Manejo anestésico para la implantación de una prótesis aórtica por vía percutánea. Resultados de 100 casos / Anaesthetic management of percutaneous aortic valve implants: results of 100 cases

Introducción. La implantación de una prótesis aórtica por vía transfemoral representa una alternativa terapéutica en pacientes con estenosis aórtica severa desestimados para cirugía por elevado riesgo quirúrgico. Objetivo. Describir el manejo anestésico para prótesis aórtica por vía transfemoral y los resultados en 100 pacientes con estenosis aórtica severa. Material y métodos. Presentamos una serie de 100 casos consecutivos recogidos de forma prospectiva. El manejo anestésico se realiza con perfusión continua de remifentanilo y propofol, para sedación o anestesia general. Resultados. El 65% de los casos se culmina con sedación y el 35% con anestesia general (el 19% del total de forma electiva y el 16% del total por complicaciones ocurridas durante el procedimiento). Ocurren complicaciones en el 34% de los casos, siendo más frecuentes las de origen vascular y el bloqueo auriculoventricular completo. La mortalidad en las primeras 24h es del 5%. Conclusiones. La prótesis aórtica por vía transfemoral bajo sedación con remifentanilo-propofol puede considerarse una alternativa terapéutica válida para pacientes con estenosis aórtica severa sintomática, con elevado riesgo quirúrgico, desestimados para cirugía convencional (AU)

Introduction. Transfemoral transcatheter aortic-valve implantation represents a therapeutic alternative for patients with severe aortic stenosis who cannot undergo surgery due to high surgical risk. Objective. The aim of this study is to describe the anaesthetic procedure for transfemoral transcatheter aortic-valve implantation and the results on 100 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Material and methods. A series of cases are presented with prospective data collected on 100 consecutive patients. The anaesthetic procedure consisted of continuous remifentanil and propofol infusions, for sedation or general anaesthetic. Results. Almost two-thirds (65%) of the cases ended on sedation, and 35% on general anaesthetic (19% out of this total were elective and 16% were due to complications during the procedure). Complications occurred in 34% of the cases, with both vascular and complete atrioventricular block being the most frequent. Mortality within the first 24h was 5%. Conclusions. Implantation of transfemoral aortic prosthesis under remifentanil-propofol sedation can be considered a valid therapeutic alternative for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, and with a high surgical risk, and therefore not considered for conventional surgery (AU)

Encuesta nacional sobre cirugía con recuperación intensificada / Spanish survey on enhanced recovery after surgery

