Single and double injection paravertebral block comparison in reduction mammaplasty cases: a randomized controlled study

Background This study compares the analgesic effects and dermatomal blockade distributions of single and double injection bilateral thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) techniques in patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty. Methods After obtaining ethics committee approval, 60 patients scheduled for bilateral reduction mammaplasty were included in the study. Preoperatively, the patients received one of single (Group S: T3–T4) or double (Group D: T2–T3 & T4–T5) injection bilateral TPVBs using bupivacaine 0.375% 20 ml per side. All patients were operated under general anesthesia. The T3–T6 dermatomal blockade distributions on the midclavicular line were followed by pin-prick test for 30 min preoperatively and 48 h postoperatively. All patients received paracetamol 1 g when numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score was ≥ 4, and also tramadol 1 mg/kg when NRS was ≥ 4 again after 1 h. The primary endpoint was NRS pain scores at postoperative 12th h. The secondary endpoints were dermatomal blockade distributions and NRS scores through the postoperative first 48 h, time until first pain and the analgesic consumption on days 1 and 2. Results Fifty-two patients completed the study. The NRS pain scores at 12th h were similar (right side: P = 0.100, left side: P = 0.096). The remaining NRS scores and other parameters were also comparable within the groups (P ≥ 0.05). Only single injection TPVB application time was shorter (P < 0.001). Conclusions The single injection TPVB technique provided sufficient dermatomal distribution and analgesic efficacy with the advantages of being faster and less invasive

Sex difference and intra-operative tidal volume: Insights from the LAS VEGAS study

BACKGROUND: One key element of lung-protective ventilation is the use of a low tidal volume (VT). A sex difference in use of low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) has been described in critically ill ICU patients.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether a sex difference in use of LTVV also exists in operating room patients, and if present what factors drive this difference.DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING: This is a posthoc analysis of LAS VEGAS, a 1-week worldwide observational study in adults requiring intra-operative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery in 146 hospitals in 29 countries.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Women and men were compared with respect to use of LTVV, defined as VT of 8 ml kg-1 or less predicted bodyweight (PBW). A VT was deemed 'default' if the set VT was a round number. A mediation analysis assessed which factors may explain the sex difference in use of LTVV during intra-operative ventilation.RESULTS: This analysis includes 9864 patients, of whom 5425 (55%) were women. A default VT was often set, both in women and men; mode VT was 500 ml. Median [IQR] VT was higher in women than in men (8.6 [7.7 to 9.6] vs. 7.6 [6.8 to 8.4] ml kg-1 PBW, P &lt; 0.001). Compared with men, women were twice as likely not to receive LTVV [68.8 vs. 36.0%; relative risk ratio 2.1 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.1), P &lt; 0.001]. In the mediation analysis, patients' height and actual body weight (ABW) explained 81 and 18% of the sex difference in use of LTVV, respectively; it was not explained by the use of a default VT.CONCLUSION: In this worldwide cohort of patients receiving intra-operative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery, women received a higher VT than men during intra-operative ventilation. The risk for a female not to receive LTVV during surgery was double that of males. Height and ABW were the two mediators of the sex difference in use of LTVV.TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01601223

