Palonosetron has superior prophylactic antiemetic efficacy compared with ondansetron or ramosetron in high-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) continues to be a major problem, because PONV is associated with delayed recovery and prolonged hospital stay. Although the PONV guidelines recommended the use of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT3) receptor antagonists as the first-line prophylactic agents in patients categorized as high-risk, there are few studies comparing the efficacies of ondansetron, ramosetron, and palonosetron. The aim of present study was to compare the prophylactic antiemetic efficacies of three 5HT3 receptor antagonists in high-risk patients after laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial, 109 female nonsmokers scheduled for elective laparoscopic surgery were randomized to receive intravenous 4 mg ondansetron (n = 35), 0.3 mg ramosetron (n = 38), or 75 microg palonosetron (n = 36) before anesthesia. Fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia was administered for 48 h after surgery. Primary antiemetic efficacy variables were the incidence and severity of nausea, the frequency of emetic episodes during the first 48 h after surgery, and the need to use a rescue antiemetic medication. RESULTS: The overall incidence of nausea/retching/vomiting was lower in the palonosetron (22.2%/11.1%/5.6%) than in the ondansetron (77.1%/48.6%/28.6%) and ramosetron (60.5%/28.9%/18.4%) groups. The rescue antiemetic therapy was required less frequently in the palonosetron group than the other groups (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the order of prophylactic efficacy in delaying the interval to use of a rescue emetic was palonosetron, ramosetron, and ondansetron. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose palonosetron is the prophylactic antiemetics of choice in high-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Efficacy and safety of a lidocaine/tetracaine medicated patch or peel for dermatologic procedures: a meta-analysis / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: To justify the use of the lidocaine/tetracaine medicated patch or peel as a preventive treatment for reducing pain and discomfort in adults and children. We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the lidocaine/tetracaine medicated patch or peel compared with placebo. METHODS: Ten RCTs (574 patients) were included in this systemic review. Relevant studies were identified through searches of MEDLINE, SCOPUS and the Cochrane database library. The outcome was the adequacy of cutaneous anesthesia reflected in the patient's assessment of pain intensity during minor dermatologic procedures and adverse effects after application of the lidocaine/tetracaine medicated patch or peel versus placebo. RESULTS: The efficacy of the lidocaine/tetracaine patch or peel was consistently very significantly beneficial 30 or 60 minutes after the application compared to placebo (Relative risk, RR: 2.5; Number needed to treat, NNT: 2.2). We did not identify any difference in the effectiveness of adequate analgesia between the lidocaine/tetracaine patch and peel (the number needed to treat or to harm, NNT 2.4 vs. 2.0). No serious side effects or adverse events were observed with the lidocaine/tetracaine medicated patch or peel and placebo. Minor skin reactions were transient and resolved without treatment (Odd ratio, OR: 1.4 and 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.9-2.1; NNT: 14.9). CONCLUSIONS: The lidocaine/tetracaine medicated patch or peel is a well accepted, effective and safe method for minor dermatologic procedures based on pooled data of trials in terms of adequacy of cutaneous anesthesia and adverse effects.

Is close monitoring in the intensive care unit necessary after elective liver resection? / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: Many surgical patients are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), resulting in an increased demand, and possible waste, of resources. Patients who undergo liver resection are also transferred postoperatively to the ICU. However, this may not be necessary in all cases. This study was designed to assess the necessity of ICU admission. METHODS: The medical records of 313 patients who underwent liver resections, as performed by a single surgeon from March 2000 to December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Among 313 patients, 168 patients (53.7%) were treated in the ICU. 148 patients (88.1%) received only observation during the ICU care. The ICU re-admission and intensive medical treatment significantly correlated with major liver resection (odds ratio [OR], 6.481; P = 0.011), and intraoperative transfusions (OR, 7.108; P = 0.016). Patients who underwent major liver resection and intraoperative transfusion were significantly associated with need for mechanical ventilator care, longer postoperative stays in the ICU and the hospital, and hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Most patients admitted to the ICU after major liver resection just received close monitoring. Even though patients underwent major liver resection, patients without receipt of intraoperative transfusion could be sent to the general ward. Duration of ICU/hospital stay, ventilator care and mortality significantly correlated with major liver resection and intraoperative transfusion. Major liver resection and receipt of intraoperative transfusions should be considered indicators for ICU admission.

