Role of preoperative zinc, magnesium and budesonide gargles in Postoperative Sore Throat (POST) - a randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative sore throat (POST) has an incidence ranging from 21 to 80%. To prevent the development of POST, several pharmacological measures have been tried. Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of preoperative zinc, magnesium and budesonide gargles in reducing the incidence and severity of POST in patients who underwent endotracheal intubation for elective surgeries. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence trial in 180 patients admitted for elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomised into three groups; group Z received 40 mg Zinc, group M received 250 mg Magnesium Sulphate and group B received 200 µg Budesonide in the form of 30 ml tasteless and colourless gargle solutions. Sore throat assessment and haemodynamic recording was done postoperatively at immediate recovery (0 h) and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h post-operatively. POST was graded on a four-point scale (0-3). RESULTS: POST score was comparable at all recorded time points i.e. 0,2,4,6,8,12 and 24 h. Maximum incidence was seen at 8 h in group B (33.3%) and the minimum incidence was at 24 h in group Z (10%) (p > 0.05). It was found that the incidence of POST was more in the surgeries lasting longer than 2 h in all groups. This difference was found to be statistically significant in Groups M and B. The incidence of POST was found to be comparable between laparoscopic and open procedures. CONCLUSION: Magnesium, zinc and budesonide have an equivocal effect in the prevention of POST at different time points. The incidence of sore throat increases significantly in surgeries lasting more than two hours if magnesium or budesonide have been used as premedicant. Duration of surgery is an independent predictor for POST. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2021/05/033741 Date-24/05/2021(Clinical Trial Registry of India).

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block compared to serratus anterior muscle block for postoperative analgesia in modified radical mastectomy surgeries: A randomized control trial.

Background and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to compare the analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane (ESP) block with serratus anterior muscle (SAM) block in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM). We hypothesized that ESP block would provide better postoperative pain relief than SAM block following MRM. Methods: Eighty American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I-II adult females, scheduled for MRM, were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided ipsilateral single-shot ESP or SAM block after induction in the respective planes, using 20 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine. Both the groups received postoperative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) (morphine) for 24 h. The primary outcome was to assess pain severity using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Postoperative 24-h opioid consumption, time to first opioid analgesia, hemodynamic variables, total dose of antiemetics, and safety profile of both the blocks were also evaluated. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: VAS scores were lower in the ESP block group, at rest and on movement, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Postoperative morphine consumption was also significantly less in patients receiving ESP block as compared to SAM block (3.13 ± 1.44 mg vs 4.33 ± 1.69 mg; P = 0.001). The time to first analgesia request was significantly prolonged in the ESP group as compared to the SAM group (9.58 ± 4.11 h vs 6.46 ± 2.95 h; P = 0.001). No major side effects were observed in any of the study groups. Conclusions: ESP block provides better analgesia as compared to SAM block after MRM. Clinical trial registration number: CTRI/2019/03/018067.

Assessment of residual gastric volume using point-of-care ultrasonography in adult patients who underwent elective surgery.

