Priapism following erector spinae plane block for the treatment of a complex regional pain syndrome.

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel block where local anesthetic is deposited between the erector spinae muscle and the underlying transverse process. Safety of this technique is emphasized in the majority of reports, but with a continued increase of its use, the number of related complications and side effects is likely to expand. We report the case of a patient treated with ESPB for a complex regional pain syndrome, complicated by the development of a priapism.

Acute respiratory failure secondary to a cervical goitre in a pregnant woman: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy constitutes a significant factor in thyroid hypertrophy and can rarely progress to respiratory distress. We describe case of pregnant woman with acute respiratory distress following a tracheal compression due to goiter, quickly resulting in respiratory arrest, requiring emergency orotracheal intubation and thyroidectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A pregnant woman with a growing goiter was referred to the hospital with a respiratory difficulty. During the examination, we found a large homogeneous goiter. The patient showed signs of respiratory exhaustion with bradypnea and pulmonary auscultation revealing decreased ventilation of the two pulmonary fields. The evolution quick led to respiratory arrest. The patient was rapidly intubated, which saved her. A thoracic computed tomography was performed and revealed a large goiter, compressing the trachea in its thoracic area and oppressing the vascular structures. Obstetrical ultrasound was normal. Thyroidectomy was decided after the patient's preparation. After 24 h, the patient was successfully extubated without incident and the postoperative period was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Airway obstruction during pregnancy secondary to goiter is rare but can be fatal. Early diagnosis might have avoided the evolution towards the respiratory failure. Prevention requires early surgery preferably before pregnancy or in our case a surgery in the second trimester.

Refractory collapse and severe burn: Think about acute adrenal insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare endocrine disorder, which can in its acute form be life-threatening in case of late diagnosis or treatment. The stress during a thermal burn can easily decompensate the AI. We report the case of an acute adrenal insufficiency (AAI) discovered following a refractory collapse occurred after a severe thermal burn. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old woman was accidentally burned to the lower limbs by hot water. Total burn surface area was 36 %. The patient had local care and dressings, vascular filling, and analgesics. Four hours later, she became dyspneic, and presented tachycardia associated with collapse at 60/40mmHg. Suspecting a hypovolemic origin, we performed a solid fluid replacement with colloids. However, hemodynamic stability was not achieved and motivated a continuous injection of norepinephrine. Despite high doses, immediate evolution was marked by a persistent precarious hemodynamic state. AAI was suspected, and a substitutive hormonotherapy was started. The clinical condition progressively improved and catecholamines were quickly stopped. CONCLUSION: AAI is a vital emergency. The large burn is a possible cause of the AI decompensation. This diagnosis must be kept in mind when the hemodynamic status remains unstable despite an adequate vascular treatment.

Unplanned Intensive Care Unit Admission following Elective Surgical Adverse Events: Incidence, Patient Characteristics, Preventability, and Outcome.

CONTEXT: Adverse events (AEs) are a persistent and an important reason for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. They lead to death, disability at the time of discharge, unplanned ICU admission (UIA), and prolonged hospital stay. They impose large financial costs on health-care systems. AIMS: This study aimed to determine the incidence, patient characteristics, type, preventability, and outcome of UIA following elective surgical AE. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a single-center prospective study. METHODS: Analysis of 15,372 elective surgical procedures was performed. We defined UIA as an ICU admission that was not anticipated preoperatively but was due to an AE occurring within 5 days after elective surgery. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive analysis using SPSS software version 18 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 75 UIA (0.48%) recorded during the 2-year study period. The average age of patients was 54.64 ± 18.02 years. There was no sex predominance, and the majority of our patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologist classes 1 and 2. Nearly 29% of the UIA occurred after abdominal surgery and 22% after a trauma surgery. Regarding the causes of UIA, we observed that 44 UIA (58.7%) were related to surgical AE, 24 (32%) to anesthetic AE, and 7 (9.3%) to postoperative AE caused by care defects. Twenty-three UIA were judged as potentially preventable (30.7%). UIA was associated with negative outcomes, including increased use of ICU-specific interventions and high mortality rate (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of UIA is a quality control exercise that helps identify high-risk patient groups and patterns of anesthesia or surgical care requiring improvement.

