Comparison of Intra-operative Pressure-Controlled Ventilation and Volume-Controlled Ventilation in Bariatric Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation may be particularly challenging in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. The present study aimed to compare the effects of pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) with those of volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) on peripheral tissue oxygenation (PTO), respiratory function, hemodynamic status, and ventilation-related complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with obesity who underwent gastric plication or sleeve gastrectomy were recruited for the study, and 60 patients (n=32, in group PCV; n=28, in group VCV) were ultimately enrolled. Data on peri-operative PTO (arterial blood gas [ABG] analysis and tissue oxygen saturation [StO2]) and respiratory functions were recorded for each patient, along with post-operative hemodynamic status, fluid intake, urinary output, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score , and complications. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in pH, partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, and lactate values at baseline, intra-operative and post-operative periods. The peri-operative StO2 values were also similar between the two groups at all times. The two groups were identical in terms of preoperative values for respiratory function tests and post-operative hemodynamic status, fluid intake, urinary output, pain scores, and complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the choice of the mechanical ventilation mode did not appear to influence oxygen delivery, respiratory function, hemodynamic status, post-operative pain, or ventilation-related complications in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

The effect of desflurane and propofol protocols on preconditioning.

BACKGROUND: Preconditioning is one of the most powerful mechanisms preventing the myocardial ischemic damage that occurs during coronary artery bypass grafting. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effects of different propofol and/or desflurane administration protocols in terms of the prevention of ischaemia-reperfusion damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety patients, aged > 18 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) category III, scheduled to undergo primary elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), were included in the study. During maintenance, the patients in group 1 (n = 30) received a propofol infusion (5-6 mg/kg/h) combined with a fentanyl infusion (3-5 mcg/kg/h); the patients in group 2 (n = 30) also received a propofol infusion (5-6 mg/kg/h) combined with a fentanyl infusion (3-5 mcg/kg/h), but they were also given 6% desflurane inhalation for 15 min both before cross-clamping of the aorta and after removal of the clamp; the patients in group 3 (n = 30) received a propofol infusion (2-3 mg/kg/h) combined with a fentanyl infusion (3-5 mcg/kg/h) and received the continuous 6% desflurane inhalation. Blood samples were drawn in the preoperative period (S1), during cardiopulmonary bypass, before cross-clamping the aorta (S2), after removal of the cross-clamp (S3) and 24 h after the operation (S4). RESULTS: All groups were similar in terms of age and BMI (p > 0.05). TNF-α levels were higher at S3 compared to S1, S2 and S4 (p > 0.001). The TNF-α levels at S4 were lower in group 3 than those in group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.05). In all groups, h-FABP levels showed an increase in S3 but were significantly lower at S4 (p < 0.05). In group 3, h-FABP levels at S2 and S3 were significantly lower than those in group 1 (p < 0.05). There was a moderate correlation between h-FABP and TNF-α levels (Spearman's rho = 0.472, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the measurement of h-FABP and TNF-α, low-dose propofol and continuous desflurane inhalation provide more effective preconditioning than propofol alone or a short course of desflurane in patients undergoing CABG.

Perineural dexmedetomidine effects on sciatic nerve in rat.

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that high dose dexmedetomidine would increase the duration of antinociception to a thermal stimulus in a rat model of sciatic nerve blockade without causing nerve damage. The rats were anesthetized with isoflurane. After electromyography (EMG) recordings, right sciatic nerves were explored and perineural injections were delivered: Group D (n=7), 40µgµgkg-1 dexmedetomidine administration, Group II (n=6), (0.2mL) saline administration, Group III (n=2), only surgically exploration of the right sciatic nevre. Time to paw withdrawal latency (PAW) to a thermal stimulus for both paws and an assessment of motor function were measured every 30min after the nerve block until a return to baseline. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of right and left sciatic nerves were recorded 10 times per each nerve once more after perineural injections at 14 day. After EMG recordings, right and the part of left sciatic nerve were excised at a length of at minimum 15mm for histopathological examination. Comparison of right/left CMAP amplitude ratios before and 14 days after the procedure showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.000). There were no differences in perineural inflammation between the Group D, Group S, and Group E at 14 days.

[Perineural dexmedetomidine effects on sciatic nerve in rat]. / Efeitos de dexmedetomidina perineural no nervo ciático em ratos.