Protective intraoperative ventilation with higher versus lower levels of positive end-expiratory pressure in obese patients (PROBESE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) increase the morbidity and mortality of surgery in obese patients. High levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) with lung recruitment maneuvers may improve intraoperative respiratory function, but they can also compromise hemodynamics, and the effects on PPCs are uncertain. We hypothesized that intraoperative mechanical ventilation using high PEEP with periodic recruitment maneuvers, as compared with low PEEP without recruitment maneuvers, prevents PPCs in obese patients. Methods/design The PRotective Ventilation with Higher versus Lower PEEP during General Anesthesia for Surgery in OBESE Patients (PROBESE) study is a multicenter, two-arm, international randomized controlled trial. In total, 2013 obese patients with body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 scheduled for at least 2 h of surgery under general anesthesia and at intermediate to high risk for PPCs will be included. Patients are ventilated intraoperatively with a low tidal volume of 7 ml/kg (predicted body weight) and randomly assigned to PEEP of 12 cmH2O with lung recruitment maneuvers (high PEEP) or PEEP of 4 cmH2O without recruitment maneuvers (low PEEP). The occurrence of PPCs will be recorded as collapsed composite of single adverse pulmonary events and represents the primary endpoint. Discussion To our knowledge, the PROBESE trial is the first multicenter, international randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of two different levels of intraoperative PEEP during protective low tidal volume ventilation on PPCs in obese patients. The results of the PROBESE trial will support anesthesiologists in their decision to choose a certain PEEP level during general anesthesia for surgery in obese patients in an attempt to prevent PPCs. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02148692. Registered on 23 May 2014; last updated 7 June 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1929-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Airway Surgery in Tracheostomised Patients with Wegener Granulomatosis Leading to Subglottic Stenosis

Wegener granulomatosis (WG) is a multisystemic disorder characterised by granulomatous inflammation of the respiratory system. The growing of proliferative tissue towards the larynx and trachea may cause airway obstruction on account of subglottic stenosis. In this situation, the surgical goal is to eliminate the airway obstruction by providing natural airway anatomy. While mild lesions do not require surgical intervention, in fixed lesions, surgical intervention is required, such as tracheostomy, laser resection and dilatation. In tracheostomised patients, granuloma formation surrounding the tracheostomy cannula may occur in the trachea. Inflammation and newly formed granulation tissue result in severe stenosis in the airways. During surgical treatment of such patients, airway management is important. In this case report, we will discuss gas exchange and airway management with jet ventilation (JV) during excision of the granulation tissue with endolaryngeal laser surgery, leading to subglottic stenosis in tracheostomised patients in WG

The Evaluation of the Effects of Erythrocyte Transfusion on Central Venous Oximetry in Major Surgery Patients

Objective: Blood transfussion is generally performed to improve oxygen delivery (DO2). Transfusion decision is mostly based on hemoglobin levels, regardless of actual DO2 requirement. As central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO(2)) may reflect the imbalance between DO2 and consumption (VO2), the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of red blood cell transfusion on ScvO(2) levels in major surgery patients

The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in total knee and hip arthroplasty

Background and objectives: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a simple, cost-effective and easily applicable inflammation indicator that is being used frequently in mortality, morbidity and prognosis studies in the recent years. We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Material and methods: We included 101 patients who preferred spinal anesthesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in accordance and divided them into two groups, total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. We recorded demographic information, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, analgesics consumption, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio results and postoperative pain using Visual Analog Scale. Results: The morphine consumption of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 7.38 mg, 7.80 mg; 8th hour: 12.19 mg, 13.29 mg; 12th hour: 16.94 mg, 19.18 mg; 24th hour: 25.97 mg, 27.98 mg; 48th hour: 36.38 mg, 39.59 mg. The Visual Analog Scale scores of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 4.10, 4.51; 8th hour: 3.02, 3.43; 12th hour: 2.29, 2.55; 24th hour: 1.90, 1.87; 48th hour: 1.08, 1.13. In group total hip arthroplasty, we found a statistically significant association between postoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the Visual Analog Scale values on the 48th hour in a positive direction (r = 0.311; P = 0.031; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio can be accepted as a relatively objective method for the diagnosis of postoperative pain. Resumo: Justificativa e objetivos: A proporção entre neutrófilo/linfócito é um indicador de inflamação simples, custo-efetivo e de fácil aplicação que vem sendo utilizado com frequência em estudos de mortalidade, morbidade e prognóstico nos últimos anos. Avaliamos a relação entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e a dor pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho. Material e métodos: No total, 101 pacientes que preferiram a raquianestesia e a analgesia venosa controlada pelo paciente foram incluídos e divididos em dois grupos neste estudo: artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho. Os dados demográficos e os tempos de operação, internação hospitalar e consumo de analgésicos e os resultados da proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e da dor pós-operatória foram registrados usando uma escala visual analógica. Resultados: O consumo de morfina dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho nas horas 4, 8, 12, 24 e 45 foi de, respectivamente: 7,38 mg e 7,80 mg; 12,19 mg e 13,29 mg; 16,94 mg e 19,18 mg; 25,97 mg e 27,98 mg; 36,38 mg e 39,59 mg. Os escores obtidos na escala visual analógica dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho nas horas 4, 8, 12, 24 e 48 foram, respectivamente, os seguintes: 4,10 e 4,51; 3,02 e 3,43; 2,29 e 2,55; 1,90 e 1,87; 1,08 e 1,13. Na artroplastia total do quadril, uma associação estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito no pós-operatório e os valores da escala visual analógica na 48ª hora em uma direção positiva (r = 0,311; p = 0,031; p < 0,05). Conclusão: A proporção neutrófilo/linfócito pode ser aceita como um método relativamente objetivo para o diagnóstico da dor pós-operatória. Keywords: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, Postoperative pain, Lower extremity arthroplasty, Total knee arthroplasty, Total hip arthroplasty, Palavras-chave: Relação neutrófilo/linfócito, Dor pós-operatória, Artroplastia de extremidade inferior, Artroplastia total de joelho, Artroplastia total de quadri

