Is Right Unilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block Successful in Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Background: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is used for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the incisions are located mainly on the upper right side of the abdomen. Aims: We aim to determine the efficacy of less-invasive ultrasound-guided right unilateral oblique subcostal TAP block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy on postoperative analgesia by comparing patients undergoing bilateral TAP block and a control group. Methods: Ninety patients were equally divided into control, unilateral, and bilateral TAP block groups. TAP blocks were conducted before anesthesia. No block was applied to the control group. Patients' demographics and postoperative pain, satisfaction, and nausea-vomiting scores and tramadol/ondansetron doses were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference in the verbal numerical rating scale for pain scores at rest and during coughing (VNRS-R and VNRS-C) between unilateral and bilateral TAP block groups at postoperative 1 hour, 2 hour, 4 hour, 8 hour, 12 hour, and 24 hours. In addition, VNRS-R and VNRS-C scores were significantly higher in the control group than in the other two groups. Tramadol consumption in the control group was significantly higher than in the unilateral and bilateral TAP block groups (p ≤ 0.01), while no significant difference was identified between unilateral and bilateral TAP block groups (p=0.303). Nausea-vomiting scores and ondansetron consumption did not differ significantly between all the groups. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in unilateral and bilateral groups (p < 0.01, p < 0.01) than in the control group, while there was no significant difference between unilateral and bilateral TAP block groups (p=0.793). Conclusions: Right unilateral TAP block provides postoperative analgesia as effective as bilateral TAP block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Effects of suprascapular and axillary nerve block on postoperative pain relief sevoflurane consumption and visual clarity in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve block on postoperative pain, tramadol consumption, sevoflurane consumption and visual clarity of the surgical field in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: Forty-six patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomized to receive either both suprascapular and axillary nerve block with ultrasound guidance (20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine) before general anesthesia (group SSAXB, n=23) or a subacromial local infiltration (20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine) after the procedure (group control, n=23). End-tidal sevoflurane consumption, visualization of the arthroscopic field scores of the patients were recorded during the procedure. The patient's postoperative pain scores (at PACU, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours after the surgery) and tramadol consumption were also recorded. RESULTS: End-tidal sevoflurane concentration values were similar in both groups (p>0.05). Group SSAXB had a better mean static pain score in the PACU (Group SSAXB 4.27±1.48 vs Group C 6.24±1.09 p<0.05). Tramadol consumption was lower in group SSAXB than in group C (253.1±85.3 mg vs 324.2±72 mg, p=0.005). Visual clarity scores of the arthroscopic field were higher in group SSAXB than in group C along the intraoperative period (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: SSAXB are effective in postoperative analgesia, reduce tramadol consumption and provide a clean image in the arthroscopic area of arthroscopic shoulder surgery, but these blocks do not reduce sevoflurane consumption.

Popliteal block for lower limb surgery in children with cerebral palsy: effect on sevoflurane consumption and postoperative pain (a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a preoperative popliteal block on sevoflurane consumption, postoperative pain, and analgesic consumption in children with cerebral palsy (CP) following lower limb surgery. METHODS: Fifty-four patients undergoing lower limb surgery were randomized to receive either a popliteal block + general anaesthesia (group P, n = 27) or general anaesthesia without a popliteal block (group C, n = 27). After anesthesia induction with 50% N2O, O2, and 8% sevoflurane, a popliteal block was given to group P patients with ultrasound guidance as a single dose of 0.3 ml/kg body weight of 0.25% bupivacaine. Group C patients received the same regimen of anesthesia induction but no preoperative popliteal block. Both the conductance fluctuation (SCF) peak numbers per second and the Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale (WBFS) values of the patients were recorded upon arrival at the PACU, at 10 and 20 min after arrival at the PACU, and at postoperative hours 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 when they were in the ward. The total paracetamol consumption of the patients was also recorded. RESULTS: The end-tidal sevoflurane concentration values were significantly higher in group C patients than in group P patients, except for at 5 min after induction of anaesthesia (p < 0.001). The SCF peak numbers per second and WBFS scores were significantly higher in group C patients than in group P patients, except at Tp24h (p < 0.001). The total paracetamol consumption was 489.7 ± 122.7 mg in group P patients and 816.6 ± 166.5 in group C patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Popliteal block is effective for postoperative analgesia, decreasing the paracetamol consumption and sevoflurane requirement in children with CP undergoing lower limb surgery. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT02507700.