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that high dose dexmedetomidine would increase the duration of antinociception to a thermal stimulus in a rat model of sciatic nerve blockade without causing nerve damage. The rats were anesthetized with isoflurane. After electromyography (EMG) recordings, right sciatic nerves were explored and perineural injections were delivered: Group D (n=7), 40µgµgkg-1 dexmedetomidine administration, Group II (n=6), (0.2mL) saline administration, Group III (n=2), only surgically exploration of the right sciatic nevre. Time to paw withdrawal latency (PAW) to a thermal stimulus for both paws and an assessment of motor function were measured every 30min after the nerve block until a return to baseline. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of right and left sciatic nerves were recorded 10 times per each nerve once more after perineural injections at 14 day. After EMG recordings, right and the part of left sciatic nerve were excised at a length of at minimum 15mm for histopathological examination. Comparison of right/left CMAP amplitude ratios before and 14 days after the procedure showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.000). There were no differences in perineural inflammation between the Group D, Group S, and Group E at 14 days.

Changes in intraocular pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in intraocular pressures (IOP) in patients who underwent pulsatile and non-pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: A total of 42 patients operated for elective coronary bypass surgery (CABG) on CPB were randomly allocated to pulsatile (Group P) and non-pulsatile (Group N) groups. Pulsatile flow was applied to Group P patients during crops-clamp period. The IOP measurements were made before and after the induction of anesthesia, before the onset of CPB, on the 5th, 15th, 30th, 45th, and 60th min of CPB, after CPB and at the end of the operation. The results of repetitive measurements were analyzed at different intervals and in two groups. RESULTS: The second IOP measurements of right and left eyes displayed statistically significant decreases from the baseline level [11.9 ± 2.9 (p = 0.0001) and 12.5 ± 3.2 (p = 0.0001), respectively]. The significant decrease in the IOP values persisted in the repeated measurements except for the 5th min of CPB values [17.0 ± 3.5 (p = 0.346) and 16.7 ± 3.6 (p = 0.399)]. Comparison of two groups demonstrated significant differences at pre-CPB (right 12.8 ± 2.3 vs. 10.8 ± 2.4; p = 0.013 and left 13.3 ± 2.4 vs. 11.5 ± 2.5; p = 0.023), and 5th min of CPB measurements (right 18.5 ± 3.1 vs. 15.9 ± 3.4; p = 0.015; left 18.2 ± 3.0 vs. 15.7 ± 3.6; p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: We noted a steady decrease in repeated IOP measurements except for the transient increase in CPB values on 5th min. The IOP values were higher in pulsatile CPB group in pre-CPB and 5th min of CPB measurements; however, the difference was not significant in the repeated measurements.

Luteolin ameliorates colistin-induced nephrotoxicity in the rat models.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: To study the protective, preventive effect of luteolin from colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Four different treatment options were tested on rats: colistin, luteolin, and a combination of colistin and luteolin, intraperitoneally as two doses a day, for seven days. Another group of rats were used as the control and treated with sterile saline. Serum creatinine levels were measured before and after treatment. Histological changes and colistin-induced apoptosis (Insitu BrdU-red DNA Fragmentation Assay Kit) of the renal tissues were examined after the scarification procedure. RESULTS: In the Colistin Group, post-treatment creatinine levels were statistically higher than the pretreatment levels (p = .001). In the remaining groups, no significant changes were observed. Cells that undergo apoptosis were counted and it was shown that all groups except the colistin-treated group had a similar number of apoptotic cells, whereas the colistin-treated group had statistically higher number of apoptotic cells compared to other groups (p = .0001). Renal histological damage was also measured and the score of the colistin treated group was higher as compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: The results obtained from this study demonstrated us that luteolin was capable of preventing colistin-induced nephrotoxicity and that this effect was significant at histopathological level.

Effects of Addition of Systemic Tramadol or Adjunct Tramadol to Lidocaine Used for Intravenous Regional Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Hand Surgery.

Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) is used in outpatient hand surgery as an easily applicable and cost-effective technique with clinical advantages. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of addition of systemic tramadol or adjunct tramadol to lidocaine for IVRA in patients undergoing hand surgery. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patients (n = 60) who underwent hand surgery were included. For this purpose, only lidocaine (LDC), lidocaine+adjunct tramadol (LDC+TRA group), or lidocaine+systemic tramadol (LDC+SysTRA group) was administered to the patients for IVRA and the groups were compared in terms of onset and recovery time of sensory and motor blocks, quality of anesthesia, and the degree of intraoperative and postoperative pain. The onset time of sensorial block was significantly shorter in the LDC+TRA group than that in the LDC+SysTRA group. The motor block recovery time was significantly shorter in the LDC+SysTRA group than that in the LDC+TRA and LDC groups. Administration of tramadol as an adjunct showed some clinical benefits by providing a shorter onset time of sensory and motor block, decreasing pain and analgesic requirement, and improving intraoperative conditions during IVRA. It was determined that systemic tramadol administration had no superiority.

Effects of Fentanyl and Morphine on Shivering During Spinal Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Endovenous Ablation of Varicose Veins.

BACKGROUND We sought to investigate the effect of morphine and fentanyl on shivering when used adjunctively with bupivacaine during spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing varicose vein surgery on an outpatient basis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included a total of 90 patients, aged 25-45 years, ASA I-II, scheduled to undergo endovenous laser ablation under spinal anesthesia for lower extremity venous insufficiency/varicose vein disease. Patients were randomly allocated into 3 groups: Group M (morphine group) received 5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 0.1 mg morphine, Group F (fentanyl group) received 5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 25 µg fentanyl, and Group C (control group) received 5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + physiologic saline. The level of sensory blockade was assessed with pin-prick test and the level of motor blockade was assessed with Bromage scale at 5-min intervals. Shivering grade and time to first postoperative analgesic requirement was recorded. RESULTS Level and time of sensory block showed a slight but insignificant increase in the Morphine Group and Fentanyl Group. Time of postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly longer in patients who received morphine (p<0.05). Shivering was significantly less common in patients who received morphine and fentanyl than in patients who are in the Control Group (p<0.02). CONCLUSIONS Morphine or fentanyl may be used as adjunctives to spinal anesthesia to prevent shivering in patients undergoing venous surgery.

Dexmedetomidine and propofol infusion on sedation characteristics in patients undergoing sciatic nerve block in combination with femoral nerve block via anterior approach.

OBJECTIVE: Dexmedetomidine is an α-2 adrenergic agonist having wide range of effects including sedation in mammalian brain, and has analgesic as well as sympatholytic properties. This study aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol infusion on sedation characteristics in patients undergoing combined sciatic nerve and femoral nerve block via anterior approach for lower limb orthopedic procedure. METHODS: Forty patients, who were between 18 and 65 years old, this study was made at anesthesiology clinic of Bagcilar training and research hospital in 08 September 2011 to 07 June 2012, and underwent surgical procedure due to fractures lateral and medial malleol, were included. Sciatic nerve and femoral nerve block were conducted with an anterior approach on all patients included in the study, with an ultrasonography. The patients were randomly divided into dexmedetomidine [Group D (n=20); 0.5µgkg(-1)h(-1)] and propofol [Group P (n=20); 3mgkg(-1)h(-1)] infusion groups. RESULTS: The vital findings and intra-operative Ramsay sedation scale values were similar in both groups. Time taken for sedation to start and time required for sedation to become over of Group D were significantly higher than those of Group P (p<0.001 for each). CONCLUSIONS: Substitution of dexmedetomidine instead of propofol prolongs the times to start of sedation, the times to end of sedation and duration of sedation.

[Dexmedetomidine and propofol infusion on sedation characteristics in patients undergoing sciatic nerve block in combination with femoral nerve block via anterior approach]. / Características da sedação com infusão de dexmedetomidina e propofol em pacientes submetidos ao bloqueio do nervo ciático em combinação com bloqueio do nervo femoral via abordagem anterior.

