Dexmedetomidine infusion as an anesthetic adjuvant to general anesthesia for appropriate surgical field visibility during modified radical mastectomy with i-gel®: a randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: Modified radical mastectomy is associated with appreciable blood loss, while endotracheal intubation leads to elevated hemodynamic responses. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of dexmedetomidine infusion as an anesthetic adjuvant to general anesthesia during modified radical mastectomy with I-Gel. METHODS: Sixty adult consenting female patients, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 to 2 and aged 4,065 years, were blindly randomized into two groups of 30 patients each. The patients in Group I received intravenous dexmedetomidine at a loading dose of 1 µg/kg over 10 min, followed by maintenance infusion of 0.4 to 0.7 µg/kg/h, while patients in Group II were administered an identical amount of saline infusion until 15 min prior to the end of surgery. The primary end point was bleeding at the surgical field and hemodynamic changes; requirement of isoflurane, intraoperative fentanyl consumption and recovery time were assessed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The patients receiving dexmedetomidine infusion showed significantly less bleeding at the surgical field (P < 0.05). A statistically significant reduction was also observed in the percentage of isoflurane required (0.82 ± 0.80%) to maintain the systolic blood pressure between 100 and 110 mmHg in patients receiving dexmedetomidine infusion compared with the Group II (1.50 ± 0.90%). The mean intraoperative fentanyl consumption in patients in the Group I was also significantly lower compared with that of the Group II (38.43 ± 5.40 µg vs. 75.12 ± 4.60 µg). The mean recovery time from anesthesia did not show any clinically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine infusion can be used safely to decrease the bleeding at the surgical field with smooth recovery from anesthesia.

Dexmedetomidine infusion during middle ear surgery under general anaesthesia to provide oligaemic surgical field: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Middle ear surgery requires bloodless surgical field for better operating conditions, deep level of anaesthesia and rapid emergence. Recent studies suggest that α2 agonists could provide desired surgical field, sedation and analgesia. The present study was aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of dexmedetomidine infusion as anaesthetic adjuvant during middle ear surgery using operating microscope. METHODS: Sixty four adult patients aged 18-58 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists Grades I and II, of both gender were randomised into two comparable equal groups of 32 patients each for middle ear surgery under general anaesthesia with standard anaesthetic technique. After induction of general anaesthesia, patients of Group I were given dexmedetomidine infusion of 0.5 µg/kg/h and patients of Group II were given placebo infusion of normal saline. Isoflurane concentration was titrated to achieve a systolic blood pressure 30% below the baseline value. All patients were assessed intra-operatively for bleeding at surgical field, haemodynamic changes, awakening time and post-operative recovery. RESULTS: Statistically significant reduction was observed in the required percentage of isoflurane (0.8 ± 0.6%) to maintain the systolic blood pressure 30% below the baseline values in patients receiving dexmedetomidine infusion when compared to those receiving placebo infusion (1.6 ± 0.7%). Patients receiving dexmedetomidine infusion had statistically significant lesser bleeding at surgical field (P < 0.05). The mean awakening time and recovery from anaesthesia did not show any significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine infusion can be safely used to provide oligaemic surgical field for better visualization using operating microscope for middle ear surgery.

Clonidine as an adjuvant for ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper extremity surgeries under tourniquet: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Clonidine has been used as an adjuvant to local anesthetic to extend the duration of block. The present study was aimed to compare the onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade of 0.75% ropivacaine alone or in combination with clonidine during ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper extremity surgeries under tourniquet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty four adult American Society of Anesthesiologist grade 1 and 2 patients, scheduled for upper extremity surgeries were randomized to receive either 19.8 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine with 0.2 mL of normal saline (Group R) or 0.2 mL (30 µg) of clonidine (Group RC) in supraclavicular block. Onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade was compared. The hemodynamic variability, sedation, respiratory adequacy and any other adverse effects were also recorded. RESULT: Ultrasound helped to visualize the nerves, needle and spread of local anesthetic at the brachial plexus block site. There was no statistically significant difference in the onset of sensory and motor blockade between the groups. Surgical anesthesia was achieved at the mean time of 20 min in all patients. Prolonged post-operative analgesia (mean duration 956 min) was observed in RC group as compared with R group (736 min). No complication of technique or adverse effect of ropivacaine and clonidine was reported. CONCLUSION: Clonidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine for ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus enhanced duration of post-operative analgesia. There was no incidence of vessel puncture or pneumothorax.

