[A comparison of transversus abdominis plane block guided with ultrasonography and local anesthetic infiltration in laparoscopic cholecystectomy operations]. / Laparoskopik kolesistektomi ameliyatlarinda ultrasonografi esliginde uygulanan transversus abdominis plan blogu ile lokal anestezik infiltrasyonu yöntemlerinin karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block guided with ultrasound (USG) and local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) in terms of the intraoperative and postoperative analgesia efficiency, intraoperative opioid need, and side effects in cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A total of 75 patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II were included in this randomized, controlled, prospective study and divided into 3 groups. 20 mL of levobupivacaine 0.5% was applied around the trocar entrance site before the operation to group L (n=25), and 30 mL 0.25% levobupivacaine was applied with a USG-guided TAP block to group T (n=25). No TAP block or LAI was applied to the control group (n=25), group K. In the first 24 hours after surgery, an infusion of tramadol was administered with a controlled analgesia device. The intraoperative fentanyl use was recorded, and a visual analogue scale was administered to assess pain while resting (VASrest) and upon coughing (VAScough) at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 hours postoperative. An evaluation of shoulder pain and the consumption of analgesia in 24 hours were also recorded. RESULTS: The VASrest and VAScough values, the dose of fentanyl used intraoperatively, and the total analgesia dose administered in 24 hours were compared between groups and there was no statistically significant difference detected (p>0.05). In group T, the vomiting rate 1 and 2 hours postoperative (20% and 12%, respectively) was significantly lower than in group K (64% and 44%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The efficiency of the analgesia provided after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a bilateral TAP block guided with USG and LAI was determined to be similar.

Effect of Smoking on Reversing Neuromuscular Block.

OBJECTIVE: Rocuronium is a non-depolarising, intermediate-acting, monoquaternary amino steroid and was brought into clinical use as a potentially ideal muscle relaxant. Post-operative residual curarisation (PORC) results from the prolonged effects of non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents. This is a common problem and seriously affects patient safety. No recent study has investigated the effects of sugammadex on smokers, which is often used to restore neuromuscular block and avoid PORC. This study compares the severity of the effects of sugammadex used for antagonising rocuronium bromide and antagonism durations in smokers and non-smokers. METHODS: This randomised, prospective study included 40 patients scheduled for elective surgery and belonging to classes I and II based the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, who were either smokers for at least 10 years or non-smokers. Patients underwent routine and neuromuscular monitoring. At induction, 2 mg kg-1 propofol and 1 mcg kg-1 intravenous fentanyl were applied. After the loss of eyelash reflex, 0.6 mg kg-1 intravenous rocuronium was administered. Patients were intubated at train of four (TOF) 2. Anaesthesia was continued with 50% O2+50% air and 2% sevoflurane. Rocuronium, 0.15 mg kg-1, was administered at TOF 2 during the operation. At the end of the operation, 2 mg kg-1 sugammadex was administered. The times until TOF 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9 were recorded. RESULTS: Intubation time was 132.8±46.4 s for smokers and 127.6±32.7 s for non-smokers. After sugammadex administration, the time to TOF 0.7 was 153.3±54.7 s in smokers and 125±67.2 s in non-smokers. The times were 178.4±58.8 and 146.6±72.6 s for TOF 0.8 and 200.8±55.8 s and 170.4±77.8 s for TOF 0.9 in smokers and non-smokers, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although not statistically significant, the time to reach each TOF was longer for smokers. Larger populations and different perspectives are needed to find if sugammadex use is affected by smoking, which has negative effects on the body.