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar el interés, el conocimiento y el cumplimiento de los protocolos ERA en cuidados perioperatorios. Materiales y métodos. Entre septiembre y diciembre de 2014 se realizó una encuesta de libre acceso desde las webs de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación, la Asociación Española de Cirujanos, la Sociedad Española de Nutrición Enteral y Parenteral, y ERAS España (GERM). Resultados. Respondieron 272 profesionales (44,5% anestesiólogos, 45,2% cirujanos) de 110 hospitales, el 73,1% con experiencia en protocolos ERAS. Conocía específicamente los protocolos ERAS un 86,1%, aunque solo el 50,9% conocía las recomendaciones ERAS y el 42,4% las españolas (GERM). Además, el 73,1% de sus hospitales realizaban protocolos ERAS, principalmente en colorrectal (93%), según recomendaciones GERM/ERAS (52,2%). Un 95,5% mostró interés en desarrollar guías nacionales. El 46,6% realizaron evaluación nutricional preoperatoria, aunque no existiera un método de cribado universal de desnutrición (56,8%). La carga preoperatoria con bebidas carbohidratadas se realizó en el 51,4%; se evitaron sonda nasogástrica y drenajes (79,3%), profilaxis de náuseas y vómitos postoperatorios (73,4%), terapia dirigida por objetivos de líquidos (73,3%), mantenimiento de normotermia activa (87,4%). La mayoría realizó movilización (90,1%) y alimentación temprana (87,9%). Las principales causas de fracaso del protocolo fueron las náuseas y vómitos postoperatorios (46,5%) y el íleo (58,9%). Conclusión. La realización de protocolos de recuperación intensificada sería conocida en España, aunque no parece existir un consenso ni se realizan según las guías. El cumplimiento general de los elementos del protocolo sería adecuado, aunque exista un déficit en el manejo nutricional perioperatorio (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the interest in ERAS protocols, and the extent to which clinicians are familiar with and apply these protocols during perioperative care. Materials and methods. Free access survey hosted on the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care; Spanish Association of Surgeons and Spanish Society of Enteral and Parenteral nutrition and ERAS Spain (GERM) websites conducted between September and December 2014. Results. The survey was answered by 272 professionals (44.5% anaesthetists, 45.2% general surgeons) from 110 hospitals, 73% of whom had experience in ERAS protocols. Most (86.1%) had specific knowledge of ERAS protocols, whereas only 50.9% were familiar with ERAS recommendations and 42.4% with GERM recommendations. Most (73.1%) respondents reported that ERAS protocols are performed in their hospitals, mainly in colorectal surgery (93%), and 52.2% reported that GERM/ERAS recommendations are followed. Nearly all (95.5%) would be interested in the development of multidisciplinary national guidelines. Less than half (46.6%) perform preoperative nutritional assessment, albeit without a universal malnutrition screening method (56.8%). Preoperative loading with carbohydrate drinks is carried out in only 51.4% of cases; nasogastric tube and drainage are avoided (79.3%), prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting (73.4%), goal directed fluid therapy (73.3%), and active normothermia maintenance (87.4%) are performed. In most cases, mobilization (90.1%) and early feeding (87.9%) are performed. The leading causes of protocol failure are postoperative nausea and vomiting (46.5%) and ileus (58.9%). Conclusion. Clinicians in Spain are familiar with fast track protocols, although there is no overall consensus, and hospitals do not adhere to existing guidelines. Overall compliance with the items of the protocol is adequate, although perioperative nutritional management is poor (AU)

Terapia hemodinámica guiada por objetivos basada en parámetros de flujo con Doppler esofágico: revisión sistemática, metaanálisis y análisis secuencial de ensayos / Goal directed hemodynamic therapy based in esophageal Doppler flow parameters: a systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Introducción. Numerosos estudios han comparado la monitorización perioperatoria guiada por Doppler esofágico (ODM) para establecer estrategias de reemplazo de volumen intravascular. El uso del ODM con algoritmos hemodinámicos se denomina terapia hemodinámica guiada por objetivos (THGO). Métodos. Metaanálisis de los efectos del ODM en THGO para cirugía no cardiaca de adultos, las complicaciones postoperatorias y la mortalidad, acorde a PRISMA. Se practicó búsqueda sistemática en Medline, PubMed, EMBASE y la Cochrane Library (última actualización, marzo de 2015). Criterios de inclusión: ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) que comparan THGO con otra alternativa de manejo de fluidos. Desenlaces primarios: complicaciones generales. Desenlaces secundarios: mortalidad; número de pacientes con complicaciones; complicaciones específicas. Se realizó análisis cuantificable, análisis predefinido de subgrupos y sensibilidad, y análisis secuencial de estudios. Resultados. Se identificaron inicialmente 56 ECA, siendo finalmente admitidos para el estudio 15 (1.368 pacientes). Se observó una reducción significativa global, con THGO, de las complicaciones asociadas comparada con fluidoterapia convencional (RR=0,75; IC95%: 0,63-0,89; p=0,0009), en cirugía colorrectal, urológica y de alto riesgo No se encontraron diferencias en los resultados secundarios, ni en otros subgrupos. El impacto en la prevención de complicaciones en pacientes con ODM es alto, con una reducción del riesgo relativo (RRR) del 50% y un número necesario a tratar (NNT)=6. Conclusiones. La THGO guiada por ODM disminuye las complicaciones postoperatorias, principalmente en pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal y de alto riesgo. No se encontraron diferencias con respecto a la fluidoterapia restrictiva y en pacientes de riesgo intermedio (AU)