Intrathecal fentanyl as an adjuvant to 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine for infraumbilical surgery under subarachnoid block: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid blockade can be used in all surgical procedures carried out on the infraumbilical region. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intrathecal fentanyl as an adjuvant to 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine on onset, duration, intensity, and recovery time of sensory and motor blockade of subarachnoid block for infra umbilical surgery. METHODS: One hundred sixty adult consented patients of either gender with American Society of Anesthesiologist ASA I and II scheduled for infraumbilical surgery were randomized into two groups of 80 patients each to receive either intrathecal study solution of 4 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine with 0.4 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride (Group I-Ropivacaine Control Group RC) or fentanyl (20 µg) (Group II-Ropivacaine with Fentanyl RF). The end points were hemodynamic variability, onset of analgesia at T 10, maximum sensory analgesic level, time to complete motor blockade, duration of sensory and motor blockade and adequacy of surgical anesthesia. The post-spinal nausea and vomiting, shivering, pruritus, respiratory depression or any other side-effects were also assessed. At the end of study, data were systematically complied and analyzed for statistically significance. RESULT: The intrathecal fentanyl has accelerated the onset time to achieve sensory blockade to T10 dermatome and motor blockade. Small dose of intrathecal fentanyl with ropivacaine has prolonged the duration of analgesia in the early post-operative period when compared with intrathecal ropivacaine alone. The intraoperative hemodynamic variability showed no statistically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal fentanyl as an adjuvant to 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine demonstrated better clinical profile as compared to ropivacaine alone.

Postprocedural chest radiograph: Impact on the management in critical care unit.

Postprocedural chest radiograph is done to illustrate the position of endotracheal tubes (ETTs), nasogastric and drainage tubes, indwelling catheters, and intravascular lines or any other lifesaving devices to confirm their position. These devices are intended to save life, but may be life-threatening if in the wrong place. The incidence of malposition and complications ranges from 3% to 14%, respectively. The portable chest radiograph is of tremendous value, inexpensive and can be obtained quickly at the patient's bedside in any location of the hospital. A systemic literature search was performed in PubMed and the Cochranre library by setting up the search using either single text word or combinations. Those studies were also included where the chest radiograph was compared with other imaging modalities. Its clinical efficacy, cost-effectiveness and practicality allow anesthesiologist to evaluate the post-procedural position and complications of ETT, indwelling catheters, and multi lumen intravascular lines. Knowledge of the radiological features of commonly used devices is of utmost importance.

Preemptive analgesia of oral clonidine during subarachnoid block for laparoscopic gynecological procedures: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Preemptive analgesia is known modality to control the peri-operative pain. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of oral clonidine on subarachnoid block characteristics, hemodynamic changes, sedation and respiratory efficiency in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 64 adult consenting females of American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I and II were randomized double blindly into two groups of 32 patients each. Patients in the clonidine group received oral clonidine (100 µg) and patients of the control group received placebo capsule, 90 min before subarachnoid block with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (3.5 ml). The onset of sensory and motor block, maximum cephalic sensory level and regression times of sensory and motor blockade were assessed. Intra-operative hemodynamic changes, respiratory efficiency, shoulder pain and sedation score were recorded. The other side-effects, if any were noted and managed. RESULTS: The onset of sensory blockade was earlier in patients of clonidine group with prolonged duration of analgesia (216.4 ± 23.3 min vs. 165.8 ± 37.2 min, P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed on motor blockade between groups. The hemodynamic parameters and respiratory efficiency were maintained within physiological limits in patients of clonidine group and no patient experienced shoulder pain. The Ramsey sedation score was 2.96 ± 0.75. In the control group, 17 patients experienced shoulder pain, which was effectively managed with small doses of ketamine and 15 patients required midazolam for anxiety. CONCLUSION: Premedication with oral clonidine (100 µg) has enhanced the onset and prolonged the duration of spinal analgesia, provided sedation with no respiratory depression. The hemodynamic parameters remained stabilized during the pneumoperitoneum.

