Pain monitoring in intensive care: How does the nociception level index affect treatment and prognosis? A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Effective pain management is vital in critical care settings, particularly post-surgery. Clinicians should maintain objective and efficient standards to assess pain in a patient-centered manner, in order to effectively manage this complex issue. A newer technology, the nociception level (NOL) index, shows promise in achieving this task through its multi-parameter evaluation. METHODS: This study was a prospective, controlled, randomized trial involving two groups of patients (n=30 each) in a diverse intensive care unit. Participants were over 18 years old with American Society of Anesthesiology scores ranging from I to III and were scheduled for critical care follow-up after general anesthesia. All subjects followed a standard analgesia protocol that included rescue analgesia. Drug administration was guided by a numeric rating scale and the critical care pain observation tool in the Control Group, while it was guided by nociception level index monitoring in the NOL Group. RESULTS: Pain scores between the two groups did not significantly differ. However, within the NOL Group, pain scores and noci-ception values displayed a strong positive correlation. Notably, total analgesic consumption was significantly lower in the NOL Group (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: Monitoring pain using the nociception level index is an effective method for detecting pain compared to standard pain scores utilized in critical care. Its guidance facilitates personalized analgesic titration. Additionally, the potential of nociception level index guidance to reduce the duration of intensive care and hospital stays may be linked to its effects on delirium, a connection that awaits further exploration in future studies.

Effect of cortisol and glycosylated-hemoglobin levels on mortality in intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: To research the effects of blood cortisol and hemoglobinA1c (HBA1C) levels on mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and whether these factors could be used as reliable indicators for mortality risk assessment in these patients. METHODS: After receiving approval from the ethics committee, 79 patients admitted to ICU were included in the study. From patient files, we collected data on demographics (age, gender), presence of diabetes mellitus, and levels of cortisol, HbA1C, glucose, and lactate measured during hospitalization, along with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scores calculated within the first 24 hours. In our study, we planned to investigate the relationship between patients' cortisol and HbA1C levels and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were included in the study. The mortality rate of the patients included in the study was 65.8%. In the model established with all variables, only cortisol level (p=0.017) and APACHE II score (p=0.005) were defined to affect mortality. CONCLUSION: Cortisol levels at the time of admission to the ICU were found to affect mortality and can be considered a predictive factor, while HBA1C levels showed no such effect. Our findings indicate that neither cortisol nor HBA1C levels had an impact on the duration of mechanical ventilation or length of stay in the ICU.

The effect of the use of tranexamic acid in percutaneous nephrolithotomy on blood loss and surgical visual clarity: a prospective, randomized, controlled and double-blind study.

Tranexamic acid, once a randomly used antifibrinolytic agent, has been in standard protocols for many specific surgeries. Studies are still needed to standardize the dose and route of tranexamic acid administration, examine its possible contributions in urological surgery, and establish a protocol for its use. To contribute to this goal, we designed a prospective, randomized, double-blind study on 75 patients with 1 control and 2 study groups (n = 25) who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Group Tranexamic acid received 10 mg/kg intravenous tranexamic acid preoperatively. And Group Irrigation received the same amount in the initial irrigation fluid. Primarily, we observed the total amount of blood transfusion and the changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit values during 2 postoperative days. Distinctively, we intraoperatively monitored hemoglobin continuously as a saturation hemoglobin value to assess the timing of the effect of tranexamic acid. Secondarily, we questioned surgical visual clarity with a standard visual score to reveal its contribution to surgical practicality, operative time, and residual fragment quantity. Our results revealed a significant difference in the reduction of hemoglobin and hematocrit change and blood transfusion in both tranexamic acid groups concerning control, especially on the second day (p = 0.003, p = 0.002, p = 0.001). Likewise, surgical visual scores were significantly better in both tranexamic acid groups (p = 0.018). In conclusion, intravenous or local administration of tranexamic acid at a dose of 10 mg/kg will be sufficient to maintain perioperative stability in hemoglobin values, use fewer blood products and provide a better visual advantage for the surgeon intraoperatively.The trial registration number is NCT05947435, and the date of registration is 07/07/2023, retrospectively registered.

