Relation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with epidural analgesia timing and thoracotomy pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship of the pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to the timing of epidural analgesia administration and post-operative acute and chronic pain in thoracotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 60 patients, with NLR ≥ 2 (Group A) and NLR < 2 (Group B). Each group was divided into subgroups pre-emptive analgesia (Group P) and control group (Group C). Epidural analgesic solution was administered as a bolus before the surgical incision in Group P and at the end of the operation in Group C. NRS was questioned postoperatively at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th h, 1st, and 3rd months and also additional analgesic needs were recorded. RESULTS: In Group A, the pain scores of the patients who received pre-emptive epidural analgesia were lower at the post-operative 2nd, 4th, and 8th h and analgesic consumption was less in the post-operative first 24 h. CONCLUSION: It was observed that pre-emptive epidural analgesia reduced pain levels and additional analgesic consumption in the acute post-operative period in patients with pre-operative NLR ≥ 2.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio investigó la relación de la relación neutrófilos/linfocitos (NLR) preoperatoria con el momento de la administración de la analgesia epidural y el dolor agudo y crónico posoperatorio en la toracotomía. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó en 60 pacientes, como NLR ≥ 2 (Grupo A) y NLR < 2 (Grupo B). Cada grupo se dividió en subgrupos de analgesia preventiva (Grupo P) y grupo control (Grupo C). La solución analgésica epidural se administró en bolo antes de la incisión quirúrgica en el Grupo P y al final de la operación en el Grupo C. La NRS se cuestionó posoperatoriamente a las 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 horas, 1 y 3 meses también adicionales Se registraron las necesidades analgésicas. RESULTADOS: En el Grupo A, los puntajes de dolor de los pacientes que recibieron analgesia epidural preventiva fueron menores a las 2, 4 y 8 horas postoperatorias y el consumo de analgésicos fue menor en las primeras 24 horas postoperatorias. CONCLUSIÓN: Se observó que la analgesia epidural preventiva redujo los niveles de dolor y el consumo adicional de analgésicos en el postoperatorio agudo en pacientes con NLR preoperatorio ≥ 2.

The effect of pre-operative sleep quality on post-operative pain and emergence agitation: prospective and cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to investigate the effect of pre-operative sleep quality on post-operative pain and emergence agitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was performed 80 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II and 18-65 years of age. The patients were divided into poor (Group A, n = 40) and good sleep quality (Group B, n = 40). All patients were operated on under standard general anesthesia. The emergence agitation and pain status of all groups were evaluated in the recovery room and post-operative period. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding demographic data. Post-operative numeric rating scale scores and analgesic consumption were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding post-operative emergence agitation and extubation quality (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, poor pre-operative sleep quality increases post-operative pain and analgesic consumption; however, emergence agitation is not associated with sleep quality in the pre-operative period.

OBJETIVO: Nuestro estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto de la calidad del sueño preoperatorio sobre el dolor posoperatorio y la agitación de emergencia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Nuestro estudio se realizó en 80 pacientes con ASA I-II y de 18 a 65 años de edad. Los pacientes se dividieron en mala (grupo A, n = 40) y buena calidad del sueño (grupo B, n = 40). Todos los pacientes fueron operados bajo anestesia general estándar. La agitación de emergencia y el estado del dolor de todos los grupos se evaluaron en la sala de recuperación y en el período postoperatorio. RESULTADOS: No hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos con respecto a los datos demográficos. Las puntuaciones NRS postoperatorias y el consumo de analgésicos fueron significativamente más altos en el Grupo A que en el Grupo B (p < 0.05). No hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos con respecto a la agitación de emergencia postoperatoria y la calidad de la extubación (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestro estudio, la mala calidad del sueño preoperatorio aumenta el dolor posoperatorio y el consumo de analgésicos; sin embargo, la agitación de emergencia no se asocia con la calidad del sueño en el período preoperatorio.

