Neuraxial anaesthesia in patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunts: A descriptive review.

Neuraxial anesthesia in patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt devices has traditionally been associated with a high risk of complications. In order to gather all available evidence, a structured search was conducted to include published studies involving users of these devices, undergoing any form of neuraxial technique for obstetric or surgical procedures unrelated to them. Effectiveness of the technique and perioperative complications were assessed. Only case series and case reports (n = 72) were identified. One patient was found to have insufficient anesthetic coverage, necessitating a modification of the technique, and another one had an intraoperative complication which compromised the subject's safety. No infection events or postoperative device dysfunction related to the anesthetic method were described. The evidence found is scarce and of low quality, preventing the establishment of significant conclusions. Nevertheless, patients may obtain benefit from an individualized evaluation.

Opioid-free mastectomy under thoracic epidural anesthesia-analgesia in a patient with critical tracheal stenosis: a case report.

Mastectomy is traditionally performed under general anaesthesia and invasive ventilation, and is often complemented with regional techniques. In this setting, tracheal stenosis can pose a challenge to airway management. The aim of this report is to describe the successful management of a 68-year-old woman with severe subglottic tracheal stenosis undergoing mastectomy due to breast cancer. Surgery was performed without airway instrumentation under an opioid-free regimen consisting of thoracic epidural, propofol and dexmedetomidine perfusion, and non-opioid analgesics. Spontaneous ventilation and adequate perioperative analgesia were achieved. Opioid-free anaesthesia without airway instrumentation, consisting of thoracic epidural anaesthesia and sedation, is a good alternative in patients undergoing mastectomy in whom airway manipulation is best avoided.

Centenary of epidural anaesthesia.

March 2021 marked the first centenary of the publication of Fidel Pagés Miravé's seminal article Anestesia metamérica in the Revista Española de Cirugía. Pagés' knowledge of Bier and Tuffier's intradural (1889-1900) and Gil Vernet's sacral (1917-1918) techniques played a pivotal role in the development of the epidural anesthesia technique. Fidel Pagés' extensive experience with treating the casualties of armed conflicts, his proficiency in French and German, and his vast knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology lie behind the accuracy with which he describes the different approaches, the different anesthetic solutions, or the different instruments used, and the indications, contraindications and complications associated with his technique. In the centenary of his article, we would like to thank Fidel Pagés' for describing an anesthetic and analgesic technique that has improved the lives of so many patients.

Enterococcus faecium meningitis secondary to epidural anesthesia. About a case and review of the literature. / Meningitis por Enterococcus faecium secundaria a anestesia epidural. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Septic meningitis secondary to epidural anesthesia is a rare but serious complication that is usually related to exogenous contamination from inadequate aseptic techniques, so the most frequent microorganisms observed are S. aureus and S. salivarius. We describe the case of a woman who, after receiving epidural anesthesia for normal delivery, presented septic meningitis due to E. faecium with recurrence after antibiotic treatment, probably secondary to pyogenic ventriculitis undetected in the first episode. We highlight the rarity of the case, emphasizing the need for strict aseptic technique, and review the literature on the most appropriate treatment for this type of complication.

Enterococcus faecium meningitis secondary to epidural anesthesia. About a case and review of the literature.

Septic meningitis secondary to epidural anesthesia is a rare but serious complication that is usually related to exogenous contamination from inadequate aseptic techniques, so the most frequent microorganisms observed are S. aureus and S. salivarius. We describe the case of a woman who, after receiving epidural anesthesia for normal delivery, presented septic meningitis due to E. faecium with recurrence after antibiotic treatment, probably secondary to pyogenic ventriculitis undetected in the first episode. We highlight the rarity of the case, emphasizing the need for strict aseptic technique, and review the literature on the most appropriate treatment for this type of complication.

[Universalization, parity and evolution of the demand of epidural analgesia in labor in Andalusia (Spain)]. / Universalización, paridad y evolución de la demanda de anestesia epidural durante el parto en Andalucía.

