Comparison of induction of spinal anesthesia in sitting position with legs parallel and crossed for cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial.

Background and Aims: The position of the patient during subarachnoid block has a role in its success. Landmarks of the spine can be easily identified in sitting position. Sitting position with legs parallel (LPSP) produces a reversal of lumbar lordosis. The crossed-leg sitting position (CLSP) is an alternative position. In this study, we compared the ease of performing subarachnoid blocks in these two positions. The objectives were to compare the attempts at subarachnoid placement, patient comfort, ease of landmark palpation, level of block, hypotension, and neonatal outcomes. Material and Methods: This randomized trial was performed in 80 parturients posted for elective cesarean section. Parturients were assigned randomly to two groups. In group LPSP, the subarachnoid block was performed in sitting position with legs parallel and in group CLSP in the CLSP with knees and hips flexed. Results: The percentage of parturients with a successful subarachnoid block in the first attempt was higher in the CLSP than in LPSP group (87.5% versus 55%). The remaining 12.5% parturients in the CLSP group had successful block in the second attempt. In the LPSP group, 32.5% required two attempts and 12.5% required more than two attempts. This difference was statistically significant (P-value of 0.003). The landmark was easily palpable in 92.5 versus 67.5% of parturients in CLSP and LPSP, respectively, with a P-value of 0.014. Conclusion: CLSP is better than a sitting position with legs parallel for reducing the number of attempts and improving the ease of performing the subarachnoid block.

Comparison of aerosol box intubation with styletted endotracheal tube and intubation over bougie: A randomized controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) is an infectious disease. The use of video laryngoscopes is recommended for intubation of patients with COVID-19. But in resource-poor countries, it is rare to have video laryngoscopes available. In this trial, we have compared the ease of oral intubation by direct laryngoscopy with styletted endotracheal tube and intubation over the bougie, with the use of the aerosol box. The secondary objectives were comparison of the incidence of airway loss, attempts taken to intubate, time for intubation and hemodynamic changes. Material and Methods: 80 non-coronavirus infected patients coming for an elective procedure under general anesthesia were recruited in this randomized control trial. Participants were assigned into groups S and B using a computer-generated random sequence of numbers by closed envelope technique. In both groups, aerosol box was used. In Group S, participants were intubated by direct laryngoscopy with a styletted endotracheal tube and in group B, after direct laryngoscopy, the endotracheal tube was railroaded over the bougie. Results: Ease of endotracheal intubation was good (67.5%% vs. 45%), satisfactory (32.5%% vs. 37.5%), and poor (0% vs. 17.5%) in group S and B respectively (P < 0.011). The attempts required for intubation were similar in both groups. The time for intubation was significantly less in group S than B (23 vs. 55 s). Conclusion: The use of a styletted endotracheal tube made intubation easier and faster than tracheal intubation with bougie when the aerosol box was used in patients without known or predicted difficult airway and significant medical comorbidities.

Pregnancy and pulmonary arterial hypertension-improving surveillance and outcomes with multidisciplinary care and N terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide trends.

OBJECTIVE: To describe maternal and fetal outcomes and N Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) trends in pregnancy with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHODS: The medical records of all pregnant women with PAH referred to Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 35 pregnancies in 22 women (mean age 27.9 ± 4.7 years, mean weight 50.6 ± 8.1 kg). The diagnoses were Eisenmenger syndrome (16, 72.7%), postoperative residual PAH (3, 13.6%), idiopathic PAH (2, 9.1%), and one (4.5%) had systemic lupus erythematosus. About 23 babies (65.7%) were born alive, gestational age of 35.1 ± 2.9 weeks, 47.8% at term, with a birth weight of 2.1 ± 0.8 kg. There was an elevation of NT-proBNP in the initial 72 h postdelivery (median 138 pg/ml, IQR 112-561). Those with a persistent rise beyond 72 h (median 686 pg/ml, IQR 370-3691) had prolonged recovery postpartum (median postdelivery hospital stay 18 days, IQR 12-22) reflecting continued right ventricular stress and maladaptation. There was single maternal mortality (4.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy associated with PAH are better with strict surveillance and multidisciplinary team effort. Postpartum period remains the most vulnerable time. NT-proBNP trends during this period may be a promising objective monitoring tool in identifying at-risk subsets thus improving outcomes.

