Lethal coronary air embolism caused by the removal of a double-lumen hemodialysis catheter: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Coronary air embolism is a rare event. We report a case in which an acute myocardial infarction occurred in the region supplied by the right coronary artery after the removal of a double-lumen hemodialysis catheter. Emergent coronary angiography revealed air bubbles obstructing the mid-segment of the right coronary artery with slow flow phenomenon distally. The patient expired due to myocardial infarction.

Internal leakage of oxygen flush valve / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Usability of Esophageal Doppler for Monitoring of Concealed Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage during Laparoscopy Assisted Subtotal Gastrectomy / 대한구급학회지

Hemodynamic monitoring is an essential element in the management of perioperative patients. In addition, anesthesiologists routinely used blood pressure (invasive or non invasive), heart rate, urinary output and central venous pressure as monitoring modalities. Esophageal doppler monitoring, as a minimally invasive hemodynamic assessment tool, has a good correlation with pulmonary artery catheterization in measuring cardiac output. We experienced a case of concealed retroperitoneal hemorrhage in a patient who underwent a laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy. When surgeons tried to close trocar sites, the patient's blood pressure dropped rapidly. At laparoscopy, we could not find gross bleeding. However, we could detect hypovolemia by esophageal doppler monitoring (CardioQ, Deltex(TM), UK). The procedure was converted to open laparotomy. Thereafter, we could find retroperitoneal hemorrhage, and vascular repair was done successfully. The patient recovered without any other complications.

A case of acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-Di(a) antibody: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Many medical institutions in Korea have recently been performing an antibody screening test as one of the essential elements of a pre-transfusion test. The Dia antigen is well known as one of the antigens with low incidence among Caucasians; however, it has been discovered with a relatively higher incidence among Mongoloid populations. The frequency of the Dia antigen among the Korean population is estimated to be 6.4-14.5%. But in Korea, a screening panel of cells from abroad without Dia positive cells has been commonly used when a patient has an unexpected antibody screening test. Here we report a case of acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to Anti-Dia antibody. To prevent other transfusion reaction by anti-Dia antibody, addition of Dia positive cells as unexpected antibody screening test is recommended.

Macintosh laryngoscope vs. Pentax-AWS video laryngoscope: comparison of efficacy and cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation in major burn patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Patients with major burns accompanied with airway edema need more attention for airway management. Although the Pentax-AWS has an advantage in managing endotracheal intubation more easily, its usefulness cannot be assured if it does not maintain hemodynamic stability in burn patients. The aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular responses and general efficacy of the Pentax-AWS and Macintosh laryngoscopes in burn patients. METHODS: American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 2 or 3 adult patients with major burn injury were randomly assigned to group P (AWS, n = 50) or group M (Macintosh, n = 50). Fifty-nine patients assigned to the Macintosh group and no patient to AWS group were excluded because of failure to first intubation. Hemodynamic data at baseline, just before and after intubation as well as 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation and grade of sore throat were recorded in two groups. Intubation time, success rate of intubation, number of intubation attempts and the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) scores were also observed and analyzed in all patients. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in heart rate just after laryngoscopy was seen in group M. The success rate of the first attempt in group P (100%) was greater than with the group M (46%). POGO scores were higher in group P (97 +/- 4%) than in group M (48 +/- 29%) CONCLUSIONS: The use of Pentax-AWS offers a reduced degree of heart rate elevation compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope and better intubation environments in major burn patients.

The BIS and hemodynamic changes in major burn patients according to a slow infusion of propofol for induction / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Many pathophysiologic alterations in patients with major burns can cause changes in the response of propofol. The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate induction dose of propofol using a slow infusion rate for major burn patients to obtain desirable sedation and hypnotic conditions with minimal hemodynamic changes. METHODS: 45 adults with major burns and who were electively scheduled for escharectomy less than a week after injury were recruited. For induction with propofol, the patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups (group 1: 1.5 mg/kg, n = 20 and group 2: 2.0 mg/kg, n = 25). The infusion rate was 20 mg/kg/hr. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), the heart rate, the bispectral index and the modified observers' assessment of the alertness/sedation scale (OAA/S) were measured before the induction and after the propofol infusion, as well as immediately, 3 and 5 minutes after intubation. RESULTS: The SBP and DBP were significantly decreased after the propofol infusion in both group, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. The BIS values after the propofol infusion and intubation were 44.2 +/- 16.1 and 43.5 +/- 13.8 in group 1, and 45.6 +/- 10.3 and 46.5 +/- 11.4 in group 2, respectively, and there were no differences between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: When propofol is administrated to major burn patients, an induction dose of 1.5 mg/kg is appropriate and a slow infusion rate of 20 mg/kg/hr is safe for maintaining the desired hypnotic conditions and this dose and rate cause no significant hemodynamic problems.

