Post-spinal Anesthesia Low Back Pain in Obese Female Patients: Comparison of the Median Versus Paramedian Approach.

BACKGROUND: A side effect of spinal anesthesia is post-dural puncture backache (PDPB), which is characterized by ongoing discomfort at the location of the spinal puncture without any radicular pain. This study aims to compare the incidence and severity of post-dural puncture back pain following spinal anesthesia by median versus paramedian technique in obese female patients. METHODS:  A prospective randomized comparative study on 120 female patients, aged 20-50 years with a BMI of 30-40 kg/m2 and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status II, scheduled for elective surgery under spinal anesthesia, was included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 60 patients in each group. Group P uses the paramedian approach for spinal anesthesia, and group M uses the midline approach for spinal anesthesia. RESULTS: Low back pain incidence was lower in group P than in group M at seven days, but at one month and after, its incidence remained the same in both groups. No difference in the severity of pain was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of back pain in the first seven days of surgery was significantly more frequent with the median approach. The pain severity decreased as the time passed from day seven to three months of follow-up. There is no difference in the severity of pain with either approach at different intervals.

Efficacy of ShotBlocker device versus vapocoolant spray for spinal needle pain relief during spinal anaesthesia in elective caesarean section - A randomised controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Apprehension of pain due to a spinal needle is often a cause of anxiety and refusal. ShotBlocker provides non-painful physical stimulation, inhibiting pain perception. The vapocoolant spray contains ethyl chloride vapours, rapidly raising the skin temperature and hampering the transmission of noxious stimuli. The present study compared the effectiveness of the ShotBlocker device and the vapocoolant spray in reducing spinal needle-associated pain in primigravida women undergoing elective lower-segment caesarean section (LSCS). Methods: We enroled 144 primigravida women undergoing elective LSCS and were randomised to Group SB (the ShotBlocker device was firmly pressed over the skin, and the spinal needle was inserted through its slit), Group V (the vapocoolant spray was applied at the puncture site before spinal needle insertion), and Group C (received local infiltration before spinal anaesthesia (SA)). The groups were compared for needle-associated pain and patient satisfaction using a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) and a 3-point Likert scale. Results: The mean (standard deviation) [95% confidence interval (CI)] VAS scores of Group SB 3.85 (0.74) [3.64, 4.07] and Group V 3.04 (0.74) [2.83, 3.26] were significantly lower than that of Group C 5.19 (0.92) [3.28, 3.62]). On the Likert scale, the maximum number of patients in the vapocoolant group (64.6%) responded satisfactorily, while in the control group, the majority (62.5%) of participants responded dissatisfied (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Both the ShotBlocker and vapocoolant spray reduce needle puncture-associated pain before SA in primigravida patients undergoing elective LSCS. However, the vapocoolant spray is more beneficial in reducing spinal needle-associated pain than the ShotBlocker device.

Evaluating the precision of ultrasound versus computed tomography-guided measurement of cricoid cartilage diameter for double-lumen tube selection in thoracic surgery: A randomised comparative study.

Background and Aims: Precise airway management is vital in thoracic surgeries to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. Choosing the correct double-lumen tube (DLT) size is challenging, as it typically relies on height, gender and subjective experience. This study investigates using ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) to measure cricoid cartilage diameter for objective DLT sizing. Methods: In a randomised study, 120 adult patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery were randomised to three groups: Group A (DLT size determined by USG), Group B (DLT size determined by CT) and Group C (DLT size determined by conventional methods based on height and gender). The primary outcome variable was the appropriateness of DLT size. Secondary outcome variables were the degree of lung collapse and sore throat. Student's t-test and ꭓ2 test were used to analyse continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively. Results: DLT sizing based on cricoid cartilage diameter improved the accuracy, with inappropriate sizes found in 25% in the conventional group, 5% in the USG group and 2.5% in the CT group (P < 0.05). Lung collapse was better in the USG (excellent in 92.5%) and CT (95%) groups compared to the conventional group (70%) (P < 0.05). Moderate sore throat was higher in the conventional group (37.5%) compared to the USG (5%) and CT groups (7.5%). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that USG- and CT-guided measurements of cricoid cartilage diameter are reliable and effective methods for determining DLT size in thoracic surgery compared to conventional methods.

Clinical Performance of I-gel® and BlockBuster™ Laryngeal Mask Airway in Adult Patients during General Anesthesia: A Randomized Comparison.

