Ultrasound-guided estimation of gastric residual volume using Perlas's formula: A validation study in patients.

Background and Aims: Bedside ultrasound (US) is used to evaluate gastric residual volume (GRV) and assess aspiration risk. We examined the accuracy of US-guided measurement of GRV using Perlas's formula, by two trained anaesthesiologists, in patients who had consumed different types and volumes of fluids. Methods: Patients with no risk factors for delayed gastric emptying were included. Each assessor independently determined the baseline US-guided GRV. The patients were randomly allocated to receive no drink or 100 or 200 mL of water or milk. US-guided GRV was re-assessed within 5 min after the intervention. Investigators were blinded to the measurements performed by each other and to the randomisation arm. The primary outcome was the agreement between actual volumes consumed and estimated change in GRV. Results: Agreement between actual volume consumed and estimated change in GRV was poor [Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09 to 0.72; P = 0.09 for assessor 1 and ICC 0.37; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.66; P = 0.03 for assessor 2]. Conclusion: US-guided GRV measurements using Perlas's formula, performed by trained anaesthesiologists may not be a reliable measure of GRV.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in a 2-YearOld Child with Abdominopelvic Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Case Report of Anaesthetic Concerns.

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a well-established multimodal treatment in patients with peritoneal surface malignancies in adults. Children younger than 3 years rarely undergo such extensive surgeries with heated chemotherapy infusion intraoperatively. Only one such case is reported in the literature for CRS-HIPEC for an abdominopelvic rhabdomyosarcoma in a child of 2 years or less. We present the case of a 2-year-old child with abdominopelvic rhabdomyosarcoma undergoing CRS-HIPEC and discuss the perioperative concerns and challenges.

Massive Engorgement of a Hemangioma of the Tongue After General Anesthesia Using a Supraglottic Airway Device: A Case Report.

We report a case of massive engorgement of an asymptomatic tongue hemangioma with the use of a supraglottic airway device (SGA) during general anesthesia for transurethral resection of a tumor on the lateral wall of the urinary bladder. This was probably a result of obstruction of the venous drainage of the hemangioma due to the pressure exerted by the inflated cuff of the SGA. The SGA was removed and the trachea was intubated and the engorgement resolved completely in a few hours.

Ultrasonographic assessment of internal jugular vein diameter and its relationship with the carotid artery at the apex, middle, and base of the triangle formed by two heads of sternocleidomastoid muscle: A pilot study in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Anteroposterior (AP) diameter of internal jugular vein (IJV) and its relative position with carotid artery (CA) varies in the triangle formed by two heads of sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is the site of insertion of needle for IJV cannulation. This study assessed the maximum AP diameter of the IJV in supine and Trendelenburg positions and during Valsalva maneuver (supine position) at the apex, middle, and base of the triangle and to study the relationship of the IJV with the CA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five healthy volunteers were included and ultrasonography of IJV was performed in supine and Trendelenburg positions and during Valsalva maneuver (supine position) at the apex, middle, and base of the triangle bilaterally. The AP diameter of IJV was measured. The relative anatomical position of IJV was assessed as anterior (A), anterolateral (AL), or lateral (L) to CA in neutral head position and 30°, 45°, and 90° head rotation to the contralateral side in supine position. RESULTS: The difference in right IJV diameter was significant (P = 0.001) between supine vs. Trendelenburg position at the base of the triangle. Within one position there was significant difference between apex and base of the triangle. The left IJV diameter was significantly different between supine vs. Trendelenburg position at the apex (P = 0.004), middle (P = 0.003), and base of the triangle (P-value = 0.001). There was significant difference between supine vs. Valsalva maneuver at the middle (P = 0.011) and base (P = 0.014) of the triangle. The right IJV was more L or AL to the CA in apex with head in neutral or 30° rotation. The left IJV was more L or AL to the CA in middle with head in neutral position. CONCLUSION: Trendelenburg and Valsalva increase diameter of IJV on both right and left side. Diameter of IJV is greater at the base of the triangle. IJV is lateral or anterolateral when the head is either neutral or turned 30° to the contralateral side.