The effect of the endotracheal tube cuff shape on post-operative sore throat in surgeries longer than 120 min in supine position.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at comparing the effects of cylindrical- and conical-cuff endotracheal tubes (ETTs) inflated with saline on cuff pressures, post-operative sore throat, and post-operative analgesic consumption in surgeries taking longer than 120 min. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at comparing the effects of cylindrical- and conical-cuff endotracheal tubes (ETTs) inflated with saline on cuff pressures, post-operative sore throat, and post-operative analgesic consumption in surgeries taking longer than 120 min. METHODS: The study was performed on a total of 100 patients, aged 18-65 years, in the ASA I-III risk group, with cylindrical cuff (Group C, n = 50) and conical cuff (Group T, n = 50) ETT patients. Cuff pressure values of all patients were recorded. RESULTS: The cuff pressure values at all measurement times and maximum cuff pressure value were significantly lower in Group T than in Group C (p < 0.05). In the post-operative 24-h period, sore throat and total analgesic consumption were significantly lower in Group T than in Group C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: conical cuff ETTs prevent the increase in intraoperative cuff pressures, reduce the incidence of post-operative sore throat, and accordingly reduce post-operative analgesic consumption compared to cylindrical cuff ETTs.

ANTECEDENTES: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los efectos de los tubos endotraqueales (ETT) de manguito cilíndrico y cónico inflados con solución salina sobre las presiones del manguito, el dolor de garganta postoperatorio y el consumo de analgésicos postoperatorios en cirugías de más de 120 min de duración. OBJETIVO: Comparar los efectos de los tubos endotraqueales de manguito cilíndrico y cónico inflados con solución salina sobre las presiones del manguito, el dolor de garganta posoperatorio y el consumo de analgésicos posoperatorios en cirugías de más de 120 minutos de duración. MÉTODO: El estudio se realizó en 100 pacientes con edades entre 18 y 65 años, con riesgo ASA I-III, con tubo endotraqueal de manguito cilíndrico (grupo C, n = 50) o manguito cónico (grupo T, n = 50). RESULTADOS: Los valores de presión del manguito en todos los tiempos de medición y el valor máximo de presión del manguito fueron significativamente más bajos en el grupo T que en el grupo C (p < 0.05). En el período de 24 horas del posoperatorio, el dolor de garganta y el consumo total de analgésicos fueron significativamente menores en el grupo T que en el grupo C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: Los tubos endotraqueales de manguito cónico previenen el aumento de las presiones intraoperatorias del manguito, reducen la incidencia de dolor de garganta posoperatorio y, en consecuencia, disminuyen el consumo de analgésicos posoperatorios en comparación con los de manguito cilíndrico.

Interesting negative correlation between transorbital optic nerve sheath diameter and Evans' index values; can it be predictive for failure of endoscopic third ventriculostomy?

Background: Currently, Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is one of the commonly used surgical options for the treatment of non-communicating hydrocephalus but reported success rates from ETV vary considerably, and a reliable noninvasive means to detect the efficacy of ETV is still lacking. In this study, the changes in Evans's Index and the transorbital optic nerve sheath (ONSD) diameter measurement after endoscopic third ventriculostomy were compared. Methods: Preoperative and early postoperative ultrasonographic ONSD measurement and preoperative and postoperative 3 months Evans' index of patients with hydrocephalus on whom ETVs were performed between 1 February 2018 and 23 May 2022 and analyzed. Results: The chart of 8 male and 2 female patients was analyzed. Their median age at presentation was 5.3 years (range 1 - 14 years). Mean ONSD values were 5.66 mms in the preoperative period, which was decreased to a mean of 4.17 mms in the early postoperative period. The Evans' index was 0.5320 in the preoperative period; however, it decreased to 0.4460 in the postoperative 3rd months. The preoperative and early postoperative mean ONSD values and Evans' Index of patients were significantly different. Interestingly, a negative correlation was also observed between ONSD values and Evans' index. Conclusions: ONSD measurement and Evans' index have been commonly used after ETV procedures In pediatric patients with hydrocephalus. Still, there is an unexplained negative correlation between ONSD and Evans' index values. This study indicates that the two measures (Evans's index and ONSD) should be considered when performing follow-up examinations in patients after ETV.