Background: Supraglottic devices have revolutionized the current practice of airway management. We compared the clinical performance of a recently introduced BlockBuster™ Laryngeal mask airway with i-gel® in adult patients under general anesthesia. Methods: Following Institutional ethical clearance, the present study was conducted on 62 patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2 of either sex in the age group of 20-60 years under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to i-gel® (I) and BlockBuster™ (B) groups (31 per group). Time for successful insertion, insertion success rate, ease of insertion, oropharyngeal leak pressures (OLPs), and complications were assessed. Results: Mean insertion time of device was less in Group I (13.52 ± 2.58 s) than that of Group B (14.10 ± 2.04 s), which was neither clinically nor statistically significant (P = 0.330). OLP in Group B (24.52 ± 2.77 cm of H2O) was found to be significantly higher compared to Group I (20.81 ± 2.56 cm of H2O) with P < 0.001. Overall insertion and first attempt success was similar (i-gel® 31/31 [100%] and 29/31 [93.5%] and BlockBuster™ 31/31 [100%] and 29/31 [93.5%], respectively). Ease of insertion (P = 0.684) and complications (P = 0.782) of both the devices were comparable. Conclusions: Both the devices are useful and effective for airway management in adult under general anesthesia. Having a high OLP and comparable insertion time, risk of aspiration may be further reduced with the use of BlockBuster™ in comparison to i-gel®.

Comparison of clinical performance of Baska mask and Ambu AuraGain in patients undergoing surgery: A single-blinded, randomised comparative trial.

Background and Aims: The Baska mask (BM) and the Ambu AuraGain (AAG) have shown promising results in recent trials but have not been compared. Therefore, we aimed to compare the clinical performance of the BM and the AAG for airway management of adult patients. Methods: In this randomised comparative study, patients aged 18-60 years and with an expected surgical duration of less than 2 h were enroled. Patients were randomly allocated to AAG (Group A, n = 37) and BM (Group B, n = 37) for airway management. After induction of anaesthesia, an allocated supraglottic airway device (SAD) was inserted. Oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), time taken to insert SAD, number of insertion attempts, leak fraction (LF), first-attempt success rate, overall success rate, ease of insertion, fiberoptic view of the glottis, and complications were compared. The data were analysed using Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher's exact tests. Results: Baseline and demographic characteristics were comparable. OLP (31.32 ± 2.59 versus 27.54 ± 1.32 cmH2O) was higher (P < 0.001), and LF (6.19% ± 1.20% versus 7.24% ± 1.72%) was lower (P = 0.003) in the BM group. First-attempt and overall success rate, time taken to insert, number of insertion attempts, ease of insertion, and fibreoptic view of glottis through the SADs were statistically similar between groups. However, the incidence of sore throat (P = 0.007) and cough (P = 0.028) was higher with AAG. Conclusion: Clinical performance of BM was better than AAG as the former had higher OLP, lower LF and complications.

Effect of Carbohydrate Loading in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Investigations of preoperative oral carbohydrate (CHO) loading have primarily examined benefits among patients without diabetes. Preoperative CHO-rich beverages in general populations have resulted in reductions in insulin resistance after surgery, protein loss, metabolic derangements, and immune dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of CHO loading in diabetic patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Diabetic patients controlled on oral hypoglycemic agent were randomly divided into two groups: (1) Group T - this group will be given 50 g of maltodextrin before two hours of surgery; (2) Group C - this group will be kept nil per oral as per standard protocol. Blood sugar, serum insulin, serum cortisol, and insulin requirement were compared in both groups. RESULTS: Blood sugar levels of Group C were found to be significantly higher than that of Group T at six hours and 24 hours. In Group T, a rise in baseline serum insulin (8.94 ± 3.43 mIU/l) was observed at 24 hours (13.23 ± 5.71 mIU/l). A change of 4.29 ± 3.00 mIU/l in serum insulin level was observed. The change in baseline serum insulin levels was 47.99%. In Group C too, a rise in baseline serum insulin (6.27 ± 1.74 mIU/l) was observed at 24 hours (18.00 ± 5.34 mIU/l). A change of 11.73 ± 4.97 mIU/l in serum insulin level was observed. The change in baseline HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance) levels in Group T was 53.66%. A rise (4.39 ± 1.63) in baseline HOMA-IR of Group C (1.65 ± 0.45) was observed at 24 hours (6.04 ± 1.76). The change in baseline HOMA-IR levels in Group C was 266.06%. CONCLUSIONS: CHO loading is observed to be beneficial in diabetic patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No adverse effects or an increased risk of aspiration were observed in the intervention group during the study period.