Choice of anesthesia technique for emergent cesarean sections during COVID-19 era in a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the change of anesthesia management for emergent cesarean sections in our tertiary care hospital in the first year of pandemic. We searched primarily for the changes in spinal to general anesthesia rate and secondarily for presented adult and neonatal intensive care needs in comparison to the year before the pandemic. We also presented the postoperative PCR tests of the emergent cesarean sections as a tertiary outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data such as anesthetic technique, need for postoperative intensive care, duration of hospital stays, postoperative PCR result, and newborn status. RESULTS: The rate of spinal anesthesia changed remarkably from 44.1% to 72.1% after the pandemic (p=0.001). The comparison of the median duration of hospital stays of the pre-pandemic group and post-pandemic group was found significantly longer than that of the before COVID-19 group (p=0.001). The rate of need for postoperative intensive care in the after COVID-19 group was higher (p=0.058). The rate of postoperative intensive care of the newborns in the after COVID-19 group was significantly higher than that of the before COVID-19 group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The spinal anesthesia rate for emergent cesarean sections increased significantly during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in tertiary care hospitals. Total health care services after the pandemic were enhanced as seen with elevated numbers of hospital stays, postoperative need of adult and neonatal intensive care.

Ultrasound-Guided Rectus Sheath Block as the Single Anaesthetic Technique for Umbilical Hernia Repair: A Report of 3 Cases.

In this study, we report 3 cases of ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block used for anaesthetic management of simple periumbilical surgery. We selected 3 patients based on the American Society of Anaesthesiology I-II and defect sizes known to be smaller than 4 cm without peritoneal involvement. We applied a rectus sheath block with 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 5 mL of 2% lidocaine bilaterally deposited in the space between rectus abdominis and posterior rectus sheath under real-time ultrasonography. Two of our patients tolerated surgery well with minimal sedoanalgesia; however, one of our patients needed dissociative anaesthesia to be compatible because the surgeon found out that the defect was bigger and adjacent to the peritoneum. Rectus sheath block is an underused technique that has the potential to be used as a sole anaesthetic technique in selected cases. So it would be wise to improve and consider rectus sheath block as a valuable tool when there is no better.

Lung Ultrasound in a Critically Ill Trauma Patient: A Case of Haemothorax Overlooked with Chest Radiograph and Computerised Tomography.

Critical care ultrasound has earned its place not just as a further investigation step but as a bedside physical assessment and monitoring tool. Its potential to become the twenty-first-century stethoscope has proved its accuracy by many protocols so far.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy with regional anesthesia vs general anesthesia: A prospective randomized study

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the effect of general anesthesia (GA) and regional anesthesia (RA) on f-URS outcomes and surgeon comfort. Material and Methods The study was conducted between June 2017 to January 2018 and data collection was applied in a prospective, randomized fashion. 120 patients participated in the study and were divided into RA group (n=56) and GA group (n=64). Demographic, operative and post-operative parameters of patients were analysed. The end point of this study was the effect of two anesthesia regimens on the comfort of the surgeon, and the comparability of feasibility and safety against perioperative complications. Results The study including 120 randomized patients, 14 patients were excluded from the study and completed with 106 patients (45 in RA group and 61 in GA group). No difference was detected between the two groups in terms of preoperative data. During the monitorization of operative vital signs, 3 patients in RA group experienced bradycardia, and this finding was significant when compared with GA group (p=0.041). Additionally, 2 patients in RA group experienced mucosal tears and 1 patient experienced hemorrhage during the operation, but no complications were observed in the GA group (p=0.041). Postoperative surgeon comfort evaluation revealed statistically significant results in favor of GA group (p=0.001). Conclusions Both GA and RA are equally effective and safe anesthesia methods for f-URS procedures. However, RA group showed significantly increased likelihood of bradycardia and mucosal injury during surgery, and significantly decreased surgeon comfort during surgery.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy with regional anesthesia vs general anesthesia: A prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of general anesthesia (GA) and regional anesthesia (RA) on f-URS outcomes and surgeon comfort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted between June 2017 to January 2018 and data collection was applied in a prospective, randomized fashion. 120 patients participated in the study and were divided into RA group (n=56) and GA group (n=64). Demographic, operative and post-operative parameters of patients were analysed. The end point of this study was the effect of two anesthesia regimens on the comfort of the surgeon, and the comparability of feasibility and safety against perioperative complications. RESULTS: The study including 120 randomized patients, 14 patients were excluded from the study and completed with 106 patients (45 in RA group and 61 in GA group). No difference was detected between the two groups in terms of preoperative data. During the monitorization of operative vital signs, 3 patients in RA group experienced bradycardia, and this finding was significant when compared with GA group (p=0.041). Additionally, 2 patients in RA group experienced mucosal tears and 1 patient experienced hemorrhage during the operation, but no complications were observed in the GA group (p=0.041). Postoperative surgeon comfort evaluation revealed statistically significant results in favor of GA group (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both GA and RA are equally effective and safe anesthesia methods for f-URS procedures. However, RA group showed significantly increased likelihood of bradycardia and mucosal injury during surgery, and significantly decreased surgeon comfort during surgery.

