One-Session Laparoscopic Management of Combined Common Bile Duct and Gallbladder Stones Versus Sequential ERCP Followed by Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in a single session in comparison with two-session procedures including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The most popular approach to treat CBD stones that were detected before LC is with ERCP followed by LC. This two-session approach has some disadvantages, which include spontaneous passage of stones found on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography while awaiting ERCP, the risk for CBD stone passage between ERCP and LC or during LC due to excessive gallbladder handling, and the need for multiple anesthesia sessions and hospital admissions within a short interval. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective outcome analysis was done for 150 patients with CBD stones treated either laparoscopically in a single session with either transcystic exploration (conducted in 23 cases) or CBD exploration (conducted in 46 cases) (Group I included 75 patients) or via two sessions using ERCP followed by cholecystectomy (Group II included 75 patients). RESULTS: The rate of CBD clearance in Group I was 94.7%, whereas it was 97% in Group II. Group I is superior to Group II with regard to the operative time. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding conversion to the open procedure, hospital stay, or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The single-session laparoscopic management of CBD stones is as safe and effective as the gold standard sequential ERCP followed by LC with nearly the same rate of success, hospital stay, and complications.

Reduction of bupivacaine dose in spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section may improve maternal satisfaction by reducing incidence of low blood pressure episodes.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section exposes to high incidence of arterial hypotension which can result in maternal and neonatal morbidity. We hypothesized that the reduction of this dose from 10 mg to 7.5 mg would minimize hypotension without altering pain relief. METHODS: In this double-blind prospective study, 80 ASA1 women scheduled for elective caesarean section were randomized into two groups A and B receiving respectively 10 and 7.5 mg of isobaric bupivacaine both with 25 microg of fentanyl and 100 microg of morphine in spinal anaesthesia. Intravenous ephedrine was administered for each episode of hypotension. We recorded sensory and motor block, intraoperative pain, nausea and vomiting. In postanaesthesia care unit, sensory and motor recoveries were measured and maternal satisfaction rate was assessed. RESULTS: In group A, a larger dose of ephedrine was needed (32 +/- 23 vs 19 +/- 16 mg; p = 0.004). Incidence of sensory block above T4 (52 vs 10%; p < 0.001), nausea (52 vs 22%; p = 0.005) and vomiting (25 vs 8%; p = 0.03) were all higher than in group B. Arterial hypotension was less frequent in group B (68 vs 88%; p = 0.03). The time required for recovery to T10 sensory level and motor regression were shorter than in group A (p < 0.001) and the satisfaction rate was higher than in group A (excellent and good in 90% vs 67%; p = 0.03). There was no difference in pain relief. CONCLUSION: A dose of 7.5 mg of isobaric bupivacaine reduced incidence of hypotension, nausea and vomiting and improved patient satisfaction.

Combined use of crystalloid preload and low dose spinal anesthesia for preventing hypotension in spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section is commonly associated with hypotension and crystalloid preload is widely recommended. Low-dose spinal appears to cause less hypotension. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combined use of crystalloid preload and low dose spinal anaesthesia might further reduce the rates of hypotension. METHODS: Sixty-two patients were randomly assigned to two groups: crystalloid preload anaesthesia (P): received a rapid infusion of 20 mL/kg lactated Ringer's solution (LR), and no preload anaesthesia (N). The incidence of hypotension and the amount of ephedrine used to treat it were compared. Spinal anaesthesia was performed with 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine 7.5 mg and fentanyl 10 microg and morphine 100 microg. RESULTS: The incidence of hypotension was similar in the P and N groups. Same doses of ephedrine were required to treat hypotension in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Crystalloid preload combined with low-dose spinal anaesthesia do not reduce the incidence of hypotension nor its severity.