A Comparison of Distal Nerve Blocks and Brachial Plexus Blocks in Terms of Block Success, Block-related Characteristics, Time to Discharge and Patient Satisfaction.

Background: Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks (BPB) are used as an anaesthetic method in hand and wrist surgeries. The radial, median and ulnar nerves can also be selectively blocked. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to compare distal nerve blocks (DNB) and BPB in terms of block success, block-related characteristics, time to discharge and patient satisfaction. Methods: The data of patients who underwent elective hand and wrist surgery under regional anaesthetic procedures between 01.01.2022 and 01.09.2022 were analysed. Standard multimodal analgesia was performed in all groups, in addition to either ultrasound-guided BPB or DNB. Demographic characteristics, American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) classes, presence of additional diseases, block and volume applied, block-related data such as block performance time, onset time, initial analgesia times, perioperative additional anaesthetic or analgesic requirement, surgery times, types of surgery, discharge times and the presence of additional complaints were recorded. In addition, the anaesthesia quality score were determined using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: There was no difference between demographic data. Average surgical time was similar between the DNB and BPB groups (46.0 ± 8.92 vs. 59.95 ± 22.04 min, p < 0.05). Block onset time was significantly lower in the DNB group (26.4 ± 2.73 vs. 32.17 ± 2.94 min, p < 0.001). When patients discharged before and after 12 hours were compared, 11/22 of the patients in the DNB group and 4/23 of the patients in the BPB group were discharged in the first 12 hours (p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction scores were similar between groups (14.22 ± 0.86 vs. 13.65 ± 1.11, p > 0.05). Conclusions: In surgeries of the hand and wrist, the radial, median and ulnar nerves can be used individually or in combination as an alternative to proximal BPB. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Evaluation of the relationship between procalcitonin level and the causative pathogen in intensive care patients with sepsis.

Aim: This study was designed to investigate how procalcitonin (PCT) levels are affected by different pathogens in patients with sepsis. Materials & methods: A total of 110 Gram-positive sepsis, 62 Gram-negative sepsis and 27 fungal sepsis patients were included in the study. Kaplan-Meier and ROC curve analysis was performed to assess PCT levels. Results: PCT levels were 2.36 ng/ml in Gram-negative patients, 0.79 ng/ml in Gram-positive patients and 0.89 ng/ml in fungal patients. The area under the curve for PCT was 0.608, the cutoff value was 1.34, sensitivity was 56.50% the specificity was 56.50%. Conclusion: PCT survival levels of 7.71 ng/ml in Gram-negative patients, 2.65 ng/ml in Gram-positive patients and 1.16 ng/ml in fungal patients can be evaluated to predict survival.

Comparison of three different insertion techniques with LMA-UniqueTM in adults: results of a randomized trial / Comparação de três técnicas diferentes de inserção com a máscara laríngea LMA-UniqueTM em adultos: resultados de um estudo randômico

Abstract Background The triple airway maneuver insertion technique allowed faster insertion of the LMA. This study compared three different insertion techniques of the laryngeal mask airway-UniqueTM. Methods One hundred and eighty ASA I-II patients aged 18-65 years were included into the study. Patients were randomly allocated to the standard, rotational and triple airway maneuver (triple) group. In the standard group (n = 60), the LMA (Laryngeal Mask Airway) was inserted with digital intraoral manipulation. In the triple group (n = 60), the LMA was inserted with triple airway maneuver (mouth opening, head extension and jaw thrust). In the rotational group (n = 60), LMA was inserted back-to-front, like a Guedel airway. Successful insertion at first attempt, time for successful insertion, fiber optic assessment, airway morbidity and hemodynamic responses were assessed. Results Successful insertion at the first attempt was 88.3% for the standard, 78.3% for the rotational and 88.3% for the triple group. Overall success rate (defined as successful insertion at first and second attempt) was 93% for the standard, 90% for the rotational and 95% for the triple group. Time for successful insertion was significantly shorter in the triple group (mean [range] 8.63 [5-19]s) compared with the standard (11.78 [6-24]s) and rotational group (11.57 [5-31]s). Fiber optic assessment, airway morbidity and hemodynamic responses were similar in all groups. Conclusions Rotational and triple airway maneuver insertion techniques are acceptable alternatives. Triple airway maneuver technique shows higher overall success rates and allows shorter insertion time for LMA insertion and should therefore be kept in mind for emergent situations.

