[Catheter-related bladder discomfort in post-anaesthesia care unit]. / Inconfort lié à la sonde vésicale en période postopératoire.

Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is an unrecognized clinical event. Symptoms of CRBD secondary to an indwelling urinary catheter mimic those of an overactive bladder, i.e. urinary frequency and urgency with or without urge incontinence. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors located in the bladder wall by the catheter is the triggering factor. Postoperative pain may be increased by the CRBD. Antimuscarinic drugs, as oxybutynin, are today the main treatment. Further studies are warranted to confirm efficacy of ketamine, tramadol and gabapentin in this situation.

[Effect of sublingual oxybutynin in postoperative pain after radical retropubic prostatectomy]. / Effet du traitement par l'oxybutynine en sublingual dans les douleurs postopératoires après prostatectomie totale.

INTRODUCTION: Total prostatectomy (TP) is one of the referential treatments of localized cancer of the prostate gland. Urethrovesical anastomosis and urinary catheterization may be sources of strong contractions of the detrusor muscle responsible for intense pain which is added to parietal pain. This study evaluates the efficiency of oxybutynin in the treatment of this postoperative pain (POP). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Forty-five patients due to benefit from a TP by laparotomy were included in this prospective study. A urinary catheter was put in place during the operation. Patients were randomly split into two groups in the postoperative care room. Group P (n = 23) received a placebo in tablet form and group O (n = 22) received 5mg of oxybutynin in sublingual form. The POP was evaluated every 2 hours using the Visual Analogue pain Scale (VAS 0:10). RESULTS: The accumulated dose of tramadol after 8 hours was 110.8 mg in group P and 39.7 mg in group O (p < 0.05). For group P, 15/23 of the patients (65%) were in pain versus 4/22 (18%) in group O. The VAS scores of group P were higher (4.1 +/- 1) than those of group O (1.2 +/- 0.9). For group P, when the PCA dose of tramadol was inefficient, a tablet of oxybutynin 5 mg brought the VAS scores down to the same level of those of group O within 2 hours. No side effects linked to the antimuscarinic action were observed. CONCLUSION: Oxybutynin given in sublingual form reduced, at postoperative stage, the frequency and intensity of pain linked to the bladder wound and to the catheter after TP. Its use for the POP of the bladder section reduced the consumption of postoperative analgesia.

Wound infiltration with magnesium sulphate and ropivacaine mixture reduces postoperative tramadol requirements after radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: This prospective, randomized, double-dummy study was undertaken to compare the effects of magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) administered by the intravenous vs. the infiltration route on postoperative pain and analgesic requirements. METHODS: Forty ASA I or II men scheduled for radical retropubic prostatectomy under general anaesthesia were randomized into two groups (n=20 each). Two medication sets A and B were prepared at the pharmacy. Each set contained a minibag of 50 ml solution for IV infusion and a syringe of 45 ml for wound infiltration. Group MgSO(4).IV patients received set A with 50 mg/kg MgSO(4) in the minibag and 190 mg of ropivacaine in the syringe. Group MgSO(4)/L received set B with isotonic saline in the minibag and 190 mg of ropivacaine +750 mg of MgSO(4) in the syringe. The IV infusion was performed over 30 min at induction of anaesthesia and the surgical wound infiltration was performed during closure. Pain was assessed every 4 h, using a 100-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Postoperative analgesia was standardized using IV paracetamol (1 g/6 h) and tramadol was administered via a patient-controlled analgesia system. The follow-up period was 24 h. RESULTS: The total cumulative tramadol consumption was 221 +/- 64.1 mg in group MgSO4.IV and 134 +/- 74.9 mg in group MgSO(4).L (P<0.01). VAS pain scores were equivalent in the two groups throughout the study. No side-effects, due to systemic or local MgSO(4) administration, were observed. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of MgSO(4) with ropivacaine for postoperative infiltration analgesia after radical retropubic prostatectomy produces a significant reduction in tramadol requirements.

Preparation for surgery of phaeochromocytoma by blockade of alpha-adrenergic receptors with urapidil: what dose?

