Clinico-pathologic profile of women with palpable breast lumps in Chitwan Medical College, Nepal.

Background: Spectrum of female breast diseases is manifold and includes various non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions. This study focused on the clinico-pathological profile of several breast diseases, including fibrocystic change, fibroadenoma and breast carcinoma. Methods: This cross sectional analytic observational study included Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology cases of female breast diseases diagnosed over three years from 2011 to 2014 in Chitwan Medical College Teaching hospital in Central Nepal. Univariate analysis was carried out to find out age group-wise proportion of the diseases in relation to five cytologic categories and various cytomorphologic diagnoses. Independent samples t-test was used to find out the significance of difference between mean age of benign and malignant breast diseases. Results: The proportion of benign, suspicious for malignancy and malignant breast diseases was 90.4 %, 0.8% and 8.8 % respectively. The mean age of patients at diagnosis for benign diseases and malignant disease was 31.7± 10.4 years and 49.2 ± 12.0 years respectively. t-test showed difference in mean age between benign and malignant diseases to be statistically significant (t=8.79, p= <0.001). Fibrocystic change and fibroadenoma were the most common breast disease overall and the most common neoplasm respectively. 58.1 %, 25.9 % and 6.5 % of all carcinoma cases in this study were found below 50, below 40 and below 30 years of age respectively. Conclusions: Fibrocystic change and fibroadenoma are most common disease of breast and most common neoplasm of breast respectively. Breast cancer occurs in younger women in Nepal in comparison to women in developed countries. Therefore, breast cancer prevention programs in Nepal should target young women also.

Comparative study between tramadol and dexamethasone as an admixture to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

This is a prospective, randomized, double blind study to evaluate the postoperative analgesia following supraclavicular brachial plexus block with Tramadol or Dexamethasone as an admixture to bupivacaine in upper extremity surgery. Total 60 patients of ASA I and II undergoing upper extremity surgery under brachial plexus block with Bupivacaine were randomly divided in to two groups; one group received Tramadol (2 mg/kg) and the other group received Dexamethasone (8 mg) as an admixture to Bupivacaine. The duration of postoperative analgesia was recorded in both groups using pain VAS score which was determined by maximum VAS score of 8-10 and when patient demands for additional analgesics. The mean duration of postoperative analgesia in the Dexamethasone group was 1028.00 minutes while in the tramadol group it was 453.17 minutes We concluded that Dexamethasone with local anaesthetic prolongs postoperative analgesia significantly than Tramadol (P<0.05) when used as admixture to local anaesthetic in brachial plexus block in upper extremity surgery.

Do we have to hyperventilate during laparoscopic surgery?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of hyperventilation on patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries on haemodynamics, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and acid base status. METHODS: 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries under General Anaesthesia were randomized into two groups, "control group" ventilated with tidal volume of 10 ml/kg and respiratory rate of 12/minute and "study group" same tidal volume with respiratory rate of 15/ minute. Hemodynamic variables (heart rate and mean arterial pressure) recorded and End tidal C02, PaC02, pH and Bicarbonate estimation done before, during and after C02 pneumoperitoneum and analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in hemodynamic variables but there was linear increase in ETC02 and PaC02 measurements in higher normal levels in control group (ETC02 33.3+/-3.20, 37.93+/-3.95 and 43.20+/-3.40; PaC02 30.08+/-2.35, 34.80+/-4.01 and 41.94+/-3.66 mmHg before, during, and after pneumoperitoneum respectively) compared to study group in which these parameters were in lower normal levels (ETC02 33.33+/-4.11, 28.00+/-4.10 and 36.73+/-2.49 mmHg and PaC02 31.80+/-2.73, 29.36+/-3.16 and 35.15+/-1.32 mmHg before, during, and after pneumoperitoneum respectively). There was highly significant difference in these parameters when intergroup comparison was done during and after pneumoperitoneum period. pH and bicarbonate levels were within normal limits but there was decreasing tendency towards acidosis side in control group. CONCLUSION: 10-15% increment in Minute Volume is beneficial during C02 pneumoperitoneum to prevent adverse effects of hypercarbia and acidosis.