Resumo Justificativa A técnica de inserção com a manobra tripla das vias aéreas permitiu a inserção mais rápida da ML. Este estudo comparou três técnicas de inserção da máscara laríngea UniqueTM. Métodos Foram incluídos no estudo 180 pacientes ASA I-II, entre 18-65 anos. Os pacientes foram aleatoriamente designados para grupos de manobra das vias aéreas padrão, rotacional e tripla. No grupo padrão (n = 60), a máscara laríngea (ML) foi inserida com a técnica digital intraoral. No grupo tripla (n = 60), a ML foi inserida com a técnica de manobra tripla das vias aéreas (abertura bucal, extensão da cabeça e elevação da mandíbula). No grupo rotacional (n = 60), a ML foi inserida com a técnica de inserção de trás para frente, como uma cânula de Guedel. Inserção bem-sucedida na primeira tentativa, tempo de inserção bem-sucedida, avaliação por fibra óptica, morbidade das vias aéreas e respostas hemodinâmicas foram avaliados. Resultados O sucesso da inserção na primeira tentativa foi de 88,3% para o grupo padrão, 78,3% para o grupo rotacional e 88,3% para o grupo tripla. A taxa de sucesso global (definida como inserção bem-sucedida na primeira e segunda tentativas) foi de 93% para o grupo padrão, 90% para o grupo rotacional e 95% para o grupo tripla. O tempo de inserção bem-sucedida foi significativamente menor no grupo tripla (média [intervalo] 8,63 [5-19]s), em comparação com o grupo padrão (11,78 [6-24]s) e o grupo rotacional (11,57 [5-31]s). A avaliação por fibra óptica, a morbidade das vias aéreas e as respostas hemodinâmicas foram semelhantes em todos os grupos. Conclusões As técnicas de inserção rotacional e de manobra tripla das vias aéreas são opções aceitáveis. A técnica de manobra tripla das vias aéreas apresenta taxas mais altas de sucesso global e permite um tempo menor de inserção da ML e, portanto, deve ser considerada em situações de emergência.

[Comparison of three different insertion techniques with LMA-Unique™ in adults: results of a randomized trial]. / Comparação de três técnicas diferentes de inserção com a máscara laríngea LMA­Unique™ em adultos: resultados de um estudo randômico.

BACKGROUND: The triple airway maneuver insertion technique allowed faster insertion of the LMA. This study compared three different insertion techniques of the laryngeal mask airway-Unique™. METHODS: One hundred and eighty ASA I-II patients aged 18-65 years were included into the study. Patients were randomly allocated to the standard, rotational and triple airway maneuver (triple) group. In the standard group (n=60), the LMA (Laryngeal Mask Airway) was inserted with digital intraoral manipulation. In the triple group (n=60), the LMA was inserted with triple airway maneuver (mouth opening, head extension and jaw thrust). In the rotational group (n=60), LMA was inserted back-to-front, like a Guedel airway. Successful insertion at first attempt, time for successful insertion, fiber optic assessment, airway morbidity and hemodynamic responses were assessed. RESULTS: Successful insertion at the first attempt was 88.3% for the standard, 78.3% for the rotational and 88.3% for the triple group. Overall success rate (defined as successful insertion at first and second attempt) was 93% for the standard, 90% for the rotational and 95% for the triple group. Time for successful insertion was significantly shorter in the triple group (mean [range] 8.63 [5-19]s) compared with the standard (11.78 [6-24]s) and rotational group (11.57 [5-31]s). Fiber optic assessment, airway morbidity and hemodynamic responses were similar in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Rotational and triple airway maneuver insertion techniques are acceptable alternatives. Triple airway maneuver technique shows higher overall success rates and allows shorter insertion time for LMA insertion and should therefore be kept in mind for emergent situations.

