Neumoencéfalo como complicación de bloqueo regional epidural por radiculopatía lumbosacra / Pneumocephalus as a Complication of Regional Epidural Block Due to Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Introducción: El neumoencéfalo (sinonimia: aerocele o neumatocele intracerebral), se define como la presencia de gas dentro de cualquiera de los compartimentos intracraneales (intraventricular, intraparenquimatosa, subaracnoidea, subdural y epidural). Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos clínicos, estudios complementarios, conducta terapéutica y evolución de un caso con neumoencéfalo como complicación de bloqueo regional epidural por radiculopatía lumbosacra. Presentación de caso: Se presentó un paciente masculino de 57 años de edad que comenzó con un cuadro súbito de desorientación, excitabilidad psicomotriz y convulsiones tónico-clónicas, a partir de una inyección epidural de metilprednisolona como método analgésico. Conclusiones: El caso presentado exhibió manifestaciones neurológicas inespecíficas, la aparición súbita posterior al proceder invasivo hizo sospechar en un evento neurológico agudo o fenómeno tromboembólico. Los estudios complementarios como la tomografía axial computarizada craneal simple, permitió su diagnóstico para tener una conducta consecuente. El manejo conservador del neumoencéfalo como complicación del uso de anestesia epidural, constituyó una conducta terapéutica eficaz y repercutió en la satisfactoria evolución del paciente(AU)

Introduction: Pneumocephalus (synonym: aerocele or intracerebral pneumatocele), is defined as the presence of gas within any of the intracranial compartments (intraventricular, intraparenchymal, subarachnoid, subdural and epidural). Objective: To describe the clinical findings, complementary studies, therapeutic conduct and evolution of a case with pneumocephalus as a complication of regional epidural block due to lumbosacral radiculopathy Case presentation: A 57-year-old male patient was presented who began with a sudden episode of disorientation, psychomotor excitability and tonic-clonic seizures, following an epidural injection of methylprednisolone as an analgesic method. Conclusions: The case presented exhibited non-specific neurological manifestations, the sudden appearance after the invasive procedure raised suspicion of an acute neurological event or thromboembolic phenomenon. Complementary studies such as simple cranial computed axial tomography, allowed its diagnosis to have a consistent conduct. The conservative management of pneumocephalus as a complication of the use of epidural anesthesia constituted an effective therapeutic approach and had an impact on the patient's satisfactory evolution(AU)

Validación de la posición de Vallejo por ultrasonografía para acceso neuroaxial difícil en pacientes obstétricas / Validation of the Vallejo position by ultrasonography for difficult neuroaxial access in obstetric patients

INTRODUCTION: The neuraxial technique for anesthesia in patients undergoing cesarean section is preferred by anesthesiologists due to its lower rate of complications and the advantages over the mother and the fetus, however, daily we face difficult neuraxial accesses due to changes in the of pregnancy, obesity, musculoskeletal deformations, etc., which can hinder the success of the blockade and therefore the satisfaction of the patient. The objective of this study is to validate the Vallejo position by ultrasound to achieve a successful spinal block in obstetric patients classified as difficult neuraxial access. METHOD: This is a descriptive, prospective cohort study, which was carried out on patients admitted for scheduled Cesarean section at Atlas Clinics, Quito-Ecuador during the month of July-August 2022. The patients were examined to classify them as NBA (Neural Axial Access Difficult) of intermediate and high difficulty who underwent ultrasonography of the lumbar spine comparing the measurement of the interspinous space L3-L4 with and without the Vallejo position. RESULTS: 138 obstetric patients were included, of which 36 patients were classified as NBA score of intermediate difficulty and 14 patients as NBA score of high difficulty (total of 50 patients). Of the 50 patients, 5 patients achieved neuraxial blockade at the first attempt. Ultrasonography of the lumbar spine was performed on the remaining 45 patients, obtaining a mean interspinous space measurement of L3-L4 of 2.55 cm without the Vallejo position and a mean of 3.10 cm with the Vallejo position. So, the mean opening with Vallejo's position was 0.544 cm. CONCLUSION: The Vallejo position offers an alternative to achieve a successful neuraxial blockade in obstetric patients who have difficult access to the neuraxis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La técnica neuroaxial para anestesia en pacientes sometidas a cesárea, es la técnica de primera elección, dada la menor tasa de complicaciones que presenta y las ventajas para la madre y el feto, sin embargo, a diario nos enfrentamos a accesos neuroaxiales difíciles generados por los cambios propios del embarazo, obesidad, deformaciones musculo esqueléticas, etc., que pueden dificultar un bloqueo el exitoso al primer intento y por ende la satisfacción de la paciente. El objetivo de este estudio es validar la posición de Vallejo mediante ecografía para lograr un bloqueo espinal exitoso en pacientes obstétricas catalogadas como acceso neuroaxial difícil. MÉTODO: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, de cohorte prospectivo, que se realizó en pacientes ingresadas para Cesárea programada en Clínicas Atlas, Quito-Ecuador durante el mes de julio-agosto de 2022. Se examinó a las pacientes para catalogarlas como NBA (Acceso Neuroaxial Difícil) de intermedia y alta dificultad a las que se les realizó ultrasonografía de la columna lumbar comparando la medida del espacio interespinoso L3-L4 con y sin la posición de Vallejo. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 138 pacientes obstétricas de las cuales 36 pacientes fueron catalogadas como NBA score de intermedia dificultad y 14 pacientes como NBA score de alta dificultad (total de 50 pacientes). De las 50 pacientes, en 5 pacientes se logró el bloqueo neuroaxial al primer intento. A las 45 pacientes restantes se les realizó ultrasonografía de la columna lumbar obteniendo una media de la medida del espacio interespinoso de L3-L4 de 2,55 cm sin la posición de Vallejo y una media de 3,10 cm con la posición de Vallejo, por lo que la media de apertura con la posición de Vallejo fue de 0,544 cm. CONCLUSIÓN: La posición de Vallejo ofrece una alternativa para lograr un bloqueo neuroaxial exitoso en pacientes obstétricas que tengan un acceso al neuroeje difíc

