A comparison of angled (D-Blade) and Macintosh (C-MAC) videolaryngoscopes for simulated pediatric difficult airway: a randomized single-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Being prepared for difficult airway (DA) is nevertheless of great importance. Failed or delayed tracheal intubation (TI) can increase morbidity and mortality, and the pediatric population is more prone to hypoxia. With the development of different types of videolaryngoscope (VL), these have become the device of choice in patients with DA. Our primary aim was to compare intubation times with D-blade and Macintosh blade of Storz C-MAC in a simulated pediatric DA scenario with this randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Children aged 1-5 years scheduled for elective surgery were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups: the D-Blade (n = 20) and MAC (n = 21) groups. All children underwent inhalational induction, and a neuromuscular relaxant was routinely administered (rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg-1). After the appropriate size of semirigid foam neck collar had been positioned around the patient's neck, the D-Blade group patients were intubated using a size 2 D-Blade, and the MAC group patients used a size 2 VL Macintosh blade. Intubation, time was measured. Patients' modified Cormack-Lehane system scores (MCLS), pre and postintubation blood pressure values and heart rates, and complications during intubation were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between the groups. There were also no significant differences in pre and postintubation heart rates, blood pressure, or SpO2 values (p > 0.05 for all). Mean intubation times for the MAC and D-Blade groups were 12.14 ± 2.79 s and 18.31 ± 10.86 s, respectively (p = 0.022). MCLS scores were lower in the D-Blade group (p = 0.030).

General Anesthesia Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey: A Cohort Study With a National Survey.

Introduction This study aimed to examine the anesthesia practices applied to the cases during the pandemic, to analyze the rate of the precautions taken in emergency/elective operations in non-COVID patients, what precautions were taken, what resources the clinics had, and the patient management in the perioperative period by organizing a survey among anesthesiologist in Turkey. Methods After obtaining approval from the Turkish Ministry of Health (2020-05-04T09_30_03) and the local ethics committee (GOKAEK-2020/10.09), a survey consisting of 21 questions was formed over the online survey inquiry (surveymonkey.com). The survey was conducted in Turkish. Results The survey aimed at reaching the anesthesiologists, who were Turkish Anesthesiology and Reanimation Society (TARD) members, by e-mail, and it was seen that 120 people out of approximately 2700 members who had received our e-mail participated in the survey. After the first case was reported in our country, it was understood that 62.1% of the participants stopped accepting elective cases in their institutions. The anesthesia method preferred in this period was general anesthesia by 47.6%, regional anesthesia by 52.1%, and sedation by 0.3%. The arrival time of coronavirus disease COVID-19 tests (PCR and/or rapid diagnostic kits showing antibodies) to the hospital was questioned; seven people (5.83%) stated that tests were not performed at their hospitals. It was observed that tests arrived and were applied at the hospitals of the remaining participants in an average of 2.7 ± 1.6 weeks. It was determined that 59.32% of the participants avoided positive pressure ventilation after induction, 5.98% of the intubation on the patients were performed by anesthesia technicians, 66.67% by anesthesiologists, 25.64% by senior resident doctors with at least two years of experience, and 1.71% by junior anesthesia assistants with less than two years of experience. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is applied by 95% of the participants. 22.69% of the participants stated that they preferred to use supraglottic airway (SGA) devices during this period. While 45.06% of the participants stated that they provided oxygen support to the patient with the mask belonging to the circuit after extubation, 14.8% preferred the nasal cannula, and 33.1% used an oxygen mask. Our results showed that 90% of additional precautions were taken in our country's clinics, and 95% of PPE was used. Also, the use of video laryngoscope (VL) was 75% in this period. Finally, it was found that 50.85% of the patients were taken to the recovery unit after being extubated, and 49.15% were sent directly to the service. Conclusion We can reveal that each clinic made arrangements according to its own conditions. We think that plans should be made to standardize clinical facilities and algorithms throughout the country. Apart from technological and financial facilities, we believe that the continuity of the training organized by national and international associations should be ensured so that anesthesiologists' knowledge, skills, and experience who manage this process can remain at the highest level.

