Examination of Spinal Canal Anatomy with MRI Measurements in Lomber Disc Herniation Patients: An Anesthesiologist Viewpoint.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) to identify the challenges associated with neuraxial anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MRI images in the supine position of 203 patients admitted to hospital with complaints of lower back pain were studied. Medial sagittal slices of the lumbar spine were imaged from L1 to S1. LDH is classified as either bulging, extrusion, or protrusion. RESULTS: For this study, 83 males and 120 females with a mean age of 43.18 ± 14.68 years were recruited. The highest herniation level was observed at L4-L5 in 145 (71.4%) patients: 76 instances of disc bulging (37.4%), 56 instances of extrusion (27.6%), and 13 instances of protrusion (6.4%). The longest distance between the skin and spinal cord was 60.06 ± 1.61 mm at L5-S1; the longest distance at width of the epidural space was 6.09 ± 1.95 mm at L3-L4. According to the disc herniation groups, no significant differences were found between the skin-to-dura distance, width of the epidural space, and depth of skin level to spinous process (P > 0.05). Moreover, the anterior dura to cord distances was significantly different from normal patients (P < 0.05). Indeed, there was a statistically weak and negative correlation between both the length and age of the lumbar spinal canal (P < 0.05, r = -0.295). CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar disc pathologies can cause anatomical derangements in the spinal canal, which may cause neurologic deficits by neuraxial blockade.

The effects of music therapy in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery under general anesthesia / Efeitos da musicoterapia em pacientes submetidos a rinosseptoplastia sob anestesia geral

Abstract Introduction Music has been used for several years as a relaxation method to reduce stress and anxiety. It is a painless, safe, inexpensive and practical nonpharmacologic therapeutic modality, widely used all over the world. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the effect of music therapy on intraoperative awareness, patient satisfaction, awakening pain and waking quality in patients undergoing elective septorhinoplasty under general anesthesia. Methods This randomized, controlled, prospective study was conducted with 120 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty within a 2 months period. The patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups: group music (music during surgery) and control group (without music during surgery). All patients underwent standard general anesthesia. Patients aged 18-70 years who would undergo a planned surgery under general anesthesia were included. Patients who had emergency surgery, hearing or cognitive impairment, were excluded from the study. Results A total of 120 patients were enrolled, and separated into two groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics, anesthesia and surgery durations (p > 0.05). In the music group, sedation agitation scores were lower than those in the control group at the postoperative period (3.76 ± 1.64 vs. 5.11 ± 2.13; p < 0.001). In addition; in patients of the music group, the pain level (2.73 ± 1.28 vs. 3.61 ± 1.40) was lower (p < 0.001), requiring less analgesic drugs intake. Conclusion Music therapy, which is a nonpharmacologic intervention, is an effective method, without side effects, leading to positive effects in the awakening, hemodynamic parameters and analgesic requirements in the postoperative period. It is also effective in reducing the anxiety and intraoperative awareness episodes of surgical patients.

Resumo Introdução A música tem sido usada há vários anos como um método de relaxamento para reduzir o estresse e a ansiedade. É um método de tratamento não farmacológico, seguro, barato e prático, amplamente usado em todo o mundo. Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da musicoterapia no despertar intraoperatório, na satisfação do paciente, na dor ao despertar e na qualidade de vigília em pacientes submetidos à rinosseptoplastia eletiva sob anestesia geral. Método Estudo prospectivo, randomizado e controlado feito com 120 pacientes submetidos a rinosseptoplastia em 2 meses. Os pacientes foram selecionados aleatoriamente e divididos em dois grupos: musicoterapia (música durante a cirurgia) e controle (sem música durante a cirurgia). Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a anestesia geral padrão. Pacientes entre 18 e 70 anos que seriam submetidos a cirurgia planejada sob anestesia geral foram incluídos. Pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de emergência, apresentavam deficiência auditiva ou cognitiva foram excluídos do estudo. Resultados Foram incluídos no estudo 120 pacientes, divididos nos dois grupos. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos em relação às características demográficas, anestesia e duração da cirurgia (p > 0,05). No grupo musicoterapia, os escores de agitação da sedação foram menores do que no grupo controle no período pós-operatório (3,76 ± 1,64 vs. 5,11 ± 2,13; p < 0,001). Além disso, nos pacientes do grupo musicoterapia, o nível de dor (2,73 ± 1,28 vs. 3,61 ± 1,40) foi menor (p < 0,001) e a necessidade de analgésicos foi menor no pós-operatório. Conclusão A musicoterapia, uma intervenção não farmacológica, é um método eficaz, sem efeitos colaterais, que leva a efeitos positivos no despertar, nos parâmetros hemodinâmicos e nas necessidades analgésicas no pós-operatório, além de reduzir a ansiedade por estresse, a dor e a chance de despertar durante a cirurgia.