BACKGROUND: Aspiration pneumonitis remains a dreaded complication that may lead to almost 9% of anaesthesia-related deaths. The presence of gastric contents has always been a contributing factor to an increased risk of aspiration. Preoperative gastric ultrasound has been suggested as a modality for determining residual volume in special populations and conditions. We conducted an observational study to determine the gastric residual volume in preoperative patients of elective surgery with gastric ultrasound and to study its correlation with patient factors. METHODS: We enrolled 411 patients in the age group of 18-80 with ASA-PS I and II having BMI less than 35 kg/m2. Patients with prior gastrointestinal surgery and parturients were excluded from the present study. Gastric antrum in both supine and right lateral decubitus positions was measured using USG in the immediate preoperative period, and gastric residual volume was calculated, which was subsequently correlated with various patient factors. RESULTS: On qualitative assessment, 97 and 118 patients were observed to have distended stomachs in the supine and right lateral decubitus positions, respectively. On quantitative assessment, 336 had safe GRV, 60 patients were classified as having a low risk of aspiration (GRV < 1.5 ml/kg) while 13 had a high risk of aspiration (> 1.5 ml/kg). Eight patients with a fasting duration of more than ten hours and five who fasted between 6 and 10 h had a gastric residual volume of more than 1.5 ml/h. Patients who were premedicated with histamine blockers had a statistically significant higher antral cross-sectional area (p-value - 0.022*) and GRV (p-value - 0.018*) in the right lateral decubitus position compared to patients who had taken proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). As BMI increased, there was a statistically significant (p-value < 0.001) increase in mean antral CSA in both supine and right lateral decubitus positions. There was a statistically significant association found between type 2 diabetes (p-value 0.045*) with antral grade. DISCUSSION: Patients can have significant residual volume (> 1.5 ml/kg) despite adequate fasting, and preoperative gastric ultrasound can help in assessing the same and guiding perioperative airway management. PPIs are more effective in reducing gastric residual volume as compared to histamine blockers. Patients with a BMI of more than 30 and type 2 diabetes mellitus have significant correlation with increased gastric residual volume mandating preoperative gastric ultrasound assessment for effective management. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BMI over 30 and type 2 diabetes may benefit from POCGUS to guide perioperative airway management by stratifying GRV. Trial registration Name of registry-Clinical Trial Registry of India. Trial registration number-2020/03/024083. Date of registration-19.3.2020. URL- http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=39961&EncHid=&userName=.

Comparison of effect of etomidate with propofol on hemodynamics during modified electroconvulsive therapy.

Background and Aims: Studies comparing the effect of propofol and etomidate on hemodynamic parameters during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have shown ambiguous results. Although some studies observed a larger increase in blood pressure and heart rate during the use of etomidate than propofol in ECT, whereas some studies have shown no difference in hemodynamic parameters with the use of etomidate or propofol. Most of the studies done to compare the hemodynamic effects of etomidate and propofol were limited by small sample size or retrospective in nature. Therefore, we conducted a prospective randomized trial to compare the effects of etomidate and propofol on hemodynamics during ECT. Material and Methods: A prospective randomized crossover study was conducted on 30 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I and II, between age 18 and 65 years, suffering from a mental disorder as per International Classification of Diseases-10 and requiring bilateral ECT as per clinical decision of consultant psychiatrist. They were randomized to receive both the drugs for their successive ECT sessions and were subjected to evaluation after clubbing together the ECT sessions of propofol or etomidate as anesthetic agent. Results: Duration of motor seizures was significantly more in patients receiving etomidate, whereas patients receiving propofol had more stable hemodynamics. Conclusion: Though propofol maintains stable hemodynamics during MECT, yet clinical applicability of etomidate outstrips it by a reasonable margin due to its better effect on seizure parameters.

How to do a journal club, a seminar and a webinar?

The topics for postgraduate teaching-learning tools are Journal club in-house with one speaker and a moderator, Seminars- with multiple speakers and a co-ordinator, and Webinars- online seminars with one or multiple speakers choosing multiple mediums of communication. They largely affect the working mechanism of a clinician as they help us upgrade with the recent development in our fields. Making them interesting for us as well as our colleagues is necessary. This article presents a few facts as well as tips and tricks to compile the literature in a manner, which includes all the necessary points for better learning.

In vitro evaluation of antibiotic synergy for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates.

Background & objectives: The prevalence of severe infections due to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains has increased worldwide. With rising resistance to polymyxins, the treatment has become challenging. Given the paucity of novel agents and limited data on combination therapy for CRKP, the present study was performed to test antibiotic combinations, for synergy against clinical isolates of CRKP. Methods: A total of 50 clinical isolates of CRKP were included. Modified carbapenem inactivation method was performed for the detection of carbapenemases. In vitro synergy testing was done for the following combinations: meropenem+colistin, imipenem+tigecycline and polymyxin B+levofloxacin. It was performed with epsilometric test and microdilution checkerboard method. The time kill assay (TKA) was used to confirm the results. The fractional inhibitory concentration was also calculated. Results: All CRKP isolates (100%) were ESBL producers and were completely resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefepime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and piperacillin-tazobactam. Resistance to ciprofloxacin, amikacin and tetracycline was 96, 88 and 54 per cent, respectively. Overall, 78 (39/50) and 88 per cent (44/50) of the 50 CRKP isolates exhibited synergy by TKA for meropenem-colistin and imipenem-tigecycline, respectively. No synergy was detected for levofloxacin-polymyxin B combination. The best combination among the three was that of imipenem and tigecycline followed by meropenem-colistin. Interpretation & conclusions: Of the three combinations tested, imipenem and tigecycline followed by meropenem-colistin were found to be best. No synergy was detected for levofloxacin-polymyxin B combination.