Background. Numerous studies have compared perioperative esophageal doppler monitoring (EDM) guided intravascular volume replacement strategies with conventional clinical volume replacement in surgical patients. The use of the EDM within hemodynamic algorithms is called ‘goal directed hemodynamic therapy’ (GDHT). Methods. Meta-analysis of the effects of EDM guided GDHT in adult non-cardiac surgery on postoperative complications and mortality using PRISMA methodology. A systematic search was performed in Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (last update, March 2015). Inclusion criteria: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which perioperative GDHT was compared to other fluid management. Primary outcomes: Overall complications. Secondary outcomes: Mortality; number of patients with complications; cardiac, renal and infectious complications; incidence of ileus. Studies were subjected to quantifiable analysis, pre-defined subgroup analysis (stratified by surgery, type of comparator and risk); pre-defined sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). Results. Fifty six RCTs were initially identified, 15 fulfilling the inclusion criteria, including 1,368 patients. A significant reduction was observed in overall complications associated with GDHT compared to other fluid therapy (RR=0.75; 95%CI: 0.63-0.89; P=0.0009) in colorectal, urological and high-risk surgery compared to conventional fluid therapy. No differences were found in secondary outcomes, neither in other subgroups. The impact on preventing the development of complications in patients using EDM is high, causing a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 50% for a number needed to treat (NNT)=6. Conclusions. GDHT guided by EDM decreases postoperative complications, especially in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and high-risk surgery. However, no differences versus restrictive fluid therapy and in intermediate-risk patients were found (AU)

Mínimo flujo de oxígeno necesario para soporte vital durante la simulación de reanimación post parada cardiorrespiratoria / Minimum oxygen flow needed for vital support during simulated post-cardiorespiratory arrest resuscitation

De acuerdo con las guías de la AHA y la ERC, la FiO2 a administrarse debería ser aquella con la que se obtuviera una SatO2 ≥ 94%. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar el mínimo flujo de oxígeno y tiempo necesarios para alcanzar una FiO2 de 0,32 y de 0,80 durante el manejo posparada cardiaca. Se emplearon diferentes reanimadores, que fueron conectados a un pulmón artificial: Mark IV, SPUR II, Revivator Res-Q, O-TWO. Los flujos de oxígeno probados fueron 2, 5, 10 y 15 lpm. Los test estadísticos aplicados fueron Bonferroni y U de Mann-Whitney. Se obtuvo una FiO2 ≥ 0,32 con cualquiera de los flujos de oxígeno y reanimadores. Tras un mínimo de 75 s ventilando con 2 o 5 lpm, solo se consiguió una FiO2 de 0,80 con Mark IV. Se hallaron diferencias clínica y estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,05): con 15 lpm se necesitaron 35 s para alcanzar una FiO2 ≥ 0,80 con Mark IV (85,6 [0,3]) y Revivator (84,3 [1,5]) comparado con los 50 s que precisó SPUR II (87,1 [6,4]); con 2 lpm, todos los resucitadores alcanzaron una FiO2 ≥ 0,32 en 30 s(Mark IV (34,8 [1,3]), Revivator (35,7 [1,5]) y SPUR II (34,4 [2,1]), excepto O-TWO, que necesitó 35 s (36,3 [4,3]). Para alcanzar una FiO2 de 0,32 se podría emplear cualquiera de los resucitadores usando 2 lpm, aunque quizá el menos recomendable sería O-TWO. Si el objetivo fuera una FiO2 de 0,80, debería bastar con 10 lpm, usando preferiblemente Mark IV o Revivator Res-Q. En conclusión, atendiendo a los resultados de nuestro estudio, ante cualquier situación potencial, sería preferible emplear Revivator Res-Q o Mark IV que O-TWO o SPUR II (AU)

