Secondary migration of a pre-existing central venous catheter due to a Swan-Ganz catheter insertion – A case report –

The entanglement of multiple central venous catheters is a rare and seriouscomplication. The Swan-Ganz catheter is a responsible for various cases.Case: A 66-year-old male patient was under general anesthesia for a coronary artery bypassgraft surgery. As he had a pre-existing Perm catheter in the right subclavian vein, a SwanGanz catheter was inserted into the left internal jugular vein. Chest radiograph after catheterplacement revealed that the Perm catheter had migrated to the left brachiocephalic vein.The surgeon attempted to reposition it manually, but postoperative radiograph showed thatit had rolled into a loop. On postoperative day 1, radiological intervention was performed tountangle the loop, which was successful.Conclusions: After placing a Swan-Ganz catheter in patients with a pre-existing central venous catheter, the presence of entanglement should be assessed. In such cases, radiology-guided correction is recommended, as a blind attempt to disentangle can aggravate thecondition.

Novel alternative for submental intubation - A case report -

Background@#Submental intubation is commonly used during general anesthesia for maxillofacial surgeries as it provides a safe unrestricted surgical access compared to tracheostomy. During submental intubation, soft tissues and blood clots can become lodged in the endotracheal tube. To overcome this problem, we used a laparoscopic trocar.Case: A 52-year-old man with maxillofacial injury was scheduled to undergo an open reduction and internal fixation. We performed submental intubation using laparoscopic trocar, which created sufficient space for the insertion of the endotracheal tube. Unlike conventional methods, our method did not require any blunt dissection and caused significantly less soft tissue damage and required significantly less time. @*Conclusions@#Submental intubation with laparoscopic trocar is a one-step method and is quick and easy-to-perform technique with less complications.

Risk factors of 30-day mortality following endovascular thoracic and abdominal aortic repair with general anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Recently, endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), have been used for treatment of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome and predictors for 30-day mortality and complications, in patients that underwent EVAR and/or TEVAR under general anesthesia. METHODS: In this study, 151 cases of EVAR and/or TEVAR under general anesthesia in 140 patients during 2009–2017 were studied. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used, to clarify risk for postoperative 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Postoperative 30-day mortality rate was 9.9% in the study population (10.3% in EVAR, and 9.3% in TEVAR, respectively). Seventy-two cases (47.7%) experienced postoperative complications within 30 days. Elderly older than age 76.5 (odds ratio [ORs] = 48.89, 95% confidential interval [95% CI] 1.40–1,710.25, P = 0.032), technically expertness (OR = 0.01, 95% CI 0.00–0.40, P = 0.013), severity of systemic complications (OR = 23.24, 95% CI, 2.27–238.24, P = 0.008), and severity of local-vascular complications (OR = 31.87, 95% CI, 1.29–784.66, P = 0.034) were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that elderly, technically expertness, and severity of systemic and local-vascular complications were associated with 30-day mortality of EVAR and TEVAR in aortic aneurysm.

Beneficial aspect of dexmedetomidine as a postoperative sedative for cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the sedative, analgesic, and hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine and midazolam for sedation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: The adult patients undergoing elective CABG surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to the dexmedetomidine (DEX) and midazolam (MDZ) groups. From the time of the sternal closure, dexmedetomidine (0.5–0.7 μg/kg/h) was continuously administered (DEX group), and midazolam (0.03–0.1 mg/kg) was administered by bolus (MDZ group). To maintain the target sedation level (Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale [RASS] range, −2 to −1) until extubation in the intensive care unit (ICU), continuous doses of dexmedetomidine were regulated and midazolam was administered intermittently. Sedation (RASS) and pain scores (visual analogue scale) and hemodynamic changes were recorded every two hours, until the end of the mechanical ventilation assistance after entering the ICU. RESULTS: The mean of the fraction within the target sedation level in each patient's total sedation time was 41.0% in the DEX group and 20.7% in the MDZ group (P = 0.026). In the DEX group, the RASS (P < 0.001) and cardiac index were lower (P = 0.047) than those in the MDZ group, but the other hemodynamic parameters and pain scores were not different. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that post-operative infusion of dexmedetomidine maintained a stable sedation without side effects in patients who underwent CABG surgery.

