Comparison of the Haemodynamic Effects of Three Different Methods at the Induction of Anaesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: Haemodynamic variations are inevitable during induction of anaesthetic drugs. The present study investigates the haemodynamic variations of three different drugs (thiopental, propofol, and etomidate) used for induction of general anaesthesia together with fentanyl. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind study, 45 patients were assigned to one of three groups (n=15 each). Fentanyl 1 µg kg(-1) was injected over 60 sec followed by propofol 2 mg kg(-1) (Group P), thiopentone 6 mg kg(-1) (Group T), or etomidate 0.3 mg kg(-1) (Group E). Noninvasive measurements of systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) was performed on admittance, immediately before the induction of anaesthesia, and 1, 3, and 5 min thereafter. Cardiac output (CO) values were recorded before induction, immediately after the injection of the drug, and at 1 min after the intubation. RESULTS: In all groups, during the study period, SAP, DAP, MAP, and CO values decreased with respect to time before induction. Following the administration of the induction dose of propofol (Group P), a significantly greater decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed with etomidate (Group E) or thiopentone (Group T). Decrease in CO was also more marked with propofol (Group P) than with etomidate (Group E) or thiopentone (Group T). CONCLUSION: It's concluded that, in this study, the combination of fentanyl-etomidate is safer than both the groups of fentanyl-propofol and fentanyl-thiopental in terms of providing haemodynamic stability.

[Comparison of hemodynamics, recovery profile and postoperative analgesia of unilateral spinal anaesthesia with combined sciatic-femoral nerve block in knee arthroscopy]. / Diz artroskopilerinde tek tarafli spinal anestezi ve kombine siyatik-femoral sinir blogunun hemodinami, ameliyat sonrasi analjezi ve derlenme özellikleri açisindan karsilastirilmasi

OBJECTIVES: In this randomized, controlled, blind study, a combined sciatic-femoral nerve block with levobupivacaine was compared with a unilateral spinal anaesthesia with respect to effectiveness, patient and surgeon satisfaction, and the effect on postoperative pain in arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I (n=20) received a combined sciatic-femoral nerve block with levobupivacaine 0.5% totalling 40 ml. In group II (n=20), a spinal anaesthesia in the lateral decubitus position (ULSA) with 7.5 mg levobupivacaine 0.5% was performed, and patients were kept in the same position to achieve an anaesthesia level of T12 (maximum 10 minutes). The development of motor and sensorial block on both sides and onset time to surgical anaesthesia were recorded. The time required for the postoperative recovery score to be ≥12 was recorded. In the postoperative period, postoperative analgesia (VAS), motor block, side effects, and patient and surgeon satisfaction were recorded at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th hours. RESULTS: Time of readiness for surgery was significantly shorter in Group II (p<0.05). All patients were satisfied with both techniques. There were no differences in judgement between the groups. VAS scores at the 6th hour were significantly lower in group I than in group II (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined sciatic-femoral nerve block for outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery offers satisfactory anaesthesia, with a clinical profile similar to that of low-dose spinal anesthesia. Sciatic-femoral nerve blocks are associated with significantly lower pain scores during the first 6 postoperative hours.

[Concomitant use of strong and weak opioids in the management of chronic cancer pain]. / Kronik kanser agrisi tedavisinde güçlü ve zayif opioidlerin birlikte kullanimi

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to search whether the addition of Tramadol affected treatment when a dose increase was needed before increasing the transdermal fentanyl (TDF) dose in cancer patients using TDF would have any advantages. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: a Control Group (Group K) and a Tramadol Group (Group T). When patients were first admitted to the polyclinic, demographic data, duration of pain and the first VAS values were recorded. Following the first examination, all patients were given TDF containing 25 µg/h of fentanyl as an initial treatment. During the study period, the TDF dose of patients in Group K was increased in a stepwise fashion of 25 µg/h whenever needed. In Group T, 200 mg of tramadol was added to the treatment without increasing the TDF dose when a dose increase was needed. In subsequent dose increase requirements in Group T, the TDF dose was sequentially increased to 25 µg/h when needed without stopping tramadol. Patients VAS score and adverse effects were recorded in each polyclinic examination. Patients were asked to assess pain treatment with the Treatment Assessment Scale (TAS). Each patient's participation in the study and highest TDF dose reached were recorded. RESULTS: The TDS scores measured at 1 month and 2 months after the start of the study were found to be similar. However, TAS scores measured at the end of the 3rd and 4th months were found to be significantly higher in Group T. The mean TDF dose reached at end of the study was found to be significantly higher in Group K compared to Group T. Itching was observed significantly more frequently among patients of Group K. CONCLUSION: We found in our study that when TDF and tramadol are used together, TDF need is reduced and the pain management protocol is better tolerated by patients. Based on the results of our study, we suggest concomitant use of strong and weak opioids.

