As the Turkish Journal of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Leaves Its 50th Anniversary Behind.

The Turkish Journal of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, established in 1972, is 50 years old now. The number of citations of the journal and the interest of national and international researchers are high. This success has been achieved by the editorial boards who have contributed to the journal since its establishment and the writers who have contributed to its development, and this success will continue to increase.

Remifentanil improves left ventricular diastolic parameters in patients with impaired diastolic function: a prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction has a significant impact on perioperative morbidity and mortality, and its incidence is high in elderly individuals. Anesthetic agents may impair diastolic function, which may increase the incidence of perioperative complications. The aim of this prospective, clinical, phase 4 study was to investigate the effects of remifentanil on left ventricle (LV) diastolic function in patients with diastolic dysfunction. The study was performed on 30 spontaneously breathing subjects (aged 60-80 years) with diastolic dysfunction. METHODS: Thirty patients (aged 60-80 years) with diastolic dysfunction scheduled for surgery were recruited between November 2019 and March 2023. Left ventricle function was evaluated once the intravenous remifentanil infusion reached a target-controlled concentration of 2 ng/ml with transthoracic echocardiography. Analysis of systolic function focused on left ventricular ejection fraction and mean mitral annular S velocity (Sm), whereas diastolic function focused on changes in transmitral peak flow (E), E/A, mitral septal and lateral e' waves, E/e' ratios and left atrial volume index following remifentanil infusion. RESULTS: Diastolic function measures of LV (mitral E/e', septal and lateral e' waves) statistically significantly improved (E/e' from 10.6 ± 2.9 cm.sn- 1 to 9.5 ± 2.2 cm.sn- 1; p = 0.006) following remifentanil infusion. Left atrial volume index decreased following remifentanil infusion without statistical significance (from 55 ± 14.4 ml.cm- 2 to 51.6 ± 13.3 ml.cm- 2; p = 0.1). Systolic function (ejection fraction and Sm) did not change following remifentanil infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil improves left ventricular diastolic parameters in patients with preexisting diastolic dysfunction. Our study suggests that remifentanil at a plasma concentration of 2 ng.ml- 1 might be used safely in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Comparison of Two Different Positions for Ultrasound-Guided Intervertebral Distance Evaluation.

Objective: During neuraxial anaesthesia, correct patient positioning is key for increased block success and (patient) comfort. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the lateral fetal decubitus (LFD) position with the sitting fetal lotus (SFL) regarding interspinous distance, transverse diameters of paravertebral muscles measured with ultrasonography, and patient comfort. Methods: Fifty adult participants who could sit cross-legged and had no lumbar anomalies were included in our prospective study. In both SFL and LFD positions, measurements were performed with ultrasonography; in the axial plane, interspinous distance at the level of L4-L5, in the sagittal plan, with the probe slightly tilted, subcutaneous tissue-spinous process depth, and transverse diameters of paravertebral muscles were measured. Stretcher, waist position, and abdominal comfort were scored on a scale of 1 (very bad) to 7 (perfect) with a verbal numeric satisfaction scale. Results: Interspinous distance was significantly larger in the SFL position than in the LFD position (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two positions (P > 0.05) regarding patient comfort. Paravertebral muscle diameters were significantly broader in the SFL position than in the LFD position. The diameter of the left paravertebral muscle in the SFL position (45.8±8.8 mm) was larger than that in the LFD position (43±7.8 mm; P < 0.001). The diameter of the right paravertebral muscle in the SFL position was (47±9 mm) larger than that in the LFD position (43.4±7.6 mm; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Although there was no difference regarding the comfort between the two positions, the interspinous distance was larger in the SFL position than in the LFD position.