Improvement in Patient Satisfaction and Anxiety With Perioperative Music Therapy in Patients Undergoing Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Single-Blind Prospective Study.

Introduction Listening to music is a safe and low-cost way to reduce preoperative anxiety among patients, but more research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness fully. Aims The aim of the study is to identify the effect of intraoperative music therapy on the visual analogue scale for anxiety (VASA) scores (VASA 1 and VASA 2) and patient satisfaction score (PSS) perioperatively. Methods In a study of 188 patients aged 40-70, those in group A (94 patients) listened to pre-approved music during their surgery for abdominal hysterectomy, while group B (94 patients) did not. Both groups wore noise-cancelling earphones. VASA was recorded before (VASA 1) and after (VASA 2) the surgery. PSS was recorded in the postoperative ward. Music preferences were kept confidential from the investigator recording the scores. Result The two groups of patients had similar demographic profiles and baseline characteristics. The VASA 1 of both groups was similar, with a mean value of 4.36 ± 1.13 for group A and 4.23 ± 1.05 for group B (p = 0.606). However, group A had lower VASA 2 (1.79 ± 0.83) than group B (3.77 ± 0.98). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The patient satisfaction score in group A was notably higher than those in group B. A total of 52 patients were highly satisfied in group A as compared to none in group B (p < 0.001), and a total of 42 patients were moderately satisfied as compared to eight patients in group B (p < 0.001). Eighty-six patients in group B were unsatisfied. Conclusion According to our research, playing specific music at the right volume can significantly lower anxiety levels and increase patients' satisfaction scores for those who have had abdominal hysterectomy surgeries.

Comparison of Continuous Infusion of Ropivacaine and Fentanyl With Intermittent Bolus Doses of Ropivacaine and Fentanyl for Epidural Labor Analgesia: A Randomized Open-Label Study.

Background The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of continuous epidural infusion with intermittent bolus doses for labour analgesia using ropivacaine 0.2% and opioids. Methods In this study, 70 primigravida patients were randomly divided into two groups of 35 each. Both groups received a loading dose of 10ml of 0.2% ropivacaine and 1µg/ml fentanyl in 5ml incremental doses while monitoring blood pressure and heart rate. Subsequently, Group I received a continuous epidural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine with fentanyl at 10ml/hr, while Group II received 10 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine with fentanyl in bolus form every hour manually, with the first dose given after one hour of the initial loading dose. A rescue bolus dose of 5ml of 0.2% ropivacaine was given in both groups when they complained of breakthrough pain (VAS score >3). An additional 5ml bolus dose was given in both groups at the time of crowning. The blood pressure, heart rate, and severity of pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) were assessed. Total drug volume utilized, the number of bolus doses, duration of the first and second stage of labour, rate of instrumental delivery and cesarean section, and neonatal Apgar scores were also recorded. Results The total volume of drugs consumed and the number of boluses required for breakthrough pain were both significantly lower in Group II. There was a similar decrease in hemodynamic parameters (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure) from baseline in both the groups with no significant difference between them. The onset of analgesia was significantly faster in Group I with both groups achieving optimum analgesia (VAS ≤ 3) within 20 minutes of the loading dose. Maternal motor blockade scores, the duration of the first and second stage of labour, the rate of instrumental delivery, cesarean section, and neonatal Apgar scores, did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion Both techniques, i.e. continuous epidural infusion and intermittent epidural boluses are effective for providing labour analgesia. But consumption of drugs and episodes of breakthrough pain was higher in the continuous infusion group (Group I).

Perioperative trigeminocardiac reflex in patients undergoing surgical treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: A study.