Surgical treatment of aortic valve endocarditis: a 26-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: We have retrospectively analyzed the results of the operations made for aortic valve endocarditis in a single center in 26 years. METHODS: From June 1985 to January 2011, 174 patients were operated for aortic valve endocarditis. One hundred and thirty-eight (79.3%) patients were male and the mean age was 39.3±14.4 (9-77) years. Twenty-seven (15.5%) patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.3±4.2 years (0.1-18.2) adding up to a total of 1030.8 patient/years. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-two procedures were performed. The most frequently performed procedure was aortic valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis (81.6%). In-hospital mortality occurred in 27 (15.5%) cases. Postoperatively, 25 (14.4%) patients had low cardiac output and 17 (9.8%) heart block. The actuarial survival rates for 10 and 15 years were 74.6±3.7% and 61.1±10.3%, respectively. In-hospital mortality was found to be associated with female gender, emergency operation, postoperative renal failure and low cardiac output. The long term mortality was significantly associated with mitral valve involvement. Male gender was found to be a significant risk factor for recurrence in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgery for aortic valve endocarditis has significant mortality. Emergency operation, female gender, postoperative renal failure and low cardiac output are significant risk factors. Risk for recurrence and need for reoperation is low.

Surgical treatment of double valve endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: We have retrospectively analyzed the results of the operations made for aortic infective endocarditis with mitral involvement in a single center in 19 years. METHODS: From May 1992 to January 2011, we have operated on 72 patients with infective endocarditis of the aortic valve with mitral valve involvement. Fifty-two patients (72.2%) were male and the mean age was 40.5 ± 15.5 (9-73) years. The blood cultures were positive in 33 patients (45.8%) and the most commonly identified microorganism was Streptococcus. Nine patients (12.5%) had prosthetic valve endocarditis. The mean duration of follow-up was 6.8 ± 4.7 (0.1-16.9) years, adding up to a total of 156.1 patient/years. RESULTS: A total of 155 procedures were performed on these 72 patients. The most commonly performed procedure was aortic valve replacement, in 63 patients (87.5%). Aortic annular involvement was present in 9 cases (12.5%). In-hospital mortality was seen in 13 patients (18.1%). Postoperatively, 13 (18.1%) patients had low cardiac output, 9 (12.5%) had heart block, and only 1 of them required permanent pacemaker implantation. The actuarial survival rates for 1, 5, and 10 years were 96.4% ± 2.5%, 84.4% ± 5.1%, and 77.4 ± 6.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Double-valve endocarditis is a serious condition and the surgeon must be aware of the high rates of mortality and morbidity in these patients. Although no association was found, heart blocks and septic embolization must be handled with caution. The patients generally do well after surgery, and recurrences and reoperations decrease by the second year after operation.

Surgical treatment of aortic valve endocarditis: a 26-year experience / Tratamento cirúrgico da endocardite da válvula aórtica: 26 anos de experiência

Objective: We have retrospectively analyzed the results of the operations made for aortic valve endocarditis in a single center in 26 years. Methods: From June 1985 to January 2011, 174 patients were operated for aortic valve endocarditis. One hundred and thirty-eight (79.3%) patients were male and the mean age was 39.3±14.4 (9-77) years. Twenty-seven (15.5%) patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.3±4.2 years (0.1-18.2) adding up to a total of 1030.8 patient/years. Results: Two hundred and eighty-two procedures were performed. The most frequently performed procedure was aortic valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis (81.6%). In-hospital mortality occurred in 27 (15.5%) cases. Postoperatively, 25 (14.4%) patients had low cardiac output and 17 (9.8%) heart block. The actuarial survival rates for 10 and 15 years were 74.6±3.7% and 61.1±10.3%, respectively. In-hospital mortality was found to be associated with female gender, emergency operation, postoperative renal failure and low cardiac output. The long term mortality was significantly associated with mitral valve involvement. Male gender was found to be a significant risk factor for recurrence in the follow-up. Conclusion: Surgery for aortic valve endocarditis has significant mortality. Emergency operation, female gender, postoperative renal failure and low cardiac output are significant risk factors. Risk for recurrence and need for reoperation is low. .

