Intraoperative effects of an alveolar recruitment manoeuvre in patients undergoing laparoscopic colon surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary atelectasis is common in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia, which increases the risk of perioperative respiratory complications. Alveolar recruitment manoeuvres (ARM) are used to open up the lung parenchyma with atelectasis, although the duration of their benefit has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an ARM in laparoscopic colon surgery, the duration of response over time, and its haemodynamic impact. METHODS: Twenty-five patients undergoing laparoscopic colon surgery were included. After anaesthetic induction and initiation of surgery with pneumoperitoneum, an ARM was performed, and then optimal PEEP determined. Respiratory mechanics and gas exchange variables, and haemodynamic parameters, were analysed before the manoeuvre and periodically over the following 90 min. RESULTS: Three patients were excluded for surgical reasons. The alveolar arterial oxygen gradient went from 94.3 (62.3-117.8) mmHg before to 60.7 (29.6-91.0) mmHg after the manoeuvre (P < .05). This difference was maintained during the 90 min of the study. Dynamic compliance of the respiratory system went from 31.3 ml/cmH2O (26.1-39.2) before the manoeuvre to 46.1 ml/cmH2O (37.5-53.5) after the manoeuvre (P < .05). This difference was maintained for 60 min. No significant changes were identified in any of the haemodynamic variables studied. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing laparoscopic colon surgery, performing an intraoperative ARM improves the mechanics of the respiratory system and oxygenation, without associated haemodynamic compromise. The benefit of these manoeuvres lasts for at least one hour.

Efectos intraoperatorios de una maniobra de reclutamiento alveolar en pacientes sometidos a cirugía laparoscópica de colon / Intraoperative effects of an alveolar recruitment manoeuvre in patients undergoing laparoscopic colon surgery

Introducción: Las atelectasias pulmonares son habituales en pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal laparoscópica bajo anestesia general, aumentando el riesgo de complicaciones respiratorias perioperatorias. Las maniobras de reclutamiento alveolar (MRA) permiten la reexpansión del parénquima atelectasiado, aunque no está claramente establecida la duración de su beneficio. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la efectividad de una MRA en cirugía de colon laparoscópica, la duración de la respuesta en el tiempo y su repercusión hemodinámica. Métodos: Se incluyeron 25 pacientes sometidos a cirugía de colon laparoscópica. Tras la inducción anestésica e inicio de la cirugía con neumoperitoneo, se realizó una MRA y determinación posterior de la PEEP óptima. Se analizaron variables de mecánica respiratoria y de intercambio gaseoso, así como parámetros hemodinámicos, antes de la maniobra y periódicamente durante los 90 min siguientes. Resultados: Tres pacientes fueron excluidos por causas quirúrgicas. El gradiente alveoloarterial de oxígeno pasó de 94,3 (62,3-117,8) mmHg antes a 60,7 (29,6-91,0) mmHg después de la maniobra (p < 0,05). Esta diferencia se mantuvo durante los 90 min del estudio. La compliance dinámica del sistema respiratorio pasó de 31,3 mL/cmH2O (26,1-39,2) antes de la maniobra, a 46,1 mL/cmH2O (37,5-53,5) tras la misma (p < 0,05). Esta diferencia se mantuvo durante 60 min. No se identificaron cambios significativos en ninguna de las variables hemodinámicas estudiadas. Conclusión: En pacientes sometidos a cirugía laparoscópica de colon, la realización de una MRA intraoperatoria mejora la mecánica del sistema respiratorio y la oxigenación, sin apreciarse un compromiso hemodinámico asociado. El beneficio de estas maniobras se extiende al menos durante una hora.(AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary atelectasis is common in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia, which increases the risk of perioperative respiratory complications. Alveolar recruitment manoeuvres (ARM) are used to open up the lung parenchyma with atelectasis, although the duration of their benefit has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an ARM in laparoscopic colon surgery, the duration of response over time, and its haemodynamic impact. Methods: Twenty-five patients undergoing laparoscopic colon surgery were included. After anaesthetic induction and initiation of surgery with pneumoperitoneum, an ARM was performed, and then optimal PEEP determined. Respiratory mechanics and gas exchange variables, and haemodynamic parameters, were analysed before the manoeuvre and periodically over the following 90 minutes. Results: Three patients were excluded for surgical reasons. The alveolar arterial oxygen gradient went from 94.3 (62.3-117.8) mmHg before to 60.7 (29.6-91.0) mmHg after the manoeuvre (P < .05). This difference was maintained during the 90 minutes of the study. Dynamic compliance of the respiratory system went from 31.3 ml/cmH2O (26.1-39.2) before the manoeuvre to 46.1 ml/cmH2O (37.5-53.5) after the manoeuvre (P < .05). This difference was maintained for 60 minutes. No significant changes were identified in any of the haemodynamic variables studied. Conclusion: In patients undergoing laparoscopic colon surgery, performing an intraoperative ARM improves the mechanics of the respiratory system and oxygenation, without associated haemodynamic compromise. The benefit of these manoeuvres lasts for at least one hour.(AU)

