Comparison of programmed intermittent epidural bolus injection and continuous epidural injection in controlling nighttime pain and improving sleep quality after thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain after open thoracotomy is known to be very severe and affects sleep quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a programmed intermittent epidural bolus injection versus continuous epidural injection for controlling nighttime pain and improving sleep quality after thoracotomy. METHODS: Seventy-six patients scheduled for open thoracotomy for lung cancer or other lung diseases were enrolled. The participants were divided into 2 groups. Group A was continuously injected with 0.2% levobupivacaine at 1.1 mL/h, and group B was injected intermittently with 3 mL 0.2% levobupivacaine at 3 hours intervals through a thoracic epidural catheter via a programmed infusion pump. Within 48 hours after surgery, the degree of pain control using visual analog scale and the patients' sleep conditions on postoperative day (POD) 0 and 1 were evaluated, and other adverse events were investigated. RESULTS: On POD 1 night, the visual analog scale in group B showed lower than group A (P = .009). Comparison of time to fall asleep showed no differences between 2 groups. Total sleep time was no difference on POD 0 but was longer in group B than that in group A on POD 1 (P = .042). Awakening from sleep on POD 0 was lower in group B than that in group A (P = .033), and satisfaction with sleep quality on POD 0 was superior in group B compared to group A (P = .005). Postoperative nausea and vomiting occurred more frequently in group B than in group A (P = .018). CONCLUSION: The programmed intermittent epidural bolus technique of patient-controlled epidural analgesia reduces postoperative nighttime pain and improves sleep quality in patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung cancer or other lung diseases.

The influence of circulating fibrinogen level on postoperative blood loss and blood transfusion in pediatric cardiac surgery: a retrospective observational study.

Background: Pediatric patients are at high risk of massive bleeding after cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Fibrinogen is essential for coagulation; however, pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) present abnormal fibrinogen function. The pre- and post-operative fibrinogen level may affect the bleeding and transfusion amount in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, the relationship between plasma fibrinogen levels and the bleeding and transfusion amount in pediatric cardiac surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association of pre-CPB fibrinogen levels (PreFib) and post-CPB fibrinogen levels (PostFib) with postoperative bleeding and transfusion volume in pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 375 newborns and infants who underwent cardiac surgery under CPB for CHD. The primary endpoint was the correlation of the PreFib and PostFib values, as well as their difference (FibGap), with the bleeding and transfusion amount within 24 postoperative hours. Results: There was no correlation of the PreFib, PostFib, and FibGap values with the bleeding and transfusion amounts at postoperative 24 hours. However, patients with PreFib and PostFib values of <150 and <100 mg/dL, respectively, showed a significantly higher frequency of postoperative platelet (PLT) transfusion. In patients with complex CHD, PreFib showed a weak negative correlation with the bleeding amount at postoperative 24 hours and the number of PLT-transfused patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that in pediatric patients with CHD who cannot undergo point-of-care (POC) tests, those presenting PreFib and PostFib values of <150 and <100 mg/dL, respectively, have a significantly higher frequency of postoperative PLT transfusion.

Expanded Efficacy of Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative respiratory failure occurs frequently in liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been applied in patients with acute and potentially reversible life-threatening respiratory failure that is unresponsive to conventional therapies. VV-ECMO is used as a bridging device for lung transplantation. However, there are few reports on VV-ECMO as bridging therapy in LT patients with respiratory failure. This study assessed patient outcomes of VV-ECMO after LT and investigated its applicability and safety in LT surgery. METHODS: From January 2017 to May 2019, VV-ECMO was applied in 8 deceased donor LT patients at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital. RESULTS: Patients administered pre- or postoperative VV-ECMO showed a 50% 1-year survival rate and 75% success rate for ECMO weaning. Six patients were administered preoperative VV-ECMO for respiratory failure, of whom 4 patients survived for longer than a year. Two patients who received VV-ECMO for refractory hypoxia during LT died; 1 failed ECMO weaning, and the other was successfully weaned off ECMO but died of other causes. CONCLUSION: VV-ECMO could lower the risk of hypoxemia-related organ failure while awaiting and during LT via better controlled gas exchange without significant acute morbidity. VV-ECMO may expand operability in patients with severe respiratory failure awaiting LT.

Comparison of the Oblique Interlaminar and Transforaminal Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections for Treatment of Low Back and Lumbosacral Radicular Pain.