Perioperative Analgesic Effects of Preemptive Ultrasound-Guided Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Prospective, Randomized Trial.

Background and Objectives: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive procedure for removing kidney stones, but patients still suffer from moderate postoperative pain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the perioperative analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block performed before PCNL procedure. Materials and Methods: Patients scheduled for elective PCNL were randomized into two groups: Group TAP and Group IV. General anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium and maintained with sevoflurane, fentanyl, and rocuronium. Unilateral ultrasound-guided TAP block was performed with total of 30 mL volume of local anesthetic solution (20 mL bupivacaine 0.125% plus 10 mL lidocaine 1%) after intubation but before surgery to the Group TAP patients. Paracetamol 1 g was given to the Group IV. Tramadol 100 mg and morphine IV-patient-controlled analgesia were applied to both groups. Perioperative fentanyl consumption, postoperative verbal analog scale (VAS), morphine consumption, and additional analgesic drug requirement were assessed. Chi square with Yates correction and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Eighty patients were assessed for enrollment. One patient developed septicemia at the recovery room so data of 79 patients were collected for statistical analysis. Total morphine consumption at 48th hour after the surgery was lower at Group TAP (p = 0.022). Perioperative fentanyl consumption was lower at Group TAP (p < 0.001). Additional analgesic requirement and VAS were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Preemptive unilateral ultrasound-guided subcostal TAP block decreases perioperative fentanyl and postoperative total morphine consumption in PCNL patients compared to IV analgesic management.

Factors Affecting the Length of Stay in the Intensive Care Unit: Our Clinical Experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Long hospital days in intensive care unit (ICU) due to life-threatening diseases are increasing in the world. The primary goal in ICU is to decrease length of stay in order to improve the quality of medical care and reduce cost. The aim of our study is to identify and categorize the factors associated with prolonged stays in ICU. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed 3925 patients. We obtained the patients' demographic, clinical, diagnostic, and physiologic variables; mortality; lengths of stay by examining the intensive care unit database records. RESULTS: The mean age of the study was 61.6 ± 18.9 years. The average length of stay in intensive care unit was 10.2 ± 25.2 days. The most common cause of hospitalization was because of multiple diseases (19.5%). The length of stay was positively correlated with urea, creatinine, and sodium. It was negatively correlated with uric acid and hematocrit levels. Length of stay was significantly higher in patients not operated on than in patients operated on (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study showed a significantly increased length of stay in patients with cardiovascular system diseases, multiple diseases, nervous system diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases. Moreover we showed that when urea, creatinine, and sodium values increase, in parallel the length of stay increases.

