Comparison of Postoperative Cognitive Decline Using the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment After Minor Elective Surgery in Elderly.

Introduction and aim Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is an important complication associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. Generally, studies have focused on major surgery so there is little evidence of the incidence of cognitive dysfunction in minor surgery. We aimed to compare the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in terms of detecting cognitive decline in elderly patients after elective inguinal herniorrhaphy procedure with general or spinal anesthesia. Material and methods This observational study was conducted from June 2014 to March 2015 at Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital. The type of anesthesia was determined according to the anesthesiologist's preference who is blind to the study. Patients were grouped according to anesthesia received: general or spinal anesthesia. The MMSE and MoCA were evaluated presurgery and 24 hours after the operation. Results The postoperative (24th hour) MMSE scores of patients (26.23±2.77) were significantly lower than the preoperative scores (27.17±1.93) in only the general anesthesia group (p =0.003). The postoperative (24th hour) MoCA scores (22.87±3.88 for general and 23.13±4.08 for spinal anesthesia) were significantly lower than the preoperative scores (24.32±3.19 for general and 24.35±2.84 for spinal anesthesia) in both the general and spinal anesthesia groups (p =0.000 and 0.019, respectively). The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction was 32.9% using the MoCA and 15.2% using the MMSE (p=0,018). Conclusion Early POCD is an important problem after elective minor surgeries, even with spinal anesthesia, in elderly patients. The MoCA is an alternative tool that can be more sensitive than the MMSE to identify cognitive decline in elderly patients undergoing minor surgeries under both general and spinal anesthesia.

Comparison of intraoral mask and classic face mask in terms of ventilation success and practitioners' workload assessments: A randomised crossover study.

AIM: Providing effective ventilation of the unconscious patient is an essential skill in every specialty dealing with airway management. In this randomised crossover study aimed to compare intraoral and classic face mask in terms of ventilation success of patients, practitioners' workload and anxiety assessments. Also we analysed potential risk factors of difficult mask ventilation for both masks. METHODS: In all, 24 anaesthesiology residents and 12 anaesthesiologists participated in the study. Each of the practitioners ventilated four patients with both masks at settled pressure and frequency. Practitioners rated their workload and anxiety related to masks with National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index score and State Trait Anxiety Inventory scale. Ventilation success was evaluated with Han scale, expiratory tidal volume and leak volume. We analysed potential risk factors of difficult mask ventilation with anthropometric characteristics and STOP-Bang score. RESULTS: Ventilation success rate was superior with intraoral mask comparing to classic face mask in terms of successful ventilation (P = .000) and tidal volume (P = .000). Leak volume in in intraoral mask ventilation was significantly lower than classic face mask (P = .000). Difficult mask ventilation risk factors for classic face mask were high weight (P = .011), neck circumference (95% CI, OR = 1.180, P = .002), Mallampati score (P = .029) and high risk of OSAS (P = .001). Difficult mask ventilation risk factors for intraoral mask were high body mass index (95% CI, OR 1.162 P = .006) and Mallampati score (P = .043). The anxiety ratings of practitioners were similar between two masks. The workload rating is higher with intraoral mask comparing to classic face mask. CONCLUSION: Intraoral mask may be an effective alternative device for bag-valve mask ventilation.

Comparison Between the Effects of Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine for Spinal Anesthesia on QT Dispersion.

BACKGROUND: Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine are frequently used local anesthetic drugs in spinal anesthesia practice. Both agents have arrhythmic effects on the heart. However, there is no clear information about which agent is more arrhythmogenic. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to investigate the effects of bupivacaine and its S (-)-enantiomer, levobupivacaine, on cardiac arrhythmias in patients. METHODS: The study included 40 patients scheduled for inguinal hernia surgery. Patients were randomly divided into the following two groups using a sealed envelope method: Group I, the bupivacaine group (n = 20); and Group II, the levobupivacaine group (n = 20). The QT values were taken preoperatively and during the 10th of the spinal block, the 10th of the surgical incision, and the 10th postoperative minute. Additionally, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SO2), and heart rate (HR) values, in addition to motor block (Bromage scale) levels and durations, were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: HR values measured at 10 min after spinal block were significantly higher than the baseline values in the levobupivacaine group (p < 0.05). The corrected QT interval (QTc) values increased significantly at 10 minutes after spinal block and at 10 min postoperatively in the bupivacaine group (p < 0.05). QTd and QTcd measurements were taken at the 10th minute of spinal anesthesia, the 10th minute of the incision, and the 10th minute postoperatively. When compared to the levobupivacaine group, a statistically significant increase was found in the bupivacaine group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Levobupivacaine allows greater hemodynamic stability, while bupivacaine affects QTc and QTd measurement times more. As such, we believe that levobupivacaine may be a better alternative to bupivacaine during clinical practice, particularly in patients with cardiac problems.