According to the ERC and the AHA guidelines, FiO2 should be titrated to achieve an O2Sat ≥ 94%. The aim of this study was to determine the minimum oxygen flow and time needed to reach an FiO2 of 0.32 and 0.80 during post-cardiac arrest care. An experimental analysis was performed that consisted of a simulated post-cardiac arrest situation. Different resuscitators were tested and connected to an artificial lung: Mark IV, SPUR II, Revivator Res-Q, O-TWO. The oxygen flow levels tested were 2, 5, 10 and 15 lpm. Bonferroni and Mann-Whitney U tests were used. An FiO2 of 0.32 or more was obtained using any of the oxygen flow and resuscitators. Only the Mark IV achieved an FiO2 of 0.80 after a minimum of 75 s ventilating with 2 or 5 lpm. Clinical and statistical differences (P < .05) were found: at 15 lpm it took 35 s to reach an FiO2 of 0.80 or more for Mark IV (85.6 [0.3]) and Revivator (84.3 [1.5]) compared to 50 s for SPUR II (87.1 [6.4]); at 2 lpm, all of the devices reached an FiO2 of ≥ 0.32 at 30 s(Mark IV (34.8 [1.3]), Revivator (35.7 [1.5]) and SPUR II (34.4 [2.1]), except for O-TWO, which took 35 s (36.3 [4.3]). Patients could be ventilated with any of the resuscitators using 2 lpm to obtain an FiO2 of 0.32, although possibly O-TWO would be the last option during the first 60 s. In order to reach an FiO2 of 0.80, ventilating with 10 lpm should be sufficient, and preferably using Mark IV or Revivator Res-Q. In conclusion, on observing the results of our study, in any possible scenario, it would be advisable to use Revivator Res-Q or Mark IV rather than O-TWO or SPUR II (AU)

Anaesthetic management of percutaneous aortic valve implants: Results of 100 cases. / Manejo anestésico para la implantación de una prótesis aórtica por vía percutánea. Resultados de 100 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Transfemoral transcatheter aortic-valve implantation represents a therapeutic alternative for patients with severe aortic stenosis who cannot undergo surgery due to high surgical risk. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the anaesthetic procedure for transfemoral transcatheter aortic-valve implantation and the results on 100 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A series of cases are presented with prospective data collected on 100 consecutive patients. The anaesthetic procedure consisted of continuous remifentanil and propofol infusions, for sedation or general anaesthetic. RESULTS: Almost two-thirds (65%) of the cases ended on sedation, and 35% on general anaesthetic (19% out of this total were elective and 16% were due to complications during the procedure). Complications occurred in 34% of the cases, with both vascular and complete atrioventricular block being the most frequent. Mortality within the first 24h was 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of transfemoral aortic prosthesis under remifentanil-propofol sedation can be considered a valid therapeutic alternative for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, and with a high surgical risk, and therefore not considered for conventional surgery.

Goal directed hemodynamic therapy based in esophageal Doppler flow parameters: A systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. / Terapia hemodinámica guiada por objetivos basada en parámetros de flujo con Doppler esofágico: revisión sistemática, metaanálisis y análisis secuencial de ensayos.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have compared perioperative esophageal doppler monitoring (EDM) guided intravascular volume replacement strategies with conventional clinical volume replacement in surgical patients. The use of the EDM within hemodynamic algorithms is called 'goal directed hemodynamic therapy' (GDHT). METHODS: Meta-analysis of the effects of EDM guided GDHT in adult non-cardiac surgery on postoperative complications and mortality using PRISMA methodology. A systematic search was performed in Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (last update, March 2015). INCLUSION CRITERIA: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which perioperative GDHT was compared to other fluid management. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Overall complications. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Mortality; number of patients with complications; cardiac, renal and infectious complications; incidence of ileus. Studies were subjected to quantifiable analysis, pre-defined subgroup analysis (stratified by surgery, type of comparator and risk); pre-defined sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). RESULTS: Fifty six RCTs were initially identified, 15 fulfilling the inclusion criteria, including 1,368 patients. A significant reduction was observed in overall complications associated with GDHT compared to other fluid therapy (RR=0.75; 95%CI: 0.63-0.89; P=0.0009) in colorectal, urological and high-risk surgery compared to conventional fluid therapy. No differences were found in secondary outcomes, neither in other subgroups. The impact on preventing the development of complications in patients using EDM is high, causing a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 50% for a number needed to treat (NNT)=6. CONCLUSIONS: GDHT guided by EDM decreases postoperative complications, especially in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and high-risk surgery. However, no differences versus restrictive fluid therapy and in intermediate-risk patients were found.

