Incidence and risk factors for development of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common postoperative complication after cardiac surgery due to multifactorial causes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: A total of 150 adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and valvular surgeries were included. They were evaluated with respect to preoperative risk factors [age, use of ß-blockers, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), previous myocardial infarction (MI) and diabetes], intraoperative factors (CABG or valvular surgery, duration of CPB and aortic cross clamp time) and postoperative factors (duration of inotropic support and ventilatory support). Outcome measure was POAF after cardiac surgery under CPB. Postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay and mortality were also studied. RESULTS: Of the patients who developed POAF, 50% were less than 60 years, 50.6% were diabetics, 50.7% had prior MI,19.7% had LVEF <40%, 82.6%were not on ß-blockers, 66.7% had aortic cross clamp time >60 min and 60% had surgery with CPB time >100 min. About 38.8% underwent CABG and 43.1%underwent valvular surgery. There was a positive association with LVEF <40%, prior MI, post-bypass inotropic support greater than 10 min and ventilatory support more than 24 h with the development of POAF. CONCLUSION: The incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery was 40.7%. Preoperative LVEF <0.4, prior MI, CPB time >100 minand extended ventilation for >24 h were significantly associated with POAF.

Comparison of endotracheal tube cuff pressure changes using air versus nitrous oxide in anesthetic gases during laparoscopic abdominal surgeries / Comparação de alterações na pressão do balonete do tubo endotraqueal usando ar versus óxido nitroso nos gases anestésicos durante cirurgias abdominais laparoscópicas

Abstract Background and objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the endotracheal tube cuff pressure changes during laparoscopic surgeries using air versus nitrous-oxide in anesthetic gas mixture; and to observe the incidences of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia. Methods Total 100 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery were allocated into two groups. Group A (n = 50) received air while Group N (n = 50) received nitrous-oxide in anesthetic gas mixture. After endotracheal intubation, cuff was inflated with air to achieve sealing pressure. Cuff pressure at baseline (sealing pressure), 30 min, 60 min and 90 min was recorded with a manometer. Incidence of sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia was noted at the time of discharge from post-anesthesia care unit and 24 h after extubation. Results Cuff pressure increased from baseline in both the groups. The increase in cuff pressure in Group N was greater than that in Group A at all time points studied (p < 0.001). Within Group A, cuff pressure increased more at 90 min than at 30 min (p < 0.05). Within Group N, increase in cuff pressure was more at each time point (30, 60 and 90 min) than its previous time point (p < 0.05). The incidence of sore throat in post-anesthesia care unit was higher in Group N than in Group A. Conclusion Use of nitrous-oxide during laparoscopy increases cuff pressure resulting in increased incidence of postoperative sore throat. Cuff pressure should be monitored routinely during laparoscopy with nitrous-oxide anesthesia.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as alterações na pressão do balonete do tubo endotraqueal durante cirurgias laparoscópicas usando ar versus óxido nitroso na mistura dos gases anestésicos e observar a incidência de dor de garganta, rouquidão e disfagia no pós-operatório. Métodos No total, 100 pacientes agendados para cirurgia abdominal laparoscópica eletiva foram alocados em dois grupos: Grupo A (n = 50) recebeu ar e Grupo N (n = 50) recebeu óxido nitroso na mistura de gases anestésicos. Após a intubação endotraqueal, o balonete foi insuflado com ar para obter a pressão de vedação. As pressões do balonete na fase basal (pressão de vedação), aos 30 min, 60 min e 90 min foram registradas com um manômetro. A incidência de dor de garganta, rouquidão e disfagia foi observada no momento da alta da sala de recuperação pós-anestésica e 24 horas após a extubacão. Resultados A pressão do balonete aumentou em ambos os grupos, comparada à pressão basal. O aumento da pressão do balonete foi maior no Grupo N do que no Grupo A em todos os tempos avaliados (p < 0,001). No Grupo A, o aumento da pressão do balonete foi maior aos 90 min do que aos 30 min (p < 0,05). No Grupo N, o aumento da pressão do balonete foi maior em cada um dos tempos (30, 60 e 90 min) do que no tempo anteriormente mensurado (p < 0,05). A incidência de dor de garganta na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica foi maior no Grupo N do que no Grupo A. Conclusão O uso de óxido nitroso durante a laparoscopia aumenta a pressão do balonete, resulta em aumento na incidência de dor da garganta no pós-operatório. A pressão do balonete deve ser rotineiramente monitorada durante a laparoscopia sob anestesia com óxido nitroso.