Opioid-free general anesthesia and induced recovery from anesthesia in a patient with myotonic dystrophy type-1: a case report / Anestesia geral sem opioide e recuperação induzida da anestesia em paciente com distrofia miotônica tipo-1: relato de caso

Abstract Myotonic dystrophy type-1 (Steinert disease) is an autosomal dominant, progressive multisystem disease in which myotonic crisis can be triggered by several factors including pain, emotional stress, hypothermia, shivering, and mechanical or electrical stimulation. In this report, dexmedetomidine-based general anesthesia, in combination with a thoracic epidural for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with Steinert disease, is presented. An Aintree intubation catheter with the guidance of a fiberoptic bronchoscope was used for intubation to avoid laryngoscopy. Prolonged anesthetic effects of propofol were reversed, and recovery from anesthesia was accelerated using an intravenous infusion of theophylline.

Resumo A Distrofia Miotônica (DM) tipo-1 (Doença de Steinert) é uma doença multissistêmica progressiva autossômica dominante em que a crise miotônica pode ser desencadeada por vários fatores, incluindo dor, estresse emocional, hipotermia, tremores e estímulo mecânico ou elétrico. O presente relato descreve anestesia geral realizada com dexmedetomidina em combinação com peridural torácica para colecistectomia laparoscópica em paciente com Doença de Steinert. Para evitar laringoscopia, a intubação traqueal foi realizada utilizando cateter de intubação Aintree guiado por broncofibroscopia óptica. Os efeitos anestésicos prolongados do propofol foram revertidos e a recuperação anestésica foi acelerada pelo uso de infusão intravenosa de teofilina.

Implicaciones del COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) para la práctica anestesiológica / Implications of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) for the anesthesiological practice

El objetivo de este artículo es revisar las características del SARS-CoV-2, los aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos de COVID-19 y las implicaciones que tienen para los anestesiólogos al realizar procedimientos generadores de aerosoles. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, SciELO y Web of Science hasta el 9 de abril de 2020, utilizando las palabras: "COVID-19 or COVID19 or SARS-CoV-2 and anesthesiology or anesthesia". Se incluyeron 48 artículos con información sobre el manejo del paciente en el perioperatorio o en la unidad de cuidados intensivos ante la sospecha o confirmación de infección por SARS-CoV-2. En general, se recomienda el aplazamiento de las cirugías electivas por no más de seis a ocho semanas, de acuerdo a las condiciones clínicas de los pacientes. En el caso de cirugías de urgencia o emergencia, se revisan tópicos del sistema de protección personal así como las estrategias recomendadas para la realización de los procedimientos.

The purpose of this article is to review the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, the clinical-epidemiological aspects of COVID-19, and the implications anesthesiologists when performing aerosol-generating procedures. A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, and Web of Science databases was performed until April 9, 2020, using the words: "COVID-19 or COVID19 or SARS-CoV-2 and anesthesiology or anesthesia". Forty-eight articles with information on the management of the patient in the perioperative period or the intensive care unit when suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. In general, the postponement of elective surgeries for no more than 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the clinical condition of the patients is recommended. In the case of urgent or emergency surgeries, we review the use of personal protection gear, as well as the recommended strategies for carrying out the procedure.