Palonosetron, Ondansetron, and Granisetron for antiemetic prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting - A comparative evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting is commonly associated with adverse consequences and hamper the postoperative recovery in spite of the availability of many antiemetic drugs and regimens for its prevention. The study was aimed to compare the prophylactic effects of intravenously administered palonosetron, ondansetron, and granisetron on prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, double-blind study, comprised 120 adult consented patients of ASA grade I and II of either gender, was carried out after approval of Institutional Ethical Committee. Patients were randomized into three equal groups of 40 patients each in double-blind manner. Group P received inj. palonosetron (0.075 mg), group O received inj. ondansetron (4 mg), and group G received inj. granisetron (2 mg) intravenously five minutes before induction of anesthesia. The need for rescue antiemetic, episode of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and side effects were observed for 12 hours in the post-anesthesia care unit. At the end of study, results were compiled and statistical analysis was done by using ANOVA, Chi-square test, and Kruskal Wallis Test. Value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The incidence of nausea and vomiting was maximal during the first four hours postoperatively. The complete control of postoperative nausea and vomiting for first 12 hours was achieved in 30% patients of ondansetron group, 55% patients of granisetron group, and 90% patients of palonosetron group. Safety profile was more with palonosetron. CONCLUSION: Palonosetron was comparatively highly effective to prevent the PONV after anesthesia due to its prolonged duration of action than ondansetron and granisetron.

Prolongation of subarachnoid block by intravenous dexmedetomidine for sub umbilical surgical procedures: A prospective control study.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous dexmedetomidine is used as adjuvant during general anesthesia due to its sedative and analgesic effects. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine on sensory and motor block characteristics, hemodynamic parameters and sedation during subarachnoid block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized placebo control study, 60 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologist I and II were randomized into two groups by computer generated table. Patients of Group D administered intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg and patients of Group C received similar volume of normal saline, administered after 20 min of subarachnoid block with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. The cephalic level of sensory block, total duration of sensory analgesia and motor block were recorded. Sedation scores using Ramsey Sedation Score (RSS) and hemodynamic changes were also assessed. RESULTS: Demographic profile, duration of surgery and cephalic level of sensory block were comparable. The time for two segments regression was 142.35 ± 30.7 min in Group D, longer than Group C (98.54 ± 23.2 min). Duration of sensory blockade was 259.7 ± 46.8 min in the Group D versus 216.4 ± 31.4 min in Group C (P < 0.001). The mean duration of motor blockade showed no statistically significant difference between groups. There was clinically significant decrease in heart rate and blood pressure in patients of Group D. The RSS was higher (arousable sedation) in patients of Group D. No respiratory depression was observed. CONCLUSION: Intravenous dexmedetomidine in dosage of 0.5 µg/kg, administered after 20 min of subarachnoid block prolonged the duration of sensory and motor blockade with arousable sedation.

Hemiarthroplasty in high risk elderly patient under epidural anesthesia with 0.75% ropivacaine-fentanyl versus 0.5% bupivacaine-fentanyl: Clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Anesthetic management of elderly patients is a challenge as aging makes them more susceptible to hemodynamic fluctuations during regional anesthesia. This study was aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of epidural 0.75% ropivacaine fentanyl (RF)- with 0.5% bupivacaine-fentanyl (BF) for hemiarthroplasty in high-risk elderly patients. METHODS: Sixty elderly consented patients of either sex with American Society of Anesthesiologist ASA II and III, scheduled for elective hemiarthroplasty were randomized into two Groups of 30 patients to receive epidural study solution of 15 mL of 0.75% Ropivacaine or 0.5% Bupivacaine with 1 mL fentanyl (50 µg). The hemodynamic variability with onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks were recorded. The adequacy and quality of surgical anesthesia were assessed. The post-epidural nausea and vomiting, shivering, respiratory parameters, or any other side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: There was no difference in the demographic profile between groups. The mean onset time to achieve sensory block to the T10 dermatome was rapid in the Group BF (12.4±6.9 vs. 17.5±3.7 min in Group RF). The mean time to achieve motor block was 17.5±3.4 min in Group BF versus 21.7±7.8 min in Group RF. The intraoperative hemodynamic fluctuations showed statistically significant differences between groups. The pruritis was observed in five patients but post-epidural shivering, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, or urinary retention were not observed in any patient. CONCLUSION: Epidural 0.75% Ropivacaine with fentanyl showed better clinical profile as compared to 0.5% Bupivacaine with fentanyl for hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients.

