Effect of capsicum plaster at the P6 acupoint on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the efficacy of capsicum plaster, applied to the Chinese acupuncture point (acupoint) Pericardium 6 (P6), in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients scheduled for ESS were randomly placed in one of 3 groups. Each group had 50 patients. Inactive tape was affixed at both P6 acupoints and both shoulders in the control (placebo) group. Capsicum plaster was affixed at both P6 acupoints and inactive tape was affixed at both shoulders in the capsicum plaster (P6) group. Capsicum plaster was affixed at both shoulders and inactive tape at both P6 acupoints in the sham group. Plasters and tapes were affixed before the induction and removed 8 hours after surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV and requirement for antiemetics were significantly lower in the P6 group than in the control and sham groups during the 24 hours after surgery. At postoperative 0-24 hour, nausea was 42% in the control group, 2% in the P6 group, and 38% in the sham group. Postoperative vomiting was 28%, 0% and 26%, respectively, and the use of antiemetics was 34%, 0% and 32%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulation of the P6 acupoint with capsicum plaster is effective for preventing PONV at postoperative 0-24 hour in patients undergoing ESS.

Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia using a reduced-dose of spinal bupivacaine and epidural top up leads to faster motor recovery after lower extremity surgeries / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the anesthetic effect of reduced doses of spinal bupivacaine with epidural top ups in comparison with those of spinal bupivacaine and to determine the adequate doses of drugs used during lower extremity surgeries. METHODS: Sixty adult patients were randomized to three different technique groups: S group (10 mg of spinal bupivacaine), SE1 group (7.5 mg of spinal bupivacaine + epidural 1.5% lidocaine 10 ml) or SE2 group (5 mg of spinal bupivacaine + epidural 1.5% lidocaine 10 ml). The level of sensory block, modified Bromage motor scores (MBS), systolic blood pressure and heart rate were recorded for 30 min following anesthesia. Peak sensory block height and MBS, time for sensory regression to L1 and motor recovery to MBS 1, side effects and operator's satisfaction were noted. RESULTS: The levels of peak sensory block were similar among the groups (P > 0.05). For the SE2 group, the regression to the L1 dermatome was faster (P = 0.004) and the maximum MBS was lower (P = 0.001) than that of the other two groups. Motor block recovery to MBS 1 was faster for the SE1 and SE2 groups than for the S group (P < 0.001). The operator's satisfaction scores of the SE2 group were lower than those of the other two groups (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: During combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, 7.5 mg of spinal bupivacaine and epidural 1.5% lidocaine 10 ml produced faster motor recovery than did 10 mg of spinal bupivacaine in patients undergoing lower extremity surgeries.

Bilateral subclavian artery stenosis found by inter-arm blood pressure difference during distal pancreatectomy / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Brachial plexus injury following median sternotomy / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Rupture of endotracheal tube cuff during robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We encountered a case of a rupture of an endotracheal tube cuff during robot-assisted thyroid surgery in a 35-year-old male patient. Two hours after commencing surgery, the bellows of the ventilator were not filled and a rupture of the endotracheal tube cuff was suspected. Once the robot-manipulator is engaged, the position of the operating table cannot be altered without removing it from the patient. Reintubation with direct laryngoscopy was performed with difficulty in the narrow space between the patient's head and robot-manipulator without moving the robot away from the patient. The rupture of the endotracheal tube cuff was confirmed by observing air bubbles exiting from the balloon in water. The patient was discharged 3 days after surgery without complications. In robot-assisted thyroid surgery, a preoperative arrangement of the robot away from the patient's head to obtain easy access to the patient is essential for safe anesthetic care.