Comparison of the effect of general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia technique combined with general anesthesia on intraabdominal volume during gynecological laparoscopy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effect of spinal anesthesia which will be performed simultaneously with general anesthesia on the site of operation with the same pressure. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was conducted as a randomized, prospective clinical study on 40 patients who were randomly divided into two groups. Twenty women underwent general anesthesia (Group GA) and 20 women underwent spinal anesthesia with general anesthesia (Group SGA). For all cases, preoperative height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index (kg/m2 ), the distance between both spina iliaca anterior superior, the distance of the intersection of both ribs with an imaginary line drawn over the anterior axillary line, suprapubic bone-umbilical, umbilical-xiphoid, and suprapubic bone-xiphoid distance from the midline of the abdomen were measured. Moreover, while the patient was lying in the neutral position on the operating table, the height of the highest point of the abdomen to the operating table was also measured. These measurements were repeated at intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) 14 and 25 mmHg. The amount of intra-abdominal insufflated CO2 was also recorded at IAP 14 and 25 mmHg. RESULTS: When the intra-abdominal insufflation volumes of both groups were compared at 14 and 25 mmHg, respectively, there was no statistical difference (p: 0.54, p: 0.40). When 14 and 25 mmHg were compared in all cases, a statistically significant difference was observed in other measurements except in xiphoid-umbilical distance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that spinal anesthesia combined with GA had no effect on the abdominal volume and anthropometric measurements in laparoscopic procedures.

The effect of different anesthesia techniques on cerebral oxygenation in thoracic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: One-lung ventilation may cause negative changes in the oxygenation of cerebral tissue which results in post-operative cognitive dysfunction. We compared the potential effects of total intravenous anesthesia and inhalation general anesthesia techniques on cerebral tissue oxygenation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective double-blind trial, patients whose standard anesthesia induction was done were randomly divided into two groups as group total intravenous anesthesia using propofol (Group T, n = 30) and group inhalation general anesthesia using sevoflurane (Group I, n = 30) based on anesthesia maintenance. The intraoperative cerebral oxygen saturation and pre-post-operative mini-mental status test scores of the patients were monitored and recorded. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. The decrease of cerebral oxygen saturation more than 20% in total intravenous anesthesia group was significantly higher than inhalation group (p < 0.05). In both groups, the mini-mental status test values at the post-operative 3rd h were significantly lower than the pre-operative and post-operative 24th h values (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation general anesthesia provided better cerebral tissue oxygenation in thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation compared to total intravenous anesthesia. However, there was no significant correlation between the presence of desaturation and post-operative cognitive dysfunction.

OBJETIVO: La ventilación unipulmonar puede provocar cambios negativos en la oxigenación del tejido cerebral que se traduce en una disfunción cognitiva postoperatoria. Comparamos los efectos potenciales de la anestesia total intravenosa y las técnicas de anestesia general por inhalación en relación con la oxigenación del tejido cerebral. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: En este ensayo prospectivo doble ciego, los pacientes en los que se realizó una inducción estándar de anestesia se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos: grupo de anestesia intravenosa total con propofol (Grupo T, n = 30) y grupo de anestesia general por inhalación con sevoflurano (Grupo I, n = 30) basados en el mantenimiento de la anestesia. Se controlaron y registraron la saturación de oxígeno cerebral intraoperatoria y las valoraciones de la miniprueba de estado mental preoperatoria de los pacientes. RESULTADOS: Las características de base fueron similares entre los dos grupos. La disminución de la saturación de oxígeno cerebral de más del 20% en el grupo de anestesia intravenosa total fue significativamente mayor que en el grupo de inhalación (p < 0.05). En ambos grupos, los valores de la mini prueba del estado mental al cabo de la 3a. hora del período posoperatorio fueron significativamente más bajos que los valores preoperatorios y posoperatorios registrados al cabo de 24 horas (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: La anestesia general por inhalación facilitó una mejor oxigenación del tejido cerebral en la cirugía torácica con ventilación unipulmonar en comparación con la anestesia intravenosa total. Sin embargo, no hubo una correlación significativa entre la presencia de desaturación y la disfunción cognitiva posoperatoria.