Anesthestic management of Kassabach-Meritt Phenomenon in an adult: case report.

BACKGROUND: Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is characterized by a vascular tumor with profound thrombocytopenia and consumptive coagulopathy that may presents significant challenges for anesthesiologist. CASE PRESENTATION: An 87-year-old man presented with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma involving the right leg in critical condition due to massive bleeding. Hematology investigations indicated the presence of KMP. Association of this type of tumor with KMP in adults has never been reported. CONCLUSION: The present case report lays an emphasis on the potential difficulties during anesthetic management of this rare condition.

Anesthetic considerations in robotic surgery: a comprehensive review.

Recent advancements have led to a rise, in the demand for surgical methods with robot-assisted procedures becoming increasingly popular for addressing the limitations of traditional laparoscopy. However, incorporating surgery involves making changes in the way patients are positioned and logistical planning, which can challenge conventional approaches to providing anesthesia care. Despite these obstacles robotic technology shows potential for bringing about improvements in therapy. Anesthesiologists play a role in ensuring safety and delivering high quality anesthesia care during robotic surgery. Having an understanding of the elements of robotic surgical systems is essential for adjusting anesthesia practices effectively. Keeping up to date with the developments in surgery is key to achieving optimal outcomes for patients. Effective collaboration between teams and anesthesiologists is essential for managing the complexities of anesthesia during surgery. By promoting communication and cooperation across disciplines healthcare professionals can enhance safety and results. In summary while the introduction of surgery presents challenges in anesthesia care it also offers opportunities for innovation and advancement. Anesthesiologists need to embrace these advancements adapt their practices accordingly and engage in education and collaboration to ensure the safe and successful integration of robotic technology, into surgical procedures ultimately improving patient care.

[Comparison between the Airtraq, X-Lite, and direct laryngoscopes for thyroid surgery: a randomized clinical trial]. / Comparaison de l'Airtraq, du X-Lite et du laryngoscope standardpour la chirurgie thyroïdienne: une étude clinique randomisée

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of the Airtraq, X-Lite, and direct laryngoscopes for tracheal intubation for elective thyroid surgery. METHODS: In this randomized prospective study, Patients who were ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) I or II physical status I or II and patients undergoing thyroid surgery were included in this randomized prospective study. Patients with attributes for difficult intubation criteria were excluded. After induction of anesthesia with fentanyl, propofol, and cisatracurium, patients were randomized into three groups according to the intubating device used: Airtraq laryngoscope (Airtraq), X-Lite video laryngoscope (X-lLite), and direct laryngoscope with a Macintosh blade (Direct). The primary outcome measurement was the time needed for tracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes included intubation difficulty score (IDS), Cormack-Lehane classification, as well as hemodynamic and respiratory effects. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients were included. Mean (standard deviation) time for intubation was 28.2 (2.1) sec in the Airtraq group vs 36.6 (3.7) sec in the X-Lite group (P < 0.001), and 41.1 (4.4) sec in the Direct group (P < 0.001). Compared with to the direct laryngoscope, the Airtraq provided better visualization of the glottis (P = 0.003) with fewer attempts (P < 0.001) and lower IDS (P < 0.001). The intubation difficulty score was lower with the Airtraq than with the X-Lite (P = 0.003). Patients in the X-Lite and Direct groups showed more hemodynamic variations than those in the Airtraq group. There was only one failed intubation, in the direct group. CONCLUSION: In thyroid surgery, the Airtraq and X-Lite laryngoscopes decrease time to intubation when compared with direct laryngoscopy.

Erector spinae plane block for rescue analgesia following caesarean delivery.