[The comparison of epidural continuous infusion and epidural patient controlled bolus administration in labor analgesia]. / Dogum analjezisinde epidural sürekli infüzyon ve hasta kontrollü epidural bolus uygulamasinin karsilastirilmasi

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the efficacies of patient controlled bolus administration and continuous infusion of low dose Fentanyl and Levobupivacaine combination by epidural catheter during vaginal labor on mother, baby and the duration of labor. METHODS: The 45 pregnant women involved in the study were divided randomly into two groups, Group HKEB (patient controlled epidural bolus) and Group SEI (continuous epidural infusion). Hemodynamic parameters and VAS values of the pregnant women, fetal heart rate, Apgar scores, duration of labor stages, types of delivery and side effects were recorded. Time to reach the T10 dermatome was determined. Motor block was evaluated with modified Bromage scale. Additional analgesic needs were followed up and total drug consumptions were compared. RESULTS: Drug consumption was found to be significantly lower in HKEB administration (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Bolus administration of a basal dose that will keep the analgesia level constant and additional drugs administered upon patient requests will prevent pregnant women from experiencing a painful period, and will provide confidence and comfort to patients who need to ask for drugs according to their pain characteristics.

Comparison of the Effects of Remifentanil and Dexmedetomidine Infusions on Hemodynamic Parameters and Thyroid Hormones.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compared the effects of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic parameters, inhalation agent consumption and thyroid hormone levels at the late postoperative period. METHODS: Forty-five euthyroid ASA I-II patients between 20 and 75 years of age were randomly assigned into three groups: During induction, Group R received 1.0 mcg kg(-1) remifentanil as slow bolus in two minutes,Group D received 1.0 mcg kg(-1) dexmedetomidine in 10 minutes as infusion,Group C received 1.0 mcg kg(-1) fentanyl as bolus. Afterwards, all patients received 2.0 mg kg(-1) propofol and 0.2 mg kg(-1) cisatracurium for induction.For anaesthesia maintenance during and up to 15 minutes before the end of the surgery; Group R received 0.05 mcg kg(-1) min(-1) remifentanil,Group D received 0.5 mcg kg(-1) h(-1) dexmedetomidine infusion.During the surgery, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations were recorded for every patient. Venous blood samples were taken after the operation, at postoperative 24(th) hour and postoperative 5(th) day and the variations in fT3, fT4, TSH levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure values and sevoflurane consumption were lower in Group R and Group D in comparison with the control group. In comparison between groups, the decrease in fT3 values at postoperative 24(th) hour was more significant in the control group than the other two groups. CONCLUSION: We suggest that, both agents suppress the hemodynamic response, decrease the consumption of inhalation agents and cause less change in the levels of thyroid hormones, which can be considered as one of the indicators of endocrine response.

[Comparison of transdermal fentanyl for the management of cancer pain in adults and elders]. / Kronik kanser agrisi tedavisinde kullanilan transdermal fentanilin geriatrik ve eriskin yas grubunda karsilastirilmasi

OBJECTIVES: The transdermal fentanyl (TDF) patch has become widely used in the treatment of cancer pain. We aimed to compare the analgesic efficiency, side effects and patient satisfaction of TDF in adult and geriatric patients. METHODS: The data of 181 patients who were observed in our pain clinic were included in this retrospective study. There were 95 patients in the adult group (Group A) and 86 patients in the geriatric group (Group G). Demographic data, cancer type, duration of pain, side effects, visual analog scale (VAS) score, treatment assessment scale (TAS) score, TDF dosage, and the number of patients in whom therapy has been terminated were recorded. RESULTS: After the usage of TDF, reduction in pain score was observed in both groups (p<0.001). The TAS score was similar between the groups at the end of the first month, but it was lower in Group G in the following months. Constipation, dry mouth, somnolence, and dyspnea were seen more frequently in Group G. Because of these side effects, the number of patients in whom therapy was terminated was higher in Group G. CONCLUSION: The TDF patch is a good choice for cancer pain treatment for both adult and geriatric patients. Since it was observed that the incidence of side effects was higher in the geriatric patients, they should be treated more carefully.

