Delayed hypoxemia due to endobronchial intubation as a result of positioning the patient under general anesthesia: A case report

Undetected endobronchial intubation during general anesthesia can cause serious complications. However, it is very difficult to determine the exact location of the endotracheal tube when it is positioned in the middle of the trachea. We experienced a patient who showed hypoxia caused by the positioning of the endobronchial tube. We think that the tube might have been advanced from the upper part of the carina into the right main bronchus while the neck was being flexed by the neurosurgeon for achieving better surgical exposure.

Cauda equina syndrome after spinal anesthesia in a patient with severe spinal stenosis: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Cauda equina syndrome is a well-known but rare complication of spinal anesthesia. An 80-year-old man was scheduled for both herniorrhaphy. Spinal anesthesia was performed at the L3-4 interspinous space with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 12 mg. Eight hours after anesthesia, the patient complained bilateral sensorimotor deficits of the lower extremities and peroneal region. Urinary and fecal incontinence were also observed. MRI and myelography showed severe central spinal stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5. EMG showed cauda equina syndrome. Seven weeks after the procedure, left decompressive subtotal laminectomy L2-L5 was done. The patient still complains the neuropathic pain in the both lower extremities and ambulates using a walker. The local anesthetic was injected into thecal sac between maximum stenoses, and it is likely that there was poor upward spread leading to maldistribution of local anesthetic and resultant local anesthetic toxicity.

The effect of priming with rocuronium on onset time and intubation conditions during endotracheal intubation with low-dose rocuronium / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: A priming dose of rocuronium can shorten the onset time of neuromuscular blockade. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of priming with rocuronium on the onset time and intubation conditions during tracheal intubation with low-dose rocuronium (0.35 mg/kg) and to compare results with those for rocuronium 0.45 mg/kg. METHODS: One hundred twenty four patients were randomly allocated to three groups. Following induction of anesthesia, groups I and III received normal saline while group II received a priming dose of rocuronium (0.05 mg/kg). Three minutes after priming, groups I, II and III received, respectively, 0.45 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg and 0.35 mg/kg rocuronium. Intubation was performed 2 minutes after the administration of an intubating dose and intubation conditions were evaluated. Neuromuscular blockade was assessed by accelerography. RESULTS: The proportion of cases having optimal intubation conditions in group I was higher than in groups II and III. There was no significant difference in the onset times among groups. Neuromuscular blockade at 60, 90 and 120 seconds after an intubating dose was similar among all groups except at 60 sec. Maximal blockade for group I was deep compared to groups II and III. CONCLUSIONS: Rocuronium 0.35 mg/kg does not provide satisfactory intubation conditions. There are no effects on onset time and intubation conditions due to priming during tracheal intubation with rocuronium 0.35 mg/kg.

Comparative acute toxicity of quaternary ammonium lidocaine derivative QX-314 to lidocaine in mice

BACKGROUND: The current study examined the acute systemic toxicity of QX-314 that there have been few research results for this so far. In order to be useful as a drug, it must be shown to have minimal toxicities. Hence, we compared the CNS and cardiac toxicities of QX-314 to the conventional local anesthetic lidocaine. METHODS: Acute toxicity was evaluated by determining the individual intravenous CD50 and LD50 of QX-314 and lidocaine. There were four doses for each LD50 determination and 8 animals per dose level. Animals were observed for several hours immediately following drug administration and recorded overt effects and fatalities. Both lidocaine and QX-314 were dissolved in saline. Lidocaine and QX-314 were diluted to 1, 2, 4, 6 and 0.5, 1, 2, 4%, respectively with saline and injected at the same volume to minimized cardiovascular effect. RESULTS: The intravenous CD50 and LD50 were 12.7 and 14.1 mg/kg for QX-314 and 15.7 and 28.8 mg/kg for lidocaine. Electrocardiograms showed intraventricular block (widened QRS complex) at high doses of lidocaine compared to AV block (loss of QRS complex) at high concentrations of QX-314. There are no evidence that CNS toxicity led mouse to death. CONCLUSIONS: QX-314 is about 1.5 times as toxic as lidocaine. Although QX-314 may still be useful clinically as a long-lasting local anesthetic, its safety relative to other available local anesthetics must be considered.