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections in Postlaminectomy Patients: Comparison of Ultrasonography and Fluoroscopy.

AIM: To compare the results of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided caudal epidural steroid injections in postlaminectomy patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty postlaminectomy patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group I (n=15) received ultrasound-guided and Group II (n=15) received fluoroscopy-guided caudal epidural local anesthetic and steroid injection. Time of block for each patient was recorded. The patients" visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and satisfaction with the therapy during the 3-month follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: The caudal block performed with both methods resulted in similar improvement in low back pain and functions. Time of block was shorter in Group I than in Group II (6.06 ±0.88 minutes versus 11.2±1.14 minutes). CONCLUSION: Caudal epidural steroid injection is an effective analgesic method for postlaminectomy patients. Ultrasound-guided caudal block can be as effective as fluoroscopy-guided block and even more comfortable.

Ultrasound guided chronic pain interventions (Part I).

Recently, ultrasonography (US) is an indispensible imaging technique in regional anesthesia practice. With the guidance of US, various invasive interventions in chronic pain pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral and neuroaxial pathologies has become possible. The management includes diagnostic blocks as weel as radiofrequency ablation and institution of neurolythic agents. During these algologic interventions we are able to see the target tissue, the dispersion of the drug and all nearby vascular structures. Besides these the US also protects the team from ionic radiation that one encounters when using flouroscopy or computed tomography. Latest publications in this field show that applicability of US in chronic pain syndromes is rapidly expanding with a good future. The additional equipment (echogenic needles, 3-D US etc.) will also expand its applications in algology practice. This review highlights different applications of US in chronic pain conditions.

Ultrasound guided chronic pain interventions (Part II).

Henceforth, ultrasonography (US) is an indispensible imaging technique in regional anesthesia practice. With the guidance of US, various invasive interventions in chronic pain pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral and neuroaxial pathologies has become possible. The management includes diagnostic blocks as weel as radiofrequency ablation and institution of neurolythic agents. During these algologic interventions we are able to see the target tissue, the dispersion of the drug and all nearby vascular structures. Besides these the US also protects the team from ionic radiation that one encounters when using flouroscopy of computed tomography. Latest publication in this field show that applicability of US in chronic pain syndromes is rapidly expanding with a good future. The additional equipment (echogenic needles, 3-D US etc.) will also expands its applications in algology practice. This review highlights different applications of US in chronic pain conditions.

Tizanidine for the management of acute postoperative pain after inguinal hernia repair: A placebo-controlled double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: α2-Agonists are used postoperatively as a component of multimodal analgesia. Tizanidine is a centrally acting α2-agonist with muscle relaxant properties. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of tizanidine with placebo in terms of postoperative pain scores, analgesic consumption, return to daily activity and health-related quality of life. DESIGN: A randomised double-blind study. SETTING: Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital. INTERVENTIONS: After obtaining ethical approval and informed patient consent, 60 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into one of the two groups. The patients in Group T received tizanidine 4 mg orally 1 h before surgery and twice daily during the first postoperative week. The patients in Group P received the same treatment with a placebo pill. Both the groups received a standard analgesic treatment regimen comprising intravenous dexketoprofen 25 mg prior to induction of anaesthesia, dexketoprofen 25 mg orally three times daily for 1 week and intravenous paracetamol 1 g at the end of surgery. Supplemental analgesia was provided with paracetamol if the visual numerical rating scale (NRS) was at least 4 cm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative pain was assessed using the NRS. Total analgesic consumption was determined. Return to normal daily activity was evaluated using a five-point daily activity score after the first postoperative week, and health-related quality of life was evaluated using the short form-36 one month after surgery. RESULTS: The patients in Group T had significantly lower NRS pain scores than those in Group P 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively both at rest and during movement (P < 0.001), and on postoperative days 1, 2, 3 and 4. The analgesic consumption was also lower in patients who received tizanidine. Ten patients (33%) in Group T and 23 patients (77%) in Group P consumed supplemental paracetamol (P < 0.001) after discharge. The daily activity score was lower in Group T than in Group P (P < 0.001), and the short form-36 scores were significantly different in the pain dimension [74 (74 to 100) in Group T and 74 (31 to 80) in Group P, (P < 0.001)] and in the physical component summary score. CONCLUSION: The addition of tizanidine to the postoperative pain therapy after herniorrhaphy decreased postoperative pain and analgesic consumption and improved return to normal activity and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02016443 (10 October 2013, Principal investigator D. Yazicioglu).