Combination of clonidine-bupivacaine in caudal epidural anesthesia for hypospadias surgery in children: prospective, randomized, blind study / Associação clonidina-bupivacaína na anestesia peridural caudal para cirurgia de hipospádia em crianças: estudo prospectivo, randomizado, encoberto

Abstract Background and objectives: The combination of clonidine with local anesthetic administered for epidural anesthesia via caudal route seems to improve the quality of postoperative analgesia, but with conflicting results. This study compared the postoperative analgesia of three different doses of clonidine combined with bupivacaine in caudal epidural anesthesia in children undergoing hypospadias repair. Methods: Eighty children aged 1-10 years, candidates for surgical repair of hypospadias, were randomly divided into four groups of 20 patients to receive general anesthesia combined with caudal epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine 0.165% alone or in combination with 1, 2 or 3 µg.kg- 1 of clonidine. The primary outcome was morphine consumption in the first 24 h postoperatively. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane, time to awakening, pain severity (FLACC scale), level of sedation (RAMSAY), duration of analgesia, and occurrence of adverse effects were also compared. Results: Intraoperatively, there was no difference between groups regarding mean arterial pressure, heart rate, end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane, and time to awakening. Postoperative morphine consumption and pain severity were similar between groups, but the group receiving clonidine (3 µg.kg-1) had lower heart rate and higher sedation level than the group receiving bupivacaine alone. Conclusions: The combination of clonidine at doses of 1, 2 or 3 µg.kg-1 with bupivacaine 0.16% via caudal epidural route did not alter the consumption of morphine in the early postoperative period of children undergoing hypospadias repair.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A associação de clonidina ao anestésico local administrado por via peridural caudal parece melhorar a qualidade da analgesia pós-operatória, mas com resultados conflitantes. Este estudo comparou a analgesia pós-operatória de três diferentes doses de clonidina associada à bupivacaína na anestesia peridural caudal em crianças submetidas à correção de hipospádia. Método: Oitenta crianças entre um e dez anos, candidatas à correção cirúrgica de hipospádia, foram divididas, aleatoriamente, em quatro grupos de 20 pacientes para receber anestesia geral associada à anestesia peridural caudal com bupivacaína 0,166% isolada ou associada a 1, 2 ou 3 µg.Kg-1 de clonidina. Como desfecho principal avaliou-se o consumo de morfina nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório. Compararam-se também pressão arterial média, frequência cardíaca, concentração expirada de sevoflurano, tempo de despertar da anestesia, intensidade da dor pela escala FLACC, nível de sedação (Ramsay), tempo de duração da analgesia e ocorrência de efeitos adversos. Resultados: No transoperatório, não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à pressão arterial média, frequência cardíaca, concentração expirada de sevoflurano e ao tempo de despertar. No pós-operatório, o consumo de morfina e a intensidade da dor foram similares entre os grupos, mas o grupo que recebeu 3 µg.Kg-1 de clonidina apresentou menor frequência cardíaca e maior sedação do que o grupo que recebeu somente bupivacaína. Conclusões: A associação de clonidina nas doses de 1, 2 ou 3 µg.Kg-1 à bupivacaína 0,166% por via peridural caudal não alterou o consumo de morfina no pós-operatório imediato de crianças submetidas à correção de hipospádia.

Topography of the medullary cone of the feline night monkey: Clinical implications in epidural anesthesia / Topografia do cone medular do macaco-da-noite: auxiliando a abordagem peridural

Feline night monkey (Aotus azarae infulatus) is an arboreal primate that sleeps during the day hidden among branches of trees, leaving its hideout after nightfall. Little is known about the morphology of these animals, which leads to some difficulty in clinical and surgical approaches, as there has been substantial growth in the veterinarian’s role in maintaining the health and well-being of wildlife. Thus, we sought to investigate the topography and morphometry of the medullary cone, a small portion of the nervous system of the feline night monkey, which is of paramount importance in approaches for epidural anesthesia. Specimens from five young females were used, each with eight lumbar vertebrae, three sacral vertebrae, and a medullary cone with an average length of 7.5 cm, located between L5 and S3. Based on this finding, we suggest that a probable site for the application of epidural anesthesia is the space between S3 and Cc1.

O macaco-da-noite (Aotus azarae infulatus) é um animal arborícola que dorme durante o dia escondido entre os ramos, saindo do esconderijo após o anoitecer. Pouco se sabe sobre a morfologia destes animais, o que gera certa dificuldade nas abordagens clínico-cirúrgicas, uma vez que cresce substancialmente o papel do médico veterinário nas questões de saúde e bem-estar de animais selvagens. Visando contribuir com esses profissionais, buscou-se investigar a topografia e morfometria de uma pequena porção do sistema nervoso do macaco-da-noite, o cone medular, que é de suma importância nas abordagens quanto à anestesia peridural. Foram utilizados cinco espécimes fêmeas, jovens, de macaco-da-noite, que apresentavam oito vértebras lombares e três vértebras sacrais, e cone medular possuindo em média de 7,5 cm de comprimento, localizando-se entre L5 e S3. Este achado nos leva a sugerir como sítio provável para a aplicação de anestesia epidural, o espaço entre S3 e Cc1.

