Regional techniques for pain management following laparoscopic elective colonic resection: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Pain management is an integral part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) following laparoscopic colonic resection. A variety of regional and neuraxial techniques were proposed, but their efficacy is still controversial. This systematic review evaluates published evidence on analgesic techniques and their impact on postoperative analgesia and recovery for laparoscopic colonic surgery patients. METHODS: We conducted bibliographic research on May 10, 2021, through PubMed, Cochrane database, and Google scholar. We retained meta-analysis and randomized clinical trials. We graded the strength of clinical data and subsequent recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. Thoracic epidural analgesia improved postoperative analgesia and bowel function following laparoscopic colectomy. However, it lengthens the hospital stay. Transversus abdominis plane block was as effective as thoracic epidural analgesia concerning pain control but with better postoperative recovery and lower length of hospital stay. Moreover, Lidocaine intravenous infusion improved postoperative pain management and recovery; Quadratus lumborum block provided similar postoperative analgesia and recovery. Finally, wound infiltration reduced postoperative pain without improving recovery of bowel function, and it could be proposed as an alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Several analgesic techniques have been investigated. We found that abdominal wall blocks were as effective as thoracic epidural analgesia for pain management but with lower hospital stay and better recovery. We registered this review on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021279228).

Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome Caused by Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in a Pediatric Patient and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Following acute traumatic brain injury, cerebral salt wasting (CSW) syndrome is considered as an important cause of hyponatremia apart from syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone. Differentiation between the two syndromes is crucial for the initiation of an adequate treatment. Case Presentation. We report a 15-year-old female adolescent, admitted to intensive care for acute severe traumatic brain injury. During his hospitalization, she developed a hyponatremia with an increase of urine output and hypovolemia. So, the most probable diagnosis was CSW. Initially, she was treated by hypertonic saline and volume expansion. However, his sodium level continued to fall despite infusion of hypertonic saline. That is why fludrocortisone was introduced initially at 50 µg/day then increased to 150 µg/day. Fludrocortisone was continued for the next months. Serum sodium level was 138 mmol/L after one month of treatment. CONCLUSION: Hyponatremia may occur after severe traumatic brain injury that is why an adequate treatment initiated on time is necessary in order to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Miliaria crystallina in an intensive care patient.

Miliaria crystallina is frequently seen in intensive care patients. This skin condition should be known by both anesthesiologists and dermatologists to avoid unnecessary investigations.

Intraoperative tranexamic acid use in patients undergoing excision of intracranial meningioma: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial meningioma resection is associated with substantial intraoperative bleeding. Intraoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) use can reduce bleeding in a variety of surgical procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of TXA treatment on blood loss and transfusion requirements in patient undergoing resection of intracranial meningioma. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized double-blind clinical study. The patient scheduled to undergo excision of intracranial meningioma were randomly assigned to receive intraoperatively either intravenous TXA or placebo. Patients in the TXA group received intravenous bolus of 20 mg/kg over 20 min followed by an infusion of 1 mg/kg/h up to surgical wound closure. Efficacy was evaluated based on total blood loss and transfusion requirements. Postoperatively, thrombotic complications, convulsive seizure, and hematoma formation were noted. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were enrolled and randomized: 45 received TXA (TXA group) and 46 received placebo (group placebo). Total blood loss was significantly decreased in TXA group compared to placebo (283 ml vs. 576 ml; P < 0.001). Transfusion requirements were comparable in the two groups (P = 0.95). The incidence of thrombotic complications, convulsive seizure, and hematoma formation was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: TXA significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss, but did not significantly reduced transfusion requirements in adults undergoing resection of intracranial meningioma.

Morel-Lavallée lesion as an unusual cause of hemorrhagic shock: Case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Morel-Lavallée syndrome (MLS) is considered as a rare entity and hemorrhagic shock as a complication is uncommon. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a 56-year- old man who presented to the emergency department after a road traffic accident. Initially, the patient was hemodynamically unstable (heart rate 160 beats/min and blood pressure 65/30). Physical examination revealed multiple lacerations on his back and a gradually expanding large subcutaneous hematoma on the left flank extending to the hip and left leg. Fluid resuscitation was rapidly initiated. After stabilizing his hemodynamic status, a full-body computed tomography was performed revealing, apart from a small unilateral pneumothorax and a stable pelvis fracture, an extensive Morel-Lavallée lesion in the lumbar region extending to the hip and both legs. The patient was then transferred to a surgical intensive care unit for further resuscitation and surgical drainage of the collection followed by continuous suction was performed. Even though rare, Hemorrhagic shock is one of the threatening complications of Morel-Lavallée lesions and should be kept in mind by every traumatologist and emergency doctor. CONCLUSION: We report a case about a rare complication of MLS which is hemorrhagic shock in order to highlight the importance of making the diagnosis, which can be unrecognized, and initiate an adequate treatment on time.

Muscular hypotonia as an onset manifestation of Tuberculosis meningitis in an HIV-negative patient.

Muscular hypotonia is considered as one of the rarest forms of initial onset signs of TBM, in addition to aphasia and hyponatremia, the awareness of those rare onset signs, a well-conducted diagnostic approach and early treatment can improve the outcome.

Linezolid for the treatment of postneurosurgical infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus.

BACKGROUND: Postneurosurgical infection (PNSI) is a major problem. Linezolid is a bacteriostatic oxazolidinone antibiotic with a highly activity against Gram-positive cocci resistant to methicillin and a good cerebrospinal fluid penetration. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of linezolid in the treatment of PNSI caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS). METHODS: We conducted an observational study for all patients over 14 years old and diagnosed with MRS PNSI. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory information were collected prospectively. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients with PNSI (6 meningitis, 2 ventriculitis, and 2 subdural empyema) received linezolid. MRS isolated was Staphylococcus aureus in seven cases and Staphylococcus epidermidis in three cases. All isolated microorganisms were susceptible to vancomycin (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 2 mg/L) and linezolid (MIC = 1). The rate of microbiologic efficacy was 100% for patients with meningitis or ventriculitis. In the case of subdural empyema, focal infection had improved between 14 and 18 days. No adverse effects occurred during this study. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that linezolid as an alternative to vancomycin for the treatment of PNSI caused by MRS with a high rate of efficacy.

Necrotizing fasciitis of chest and right abdominal wall caused by acute perforated appendicitis: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon infection characterized by a necrotic infection that rapidly diffuse along the fascia and progresses to systemic sepsis. The combined occurrence of necrotizing fasciitis of the chest wall and acute appendicitis is extremely unusual. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old man without any significant medical history presented to the emergency department, in the postoperative course of a laparotomy for perforated acute appendicitis, with septic shock and a large erythematous region over the right abdominal wall. Laboratory evaluation revealed leucocytosis and lactic acidosis. A new surgical exploration revealed a purulent peritonitis with necrotizing fasciitis involving the right lower abdomen, right psoas muscle and right retroperitoneum. On intensive care unit, the patient was managed with intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement. In the following days, the patient developed extension of the necrosis to the right chest wall. A computed tomography scan of the chest showed right-sided pleural effusion with erosive aspect of the ribs. Necrotic tissues were debrided and antibiotic was changed due to wound superinfection with Acinetobacter Baumannii. DISCUSSION: Necrotizing fasciitis of chest due to acute appendicitis is extremely unusual. The optimal treatment associates appropriate antibiotics, oxygenation of infected tissue, and surgical debridement. CONCLUSION: Acute appendicitis resulting in necrotizing fasciitis of chest is rare but life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.