Pain after caesarean section is still a common and important source of patient dissatisfaction in many obstetric centres. With intrathecal morphine combined with multimodal analgesia, approximately 5­10% of patients experience severe breakthrough pain after caesarean delivery that is difficult to manage [1]. Planned erector spinae plane (ESP) block can result in excellent postoperative analgesia associated with high patient satisfaction after caesarean delivery [2, 3]. However, the role of this block for rescue analgesia following caesarean section has never been described. We present a case in which bilateral ESP block was used as rescue analgesia in a woman who had severe postoperative pain following elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia combined with multimodal analgesia. The patient described in this case gave written consent for publication of this observation.

[Faster double-lumen tube intubation with the videolaryngoscope than with a standard laryngoscope]. / Le vidéolaryngoscope permet une intubation avec un tube à double lumière plus rapide que le laryngoscope standard.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare videolaryngoscopy with direct laryngoscopy with respect to ease of intubation when inserting a double lumen tube (DLT). METHODS: In this prospective randomized study 68 patients American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II were included. Patients with criteria indicating possible difficult intubation were excluded. The patients were randomized into two groups, depending on the tool used to facilitate intubation: videolaryngoscope (VL group) or direct laryngoscopy (DL group). The time required for intubation was the primary endpoint. Cormack and Lehane glottic visualization (CL) scores, the need for external laryngeal maneuvers and the number of attempts were measured. RESULTS: Glottic visualization was better in the VL group than in the DL group. The CL scores were I, II and III in 24, eight and two patients, respectively, in the VL group compared with 13, 11 and eight in the DL group (P = 0.025). Patients in the VL group required fewer attempts than the DL group (P = 0.019). Intubation time was 39.9 ± 4.4 sec in the VL group and 47.9 ± 5.4 sec in the DL group (P < 0.001). No intubation failure was noted in group VL compared with two in the DL group (not significant). CONCLUSION: The use of a videolaryngoscope reduces the time required for intubation with a DLT compared with the direct laryngoscopy in elective thoracic surgery.

Can we use the ankle non-invasive blood pressure during otolaryngologic surgery: an observational study.

INTRODUCTION: In otolaryngologic surgery, ankle is frequently used for monitoring anesthesia in place of brachial when the patient doesn´t need invasive arterial cannulation. If there is a clinically useful and Predictable link between the two readings in hemodynamic normal patient, this difference during otolaryngologic surgery, was not evaluated. We aimed to investigate the reliability and the acceptability of non invasive blood pressure measurements at the ankle compared to those obtained concurrently at the arm during otolaryngologic surgery. METHODS: Eighty ASA grade I and II patients who had to be operated under general anesthesia were taken as subjects for our study. Blood pressures were measured simultaneously in the 2 limbs before induction and then every 10 minutes until the end of the surgical procedure. Readings were initiated concurrently. Statistical analysis was performed with PASW Statistics 13. RESULTS: There were 41 males (51.2 %) and 39 females (48.8 %). Bland-Altman analysis of mean difference between the ankle and arm (95 % limits of agreement) was -11.47 (- 23.77 to 0.82) mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP), -7.89 (-19.16 to 3.36) mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and - 9.09 (18.19 to 0.00) mmHg for mean arterial pressure (MAP). Non-parametric analysis showed that 67.5 % of SBP, 46.2 % of DBP and 56.2 % of MAP measurements differed by > 10mmHg. CONCLUSION: Ankle BP cannot be used routinely in otolaryngological surgery. Although, the ankle can be used as an alternative where the arm cannot be used taking into account a difference.

[Combined lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block in the emergency surgery for pertrochanteric fracture: an alternative technique in patients at high risk of anaesthetic complications]. / Bibloc lombaire et sciatique plexique pour la chirurgie urgente des fractures pertrochantériennes: une technique alternative chez les patients à haut risque anesthésique.