Effect of combining epidural with general anesthesia on recovery after spine surgery: randomized controlled study

Background: Fast track techniques have been applied to reduce surgical stress response and to provide effective perioperative analgesia, thereby improving patient''''''''s recovery and reducing postoperative morbidity. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of using combined general/epidural anesthesia (CGEA) on early recovery after lumbar spine surgeries. Subjects and Methods: The current prospective randomized clinical study had included a total of 40 patients who underwent elective one or two level laminectomy/discectomy. Patients were randomized and divided into two groups; general anesthesia (GA) group (group I) and combined general/epidural anesthesia group (CGEA) (group II). Patient characteristics, anesthesia time, surgical time, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), anesthetic / analgesic requirements, the occurrence of intraoperative bradycardia and/or hypotension, time to extubation, time to post anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge and duration of PACU stay were recorded and considered for analysis. Results: It was observed that CGEA was significantly associated with reduction of intraoperative anesthetics / analgesic requirements, shorter time to extubation, time for PACU discharge and duration of PACU stay but on the expense of higher incidence of intraoperative hypotension. Conclusion: This study proved that CGEA seems to be an effective fast track anesthetic protocol in patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgeries

Videotoracoscopía con anestesia peridural en paciente despierto / Epidural anesthesia for videoassisted thoracic surgery in awake patient

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is traditionally performed under general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation with a double lumen tube. In recent years, a growing trend towards these procedures being performed under loco regional anesthesia, particularly under epidural block with or without sedation in patients in spontaneous ventilation has appeared. It can be used to perform procedures that include pneumothorax management, wedge resection, lobectomy and surgical reduction of lung volume. The most attractive reason is to eliminate the side effects related to general anesthesia looking for a lower perioperative risks and shorter hospital stays, especially in elderly patients and those with compromised respiratory function. The thoracic epidural anesthesia has been effective allowing an adequate surgical approach, guaranteeing an idoneus level of analgesia, an optimal oxygenation, and facilitating an early postoperative recovery. We present a case of a patient undergoing to lung biopsy performed by VATS patient under epidural block and Ramsay scale sedation level III in spontaneous ventilation, who was discharged 48 hours after the surgical procedure.

La cirugía torácica asistida por vídeo se realiza tradicionalmente bajo anestesia general e intubación endotraqueal con tubo de doble luz. En los últimos años ha existido una corriente creciente hacia la realización de estos procedimientos en pacientes bajo anestesia locorregional, particularmente con bloqueo epidural con o sin sedación y en ventilación espontánea, para procedimientos que incluyen manejo de neumotórax, resección en cuña, lobectomía y cirugía de reducción de volumen pulmonar. La razón más atractiva es evitar los efectos secundarios relacionados con la anestesia general en búsqueda de menor riesgo perioperatorio y menor estancia hospitalaria, especialmente en pacientes mayores y en aquellos con función respiratoria comprometida. La anestesia epidural torácico (AET) ha sido efectiva para permitir un adecuado abordaje quirúrgico, garantizando un idóneo nivel de anestesia, una correcta oxigenación y facilitando la recuperación posoperatoria precoz]. Se presenta el caso clínico de una biopsia pulmonar realizada mediante toracoscopia en un paciente bajo AET con sedación escala Ramsay III y en ventilación espontánea, quien fue dado de alta a las 48 horas posterior a la cirugía.

Anestesia epidural y control posoperatorio de la tensión arterial en pacientes con preeclampsia grave cesareadas / Epidural anesthesia and postoperative control of arterial pressure in patients with serious preeclampsia and who have undergone cesarean section

Introducción: La preeclampsia en Cuba tiene una incidencia de 10 a 12 y una mortalidad neonatal de 35 por ciento. Hay escasa evidencia acerca de si es adecuado el tratamiento estándar. Se acepta el uso de anestesia epidural en la preeclampsia grave porque, entre otros beneficios, estabiliza la presión arterial. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de la anestesia epidural continua como coadyuvante en el control posoperatorio de la tensión arterial en pacientes con preeclampsia grave. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental en el hospital Dr. Agostinho Neto en el periodo 2013-2016. Se incluyeron 180 gestantes entre 15 y 40 años con preeclampsia grave intervenidas por cesárea, ASA III; asignadas aleatoriamente a un grupo de estudio y otro de control. En ambos se procedió según la norma cubana de obstetricia para el tratamiento de la preeclampsia. El grupo control recibió analgesia posoperatoria según recomendaciones del protocolo hospitalario, mientras se empleó anestesia epidural continua con 12,5 mg/h de bupivacaína al 0,125 por ciento en el grupo de estudio. Se midió la tensión arterial sistólica, diastólica y media durante las ocho primeras horas posoperatorias: Resultados: La tensión arterial sistólica y diastólica se controló en 93 por ciento y 88 por ciento, respectivamente. En el grupo control, 47 por ciento necesitó tres drogas antihipertensivas, 6 por ciento evolucionó hacia la eclampsia. Se controlaron los síntomas en el 97 por ciento del grupo de estudio. La taquicardia fue el efecto secundario esperado más frecuente de la anestesia epidural. Conclusiones: La anestesia epidural con bupivacaína al 12,5 mg/h es eficaz como coadyuvante en el control de la tensión arterial en el posoperatorio de pacientes con preeclampsia grave(AU)