[Anatomical differences in sacral hiatus during caudal epidural injection with ultrasonography guidance and its effects on success rate]. / Ultrasonografi rehberliginde uygulanan kaudal epidural enjeksiyon sirasinda sakral hiatusdaki anatomik farkliliklar ve basari oranina etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the anatomical differences of sacral hiatus, pain levels and success rates during caudal epidural steroid injection (CESE) using ultrasonography. METHODS: In the study, 255 patients (148 male and 107 female) with lower lumbar back pain and sciatica were included. These patients were applied caudal epidural steroid injection by ultrasonography. Sonograms were obtained by ultrasonography (USG) guideline. Patients' pain levels were assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during the CESE procedure performed on USG guided, and success rates were saved. The intercornual distance, sacral distance and sacrococcygeal ligament thickness were measured. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic data of the patients (p>0.05). There was a significant difference between male and female patients concerning intercornual distance (15.8 versus 16.6 mm; p=0.004) and sacrococcygeal ligament thickness (4.1 mm vs. 3.7 mm; p=0.018). There was no significant difference between patients about KESE success rate, VAS values and sacral distance (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that sacral hiatus has anatomical differences between male and female patients. According to current evidence, the success rate of caudal epidural steroid injection increased when the anatomical structures of sacral hiatus are shown correctly in USG guided.

The effects of music therapy in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery under general anesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: Music has been used for several years as a relaxation method to reduce stress and anxiety. It is a painless, safe, inexpensive and practical nonpharmacologic therapeutic modality, widely used all over the world. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effect of music therapy on intraoperative awareness, patient satisfaction, awakening pain and waking quality in patients undergoing elective septorhinoplasty under general anesthesia. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, prospective study was conducted with 120 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty within a 2 months period. The patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups: group music (music during surgery) and control group (without music during surgery). All patients underwent standard general anesthesia. Patients aged 18-70 years who would undergo a planned surgery under general anesthesia were included. Patients who had emergency surgery, hearing or cognitive impairment, were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were enrolled, and separated into two groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics, anesthesia and surgery durations (p>0.05). In the music group, sedation agitation scores were lower than those in the control group at the postoperative period (3.76±1.64 vs. 5.11±2.13; p<0.001). In addition; in patients of the music group, the pain level (2.73±1.28 vs. 3.61±1.40) was lower (p<0.001), requiring less analgesic drugs intake. CONCLUSION: Music therapy, which is a nonpharmacologic intervention, is an effective method, without side effects, leading to positive effects in the awakening, hemodynamic parameters and analgesic requirements in the postoperative period. It is also effective in reducing the anxiety and intraoperative awareness episodes of surgical patients.

An Analysis of Patients Followed Up in the Intensive Care Unit with the Diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the factors thought to have an effect on the mortality of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 100 patients diagnosed with ARDS in the ICU between January 2009 and January 2013 was made. Surviving and deceased patients were compared with respect to the effect of the general characteristics, aetiological and prognostic factors, mechanical ventilation (MV) applications (especially permissive hypercapnia resulting from the restriction of the tidal volume predicted to avoid excessive distention of the alveoli), laboratory test values, multiorgan dysfunction rates, Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Lung Injury Score, Glasgow Coma Score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, arterial blood gas parameters and partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio values on mortality. RESULTS: There were 100 patients with ARDS comprising 61 males and 39 females with a mean age of 57.0±13.0 (range: 20-82) years and length of stay in the ICU of 38.7±13 days. The aetiological causes of ARDS were determined as pneumonia in 37 patients, trauma (traffic accidents inside or outside the vehicle and other accidents) in 14, sepsis in 19, pulmonary contusion in 9, non-pulmonary infection in 6, intoxication in 5, multiple blood transfusions in 4, firearms injury in 4 and acute pancreatitis in 2. Forty-four patients died. CONCLUSION: Survival rates were increased in patients with ARDS with early diagnosis and ICU support, lung protective MV strategy and permissive hypercapnia.

