[Torsade de pointes (TdP) observed during general anesthesia for cerebral aneurysm clipping in a patient with QT prolongation].

A 55-year-old woman underwent emergency cerebral aneurysm clipping for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Her past and family history was unremarkable. Preoperative blood examinations were within normal ranges except for a slight decrease in serum potassium level. ECG showed a prolonged QTc interval (0.54 sec). General anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl and vecuronium, and maintained with 1-1.5% sevoflurane, 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen and intermitted doses of fentanyl. About three hours after starting the operation, bigeminal pulse appeared followed by torsade de pointes. This arrhythmia returned to sinus rhythm by continuous infusion of lidocaine, and operation was performed completely. At the end of the operation, prolonged QT interval (QTc 0.71 sec) was noted. Her postoperative course was unremarkable and she was discharged on postoperative day 44. QT prolongation is a frequently seen ECG abnormality in a patient with SAH. In anesthetic management in this situation, it is important to monitor QT interval closely as well as to use anesthetics that would not exacerbate QT interval prolongation.

[Case of pulmonary edema due to excessive hypertension following extubation].

A 54-year-old man had emergency laparoscopic chelecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. General inflammatory change (CRP 26.6 mg x dl(-1), WBC 26,800) was noted preoperatively. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and remifentanil and maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen and remifentanil. Operation was performed uneventfully within 128 min. At the end of the surgery, 0.1 mg of fentanyl was administrated. After confirming adequate respiration and oxygenation, endotracheal tube was removed. At that period, hypertension (SBP 220 mmHg) and tachycardia (HR 122 beats x min(-1)) developed. Soon thereafter, he became agitated and complained of dyspnea with desaturation (Spo2 < 70%). After reintubation, massive pinkish babbly secretion flowed out from the endotracheal tube. Chest X-ray revealed diffuse bilateral infiltration of the lungs without cardiomegaly. He was transferred to the intensive care unit for mechanical ventilation. His condition improved progressively and was extubated on the POD 6. The cause of pulmonary edema is thought to be profound centralization of circulating volume associated with catecholamine-induced vasoconstriction due to rapid disappearance of remifentanil effect. Adequate analgesia is necessary during remifentanil-based anesthesia especially in patients suffering from general inflammatory changes.

[Case of neurocardiogenic syncope with asystole during insertion of epidural catheter].

A 25-year-old healthy woman was scheduled for enucleatic myomectomy under combined epidural and general anesthesia. During insertion of a lumbar epidural catheter, sudden loss of consciousness associated with asystole developed. This condition was quickly restored by rapid fluid infusion, administration of atropine sulfate (0.5 mg) and oxygen (6l x min(-1)). Diagnosis of neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) was made by previous episodes of fainting revealed at that point. An epidural catheter was placed under sedation with midazolam 2 mg. Surgery was performed uneventfully under sevoflurane anesthesia. Since NCS occurs recurrently in a susceptible individual, it is important to identify previous syncopal episode preoperatively. If such an event is anticipated, prevention including proper communication to reduce patient's anxiety, careful vigilance on both patient and monitor during procedure, gentle maneuver to reduce pain and use sedative and/or anticholinergic agents must be considered.

[Effect of remifentanil on urine output during gynecological laparoscopic surgery].

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively examined the effect of remifentanil on urine output during gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia performed from April 2006 to July 2007. METHODS: Forty six patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia were divided into 2 groups. In group C (n=23), anesthesia was performed using sevoflurane and/or propofol with intermittent fentanyl. In group R (n=23), remifentanil was additionally used with the method of group C. RESULTS: Patient's demography was not different between the two groups. Intraoperative conditions were compatible in both groups. In group R, total dose of fentanyl is significantly lower than group C. BP and HR measured at 20 min after pneumoperitoneum were significantly lower in group R. Intraoperative urine output was significantly greater in group R than group C. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in urine output is commonly seen particularly in laparoscopic surgery. Increased stress hormonal responses due to pneumoperitoneum have been explained as one of the causes of this phenomenon. Remifentanil has been reported to maintain urine output as well as to blunt hormonal responses in CABG surgery. Although we did not measure hormonal responses in the present study, increased urine output could be attributed to decreased catecholamine levels by remifentanil.