Introduction: Preeclampsia in Cuba has an incidence of 10 to 12 and a neonatal mortality of 35 percent. There is little evidence about the standard treatment. The use of epidural anesthesia in severe preeclampsia is accepted because, among other benefits, it stabilizes blood pressure. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of continuous epidural anesthesia as an adjuvant in the postoperative control of blood pressure in patients with severe preeclampsia. Method: An experimental study was performed at Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital in the period 2013-2016. We included 180 pregnant women aged 15-40 and with severe preeclampsia undergoing cesarean section (ASA III), randomly assigned to a study group and a control group. In both cases, we used the Cuban obstetrical standard for treating preeclampsia. The control group received postoperative analgesia according to the recommendations of the hospital protocol, while continuous epidural anesthesia was used with 12.5 mg/h of bupivacaine 0.125 percent in the study group. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure were measured during the first eight postoperative hours. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was controlled in 93 percent and 88 percent, respectively. In the control group, 47 percent needed three antihypertensive drugs, while 6 percent evolved towards eclampsia. Symptoms were controlled in 97 percent of the study group. Tachycardia was the most common expected side effect of epidural anesthesia. Conclusions: Epidural anesthesia with 12.5 mg/h of bupivacaine is effective as an adjuvant in controlling postoperative blood pressure in patients with severe preeclampsia(AU)

Minilipoabdominoplastia com desinserção umbilical: indicações e comparação de táticas cirúrgicas para reinserção de umbigo, estudo prospectivo / Minilipoabdominoplasty with umbilicus detachment: indications and comparison of surgical tactics for umbilicus reintegration, an prospective study

Introdução: A minilipoabdominoplastia com desinserção do umbigo representa uma tática cirúrgica restrita àqueles casos nos quais a lipoaspiração isolada causaria piora da flacidez, enquanto a abdominoplastia convencional implicaria em ressecção exagerada de pele. Permite plicatura xifopúbica dos retos abdominais e boa ressecção do excedente cutâneo abdominal inferior. O objetivo é apresentar pacientes com umbigo alto tratados com lipoaspiração, minilipoabdominoplastia com desinserção de umbigo e reinserção abaixo, e comparar duas técnicas para reinserção umbilical. Métodos: Foram operadas seis pacientes no período de janeiro a junho de 2013 no Hospital Escola da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, MG, todas do sexo feminino, com idades de 32 a 50 anos, submetidas à anestesia peridural e geral. Resultados: Pós-operatórios com contornos corporais de silhuetas naturais e cicatrizes umbilicais reposicionadas sem cicatrizes externas. Conclusão: A técnica empregada permite o tratamento da flacidez moderada do abdome superior e inferior com uma incisão menor, proporciona cicatriz umbilical sem cicatriz externa e menores chances de complicações em virtude do menor descolamento.

Introduction: The minilipoabdominoplastia with umbilicus detachment represents a surgical procedure restricted to cases in which isolated liposuction would cause worsening of sagging skin, while the conventional abdominoplasty would imply excessive skin resection. It allows xyphopubic plication of the rectus abdominis muscle and good resection of the excessive lower abdominal skin. The objective is to provide patients with high umbilucus treated with liposuction, mini-abdominoplasty with umbilucus detachment and reinsertion below, and comparison of two techniques for umbilical reinsertion. Methods: We included six women aged 32- to 50-year-old and who underwent surgery under spine and general anesthesia from January to June 2013 in the Hospital of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results: After surgery, patients had natural silhouettes of body contours and umbilicus repositioned without external scars. Conclusion: The technique used allows treatment of moderate sagging skin of upper and lower abdomen with need of a small incision, the technique provides umbilicus scarring without external scarring and less chance of complications due to the small detachment.

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation and epidural anesthesia for an emergency open cholecystectomy / Ventilação mecânica não invasiva e anestesia peridural em colecistectomia aberta de emergência

Abstract Non-invasive ventilation is an accepted treatment modality in both acute exacerbations of respiratory diseases and chronic obstructive lung disease. It is commonly utilized in the intensive care units, or for postoperative respiratory support in post-anesthesia care units. This report describes intraoperative support in non-invasive ventilation to neuroaxial anesthesia for an emergency upper abdominal surgery.

