Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block in Patients with Ventricular Electrical Storm: A Case Report

If cardiac sympathetic activity increases after myocardial injury, a ventricular electrical storm (VES) may occur. The stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive technique performed to control VES through temporary sympathetic cessation. This case was treated after 3 stellate ganglion blocks in VES developed after non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. This patient underwent prophylactic stellate ganglion block prior to radical nephrectomy for a renal mass found during hospitalization, and the operation was safely completed. Stellate ganglion block is expected to be a safe treatment option for patients with unstable VES.

Abdominal compartment syndrome caused by gastric distension in bulimia nervosa and fatal injury following surgical decompression - A case report -

Background@#Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) occurs due to increased abdominal cavity pressure, causes multiple organ damage, and leads to fatal consequences. Increased intraperitoneal pressure due to different reasons generally does not result in serious damage, due to the compliance of the abdominal wall. However, when the pressure exceeds the limit, ACS develops, thereby causing fatal damage to the organs. Case: A patient presented with rapid stomach swelling due to excessive food intake and was known to have bulimia nervosa, which had now resulted in ACS. Mental changes, abdominal distension, color change in the legs, acute kidney injury, and acidosis were seen. The patient expired due to ischemia-reperfusion injury and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which occurred after surgical decompression. @*Conclusions@#Under suspected ACS conditions, we should be aware of various symptoms that can occur. Early attempts for decompression are helpful, and it is important to be prepared for reperfusion injury prior to surgical decompression attempts.

Segregation for reduction of regulated medical waste in the operating room: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

One-third of all hospital-regulated medical waste (RMW) comes from the operating room (OR), and it considerably consists of disposable packaging and wrapping materials for the sterilization of surgical instruments. This study sought to identify the amount and type of waste produced by ORs in order to reduce the RMW so as to achieve environmentally-friendly waste management in the OR. We performed an initial waste segregation of 4 total knee replacement arthroplasties (TKRAs) and 1 total hip replacement arthroplasty, and later of 1 extra TKRA, 1 laparoscopic anterior resection of the colon, and 1 pelviscopy (with radical vaginal hysterectomy), performed at our OR. The total mass of non-regulated medical waste (non-RMW) and blue wrap amounted to 30.5 kg (24.9%), and that of RMW to 92.1 kg (75.1%). In the course of the study, we noted that the non-RMW included recyclables, such as papers, plastics, cardboards, and various wrapping materials. The study showed that a reduction in RMW generation can be achieved through the systematic segregation of OR waste.

Erratum: Increased Expression of Herpes Virus-Encoded hsv1-miR-H18 and hsv2-miR-H9-5p in Cancer-Containing Prostate Tissue Compared to That in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Tissue / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

In this article, a part of fund and grant supports was omitted unintentionally.

Anti-interleukin-33 Reduces Ovalbumin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Expression of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of anti-interleukin-33 (anti-IL-33) on a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: Twenty-four female BALB/c mice were assigned to 4 groups: group A (control, n=6) was administered sterile saline intraperitoneally (i.p.) and intranasally (i.n.); group B (allergic, n=6) was administered i.p./i.n. OVA challenge; group C (null treatment, n=6) was administered control IgG i.p. before OVA challenge; and group D (anti-IL-33, n=6) was pretreated with 3.6 µg of anti-IL-33 i.p. before every OVA challenge. The following were evaluated after sacrifice: serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, Kidney injury molecule-1 gene (Kim-1) and protein (KIM-1) expression in renal parenchyma, and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), phosphorylated endothelial NOS (p-eNOS), and phosphorylated AMP kinase (p-AMPK) proteins in renal parenchyma. RESULTS: After OVA injection and intranasal challenge, mice in groups B and C showed significant increases in the expression of Kim-1 at both the mRNA and protein levels. After anti-IL-33 treatment, mice in group D showed significant Kim-1 down-regulation at the mRNA and protein levels. Group D also showed significantly lower COX-2 protein expression, marginally lesser iNOS expression than groups B and C, and p-eNOS and p-AMPK expression at baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: Kim-1 could be a useful marker for detecting early-stage renal injury in mouse models of OVA-induced AKI. Further, anti-IL-33 might have beneficial effects on these mouse models.

