CLINICAL EFFECTS OF HYPERBARIC LIDOCAINE AND BUPIVACAINE IN SPINAL ANESTHESIA - OUR EXPERIENCE.

Introduction: Various side effects and complications in the perioperative period can occur with the use of hyperbaric lidocaine and bupivacaine. Goal: Comparative presentation of the occurrence of side effects and complications of hyperbaric lidocaine and bupivacaine during spinal anesthesia in our patients. Methods: The study was retrospective and included 178 patients of both sexes. Patients were divided into two groups. In Group I (n-98) hyperbaric lidocaine 5% was used for spinal block. Group II (n-80) was divided into 2 subgroups, A- where hyperbaric Markain 0.5% was used (n-51), and B (n-29) where hyperbaric Sensorkain 0.75% was used. In the study, we analyzed gender, age, block onset, and complications. Results: There were 98 patients in Group I, 79 males and 19 females. There were 80 patients in Group II, 69 males and 11 females. The mean age of patients in Group I was 44.96 and in Group II 48.16 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the age of patients in both groups p> 0.05 (p = 0.2321). The occurrence of spinal block occurred significantly faster in Group I compared to group II (p <0.0001), and in subgroup B faster than in subgroup A (p <0.005). The clinical occurrence of complications and side effects during spinal anesthesia is somewhat more common in spinal block with 5% lidocaine. Conclusion: The compared incidence of adverse perioperative clinical effects and complications after administration of hyperbaric lidocaine and bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia was not statistically significant.

Correction to: Mindray 3-directional NMT Module (a new generation "Tri-axial" neuromuscular monitor) versus the Relaxometer mechanomyograph and versus the TOF-Watch SX acceleromyograph.

In the original publication of the article, the article note "Ashraf A. Dahaba and Zhao Yang Xiao equally contributed to the study and are both first authors." was published incorrectly. The correct statement should read as "Ashraf A. Dahaba and Zhao Yang Xiao equally contributed to the study and are both first authors and are both co-corresponding authors."

Mindray 3-directional NMT Module (a new generation "Tri-axial" neuromuscular monitor) versus the Relaxometer mechanomyograph and versus the TOF-Watch SX acceleromyograph.

Recently introduced Mindray "3-directional" neuromuscular transmission transducer (NMT, Shenzhen, China) acceleromyograph) claim to monitor thumb movement in 3 different directions. We compared NMT with the gold standard Relaxometer® mechanomyograph (MMG, Groningen University, Netherlands) in Study-1 and with TOF-Watch SX™ (WTCH) acceleromyograph from which it was developed in Study-2. We used first twitch (T1%) and train-of-four (TOF) ratio rocuronium 0.6 mg kg-1 neuromuscular block to evaluate NMT diagnostic accuracy in indicating 3 clinically relevant time points namely; MMG T1 5% (95% twitch depression) for tracheal intubation, MMG T1 25% for repeat neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) administration, and MMG 0.9 TOF ratio full neuromuscular block recovery. We compared onset time (time from beginning of rocuronium administration until maximal depression), Dur25 (time until T1 25% recovery) and Dur0.9 (time until 0.9 TOF ratio recovery). In Study-1, NMT showed low sensitivity in indicating MMG time for tracheal intubation, repeat NMBAs administration and full neuromuscular block recovery (6.25%, 38.9% and 38.9% respectively). NMT onset time, Dur25 and Dur0.9 (2:51 ± 00:57, 36:50 ± 24:25, 70:08 ± 25:27 min:s) were significantly longer than MMG (1:56 ± 00:46, 30:26 ± 20:24, 62:03 ± 20:01). In Study-2, NMT onset time, Dur25 and Dur0.9 (02:37 ± 00:53, 35:38 ± 11:54, 53:40 ± 13:49) were not significantly different than WTCH (02:23 ± 00:45, 33:27 ± 12:51, 53:57 ± 12:47). NMT could not efficaciously detect MMG time for tracheal intubation; NMBAs repeat dose administration or full neuromuscular block recovery. Data from NMT cannot be used interchangeably with MMG. Our study revealed that NMT Tri-axial acceleromyography seems to offer no advantage over the MMG gold standard or the classic Mono-axial TOF-Watch SX monitor.

COMPARISON OF PLEXUS BRACHIAL BLOCKADE EFFECT BY SUPRACLAVICULAR AND AXILLARY APPROACH - OUR EXPERIENCE.