Purpose: The behavior of trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is limited to few case reports only in maxillofacial surgery, especially for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis cases. The present study aims to find out the incidence of bradycardia due to TCR during intraoperative forceful mouth opening in TMJ ankylosis patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective, unicentric observational study was conducted selecting those patients who were planned for osteoarthrectomy with interpositional gap arthroplasty under general anesthesia. Sixty cases of TMJ ankylosis were randomly selected from December 2018 to-03-2020. Predictor variables were patient age, gender, and type of ankylosis, and outcome variables were pulse rate, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), and oxygen saturation level (SPO2). Data were recorded at baseline and during intraoperative mouth opening via heister jaw stretcher. A Chi-square test was used for testing the association between variables. P values were considered statistically significant at <0.05. Results: The sample size of 60 subjects has been divided into two age groups (10-19) years and (20-40) years. The mean standard deviation age of the patients was 18.32 ± 6.81 years. About 63.3% were male. Out of 60 cases, 14 patients developed bradycardia. The frequency of bradycardia was found 23.3%. According to logistic regression analysis, age and type of ankylosis were the significant predictors of bradycardia. Conclusion: We conclude that bradycardia due to TCR in TMJ ankylosis patients is not an uncommon entity. Incidences are more prevalent in the age group of 10-19 years and type IV bony ankylosis. Male had a high incidence of bradycardia though P value was nonsignificant.

A randomized controlled trial comparing Macintosh laryngoscope and Airtraq video laryngoscope for endotracheal intubation in patients with thyroid swelling: Competing the convention.

Background: Patients with thyroid swelling are anticipated difficult airway due to the anatomical complications associated with it leading to restricted neck movements and distorted laryngeal anatomy. The aim of this randomized prospective study was to compare Macintosh laryngoscope and Airtraq video laryngoscope for endotracheal intubation in patients with thyroid swelling. Methods: Eighty adult American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) grades I-II patients were taken and randomly divided into two groups of 40 patients in each. After induction of general anesthesia, tracheal intubation was done with either of the technique using a flexometallic tube. Time taken for intubation, hemodynamic variations during and after intubation, any optimization maneuver used during intubation, Cormack-Lehane score, Percentage of Glottic Opening (POGO score), Intubation Difficulty Score (IDS), and postoperative airway symptoms were noted. Results: Mean time required for intubation with Airtraq was more than Macintosh; P = 0.003. But Cormack-Lehane score, IDS score, and POGO score were better in the Airtraq group. Hemodynamic variations in both groups were comparable. Optimization maneuver required and postoperative airway symptoms were more in the Macintosh group. Conclusion: In patients with thyroid swelling, Airtraq video laryngoscope provides better visualization of the glottis, requires less manipulation during intubation, and less post-operative complications than Macintosh laryngoscope but requires significantly more time for intubation.

Effectiveness of virtual training for medical officers and community health officers in the critical care management of COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The coronavirus disease -19 has changed various aspects of education and training in all fields, and e-learning has now become the preferred mode of training and teaching. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of online training and to overcome the limitations of e-learning. METHODS: A total of 176 medical officers (MOs) and 720 community health officers (CHOs) were trained in four batches by using seven training modules with online videos and lecture series. Each batch received two days of training. A pre-test and post-test were conducted which consisted of 25 multiple-choice questions of 4 marks each. There was no negative marking. Candidates obtaining >80 marks were declared as having passed. The results of the pre-test and post-tests were compared. RESULTS: There was remarkable improvement in the knowledge regarding critical care management after virtual training, as evidenced by the test results. None of the MOs scored more than 80% in the pre-test; however, 153 MOs scored more than 80% in the post-test. The average score improved from 47.82 (pre-test) to 89.05 (post-test). The difference was statically significant (P < 0.0001). Similarly, 123 CHOs scored more than 80% in the pre-test, while 378 CHOs scored more than 80% in the post-test. Improvement in average marks was also seen: 90.5 in the post-test as compared to 62.76 in the pre-test. The difference was statically significant (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Online training is beneficial for many candidates from various locations within a short period. The interactive sessions after training are also helpful, and well-designed pre- and post-tests are adequate for assessment.

Anaesthetic challenges in perioperative management of thoracic paraganglioma in an 8-year-old child.

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) are catecholamine-secreting tumours that arise from chromaffin cells of the sympathoadrenal system. These rare catecholamine-secreting tumours arising from adrenal glands are termed as PCC and those from extra--adrenal sites are termed paraganglioma (PGL). Thoracic PGL is very rarely found. we report the anaesthetic challenges and management of an 8-year-old child with functional thoracic PGL and its successful outcome.