Effectiveness of Intraoperative Laser Acupuncture Combined with Antiemetic Drugs for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting.

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative laser acupuncture stimulation of Pericardium 6 (PC6) and Large Intestine 4 (LI4) acupoints combined with antiemetic drug prophylaxis on PONV. Methods: A total of 88 patients, scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were assigned into 2 groups. Group I received bilateral laser acupuncture on PC6 and LI4 acupoints after induction of anesthesia and also received antiemetic drug (metoclopramide) prophylaxis. Patients in Group II received only antiemetic drug prophylaxis. Nausea and vomiting frequencies and need for rescue antiemetic drug (ondansetron) were recorded after extubation, at 30th minute at recovery room and at 6th hour at ward. Results: The incidence of nausea and rescue antiemetic drug need was higher at postoperative 6th hour in Group II. Vomiting was not different in groups at any time. Conclusion: Intraoperative laser acupuncture stimulation of PC6 and LI4 acupoints combined with antiemetic drug prophylaxis decreases nausea and rescue antiemetic drug need in late postoperative period in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Red Cell Distribution Width in Diagnosis of Brain Death.

INTRODUCTION: Red blood cell distribution (RDW) is a hematologic index automatically calculated by blood cell counters. Research about RDW in traumatic brain injury showed positive correlation between high RDW values and mortality, which inspired us to investigate whether RDW could be used as a supportive diagnostic biomarker for diagnosis of brain death. Our hypothesis is that RDW may be useful as a biomarker that supports the diagnosis of brain death. METHODS: After approval of the ethics committee, 209 patients who had been diagnosed with brain death between January 2012 and July 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The RDW values of patients on the days of admission, brain death, and cardiac arrest were recorded. Data were collected from hospital database and patient charts. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that the RDW values on the days of brain death and cardiac arrest were significantly higher than on the day of admission. In addition, the RDW values for the cardiac arrest day were significantly higher than on the day of brain death (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We can say that the increase in RDW, which is reported to be an indicator of mortality for many diseases, can be a supporting biomarker for brain death diagnosis when evaluated concomitantly with clinical diagnostic criteria.

Brain Deaths and Donors in an Education and Research Hospital.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to define the causes of brain death (BD), criteria, and tests used for diagnosis, rates of family consent, and rates of organ donation in intensive care units (ICUs) of an education and research hospital. METHODS: The data of patients with BD diagnosis in 7 years in our hospital was collected from an electronic database and archives retrospectively consisting of the demographic data, the causes of BD, criteria, and the tests used for diagnosis, family consent, and organ donation rates. RESULTS: A total of 210 patients with BD diagnosis were enrolled in the study. There was a decline in number of patients with BD diagnosis between 2012 (54.76%) and 2018 (17.64%) in the neurology and neurosurgery ICU, while it increased from 35.71% in 2012 to 70.6% in 2018 in the general ICU. The most common cause of hospitalization for BD was spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (43.8%). A total of 47.6% of brain-dead patients who did not qualify for organ donation were resuscitated unnecessarily after cardiac death. In 2012, diagnosis was always supported by ancillary tests, while in 2018, a total of 35.29% of the patients were diagnosed solely by clinical examination; 23.8% of patients' families had given consent for organ donation, and 19.53% of 210 patients became donors. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware that patients with poor neurologic outcome can be candidates of BD donation, and careful examination and rapid diagnosis is crucial. All segments of society and the health care professionals should be informed and updated about organ donation and BD regularly to raise the numbers of organ donation.