The 'Cross-Legged Foetal Sitting Neuraxial Position': Is it Beneficial?-A Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial Via Ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of the present study was to compare the 'cross-legged foetal sitting position' (CFSP) with the 'sitting foetal position' (SFP) sonographically. The secondary aim was to compare their comfort. METHODS: A randomised, consecutive controlled, single-blinded trial was performed in Yeditepe University. A total of 50 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were body mass index (BMI) >40 kg m-2, lumbar hernia, scoliosis, history of spine surgery, lower back pain or trauma, especially pelvic or knee problems related to arthropathy and not able to do one/both of the two position techniques. The two positioning techniques were evaluated by ultrasonography (USG) and 5-point Numerical Rating Scale (5-NRS) patient satisfaction of comfort questionnaire. Seven outcomes via USG were evaluated, subcutaneous tissue (ST), skin to spinous process (S-SP), transverse diameters of right and left paraspinal muscles (RPM and LPM), interspinous gap opening (ISGO), mean of bilateral paraspinal muscle (MPM) and CFSP-SFP change (CFSP-SFP). Stretcher comfort, position comfort, lumbar comfort (LC) and abdominal comfort (AC) were evaluated by participants with the 5-NRS. RESULTS: In the CFSP, the mean ST and S-SP were significantly (p<0.0001) shorter, and LPM, RPM and MPM were significantly (p<0.0001) wider. The mean ISGO in the CFSP was significantly (p<0.0001) broader. The CFSP was significantly more comfortable than the SFP according to the LC (p=0.02). Only ISGO was found to be significantly broader in the male participant group (p=0.01) and in the BMI ≥25 group (p=0.02) according to CFSP-SFP. CONCLUSION: Considering all ultrasonographic anatomical measurements and according to the 5-NRS related to LC, the CFSP appears to be more advantageous than the SFP as a neuraxial positioning technique.

Comparison of tramadol versus tramadol with paracetamol for efficacy of postoperative pain management in lumbar discectomy: A randomised controlled study.

PURPOSE: Despite developments in the treatment of pain, the availability of new drugs or increased knowledge of pain management, postoperative pain control after different surgeries remains inadequate. We aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of tramadol versus tramadol with paracetamol after lumbar discectomy. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients undergoing lumbar discectomy were randomly assigned into two groups. METHODS: Patients in Group T (n = 30) received tramadol (1 mg/kg), and patients in Group TP (n = 30) received tramadol (1 mg/kg) with paracetamol (1 g) 30 minutes before the end of surgery and paracetamol was continued during the postoperative period at 6 hours intervals for the first 24 hours. Patient-controlled analgesia with tramadol was used during the postoperative period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration, postoperative pain scores, Ramsay sedation scores, analgesic consumption, and side effects were recorded in all patients during the postoperative period. Continuous random variables were tested for normal distribution using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, than Student's t-test was used for means comparisons between groups. For discrete random variables chi-square tests and McNemar test was used. RESULTS: Demographic data, mean duration of anaesthesia and surgery were similar in both groups. Postoperative pain scores were significantly higher in Group T than Group TP at 5; 15; 20; and 30 minutes (P = .021, P = .004, P = .002, P = .018). Late postoperative pain scores were similar. Total tramadol consumption in Group T (106.12 ± 4.84 mg) was higher than Group TP (81.20 ± 2.53) during the 24 hours postoperative period. However, continuing the paracetamol at 6 hours interval did not change late postoperative pain scores. CONCLUSION: The administration of tramadol with paracetamol was more effective than tramadol alone for early acute postoperative pain therapy following lumbar discectomy. Therefore, while adding paracetamol in early pain management is recommended, continuing paracetamol for the late postoperative period is not advised.

Effect of the Dexamethasone-Ondansetron Combination Versus Dexamethasone-Aprepitant Combination to Prevent Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common problem associated with general anaesthesia. The incidence can be as high as 80% in high-risk patients. Our primary objective was to compare the efficacy of the combination of dexamethasone-ondansetron and dexamethasone-aprepitant in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Seventy 18 to 60 years old patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery were included in the study. Sixty-seven patients completed the study. Patients in the dexamethasone-aprepitant group (group DA, n=35) received 40 mg of aprepitant orally 1-2 hours before the induction of anaesthesia and 2 mL saline intravenously (iv) within the last 30 minutes of surgery; patients in the dexamethasone-ondansetron group (group DO, n=35) received oral placebo identical to aprepitant 1-2 hours before the induction of anaesthesia and 4 mg ondansetron iv within the last 30 minutes of surgery. All patients received 8 mg dexamethasone iv after the induction of anaesthesia. The primary outcome was a complete response (no postoperative nausea, retching and vomiting and no need for rescue antiemetic); the secondary outcomes were the incidence of nausea, retching, vomiting, the need of rescue antiemetic and opioid consumption within 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: A complete response was not significantly different between the groups (group DO: 67%, DA: 69%) at 24 hours (p=0.93). The incidence of PONV and postoperative opioid consumption was similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: The study was designed to evaluate whether the combination of dexamethasone-aprepitant is better than the combination of dexamethasone-ondansetron regarding the complete response for PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The results however showed that dexamethasone-aprepitant has not improved the complete response for PONV compared to dexamethasone-ondansetron.