Anesthesiologist and COVID-19-current perspective.

In the current situation when the world is grappling with COVID-19 that has taken a toll on humanity and is continuing to affect multiples of health-care workers all over the world in vast numbers, the pandemonium (mayhem) has led to grim concerns. We have made an effort to compile and present a review that provides an insight into the management of patients for the front-line anesthesiologists of the medical war, which is being fought to curb and contain this COVID-19 pandemic. We have tried to incorporate the operating room locations, as well as the remote locations where anesthesiologist may be called upon for providing their services. Needless to say, it is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of the patient, as well as of the anesthesiologist who are involved in the patient care at this crucial juncture. The present article provides valuable information to anesthesiologists regarding handling the current pandemic in a protocolized and evidence-based manner.

Comparative evaluation of ropivacaine and levobupivacaine for postoperative analgesia after ultrasound-guided paravertebral block in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), although a minimally invasive procedure, is associated with substantial postoperative pain that is often underestimated. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the relative analgesic efficacy of levobupivacaine (LB) and ropivacaine (RB) when administered in ultrasound-guided paravertebral block (PVB) in patients scheduled to undergo PCNL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After obtaining the Institutional Ethics Committee approval and written informed consent, 30 patients aged between 18 and 65 years of either sex, with American Society of Anesthesiologist status I/II and body mass index >18.5 to <25, scheduled to undergo PCNL were enrolled for the study. The patients were randomized to receive single shot of 20 ml of either ropivacaine (0.2%) or levobupivacaine (0.2%) in ultrasound-guided PVB using an in-plane technique. RESULTS: The demographic and the preoperative hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were comparable in both the groups. The postoperative hemodynamic variables, respiratory parameters, and pain scores were also comparable in both the groups. Although the time to first analgesic requirement was more in LB group (1.60 ± 3.64 h) as compared to RB group (0.33 ± 1.04 h), it was statistically nonsignificant. No complications attributable to either the procedure or usage of drugs were noted in any group during the entire postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that single-shot ultrasound-guided ipsilateral PVB at the end of the surgical procedure provides adequate and effective analgesia in the postoperative period with either of the local anesthetic. Use of ultrasound provides real-time imaging of the anatomical structures and avoids potential complications of the block.

Sequential organ failure assessment scoring and prediction of patient's outcome in Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The objective was to determine the accuracy of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score in predicting outcome of patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients between 15 and 80 years admitted to ICU over 8 weeks period were studied prospectively. Three patients were excluded. SOFA score was determined 24 h postadmission to ICU and subsequently every 48 h for the first 10 days. Patients were followed till discharge/death/transfer from the ICU. Initial SOFA score, highest and mean SOFA scores were calculated and correlated with mortality and duration of stay in ICU. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 39% and the mean duration of stay in the ICU was 9 days. The maximum score in survivors (3.92 ± 2.17) was significantly lower than nonsurvivors (8.9 ± 3.45). The initial SOFA score had a strong statistical correlation with mortality. Cardiovascular score on day 1 and 3, respiratory score on day 7, and coagulation profile on day 3 correlated significantly with the outcome. Duration of the stay did not correlate with the survival (P = 0.461). CONCLUSION: SOFA score is a simple, but effective prognostic indicator and evaluator for patient progress in ICU. Day 1 SOFA can triage the patients into risk categories. For further management, mean and maximum score help determine the severity of illness and can act as a guide for the intensity of therapy required for each patient.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block with bupivacaine and ropivacaine as adjuncts for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a popular technique for post-operative analgesia in abdominal surgeries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relative efficacy of bupivacaine versus ropivacaine for post-operative analgesia using ultrasound-guided TAP block in laparoscopic cholecystectomies. METHODS: Sixty adults undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomised to receive ultrasound-guided TAP block at the end of the surgical procedure with either 0.25% bupivacaine (Group I, n = 30) or 0.375% ropivacaine (Group II, n = 30). All patients were assessed for post-operative pain and rescue analgesic consumption at 10 min, 30 min, 1 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h and 24 h time points. Means for normally distributed data were compared using Student's t-test, and proportions were compared using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test whichever was applicable. RESULTS: Patients receiving ultrasound-guided TAP block with ropivacaine (Group II) had significantly lower pain scores when compared to patients who received the block with bupivacaine (Group I) at 10 min, 30 min and 1 h. However, both the drugs were equivalent for post-operative analgesia and 24 h cumulative rescue analgesic requirement (median [interquartile range]) (75.00 [75.00-75.00] in Group I vs. 75.00 [75.00-93.75] in Group II, P = 0.366). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided TAP block with ropivacaine provides effective analgesia in the immediate post-operative period up to 1 h as compared to bupivacaine. However, both the drugs are similar in terms of 24 h cumulative rescue analgesic requirement.