Effects of enteral and parenteral glutamine on intestinal mucosa and on levels of blood glutamine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-10 in an experimental sepsis model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of enteral and parenteral glutamine (Gln) usage on rats in sepsis. METHODS: This study was conducted in Istanbul University Experimental Medical Research Institution (DETAE) laboratory, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey between June and September 2009. The levels of blood Gln, tumor necrosis-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-10 was measured. Samples of tissue were obtained from the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and lower lobe of the right lung to evaluate the reproduction of bacteria, and samples of tissue were also obtained from the small intestine to evaluate blood and villus atrophy. RESULTS: Bacteremia of Group EP (combined group) were found lower than Group C (control) (p=0.007). Villous atrophy rates of all groups were lower than Group C: between Group E (enteral) and C (p=0.003); between Group P (parenteral alanine) and C (p=0.019); and between Group EP and C (p=0.001). The values of serum TNF-alpha and IL-10 of Group EP and P were lower than the other groups at the 24th and 96th hours (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: In this study we found that the most efficient Gln administration technique in sepsis was enteral administration together with parenteral administration due to trophic effect on the intestinal mucosa, decrease of reproduction in tissue and blood cultures, immunomodulator effect, and approximately the same cost as parenteral application.

Comparison of the anesthetic effects of intrathecal levobupivacaine + fentanyl and bupivacaine + fentanyl during caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Regional anesthesia techniques are increasingly preferred for caesarean section. The aim of the present study was to compare the anesthetic effects of levobupivacaine + fentanyl and bupivacaine + fentanyl on the mother and newborn during elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective study, 50 gravidas, who were scheduled for cesarean section were enrolled after Ethics Committee approval had been obtained. The patients were randomized into one of the following two groups: bupivacaine + fentanyl group (group B; n = 25), 7.5 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine + 15 microg fentanyl intrathecally; levobupivacaine + fentanyl group (group L; n = 25), 7.5 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine + 15 microg fentanyl intrathecally. The patients were immediately placed in supine position with 20-30 degrees head up-tilt. The level of sensory and motor blocks were evaluated by pin-prick test and Bromage scale, respectively. RESULTS: The time to sensory block at the T4 dermatome was shorter in group B (group B, 4.8 min; group L, 6.0 min; p < 0.05). The time to maximum motor block was also shorter in group B (group B, 3.4 min; group L, 4.7 min; p < 0.05). The duration of analgesia was longer in group L compared to group B (group B, 102 min; group L, 118 min; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Time to sensory and maximum motor block was shorter in the bupivacaine + fentanyl group. On the other hand, a longer duration of analgesia was achieved in the levobupivacaine + fentanyl group. Although levobupivacaine is a novel drug, it is a good alternative for bupivacaine.

[Comparison of non-invasive mechanical ventilation with helmet or face mask in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Kronik obstrüktif akciger hastaliginin akut alevlenmesinde uygulanan noninvaziv mekanik ventilasyonda helmet ile yüz maskesinin karsilastirilmasi

Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the frequent causes of acute respiratory failure. In our study, we aimed to compare helmet with face mask in noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) on patients who had acute respiratory failure because of exacerbation of COPD in intensive care unit (ICU). Thirty patients, taken into ICU for exacerbation of COPD, were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as face mask group (Group Y) and helmet group (Group H). Appropriate mechanical ventilation settings were recorded after the starting period and NIMV was applied to patients continuously for two hours with these settings. Respiratory frequency (f), blood gas (PaO(2), PaCO(2), PH) and PaO(2)/FiO(2) values and hemodynamic data of all patients were recorded periodically. Compliance of patients were evaluated with patient tolerance scale (PTS). Duration of stay of the patients in ICU and complications were also noted. Demographic characteristics of patients, mechanical ventilator settings and hemodynamic data of the patients in the two groups were found to be similar (p>0.05). Frequency values measured during NIMV are also similar at all measurement times (p>0.05). It was determined that there was a remarkable decrease in respiratory frequency, in both groups after the application of NIMV (p< 0.001). There was no difference with respect to PaO(2), PH and PaO(2)/FiO(2) values at all measurement times, between groups (p> 0.05). PaCO(2) values in the beginning were similar in both groups but PaCO(2) measured at other measurement times for group H were statistically higher compared to the other group (p< 0.05). PTC score measured at during NIMV in group H were remarkably higher (p< 0.05). Helmet developed as an alternative to face mask has a better patient tolerance and accordingly in increases success rate in NIMV. But it must be keeping mind that the decrease in PaCO(2) value is slow with helmet.

