Effect of Remifentanil Concentration on Propofol Demand during Total Intravenous Anesthesia

Objective@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of remifentanil concentration during total intravenous anesthesia changes on propofol requirements, vital signs, wake-up time, and postoperative pain. @*Methods@#After induction of anesthesia, the concentration of remifentanil was divided into 2 ng/mL (R2 group) and 6 ng/mL (R6 group). In each group, the propofol concentration for maintaining a bispectral index (BIS) of 40–50, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, time from drug discontinuation to eye opening, and pain score in the recovery room were all measured using the Student t-test. Differences between the two groups were verified for statistical significance. @*Results@#The average BIS scores maintained during the time of measurement were 45.0±3.8 and 45.5±3.9 in the R2 and R6 groups, respectively. The effective concentrations of propofol to maintain these corresponding BIS scores were 3.0±0.6 mcg/mL and 2.4±0.7 mcg/mL in the R2 and R6 groups, respectively. @*Conclusion@#On using propofol and remifentanil during total intravenous anesthesia, the R6 group showed a reduction in the amount of propofol required to maintain a constant BIS, as well as reduced intraoperative blood pressure and pulse compared to those in the R2 group. No significant effects were observed in the time taken for the patient to wake up postoperatively and in postoperative pain experienced by the patient.

Effect of intravenous dexamethasone on the duration of postoperative analgesia for popliteal sciatic nerve block: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Intravenous (IV) dexamethasone prolongs the duration of a peripheral nerve block; however, there is little available information about its optimal effective dose. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three different doses of IV dexamethasone on the duration of postoperative analgesia to determine the optimal effective dose for a sciatic nerve block. @*Methods@#Patients scheduled for foot and ankle surgery were randomly assigned to receive normal saline or IV dexamethasone (2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg). An ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block was performed using 0.75% ropivacaine (20 ml) before general anesthesia. The duration of postoperative analgesia was the primary outcome, and pain scores, use of rescue analgesia, onset time, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction were assessed as secondary outcomes. @*Results@#Compared with the control group, the postoperative analgesic duration of the sciatic nerve block was prolonged in groups receiving IV dexamethasone 10 mg (P < 0.001), but not in the groups receiving IV dexamethasone 2.5 mg or 5 mg. The use of rescue analgesics was significantly different among the four groups 24 h postoperatively (P = 0.001) and similar thereafter. However, pain scores were not significantly different among the four groups 24 h postoperatively. There were no statistically significant differences in the other secondary outcomes among the four groups. @*Conclusions@#This study demonstrated that compared to the controls, only IV dexamethasone 10 mg increased the duration of postoperative analgesia following a sciatic nerve block for foot and ankle surgery without the occurrence of adverse events.

Effect of intravenous dexamethasone on the duration of postoperative analgesia for popliteal sciatic nerve block: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Intravenous (IV) dexamethasone prolongs the duration of a peripheral nerve block; however, there is little available information about its optimal effective dose. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three different doses of IV dexamethasone on the duration of postoperative analgesia to determine the optimal effective dose for a sciatic nerve block. @*Methods@#Patients scheduled for foot and ankle surgery were randomly assigned to receive normal saline or IV dexamethasone (2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg). An ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block was performed using 0.75% ropivacaine (20 ml) before general anesthesia. The duration of postoperative analgesia was the primary outcome, and pain scores, use of rescue analgesia, onset time, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction were assessed as secondary outcomes. @*Results@#Compared with the control group, the postoperative analgesic duration of the sciatic nerve block was prolonged in groups receiving IV dexamethasone 10 mg (P < 0.001), but not in the groups receiving IV dexamethasone 2.5 mg or 5 mg. The use of rescue analgesics was significantly different among the four groups 24 h postoperatively (P = 0.001) and similar thereafter. However, pain scores were not significantly different among the four groups 24 h postoperatively. There were no statistically significant differences in the other secondary outcomes among the four groups. @*Conclusions@#This study demonstrated that compared to the controls, only IV dexamethasone 10 mg increased the duration of postoperative analgesia following a sciatic nerve block for foot and ankle surgery without the occurrence of adverse events.

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.

Seborrheic dermatitis treatment with stellate ganglion block: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disorder presumed to be caused by increased sebaceous gland secretion, metabolic changes in the cutaneous microflora, and changes in the host immune function. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is known to increase the blood flow rate without altering the blood pressure, heart rate, or cardiac output, to stabilize hypertonic conditions of the sympathetic nerves, and to affect the endocrine and immune systems. It is used in the differential diagnosis and treatment of autonomic nervous system disorders of the head, neck, and upper limbs. The authors report the first case of successful treatment of a patient with seborrheic dermatitis through repeated SGB trials.