Magnesium Sulfate Reduced Opioid Consumption in Obese Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of magnesium sulfate on pain management for pain after sleeve gastrectomy operation. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Visual analog scale for the evaluation of pain, sedation score, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and total analgesic consumption was recorded. Serum magnesium levels were determined before the operation, at the end of the operation, and at 24 h. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to demographics, and sedation scores. Cumulative morphine consumption and pain scores were found to be higher in the control group than the magnesium group. CONCLUSION: Perioperative use of magnesium sulfate reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption in obese patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy operations.

Effect of the degree of head elevation on the incidence and severity of venous air embolism in cranial neurosurgical procedures with patients in the semisitting position.

OBJECTIVE The semisitting position of a patient confers numerous advantages in various neurosurgical procedures, but venous air embolism is one of the associated complications of this position. To date, no prospective studies of the relationship between the degree of head elevation and the rate and severity of venous air embolism for patients undergoing a procedure in this position have been performed. In this study, the authors compared changes in the severity of venous air embolism according to the degree of head elevation (30° or 45°) in patients undergoing an elective cranial neurosurgical procedure in the semisitting position. METHODS One hundred patients undergoing an elective infratentorial craniotomy in the semisitting position were included, and each patient was assigned to 1 of 2 groups. In Group 1, each patient's head was elevated 30° during surgery, and in Group 2, each patient's head elevation was 45°. Patients were assigned to their group according to the location of their lesion. During surgery, the standard anesthetic protocol was used with total intravenous anesthesia, and transesophageal echocardiography was used to detect air in the blood circulation. Any air embolism seen on the echocardiography screen was classified as Grade 0 to 4. If multiple events occurred, the worst graded attack was used for statistical analysis. During hemodynamic changes caused by emboli, fluid and vasopressor requirements were recorded. Surgical and anesthetic complications were recorded also. All results were compared statistically, and a p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference between groups for the total rates of venous air emboli detected on transesophageal echocardiography (22.0% [n = 11] in Group 1 and 62.5% [n = 30] in Group 2; p < 0.0001). The rate and severity of air embolism were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.001). The rates of clinically important venous air embolism (Grade 2, 3, or 4, venous air embolism with decreased end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and/or hemodynamic changes) were 8.0% (n = 4) in Group 1 and 50.0% (n = 24) in Group 2 (p < 0.0001). There was no association between the rate and severity of venous air embolism with patient demographics (p > 0.05). An association was found, however, between the rate of venous air embolism and the type of surgical pathology (p < 0.001); venous embolism occurred more frequently in patients with a meningioma. There were no major surgical or anesthetic complications related to patient position during the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS For patients in the semisitting position, an increase in the degree of head elevation is related directly to a higher rate of venous air embolism. With a 30° head elevation and our standardized technique of positioning, the semisitting position can be used safely in neurosurgical practice.

The effects of intra-articular levobupivacain versus levobupivacain plus magnesium sulfate on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy: A prospective randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compared the effectiveness of intraarticular levobupivacain with levobupivacain and magnesium sulfate. METHODS: In this prospective randomized double blinded study, 96 patients (67 male, 29 female; age range: 18-65 years) with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologist) score I and II, who had undergone arthroscopic meniscectomy operation, were divided to 3 groups that had postoperative analgesia with intra-articular saline injection (control group), levobupivacain injection (L group) or levobupivacain and magnesium sulfate injection (LM group). Patients were compared with postoperative VAS (Visual Analog Score) score during rest and activity, opioid analgesic need, non-opioid analgesic need and other medication needs. RESULTS: Postoperative VAS scores during rest and activation at early postoperative period were significantly lower at LM group when compared with L group and lower than control group at all time periods. Opioid analgesic need, non-opioid analgesic need and other medication needs for non-pain symptoms were lower at LM group when compared with L and control groups at all time periods. CONCLUSION: Intraarticular magnesium sulfate plus Levobupivacain injection is a safe and effective method for post operative pain management after arthroscopic meniscectomy.