[Comparison of endotracheal tube cuff pressure changes using air versus nitrous oxide in anesthetic gases during laparoscopic abdominal surgeries]. / Comparação de alterações na pressão do balonete do tubo endotraqueal usando ar versus óxido nitroso nos gases anestésicos durante cirurgias abdominais laparoscópicas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the endotracheal tube cuff pressure changes during laparoscopic surgeries using air versus nitrous-oxide in anesthetic gas mixture; and to observe the incidences of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia. METHODS: Total 100 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery were allocated into two groups. Group A (n=50) received air while Group N (n=50) received nitrous-oxide in anesthetic gas mixture. After endotracheal intubation, cuff was inflated with air to achieve sealing pressure. Cuff pressure at baseline (sealing pressure), 30min, 60min and 90min was recorded with a manometer. Incidence of sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia was noted at the time of discharge from post-anesthesia care unit and 24h after extubation. RESULTS: Cuff pressure increased from baseline in both the groups. The increase in cuff pressure in Group N was greater than that in Group A at all time points studied (p<0.001). Within Group A, cuff pressure increased more at 90min than at 30min (p<0.05). Within Group N, increase in cuff pressure was more at each time point (30, 60 and 90min) than its previous time point (p<0.05). The incidence of sore throat in post-anesthesia care unit was higher in Group N than in Group A. CONCLUSION: Use of nitrous-oxide during laparoscopy increases cuff pressure resulting in increased incidence of postoperative sore throat. Cuff pressure should be monitored routinely during laparoscopy with nitrous-oxide anesthesia.

Newer drug delivery systems in anesthesia.

A paradigm shift in drug delivery systems have been noted recently. The focus nowadays is to obtain maximum benefit with lower side effects. It is a monetary burden to launch newer molecules hence the industry is concentrating on improving the efficacy of existing molecules. Thus controlled release, target controlled infusion and closed loop infusion have entered the scene. Applying pharmacokinetic principles, instead of mathematically calculating drug dose could improve safety and maintain steady drug levels in the body. When computers are applied to an efficient operating system, it will only magnify the efficiency. Most of these technologies which were earlier limited to research only have entered clinical practice. This has made it mandatory for the practicing clinician to familiarize themselves with these technologies. Our focus in this review has been to discuss newer drug delivery systems available for anesthesiology practice.

A study of partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide and end-tidal carbon dioxide correlation in intraoperative and postoperative period in neurosurgical patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) is of utmost importance in neurosurgical patients. It is measured by partial pressure of arterial CO2 (PaCO2) and end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2). We aimed to study the correlation between PaCO2 and ETCO2 in neurosurgical patients in the intraoperative and postoperative period on mechanical ventilation in Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU). METHODOLOGY: This was prospective observational study done at tertiary care teaching public hospital over a period of 1 year. We studied 30 patients undergoing elective craniotomy intraoperatively and in the postoperative period on mechanical ventilation for 24 h. Serial measurement of ETCO2 and PaCO2 at baseline, hourly intraoperatively and every 6 hourly in the PACU were studied. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 20. RESULTS: The mean PaCO2-ETCO2 gradient intraoperatively over 4 h is 3.331 ± 2.856 and postoperatively over 24 h is 2.779 ± 2.932 and lies in 95% confidence interval. There was statistically significant correlation between PaCO2 and ETCO2 intraoperatively baseline, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h with Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.799, 0.522, 0582, 0.439, and 0.547, respectively (P < 0.05). In PACU at baseline, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h Pearson's correlation coefficients were. 534, -0.032, 0.522, 0.242, 0.592, and 0.547, respectively, which are highly significant at three instances (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: ETCO2 correlates PaCO2 with acceptable accuracy in neurosurgical patients in the intraoperative and postoperative period on mechanical ventilation in Intensive Care Unit. Thus, continuous and noninvasive ETCO2 can be used as a reliable guide to estimate arterial PCO2 during neurosurgical procedures and in PACU.