Objetivo: Analisamos, retrospectivamente, os resultados das operações realizadas para endocardite valvar aórtica em um único centro em 26 anos. Métodos: De junho de 1985 a janeiro de 2011, 174 pacientes foram operados por endocardite da válvula aórtica. Cento e trinta e oito (79,3%) pacientes eram do sexo masculino e a média de idade foi de 39,3 ± 14,4 (9-77) anos. Vinte e sete (15,5%) pacientes apresentavam endocardite na prótese valvar. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 7,3 ± 4,2 anos (0,1- 18,2) totalizando 1.030,8 paciente/ano . Resultados: Duzentos e oitenta e dois procedimentos foram realizados. O procedimento mais realizado foi a substituição da valva aórtica por prótese mecânica (81,6 %). A mortalidade intra-hospitalar ocorreu em 27 (15,5%) casos. No pósoperatório, 25 (14,4% ) pacientes apresentaram baixo débito cardíaco e 17 (9,8%) bloqueio cardíaco . As taxas de sobrevida atuarial para 10 e 15 anos foram 74,6±3,7% e 61,1±10,3%, respectivamente. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi encontrada esteve associada com o sexo feminino, operação de emergência, insuficiência renal pós-operatória e baixo débito cardíaco. A mortalidade a longo prazo foi significativamente associada com o envolvimento da válvula mitral. O sexo masculino encontrado mostrou-se um fator de risco para a recorrência no seguimento. Conclusão: A cirurgia para tratamento da endocardite da válvula aórtica apresenta mortalidade. Operação de emergência, o sexo feminino, insuficiência renal pós-operatória e baixo débito cardíaco são fatores de risco significativos. O risco de recorrência e necessidade de reoperação são baixos. .

Surgical treatment of late aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis: 19 years' experience.

AIM OF THE STUDY: We retrospectively analyzed the results of operations conducted for aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis in a single center over 19 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From February 1992 to January 2011, we performed operations on 27 patients with aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis. Seventeen patients (63.0%) were male, and the mean age was 39.1 ± 14.2 (16-67) years. Blood cultures were positive in 11 patients (40.7%), and the most commonly identified microorganism was Streptococcus (7 patients, 25.9%). The mean duration of follow-up was 8.6 ± 4.7 years (0.5-18.2), adding up to a total of 136.9 patient/years. RESULTS: Forty procedures were performed on these 27 patients. The most commonly performed procedure was aortic valve replacement with a prosthetic valve - 16 patients (59.3%). Fifteen patients were operated on during the active phase of infection. In-hospital mortality was observed in 11 patients (40.7%). Postoperatively, 12 patients (44.4%) had low cardiac output, 3 (11.1%) suffered from a heart block; none of them required permanent pacemaker implantation. The actuarial survival for 1 and 5 years was 55.6 ± 9.6% and 47.6 ± 9.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prosthetic valve endocarditis of the aortic valve is a challenging situation for the surgeon. The surgical treatment carries a high mortality rate and long-term survival is low. Among the survivors, however, recurrence and the need for reoperation are unlikely.