The effect of electromagnetic guidance system on early learning curve of ultrasound for novices / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Electromagnetic guidance reveals needle alignment and position relative to the image plane on an ultrasound view. This study compared the early learning curves of novices performing ultrasound-guided needle placement with (n = 10) or without electromagnetic guidance (n = 10). METHODS: Participants performed 30 ultrasound-guided needle placements using an echogenic stick (0.3-cm diameter) as a target inside a phantom model; this early learning period was divided into sequential periods (P1: 1-5, P2: 6-10, P3: 11-15, P4: 16-20, P5: 21-25, P6: 26-30 attempts). RESULTS: Using an in-plane approach, the time required for needle placement in the EMG group was significantly shorter than that of the non-EMG group in P1, P2, P4, and P6 and the number of needle advances of the EMG group was significantly smaller than that of the non-EMG group in P1 and P2. Using an out-of-plane approaches, the time required for needle placement in the EMG group was significantly shorter than that of the non-EMG group in all periods, but the number of needle advances was similar between both groups in P1-P5. CONCLUSIONS: The electromagnetic guidance system may be beneficial when performing ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks or vascular cannulation in the early learning period, especially by inexperienced operators with reducing patient risk.

Comparison between Glidescope and Lightwand for tracheal intubation in patients with a simulated difficult airway / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although Lightwand and Glidescope have both shown high success rates for intubation, there has been no confirmation as to which device is most effective for difficult endotracheal intubation. We compared the Glidescope and Lightwand devices in terms of duration of intubation and success rate at the first attempt in a simulated difficult airway situation. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients were randomized to undergo tracheal intubation with either the Glidescope (Glidescope group, n = 29) or the Lightwand (Lightwand group, n = 29). All patients were fitted with a semi-hard cervical collar in order to simulate a difficult airway, and intubation was attempted with the assigned airway device. The data collected included the rate of successful endotracheal intubation, the number of attempts required, the duration of the intubation, as well as the interincisor distance, hemodynamic variables, and adverse effects. RESULTS: There was no difference between Glidescope group (92.6%) and Lightwand group (96.4%) in terms of success rate for the first attempt at intubation. The duration of successful intubation for the first tracheal intubation attempt was significantly longer in Glidescope group than in Lightwand group (46.9 sec vs 29.5 sec, P = 0.001). All intubations were completed successfully within two intubation attempts. The incidence of hypertension was significantly higher in Glidescope group than in Lightwand group (51.9% vs 17.9%, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: In a simulated difficult airway situation, endotracheal intubation using Lightwand yielded a shorter duration of intubation and lower incidence of hypertension than when using Glidescope.

Endotracheal intubation using i-gel(R) and lightwand in a patient with difficult airway: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

This case report involves tracheal intubation using i-gel(R) in combination with a lightwand in a patient with a difficult airway, classified as Cormack-Lehane grade 3. I-gel(R) was used during anesthesia induction to properly maintain ventilation. The authors have previously reported successful tracheal intubation on a patient with a difficult airway through the use of i-gel(R) and a fiberoptic bronchoscope. However, if the use of a fiberoptic bronchoscope is not immediately available in a patient with a difficult airway, tracheal intubation may be performed by using i-gel(R) and a lightwand in a patient with difficult airway, allowing the safe induction of anesthesia.

Comparison of the preventive effects of pretreatment of lidocaine with a tourniquet and a premixed injection of lidocaine on propofol-LCT/MCT injection pain / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Lidocaine has been used widely to prevent propofol injection pain. Various methods of administration exist, such as lidocaine premixed with propofol or lidocaine pretreatment using a tourniquet, but it is unclear which method of lidocaine administration is more effective for the prevention of injection pain of propofol LCT/MCT. The purpose of this study was to compare pretreatment of lidocaine with a tourniquet and a premixed injection of lidocaine to prevent injection pain of propofol-LCT/MCT. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated into the pretreatment group (n = 117) or the premixed group (n = 117). The pretreatment group was pretreated with 2 ml of lidocaine 2%, held with a tourniquet, before propofol-LCT/MCT injection. The premixed group was injected with a premixed solution of propofol-LCT/MCT and 2 ml of lidocaine 2%. To evaluate the incidence and severity of pain, spontaneous verbal expressions of pain, movement of hand, frowning, and moaning were recorded, and the patients were asked to recall their pain with the visual analogue score (VAS) 30 minutes after awakening from anesthesia. RESULTS: Overall, injection pain occurred in 13.7% of the pretreatment group and 15.4% of the premixed group, without any statistical difference (P = 0.71). There was no difference in spontaneous verbal expressions of pain, movement of hand, frowning, and moaning between the two groups. The pain intensity (VAS) also showed no difference between the two groups (P = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment of lidocaine with a tourniquet showed no more benefit to prevent injection pain of propofol LCT/MCT compared to a premixed injection with lidocaine.