OBJECTIVE: Assess whether the universalization of epidural analgesia supplied in hospitals of the Andalusia Public Health Service (SSPA) has ended up with the inequalities shown in previous studies regarding to their demand: the percentage of women who rejected epidural analgesia was higher among the users having low educational level, lower income and working as housekeeper. METHOD: The data are based on satisfaction surveys conducted by the Institute for Advanced Social Studies amongst of SSPA users. This survey includes a section aimed at women attended in labor (N = 21,300). The hierarchical segmentation analysis shows which variables are the ones that discriminate most in the usage of epidural analgesia. Subsequently, through a model of binary logistic regression we analyze which socio-demographic variables are significant (2012) and how its impact is on the choice of epidural analgesia in childbirth. RESULTS: Overall, the socio-demographic variables of the users are statistically significant in the demand or not of epidural analgesia during labor. However, the detailed analysis of the last year (2012) shows that none of the socio-demographic variables introduced in the model has a significant effect on the decision of using epidural analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: The process of universalization of epidural anesthesia in childbirth has ended with social inequalities in their use, that is, with those differences that are not due to a real choice but are induced by socio-cultural characteristics of women.

Descripción de analgesia de parto con lidocaína o bupivacaina y Apgar al nacer. Estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo

El trabajo de parto lleva con este la experiencia que causa uno de los dolores más intensos que se han descrito. En el Instituto de Seguridad Social de El Salvador (ISSS) se registran aproximadamente 600 a 700 partos vaginales por mes y de estos aproximadamente 10-20% solicitan analgesia para trabajo de parto, la cual el servicio de anestesia provee a través del abordaje epidural. Es conocido que se considera que el medicamento ideal para la analgesia de trabajo de parto es la bupivacaína o lidocaína 3, sin embargo, es de especial importancia describir el puntaje de APGAR de los recién nacidos de madres que recibieron cualquiera de estos dos fármacos por la vía ya mencionada. Objetivo: Determinar cómo influye el uso de lidocaína y bupivacaína como anestésico epidural sobre el puntaje APGAR posterior al nacimiento en mujeres embarazadas en fase activa del trabajo de parto con necesidad de analgesia epidural. Métodos: El presente es un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo de fuentes primarias. El servicio de anestesiología del Hospital Materno Infantil Primero de Mayo cuenta con un registro sobre cuántos y a cuáles pacientes se les administra analgesia epidural por lo que el equipo investigador realizó una revisión de la técnica anestésica y se describe el Apgar al final del parto por vía vaginal en aquellas pacientes que recibieron analgesia epidural con lidocaína o bupivacaína. Se realizó el filtrado con la base de datos de Excel utilizando criterios de inclusión y exclusión, logrando incluir finalmente 81 pacientes en el análisis de los datos. Se encontró durante el escrutinio de estos que a 25 de estas se les realizó cesárea de emergencia y en 6 de estos mismos expedientes no se consignó de manera completa todos los datos necesarios para el análisis de ello, por lo que se utilizaron finalmente 51 expedientes clínicos para la realización de la presente investigación. Resultados: El APGAR promedio de los pacientes que recibieron analgesia de trabajo de parto con bupivacaína es de 8.75 y 8.9 al minuto y cinco minutos respectivamente y el promedio de APGAR alcanzado por los recién nacidos de pacientes que recibieron analgesia de trabajo de parto con lidocaína es de 9 puntos al minuto y cinco minutos. Conclusión: El promedio de APGAR en pacientes que recibieron bupivacaína es de 8.75 y el de lidocaína es de 9. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Labor brings with it the experience that causes one of the most intense pains ever described. At the Social Security Institute of El Salvador (ISSS) approximately 600 to 700 vaginal deliveries are registered per month and of these approximately 10-20% request labor analgesia, which the anesthesia service provides through the epidural approach. It is known that the ideal drug for labor analgesia is considered to be bupivacaine or lidocaine 3, however, it is of special importance to describe the APGAR score of newborns born to mothers who received either of these two drugs by the aforementioned route. Objective: To determine how the use of lidocaine and bupivacaine as epidural anesthetic influences the post-birth APGAR score in pregnant women in the active phase of labor requiring epidural analgesia. Methods: The present is a retrospective descriptive observational observational study from primary sources. The anesthesiology service of the Hospital Materno Infantil Primero de Mayo has a record of how many and to which patients epidural analgesia is administered, so the research team conducted a review of the anesthetic technique and described the Apgar at the end of vaginal delivery in those patients who received epidural analgesia with lidocaine or bupivacaine. Filtering was performed with the Excel database using inclusion and exclusion criteria, finally including 81 patients in the data analysis. It was found during the scrutiny of these that 25 of them had undergone emergency cesarean section and in 6 of these same records not all the data necessary for the analysis were completely recorded, so that 51 clinical records were finally used for the present investigation. Results: The average APGAR of the patients who received labor analgesia with bupivacaine was 8.75 and 8.9 at one minute and five minutes respectively, and the average APGAR achieved by the newborns of patients who received labor analgesia with lidocaine was 9 points at one minute and five minutes. Conclusion: The average APGAR in patients who received bupivacaine is 8.75 and that of lidocaine is 9. (provided by Infomedic International)