INTRODUCTION: Brachialis plexus block is a frequently used method of regional anesthesia that can be performed in several ways and locations. It has been successfully performed to provide good anesthesia and analgesia lasting several hours for operative procedures on hands. It can be performed by paresthesia technique or by ultrasound that has almost pushed out the old conventional technique since it allows the visualization of the blockade performance. TARGET: In the paper we use our sample to try to determine which of the two locations of the blockageis more favorable for the patient, and which one gives a higher percentage of success or a better sensory blockade. METHOD: This is a retrospective study and includes 40 patients of both sexes that were operated on at the Clinic for Traumatology and the Clinic for Plastic Surgery of the University Clinical Center in Sarajevo in the period from 30 August 1993 to 30 August 1994. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I were patients who had an axillary approach to plexus brachialis (n-21) ASA I-II. Group II were patients who had supraclavicular access to plexus brachialis (n-19) ASA I-II. All patients received 0.5 ml / kg Bupivacaine 0.5%. In the study, we analyzed sex, age, duration of blockade and complications. Analgesia and motor block were evaluated 20 minutes after the local anesthetic injection. The complete block is defined as analgesia in all dermatomes (C5-Th1) 20 minutes after injection. THE RESULTS: Group I had 20 male and 1 female patients while group II had 17 male and 2 female patients. The supraclavicular block enabled complete blockade in 18 patients (95.23%), and the axillary approach had a successful blockade in 17 patients (80.95%). In both groups the corresponding motor block was similar. The start of the engine block was similar in both groups. There were no significant complications in either group. CONCLUSION: Regarding clinical efficacy, both brachial plexus blocking approaches provided a good motor block, anesthesia and analgesia for the forearm or hand surgery. Supraclavicular approach proved to be more favorable.

Frequency of Ventilator Associated Pneumonias in Patients in the Intensive Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as nosocomial pneumonia in patients who have mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than 48 hours. The diagnosis of VAP is based on radiological-microbiological examinations. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Health Care Network (NHSN) have an incidence of VAP of 5.8% per 1,000 days on mechanical ventilator. AIM: In this study, we had an aim to determine the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients with MV who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit. METHOD: The study was retrospective, clinical, conducted in the period from January 1, 2016 until December 31, 2016. In a one-year period, 719 patients of both sex, aged 14 to 91, were hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Clinic for Anesthesia and Resuscitation of the University Clinical Center in Sarajevo. The study included 250 patients of both sex who had respiratory support with mechanical ventilator. No patient was excluded from the study. As a confirmation of VAP, we used microbiological reports from the patient history documentation. The results were presented statistically through tables and graphs, numerically, by a percentage, and by a mean value with standard deviation. RESULTS: Out of the 719 hospitalized patients, 250 or 34.8% underwent controlled ventilation. In 103 or 41.2% of patients some form of pneumonia was confirmed microbiologically. An average patient age on controlled ventilation was 60.4 ± 16.8 years. The mean age of a female patients who were on controlled ventilation was 63.2 ± 16.7, higher than that of male patients, which was 57.8 ± 16.6 years. The most frequent patients were over 60 years of age (52.8%). The shortest hospitalization of patients on controlled mechanical ventilation was 1 day and the longest was 120 days. Average duration of mechanical ventilation was 6.9 ± 10.5 days. CONCLUSION: VAP is a relatively common complication in patients with MV that can increase morbidity and mortality, as well as treatment costs. It is more frequent in females and in the elderly. Medical staff should provide normal maintenance of respiratory functions to a patient who is on MV, which will reduce the risk of VAP.

The preemptive effect of tramadol and metamizole on the intensity of postoperative pain.

Aim To demonstrate the analgesic effect of preemptively administered tramadol and metamizole on the postoperative pain severity, after an elective operative hysterectomy with adnexectomy. Methods There were three groups with 30 patients in each group. Patients included in the study were between 45 to 67 years old. They were all in the ASA group II. Randomization was performed in random order according to the regular elective operating program. Patients in Group I received i. m. tramadol 1mg/kg, and in Group II 30mg/kg of metamizole, five minutes before anaesthesia induction. Patients did not receive preemptive analgesia in Group III (control). All patients underwent the same induction anaesthesiology procedure with propofol, fentanyl, tracrium, supplemented with O2, N2O, and sevoflurane at an appropriate dose until MAC 1 was reached. Surgeries lasted for 80-120 minutes. Every patient performed a resting pain assessment 30 minutes after an extubation by Numerical Pain Scale (NPS). Results We found out that tramadol had a better effect in preemptive analgesia and that the average pain score for Group I was 6.10 (p=0.043). In Group II, it was 7.93 (p=0.022). There is significant difference in pain intensity between patients in the control group, (pain intensity was 9.16), and those who received tramadol and metamizole. There was no significant difference in the intensity of pain when using these two analgesics (p=0.733). Conclusion The effect of preemptively administered tramadol prior to the introduction of general anaesthesia in postoperative pain is significantly more favourable than the effect of metamizole.