Anesthetic management with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with acute airway obstruction after inhalation burn injury: A case report

A 36-year-old woman was admitted to the intensive care unit because of an inhalation burn injury. Five days after admission, she developed dyspnea and hypercarbia. Therefore, fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed through the endotracheal tube, which revealed foreign bodies in the tube. Tracheostomy was performed to remove, albeit incompletely, the foreign bodies (endotracheal debris). As sudden movement of the patient or airway reaction could cause the foreign bodies to move deeper into the bronchus during manipulation of the rigid bronchoscope, general anesthesia was induced and maintained by using total intravenous anesthesia with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The foreign bodies were successfully removed without any other complications. This case showed that sloughed endobronchial debris after an inhalation burn injury caused acute airway obstruction. In such cases, alternative ventilation methods such as tracheostomy and ECMO may have to be applied, which can support a surgeon to focus on the procedure regardless of prolonged procedural time.

The effect of pre-anesthetic administration of dexmedetomidine on the consumption of opioids in postoperative gynecologic patients

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess whether pre-anesthetic administration of dexmedetomidine reduces the postoperative consumption of opioids, in patients receiving patient-controlled fentanyl after gynecological laparotomy. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Ten minutes before induction of anesthesia, 36 patients scheduled for elective gynecological laparotomy were assigned to receive either normal saline (group N) or dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg (group D). A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device was used to administer fentanyl for the postoperative 24 h period. Cumulative fentanyl consumption and pain score were assessed at postoperative 30 min, 6 h and 24 h. Patient's satisfaction for pain control and other side effects (nausea, sedation score) were recorded for all corresponding time points. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in cumulative fentanyl consumption (Group N: 11.1 ± 3.2 µg/kg, Group D: 10.3 ± 2.9 µg/kg, P value: 0.706). The incidence of side-effects did not differ between the groups. Both groups showed similar blood pressure after anesthesia induction. However, 10 min after anesthesia induction, the heart rates in group D were significantly lower than group N (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing gynecological laparotomy, the pre-anesthetic administration of single loading dose dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) given 10 min before anesthesia induction did not reduce the PCA consumption of postoperative fentanyl or the pain score.

The efficacy of warming blanket on reducing intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor under general anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hypothermia, defined as a core temperature under 36℃, increases the risk of cardiac complication, bleeding and infection. This study aimed to compare the hypothermia-preventing effects of a warming blanket (Ready-heat®) and one-layer cotton blanket in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the bladder (TURBT) under general anesthesia. METHODS: Patients undergoing TURBT under general anesthesia were allocated to the warming blanket (N = 23) or one-layer cotton blanket (N = 23) groups. Ten minutes before induction of anesthesia, warming blanket or one-layer cotton blanket was applied according to the assigned group. Tympanic temperature was measured just before induction of anesthesia. Esophageal temperature and tympanic temperature were measured from 20 min after induction of anesthesia at 10-min intervals. Tympanic temperature was measured at 10-min intervals over a 30-min period in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). In addition, the incidence and intensity of shivering and thermal comfort were also measured. RESULTS: The core temperature during general anesthesia showed no significant intergroup difference. The warming blanket group showed a lower incidence of hypothermia at 1 h after induction of anesthesia. Tympanic temperature, the incidence and intensity of shivering, and thermal comfort in the PACU showed no significant intergroup differences. CONCLUSIONS: Application of the warming blanket or one-layer cotton blanket for 10 min before induction of anesthesia showed no hypothermia-preventing effects. However, at one hour after induction of anesthesia, warming blanket application reduced the incidence of hypothermia to a greater degree than one-layer cotton blanket.

Reversal of rocuronium induced neuromuscular blockade using sugammadex in a patient with eclampsia treated by magnesium intraoperatively / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Massive bleeding despite tourniquet inflation in total knee replacement patient with a femoro-popliteal artery bypass graft / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Comparison of two types of combined spinal-epidural sets in terms of catheter positioning: reinforced catheter vs. non-reinforced catheter