Comparison of dexmedetomidine and epinephrine as an adjuvant to 1% mepivacaine in brachial plexus block / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine extends the duration of nerve block when administered perineurally together with local anesthetics by central and/or peripheral action. In this study, we compared the duration of nerve block between dexmedetomidine and epinephrine as an adjuvant to 1% mepivacaine in infraclavicular brachial plexus block. METHODS: Thirty patients, scheduled for upper limb surgery were assigned randomly to 3 groups of 10 patients each. We performed brachial plexus block using a nerve stimulator. In the control group (group C), patients received 40 ml of 1% mepivacaine. In group E, patients received 40 ml of 1% mepivacaine containing 200 microg of epinephrine as an adjuvant. In group D, patients received 40 ml of 1% mepivacaine containing 1 microg/kg of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant. Sensory block duration, motor block duration, time to sense pain, and onset time were assessed. We also monitored blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and bispectral index. RESULTS: In group D and group E, sensory block duration, motor block duration and time to sense first pain were prolonged significantly compared to group C. However, there was no significant difference between group D and group E. CONCLUSIONS: Perineural 1 microg/kg of dexmedetomidine similarly prolonged nerve block duration compared to 200 microg of epinephrine, but slowed heart rate. Thus, dexmedetomidine is expected to be a good alternative as an adjuvant to local anesthesia in patients who are cautioned against epinephrine.

Two cases of opioid rotation applied to patients with chronic pain / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Pulmonary aspiration occurring during the induction of anesthesia in a patient with esophageal dilatation / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Asymptomatic pneumomediastinum resulting from air in the epidural space: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

There are no reports regarding pneumomediastinum caused by thoracic epidural block complications. We believe that it is possible to experience an occurrence of pneumomediastinum caused by air in the epidural space after performing a thoracic epidural block using the loss of resistance (LOR) technique with air. We report a witnessed case where pneumomediastinum appeared after a thoracic epidural block. Pneumorrrhachis, paravertebral muscle emphysema, and pneumomediastinum were diagnosed by Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography. Although extremely rare, pneumomediastinum can be caused by an epidural block using LOR technique with air. In order to avoid the above danger, the use of saline or very minimal amount of air is required during a careful LOR technique.

Newly Developed Urinary Retention and Motor Weakness of Lower Extremities in a Postherpetic Neuralgia Patient

During the early stage of postherpetic neuralgia, an epidural block on the affected segment is helpful in controlling pain and preventing progression to a chronic state. The main neurologic complication following an epidural block is cord compression symptom due to an epidural hematoma. When neurologic complications arise from an epidural block for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, it is important to determine whether the complications are due to the procedure or due to the herpes zoster itself. We report a case of a patient who was diagnosed with herpes zoster myelitis during treatment for postherpetic neuralgia. The patient complained of motor weakness in the lower extremities after receiving a thoracic epidural block six times. Although initially, we believed that the complications were due to the epidural block, it was ultimately determined to be from the herpes zoster myelitis.

Airway management of patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery: a single center analysis / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Airway management of patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery: a single center analysis / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

The comparison of QTc interval change on the ECG during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under inhalation and total intravenous anesthesia

BACKGROUND: There can be changes in the cardiac function during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In this study, QTc interval changes were compared between total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) group and inhalation anesthesia group during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: The study was conducted on adult patients, ages ranging from 20 to 65 years old, and classified as the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II. At random, the patients were divided into group 1 (TIVA, n = 20) and group 2 (inhalation anesthesia, n = 19). Group 1 patients were induced and maintained with continuous infusion of remifentanil and propofol using a target controlled infusion device. Patients in group 2 were induced with sevoflurane and N2O using mask ventilation, and then anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and N2O. The QTc interval, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were measured prior to induction, immediately following intubation, 10 minutes following intubation, following CO2 inflation, immediately following head-up position, 10 minutes following head-up position, following CO2 deflation-supine position respectively. RESULTS: In group 1, the ECG sampling showed no prolongation in the QTc intervals at all measured points. In group 2, QTc interval was significantly longer at all other measured points compared to prior to induction (P < 0.05). Except prior to induction, QTc intervals were significantly longer at all other measure points in group 2 compared to those in group 1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no QTc interval prolongation under the TIVA using propofol and remifentanil during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Procedural sedation and analgesia in children

As various diagnostic and treatment technologies evolve, the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on pediatric patients outside operating rooms is rapidly becoming more common. Procedural sedation and analgesia refers to the use of sedatives and analgesics to provide anxiolysis, analgesia, and immobilization during the procedure. There is a need for a common guideline that may be used by different health professionals, including anesthesiologists, pediatricians, emergency medicine physicians, dentists, radiologists, and others that are involved in these settings. Furthermore, during the entire process an anesthesiologist should be responsible for the training of those involved. Procedural sedation and analgesia is a branch of clinical medicine that includes informed consent, fasting before sedation, patient evaluation, medication administration, patient monitoring, recovery and discharge, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Complications associated with procedural sedation and analgesia may occur due to a drug overdose or side effects, inadequate patient monitoring, physician's errors, and/or insufficient recovery. Although the most common complications are airway obstruction or respiratory depression, these may be prevented by careful patient monitoring and appropriate emergency response. Further progress in procedural sedation and analgesia will require research, an assessment of newer sedatives, and improvements in the reporting system for adverse events.

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.

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.