Institutional review board (IRB) and ethical issues in clinical research / 대한마취과학회지

Clinical research has expanded tremendously in the past few decades and consequently there has been growing interest in the ethical guidelines that are being followed for the protection of human subjects. This review summarizes historical scandals and social responses chronologically from World War II to the Death of Ellen Roche (2001) to emphasize the lessons we must learn from history. International ethical guidelines for studies with human subjects are also briefly described in order to understand the circumstances of clinical research. The tasks and responsibilities of the institutions and investigators in human subject research to preserve the safety and welfare of research subjects are summarized. Next, several debated ethical issues and insights are arranged as controversial topics. This brief review and summary seeks to highlight important arguments and make suggestions to institutional review boards (IRBs) to contribute to the future evolution of ethics in clinical research as we advance forward.

Ramosetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV): a meta-analysis / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a challenge for patients and health professionals despite various newly developed prophylactic interventions. We reviewed the efficacy and safety of ramosetron in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the prevention of PONV. METHODS: We reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of ramosetron in comparison with placebo or any other drugs. Relevant studies were searched in the MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane database libraries. Our end points of concern were prevention of PONV and adverse effects as dichotomous data. RESULTS: The prophylactic effect of 0.3 mg ramosetron was observed in early PON (relative risk, RR: 0.4; 95% CI 0.3-0.6), early POV (RR: 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.6), late POV (RR: 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.6), but not late PON (RR: 0.7; 95% CI 0.5-1.0). Compared with placebo, the efficacy of 0.3 mg ramosetron in adults and 6 microg/kg in children were consistently beneficial in preventing PONV overall (RR: 0.4; 95% CI: 03-0.6). The effects of 0.3 mg ramosetron and 3 mg granisetron were similar. No serious side effects or adverse events resulted from ramosetron and other active drugs, and incidence was similar to those of the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Ramosetron is effective and safe in children and adults without serious adverse effects compared with placebo or other active drugs, as shown in pooled data of RCTs, in terms of the prevention of PONV.

An Analysis of the Surface Anatomical Location of the Posterior-inferior Margin of the Sacroiliac Joint

BACKGROUND: The blind sacroiliac joint (SIJ) block cannot always be performed accurately; it is commonly performed in the office based setting because intraarticular and periarticular injections are effective for SIJ pain. However, knowledge on the surface anatomy of the SIJ is lacking. The purpose of this study was to analyze the surface anatomical location of the posterior-inferior margin of the SIJ. METHODS: After informed consent was obtained, fifty patients undergoing SIJ block in the prone position were examined. The oblique angles where the anterior-inferior margin and the posterior-inferior margin of the SIJ overlap on X-ray were evaluated. In addition, the surface anatomical relationships between the posterior-inferior margin of the SIJ on X-ray and the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and sacral hiatus by palpation were assessed. RESULTS: The oblique angle was 5.4 +/- 2.9degrees. The vertical and transverse distance between the posterior-inferior margin of the SIJ and PSIS were 3.8 +/- 0.8 cm and 0.9 +/- 0.6 cm, respectively. The vertical and transverse distance between the posterior-inferior margin of the SIJ and the midpoint of the sacral hiatus were 3.4 +/- 0.7 cm and 3.9 +/- 0.6 cm, respectively. Only the vertical distance between the posterior-inferior margin of the SIJ and PSIS showed significant difference between the male and the female groups (P = 0.0016). CONCLUSIONS: The measurements in this study can be used as a reference standards for the blind SIJ block.

Treatment of a Twelfth Rib Syndrome : A case report

Twelfth rib syndrome is thought to be due to intercostal nerve irritation by a mobile twelfth rib, and presents with upper abdominal pain, or low thoracic pain. This syndrome appears to be a fairly common entity and diagnosis is based on clinical findings. Patients with twelfth rib syndrome can be misdiagnosed when it has been overlooked. We report a case of a 34-year-old male along with a presentation of twelfth rib syndrome. One patient was transferred from urologic clinic to pain clinic due to right flank pain and admitted. The patient had direct tenderness on twelfth rib area and direct tenderness was reproducible. Pain increased when the patient flexed laterally, rotated trunk. There were no specific abnormal findings in laboratory test, electrocardiogram, and radiologic examination. After intercostal nerve block and epidural block, pain decreased and the patient was discharged.