Effects of different levels of end-expiratory pressure on hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy / Efeitos de diferentes níveis de pressão expiratória final sobre a hemodinâmica, mecânica respiratória e resposta sistêmica ao estresse durante colecistectomia laparoscópica

Abstract Objective: General anesthesia causes reduction of functional residual capacity. And this decrease can lead to atelectasis and intrapulmonary shunting in the lung. In this study we want to evaluate the effects of 5 and 10 cmH2O PEEP levels on gas exchange, hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: American Society of Anesthesiologist I-II physical status 43 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly selected to receive external PEEP of 5 cmH2O (PEEP 5 group) or 10 cmH2O PEEP (PEEP 10 group) during pneumoperitoneum. Basal hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and arterial blood gases (ABG) and blood sampling were done for cortisol, insulin and glucose level estimations to assess the systemic stress response before induction of anesthesia. Thirty minutes after the pneumoperitoneum, the respiratory and hemodynamic parameters were recorded again and ABG and sampling for cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels were repeated. Lastly hemodynamic parameters were recorded; ABG analysis and sampling for stress response levels were taken after 60 minutes from extubation. Results: There were no statistical differences between the two groups about hemodynamic and respiratory parameters except mean airway pressure (P mean). P mean, compliance and PaO2; pH values were higher in 'PEEP 10 group'. Also, PaCO2 values were lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. No differences were observed between insulin and lactic acid levels in the two groups. But postoperative cortisol level was significantly lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. Conclusion: Ventilation with 10 cmH2O PEEP increases compliance and oxygenation, does not cause hemodynamic and respiratory complications and reduces the postoperative stress response.

Resumo Objetivo: A anestesia geral causa a redução da capacidade residual funcional e essa diminuição pode levar à atelectasia pulmonar e ao shunt intrapulmonar. Neste estudo pretendemos avaliar os efeitos de níveis de 5 e 10 cmH2O de pressão expiratória final positiva (PEEP) sobre as trocas gasosas, a hemodinâmica, a mecânica respiratória e a resposta ao estresse sistêmico em colecistectomia laparoscópica. Método: Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 43 pacientes, estado físico ASA I-II, agendados para colecistectomia laparoscópica, para receber PEEP a 5 cmH2O (grupo PEEP-5) ou PEEP de 10 cmH2O (grupo PEEP-10) durante o pneumoperitônio. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos foram registrados, gasometria arterial e coleta de sangue foram feitas para estimativa dos níveis de cortisol, insulina e glicose para avaliar a resposta ao estresse sistêmico antes da indução anestésica. Trinta minutos após o pneumoperitônio, os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e respiratórios foram registrados novamente e gasometria e amostragem para os níveis de cortisol, insulina e glicose foram repetidos. E os últimos parâmetros hemodinâmicos foram registrados, análise e amostragem de gasometria para os níveis de resposta ao estresse foram feitas após 60 minutos da extubação. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística entre dois grupos quanto aos parâmetros hemodinâmicos e respiratórios, exceto pressão média das vias aéreas (Pmédia). Os valores de Pmédia, complacência, PaO2 e do pH foram maiores no grupo PEEP-10. Também os valores de PaCO2 foram menores no grupo PEEP-10. Não foram observadas quaisquer diferenças entre os níveis de insulina e de ácido láctico nos dois grupos. Porém, o nível de cortisol no pós-operatório foi significativamente menor no grupo PEEP-10. Conclusão: Ventilação com PEEP de 10 cmH2O aumenta a complacência e a oxigenação, não causa hemodinâmica e complicações respiratórias e reduz a resposta ao estresse no pós-operatório.

[Effects of different levels of end-expiratory pressure on hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / Efeitos de diferentes níveis de pressão expiratória final sobre a hemodinâmica, mecânica respiratória e resposta sistêmica ao estresse durante colecistectomia laparoscópica.