The Change of Bispectral Index in Endotracheal Intubation with Propofol and Remifentanil without Muscle Relaxant

BACKGROUND: There have been conflicting reports about the effect of muscle relaxant to bispectral index during propofol anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of bispectral index (BIS) in endotracheal intubation with propofol and remifentanil without muscle relaxant and to compare with those in endotracheal intubation with muscle relaxant. METHODS: Forty-eight ASA physical status I or II patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups. Each patient were anesthetized with propofol at target effect site concentration of 4.0microg/ml with remifentanil 3.0microg/kg. Saline was injected in Group S and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was injected in Group R. Intubation was attempted, and the BIS, intubating condition, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were observed up to 5 minutes after intubation. RESULTS: BIS was elevated after intubation in Group S. BIS after intubation in group S were significantly higher than group R. BIS after injection of rocuronium in group R was significantly decreased. There were no significant differences in hemodynamic datas in two groups. Intubation condition was acceptable in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The BIS in endotracheal intubation with propofol and remifentanil without muscle relaxantI can be higher than in endotracheal intubation with muscle relaxant.

Herpes Zoster in Healthy Child: A case report / 대한통증학회지

Herpes zoster in childhood is uncommon, but it is more common in association with immunosuppression. Maternal varicella infection during pregnancy and varicella occurring in the newborn represent risk for childhood herpes zoster. However, some controversies persist on risk factors, diagnosis, and the natural history of childhood disease. We report a 10-year-old healthy boy with shingles and review the risk factors, prognosis, and treatment of pediatric zoster.

The Effect of Butorphanol on the Bispectral Index during Intravenous Anesthesia with Propofol and Remifentanil

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of butorphanol on the Bispectral Index (BIS) during the administration of intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. METHODS: Forty adult patients, ASA I-II, scheduled for an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy were studied. The doses for the anesthetics were adjusted to keep the BIS value between 40 and 50. After 20 minutes of stable anesthesia, the subjects were randomly allocated to receive intravenous saline (control group) or 0.02 mg/kg butorphanol (butorphanol group). The BIS values, mean arterial pressure, and heart ratewere recorded every five minutes for a period of 20 minutes. RESULTS: The mean BIS values after butorphanol administration were not significantly different from the values following the administration of saline, throughout the observation period. No patients were able to recall explicitly any events under anesthesia. No significant changes in mean arterial pressure and heart rate were noted after butorphanol administration. CONCLUSIONS: Butorphanol given to prevent postoperative pain does not modify the BIS value during anesthesia maintained with remifentanil and propofol.

Effect of Low-dose Rocuronium on Tracheal Intubating Conditions during Induction of 8 vol% Sevoflurane with Remifentanil

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effect of low doses of rocuronium on tracheal intubating conditions and hemodynamic changes during induction of anesthesia with 8 vol% sevoflurane and remifentanil 1microg/kg. METHODS: Eighty four patients were randomized into one of three groups; Group I, II, III. Each group received normal saline, 0.3, 0.45 mg/kg of rocuronium respectively. Predetermined drugs for each group and remifentanil 1microg/kg were administered during induction of 8 vol% sevoflurane. After induction of 8 vol% sevoflurane, tracheal intubation was preformed. The tracheal intubation conditions and hemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation were assessed. RESULTS: Tracheal intubation was successful in all patients. The incidence of clinically acceptable intubating conditions was 79% in Group I, 100% in Group II, and 100% in Group III. There was no significant difference in intubating condition between Group II and Group III. The hemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation were blunted in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: After induction with 8 vol% sevoflurane and remifentanil 1microg/kg, low-dose rocuronium provides more satisfactory tracheal intubation conditions.

The Use of a Continuous Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block for Pain Control following Shoulder Surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Pain following shoulder surgery is usually severe and difficult to control using conventional postoperative pain control maneuvers. Therefore, we investigated the pain control efficacy, PONV (postoperative nausea vomiting) and complications by the use of a continuous brachial plexus block in patients who had undergone shoulder surgery. METHODS: Thirty three shoulder surgery patients were enrolled in this study. According to the Borgeat's modified lateral technique, 30 ml of 0.37% ropivacaine were injected into the patients, which was followed by insertion of a continuous brachial plexus catheter into the plexus sheath. The operation was then conducted under general anesthesia, and postoperative pain was evaluated in the recovery room 12, 24, 36, and 48 hr after surgery. In addition, nausea and vomiting was calculated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and sedation was evaluated using the modified Ramsay score. A total of 400 ml of 0.2% Ropivacaine was administered at a rate of 8 ml/hr to control the postoperative pain for 2 days. In addition, other neurological complications were investigated, and the catheter tips were cultured after they were removed to determine if any infection had occurred. RESULTS: The postoperative pain scores were below 2 on the 10 cm VAS, and the level of nausea and vomiting was also satisfactorily (< 2/10 cm VAS). In addition, the mean sedation score of the patients in the recovery room was 2. There were complications including motor weakness (24%), dyspnea (15%), Hornor's syndrome (9%), postauricular numbness (9%) and metallic taste (3%), however, there were no patients who complained of neurological symptoms after one month of follow-up, and no signs of infection were found when the results of catheter tip cultures were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block is a feasible method of postoperative pain control for patients who undergo major shoulder surgery.

