Comparison of the Effect of Intercostobrachial Nerve Block with and Without Ultrasound Guidance on Tourniquet Pain After Axillary Block of Brachial Plexus: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: A tourniquet is used to control bleeding in the surgical field. Because part of the inner arm is innervated by the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN), a tourniquet can cause intolerable pain. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effect of ICBN block with and without ultrasound (US) guidance on tourniquet pain after axillary block. Methods: This study was performed on 60 patients who were candidates for surgery. The patients were divided into 3 groups: the control group (n = 22), the traditional ICBN (TICBN) blockade group (n = 19), and the US-guided ICBN blockade group (n = 19). After the intervention, the duration of the onset and intensity of pain was recorded for all patients according to the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: No significant differences were observed in demographic variables between the 3 groups (P > 0.05). The pain intensity in the TICBN blockade (P = 0.001) and US-guided ICBN blockade (P = 0.001) groups was significantly less than in the control group. The mean duration of pain onset was significantly higher in the TICBN blockade (P = 0.021) and US-guided ICBN blockade (P = 0.013) groups than in the control group. No significant difference was observed in the mean of pain intensity (P = 0.48) and the mean duration of pain onset (P = 0.44) between the US-guided ICBN blockade and TICBN blockade groups. Conclusions: The pain caused by a tourniquet can be managed by ICBN block during hand and forearm surgery. It is recommended to use US guidance for more success and safety.

Comparison of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion with and without muscle relaxant in pediatric anesthesia; a randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using muscle relaxant on the ease of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion and possibility of its related complications. Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 children aged 1-4 years with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) I or II with upper limb injuries who were candidates for surgery. The patients were randomly allocated to the two groups receiving atracurium group as muscle relaxant (MR) or saline group (S). Results: Regarding ease of placement, the LMA was inserted in 66.7% and 63.3% of patients straightforwardly in the MR and S groups, respectively. While it was performed with one maneuver in 23.3% and 26.7% of cases in the MR and S groups, respectively (p = 0.955). Moreover, LMA dislodgment in the two groups was 36.7% in the MR group and 20.0% in the S group without a meaningful difference (P = 0.152). The only complication observed in the two groups was laryngospasm, which occurred in 0.10% and 13.3% in the MR and S groups, respectively (p = 0.688). Conclusion: In some pediatric anesthesia, the use of atracurium, as a muscle relaxant had no significant effect on capability of LMA insertion, maintaining airway patency, LMA seal pressure and oxygenation variations. Moreover, it did not have a preventive effect on the occurrence of complications such as laryngospasm.

Challenge of Lung Isolation in Patients with Vocal Cord Implants.

Glottic closure insufficiency increases the risk of aspiration and pneumonia, particularly in the elderly. Medialization thyroplasty is an open surgical procedure for treating glottic incompetency by approximating both vocal folds. The vocal fold medialization is achieved by inserting an implant to bring the nonmobile fold to the unaffected side. Lung isolation in patients with vocal cord implantation poses a unique challenge. Understanding the risks of different modalities of lung isolation and their impacts on the vocal cord implant is crucial to implementing a specifically tailored plan. Preoperative bronchoscopy, intraoperative video laryngoscopy, and bronchoscopy are ideal methods for assessing the vocal fold implants and guiding the lung isolation technique. Bronchial blocker through a single-lumen endotracheal tube may be the preferred choice to avoid the injury of the stretched vocal cords and dislodgement of the implant by a larger diameter double-lumen tube.