Comparison of effects on the oxidant/antioxidant system of sevoflurane, desflurane and propofol infusion during general anesthesia / Comparação dos efeitos da perfusão de sevoflurano, desflurano e propofol sobre o sistema oxidante/antioxidante durante anestesia geral / Comparación de los efectos de la perfusión de sevoflurano, desflurano y del propofol sobre el sistema oxidante/antioxidante durante la anestesia general

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Desflurane and sevoflurane are frequently used for maintenance of anesthesia and studies have shown that these anesthetics cause a variety of changes to the oxidative stress and antioxidative defense mechanisms. This study aims to compare the effects of sevoflurane, desflurane and propofol infusion anesthesia on the oxidant and antioxidant systems of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: 45 patients between 18 and 50 years with planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthetic were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups on the way to surgery: propofol (group P n: 15), sevoflurane (group S n: 15) and desflurane (group D n: 15). All groups were given hypnotic 2 mg/kg propofol IV, 1 mcg/kg fentanyl IV and 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium IV for induction. For maintenance of anesthesia group S were ventilated with 2% sevoflurane, group D cases were given 6% desflurane and group P were given propofol infusions of 12 mg/kg/h for the first 10 min, 9 mg/kg/h for the second 10 min and 6 mg/kg/h after that. Before induction and after the operation venous blood samples were taken to evaluate the levels of glutation peroxidase, total oxidants and antioxidants. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The 45 patients included in the study were 22 male and 23 female patients. The demographic characteristics of the groups were similar. In the postoperative period we observed that while sevoflurane and propofol increased antioxidants by a statistically significant level, desflurane increased the total oxidants level by a significant amount compared to levels before the operation. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Desflurano e sevoflurano são usados com frequência para a manutenção da anestesia e estudos mostraram que esses anestésicos causam alterações variadas nos mecanismos de defesa antioxidante contra o estresse oxidativo. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar os efeitos de anestesias com perfusão de sevoflurano, desflurano e propofol sobre os sistemas oxidante/antioxidante de pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 45 pacientes entre 18 e 50 anos, agendados para colecistectomia laparoscópica sob anestesia geral. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos para receberem propofol (Grupo P, n = 15), sevoflurano (Grupo S, n = 15) e desflurano (Grupo D, n = 15). Todos os grupos receberam 2 mg/kg de propofol IV, 1 mcg/kg de fentanil IV e 0,1 mg/kg de vecurônio IV para indução. Para manutenção da anestesia, o Grupo S recebeu ventilação com sevoflurano a 2%, o Grupo D recebeu desflurano a 6% e o Grupo P recebeu propofol em perfusões de 12 mg/kg/h nos primeiros 10 minutos, 9 mg/kg/h nos 10 minutos seguintes e 6 mg/kg/h subsequentemente. Antes da indução e depois da cirurgia, amostras de sangue venoso foram colhidas para avaliar os níveis de glutationa peroxidase e o total de oxidantes e antioxidantes. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Dos 45 pacientes incluídos no estudo, 22 eram do sexo masculino e 23 do feminino. As características demográficas dos grupos eram semelhantes. No período pós-operatório, observamos que enquanto sevoflurano e propofol aumentaram os antioxidantes a um nível de significância estatística, desflurano aumentou o nível total de oxidantes em quantidade significativa, em comparação com os níveis pré-operação. .

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El desflurano y el sevoflurano son usados a menudo para el mantenimiento de la anestesia, y hay estudios que mostraron que esos anestésicos causan diversas alteraciones en los mecanismos de defesa antioxidante contra el estrés oxidativo. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los efectos de las anestesias con perfusión de sevoflurano, desflurano y propofol sobre los sistemas oxidante/antioxidante de pacientes sometidos a colecistectomía laparoscópica. MÉTODOS: Fueron incluidos en el estudio 45 pacientes entre 18 y 50 años programados para colecistectomía laparoscópica bajo anestesia general. Los pacientes fueron divididos en 3 grupos para recibir propofol (grupo P, n = 15), sevoflurano (grupo S, n = 15) y desflurano (grupo D, n = 15). Todos los grupos recibieron 2 mg/kg de propofol IV, 1 µg/kg de fentanilo IV y 0,1 mg/kg de vecuronio IV para inducción. Para el mantenimiento de la anestesia, el grupo S recibió ventilación con sevoflurano al 2%, al grupo D se le administró desflurano al 6% y el grupo P recibió propofol en perfusiones de 12 mg/kg/h en los primeros 10 min, 9 mg/kg/h en los 10 min siguientes y 6 mg/kg/h subsecuentemente. Antes de la inducción y después de la cirugía, fueron extraídas muestras de sangre venosa para evaluar los niveles de glutatión peroxidasa y el total de oxidantes y antioxidantes. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: De los 45 pacientes incluidos en el estudio, 22 eran del sexo masculino y 23 del femenino. Las características demográficas de los grupos eran similares. En el período postoperatorio observamos que mientras el sevoflurano y el propofol aumentaron los antioxidantes a un nivel de significación estadística, el desflurano aumentó el nivel total de oxidantes en una cantidad significativa, en comparación con los niveles preoperatorios. .