Anesthetic Experience of Acquired Distal Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) was detected in a woman who received chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The fistula biopsy confirmed the aspergillus infection. A large fistula was located at the lateral wall of the carina involving the proximal left main bronchus, and the orifice of left main bronchus was almost completely obstructed by white mass-like plaque. Primary repair was planned using the right thoracotomy approach. We originally planned to selectively intubate the left lung with the aid of fiberoptic bronchoscope without success. Therefore, we selectively intubated the right lung. Hypoxemia developed during surgery and the level of oxygenation was improved by selectively intubating the left bronchus from the surgical field once the defect had been exposed. We review the ventilation technique and anesthetic problems encountered in patients with a large distal TEF.

Anesthesia for a Sturge-Weber Syndrome Patient with Severe Facial Hemangioma: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Sturge-Weber syndrome is characterized by congenital skin angiomas throughout the facio-trigeminal region, which can cause difficulty in airway management in the case of general anesthesia. The problems with this syndrome include glaucoma, seizures, severe mental retardation, intracranial cavernous hemangioma, etc. We report a case of a patient with Sturge-Weber syndrome with severe facial hemangioma who underwent septoplasty and inferior turbinectomy under general anesthesia. We also review the literature on the anesthetic management for the Sturge-Weber syndrome and discuss methods for avoiding complications.

The Effect of Injection Speed of Local Anesthetic on Success Rate of Unilateral Spinal Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the injection speed of a local anesthetic and the success rate of unilateral spinal anesthesia has been a controversial issue. The aim of this thesis was to identify any significant effects of the drug injection speed on the success rate of unilateral spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups, group R and S. The injection speed was 4 ml/min in group R (n = 20) and 1 ml/min in group S (n = 20). Hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine 10 mg was injected via a syringe pump. The drug was administered at the L3-4 intervertebral space with the patient in the lateral decubitus position, which was maintained for 20 minutes after the injection. A spinal sensory block was assessed by examining the temperature sensation using an alcohol-sponge. The motor block was evaluated using the modified Bromage scale and the dependent and non-dependent sides were compared. RESULTS: Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the success rate of unilateral motor paralysis (45% in group R vs 90% in group S). There were no significant blood pressure differences between the two groups 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after injecting the hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine. CONCLUSIONS: The injection speed of local anesthetics is one of the crucial factors for achieving a unilateral spinal anesthesia. Therefore, it is important to maintain a slow injection speed of a local anesthetic in unilateral spinal anesthesia.

A Comparison of the Effects of Propofol and Sevoflurane Anesthesias on Intraocular Pressure during Laparoscopic Hysterectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position affects the cardiopulmonary system and may also influence intraocular pressure (IOP). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesias on IOP change during laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: Thirty-one women were randomly allocated to either a propofol (P-group, n = 15) intravenous anesthesia group or a sevoflurane (S-group, n = 16) inhaled anesthesia group with fentanyl-N2O/O2-vecuronium. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, plateau airway pressure, ETCO2, and IOP were measured before induction (T1), 10 min after induction (T2), 10 min after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position (T3), and 5 min after pneumoperitoneum deflation in the horizontal position (T4). RESULTS: IOP was significantly decreased in both groups after induction. IOP was increased in both groups after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position, but IOP in the sevoflurane group was significantly higher than that in the propofol group. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol intravenenous anesthesia may be a better choice for IOP control during laparoscopic surgery.