The effects of 5-degree, 10-degree and 20-degree reverse Trendelenburg positions on intraoperative bleeding and postoperative Edemea and ecchymosis around the eye in open rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the effect of reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP), with five, ten, and twenty degrees, on intraoperative bleeding and postoperative edema and ecchymosis around the eye in open rhinoplasty operations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing open rhinoplasty were divided into three groups, 5° angle RTP (Group 5; n = 30), 10° angle RTP (Group 10; n = 30), and 20° angle RTP (Group 20; n = 30). After 3 min of preoxygenation, anesthesia was induced with 3 mg.kg-1 propofol, 1 µg.kg-1 fentanyl, and 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium for muscle relaxation. Maintenance of anesthesia was provided with a minimum alveolar concentration of 1-1.5 with sevoflurane, 1:1 O2/N2O. Hemodynamic variables, intraoperational bleeding, postoperative 1st, 3rd and 7th days ecchymosis and edema around the eyes of the patients were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Edema changes on postoperative 1st, 3rd and 7th days and ecchymosis changes around the eyes on postoperative 1st and 3rd days in Group 20 were found significantly lower than Group 5 (p < 0.017). Besides, the change of ecchymosis on the postoperative 1st day was found significantly lower in Group 20 compared to Group 10 (p < 0.017). The amount of intraoperative bleeding and surgical field evaluation score were found to be significantly lower in Group 10 and Group 20 compared to Group 5 (p < 0.017). CONCLUSION: We concluded that in open rhinoplasty surgeries, 20° degree RTP reduces intraoperative blood loss and provides a more bloodless surgical field, as well as reducing edema and ecchymoses around the eyes in the postoperative period.

Optic nerve sheath diameter with intracranial pressure monitoring: a non-invasive method to follow children with craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostosis (CS) is associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and this elevation is of vital importance in children. Bedside optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) on ocular ultrasonography has begun to be increasingly used in recently. A patient who was diagnosed with CS, standard anesthesia monitoring and anesthesia were performed. Before and after the surgery, ONSD measurement was performed to follow the changes in ICP. ONSD measurement can be used as an effective, non-invasive, repeated, and easy-to-apply method to monitor the changes in the ICP in pediatric patients with CS who are planned to undergo craniectomy.

La craneosinostosis (SC) se asocia con un aumento de la presión intracraneal (PIC) y esta elevación es de vital importancia en los niños. El diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico al lado de la cama (ONSD) en la ecografía ocular ha comenzado a usarse cada vez más recientemente. A un paciente al que se le diagnosticó SC, se le realizó seguimiento anestésico estándar y anestesia. Antes y después de la cirugía, se realizó la medición ONSD para seguir los cambios en la PIC. La medición ONSD se puede utilizar como un método eficaz, no invasivo, repetido y fácil de aplicar para monitorear los cambios en la PIC en pacientes pediátricos con SC que se planea someter a craniectomía.