Pressure support ventilation with the I-gel in intensive care unit: case report / Ventilação controlada por pressão com I-gel em unidade de terapia intensiva: relato de caso

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The I-gel supraglottic airway has a non-inflatable cuff made from a gel-like thermoplastic elastomer. The use of the I-gel during anesthesia for spontaneously breathing patients or intermittent positive pressure ventilation has been reported. But there are a few published reports about the use of the I-gel with pressure-controlled ventilation. CONTENTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In this case report we described the use of the I-gel supraglottic airway along 48 h in intensive care unit for the management of ventilation in a patient needed mechanic ventilation but in whom tracheal intubation could not be performed.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O dispositivo supraglótico I-gel para o manejo das vias aéreas tem um manguito não insuflável feito de um elastômero termoplástico semelhante ao gel. Há relato sobre o uso do I-gel em pacientes sob anestesia para a ventilação, espontânea ou com pressão positiva intermitente. Porém, há poucos relatos publicados sobre o uso do I-gel com ventilação controlada por pressão. CONTEÚDO E CONCLUSÕES: Descrevemos neste relato de caso o uso do dispositivo supraglótico I-gel durante 48 horas em unidade de terapia intensiva para o manejo das vias aéreas em paciente que precisou de ventilação mecânica, mas no qual a intubação traqueal não pôde ser feita.

Pressure support ventilation with the I-gel in intensive care unit: case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The I-gel supraglottic airway has a non-inflatable cuff made from a gel-like thermoplastic elastomer. The use of the I-gel during anesthesia for spontaneously breathing patients or intermittent positive pressure ventilation has been reported. But there are a few published reports about the use of the I-gel with pressure-controlled ventilation. CONTENTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In this case report we described the use of the I-gel supraglottic airway along 48h in intensive care unit for the management of ventilation in a patient needed mechanic ventilation but in whom tracheal intubation could not be performed.

Comparison of tramadol and lornoxicam in intravenous regional anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial / Comparação de tramadol e lornoxicam em anestesia regional por via intravenosa, um estudo randomizado e controlado

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tourniquet pain is one of the major obstacles for intravenous regional anesthesia. We aimed to compare tramadol and lornoxicam used in intravenous regional anesthesia as regards their effects on the quality of anesthesia, tourniquet pain and postoperative pain as well. METHODS: After the ethics committee approval 51 patients of ASA physical status I-II aged 18-65 years were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups. Group P (n = 17) received 3 mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine; group PT (n = 17) 3 mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine + 2 mL (100 mg) tramadol and group PL (n = 17) 3 mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine + 2 mL (8 mg) lornoxicam for intravenous regional anesthesia. Sensory and motor block onset and recovery times were noted, as well as tourniquet pains and postoperative analgesic consumptions. RESULTS: Sensory block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter, whereas the corresponding recovery times were longer than those in the group P. Motor block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter than that in the group P, whereas recovery time in the group PL was longer than those in the groups P and PT. Tourniquet pain onset time was shortest in the group P and longest in the group PL. There was no difference regarding tourniquet pain among the groups. Group PL displayed the lowest analgesic consumption postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia produces favorable effects on sensory and motor blockade. Postoperative analgesic consumption can be decreased by adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor relacionada ao torniquete é um dos maiores obstáculos para a anestesia regional intravenosa (ARIV). Nosso objetivo foi comparar tramadol e lornoxicam usados em ARIV em relação aos seus efeitos sobre a qualidade da anestesia, dor relacionada ao torniquete e dor no pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética, 51 pacientes com estado físico ASA I-II entre 18-65 anos foram inscritos. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos. Grupo P (n = 17) recebeu 3 mg/kg de prilocaína a 0,5%; Grupo PT (n = 17) 3 mg/kg de prilocaína a 0,5% + 2 mL (100 mg) de tramadol e Grupo PL (n = 17) de 3 mg/kg de prilocaína a 0,5% + 2 mL (8 mg) de lornoxicam para ARIV. O início do bloqueio sensorial e motor e os tempos de recuperação foram registrados, bem como a dor relacionada ao torniquete e o consumo de analgésico no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Os tempos de início do bloqueio sensorial foram mais curtos nos grupos PT e PL, enquanto que os tempos de recuperação correspondentes foram mais longos do que os do Grupo P. Os tempos de início do bloqueio motor nos grupos PT e PL foram menores do que no Grupo P, enquanto que o tempo de recuperação do grupo PL foi maior do que os dos grupos P e PT. O tempo para início da dor relacionada ao torniquete foi menor no Grupo P e maior no Grupo PL. Não houve diferença em relação à dor relacionada ao torniquete entre os grupos. O Grupo PL apresentou o menor consumo de analgésicos no pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: A adição de tramadol e lornoxicam à prilocaína para ARIV produz efeitos favoráveis sobre o bloqueio sensorial e motor. O consumo de analgésicos no pós-operatório pode ser reduzido com a adição de tramadol e lornoxicam à prilocaína em ARIV.