A Comparative Study of the ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway Versus Endotracheal Tube in Neonates With Anorectal Malformations.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) are widely used in paediatric anaesthesia. However, LMA use in neonatal age groups (younger than seven days) is limited because many anaesthesiologists prefer to use endotracheal tube in neonates. In this study, we compared the ProSeal LMA and endotracheal tube by measuring their performance, including ease of insertion via number of attempts for placement of device, total effective time for intubation and extubation, hemodynamic responses and perioperative complications. METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, 70 patients (neonates) weighing >2.5 kg, with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification grade 4 requiring emergency surgery for anorectal malformation were enrolled and divided into two groups. After induction, patients' airways were secured with either ProSeal LMA size 1 (Group I) or endotracheal tube (Group II). Anaesthesia was maintained on oxygen and sevoflurane with muscle relaxant atracurium. RESULTS: Demographic and surgical data were similar between the two groups. The ProSeal LMA insertion time was shorter than endotracheal intubation. Hemodynamic variations were less in the ProSeal LMA group as compared to the endotracheal tube group. The total time for removal of airway devices from the end of surgery for the ProSeal group was lower than that for the endotracheal intubation group. Postoperative complications were less in the ProSeal group as compared to the endotracheal group. CONCLUSIONS: The ProSeal LMA can be a better alternative to the endotracheal tube in neonates due to the ease of insertion, lesser changes in hemodynamic parameters and minimal postoperative complications.

Comparison of extraoral and intraoral routes of glossopharyngeal nerve block for pain relief in patient with carcinoma tongue: A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Glossopharyngeal nerve block (GNB) technique has been used as alternative of treatment of cancer and noncancer pain of the oral cavity. The objective of the study is to compare the two approaches (extraoral and intraoral) of GNB in patients of carcinoma of the tongue in terms of efficacy, duration, and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective comparative randomized study over a period of 1 year. Fifty patients of either sex of ASA physical status and 2, between 21 and 70 years of age, suffering from carcinoma of the tongue, were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I received 4 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine combined with 40 mg, of triamcinolonacetonide by extraoral approach of GNB, and Group II received the same amount of drug by intraoral approach of GNB. Hemodynamic parameters, degree of pain relief using visual analog scale (VAS), number of attempts, effect on quality of life (QOL), and complication were noted during the performance of GNB. RESULTS: Demographic profile in both groups was comparable. Rate of complication and number of attempts to complete intervention were higher in Group I, which was found to be statistically significant. However, mean VAS scores in Group I were significantly higher as compared to those in Group II during most of the study period starting from the 1st follow-up at 30 min to the 2nd month postintervention (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference in mean QOL scores of two groups was observed for the entire study period except at 1 week when mean scores in Group I were higher as compared to those in Group II (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The intraoral approach of GNB was better with respect to pain control and improvement in QOL whereas the rate of complication and number of attempts was lower in extraoral approach of GNB.

Effect of Two Different Doses of Dexmedetomidine on the Hemodynamics of "Hypertensive Patients" Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

CONTEXT: In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, pneumoperitoneum results in tachycardia, hypertension, and increased myocardial oxygen demand. These changes are more pronounced in hypertensive patients. The intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine attenuates sympathoadrenal response and provides better hemodynamic stability intraoperatively. AIMS: To evaluate the hemodynamic stabilizing and sedation properties of two different doses of dexmedetomidine including 0.7 µg.kg-1.h-1 and 0.5 µg.kg-1.h-1 in hypertensive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a randomized, prospective, double-blind controlled trial. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 controlled hypertensive patients of either sex, aged 30-60 years, and ASA class 2 without any other serious comorbid conditions who were undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were randomly assigned into three groups of 20 each. Group A and B received loading dose of dexmedetomidine 1 µg.kg-1 over 10 min and maintenance dose at 0.7 and 0.5 µg.kg-1.h-1, respectively. Group C received normal saline infusion only. Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure) and sedation score were compared at different time intervals among groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The Chi-square test, ANOVA, and Tukey Post hoc Test. RESULTS: Fluctuations in the hemodynamics of hypertensive patients are effectively attenuated by dexmedetomidine and there is no difference in the attenuation of these hemodynamic changes by maintenance dose of 0.5 or 0.7 µg.kg-1.h-1. However, maintenance dose of 0.5 µg.kg-1.h-1 causes lesser sedation. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine administered as infusion in a maintenance dose of 0.5 µg.kg-1.h-1 serves as an ideal anesthetic adjuvant in hypertensive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Spontaneous gallbladder perforation in a patient of situs inversus totalis, misdiagnosed as perforation peritonitis due to gas under the right dome of the diaphragm.

