more rapid onset of action and a shorter recovery period from anaesthesia without causing significant haemodynamic or respiratory adverse effects.

Continuous Spinal Anaesthesia for Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in High-Risk Patient.

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is increasingly being used in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treatment, as it is less invasive than open surgery. A wide range of anaesthetic types, such as general anaesthesia, neuroaxial blocks and local anaesthesia, have been shown to be appropriate for the EVAR procedure. In the continuous spinal anaesthesia (CSA) method, the local anaesthetic may be titrated through a catheter placed in the subarachnoid space, allowing better control of the anaesthetic level and a reduction in potential haemodynamic side effects. Our aim is to present CSA as a successful anaesthetic technique for EVAR in an AAA patient with severe co-existing diseases.