The preparation for phaeochromocytoma surgery is a matter of debate. Pre-operative blockade of alpha-1 receptors is increasingly employed in an attempt to reduce the risk of hypertensive episodes, especially during manipulation of the tumour. In this study, we compared the interest of an almost complete blockade of these receptors by high doses of urapidil in comparison with that of moderate doses of this drug. The study was conducted in two consecutive series of 18 patients, the first treated by a moderate dose, and the second by the highest dose tolerated by the patient. The two groups were comparable in other respects. All patients were operated under laparoscopy by the same surgeon and managed by the same anaesthetist using the same protocol. The number of hypertensive peaks was significantly reduced using the high dose of urapidil, with no more hypotensive episodes after tumour removal in this group. The area under the curve of norepinephrine levels as a function of time was significantly larger with the high doses of urapidil, arguing in favour of a more complete blockade of alpha-1 receptors. Our findings indicate the value of aggressive blockade of alpha-1 receptors in preparation for surgery of phaeochromocytoma.

Sublingual oxybutynin reduces postoperative pain related to indwelling bladder catheter after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bladder discomfort related to an indwelling catheter can exacerbate postoperative pain. It mimics overactive bladder syndrome that is resistant to conventional opioid therapy. Muscarinic receptor antagonists are effective for treatment of the overactive bladder. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of oxybutynin in the management of postoperative pain after radical prostatectomy. METHOD: Forty-six ASA I or II men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to two groups, in a double-blind fashion: Group O and Group P (n = 23 each). Group O and Group P received, respectively, sublingual oxybutynin 5 mg or placebo every 8 h during the 24 h after surgery. A 16F Foley catheter was placed during the vesico-urethral anastomosis and the balloon inflated with 10 ml of saline. Pain was assessed in the recovery room starting 10 min after extubation using a 100-point visual analogue scale (VAS). The patients were asked to specify whether pain was related to the surgical incision or bladder pain. Standardized postoperative analgesia included acetaminophen and tramadol administered via a patient-controlled analgesia system. RESULTS: The incidence of bladder catheter pain was 65% (15 of 23 patients) in Group P compared with 17% (4 of 23 patients) in Group O (P < 0.01). Overall VAS scores at rest were significantly lower in Group O. Cumulative tramadol consumption was 322.9(124.3) mg [mean(sd)] in Group P and 146(48) mg in Group O (P < 0.01). No oxybutynin-related side-effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Sublingual oxybutynin is an effective treatment for postoperative pain after radical retropubic prostatectomy and produces a significant reduction in tramadol requirements.

Les complications de la nephrectomie laparoscopique

Objectif: Depuis l'avenement de la chirurgie minimale invasive; la voie laparoscopique devient la reference pour le traitement chirurgical des pathologies renales. L'objectif de ce travail est d'analyser les complications de la nephrectomie laparoscopique. Patients et methodes: Les nephrectomies laparoscopiques realisees en 10 ans (1996 - 2005) ont ete revues. Les caracteres demographiques; les incidents per-operatoires et les complications post-operatoires ont ete etudies. Resultats: Il y avait 181 patients operes dont 83 nephrectomies radicales; 80 nephrectomies simples et 18 nephro-ureterectomies. L'age moyen est de 59 ans. Des antecedents de chirurgie et/ou de radiotherapie etaient observes chez 103 patients (56;91). Chez 25 patients (13;81); on notait au moins une complication. Une conversion etait necessaire chez 6 patients (3;31) avec 4 plaies vasculaires et 2 difficultes de dissection. Dans 10 cas (5;52); les complications etaient majeures (8 cas de saignements; 1 cas d'odeme aigu des poumons; 1 cas de fistule digestive) avec 2 deces. Chez 15 patients (8;29); elles etaient mineures avec 9 cas d'hematome; 3 cas d'infection parietale; 2 cas d'emphyseme sous cutanee et 1 cas d'eventration lombaire. Conclusion: Le taux global de complications est de 13;81. Il semblerait que l'existence de facteurs de risque associes (age avance; tares; antecedents chirurgicaux ou irradiation) augmente le taux de complication. Le profil de ces patients est un des elements a prendre en compte pour prevoir et prevenir ces complications

Postoperative thrombotic microangiopathy following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

This report describes the perioperative management of disseminated intravascular coagulation occurring abruptly during a planned cystectomy for non-metastatic bladder papillary carcinoma. Peroperatively, profuse bleeding and an acute decrease in blood pressure were effectively treated by blood transfusions and fresh frozen plasma. Haematological tests indicated the presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. On the following three days, acute renal failure, peripheral disseminated intravascular coagulation-related thrombocytopenia and haemolytic anemia with schistocytes were suggestive of thrombotic microangiopathy. Treatment by plasma exchange along with haemodialysis was commenced. An aetiological work-up remained negative. After 21 days of treatment, haemodialysis and plasma exchange were stopped. Urological outcome was favourable. The one-year follow-up did not show any residual renal insufficiency and laboratory parameters returned to normal. In the absence of evidence in favour of an infectious, drug-related or immunological aetiology, we postulated that this thrombotic microangiopathy was caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation and that the tumour manipulation during the surgical procedure was the triggering factor.

