The Effectiveness of Active External Warming of Patient Concurrently With Ice Application on the Incision Site on Post-Thoracotomy Pain and Analgesic Consumption.

The aim of study is to investigate the effects of active external warming of patient concurrently with application of ice to incision site on thoracotomy pain and analgesic consumption. The research is a quasi-experimental design with control and study groups. The study was conducted in 2018 and 2019. A total of 70 patients were included in the study: 35 in the control group and 35 in the study group. The mean verbal pain scale values were significantly lower in the intervention group (2.85 point) than in the control group (4.57 point; p < .001). Opioid consumption rate was high in control group patients (77.1% tramadol 30 mg; 45.7% morphine sulfate 5 mg) In contrast, the rate of opioid consumption was lower in patients in the intervention group (40% tramadol 30 mg; 17% morphine sulfate 5 mg). Active external warming and ice application on the incision area, could reduce the intensity of thoracotomy pain.

Temporary neurologic complication of spinal ropivacaine in an obstetric patient.

We aimed to inform transient neurological symptoms after spinal anesthesia and to review postpartum neurological deficits of regional anesthesia. A previously healthy 25-year-old primigravid woman underwent an elective cesarean section. Hypotension and bradycardia were not observed during the operation. On the 25th day postpartum, the patient suffered from numbness and weakness at the lower extremity. On neurological assessment, the muscle strengths in the gastrocnemius and quadriceps bilaterally were 2/5 (+) and 3/5 (+), respectively. The muscle strength at foot dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were 2/5 (+) bilaterally. The patient was unable to walk on toes and walked on heels, and the lower extremities were hypoesthetic. The patellar and the Achilles tendon reflexes were bilaterally negative. No pathological findings could be detected on lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Electromyography revealed a mixed type of polyneuropathy. The symptoms relieved partially at the end of the 2nd month and regressed completely at the end of the 3rd month. To prevention of irreversible postpartum permanent neurologic deficits, the diagnosis should be made using a detailed neurologic examination along with MRI or computed tomography.

[Labor analgesia: Comparison of epidural patient-controlled analgesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia]. / Dogum analjezisi: Epidural hasta kontrollü analjezi ile intravenöz hasta kontrollü analjezinin karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: In our study, patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) and patient controlled intravenous remifentanil analgesia (PCIVA) were compared for VAS, and also their side effects on mother and newborn. METHODS: In this study, 37 pregnant women with a single fetus, who had labor analgesia, were divided into groups of PCIVA (Group 2) and PCEA (Group 1). Bupivacaine 1.25 mg/ml and fentanyl 2 mcg/ml in 100 ml epidural solution were prepared for Group 1. The infusion dose was 15 ml, 5 ml divided doses. We set 5 ml/h basal infusion, 5 ml patient-controlled bolus and 20 min lock time. We prepared 2 mg remifentanil in 100 ml intravenous solution for Group 2. We set 20 mcg/h infusion, 0.05mcg/kg patient-controlled bolus and five min lock time. VAS, maternal-fetal heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, nausea-vomiting and sedation were recorded during labor. We recorded Apgar scores and maternal satisfaction at the end of labor. RESULTS: The findings showed that both groups could provide adequate analgesia. However, VAS scores were higher in Group PCIVA. The mother satisfaction and newborn's Apgar scores were similar. In both groups, desaturation, which is requiring oxygen support, was not determined. The oxygen saturations were lower in Group 2. The side effects and patient satisfaction were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Although PCIVA was found to be satisfactory concerning maternal satisfaction, VAS after 2nd hour were higher compared to PCEA. PCEA is the gold standard in labor analgesia. However, we believe that PCIVA is a good alternative to epidural analgesia in cases where epidural analgesia is contraindicated or where the patient does not want an epidural.

Kyphoplasty experience in an elderly.