The Optimal Angle of Needle Insertion for Caudal Block in Adults / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the optimal angle of needle insertion during caudal epidural injection in chronic low back pain patients using ultrasound imaging. METHODS: One hundred eight patients (40 male and 68 female patients) with low back pain and sciatica were studied.Soft tissue ultrasonography was performed to identify the sacral hiatus. The optimal angle of the needle to the skin was measured with an imaginary line drawn parallel to the sacral base using a protractor on a longitudinal plane. A 22-gauge caudal epidural needle was inserted and was guided by ultrasound to the sacral hiatus and into the caudal epidural space. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD for the intercornual distance, depth of the caudal space and the thickness of the sacrococcygeal membrane were 19.0 +/- 3.2 mm, 3.6 +/- 0.9 mm and 1.8 +/- 0.8 mm, respectively. The optimal angle showed a significant correlation with the depth of the caudal space and the thickness of the sacrococcygeal membrane. The mean +/- SD for the optimal angle of the needle insertion was 23.5 +/- 6.9 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the needle should be inserted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees to the skin in order to avoid injury to the periosteum and an inadvertent intra-osseous injection.

Ultrasound-guided Distance Measurements of Vertebral Structures for Lumbar Medial Branch Block / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Selective diagnostic blocks of the medial branches of the dorsal primary ramus are usually performed under the guidance of fluoroscopic or computed tomography. Recently, however, ultrasound guidance has been suggested as an alternative method. In this study, the distances between the vertebral structures were measured and compared with the values measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the clinical feasibility of using ultrasound-guided block in Korean patients. METHODS: Five male and 15 female patients were enrolled in this study. The target point of the medial branch block in our study was the groove at the base of the superior articular process. We measured the depth from the skin to the target point at the transverse process (d-TP) and to the most superficial point of the superior articular process (d-AP). RESULTS: The d-TP and d-AP values measured under ultrasound guidance were concordant with the values measured using MRI. CONCLUSIONS: The images of the bony landmarks obtained under ultrasound examination could be useful for ultrasound-guided lumbar medial branch block.

Comparison of Maintenance and Emergence of Anesthesia in Total Intravenous Anesthesia with Propofol and Remifentanil for Thyroidectomy and Mastectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of type of surgery on consumption of propofol and remifentanil and recovery index. METHODS: Fifty female patients (ASA physical status 1, 2) scheduled for thyroidectomy (Group I) or mastectomy (Group II) received total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil. The anesthesia was maintained with target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol and remifentanil under bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. The effect site concentration of propofol was controlled for maintaining BIS values within the range of 45-50. The effect site concentration of remifentanil was controlled for maintaining blood pressure and heart rate within 20% of baseline values. Blood pressure, heart rate, BIS, effect site concentration of propofol and remifentanil were measured before induction, during induction, at the beginning of operation, at the end of operation, and during recovery. The time from discontinuation of propofol to eye opening and regaining of orientation, total amount of propofol and remifentanil used, and the amount of drug per body weight kilogram per hour were investigated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between Group I and II on the amount of remifentanil used. Although the amount of propofol consumed per body weight kilogram per hour was larger in Group II, there were no significant differences of recovery index between Group I and II. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in the amount of propofol and remifentanil consumed and recovery index in thyroidectomy and mastectomy under TIVA. The larger amount of propofol consumed per body weight per hour in Group II was thought as a result of shorter operation time than Group I.

Relationship between Lumbar Lordosis and Asymmetry of Facet Joints / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Facet joint is an important structure not only contributing to the stability of the lumbar motion segments but also causing low back pain. Hypothetically, the more lumbar lordosis decreases, the more corresponding facet joints orient axially and asymmetrically. Furthermore, the increased incidence of common diseases possessed of low back pain and radiologic findings such as wedging of vertebral body and spondylolisthesis were reported in the patients with asymmetric orientation of the facet joints and loss of lumbar lordosis at the same time. The purpose of our study is to define the relationship of asymmetry of the facet joints and loss of lumbar lordosis. METHODS: The asymmetry and average angle of facet joints with respect to sagittal plane were measured on the magnetic resonance images. The lumbar lordosis was measured on the lateral X-ray. The relevance of lumbar lordosis and facet orientation was analyzed through linear regression. RESULTS: There were no significant relationships between lumbar lordosis and asymmetrical orientation of facet joint. CONCLUSIONS: The loss of lumbar lordosis did not suggest asymmetrical and axial orientation of facet joints. Further investigation into pathology and consideration into individual differences of range of motion, body mass index, age, sex might be needed.