Increased Expression of Herpes Virus-Encoded hsv1-miR-H18 and hsv2-miR-H9-5p in Cancer-Containing Prostate Tissue Compared to That in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Tissue / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Previously, we reported the presence of virus-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) in the urine of prostate cancer (CaP) patients. In this study, we investigated the expression of two herpes virus-encoded miRNAs in prostate tissue. METHODS: A total of 175 tissue samples from noncancerous benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 248 tissue samples from patients with CaP and BPH, and 50 samples from noncancerous surrounding tissues from these same patients were analyzed for the expression of two herpes virus-encoded miRNAs by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunocytochemistry using nanoparticles as molecular beacons. RESULTS: Real-time reverse transcription-PCR results revealed significantly higher expression of hsv1-miR-H18 and hsv2-miRH9- 5p in surrounding noncancerous and CaP tissues than that in BPH tissue (each comparison, P<0.001). Of note, these miRNA were expressed equivalently in the CaP tissues and surrounding noncancerous tissues. Moreover, immunocytochemistry clearly demonstrated a significant enrichment of both hsv1-miR-H18 and hsv2-miR-H9 beacon-labeled cells in CaP and surrounding noncancerous tissue compared to that in BPH tissue (each comparison, P<0.05 for hsv1-miR-H18 and hsv2- miR-H9). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that increased expression of hsv1-miR-H18 and hsv2-miR-H95p might be associated with tumorigenesis in the prostate. Further studies will be required to elucidate the role of these miRNAs with respect to CaP and herpes viral infections.

Refractory Vascular Spasm Associated with Coronary Bypass Grafting

Diffuse refractory vascular spasms associated with coronary bypass artery grafting (CABG) are rare but devastating. A 42-year-old male patient with a past history of stent insertion was referred for the surgical treatment of a recurrent left main coronary artery disease. A hemodynamic derangement developed during graft harvesting, necessitating a hurried initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Although CABG was carried out as planned, the patient could not be weaned from the bypass. An emergency coronary angiography demonstrated a diffuse spasm of both native coronary arteries and grafts. CPB was switched to the femorofemoral extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO). Although he managed to recover from heart failure, his discharge was delayed due to the ischemic injury of the lower limb secondary to cannulation for ECMO. We reviewed the case and literature, placing emphasis on the predisposing factors and appropriate management.

Endovascular Stent Graft Treatment in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysmal Disease / 대한혈관외과학회지

PURPOSE: The frequency of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is increasing due to lower morbidity and mortality than that of open repair. The aim is to evaluate the results of TEVAR in patients with thoracic aortic disease. METHODS: Twenty seven patients have undergone TEVAR from October, 2003 to November, 2012. Aortic diagnoses were 7 descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, 6 acute descending aortic dissections, 6 traumatic aortic transactions, 4 aortic arch aneurysms, 2 chronic descending aortic dissections, and 2 penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU). Multi detector computerized tomography (MDCT) aortography was done at one week, one month, six months, and one year interval. RESULTS: Indications for TEVAR were aortic diameter of more than 5.5 cm in 9 patients, traumatic aortic transaction in 6, persistent chest pain in 4, increasing aortic diameter during follow-up period in 3, aneurysm rupture in 3, and PAU more than 2 cm in 2. Hybrid TEVAR was done in 7 patients. Primary technical success, showing complete aneurysmal exclusion, was done except in one patient (96%). There was one operation death (4%). Two patients developed perioperative stroke, but recovered without sequelae. MDCT was done during the mean of 18 months (range, 1 to 98 months) follow-up period. Small type I endoleak was found in two patients (7%), and type III endoleak was found in a patient (4%). Stent graft migration was in one patient. There was no aorta related deaths during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Intermediate term result of TEVAR in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysmal disease was encouraging. It may be used as a treatment option for thoracic aortic disease.

The effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine on the duration of brachial plexus block

BACKGROUND: Dexmedemomidine, a highly selective alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonist has an analgesic and sedative effect without causing respiratory depression. In this study, we compared the duration of brachial plexus block (BPB), the time at which the patient first feels pain after performing BPB, the need for use of analgesics, and the occurrence rate of complications while continuous infusion with dexmedetomidine was used for sedation in patients undergoing BPB, to a control group, who were only infused with normal saline. METHODS: BPB was performed in 48 patients scheduled for upper limb surgery. Infraclavicular approach was provided with 40 ml of 1.5% mepivacaine and 200 microg of epinephrine using nerve stimulator. After verification of successful block, dexmedetomidine group received dexmedetomidine (loading dose 0.1 microg/kg/min for the first 10 minutes followed by a maintenance dose of 0.005 microg/kg/min as required to maintain bispectral index 60-80). In the control group, normal saline was infused at a rate of 10 ml/hr. The duration of BPB, the time at which the patient first feels pain after performing BPB, frequency of complication, and the use of analgesics of the both groups were checked. RESULTS: The motor and sensory block duration, and the time at which the patient first feels pain after BPB were longer in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the control group. And the need for analgesics were less in the dexmedetomidine group. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine prolongs the duration of BPB.

Hypertensive crisis during wide excision of gastrointestinal stromal cell tumor (GIST): Undiagnosed paraganglioma: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Although paraganglioma (PGL), an extra-adrenal retroperitoneal pheochromocytoma (PHEO), is a rare catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumor, it can cause severe hypertensive crisis during anesthesia or surgery if undiagnosed preoperatively. Extraluminal perigastric masses may be presumed to be gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) or soft tissue sarcomas even when histologic confirmation is not possible. Therefore, without a histologic diagnosis or symptoms of excessive catecholamine secretion, PGL may be mistaken for GIST. We report a case of preoperatively undiagnosed PGL which caused hypertensive crisis during anesthesia for retroperitoneal mass excision.

Endotracheal intubation using i-gel and a flexible fiber optic bronchoscope: A case report

Most anesthesiologists, at one point or another, are faced with a difficult airway. We came upon an unexpected difficult airway and a failed intubation using a direct laryngoscope and lightwand. At this point, we decided to insert an i-gel which is quick and simple. This allowed us to maintain oxygenation and ventilation. After checking for the location of the laryngeal inlet with a flexible fiber optic bronchoscope, a 5.5 mm internal diameter endotracheal tube was inserted into the trachea over the flexible fiber optic bronchoscope. Finally, a suitable a 7.0 mm internal diameter endotracheal tube was inserted using an exchange catheter technique. With respect to this case, we conclused that the i-gel is a very helpful device for endotracheal intubation in patients with difficult airways.

Post-operative nausea and vomiting after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery: comparison between propofol and sevoflurane / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We compared the incidence and degree of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients who received general anesthesia with propofol or sevoflurane using the Rhodes index of nausea, vomiting, and retching (RINVR) to assess the degree of PONV quantitatively and objectively during the post-anesthetic period. METHODS: We performed a prospective study involving 38 patients who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery in our hospital between September 2008 and August 2009. Nineteen patients were anesthetized with propofol during the entire anesthetic period and the other 19 patients received 2.0 mg/kg of propofol intravenously, followed by sevoflurane inhalation. Three patients who were anesthetized with sevoflurane were excluded from the analysis because they were omitted during the survey. We studied the patients who had PONV and RINVR scores 1, 6, and 24 hours post-operatively. RESULTS: The propofol group had a statistically lower incidence of PONV and lower RINVR scores in the following subclasses within 1 hour of surgery: symptom occurrence; symptom distress; and symptom experience. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol at induction and during maintenance of anesthesia can be used to prevent PONV within 1 hour post-operatively in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