Comparison of different end-tidal carbon dioxide levels in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in gynaecological patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

The aim of this study was to compare different end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) caused by increased intracranial pressure due to pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. A total of 60 female patients aged 25-50 years who would undergo laparoscopic gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia were randomised into two groups: group A (EtCO2: 26 - 35 mmHg, n = 30) and group B (EtCO2: 36 - 45 mmHg, n = 30). In both groups, ONSD and EtCO2 of the patients were measured at baseline after anaesthesia induction (Tb), at 5 min after pneumoperitoneum (TPP5), and at 10 min intervals after Trendelenburg position (TPP10, TPP20, TPP30). At 5 (TD5) and 10 min (TD10) after deflation, ONSD measurements were repeated. The incidence and severity of PONV of the patients, and antiemetic drugs used in both groups were assessed in the postoperative period. In the intraoperative follow-up periods, TPP5 and subsequent EtCO2 values, as well as TPP10 and subsequent ONSD values, were significantly higher in group B and the incidence of nausea, the PONV scores and the incidence of rescue antiemetic use significantly lower in group A than in group B (p<.001 for all). This result indicates that low EtCO2 levels have beneficial effects on ICP and PONV in laparoscopic gynaecological operations.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Laparoscopic gynaecologic surgery has been a more preferred technique. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic gynaecologic surgery is remarkably high. In the prevention of PONV after gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery, single and multiple drug therapies and methods have been used.What the results of this study add? Postoperative nausea and vomiting caused by intracranial pressure (ICP) increase due to carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in gynaecologic laparoscopic surgeries were decreased in the early postoperative period by low end-tidal carbon dioxide levels in the intraoperative period. It was shown that low end-tidal carbon dioxide levels have beneficial effects on ICP and PONV in laparoscopic gynaecologic operations.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This result indicates that low end-tidal carbon dioxide levels have beneficial effects on ICP and PONV in laparoscopic gynaecologic operations.

Sedoanalgesia modality during laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: Intraoperative complications and early postoperative follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laser photocoagulation (LPC) is a surgical procedure used in the treatment of premature retinopathy that may cause retinal detachment and blindness if not diagnosed and treated early. The anesthesia method used in LPC varies from sedoanalgesia to general anesthesia and airway management varies from spontaneous ventilation to endotracheal intubation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sedoanalgesia applications and this anesthesia procedure concerning intraoperative and postoperative complications by avoiding intubation and mechanical ventilation in premature infants with a fragile population. METHODS: This retrospective study included 89 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation under anesthesia for premature retinopathy. Patients' demographic characteristics, preoperative risk factors, anesthesia technique, especially airway management, changes in ventilation status during surgery, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and intensive care follow-up, were recorded and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Two of the 89 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation were excluded from this study because they were followed up intubated. The number of patients who received mask ventilation due to intraoperative complications was 12 (13.8%). The mean operation time was 36.2±10.1 minutes. In 86.2% (n=75) of the patients, the surgical procedure was completed with sedoanalgesia while maintaining spontaneous ventilation. CONCLUSION: Sedoanalgesia application during the surgical intervention of patients with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) requiring early diagnosis and emergency treatment will minimize intraoperative and postoperative complications. We believe that sedoanalgesia as an anesthetic method can be applied as an effective alternative method while preserving spontaneous ventilation.

Comparison of Rhinoplasty Patients Informed With Standard Verbal Information in Preoperative Period and Rhinoplasty Patients Informed and Treated With Visual Information Through Catalog in Terms of the Development of Agitation, Edema and Ecchymose in the Postoperative Period.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of standard verbal information in the preoperative period and the information by visual expression and physical applications in the development of agitation, edema and ecchymosis in the postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 60 ASA I-II patients who were going to undergo open rhinoplasty by plastic surgery. In the Preoperative Anesthetic Assessment the patients were divided into two groups as the patients given standard verbal information (Group S; n = 30) and those informed with a catalog which contains visuals (Group V; n = 30) In the preoperative period, anxiety levels of the patients were evaluated. Standard anesthesia induction was performed in both groups after standard monitoring. Patients were monitored in the post-anesthesia care unit and ward. Patient's extubation quality, presence of postoperative agitation and periorbital edema and ecchymosis at the 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th hours were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of intraoperative and postoperative MAP, HR, extubation quality, presence of recovery agitation, postoperative pain, development edema and ecchymosis (P > 0.05). Significant positive correlation was found between post-extubation MAP and edema scores at the 16th and 24th hours postoperatively and between the post-anesthesia care unit entry MAP and ecchymosis at the 24th postoperative hours independently of the groups (r = 0.27; P = 0.038, r = 0.302; P = 0.019, r = 0.345; P = 0.007, respectively). RESULT: In our study, it was concluded that detailed visual information and physical application in the preoperative period among rhinoplasty patients had no effect on the incidence of postoperative agitation, development of edema and ecchymosis.