[Breakthrough pain frequency in cancer patients and the efficiency of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate]. / Kanser hastalarinda kaçak agri sikligi ve oral transmukosal fentanil sitratin etkinligi.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to search the frequency of breakthrough pain (BP) and the efficiency of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) for the treatment of BP in cancer patients. METHODS: One hundred twenty-four patients who had used strong opioid analgesics for more than one month were included in the study. The frequency of BP in those patients was determined. Fifty-two of the patients who described BP and complied with the inclusion criteria for the study were included in our study. Appropriate dose of OTFC to take those patients to titration phase for 3 days was determined. Titration phase was started with 200 µg OTFC, and 800 µg was established as the maximum dose. The patients were monitored for a further 10 days after the titration phase. Using the Breakthrough Pain Questionnaire, the efficiency of OTFC (with Pain Relief Score), duration of effect, side effects, and visual analogue scale (VAS) values before and after OTFC were recorded. RESULTS: The frequency of BP was found as 63.7% in our study. The appropriate OTFC dose in the titration phase was found as 200 µg for 10 patients, 400 µg for 21 patients, and 800 µg for 17 patients; in 4 patients, OTFC failed to control their BP attacks. An appropriate dose of OTFC was found effective in 81.1% of BP attacks. A significant difference was determined in VAS scores before and after OTFC use (p<0.001). The average duration effect of OTFC was determined as 17.7 ± 8.28 minutes. No serious side effect was reported in any patient. CONCLUSION: OTFC is effective and reliable in the treatment of BP attacks in cancer patients.

Comparison of the laryngeal mask airway Supreme and laryngeal mask airway Classic in adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is an important airway device that was developed in 1983. From the first classic LMA models up to now, LMA models have been developed that are easily and quickly inserted, provide ventilation at higher airway pressures, have lower cuff pressure, a reduced risk of gastric aspiration and cause fewer stress responses. We aimed to compare the LMA Classic with the LMA Supreme in assessing the success rate and time for insertion, number of attempts and leak pressure. METHODS: A total of 70 patients of ASA group I or II were included in our study. Regarding the airway device used during surgery, the patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the LMA Supreme group and the LMA Classic group. In order to provide common conditions for inserting the laryngeal mask, insertion was made while the bispectral index was between 50 and 60 and T1 was 0. The success rate of inserting the LMA, the duration of insertion, the number of attempts, the insertion complications, ventilation parameters, haemodynamic parameters and postoperative adverse effects were recorded for each group. RESULTS: In the LMA Classic group and the LMA Supreme group, the LMA was successfully inserted in 27 (88.5%) and 34 (97%) patients, respectively. The duration of insertion in the LMA Supreme group was shorter and the cuff pressure was lower than that in the LMA Classic group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The LMA Supreme is superior to the LMA Classic because of its ease of insertion with low cuff pressure and high oropharyngeal leakage pressure.

Remifentanil-propofol vs dexmedetomidine-propofol--anesthesia for supratentorial craniotomy.

The aim of the present study was to compare the perioperative hemodynamics, propofol consumption and recovery profiles of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine when used with air-oxygen and propofol, in order to evaluate a postoperative analgesia strategy and explore undesirable side-effects (nausea, vomiting, shivering). In a prospective randomized double-blind study 50 ASAI-III patients scheduled for supratentorial craniotomy, were allocated into two equal Groups. Group D patients (n = 25), received i.v. dexmedetomidine 1 microg kg(-1) as preinduction over a 15-min period and 0.2-1 microg kg(-1) hr(-1) by continuous i.v. infusion during the operation period. Group R patients (n = 25), received remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1) as induction i.v. over a 15-min period and 0.05-1 microg kg(-1) min(-1) as maintenance. The propofol infusion was started at a rate of 10 mg kg(-1) h(-1) and titrated to maintain BIS in the range 40-50. Propofol doses for induction and maintenance of anesthesia was lower with dexmedetomidine (respectively p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The time for BIS to reach 50 was significantly shorter in Group D (p < 0.01). Comparison of the parameters of recovery revealed; extubation time (p < 0.01); response to verbal commands (p < 0.05) and time for orientation (p < 0.05) were longer with Group D. With respect to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) discharge time, dexmedetomidine patients required longer time when compared to remifentanil patients to achieve their first normal neurological score (33 min vs 31 min). The earliest opioid administration was at 38 min. in the dexmedetomidine group and 33 min. in the remifentanil group. Propofol-remifentanil and propofol-dexmedetomidine are both suitable for elective supratentorial craniotomy and provide similar intraoperative hemodynamic responses and postoperative adverse events. Propofol-remifentanil allows earlier cognitive recovery; however, it leads to earlier demand for postoperative analgesics. Undesirable side-effects were similar in two Groups.