Fluoroscopic Comparison of Cervical Spine Motion Using LMA CTrach, C-MAC Videolaryngoscope and Macintosh Laryngoscope.

OBJECTIVE: Endotracheal intubation should be performed with care when cervical spine (C-spine) injury is suspected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the movement of the C-spine using fluoroscopy during intubation with Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) CTrach, C-MAC videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope. METHODS: This was a single-centre, prospective, observational, controlled trial. In total, 22 surgical patients aged 18-65 years planned to undergo operation under general anaesthesia, were enrolled. X-ray images of the C-spine were obtained using fluoroscopy with the patients' head in a neutral position. All patients underwent laryngoscopy using a Macintosh blade, LMA CTrach and C-MAC videolaryngoscope, and fluoroscopic images of the C-spine were obtained. All the patients were intubated at the last laryngoscopy simulation (using the C-MAC). The atlanto-occipital distance (AOD) and angles between C0C1, C0C2, C0C3, C0C4, C1C2 and C2C3 lines were measured and compared between each device. RESULTS: The mean AOD was measured as 20.4 mm in a neutral position, which decreased to 13.1, 17.2 and 12.3 mm after the insertion of the Macintosh laryngoscope, LMA CTrach and C-MAC videolaryngoscope, respectively. The differences were significant (p<0.001). Moreover, significant difference was noted in C0C2, C0C3 and C1C2 angles with the insertion of the three devices (p<0.001). The LMA CTrach resulted in significantly lesser C-spine movements in C0C2, C0C3 and C0C4 angles compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope and C-MAC videolaryngoscope (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The LMA CTrach resulted in lesser C-spine movements compared to Macintosh laryngoscope and C-MAC videolaryngoscope. In case of the C-spine injury, LMA CTrach may be preferred and may cause fewer traumas during endotracheal intubation.

Evaluation of the neurotoxicity of intrathecal dexmedetomidine on rat spinal cord (electromicroscopic observations).

BACKGROUND: Spinal administration of dexmedetomidine has been proposed as an adjuvant in spinal anesthesia. However, there is limited information about its possible neurotoxic effect after its neuraxial administration. Potential spinal neurotoxicity should be investigated in animals before administering drugs through the spinal cord. Our aim was to investigate the neurotoxic effects of intrathecal dexmedetomidine in rats. METHODS: Two groups were performed: the dexmedetomidine (D) group (n = 10) received 10 µg (0.5 ml), whereas the control (C) group (n = 10) received 0.9% (0.5 ml) sodium chloride through indwelling intrathecal catheter. Seven days after the injection, the medulla spinalis was extracted. Samples were withdrawn from both groups for histologic, electron microscopic examination. The histologic examination was performed separately on each of the four sites. The findings were categorized as follows: 0 - normal neuron; 1 - intermediate neuron damage; and 2 - neurotoxicity. RESULTS: Intrathecal administration of dexmedetomidine sensorial block was seen in the dexmedetomidine group and significant differences in the dexmedetomidine group than control group in 15th and 30th min (P < 0.05). Histological examination did not show evidence suggestive of neuronal body or axonal lesion, gliosis, or myelin sheath damage in any group. In all animals, there were observed changes compatible with unspecific inflammation at the tip of the needle location. On the four-area scoring histologic examination, the scores of both groups were 0-1, and no statistical difference was observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of intrathecal dexmedetomidine did not produce histologic evidence of neurotoxicity.

Analgesia nociception index (ani) monitoring in patients with thoracic paravertebral block: a randomized controlled study.