Comparative study between bupivacaine heavy vs pethidine intrathecally to study early haemodynamic changes and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing caesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: To study early hemodynamic changes and duration of postoperative analgesia between two study groups of intrathecal pethidine and bupivacaine heavy in patients undergoing caesarean section. METHODOLOGY: Total number of 60 patients of ASA I and II, undergoing caesarean section were enrolled in the study. All the patients were divided into two groups: Pethidine and Bupivacaine heavy. The dose of pethidine for subarachnoid block was 1mg/kg and in Bupivacaine group 2.2 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine heavy was given intrathecally. Heart rate and blood pressure of all the patients were recorded before subarachnoid block. After giving spinal anesthesia, the heart rate and blood pressure were monitored and recorded in different time intervals. The duration of postoperative analgesia in all patients was recorded in postoperative ward. The APGAR Scores of the babies were recorded in 1 and 5 minutes after delivery. The data were statistically compared using independent sample t-test. CONCLUSION: The hemodynamic parameters (HR & BP) were compared in different time intervals. The difference in heart rate and blood pressure at different time intervals in the two study groups were statistically insignificant as (p > 0.05). The total duration of postoperative analgesia in patients receiving sole intrathecal pethidine was 8 hours and 30 minutes. Where as, in Bupivacaine group the duration was 2 hrs and 36 minutes. This has been found statistically significant (p<0.05).

Entry knowledge and situational feedback of MBBS students.

INTRODUCTION: A need has been felt to acquire knowledge of students at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) who have decided to take up a medical career and have enrolled at KMC after completing two years of basic sciences. OBJECTIVE: The intent was to (i) find out the entering status with regard to general knowledge, (ii) get feedback from the students about the facilities provided by the management both at basic sciences complex at Duwakot and clinical sciences at Sinamangal and (iii) get feedback regarding the teaching learning activities provided by various departments in KMC. This attempt at getting their point of view was for trying to improve upon the facilities by taking up their suggestions and doing away with the weaknesses. Preference was given to hostel students as they would be able to comment on living conditions. METHODOLOGY: A total of 150 students from three consecutive batches from basic and clinical sciences were included in the study. Survey questionnaires were distributed and all the forms were returned. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS 11.5 version for Windows. RESULTS: It was found that the entry knowledge on general issue was better in 6th batch of students (87.08+/-17.41) than 5th batch (82.19+/-17.43) and 7th batch (78.93+/-20.60), but not significant (p=0.164>0.05). The students in different batches differed in their rating of various facilities provided by KMCTH. The most liked departments in terms of teaching learning activities were departments of Anatomy and Pathology. Discussion: Entry knowledge of the students of three batches was found to differ but not significant, correlating with the amount of teaching and learning received at KMC. The facilities provided by KMC were perceived as more satisfactory by the students who enrolled at KMC in later years. The earlier students had to cope with more difficulties as KMC was trying to improve on various facilities it provided to its students. CONCLUSION: Level of entry knowledge got better as the students attained more and more years of teaching and learning activities. It was also seen that the student's perception of the quality of facilities provided by KMC got better overtime.

Propranolol is effective in decreasing stress response due to airway manipulation and CO2 pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE: to study the effect of Propranolol on hemodynamic response due to airway manipulation and carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases. METHODS: 63 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into 3 groups; group 1 received 1.0 mg of Propranolol, group 2 received 0.5 mg of Propranolol and group 3 received 1 ml saline 5 minutes before induction of anaesthesia. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded for every 5 minutes from basal to 5 minutes after extubation and analyzed. RESULTS: Balanced anaesthesia used in our set up is effective in decreasing stress response due to airway manipulation (laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation) but not effective in that due to CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Propranolol 1 mg 5 minutes before anaesthesia is effective in decreasing stress response due to airway manipulation and CO2 pneumoperitoneum in these groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Propranolol effectively blunts the stress response due to CO2 pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

MBBS student selection: search for proper criteria.