Spanish survey on enhanced recovery after surgery. / Encuesta nacional sobre cirugía con recuperación intensificada.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the interest in ERAS protocols, and the extent to which clinicians are familiar with and apply these protocols during perioperative care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Free access survey hosted on the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care; Spanish Association of Surgeons and Spanish Society of Enteral and Parenteral nutrition and ERAS Spain (GERM) websites conducted between September and December 2014. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 272 professionals (44.5% anaesthetists, 45.2% general surgeons) from 110 hospitals, 73% of whom had experience in ERAS protocols. Most (86.1%) had specific knowledge of ERAS protocols, whereas only 50.9% were familiar with ERAS recommendations and 42.4% with GERM recommendations. Most (73.1%) respondents reported that ERAS protocols are performed in their hospitals, mainly in colorectal surgery (93%), and 52.2% reported that GERM/ERAS recommendations are followed. Nearly all (95.5%) would be interested in the development of multidisciplinary national guidelines. Less than half (46.6%) perform preoperative nutritional assessment, albeit without a universal malnutrition screening method (56.8%). Preoperative loading with carbohydrate drinks is carried out in only 51.4% of cases; nasogastric tube and drainage are avoided (79.3%), prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting (73.4%), goal directed fluid therapy (73.3%), and active normothermia maintenance (87.4%) are performed. In most cases, mobilization (90.1%) and early feeding (87.9%) are performed. The leading causes of protocol failure are postoperative nausea and vomiting (46.5%) and ileus (58.9%). CONCLUSION: Clinicians in Spain are familiar with fast track protocols, although there is no overall consensus, and hospitals do not adhere to existing guidelines. Overall compliance with the items of the protocol is adequate, although perioperative nutritional management is poor.

Minimum oxygen flow needed for vital support during simulated post-cardiorespiratory arrest resuscitation.

According to the ERC and the AHA guidelines, FiO2 should be titrated to achieve an O2Sat ≥ 94%. The aim of this study was to determine the minimum oxygen flow and time needed to reach an FiO2 of 0.32 and 0.80 during post-cardiac arrest care. An experimental analysis was performed that consisted of a simulated post-cardiac arrest situation. Different resuscitators were tested and connected to an artificial lung: Mark IV, SPUR II, Revivator Res-Q, O-TWO. The oxygen flow levels tested were 2, 5, 10 and 15 lpm. Bonferroni and Mann-Whitney U tests were used. An FiO2 of 0.32 or more was obtained using any of the oxygen flow and resuscitators. Only the Mark IV achieved an FiO2 of 0.80 after a minimum of 75s ventilating with 2 or 5 lpm. Clinical and statistical differences (P<.05) were found: at 15 lpm it took 35s to reach an FiO2 of 0.80 or more for Mark IV (85.6 [0.3]) and Revivator (84.3 [1.5]) compared to 50s for SPUR II (87.1 [6.4]); at 2 lpm, all of the devices reached an FiO2 of ≥ 0.32 at 30s(Mark IV (34.8 [1.3]), Revivator (35.7 [1.5]) and SPUR II (34.4 [2.1]), except for O-TWO, which took 35s (36.3 [4.3]). Patients could be ventilated with any of the resuscitators using 2 lpm to obtain an FiO2 of 0.32, although possibly O-TWO would be the last option during the first 60s. In order to reach an FiO2 of 0.80, ventilating with 10 lpm should be sufficient, and preferably using Mark IV or Revivator Res-Q. In conclusion, on observing the results of our study, in any possible scenario, it would be advisable to use Revivator Res-Q or Mark IV rather than O-TWO or SPUR II.

A systematic review of sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

We reviewed systematically sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversing neuromuscular blockade. We included 17 randomised controlled trials with 1553 participants. Sugammadex reduced all signs of residual postoperative paralysis, relative risk (95% CI) 0.46 (0.29-0.71), p = 0.0004 and minor respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.51 (0.32-0.80), p = 0.0034. There was no difference in critical respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.13 (0.02-1.06), p = 0.06. Sugammadex reduced drug-related side-effects, relative risk (95% CI) 0.72 (0.54-0.95), p = 0.02. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative nausea or the rate of postoperative vomiting, relative risk (95% CI) 0.94 (0.79-1.13), p = 0.53, and 0.87 (0.65-1.17), p = 0.36 respectively.