OBJECTIVE: General anesthesia causes reduction of functional residual capacity. And this decrease can lead to atelectasis and intrapulmonary shunting in the lung. In this study we want to evaluate the effects of 5 and 10cmH2O PEEP levels on gas exchange, hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: American Society of Anesthesiologist I-II physical status 43 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly selected to receive external PEEP of 5cmH2O (PEEP 5 group) or 10cmH2O PEEP (PEEP 10 group) during pneumoperitoneum. Basal hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and arterial blood gases (ABG) and blood sampling were done for cortisol, insulin and glucose level estimations to assess the systemic stress response before induction of anesthesia. Thirty minutes after the pneumoperitoneum, the respiratory and hemodynamic parameters were recorded again and ABG and sampling for cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels were repeated. Lastly hemodynamic parameters were recorded; ABG analysis and sampling for stress response levels were taken after 60minutes from extubation. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the two groups about hemodynamic and respiratory parameters except mean airway pressure (Pmean). Pmean, compliance and PaO2; pH values were higher in 'PEEP 10 group'. Also, PaCO2 values were lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. No differences were observed between insulin and lactic acid levels in the two groups. But postoperative cortisol level was significantly lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. CONCLUSION: Ventilation with 10cmH2O PEEP increases compliance and oxygenation, does not cause hemodynamic and respiratory complications and reduces the postoperative stress response.

Effects of different levels of end-expiratory pressure on hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: General anesthesia causes reduction of functional residual capacity. And this decrease can lead to atelectasis and intrapulmonary shunting in the lung. In this study we want to evaluate the effects of 5 and 10cmH2O PEEP levels on gas exchange, hemodynamic, respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: American Society of Anesthesiologist I-II physical status 43 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly selected to receive external PEEP of 5cmH2O (PEEP 5 group) or 10cmH2O PEEP (PEEP 10 group) during pneumoperitoneum. Basal hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and arterial blood gases (ABG) and blood sampling were done for cortisol, insulin and glucose level estimations to assess the systemic stress response before induction of anesthesia. Thirty minutes after the pneumoperitoneum, the respiratory and hemodynamic parameters were recorded again and ABG and sampling for cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels were repeated. Lastly hemodynamic parameters were recorded; ABG analysis and sampling for stress response levels were taken after 60minutes from extubation. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the two groups about hemodynamic and respiratory parameters except mean airway pressure (Pmean). Pmean, compliance and PaO2; pH values were higher in 'PEEP 10 group'. Also, PaCO2 values were lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. No differences were observed between insulin and lactic acid levels in the two groups. But postoperative cortisol level was significantly lower in 'PEEP 10 group'. CONCLUSION: Ventilation with 10cmH2O PEEP increases compliance and oxygenation, does not cause hemodynamic and respiratory complications and reduces the postoperative stress response.

Effects of pressure-controlled and volume-controlled ventilation on respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response during prone position.

BACKGROUND: Prone position during general anesthesia for special surgical operations may be related with increased airway pressure, decreased pulmonary and thoracic compliance that may be explained by restriction of chest expansion and compression of abdomen. The optimum ventilation mode for anesthetized patients on prone position was not described and studies comparing volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) during prone position are limited. We hypothesized that PCV instead of VCV during prone position could achieve lower airway pressures and reduce the systemic stress response. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of PCV and VCV modes during prone position on respiratory mechanics, oxygenation, and hemodynamics, as well as blood cortisol and insulin levels, which has not been investigated before. METHODS: Fifty-four ASA I-II patients, 18-70 years of age, who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy on prone position, were randomly selected to receive either the PCV (Group PC, n = 27) or VCV (Group VC, n = 27) under general anesthesia with sevoflurane and fentanyl. Blood sampling was made for baseline arterial blood gases (ABG), cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels. After anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation, patients in Group PC were given pressure support to form 8 mL/kg tidal volume and patients in Group VC was maintained at 8 mL/kg tidal volume calculated using predicted body weight. All patients were maintained with 5 cmH2O PEEP. Respiratory parameters were recorded during supine and prone position. Assessment of ABG and sampling for cortisol, insulin and glucose levels were repeated during surgery and 60 min after extubation. RESULTS: P-peak and P-plateau levels during supine and prone positions were significantly higher and P-mean and compliance levels during prone position were significantly lower in Group VC when compared with Group PC. Postoperative PaO2 level was significantly higher in Group PC compared with Group VC. Cortisol levels were increased with surgery in both groups (p < 0.05) and decreased to baseline levels in Group PC while remained high in Group VC in the early postoperative period. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in Group VC during surgery and in the early postoperative period compared with Group PC. CONCLUSION: When compared with VCV mode, PCV mode is associated with lower P-peak and P-plateau levels during both supine and prone positions, better oxygenation postoperatively, lower blood cortisol levels during surgery in prone position and in the early postoperative period. We concluded that PCV mode might be more appropriate in prone position during anesthesia.