The goal of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesia nociception index (ANI) monitoring during intraoperative period for patients with thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) undergoing breast surgery under general anesthesia. This prospective randomized trial was performed after receiving ethics committee approval in 44 patients who were scheduled to undergo breast surgery under general anesthesia. TPVB was performed in the preoperative period using 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% at T4 level. Anesthesia maintenance was provided with sevoflurane in O2: air mixture and remifentanil infusion. Intraoperative concentration of sevoflurane was adjusted according to BIS monitoring keeping the values between 40-60. In a randomized manner patients were divided into two groups. In Group control (n:22) intraoperative remifentanil infusion rate was regulated according to hemodynamic parameters, in Group ANI (n:22) remifentanil infusion rate was titrated to keep ANI monitoring values between 50-70. Total remifentanil consumption was recorded as micrograms. Demographic data, anesthesia and surgery time, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, post-anesthesia recovery time and requirement of additional analgesic in the recovery drug were recorded. There were no significant difference in demographic data, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, post-anesthesia recovery time and requirement of additional analgesic drug. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in total remifentanil consumption (Group ANI: 629.6 ± 422.4 mcg, Group control: 965.2 ± 543.6 mcg) (p = 0.027). In patients under general anesthesia ANI monitorisation can help optimisation of opioid consumption and provide data about nociception/antinociception intraoperatively but further experimental and clinical trials in a large scale are needed.

Comparison of forced-air warming systems in prevention of intraoperative hypothermia.

In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of forced-air warming upper body blankets and forced-air warming underbody blankets on intraoperative hypothermia in patients who were planned to undergo open abdominal surgical operations in which extensive heat loss occurs. This prospective and randomized study included 92 patients who would undergo lower abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized by closed envelope method and divided into two groups. Group I (n:46) included the patients who would receive warming with forced-air warming upper body blanket, and Group II (n:46) consisted of the patients who received warming with forced-air warming underbody blanket. Central body temperature was recorded by measuring with a temperature probe placed in distal esophagus. Demographic data, amount of fentanyl, crystalloid and blood products used, duration of operation, type of operation, hemodynamic parameters, shivering and thermal damage information were recorded. There was not any statistically significant difference among the patients in terms of demographic data, amount of fentanyl, crystalloid and blood products used, duration and type of operation and hemodynamic parameters. No difference was found between the groups in terms of body temperatures (Group I:36.1 °C, Group II:36.3 °C, respectively) (P > 0.05). Forced air warming underbody blanket can be as effective as forced-air warming upper body blankets in preventing intraoperative hypothermia. They can be alternative in cases where use of forced-air warming upper body blankets is not feasible.

One operator's experience of ultrasound guided lumbar plexus block for paediatric hip surgery.

Lumbar plexus block has been shown to be effective for providing postoperative analgesia after major hip surgeries in children. The goal of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound guidance during lumbar plexus block in children undergoing hip surgery for congenital hip dislocation. After obtaining local institutional ethical committee approval and parental informed consent, ASA I or II, 1-6 years old children undergoing hip surgery were included into the study. Lumbar plexus block was performed after general anaesthesia using ultrasound guided Shamrock Method. Bupivacaine 0.25 % was used during block performance. Dose of the local anaesthetic was 1 ml/kg and the maximum dose was limited to 20 ml. In the postoperative period pain was assessed using modified CHEOPS (Children's Hospital Eastern Ontario Pain Scale) pain score. If pain score in the postoperative period exceeded 3, patients received IV paracetamol 15 mg/kg-1. Morphine 0.1 mg/kg-1 IV was planned to administer if pain scores were still higher than 3 despite paracetamol treatment. 75 patients whose mean age was 47 months were enrolled into the study. All blocks were performed successfully and without complications. Mean time for the first analgesic is found as 10 h after surgery. Only one patient required morphine in the recovery unit and 23 patients received paracetamol. US guided lumbar plexus block using Shamrock Method is an effective technique for providing postoperative analgesia after hip surgeries in children and it's effect lasts for 8-12 h after surgery.