Simple method for determining the size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children: a prospective observational study / Método simples para determinar o tamanho da máscara laríngea ProSeal em crianças: um estudo observacional, prospectivo

Abstract Background and objectives: The size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children is determined by the patient's weight. However, in some instances, an alternative method may be required. This study aimed to compare sizing by the auricle with conventional ProSeal laryngeal mask airway sizing by weight in children. Methods: After approval by the institutional ethics board and written informed consent from parents, 197 children with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II who were scheduled for a routine genitourinary operation were included in the study. The correct ProSeal laryngeal mask airway size was determined according to the size of the auricle in children. The results were compared with the standard weight-based method recommended by the manufacturer's guidelines. The patients were classified into different groups depending on the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway sizes as determined by both methods. Agreement between both techniques was evaluated with κ coefficient statistics. Results: Insertion and adequate ventilation were achieved in 185 patients at the first attempt, and 12 patients required a second attempt. Three patients had to be intubated. Agreement between the two methods of size selection of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway was moderate using κ statistics. Conclusions: Choosing the size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children according to the auricle of the child is valid and practical. In particular, this is an alternative method in situations where the patient's weight is unknown, such as in emergency situations.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O tamanho da máscara laríngea ProSeal (MLPS) em crianças é determinado com base no peso do paciente. No entanto, em alguns casos, pode ser necessário um método opcional. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o tamanho da MLPS convencional pela orelha e pelo peso em crianças. Métodos: Após aprovação do Comitê de Ética institucional e receber o consentimento informado assinado pelos pais, 197 crianças com estado físico ASA I-II (de acordo com a classificação da Sociedade Americana de Anestesiologistas), programadas para uma operação geniturinária de rotina, foram incluídas no estudo. O tamanho correto da MLPS foi determinado de acordo com o tamanho da orelha em crianças. Os resultados foram comparados com os do método padrão, baseado no peso, recomendado pelas diretrizes do fabricante. Os pacientes foram classificados em diferentes grupos, a depender dos tamanhos das MLPS, conforme determinado por ambos os métodos. A concordância entre as duas técnicas foi avaliada com as estatísticas do coeficiente kappa (k). Resultados: Inserção e ventilação adequada foram obtidas em 185 pacientes na primeira tentativa e 12 pacientes precisaram de uma segunda tentativa. Três pacientes precisaram ser intubados. A concordância entre os dois métodos de seleção do tamanho da MLPS foi moderada com a estatística κ. Conclusões: A escolha do tamanho da MLPS em crianças de acordo com a orelha da criança é válida e prática. Em particular, é um método opcional em situações nas quais o peso do paciente é desconhecido, como em situações de emergência.

Comparison of Dexamethasone-Dimenhydrinate and Dexamethasone-Ondansetron in Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting in Postoperative Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting is one of the most common problems after implementation of general anesthesia. The incidence can reach 80% in high-risk patients, depending on the type of surgery. In our study, we aimed to compare dexamethasone-dimenhydrinate and dexamethasone-ondansetron combinations in prevention of nausea and vomiting in postoperative patients. METHOD: Sixty 18-65-year-olds ASAI-II females who underwent rhinoplasty were included in the study. Patients were randomly included in two groups: Dexamethasone-dimenhydrinate group (group DD) and dexamethasone-ondansetron group (group DO). All patients received dexamethasone 8 mg iv after endotracheal intubation. Anesthesia continuation was established with sevoflurane, air-oxygen mixture and remifentanil infusion. At the 30th minute of the operation, group DO received ondansetron 4 mg iv and group DD received dimenhydrinate 1 mg/kg iv. For postoperative analgesia tramadol (1.5 mg/kg) iv, tenoksikam (20 mg) and afterward for postoperative patient-controlled tramadol was used. In the postoperative recovery room, nausea and vomiting were evaluated at the 30th, 60th, 120th minutes and at the end of 24 h. Total amount of tramadol was recorded. All results were statistically evaluated. OBSERVATIONS: Demographics and Apfel risk scores of both groups were similar. Surgical operation duration (p = 0.038) and total preoperative remifentanil consumption were higher in group DD (p = 0.006). In group DO, nausea at 30 and 60 min (p = 0.001, p = 0.007), retching at 30 and 60 min (p = 0.002, p = 0.006) were higher than group DD. The additional antiemetic need in group DO was significantly higher at 30 min (p = 0.001). Postoperative analgesic consumption was similar in both groups. RESULT: Our study revealed that dexamethasone-dimenhydrinate combination was more effective than dexamethasone-ondansetron in prevention of nausea and vomiting after rhinoplasty operations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