The Success Rate of Caudal Block Under Ultrasound Guidance and the Direction of the Needle in the Sacral Canal / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Caudal block is useful when anesthesia for surgery or treatment for chronic pain is needed, but this procedure has a failure rate of up to 25% even when it performed byan experienced physician. This high failure rate is usually due to improper needle placement. METHODS: After gaining approval of the ethics committee, 46 patients received caudal blocks under ultrasound guidance; these were performed after the anatomical structures in the sacral hiatus had been measured with ultrasound. All these procedures were performed by the same anesthesiologist. The position and direction of the needle were identified using fluoroscopy by injecting a radio-opaque contrast through the needle. The time taken from thelidocaine injection to verification of the needle was measured and the planned nerve block was then carried out. RESULTS: All cases of needle insertion into the sacral canal under ultrasound guidance were successful. The average duration of the procedure and the trial count were 134.1 +/- 10.1 seconds and 1.2 +/- 0.1, respectively. In 12 of the 46 cases (26%), the needle deviated either left or right in the sacral canal, so the direction of the needle had to be adjusted. The distance between two cornua, the depth of the sacral hiatus and the thickness and length of the sacrococcygeal ligament were 17.1 +/- 0.4, 3.9 +/- 0.3, 2.3 +/- 0.1 and 24.9 +/- 0.9 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound guidance can increase the success rate of inserting a needle into the sacral canal. However, even when ultrasound is used, the needle can deviate either left or right in the sacral canal.

Hemifacial Pain Accompanied with Delayed Ipsilateral Abducens Nerve Palsy: Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome / 대한통증학회지

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is a rare self-limiting disease that's characterized by painful ophthalmoplegia. It has a relapsing and remitting course, and the pain responds promptly to systemic corticosteroid therapy. Yet it is diagnosed by the exclusion of other major causes involving the superior orbital fissure or cavernous sinus, including trauma, neoplasm, aneurysm and inflammation. Further, the associated ophthalmoplegia may follow days to weeks after the onset of orbital or hemifacial pain. Hence, this condition is often misdiagnosed as atypical facial pain, and so improper management could result in unnecessary suffering of the patient. The following case describes a patient suffering with hemifacial pain associated with ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy, which was evident 2 weeks after the onset of pain, and this was misdiagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial pain.

A Case of Thoracoscopic Splanchnicectomy for Relief of Intractable Pain in Pancreatic Cancer: A case report / 대한통증학회지

Pancreatic cancer often elicits intractable abdominal pain which has significant negative impact on the quality of life in patients. Various therapeutic modalities including celiac plexus block are being used to alleviate the pain. The anatomic location of the pancreas often hinders the spread of anesthetic or neurolytic solutions by obliterating the retrocrural space, thus making the classic retrocrural approach unsuccessful. The following case describes a patient with intractable abdominal pain originating from advanced pancreatic cancer, which could be managed successfully with thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy after retrocrural celiac plexus block had failed.