The Importance of the Trigeminal Cardiac Reflex in Rhinoplasty Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) consists of bradycardia or asystole along with hypotension and apnea coinciding with stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. During rhinoplasty procedures, we noticed that local anesthetic solution (LAS) application to the columellar area results in bradycardia. We planned to conduct a randomized prospective study on 47 patients undergoing rhinoplasty to demonstrate the characteristics of TCR arising from the columella. METHOD: Local anesthetic solution containing 2% prilocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline was applied under standard general anesthesia protocol. In group 1 (study group, n = 24), 2 mL of LAS was applied to the columella. In group 2 (control group, n = 23), 2 mL of LAS was applied to the nasal dorsum. In group 3 (control group, n = 20), after LAS was applied to nasal dorsum in group 2, we waited for 10 minutes. Then, 2 mL of LAS was applied to the columella. Here, recordings were taken for the columella.Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded just before needle insertion (baseline level), at the time of needle insertion (NIT) to the columella or dorsum, and after the 1st, 5th, 10th, 30th, and 60th seconds. RESULTS: Transient bradycardia (≥20% drop in HR) was observed in 33% of the patients in group 1.Decrease in HR compared to the baseline level in group 1 was significantly greater than that of groups 2 and 3 at all times (P ≤ 0.05).Systolic BP in NIT and in 60th second in group 1, only in NIT in group 2 was significantly lower than that of baseline levels (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that stimulation of a sensory branch of the trigeminal nerve in the columellar area leads to TCR under general anesthesia by eliciting clinical hypotension with a drop in systolic BP and in HR of more than 20% compared to the baseline level.Knowing the existence of a certain TCR area will be helpful to the surgeon and anesthesiologist to exercise extra vigilance and to make continuous and meticulous monitoring of the electrocardiogram, HR, and BP during which the TCR may be precipitated such as local anesthetic infiltration to the columellar area in rhinoseptoplasty operations.

[Comparison of effects on the oxidant/antioxidant system of sevoflurane, desflurane and propofol infusion during general anesthesia]. / Comparação dos efeitos da perfusão de sevoflurano, desflurano e propofol sobre o sistema oxidante/antioxidante durante anestesia geral.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Desflurane and sevoflurane are frequently used for maintenance of anesthesia and studies have shown that these anesthetics cause a variety of changes to the oxidative stress and antioxidative defense mechanisms. This study aims to compare the effects of sevoflurane, desflurane and propofol infusion anesthesia on the oxidant and antioxidant systems of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: 45 patients between 18 and 50 years with planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthetic were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups on the way to surgery: propofol (group P, n=15), sevoflurane (group S, n=15) and desflurane (group D, n=15). All groups were given hypnotic 2mg/kg propofol IV, 1mcg/kg fentanyl IV and 0.1mg/kg vecuronium IV for induction. For maintenance of anesthesia group S were ventilated with 2% sevoflurane, group D cases were given 6% desflurane and group P were given propofol infusions of 12mg/kg/h for the first 10minutes, 9mg/kg/h for the second 10minutes and 6mg/kg/h after that. Before induction and after the operation venous blood samples were taken to evaluate the levels of glutation peroxidase, total oxidants and antioxidants. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The 45 patients included in the study were 22 male and 23 female patients. The demographic characteristics of the groups were similar. In the postoperative period we observed that while sevoflurane and propofol increased antioxidants by a statistically significant level, desflurane increased the total oxidants level by a significant amount compared to levels before the operation.