Coinfections in Intensive Care Unit with pulmonary tuberculosis and mucormycosis: A clinical dilemma.

Herein, we present the case report of an adult male diabetic patient who had coinfection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and mucormycosis, which otherwise is a rare clinical entity. Diabetes mellitus may predispose a patient to tuberculosis (TB) infection which further weakens immune system thus making him susceptible to other fungal or bacterial infections which may pose various treatment difficulties. Therefore, there is a need for mycological and bacteriological investigations in patients with pulmonary TB to rule out secondary coinfections thus contributing to better management.

A Multicenter Evaluation of a Closed-Loop Anesthesia Delivery System: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Closed-loop systems for anesthesia delivery have been shown to outperform traditional manual control in different clinical settings. The present trial was aimed at evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of Bispectral Index (BIS)-guided closed-loop anesthesia delivery system (CLADS) in comparison with manual control across multiple centers in India. METHODS: Adult patients scheduled for major surgical procedures of an expected duration of 1 to 3 hours were randomized across 6 sites into 2 groups: a CLADS group and a manual group. In the manual control group, propofol infusion was titrated manually by the attending anesthesiologist to a BIS of 50 during induction and maintenance. Analgesia was maintained with fentanyl infusion and nitrous oxide in both groups. In the CLADS group, both induction and maintenance of anesthesia were performed automatically using CLADS. The primary outcome measure was the performance of the system as assessed by the percentage of total anesthesia time BIS remained ±10 of target BIS. The secondary outcome measures were a percentage of anesthesia-time heart rate and mean arterial pressure within 25% of the baseline, median absolute performance error, wobble, and global score. Wobble indicates intraindividual variability in the control of BIS, and global score reflects the overall performance; lower values indicate superior performance for both parameters. The performance parameters of the system also were compared among the participating sites. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-two patients were randomized. BIS was maintained within ±10 of target for significantly longer time in the CLADS group (81.4% ± 8.9 % of anesthesia duration) than in the manual group (55.34% ± 25%, P < 0.0001). The indices that assess performance were significantly better in the CLADS group than the manual group as follows: median absolute performance error was 10 (10, 12) (median [interquartile range]) in the CLADS group versus 18 (14, 24) in the manual group, P < 0.0001; wobble was 9 (8, 10) in CLADS group versus 10 (8, 14) in the manual group, P = 0.0009; and Global score, which reflects overall performance, was 24 (19, 30) in the CLADS group versus 51 (31, 99) in the manual group, P < 0.0001. The percentage of time heart rate was within 25% of the baseline was significantly greater in the CLADS group (heart rate of 95 [87, 99], median [interquartile range], in the CLADS group versus 90 [75, 98] in the manual group P = 0.0031). On comparison of data between the centers, the performance parameters did not differ significantly among the centers in the CLADS group (P = 0.94), but the parameters differed significantly among the centers in the manual group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study in a multicenter setting proves the consistently better performance of automated anesthesia drug delivery compared with conventional manual control. This highlights an important advantage of an automated system for delivering standardized anesthesia, thereby overcoming differences in practices among anesthesiologists.