Relationship between arterial oxygen tension and mortality of patients in intensive care unit on mechanical ventilation support.

BACKGROUND: Although there are studies demonstrating hyperoxia may be an independent risk factor for increased mortality and morbidity, this issue remains unclear. Our research then aimed to examine the relationship between arterial oxygen tension, arterial carbon dioxide tension, and in-hospital mortality of critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: After obtaining ethics committee approval, we analyzed a retrospective data of patients over the age of 18 who survived at least 24 hours in the ICU on mechanical ventilatory support between year 2008 and 2012. The demographic properties, mechanical ventilation, and blood gas parameters were studied. We defined hyperoxia group as PaO2 value of ≥120 mmHg and normoxemia group as PaO2 of 60-120 mmHg. Patients with PaCO2 value <30 mmHg were determined to have hypocapnia, those with 30-50 mmHg normocapnia, and those with >50 mmHg hypercapnia. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2012, a total of 7689 patients were admitted to the ICU. Of 450 patients meeting the inclusion criteria of the study, 263 (58.4%) were male and 187 (41.6%) were female. Normoxia was observed in 232 (51.5%) patients and hyperoxia in 218 (48.5%) patients. The mean PaO2 was 16.2 kPa (121.50 mmHg), and FiO2 was 60%. 254 (56%) of the patients had died during the five-year period. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between PaO2 levels and PCO2 levels (p>0.05). According to the classification of PaO2 and FiO2, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality (p>0.05) among patients. In addition, no statistically significant difference was found between the survival rates according to PCO2 classification (p=0.602, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no significant association between mortality and oxygen and carbon dioxide of patients in ICU on mechanical ventilatory support.

Inferior vena cava diameter measurements and BUN/creatinine values to determine dehydration in patients with hip fractures preoperatively: A prospective observational study.

Dehydration is a common problem in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Sonographic inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter measurement evaluates to estimate volume status. The aim of the study to evaluate the relationship between IVC measurements (expiratory diameter of IVC, collabsibility index [CI], inspiratory diameter of IVC) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Ultrasonography of IVC was performed on 35 patients underwent hip fracture surgery. The end-expiratory diameter of IVC, end-inspiratory diameter of IVC, and CI were assessed preoperatively. The patients were classified as group 1 for BUN/Cr ratio <20, group 2 for BUN/Cr ratio of >20. Sonographic IVC measurement was not successful in 14.2% of patients and 30 patients remained. The mean age was 80.43 ±â€Š11.10 (58-95) years. The IVC diameter values had no discriminatory value for the prediction of dehydration according to BUN/creatinine ratio (P > .05). Receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that area under the curve (AUC) for CI: 49.5%, (95% CI 26.5-72.5) P > .05; for IVC inspiratory diameter: AUC: 43.3%, (95% CI, 19.9-66.6) P > .05; for IVC expiratory diameter: AUC: 45.5%, (95% CI, 26.6-65.4) P > .05. No correlations of BUN/creatinine ratio with CI and IVC expiratory diameter were found (as r = -0.262 [P = .163]; [r = 0.206, P = .274]; respectively). There were not any correlation in linear regression analysis model between BUN/Cr ratio according to independent variables (Age, CI, IVCmax, IVCmin) (P = .108, P = .419, P = .282, P = .257; respectively). No discriminatory relationship was found between the bedside ultrasonographic measurement of IVC parameters and BUN/creatinine ratio in patients underwent hip fracture surgery to predict the preoperative dehydration.

Frequency of anxiety and depression in patients of urtolithiasis undergoing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Diyarbakir, Turkey.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) can cause depression and anxiety for patients with urolithiasis. We evaluated the frequency of anxiety and depression in patients of urolithiasis undergoing ESWL. Thirty patients scheduled for ESWL were enrolled in Diyarbakir State Hospital, Turkey. VAS-A, APAIS, BDS and BAS scores were recorded. The patients comprised 23 males and 7 females (M/F: 3.3/1 with a mean age of 31.03 } 10.84 years. The mean VAS-A were 5.46 } 1.71. The pre-procedural anxiety were 100% (VAS-A>0) and depression of 56.6% of patients. The statistically significant difference was observed in total APAIS scores betweeen male and females. (p=0.41) There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gender and marital status (p< 0.05), Positive and statistically significant correlation was found between anxiety level (APAISa) and requirement of knowledge (APAISk) (p< 0.05). We found that depression and anxiety rates were high in patients with ESWL procedure.