Neurogenic-stunned Myocardium and Pulmonary Edema Following a Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

We report a case of neurogenic cardiopulmonary instability with pulmonary edema occurring after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient's pre-operative Glasgow coma scale score was 6 and the PA chest radiograph showed increased diffuse haziness in the right lung field. The patient presented with severe hypotension and low oxygen saturation during surgery. Cardiac damage was documented by increased CK-MB troponin-T levels, and ischemic ECG findings. Reversible cardiac failure associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage may be due to a neurogenic-stunned myocardium. The patient underwent clipping of the aneurysm and recovered with minimal neurologic impairment and normal cardiac function.

Delayed psoas muscle hematoma formation after spinal anesthesia with the paramedian approach in a hemodialysis patient: A case report

We present a patient who developed a psoas muscle hematoma after spinal anesthesia. He had received hemodialysis with heparin every two days because of end stage renal disease. Under the jack-knife position, he underwent spinal anesthesia and a paramedian approach was used for incision and drainage of an anal abscess. The coagulation tests were normal throughout the surgery. Eleven days after the operation, he complained of sudden onset of right buttock pain and a psoas muscle hematoma was diagnosed by CT. Although heparin is recommended after regional anesthesia, it is a major cause of delayed hematoma. Because of this potential complication, anesthesiologists and clinicians should carefully monitor the usage of anticoagulants after spinal anesthesia, and it is necessary to use active diagnostic tools such as CT for early diagnosis when hematoma formation is suspected in patients receiving anticoagulants.

Cardiovascular crisis after small dose local infiltration of epinephrine in patient with asymptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

The infiltration of dilute epinephrine solution has been used for many years to provide hemostasis. However, epinephrine has adverse cardiovascular effects, such as arrhythmia, pulmonary edema, and even cardiac arrest. We have experienced epinephrine-induced cardiovascular crisis, with severe hypertension, tachycardia, and cardiac arrest after subcutaneous infiltration of a 2% lidocaine and 1 : 200,000 epinephrine solution in a patient with an asymptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. We provided successfully advanced cardiac life support in the operating room and cardioverted the patient back into a sinus rhythm with no untoward effects. The patient recovered without any apparent sequelae after intensive care.

Anesthetic management in a pediatric patient with Poland syndrome: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Poland syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by unilateral chest wall hypoplasia and ipsilateral upper extremity abnormalities, usually on the right side. It can be combined with other anomalies such as scapular deformity of the affected side, and hypoplasia or absence of nipple. Typical surgery for a Poland syndrome patient aims to correct the chest wall defect and/or other abnormalities. Ventilation problem such as paradoxical chest movement can occur during anesthesia. We report management of general anesthesia of a Poland syndrome patient with right chest wall defect undergoing inframammary fold reposition and liposuction.

Prediction of difficult intubation in patients with postburn sternomental contractures: modified onah class / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postburn sternomental contractures cause various changes in mouth, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and related structures. Although there are many methods to predict difficult intubation, the modified Mallampati test (mMT) and the El-Ganzouri multivariate risk index (EGRI) are popular tests. The authors wanted to compare modified Onah class with these 2 tests and also explored the possibility that Onah class could be an adequate independent predictor for difficult intubation. METHODS: One hundred and nine patients, aged 18 to 60 years of age, scheduled for elective surgery for reconstruction of postburn sternomental contractures were divided according to the modified Onah class. We made assessments prior to general anesthesia with respect to mouth opening, thyromental distance, mMT, neck movement, ability to prognath, body weight, and history of difficult tracheal intubation. The accuracy, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated from the data of the 3 tests, and as the 3 tests were compared with patient's laryngoscopic view grade according to Cormack and Lehane criteria by using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The incidence of Cormack and Lehane grade III, IV was 39.4%. Onah class showed significantly higher accuracy, specificity, and positive predictive value than mMT and EGRI. There were significant correlations between modified Onah class 2b, 3 and the Cormack and Lehane grade III, IV. CONCLUSIONS: Application of modified Onah class for preoperative prediction of the degree of difficulty with laryngeal visualization can reduce the frequency of both an unanticipated failure to visualize laryngeal structures as well as potential unnecessary interventions related to over-prediction of airway difficulty in patients with postburn sternomental contractures.