It is accepted that selecting students for the MBBS course is fairly difficult and not totally effective. This article documents the process undertaken at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) with reference to previous attempts and suggestions for the future.

A comparison of haemodynamic response with pethidine vs. butorphanol in open cholecystectomy cases.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to compare the haemodynamic responses with pethidine vs. Butorphanol intraoperatively in open cholecystectomy cases in KMCTH. METHOD: In this randomized study, all together 40 patients undergoing routine cholecystectomy surgery were included. Group A received Pethidine 1 mg/kg and Group B received Butorphanol 0.04 mg/kg intraoperatively. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded before injection of the drug, after injection, before intubation, after intubation, before skin incision, after incision, before extubation and after extubation data analysis was done using independent sample t test. RESULT: Our study showed no statistical significance in haemodynamic responses with either pethidine or Butorphanol in open cholecystectomy cases. CONCLUSION: Both drugs appear equally good analgesics in our study.

A comparison of 25 gauge Quincke spinal needle with 26 gauge Eldor spinal needle for the elective Caesarian sections: insertion characteristics and complications.

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to compare the insertion characteristics and incidence of PDPH between 25 gauge Quincke needle and 26 gauge Eldor needle for spinal anaesthesia in elective c/s. METHOD: 60 pregnant women (aged 19-35 yrs and weighing 58 -67 kg) undergoing elective caesarean section were randomized into group A (Quincke spinal needle group) or group B (Eldor spinal needle group). Spinal anaesthesia was performed with 2.9 ml 0.5% heavy bupivacaine using 25 gauge Quincke spinal needle in group A and 26 Gauge Eldor spinal needle in group B. Onset, time of first identification of backflow of CSF, number of attempts, level of sensory and motor blockade, failure of anaesthesia, inadequate anaesthesia and incidence of PDPH were recorded. RESULT: Quincke spinal needle was found easy at insertion, first attempt was successful in 90% of cases, whereas Eldor spinal needle was successful at first attempt in only 60% of cases. Early identification of CSF was seen in Eldor spinal needle group in 3.5 seconds vs. 5.2 seconds in Quincke spinal needle group. Blood mixed CSF was seen in 8 Quincke spinal needle group vs. none in Eldor spinal needle group. Onset was similar between both groups i.e. in 6 minutes. Failure of anaesthesia was none in Eldor spinal needle group vs. 2 in quincke spinal needle group. Height of sensory block achieved was T4 level in 26 parturients,T6 in 1 ,T8 in 1 and no anaesthesia at all in another 2 parturient as compared to T4 level in 29 and T3 in 1 parturient in Eldor spinal needle group. The degree of motor block with the use of Bromage criteria showed a motor score of 1 or 2 in 26 parturients in Quincke spinal needle group vs. same in all cases in Eldor spinal needle group. The total incidence of PDPH was 8.3 % (5 out of 60 parturient) which occurred all in Quincke spinal needle group. 2 parturient who developed severe PDPH required epidural blood patch. CONCLUSION: 26 gauge Eldor spinal needle was found to be better than 25 gauge Quincke spinal needle for caesarian sections to decrease the incidence of PDPH, though not all insertion characteristics were in favour of the Eldor needle.

Review of admission of MBBS students at KMC.

This is an account regarding the intake of the 7th batch of MBBS students at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) for the academic session 2003-2004. A total of 257 admission forms had been issued to Nepali students. Of these, 252 admission forms were filled up and were submitted to KMC together with the completed questionnaire by the Nepali students. Seven students (approximately 2.7%) did not attend interview. After the interview, out of the 245 interviewed students, the names of only 50 were brought out in the 1st list for admission. The paper presents the system for admission of MBBS students and has made recommendations for future action.