Can ultrasonographic measurement of carotid intima-media thickness predict hypotension after induction of general anesthesia?

Hypotension in patients under general anesthesia is prevalent and causes unfavorable outcomes. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis and useful for evaluating the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the usefulness of preoperative CIMT measurement as a predictor of post-induction hypotension (PIH). The ultrasonographic measurement of CIMT was performed preoperatively on 82 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia in a prospective, observational study. Mean blood pressure (MBP) was recorded before induction. Hypotension was defined as a 20% decrease in MBP from baseline. The ultrasonographic measurement of CIMT was unsuccessful in 2 (2.43%) patients, leaving 80 patients for analyses. Hypotension developed in 41 patients. CIMT was higher in the patient group with PIH than in the group without PIH (p < 0.001). There was statistically significant correlation between MBP decrease after induction and CIMT (r = 0.529, p < 0.0001). CIMT correlated positively with age (r = 0.739, p < 0.0001). The area under curve for CIMT was 0.753 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.642-0.863]. The optimal cutoff value of CIMT was 0.65 mm with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 74.4%. CIMT was an independent predictor of PIH after adjusting other factors with an odds ratio of 1.833 (95% CI 1.23-2.72; p = 0.003). The ultrasonographic imaging and measurement of CIMT can reliably predict hypotension with a 0.65-mm threshold level. We believe that the ultrasonographic measurements of CIMT may be included in point-of-care application in anesthesiology.

Medical Folk Remedy: Two Cases of Garlic Burns.

Over the years, many cultures have used herbs for serious health problems. Garlic (Allium sativum) pose hypocholesterolemic, fibrinolytic, antidiabetic, and antibiotic actions. However, it has unusual adverse effects such as chemical burns and contact dermatitis when used topically. In this case report, the authors present two cases of topical garlic burn caused after the use of crushed garlic with a bandage for pain relief due to arthritis.

Assessment of Relationship between Vitamin D Deficiency and Pain Severity in Patients with Low Back Pain: A Retrospective, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is associated with musculoskeletal function in our body, and its deficiency is a common health problem all over the world. Low back pain (LBP) is an important health problem in terms of low quality of life, loss of work power, and cost of diagnosis and treatment approaches. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between pain severity and Vitamin D deficiency in patients who applied to pain polyclinic with LBP. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a retrospective, observational study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The files of patients aged between 18 and 70 years who applied to our hospital between January and February 2018 were examined retrospectively by a specialist. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), age, education level, marital status, working status, and body mass index (BMI) values recorded in patient files were included in the study. The limit value of Vitamin D was accepted as 20 ng/mL. Patients were divided into two groups according to their levels of Vitamin D. Patients with serum 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL were considered as the deficiency of Vitamin D (Group 1) and patients with 20 ng/mL and over 20 ng/mL values were considered as normal in terms of Vitamin D (Group 2). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistical data were presented as mean, standard deviation, numbers, and percentage. There was no difference between the normally distributed group and the non-normally distributed group in terms of vitamin D levels. To compare the frequencies, the Chi-square test was used. To define the linear association between independent variables and Vitamin D level, Spearman's rho correlation coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: The level of Vitamin D was measured in 98 patients aged 18-70 years who applied to our hospital's polyclinic due to LBP during the study period. The deficiency of vitamin was detected in 84 (85.7%) of the patients, while Vitamin D was found in 14 (14.3%) as normal. Groups were similar in terms of age, gender, BMI, educational level, marital status and working status (p> 0.05); however, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of VAS score and levels of Vitamin D (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). While there was a negative correlation between D vitamin level and VAS score (r = -0.594, P < 0.001), there was no correlation between age, gender, BMI, education level, marital status, and working status (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The deficiency of Vitamin D is often asymptomatic, and also, it can cause bone and muscle pain. In our study, we determined that the severity of pain increased in patients with LBP as the deficiency of Vitamin D increased. For this reason, we recommend to be evaluated the level of Vitamin D in patients with LBP.