Accuracy of ultrasound imaging versus manual palpation for locating the intervertebral level.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Efficacy of epidural analgesia depends on placement of the epidural catheter at the appropriate level. Manual palpation using surface landmarks to identify the desired intervertebral level may not be a reliable method. Ultrasonography (USG) is an alternative technique but requires training and may increase procedure time. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of ultrasound (US) imaging with manual palpation for locating the intervertebral level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included postoperative adult patients without an epidural catheter who were scheduled to have a chest radiograph in the recovery room. A radio-opaque marker was placed at random at an intervertebral space along the thoracic or lumbar spine of the patient (in the field of the chest radiograph). The level of intervertebral space corresponding to the radio-opaque marker was determined by palpation technique by one anesthetist. Two other anesthetists (A and B) blinded to the result of manual palpation, independently used USG to determine the level of intervertebral space. A consultant radiologist assessed the radiographs to determine the correct position of the marker, which was judged to be the accurate space. RESULTS: We recruited a total of 71 patients, of which 64 patients were included in the final analysis. Accurate identification by manual method was 31/64 (48%), by US A was 27/64 (42%) and by US B was 22/64 (34%). The difference in accuracy between manual palpation and US imaging was not statistically significant (P = 0.71). CONCLUSION: US imaging may not be superior to manual palpation for identifying intervertebral level.

Comparison of actual and ideal body weight for selection of appropriate size of ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway in overweight and obese patients: A prospective, randomised study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) has advantages of providing better cuff seal and the presence of a gastric drain tube. The manufacturer recommends actual body weight (ABW) for size selection. Pharyngeal area reduces with increase in body mass index (BMI); hence, in overweight patients, PLMA selected on ABW may not fit well. We hypothesised that the ideal body weight (IBW) would be more appropriate in size selection of PLMA. METHODS: This randomised, single-blind study included 124 patients of 20-60 years and American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I-II, with BMI >25. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. In Group ABW, PLMA was selected based on ABW (62 patients) and in Group IBW, PLMA was selected based on IBW (62 patients). The primary outcome was the first-attempt insertion success rate. Oropharyngeal air leaks, gastric air leaks, drain tube air leaks, insertion difficulty scores and postoperative complications were assessed. Fibre-optic view (Grade I-IV) was assessed for proper placement by a blinded assessor. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: First-attempt insertion success rate and overall insertion success rates were similar in both the groups. Group IBW patients had significantly less resistance during insertion, lower peak airway pressures, successful nasogastric tube insertions, better fibre-optic views and less post-operative complications. Oropharyngeal leak pressure and instrumentation used for insertion were comparable. CONCLUSION: IBW is preferable for the size selection of the PLMA in overweight and obese patients compared to the ABW.

Transversus abdominis plane catheters for postoperative pain relief in pediatric patients.

Regional techniques provides excellent post operative pain relief in pediatric patients. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a newer regional technique available. Though there is emerging evidence proving the efficacy of TAP blocks, there is limited literature on use of TAP catheters in pediatric patients. TAP catheters were placed in two children following laparotomy with transverse incisions and in both epidural was avoided, with good post operative pain relief. Ultrasound guidance was used in one child, while in the other the catheter was placed under direct vision after dissection of the plane between transversus abdominis and internal oblique. Intermittent boluses of high volumes of local anesthetic (0.6-0.7 ml/kg) were used through the TAP catheter, ensuring that the maximum permissible level of bupivacaine was not exceeded. In adults, continuous abdominal catheters have found a place for post-operative pain management, when epidural analgesia is contraindicated. At present, the use of TAP catheters by pediatric anesthesiologists is limited, though there exists diverse clinical scenarios when these catheters may be of benefit. Contraindication of neuraxial blockade and septic patients are the two scenarios we have reported. In conclusion, TAP catheters are effective analgesia technique for laparotomies with transverse incision in pediatric patients.