External Jugular Vein: Another Landmark for Right Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation Using Ultrasound Imaging / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Measuring the distance between internal jugular vein (IJV) and external jugular vein (EJV) on ultrasound image can give the information of the whereabouts of the IJV. We compared the success rate between carotid artery (CA)-guided and EJV-guided cannulation based on the information gathered from ultrasound. METHODS: We studied 152 patients requiring central venous cannulation during anesthesia. Ultrasound images were obtained with 7.5 MHz probe on the right neck at 0 degree, 30 degrees, and maximum rotation of the head in flat and 15 degrees Trendelenberg (T) position. The horizontal diameter of the RIJV and % overlap of the CA with the RIJV at each position, and the horizontal distance of RIJV-REJV at 30 degrees were measured on ultrasound images. In EJV group, the distance of RIJV-REJV was drawn along the cricoid level and the point of IJV was marked as the needle insertion site. Cannulation was performed with palpation of the CA in CA group and performed at the marked point in EJV group without palpation of CA. RESULTS: Overall RIJV diameter was increased in T-position compared to flat position. Following head rotation, RIJV diameter was decreased and % overlap of CA was increased (P < 0.05). In 26.8% of patients at 30 degrees in T position, CA overlapped 26-50% of RIJV. The success rate of cannulation at the first trial was 97.4% in CA group and 96.1% in REJV group. CONCLUSIONS: With the IJV identified on ultrasound image, the distance between the IJV and the EJV can be used as another landmark for RIJV cannulation provided the EJV is visualized with the naked eye.

Malfunction due to Kinking and Bending of a Double Lumen Central Venous Catheter : A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

Central venous catheters provide an important means of vascular access and are increasingly used. Catheter occlusion refers to the inability to infuse or withdraw fluids from a catheter and could be caused by either thrombotic or nonthrombotic origin. We report an unusual malfunction of double lumen central venous catheter due to kinking and bending of the catheter at the opening site of proximal lumen.

Treatment Experiences of Abdominal Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome: A report of 3 cases / 대한통증학회지

The diagnosis of chronic abdominal pain due to abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment can be elusive. Tenderness in patients with abdominal pain is naturally assumed to be of either peritoneal or visceral origin. Studies have shown that some patients suffer from prolonged pain in the abdominal wall and are often misdiagnosed, even after unnecessary and expensive diagnostic tests, including potentially dangerous invasive procedures, and treated as having a visceral source for their complaints, even in the presence of negative X-ray findings and atypical symptoms. Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome is rarely diagnosed, which is possibly due to failure to recognize the condition rather than the lack of occurrence. The accepted treatment for abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome is a local injection, with infiltration of anesthetic agents coupled with steroids. Careful history taking and physical examination, in conjunction with the use of trigger zone injections, can advocate the diagnosis of abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment and preclude any unnecessary workup of these patients. Herein, 3 cases of abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome, which were successfully treated with local anesthetics and steroid, are reported.

The Treatment of a Droopy Shoulder Syndrome Patient: A case report / 대한통증학회지

Droopy shoulder syndrome (DSS) is a rare disease, characterized by drooping shoulders, which stretches the brachial plexus, and causes pain, but without any signs of neurological impairment. These patients suffer from pain in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, which result in long, graceful, swan necks, low-set shoulders, and horizontal or down sloping clavicles. No abnormalities in the vascular, neurological or electrical findings have also been known. The T1 and/or T2 bodies can be seen in the lateral view in a radiological study of the cervical spine. In the majority of cases, conservative treatments, such as postural correction and shoulder girdle strengthening exercise, are commonly recommended. However, DSS may be misdiagnosed as severe thoracic outlet syndrome or herniated cervical disc disease, leading to unnecessary and hazardous invasive treatments. The presented case was consistent with DSS, and was treated with stellate ganglion block, trigger point injection, and shoulder girdle strengthening exercise.

10 Times Epidural Blood Patches for Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A case report / 대한통증학회지

This report describes the successful treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) with multiple cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks using 10 applications of epidural blood patches (EBP). A forty year old female who suffered with a postural headache was diagnosed as having SIH. On the cisternography, multiple CSF leaks were noted at the thoracic and lumbar area. Her headache was not improved with conservative treatments such as bed rest, hydration and NSAIDS. So, she underwent treatment with EBPs. After 10 applications of site-directed EBPs, her headache was resolved gradually and completely without any complications.

A Treatment Experience of Focal Hyperhidrosis in Sacrococcygeal Region: A report of two cases / 대한통증학회지

Essential hyperhidrosis is a socially disabling and emotionally embarrassing condition. Localized excessive sweating in the sacrococcygeal region is a rare form of focal hyperhidrosis. Although numerous treatment options exist, including botulinum toxin and sympathetic neurolysis, there has been no generally accepted form of treatment. The following cases describe the successful reduction of excessive sweating in the sacrococcygeal region, without side effects, after local applications of topical glycopyrrolate and the use of fast drying clothes.