Preoperative Assessment of Ultrasonographic Measurement of Antral Area for Gastric Content.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary aspiration of the gastric contents is a serious perioperative complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of portable ultrasonography in the preoperative evaluation of the gastric contents of patients. The secondary aim was to examine the relationship between gastric antrum cross-sectional area and age and body mass index (BMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS This single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study included 120 patients who underwent surgery. Measurements the gastric antral cross-sectional areas and quantitative and qualitative measurements of the stomach were taken by ultrasonography guidance in all patients. RESULTS With the patient in a supine position, the mean gastric antrum cross-sectional area was found to be 3.4±2.43 cm² (range, 0.79-17.3 cm²). As the number of hours of fasting increased, the gastric antral cross-sectional area statistically significantly decreased (P<0.05). Increased age and BMI values were determined to increase the gastric antrum cross-sectional area in a linear correlation; r=0.209, P<0.05 and r=0.252, P=0.05, respectively. It was determined that 20.8% of the patients exceeded the high-risk stomach antral cutoff cross-sectional area that was defined as 340 mm2 in patients fasting for at least 8 hours. CONCLUSIONS It was determined that bedside ultrasonography is a useful, non-invasive tool in the determination of gastric content and volume. A significant proportion of surgical patients may not present with an empty stomach despite the recommended fasting protocols.

Comparison of Ketamine with Midazolam versus Ketamine with Fentanyl for Pediatric Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Procedure: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of ketamine-fentanyl (KF) and ketamine-midazolam (KM) combinations on hemodynamic parameters, recovery properties, pain, and side effects in pediatric patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) procedure. METHODOLOGY: In this double-blinded, randomized trial, 60 pediatric patients aged between 1 and 13 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Classes I and II, who scheduled for ESWL procedure, were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group KM received 0.1 mg/kg of midazolam +1-1.5 mg/kg of ketamine and Group KF received 1 µg/kg of fentanyl +1-1.5 mg/kg of ketamine intravenously. RESULTS: There were similar demographic properties, recovery, and discharge times between groups. No statistically significant difference was found in peripheral oxygen saturation, mean and diastolic blood pressure, Ramsey sedation scores, modified Aldrete recovery scores, side effects, and recovery times (Group KM, 16.067 ± 1.2 min; Group KF, 19.46 ± 0.86 min) between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: KF combination offers better hemodynamic properties, less side effects with lower visual analog scores, and face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability scores than KM in the pediatric ESWL procedure.

Preoperative and Postoperative Assessment of Ultrasonographic Measurement of Inferior Vena Cava: A Prospective, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound measurement of dynamic changes in inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and collapsibility index (CI) are used to estimate the fluid responsiveness and intravascular volume status. We conducted an analysis to quantify the sonographic measurement of IVC diameter changes in adult patients at the preoperative and postoperative periods. METHODS: Ultrasonography was performed on 72 patients scheduled for surgery with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to III. Quantitative assessments of the end-expiration (Dmin), end-inspiration (Dmax), and CI at preoperative and postoperative period were compared in a prospective, observational study. The patients received intravenous fluid according to standard protocol regimes peroperatively. RESULTS: Ultrasonography of IVC measurement was unsuccessful in 12.5% of patients and 63 patients remained for analyses. The mean age was 43.29 ± 17.22 (range 18⁻86) years. The average diameter of the Dmin, Dmax, and dIVC preoperative and postoperative were 1.99 ± 0.31 vs. 2.05 ± 0.29 cm, 1.72 ± 0.33 vs. 1.74 ± 0.32 cm, 14.0 ± 9.60% vs. 15.14 ± 11.18%, respectively (p > 0.05). CI was positively associated preoperatively and postoperatively (regression coefficient = 0.438, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The diameter of the IVC did not change preoperatively and postoperatively in adult patients with standard fluid regimens. The parameters of the IVC diameter increased postoperatively according to the preoperative period.

Anosmia after Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection.

There are no reports for anosmia after caudal epidural steroid injections (CESIs). General anesthesia is among the reasons, but the reports up to date are extremely limited. There are no identifiable factors contributing to anosmia after epidural injection, so it is worth discussing. We present the case of a 50-year-old woman with no previous history of any sensory deficits. She experienced anosmia after CESI that had been performed due to her chronic low back pain and lasted for 4 months. Clinical and imaging studies did not reveal any pathology. After 4 months, the olfactory dysfunction demonstrated a significant improvement. Disorders of the olfactory system are unknown after regional anesthesia. The onset of the dysfunction in correlation with the imaging findings may indicate that anesthetics can affect the olfactory dysfunction. Further studies are needed.

The importance of perfusion index monitoring in evaluating the efficacy of stellate ganglion blockage treatment in Raynaud's disease.