Intravenous magnesium sulphate decreases postoperative tramadol requirement after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess whether the addition of intravenous magnesium sulphate (Mg) at the induction of anaesthesia to a balanced anaesthetic protocol including wound infiltration, paracetamol and tramadol resulted in improved analgesic efficiency after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Thirty ASA I or II males scheduled to undergo radical retropubic prostatectomy with general anaesthesia were prospectively assigned to one of the two groups (n = 15 each). The Mg group (Gr Mg) received 50 mg kg-1 of MgSO4 in 100 mL of isotonic saline over 20 min immediately after induction of anaesthesia and before skin incision. The patients in the control group (Gr C) received the same volume of saline over the same period. At the time of abdominal closure, wound infiltration with 190 mg (40 mL) of ropivacaine was performed in both groups. Pain was assessed by a 10-point visual analogue scale in the recovery room starting from the time of tracheal extubation. Standardized postoperative analgesia included paracetamol and tramadol administered via a patient-controlled analgesia device. RESULTS: In the postoperative period, both groups experienced an identical pain course evolution. Cumulative mean tramadol dose after 24 h was 226 mg in the magnesium group and 446 mg in the control group (P < 0.001). Postoperative nausea occurred in two patients in each group. Two vs. eight patients required analgesic rescue in magnesium and control groups, respectively (P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that intravenous magnesium sulphate reduces tramadol consumption when used as a postoperative analgesic protocol in radical prostatectomy.

Effects of perioperative alpha1 block on haemodynamic control during laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytoma can cause excessive catechol amine release with severe hypertension and sinus tachycardia. i.v. calcium antagonists may be used to prevent increases in blood pressure during phaeochromocytoma resection. We investigated the effects of perioperative alpha(1) adrenergic block with urapidil on intraoperative haemodynamic events. The aim was to block the alpha(1) adrenergic receptors before any acute catecholamine release, to prevent any severe rise in blood pressure. METHODS: Eighteen patients with a phaeochromocytoma received a continuous i.v. infusion of urapidil 10-15 mg h(-1) for 3 days before surgery and until the adrenal gland had been removed. Plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured before surgery, after induction of anaesthesia, at the end of pneumoperitoneal insufflation, during gland manipulation, after gland resection, and in the recovery room after extubation. Arterial pressure was recorded concomitantly. Hypertensive events were treated with boluses of nicardipine with or without esmolol. RESULTS: All patients had the adrenal tumour removed without any severe rise in blood pressure or other complication. Creation of a pneumoperitoneum and adrenal gland manipulation induced significant catecholamine release associated with hypertension in 6 and 12 patients, respectively. No correlation was found between hypertensive events and plasma catecholamine levels suggesting alpha(1) receptor block with urapidil is efficacious. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative alpha(1) block using i.v. urapidil is a safe and efficient alternative during surgical management of phaeochromocytoma.

[An adverse effect of glycine irrigation solution: absorption syndrome]. / Complication des liquides d'irrigation à base de glycocolle: le syndrome de résorption.

Endoscopic operations in the genitourinary tract require the use of an irrigating fluid containing glycine 1.5% and expose patients to adverse events in relation with the absorption of that irrigating fluid, summarized as "transurethral resection reactions" (TURP syndrome). Intra and extra vascular absorption are now well described. The uptake of 1000 ml of fluid corresponds to an acute decrease in the serum sodium concentration of 5-8 mmol.l-1 and give poor clinical signs. This is the volume above which the risk of absorption-related symptoms is statistically increased. Dilutional hyponatraemia and toxicity of glycine and/or its metabolites explain the clinical symptoms. Hyponatraemia and the osmotic gap assess the diagnosis of TUR syndrome. There is a threat to life and a knowledge of an adequate management is essential. Ethanol monitoring is an non invasive method to prevent and detect early irrigating fluid absorption.