"Second-look" Micro Testicular Sperm Extraction (MicroTESE) in Patients with Non-obstructive Azoospermia Following Histopathological Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) is considered the gold standard method for surgical sperm retrieval among patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between histopathological findings after failed microTESE procedure and outcomes of the "second-look" procedure and to provide insight into the most common histopathological patterns after testicular biopsy within our population. METHODS: The retrospective study included 33 selected patients with NOA, who had undergone unsuccessful sperm retrieval. The diagnosis of NOA was made after the assessment of the patient's history data, a physical examination, semen analysis, the hormonal profile, and genetic studies. After negative sperm retrieval, histopathological report has been analyzed for "second-look" microTESE attempt. RESULTS: Five testicular histopathological patterns were found: hypospermatogenesis (9,1%), Sertoli cell-only syndrome (43%), germ cell maturation arrest (15%), seminiferous tubule hyalinization (15%), mixed pattern (21%). Y-microdeletions were detected in 5 patients, of which 3 patients showed AZFc region deletions. Only 3 patients (9,1%) underwent a "second-look" procedure after the evaluation of histopathological reports. After the stimulation therapy and "second-look" procedure, we had a positive outcome in a single patient (33,3%). Mean FSH value in patients with confirmed spermatogenesis was 17.26±3.11IU/l, while mean FSH value in patients without presence or germ cell statistically significantly exceeded and was 24.28±4.71IU/L (p=0.038). CONCLUSION: Histopathological reports following the microTESE procedure are obligatory for the proper selection of patients who are candidates for the "second-look" microTESE attempt. Patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome and hypospermatogenesis particularly can benefit from the "second-look" procedure.

The Effect of Prophylactic Doses of Reviparin on the Postoperative Value of Platelets.

INTRODUCTION: Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is used as anticoagulant in diseases characterized by possible thrombosis, as well as for thromboprophylaxis in surgery. The administration of LMWH preoperatively and postoperatively allows satisfactory thromboprophylaxis of patients undergoing surgery. Their application can reduce the number of platelets. AIM: To determine what effect Reviparin has on platelet values postoperatively in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy. METHODS: The study was conducted at the Clinic for Anesthesia and Resuscitation of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo. A retrospective study was performed that included data analysis for 33 patients undergoing open cholecystectomy over a two-year period. There were 22 male and 11 female patients out of a total of 33 patients. Platelet values from laboratory findings of patient's medical history were monitored for 5 days. The values found were recorded in a table containing the patient's first and last name, gender, age and platelet value. All patients had the same endotracheal anesthesia with Propofol, Fentanyl, and Atracurium supplemented with oxygen and nitric oxide at the appropriate dose. All of the patients received same dose of 0.25ml (1432 IU) Reviparin (Clivarin) from Abbott GmbH & Co.KG, preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery as well as patients receiving other low-molecular-weight heparin or receiving higher doses of Reviparin were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was performed using the MedCalc v12.7 statistical package for biomedical research. RESULTS: An analysis of gender representation in the total sample shows that there was 22 or 66.7% of males while there was 11 or 33.3% of female patients. Analysis of platelet values indicates that there is no statistically significant correlation with gender, but that there is a statistically significant correlation between platelet values between samples, ie. that patients who had higher preoperative values retained more platelet values even during postoperative measurements. CONCLUSION: Platelet values do not change significantly postoperatively with the use of prophylactic doses of Reviparin, after an open cholecystectomy.

Hamartomas, teratomas and teratocarcinosarcomas of the head and neck: Report of 3 new cases with clinico-pathologic correlation, cytogenetic analysis, and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Germ-cell tumors (GCT) are a histologically and biologically diverse group of neoplasms which primarily occur in the gonads but also develop at different extragonadal sites in the midline of the body. The head and neck region including the upper respiratory tract is a very rare location for such tumors in both children and adults, which can cause diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. METHODS: We describe here two new cases of multilineage tumors including sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma [SNTCS], and congenital oronasopharyngeal teratoma (epignathus) and compare their features with those of a new case of a rare salivary gland anlage tumor [SGAT], an entity for which the pathogenesis is unclear (i.e. hamartoma versus neoplasm). We correlate their presenting clinico-pathological features and compare histologic and cytogenetic features in an attempt to elucidate their pathogenesis and biologic potentials. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Cytogenetic analysis revealed chromosomal abnormalities only in the case of SNTCS that showed trisomy 12 and 1p deletion. Both cytogenetic abnormalities are characteristically present in malignant germ cell tumors providing for the first time evidence that this rare tumor type indeed might represent a variant of a germ cell neoplasm. The SGAT and epignathus carried no such cytogenetic abnormalities, in keeping with their limited and benign biologic potential. CONCLUSION: The comparison of these three cases should serve to emphasize the diversity of multilineage tumors (hamartomas and GCT) of the upper respiratory tract in regards to their biology, age of presentation and clinical outcomes. Malignant tumors of germ cell origins are more likely to affect adults with insidious symptom development, while benign tumors can nevertheless cause dramatic clinical symptoms which, under certain circumstances, can be fatal.

