Aprepitant prophylaxis effectively reduces preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients receiving opioid based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia

BACKGROUND: Aprepitant is effective in prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, when administrated with other antiemetics. We compared the effectiveness of aprepitant to ondansetron for prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients who received a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) containing opioids. METHODS: 198 patients were randomized into two groups. The treatment group was received an aprepitant, 80 mg, and the control group received a placebo. General anesthesia with inhalational anesthetics–N2O was performed, and PCA was supplied, which contained opioids-NSAIDs-ondansetron. The primary end-point was the incidence of PONV for postoperative 48 hours, and the secondary end-point was the changes in the relationship between PONV incidence and risk factors. RESULTS: PONV incidence in the treatment group was lower than in the control group (18.6% [95% CI: 10.8–26.3], 33.3% [95% CI: 23.6–43.1], respectively, P = 0.021). Relative risk of PONV in the control group was 1.80 (95% CI: 1.08–3.00, P = 0.010). PONV scores peaked at around postoperative 6 hours, then gradually decreased in the control group but not in the treatment group, which showed lower values than the control group (P = 0.001), and no changing patterns were observed (P < 0.001). Risk factors analyzed were sex, surgery type, history of motion sickness or PONV, and smoking habits. Their effects of all risk factors except sex were abolished in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic aprepitant with ondansetron was more effective than ondansetron-only regimen in preventing PONV after volatile anesthesia with opioid-containing PCA. Aprepitant abolished the effects of most of risk factors, so it could be efficacious in a high-risk PONV group.

Full informed consent: the most basic measure of protection against medical malpractice suits / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Anesthetic management during surgery for left ventricular aneurysm and false aneurysm occurring in stage: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) and false aneurysm are complications of acute myocardial infarction, trauma, and cardiac surgery. Left ventricular false aneurysm (LVFA) is a particularly catastrophic complication owing to its high propensity for rupture. Surgical resection should be considered for LVFA occurring within three months after myocardial infarction or development of congestive heart failure. In this report, we describe a case of acute heart failure with LVA and LVFA occurring in stage as a complication of myocardial infarction in a 55-year-old man. The patient was also at risk of brain ischemia due to abnormal vessel status and a previous cerebrovascular accident with left-sided weakness. Successful perioperative anesthetic management was achieved by focusing on maintaining marginal upper normal blood pressure to ensure cerebral perfusion and to reduce the risk of false aneurysm rupture.

Central hyperventilation syndrome due to massive pneumocephalus after endoscopic third ventriculostomy: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Pneumocephalus is common after brain surgeries, but usually is not substantial enough to cause serious complications. We recently encountered a case of post-operative tachypnea after an endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy. At first, we thought that the hyperventilation was the result of residual paralysis after emergence from anesthesia, but during further evaluation we found a massive pneumocephalus. In such unusual post-operative situations, physicians should consider surgery-related complications as the possible cause as well, along with the anesthetic factors.

The analgesic effect of nefopam combined with low dose remifentanil in patients undergoing middle ear surgery under desflurane anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of the combined administration of nefopam, a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and low dose remifentanil, on early postoperative pain and analgesic requirement. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled to undergo mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty were randomized to be given either nefopam 40 mg mixed with normal saline 100 ml (Group N) or an equal amount of normal saline (Group C) before anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was maintained with 5-6 vol% desflurane and remifentanil 0.05-0.15 microg/kg/min during the surgery. Postoperative pain was controlled by titration of ketorolac in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and ward. We evaluated the intraoperative remifentanil dose, recovery profiles, ketorolac demand in the PACU and ward, numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain at time intervals of every 10 min for 1 h in the PACU, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h in a ward, as well as the time to first analgesic requirement in the PACU and ward. RESULTS: Ketorolac demand and NRS in the PACU were significantly lower in Group N than Group C (P = 0.002, P = 0.005, respectively). The time to first analgesic requirement in the PACU in Group N were significantly longer than Group C (P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in intraoperative remifentanil dose, ketorolac demand, NRS, and the time to first analgesic requirement in the ward between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nefopam administration combined with low dose remifentanil infusion reduces pain and analgesic consumption during the immediate postoperative period in patients undergoing middle ear surgery under desflurane anesthesia.