Manejo de vía aérea difícil con inducción inhalatoria en paciente con síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut y traumatismo cervical / Management of difficult airway with inhalation induction in a patient with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and neck injury

El síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut es una encefalopatía epileptiforme de la infancia, caracterizado por convulsiones frecuentes de difícil tratamiento asociadas a retraso mental. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 21 años con síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut y dislocación facetaria cervical bilateral traumática a nivel de C6-C7 con compresión del canal medular como consecuencia de una caída durante una crisis convulsiva. En este caso describimos el manejo de la vía aérea difícil prevista en un paciente despierto, no colaborador, que presenta lesión medular a nivel cervical. Se plantea una estrategia de abordaje de la vía aérea difícil que nos permita un control rápido y seguro de esta con la mejor tolerancia posible por parte del paciente, buscando conservar la inmovilización cervical para no aumentar el daño neurológico. Dentro de esta estrategia se definió como plan A la inducción inhalatoria con sevoflurano para mantener la respiración espontánea, y la intubación traqueal con Airtraq®. Consideramos que el videolaringoscopio Airtraq® junto con la inducción inhalatoria con sevoflurano es una alternativa eficaz y válida en el manejo de la vía aérea difícil prevista con inmovilización cervical (AU)

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a childhood epileptic encephalopathy, and is characterized by frequent and difficult to treat seizures associated with mental retardation. The case is presented of a 21 year-old male with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, with bilateral cervical facet joint dislocation fracture at C6-C7 and spinal canal compression as a result of a fall during a seizure. In this case the management of the difficult airway expected in an awake and uncooperative patient, with cervical spinal cord injury is described. An airway management strategy was proposed, that allowed a rapid and safe airway control with the best possible tolerance and maintaining the neck immobilised, so as not to increase neurological injury. Within this strategy, plan A was defined as inhalation induction with sevoflurane to maintain spontaneous breathing and tracheal intubation with Airtraq®. We believe that the Airtraq® video laryngoscope with inhalational induction with sevoflurane is a valid and effective alternative in the management of expected difficult airway (AU)

[Management of difficult airway with inhalation induction in a patient with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and neck injury]. / Manejo de vía aérea difícil con inducción inhalatoria en paciente con síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut y traumatismo cervical.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a childhood epileptic encephalopathy, and is characterized by frequent and difficult to treat seizures associated with mental retardation. The case is presented of a 21 year-old male with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, with bilateral cervical facet joint dislocation fracture at C6-C7 and spinal canal compression as a result of a fall during a seizure. In this case the management of the difficult airway expected in an awake and uncooperative patient, with cervical spinal cord injury is described. An airway management strategy was proposed, that allowed a rapid and safe airway control with the best possible tolerance and maintaining the neck immobilised, so as not to increase neurological injury. Within this strategy, plan A was defined as inhalation induction with sevoflurane to maintain spontaneous breathing and tracheal intubation with Airtraq®. We believe that the Airtraq® video laryngoscope with inhalational induction with sevoflurane is a valid and effective alternative in the management of expected difficult airway.

Paraplejía tardía transitoria tras reparación de aneurismas torácico y toracoabdominal / Transient delayed paraplegia after repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms

El aneurisma toracoabdominal requiere de un manejo multidisciplinar debido a su complejidad tanto en la técnica quirúrgica como en el tratamiento anestésico. La complicación postoperatoria más temida es la isquemia medular, que se presenta con una clínica e instauración variable, a su vez que su recuperación puede ser parcial o completa. El manejo postoperatorio de la isquemia medular se basa en medidas que aumentan la perfusión medular, principalmente la optimización hemodinámica y el drenaje de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Presentamos 2 casos de paraplejía tardía, uno tras reparación abierta de aneurisma aórtico toracoabdominal y otro después del tratamiento endovascular de aneurisma de la aorta torácica descendente, con recuperación completa del déficit neurológico tras drenaje de LCR (AU)