Remifentanil Attenuates Muscle Fasciculations by Succinylcholine

PURPOSE: The present visual and electromyographic study was designed to evaluate muscle fasciculations caused by succinylcholine in adults pretreated with either remifentanil 1.5 microgram/kg or saline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of remifentanil on succinylcholine-induced muscle fasciculations was studied using a double-blind method in 40 adults. After i.v. pretreatment with either remifentanil 1.5 microgram/kg (remifentanil group, n = 20) or an equivalent volume of i.v. saline (saline group, n = 20), patients were anaesthetized with a 2.0 mg/kg of i.v. propofol followed by i.v. succinylcholine 1.0 mg/kg. Intensity and duration of muscle fasciculation following i.v. succinylcholine administration were recorded. Electromyography (EMG) was used to quantify the extent of muscle fasciculation following i.v. succinylcholine injection. Myalgia was evaluated 24 hours after induction time. Serum potassium levels were measured five minutes after i.v. succinylcholine administration and creatine kinase (CK) levels 24 hours after induction time. RESULTS: Compared to saline treated controls, remifentanil decreased the intensity of muscle fasciculations caused by i.v. succinylcholine [fasciculation severity scores (grade 0 to 3) were 2/1/12/5 and 3/13/4/0 (patients numbers) in the saline group and the remifentanil group, respectively, p < 0.001]. The mean (SD) maximum amplitude of muscle action potential (MAP) by EMG was smaller in the remifentanil group [283.0 (74.4) microV] than in the saline group [1480.4 (161.3) microV] (p = 0.003). Postoperative serum CK levels were lower in the remifentanil group (p < 0.001). Postoperative myalgia was not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Remifentanil 1.5 microgram/kg attenuated intensity of muscle fasciculations by succinylcholine.

Comparison of Azasetron and Ondansetron for Preventing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery

PURPOSE: We compared the prophylactic effects of intravenously administered azasetron (10 mg) and ondansetron (8 mg) on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 98 ASA physical status I or II 20-65 years old, female patients, in this prospective, randomized, double blind study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups and received ondansetron 8 mg (group O) or azasetron 10 mg (group A) 5 min before the end of surgery. The incidence of PONV, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, need for rescue antiemetic and analgesics, and adverse effects were checked at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The overall incidence of PONV was 65% in group O and 49% in group A. The incidence of PONV was significantly higher in group O than in group A at 12-24 h postoperatively (nausea; 24% vs. 45%, p = 0.035, vomiting; 2% vs. 18%, p = 0.008), but there were no significant differences at 0-1, 1-6, 6-12 or 24-48 h. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, azasetron (10 mg) produced same incidence of PONV as ondansetron (8 mg) in patients undergoing general anesthesia for gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Azasetron was more effective, in the intermediate post-operative period, between 12 and 24 h.

A portable inhalational induction device provides co-operative induction of anaesthesia in preanaesthetic area for children / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We introduce a new, simple portable inhalational induction device (PD) that provides co-operative inhalational induction of anaesthesia using N2O and subsequent sevoflurane in the preanaesthetic induction area in children. METHODS: Forty-five children (30 to 94 months old age, <35 kg) who were scheduled to undergo simple operations were assigned randomly to one of three regimens. Patients were encouraged by their parents to inhale N2O followed by sevoflurane (PD N2O-sevo group) or sevoflurane (PD sevo group) using a portable inhalational induction device in the preanaesthetic induction area until they were unable to respond to their names. They were then transferred to the operating room while maintaining inhalation of sevoflurane via the device. The control group underwent conventional inhalational induction in the operating room with the parents in attendance. RESULTS: Patients in the PD N2O-sevo group had a higher co-operative inhalation frequency than the patients in the PD sevo or the control group. Anaesthesia induction in the PD N2O-sevo and the PD sevo groups were faster than in the control group. Parent satisfaction score (0-100) was higher for the PD N2O-sevo group than for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A new portable inhalational induction device allows faster induction in co-operation with parents present in the preanaesthetic induction area compared to conventional inhalational induction in the unfamiliar operating room with the parents in attendance.

Intrathecal Midazolam Added to Bupivacaine Prolongs the Duration of Spinal Blockade to T10 Dermatome in Orthopedic Patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although the intrathecal (IT) administration of midazolam has been reported to have analgesic effect in humans, it is not clear whether IT midazolam can prolong the duration of sensory block to T10 dermatome that is required block level for lower extremity surgery. The effect of 1 or 2 mg of IT midazolam added to bupivacaine on the duration of spinal anesthesia to T10 were examined in orthopedic patients. METHODS: Sixty six adult patients were randomly allocated to receive 11 mg of intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine alone (Group B, n = 22) or with 1 mg (Group BM-1, n = 22) or 2 mg (Group BM-2, n = 22) of midazolam. Both the patients and the observers were blinded to the drug solutions and patient groups. The onset and duration of sensory block to T10, BIS, OAA/S scale, hemodynamic variables, and side effects during the operation and recovery were compared among the groups. RESULTS: The onset of sensory and motor block were not different among the groups. However, the duration of sensory block to T10 in the Group BM-2 was prolonged more 52.2, 42.2 minutes than the Group B and the Group BM-1, respectively. The BIS scale of the Group BM-2 tended to be lower than the Group B and the Group BM-1 but there were no statistical significance. The OAA/S scale were significantly higher in the Group BM-2 than the Group B and the Group BM-1 during operation. There were no differences in hemodynamic variables and side effects among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal addition of midazolam 2 mg to bupivacaine prolonged the duration of spinal block to T10 in orthopedic patients.