The assessment of bupivacaine-tramadol and levobupivacaine-tramadol combinations for preemptive caudal anaesthesia in children: a randomized, double-blind, prospective study.

Caudal block is the regional anesthetic technique that is used most frequently in pediatric surgery and bupivacaine and levobupivacaine are widely utilized in this technique. Opioid drugs have been added to local anesthetic solutions to prolong duration of analgesia but ideal combination were not found. We compared the postoperative analgesic efficacy of equal concentrations of bupivacaine or levobupivacaine plus tramadol in pediatric patients. Sixty eight children aged 2 to 7 years who were undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphies or orchidopexies received bupivacaine 0.25% plus tramadol 2 mg/kg (1 ml/kg) (BT group) or levobupivacaine 0.25% plus tramadol 2 mg/kg (1 ml/kg) (LT group) by the caudal route after laryngeal mask anesthesia. The primary outcome of the study was to compare the duration and quality of postoperative analgesia. The postoperative pain relief was evaluated by the Children and Infants Postoperative Pain Scale (CHIPPS) at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. In addition, the time of first analgesic requirement was noted. The CHIPPS scores were not statistically different between the groups. The duration of analgesia and requirements for rescue analgesia was similar. Urinary retention was observed more often in the BT group. There were no significant differences between groups for arterial pressures and heart rate values after caudal block and during the operation. Caudal bupivacaine plus tramadol and levobupivacaine plus tramadol have similar postoperative analgesic efficacy. But the use of bupivacaine plus tramadol may cause a greater frequency of urinary retention.

Effects of different anesthesia protocols on lactation in the postpartum period.

OBJECTIVE: Many factors can influence the secretion of breast milk. Cesarean section is a risk factor for late onset of breastfeeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our study, we compared the lactation process by mothers who underwent elective cesarean section under general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, and normal birth; 84 patients between 18-40 years of age with a risk of ASA I-II were included. Randomly patients were divided into four groups: group G (general anesthesia, n:21), group S (spinal anesthesia, n:21), group E (epidural anesthesia, n:21), and group V (vaginal birth, without anesthesia, n:21). Oxytocin and prolactin values of all patients before and after operation or birth were recorded. In addition the initiation time of lactation after delivery or cesarean section were recorded. RESULTS: In all groups, there were no significant differences among hormone levels in the prepartum period (p=0.350). Prolactin levels in group G (p=0.011) and oxytocin levels in group V (p=0.012) in the postpartum period were significantly higher than in the other groups. The start of lactation was significantly delayed in group G (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: We consider that the onset time of lactation is delayed in patients undergoing cesarean section with general anesthesia when compared with patients who undergo cesarean section with spinal and epidural anesthesia and with patients who undergo normal vaginal birth. Because of the delay of awakening and recovery of cognitive functions in general anesthesia, communication between the mother and the newborn is delayed and so is the lactation.

Does premedication with dexmedetomidine provide perioperative hemodynamic stability in hypertensive patients?