Fidel Pagés, el auténtico descubridor de la anestesia epidural, en el centenario de su publicación Anestesia metamérica (1921-2021) / Fidel Pagés, the true discoverer of epidural anesthesia, on the centenary of his publication Anestesia metamérica (1921-2021)

Resumen: Pocas han sido las Figuras españolas que han aportado alguna interesante novedad al mundo de la anestesia, pero ninguna tan injustamente tratada y olvidada como la de Pagés, verdadero pionero de la anestesia epidural, que él denominaría «anestesia metamérica¼ en su artículo publicado en el mes de marzo de 1921 en la Revista Española de Cirugía, fundada por él mismo. Años después, en 1931, Dogliotti, profesor de Cirugía de Módena publicó sus experiencias sobre la anestesia epidural, a la que llamó «anestesia peridural segmentaria¼, ignorando el trabajo de Pagés publicado 10 años antes. El trabajo de Dogliotti fue rápidamente reconocido, asumiendo todos los méritos de la paternidad de la técnica epidural, quedando Pagés relegado a un olvido injusto que con este trabajo tratamos de reparar. La idea central de este texto versará sobre el reconocimiento de Pagés como verdadero promotor del abordaje epidural con fines quirúrgicos. Destacar sus ideas innovadoras sobre el bienestar del paciente y la minimización de los efectos adversos de las técnicas anestésicas y quirúrgicas, así como valorar una obra que, aunque corta, bien podría incluirse entre los mejores cirujanos españoles de principio del siglo XX, un cirujano con alma de anestesiólogo.

Abstract: Few Spanish Figures have contributed any interesting novelty to the world of anesthesia. But none so unjustly treated and forgotten such as Pagés, a true pioneer of epidural anesthesia, which he would call «metameric anesthesia¼ in his article published in March 1921 in the Spanish Journal of Surgery, founded by himself. Later, in 1931, Dogliotti, Modena Professor of Surgery published his experiences on epidural anesthesia, which he called «segmental peridural anesthesia¼, ignoring Pagés work published 10 years earlier. Dogliotti's work was quickly recognized, assuming all the merits of the paternity of the epidural technique, leaving Pagés relegated to an unjust oblivion that with this work we try to repair. The central idea of this text will focus on the recognition of Pagés as a true promoter of the epidural approach for surgical purposes. Highlight his innovative ideas about patient well-being and minimizing the adverse effects of anesthetic and surgical techniques. As well as assessing a work that, although short, could well be included among the best Spanish surgeons of the early twentieth century, a surgeon with the soul of an anesthesiologist.

Centenario de la anestesia epidural / Centenary of epidural anaesthesia

En marzo de 2021 celebramos el centenario de la publicación en la Revista Española de Cirugía del artículo de Fidel Pagés MiravéAnestesia metamérica. Para su autor el conocimiento de las técnicas de anestesia intradural de Bier y Tuffier (1889-1900) y la sacra de Gil Vernet (1917-1918) resultó fundamental a la hora de describir la técnica epidural. Su amplia experiencia con heridos de guerra, el amplio dominio del francés y alemán, junto con su profundo conocimiento anatómico, fisiológico y farmacológico, explica la precisión con que descrió la técnica en sus diversas vías de abordaje, la solución anestésica o el instrumental empleado, así como sus posibles complicaciones, indicaciones y contraindicaciones.Cien años después a los anestesiólogos nos gustaría realizar un reconocimiento a Fidel Pagés, por describir una técnica anestésica y analgésica que mejora la vida de las personas.(AU)

March 2021 marked the first centenary of the publication of Fidel Pagés Miravé’s seminal article Anestesia metamérica in the Revista Española de Cirugía. Pagés’ knowledge of Bier and Tuffier's intradural (1889-1900) and Gil Vernet's sacral (1917-1918) techniques played a pivotal role in the development of the epidural anesthesia technique. Fidel Pagés’ extensive experience with treating the casualties of armed conflicts, his proficiency in French and German, and his vast knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology lie behind the accuracy with which he describes the different approaches, the different anesthetic solutions, or the different instruments used, and the indications, contraindications and complications associated with his technique.In the centenary of his article, we would like to thank Fidel Pagés’ for describing an anesthetic and analgesic technique that has improved the lives of so many patients.(AU)