Intraperitoneal nebulization of ropivacaine for control of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy -A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Use of high dose opioids following laparoscopic surgery delays discharge from the hospital. Unlike intraperitoneal instillation, nebulization has been reported to provide a homogeneous spread of local anesthetics and provide better analgesia. In our study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of intraperitoneal nebulization of local anesthetic in alleviating postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized control double-blinded study was conducted after obtaining approval from the hospital ethics committee and informed consent from patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Patients recruited were divided into two equal groups of 20 each. Group B received intraperitoneal nebulization with 4 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine and Group C received intraperitoneal nebulization with 4ml of saline before surgical dissection. Postoperative pain score using a numeric rating scale was monitored until 24 h, the need for rescue analgesics and associated complications were noted. Chi-square test, Student's test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The pain score was significantly less in Group B during rest and deep breathing up to 24 h with a P value <0.05. The pain score on movement was also less in Group B and this difference was statistically significant at 6 and 24 h (P = 0.004 and 0.005, respectively). Tramadol consumption was less in Group B and was statistically significant at 24 h with P value of 0.044. No adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal nebulization of ropivacaine is effective and safe in providing postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Comparison of aerosol box intubation with C-MAC video laryngoscope and direct laryngoscopy-A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly infectious disease and healthcare workers are at constant risk for contracting it. Nowadays, aerosol box is used in conjunction with WHO-recommended safety kits, to avoid health workers from getting SARS-CoV-2 infection during aerosol-generating procedures. In our study, we compared the ease of oral intubation with C-MAC video laryngoscope and direct laryngoscopy, when the aerosol box was used. The secondary objectives were to compare the incidence of airway loss, haemodynamic changes, number of attempts, and time required for intubation between these two techniques. METHODS: This prospective randomised controlled study was conducted on 60 non-coronavirus disease (COVID) patients presenting for elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups:C and D using a computer-generated random sequence of numbers by closed envelope technique. In group D, laryngoscopy was performed with Macintosh blade and in group C, with Storz® C-MAC video laryngoscope. RESULTS: The ease of intubation was better (grade 1) in group C than D (68.6% vs. 31.4% respectively) with a P value of < 0.001. 10% of patients required more than one intubation attempt in group D compared to none in group C, but this difference was not statistically significant. The intubation time was comparable between the two groups. There were no incidences of loss of airway or failure to intubate in both groups. CONCLUSION: The use of C-MAC video-laryngoscopy resulted in easier orotracheal intubation as compared to intubation with direct laryngoscopy when the aerosol box was used.

Anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section in a patient with Gitelman syndrome.

Gitelman syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive salt-losing disorder of renal tubules, which results in hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis. Associated hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia are also seen. Gitelman syndrome is a variant of renal Bartter's syndrome. Anaesthetic management of these obstetric patients is challenging and requires a careful multidisciplinary approach. Close monitoring of potassium and magnesium levels and their supplementation is required to avoid complications to mother and baby.

Comparison of cross-legged sitting position with the traditional sitting position for the ease of insertion of an epidural catheter in parturient for providing labour analgesia: A randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The patient's position during the insertion of the epidural catheter plays a major role in the success of labour analgesia. In our study, we compared the ease of insertion of the epidural catheter in either traditional sitting position (TSP) or crossed-legged sitting position (CLSP). The primary objective was to compare the number of successful first attempts at epidural placement between the groups. Secondary objective included patient comfort, ease of landmark palpation and the number of needle-bone contacts. METHODS: The prospective non-blinded randomised control study was conducted on 50 parturient with uncomplicated pregnancy during active labour. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups using a computer-generated random sequence of numbers by closed envelope technique. Group TSP received epidural in a traditional sitting position and group CLSP received an epidural in a crossed-legged sitting position with knee and hip flexed. RESULTS: The parturient in both groups were comparable with respect to the distribution of age, height, weight and parity. The baseline visual analogue score (VAS) and VAS scores at 15 min were comparable between groups. Percentage of a parturient with successful epidural placement in the first attempt was higher in CLSP group than in TSP group (88% versus 44%, P = 0.004). The landmark, needle-bone contact and comfort during positioning were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Cross-legged sitting position is a better position than the traditional sitting position for the ease of insertion of labour epidural catheter.

Comparison of norepinephrine and phenylephrine boluses for the treatment of hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section - A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hypotension following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section is common in spite of adequate fluid loading. Phenylephrine is the recommended drug to treat spinal hypotension during caesarean section. Recently, norepinephrine boluses are being suggested as an alternative to phenylephrine boluses. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of bolus doses of norepinephrine with phenylephrine to treat spinal hypotension during caesarean section. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were randomly assigned into two groups. Group P patients received phenylephrine 50 µg as an intravenous bolus and group N received 4 µg of norepinephrine as intravenous bolus to treat spinal hypotension. The primary objective of our study was to compare the number of bolus doses of norepinephrine or phenylephrine required to treat spinal hypotension. The secondary objectives were to compare the incidence of bradycardia, hypertension, nausea and vomiting in mother and foetal outcomes. RESULTS: The number of boluses of vasopressors required to treat hypotension was significantly lower in group N (1.40 ± 0.577 vs. 2.28 ± 1.061, P = 0.001). The frequency of bradycardia was high in group P, but this difference was not statistically significant (4%vs. 20%, P = 0.192). Maternal complications such as nausea and vomiting and shivering were comparable between the groups. The foetal parameters were also comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intermittent boluses of norepinephrine are effective in the management of spinal-induced hypotension during caesarean section. The neonatal outcomes were similar in both the groups. Norepinephrine boluses can be considered as an alternative to phenylephrine boluses.