Evaluation of sciatic nerve damage following intraneural injection of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine and lidocaine in rats / Avaliação da lesão do nervo ciático após injeção intraneural de bupivacaína, levobupivacaína e lidocaína em ratos

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: The local anesthetics may cause neurotoxicity. We aimed to compare the neurotoxic potential of different local anesthetics, local anesthetic induced nerve damage and pathological changes of a peripheral nerve. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats weighing 200-350 g were studied. Rats were assigned into 3 groups and 26-gauge needle was inserted under magnification into the left sciatic nerve and 0.2 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine, 5% levobupivacaine, and 2% lidocaine were injected intraneurally. An individual who was blind to the specifics of the injection monitored the neurologic function on postoperative 1st day, and daily thereafter. Neurologic examination included assessment for the presence and severity of nociception and grasping reflexes. At the 7th day sciatic nerve specimen was taken for evaluation of histopathologic changes. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference detected among groups regarding grasping reflex and histopathologic evaluation. Two cases in bupivacaine group, 1 case in levobupivacaine group and 2 cases in lidocaine group had slight grasping, while 1 case in lidocaine group had no grasping reflex on the seventh day. Severe axonal degeneration was observed in all groups, respectively in bupivacaine group 4 (20%), levobupivacaine group 3 (15%), and lidocaine group 6 (30%). CONCLUSION: In all groups, histopathological damage frequency and severity were more than the motor deficiency.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Os anestésicos locais podem causar neurotoxicidade. Nosso objetivo foi comparar o potencial neurotóxico de diferentes anestésicos locais, os danos induzidos aos nervos e as alterações patológicas de um nervo periférico. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 60 ratos Whistler com 200-350 g. Os ratos foram divididos em três grupos, uma agulha de calibre 26 foi inserida no nervo ciático esquerdo, com o uso de ampliação, e 0,2 mL de bupivacaína a 0,5%, levobupivacaína a 5% e lidocaína a 2% foram injetados por via intraneural. Um colaborador, cego para os conteúdos das injeções, monitorou a função neurológica no primeiro dia de pós-operatório e depois diariamente. O exame neurológico incluiu a avaliação da presença e da gravidade da nocicepção e dos reflexos de agarrar. No sétimo dia, uma amostra do nervo ciático foi colhida para avaliar as alterações histopatológicas. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em relação ao reflexo de agarrar e à avaliação histopatológica. Dois casos no grupo bupivacaína, um no grupo levobupivacaína e dois no grupo lidocaína apresentaram um leve reflexo de agarrar; também no grupo lidocaína, um caso não apresentou reflexo de agarrar no sétimo dia. Degeneração axonal grave foi observada em todos os grupos: quatro casos no grupo bupivacaína (20%), três no grupo levobupivacaína 3 (15%) e seis no grupo lidocaína (30%). CONCLUSÃO: Em todos os grupos, a frequência de dano histopatológico e de gravidade foi maior do que a deficiência motora.