Bloqueo subdural como complicación de la anestesia epidural / Subdural block as a complication of epidural anesthesia

El bloqueo subdural involuntario es una rara pero conocida complicación. Describimos el caso de un bloqueo subdural ocurrido al intentar realizar una analgesia epidural para el parto. (AU)

Unintentional subdural block is a rare but known complication. We describe the case of unintentional subdural block while attempting to perform an epidural block for delivery. (AU)

Analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of epidural analgesia and its relationship with eutocic or dystocic delivery. / Análisis y evaluación de la efectividad de la analgesia epidural y su relación con el parto eutócico o distócico.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies have demonstrated the difference in the verbal rating scale with regard to obstructed labour and induced labour, so that obstructed labour and foetal macrosomia have been related to a greater sensation of pain during labour, particularly in the first stage. Even the epidural analgesia is linked to the need for instrumented or caesarean section due to foetal obstruction. The goal of the study is to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of epidural analgesia in normal versus obstructed labour. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty pregnant women were included in an observational, analytical, longitudinal and prospective study, that was performed in the Obstetrics Department of the Hospital Universitario Dexeus. All the nulliparous or multiparous over 36 weeks of pregnancy, after 3cm of cervical dilatation in spontaneous or induced labor were included. All the patients were given epidural analgesia according to protocol. RESULTS: The basic descriptive methods were used for the univariate statistical analysis of the sample and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for the comparison of means between both groups. The correlations between variables were studied by means of the Spearman coefficient of correlation. The differences regarded as statistically significant are those whose P<.05. CONCLUSION: In our population there were no statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of epidural analgesia in normal versus obstructed labour. Patients who got epidural analgesia and had obstructed labors have the same degree of verbal rating scale as patients that do not had obstructed labors (P>.05).

Learning outcomes evaluation of a simulation-based introductory course to anaesthesia. / Evaluación de los resultados de aprendizaje de un curso de introducción a la anestesiología basado en simulación clínica.

OBJECTIVE: An increased number of errors and reduced patient safety have been reported during the incorporation of residents, as this period involves learning new skills. The objectives were to evaluate the learning outcomes of an immersive simulation boot-camp for incoming residents before starting the clinical rotations. Airway assessment, airway control with direct laryngoscopy, and epidural catheterization competencies were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twelve first-year anaesthesiology residents participated. A prospective study to evaluate transfer of endotracheal intubation skills learned at the simulation centre to clinical practice (primary outcome) was conducted. A checklist of 28 skills and behaviours was used to assess the first supervised intubation performed during anaesthesia induction in ASA I/II patients. Secondary outcome was self-efficacy to perform epidural catheterization. A satisfaction survey was also performed. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of residents completed more than 21 out of 28 skills and behaviours to assess and control the airway during their first intubation in patients. Twelve items were performed by all residents and 5 by half of them. More than 83% of participants reported a high level of self-efficacy in placing an epidural catheter. All participants would recommend the course to their colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: A focused intensive simulation-based boot-camp addressing key competencies required to begin anaesthesia residency was well received, and led to transfer of airway management skills learned to clinical settings when performing for first time on patients, and to increased self-reported efficacy in performing epidural catheterization.