[Comparison of standard Euroscore, logistic Euroscore and Euroscore II in prediction of early mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting]. / Koroner arter baypas greftleme sonrasi erken mortalitenin belirlenmesinde standart, lojistik Euroscore ve Euroscore II'nin karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVE: EuroSCORE is the most widely used risk prediction system. Standard EuroSCORE, which had been published in 1999, was revised as a Logistic EuroSCORE in 2003. Further, it was reconsidered and published as EuroSCORE II in 2011. In this study we compared Standard, Logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II in prediction of early mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 406 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting operation between 2011-1012. Standard, Logistic and new version were compared with ROC analysis. RESULTS: In general population, mean standard EuroSCORE was 3.25±1.05, mean logistic EuroSCORE was found 2.48±0.58, mean EuroSCORE II was found 1.30 ± 0.09 and overall mortality was 10 (10/406 2.46%). Area under curve (AUC) was found 0.992 95% CI: 0.978-0.998 for standard EuroSCORE, 0.992 95% CI: 0.977-0.998 for logistic EuroSCORE and 0.990 95% CI: 0.975-0.997 for EuroSCORE II. In high risk patients (patients with standard EuroSCORE ≥ 6) AUC was found 0.870 95% CI 0.707-0.961 for standard EuroSCORE, 0.857 95% CI 0.691-0.954 for logistic EuroSCORE, and 0.961 95% CI: 0.829-0.998 for EuroSCORE II. CONCLUSION: Standard, Logistic EuroSCORE and EuroSCORE II are similarly successful in mortality prediction. EuroSCORE II may be better in high-risk patients which needs confirmation in large prospective studies.

A highly fatal intraoperative urgency--aortic dissection complicating heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Aortic dissection is associated with high mortality. Despite its rarity, it is often fatal. AIM: We have retrospectively analysed acute aortic dissections occurring intraoperatively (IAAD). METHODS: Patients' preoperative risk factors, and operative and postoperative courses were analysed from the hospital records retrospectively. RESULTS: From 1985 to 2009, we performed 29 683 cardiac operations. Ten patients (0.43 per thousand) (mean age 66.5+/-7 years) were diagnosed with IAAD. There were type 2 dissections in 9 and one patient had it extending beyond the arcus. Four patients were operated on for coronary artery disease, 2 for mitral and 2 for aortic valve diseases. Two patients had concomitant valvular or valvular and coronary procedures. IAAD was identified after decannulation in 5, after creating the holes for proximal anastomoses in 3 and after declamping the aorta in 2 patients. Preoperatively, 6 (60%) patients had hypertension and 4 had hypercholesterolaemia (40%). No other significant risk factors could be identified. Hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in 6 operations. The dissected segment was replaced with a graft in 9 patients whereas the remaining patient had concomitant arcus aorta replacement and elephant trunk procedure. Aortoplasty with Dacron patch was used in one patient. All patients required inotropic and 4 patients IABP support postoperatively. Three (30%) patients died. CONCLUSIONS: The IAAD may occur in any patient at any phase of cardiac surgery. The surgeon should always be aware of the possibility of this complication. It is much better to prevent the IAAD than to treat it. When detected, abrupt change of the operation plan and reparative measures for the dissection should be undertaken.

Cardiovascular reoperations in Marfan syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcome results of reoperations in Marfan syndrome patients. METHODS: Between 1985 and December 2004, 49 patients with Marfan syndrome were operated for aortic aneurysms. Of these 49 patients, 9 (18,4%) required > or =1 reoperations after a mean duration of 32.2 +/- 26.6 months. The mean duration of follow-up was 52.0 +/- 46.8 months, a total of 39 patient/years. Survival free of reoperation was calculated by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Surgical indication for operation was a chronic aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending or abdominal aorta in seven patients (77.8%) and aortic dissection in two (22.2%) at the initial operation. In the reoperations, repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with separated graft interposition in six patients (66.7%), replacement of ascending aorta in one (11.1%), replacement of ascending and hemiarchus aorta in one (11.1%), and mitral valve replacement in three patients (33.3%) were performed. The hospital mortality was 11.1% with one patient. Among the survivors, one expired in the follow-up five months after the second operation (12.5%). With the Cox regression analysis, survival without reoperation for 13, 24, and 123 months are 95.56 +/- 3.04%, 90.66 +/- 4.40%, and 60.32 +/- 12.63%, respectively. Mean survival for reoperated patients is 99 +/- 14 months (95% confidence interval 72-127 months). CONCLUSIONS: Reoperations can be done with low morbidity and mortality. Patients should be kept under close follow-up using imaging techniques infinitely.