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to examine the usefulness of a combined spinal-epidural set with reinforced catheter (CombiSpeed(R), Ace Medical, Seoul, Korea) as compared with the non-reinforced catheter (PORTEX(R), Smiths medical, Brisbane, Australia) in terms of catheter positioning and clinical aspects of anesthesia. METHODS: One hundred and two patients scheduled for regional anesthesia were enrolled in this study. They were allocated randomly either into group A (CombiSpeed(R)) or group P (PORTEX(R)). Vital signs and the levels of sensory and motor block were measured every 5 minutes. Ease of insertion and the removal of the catheter were assessed, so was the incidence of venous cannulation and paresthesia during epidural catheter insertions. After the placement of epidural catheter, we checked the location of catheter by radiography and measured in a clockwise angle from the midline to catheter tip (angle X). In laboratory, tensile strength of the two products was measured by using tonometry. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups in intra-operative vital sign, block level and ease of catheter insertion and removal. No difference was observed in angle X between the groups (group A: 93.6 +/- 129.5degrees, group P: 124.5 +/- 127.7degrees, P = 0.22). There were no complications such as paresthesia or venous cannulation during catheter insertion. The tensile strength was higher in group A (group A: 1.70 +/- 0.05 kg, group P: 1.30 +/- 0.03 kg, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CombiSpeed(R) is as useful as PORTEX(R) in terms of ease for catheter placement, positioning of catheter tip and clinical aspects of anesthesia.

Sedation with Dexmedetomidine during Tracheostomy in Severe Tracheal Stenotic Patients / 대한구급학회지

In patients with severely compromised airways, a tracheostomy is usually performed under local anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine can be a better choice of sedative for such patients because it causes minimal respiratory depression. We report two cases of patients with severe stenosis of the airways who underwent sedation with dexmedetomidine during tracheostomy under local anesthesia. In the first case, recurrent laryngeal cancer caused laryngeal stenosis, and the narrowest laryngeal width was less than 3 mm. In the second case, the tracheostomy opening site was narrowed to a diameter of 3.4 mm in a patient with a history of total laryngectomy. For both patients, sedation was induced by dexmedetomidine infusion and the tracheostomy was performed successfully under local anesthesia without any events. Dexmedetomidine seems to be an effective and safe sedative for tracheostomies in patients with critical airways. The management and implications of sedation with dexmedetomidine in the patients with severe stenotic airways are discussed.

General anesthesia versus monitored anesthetic care with dexmedetomidine for closed reduction of nasal bone fracture / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Reduction of nasal bone fracture can be performed under general or local anesthesia. The aim of this study was to compare general anesthesia (GA) and monitored anesthetic care (MAC) with dexmedetomidine based on intraoperative vital signs, comfort of patients, surgeons and nurses and the adverse effects after closed reduction of nasal bone fractures. METHODS: Sixty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were divided into a GA group (n = 30) or MAC group (n = 30). Standard monitorings were applied. In the GA group, general anesthesia was carried out with propofol-sevoflurane-N2O. In the MAC group, dexmedetomidine and local anesthetics were administered for sedation and analgesia. Intraoperative vital signs, postoperative pain scores by visual analog scale and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, systolic blood pressures were significantly higher, and heart rates were lower in the MAC group compared to the GA group. There were no differences between the groups in the patient, nurse and surgeon's satisfaction, postoperative pain scores and incidence of PONV. CONCLUSIONS: MAC with dexmedetomidine resulted in comparable satisfaction in the patients, nurses and surgeons compared to general anesthesia. The incidence of postoperative adverse effects and severity of postoperative pain were also similar between the two groups. Therefore, both anesthetic techniques can be used during the reduction of nasal bone fractures based on a patient%s preference and medical condition.

A detection of unexpected blood antibody at the time of transfusion was needed, during the operation: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

To avoid the occurrence of fatal complications of blood transfusion, several tests are implemented before transfusion. The tests include ABO typing, Rh typing, cross-matching test and blood antibody screening test, and in usual they are completed before transfusion. However in the case of repetitive operations done via brief distance, reexamination for blood antibody tends to be omitted. After 2 previous operations, 30 years old male patient showed positive blood antibody screening during the third operation. Although antibody screening test performed before the first operation, no unexpected blood antibody was detected. During the third operation, after the decision to start transfusion was made, it took two hours to find appropriate blood. There was no significant deterioration of patient's condition but the loss of time could lead to critical consequences. We present this case to make anesthesiologists and surgeons aware of possibility of unexpected blood antibody detection after transfusion.