OBJECTIVE: Dexmedetomidine is an α-2 adrenergic agonist having wide range of effects including sedation in mammalian brain, and has analgesic as well as sympatholytic properties. This study aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol infusion on sedation characteristics in patients undergoing combined sciatic nerve and femoral nerve block via anterior approach for lower limb orthopedic procedure. METHODS: Forty patients, who were between 18 and 65 years old, this study was made at anesthesiology clinic of Bagcilar training and research hospital in 08 September 2011 to 07 June 2012, and underwent surgical procedure due to fractures lateral and medial malleol, were included. Sciatic nerve and femoral nerve block were conducted with an anterior approach on all patients included in the study, with an ultrasonography. The patients were randomly divided into dexmedetomidine [Group D (n=20). 0.5µgkg(-1)h(-1)] and propofol [Group P (n=20); 3mgkg(-1)h(-1)] infusion groups. RESULTS: The vital findings and intra-operative Ramsay sedation scale values were similar in both groups. Time taken for sedation to start and time required for sedation to become over of Group D were significantly higher than those of Group P (p<0.001 for each). CONCLUSIONS: Substitution of dexmedetomidine instead of propofol prolongs the times to start of sedation, the times to end of sedation and duration of sedation.

Comparison of dexmedetomidine and propofol used for drug-induced sleep endoscopy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Backround: Surgical operations are alternative treatments in persons with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy is a method with which somnolence is pharmacologically induced and collapse is evaluated through nasal endoscopy in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate efficiency of dexmedetomidine or propofol used for sedation in patients undergoing drug-induced sleep endoscopy. METHODS: A total of 40 patients aged between 18 and 65 years old in the ASA STATUS I-II group were included in the study. After premedication with midazolam 0.05 mg/kg intravenously, patients were randomly divided into two groups and administered intravenous (iv) propofol with the loading dose of 0.7 mg/kg for 10 minutes, followed 0.5 mg/kg/h infusion (Group P); or dexmedetomidine with the loading dose of 1 mcg/kg for 10 minutes, followed by 0.3 mcg/kg/h infusion (Group D). Haemodynamic and respiratuary parameters, Bispectral index score, Ramsey sedation score, time to achieve sufficient sedation, surgeon's and patients' satisfaction, postoperative Aldrete score and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Time to achieve sufficient sedation, Bispectral index scores at 5, 10 and 15th. minutes intraoperatively, first Aldrete score in the recovery room, SpO2 values and respiratory rates all over the surgical procedure and in the recovery room were found lower in Group P (P<0.05). Bispectral index scores, mean arterial pressure and heart rate in the recovery room were significantly lower in Group D (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine may be preferred as a safer agent with respecting to respiratory function compared with propofol in obstructive sleep apnea patients who known to be susceptible to hypoxia and hypercarbia.

EFFECTS OF DEXAMETHASONE AND PHENIRAMINE MALEATE ON HEMODYNAMIC AND RESPIRATORY PARAMETERS AFTER CEMENTATION IN CEMENTED PARTIAL HIP PROSTHESIS.

PURPOSE: To prevent hemodynamic and respiratory changes that are likely to occur during cementation in partial hip prosthesis by prophylactic use of pheniramine maleate and dexamethasone. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study included 40 patients aged between 60 and 85 years with an American Society ofAnesthesiologists (ASA) grade of II-III who underwent partial hip prosthesis. Just after spinal anesthesia, 4 mL normal saline was pushed in patients in Group S, whereas 45.5 mg pheniramine maleate and 8 mg dexamethasone mixture was pushed intravenously in a total volume of 4 mL in patients in Group PD. RESULTS: Amounts of atropine and adrenaline administered after cementation were significantly higher in Group S than in Group PD (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between SpO2 values before and after cementation in Group S; SpO2 value was lower after cementation (P < 0.05) except for 1. min after cementation. SpO2 value increased 1 min after cementation (P = 0.031) CONCLUSION: Prophylactic use of pheniramine maleate and dexamethasone in partial hip prosthesis led to an increase in SpO2 value and a decrease in the utilization of adrenaline and atropine after cementation.

[Post-stroke complicated pain]. / Inme sonrasi komplike agri.

A seventy-seven year-old male patient had a stroke two years ago. Following the stroke, the patient had continuous, excruciating, severe pain between the left knee, which increased when standing and walking. We looked into the change in the character of the patient's pain after treatment. This study aimed to present our treatment approaches to the patients who develop central neuropathic pain, degenerative disk disease-related peripheral neuropathic pain and radicular nociceptive pain, and gonarthrosis-related nociceptive pain in the left leg following stroke.