Alcohol (70%) versus alcoholic chlorhexidine solution (0. 5%) in skin antisepsis for neuraxial blocks: a randomized clinical trial / Álcool 70% versus solução alcoólica de clorexidina 0, 5% na antissepsia da pele para bloqueios do neuroeixo: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare the use of 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine and 70% alcohol in skin antisepsis for neuraxial blocks. Method: this is a non-inferiority randomized clinical trial, with two parallel arms. Seventy patients who were candidates for neuraxial block were randomly allocated to group A (n = 35), in whom antisepsis was performed with 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine, or to group B (n = 35), in whom we used 70% hydrated ethyl alcohol. Swabs were harvested for culture at three times: before antisepsis, two minutes after application of the antiseptic, and immediately after puncture. The samples were sown in three culture media and the number of colony forming units (CFU) per cm² was counted. Results: there was no difference between the groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, time to perform the block or type of block. There were no differences between groups in the CFU/cm² counts before antisepsis. There was less bacterial growth in group B two minutes after application of the antiseptic (p = 0.048), but there was no difference between the groups regarding the number of CFU/cm² at the end of the puncture. Conclusion: 70% alcohol was more effective in reducing the number of CFU/cm² after two minutes, and there was no difference between the two groups regarding skin colonization at the end of the procedure. These results suggest that 70% alcohol may be an option for skin antisepsis before neuraxial blocks. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02833376.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar o uso de solução alcoólica de clorexidina 0,5% e de álcool 70% na antissepsia da pele para bloqueios do neuroeixo. Método: ensaio clínico randomizado de não inferioridade, com dois braços paralelos. Foram selecionados 70 pacientes candidatos à bloqueio do neuroeixo, randomicamente alocados para o grupo A (n=35), em que a antissepsia foi realizada com clorexidina alcoólica 0,5%, ou para o grupo B (n=35), em que se utilizou álcool etílico hidratado 70%. Foram coletadas, com swab, amostras para cultura em três momentos: antes da antissepsia, dois minutos após aplicação do antisséptico, e imediatamente após a punção. As amostras foram semeadas em três meios de cultura e foi contabilizado o número de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) por cm². Resultados: não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à idade, ao sexo, ao índice de massa corporal, ao tempo para realização do bloqueio ou tipo de bloqueio. Também não houve diferenças entre os grupos na contagem de UFC/cm² antes da antissepsia. Constatou-se menor crescimento bacteriano no grupo B dois minutos após aplicação do antisséptico (p=0,048), mas não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao número de UFC/cm² ao final da punção. Conclusão: o álcool 70% mostrou-se mais efetivo em reduzir o número de UFC/cm² após dois minutos, e não houve diferença entre os dois grupos quanto à colonização da pele ao final do procedimento. Esses resultados sugerem que o álcool 70% pode ser opção para antissepsia da pele antes de bloqueios do neuroeixo. Registro ensaio clínico: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02833376.

[Single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery in an awake patient]. / Cirugía torácica asistida por vídeo uniportal en paciente despierto.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery is traditionally carried out with general anaesthesia and endotracheal intubation with double lumen tube. However, in the last few years procedures, such as lobectomies, are being performed with loco-regional anaesthesia, with and without sedation, maintaining the patient awake and with spontaneous breathing, in order to avoid the inherent risks of general anaesthesia, double lumen tube intubation and mechanical ventilation. This surgical approach has also shown to be effective in that it allows a good level of analgesia, maintaining a correct oxygenation and providing a better post-operative recovery. Two case reports are presented in which video-assisted thoracic surgery was used, a lung biopsy and a lung resection, both with epidural anaesthesia and maintaining the patient awake and with spontaneous ventilation, as part of a preliminary evaluation of the anaesthetic technique in this type of surgery.

Génesis y evolución de la anestesia epidural lumbar en su primer centenario / Genesis and evolution of lumbar epidural anesthesia in its first century

Introducción: La anestesia epidural lumbar es la técnica predilecta para gran número de anestesiólogos. Permite variadas intervenciones quirúrgicas, es útil para el tratamiento del dolor agudo y crónico, a la vez provee al paciente de distintos beneficios. También resalta su versatilidad ya que puede combinarse con otros métodos anestésicos, así como extenderla para el alivio del dolor posoperatorio. Objetivo: Describir los adelantos científicos que propiciaron la aparición de la anestesia epidural lumbar y cuál ha sido la evolución de esta técnica anestésica a lo largo de un siglo. Desarrollo: El acceso por vía lumbar al espacio epidural con fines anestésicos fue publicado por el cirujano español Fidel Pagés en marzo de 1921, luego de una década en el olvido fue introducida por el cirujano italiano Archile Dogliotti en 1931. A partir de entonces, se le han incorporado diversos y valiosos adelantos. Conclusiones: La anestesia epidural lumbar fue descrita hace un siglo por el doctor Pagés. Han sido variados y numerosos los aportes que han recibido, algunos de los cuales han sido objeto de controversias; no obstante, se ha tornado una técnica universal que sigue captando la preferencia de muchos anestesiólogos(AU)

Introduction: Lumbar epidural anesthesia is the technique preferred by a great number of anesthesiologists. It allows performing several surgical interventions and is useful for the treatment of acute and chronic pain; at the same time, it provides the patient with different benefits. It ls also worth highlighting its versatility, since it can be combined with other anesthetic methods, as well as to be extended for postoperative pain relief. Objective: To describe the scientific advances that led to the appearance of lumbar epidural anesthesia and what has been the evolution of this anesthetic technique over a century. Development: the Spanish surgeon Fidel Pagés published lumbar access to the epidural space for anesthetic purposes in March 1921. After a decade in oblivion, the Italian surgeon Archile Dogliotti introduced it, in 1931. From then on, it has been incorporated several valuable advances. Conclusions: Dr. Pagés described lumbar epidural anesthesia a century ago. The contributions achieved have been varied and numerous, some of which have been the subject of controversy; however, it has become a universal technique that continues to capture the preference of many anesthesiologists(AU)

Bloqueo nervioso corticoideo-bupivacaína: ¿La mejoría post-procedimiento inmediato predice el éxito terapéutico a mediano plazo? / Corticoid-bupivacaine Nerve Block: Does the Immediate Relief Postprocediment Predicts Medium-term Therapeutic Success?