Resumo Ventilação não invasiva é uma modalidade de tratamento aceita tanto em exacerbações agudas de doenças respiratórias quanto em doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. É comumente usada em unidades de terapia intensiva ou para suporte respiratório pós-cirúrgico em salas de recuperação pós-anestesia. Este relato descreve o suporte intraoperatório em ventilação não invasiva para bloqueio do neuroeixo em cirurgia abdominal alta de emergência.

Is there any benefit in associating neuraxial anesthesia to general anesthesia for coronary artery bypass graft surgery? / Existe algum benefício em associar a anestesia neuroaxial à anestesia geral para revascularização miocárdica?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of neuraxial anesthesia in cardiac surgery is recent, but the hemodynamic effects of local anesthetics and anticoagulation can result in risk to patients. OBJECTIVE: To review the benefits of neuraxial anesthesia in cardiac surgery for CABG through a systematic review of systematic reviews. CONTENT: The search was performed in Pubmed (January 1966 to December 2012), Embase (1974 to December 2012), The Cochrane Library (volume 10, 2012) and Lilacs (1982 to December 2012) databases, in search of articles of systematic reviews. The following variables: mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, in-hospital length of stay, arrhythmias and epidural hematoma were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of neuraxial anesthesia in cardiac surgery remains controversial. The greatest benefit found by this review was the possibility of reducing postoperative arrhythmias, but this result was contradictory among the identified findings. The results of findings regarding mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and in-hospital length of stay did not show greater efficacy of neuraxial anesthesia.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O uso da anestesia neuroaxial em cirurgia cardíaca é recente, porém os efeitos hemodinâmicos dos anestésicos locais e a anticoagulação podem trazer riscos aos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Revisar os benefícios da anestesia neuroaxial em cirurgia cardíaca para revascularização miocárdica por meio de uma revisão sistemática de revisões sistemáticas. CONTEÚDO: Foi feita pesquisa nas bases de dados Pubmed (de janeiro de 1966 a dezembro de 2012), Embase (1974 a dezembro 2012), The Cochrane Library (volume 10, 2012) e Lilacs (1982 a dezembro de 2012) em busca de artigos de revisões sistemáticas. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: mortalidade, infarto do miocárdio, acidente vascular cerebral, tempo de internação hospitalar, arritmias e hematoma peridural. CONCLUSÕES: O uso da anestesia neuroaxial para revascularização miocárdica permanece controverso. O maior benefício encontrado por meio desta revisão foi a possibilidade de redução das arritmias pós-operatórias, porém esse resultado foi contraditório entre as evidências identificadas. Os resultados das evidências encontradas referentes à mortalidade, ao infarto do miocárdio, ao acidente vascular cerebral e ao tempo de internação hospitalar não mostraram maior efetividade da anestesia neuroaxial.

Accidental catheterization of epidural venous plexus: tomographic analysis / Cateterização acidental do plexo venoso peridural: análise tomográfica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Inadvertent venous catheterizations occur in approximately 9% of lumbar epidural anesthetic procedures with catheter placement and, if not promptly recognized, can result in fatal consequences. The objective of this report is to describe a case of accidental catheterization of epidural venous plexus and its recording by computed tomography with contrast injection through the catheter. CASE REPORT: A female patient in her sixties, physical status II (ASA), underwent conventional cholecystectomy under balanced general anesthesia and an epidural with catheter for postoperative analgesia. During surgery, there was clinical suspicion of accidental catheterization of epidural venous plexus because of blood backflow through the catheter, confirmed by the administration of a test dose through the catheter. After the surgery, a CT scan was obtained after contrast injection through the catheter. Contrast was observed all the way from the skin to the azygos vein, passing through anterior and posterior epidural venous plexuses and intervertebral vein. CONCLUSION: It is possible to identify the actual placement of the epidural catheter, as well as to register an accidental catheterization of the epidural venous plexus, using computed tomography with contrast injection through the epidural catheter.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cateterização venosa inadvertida ocorre em aproximadamente 9% das anestesias peridurais lombares com introdução de cateter e caso não seja prontamente reconhecida pode trazer consequências fatais. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de cateterização acidental do plexo venoso peridural e o seu registro por tomografia computadorizada com injeção de contraste pelo cateter. RELATO DE CASO: Paciente feminina, sexagenária, estado físico II (ASA), submetida à colecistectomia convencional sob anestesia geral balanceada e peridural com cateter para analgesia pós-operatória. Durante cirurgia houve suspeição clínica de cateterização acidental do plexo venoso peridural, por refluxo de sangue pelo cateter, fato confirmado pela administração de dose-teste pelo cateter. Feita tomografia computadorizada com injeção de contraste pelo cateter, após o termino da cirurgia. Observado todo o trajeto do contraste desde a pele até a veia ázigo, passando pelo plexo venoso peridural anterior, posterior e veia intervertebral. CONCLUSÃO: É possível a identificação do real posicionamento do cateter peridural, bem como o registro da cateterização acidental do plexo venoso peridural, por meio de tomografia computadorizada com injeção de contraste pelo cateter peridural.