Intubation of a Paediatric Manikin in Tongue Oedema and Face-to-Face Simulations by Novice Personnel: a Comparison of Glidescope, Airtraq and Direct Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Glidescope and Airtraq were designed for facilitating intubation and for teaching regarding the airway anatomy. We aimed to evaluate their efficacy in normal airway, tongue oedema and face-to-face orotracheal intubation models when used by novice personnel. METHODS: After the local human research ethics committee approval, 36 medical students who were in the beginning of their third year were enrolled in this study. After watching a video regarding intubation using one of these devices, the students intubated a paediatric manikin with a Glidescope or Airtraq via the normal airway, tongue oedema and face-to-face approach. RESULTS: Although the insertion and intubation times were similar among the groups, the intubation success rate of the Glidescope was higher in the normal airway (100% vs 67%) and tongue oedema (89% vs. 50%) compared with the Airtraq (p=0.008 and p=0.009). The success rates with the paediatric manikin by the face-to-face approach were similar among the groups (50%) (p=0.7). The need for manoeuvres in the Glidescope was lower in the normal and tongue oedema models (p=0.02 and p=0.002). In addition, oesophageal intubation was low in the control and tongue oedema models with the Glidescope (p=0.03 and p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Novice personnel could more easily intubate the trachea with the Glidescope than with the Airtraq. Intubation with the Glidescope was superior to that with the Airtraq in the normal and tongue oedema models. The face-to-face intubation success rates were both low with both the Glidescope and Airtraq groups.

VISUALIZATION OF AIRWAY.

The author provides an overview of the history of optical instruments for airway management in anesthesiology. It systematically demonstrates the development of laryngoscope down to the present time when video laryngoscope has been introduced in clinical practice.

[Ultrasound-guided obturator block experience from past year at Kocaeli University Hospital]. / Kocaeli Üniversitesi Hastanesi'nde son bir yilda uygulanan ultrason rehberliginde obturator blok deneyimlerimiz.

OBJECTIVES: Obturator nerve block is recommended to prevent obturator nerve reflex during transurethral resection. However, alternate techniques have been developed. The aim of the present study was to examine outcomes of interadductor approach. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the ethics committee, files of patients who underwent transurethral resection surgery between October 2013 and October 2014 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 137 transurethral resection patients were identified, in 69 (2 women, 67 men) of whom a combination of spinal anesthesia and obturator nerve block was used. Obturator nerve blocks were ultrasound-guided with interadductor approach. Nerve block was unsuccessful in 2 cases due to obturator nerve reflex. Surgeries were performed without complication. CONCLUSION: Obturator nerve block is an effective method of preventing obturator nerve reflex. Combination of obturator nerve block and spinal anesthesia seems to be a safe method of anesthesia in transurethral surgery. Ultrasound guidance improves success rates and provides additional advantages for patient safety.

Tracheal intubation in patients immobilized by a rigid collar: a comparison of GlideScope and an intubating laryngeal mask airway.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Intubation must be rapidly performed with the utmost care in cervical trauma patients. We present the first comparison of GlideScope and an intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) regarding insertion and intubation times, intubation success rates, mucosal damage, need for optimization maneuvers, effects on hemodynamic changes, and postoperative minor complications in a simulated cervical injury with a Philadelphia cervical collar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethics committee approval and patient consent were obtained and 94 American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I or II patients were enrolled in this study. Following standard anesthesia monitoring and induction, the Philadelphia-type cervical collar was applied and patients were subsequently intubated with ILMA or GlideScope. RESULTS: The total intubation success rates were similar between the groups (96%). The insertion (14.9 ± 10 s vs. 21.9 ± 6.5 s, respectively; P < 0.001) and intubation (43.5 ± 13 s vs. 48.4 ± 11 s; P = 0.02) times for ILMA were longer than for GlideScope. The total intubation times for ILMA were longer than the intubation time for GlideScope (43.5 ± 13 s vs. 85.6 ± 13 s; P < 0.001). The mucosal damage was higher in the ILMA group (P = 0.04). The two airway devices increased the heart rate and mean arterial pressure after insertion compared with the postinduction values within groups. CONCLUSION: GlideScope is superior to ILMA in terms of lower insertion and intubation times and lower levels of mucosal damage in cervical collar-immobilized patients.