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hemodynamic fluctuations are seen more often in hypertensive patients than in normotensive patients. The purpose of our study was to investigate the perioperative hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine and midazolam used for premedication in hypertensive patients relative to each other and in comparison to normotensive patients. METHODS: One-hundred-forty female, normotensive or hypertensive patients undergoing myomectomies or hysterectomies. They were randomly enrolled into the subgroups: Group ND (normotensive-dexmedetomidine); Group HD (hypertensive-dexmedetomine); Group NM (normotensive-midazolam); Group HM (hypertensive- midazolam). Dexmedetomidine was administered at a concentration of 0.5 µg.kg(-1), and midazolam was administered at a concentration of 0.025 µg.kg(-1) via intravenous (IV) infusion before the induction of anaesthesia. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded at several times (T(beginning), T(preop5 min), T(preop 10 min), T(induction), T(intubation), T(intubation 5 min), T(initial surgery), T(surgery 15 min), T(surgery 30 min), T(extubation), T(extubation 5 min)). Propofol amount for induction, time between induction and initial surgery, demand of antihypertensive therapy, rescue atropine were recorded. Quantitative clinical and demographic characteristics were compared using One Way ANOVA. The values were compared using One-way Analysis of Variance. Additionally periodic variations were examined by One way Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance for groups separately. RESULTS: SBP was significantly different between normotensive and hypertensive groups at the following time points: T(preop 5 min), T(preop 10 min), T(induction), T(intubation), T(intubation 5 min) and T(initial surgery). MBP was significantly different in the hypertensive groups at T(induction), T(intubation), T(intubation 5 min), T(initial surgery), T(surgery 15 min), T(surgery 30 min), T(extubation) and T(extubation 5 min). The perioperative requirements for antihypertensive drugs were significantly higher in Group HM. CONCLUSION: In the hypertensive patients, dexmedetomidine premedication provides better hemodynamic stability compared with midazolam, and because it decreases the antihypertensive requirements, its use might be beneficial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02058485.

Topical levobupivacaine efficacy in pain control after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find out the efficacy of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge (Merocel Kennedy; Medtronic Xomed, Jacksonville, Florida) sinus pack soaked with levobupivacaine hydrochloride to control postoperative pain and analgesic need following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). STUDY DESIGN: The study was designed as a prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. Forty-one patients who underwent FESS were included in the analysis. Setting A tertiary referral hospital in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent FESS were divided into 2 groups. The PVA sponge sinus packs were soaked with 5 mL of levobupivacaine hydrochloride (chirocaine 25 mg/10 mL; Abbott, Nycomed Pharma AS, Elverum, Norway) in group I and with 5 mL of saline in group II. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative pain levels were recorded using a visual analog scale (VAS score, 0-100) at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 8, 12, and 24 hours. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists status. Postoperative VAS values at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 8, 12, and 24 hours were significantly lower in group I than in group II (P < .05). Supplemental analgesia amount was significantly lower in group I than in group II (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Using levobupivacaine-soaked PVA sponge sinus packs after FESS is an effective, easy, and quick method to control postoperative pain, and it improves patient comfort and tolerability.

[Traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst: 2 case reports]. / Travmatik pulmoner psödokist: Iki olgu sunumu.

Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts (TPP) are cavitary lesions that are rarely seen after blunt thoracic traumas. Two male patients who were diagnosed with cystic lesions in the left lung after trauma were followed in our clinic with the diagnosis of TPP. Due to increase in cyst dimensions and wall tension, which were seen on the follow-up thorax tomography, surgical intervention was decided for both cases. The first case underwent cystotomy and capitonnage via thoracotomy, and was discharged without any complication. However, the second case was lost due to cardiac arrest during the operative preparations. Thorax tomography is an important method in the diagnosis and radiological follow-up of TPP. The surgery option should always be remembered for patients who show progression during the follow-up.

Asystole after the first dose of ceftriaxone.

The incidence of ceftriaxone-related hypersensitivity skin reactions is between 1% and 3%, whereas anaphylaxis is rare. To the best of our knowledge, the following case is the first report of asystole after the administration of single-dose ceftriaxone. A 55-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department because of high fever, abdominal pain, dysuria, and weakness. To determine the cause of his fever, blood and urine cultures were obtained. Then, an infusion of 1 g ceftriaxone was started slowly. One minute later, cardiac arrest occurred. The rhythm was asystole. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and tracheal intubation were performed immediately, and the ceftriaxone infusion was discontinued. Within 20 minutes, circulation was restored. The time of onset was suggestive of ceftriaxone-induced anaphylaxis. The patient was discharged in good clinical condition on the 10th day of admission. Emergency physicians should be mindful of the possibility of anaphylaxis and asystole that could occur with the first dose of ceftriaxone and should also make sure to offer receiving detailed informed patient consent, too.

