Dolichoectasia of vertebrobasilar artery presenting as facial pain: a case report.

Dolichoectasia of the intracranial arteries is a rare condition characterized by elongated and tortuous arteries due to progressive destruction of the vessel walls. Although most patients present with cerebrovascular accidents, our patient presented with intractable facial pain along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Clinical examination revealed involvement of the 5th, 7th, and 8th cranial nerves, and subsequent MRI showed dolichoectasia of the left basilar artery. The patient experienced symptomatic relief after a trial of carbamazepine along with botulinum toxin injections.

Newer teaching-learning methods and assessment modules in anaesthesia education.

The National Medical Commission in its recent guidelines has stated that postgraduate training in anaesthesiology should have clear objectives and be competency based. This means that the existing teaching-learning (TL) methods need a major face-lift. E-learning and blended learning including learning management systems, virtual classrooms, app-based learning, flipped classroom, podcasts, webinars, web-based collaborative education, reflective feedback, problem-based discussions and mentorship are some newer TL methods that can be adopted. Simulation can help teach technical and non-technical skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication. In line with TL methods, newer assessment methods have to be applied to revolutionise postgraduate anaesthesia education. Formative assessment and assessment of clinical skills are important and to do this, workplace-based assessment methods such as mini-clinical evaluation exercise, direct observation of procedural skills, multisource feedback, logbook and E-portfolio can be applied. Objective structured clinical examination, simulation-based assessment and E-assessment are other useful evaluation methods.

Persistent idiopathic facial pain treated with botulinum toxin and pulsed radiofrequency of infraorbital nerve: a case report.

Persistent idiopathic facial pain is a rare and difficult condition to treat. Several pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and invasive treatment options have been used, with varying results. We report the case of a patient with intractable persistent idiopathic facial pain who responded favorably to a combination of botulinum toxin injections and pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the infraorbital nerve.

Recent Updates in Spinal Anesthesia-A Narrative Review.

Spinal anesthesia is a commonly performed regional technique by a majority of the anesthesiologists worldwide. This technique is learnt early during training and relatively easy to master. Despite being the oldest regional anesthesia technique, it continues to evolve and develop in various aspects. This review attempts to highlight the recent advances in this 〞almost-perfect〞 technique with respect to indications, procedure, drugs, and strategies to minimize side effects. Understanding the finer aspects and knowledge gaps will help postgraduates and practicing anesthesiologists in designing patient specific techniques and interventions.

Effect of prophylactic combination of glycopyrrolate, ondansetron, and ephedrine upon hypotension during obstetric spinal anaesthesia-A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies have been employed to minimise hypotension during obstetric spinal anaesthesia. We compared a prophylactic combination of glycopyrrolate, ondansetron, and ephedrine in terms of total vasopressor consumption, with standard treatment in this randomised controlled trial. METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing elective caeserean sections were randomly divided into two groups of 50 each, the study group received prophylactic ondansetron and glycopyrrolate boluses followed by an infusion of ephedrine, while the control group received ephedrine boluses as required. The total ephedrine consumption (primary objective), incidence and degree of hypotension, heart rate variations, and neonatal APGAR scores (secondary objectives) were analysed. RESULTS: The median ephedrine requirement was lesser in the study group compared to the control group [13.2 mg (10--15.75) vs. 27.7 mg (12--24)], with a P value of 0.02. Fewer participants experienced hypotension in the study group before baby delivery compared to the control group (12 vs. 36, P = 0.004). Heart rate was higher in the study group. No significant differences were observed in neonatal APGAR scores and incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSION: A combination of glycopyrrolate, ondansetron, and ephedrine might offer better haemodynamic stability and reduce vasopressor consumption in obstetric patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia as opposed to standard treatment.

Successful use of Gasserian ganglion block for maxillo-mandibular fixation in a patient with severe pulmonary dysfunction: a case report.

Various anesthetic techniques have been utilized for maxillo-mandibular fixation. We report the case of a patient with bilateral condylar and zygomatic arch fractures who had severe pulmonary dysfunction. The patient was administered bilateral image-guided Gasserian ganglion block through the foramen ovale to achieve surgical anesthesia. The technical details, advantages, and disadvantages of this rather unusual technique are discussed. The procedure could be a feasible technique when performed meticulously in cases where other approaches are deemed difficult.

Ultrasound-Guided Caudal Epidural Anesthesia in Adults for Anorectal Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Caudal epidural is a commonly performed regional anesthetic technique in children. In adults, the high-failure rates associated with landmark-based techniques deter its widespread use. Fluoroscopy-guided caudal epidural steroid injections are widely used as a treatment modality in chronic back pain. Ultrasound (US) guidance has been shown to be equally effective as fluoroscopic-guided caudal injections. We aimed to assess the feasibility of US guided caudal epidurals as a sole anesthesia technique in adult patients undergoing minor anorectal procedures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive adult patients undergoing elective minor anorectal procedures were recruited for this study. Eligible patients received US-guided caudal epidural and success rates, surgical patient and surgeon's comfort were assessed using validated tools. Any adverse events were also observed. RESULTS: The block was successful in all patients. One patient had pain in the perianal region requiring skin infiltration. All patients were either highly satisfied or satisfied of the procedure. Surgeons rated the surgical conditions as highly satisfied (90%), satisfied (8%), or unsatisfied (2%). Two patients rated the caudal injections were of moderate pain, rest all rated it as mildly painful. One patient experienced a single episode of urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: US-guided caudal epidural can be considered as an option for anorectal procedures of short duration with acceptable success rates, surgical conditions, and patient comfort.