Awake hand surgery under ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block is possible for cooperative children.

In recent years, brachial plexus anesthesia techniques for upper limb surgery have been used more and more commonly on children; however, the patient is typically under deep sedation or general anesthesia. For eligible, cooperative children, surgery can also be performed using regional blocks while the patient is awake. We present 5 cases in which Ultrasound (US)-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks (ICB) were used on children for hand or forearm surgery. Surgical anesthesia was achieved in all patients and surgery was completed uneventfully using brachial plexus anesthesia, without need for deep sedation.

[Our ultrasound-guided paravertebral block experiences in thoracic surgery]. / Torasik cerrahide ultrason rehberliginde paravertebral blok deneyimlerimiz.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) may be employed for postoperative analgesia in thoracic surgery. In application of TPVB, single injections, multiple injections or catheter techniques may be used. In this paper we present our experiences with ultrasound-guided TPVB in thoracic surgery patients for postoperative analgesia. METHODS: Patients undergoing thoracic surgery and on whom ultrasound-guided TPVB was performed for postoperative analgesia from January 2012 to March 2013 in our clinic were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data, block technique, complications and 1st, 6th, 12th and 24th hour VAS scores were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients had TPVB. Single injection was administered to 9 patients, multiple injections to 5, and catheters to 4. While statistically insignificant, 1st hour VAS scores were found to be greater than 3 in the single injection and catheter groups. CONCLUSION: Similarly to multiple injection and continuous TPVB administration, ultrasound-guided single injection TPVB provides effective 24-hour postoperative analgesia.

Face-to-face tracheal intubation in adult patients: a comparison of the Airtraq™, Glidescope™ and Fastrach™ devices.

PURPOSE: Airway management in emergency settings can be difficult due to limited access to the patient. The use of video laryngoscopes along with the Fastrach™ device improves tracheal intubation; however, the use of such devices in a face-to-face intubation model has not been evaluated in adult patients. METHODS: After obtaining official approval from the Local Research Ethics Committee and written informed consent from the patients, 120 patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. The patients were ASA I and ASA II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System. Rocuronium was administered for neuromuscular blockade following standard anesthesia monitoring and induction. The patients were divided into three groups (40 patients per group) and their tracheas were intubated via a face-to-face approach with the Airtraq™, Glidescope™ or Fastrach™ devices. RESULTS: The intubation success rates of the Airtraq™, Glidescope™ and Fastrach™ devices were similar (100, 98 and 90 %; p = 0.07). The insertion time for the Airtraq™ [8.5 (6-11) s] was the shortest followed by the Glidescope™ [11 (7-19) s] and the Fastrach™ [16.5 (14.3-21.8) s; p < 0.001]. The intubation time for the Airtraq™ [14 (10.3-18.8) s] was shorter than the Glidescope™ [25 (18-45) s], and Fastrach™ devices [46.5 (40-65) s; p < 0.001]. The Glidescope™ device required a greater number of optimization maneuvers (p = 0.009) and intubation attempts than the Airtraq™ (p = 0.004). Esophageal intubation (p = 0.001) and mucosal damage were more common in the Fastrach™ group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The Airtraq™ device provided faster insertion and intubation times and enabled better Cormack-Lehane grades. Additionally, the Airtraq™ device required the minimum number of optimization maneuvers and was associated with fewer complications and fewer intubation attempts than the Glidescope™ and Fastrach™ devices during face-to-face tracheal intubation.

Ultrasound guided bilateral cervical plexus block reduces postoperative opioid consumption following thyroid surgery.