Anesthetic Management using Laryngeal Mask Airway during Tracheotomy and End-to-End Anastomosis in a Patient with Upper Tracheal Stenosis: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Tracheotomy and end-to-end anastomosis is a relatively rare operation, but it is one of the most challenging for anesthesiologists. During surgery, the principal anesthetic consideration is to maintain the ventilation and oxygenation throughout the procedure. We experienced anesthetic management of a 49-year-old man with upper tracheal stenosis after long-term intubation and ventilation care. The stenotic lesion was located at 2 cm below the vocal cords, and the length of the stenotic segment was about 2 cm. The anesthesia was induced and maintained with intravenous propofol and alfentanil. The airway was managed with LMA and distal tracheal intubation on the surgical field and we were able to maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation throughout the operational period.

Sedation with Propofol-Midazolam Combination versus Propofol alone during Spinal Anesthesia: Prospective, Randomized Study / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Propofol can produce a dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure by providing titratable sedation and rapid recovery. It has been reported that a combination of midazolam and propofol resulted in the significant reduction in the total dose of propofol needed. It was hypothesized that the addition of low-dose midazolam to propofol may provide sufficient sedation without compromising the hemodynamic stability. METHODS: A total of 40 consecutive patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups (n = 20 each). Group M-P received a bolus of 0.02 mg/kg of midazolam, followed by a propofol infusion with a fixed target concentration of 1.0microgram/ml. Group P received only a propofol infusion with an initial target plasma concentration of 2.5microgram/ml. Subsequent titration of the infusion rates in Group P or the additional midazolam boluses in Group M-P were made in order to maintain a predetermined sedation level. RESULTS: In Group P, a mean dose of 5.4 +/- 0.7 mg/kg/h propofol was used compared with 2.7 +/- 0.5 mg/kg/h in Group M-P (P<0.0001, plus additional 2.96 +/- 1.8 mg of midazolam). Ephedrine was administered to 15 patients in Group M-P and 17 patients in Group P. Recovery was significantly fast (Group P, 6.8 +/- 2.9 min vs. Group M-P, 9.8 +/- 4.4 min, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sedation with propofol plus midazolam requires a lower total dose of propofol compared with propofol alone but has no superior hemodynamic stability. A further study using younger patients and combinations of different doses of each drug will be needed.

Analgesia after Subacromial Arthroscopic Surgery: Prospective Double-blind Study of Continuous Mixed Intra-bursal Infusion with Bupivacaine, Bupivacaine/Morphine, Bupivacaine/Fentanyl / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the relative analgesic efficacies of the postoperative intra-bursal infusion of bupivacaine, bupivacaine/morphine, and bupivacaine/fentanyl after shoulder arthroscopy. METHODS: At the end of subacromial arthroscopy, a continuous intra-bursal infusion catheter was inserted. A bolus dose was injected via the catheter just after the operation and a maintenance dose was infused for 4 days (1 ml/h). The bupivacaine group (Group B, n = 25), received 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 96 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. The bupivacaine/morphine group (Group BM, n = 25) received 2 mg of morphine in 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 8 microgram of morphine in 96 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. And the bupivacaine/fentanyl group (Group BF, n = 25) received 100 microgram of fentanyl in 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 400 microgram of fentanyl in 96 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. VAS at rest and exercise were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively for 3 days. The frequency of IM rescue analgesic were recorded. RESULTS: We did not find any significant differences in VAS, or in need for rescue analgesic between the three groups. Resting pain score was significantly reduced at the 2 nd- and 3 rd postoperative day versus the preoperative value in Group B and BM, and at the 3 rd postoperative day in Group BF (P < 0.05). Pain score at exercise was reduced at the 3 rd postoperative day versus the preoperative value in all groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of morphine or fentanyl with bupivacaine did not provide better postoperative analgesia than bupivacaine after shoulder arthroscopy.

