Increased amount of pleural effusion during head-down tilt position in ovarian cancer patient with ascites: A case report

Pseudo-Meigs syndrome is accompanied with pleural effusion, ascites and a benign or malignant tumor of ovary, tubes, uterus, round ligament or colon. We reported a case of hypoxia in an ovarian cancer patient with moderate ascites after head-down tilt position for central venous catheterization under general anesthesia. Massive pleural effusion was detected on portable chest X-ray, which was not observed in a preoperative radiologic test. The patient had no respiratory symptoms and breath sound was normal in both lungs prior to surgery. The pleural effusion was resolved by a chest tube insertion.

A case of postoperative serotonin syndrome following the administration of fentanyl, palonosetron, and meperidine: A case report

Serotonin syndrome is an unexpected adverse reaction of serotonergic medication. Some drugs used by anesthesiologists may cause serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is known to be related to 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A and 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A agonism. However, recent research has revealed evidence that 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) antagonism can also play a role in serotonin syndrome. Among the 5-HT3 antagonists, palonosetron is the most highly specific. In this study, we present the first case of fentanyl- and meperidine-induced serotonin syndrome precipitated by palonosetron in general anesthesia.

Myofascial pain syndrome of gluteus minimus mimicking lumbar radiculitis: A case report

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) can be characterized by pain caused by trigger points (TrPs) and fascial constrictions. Patients with MPS of the gluteus minimus muscles often complain of symptoms such as hip pain, especially when standing up after sitting or lying on the affected side, limping, and pain radiating down to the lower extremities. A 24-year-old female patient presenting with motor and sensory impairments of both lower extremities was referred to our pain clinic after initially being diagnosed with lumbar radiculitis. Under the impression of MPS of the gluteus minimus muscles following through evaluation and physical examination of the patient, we performed trigger point injections under ultrasonography guidance on the myofascial TrPs. Dramatic improvement of the patient's symptoms was observed following this treatment, and she was discharged without any further remaining symptoms.

Comparison of oxycodone and fentanyl for postoperative patient-controlled analgesia after laparoscopic gynecological surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Opioids are widely used in boluses and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for postoperative pain control. In this study, we compared the effects of oxycodone and fentanyl on postoperative pain in patients with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) after laparoscopic gynecological surgery. METHODS: Seventy-four patients undergoing elective total laparoscopic hysterectomy or laparoscopic myomectomy were randomly assigned to the administration of either fentanyl or oxycodone using IV-PCA (potency ratio 1 : 60). The cumulative dose administered in the patient-controlled mode during the initial 48 hours after the operation was measured. Patients were also assessed for postoperative pain severity, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in patient satisfaction with the analgesia during the postoperative period. Patients in the oxycodone group experienced significantly more dizziness compared to the fentanyl group. Patients in the oxycodone group showed significantly lower consumption of opioid in the patient-controlled mode (10.1 +/- 8.5 ml vs. 16.6 +/- 12.0 ml, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that oxycodone and fentanyl demonstrated similar effects, and therefore oxycodone may be a good alternative to fentanyl in postoperative pain management. Further studies in various clinical settings will be needed to determine the adequate potency ratio.