Premedication with clonidine versus fentanyl for intraoperative hemodynamic stability and recovery outcome during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia induced intraoperative hemodynamic responses which should be attenuated by appropriate premedication. The present study was aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of clonidine and fentanyl premedication during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for attenuation of hemodynamic responses with postoperative recovery outcome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized double blind study 64 adult consented patients of either sex with ASA I and II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia and met the inclusion criteria, were allocated into two groups of 32 patients. Group C patients have received intravenous clonidine 1µg kg(-1) and Group F patients have received intravenous fentanyl 2µg kg(-1) 5 min before induction. Anesthetic and surgical techniques were standardized. All patients were assessed for intraoperative hemodynamic changes at specific time and postoperative recovery outcome. RESULTS: Premedication with clonidine or fentanyl has attenuated the hemodynamic responses of laryngoscopy and laparoscopy. Clonidine was superior to fentanyl for intraoperative hemodynamic stability. No significant differences in the postoperative recovery outcome were observed between the groups. Nausea, vomiting, shivering and respiratory depression were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: Premedication with clonidine or fentanyl has effectively attenuated the intraoperative hemodynamic responses of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Blood glucose estimation as an indirect assessment of modulation of neuroendocrine stress response by dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl premedication during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia and surgery-induced neuroendocrine stress response can be modulated by appropriate premedication. The present study was designed to assess the clinical efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl premedication for modulation of neuroendocrine stress response by analyzing the perioperative variation of blood glucose level during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a prospective randomized double-blind study, 60 adult consented patients of either sex with ASA I and II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia and meeting the inclusion criteria, were allocated into two groups. Group D patients (n = 30) were given intravenous dexmedetomidine 1µg/kg and Group F patients (n = 30) received fentanyl 2 µg/kg, given over a 10-min period, before induction of anesthesia. Perioperative blood glucose levels were analyzed preoperatively, at 30 min after beginning of surgery, and 2.5 h after surgery. Anesthetic and surgical techniques were standardized. All patients were also assessed for intraoperative hemodynamic changes of heart rate and mean arterial pressure at specific timings. RESULTS: Blood glucose concentration has shown 20% increase after surgery. The differences between groups were not statistically significant as observed by analyzing the variation of serial perioperative blood glucose estimation. Both premedicants had attenuated the hemodynamic and neuroendocrine stress response of pneumoperitoneum and general anesthesia. The dexmedetomidine group showed more stabilization of intraoperative hemodynamics of mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate when compared to fentanyl group. CONCLUSION: During the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, dexmedetomidine and fentanyl, both premedicants have effectively modulated the neuroendocrine stress response of general anesthesia as assessed by analysis of perioperative blood glucose variation, but dexmedetomidine was better.

Ropivacaine: Anesthetic consideration in elderly patients for transurethral resection of prostrate a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Ropivacaine has less systemic toxicity and greater differentiation of sensory and motor blockade after subarachnoid block. This study was aimed to evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of intrathecal 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine alone or with fentanyl in elderly patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostrate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty four elderly consented patients of ASA grade I-III scheduled for transurethral resection of prostrate under the subarachnoid block were randomized to receive either intrathecal 4 mL of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine (Group R, n = 27) or 3.5 mL of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine with 0.5 mL (25 µg) of fentanyl (Group RF, n = 27). The characteristics of sensory and motor blockade, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, and secondary effects were noted for evaluation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the demographic profile of patients. The surgical anesthesia was adequate for TURP surgery in all patients. The median time to achieve the sensory blockade at T10 dermatome was 3.2 ± 1.5 min in Group R and 3.5 ± 1.3 min in Group RF. The median duration of sensory blockade at T10 was 130.6 ± 10.2 min in Group R and 175.8 ± 8.6 min in Group RF. The median duration of complete motor block was significantly shorter than the duration of sensory blockade (P < 0.001). There were fewer episodes of manageable hypotension in 5 patients of Group R and 11 patients of Group RF. No secondary effects have occurred in any patients. CONCLUSION: The intrathecal 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine alone or with fentanyl has provided effective surgical anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostrate and hemodynamic stability in elderly patients.

Optimum depth of central venous catheter - Comparision by pere's, landmark and endocavitory (atrial) ECG technique: A prospective study.

CONTEXT: Blind insertion of central venous catheter has many implications. Better options should be sought to perform this procedure. AIM: To evaluate various options for positioning central venous catheter tip. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is institutional based randomized prospective controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study depth and position of central venous catheter were evaluated in 150 patients in intensive care unit. Three different methods: Pere's, landmark, and endocavitory (atrial) ECG control were used. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Twoway ANOVA test was applied on SPSS version 16 to test the significant difference between the three groups. RESULTS: Patient characteristic and demographic data were similar in the three groups. The average depth of central venous catheter by Pere's, landmark, and endocavitory (ECG) technique were 14.20 ± 0.69 cm, 12.08 ± 0.98 cm, and 8.18 ± 0.74 cm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The correct position of central venous catheter by endocavitory (atrial) ECG appears not only to reduce the procedure related complications but also post procedure manipulation of catheter tip detected by post procedure chest X-ray.