The Effect of Intravenous Clonidine Premedication on Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Clonidine, a prototype alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist, has been shown to be effective as a preanesthetic medication in adults. Many authors have reported the effects of intravenous clonidine pretreatment on the hemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation, on the anesthetic requirements during the operation and on postoperative analgesia in adults. The current study was designed to investigate the efficacy of two doses of intravenous clonidine as a premedicants. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 60 children, aged 5 12 years, undergoing an elective adenotonsillecctomy received saline, 1 microgram/kg clonidine or 2 microgram/kg clonidine intravenously. These agents were administered 10 minutes before the estimated time of induction of anesthesia with intravenous atropine 0.01 mg/kg. A blinded observer noted the childrens'levels of sedation, the quality of separation from parent, and degree of acceptance of mask application during the inhalation of 100% oxygen just after pentothal sodium injection. Hemodynamic changes after tracheal intubation were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Clonidine produced significant sedation, and this effect were dose related. The clonidine administered groups provided a better quality of separation than the control group. Amnesia about mask application was significantly higher in the clonidine 2 microgram/kg administered group. These doses of clonidine did not attenuate increases in blood pressure and heart rate after tracheal intubation. No consistent differences in the blood pressure or heart rate after tracheal intubation were observed in the three groups. No clinically significant perioperative hypotension or bradycardia was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that, the combination of intravenous 1 microgram/kg clonidine or 2 microgram/kg clonidine with atropine 0.01 mg/kg is an effective form of premedication in pediatric surgery. However, the optimal dose of clonidine for both sedation and hemodynamic stability after tracheal intubation in this setting remains to be determined.

Aspiration of Blood from the Left Lung to the Right Lung and Hypoxemia during One-lung Ventilation Using Single-Lumen Endotracheal Tube / 대한마취과학회지

The leading cause of death of massive hemoptysis is the aspiration of blood into the contralateral normal lung resulting in asphyxia. The management of massive hemoptysis can be performed by the evacuation of the blood, and the protection and ventilation of the uninvolved lung from aspiration. Double-lumen endotracheal tubes provide lung isolation, the ability to ventilate one or both lungs, and suction in case of acute endobronchial hemorrhage. We report a case of blood aspiration and hypoxemia which occurred during one lung ventilation using single lumen endotracheal tube for left pneumonectomy. The patient was treated with a supplement of 100% oxygen, continual suctioning, and positive-pressure ventilation. If we had used a double-lumen endotrachal tube, it would have enabled us to separate both lungs, to clear the left lung, and to apply ventilatory support on the contralateral lung.

Pneumomediastinum and Subcutaneous Emphysema after Use of Metallic Endotracheal Tube for Laser Operation: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We report a case of pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and mild pneumothorax that occurred after endotracheal intubation with a metallic endotracheal tube for the laser operation. Fortunately, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema were self-limited. But potentially life-threatening events such as upper airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, mediastinitis might be possible. These complications may result from mucosal perforation of upper airway. The use of a tube with rigid and relatively narrower internal diameter than polyvinylchloride endotracheal tube, tough endotracheal intubation technique, high peak inspiratory pressure, suction technique and negative pressure are included as complication factors.

Phrenic Nerve Paralysis following Interscalene Bracheal Plexus Block / 대한마취과학회지

Interscalene bracheal plexus block has became a popular method of anesthesia for surgical operation on the upper extremities. Possible complications are subarachnoid block, epidural block, phrenic nerve block, vagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve block, sympathetic nerve block, intravascular injection. But reported complications has been few and generally without prolonged effects. The following describes a patient who developed signs and symptoms suggestive of inadvertent phrenic nerve block and epidural anesthesia as complications of interscalene bracheal plexus block The complications were attributed to using of inferomedially directed 5 cm needle and then additional blind block of the brachial plexus with 5 or 6 times. We emphasize that if the appropriate length of needle and technique are not used, phrenic nerve paralysis and serious complications including total spinal or epidural block can occur as a result of a medially misdirected needle.