Evaluation of outcomes in patients given dexmedetomidine in functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (DEX) on hemodynamic parameters and on surgeon and patient satisfaction during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). METHODS: Forty patients who were to undergo FESS were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, controlled study. In the DEX group, conscious sedation was induced with an infusion of 1 microg/kg of DEX 10 minutes before surgery, followed by an infusion of DEX at 0.2 microg/kg per hour. A control group was given identical amounts of saline solution. During the procedure, hemodynamic data were recorded. The patients evaluated their pain on a visual analog scale (VAS). Intraoperative bleeding was rated on a 6-point scale for evaluation of operative field visibility. RESULTS: We observed that the DEX group had lower bleeding scores (p = 0.019). The heart rates were lower in the DEX group at the time of induction (p = 0.052) and in the 1st (p = 0.009) and 20th minutes (p = 0.039) of induction. The mean blood pressure values were lower in the DEX group in the 5th (p < 0.001), 45th (p = 0.003), and 60th (p = 0.05) minutes of induction. The VAS score was lower in the DEX group in the 30th postoperative minute (p = 0.001); however, the VAS score was lower in the control group after the 12th hour (p < 0.001). Postoperative side effects such as nausea, tachycardia, hypotension, and vomiting were significantly less frequent in the DEX group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We observed that the intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic stability, and VAS scores were better and the side effects were less frequent in the DEX group.

Effect of anesthesiological strategies on neonatal bilirubin levels during cesarean section: a prospective and randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Neonatal jaundice, a frequent problem in neonatology, can be influenced by many factors. Here, we sought to clarify the role of anesthesia and to compare the effects of various anesthesiological strategies on neonatal bilirubin levels during cesarean section. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 167 ASA I-II status uncomplicated pregnant women who delivered by cesarean section as the study group. The patients were randomized based on anesthesiological strategy: inhalation (IA), spinal (SA), total intravenous (TIVA), and epidural anesthesia (EA) groups. Neonatal total (TB) and direct bilirubin (DB) levels at the 24th hour and 5th day of life and the need for phototherapy were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Direct bilirubin levels at 24th hour of SA group and EA group were higher compared to IA group (p = 0.008). When DB levels at fifth day were compared, levels in group TIVA were significantly higher than group SA (p = 0.019). TB levels at fifth day in group TIVA were higher than SA and EA groups (p = 0.05). The percentage of newborns needing phototherapy did not differ significantly among groups, but was highest in the TIVA group (25%), followed by the IA (15%), EA (10%) and SA (7%) groups (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: EA and SA at cesarean section seem to be better among the four anesthesia techniques considering neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Our findings are consistent with the idea that anesthesia may be a risk factor for hyperbilirubinemia. Although anesthesia may not significantly increase the need for interventions such as phototherapy, it may increase the burden of time, labor and cost.

Efficacy of topical levobupivacaine in control of postoperative pain after septoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To search the efficacy of using Merocele (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) soaked with 5 mL of levobupivacaine hydrocloride as a nasal pack in control of postoperative pain after septoplasty. DESIGN: The study was designed as a prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. Forty-one patients who underwent septoplasty operation were included in the analysis. SETTING: A tertiary referral hospital in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one patients undergoing septoplasty were divided into two groups. At the end of the operation, Merocele packs were placed inside the nasal cavity. In the levobupivacaine group, each Merocele pack was soaked with 5 mL of levobupivacaine hydrochloride (25 mg/10 mL), and in the control group, Merocele packs were soaked with 5 mL of saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative pain levels were recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS score, 0-100) at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 8, 12, and 24 hours. RESULTS: We did not find any significant difference between groups regarding age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and body mass index. Postoperative VAS values at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 8, and 12 hours were significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group compared with the control group (p < .05). The need for supplemental analgesia was significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group compared with the control group (p < .01). CONCLUSION: Postoperative pain after septoplasty owing to nasal packing is an important problem, and using levobupivacaine-soaked Merocele as a nasal pack after septoplasty is an effective method for the control of this pain. It is a very easy, effective, and quick method and it improves patient comfort after septoplasty.