Resumen Objetivo. Establecer la relación entre la reducción inmediata de los síntomas post bloqueo nervioso lumbar guiado por tomografía computada (TC) y la mejoría tras un lapso de tiempo de un mes. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron datos sobre 46 procedimientos de bloqueos lumbares radiculares y epidurales guiados por TC realizados entre diciembre de 2018 y marzo de 2019. Los pacientes firmaron consentimiento informado y el Comité de Ética en Investigación de nuestra institución aprobó el estudio. Se colectó, mediante un cuestionario dicotómico, información acerca de los síntomas iniciales, los cambios inmediatos al procedimiento y los síntomas tras un mes del mismo. Resultados. Inmediatamente post-bloqueo, 30 pacientes (65%) mostraron mejoría o ausencia de síntomas y seis de ellos manifestaron persistencia de los síntomas al mes. Post-procedimiento inmediato, 16 pacientes (34%) no presentaron ningún cambio en la sintomatología. De estos, siete presentaron mejoría al mes. La razón de momios para la persistencia del efecto analgésico al mes en los casos en los que el paciente manifestó alivio inmediato después del procedimiento fue de 5,1 (95% IC 1.128 a 24.031). La prueba de McNemar para determinar si esta diferencia en la proporción de pacientes con alivio inmediatoposterioralapunciónypersistenciadelefectoanalgésicoarrojóunpvaluede0,08. Conclusión. Existió asociación positiva entre la mejoría inmediata y la ausencia de síntomas al mes. Sin embargo, el análisis estadístico de antes y después insinúa que estos resultados pudieron ser por el azar.

Abstract Objective. To establish the relationship between the immediate symptom reduction of post-lumbar nerve block guided by Computed Tomography (CT) and the improvement after a period of one month. Materials and methods. Data from 46 patients who performed lumbar, foraminal and epidural CT-guided blocks were analyzed, performed from December 2018 to March 2019. The patients signed a written informed consent and our institutional Ethical Committee approved the study. By means of a dichotomous questionnaire, information was collected about the initial symptoms, the immediate changes after the procedure and the presence of symptoms one month later. Results. Immediately after blockade, 30 patients (65%) showed improvement or absence of symptoms six of them manifested persistence of symptoms after a month. Immediately after the procedure, 16 (34%) patients did not present any change in the symptomatology. Seven of them showed improvement after a month. Odds ratio for persistence of analgesic effect after a month when the patient had manifested immediate relief after procedure was 5.1 (95% IC 1.128-24.031). Nevertheless, exact Mc Nemar's test to establish statistically significant difference in patients with immediate relief and those with persistence of it after a month showed a p value of 0.08. Conclusion. There was a positive association between immediate and midterm symptom relief, however before and after statistical analysis hints that this results may have been given by chance.

Is there any benefit in associating neuraxial anesthesia to general anesthesia for coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of neuraxial anesthesia in cardiac surgery is recent, but the hemodynamic effects of local anesthetics and anticoagulation can result in risk to patients. OBJECTIVE: To review the benefits of neuraxial anesthesia in cardiac surgery for CABG through a systematic review of systematic reviews. CONTENT: The search was performed in Pubmed (January 1966 to December 2012), Embase (1974 to December 2012), The Cochrane Library (volume 10, 2012) and Lilacs (1982 to December 2012) databases, in search of articles of systematic reviews. The following variables: mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, in-hospital length of stay, arrhythmias and epidural hematoma were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of neuraxial anesthesia in cardiac surgery remains controversial. The greatest benefit found by this review was the possibility of reducing postoperative arrhythmias, but this result was contradictory among the identified findings. The results of findings regarding mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and in-hospital length of stay did not show greater efficacy of neuraxial anesthesia.