OBJECTIVE: Vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis are seen frequently. Osteoporotic compression fractures can cause severe pain, limitation of physical activities and impairment of quality of life. Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure, could be effective in many cases and can provide fast pain relief. CASE: A patient with a history of falling from a height of 8 months duration visited our pain clinic. Opioids and anti-inflammatory analgesics were administered together with physical therapy and facet joint injections with no improvement. Radiological examination of the patient showed collapse fracture of L2 and L4 vertebrae on top of severe osteoporosis. Kyphoplasty was performed at the level of L2 vertebrae followed by 50% relieve in her pain (VAS score reduction from 8 to 3) and hence she was capable to resume her daily activities. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of elder patient with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

[Analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal, incisional, and intraperitoneal + incisional levobupivacaine in laparoscopic gynecological surgery]. / Laparoskopik jinekolojik cerrahide intraperitoneal, insizyonel, intraperitoneal+insizyonel levobupivakainin analjezik etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal, incisional, and intraperitoneal + incisional levobupivacaine in laparoscopic gynecological surgery. METHODS: Group 1 received levobupivacaine 20 mL intraperitoneally, Group 2 received levobupivacaine 20 mL to the trocar wounds, Group 3 received levobupivacaine 20 mL intraperitoneally and levobupivacaine 20 mL to the trocar wounds. Postoperative abdominal pain at rest and during mobilization and shoulder pain were assessed at the 2nd, 4th,12th, and 24th postoperatively by VAS. If VAS was >3, the analgesia was assessed as inadequate, and diclofenac sodium was injected. In addition, time the first analgesic requirement, total analgesic consumption, analgesic effectiveness, and the satisfaction of patients about the analgesic method were recorded during the postoperative period. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between groups with respect to VAS (p>0.05). Patients in Group 2 had a higher postoperative analgesic consumption and lower timing of the first analgesic requirement than Groups 1 and 3, but these differences were not significant (p>0.05). The satisfaction of the patients about the analgesic technique was similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of levobupivacaine intraperitoneally is an alternative method to reducing of postoperative shoulder and abdominal pain in gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Also, we observed a lower total analgesic consumption and more analgesic effectiveness in intraperitoneal groups than the other. Further studies are needed with different intraperitoneal local anesthetics.

[The use of neurostimulation with ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block: Does it increase success?] / Ultrasonografi esliginde brakial pleksus blogunda nörostimülasyonun kullanilmasi: Basariyi arttiriyor mu?

OBJECTIVES: Infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade is an anesthetic technique used for operations of the hand, wrist, and elbow. Ultrasound (US)-guidance is a recent addition to the surgical technique. The aim of this study was to compare the use of US alone and US with a nerve stimulator in an infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade in terms of the performance time, successful blockade rate, and the quality of sensory block. METHODS: A total of 40 patients who were scheduled for hand, wrist, or elbow surgery were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: US and USSS (ultrasonography + neurostimulation). A dose of 40 mL, containing 100 mg bupivacaine and 200 mg prilocaine was administered with the guidance of US or USSS in the infraclavicular regions. Performance time was measured and recorded. Motor and sensory blockade was assessed within 30 minutes after the block. RESULTS: The mean performance time for Group US and Group USSS was 6.68+-0.75 and 6.9+-1.02 minutes, respectively, without significant difference between groups (p>0.05, p=0.62, respectively). A complete blockade was seen in 16/20 patients in Group US and in 14/20 patients in Group USSS in 20 minutes, which did not yield a significant difference. During the surgery, local anesthetic infiltration was required in 2/20 patients in Group US and in 1/20 patients in Group USSS. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed no additional benefit to USSS in block success in comparison with US alone. Considering the feeling of discomfort and pain due to nerve stimulation, it was concluded that use of US alone may be preferred to combination use.

[Transient neurological symptoms after spinal anesthesia]. / Santral blok sonrasi geçici nörolojik semptomlar.

OBJECTIVES: Transient neurological symptoms (TNS) after spinal anesthesia vary from dysesthesia that is hardly noticed to severe pain. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of TNS and provocative risk factors in 591 patients who underwent central block. METHODS: Before the operation, demographic data and features of the operation and the block were recorded. The patients were evaluated at postoperative 24 and 48 hours and day 7 with regard to TNS in the form of pain (headache, lower back and/or limb pain, backache, pain in the puncture region) and sensation disorders (paresthesia, hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, anesthesia, dysesthesia). RESULTS: The incidence of TNS among the study patients was 35.7%. It was significantly higher in gynecology and urology patients and was higher in female patients in comparison with male patients. The incidence of TNS was greater when blood in the needle/catheter, pain, or paresthesia was seen, but was not associated with LA agents used in the study. CONCLUSION: A similar TNS incidence was seen in the results of this study as has been reported in the literature. A greater number of attempts, the lithotomy position, and co-morbidities such as ASHD and DM increase the incidence of TNS.