Complications in preserving the airway in intensive care unit patients.

Maintaining the airway in patients in intensive care unit (ICU) is often a vitally important issue for successful treatment of patients. The aim of the study was to identify the complications as the most common causes of difficult ventilation in ICU patients. This retrospective study included 12 patients with difficult pulmonary ventilation, aged 12-70 years, 8 male and 4 female. All patients were intubated for a period of 7-14 days on mechanical ventilation. Due to the need of prolonged mechanical ventilation, the patients underwent surgical tracheotomy and tracheal cannula was placed in five patients. Patients with unilateral atelectasis of the lung underwent bronchoscopy and airway lavage. All patients underwent regular intensive clinical observation and diagnosis, x-ray, CT and MRI. They all were administered antibiotic therapy as well as symptomatic and supportive therapy. Five patients underwent tracheotomy. In one patient with Down syndrome, tracheal rupture occurred two hours after general anesthesia. He developed massive pleural, mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema. Seven patients with unilateral atelectasis of the lung underwent bronchoscopy and airway lavage. In two patients, therapeutic bronchoscopy with lavage was repeated twice, and in one patient bronchoscopy was repeated 4 times over a 6-month period. Eight patients died and four patients survived. Of the patients with polytrauma, two were in vigil coma, one survived for 6 months, while the other died from respiratory failure. In conclusion, it is important to promptly recognize and appropriately treat complications while maintaining airway in ICU patients, especially those with multiple trauma or conditions after extensive surgery. Preventing hypoxemia as a result of hypoxia has a far-reaching significance for the clinical course and success of patient treatment.

[Vaccine for prevention of type 1 diabetes mellitus]. / Vakcina za prevenciju diabetesa tipa 1.

Diabetes mellitus type 1, known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), results from a chronic autoimmune destruction of the insulin secreting pancreatic beta cells. This autoimmune process is marked by circulating auto antibodies to beta cell antigens. GAD 65 (Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase) auto antibodies are present in 70-80% of newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes, and it can be detected many years before clinical onset of the disease. New knowledge in the imunopathogenesis have given expectation that imunotherapy will become routine manner for cure of diabetes mellitus type 1.

Medical aspects of the mass-scale civilian casualties at Sarajevo Markale market on August 28, 1995: triage, resuscitation, and treatment.

The siege of Sarajevo, which holds an important but tragic position in the history of war, lasted for more than 45 months, from April 6, 1992 to March 19, 1996. Shelling of the Markale city market on August 28, 1995, was the attack with the largest number of civilian casualties. There were 23 persons killed on the spot. Another 104 were injured, of whom 15 died immediately after the explosion or during surgery, and 4 died a week later. Transport to the hospital was provided mostly by other civilians and resuscitation on the spot was not attempted. The triage of the wounded was conducted at the Kosevo University Hospital Center and State Hospital by teams of surgeons and anesthesiologists. Out of 104 wounded, 94 were treated at several different Surgery Departments and the Emergency Department. There were 85 survivors among the wounded. This incident once again illustrates the importance of timely adequate triage and resuscitation after mass-scale injuring, which can increase the chances of survival.

[Unilateral pheochromocytoma and adrenal gland hyperplasia]. / Unilateralni feohromocitom i hiperplazija nadbubrega.

Woman, forty two years old, has been hospitalized because of frequent headache, palpitation and tremor of lips with paroxysmal increase of blood pressure. The adrenals have examined. The status of the hormones has checked many times but showed increased values of VMA and 17-OH steroids only once. There is no possibility to measure the catcholamines. Analysis of other hormones has showed normal values except of paradoxal hGH increase during suppressive hGH test and hypoglycemia in OGTT test. The changes of the left adrenal, which size was 25x18 and 30x25 mm, have diagnosed by MRI of adrenals. It has been suspected microadenoma by MRI of pituitary gland. The left adrenalectomy has been done. During the surgery hypertension and tachyarrhythmia has occurred and treated by fentolamin and propranolol. No complications have been noticed after the surgery. The status of the adrenals hormones are in the normal range. Patohystological analysis has proved phcochromocytoma and hyperplasy.