Thoracoabdominal aneurysm requires multidisciplinary management due to its complexity both in surgical technique and anesthetic considerations. One of the most feared postoperative complication is spinal cord ischemia. It can be presented as different clinical patterns, and its recovery may be partial or complete. The postoperative management of spinal cord ischemia is mainly based on techniques to increase spinal cord perfusion, above all, hemodynamic stability and cerebrospinal fluid drainage. We present two cases of delayed paraplegia after an open repair of a thoracoabdominal aneurysm and a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm repair using an endovascular stent graft. They both had a complete neurological recovery after cerebrospinal fluid drainage (AU)

Anestesia en la cirugía del aneurisma toracoabdominal: 17 años de experiencia / Anesthesia in the surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms: 17 years experience

Objetivo. Presentar los resultados de las cirugías de los aneurismas de aorta toracoabdominal, realizadas por un mismo equipo de cirujanos y anestesiólogos, durante 17 años. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo y observacional. Se evaluó a todos los pacientes intervenidos desde el año 1995 hasta julio de 2011 de aneurisma de aorta toracoabdominal. Se registraron las características demográficas, tipo de aneurisma, complicaciones intra y postoperatorias y mortalidad. Resultados. Se evaluaron 65 pacientes (97% varones), 5 (7,6%) con aneurismas tipo i de Crawford, 22 (33,8%) de tipo ii, 17 (26,1%) tipo iii y 21 (32,3%) de tipo iv. La mortalidad a 30 días fue del 9,2% (6/65 pacientes), que fue igual que la incidencia de paraplejía. Esta complicación solo se presentó en los aneurismas tipos ii y iii de Crawford. Se presentó paraplejía en el 4,5% (1/22) de los pacientes en los que se utilizó bypass izquierdo, frente a un 29% (5/17) en los que la intervención se realizó mediante pinzamiento directo sin perfusión aórtica distal (p=0,068). La complicación postoperatoria más frecuente fue respiratoria, con ventilación mecánica prolongada (>48h) en el 20% (13 pacientes). La estancia media postoperatoria fue de 28 días (rango 7-92). Discusión. La mortalidad media en los centros de referencia es del 9,7% (rango 5-16%) similar a la de nuestros pacientes. Fuera de ellos, la mortalidad a los 30 días asciende hasta el 19 y el 31% al año. La incidencia de paraplejía en los hospitales con mayor experiencia oscila entre el 2,7 y el 16%, aceptándose como buena, en la actualidad, una incidencia inferior al 10%, que también es similar a la de nuestros casos (9,2%). Parece aceptada la utilización de drenaje de LCR en estos pacientes, así como el empleo de derivación izquierda e hipotermia moderada en los tipos i, ii y iii de Crawford, para la profilaxis de la paraplejía (AU)

Objective. To review the results after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms repair performed by the same team of surgeons and anesthesiologists over a 17 year period. Material and methods. A prospective and observational study carried out on 65 patients (97% male) who were operated on from 1995 until July 2011 for thoracoabdominal aneurysm, Crawford type i 5 (7.6%), ii 22 (33.8%), iii 17 (26.11%) and iv 21 (32.31%). Results. The 30-day mortality was 9.2% (6/65 patients), which was the same as the incidence of paraplegia. This complication only occurred in the Crawford types ii and iii aneurysms. Paraplegia was present in 4.5% (1/22) of patients in whom “left bypass” was used, compared with 29% (5/17) in which the intervention was performed by cross-clamping without distal aortic perfusion (P=.068). The most frequent complication was respiratory, with prolonged mechanical ventilation (>48h) in 20% (13 patients) of cases. The mean hospital stay was 28 days (7-92). Discussion. The average mortality in referral centers is 9.7%, ranging between 5% and 16%. In other centres the mortality at 30 days is between 19% and 31% per year. Our group had a 9.2% of mortality rate at 30 days. The incidence of paraplegia in hospitals with greater experience ranges between 2.7% and 16%. Nowadays, an incidence of less than 10% is accepted as good. We had 9.2%. The use of CSF drainage in these patients, as well as the use of left bypass and moderate hypothermia in the Crawford types i, ii and iii appear to be acceptable for prophylaxis of paraplegia (AU)

[Transient delayed paraplegia after repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms]. / Paraplejía tardía transitoria tras reparación de aneurismas torácico y toracoabdominal.