[Simple method for determining the size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children: a prospective observational study]. / Método simples para determinar o tamanho da máscara laríngea ProSeal em crianças: um estudo observacional, prospectivo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children is determined by the patient's weight. However, in some instances, an alternative method may be required. This study aimed to compare sizing by the auricle with conventional ProSeal laryngeal mask airway sizing by weight in children. METHODS: After approval by the institutional ethics board and written informed consent from parents, 197 children with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II who were scheduled for a routine genitourinary operation were included in the study. The correct ProSeal laryngeal mask airway size was determined according to the size of the auricle in children. The results were compared with the standard weight-based method recommended by the manufacturer's guidelines. The patients were classified into different groups depending on the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway sizes as determined by both methods. Agreement between both techniques was evaluated with κ coefficient statistics. RESULTS: Insertion and adequate ventilation were achieved in 185 patients at the first attempt, and 12 patients required a second attempt. Three patients had to be intubated. Agreement between the two methods of size selection of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway was moderate using κ statistics. CONCLUSIONS: Choosing the size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children according to the auricle of the child is valid and practical. In particular, this is an alternative method in situations where the patient's weight is unknown, such as in emergency situations.

Simple method for determining the size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children is determined by the patient's weight. However, in some instances, an alternative method may be required. This study aimed to compare sizing by the auricle with conventional ProSeal laryngeal mask airway sizing by weight in children. METHODS: After approval by the institutional ethics board and written informed consent from parents, 197 children with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II who were scheduled for a routine genitourinary operation were included in the study. The correct ProSeal laryngeal mask airway size was determined according to the size of the auricle in children. The results were compared with the standard weight-based method recommended by the manufacturer's guidelines. The patients were classified into different groups depending on the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway sizes as determined by both methods. Agreement between both techniques was evaluated with κ coefficient statistics. RESULTS: Insertion and adequate ventilation were achieved in 185 patients at the first attempt, and 12 patients required a second attempt. Three patients had to be intubated. Agreement between the two methods of size selection of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway was moderate using κ statistics. CONCLUSIONS: Choosing the size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children according to the auricle of the child is valid and practical. In particular, this is an alternative method in situations where the patient's weight is unknown, such as in emergency situations.

Effects of a fentanyl-propofol mixture on propofol injection pain: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Propofol injection pain is a common problem that can be very distressing for patients. We compared the effects of injection with saline followed by injection with a fentanyl-propofol mixture, injection with fentanyl followed by a propofol injection, and injection with saline followed by propofol alone on propofol injection pain. METHODS: The patients were assigned randomly to one of three groups. A rubber tourniquet was placed on the forearm to produce venous occlusion for 1 min. Before anesthesia induction, group C (control, n = 50) and group M (fentanylpropofol mixture, n = 50) received 5 ml of isotonic saline, while group F (fentanyl, n = 50) received 2 µg/kg of fentanyl. After the tourniquet was released, groups C and F received 5 ml of propofol and group M received 5 ml of a mixture containing 20 ml of propofol and 4 ml of fentanyl. At 10 s after the study drugs were given, a standard question about the comfort of the injection was asked of the patient. We used a verbal rating scale to evaluate propofol injection pain. Statistical analyses were performed with Student's t-tests and Fisher's exact tests; P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The demographic data were similar among the groups. In group M, the number of patients reporting propofol injection pain was significantly lower than in groups F and C (both P < 0.001). No patient in group F or M experienced severe pain, whereas 24 patients (48%) had severe pain in group C (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a fentanyl-propofol mixture was more effective than fentanyl pretreatment or a placebo in preventing propofol injection pain.

Effect of ketamine versus alfentanil following midazolam in preventing emergence agitation in children after sevoflurane anaesthesia: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intranasal ketamine versus alfentanil in addition to oral midazolam for the prevention of emergence agitation in children. METHODS: Children undergoing urological surgery with sevoflurane anaesthesia received oral midazolam 40 min before induction and were then randomly assigned to receive 2 mg/kg ketamine, 10 µg/kg alfentanil or 1 ml isotonic saline intranasally. Parental separation status and mask acceptance were assessed preoperatively. Emergence agitation was evaluated using a paediatric anaesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) score. RESULTS: Data from 78 children were evaluated in the study. There were no significant differences between the groups in demographic characteristics, recovery times or parental separation scores. Mask acceptance was significantly better in the ketamine group than in the saline group. The mean PAED score in the ketamine group was significantly better than in the other two groups, but was similar in the saline and alfentanil groups. The incidence of emergence agitation was 3.8%, 36.0% and 40.7% in the ketamine, alfentanil and saline groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of intranasal ketamine to oral midazolam significantly improved the quality of induction and reduced sevoflurane-induced emergence agitation, in children undergoing urological surgery.