Total knee replacement induces peripheral blood lymphocytes apoptosis and it is not prevented by regional anesthesia - a randomized study / Artroplastia total do joelho induz apoptose em linfócitos de sangue periférico e não é evitada por anestesia regional - Estudo randomizado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Among the many changes caused by a surgical insult one of the least studied is postoperative immunosuppression. This phenomenon is an important cause of infectious complications of surgery such as surgical site infection or hospital acquired pneumonia. One of the mechanisms leading to postoperative immunosuppression is the apoptosis of immunological cells. Anesthesia during surgery is intended to minimize harmful changes and maintain perioperative homeostasis. The aim of the study was evaluation of the effect of the anesthetic technique used for total knee replacement on postoperative peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis. METHODS: 34 patients undergoing primary total knee replacement were randomly assigned to two regional anesthetic protocols: spinal anesthesia and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. 11 patients undergoing total knee replacement under general anesthesia served as control group. Before surgery, immediately after surgery, during first postoperative day and seven days after the surgery venous blood samples were taken and the immunological status of the patient was assessed with the use of flow cytometry, along with lymphocyte apoptosis using fluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: Peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis was seen immediately in the postoperative period and was accompanied by a decrease of the number of T cells and B cells. There were no significant differences in the number of apoptotic lymphocytes according to the anesthetic protocol. Changes in the number of T CD3/8 cells and the number of apoptotic lymphocytes were seen on the seventh day after surgery. CONCLUSION: Peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis is an early event in the postoperative period that lasts up to seven days and is not affected by the choice of the anesthetic technique.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: Dentre as muitas alterações causadas por uma ferida cirúrgica, uma das menos estudadas é a imunossupressão pós-operatória. Esse fenômeno é uma causa importante das complicações infecciosas relacionadas à cirurgia, como infecção do sítio cirúrgico ou pneumonia nosocomial. Um dos mecanismos que levam à imunossupressão pós-operatória é a apoptose de células imunológicas. Durante a cirurgia, a anestesia se destina a minimizar as alterações prejudiciais e manter a homeostase perioperatória. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da técnica anestésica usada para artroplastia total de joelho sobre a apoptose em linfócitos de sangue periférico no pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Trinta e quatro pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total primária de joelho foram randomicamente designados para dois protocolos de anestesia regional: raquianestesia e bloqueio combinado raqui-peridural. Onze pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total do joelho sob anestesia geral formaram o grupo controle. Antes da cirurgia, logo após a cirurgia, durante o primeiro dia de pós-operatório e sete dias após a cirurgia, amostras de sangue venoso foram colhidas e o estado imunológico do paciente foi avaliado com o uso deflow cysts 87 m, juntamente com apoptose de linfócitos com o uso de microscopia de fluorescência. RESULTADOS: Apoptose em linfócitos de sangue periférico foi observada imediatamente no pós-operatório e acompanhada por uma redução do número de células T e B. Não houve diferença significativa no número de linfócitos apoptóticos de acordo com o protocolo anestésico. Alterações no número de células T CD3/8 e no número de linfócitos apoptóticos foram observadas no sétimo dia após a cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: Apoptose em linfócitos de sangue periférico é um evento precoce no período pós-operatório que dura até sete dias e não é afetado pela escolha da técnica anestésica.