Thoracoabdominal aneurysm requires multidisciplinary management due to its complexity both in surgical technique and anesthetic considerations. One of the most feared postoperative complication is spinal cord ischemia. It can be presented as different clinical patterns, and its recovery may be partial or complete. The postoperative management of spinal cord ischemia is mainly based on techniques to increase spinal cord perfusion, above all, hemodynamic stability and cerebrospinal fluid drainage. We present two cases of delayed paraplegia after an open repair of a thoracoabdominal aneurysm and a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm repair using an endovascular stent graft. They both had a complete neurological recovery after cerebrospinal fluid drainage.

[Anesthesia in the surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms: 17 years experience]. / Anestesia en la cirugía del aneurisma toracoabdominal: 17 años de experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To review the results after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms repair performed by the same team of surgeons and anesthesiologists over a 17 year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective and observational study carried out on 65 patients (97% male) who were operated on from 1995 until July 2011 for thoracoabdominal aneurysm, Crawford type i 5 (7.6%), ii 22 (33.8%), iii 17 (26.11%) and iv 21 (32.31%). RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 9.2% (6/65 patients), which was the same as the incidence of paraplegia. This complication only occurred in the Crawford types ii and iii aneurysms. Paraplegia was present in 4.5% (1/22) of patients in whom "left bypass" was used, compared with 29% (5/17) in which the intervention was performed by cross-clamping without distal aortic perfusion (P=.068). The most frequent complication was respiratory, with prolonged mechanical ventilation (>48h) in 20% (13 patients) of cases. The mean hospital stay was 28 days (7-92). DISCUSSION: The average mortality in referral centers is 9.7%, ranging between 5% and 16%. In other centres the mortality at 30 days is between 19% and 31% per year. Our group had a 9.2% of mortality rate at 30 days. The incidence of paraplegia in hospitals with greater experience ranges between 2.7% and 16%. Nowadays, an incidence of less than 10% is accepted as good. We had 9.2%. The use of CSF drainage in these patients, as well as the use of left bypass and moderate hypothermia in the Crawford types i, ii and iii appear to be acceptable for prophylaxis of paraplegia.

[Treatment of a female patient with sickle-cell anemia during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass]. / Tratamiento de una paciente con drepanocitosis homocigota durante la cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea.

A 17-year-old girl with drepanocytic (sickle-cell) anemia who was being treated with hydroxyurea and periodic blood transfusions through a Hickman-type catheter was admitted for periodic episodes of fever. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Massive right atrial thrombosis with pulmonary embolism and bacterial endocarditis were detected by computed tomography. Surgery with a beating heart and cardiopulmonary bypass was undertaken. Drepanocytic anemia in individuals homozygous for hemoglobin S is a rare condition in Spain but we are beginning to see a few cases, in which management during anesthesia will be more complicated. High-risk surgery can be carried out in these patients without adverse events if the anesthesiologist is guided by a complete blood workup and takes precautions during and after surgery to control hydration, oxygenation, temperature, and the acid-base balance.

Consideraciones anestésicas en el síndrome de Miller Fisher / No disponible

No disponible

[Neuromuscular blockade monitoring. Part 1]. / Monitorización del bloqueo neuromuscular. 1a parte.

Many recent studies have underlined the importance of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring and the high incidence of residual block in clinical practice in spite of the use of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers of intermediate duration. Neuromuscular monitoring facilitates the tailoring of the muscular paralysis and appropriate patient recovery at the end of surgery. Monitoring also controls or prevents residual block and serves to guide the use of reversing agents. This review describes the physiology of neuromuscular junctions as well as the principles and patterns of nerve stimulation and clinical monitoring. In addition to drawing on their own experience, the authors have reviewed the literature available through evidence-based indexes and other databases up to December 2008. Most references found were case series and reviews. Quantitative monitoring is an evidence-based practice that should be applied in all situations in which a neuromuscular block is established.