Comparison of the postoperative analgesic effects of paracetamol-codeine phosphate and naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate for lumbar disk surgery.

The aim of this study was to compared the efficacy of paracetamol-codeine phosphate and naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate on postoperative pain and tramadol consumption during the first 24 hours after a lumbar disk surgery. After Ethics Committee approval and informed consent had been obtained, 64 patients were allocated into three groups. Patients received oral paracetamol-codeine (300 mg + 30 mg; Group P), naproxen sodium-codeine (550 mg + 30 mg; Group N), or placebo tablets (Group C) 30 minutes prior to induction of anesthesia. Patient-controlled analgesia was supplied postoperatively using tramadol. Pain intensity, tramadol consumption, and side effects were recorded every 1 hour, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery. Whole study period pain intensity (visual analogue scale scores) was lower in Group P (p = 0.007) and Group N (p = 0.001), compared with Group C, however, there was no statistically significant difference between Group P and Group N regarding pain intensity (p > 0.05). Tramadol consumption was lower in Group P and Group N, compared with Group C (p < 0.001), and in turn the lowest incidence of tramadol consumption was detected in Group P compared with Group N (p < 0.001) and Group C (p < 0.001). Side effects were similar between the groups. Preemptive administration of paracetamol-codeine and naproxen sodium-codeine combination significantly reduced tramadol consumption and provided more effective analgesia compared with placebo. The paracetamol-codeine combination was superior to naproxen sodium-codeine with regard to tramadol consumption.

Comparison of Sugammadex versus Neostigmine Costs and Respiratory Complications in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

OBJECTIVE: To compare sugammadex and neostigmine regarding the efficacy in reversing rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block, the incidence of post-operative respiratory complications and costs in patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval and patient consent, 74 patients in ASA physical status I or II were randomised into two groups to receive 2-mg kg(-1) sugammadex (Group S) or 0.04-mg kg(-1) neostigmine+0.5-mg atropine (Group N). Groups were compared regarding time to TOF (train-of-four) 0.9, operating room time, post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, post-operative respiratory complications, costs related to neuromuscular block reversal, anaesthesia care and complication treatment. RESULTS: Patient demographics, anaesthesia, surgical data and total rocuronium doses were similar between groups. Time to TOF 0.9 was shorter for group S [Group N: 8 (5-18) min; Group S: 2 (1.5-6) min (p<0.001)]. Operating room time [Group S: 72.4±14.3 min; Group N: 96.6±22.8 min (p<0.001)] and PACU stay [Group S: 22.9±10.1 dk; Group N: 36.3±12.6 dk (p<0.001)] were also shorter in Group S. After extubation, desaturation was observed in 12 (32.4%) patients in group N and in 4 (8%) patients in group S (p=0.048). In group N, three patients were reintubated; there were eight (21.6%) unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. There was one unplanned ICU admission in group S. Negative pressure pulmonary oedema was observed in one patient in group N. The results regarding costs were as follows. The reversal cost was higher in the sugammadex group (vial cost 98.14 TL) than that in the neostigmine group (ampoule cost 0.27 TL; total 6147.88 TL vs. 3569.5 TL); however, complication treatment cost and total cost were lower in group S than those in group N (199.5 TL vs. 3944.6 TL) (staff anaesthesia doctor cost was 0.392 TL per min and the cost of nurse anaesthetist was 0.244 TL per min). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the efficacy of sugammadex over neostigmine for the reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. Sugammadex decreases the incidence of post-operative respiratory complications and related costs in patients with OSA.

Spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric prilocaine in day-case perianal surgery: randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The local anaesthetics used in day-case spinal anaesthesia should provide short recovery times. We aimed to compare hyperbaric prilocaine and bupivacaine in terms of sensory block resolution and time to home readiness in day-case spinal anaesthesia. MeTHODS: Fifty patients undergoing perianal surgery were randomized into two groups. The bupivacaine-fentanyl group (Group B) received 7.5 mg, 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 20 µg fentanyl in total 1.9 mL. The prilocaine-fentanyl group (Group P) received 30 mg, 0.5% hyperbaric prilocaine + 20 µg fentanyl in the same volume. RESULTS: Time to L1 block and maximum block was shorter in Group P than in Group B (Group P 4.6 ± 1.3 min versus Group B 5.9 ± 01.9 min, P = 0.017, and Group P 13.2 ± 7.5 min versus Group B 15.3 ± 6.6 min, P = 0.04). The time to L1 regression and S3 regression of the sensorial block was significantly shorter in Group P than in Group B (45.7 ± 21.9 min versus 59.7 ± 20.9 min, P = 0.024, and 133.8 ± 41.4 min versus 200.4 ± 64.8 min, P < 0.001). The mean time to home readiness was shorter for Group P than for Group B (155 ± 100.2 min versus 207.2 ± 62.7 min (P < 0.001)). CONCLUSION: Day-case spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric prilocaine + fentanyl is superior to hyperbaric bupivacaine in terms of earlier sensory block resolution and home readiness and the surgical conditions are comparable for perianal surgery.

Addition of lidocaine to levobupivacaine reduces intrathecal block duration: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The duration of the spinal block is a concern for anesthetists. Low dose intrathecal lidocaine has vasodilatory effects and increases the local anesthetic clearance from the intrathecal space. The aim was to investigate whether this effect of lidocaine can be used to increase the resolution of levobupivacaine spinal anesthesia. METHOD: After obtaining ethical approval and informed patient consent, 40 patients underwent transurethral prostate resection were studied. Patients were randomized into two groups and patients received either levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + 0.3 mL 2% lidocaine (Group L) or levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + saline (Group C). The main outcome measures were the difference between groups regarding the duration of the spinal block and PACU stay. Secondary outcome measures were the difference between groups in onset and resolution of the spinal block, adverse events and treatments were also investigated. RESULTS: Spinal block resolved faster in Group L than Group C; 162.43±39.4 min vs 219.73 ± 37.3 min (p = 0.000). PACU time was shorter in Group L (109 ± 49.9 min in Group L vs 148 ± 56.8 min in Group C) (p = 0.036). There was no difference between groups with respect to the incidence of adverse events and treatments. Groups were also similar regarding complications. PDPH and TNS were not observed in any group. CONCLUSION: Addition of low dose lidocaine to hyperbaric levobupivacaine reduces the duration of the intrathecal block provided by hyperbaric levobupivacaine. This technique can be used to reduce the spinal block duration for relatively short procedures like TUR-P.

Addition of lidocaine to levobupivacaine reduces intrathecal block duration: randomized controlled trial / Adição de lidocaína à levobupivacaína reduz a duração do bloqueio intratecal: estudo clínico randômico / La adición de lidocaína a la levobupivacaína reduce la duración del bloqueo intratecal: estudio clínico aleatorizado

Background: The duration of the spinal block is a concern for anesthetists. Low dose intrathecal lidocaine has vasodilatory effects and increases the local anesthetic clearance from the intrathecal space. The aim was to investigate whether this effect of lidocaine can be used to increase the resolution of levobupivacaine spinal anesthesia. Method: After obtaining ethical approval and informed patient consent, 40 patients underwent transurethral prostate resection were studied. Patients were randomized into two groups and patients received either levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + 0.3 mL 2% lidocaine (Group L) or levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + saline (Group C). The main outcome measures were the difference between groups regarding the duration of the spinal block and PACU stay. Secondary outcome measures were the difference between groups in onset and resolution of the spinal block, adverse events and treatments were also investigated. Results: Spinal block resolved faster in Group L than Group C; 162.43 ± 39.4 min vs 219.73 ± 37.3 min (p = 0.000). PACU time was shorter in Group L (109 ± 49.9 min in Group L vs 148 ± 56.8 min in Group C) (p = 0.036). There was no difference between groups with respect to the incidence of adverse events and treatments. Groups were also similar regarding complications. PDPH and TNS were not observed in any group. Conclusion: Addition of low dose lidocaine to hyperbaric levobupivacaine reduces the duration of the intrathecal block provided by hyperbaric levobupivacaine. This technique can be used to reduce the spinal block duration for relatively short procedures like TUR-P. .