Vasodilatory Action of Propofol and the Effect of Propofol on the Contractile Response of Endotoxin Exposured Vessles in the Aortic Arteries of Rats / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the NO and its vasodilatory effect of propofol has been a somewhat controversial matter. And, the effects of propofol has not been evaluated in septic condition whether it is solely due to its increased iNOS activity. METHODS: First experiment is to study that the vasodilatory effect of propofol could be caused by NO. Isolated aortic rings with or without endothelium were contracted phenylephrine (10(-9)-10(-5)M) cumulatevely after porpofol (10(-5)M) administration. The effects of L-NAME (3 x 10(-4)M) and methylene blue (10(-5)M) on contractile responses for phenylephrine were evaluated. Second experiment is to study the effect of propofol on septic vesseles. the no LPS (lypopolysaccaride) and LPS treated rings with or without endothelium were contracted phenylephrine (10(-9)-10(-5)M) cumulatevely after porpofol (10(-5)M) administration. The development of sepsis was confirmed by iNOS expression using RT-PCR. RESULTS: All the aortic rings showed decreased response on phenylephrine contractile response with propofol administration. These responses were significantly less in denuded ones than in ones with intact endothelium. The endothelium dependent relaxation of propofol was inhibited by pretreatment with L-NAME and methylene blue in rat aortic rings having intact endothelium. All the aortic rings incubated with LPS showed decreased phenylephrine contractile response. The addition of propofol produced significantly more decrease in contractile response in LPS incubated rings in a greater than additive effect. The LPS induced hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine was reversed by addition of cycloheximide. However, with the addition of propofol to LPS treated rings, complete reversal of this hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine, failed to occur by addition of cycloheximide. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The vasodilatory effect of propofol seems to be mediatede by EDRF/NO, 2) The vasodilatory effect of propofol is increased in septic vesseles. Moreover, the inability of nitric oxide synthase inhibitior to reverse this response completely suggest that increased induction of iNOS may not be a sole responsible factor for this finding.

Effects of Local Anesthetics and Opioids on Human Isolated Umbilical Arteries / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: An adequate uteroplacental and fetal blood flow during labor and cesarean delivery is of prime importance for fetal well-being and neonatal outcome. METHODS: Using the vascular smooth muscle of the human isolated umbilical arteries, this study was performed to see whether commonly used local anesthetics (bupivacaine, lidocaine and 2-chloroprocaine) and opioids (morphine,fentanyl and meperidine) could induce contracion or relaxation of these resting and precontracted vessels. Rings from human umbilical arteries were prepared by microdissection. The vessel rings were mounted in tissue baths for an isometric recording of the contractile activity. For resting muscles, the reactivity to drugs is expressed as a percentage of a maximal KCl-induced contraction, and for precontracted muscle, it is expressed as a percentage of a submaximal KCl-induced contraction. RESULTS: Bupivacaine, lidocaine and 2-chloroprocaine all induced contractions. Bupivacaine showed a maximal contraction (46.7 +/- 10.5%) at concentrations of 43 micrometer, lidocaine 19.7 +/- 4.8% at 0.11 mM. and 2-chloroprocaine showed 14.6 +/- 2.9% at 0.65 mM. Morphine, fentanyl and meperidine all induced contractions. Morphine showed a maximal contraction (19.6 +/- 7.1%) at a concentration of 10 4 M, meperidine at 17.2 +/- 8.4% at 3 x 10 5 M, and fentanyl at 1.7 +/- 2.0% at 3 x 10(-6)M. When umbilical arteries were induced to contract with a submaximal concentration of KCl, bupivacaine and lidocaine showed an ability to increase the magnitude of the sustained contraction, but 2-chloroprocaine showed a relaxation of the sustained contraction. Morphine, fentanyl and meperidine showed no change in the sustained contraction. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates these local anesthetics and opioids as vasoactive on human umbilical arteries. If applicable in vivo, these drugs might have some influence on umbilical vessel tone and thus might reduce umbilical blood flow.

Cardiovascular Changes during General Anesthesia in Patients of Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Autonomic reflex dysfunction in patients with diabetes is associated with unstable cardiovascular response in perioperative period. In this study we wanted to investigate the extent to which the intraoperative cardiovascular responses depend on the degree of autonomic dysfunction. METHODS: The influence of diabetic autonomic neuropathy upon the behavior of the circulatory system was investigated in 35 patients who had undergone ophthalmological surgery. A standardized test combination was used to study the patient's cardiovascular refractory reactions. The patients were then divided into a control group, non-diabetics without autonomic neuropathy (n = 18), and an experimental group, diabetics with autonomic neuropathy (n = 17). The anesthetic and surgical procedures (vitrectomy) were standardized and always identical. RESULTS: During the induction of anesthesia, patients in the experimental group didn't experience changes in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate as compared to patients in control group. During the maintenance of anesthesia, there were significant decreases in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in the experimental group, but in the state of emergence of anesthesia, there were no significant differences in either group. CONCLUSION: Autonomic neuropathy represents a perioperative risk factor, especially during induction and maintenance of anesthesia. I therefore recommend an autonomic nervous function test for evaluation of diabetic autonomic neuropathy in preoperative anesthesiological examination.