Comparison of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy with surgical tracheostomy.

RATIONALE: Tracheostomy is done mostly in critically ill patients, many of whom may not survive. We still do not know the long term complications of tracheostomy itself; tracheal and subglottic stenosis, and tracheomalacia. OBJECTIVES: To compare the complications of surgical tracheostomy (ST) versus percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) by means of MRI control up to 1 month after closed tracheostomy. RESULTS: There was no death related to tracheostomy. In both groups there were two preoperative complications: one minor hemorrhage and one subcutaneous empysema in the ST group, and one minor bleeding and one puncture ofendotracheal tube cuff in the PDT group. When the early and the late postoperative complications of the two groups were compared, it was observed that in the ST group, five early (one minor bleeding, three stomal infections and one accidental decannulation), and two late (one peristomal granuloma and one persistent stoma) postoperative complications had occurred. In the PDT group, four early (minor bleeding) and two late postoperative complications (two minor bleeding) were observed. MRI of two patients in the PDT group demonstrated tracheal stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: PDT is as safe and as effective as ST. Although the early and late postoperative complication rates were not significant in the PDT group, we believe that further investigations with larger groups are necessary to find long-term outcome following PDT. MRI scanning provides an excellent non-invasive method of assessing the tracheal lumen.

Positive end-expiratory pressure reduces pneumocephalus in spinal intradural tumor surgery.

We tested the hypothesis that 5 cm H2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) reduces the incidence of pneumocephalus in patients who undergo spinal intradural tumor surgery. Fifty-three ASA I to III patients who underwent thoracolumbar intradural tumor surgery between the years 2003 and 2006 were included in this study. All patients received propofol, fentanyl, and cisatracurium for induction of the anesthesia. Maintenance was provided by propofol infusion and, oxygen (50%) and air (50%). Group I (n=28) did not receive PEEP whereas group II (n=25) received PEEP as 5 cm H2O. Cranial computerized tomography was taken at 8 hours after the surgery and cases were evaluated for pneumocephalus using BAB Bs200ProP Image System software. Pneumocephalus areas between 0.03 and 4.24 cm2 were observed in 9 patients, 8 in group I and 1 patient in group II at the 8th postoperative hour, at various localizations. There were no neurologic findings in other patients except for 2 patients in group I who presented with headache and mental status change. Although the cerebrospinal fluid leakage is minimal, N2O is not used and the patients are well hydrated, pneumocephalus with neurologic deficits may occur in patients undergoing microsurgical spinal intradural tumor surgery in prone position. In our study, we showed that using 5 cm H2O PEEP perioperatively reduced the risk of pneumocephalus. However, more cases must be studied to support this hypothesis.

[The effects of clodronate for the pain treatment of bone metastasis due to prostate cancer]. / Kemik metastazi olan prostat kanserinde klodronat kullaniminin agri tedavisine etkisi.

Hormone refractory prostate cancer is dominated by osseous metastases. Bisphosphonates are able to reduce bone resorption. Sixteen hormone refractory prostate cancer patients with related bone metastases were included in the study. Group A consisted of patients who were not treated with bisphosphonates (n=9) and group B consisted of patients who had received bisphosphonates treatment previously, but not receiving currently (n=7). All patients were treated with the same analgesic medications. Clodronate 400 mg; 1200 mg/day (p.o.) was added to the treatment of the patients in group A. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, consumptions and side effects of analgesics were recorded by two week intervals. Alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and serum Ca++ levels were controlled by 4 week intervals. At the end of the 12th week, the study was ended. In Group A, VAS decreased at the end of the 2nd week but in Group B VAS decreased in the 4th week. VAS decreased 75% in group A and 65.7% in group B and the difference was considered statistically significant (p<0.0001). Clodronate treatment was stopped in 2 patients because of nausea, 7 patients are still being treated with clodronate. We conclude that bisphosphonates treatment of painful osseous metastasis due to hormone refractory prostate cancer results in significant pain decrease.