Comparison of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Parasternal Block for Postoperative Pain Management after Cardiac Surgery.

Background. Parasternal block and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have been demonstrated to produce effective analgesia and reduce postoperative opioid requirements in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of TENS and parasternal block on early postoperative pain after cardiac surgery. Methods. One hundred twenty patients undergoing cardiac surgery were enrolled in the present randomized, controlled prospective study. Patients were assigned to three treatment groups: parasternal block, intermittent TENS application, or a control group. Results. Pain scores recorded 4 h, 5 h, 6 h, 7 h, and 8 h postoperatively were lower in the parasternal block group than in the TENS and control groups. Total morphine consumption was also lower in the parasternal block group than in the TENS and control groups. It was also significantly lower in the TENS group than in the control group. There were no statistical differences among the groups regarding the extubation time, rescue analgesic medication, length of intensive care unit stay, or length of hospital stay. Conclusions. Parasternal block was more effective than TENS in the management of early postoperative pain and the reduction of opioid requirements in patients who underwent cardiac surgery through median sternotomy. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT02725229.

Effects of Parasternal Block on Acute and Chronic Pain in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Surgery.

Background Sternotomy causes considerable postoperative pain and postoperative pain management encompasses different analgesic regimens. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of peroperative parasternal block with levobupivacaine on acute and chronic pain after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Materials and Methods A total of 81 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery were included in this study. Patients were randomly allocated by opening an envelope to receive either parasternal block with pharmacologic analgesia (group P; before sternal wire placement: sternotomy and mediastinal tube sites were infiltrated with local anesthetics) or pharmacologic analgesia alone (group C) for postoperative pain relief. All patients received intravenous tramadol with patient-controlled analgesia at the end of the surgery. Demographic characteristics, vital signs, tramadol consumption, analgesic intake, and intensity of pain with a visual analogue scale were recorded for each patient. Six months after surgery, the patients' type of chronic pain was evaluated using the Leeds Assessment Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale questionnaire. Results Patients who received parasternal block experienced less pain and needed less opioid analgesic (125.75 ± 28.9 mg in group P vs 213.17 ± 61.25 mg in group C) for 24 hours postoperatively (P < .001). There was no significant difference in nociceptive and neuropathic pain between the groups. Conclusion Parasternal block had a benefical effect on the management of postoperative acute pain and decreased opioid consumption after surgery but had no significant effect in chronic post surgical pain.

[Pain evaluation in patients with chronical renal failure undergoing hemodialysis]. / Hemodiyaliz uygulanan kronik böbrek yetmezlikli hastalarda agri degerlendirmesi.

OBJECTIVES: Hemodialysis is a vital therapy in treatment of chronical renal failure. Pain is a complaint seen at every stage of chronical renal failure and is a part of clinical status. We aimed to investigate pain and its causes and the sufficiency of pain treatment in use. METHODS: Patients aged 18-60 undergoing hemodialysis were included in this study. Pain evolution was obtained by form of Algology. Neuropathic pain symptoms and signs were evaluated by using LANNS. RESULTS: 53 patients undergoing hemodialysis (75.7%) complained of pain. The types of pain were recorded to be headache (31 patients, 58.5%), lower extremity pain (21 patients, 39.6%) and pain due to cramps (28 patients, 52.8%). We saw that 81.4% of our patients were capable of doing on their own and that the pain did not affect daily activities of our patients. There were 37 patients (71.8%) who had LANSS score ≥12. Patients included in this study answered the question "Did you get any treatment for this pain?" as NO in 58.5% (31 patients) and as YES in 41% (21 patients). Nevertheless, 29 patients (54.7%) stated that they used drugs because of the pain and 24 patients (45.3%) stated that they haven't used any drugs for pain management. CONCLUSION: The patients with chronical diseases like chronical renal failure, we believe that pain should be interrogated and assessed and along with the treatment of chronical renal failure, patients should be treated for pain and a pain-free life must be provided to these group of patients.

