ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: In recent years, video-assisted thoracoscopic microdiscectomy has gained acceptance as a minimally invasive, safe, and efficient technique suited for herniated thoracic discs from T4T5 until T11T12. However, correct localization is difficult and wrong level exploration is an ever-present threat. We present a reliable and time-efficient localizing technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 86 consecutive cases, 1 day preoperatively intrathecal contrast was administered and a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed in prone position. Using local anesthesia, a hollow needle was advanced above the corresponding rib and through the pleura. The inner wire and corresponding pathological level were easily identified endoscopically. CONCLUSION: Myelo-CT provides detailed anatomical information, which is often helpful in determining the side of operative approach and the extent of bone removal needed. Needle localization obviates fluoroscopy, saves OR time, and allows the surgeon to focus on the technically demanding procedure. Furthermore, it is a relatively simple and safe technique.
Subject(s)
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/diagnostic imaging , Myelography , Preoperative Care/methods , Radiography, Interventional/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted , Thoracic VertebraeABSTRACT
A 4-month-old ex-premature infant with severe airway obstruction from subglottic cysts presented for surgical cyst removal. Laryngeal and tracheal surgical procedures in children may present difficulties for the anesthetist because the airway is shared with the surgeon. We report the use of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) to maintain ventilation and provide adequate surgical access. Anesthesia was induced using sevoflurane in oxygen and was maintained with intravenous infusions of propofol 7.5 mg.kg(-1).h(-1) and remifentanil 0.4 microg.kg(-1).min(-1). The suction channel of the ENT laryngoscope was used to introduce an 8-FG ureteric drainage catheter into the larynx and this catheter was used to provide HFJV. Obstruction to expiratory flow was a major concern and was dependent on good positioning of the rigid laryngoscope. Complications such as barotrauma, pneumopericardium, CO2-retention, necrotizing tracheobronchitis, and gastric rupture dictate a fastidious technique.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction/surgery , Anesthesia, Inhalation , High-Frequency Jet Ventilation , Laryngoscopy , Airway Obstruction/etiology , Anesthesia, Intravenous , Anesthetics, Inhalation , Anesthetics, Intravenous , Cysts/complications , Electrocardiography/drug effects , Glottis , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Premature , Male , Methyl Ethers , Propofol , SevofluraneABSTRACT
Single-lung anaesthesia for thoracotomy is usually achieved with endobronchial intubation, a double-lumen tube or an endobronchial blocker. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is seldom described for thoracotomy in children, although it is used for both laryngology procedures in the operating room and as a ventilation mode in intensive care. HFJV was used in three children, aged 10-12 years, who presented for scoliosis correction involving thoracotomy. The jet ventilation catheter was passed through a tracheal tube to reduce the risk of outflow obstruction and allow a smooth conversion to intermittent positive-pressure ventilation when required. Mean airway pressures measured at the tip of the HFJV catheter were at or below 4 cmH2O. Surgical opening of the nondependent lung pleura resulted in sufficient collapse of the pulmonary parenchyma with the patient in the lateral decubitus position for the surgical procedure. Arterial blood gas analyses performed during thoracotomy were within normal limits, with no CO2 retention. HFJV is an alternative ventilation strategy for thoracotomy in children because of its unique ability to deliver small tidal volumes at low mean airway pressures via a narrow catheter.