INTRODUCTION: emergency surgery for pertrochanteric femoral fractures (PFF) in patients at high risk of anaesthetic complications is a real challenge for surgeons due to the increased intraoperative risk. We report our experience with combined lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block as an alternative anesthetic technique for these fractures. METHODS: we conducted a three-year descriptive, single-center, cross-sectional study including patients with a history of recent pertrochanteric femoral fractures (PFF) at high risk anaesthetic complications. Combined lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block was performed using the common neurostimulation technique. A mixture of 20ml of lidocaine 2% and bupivacaine 0.5% (50/50) was injected into each block. The primary endpoint was the effectiveness of lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block assessed through the rates from anesthesia-related failures defined as need for conversion into general anaesthesia (GA). The secondary endpoints were: 1) anesthetic technique, 2) intraoperative hemodynamic, respiratory and neurological impairment, and 3) outcomes and potential postoperative complications. RESULTS: the study included 30 patients. The average age of patients was 74 ± 10 years. The average admission time in the Department of Emergency Surgery was 12(5-36) hours. The average duration of the procedure was 15.20 ± 3.45 minutes. No conversion into GA was necessary. There were no statistically significant differences between the various recorded intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory parameters (MAP, HR, SpO2) (p > 0,05). Surgical procedure duration was 46 ± 5 minutes. Surgical satisfaction was 9.7 ± 0.1. The first post-operative analgesic treatment was started after 8(1-24) hours. All patients had complete sensorimotor recovery. CONCLUSION: combined lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block is an anesthetic alternative for urgent PFF surgery in patients at high risk of anaesthetic complications: reduced operative delays, anesthetic efficiency, hemodynamic and intraoperative respiratory stability, absence of complications due to other anesthetic techniques, rapid admission to recovery room, and good postoperative analgesia.

Laparoscopic surgery: It is no necessary to change ventilator mode to improve ventilation conditions; a controlled trial.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The main objective of this study is to compare the ventilatory effects of AFVC and PC modes with the VC mode in laparoscopic surgery of the gall bladder. METHODS: Thirty-five patients programmed for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included. Four times were defined for all patients. The parameters studied were recorded ten minutes after anesthetic induction; and this is the time T1. The time T2 fits to 10 min after induction of pneumoperitoneum. Then, the ventilator mode was changed from VC mode to AFVC mode. Ten minutes later, the variables were scored; it was the time T3. The ventilator mode was then changed to a PC mode. The set pressure was adjusted in order to obtain the same Vt as at the time T2. The time T4 was 10 minutes after switching to PC mode. RESULTS: The Vte were increased, compared to time T2, during the AFVC and PC modes. The induction of pneumoperitoneum with CO2 induced a rise of PETCO2 between T1 and T2. These had been accompanied by a significant rise in airway pressures. The change from VC mode to AFVC mode resulted in lower Prpeak and Prtray elevation without impacting dynamic compliance. CONCLUSIONS: AFVC mode appears safe for patients in laparoscopic surgery. Its use, compared with VC, is associated with a decrease in Prpeak without effects on the Cdyn, oxygenation, capnia and hemodynamic parameters. We conclude that is no necessary to change ventlatory modes to improve ventilation conditions in non-obese patients.

Unusual localization of bleeding under acenocoumarol: Spinal subdural hematoma.

BACKGROUND: The spinal subdural hematoma (SSH) is an extremely rare entity which represents only 4.1% of all spinal hematomas. It needs accurate diagnosis and rapid intervention because of the major neurological risk induced by spinal compression. Several etiologies have been reported: anticoagulant treatments, haematological disorders, arterio-venous malformation, repeated attempts at lumbar punctures and tumors. We report the case of an 82-year-old patient under acenocoumarol for atrial fibrillation who presented with paraplegia secondary to SSH. CASE REPORT: An 82-year-old patient with a history of ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation under acenocoumarol was admitted to emergency department with sudden onset of paraplegia and intense back pain associated with urinary incontinence and anal sphincter disorder. On examination his lower limb power was MRC grade 0 out of 5 in all ranges of movement bilaterally and a complete bilateral anesthesia reaching the T12 dermatome was noted. Biological test results showed an International Normalized Ratio at 10. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a posteriorly located spinal hematoma at T12 level, measuring 36 mm with spinal cord compression. After correction of hemostasis disorders the patient was admitted to the operating room for a T11-L1 laminectomy with evacuation of the subdural hematoma. Muscle power showed a gradual improvement in the lower limbs estimated at 3/5 with regression of sphincter disorders but unfortunately a sequellar sensory impairment persisted. CONCLUSION: SSH is a rare situation of acenocoumarol bleeding incident, it should be evoked in any patient treated by this molecule with signs of spinal cord compression.