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. Perioperative blockade with urapidil]. / Exérèse de phéochromocytomes par coeliochirurgie. Effet du blocage périopératoire par l'urapidil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of coeliosurgery by catecholamine assays and the use of urapidil in the management of phaeochromocytoma. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PATIENTS: Nine consecutive patients from April 1997 to April 2001. METHODS: Urapidil (250 mg.j-1) was administered by continuous intravenous infusion three days before surgery and continued throughout anaesthesia. Plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured before surgery, after induction of anaesthesia, during insufflation, after adrenalectomy and in the recovery room. Haemodynamic disorders were treated by nicardipine +/- esmolol bolus doses. RESULTS: Creation of pneumoperitoneum and adrenal gland manipulations resulted in significant catecholamine releases associated with hypertension in five and eight patients respectively. Preventive urapidil use enabled easy control of blood pressure variations by additive antihypertensive drugs. CONCLUSION: Perioperative alpha 1 blockade by urapidil enables an effective and easy control of acute preoperative haemodynamic changes.

Successful laparoscopic operation of bilateral pheochromocytoma in a patient with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

We report the case of a 20-year-old female patient with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome presenting with high blood pressure and bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma successfully removed with laparoscopy in the same time. To our knowledge, the present case is the first observation of a bilateral pheochromocytoma occurring in the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. It provides further support for a genetic anomaly in this condition. Our case also indicates the interest of laparoscopy for the surgical treatment of adrenal pheochromocytoma, even in bilateral tumors.

Mydriasis and acute pulmonary oedema complicating laparoscopic removal of phaechromocytoma.

This report describes the perioperative management of an adrenergic crisis occurring following insufflation of the peritoneum for planned laparoscopic surgery for phaechromocytoma. Despite preoperative alpha and beta adrenergic blockade, the occurrence of acute severe hypertension, mydriasis and pulmonary oedema prior to direct surgical manipulation caused the procedure to be abandoned. The severity of the event was unusual and most likely contributed to by haemorrhagic necrosis of the tumour releasing catecholamines. Serum levels of noradrenaline and adrenaline at the time were 744,600 and 166,940 pg.ml-1 respectively. Treatment included bolus doses of esmolol, nicardipine and urapidil (an alpha 1 adrenergic antagonist) by constant intravenous infusion and mechanical ventilation. Postoperative cerebral CT scan was normal. An abdominal CT showed central haemorrhagic necrosis of the tumour. Two weeks later, open surgical removal of the phaeochromocytoma was successfully performed under general anaesthesia. Induction of pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopy may be particularly hazardous in a patient with a phaeochromocytoma.

[Importance of the association ticarcillin-clavulanic acid-amikacin in the treatment of severe urinary infections after major urodigestive surgery. Report of 59 cases]. / Intérêt de l'association ticarcilline-acide clavulanique-amikacine dans le traitement des infections urinaires graves après chirurgie urodigestive majeure. A propos de 59 cas.

Ticarcillin-clavulanic acid (Claventin) and amikacin were administered in an open study to prevent and treat nosocomial urinary tract infections, to 59 patients after major urological surgery. Postoperative course was event-free in 44 cases. 10 patients presented asymptomatic urinary tract infections due to gram negative bacilli, that did not require any change in antimicrobial therapy. 5 patients experienced symptomatic nosocomial infections, whose one was associated with a methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicemia that was treated by vancomycin. The urinary tract infections were polymicrobial in only 3 cases. The tolerance was quite satisfactory, and the protocol was effective in about 92% of cases. The combination of ticarcillin-clavulanic acid-amikacin is valuable and can be used as first step therapy to preserve the ecology of the patients.

Effect of balanced analgesia with buprenorphine on pain response and general anaesthesia requirement during lithotripsy procedures.

The effectiveness of a balanced analgesia with buprenorphine ketoprofen-propacetamol for pain control during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was evaluated in order to reduce the requirements for general anaesthesia. Two hundred and ninety-one consecutive patients were included in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Patients in each group received midazolam 5 mg pre-operatively as premedication. The subjects then received either placebo (group 1), buprenorphine 0.3 mg (group 2) or the combination buprenorphine 0.3 mg plus ketoprofen 100 mg and propacetamol 2 g (group 3) intravenously (i.v.) at a constant rate. The treatment was started 45 min prior to ESWL. Pain was assessed using a three-point verbal scale: (0)no pain; (1) moderate pain; and (2) intense pain needing general anaesthesia. The patients assessed their pain intensity on a 0-100 mm visual analogue scale. Only 69% of group 1 patients received ESWL with midazolam premedication. Buprenorphine provided good analgesia in 87% of group 2 patients, while the combination buprenorphine-ketoprofen-propacetamol was effective in 99% of group 3 patients (P < 0.05). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was similar in the buprenorphine groups. No respiratory depression was reported. In conclusion, the buprenorphine-ketoprofen-propacetamol combination provided effective analgesia, allowing ESWL to be performed without the need for general anaesthesia.