Herniación gástrica por rotura de prótesis diafragmática en el postoperatorio de pleuroneumonectomía por mesotelioma: una complicación a tener en cuenta / Gastric herniation due to rupture of diaphragmatic prosthesis in the postoperative period of pleuropneumonectomy due to mesothelioma: A complication to consider

La neumonectomía extrapleural, habitualmente asociada a reconstrucción pericárdica y diafragmática con material protésico, es una de las técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas en el tratamiento del mesotelioma pleural maligno. La herniación de vísceras abdominales hacia el tórax a través del material protésico a nivel diafragmático es una complicación rara, pero potencialmente grave de estos procedimientos, que debe de ser diagnosticada rápidamente para su reparación urgente.Presentamos el caso de un paciente que presentó una herniación gástrica en el postoperatorio precoz de una neumonectomía izquierda por un mesotelioma pleural. Los hallazgos clínicos fueron leves, pero apoyados en las pruebas de imagen, confirmaron la hipótesis diagnóstica y facilitaron la solución del cuadro. Se revisan los posibles factores contribuyentes y se incide en la necesidad de un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz para evitar la isquemia de las vísceras abdominales herniadas en la cavidad torácica, por el riesgo de necrosis y contaminación por material fecaloideo.(AU)

Extrapleural pneumonectomy, usually associated with pericardial and diaphragmatic reconstruction with prosthetic material, is one of the surgical techniques used in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Herniation of the abdominal viscera towards the thorax through the prosthetic material at the diaphragmatic level is a rare but potentially serious complication of these procedures, which must be diagnosed quickly for urgent repair.We present the case of a patient who presented with gastric herniation in the early postoperative period of a left pneumonectomy due to pleural mesothelioma. The clinical findings were mild, but supported by imaging tests, they confirmed the diagnostic hypothesis and facilitated the solution of the condition. Possible contributing factors are reviewed and the need for early diagnosis and treatment is emphasized to avoid ischemia of herniated abdominal viscera in the thoracic cavity, due to the risk of necrosis and contamination by fecaloid material.(AU)

Gastric herniation due to rupture of diaphragmatic prosthesis in the postoperative period of pleuropneumonectomy due to mesothelioma: A complication to consider.

Extrapleural pneumonectomy, usually associated with pericardial and diaphragmatic reconstruction with prosthetic material, is one of the surgical techniques used in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Herniation of the abdominal viscera towards the thorax through the prosthetic material at the diaphragmatic level is a rare but potentially serious complication of these procedures, which must be diagnosed quickly for urgent repair. We present the case of a patient who presented with gastric herniation in the early postoperative period of a left pneumonectomy due to pleural mesothelioma. The clinical findings were mild, but supported by imaging tests, they confirmed the diagnostic hypothesis and facilitated the solution of the condition. Possible contributing factors are reviewed and the need for early diagnosis and treatment is emphasized to avoid ischemia of herniated abdominal viscera in the thoracic cavity, due to the risk of necrosis and contamination by fecaloid material.

Late bilateral vocal cord palsy following endotracheal intubation due to COVID-19 pneumonia.

Vocal cord paralysis is a rare but severe complication after orotracheal intubation. The most common cause is traumatic, due to compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve between the orotracheal tube cuff and the thyroid cartilage. Other possible causes are direct damage to the vocal cords during intubation, dislocation of the arytenoid cartilages, or infections, especially viral infections. It is usually due to a recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia, and the course is benign in most patients. We present the case of a man who developed late bilateral vocal cord paralysis after pneumonia complicated with respiratory distress due to SARS-CoV-2 that required orotracheal intubation for 11 days. He presented symptoms of dyspnea 20 days after discharge from hospital with subsequent development of stridor, requiring a tracheostomy. Due to the temporal evolution, a possible contribution of the SARS-CoV-2 infection to the picture is pointed out.