The Effect of Flurbiprofen on Postoperative Sore Throat and Hoarseness After LMA-ProSeal Insertion: A Randomised, Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that flurbiprofen lozenges reduce the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (LMA) related symptoms of Post Operative Sore Throat (POST), hoarseness and dysphagia compared to placebo lozenges. METHODS: Eighty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patients undergoing general anaesthesia with LMA were included in this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical and single centre (university hospital) study. Group F received an 8.75 mg flurbiprofen lozenge (Strefen(®)) and Group P received a placebo lozenge 45 minutes before the induction of anaesthesia. Postoperative sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia were evaluated 30 minutes after removal of the LMA in the recovery room and then at 4, 12 and 24 h after surgery using a 4-point scale. Data were analysed using Student's t test, and Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The 8.75 mg flurbiprofen lozenges reduced the severity of early (30 mins) POST and dysphagia. The severity of dysphagia at 4 h and hoarseness at 12 h were also significantly reduced in Group F. There were no significant differences betweeen the groups regarding incidence of sore throat, dysphagia and hoarseness throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: Preoperative flurbiprofen lozenges reduce the severity of early postoperative sore throat and dysphagia.

A comparison of two different doses of bupivacaine in caudal anesthesia for neonatal circumcision. A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the analgesia quality of caudal block of low volume, high concentration bupivacaine to the conventionally used volumes and concentrations of the drug in neonates undergoing circumcision with sole caudal anesthesia. METHODS: Fifty neonates, undergoing circumcision were randomly assigned to low volume high concentration (group LVHC, n=25) and control groups (group C, n=25). Both groups received a caudal injection: Group LVHC 0.5 ml/kg bupivacaine 0.375% (1.875 mg/kg) and group C 1 ml/ kg bupivacaine 0.25% (2.5 mg/kg). Hemodynamic parameters, block onsets and analgesia periods were compared among the groups. Pain scores were evaluated hourly for 3 hours postoperatively with NIPS (neonatal infant pain score). Statistical analyses were performed with Student's t-test for continuous variables. X(2) and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for nominal and/or categorical variables. RESULTS: Demographic, hemodynamic data, block onset time (group LVHC and C values were 4.9 +/- 1 vs 5.2 +/- 2 mins, respectively; p=0.53) was similar and postoperative median NIPS (a median value of 0 at postoperative 1, 2, and 3. hours) were identical among the groups (p=0.7, p=0.9, p=1). None of the neonates required additional analgesic for the first 24 hours following the surgery; therefore postoperative analgesic requirement was similar among the groups (p>0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Low volume high concentration caudal bupivacaine provided a similar perioperative analgesia quality, time and safety profile compared to conventional bupivacaine doses in awake neonates undergoing circumcision. Low volume, high concentration bupivacaine may be used to reduce the risk of local anesthetic toxicity in outpatient neonates.

Effect of morphine on lower urinary tract discomfort after transurethral resection of prostate under general anesthesia: a randomised clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract (LUT) discomfort is a common complaint after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and it may lead to agitation and restlessnes. We have evaluated the efficacy of morphine for preventing TURP-related LUT discomfort symptoms. METHODS: This was a prospective randomised study including 60 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists class I and II) who were scheduled to undergo TURP. The patients were divided into two equally sized groups (group M: morphine, group C: control). A standartized anesthesia method was used. Group M patients received morphine 0.04 mg/kg intravenous (iv) in 100 ml of normal saline followed by an infusion of morphine for 24 h (0.01 mg/kg/h); group C patients received 100 ml normal saline 20 min before the expected extubation time, followed by a normal saline infusion which looked identical to that of the morphine infusion. The incidences and severity of LUT discomfort, postoperative pain, sedation level, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and respiratory depression were recorded at 0, 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The incidence of LUT discomfort was lower in group M patients at all time points during the study (p < 0.05) except for 2 h postoperatively, and the severity of LUT discomfort was also lower this group at 0, 12 and 24 h postoperatively (p = 0.001, p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). Pain (numeric rating scale) scores were lower in group M patients at 0 (p = 0.003) and 6 h (p < 0.001). The need for rescue analgesic was lower in group M patients (19 patients in group C, 10 patients in group M; p = 0.04). The incidence of PONV was higher in group M patients (p = 0.03). The incidence of pruritus, respiratory depression and over-sedation were similar among the groups. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we conclude that morphine effectively reduces LUT discomfort after TURP at a cost of postoperative nausea and vomiting.