[Asystole during surgery to manage small intestine cancer: are we dealing with anaphylaxis or carcinoid crisis]. / Asystolie au cours d'une chirurgie pour tumeur de l'intestin grêle: anaphylaxie ou crise carcinoïde.

Cardiac arrest in the operating room is a life-threatening event with multiple causes. We report the case of a 53-year old female patient with no particular past medical history scheduled for surgery to manage small intestine cancer. Twenty minutes after anesthetic induction the patient had asystole rapidly reversible after resuscitation measures. The association of face rash with chest rash gave rise to suspicion of late anaphylactic reaction. Rapid patient recovery allowed to resume surgical procedure. Tumor manipulation immediately caused a second severe bradycardia rapidly reversible after the administration of 0.5 mg atropine. Skin rush at the level of the face and the chest occurred again. This second complication immediately gave rise to suspicion of carcinoid crisis. Sandostatine was then administered. No other complication occurred, the patient spent 24 hours in the Intensive Care Unit receiving sandostatine infusion. Urinary 5-HIAA values were very high and histological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed carcinoid tumor. This study aims to highlight the rarity of this entity and the importance of suspecting carcinoid crisis in patients with intraoperative complications during anesthesia for small intestine tumor surgery.

Moyamoya disease in a Moroccan baby: a case report.

BACKGROUND: A stroke in a baby is uncommon, recent studies suggested that their incidence is rising. Moyamoya disease is one of the leading causes of stroke in babies. This condition is mostly described in Japan. In Morocco, moyamoya disease has rarely been reported and a few cases were published. We report a rare Moroccan case of a 23-month-old baby boy who presented with left-sided hemiparesis and was diagnosed as having moyamoya disease. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-month-old full-term Moroccan baby boy born to a non-consanguineous couple was referred to our hospital with the complaint of sudden onset left-sided hemiparesis. On neurological examination, there were no signs of meningeal irritation, his gait was hemiplegic, tone was decreased over left side, power was 2/5 over left upper and lower limb, and deep tendon reflexes were exaggerated. Preliminary neuroimaging suggested an arterial ischemic process. Clinical and laboratory evaluation excluded hematologic, metabolic, and vasculitic causes. Cerebral angiography confirmed the diagnosis of moyamoya disease. Our patient was treated with acetylsalicylic acid 5 mg/kg per day and referred to follow-up with pediatric neurosurgeon. Cerebral revascularization surgery using encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis was performed. At 8-month follow-up, his hemiparesis had improved and no further ischemic events had occurred. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of considering moyamoya disease to be one of the classic etiologies of acute ischemic strokes in children from North Africa. It also emphasizes the rare presentation among the African population and the use of neurovascular imaging techniques to facilitate diagnosis of moyamoya disease.

Stercoral colitis mimicking appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Stercoral colitis is an inflammatory process involving the colonic wall related to fecal impaction. This rare condition is associated with high morbidity-mortality. FINDINGS: We report a case of a 78-year-old woman with a history of dementia under clozapine who presented a clinical and sonographic presentation of acute appendicitis. The worsening of her clinical condition prompted us to review our diagnosis and modify our approach using the CT scan which was consistent with stercoral colitis. This report concerns an atypical presentation of this condition. CONCLUSIONS: The present case highlights the ability of severe forms of fecal impaction to precipitate very rare and life-threatening complications like stercoral colitis. It also points the importance of including stercoral colitis in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis in altered patients under anticholenergic drugs and the critical role of the CT scan as a crucial radiologic adjunct.