The Importance of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Post-dural Puncture Headache Diagnosis and Follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial hypotension-induced headache is caused by reduction in the volume or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid. Headache might develop secondary to lumbar puncture. In the detection of intracranial hypotension, when compared with invasive methods, there is a good correlation between ultrasound-guided optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and invasive methods. The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of alteration in ultrasound-guided ONSD in diagnosis and treatment of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) induced by intracranial hypotension. METHODS: Our study involved 40 adult patients aged 18-65 scheduled to have surgery under spinal anesthesia. Patients were randomized into two groups consisting of PDPH (Group H, n=20), and control (Group C, n=20) during their post-operative period. The ONSDs of patients were measured via ultrasound, pain severity with Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pre-operatively, at 24th, 26th and 48th hours post-operatively. Conservative treatment was started on the 24th hour in PDPH group. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic data. In Group H, the reduction in ONSD from 3.8±0.2 to 3.2±0.3 mm in postoperative 24th hours (p=0.001) and an increase to 4.4±0.3 mm in postoperative 48th hours (p=0.03) were significant. When compared to postoperative 24th hours, ONSD in postoperative 26th (3.9±0.3 mm) and 48th hours (4.4±0.3 mm) were significantly higher (p=0.007 and p=0.01; respectively) in Group H. NRS values in Group H at postoperative 26th and 48th hours were significantly lower compared to postoperative 24th hours (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: We believe that serial measurement of ultrasound-guided ONSD, which is considered a simple and non-invasive procedure in the determination of intracranial pressure changes, is a more objective method in the follow-up of intracranial hypotension-induced headache compared to NRS evaluation.

Does Tourniquet Time or Pressure Contribute to Intracranial Pressure Increase following Tourniquet Application?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether an early increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) following the deflation of a tourniquet is related to the tourniquet time (TT) or tourniquet pressure (TP) and to identify a safe cut-off value for TT or TP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent elective orthopedic lower-extremity surgery under general anesthesia were randomized into 2 groups: group A (inflation with a pneumatic TP of systolic blood pressure + 100 mm Hg; n = 30) and group B (inflation using the arterial occlusion pressure formula; n = 30). The initial and maximum TPs, TT, and sonographic measurements of optic-nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and end-tidal CO2 values were taken at specific time points (15 min before the induction of anesthesia, just before, and 5, 10, and 15 min after the tourniquet was deflated). RESULTS: The initial and maximum TPs were found to be significantly higher in group A than in group B. At 5 min after the tourniquet deflation, there was a significant positive correlation between TT and ONSD (r = 0.57, p = 0.0001). When ONSD ≥5 mm was taken as a standard criterion, the safe cut-off value for the optimal TT was found to be < 67.5 min (sensitivity 87% and specificity 59.5%). CONCLUSION: The ICP increase in the early period after tourniquet deflation was well correlated with TT but not with TP. TT of ≥67.5 min was found to be the cut-off value and is considered the starting point of the increase in ICP after tourniquet deflation.