BACKGROUND: Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TF-ESIs) effectively deliver small amounts of drugs to inflamed sites via the ventral epidural space. However, there is a high risk of nerve damage as the needle narrowly approaches the spinal nerve. Therefore, we devised an oblique interlaminar (OIL) approach as an alternative method. We compared the efficacy of fluoroscopic-guided OIL-ESIs with that of TF-ESIs in the management of lower back and unilateral lumbosacral radicular pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients were randomized to receive a fluoroscopic-guided ESI either through the OIL (n = 33, group OIL) or TF (n = 33, group TF) approach. They were evaluated for effective pain relief using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and for functional improvement using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Other outcome measures were the presence of ventral and contralateral spread of contrast, patients' satisfaction, and adverse events. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in the VAS, ODI, and RMDQ scores during the 12-week period. The differences in the ODI and RMDQ scores before and after the treatment were higher in group TF than in group OIL. The contralateral spread of contrast was higher in group OIL than in group TF. There were no significant differences in the other outcomes between the groups. CONCLUSION: ESIs delivered through the OIL approach are equally effective in pain relief and functional improvement as those delivered via the TF approach in the management of low back and unilateral lumbosacral radicular pain.

Endoscopic vacuum therapy for cervical leakage following esophagectomy under monitored anesthesia care: a case report.

Although esophagectomy is a standard treatment for esophageal cancer, anastomotic leak after esophagectomy is a relatively common complication and its incidence is 10-25% for cervical anastomosis. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) is a feasible primary treatment of esophageal perforations and leaks. Currently, there are no anesthesia guidelines for EVT, however, it is usually performed under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, especially for cervical EVT. Here, we report a successful EVT under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) without any complication, which doesn't need to intubate the patient. A 64-year-old male with upper esophageal cancer underwent an Ivor-Lewis operation with cervical anastomosis. Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) was performed for cervical leak under general anesthesia, but there was no further improvement. Although EVT was attempted under sedation with midazolam in an endoscopy room, the procedure was discontinued because of desaturation. Furthermore, the thoracic surgeon was concerned about the possibility of dyspnea and hypoxia even after the procedure. EVT was scheduled under MAC at the request of a thoracic surgeon and medical doctor, as EVT was expected to lead to patient discomfort and difficult airway. EVT was performed successfully with no respiratory depression or patient movement using target controlled infusion with 2% propofol and remifentanil. The patient was discharged on the 78th POD without any other complications. EVT for cervical leak after esophagectomy can be successfully performed with MAC, and understanding the general condition of the patient, cooperation with the patient and the surgeon, and providing continuous oxygen supply to the patient are necessary for a successful procedure under MAC.

Anesthetic considerations for an adult with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome - A case report.

BACKGROUND: Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) includes features such as growth restriction, mental retardation, congenital heart disease, convulsions as well as microcephaly and micrognathia. Thus, the anesthesiologists may have difficulties in airway management, neuromuscular relaxation, and in maintaining hemodynamic stability. CASE: A 24-year-old man with WHS underwent surgery for closed reduction and internal fixation of the right neck of femur. His face showed features typical of patients with WHS such as a prominent glabella, hypertelorism, micrognathia, low-set malformed ears, and a down-turned mouth. Since difficult airway management was expected, a video-assisted laryngoscope was used for successful intubation. The surgery terminated without any problems under total intravenous anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: A patient with WHS may have a variety of problems. Therefore, through careful evaluation of the airway, cardiovascular system, and cerebral nervous system and by making an appropriate anesthetic plan, anesthesiologists can perform a safe general anesthesia in patients with WHS.

Effect of anesthetic method on incidence of delirium after total hip replacement arthroplasty in South Korea: a population-based study using National Health Insurance claims data.

BACKGROUND: There are various reports on the effects of the anesthetic method on neurologic complications. A population-based study was conducted to estimate the effect of anesthetic method on the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients that underwent total hip replacement arthroplasty in South Korea. METHODS: The Korean National Health Insurance claims database was used to retrospectively identify and analyze 24,379 cases of total hip replacement arthroplasty, defined as patients having a claim record with the operation code 'N0711,' from January 2008 to December 2017. Patients were divided into two groups, a general anesthesia group (n = 9,921) and a regional anesthesia group (n = 14,458). The incidence of delirium was assessed in cases when patients used medications for delirium, such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine, olanzapine, and risperidone. RESULTS: Of the 9,921 patients receiving general anesthesia and 14,458 receiving regional anesthesia, 142 (1.43%) and 209 (0.86%) experienced postoperative delirium after total hip replacement arthroplasty, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.92). In logistic regression analysis, sex (P = 0.038) and patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (P = 0.008) were predictors of postoperative delirium. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that the anesthetic method was not associated with the incidence of postoperative delirium. In addition, the results suggest that male patients and patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome undergoing total hip replacement arthroplasty carefully managed for postoperative delirium after surgery.