A SGB treatment case of a patient's postoperative intractable hiccup: A case report

Hiccups occur due to sudden glottic closure connected to inspiratory muscle and diaphragm's involuntary spasm. Hiccups have been known to be caused organically, psychologically, and by some unknown causes, yet, their pathophysiologic mechanism is still unknown. There are non-drug treatments such as hyperventilation, drinking water, pharynx and larynx stimulation, and Valsalva maneuver: and drug treatments such as antipsychotics and antiepileptics. Nerve block can be also considered. A 67-year-old man, who was hospitalized due to his months' long hiccup, had begun hiccups 5-6 months after an operation of radical subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth I anastomosis due to his early gastric cancer. During follow-ups of 4 weeks and 12 weeks after one treatment of bilateral SGB, the patient no longer complained hiccups. In conclusion, SGB treatment for intractable hiccup is an alternative method to palliative therapy or pharmacotherapy when either method is ineffective as a cure.

A comparison of infraclavicular and supraclavicular approaches to the brachial plexus using neurostimulation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: A prospective, double blind study was performed to compare the clinical effect of vertical infraclavicular and supraclavicular brachial plexus block using a nerve stimulator for upper limb surgery. METHODS: One hundred patients receiving upper limb surgery under infraclavicular or supraclavicular brachial plexus block were enrolled in this study. The infraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed using the vertical technique with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. The supraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed using the plumb bob technique with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. The block performance-related pain was evaluated. This study observed which nerve type was stimulated, and scored the sensory and motor block. The quality of the block was assessed intra-operatively. The duration of the sensory and motor block as well as the complications were assessed. The patient's satisfaction with the anesthetic technique was assessed after surgery. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the block performance-related pain, frequency of the stimulated nerve type, evolution of sensory and motor block quality, or the success of the block. There were no significant differences in the duration of the sensory and motor block. There was a significant difference in the incidence of Horner's syndrome. Two patients had a pneumothorax in the supraclavicular approach. There were no significant differences in the patient's satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Both infraclavicular and supraclavicular brachial plexus block had similar effects. The infraclavicular approach may be preferred to the supraclavicular approach when considering the complications.

Stellate ganglion block for the treatment of acne vulgaris in adult : Case reports

Therapeutic agents such as antibiotics, hormonal drugs and retinoids are usually applied for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Adult patients with acne vulgaris may suffer from various side effects of the therapeutic agents. Stellate ganglion blocks are known to be effective for general dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. We experienced that a stellate ganglion block showed significant therapeutic effects in two patients with severe acne that did not respond to other treatments including medications. A stellate ganglion block should be considered as an effective treatment method for patients with acne vulgaris, especially in cases where little improvement is seen with the use of other treatment methods.

Usefulness of ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block: a comparison with nerve stimulation method / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recently, ultrasound guidance in clinical procedures including brachial plexus block has gained popularity. This method has been considered to be an efficient and a useful method with real-time visualization. Many reports have showed the usefulness of ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block. We evaluated the usefulness of ultrasound guidance in infraclavicular brachial plexus block compared with nerve stimulation. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomized into two groups of US group (ultrasound-guided block) and NS group (nerve stimulation). Blocks were performed with mepivacaine 2% and bupivacaine 0.5% with epinephrine 1:200,000 (total volume 40 ml). Block execution time, onset time, success rate, patient's discomfort and complications were measured and statistically evaluated for the comparison. RESULTS: Block execution time were 88.3 +/- 48.1 sec in US group and 172.7 +/- 103.1 sec in group NS, respectively (P = 0.017). Onset time were 16.0 +/- 6.9 min and 17.7 +/- 7.8 min (P = 0.434). Success rates were 93.3% and 80.0% (P = 0.283). Patient's discomfort was not significantly different. Pain in patients with fractured arm was significantly lower in US group (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: An ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block is useful with less time consumption and less discomfort in patients with fracture of arm. Success rate and onset time were acceptable.