Comparison of tramadol and lornoxicam in intravenous regional anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tourniquet pain is one of the major obstacles for intravenous regional anesthesia. We aimed to compare tramadol and lornoxicam used in intravenous regional anesthesia as regards their effects on the quality of anesthesia, tourniquet pain and postoperative pain as well. METHODS: After the ethics committee approval 51 patients of ASA physical status I-II aged 18-65 years were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups. Group P (n = 17) received 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine; group PT (n = 17) 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine + 2 mL (100mg) tramadol and group PL (n = 17) 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine + 2 mL (8 mg) lornoxicam for intravenous regional anesthesia. Sensory and motor block onset and recovery times were noted, as well as tourniquet pains and postoperative analgesic consumptions. RESULTS: Sensory block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter, whereas the corresponding recovery times were longer than those in the group P. Motor block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter than that in the group P, whereas recovery time in the group PL was longer than those in the groups P and PT. Tourniquet pain onset time was shortest in the group P and longest in the group PL. There was no difference regarding tourniquet pain among the groups. Group PL displayed the lowest analgesic consumption postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia produces favorable effects on sensory and motor blockade. Postoperative analgesic consumption can be decreased by adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia.

[Comparison of tramadol and lornoxicam in intravenous regional anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial]. / Comparação de tramadol e lornoxicam em anestesia regional por via intravenosa, um estudo randomizado e controlado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tourniquet pain is one of the major obstacles for intravenous regional anesthesia. We aimed to compare tramadol and lornoxicam used in intravenous regional anesthesia as regards their effects on the quality of anesthesia, tourniquet pain and postoperative pain as well. METHODS: After the ethics committee approval 51 patients of ASA physical status I-II aged 18-65 years were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups. Group P (n=17) received 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine; group PT (n=17) 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine+2mL (100mg) tramadol and group PL (n=17) 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine+2mL (8mg) lornoxicam for intravenous regional anesthesia. Sensory and motor block onset and recovery times were noted, as well as tourniquet pains and postoperative analgesic consumptions. RESULTS: Sensory block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter, whereas the corresponding recovery times were longer than those in the group P. Motor block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter than that in the group P, whereas recovery time in the group PL was longer than those in the groups P and PT. Tourniquet pain onset time was shortest in the group P and longest in the group PL. There was no difference regarding tourniquet pain among the groups. Group PL displayed the lowest analgesic consumption postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia produces favorable effects on sensory and motor blockade. Postoperative analgesic consumption can be decreased by adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia.

Endotracheal Tube Obstruction: A Manufacturing Defect.

Various manufacturing defects of endotracheal tubes are encountered in anaesthesia practice. One of the important defects of an endotracheal tube is that a partial or complete obstruction can be potentially life-threatening. Manufacturing defects may not be ascertainable by routine inspection. In this case report, we report a partial airway obstruction caused by a plastic membrane in the connector of an endotracheal tube as a manufacturing defect.

The comparison of the effects of dexmedetomidine, fentanyl and esmolol on prevention of hemodynamic response to intubation / Comparação entre os efeitos de dexmedetomidina, fentanil e esmolol na prevenção da resposta hemodinâmica à intubação / Comparación entre los efectos de la dexmedetomidina, el fentanilo y el esmolol en la prevención de la respuesta hemodinámica a la intubación

Background and objectives: Laryngoscopy and intubation can cause hemodynamic response. Various medications may be employed to control that response. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine, fentanyl and esmolol on hemodynamic response. Methods: Ninety elective surgery patients who needed endotracheal intubation who were in American Society of Anesthesiology I–II group and ages between 21 and 65 years were included in that prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures, heart rates at the time of admittance at operation room were recorded as basal measurements. The patients were randomized into three groups: Group I (n = 30) received 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine with infusion in 10 min, Group II (n = 30) received 2 μg/kg fentanyl, Group III received 2 mg/kg esmolol 2 min before induction. The patients were intubated in 3 min. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures and heart rates were measured before induction, before intubation and 1, 3, 5, 10 min after intubation. Results: When basal levels were compared with the measurements of the groups, it was found that 5 and 10 min after intubation heart rate in Group I and systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures in Group III were lower than other measurements (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine was superior in the prevention of tachycardia. Esmolol prevented sytolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure increases following intubation. We concluded that further studies are needed in order to find a strategy that prevents the increase in systemic blood pressure and heart rate both. .