Comparison of bispectral index scores from the standard frontal sensor position with those from an alternative mandibular position / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The standard bifrontal application of the bispectral index (BIS) sensor interferes with the operative field in neurosurgery and plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the standard frontal BIS sensor position with an alternative position across the mandible. METHODS: Two BIS(TM) Quatro sensors (Aspect Medical Systems, Newton, MA, USA) mounted on the frontal and mandibular regions were connected to BIS Vista(TM) monitors on each patient during general anesthesia. Data from each position were collected at awake, loss of consciousness, intubation, incision, every 30 minutes during the intraoperative period and emergence. These data were compared using Bland-Altman and scatter plot analyses. RESULTS: Scatter plot analysis revealed a significant correlation between BIS values of frontal and mandibular positions (R = 0.869, P = 0.000), except during emergence (R = 0.253, P = 0.077). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a negative bias of 3.2 with a limit of agreement of 16.5/-22.9, in which 3.7% of the values were outside of the limit of agreement. Additional values included -2.9 (14.1/-8.3) while patients were awake, -21.7 (14.9/-58.3) at loss of consciousness, -1.8 (9.0/-12.5) during maintenance, and -1.9 (14.9/-18.8) during emergence. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, BIS values do not agree between the standard frontal position and an alternative mandibular position. However, during the anesthesia maintenance period, the mandibular position can be availably used as an alternative position if the operative field renders the standard frontal position unavailable.

Protective strategies for one-lung ventilation / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Management of traumatic pneumothorax with massive air leakage: role of a bronchial blocker: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Massive air leakage through a lacerated lung produces inadequate ventilation and hypoxemia. Tube exchange from a single to double lumen endotracheal tube (DLT), and lung separation to maintain oxygenation, are challenging for seriously injured patients. In this case report, we aim to describe how a bronchial blocker (BB) makes it easier to perform a lung separation in this situation; it also increases the overall safety of the procedure. A 35-year-old female (163 cm, 47 kg) suffered from blunt chest trauma due to a traffic accident; the accident caused right-sided lung laceration with massive air leakage. Paradoxically, positive ventilation worsened SaO2 and leakage increased through a chest tube. We introduced BB while the patient was still awake: Left-side one-lung ventilation (OLV) was established and anesthesia was induced. After PaO2 was maximized with OLV, we changed the endotracheal tube to DLT without a hypoxic event. By BB placement, we maintained PaO2 at a secure level, conducted mechanical ventilation and exchanged the tube without deterioration.

Platelet function assay to determine the optimal preoperative cessation period of aspirin

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess preoperative residual antiplatelet-induced platelet dysfunction using a platelet function assay to determine the optimal cessation period of aspirin during the preoperative period. METHODS: Patients older than 20 years, who were scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were enrolled prospectively. The last ingestion of the aspirin had occurred within the previous 10 days before surgery (aspirin 100 mg per day). No history of antiplatelet intake was documented in the control group. Platelet function was assessed using a platelet function analyzer-100 (PFA-100). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to determine the ability of aspirin cessation time in order to predict platelet function as assessed by the PFA. Patients were assigned to groups according to the period of aspirin discontinuation. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were enrolled in this study (100 control group and 100 aspirin group). The mean PFA value of the control group was significantly lower than that of the treated groups. The areas under the ROC curve (0.65, P = 0.03) of aspirin cessation period to discriminate PFA prolongation were significant. There were significant decreases in PFA values when aspirin medication was discontinued for 7 days, but not when the intake was discontinued for 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet function recovered if aspirin intake was discontinued > 7 days prior to surgery; therefore, in these patients, a preoperative platelet function test is not essential. However, the residual antiplatelet effect of aspirin should be assessed using the PFA in patients who discontinue aspirin less than 7 days prior to surgery.

Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for lumbar discectomy in a patient with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

The use of neuraxial anesthesia has traditionally been contraindicated in patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, general anesthesia can be riskier than neuraxial anesthesia for severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing spinal surgeries in the prone position as this can cause a major reduction in cardiac output secondary to diminished preload. In addition, general anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and positive-pressure ventilation can decrease venous return and reduce vascular tone, further compromising cardiac output. Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with closely monitored, careful titration of the local anesthetic dose can be an efficient and safe anesthetic method for managing such patients. We describe the successful management of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in an asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis patient scheduled for lumbar discectomy.

Weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Monitored anesthesia care using dexmedetomidine and remifentanil for the hip surgery in a high risk patient with brain metastasis of lung cancer, cerebral infarction, seizure and quadriplegia: A case report

To perform the major operation for high risk patients with both serious systemic diseases and major organ complications, the monitored anesthesia care could be available as a reasonable alternative for both general and regional anesthesia when it is impossible to administer; however, the choice of analgesics and sedatives is still an important and difficult task. We present a high risk patient who suffers from neurologic complications including decreased consciousness caused by brain metastasis of lung cancer, cerebral infarction, quadriplegia and seizure as well as decreased respiratory function and bleeding tendency. When performing the operation on hip joints, we administered both dexmedetomidine as a major sedative, and remifentanil as an adjunct analgesic; as a result, we could successfully perform the monitored anesthesia care without any complications including cardiovascular instability, respiratory depression, and seizure.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation developed during perioperative periods in an adolescent without any underlying disease: A case report

Although the development of arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation (AF) is common under general anesthesia during surgery, the first episode of AF to occur during this period is rather uncommon. Moreover, most instances of AF are associated with old age, cardiopulmonary diseases as well as metabolic, endocrine, or genetic abnormalities. The occurrence of paroxysmal AF in the perioperative period in an adolescent without any underlying diseases or organic abnormalities has never been reported. Herein, we report a case of a 16-year-old adolescent whose paroxysmal AF was suspected before the anesthesia induction for strabismus surgery and diagnosed after anesthetic induction. Nevertheless, he was managed successfully with esmolol infusions during and after the surgery and thus recovered spontaneously.

Comparison of the clinical effectiveness between the streamlined liner of pharyngeal airway (SLIPA) and the laryngeal mask airway by novice personnel / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the streamlined liner of the pharynx airway (SLIPA) with the classic laryngeal mask airway when used by novice personnel. METHODS: There were 114 patients enrolled into this study who underwent general anesthesia were randomly allocated into one of 2 groups; LMA group (n = 57) or SLIPA group (n = 57). After insertion, insertion success rate, insertion time, and hemodynamic responses to insertion were accessed. After surgery, postoperative airway morbidity (sore throat, dysphonia, dysphagia) were evaluated. RESULTS: The SLIPA was successfully inserted in 96% of patients (55/57) and the LMA in 93% (53/57) (P = 0.408). First attempt success rates were 88% (44/57) and 77% (50/57) in the SLIPA and the LMA (P = 0.142). The successful insertion time in SLIPA group (33.4 +/- 11.0 sec) was significantly shorter than that of LMA group (38.8 +/- 16.6 sec) (P = 0.048) and the insertion time at the first attempt was also shorter in SLIPA group (31.0 +/- 6.3 sec) than LMA group (34.7 +/- 8.6 sec) (P = 0.013). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in hemodynamic responses and postoperative airway morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The SLIPA was similar to the LMA in insertion success rate, hemodynamic response, and postoperative airway morbidity by novice personnel. The insertion time at the first attempt and successful insertion time of the SLIPA were significantly shorter than those of the LMA. Therefore, the SLIPA could be a useful alternative to the LMA as primary SGA for novice personnel.