Remifentanil for postoperative patient-controlled analgesia after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: dose-finding study / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This randomized, double-blinded clinical study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of three regimens of intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with remifentanil for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy during the first 24 postoperative hours. METHODS: Thirty-four patients were randomly allocated into three groups. The first group received IV remifentanil PCA at a basal rate of 0.02 microgram/kg/min, a bolus of 0.3 microgram/kg, and a lockout time of 15 min. The second group received IV-PCA at a basal rate of 0.025 microgram/kg/min, a bolus of 0.375 microgram/kg, and a lockout time of 15 min. The third group received IV-PCA at a basal rate of 0.03 microgram/kg/min, a bolus of 0.45 microgram/kg, and a lockout time of 15 min. Age, weight, height, and duration of surgery and anesthesia were recorded. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) and oxygen saturation by pulse oxymetry were recorded in the recovery room as a base line after the operation. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic BP, sedation score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) scores were recorded at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after the initiation of IV-PCA. RESULTS: Thirty two patients were evaluated. The VAS in group 1 at 1, 3 and 6 hours after surgery was significantly higher than in other groups (P < 0.05). There were no clinically relevant differences between the groups in PONV, sedation scores, or hemodynamic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that IV remifentanil PCA with at a basal rate of 0.025 microgramram/kg/min (group 2) provided efficacious analgesia after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Special attention must be given to respiratory depression during establishment of PCA with remifentanil.

Hemoptysis and obstruction of the endotracheal tube by blood clot in a pediatric patient: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Hemoptysis leading to airway obstruction by blood clot is a serious and potentially lethal condition in pediatric patients because of the unpredictable course and technical difficulty of managing small airways. An 11-month-old male patient with a contact burn on his left foot was intubated uneventfully during induction for general anesthesia. After 15 minutes, we noted blood in his endotracheal tube along with high airway pressure and desaturation. Immediate suction was performed, and the oxygen saturation recovered, but the airway pressure and small exhaled tidal volume were unchanged. We had difficulty differentiating endotracheal tube obstruction from bronchial spasm at that time. We successfully managed the endotracheal obstruction by extubation with removal of the blood clot and reintubation after the diagnosis was made using fiberoptic bronchoscopy. We review the etiology and management of airway obstruction and hemoptysis in the operating room.

Retropharyngeal Laceration during Nasotracheal Intubation: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Nasotracheal intubation is a useful airway management technique for head, neck, and dental surgery. However, the risks associated with this technique include the possibility of damaging the nasal mucosa and related structures including the epistaxis, pharyngolaryngeal mucosal injury, bleeding, avulsion of the turbinate, nasal polyps, sinusitis, and bacteremia. Some of these symptoms occasionally result in fatal complications. A 26-year-old male, was scheduled to undergo surgery for malocclusion type 3 under general anesthesia with nasotracheal intubation. During the nasotracheal intubation, the tip of nasotracheal tube entered into the retropharyngeal space through the nasopharyngeal wall instead of oropharyngeal space, however no blood aspiration and retropharyngeal swelling occured. After surgery, the patient was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and conservative management, and was completely cured without further complications.

Myoclonic Seizures Occurred during the Brain Tumor Resection in a Patient of the Recurred Malignant Meningioma of Cerebral Frontal Lobe : A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Several suspected etiologies can cause seizures during the resection of a brain tumor via a craniotomy: the tumor itself, intracranial hypertension or the anesthetic agents used, etc. Generalized myoclonic seizures, during general anesthesia in a 44 year old man, who underwent a resection for a relapsed frontal meningioma, were experienced. Anesthesia was induced and maintained using propofol and remifentanil. The myoclonic seizures began 30 minutes after the induction of anesthesia. The administration of rocuronium was unable to stop the involuntary movement. Midazolam was given to cease the seizures, but they continued for a further 105 minutes. After opening the dura mater, the seizures immediately disappeared and did not recur thereafter.