Anti-inflammatory effect of remifentanil in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated amniotic epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Sometimes general anesthesia is required for dental surgery in pregnant women. Facial bone fractures or neck abscess should be treated immediately. Dental surgery, however, creates a stressful situation that can cause inflammation. Inflammatory responses are a well-known major cause of preterm labor and preterm birth. Here we demonstrate the effects of remifentanil on the factors related to preterm labor and its mechanism of action on amniotic-derived epithelial cells (WISH cells). METHODS: WISH cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h and co-treated with various concentrations of remifentanil. MTT assays were performed to measure cell viability. To explain the effects of remifentanil on the factors related to inflammation in WISH cells, activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and p38 and the expression of interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclooxygenase (COX)2, and prostaglandin E (PGE)2 were quantified using western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Remifentanil did not affect WISH cell viability. In western blot analysis, co-treatment with remifentanil resulted in decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB, and expression of COX2 and PGE2 in LPS-induced inflammation, but the results were statistically significant only at low concentrations. Reduction of IL-1ß and TNF-α expression was also observed with RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: Co-treatment with remifentanil does not affect the viability of WISH cells, but reduces the expression of the factors related to inflammation, which can induce uterine contraction and preterm labor. These findings provide evidence that remifentanil may inhibit uterine contraction and preterm labor in clinical settings.

Experience of operating an anesthesia preoperative evaluation clinic in South Korea: An observational study of surgeons' satisfaction.

The benefits of an anesthesia pre-operative evaluation clinic (APEC) based on outpatients are well described in previous literatures. In the majority of hospitals in South Korea, preoperative anesthetic evaluation for surgical patients is limited to hospitalized patients on the day before surgery. Thus, we would like to share our institutional experience of implementing an APEC based on outpatients and report on the attitudes and satisfaction of the medical staff (surgeons).A 2-page survey was distributed to all specialists and resident physicians involved in surgery at a single university hospital during a 3-month period. A 5-point Likert scale of agreement and an open-ended question examined perceptions of APEC. A total of 123 questionnaires were distributed and 67 surveys were collected over a 3-month period with a 54.5% collection rate. The surgeons' perceptions of APEC are summarized in . It is difficult to state the tendency of surgeons' perception of the clinic, including workload, patient satisfaction, patient safety, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency through this survey. However, many surgeons chose to comment on suggestions to improve the quality of the APEC through the open-ended question.The surgeons' attitude and satisfaction to anesthetic services including APEC are an important component of achieving quality improvement. Although it is difficult to state the tendency of surgeons' perception of the clinic, including workload, patient satisfaction, patient safety, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency through this survey, continuous assessment and feedback may improve efficiency of the APEC and affect patient perception as well.

Postoperative analgesic efficacy of single-shot and continuous transversus abdominis plane block after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided single-shot and continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to that of IV-PCA in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Post-anesthesia care unit and General ward. PATIENTS: 108 American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status I-II patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Group A received IV-PCA; group B received both ultrasound-guided single-shot TAP block with 0.2% ropivacaine (20mL) and IV-PCA; and group C received continuous TAP block using an ultrasound-guidance-inserted indwelling catheter. In group C, infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at a basal rate of 3mL/h, bolus dose of 4mL, and a lockout interval of 30min was maintained for 48h postoperatively. The primary outcome was evaluated analgesic efficacy using the numeric rating scale (NRS) for 48h postoperatively. Other outcomes included the number of patients requiring additional analgesics, patient satisfaction with postoperative pain control, and incidence of postoperative adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: Compared to other groups, group C had higher deep abdominal NRS at 1h postoperatively (P<0.05), and lower incidence of postoperative urinary retention (P<0.05). There were no significant intergroup differences in the number of patients requiring additional analgesics, and patient satisfaction with postoperative pain control. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to IV-PCA with or without single-shot TAP block, ultrasound-guided continuous TAP block provided similar analgesia in somatic pain and less analgesia in visceral pain. Moreover, the latter resulted in a lower incidence of postoperative urinary retention.

Comparison of the single-lumen endotracheal tube and double-lumen endobronchial tube used in minimally invasive cardiac surgery for the fast track protocol.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has been more commonly performed due to the reduced amount of bleeding and transfusion and length of hospital stay. We investigated the feasibility of performing MICS using single-lumen endotracheal tube (SLT). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of clinical data of 112 patients who underwent MICS between July 2012 and March 2015. The patients underwent MICS using a SLT or a double lumen endotracheal tube (DLT). The duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and mechanical ventilation were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 96 patients, 50 were intubated with a SLT and 46 were intubated with a DLT. Anesthetic induction to skin incision time, surgical time and total anesthetic time were significant decreased in the SLT group (P<0.05). However, there was no difference in the duration of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation, and the incidence of extubation in operation room between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing with insertion of a SLT, insertion of a DLT provided equivalent duration of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation after the MICS. Therefore, the type of inserted endotracheal tube would not influence on failure of the fast track protocol and insertion of a SLT is feasible and could be an alternative method to a DLT.