Justificativa e objetivo: a duração do bloqueio espinhal é uma preocupação para os anestesistas. Lidocaína intratecal em dose baixa tem efeito vasodilatador e aumenta a eliminação do anestésico local do espaço intratecal. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se esse efeito da lidocaína pode ser usado para aumentar a resolução da anestesia espinhal com levobupivacaína. Método: após obter aprovação do Comitê de Ética e consentimento informado, 40 pacientes submetidos à ressecção transuretral da próstata foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos e receberam6mgde levobupivacaína + 0,3 mL de lidocaína a 2% (Grupo L) ou6,75mgde levobupivacaína + solução salina (Grupo C). O desfecho primário foi a diferença entre os grupos em relação à duração do bloqueio espinhal e a permanência na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA). Os desfechos secundários foram a diferença entre os grupos em relação ao início e à resolução do bloqueio espinhal; eventos adversos e tratamentos também foram investigados. Resultados: a resolução do bloqueio espinhal foi mais rápida no Grupo L do que no Grupo C: 162,43 ± 39,4 min vs. 219 ± 37,3 min (p = 0,000). O tempo na SRPA foi menor no Grupo L do que no Grupo C: 109 ± 49,9 min vs. 148 ± 56,8 min (p = 0,036). Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à incidência de eventos adversos e tratamentos. Os grupos também foram semelhantes no que diz respeito a complicações. Cefaleia pós-punção dural (CPPD) e sintomas neurológicos transitórios (SNT) não foram observados em nenhum grupo. Conclusão: a adição ...

Justificación y objetivo: la duración del bloqueo raquídeo es una preocupación para los anestesistas. La lidocaína intratecal en dosis baja tiene un efecto vasodilatador y aumenta la eliminación del anestésico local del espacio intratecal. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar si ese efecto de la lidocaína puede ser usado para aumentar la resolución de la anestesia raquídea con levobupivacaína. Método: después de obtener la aprobación del Comité de Ética y el consentimiento informado del paciente, fueron incluidos en el estudio 40 pacientes sometidos a resección transuretral de próstata. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados en 2 grupos y recibieron 6 mg de levobupivacaína + 0,3 mL de lidocaína al 2% (grupo L) o 6,75 mg de levobupivacaína + solución salina (grupo C). El objetivo primario fue analizar la diferencia entre los grupos con relación a la duración del bloqueo raquídeo y la permanencia en la sala de reanimación postanestesia. El secundario fue la diferencia entre los grupos con relación al inicio y al término del bloqueo raquídeo. También se investigaron los eventos adversos y los tratamientos. Resultados: la resolución del bloqueo raquídeo fue más rápida en el grupo L que en el grupo C (162,43 ± 39,4 min vs. 219,73 ± 37,3 min [p = 0,000]). El tiempo en la sala de reanimación postanestesia fue menor en el grupo L que en el grupo C (109 ± 49,9 min vs. 148 ± 56,8 min [p = 0,036]). No hubo diferencia entre los grupos con relación a la incidencia de eventos adversos y tratamientos. Los grupos también fueron similares en lo que respecta a las complicaciones. No se observó en ningún grupo ni cefalea pospunción dural ni síntomas neurológicos transitorios. Conclusión: la adición de una ...

Assessment of the Ability of Anaesthetists to Locate the Internal Jugular Vein by the Anatomic Landmark Technique with Ultrasonography: Right or Left, Does it Make any Difference?