Internal jugular vein thrombosis detection by ultrasound scan after failure of internal jugular vein catheterization: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Right internal jugular vein catheterization is performed frequently as central venous catheterization by the landmark method. This procedure, however, might prove difficulty due to anatomic variations or thrombosis of internal jugular vein. We failed to catheterize right internal jugular vein by the landmark method in 70-year-old female patient. And then, we detected right internal jugular vein thrombosis by ultrasound scan. Left internal jugular vein catheterization was performed by the ultrasound guided technique. Central venous catheterization has possibility to fail despite several attempts by the landmark method. Then, ultrasound guided approach is a good choice to aid central venous catheterization when difficulties or complications have been encountered.

Anesthetic Management of Early Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus for Premature Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Left-to-right shunt through patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) produces significant hemodynamic and respiratory derangements in premature infants. Combined diseases in these patients often preclude attempts to close the PDA medically with indomethacin. Recently, the efficacy of early surgical closure performed in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) rather than in operating room (OR) has been emphasized to reduce the risks of transferring unstable infants. Therefore, we reviewed the anesthetic management and clinical status of premature infants who underwent early surgical closure of PDA in NICU. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2007, we reviewed retrospectively 17 premature infants with extremely low birth weight below 1,500 g and 33 weeks gestational age who underwent early ligation of PDA in NICU with left axillary minithoracotomy. RESULTS: The mean gestational age and weight of infants were 29.4 +/- 1.8 (26(+3) - 32) weeks and 849 +/- 165 (450 - 1,080) g. Most of the infants had complications related to PDA and prematurity. Diastolic blood pressure and pulse oxymetry saturation changed with ligation of PDA from 27.4 +/- 5.3 mmHg and 96.3 +/- 2.9% to 38.1 +/- 10.0 mmHg and 93.8 +/- 2.6%, respectively. The body temperature didn't show significant alterations. There was no direct procedure-related death although threeinfants died from pneumonia and sepsis at 29, 30 and 34 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Performing early PDA ligation in NICU was demonstrated to be safe and effective, especially in terms of providing continuous care and avoiding the risk of hypothermia.

Successful Treatment of Epidural Abscess with Percutaneous Drainage: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Continuous epidural analgesia is commonly used for chronic pain treatment as well as postoperative pain control. Epidural abscess is rare, but it is a serious complication of the continuous epidural analgesia, which leads to neurologic sequelae. Epidural catheter was inserted to a 87-year-old woman who complained of postherpetic neuralgia from T6 dermatome for continuous epidural analgesia. Two weeks later, neuralgia was aggravated along with back pain and tenderness around catheter insertion area. ESR and CRP level was also elevated. Epidural abscess was detected on MRI scan right after removal of catheter. It has been improved with percutaneous drainage via Tuohy needle with antibiotics without need for surgery. We conclude that percutaneous drainage with antibiotics is an effective method for the treatment of early diagnosed epidural abscess without neurologic deficit, especially in the high risk patients for operation.

Anaphylaxis by vecuronium during induction of general anesthesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Anaphylaxis is one of major causes of morbidity and mortality during anesthesia. Muscle relaxants are the most common cause of anaphylaxis during anesthesia. A 54-year-old woman was scheduled for thyroidectomy. She had no history of allergy and had never previously undergone general anesthesia, Lidocaine, propofol and vecuronium were injected sequentially to induce general anesthesia. Two minutes after the vecuronium injection, severe hypotension, tachycardia and bronchospasm developed, and delayed skin rashes appeared. The patient recovered without any significant complications after immediate proper intensive care. The operation was delayed and a skin test was performed on the 7th day after discharge. She revealed a positive skin test for vecuronium. The anesthesia was re-induced without muscle relaxant and maintained with propofol and remifentanil infusion. Surgery was completed uneventfully, and the patient recovered without any adverse reaction.