Characteristics of Chronic Sensory Abnormalities in Korean Burn Patients / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: After burn patients are discharged from the hospital, they may continue to feel pain and paresthetic sensations at the site of a healed burn and these problems may persist for years. This study was designed to describe the characteristics of these symptoms in terms of intensity, frequency, and influencing factors. METHODS: Patients that developed paresthetic sensations at sites of a healed burn were recruited from the pain management center from January 2003 to April 2006. Data was collected using a structured interview protocol. RESULTS: Fifty one adults, with a total body surface area burned (TBSA) of 21.1 +/- 16.3% aged 42.0 +/- 12.9 years were studied. A paresthetic sensation was reported to be present every day in 52.9% (27/51) of the subjects. A variation in the intensity was most commonly related to changes in the weather. A tight sensation and itching types of sensations were significantly more frequent in patients with more extensive injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition and understanding of the chronic paresthetic sensation that many burn patients continue to experience at sites of a healed burn deserve further attention. Not only do clinicians need to be aware of these problems but also strategies for prevention and alleviation shoul\d be explored.

The Experiences of Airway Management for Anesthesia of Patients with Postburn Mentosternal Contractures: 10 cases report / 대한마취과학회지

Postburn sternomental contractures (PBSMC) of the neck can cause difficulties in endotracheal intubation when the cervical hyperextension and lifting of the mandible are impaired. Ten patients with a healed burn of the neck were assessed prior to surgery using the modified Mallampati test, and by measuring the sternomental distance, interincisor gap with their mouth fully open, and using Onah's classification system for PBSMC. Difficult endotracheal intubation was predicted. The patients were intubated successfully with a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The fiberoptic bronchoscope was found to be a useful device for managing patients with PBSMC. Moreover, Onah's classification system can be used for assessing postburn contractures.

General Anesthesia for Cesarean Section in a Patient with Moyamoya Disease and Sick Sinus Syndrome: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Moyamoya disease is a rare progressive occlusive disease of the internal carotid arteries. We experienced a case of general anesthesia in a patient with Moyamoya disease and sick sinus syndrome who underwent a cesarean section. General anesthesia was performed using laryngeal mask airway ProSeal(TM) in order to avoid the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. INVOS(R) 5100 was used to monitor the level of cerebral oxygenation. The patient was kept stable hemodynamically and her level of cerebral oxygenation was kept at the optimal level during the operation.

Glossodynia as an Unusual Manifestation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A case report / 대한통증학회지

A 58-year old male patient, with a history of gastrectomy, came to our department for recently aggravated glossodynia. A delicate physical examination revealed gait ataxia and a positive Rhomberg test. He was diagnosed as having vitamin B12 deficiency using a combination of the laboratory results, such as macrocytic anemia. It was thought that the tongue pain might have been a main clinical manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Changes in Position and Intraabdominal Pressure do not Influence Oropharyngeal Leak Pressure in Laparoscopic Surgery Maintained with a ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: It is known that pneumoperitoneum and changes of body position during laparoscopic surgery influenced peak inspiratory pressure (PIP). We asked the question whether oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) is changed by changes in intraabdominal pressure and position during laparoscopic surgery with a ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA). Since gynecological laparoscopic surgery (Lap-Gy) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) require different surgical positions, we included both surgeries in this study so that we could investigate the effects of various positions on OLP. METHODS: Lap-Gy (n = 15) was performed in the trendelenburg position combined with the lithotomy position, whereas Lap-C (n = 10) was performed in the reverse trendelenburg position. The measured variables were PIP and OLP. We also marked the fiberoptic score to determine the intraoral position (FP) of the PLMA. OLP was measured using a manometric stability test. The variables were measured in a regular sequence as follows: S-0o-0, L-0o-0, L-0o-15, L-(-15o)-15, L-(-30o)-15 in Lap-Gy and S-0o-0, S-0o-15, S-(+15o)-15, S-(+30o)-15 in Lap-C. At each measured point, the capital S means supine and L lithotomy. Intermediate numbers with a 'o' superscript are table angles to the horizontal plane (degrees) , '-' means the trendelenburg position and '+', the reverse trendelenburg position, and the last number represents intraabdominal pressure (mmHg). RESULTS: PIP was significantly increased when L-0o-0 changed to L-0o-15, L-0o-15 to L-(-15o)-15 and L-(-15o)-15 to L-(-30o)-15 in Lap-G, and when S-0o-0 was changed to S-0o-15 in Lap-C (P < 0.05). But, OLP and FP were not significantly altered by changes in postion or intraabdominal pressure in both Lap-Gy and Lap-C. CONCLUSIONS: PIP was affected by pneumoperitoneum and positional changes. But, increases in intraabdominal pressure by pneumoperitoneum and changes in position during laparoscopic surgery had no effect on OLP and FP of PLMA.