Justificativa e objetivos: Laringoscopia e intubação podem causar resposta hemodinâmica. Vários medicamentos podem ser usados para controlar essa resposta. Neste estudo, nosso objetivo foi comparar os efeitos de dexmedetomidina, fentanil e esmolol sobre a resposta hemodinâmica. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo prospectivo, randômico e duplo-cego 90 pacientes programados para cirurgias eletivas, com intubação endotraqueal, estado físico ASA I-II, entre 21 e 65 anos. Pressões arteriais médias, sistólicas, diastólicas e frequências cardíacas foram medidas ao darem entrada na sala de operações e registradas como valores basais. Os pacientes foram randomizados em três grupos: Grupo I (n = 30) recebeu 1 μg/kg de dexmedetomidina com infusão em 10 min; Grupo II (n = 30) recebeu 2 μg/kg de fentanil; Grupo III (n = 30) recebeu 2 mg/kg de esmolol 2 min antes da indução. Os pacientes foram intubados em 3 min. As pressões médias, sistólicas e diastólicas e as frequências cardíacas foram medidas antes da indução, antes da intubação e nos minutos 1, 3, 5 e 10 após a intubação. Resultados: Quando os níveis basais foram comparados entre os grupos, verificou-se que nos minutos 5 e 10 pós-intubação as frequências cardíacas no Grupo I e as pressões arteriais médias, sistólicas e diastólicas no Grupo III estavam mais baixas do que em outros tempos mensurados (p <0,05 ). Conclusões: Dexmedetomidina foi superior na prevenção de taquicardia. Esmolol preveniu o aumento das pressões arteriais médias, sistólicas e diastólicas após a intubação. Concluímos que estudos adicionais são necessários para descobrir uma estratégia que previna tanto o aumento ...

Justificación y objetivos: La laringoscopia y la intubación pueden causar una respuesta hemodinámica. Varios medicamentos pueden ser usados para controlar esa respuesta. En este estudio, nuestro objetivo fue comparar los efectos de la dexmedetomidina, el fentanilo y el esmolol sobre la respuesta hemodinámica. Métodos: Noventa pacientes programados para cirugías electivas con intubación endotraqueal, estado físico ASA I-II, y edades entre 21 y 65 años, se incluyeron en el estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado y doble ciego. Las presiones arteriales medias, sistólicas, diastólicas y las frecuencias cardíacas se midieron cuando los pacientes llegaron al quirófano y se registraron como valores basales. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados en 3 grupos: el grupo i (n = 30) recibió 1 μg/kg de dexmedetomidina con infusión en 10 min; el grupo ii (n = 30) recibió 2 μg/kg de fentanilo; el grupo iii recibió 2 mg/kg de esmolol 2 min antes de la inducción. Los pacientes fueron intubados en 3 min. Las presiones medias, sistólicas y diastólicas y las frecuencias cardíacas fueron medidas antes de la inducción, antes de la intubación y durante los minutos 1, 3, 5 y 10 después de la intubación. Resultados: Cuando los niveles basales fueron comparados entre los grupos, verificamos que en los minutos 5 y 10 la postintubación, las frecuencias cardíacas en el grupo i y las presiones arteriales medias, sistólicas y diastólicas en el grupo iii eran más bajas que en otros tiempos medidos (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La dexmedetomidina fue superior en la prevención de la taquicardia. El esmolol previno el aumento de las presiones arteriales medias, sistólicas y diastólicas después de la intubación. Concluimos que son necesarios algunos estudios adicionales para descubrir una estrategia ...