Parálisis bilateral tardía de cuerdas vocales trasintubación endotraqueal por neumonía COVID-19 / Late bilateral vocal cord palsy following endotracheal intubation due to COVID-19 pneumonia

La parálisis de cuerdas vocales es una complicación poco frecuente, aunque severa, tras una intubación orotraqueal. La causa más frecuente es la traumática, debido a la compresión del nervio laríngeo recurrente entre el maguito del tubo orotraqueal y el cartílago tiroides. Otras posibles causas son lesión directa de las cuerdas vocales durante la intubación, luxación de los cartílagos aritenoides e infecciones, sobre todo víricas. Suele deberse a una neuroapraxia del nervio laríngeo recurrente, y el curso es benigno en la mayoría de los pacientes. Presentamos el caso de un varón que desarrolló una parálisis de cuerdas vocales bilateral tras una neumonía complicada con distrés respiratorio por SARS-CoV-2 que requirió intubación orotraqueal durante 11 días. Presentó clínica de disnea a los 20 días del alta hospitalaria con desarrollo posterior de estridor, siendo necesaria la realización de una traqueostomía. Debido a la evoución temporal, se apunta una posible contribución de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 al cuadro.(AU)

Vocal cord paralysis is a rare but severe complication after orotracheal intubation. The most common cause is traumatic, due to compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve between the orotracheal tube cuff and the thyroid cartilage. Other possible causes are direct damage to the vocal cords during intubation, dislocation of the arytenoid cartilages, or infections, especially viral infections. It is usually due to a recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia, and the course is benign in most patients. We present the case of a man who developed late bilateral vocal cord paralysis after pneumonia complicated with respiratory distress due to SARS-CoV-2 that required orotracheal intubation for 11 days. He presented symptoms of dyspnea 20 days after discharge from hospital with subsequent development of stridor, requiring a tracheostomy. Due to the temporal evolution, a possible contribution of the SARS-CoV- 2 infection to the picture is pointed out.(AU)

Elevación del lactato en el postoperatorio como marcador de isquemia mesentérica aguda. Descripción de dos casos / Postoperative lactate elevation as a marker of underlying acute mesenteric ischemia. Description of two cases

El lactato sérico es un marcador inespecífico de hipoperfusión tisular. El diagnóstico diferencial de su elevación incluye la isquemia intestinal aguda. A pesar de ser controvertido para este uso, el lactato se sigue empleando, por su elevada sensibilidad y a falta de otros marcadores validados. Presentamos los casos de 2 pacientes que desarrollaron como complicación posquirúrgica una isquemia mesentérica aguda, que cursó con dolor abdominal moderado —un síntoma inespecífico en el contexto postoperatorio— y unos niveles de lactato sérico en aumento progresivo, lo que facilitó la sospecha y la posterior confirmación diagnóstica mediante una prueba de imagen. Se destaca la importancia fisiopatológica de la elevación del lactato en el contexto perioperatorio, que debe llevar a realizar un diagnóstico diferencial de sus posibles causas, incluyendo entre las mismas la isquemia mesentérica; pues aunque en el primer caso el desenlace fue negativo, la sospecha precoz permitió en el segundo, realizar un diagnóstico y tratamiento efectivos.(AU)

Serum lactate is a non-specific marker of tissue hypoperfusion. Elevated serum lactate is used in the differential diagnosis of acute intestinal ischemia. Although this practice is controversial, in the absence of other validated markers lactate is still used because of its high sensitivity. We present the cases of two patients who developed acute mesenteric ischemia as a post-surgical complication. The patients reported moderate abdominal pain —a non-specific symptom in the postoperative context— and tests showed progressively increasing serum lactate levels, which facilitated suspicion and subsequent diagnostic confirmation through an imaging test. These cases highlight the physiopathological importance of lactate elevation in the perioperative context and of performing a differential diagnosis of its possible causes, including mesenteric ischemia. Although the outcome was negative in the first case, early suspicion allowed us to make an effective diagnosis and administer appropriate treatment in the second patient.(AU)

Postoperative lactate elevation as a marker of underlying acute mesenteric ischemia. Description of two cases.