The subcostal nerve as the target for nerve stimulator guided transverse abdominis plane blocks - A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transverse Abdominis Plane (TAP) block was originally described as a landmark-based technique. Peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) guided blocks are still widely performed, where ultrasound is unavailable. METHODS: Cadaveric dissections were performed which showed the subcostal nerve following a predictable course at the lateral abdominal wall in the TAP. The subcostal nerve was identified by ultrasound in three volunteers. Stimulation of the subcostal nerve was performed using PNS and landmarks as guidance in and 20 patients. Twitches of the anterior abdominal wall muscles were elicited, and needle position and drug dispersion were confirmed using ultrasound. RESULTS: Out of 32 attempts made, the drug dispersion was appropriate in 24, not appropriate on four insertions and twitches were not elicited in 4 attempts. CONCLUSION: Nerve stimulator can be used as a guidance for TAP blocks where the availability of ultrasound is limited.

Effect of Bougie-Guided Nasal Intubations upon Bleeding: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Bleeding due to inadvertent trauma is a troublesome complication of nasal intubations. A lot of methods have been suggested to minimise this problem. A flexible bougie can be passed atraumatically via the nasal route to the trachea and an appropriate-sized endotracheal tube can be railroaded over it to avoid this problem. The primary objective of the study was to compare the severity of bleeding with bougie-guided and conventional nasotracheal intubations on a subjective scale. The time taken for successful intubations and the number of attempts required were also noted. METHODS: This randomised controlled study was performed in 40 adult patients requiring nasotracheal intubations for various elective surgeries over a 3-month period in a teaching hospital. The patients after satisfying the inclusion criteria were randomised into two groups of 20 each: Bougie-guided (Group B) and Not Bougie-guided (Group NB). Group B patients were intubated by railroading the endotracheal tube over a flexible bougie, and Group NB patients were intubated conventionally without the bougie. The degree of bleeding was noted on a subjective scale as nil, mild, moderate or severe. The time taken for intubation in seconds and the number of attempts taken were noted. The degree of bleeding was compared using Mann-Whitney U test, and the time taken for intubation was compared using the Student's t test after assessing normalcy. An alpha error of 5% was used, and p values less than 0.05% were considered significant. RESULTS: All patients randomised completed the study. The degree of bleeding was lesser in the Bougie-guided group than in the conventional group (p=0.02), and the time taken for intubation was longer in the bougie-guided group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Using a bougie routinely for nasal intubations might minimise trauma during nasal intubations but increase the time taken for intubation marginally. The success rates for intubations may also be better.

Comparison of Dexamethasone and Buprenorphine as Adjuvant in Ultrasound-guided Brachial Plexus Blocks: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Effective postoperative analgesia is imperative for orthopedic surgeries to enhance recovery and facilitate early ambulation. Various additives have been used as adjuvants with local anesthetics in peripheral nerve blocks to provide postoperative analgesia. The aim of this study is to compare the duration of postoperative analgesia with buprenorphine and dexamethasone when administered as an adjuvant during ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks. METHODOLOGY: Sixty adult patients undergoing various upper arm surgeries were recruited for the study after acquiring ethics committee clearance. They were randomized into two groups of thirty; Group B was given ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block with 10 ml 2% lignocaine with adrenaline and 15 ml 0.5% bupivacaine and 4 mg dexamethasone as adjuvant. Group B was given the same amount of local anesthetics with 0.3 mg buprenorphine as the adjuvant. The duration of postoperative analgesia and incidence of adverse events if any were noted. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in demographics, time for onset of sensory, and motor block. The duration of postoperative analgesia was 17.4 ± 3.4 h in the buprenorphine group and 18 ± 3.49 h in the dexamethasone group. None of the patients had significant adverse effects. A single dose of buprenorphine and dexamethasone administered perineurally can provide significant postoperative analgesia for upper limb surgeries.

Physiological and pharmacologic aspects of peripheral nerve blocks.

A successful peripheral nerve block not only involves a proper technique, but also a thorough knowledge and understanding of the physiology of nerve conduction and pharmacology of local anesthetics (LAs). This article focuses on what happens after the block. Pharmacodynamics of LAs, underlying mechanisms of clinically observable phenomena such as differential blockade, tachyphylaxis, C fiber resistance, tonic and phasic blockade and effect of volume and concentration of LAs. Judicious use of additives along with LAs in peripheral nerve blocks can prolong analgesia. An entirely new group of drugs-neurotoxins has shown potential as local anesthetics. Various methods are available now to prolong the duration of peripheral nerve blocks.

Anesthetic management of a patient with spinocerebellar degeneration.

Spinocerebellar degeneration or olivopontocerebellar degeneration denotes a group of disorders of various etiologies manifesting as degenerative changes of various part of the central nervous system. We describe the anesthetic management of a patient with severe olivopontocerebellar degeneration posted for vaginal hysterectomy. A combined spinal epidural technique was performed at the level of L2-L3. The anesthetic implications of the various aspects of spinocerebellar degeneration are discussed.