[Anesthetic management in ten cases for tracheobronchial Dumon stent placement].

BACKGROUND: To determine perioperative complications, we evaluate herein 10 cases of anesthetic management for placement of Dumon stent in patient with tracheal or bronchial stenosis due to invasion of esophageal or lung cancer. METHODS: After sufficient oxygenation, anesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanyl. Since muscle relaxant has been considered safe for central-type air way stenosis except for cases involving large anterior mediastinal masses, we administered vecuronium for all cases to facilitate insertion of rigid bronchoscope and for surgical procedures. Anesthesia was maintained with continuous infusion of propofol, and ventilation was performed via a side-port of a rigid bronchoscope with 100% oxygen. Extra corporeal circulation was instituted in 2 cases. RESULTS: In 5 of the 10 cases, stent placement was uneventful. However, in the other 5 cases, respiratory failure (SpO2 < 90% and/or PaCO2 > 80 mmHg: 4 cases) or severe hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 60 mmHg: 3 cases) developed. Severe hypotension was attributed to relatively higher dose of anesthetic agents for cachexic status, or reduction in venous return following over-inflation of the lungs. Acute reduction in blood carbon dioxide levels due to extracorporeal circulation (case 4), and loss of consciousness after administration of anesthetic agents (case 2) could also have been involved in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Circulatory status must be closely monitored during anesthetic management for Dumon stent placement.

[Anesthetic management for cesarean section in a patient with hydrops foetalis].

In cases of hydrops foetalis, respiratory management is frequently required after delivery. We experienced 7 anesthetic managements for cesarean section in patients with hydrops foetalis. Spinal anesthesia was performed in 3 patients, because the transition of local anesthesia through the placenta was little. On the other hand, general anesthesia was performed in 4 patients because of babies requiring endotracheal intubation or fetal anesthesia immediately after a delivery. Before surgery, we discussed perioperative and anesthetic management among pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and obstetricians in a conference. Since the anesthetic drugs used for the cesarean section have great influences on the fetus, the choice of anesthesia should be performed based on fetal conditions.

[Brachial plexus neuropathy following open-heart surgery].

A 64-year-old woman underwent open-heart surgery for repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Preoperative complications included rheumatoid arthritis with pain in both wrists treated with methotrexate. Following smooth endotrachial intubation, a pulmonary arterial (PA) catheter was inserted into the right jugular vein after several attempts. She was placed in a supine position with abduction of the shoulders to approximately 90 degrees and of the elbows to 60 degrees. Operation was performed through sternum splitting to second intercostal space, and the 4-h intraoperative course was uneventful. On the first postoperative day, she complained of inability to raise her right arm. Neurological examination revealed marked weakness of the deltoid and biceps brachialis muscles, and decreased sensitivity around the right shoulder. Iatrogenic brachial plexus injury was diagnosed. Administration of vitamin B12 and physical therapy were instituted. Symptoms improved gradually and had disappeared by 3 months postoperatively. Neuropathy might be attributed to stretch and compression of the brachial plexus caused by traction of the pectoralis minor muscle enhanced by sternotomy and/or malposition of the upper extremity, or direct injury due to cannulation of the PA catheter into the internal jugular vein.

[Anesthetic management of a patient with Young-Simpson syndrome].

Young-Simpson syndrome (YSS) is a rare malformation syndrome characterized peculiar facies, congenital hypothyroidism, congenital heart disease, and postnatal growth deficiency. A 3-year-old boy with YSS underwent tracheostomy for respiratory failure under general anesthesia using sevoflurane, nitrous oxide and oxygen. Although he was assumed to be difficult for intubation due to micrognathia and macroglossia, tracheal intubation was done without difficulty. No complications were observed during the 40 minutes of the operation.