Low tracheal tumor and airway management: An anesthetic challenge.

We describe a case presenting with tracheal tumor wherein a Microlaryngeal tube was advanced into the trachea distal to the tumor for primary airway control followed by cannulation of both endobronchial lumen with 5.5 mm endotracheal tubes to provide independent lung ventilation post tracheal transection using Y- connector attached to anesthesia machine. The plan was formulated to provide maximal surgical access to the trachea while providing adequate ventilation at the same time. A 32 yrs non smoker male, complaining of cough, progressive dyspnea and hemoptysis was diagnosed to have a broad based mass in the trachea on computed tomography of chest. Bronchoscopy of the upper airway confirmed presence of the mass at a distance of 9 cms from the vocal cords, obstructing the tracheal lumen by three fourth of the diameter. The patient was scheduled to undergo the resection of the mass through anterolateral thoracotomy. We recommend the use of extralong, soft, small sized microlaryngeal surgery tube in tumors proximal to carina, for securing the airway before the transection of trachea and bilateral endobronchial intubation with small sized cuffed endotracheal tubes for maintenance of ventilation after the transection of trachea in patients with mass in the lower trachea.

Overview of the coagulation system.

Coagulation is a dynamic process and the understanding of the blood coagulation system has evolved over the recent years in anaesthetic practice. Although the traditional classification of the coagulation system into extrinsic and intrinsic pathway is still valid, the newer insights into coagulation provide more authentic description of the same. Normal coagulation pathway represents a balance between the pro coagulant pathway that is responsible for clot formation and the mechanisms that inhibit the same beyond the injury site. Imbalance of the coagulation system may occur in the perioperative period or during critical illness, which may be secondary to numerous factors leading to a tendency of either thrombosis or bleeding. A systematic search of literature on PubMed with MeSH terms 'coagulation system, haemostasis and anaesthesia revealed twenty eight related clinical trials and review articles in last 10 years. Since the balance of the coagulation system may tilt towards bleeding and thrombosis in many situations, it is mandatory for the clinicians to understand physiologic basis of haemostasis in order to diagnose and manage the abnormalities of the coagulation process and to interpret the diagnostic tests done for the same.

El tubo endotraqueal no protege contra la aspiración de un cuerpo extraño hacia adentro de la tráquea: reporte de caso / The endotracheal tube does not protect the aspiration of a foreign body in the trachea: A case report

RESUMEN Describimos el caso del corte inadvertido de una sonda introducida por la nariz para medir la temperatura intraquirúrgica, en un paciente de 26 años. El segmento faltante de la sonda se recuperó de la tráquea, un sitio inusual en vista de la presencia del tubo endotraqueal con balón. Este caso sirve para recordar que el tubo endotraqueal con balón no protege necesariamente a la vía aérea contra la aspiración de cuerpos extraños sólidos provenientes de la vía oral o la vía nasal.

ABSTRACT We describe a case of a 26-year-old patient wherein a temperature probe introduced through the nose for intra operative temperature monitoring was inadvertently cut during the ongoing surgical procedure. The missing segment of the probe was retrieved from the trachea which formed an unusual site in spite of the presence of a cuffed endotracheal tube. The present case serves as a reminder that cuffed endotracheal tube does not necessarily protect the airway from aspiration of solid foreign bodies from the oral or nasal airway.

Obstetric use of nitroglycerin: Anesthetic implications.

Nitroglycerin has been used in anesthetic practice for induced hypotension and managing perioperative hypertension and myocardial ischemia. Contrary to the continuous low dose infusions (5-20 mcg/min) used for the same, intravenous bolus dosages are sometimes administered at the behest of obstetricians for removal of retained placenta. Use of nitroglycerine in managing retained placenta is undertaken as a last resort when other measures fail to relax the uterine smooth muscles. Intravenous nitroglycerine relaxes smooth muscle cells by releasing nitric oxide thus causing prompt cervico-uterine relaxation. However, administration of nitroglycerine in this manner is not without risks which should be kept in mind while using it for obstetric purposes. We hereby report a case of 22-year-old female scheduled for manual removal of placenta where unpredictable and unexpected hypoxemia was observed following nitroglycerine administration.