Fidel Pagés Miravé en el centenario de su publicación de 1921. Historia de la anestesia epidural / Fidel Pagés Miravé one hundred years after its publication in 1921. The history of epidural anaesthesia

Sicard y Cathelin en 1901, introducen de manera simultánea la administración sacra de fármacos. En 1919, Läwen fue un gran defensor de la anestesia regional. Gil-Vernet en 1917 describe los fundamentos anatómicos de la técnica de abordaje sacro al espacio epidural. Fidel Pagés Miravé es el verdadero introductor de la anestesia epidural. Su artículo publicado en 1921, Anestesia Metamérica, en la Revista Española de Cirugía, constituye un hito en la historia de la anestesia. Diez años más tarde Dogliotti publica sus resultados, sin citar la aportación de Pagés. La gran mayoría de los historiadores citan a Dogliotti en la bibliografía, ignorando a Pagés. Gutiérrez un cirujano argentino alertó del error histórico y revindicó la aportación original de Pagés. En la actualidad todos los libros de historia de la anestesia reseñan la publicación de Pagés. El anestesiólogo cubano Manuel Martínez Curbelo, introduce en la clínica la anestesia epidural continua. En esta publicación revisamos la historia del abordaje sacro, torácico y lumbar del espacio epidural. Describimos las distintas agujas y catéteres utilizados. En la práctica diaria anestésica la analgesia/anestesia epidural se utiliza en cirugía, analgesia del trabajo del parto, tratamiento del dolor agudo y crónico. (AU)

Sicard and Cathelin in 1901 introduced independently the sacral injection of drugs. In 1910 Läwen was an enthusiastic defender of regional anaesthesia. Gil-Vernet in 1917 introduced new anatomical concepts in epidural sacral approach. Fidel Pagés Mirave was true pioneer of epidural anaesthesia. His publication in 1921, Metameric Anaesthesia, in the Spanish Journal of Surgery is a landmark in the history of world anaesthesia. Ten years later Dogliotti published his experiences with epidural anaesthesia, without anyreference to Pagés’ research. Most medical historians date the regular use of epidural anaesthesia from Dogliotti’s paper, published ten years later, and ignoring Pagés research. Gutierrez a surgeon born in Argentina, recognized the error and promoted the original scientific publication of Pages. Today all the important books of anaesthesia reference the first discoverer of epidural anaesthesia. The Cuban anaesthesiologist Manuel Martinez Curbelo, introduced into clinical practice continuous epidural anaesthesia. In this article we review the history of sacral and thoracic and lumbar approach to the epidural space, its different needles and catheters used in these techniques. Epidural analgesia/ anaesthesia are commonly used in daily practice in surgery, labour pain, and in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. (AU)

Seguridad de la anestesia neuroaxial en mujeres con embarazo gemelar y síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal, sometidas a fotocoagulación láser. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva / Safety of neuraxial anesthesia in patients twin pregnancy and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome taken to laser photocoagulation. Retrospective cohort study

Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y la frecuencia de complicaciones maternas, fetales y neonatales, según técnica de anestesia neuroaxial (AN) en mujeres con síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal (STFF) tratadas con fotocoagulación láser (FL). Materiales y métodos: estudio de cohorte retrospectiva descriptivo. Se incluyeron gestantes con STFF tratadas con FL y AN en la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali (Colombia) entre 2013-2017. Se excluyeron pacientes con STFF estadio-V de Quintero. Se usó estadística descriptiva. El protocolo fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de la institución. Resultados: 32 participantes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y de exclusión. La población estuvo constituida por mujeres jóvenes, multíparas. En el 87,5% de los casos se realizó intervención de urgencia. El 43,7% presentaba el estadio-III de Quintero y en el 56,2 % de las gestantes se utilizó anestesia epidural. Las variables hemodinámicas maternas exhibieron un comportamiento similar, acorde al momento de la cirugía y la técnica neuoraxial implementada. El 65,6 % de las gestantes presentó hipotensión sostenida y el 9,3 % desarrolló edema pulmonar. El 65,6 % de las pacientes experimentó parto pretérmino y el 18,7 % ruptura prematura de membranas. Se registraron 14 muertes fetales y cinco neonatales. No se registraron casos de mortalidad materna. Conclusiones: en pacientes con STFF que requieren FL, el uso de la anestesia epidural, espinal o combinada probablemente se asocia con un comportamiento similar al de las variables hemodinámicas maternas, durante los momentos de la cirugía. Los profesionales que brindan atención a estas gestantes deben estar alerta ante la frecuente aparición de complicaciones maternas, fetales y neonatales. Se requieren estudios prospectivos que evalúen la seguridad y la efectividad de las diferentes técnicas de anestesia neuroaxial en pacientes con STFF.