Cerebrospinal fluid cystatin C levels following treatment for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

AIM: To investigate the changes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cystatin C (CC) levels associated with the postoperative ischemic conditions and prognostic outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 40 patients with microsurgically clipped intracranial aneurysms (IA's) and 22 control CSF samples. In patients, CSF samples were taken from the lumbar intrathecal catheter for CC measurement, at the beginning of operation, immediately after the operation (early postoperative), and the first postoperative day (late postoperative). RESULTS: CC levels in three periods were significantly higher in patients with Hunt-Hess scores of 4, 5 than 1, 2, 3. There was a significant difference between the CC concentrations on the first postoperative day and controls. In patients who developed focal cerebral ischemia, CC levels at early and late postoperative periods were significantly higher than the group without ischemia. In addition, patients with poor prognostic outcome (GOS score of 1, 2, 3) had significantly higher levels of CC in all three periods than that of patients with good outcome (GOS score of 4, 5). CONCLUSION: The raised CSF CC concentrations appear to be associated with the severity of bleeding, intraoperative ischemic events and poor prognostic outcome in patients with aneurysmal SAH.

Latex allergy on anaesthesiologist and anaesthesia managements: are the health workers high risk patients?

Anaphylaxis is defined as a severe, life threating, generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction. The most common agent involved in intraoperative anaphylactic reactions is muscle relaxant (61-70%); natural rubber latex (NRL) is the second most implicated agent and the incidence of latex-related anaphylactic reactions is increasing despite increasing awareness and preventive measures taken. Latex is a ubiquitous part of life today. Medical products which contain latex are present in our environment, especially in the hospital setting. This study focuses on our experience with two different anaesthetic techniques performed on the same patient who had latex hypersensitivity reaction and underwent surgery for myomectomy twice in 5 years. This case report aims to point out to latex hypersensitivity on health workers. The patient described had latex allergy and strategy of management during perioperative period is detailed.

Intrathecal bupivacaine or levobupivacaine: which should be used for elderly patients?

OBJECTIVES: To compare two intrathecal anaesthetics, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine, for their effects on motor and sensory blockade and haemodynamics in patients aged ≥ 65 years undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) or transurethral resection of the urinary bladder (TUR-M). METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo TUR-P or TUR-M were randomized to receive either 3 ml (15 mg) 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine (group L) or 3 ml (15 mg) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (group B) for spinal anaesthesia. The onset time, maximum level and time to reach the maximum level of sensory and motor blockade were recorded. Changes to haemodynamic parameters were also recorded. RESULTS: The study randomized 100 patients: 57 to group L and 43 to group B. Levobupivacaine did not cause any significant changes in haemodynamic parameters, including systolic blood pressure, and showed a similar sensory block onset time compared with bupivacaine, but it had a significantly longer motor block onset time compared with bupivacaine. CONCLUSION: These current findings suggest that levobupivacaine can be used as a substitute for bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in elderly patients ≥ 65 years of age undergoing elective TUR-P or TUR-M operations.