Efficacy of Laryngeal Mask Airway Compared to Endotracheal Tube: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: In patients under general anesthesia, the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a valuable alternative to endotracheal intubation to maintain the airway. In this study, we compared the efficacy of LMA with an endotracheal tube (ETT) in plastic and reconstructive surgeries over 2 h on thorax and abdomen under general anesthesia in Hazrat Fatemeh Hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2020. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on a sample size of 80, randomly assigned to two groups. The main variables included the ease of placement, recurrent carbon dioxide content, arterial oxygen saturation, and laryngeal and tracheal spasm. In addition, the sub-variables entailed the mean duration of anesthesia, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, and abdominal distension. The obtained data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 25. Results: In the present study, 76 patients were female. Mean age, recurrent carbon dioxide, arterial oxygen saturation, laryngeal and tracheal spasm, the mean duration of anesthesia, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, and abdominal distension were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the classic laryngeal mask could be used as a means of airway control in general anesthesia for long-term surgeries of more than 2 h.

The Effect of Phenylephrine Nasal Drops on Surgical Bleeding in Children Underwent Cleft Palate Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Cleft lip and palate are birth defects due to a lack of proper formation of the lip or mouth. Controlling bleeding during cleft lip and palate surgeries is very important. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of phenylephrine nasal drops on bleeding during and after cleft palate repair surgery in children. Methods: This controlled, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was performed on 36 children aged 6 months to 2 years with cleft palate who were candidates for repair surgery. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 18 patients. In the intervention group, 0.25% phenylephrine drops were poured into the nostrils, and the same amount of normal saline was poured in the control group. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, bleeding during surgery based on the gauzes used, the volume of blood in the suction canister, and the amount of blood in the field, as well as the surgical field quality and surgeon satisfaction, were evaluated using analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, weight, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The mean volume of bleeding based on the total weight of gauzes used and suctioned blood during surgery showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.0016). The surgeon satisfaction in terms of the surgical field quality using a 5-point Likert scale showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.0068), as well as more satisfaction in the intervention group according to the Boezaart scale (P = 0.0043). Conclusions: It seems that the use of nasal phenylephrine drops in pediatric cleft palate surgeries can significantly reduce bleeding and increase the quality of the operation field. Therefore, nasal phenylephrine drops can be used to control bleeding in this type of surgery.

Comparison of RAMP and New Modified RAMP Positioning in Laryngoscopic View During Intubation in Patients with Morbid Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, and anesthesiologists are facing challenges in the airway management of such patients. Excessive adipose tissue influences pharyngeal spaces and affects the laryngoscopic grade. Standard ramp positioning is time-consuming and difficult to prepare, and requires expensive equipment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the standard ramp position with the proposed low-cost and easily accessible modified ramp position in laryngoscopic view during the intubation of patients with morbid obesity. METHODS: In this single-blind clinical trial, 84 patients candidate for bariatric surgery at Rasoul Akram Hospital in 2020 were assigned to the rapid airway management positioner (RAMP) (R) and new modified RAMP (MR) groups by the block randomization method. The laryngoscopic view of the glottis based on the Cormack-Lehane scale, ventilation quality, duration of intubation, intubation attempts, oxygen saturation at the end of intubation, and the need for backward, upward, rightward pressure (BURP) maneuver for successful intubation were recorded. Normal distribution tests and Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences between the two groups regarding ventilation score, laryngoscopy grade, number of intubation attempts, duration of intubation, and the need for BURP maneuvers during intubation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The two methods are not significantly different, and the new modified ramp position can be used with more ease and availability and less cost.

Etiology Diagnosis and Management of Radial Nerve Entrapment.

CONTEXT: The anatomy of the radial nerve is prone to entrapment, each with different symptomology. Compression of entrapment of the radial nerve can occur near the radiocapitellar joint, the spiral groove, the arcade of Frohse, the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), and at the radial tunnel. Those who require repetitive motions are at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy syndromes, including repetitive pronation and supination, trauma, or systemic disease; however, t the influence of all risk factors is not well understood. Depending on the location of entrapment, radial nerve entrapment syndrome presents different symptoms. It may include both a motor component and a sensory component. The motor component includes a dropped arm, and the sensory component can include pain and paresthesia in the distribution of the radial nerve that resolves with rest and exacerbates by repetitive pronation and supination. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Diagnostic evaluation for radial nerve entrapment, apart from clinical symptoms and physical exam, includes electromyography, nerve conduction studies, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Conservative management for radial nerve entrapment includes oral anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and splinting. Some recently performed studies mentioned promising minimally invasive techniques, including corticosteroid injections, peripheral nerve stimulation, and pulsed radiofrequency. RESULTS: When minimally invasive techniques fail, open or endoscopic surgery can be performed to release the nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic surgery has the benefit of decreasing incision size and reducing time to functional recovery.