Serum lactate is a non-specific marker of tissue hypoperfusion. Elevated serum lactate is used in the differential diagnosis of acute intestinal ischemia. Although this practice is controversial, in the absence of other validated markers lactate is still used because of its high sensitivity. We present the cases of two patients who developed acute mesenteric ischemia as a post-surgical complication. The patients reported moderate abdominal pain -a non-specific symptom in the postoperative context- and tests showed progressively increasing serum lactate levels, which facilitated suspicion and subsequent diagnostic confirmation through an imaging test. These cases highlight the physiopathological importance of lactate elevation in the perioperative context and of performing a differential diagnosis of its possible causes, including mesenteric ischemia. Although the outcome was negative in the first case, early suspicion allowed us to make an effective diagnosis and administer appropriate treatment in the second patient.

Postoperative lactate elevation as a marker of underlying acute mesenteric ischemia. Description of two cases. / Elevación del lactato en el postoperatorio como marcador de isquemia mesentérica aguda. Descripción de dos casos.

Serum lactate is a non-specific marker of tissue hypoperfusion. Elevated serum lactate is used in the differential diagnosis of acute intestinal ischemia. Although this practice is controversial, in the absence of other validated markers lactate is still used because of its high sensitivity. We present the cases of two patients who developed acute mesenteric ischemia as a post-surgical complication. The patients reported moderate abdominal pain -a non-specific symptom in the postoperative context- and tests showed progressively increasing serum lactate levels, which facilitated suspicion and subsequent diagnostic confirmation through an imaging test. These cases highlight the physiopathological importance of lactate elevation in the perioperative context and of performing a differential diagnosis of its possible causes, including mesenteric ischemia. Although the outcome was negative in the first case, early suspicion allowed us to make an effective diagnosis and administer appropriate treatment in the second patient.

Late bilateral vocal cord palsy following endotracheal intubation due to COVID-19 pneumonia. / Parálisis bilateral tardía de cuerdas vocales trasintubación endotraqueal por neumonía COVID-19.

Vocal cord paralysis is a rare but severe complication after orotracheal intubation. The most common cause is traumatic, due to compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve between the orotracheal tube cuff and the thyroid cartilage. Other possible causes are direct damage to the vocal cords during intubation, dislocation of the arytenoid cartilages, or infections, especially viral infections. It is usually due to a recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia, and the course is benign in most patients. We present the case of a man who developed late bilateral vocal cord paralysis after pneumonia complicated with respiratory distress due to SARS-CoV-2 that required orotracheal intubation for 11 days. He presented symptoms of dyspnea 20 days after discharge from hospital with subsequent development of stridor, requiring a tracheostomy. Due to the temporal evolution, a possible contribution of the SARS-CoV- 2 infection to the picture is pointed out.

Guía de práctica clínica sobre tromboprofilaxis y manejo de los fármacos anticoagulantes y antiagregantes en pacientes neuroquirúrgicos y neurocríticos / Clinical practice guideline on thromboprophylaxis and management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs in neurosurgical and neurocritical patients

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Encuesta nacional sobre la tromboprofilaxis y el manejo de los anticoagulantes y antiagregantes en pacientes neuroquirúrgicos y neurocríticos / National survey on thromboprophylaxis and anticoagulant or antiplatelet management in neurosurgical and neurocritical patients

Objetivos. Conocer la práctica clínica de los anestesiólogos españoles en la tromboprofilaxis y el manejo de los anticoagulantes y antiagregantes en pacientes neuroquirúrgicos y neurocríticos. Material y métodos. Encuesta diseñada desde la Sección de Neurociencia de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación, con 22 preguntas, difundida y contestada en formato electrónico, disponible entre junio y octubre de 2012. Resultados. De los 73 centros hospitalarios con servicio de Neurocirugía incluidos en el Catálogo Nacional de Hospitales, se recibió respuesta válida a la encuesta on line por parte de 41 anestesiólogos de 37 centros (tasa de respuesta del 50,7%). Se consideró una respuesta de cada centro. Solo el 27% de los centros respondedores disponían de un protocolo escrito específico para el manejo de estos pacientes. La tromboprofilaxis mecánica se utilizó hasta en un 80%, aunque de forma variable, y la farmacológica en un 75% de los centros. La enoxaparina fue la heparina de bajo peso molecular más utilizada en pacientes sometidos a craneotomía (78%). En la mitad de los centros respondedores se realizaron craneotomías manteniendo el tratamiento con ácido acetilsalicílico en los pacientes con antecedentes de cardiopatía isquémica, stent coronario y antiagregación dual. Conclusiones. La tromboprofilaxis mecánica es más utilizada que la farmacológica en la población neuroquirúrgica de nuestro país. El manejo de los pacientes tratados previamente con anticoagulantes presenta una marcada variabilidad clínica entre los diferentes hospitales, mientras que el tratamiento con antiagregantes se modifica en función de si se trata de profilaxis primaria o secundaria (AU)