Teaching practices of thoracic epidural catheterizations in different grade of anesthesia residents / Ensino da prática de cateterismo epidural torácico em diferentes anos de residência em anestesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to clarify the importance of residency grade and other factors which influence the success of thoracic epidural catheterization in thoracotomy patients. METHODS: After the ethical committee approval, data were recorded retrospectively from the charts of 415 patients. All patients had given written informed consent. The thoracic epidural catheterization attempts were divided into two groups as second-third year (Group I) and fourth year (Group II) according to residency grade. We retrospectively collected demographic data, characteristics of thoracic epidural catheterization attempts, and all difficulties and complications during thoracic epidural catheterization. RESULTS: Overall success rate of thoracic epidural catheterization was similar between the groups. Levels of catheter placement, number and duration of thoracic epidural catheterization attempts were not different between the groups (p > 0.05). Change of needle insertion level was statistically higher in Group II (p = 0.008), whereas paresthesia was significantly higher in Group I (p = 0.007). Dural puncture and postdural puncture headache rates were higher in Group I. Higher body mass index and level of the insertion site were significant factors for thoracic epidural catheterization failure and postoperative complication rate and those were independence from residents' experience (p < 0.001, 0.005). CONCLUSION: Body mass index and level of insertion site were significant on thoracic epidural catheterization failure and postoperative complication rate. We think that residents' grade is not a significant factor in terms overall success rate of thoracic epidural catheterization, but it is important for outcome of these procedures.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Esclarecer a importância do ano de residência e outros fatores que influenciam o sucesso do cateterismo epidural torácico (CET) em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia. MÉTODOS: Após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética, os dados foram retrospectivamente analisados a partir dos prontuários de 415 pacientes. Todos os pacientes assinaram os termos de consentimento informado. As tentativas de CET foram divididas em dois grupos: segundo-terceiro ano (Grupo I) e quarto ano (Grupo II), de acordo com o ano de residência. Dados demográficos, características das tentativas de CET e todas as dificuldades e complicações durante o CET foram registrados retrospectivamente. RESULTADOS: A taxa de sucesso global de CET foi semelhante entre os grupos. Os níveis de colocação do cateter, o número e a duração das tentativas não foram diferentes entre os grupos (p > 0,05). A alteração do nível de inserção da agulha foi estatisticamente maior no Grupo II (p = 0,008), enquanto que a parestesia foi significativamente maior no Grupo I (p = 0,007). As taxas de cefaleia durante e após punção dural foram maiores no Grupo I. Um índice de massa corporal (IMC) maior e o nível do local de inserção foram fatores significativos para o fracasso do CET e para as taxas de complicações no pós-operatório, mas independentes da experiência dos residentes (p < 0,001, 0,005). CONCLUSÃO: O IMC e o nível do local de inserção foram significativos para o fracasso do CET e para as taxas de complicações no pós-operatório. Pensamos que o ano de residência não é um fator significativo em termos de taxa de sucesso global para o CET, mas é importante para o resultado desses procedimentos.

Nonanalgesic benefits of combined thoracic epidural analgesia with general anesthesia in high risk elderly off pump coronary artery bypass patients.

Objective: Epidural anesthesia is a central neuraxial block technique with many applications. It is a versatile anesthetic technique, with applications in surgery, obstetrics and pain control. Its versatility means it can be used as an anesthetic, as an analgesic adjuvant to general anesthesia, and for postoperative analgesia. Off pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery triggers a systemic stress response as seen in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), combined with general anesthesia (GA) attenuates the stress response to CABG. There is Reduction in levels of Plasma epinephrine, Cortisol and catecholamine surge, tumor necrosis factor-Alpha( TNF ά), interleukin-6 and leucocyte count. Design: A prospective randomised non blind study. Setting: A clinical study in a multi specialty hospital. Participants: Eighty six patients. Material and Methods/intervention: The study was approved by hospital research ethics committee and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Patients were randomised to receive either GA plus epidural (study group) or GA only (control group). Inclusion Criteria (for participants) were -Age ≥ 70 years, Patient posted for OPCAB surgery, and patient with comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, renal dysfunction). Serum concentration of Interlukin: – 6, TNF ά, cortisol, Troponin – I, CK-MB, and HsCRP (highly sensitive C reactive protein), was compared for both the group and venous blood samples were collected and compared just after induction, at day 2, and day 5 postoperatively. Time to mobilization, extubation, total intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were noted and compared. Independent t test was used for statistical analysis. Primary Outcomes: Postoperative complications, total intensive care unit stay and hospital stay. Secondary Outcome: Stress response. Result: Study group showed decreased Interlukin – 6 at day 2, TNF ά at day 2 and 5,troponin I at day 5, and decreased total hospital stay ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Thoracic epidural anesthesia decreases stress and inflammatory response to surgery and decreases hospital stay. However a large multicentre study may be needed to confirm it.

Pulmonary hypertension and pregnancy: The experience of a tertiary institution over 15 years.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in pregnancy is associated with a high maternal mortality and morbidity and has been found to be as high as 30-56%. Aim: To review the management of such patients in a tertiary center over a 15 year period, as the current literature consists of a few case reports, a few small case series and 2 meta-analyses. Materials and Methods: A review of all patients admitted to our institution for management of PH in pregnancy between 1994 and February 2009 was undertaken. Cases were identified from the high-risk pregnancy database within the department of anesthesia and from the hospital medical records. Severity of PH, type of PH, NYHA functional status at presentation and delivery, mode of delivery, peripartum monitoring and APGAR scores were noted. Patients were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team and management planned accordingly. Results: 19 eligible patients were identified. Patients who were significantly sick due to their PH were aggressively managed during pregnancy. Overall there was an improvement in NYHA functional status at the time of delivery. Epidural analgesia and anesthesia for labor and operatively delivery seem to be the ideal choice. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary approach is a key to the successful management of these patients. Secondary PH results in higher morbidity and mortality, in particular, older the age higher the maternal morbidity and mortality.