OBJECTIVE: To assess senior and junior anaesthetists' ability to locate the right and left jugular vein (IJV) using the anatomic landmark technique. METHODS: A total of 45 anaesthetists were included in this study. Initially, a questionnaire assessing the experiences of the anaesthetists was completed. The anaesthetists were grouped into two groups, junior and senior. The anaesthetists, who were blind to the screen, were asked to point to the internal jugular vein bilaterally on the neck of a healthy volunteer using an ultrasound probe with the midpoint as an 'imaginary needle'. The success rates for locating the right and left IJV in both junior and senior groups were assessed separately. RESULTS: The success rate for locating the right IJV was 88% (n=26, 23/26) in the senior and 68.4% (n=19, 13/19) in the junior group (p<0.001). The success rate for locating the left IJV was 69% (18/26) in the senior and 78% (15/19) in the junior group (p<0.001), while the difference in success rates for locating the right and left IJV in the senior group was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Both use of the anatomic landmark technique and experience increased the success rate. Especially in the less preferred left IJV catheterization, use of the anatomic landmark technique independent of the experience factor could increase the success rate.

Vasoconstrictive and analgesic efficacy of locally infiltrated levobupivacaine in tonsillectomy patients.

OBJECTIVES: The use of preincisional plain levobupivacaine, lidocaine adrenaline and saline for perioperative blood loss and postoperative analgesia in pediatric tonsillectomy patients are compared. METHODS: Ninety patients were randomly assigned into one of the 3 groups to receive preincisional peritonsillar infiltration of levobupivacaine 0.25% (group LB), lidocaine-adrenaline 1% with 1:200,000 (group LA) and saline (group S) under general anesthesia. Intraoperative blood loss, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin (hb) and haematocrit (htc) values, hemostasis time, operation duration, number of cautery used (20 W, 1s) and heart rates were recorded. Pain scores in PACU, at 6th, 12th and 24th hours postoperatively and the number of the patients requiring analgesic treatment for first 24h was also recorded. RESULTS: There was a 30% reduction in perioperative blood loss in group LB and 63% reduction in group LA compared to group S (39 ± 6, 21 ± 4 and 55 ± 7 ml respectively) (p<0.001). Even though all three groups have significantly lower postoperative hb and htc values with respect to preoperative levels both local anesthetic groups had significantly higher postoperative hb and htc values than saline (p<0.001). Time required for hemostasis, the number of cautery used for haemostasis and operation duration were lower in groups LB and LA with respect to group S. Pain scores of the group LB revealed a significantly lower score throughout 24h. Only 14 patients in group LB demanded additional analgesic where as all patients in the other groups had. Adding adrenaline to the local anesthetic solution showed no side effects. Also we did not happened to see any complications related to local anesthetic injections. There was no postoperative major bleeding in groups. CONCLUSION: Levobupivacaine has a vasoconstrictive effect in 0.25% concentrations that may be beneficial in tonsillectomy patients and has a consistent analgesic effect.

Volatile anesthetic preconditioning attenuated sepsis induced lung inflammation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the differential protective effects of isoflurane or sevoflurane on lung inflammation in a rat model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis. METHODS: Seventy-two rats were assigned to control, sevoflurane, or isoflurane groups. At 2 and 4 h, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), nitrate/nitrate levels (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were determined. At 12 and 24 h, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and histologic changes were evaluated. Survival was monitored for 7 d after CLP. RESULTS: Sevoflurane (75%) and isoflurane (63%) significantly improved survival rate compared with control rats (38%). When sevoflurane and isoflurane groups were compared, sevoflurane pretreatment showed significant decrease in NO at 2 h [1045 (803-1274)/1570 (1174-2239) and 4 h [817 (499-1171)/1493 (794-2080)]; increase in TAC at 4 h [580.0 (387-751)/320 (239-512)]; decrease in MDA at 12 h [2.5 (1.1-4.2)/5.4 (4-73)] and 24 h [10.8 (6.0-14.0)/15.9 (9-28)]; and decrease in MPO at 24 h [145.8 (81-260)/232 (148-346)]. The difference in the ICAM-1 expression of the isoflurane and sevoflurane groups was not significant at both measurement times. The architectural integrity of the alveoli was preserved in all the groups. The injury scores of the three groups at 12 and 24 h did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Both sevoflurane and isoflurane attenuated inflammatory response, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, sevoflurane was more effective in modulating sepsis induced inflammatory response at the chosen concentration in sepsis model.