Thyroid surgery may cause severe postoperative pain and discomfort for patients. Superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) is one of the regional anesthesia techniques that can provide postoperative analgesia for thyroid surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate analgesic effect of ultrasound (US) guided SCPB in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Fifty ASA I-II patients, aged 20-60, were included in this single blinded study. In a randomized and prospective manner patients were allocated to either SCPB or control group. Bilateral SCPB was performed preoperatively under US guidance using 10 ml 0.25 % bupivacaine for each side. Postoperative analgesia was provided with patient-controlled analgesia method with morphine intravenous. Primary outcome measure was postoperative opioid consumption and analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Secondary outcome measures were comparison of opioid side effects like nausea and vomiting and analyzed using Chi square test. VAS scores for pain at postoperative 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th h were similar in SCPB and control groups (Median VAS values were 2.5, 3, 2, 0 and 3.5, 3, 2, 0 respectively). Postoperative morphine consumption was lower in SCPB group compared to control group at postoperative 6th, 12th, and 24th h (Median doses of morphine consumption were 4, 8, 9 and 5, 9, 11 mg respectively) (P < 0.05). Eight patients in the control group and six patients in the SCBP group had vomiting. Seven patients in the SCPB and none in the control group had hoarseness. Our study has shown that US guided SCPB has a significant analgesic effect in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Further studies are required to search for the optimal LA dose during US guided SCPB.

[Changing trends and regional anesthesia practices in Turkey]. / Degisen akimlar ve Türkiye'de rejyonal anestezi uygulamalari

OBJECTIVES: Introduction of ultrasound into regional anesthesia (RA) practice has resulted in important changes and developments in RA. These developments have had a major influence on the way of practice and choice of blocks. The purpose of this study was to present the most recent instruments used in RA and clinical applications in our country. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 10 questions were distributed to the participants of the National RA Congress in 2011. Besides demographic data, RA techniques used and the method of nerve location was questioned. Participants were asked whether they were satisfied with their training in RA and if they participated in a RA course. RESULTS: A total of 95 participants filled out the forms. Spinal anesthesia was the most commonly performed technique. Peripheral nerve blocks constitute only 12% of RA practice. Axillary block was the most commonly performed peripheral nerve block technique. The most commonly used nerve localization methods were nerve stimulation and ultrasound. The majority of the participants (58%) were not satisfied with their RA training and half (50%) participated in a course for continuing medical education. CONCLUSION: Nerve stimulation is the most performed method, whereas US is increasingly becoming popular. The most commonly performed blocks are central neuroaxial blocks. All in all, there is still room for improvement in RA training.

The LMA-Supreme versus the I-gel in simulated difficult airway in children: a randomised study.

BACKGROUND: Supraglottic airway devices such as the LMA-Supreme (LMA-S) and I-gel, which have an additional lumen for the insertion of a gastric tube, can be useful in the management of the difficult airway. OBJECTIVE: To test the performance of these two devices in the difficult paediatric airway. DESIGN: Randomised double-blind study. SETTING: Anaesthesia department, university hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II children undergoing elective surgery. INTERVENTION: After obtaining ethical approval and written informed consent from the parents, we compared the size 2 LMA-S with the I-gel in a simulated airway scenario made more difficult by using a cervical collar to limit mouth opening and neck movement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary aim was to compare the oropharyngeal leak pressure of the LMA-S and the I-gel. The secondary aims were to compare success rate, insertion time, time to pass a gastric tube and fibreoptic view of the larynx. RESULTS: Oropharyngeal leak pressure (mean ±â€ŠSD) for the LMA-S was significantly higher than with the I-gel (20.9 ±â€Š3.2 versus 18.9 ±â€Š3.2 cmH2O, P = 0.019). First attempt success rate for the LMA-S was 100 and 90% for the I-gel (P > 0.05). Insertion time of the LMA-S was shorter than I-gel (11.2 ±â€Š1.8 versus 13.5 ±â€Š2.4 s, P = 0.001). Gastric tube placement was possible in all patients. The mean insertion time of the gastric tube was shorter with the LMA-S than with the I-gel (10.3 ±â€Š3.6 versus 12.7 ±â€Š3.2 s, P = 0.009). Fibreoptic laryngeal views were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In the simulated difficult airway in children, both airway devices provided effective ventilation. Paediatric size 2 LMA-S sustained a higher airway pressure before leaking and was quicker to insert than the I-gel equivalent. These differences may not be clinically significant.