Effects of pressure-controlled and volume-controlled ventilation on respiratory mechanics and systemic stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) is less frequently employed in general anesthesia. With its high and decelerating inspiratory flow, PCV has faster tidal volume delivery and different gas distribution. The same tidal volume setting, delivered by PCV versus volume-controlled ventilation (VCV), will result in a lower peak airway pressure and reduced risk of barotrauma. We hypothesized that PCV instead of VCV during laparoscopic surgery could achieve lower airway pressures and reduce the systemic stress response. Forty ASA I-II patients were randomly selected to receive either the PCV (Group PC, n = 20) or VCV (Group VC, n = 20) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Blood sampling was made for baseline arterial blood gases (ABG), cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels. General anesthesia with sevoflurane and fentanyl was employed to all patients. After anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation, patients in Group PC were given pressure support to form 8 mL/kg tidal volume and patients in Group VC was maintained at 8 mL/kg tidal volume calculated using predicted body weight. All patients were maintained with 5 cmH2O positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP). Respiratory parameters were recorded before and 30 min after pneumoperitonium. Assessment of ABG and sampling for cortisol, insulin and glucose levels were repeated 30 min after pneumoperitonium and 60 min after extubation. The P-peak levels observed before (18.9 ± 3.8 versus 15 ± 2.2 cmH2O) and during (23.3 ± 3.8 versus 20.1 ± 2.9 cmH2O) pneumoperitoneum in Group VC were significantly higher. Postoperative partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) values are higher (98 ± 12 versus 86 ± 11 mmHg) in Group PC. Arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) values (41.8 ± 5.4 versus 36.7 ± 3.5 mmHg) during pneumoperitonium and post-operative mean cortisol and insulin levels were higher in Group VC. When compared to VCV mode, PCV mode may improve compliance during pneumoperitoneum, improve oxygenation and reduce stress response postoperatively and may be more appropriate in patients having laparoscopic surgery.

Evaluation of sciatic nerve damage following intraneural injection of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine and lidocaine in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The local anesthetics may cause neurotoxicity. We aimed to compare the neurotoxic potential of different local anesthetics, local anesthetic induced nerve damage and pathological changes of a peripheral nerve. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats weighing 200-350g were studied. Rats were assigned into 3 groups and 26-gauge needle was inserted under magnification into the left sciatic nerve and 0.2mL of 0.5% bupivacaine, 5% levobupivacaine, and 2% lidocaine were injected intraneurally. An individual who was blind to the specifics of the injection monitored the neurologic function on postoperative 1st day, and daily thereafter. Neurologic examination included assessment for the presence and severity of nociception and grasping reflexes. At the 7th day sciatic nerve specimen was taken for evaluation of histopathologic changes. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference detected among groups regarding grasping reflex and histopathologic evaluation. Two cases in bupivacaine group, 1 case in levobupivacaine group and 2 cases in lidocaine group had slight grasping, while 1 case in lidocaine group had no grasping reflex on the seventh day. Severe axonal degeneration was observed in all groups, respectively in bupivacaine group 4 (20%), levobupivacaine group 3 (15%), and lidocaine group 6 (30%). CONCLUSION: In all groups, histopathological damage frequency and severity were more than the motor deficiency.

[Evaluation of sciatic nerve damage following intraneural injection of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine and lidocaine in rats]. / Avaliação da lesão do nervo ciático após injeção intraneural de bupivacaína, levobupivacaína e lidocaína em ratos.

OBJECTIVE: The local anesthetics may cause neurotoxicity. We aimed to compare the neurotoxic potential of different local anesthetics, local anesthetic induced nerve damage and pathological changes of a peripheral nerve. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats weighing 200-350g were studied. Rats were assigned into 3 groups and 26-gauge needle was inserted under magnification into the left sciatic nerve and 0.2mL of 0.5% bupivacaine, 5% levobupivacaine, and 2% lidocaine were injected intraneurally. An individual who was blind to the specifics of the injection monitored the neurologic function on postoperative 1st day, and daily thereafter. Neurologic examination included assessment for the presence and severity of nociception and grasping reflexes. At the 7th day sciatic nerve specimen was taken for evaluation of histopathologic changes. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference detected among groups regarding grasping reflex and histopathologic evaluation. Two cases in bupivacaine group, 1 case in levobupivacaine group and 2 cases in lidocaine group had slight grasping, while 1 case in lidocaine group had no grasping reflex on the seventh day. Severe axonal degeneration was observed in all groups, respectively in bupivacaine group 4 (20%), levobupivacaine group 3 (15%), and lidocaine group 6 (30%). CONCLUSION: In all groups, histopathological damage frequency and severity were more than the motor deficiency.

The effects of different weaning modes on the endocrine stress response.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the stress response on plasma insulin, cortisol, glucose, and urinary vanilmandelic acid during weaning and after extubation, using pressure support (PS), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and T-piece modes. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20). The PS group received FiO2