Factors Affecting Liver Regeneration in Living Donors After Hepatectomy

Background: The safety of living liver donors is the paramount priority of liver transplantation surgeons. The liver has an effective regeneration capacity. The regeneration rate of the liver remnant in living liver donors provides much information useful in liver surgery. The outcome of the remnant liver after hepatectomy can be affected by many different perioperative factors

The effect of two different glycemic management protocols on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in coronary artery bypass surgery

Introduction: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is an adverse outcome of surgery that is more common after open heart procedures. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of tightly controlled blood glucose levels during coronary artery surgery on early and late cognitive decline. Methods: 40 patients older than 50 years undergoing elective coronary surgery were randomized into two groups. In the “Tight Control” group (GI), the glycemia was maintained between 80 and 120 mg dL−1 while in the “Liberal” group (GII), it ranged between 80–180 mg dL−1. A neuropsychological test battery was performed three times: baseline before surgery and follow-up first and 12th weeks, postoperatively. POCD was defined as a drop of one standard deviation from baseline on two or more tests. Results: At the postoperative first week, neurocognitive tests showed that 10 patients in the GI and 11 patients in GII had POCD. The incidence of early POCD was similar between groups. However the late assessment revealed that cognitive dysfunction persisted in five patients in the GII whereas none was rated as cognitively impaired in GI (p = 0.047). Conclusion: We suggest that tight perioperative glycemic control in coronary surgery may play a role in preventing persistent cognitive impairment. Resumo: Introdução: A disfunção cognitiva pós-operatória (DCPO) é um resultado adverso cirúrgico que é mais comum após cirurgias cardíacas abertas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel dos níveis de glicose no sangue rigorosamente controlados durante a cirurgia coronariana no declínio cognitivo precoce e tardio. Métodos: Quarenta pacientes com idades acima de 50 anos e submetidos à cirurgia coronariana eletiva foram randomizados em dois grupos. No grupo “controle rigoroso” (GI), a glicemia foi mantida entre 80-120 mg.dL−1; enquanto no grupo “liberal” (GII), variou entre 80-180 mg.dL−1. A bateria de testes neuropsicológicos foi realizada três vezes: fase basal, antes da cirurgia e na primeira e décima segunda semana de acompanhamento no pós-operatório. DCPO foi definida como uma queda de um desvio padrão da fase basal em dois ou mais testes. Resultados: Na primeira semana de pós-operatório, os testes neurocognitivos mostraram que 10 pacientes no GI e 11 pacientes no GII apresentaram DCPO. A incidência de DCPO precoce foi semelhante entre os grupos. No entanto, a avaliação tardia revelou que a disfunção cognitiva persistiu em cinco pacientes no GII, enquanto nenhum paciente foi classificado como cognitivamente prejudicado no GI (p = 0,047). Conclusão: Sugerimos que o controle glicêmico rigoroso no perioperatório de cirurgia coronariana pode desempenhar um papel na prevenção da deterioração cognitiva persistente. Keywords: Glucose control, Cognitive dysfunction, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Palavras-chave: Controle glicêmico, Disfunção cognitiva, Cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdi

Patient state index and cerebral blood flow changes during shoulder arthroscopy in beach chair position

Abstract Background and objectives: The aim of the study were to demonstrate the possible hemodynamic changes and cerebral blood flow alterations in patients who were positioned from supine to beach chair position; and to detect if the position change causes any cortical activity alteration as measured by the 4-channeled electroencephalography monitor. Methods: 35 patients were included. Before the induction, mean arterial pressure and patient state index values were recorded (T0). After the intubation, doppler-ultrasonography of the patients&#8217; internal carotid and vertebral arteries were evaluated to acquire cerebral blood flow values from the formula. In supine position, mean arterial pressure, patient state index and cerebral blood flow values were recorded (T1) and the patient was positioned to beach chair position. After 5 min all measurements were repeated (T2). Measurements of patient state index and mean arterial pressure were repeated after 20 (T3), and 40 (T4) min. Results: There was a significant decrease between T0 and T1 in heart rate (80.5 ± 11.6 vs. 75.9 ± 14.4 beats/min), MAP (105.8 ± 21.9 vs. 78.9 ± 18.4 mmHg) and PSI (88.5 ± 8.3 vs. 30.3 ± 9.7) (all p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after position change, and remained decreased, compared to T1. The overall analysis of patient state index values (T1-T4) showed no significant change; however, comparing only T1 and T2 resulted in a statically significant decrease in patient state index. There was a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow after beach chair position. Conclusion: Beach chair position was associated with a decrease in cerebral blood flow and patient state index values. Patient state index was affected by the gravitational change of the cerebral blood flow; however, both factors were not directly correlated to each other. Moreover, the decrease in patient state index value was transient and returned to normal values within 20 min

Patient state index and cerebral blood flow changes during shoulder arthroscopy in beach chair position

Abstract Background and objectives: The aim of the study were to demonstrate the possible hemodynamic changes and cerebral blood flow alterations in patients who were positioned from supine to beach chair position; and to detect if the position change causes any cortical activity alteration as measured by the 4-channeled electroencephalography monitor. Methods: 35 patients were included. Before the induction, mean arterial pressure and patient state index values were recorded (T0). After the intubation, doppler-ultrasonography of the patients’ internal carotid and vertebral arteries were evaluated to acquire cerebral blood flow values from the formula. In supine position, mean arterial pressure, patient state index and cerebral blood flow values were recorded (T1) and the patient was positioned to beach chair position. After 5 min all measurements were repeated (T2). Measurements of patient state index and mean arterial pressure were repeated after 20 (T3), and 40 (T4) min. Results: There was a significant decrease between T0 and T1 in heart rate (80.5 ± 11.6 vs. 75.9 ± 14.4 beats/min), MAP (105.8 ± 21.9 vs. 78.9 ± 18.4 mmHg) and PSI (88.5 ± 8.3 vs. 30.3 ± 9.7) (all p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after position change, and remained decreased, compared to T1. The overall analysis of patient state index values (T1-T4) showed no significant change; however, comparing only T1 and T2 resulted in a statically significant decrease in patient state index. There was a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow after beach chair position. Conclusion: Beach chair position was associated with a decrease in cerebral blood flow and patient state index values. Patient state index was affected by the gravitational change of the cerebral blood flow; however, both factors were not directly correlated to each other. Moreover, the decrease in patient state index value was transient and returned to normal values within 20 min