Supraclavicular brachial plexus block with and without dexamethasone - a comparative study.

To compare the analgesic efficacy of local aesthetic with and without dexamethasone in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing arm, forearm and hand surgeries were randomly selected. The forty patients were divided in two groups of 20 each. In-group one, a brachial plexus block was done with 40-50 ml of local anaesthetic with 1:200,000 adrenaline and in the other group the block was performed with the same amount of local anaesthetics with dexamethasone. The onset of action and duration of analgesia in the two groups were compared and any complications of the procedure were noted. Statistical analysis was done using the independent sample t-test. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in respect to age, sex, and weight. There was significant faster onset of action and prolonged duration of analgesia in the dexamethasone group than in the other group. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Addition of dexamethasone for brachial plexus block significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia without any unwanted effects.

Painless delivery--a short experience.

PURPOSE: To determine efficacy and safety a randomized comparison of continuous infusion versus intermittent injection of epidural bupivacaine for labor analgesia was performed in the Maternity Hospital, Thapathali Kathmandu. METHODS: Twenty healthy parturient received a loading dose of 10 ml of epidural 0.1% bupivacaine with 25 mg of pethidine. They were then randomized to receive continuous infusion of 0.1% bupivacaine 10 ml/hour with the help of infusion pump or intermittent injection of 0.1% bupivacaine 10 ml hourly. For breakthrough pain 10 ml of 0.1% bupivacaine top ups given in both groups. The two groups were compared for analgesic efficacy, mode of delivery, patient assessment of analgesia, motor block and other complications. Data analyzed in Pentium III version with SPSS and statistical significance test is done with independent samples t-test. RESULTS: The 10 patients in each group were comparable in age but not in parity. Analgesic efficacy was excellent in 10 cases and comfortable in another 10 cases [excellent/comfortable 6:4 with infusion and 4:6 with intermittent injection]. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in pain scores or duration of active first or second stage of labor. Fifteen women had spontaneous vaginal deliveries, one caesarian section (infusion group) and four instrumental deliveries (intermittent injection group). Four women in the infusion group had hypotension and motor block, but none in the intermittent injection group. APGAR scores in both groups were 7-8/10 at 1 minute and 9-10/10 at 5 minutes. CONCLUSION: Both continuous infusion and intermittent injection of low dose bupivacaine are very good methods of relieving labor pain in our context. Analgesic efficacy was similar in both groups and there was no prolongation of second stage of labor.

Three in one block for unilateral knee arthrotomy in an old lady.

An old lady having septic arthritis of right knee joint underwent arthrotomy under three in one block for femoral, obturator and lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh in inguinal region, with catheter in situ. She was a case of chronic obstructive airway disease with ischaemic heart disease, so operation and postoperative pain management was planned under regional block. Anaesthesia was started by giving regional block with 0.25% bupivacaine at first and maintained with intermittent injection of 0.125% bupivacaine. The patient was pain free and comfortable though out the perioperative period.

Inter pleural catheter technique for perioperative pain management.

Management of pain in surgical patient is very crucial. It is more so in thoracic and upper abdominal surgery. Lots of technique and drugs have been used to control postoperative pain including thoracic epidural analgesia. We describe a case in whom Intraoperative and Postoperative pain was managed by injecting 0.5% bupivacaine 20 ml in the interpleural space through the catheter, followed by continuous infusion of 0.1% bupivacaine 10 ml/ hour for 24 hours. The whole perioperative and postoperative period was uneventful. The first series of patients in whom this technique was used was described by Murphy in 1983, (1) who used it in patients with multiple fractured ribs and in postoperative patients after gallbladder and kidney surgery. One year later, Reiestad and Kvalheim published their results of continuous intercostal nerve block for postoperative pain relief and presented their modification of the technique, which is now termed interpleural analgesia.