Prolonged mechanical ventilation after CABG: risk factor analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Prolonged ventilation (PV) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a common postoperative complication. Preoperative and operative parameters were evaluated in order to identify the patients at risk for prolonged ventilation postoperatively in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Research and training hospital, single institution. PARTICIPANTS: The authors analyzed the prospectively collected data of 830 on- and off-pump coronary bypass patients. INTERVENTIONS: The relationships of PV (>24 hours) with preoperative and operative parameters were evaluated with logistic regression analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty-six patients (5.6%) required PV postoperatively. Hospital mortality was significantly higher in this group (45.7% v 4.0%; p = 0.0001). Univariate analysis showed that these patients were older (65.6±9.3 v 60.4±9.9; p = 0.001), had higher incidences of cerebrovascular disease (21.7% v 10.5%; p = 0.032), advanced ASA (58.7% v 41.8%; p = 0.026) and NYHA classes (32.6% v 12.2%; p = 0.001), and chronic renal dysfunction (20.0% v 4.0%; p = 0.0001). Concomitant procedures were more commonly performed in these patients (30.4% v 7.8%; p = 0.0001), and total durations of perfusion were longer (147.2±69.1 v 95.7±33.9 minutes; p = 0.0001). In regression analysis, advanced NYHA class (odds ratio = 8.2; 95% CI = 1.5-43.5; p = 0.015), chronic renal dysfunction (odds ratio = 7.7; 95% CI = 1.3-47.6; p = 0.027), and longer perfusion durations (p = 0.012) were found to be independently associated with delayed weaning from the ventilator. Every 1-minute increase over 82.5 minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass increased risk of delayed extubation by 3.5% (95% CI = 0.8%-6.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative prolonged ventilation is associated with advanced NYHA class, chronic renal dysfunction and longer perfusion times in CABG patients.

Cardiac and Liver Marker Alterations After Laparoscopic Gynaecologic Operations.

OBJECTIVE: In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of laparoscopic procedures in which the abdominal cavity at a Trendelenburg position of 15 degrees was insufflated with CO2 on cardiac and liver markers. METHODS: Forty patients scheduled for laparoscopic gynaecological surgery were included in the study. Venous blood samples were taken the day before operation and 6 hours after surgery, and later, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), myoglobin (MY) and d-dimer (d-D) were measured. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the values of preoperative and postoperative ALT (16.8±9.4 and 17.8±9.3; p=0.579), AST (19.4±7 and 20.9±7.6; p=0.361) and ALP (65.2±16.2 and 63.3±16.9; p=0.609), but LDH (385.1±117.3 and 460.6±156.3; p=0.003), CK (113.8±138.5 and 247.9±283.5; p=0.0001), CK-MB (22.8±13.3 and 28.7±16; p=0.011), MY (28.1±12.9 and 138.8±129; p=0.0001) and d-D (509.5±815: 1026±1054; p=0.0001) increased significantly. CONCLUSION: After laparoscopic operations in the Trendelenburg position, postoperative serum ALT, AST and ALP levels, remained unchanged, when compared to preoperative values, but LDH, CK, CK-MB, myoglobin and d-dimer values increased significantly.

Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Greater Occipital Nerve Block for Mass Excision.

Anaesthesiologists must always prefer the safest method to minimize the risk for patients. At present, ultrasound-guided blockage of the greater occipital nerve can be performed in a safe manner. In this report, we presented our experience of ultrasound-guided blockage of the greater occipital nerve that we performed in a patient with a mass at the back of the neck who had risk of general anaesthesia because of comorbidities.

Cardiac condition during cooling and rewarming periods of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia has been used in cardiac surgery for many years for neuroprotection. Mild hypothermia (MH) [body temperature (BT) kept at 32-35°C] has been shown to reduce both mortality and poor neurological outcome in patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study investigated whether patients who were expected to benefit neurologically from therapeutic hypothermia (TH) also had improved cardiac function. METHODS: The study included 30 patients who developed in-hospital cardiac arrest between September 17, 2012, and September 20, 2013, and had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) following successful CPR. Patient BTs were cooled to 33°C using intravascular heat change. Basal BT, systolic artery pressure (SAP), diastolic artery pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, central venous pressure, cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), global end-diastolic volume index (GEDI), extravascular lung water index (ELWI), and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) were measured at 36°C, 35°C, 34°C and 33°C during cooling. BT was held at 33°C for 24 hours prior to rewarming. Rewarming was conducted 0.25°C/h. During rewarming, measurements were repeated at 33°C, 34°C, 35°C and 36°C. A final measurement was performed once patients spontaneously returned to basal BT. We compared cooling and rewarming cardiac measurements at the same BTs. RESULTS: SAP values during rewarming (34°C, 35°C and 36°C) were lower than during cooling (P < 0.05). DAP values during rewarming (basal temperature, 34°C, 35°C and 36°C) were lower than during cooling. MAP values during rewarming (34°C, 35°C and 36°C) were lower than during cooling (P < 0.05). CO and CI values were higher during rewarming than during cooling. GEDI and ELWI did not differ during cooling and rewarming. SVRI values during rewarming (34°C, 35°C, 36°C and basal temperature) were lower than during cooling (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing cardiac function at the same BTs during cooling and rewarming. In patients experiencing ROSC following CPR, TH may improve cardiac function and promote favorable neurological outcomes.