Bispectral index monitoring of propofol sedation during ultrasound guided nerve block for inguinal herniorraphy: A randomized prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patient's awareness can be reduced during ultrasound guided nerve block for inguinal herniorraphy with propofol sedation. The study was aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of direct visualization of anatomy of inguinal region by ultrasound and benefits of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After approval, 40 adult male consented patients of ASA grade I-III of 18-58 years with body mass index <25 were randomized into two groups of 20 patients each. A high frequency (8-13 MHz) linear transducer was used to perform the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves (ILHN and ILIN) block between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles with 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine. The propofol infusion rate for sedation in patients of group I (non-BIS) was managed clinically and in patients of group II (BIS) was managed with BIS index of 65-75. Any surgical or anesthetic complications were recorded. The two groups were compared by evaluating the propofol consumption during surgery. RESULTS: Ultrasonographic visualization of the ILHN and ILIN was possible in all patients and inguinal herniorraphy was performed uneventfully. The mean dose of propofol required for sedation was 5.45 mg/kg/h in patients of group I (non-BIS) while 4.92 mg/kg/h in patients of group II (BIS). The mean propofol consumption was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). All patients were hemodynamically stable and there was no respiratory depression during propofol sedation. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography has facilitated the clinically effective nerve block for inguinal herniorraphy and BIS monitoring has ensured amnesia and faster emergence.

Dexmedetomidine premedication for fiberoptic intubation in patients of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic intubation is the gold standard technique for difficult airway management in patients of temporomandibular joint. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine as premedication with propofol infusion for fiberoptic intubation. METHODS: Consent was obtained from 46 adult patients of temporomandibular joint ankylosis, scheduled for gap arthroplasty. They were enrolled for thisdouble-blind, randomized, prospective clinical trial with two treatment groups - Group D and Group P, of 23 patients each. Group D patients had received premedication of dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg infused over 10 min followed by sedative propofol infusion and the control Group P patients were given only propofol infusion to achieve sedation. Condition achieved at endoscopy, intubating conditions, hemodynamic changes and postoperative events were evaluated as primary outcome. RESULTS: The fiberoptic intubation was successful with satisfactory endoscopic and intubating condition in all patients. Dexmedetomidine premedication has provided satisfactory conditions for fiberoptic intubation and attenuated the hemodynamic response of fiberoptic intubation than the propofol group. CONCLUSION: Fiberoptic intubation was found to be easier with dexmedetomidine premedication along with sedative infusion of propofol with complete amnesia of the procedure, hemodynamic stability and preservation of patent airway.

Oral pregabalin premedication for attenuation of haemodynamic pressor response of airway instrumentation during general anaesthesia: A dose response study.

BACKGROUND: The airway instrumentation of direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation are powerful noxious stimuli that should be attenuated by appropriate premedication, smooth induction and rapid intubation. The present study evaluated the safe and clinically effective dose of oral pregabalin premedication for attenuation of haemodynamic pressor response of airway instrumentation. METHODS: A total of 90 normotensive adult consented patients aged 24-56 years, ASA grade I and II, of both gender were randomized into three treatment groups of 30 patients each. Group I received oral placebo, Group II oral pregabalin 75 mg and Group III oral pregabalin 150 mg 1 h prior to induction. Anaesthetic technique was standardized and all groups were assessed for pre-operative sedation, haemodynamic changes after the premedication, before and after induction, after laryngoscopy and intubation, along with intraoperative haemodynamic stability and post-operative side-effects. RESULTS: Pre-operative sedation levels were higher with pregabalin premedication. Significant increase in heart rate and mean arterial pressure was observed in Groups I and II after airway instrumentation, while statistically significant attenuation of mean arterial pressure was seen in Group III. No significant decrease in heart rate was observed in any group. None of the patient has suffered from any post-operative side-effects, and no significant differences in the parameters of recovery and awakening time were observed. CONCLUSION: Oral pregabalin premedication has adequately sedated the patients. The haemodynamic pressor response of airway instrumentation was attenuated in a dose-related fashion. The premedicated patients were haemodynamically stable perioperatively without prolongation of recovery time and side-effects.

Subarachnoid block with Taylor's approach for surgery of lower half of the body and lower limbs: A clinical teaching study.