Effects of tourniquet usage in lower extremity surgery on optic nerve sheath diameter

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in intracranial pressure following tourniquet deflation using noninvasive ultrasonographic optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurements. Materials and methods: Our study included 59 adult patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I/II risk groups who were scheduled to undergo elective orthopedic surgery of the lower extremities using a tourniquet under general anesthesia. ONSD and end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) were measured 5 times: 15 min prior to the anesthesia induction; just prior to the deflation of the tourniquet; and at 5, 10, and 15 min after the deflation. Additionally, age, sex, weight, height, ASA score, and duration of operation and tourniquet usage were recorded. Results: The ONSD value measured 5 min after the deflation was significantly higher than all of the remaining measurements. There was a significant correlation between the ONSD and ETCO2 measurements at 5 and 10 min after deflation (r = 0.61, 95% CI 0.42-0.75, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.30, 95% CI 0.04-0.51, P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: The ultrasonographic ONSD measurements, which were obtained using a simple and noninvasive approach, increased significantly following tourniquet deflation, and this increase was correlated with an increase in ETCO2.

Comparison of surgical conditions in 2 different anesthesia techniques of esmolol-induced controlled hypotension in breast reduction surgery.

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction surgery is a common cosmetic surgery with a high incidence of blood loss and transfusion. In this surgery, the reduction of blood loss related to surgical manipulation and the volume of resected tissue is a target. In the present study, we compared the effects of esmolol-induced controlled hypotension on surgical visibility, surgical bleeding, and the duration of surgery in patients anesthetized with propofol/remifentanil (PR) or sevoflurane/remifentanil (SR). METHODS: Patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists I/II risk group undergoing breast reduction surgery were prospectively randomized into PR (n = 25) and SR (n = 25) groups. Controlled hypotension was induced with esmolol in both groups. During the intraoperative period, the heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), operation duration, volume of intraoperative blood loss, volume of blood received through postoperative drains, volume of resected tissues, and surgical area bleeding score were recorded. RESULTS: The duration of operation in the incisional period was shorter in group PR compared to group SR (P = 0.04). The change in HR was lower in incision and hemostasis periods in the group PR compared to the group SR (P < 0.001). Total intraoperative intraoperative bleeding volume and volume of blood received through drains on postoperative postoperative day 1, day 2, and in total were found to be significantly lower in group PR compared to group SR. Surgical visibility scoring was more effective in group PR compared to SR. CONCLUSION: In the breast reduction surgery performed under esmolol-induced controlled hypotension, the effect of propofol + remifentanil anesthesia on the duration of incisional surgery, surgical visibility, and volume of surgical blood loss was more reliable and effective compared to that of sevoflurane + remifentanil, which seems to be an advantage.

Dexmedetomidine acts as an oxidative damage prophylactic in rats exposed to ionizing radiation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on oxidative injury caused by ionizing radiation. DESIGN: Randomized controlled experimental study. SETTING: Department of radiation oncology and research laboratory of an academic hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-eight rats were randomized to 4 groups (n=7 per group). Group S rats were administered physiologic serum; group SR rats were administered physiologic serum and 10 Gy external ionizing radiation. Groups D100 and D200 were administered 100 and 200 µg/kg dexmedetomidine intraperitoneally, respectively, 45 minutes before ionizing radiation. MEASUREMENTS: Liver, kidney, lung, and thyroid tissue and serum levels of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase [GPX], superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and oxidative metabolites (advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde, and nitrate/nitrite, and serum ischemia-modified albumin) were measured 6 hours postprocedure. MAIN RESULTS: In group SR, IR decreased antioxidant enzyme levels and increased oxidative metabolite levels (P<.05). In plasma, antioxidant enzyme levels were higher and oxidative metabolite levels were lower in groups D100 and D200 than in group SR (P<.01). In tissues, hepatic and lung GPX levels were higher in groups D100 and D200 than in group SR (P<.001). Renal and thyroid GPX levels were higher in D200 than in group SR (P<.01). Thyroid superoxide dismutase levels were higher in groups D100 and D200 than in group SR (P<.01). Renal, lung, and thyroid catalase levels were higher in group D200 than in group SR (P<.01). Hepatic, renal, and lung advanced oxidation protein products and malondialdehyde levels were lower in groups D100 and D200 than in group SR (P<.01). Hepatic, renal, and lung nitrate/nitrite levels were lower in group D200 than in group SR (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine preserves the antioxidant enzyme levels and reduces toxic oxidant metabolites. Therefore, it can provide protection from oxidative injury caused by ionizing radiation.