The cardioprotective effect of microemulsion propofol against ischemia and reperfusion injury in isolated rat heart / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Lipid-emulsion propofol (LP) has cardioprotective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury, but it has lipid-related side effects. Microemulsion propofol (MP) is a lipid-free propofol emulsified with 10% purified poloxamer 188 (PP188). PP188 is a nonionic surfactant and has cardioprotective effects. However, some reports have suggested that reduced cardioprotective effects were observed when the cardioprotective agents were used in combination even though each cardioprotective agent has cardioprotective effects. The aims of this study were to examine and compare the cardioprotective effects of MP and LP. METHODS: 50 isolated rat hearts were perfused with modified Kreb's solution. They were divided into 4 groups and underwent 30 minutes of ischemia and 60 minutes of reperfusion. Control group: ischemia-reperfusion was performed without treatment. LP, MP and PP groups: LP, MP and PP188 were infused during the pre-ischemic and reperfusion period, respectively. Hemodynamic parameters and coronary effluent flow rate (CEFR) were measured. Infarct size was determined using triphenyl-tetrazolium staining. RESULTS: In the MP group, systolic pressure was maintained near baseline, the systolic pressure was higher than that in the other groups and HR was lower than that in the other groups during reperfusion. Diastolic pressure was transiently increased in the PP group after treatment and at 5 minutes after reperfusion compared with that in the control group and in the the LP group. There were no differences in dP/dtmax and CEFR between groups. Infarct size in the LP, MP and PP groups was smaller than that in the control group, but there were no significant differences between these three groups. CONCLUSIONS: MP has cardioprotective effects similar to those of LP. MP can be used for cardiac anesthesia in cases with ischemia-reperfusion injury to avoid the lipid-related side effects of LP.

Antihistamine Pretreatment to Reduce Incidence of Withdrawal Movement After Rocuronium Injection

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of antihistamine therapy for withdrawal movements caused by rocuronium injection. One hundred seventy one ASA I-II adults undergoing elective surgery were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Patients in the control group (Group C) were premedicated with 2 mL normal saline, and those in the antihistamine group (Group A) were pre-medicated with 2 mL (45.5 mg) pheniramine maleate. After the administration of thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was injected. Withdrawal movements were assessed using a four-grade scale. The administration of antihistamine reveals lower grade of withdrawal movement after rocuronium injection.

Spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of intractable stump pain after amputation of the both lower limbs 36 years ago: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective therapy for chronic and intractable neuropathic pain. We present a case report of successful pain control using SCS implantation in a patient with chronic, intractable stump pain for 36 years. The patient lost his two legs under the knees during the Vietnam War and had an amputation. After that he suffered stump pain for 36 years due to recurrent neuroma even after neuroma excision was performed over 30 times. We inserted the dual percutaneous leads at the level of left T9 and right T10 in this patient and could get complete pain relief without any complications.

One-lung ventilation in a pediatric patient using a wire-guided endobronchial blocker for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has advantages compared with open thoracotomy. One lung ventilation, is indispensible to VATS, commonly is accomplished with a double-lumen endotracheal tube. For infants and small children, there is no double-lumen endotracheal tube suitable, various modified techniques are used to achieve one lung ventilation. Recently introduced a small sized wire-guided endobronchial blocker gives us another choice of one lung ventilation for VATS in small children. Using a wire-guided endobronchial blocker and multiport adapter for young children under flexible bronchoscope, we provided one lung ventilation (OLV) during VATS successfully without complications.

Iatrogenic Aortic Dissection Following Mitral Valve Replacement: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Iatrogenic aortic dissection (IAD) is a life-threatening complication that can occur during open heart surgery, therefore IAD requires early diagnosis and prompt management. We describe here a case of IAD that occurred during mitral valve replacement. The transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) evaluation revealed features indicative of acute aortic dissection and the tear was successfully repaired by interposition of a graft.