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid anesthesia is used as the sole anesthetic technique for below umbilical surgeries, but patients with deformed spine represent technical difficulty for its establishment. This study was aimed to find out whether training of Taylor's approach to residents on normal spine is beneficial for establishing subarachnoid block in patients with deformed spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The total of 174 patients of ASA I-III with normal and deformed spine of both genders scheduled for below umbilical surgeries under the subarachnoid block and met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled for this two-phased clinical teaching study. All participating residents have performed more than 100 subarachnoid block with the median and paramedian approach. Residents were randomized into two equal groups. During the first phase program, Group I was taught Taylor's approach by hands on method for the subarachnoid block while Group II kept on observation for the technique. During the second phase of program, Group II was also taught Taylor's approach for establishing the subarachnoid block. Block success was defined according to clinical efficacy. RESULTS: The results of teaching of Taylor's approach were encouraging. Initially, the residents faced difficulty for establishing the subarachnoid block in deformed spine but after learning by observation and practical hands on, both groups had successfully performed the subarachnoid block by Taylor's approach in one or more attempts in patient with deformed spine with the acceptable failure rate of 15%. CONCLUSION: Taylor's approach for establishing subarachnoid block in deformed spine should be taught to residents on normal spine.

Clinical evaluation of intravenous paracetamol versus Parecoxib for postoperative analgesia after general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain has a significant impact on patient's recovery and optimal nonopioid analgesia would reduce postoperative pain and pain-related complications. This study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of intravenous paracetamol versus parecoxib for postoperative analgesia after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight adult consented patients belonging to ASA I and II, scheduled for surgery, were randomly allocated in two treatment groups receiving either infusion of paracetamol (1 gm) or parecoxib (40 mg). The surgical and anesthetic techniques were standardized. Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analog score (VAS) at rest, during coughing and movement. The primary variables were the differences between the mean values of postoperative pain scores, time of first dose of rescue analgesic (tramadol) required, and patient satisfaction throughout the first 12 postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference among groups to first request for tramadol. The VAS score was significantly less in parecoxib group at rest compared to paracetamol group (P<0.05), but the same did not differ for pain score while coughing and movement. Patients in the parecoxib group were more satisfied regarding the postoperative pain management at 12 h postoperatively. The incidence of adverse side effects was infrequent in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Postoperative nonopioid intravenous analgesia with paracetamol and parecoxib is comparable in the early postoperative period with no adverse effects.

The prophylactic role of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss during radical surgery: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The radical surgical procedures are associated with perioperative blood loss. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in reducing perioperative blood loss in patients undergoing radical surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty ASA class I and II adult consented female patients, scheduled for elective radical surgery and met the inclusion criterion, were blindly randomized into two groups to receive either intravenous 1 g tranexamic acid 20 min before skin incision or an equivalent volume of normal saline as placebo (P). All patient's total blood loss was measured and recorded perioperatively at the 12(th)h postoperatively. The preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, hematocrit values, serum creatinine, activated thromboplastin time, prothombin time, thrombocyte count, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and symptoms of pulmonary embolism were comparatively evaluated. RESULTS: The tranexamic acid significantly reduced the quantity of total blood loss, 576 ± 53 mL in study group as compared to 823 ± 74 mL in the control group (P<0.01). Postoperatively hematocrit values were higher in the tranexamic acid group. The coagulation profile did not differ between the groups, but D-dimer concentrations were increased in the control group. No complications or adverse effects were reported in the either group. CONCLUSION: The prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid has effectively reduced theblood loss and transfusion needs during radical surgery without any adverse effects or complication of thrombosis.

Assessment of the subglottic region by ultrasonography for estimation of appropriate size endotracheal tube: A clinical prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation is important to carry out various surgical procedures. The estimation of endotracheal tube size is governed by narrowest diameter of the upper airway. The objective of the study was to assess the narrowest tracheal diameter by ultrasound for selection of the appropriate size endotracheal tube. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the approval of institution ethical committee and written informed consent, 112 patients aged 3 to 18 years of both genders with normal airways, scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia and intubation, were enrolled for this prospective clinical observational study. Preanesthetic ultrasonography of the subglottic region was performed by experienced ultrasonologist with a high-resolution linear array transducer in sniffing position for every patient and the subglottic tracheal diameter was estimated to select the appropriate-size endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube, calculated on the basis of physical indices and by ultrasound, was statistically correlated with the appropriate size endotracheal tube used clinically for intubation. RESULTS: The ultrasound guided selection criterion has estimated the appropriate-sized endotracheal tube better than physical indices (age or height)-based formulas. The estimated endotracheal tube size by ultrasound was significantly correlated with the clinically used endotracheal tube. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography may be used for the assessment of the subglottic diameter of trachea in children to estimate the appropriate size endotracheal tube for intubation.