Erratum: Comparison of two types of combined spinal-epidural sets in terms of catheter positioning: reinforced catheter vs. non-reinforced catheter

We found an error in our published article.

Effect of ulinastatin on the rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Ulinastatin is a glycoprotein derived from human urine and a serine protease inhibitor found in human urine and blood. Ulinastatin increases both liver blood flow and urine output. Rocuronium is eliminated mainly through the liver and partly through the kidney, hepatic elimination of rocuronium might be enhanced by ulinastatin. We examined the effect of ulinastatin on the neuromuscular block caused by rocuronium. METHODS: Forty four adult patients were randomly divided into two groups of 22 patients each, i.e. the study group and the control group. In the study group, a bolus dose of ulinastatin 5,000 U/kg was administered 2 min before the injection of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. In the control group, normal saline was administered instead of ulinastatin. For the monitoring of both onset and recovery from neuromuscular blockade, train-of-four (TOF) and post-tetanic count were used with TOF-Watch Sx. All patients underwent general anesthesia with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) of remifentanil and propofol, using the effect site target infusion system. RESULTS: In the study group, the onset of neuromuscular block was significantly slower than in the control group (P < 0.05). The recovery time from the rocuronium injection to the return of PTC was also significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, times to the return of T1, T2, T3, and T4 (i.e. the first, second, third, and fourth response of TOF) were significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ulinastatin significantly delays the onset of neuromuscular block and accelerates the recovery from the block caused by rocuronium.

The comparative study to evaluate the effect of palonosetron monotherapy versus palonosetron with dexamethasone combination therapy for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists are effective and safe on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Palonosetron, the newest 5-HT3 antagonist, has potent antiemetic property. We hypothesized that a combination of palonosetron and dexamethasone could more decrease PONV than palonosetron alone. METHODS: Among the patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic gynecologic surgery, mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty or thyroidectomy under general anesthesia, eighty four female patients with at least two PONV risk factors were enrolled in this study. They were received randomly 0.075 mg palonosetron and 4 mg dexamethasone (group C) or 0.075 mg palonosetron alone (group P). The severity of PONV using Rhodes index and the percentage of complete response during postoperative 24 hours were compared between groups. RESULTS: The frequency of mild/moderate/great/severe PONV based on Rhodes index were 9.8%/0%/0%/0% and 9.3%/2.3%/2.3%/0% in group P and group C, respectively. Complete response for PONV was observed in 90.2% and 86% of patients in group P and group C, respectively. The overall incidence of PONV in group P and C was 9.8% and 14%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences between palonosetron monotherapy and combination therapy of palonosetron and dexamethasone in patients with high emetogenic risk.

Frequency of unexpected antibody and consideration during transfusion / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: In this retrospective study, we measured the frequency of unexpected antibodies in the blood. Specific considerations for preoperative preparations were kept in mind for the patients undergoing surgery positive for these antibodies. METHODS: After reviewing the results of antibody screening tests lasted for 2 years, the frequency of unexpected antibodies was determined. Surgical patients who were positive for unexpected antibodies were selected and divided into two groups based on their potential need for an intra-operative transfusion (groups with high versus low possibility of transfusion). Blood for the high possibility group was prepared before surgery. For the low possibility group for which preoperative blood preparation was not performed, cases of this group were reviewed whether a blood preparation was delayed or not in case of transfusion. RESULTS: Among a total 22,463 cases, 340 (1.52%) had positive results for antibody screening tests. Among the 243 patients who were positive for unexpected antibodies, Lewis, Rh, Xga, and mixed antibodies were found in 85, 25, five, and eight cases, respectively. Out of 243 patients, 117 patients, specificities of the unexpected antibodies were not determined and 125 (51.4%) had a history of pregnancy and delivery, and 49 (20.2%) had a history of transfusion. In the low probability group, transfusions were administered for nine patients; transfusion was delayed for two patients due to difficulties with obtaining matched blood. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with unexpected blood antibodies may be at increased risk for delayed transfusion. For rapid transfusion, it might be helpful to keep a record about blood antibodies and introduce a notification system such as medical alert cards. Preoperative blood preparation is needed for timely intraoperative transfusion.