Objectives. To determine the protocols used by Spanish anaesthesiologists for thromboprophylaxis and anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs management in neurosurgical or neurocritical care patients. Material and methods. An online survey with 22 questions, with one or multiple options, launched by the Neuroscience Subcommittee of the Spanish Anaesthesia Society and available between June and October 2012. Results. Of the 73 hospitals included in the National Hospitals Catalogue, a valid response to the online questionnaire was received by 41 anaesthesiologists from 37 sites (response rate 50.7%). Only one response per site was used. A specific protocol was available in 27% of these centres. Mechanical thromboprophylaxis is used, intraoperatively or postoperatively, in 80%, and pharmacological treatment is used by 75% of respondents. Enoxaparin was the most frequent heparin used in craniotomy patients (78%). Craniotomies were performed maintaining acetylsalicylic acid treatment in patients with coronary stents and double anti-platelet treatment in a half of the centres. Conclusions. Mechanical thromboprophylaxis is used more frequently than the pharmacological approach in neurosurgical or neurocritical populations in Spanish hospitals. Management of patients under previous anticoagulant treatment was highly heterogeneous among hospitals included in this survey. Previous antiplatelet treatment is modified depending on primary or secondary prescription (AU)

National survey on thromboprophylaxis and anticoagulant or antiplatelet management in neurosurgical and neurocritical patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the protocols used by Spanish anaesthesiologists for thromboprophylaxis and anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs management in neurosurgical or neurocritical care patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey with 22 questions, with one or multiple options, launched by the Neuroscience Subcommittee of the Spanish Anaesthesia Society and available between June and October 2012. RESULTS: Of the 73 hospitals included in the National Hospitals Catalogue, a valid response to the online questionnaire was received by 41 anaesthesiologists from 37 sites (response rate 50.7%). Only one response per site was used. A specific protocol was available in 27% of these centres. Mechanical thromboprophylaxis is used, intraoperatively or postoperatively, in 80%, and pharmacological treatment is used by 75% of respondents. Enoxaparin was the most frequent heparin used in craniotomy patients (78%). Craniotomies were performed maintaining acetylsalicylic acid treatment in patients with coronary stents and double anti-platelet treatment in a half of the centres. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical thromboprophylaxis is used more frequently than the pharmacological approach in neurosurgical or neurocritical populations in Spanish hospitals. Management of patients under previous anticoagulant treatment was highly heterogeneous among hospitals included in this survey. Previous antiplatelet treatment is modified depending on primary or secondary prescription.

Situación de la monitorización de la profundidad hipnótica durante la anestesia y del despertar intraoperatorio en España. Resultados de la encuesta realizada en 2011 / Spanish anesthesiologists approach on intraoperative awareness with explicit recall. Results of a national survey performed in 2011

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Consideraciones preoperatorias y manejo neuroanestesiológico intraoperatorio / Preoperative considerations and intraoperative neuroanesthesiologic management

El manejo anestésico de los pacientes sometidos a procedimientos neuroquirúrgicos de fosa posterior presenta una serie de características particulares que deben ser conocidas por el anestesiólogo. Los cambios fisiopatológicos secundarios a la posición del paciente durante la cirugía, la relevancia del adecuado posicionamiento para facilitar el abordaje quirúrgico, la menor tolerancia a los cambios de elastancia de la región infratentorial, las escasas opciones terapéuticas ante un episodio de edema- hinchazón intraoperatorio y la presencia de complicaciones como la embolia aérea venosa condicionan la actuación intraoperatoria. Este primer apartado de las guías recoge las principales evidencias disponibles en la bibliografía respecto al abordaje preoperatorio e intraoperatorio de estos pacientes (AU)

The anesthesiological management of patients undergoing neurosurgery of the posterior fossa has a series of characteristics that should be known by anesthesiologists. Intraoperative management is guided by a series of factors that include the physiopathological changes secondary to the patient’s position during surgery, the importance of appropriate patient positioning to facilitate the surgical approach, the lower tolerance to changes in the elastance of the infratentorial region, the limited therapeutic options in episodes of intraoperative edema-swelling, and the presence of complications such as a venous air embolism. This first contribution to the guidelines discusses the main evidence available in the literature on the pre- and intraoperative approach to these patients (AU)