General anesthesia versus epidural and general anesthesia in radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to compare two different anesthetic techniques in radical cystectomy with regard to blood loss, transfusional requirements, intraoperative complications and the quality of analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 patients scheduled for radical cystectomy were randomized to two groups: group GA - general anesthesia, n = 25 and group CEGA - combined epidural and general anesthesia. The patients were monitored and hemodynamic changes, intraoperative bleeding, transfusional requirements, quality of analgesia and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the demographic characteristics of the two groups. Intraoperative bleeding which was 874.8 +/- 190.7 ml in the CEGA group and 1,248.3 +/- 343.4 ml in the GA group was statistically different (p < 0.05). Significantly more intraoperative blood transfusions in terms of units were required in the GA group. Analgesia was better in the CEGA group, with VAS values at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those observed in the GA group. No significant differences in intraoperative hemodynamic parameters or postoperative complications were noted between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences in intraoperative bleeding were observed between the two groups: CEGA provides lower intraoperative bleeding and a better postoperative analgesia. Major operations such as radical cystectomy, which also is associated with considerable blood loss, a combination of general and epidural anesthesia may allow for less blood loss, with a better postoperative analgesia and without any increase in complications.

The effect of transdermal fentanyl treatment on serum cortisol concentrations in patients with non-cancer pain.

We treated 50 patients with chronic nonmalignant pain using transdermal fentanyl (TDF) 25 microg/hr and concurrently measured pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) and serum cortisol concentration. We determined these outcomes at baseline and on days 30, 60, and 90 of the therapy. The patients also were asked to document any adverse effects. We found that mean cortisol concentrations on days 30, 60, and 90 of therapy were significantly (P < 0.0001) lower than the basal mean cortisol level, and mean VAS scores at days 30, 60, and 90 of therapy were also significantly better than the initial mean value (P < 0.0001). Fourteen patients experienced severe adverse events. These observations suggest that serum cortisol concentrations may be elevated in chronic non-cancer pain states and that TDF therapy can reduce cortisol levels in parallel with reduction in pain.

[Impact of surgery and trauma in developing chronic pain]. / Cerrahi ve travma sonrasi gelisen kronik agri.

Surgery and trauma are recognized as important causes of chronic pain. In this manuscript, we analyzed the patients who visited our clinic with posttraumatic or delayed surgical pain complaints between January 2001 and January 2004. Identification and evaluation of pain were done as defined in the taxonomy of IASP. Duration and severity of pain as well as diagnosis and etiology were evaluated as suggested in the taxonomy. Our results showed that 107 out of 2866 patients (4 %) were diagnosed of having chronic pain related to the history of trauma or surgery. The age range of the patients was from 32 to 66 years with an average of 48 years. Male/female ratio was 35/72. The duration of pain varied. 15 % of the patients complained of pain lasting for 1 to 6 months, 67 % complained of pain lasting for 6 to 24 months, and 18 % complained of pain lasting more than 24 months. A significant amount of patients (72 %) complained of very severe pain, 21 % complained of moderate pain, and finally only 7 % complained of mild pain. The diagnosis of pain were as follows: radiculopathy and postlaminectomy pain in 48 %, neuropathic pain in 33 %, phantom pain in 12 %, carpal syndrome in 6 %, and thalamic syndrome in 1 %. Pathogenesis of pain was evaluated to be originating from peripheral nervous system in 56 %, muscle and skeletal system in 43 %, and central nervous system in 1 % of the cases. Additionally, fifty-nine percent of the cases complained of back pain. Long-term (?1 year) and continuous follow up of postoperative and posttraumatic pain during acute course may prevent a significant amount of chronic pain complaints.

Evaluation of adding preoperative or postoperative rectal paracetamol to caudal bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in children.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to investigate whether effects of caudal analgesia could be extended by preoperative or postoperative rectal paracetamol administration in children undergoing surgical repair of hypospadias. METHODS: The group consisted of 60 ASA I boys, aged 3-12 years, who were operated for surgical repair of hypospadias. The patients were randomized into three groups: patients in group I received rectal paracetamol (20-25 mg x kg(-1)) just before the operation. Group II received only caudal bupivacaine. Group III patients received rectal paracetamol (20-25 mg x kg(-1)) at the end of the operation. Pain was assessed by Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) and the degree of sedation was evaluated. During the first 24 h, time to the patients' first analgesic requirement and the number of supplementary analgesics needed were recorded. RESULTS: There was no difference between the demographic and haemodynamic data of the three groups. In addition, the duration of surgery and anaesthesia, pain scores and sedation scores of the groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of preoperative or postoperative rectal paracetamol in the doses used did not show an effect on the duration and intensity of postoperative analgesia obtained by caudal bupivacaine.