Differences of the Clinical Manifestations and Laboratory Tests between Monosensitized and Polysensitized Children: A Single Center Study / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to identify differences in the clinical manifestations and allergic indices between monosensitized and polysensitized children. METHODS: We reviewed retrospective data from the medical records of patients who had chronic or recurrent respiratory symptoms and visited the pediatric clinic at Chung-Ang University Hospital for an evaluation of allergic diseases from January 2003 to January 2011. The patients were categorized into nonsensitized (n=111), monosensitized (n=149), and polysensitized (n=205) groups according to skin prick tests (as classified by five allergen groups). We compared gender, age, family history, admission history, food sensitization, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), peripheral eosinophil counts, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and methacholine provocation tests among the three groups. RESULTS: The frequency of food sensitivity was highest in the polysensitized group (n=101, 49.3%), followed by the monosensitized (n=8, 5.4%) and nonsensitized groups (n=0) (P<0.001). The FEV1 was significantly lower in the polysensitized group than that in the monosensitized and nonsensitized groups (79.4+/-20.2% vs. 87.2+/-16.0% vs. 87.6+/-17.1%, respectively) (P=0.013). The total IgE and ECP levels were significantly higher in the polysensitized patients than those in the other patients (P<0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Differences in gender, age, peripheral eosinophil count, and bronchial hyper-responsiveness were not identified between the monosensitized and polysensitized groups. CONCLUSION: The polysensitized group showed more frequent food hypersensitivity, lower FEV1 values, and higher allergic indices such as total IgE and ECP, suggesting a different atopic phenotype compared with those in the monosensitized group.

The effect of remifentanil versus N2O on postoperative pain and emergence agitation after pediatric tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Remifentanil can be an alternative to N2O in general anesthesia. Intraoperative remifentanil may lead to acute opioid tolerance. This study aims to assess the effect of remifentanil substituted for 70% N2O on postoperative pain in children undergoing tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. In addition, we evaluated the effect of remifentanil infusion on incidence of emergence agitation in these patients. METHODS: Eighty children, aged 2-12 years, undergoing tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy were randomly allocated to the N2O group (Group N; n = 40, sevoflurane and 70% N2O) or remifentanil group (Group R; n = 40, sevoflurane with remifentanil infusion at the rate of 0.17 microg/kg/min). In the recovery room, severity of pain and agitation were assessed by an investigator blinded to the assigned group. Time to eye opening and incidence of severe pain and agitation were compared between groups. Logistic regression was used to identify factors related to occurrence of severe pain and agitation. RESULTS: Number of patients with severe postoperative pain was 6 and 16 in groups N and R, respectively (P = 0.012). Incidence of emergence agitation was not significantly different between groups. Remifentanil infusion was a significant factor related to the occurrence of severe postoperative pain (P = 0.015), and age was inversely related to occurrence of emergence agitation (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In children undergoing tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, intraoperative remifentanil infusion may increase incidence of severe postoperative pain compared to N2O, but it may not affect incidence of emergence agitation.

Comparison among the effect of ondansetron, lidocaine and combination of ondansetron and lidocaine on microemulsion propofol injection pain

BACKGROUND: The pain caused by injection of propofol is known to be related to the concentration of aqueous free propofol. Microemulsion propofol can cause a serious pain because it has 7 times higher concentration of aqueous free propofol. We used ondansetron, lidocaine, ondansetron lidocaine as pretreatment to compare the effect for injection pain of microemulsion propofol. METHODS: 75 patients, ASA physical status I or II were enrolled. We randomly allocated into Group L (n = 25) received 2% lidocaine 40 mg, group O (n = 25) received ondansetron 4 mg and group M (n = 25) received ondansetron 4 mg plus 2% lidocaine 40 mg as pretreatment. After instituting standard monitoring, the venous drainage was occluded using a pneumatic tourniquet at 25 cm proximal to venous line. The patients were pretreated over a period of 15 seconds with one of the pretreatment drug. After releasing the tourniquet, microemulsion propofol was injected. We asked the patient about degree of injection pain until loss of consciousness, by using 0-100 point pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS). In the recovery room, we asked the patient whether they recall injection pain. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the group L and the group M compared with group O on PI-NRS (P < 0.05). The incidence of injection pain was significantly lower in group L and group M than group O. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment of lidocaine and lidocaine + ondansetron is more effective than ondansetron alone for reducing pain on injection of microemulsion propofol.