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and the frequency of maternal, fetal and neonatal complications in accordance with the neuraxial anesthesia (NA) technique in women with twin-to- twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with laser photocoagulation. Materials and Methods: Descriptive retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients with TTTS treated with laser photocoagulation under NA at Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali (Colombia), between 2013-2017. Patients with Quintero stage VTTTS were excluded. The protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Results: Of the participants, 32 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study population consisted of young, multiparous women. Urgent interventions were performed in 87.5% of cases; 43.7% were Quintero stage III and epidural anesthesia was used in 56.2% of the women. Maternal hemodynamic variables were similar, in accordance with the timing of surgery and the neuraxial technique used. Sustained hypotension occurred in 65.6% of the pregnant women and 9.3% developed pulmonary edema. Pre-term delivery occurred in 65.6% of the patients and 18.7% had premature rupture of membranes. There were 14 fetal demises and five neonatal deaths. There were no cases of maternal mortality. Conclusions: In patients with TTTS requiring laser photocoagulation, the use of epidural, spinal or combined anesthesia is likely associated with similar maternal hemodynamic variables at the time of surgery. Practitioners providing care to these pregnant women must be aware of the frequent occurrence of maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. Prospective studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of the different neuraxial anesthesia techniques in patients with TTTS are required.

Transient skin and fur color change after trichotomy of the sacrococcygeal region for epidural anesthesia in a domestic cat (Felis catus) / Mudança transitória da cor da pele e pelo após tricotomia da região sacrococcígea para anestesia epidural em gata doméstica (Felis catus)

A clinical case in which skin and hair color change occurred after sacrococcygeal epidural anesthesia in a nine-month-old Siamese cross queen undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is described. Six weeks after surgery, during a re-check, it was noted that in the sacrococcygeal region the color of the skin and new hair growth was dark with a color comparable to the color present on the body extremities (muzzle, pinnae, legs, and tail). The skin and new hair growth of the shaved abdomen presented a standard color. The key enzyme of the melanogenic pathway in mammals is tyrosinase (TYR), and the Siamese temperature-sensitive phenotype is the result of genetic mutations that makes TYR function thermolabile. The activity of TYR in these cats is limited to the extremities where the temperature is lower while pigment production is impaired in the other body areas. The trichotomy of the sacrococcygeal region performed during wintertime in an outdoor cat was probably the trigger for increased activity of TYR in this area promoting pigment production. The absence of the same alterations in the abdominal area may be justified by less exposure of that region to the external environment, as well as to the feline habits of sedentarism, that avoid significant cooling in these regions. This report highlights the importance of taking this type of occurrence into account when performing an epidural in the Siamese cat breed. Also, to avoid skin color change in this breed, the authors recommend a midline abdominal instead of a flank approach to perform OHE.(AU)

Descreve-se um caso clínico no qual ocorreu mudança na cor da pele e do pelo após anestesia epidural sacrococcígea numa gata cruzada de raça Siamês de nove meses submetida à ovariohisterectomia (OVH). Seis semanas após a cirurgia, durante uma avaliação pós-operatória, notou-se que na região sacrococcígea, a cor da pele e o crescimento do pelo apresentavam uma cor escura, comparável à das extremidades do corpo (face, orelhas, membros e cauda). A pele e o crescimento do pelo do abdómen, que também havia sido tosquiado, apresentavam uma cor padrão. A enzima chave da via melanogênica em mamíferos é a tirosinase (TYR) e o fenótipo siamês sensível à temperatura é o resultado de mutações genéticas que tornam a função TYR termolábil. A atividade da TYR nestes gatos é limitada às extremidades onde a temperatura é mais baixa, enquanto a produção de pigmento é prejudicada em outras áreas do corpo. A tricotomia da região sacrococcígea realizada durante o inverno nesta gata com acesso livre ao ambiente externo, provavelmente determinou um aumento da atividade da TYR nesta área, promovendo a produção de pigmento. A ausência das mesmas alterações na região abdominal pode ser justificada pela menor exposição desta área do corpo ao ambiente externo, também devido aos hábitos felinos de sedentarismo, que evitam resfriamento significativo nestas regiões. Este relato destaca a importância de se levar em consideração a possibilidade deste tipo de ocorrência quando da realização de uma anestesia epidural nesta raça de gatos. Além disso, os autores recomendam uma abordagem abdominal na linha média ao invés de uma abordagem de flanco para realizar a OVH nesta raça, a fim de evitar a alteração da cor da pele.(AU)