Awake Fiberoptic Assisted Nasotracheal Intubation in Oral Malignancies - A Comparison between Airway Blocks and LA Spray - A Randomized, Interventional Crossover Trial

Awake fiberoptic assisted nasal intubation is the gold standard for securing airway in cases of oral malignancy posted for radical surgeries. Different techniques such as airway blocks, LA gargles, spray, nebulization along with light sedation are in practice. We wanted to evaluate the efficacy of airway blocks over airway spray for intubation conditions, time taken to intubation, patient comfort and complications. METHODSThis randomized, interventional and crossover study was conducted at Chirayu Medical College and Hospital. A total of 60 patients of ASA grade I-II with Mallampati score 3 & 4 undergoing wide local excision and neck dissection were selected after fulfilling of the selection criterion and were divided into two groups, Airway Block (AB, n-30) and Airway Spray group (AS, n-30). AB group received bilateral superior and transtracheal recurrent laryngeal nerve blocks and group AS local anaesthetic spray through the working channel of the fiberoptic scope. Haemodynamics, time taken for intubation, intubating conditions, patients’ comfort, and complications if any were noted. All data was tabulated and analysed using software SPSS 17.0. RESULTSMean total time taken for intubation in seconds was less. Intubating conditions were optimal in 90 % cases. 5-point comfort during and 3-point score immediately after intubation were excellent in AB compared AS group. Haemodynamically both the groups were comparable. CONCLUSIONSCombined block of the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves provides optimal conditions to facilitate a successful fibreoptic assisted awake nasotracheal intubation in anticipated difficult airway

Our initial experience of three versus two rows circular stapler devices for stapled hemorrhoidopexy: a single institution review of 224 cases

Background: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is a non-excisional approach for haemorrhoids as opposed to conventional open Milligan-Morgan and Ferguson closed haemorrhoidectomy techniques. It repositions the prolapsed haemorrhoid tissue and also causes vascular interruption to the haemorrhoids. This causes faster recovery and lesser post-operative pain.Methods: In authors institute, stapled haemorrhoidopexy was being carried out using two rows proximate PPH circular haemorrhoidal stapler. In February 2018, MIRUS three rows circular stapler was introduced. This is a retrospective observational study carried out at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, India. Authors studied records and operative notes of all patients who underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy between February 2018 and September 2019 and compared key parameters.Results: A total of 224 patients underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy between February 2018 and September 2019. 116 using MIRUS three rows circular stapler and 108 using two rows proximate PPH circular haemorrhoidal stapler. Most of the studied parameters were comparable with only significant statistical difference seen in higher use of haemostatic sutures in two rows stapler group compared to three rows stapler group. Haemostatic sutures were needed in three row stapler group for 27 patients and in two rows stapler group for 39 patients.Conclusions: Author’s initial experience shows slightly better haemostasis with three rows stapled haemorrhoidopexy with no significant difference in other parameters.