Acute biliary tract disease is a common condition in adults. Apart from bile duct perforation, spontaneous perforation of the gallbladder itself is very rare in all age groups; to date, all recorded cases are secondary to coexistent disease. We present the case report of a 60-year-old adult having an idiopathic gallbladder perforation. In our case, an unusual presentation was situs inversus totalis and fundal gas shadow was considered as free air under the right dome of the diaphragm by mistake. The patient underwent laparotomy and emergency cholecystectomy was performed in the perforated gallbladder. To date, no case has been described in the literature.

Comparison between Transdermal Buprenorphine and Transdermal Fentanyl for Postoperative Pain Relief after Major Abdominal Surgeries.

INTRODUCTION: Opioid is generally regarded as an important part of multimodal, perioperative analgesia, especially for moderate to severe pain. Amongst the various modes of delivery transdermal route has several potential benefits over oral and parentral administration. These include noninvasive dosing, better absorption and lack of first-pass metabolism. A transdermal drug delivery system provides steady and continuous drug delivery resulting in steady plasma concentration. Bolus dosing of systemic analgesic results in supra and sub therapeutic plasma resulting in toxic and sub analgesic plasma drug concentration. It also improves patient compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing major abdominal surgery under GA were randomly divided in two groups (n=30). Group A received buprenorphine 10 mcg/h TDS and group B received 25 mcg/h fentanyl TDS, 6 hours prior to surgery. Patients were followed for three days for postoperative pain relief and adverse effects. RESULTS: Baseline and demographic variables are comparable in both groups. The mean level of VAS was significantly lower in group B as compared to group A at Day 1, 2 and 3. The mean level of sedation score was significantly lower in Group B than Group A. Haemodynamic variables in both groups (SBP, DBP and HR), shows comparable values in both groups and no significant difference was observed. Five out of 30 (16.7%) patients in group A required single dose of rescue analgesic while 0 out of 30 patients (0.00%) in group B required rescue analgesic. This difference in rescue analgesic requirement in not quiet statistically significant (p-value 0.0522). Twenty percent patient in fentanyl group and 16.7% patients in buprenorphine group experienced some adverse effects. Nausea and vomiting were main side effects of the drugs. The incidence of nausea and vomiting were 6.7% and 10% in buprenorphine and fentanyl group respectively. CONCLUSION: Fentanyl and buprenorphine TDS were effective and safe in controlling postoperative pain. Fentanyl is better than buprenorphine in this respect.

Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity in a Patient under General Anaesthesia (GA): A Diagnostic Challenge.

Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is one of the most dreadful complications after local anaesthetic (LA) use and it is very difficult to manage. The diagnosis of LAST is purely clinical and its presentation is usually obscured in a sedated or anaesthetized patient. A 25-year-old male patient undergoing laparotomy for acute duodenal perforation under general anaesthesia developed seizures after epidural administration of 0.5% bupivacaine. All other possible causes of seizures were ruled out. Seizures were controlled with antiepileptic drugs and patient recovered fully after withholding LA administration. Although, lipid rescue is recommended for LAST, our patient was managed without its use. We, therefore, recommend that utmost care and vigilance should be exercised while using local anesthetics as there is no perfectly accurate method to rule out intravascular administration of LA. Even, if LA is correctly used, LA is detected in plasma due to its systemic absorption from injection site.

Intraventricular haemorrhage as a complication of sub mucosal infiltration of adrenaline.

Adrenaline infiltration is a widely used technique in head-neck and ENT surgeries to provide bloodless surgical field. However, use of adrenaline has been associated with hemodynamic changes which can be life threatening at times. Therefore, use of higher concentrations of adrenaline should be avoided and a close hemodynamic monitoring is required with use of other vasopressors. In the present case report, a young male died because of intraventricular bleeding caused by adrenaline infiltration during rhinoplasty.

Volvulus of sigmoid colon during full term pregnancy with rectovaginal fistula: a case report.

Intestinal obstruction due to sigmoid colon volvulus during pregnancy is a rare complication but associated with significant fetomaternal mortality. We describe a case of sigmoid volvulus in a patient with 37 wk pregnancy causing huge dilation of left colon. Patient developed rectovaginal fistula following nonmedical method to relieve distention by inserting stick as told by patient.