Effects of glutamine on wound healing.

Studies reporting the need for replacing amino acids such as glutamine (Gln), hydroxymethyl butyrate (HMB) and arginine (Arg) to accelerate wound healing are available in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to present the effects of Gln on tissue hydroxyproline (OHP) levels in wound healing. This study was conducted on 30 female Sprague Dawley rats with a mean weight of 230 ± 20 g. Secondary wounds were formed by excising 2 × 1 cm skin subcutaneous tissue on the back of the rats. The rats were divided into three equal groups. Group C (Control): the group received 1 ml/day isotonic solution by gastric gavage after secondary wound was formed. Group A (Abound): the group received 0·3 g/kg/day/ml Gln, 0·052 g/kg/day/ml HMB and 0·3 g/kg/day/ml Arg by gastric gavage after secondary wound was formed. Group R (Resource): the group received 0·3 g/kg/day/ml Gln by gastric gavage after secondary wound was formed. The OHP levels of the tissues obtained from the upper half region on the 8th day and the lower half region on the 21st day from the same rats in the groups were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistics program SPSS version 17.0. No statistically significant differences were reported with regard to the OHP measurements on the 8th and 21st days (8th day: F = 0·068, P = 0·935 > 0·05; 21st day: F = 0·018, P = 0·983 > 0·05). The increase in mean OHP levels on the 8th and 21st days within each group was found to be statistically significant (F = 1146·34, P = 0·000 < 0·001). We conclude that in adults who eat healthy food, who do not have any factor that can affect wound healing negatively and who do not have large tissue loss at critical level, Gln, Arg and HMB support would not be required to accelerate secondary wound healing.

Transient unilateral combined paresis of the hypoglossal nerve and lingual nerve following intubation anesthesia.

Nerve damage may occur in the pharyngolaryngeal region during general anesthesia. The most frequently injured nerves are the hypoglossal, lingual and recurrent laryngeal. These injuries may arise in association with several factors, such as laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation and tube insertion, cuff pressure, mask ventilation, the triple airway maneuver, the oropharyngeal airway, manner of intubation tube insertion, head and neck position and aspiration. Nerve injuries in this region may take the form of an isolated single nerve or of paresis of two nerves together in the form of hypoglossal and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (Tapia's syndrome). However, combined injury of the lingual and hypoglossal nerves following intubation anesthesia is a much rarer condition. The risk of this damage can be reduced with precautionary measures. We describe a case of combined unilateral nervus hypoglossus and nervus lingualis paresis developing after intubation anesthesia.

The effectiveness of preemptive thoracic epidural analgesia in thoracic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of preemptive thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) comparing conventional postoperative epidural analgesia on thoracotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four patients were randomized in to two groups (preemptive: Group P, control: Group C). Epidural catheter was inserted in all patients preoperatively. In Group P, epidural analgesic solution was administered as a bolus before the surgical incision and was continued until the end of the surgery. Postoperative patient controlled epidural analgesia infusion pumps were prepared for all patients. Respiratory rates (RR) were recorded. Patient's analgesia was evaluated with visual analog scale at rest (VASr) and coughing (VASc). Number of patient's demands from the pump, pump's delivery, and additional analgesic requirement were also recorded. RESULTS: RR in Group C was higher than in Group P at postoperative 1st and 2nd hours. Both VASr and VASc scores in Group P were lower than in Group C at postoperative 1st, 2nd, and 4th hours. Patient's demand and pump's delivery count for bolus dose in Group P were lower than in Group C in all measurement times. Total analgesic requirements on postoperative 1st and 24th hours in Group P were lower than in Group C. CONCLUSION: We consider that preemptive TEA may offer better analgesia after thoracotomy.