[The comparison of the effects of dexmedetomidine, fentanyl and esmolol on prevention of hemodynamic response to intubation]. / Comparação entre os efeitos de dexmedetomidina, fentanil e esmolol na prevenção da resposta hemodinâmica à intubação.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngoscopy and intubation can cause hemodynamic response. Various medications may be employed to control that response. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine, fentanyl and esmolol on hemodynamic response. METHOD: Ninety elective surgery patients who needed endotracheal intubation who were in American Society of Anesthesiology I-II group and ages between 21 and 65 years were included in that prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures, heart rates at the time of admittance at operation room were recorded as basal measurements. The patients were randomized into three groups: Group I (n=30) received 1µg/kg dexmedetomidine with infusion in 10 min, Group II (n=30) received 2µg/kg fentanyl, Group III received 2mg/kg esmolol 2min before induction. The patients were intubated in 3min. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures and heart rates were measured before induction, before intubation and 1, 3, 5, 10min after intubation. RESULTS: When basal levels were compared with the measurements of the groups, it was found that 5 and 10min after intubation heart rate in Group I and systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures in Group III were lower than other measurements (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine was superior in the prevention of tachycardia. Esmolol prevented sytolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure increases following intubation. We concluded that further studies are needed in order to find a strategy that prevents the increase in systemic blood pressure and heart rate both.

Intraoperative low-dose ketamine infusion reduces acute postoperative pain following total knee replacement surgery: a prospective, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative low-dose ketamine with general anesthesia on postoperative pain after total knee replacement surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, from January and June 2011. METHODOLOGY: Sixty adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups of equal size to receive either racemic ketamine infusion (6 µg/kg/minute) or the same volume of saline. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure each patient's level of pain at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. Time to first analgesic request, postoperative morphine consumption and the incidence of side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: Low-dose ketamine infusion prolonged the time to first analgesic request. It also reduced postoperative cumulative morphine consumption at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours postsurgery (p < 0.001). Postoperative VAS scores were also significantly lower in the ketamine group than placebo, at all observation times. Incidences of side effects were similar in both study groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative continuous low-dose ketamine infusion reduced pain and postoperative analgesic consumption without affecting the incidence of side effects.

The effects on sensorial block, motor block, and haemodynamics of levobupivacaine at different temperatures applied in the subarachnoid space.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of 0.5% levobupivacaine at 37 °C preheated from room temperature, on sensorial block, motor block, and haemodynamics in patients undergoing transurethral prostate resection (TUR-P). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The patients were randomly allocated to two groups: Group I patients were injected with 3 mL 0.5% levobupivacaine solution which had been kept at room temperature for at least 24 hours and Group II patients were injected with 3 mL 0.5% levobupivacaine solution which had been kept at 37 °C for at least 24 hours. The patients were examined in terms of sensorial block, motor block, haemodynamic profile, and incidence of side effects. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of demographic data. The time to reach T 10 sensory block and the time of starting motor block were found to be significantly shorter in Group II. The duration of sensory block over T 10 and T 6, the duration of L 1 regression, the duration of the sensory block, and the regression time of the motor blocks from 3 to 2 were found to be longer in Group II. CONCLUSION: The use of 0.5% levobupivacaine spinal anaesthesia heated to 37 °C accelerated the start of sensory and motor block.

The effects of a small-dose ketamine-propofol combination on tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury during arthroscopic knee surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a small-dose ketamine-propofol combination used for sedation during spinal anesthesia on tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: Training and research hospital. PATIENTS: 60 adult, ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients, ages 20-60 years, scheduled for elective arthroscopic knee surgery for meniscal and chondral lesions. INTERVENTIONS: The initial hemodynamic parameters were recorded and blood samples were collected at baseline (T1); then spinal anesthesia was performed. In Group I (n=30), a combination of 0.5 mg/kg/hr of ketamine and 2 mg/kg/hr of propofol was administered; Group II (n=30) received an equivalent volume of saline as an infusion. A pneumatic tourniquet was applied. MEASUREMENTS: Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels were measured one minute before tournique deflation in the ischemic period (T2), then 5 (T3) and 30 (T4) minutes following tourniquet deflation in the reperfusion period. MAIN RESULTS: No differences were noted between groups in hemodynamic data (P > 0.05) or SOD levels (P > 0.05). In Group I, MDA levels at T2 were lower than in Group II (P < 0.05). In Group I, catalase levels were lower at T2 and T4 than they were in Group II (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Small-dose ketamine-propofol combination may be useful in reducing tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury in arthroscopic knee surgery.

