Radial Arterial Cannulation by Ultrasound-Guided Dynamic Needle-Tip Positioning Using the Short-Axis Out-of-Plane Approach Versus the Long-Axis In-Plane Approach: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Introduction Radial artery cannulation is a commonly performed invasive procedure for assessing a patient's hemodynamic status and collecting blood samples. Ultrasound guidance has shown benefits in improving the success rate of first-attempt cannulation. Two main approaches, short-axis out-of-plane (SAOOP) and long-axis in-plane (LAIP), are commonly used. A modified technique called dynamic needle-tip positioning (DNTP) using the short-axis out-of-plane approach has been reported to enhance arterial catheterization. This study aims to compare the first-attempt success rates of radial artery cannulation using the two techniques, DNTP versus LAIP, along with overall success rates, cannulation time, and number of attempts. Methods This prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical study was conducted after obtaining clearance from the Institute Ethics Committee of AIIMS, Raipur. Ninety-six patients between the ages of 18 and 50 years, undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia, and required radial arterial cannulation were randomized and equally allocated into two groups as the LAIP and DNTP approaches. The first-pass success rate, time to achieve successful cannulation, number of attempts needed, overall success rate within five minutes, and potential complications, such as thrombosis, vasospasm, and hematoma, were recorded. Results A total of 96 patients were included, with 48 in the LAIP group and 48 in the DNTP group. The DNTP group showed statistically significant advantages over the LAIP group, with a higher first-pass success rate (97.9% vs. 83.3%; p = 0.014) and shorter time to achieve successful cannulation (9.29±3.79 vs. 26.16±20.22 seconds; p = 0.001). Conclusion The ultrasound-guided short-axis DNTP technique for radial artery cannulation demonstrated a significant advantage as compared to the LAIP technique. The DNTP technique resulted in higher first-attempt cannulation success and shorter cannulation time.

Effect of Sevoflurane, Isoflurane, and Desflurane on the Random Blood Glucose Levels in Non-diabetic Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Randomized, Single-Blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Volatile anesthetic agents like sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane are widely used for maintaining general anesthesia (GA). Their effect on the autonomic system is different and can impact the blood sugar homeostasis. This study compares the intraoperative blood glucose levels in non-diabetic patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery under GA with the three volatile agents. METHODS: A randomized, single-blind, parallel-arm study recruited 105 non-diabetic patients into three groups. GA induction and maintenance were standardized except for the volatile agent. Capillary blood sugar levels were measured at different time points and compared between and within the groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Entire participants completed the study, and their baseline characteristics were statistically indifferent. Intraoperative blood glucose rise and variation were the highest in the desflurane group and the lowest in the isoflurane group; the differences were statistically significant at 15, 30, and 45 minutes. The highest blood sugar level was noted at 60 minutes in all groups; after that, the level started falling. However, none of the raises were beyond 140 mg% to categorize them as hyperglycemia. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative glycemic variation was evident with isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. The maximum increase from the pre-induction level was noted at 60 minutes. However, none of the readings reached the hyperglycemia level. The rise was significantly higher in desflurane-based anesthesia than in isoflurane. This study was, however, conducted in non-diabetic patients; hence, results might not be extrapolated to diabetic patients.

Role of Internal Jugular Vein Collapsibility Index in Predicting Post-spinal Hypotension in Pregnant Women Undergoing Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction Post-spinal hypotension (PSH) frequently occurs in women undergoing cesarean section. In recent studies, Ultrasound-guided measurements of the internal jugular vein (IJV) have been reported to predict fluid responsiveness. We planned to evaluate the correlation between the internal jugular vein collapsibility index (IJVCI) and PSH in cesarean section patients. Methods Ninety-one parturients who underwent elective lower segment cesarean section with a singleton pregnancy were recruited. Preoperatively, patients were placed in a supine position with a 15-degree left lateral tilt. Maximum (at the end of expiration) and minimum (at the end of inspiration) IJV diameters (mm) and IJVCI were assessed using M-mode imaging during spontaneous and deep breathing. Spinal anaesthesia was performed at the L3-4 or L4-5 level. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2 were recorded from baseline till the delivery of the baby. Results Among 91 patients, 40 (45.5%) patients had at least one episode of hypotension. Demographic variables and baseline vitals were comparable between the hypotensive and normotensive groups (p>0.05). In spontaneous and deep breathing, IJV diameter at the end-expiration (IJVdmax), end-inspiration (IJVdmin), and IJVCI amongst both hypotensive and non-hypotensive pregnant women were statistically similar. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that during spontaneous breathing, using a cut-off point of 29.5%, IJVCI had a sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 23%, respectively, for predicting PSH; whereas during deep breathing, IJVCI had a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 27%, respectively, for predicting the same using a cut-off value of 37.5%. Conclusion We conclude that internal jugular vein parameters such as maximum diameter, minimum diameter, and IJVCI during spontaneous and deep breathing cannot be used as reliable predictors of post-spinal hypotension in pregnant patients undergoing elective cesarean section.

A randomised prospective single-blind pilot study to compare the analgesic efficacy of thoracic epidural block and erector spinae plane block in breast cancer surgery.