Stellate ganglion blockage (SGB) is a method used for treating Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). This study primarily aimed to determine whether the perfusion index (PI) can be used an alternative to Horner's signs in evaluating the efficacy of SGB in patients diagnosed with RP. In a total of 40 patients, aged 18-65 years and diagnosed with primary RP, SGB was applied for 5 days on the same side with the 2-finger method, using 6 mL of 5% levobupivacaine at the 7th cervical vertebra level. The PI values were recorded from the distal end of the 2nd finger of the upper extremity on the side applied with the block at baseline and at 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min. The onset time of Horner findings was recorded. The PI values and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded pre-treatment and after 2 weeks.When the PI values of the 40 patients were examined, a 62.7% increase was observed from baseline to the first session at 5 min (p < 0.05). When all sessions were evaluated, a statistically significant increase was determined in the PI values measured at 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min compared with the baseline PI values. There was a statistically significant decrease in the post-treatment VAS pain scores and a statistically significant increase in the post-treatment PI values (p < 0.05). By eliminating peripheral vasospasm with the application of SGB in patients with RP, the distal artery blood flow and PI are increased. PI measurement is a more objective method and therefore could be used as an alternative to Horner findings in evaluating the success of SGB. PI is a non-invasive and simple measurement and also an earlier indicator in evaluating the success of SGB than Horner's signs.

Brimonidine-timolol versus brinzolamide-timolol for treatment of elevated intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of the fixed combination of brimonidine-timolol (FCBT) and the fixed combination of brinzolamide-timolol (FCBZT) treatments for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification cataract surgery. METHODS: A randomised, prospective, double-blinded study was conducted on 277 eyes of 257 patients who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Patients were divided into three groups based on the medication administered after cataract surgery as follows: FCBT, FCBZT and a control group where no antiglaucoma medications were used. IOP was recorded at preoperative and postoperative hours 6 and 24 and days 3 and 5. RESULTS: No statistical differences were observed among the groups regarding age, sex and baseline IOP levels (p > 0.05). Mean IOP levels were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the control group at postoperative hours 6 and 24 and days 3 and 5 (p < 0.001). Administration of one drop of FCBT or FCBZT demonstrated similar effects on preventing IOP spikes within 24 h of phacoemulsification cataract surgery. FCBZT more effectively lowered IOP than FCBT at days 3 and 5 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that the postoperative administration of FCBT or FCBZT is effective in lowering IOP after phacoemulsification cataract surgery; FCBZT more effectively lowered IOP than FCBT at postoperative days 3 and 5.

Investigation of Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Count in the Blood of Patients with Lumbago and Sciatica.

BACKGROUND: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measurement defining the mean size of platelets in the blood. There has been no previous study of MPV and the level of platelets in lumbago/sciatica patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not an increase is seen in platelet count and MPV which are indicators of platelet activation in lumbago/sciatica patients compared to a healthy control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 151 patients (79 females, 72 males, mean age 43.1 ± 12.9 years) who presented at the Pain Clinic of our hospital and were diagnosed with lumbago/sciatica between July 2017 and September 2017. A control group was formed of 80 healthy individuals (40 females, 40 males, mean age 42.4 ± 12.5 years). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined in the MPV of the lumbago/sciatica patients (9.76 ± 1.09 fL) compared with the control group (9.56 ± 0.92 fL) (P = 0.34). The platelet level of lumbago/sciatica patients (263.3 ± 68.7 103/mL) was determined to be statistically significantly lower than that of the control group (277.27 ± 70.7 103/mL) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the platelet count of the lumbago/sciatica patients was lower than that of the control group while no statistically significant increase was determined in MPV. These findings may show platelet activation that is not statistically significant in lumbago/sciatica patients.

A Safe Regional Technique in a High-risk Patient: Cervical Plexus Blockage.

Regional anesthesia in the form of combined cervical plexus block is gaining popularity as a technique of choice for cervical spine surgeries, especially for urgent ones. An important advantage is that it allows continuous monitoring of patient's neurological status. The success of the block often depends on accurate placement of the local anesthetic. Landmarks for the block are therefore of great importance. In this case, we aimed to present a 74-year-old man with C4-5 odontoid fracture. We planned to perform a unilateral combined cervical plexus block for anterior cervical instrumentation and fusion (ACIF) operation because of his associated high-risk comorbid disorders.