Gastric Decompression Decreases Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in ENT Surgery.

There is a passive blood flow to the stomach during oral and nasal surgery. It may cause postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We researched the relationship between gastric decompression (GD) and severity of PONV in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery. 137 patients who have been into ENT surgery were included in the study. In Group I (n = 70), patients received GD after surgery before extubation; patients in Group II (n = 67) did not receive GD. In postoperative 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 12th hours, the number and ratio of patients demonstrating PONV were detected to be significantly more in Group II as compared to Group I. PONV was also significantly more severe in Group II as compared to Group I. In Group I, the PONV ratio in the 2nd hour was significantly more for those whose amounts of stomach content aspired were more than 10 mL as compared to those whose stomach content aspired was less than 10 mL. In the 4th, 8th, and 24th hours, there is no statistically significant difference between the stomach content aspired and PONV ratio. GD reduces the incidence and severity of PONV in ENT surgery.

Is ultrasonic investigation of transverse tracheal air shadow diameter reasonable for evaluation of difficult airway in pregnant women: A prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare clinical screening tests (modified Mallampati score, Cormack-Lehane score, thyromental distance, and sternomental distance) with ultrasonic measurements of the upper airway in predicting difficult intubation in pregnant women whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is higher and lower than 30 kg m-2. METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective observational trial, and consisted of 40 pregnant women of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1-2 groups. Patients with a BMI lower than 30 kg m-2 were included in Group 1 (n=20), and patients with a BMI higher than 30 kg m-2 were included in Group 2 (n=20). In the supine position with head in mild extension, the diameter of the transverse tracheal air shadow in the subglottic area of the front neck was measured using ultrasonography. Modified Mallampati score, Cormack-Lehane score, thyromental distance and sternomental distance measurements were recorded. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was detected between groups regarding mean age, mean number of pregnancy, ASA scores and comorbid disease. Mean body weight (p=0.0001) and mean pre-pregnancy weight (p=0.0001) were significantly higher in Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding mean modified Mallampati score, thyromental distance, sternomental distance measurements, Cormack-Lehane score, and mean ultrasonic measurements. CONCLUSION: It was found that BMI higher or lower than 30 kg m-2 has no effect on ultrasonic measurements and clinical airway tests. We thought that ultrasonic measurement could not give us valuable information in obese or non-obese pregnant women.

[A case of combined thoracic epidural anesthesia-interscalene block application in high-risk mastectomy patients: a case report]. / Yüksek riskli mastektomi olgusunda torasik epidural anestezi-interskalen blok kombinasyonunun uygulanmasi: olgu sunumu.

Recent advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques have facilitated general anesthesia and surgical possibilities in the higher-risk patient group. Although general anesthesia is the only preferred approach for breast surgery, there have been many clinical trials about breast surgery that has been achieved with regional anesthesia techniques. It is known that regional anesthesia application decreases the preoperative stress, postoperative morbidity and mortality. Additionally, this application positively affects the early start of feeding and mobilization. Regional anesthesia techniques like high thoracic epidural anesthesia, cervical epidural anesthesia and paravertebral block have been applied successfully in mastectomy operations. Combined thoracic epidural anesthesia-interscalene block technique may also be a good alternative to general or cervical, high thoracic epidural anesthesia. We aimed herein to present a case who underwent successful mastectomy and axillary dissection under combined thoracic epidural anesthesia-interscalene block.