Background and Aims: Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is an effective analgesic technique for breast surgery, although it has many associated complications. Ultrasound (US)-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block requires less technical expertise, is safe and may be an alternative to TEA. We aimed to compare the efficacy of TEA with US-guided continuous ESP block for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) surgeries. Methods: Sixty-six female patients of age group 18-65 years, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, undergoing MRM surgeries were recruited. Patients received TEA in Group Ep and US-guided ESP block in Group Er, before induction of general anaesthesia. Both the groups received 0.2% ropivacaine 15 mL, followed by 5 mL.h-1 infusion for 24 h. The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes were total doses of rescue analgesics in 24 hours and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Results: The mean duration of analgesia was 21.72 ± 4.73 hours in Ep group and 20.60 ± 5.77 hours in Er group (P = 0.39). The total dose of rescue analgesics in the postoperative period was comparable between both the groups. There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the groups over 24 h. Conclusion: US-guided ESP block can be used as safe and easy to perform alternative analgesic technique over thoracic epidural analgesia for peri-operative pain management in breast cancer surgeries.

Comparison of Morphine and Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants to Isobaric Levobupivacaine for Spinal Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Hysterectomy.

Introduction: Various adjuvants to local anesthetics are used in spinal anesthesia for improving the quality and prolonging postoperative analgesia. We aim to compare the analgesic efficacy of morphine or dexmedetomidine given intrathecally as adjuvants to isobaric levobupivacaine. Materials and Methods: Seventy patients of age group 18-60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists 1 and 2 undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy, were randomized into two groups. Group M received spinal anesthesia with 3 mL of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine with 250 µg of preservative-free morphine. Group D received 3 mL of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine with 5 µg of dexmedetomidine. Quality of anesthesia, sensory and motor block characteristics, duration of effective analgesia, and incidence of side effects were compared. Results: The time for the first analgesic request was 320.80 ± 41.75 min in the dexmedetomidine group as compared to the morphine group (451.63 ± 38.55 min), P = 0.000. The analgesic requirement in the first 24 h was significantly higher in Group D as compared to Group M, P = 0.000. Adverse effects were similar in both the groups, except pruritus which was seen only in Group M. Conclusion: Our study shows that the use of intrathecal morphine as an adjuvant to isobaric levobupivacaine provides better analgesia than intrathecal dexmedetomidine; however, adverse effects such as nausea and pruritus may be seen.

An observation from an online survey: is fresh gas flow used for sevoflurane and desflurane different from isoflurane based anesthesia?

Minimal uses of fresh gas flow (FGF) during volatile inhalational agents based anesthesia are gaining popularity for many reasons. However, the practice pattern is not uniform. Even the same anesthesiologist uses different FGF for different agents. The present study was aimed to evaluate the variation in the practice pattern of FGF used in context to volatile agents used. With departmental approval, the present study was conducted by reviewing the data of a previously conducted cross-sectional survey. The survey was conducted from January 2018 to May 2018 using SurveyMonkey® . Anesthesiologists working in different organizations across India were approached through e-mail and WhatsApp and anonymous responses were collected. The responses which contained FGF data for isoflurane and for at least one of either sevoflurane and/or desflurane were included. A total of 236 eligible responses were analyzed. The FGFs used by different anesthesiologists were very much inconsistent; only 5.1% used FGF < 600 mL/min and 19.1% used 600-1000 mL/min consistently for all three agents. There was a significant variation of FGF used for sevoflurane and desflurane as compared to isoflurane. Use of FGF of < 1000 mL/min was significantly higher for the desflurane as compared to both isoflurane and sevoflurane. The uses of lower FGF greatly vary both at intrapersonal as well as interpersonal level. The possibility of using FGF < 1000 mL/min is significantly higher with desflurane as compared to isoflurane. Volatile anesthetic agent appears to be a factor for the decision making on the use of low flow anesthesia.

Practice Pattern of Fresh Gas Flow and Volatile Agent Choices among Anesthesiologists Working in Different Indian Hospitals: An Online Survey.

BACKGROUND: Fresh gas flow (FGF) during volatile inhalational agent-based anesthesia is a concern for many reasons. Advancement in anesthesia workstation (WS) and monitoring of anesthesia gas concentrations has led to the feasibility of lower flow safely. However, the practice pattern is not yet well known. The information can help us in better protocol formation. AIM: The survey was aimed to know the prevailing practice pattern of FGF and volatile agent choices and compare them among anesthesiologists of different working setups and experiences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With approval, the present cross-sectional survey was conducted using SurveyMonkey® software from January 2018 to May 2018. Anesthesiologists working in different organizations across India were approached through E-mail and WhatsApp. Anonymous responses were collected, expressed in number and percentage scale, as well as compared using INSTAT software and appropriate tests; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 251 (15.2%) responses were received and 249 were analyzed. Overall, 87% of respondents were using anesthesia WS and 71% were using nitrous oxide as balance gas. The FGF of <600 mL/min was highest with desflurane. Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) monitoring was very poor in nonteaching (NT) hospitals as compared to teaching hospitals; P < 0.0001. The Boyle's machine was more common in use in NT hospitals as compared to medical colleges and corporate hospitals; P < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Low-flow anesthesia (LFA) use is still suboptimal, and there are ample opportunities to increase and optimize the FGF used. The use of Boyle's machine is associated with higher flow use. MAC monitoring and LFA use are poor in NTs.

Adrenal myelolipoma with abdominal pain: A rare presentation.

Adrenal myelolipomas are rare benign tumors. Most of the cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. We are reporting a case of myelolipoma involving right adrenal cortex of a 40-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain. A short review of etiology, clinical features, and differential diagnoses of this neoplasm are also discussed. Radiologic features are often helpful in diagnosis but histology must be done to exclude other fat-containing lesions. Although uncommon, myelolipomas should be considered in differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal lesions.