The Effect of Pneumoperitoneum-induced Hypertension During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Under General Anesthesia on Postoperative Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Acute postoperative pain is a significant cause of morbidities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative blood pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia on postoperative pain in patients without underlying disorders. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 72 patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A with higher than baseline preoperative blood pressure (MAP allowed to increase up to 20% higher than baseline MAP by inducing pneumoperitoneum) and group B with normal to low blood pressure (MAP deliberately controlled at a tight limit from normal baseline MAP values to 20% less than baseline by titrating TNG infusion). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) after 2, 8, 12, and 24 hours of surgery, and the total dose of meperidine used to manage postoperative pain were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: The pain scores in group A were significantly lower than group B (P = 0.001). The postoperative analgesia request time was different between the two groups (P = 0.53). During the first 24 hours, the total meperidine consumption dose in group A was significantly lower than in group B (P = 0.001). Conclusions: High intraoperative blood pressure may affect the postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and lead to less postoperative pain score and analgesic requirements.

Effect of General Versus Spinal Anesthesia on Postoperative Delirium and Early Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and delirium are common in the elderly patients, given the controversial results of previous studies about the impact of anesthesia type on the occurrence of these complications. OBJECTIVES: This study was planned to compare the effects of general and spinal anesthesia on the prevalence of POCD and delirium. METHODS: A single-blind non-randomized clinical trial. Setting was in two academic hospitals. Ninety-four patients over 50 years old scheduled for hip fracture fixation. Patients were divided into two groups to receive either general (GA) or spinal (SA) anesthesia. Both Mini-Mental State examination (MMSE) and Wechsler tests were used before the operation and 3 times postoperatively to assess the cognitive function and detect early POCD. The DSM-IV criteria were also used for the diagnosis of delirium. The incidence of delirium and POCD and their precipitating factors were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients with a mean age of 67.12 years were studied. The overall prevalence of POCD and delirium was 17.02%; however, it was significantly higher in the GA group rather than the SA group, 29.7%, and 4.25%, respectively (P < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between age (P = 0.048), ASA class (P = 0.034), and educational level with the incidence of POCD, meaning that the probability of developing cognitive impairment decreases with patients' higher level of education and lower ASA-physical status. Also, the rate of POCD in men was significantly higher than in women (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The finding of this study showed that, if there is no specific contraindication, neuraxial anesthesia may be preferred over general anesthesia in elderly patients.

The Effect of Propofol Infusion Before Administration of Its Bolus Dose on Propofol Injection Pain and Serum Complement C3 Levels; A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain on injection with propofol is still a major problem associated with anesthesia. Several factors involved in this event have been studied with respect to their pain attenuating effects. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of propofol infusion before administration of its bolus dose of propofol on the resulted pain at its induction dose and on serum complement C3 levels. METHODS: This clinical trial was performed on patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia divided into three groups, including A (without intervention), B (propofol infusion at a dose of 50 µg/kg/min before anesthesia induction), and C (propofol infusion at a dose of 100 µg/kg/min 100 before anesthesia induction). During anesthesia induction by propofol, the presence, absence or severity of pain was determined using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale. Serum complement C3 levels were measured and their relationships with pain scores were compared between three groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS V. 22 software. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the mean pain scores between three groups (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in the mean pain scores was observed between the groups B and C (P > 0.05). The mean and standard deviation of the differences in complement C3 values in the three groups before and after injection were 72.15 ± 14.9, 27.65 ± 9.82, and 18.95 ± 4.68, respectively, which demonstrated a significant difference between three groups (P < 0.05). However, the difference in complement C3 values between the groups B and C was not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the obtained results, the low doses of infused propofol, 2 minutes before administration of its bolus dose, seems to have a considerable attenuating effect on its pain score.