The effect of intraarticular levobupivacaine and bupivacaine injection on the postoperative pain management in total knee artroplastic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with considerable postoperative pain. We compared the effects of intraoperative intraarticular levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia and analgesic consumption after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Sixty ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status II-III, 18-75 years old patients scheduled for unilateral TKA were included in this study. For the operative procedure combined spinal epidural anesthesia was given by injecting 15mg levobupivacaine in subarachnoid space at L3-4/L4- 5 in sitting position for all patients. In Group L 20ml levobupivacaine(0.5%), in Group B 20ml bupivacaine (0.5%) was injected intraarticularly 10 minutes before opening of the tourniquet at the end of the surgery. For all patients postoperative analgesia was provided with PCEA (levobupivacaine+fentanyl) and oral 1gr paracetamol four times a day. Patients' intraoperative-postoperative hemodynamical data, postoperative sensorial-motor block characteristics, side effects, PCEA demand ratios and bolus volumes, total analgesic consumption, VAS values, first mobilization time, hospitalization time were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 13.00 software. RESULTS: There was no intergroup difference in demographic data, hemodynamical data, PCEA demand ratios, total analgesic consumption, first mobilization time, hospitalization time and VAS values at 0,2,72 hour. Postoperative lower VAS values were determined at 4,8,12,24 hours in Group B and at 48(th) hour in Group L(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraarticular local anesthetic administration in addition to PCEA for post operative pain relief provides good analgesia after TKA surgery.

Comparison of levobupivacaine alone and in combination with fentanyl and sufentanil in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate.

BACKGROUND: It was aimed to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of levobupivacaine alone and in combination with fentanyl and sufentanil during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) under spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, 60 patients undergoing elective TURP under spinal anesthesia were randomized into three groups. Ten milligrams of 0.5% levobupivacaine in Group-I, 7.5 mg 0.5% levobupivacaine combined with 25 µg fentanyl in Group-II and 7.5 mg 0.5% levobupivacaine with 2.5 µg sufentanil in Group-III were administered intrathecally. RESULTS: The time for sensorial block to reach level T10 was 10.2 ± 2.0, 6.9 ± 1.7 and 7.0 ± 1.4 min in Group-I, II and III, respectively (P < 0.001). The maximum sensorial block level was T8 in all groups. The frequency of a complete motor block was higher in Group-I. The mean duration of motor block was shorter in Group-II and III than in Group-I (P < 0.001). There were no differences between groups regarding side effects (P > 0.05). The time for first analgesic request was shorter in Group-I than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). During the first postoperative 24-h period, 11 (58%) patients in Group-I, 9 (48%) patients in Group II and 9 (45%) patients in Group-III required an analgesic drug (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that combining lower dose levobupivacaine with fentanyl and sufentanil provides faster onset of sensorial block, lower frequency and shorter duration of motor block, and longer analgesia time in TURP under spinal anesthesia.

Comparison of Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam in Sedation for Percutaneous Drainage of Hepatic Hydatid Cysts.

OBJECTIVE: Hydatid cyst still continues to be a public health problem. The basic treatment for the disease is surgery, but ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage has become an important treatment alternative. Agents preferred for sedation during drainage performed under local anaesthesia must also preserve respiration and hemodynamic stability while providing adequate sedation. We compared the sedative properties of midazolam, which has a short duration of action, and a selective α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, dexmedetomidine, and the intraoperative complications. METHODS: After approval by the clinical trials ethics committee, 40 patients with similar demographic data were randomized into two groups. All patients received 10 mg metoclopramide and 45.5 mg pheniramine before the procedure. Then, midazolam (0.07 mg kg(-1) IV bolus followed by 0.01 mg kg(-1) h(-1) infusion) was administered to Group 1, and dexmedetomidine (1 µg kg(-1) loading dose in 10 minutes, followed by 0.2 µg kg(-1) h(-1) continuous infusion) was administered to Group 2 for sedation. Just before the surgical procedure, all patients received IV propofol in a subhypnotic dose of 0.5 mg kg(-1); the dose was repeated if adequate sedation could not be achieved. Observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAA/S) scale and Bispectral index (BIS) were used to evaluate the sedation level during the procedure. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (ETCO2) were monitored before and after induction and every 5 minutes thereafter. Propofol requirement was noted for each group. RESULTS: Sedation in the dexmedetomidine group was as effective and adequate as that observed in the midazolam group. BIS values were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group, especially after 10 minutes and thereafter. RR, SpO2, and ETCO2 were similar in both groups, whereas clinically insignificant decreases in HR and MAP were observed in the dexmedetomidine group. Propofol requirements were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that dexmedetomidine, providing adequate sedation without respiratory depression, can be considered as an appropriate agent for sedation in surgical procedures performed under local anaesthesia.