Adding intrathecal morphine to unilateral spinal anesthesia results in better pain relief following knee arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: Intrathecal morphine is administered to provide profound and prolonged analgesia, and to treat acute postoperative pain. We compared the effectiveness of hyperbaric bupivacaine alone and in combination with morphine for unilateral spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly allocated to two groups to receive either 1.2 ml (6 mg) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (group B; n = 30) or 1.2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine containing 0.16 mg of morphine (group BM; n = 30). Spinal block was assessed by pinprick and a modified Bromage scale and compared between the operated and nonoperated sides. Visual analog scale (VAS) values, duration of analgesia, and total analgesic requirement of patients were recorded. RESULTS: Patients in group BM had significantly lower VAS values on movement at 30 min and at 2, 4, 6, and 12 h postoperatively (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.05, respectively). The total analgesic requirement in the first 24 h after surgery was significantly higher in group B (P < 0.001). Patients in group BM had a significantly longer duration of analgesia in the first 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.001). Motor blockade of the operated limb in group BM was similar to that in group B (P > 0.05), and motor blockade of the nonoperated limb in group BM was also similar to that in group B (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that unilateral spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 0.16 mg morphine is preferable to hyperbaric bupivacaine alone with respect to analgesic requirement, duration of analgesia, and VAS values.

Anophthalmia, cleft lip/palate, absent vomer bone, nystagmus, and mental-motor retardation: a new syndrome or Fryns "anophthalmia-plus" syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: We report that a 4-year-old boy presented with right unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, right anophthalmos, left congenital nystagmus, absence of the vomer bone, mental-motor retardation, and normal lymphocyte karyotype (46, XY). METHODS: For reconstruction of the deformities, we performed cleft lip repair by Millard's rotation-advancement technique and planned cleft palate repair. CONCLUSIONS: This combination of cleft lip and palate, anophthalmos, congenital nystagmus, absent vomer bone, and mental-motor retardation has not, to our knowledge, previously been described. We suggest that this represents either another case of the rare Fryns "anophthalmia-plus" syndrome or a new syndrome.

The comparison of dexmedetomidine and midazolam used for sedation of patients during upper endoscopy: A prospective, randomized study.

The aim of the present prospective, randomized study was to investigate and compare the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam in providing sedation for gastroscopy. A total of 50 adult patients (25 patients receiving dexmedetomidine and 25 patients receiving midazolam), 18 to 60 years of age, and rated I and II on the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system were included. A brief questionnaire was used to collect demographic data; patients were asked to rate anxiety, satisfaction with care to date and expected discomfort on a visual analogue scale. The following parameters were measured continuously and recorded every minute: heart rate, mean arterial pressure, hemoglobin oxygen saturation and respiratory rate. The two groups were similar with regard to age, body mass index, sex, education, duration of endoscopy, and ethanol or tobacco use. After the procedure, full recovery time, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels were similar in both groups. Both groups also had low levels of perceived procedural gagging, discomfort and anxiety scores (P > 0.05), and high satisfaction levels (90.1+/-3.0 for dexmedetomidine versus 84.9+/-4.5 for midazolam; P > 0.05). Retching and endoscopist satisfaction were significantly different in patients receiving dexmedetomidine versus those receiving midazolam (88.8+/-6.5 versus 73.5+/-16.4, P < 0.05; and 20.6+/-4.4 versus 45.2+/-6.0; P < 0.001). In the midazolam group, the number of patients who had adverse effects was higher than the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). As a result, dexmedetomidine performed as effectively and safely as midazolam when used as a sedative in upper gastroscopy; it was superior to midazolam with regard to retching, rate of side effects and endoscopist satisfaction. It was concluded that dexmedetomidine may be a good alternative to midazolam to sedate patients for upper endoscopy.