Effect of nerve localization using a pen device on the success of axillary brachial plexus block.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB) performed using peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) alone was compared with PNS preceded by nerve localization using a pen device, enabling nerve mapping without puncturing the skin. METHODS: Patients undergoing unilateral hand or forearm surgery suitable for ABPB were randomly assigned to receive either PNS alone (pen - group) or PNS preceded by nerve localization using a pen device (pen + group). Parameters related to the block procedure and patient comfort were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in each group. The block performance time was longer in the pen + group than the pen - group despite a reduced number of needle insertions. The complete block rate was higher and intraoperative analgesic usage lower in the pen + group compared with the pen - group. Patient satisfaction and complication rates were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The pen device seems to be a helpful addition to PNS for ABPB, with improved results in terms of block success and patient comfort, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with epidural volume extension causes a higher level of block than single-shot spinal anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effects of epidural injection with levobupivacaine or serum physiologic, epidural volume extension (EVE), when using combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) for cesarean delivery. METHODS: One-hundred and thirty-eight patients with a full-term pregnancy of 37-42 weeks that were scheduled for cesarean delivery were included. Group 1 (n=48) received single-shot spinal anesthesia (SSS), group 2 (n=45) received CSEA-EVE with saline, group 3 received CSEA-EVE with levobupivacaine. The characteristics of motor and sensory block, the effects on maternal hemodynamic changes and the effects on the newborn were compared. RESULTS: Time to reach maximum sensory block was significantly shorter in groups 3 than in group 1 and 2 (p<0.05). Two-segment regression time of sensory block was significantly shorter in group 1, whereas it was significantly longer in group 3 than in group 2 (p<0.05). Time to onset of motor block was significantly longer in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05). Time to reach maximum motor block was significantly shorter in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). Time to recovery of motor block was significantly longer in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). The time to first analgesic was significantly longer in group 3 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient and rapid motor and sensory block was achieved in all the patients in the present study; however, motor and sensory block had faster onset, lasted longer, and was of a higher level in groups 2 and 3; these effects were more pronounced in the group 3.

Evaluation of the outcomes of ice application for the control of pain associated with chest tube irritation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of ice for the control of pain associated with chest tube irritation. The randomized and single-blinded study consisted of 40 patients (20 in the control and 20 in the study group) who underwent thoracotomy with chest tube placement. The same general anesthesia protocol was used for all patients, and the procedure was performed by the same surgery team. Procedures such as decortication and thoracic wall resection were not included in the study. Standard postoperative analgesic methods were applied to all patients. Additionally, ice (in flexible and bendable cold gel packs wrapped in fine cloth sheaths) was applied to the chest tube insertion site at the 24th, 28th, 36th, and 40th postoperative hours for 20 minutes. To assess the effectiveness of ice application, Verbal Category Scale and Behavioral Pain Scale methods were used to measure the severity of pain. Average pain severity scores during the mobilization activities, including coughing and walking, were compared and found to be significantly lower in the study group patients who received cold therapy than in the control group patients (p < .05). Additionally, analgesic consumption was lower in the study group than in the control group patients (p < .05). As a result, the application of ice to the chest tube insertion site reduced pain associated with irritation along with the need for analgesics.

Comparison of the effects of desflurane and bupivacaine on Th1 and Th2 responses.

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia and surgical trauma are known to affect various functions of the immune system. Alterations reported in the immune system, such as imbalance of Th1 (IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4, 5, 10) cytokines, may result from a number of factors, including pre-medication, type of anesthetic drug, and modality of anesthesia. In this study, we investigated the effects of spinal and general anesthesia with desflurane and bupivakain, respecttively, on Th1 (IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines, absolute lymphocyte and natural regulatory T cell numbers (Treg). METHODS: Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells from 24 patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), undergoing transuretheral prostatectomy under spinal (n = 12) and general (n = 12) anesthesia were analyzed before and 24 hours after surgery. Intracellular cytokine production in response to mitogen stimulation and absolute numbers of Tregs and lymphocytes were determined by using flow cytometry. RESULTS: In patients who received spinal anesthesia, while the frequency of IFN-gamma (1.68% +/- 0.74 vs. 1.03% +/- 0.74) and IL-10 producing CD4+ T cells decreased (2.62% +/- 2.24 vs. 1.04% +/- 1.06; p < 0.05), the ratio of Th1/Th2 remained similar (1.14 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.52 +/- 1.02; p > 0.05) after surgery. In contrast, in the general anesthesia group the frequency of CD4 IFN-gamma+ T cells increased (1.3% +/- 0.7 vs. 2.5% +/- 1.2; p < 0.05) and the frequency of CD4+ IL-10+ T cells decreased (1.1% +/- 0.68 vs. 0.67% +/- 0.47), resulting in an increased Th1/Th2 ratio (1.61 +/- 1.1 vs. 4.77 +/- 3.95; p < 0.05). Absolute lymphocyte and Treg numbers did not change significantly in both groups following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion that general anesthesia, rather than spinal anesthesia, alters the balance of Th1 and Th2 in favor of Th1 responses. However, whether this has any effect on the susceptibility to postsurgery-related infections remains to be determined.