The Effect of Ketamine and Dexamethasone in Combination with Lidocaine on the Onset and Duration of Axillary Block in Hand and Forearm Soft Tissue Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Using peripheral nerve block compared to general anesthesia has gained more popularity due to reduced postoperative pain, less need for post-surgery analgesic drugs, reduced incidence of nausea, shortness of PACU time, and increased patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of ketamine and dexamethasone as additives to lidocaine on duration and onset of axillary block action. METHODS: In this clinical trial, all patients who referred to Hazrat-e-Fatemeh hospital for forearm and hand soft tissue surgery with informed consent were randomly divided into three groups in order to examine the onset and duration of axillary block: lidocaine + ketamine, lidocaine + dexamethasone in axillary block, and lidocaine alone (control). Then, the onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks were measured and recorded every three minutes and after the surgery. Quantitative and qualitative variables were analyzed using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test and Chi-square or Fisher exact test in SPSS v.22. RESULTS: Duration of sensory and motor block axillary was significantly higher in lidocaine + dexamethasone group than in lidocaine + ketamine group (P < 0.05); it was also significantly higher in lidocaine + ketamine group compared to lidocaine group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the onset of sensory and motor block axillary between the three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of our study, we can conclude that adding dexamethasone or ketamine to lidocaine could improve duration of sensory and motor axillary block in patients undergoing forearm and hand soft tissue surgery. However, dexamethasone had the highest effect on duration of block axillary. We proved that dexamethasone or ketamine added to lidocaine had no effect on the onset of block axillary.

Efficacy of fentanyl transdermal patch in the treatment of chronic soft tissue cancer pain.

BACKGROUND: Cancer pain may be a major problem for health care providers worldwide. According to different studies reporting the pain severity, one-third of patients reported to have moderate to severe pain. Management of cancer pain is one of the most important goals of palliative care. Recently, different research results on the efficacy of opioid analgesics in chronic pain management have played a role to implement standards in pain control by government agencies worldwide. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of fentanyl transdermal patch in the treatment of chronic soft tissue cancer pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective descriptive study, we evaluated 86 patients with soft tissue tumors with chronic pain referred to cancer institute of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran, during 2006-2007. For all patients, transdermal fentanyl patch (25 µg/h) was administered. The appearance of patches was the same. Pain severity was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) initially and 24, 48 and 72 hours after the initiation of treatment. RESULTS: Patients' characteristics and VAS score before the treatment were not significantly different (P > 0.05). According to our findings, the pain severity was significantly reduced after the treatment (P = 0.001). The incidence of adverse events in patients was significantly high (72%). The most common adverse events were sleepiness, nausea and vomiting in 30.2% and 18.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transdermal fentanyl patch was an effective and safe method to reduce pain in patients with soft tissue tumors. Moreover, it could improve the quality of life in these patients, but adverse events occurred in approximately 72% of patients.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage following uneventful thyroid orbital decompression.

A 24-year-old woman developed subarachnoid hemorrhage and left frontal lobe ischemia following uneventful right transconjunctival orbital decompression for thyroid-related immune orbitopathy. CT, MRI, CT angiography, and carotid angiography confirmed subarachnoid hemorrhage and brain ischemia on the left side without any cerebral vascular abnormalities on either side. All tests were unremarkable. She fully recovered at last follow-up, 4 months after surgery. We did not find any reason for the subarachnoid hemorrhage and left frontal lobe ischemia. This complication should be considered after orbital surgery for patients with thyroid-related immune orbitopathy.