Efficacy of laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block for patients undergoing robotic-assisted gynaecologic surgery: A randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block has been used regularly as part of multimodal analgesia for caesarean sections and other lower abdominal surgeries. Adequate postoperative analgesia provided with regional blocks allows faster postoperative recovery and better patient satisfaction. In our study, we are comparing the analgesic efficacy of laparoscopic-guided TAP block with port infiltration using a local anaesthetic in patients undergoing gynaecologic robotic surgeries. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the hospital ethics committee, Central Trial Registry of India (CTRI) clearance and written informed consent from patients, this prospective double-blinded randomised control trial was conducted on patients undergoing robotic-assisted gynaecologic surgery under general anaesthesia. Group B patients received bilateral TAP block under direct laparoscopic vision with 15 ml of 0.1% ropivacaine on each side and Group C patients received routine port site infiltration with 30 ml of 0.1% ropivacaine. Postoperative pain score was measured till 24 hours, need for rescue analgesics, complications associated were noted. Independent two sample 't' test, Mann Whitney u test, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Pain score was significantly lower in Group B patients up to 24h (P < 0.001). The use of rescue analgesic was also significantly less in group B compared to Group C (P < 0.001). No adverse events were noted in both groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-guided TAP block is effective and superior to port site infiltration in providing postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing robotic-assisted gynaecologic surgery.

Comparison of Prolongation of Spinal Anesthesia Produced by Intravenous Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam: A Randomized Control Trial.

CONTEXT: Various intravenous (i.v.) adjuvants have been used along with spinal anesthesia to delay the onset of postoperative pain. AIMS: To compare effects of i.v. dexmedetomidine with midazolam on duration of spinal anesthesia. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective randomized control trial was conducted in a tertiary care institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients presenting for elective infraumbilical surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received a loading dose of 0.5 µg/kg followed by 0.5 µg/kg/h of i.v. dexmedetomidine. Group B received a loading dose of 0.03 mg/kg followed by 0.03 mg/kg/h of i.v. midazolam. Two dermatomal regressions, regression to S1 level, and sedation score were noted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: To test the statistical significance of duration of sensory blockade, Mann-Whitney U-test was applied. The incidence of bradycardia and hypotension was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: The mean time for two dermatomal regressions was significantly prolonged in Group A (2.3 ± 0.4 h) than Group B (1.6 ± 0.5 h, P = 0.001). Mean time for sensory regression to S1 dermatome was also prolonged in Group A (5.2 ± 0.83 h) than in Group B (4.4 ± 0.87 h, P = 0.01). Glycopyrrolate was administered in 45% of patients in Group A and 21% in Group B, which was statistically significant (P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Conscious sedation with i.v. dexmedetomidine at a loading dose of 0.5 µg/kg followed by 0.5 µg/kg/h prolongs duration of spinal anesthesia than i.v. midazolam at a loading dose of 0.03 mg/kg followed by 0.03 mg/kg/h in patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries. However, dexmedetomidine is associated with higher incidence of hemodynamic instability.

Effect of Cuff Pressures on Postoperative Sore Throat in Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery: An Observational Study.

CONTEXT: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a very common complaint following tracheal intubation. Although it resolves spontaneously, efforts must be taken to reduce it. AIMS: This study aims to compare the effect of cuff inflation using manometer versus conventional technique on the incidence of POST. Secondary objectives were to assess the incidence postoperative hoarseness and cough. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 120 patients were included in this prospective observational comparative study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After approval from the hospital ethics committee, consenting American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Class I and II patients, scheduled for gynecologic laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia, were included. They were randomly allocated by closed envelope technique to either Group A where the cuff pressure was adjusted to 25 cmH2O using a manometer or Group B where cuff inflation was guided clinically. Patients were monitored for sore throat, hoarseness of voice, and cough postoperatively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: To calculate the incidence of sore throat, hoarseness, and cough, descriptive statistics were applied. For checking association of sore throat and cuff pressure, Chi-square test and for comparing numerical values independent sample t-test were applied. RESULTS: The incidence of POST was significantly less in Group A than in B (P < 0.001) up to 24 h. Incidence of hoarseness was less in Group A and incidence of cough was higher in Group B, but these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Cuff inflation guided by manometer significantly reduces the incidence of POST.