Anaesthetic Management of a Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy: A Rare Case Report.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy is a relatively uncommon osteolytic-pigmented neoplasm that primarily affects the jaws of infants. We report a 5-month-old male child who presented with a swelling in the right upper tooth region of upper jaw in which we face difficult mask ventilation as well as difficult intubation. Wide surgical excision was performed under general anesthesia. The uneventful course of anesthesia in the presented case was due to the thorough systemic evaluation and careful anesthetic strategy. Patients of congenital epulis continue to pose challenge to anesthesiologist as a consequence of the potential difficult mask ventilation and intubation. We hereby present a case of congenital epulis repair using diode laser under general anesthesia.

Role of pre-operative multimedia video information in allaying anxiety related to spinal anaesthesia: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A high incidence of anxiety has been reported in patients in the operation theatre set up. We developed a short visual clip of 206 s duration depicting the procedure of spinal anaesthesia (SAB) and aimed to compare the effect of this video on perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing procedures under SAB. METHODS: A prospective randomised study of 200 patients undergoing surgery under SAB was conducted. Patients were allotted to either the nonvideo group (Group NV - those who were not shown the video) or the video group (Group V - those who were shown the video). Anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory during the pre-anaesthetic check-up and before surgery. Haemodynamic parameters such as heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were also noted. Student's t-test was used for normally distributed and Mann-Whitney U-test for nonnormally distributed quantitative data. Chi-square test was used for categorical data. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable with respect to baseline anxiety scores and haemodynamic parameters. The nonvideo group showed a significant increase in state anxiety scores before administration of SAB (P < 0.001). Patients in the video group had significantly lower HR and MAP preoperatively (P < 0.001). The prevalence of 'high anxiety' for SAB was 81% in our study which decreased to 66% in the video group before surgery. CONCLUSION: Multimedia information in the form of a short audiovisual clip is an effective and feasible method to reduce perioperative anxiety related to SAB.

Prospective evaluation of maternal morbidity and mortality in post-cesarean section patients admitted to postanesthesia intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Critical illness may complicate any pregnancy. Timely intensive care management of critically ill obstetric patients has better outcomes than expected from the initial severity of illness. The aim was to study the indications of transfer of post-cesarean section patients to post-anesthesia intensive care unit (PACU). (PACU transfer indicated that the patient required intensive care). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study carried out in the PACU of a tertiary care teaching public hospital over a period of 2 years. Sixty-one postoperative lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) females admitted consecutively in PACU were studied. The study included obstetric PACU utilization rate, intensive care unit interventions, outcome of mother, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, and its correlation with mortality. RESULTS: Postanesthesia intensive care unit admission rate was 2.8% and obstetric PACU utilization rate was 3.22%. Of 61 patients, four had expired. Obstetric indications (67.2%) were the most common cause of admission to PACU. Among the obstetric indications hemorrhage (36.1%) was found to be a statistically significant indication for PACU admission followed by hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (29.5%). Cardiovascular disease (16.4%) was the most common nonobstetric indication for PACU transfer and was associated with high mortality. The observed mortality was 6.557%, which was lower than predicted mortality by APACHE II Score. CONCLUSION: Obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of PACU admission in post LSCS patients. Prompt provision of intensive care to critically ill obstetric patients can lead to a significant drop in maternal morbidity and mortality.

Lower segment cesarean section in a patient with severe thrombocytopenia and pregnancy induced hypertension.

Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy carries a major risk of feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. We present a case of hypocellular bone marrow with severe thrombocytopenia with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) for emergency lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). This disease is characterized by pancytopenia and hypocellular bone marrow with impaired morphology and maturation. Causes of death due to this disease include hemorrhage and infection secondary to thrombocytopenia and neutropenia especially following surgery. We report successful management of emergency LSCS with severe thrombocytopenia with severe PIH.

Anesthetic management of deep brain stimulator implantation in Meige's syndrome.

Meige's syndrome is rare form of orofacial dystonia. There is unfortunately no cure, but occasionally patients may improve with time. We present the successful management of a palladial deep brain stimulator (DBS) implantation for Meige's syndrome. Dexmedetomidine infusion was used for sedation. The procedure lasted for around 12 h and the patient was comfortable, responsive, and cooperative over the extended period of time. The surgeons were comfortable with electrophysiologic brain mapping and clinical testing. DBS were implanted, through a burr hole, into the globus pallidus neurophysiological testing under guidance. The pulse generator battery was subcutaneously implanted into the chest wall under general anesthesia. The implanted pulse generator battery was started 2 days later and the patient showed dramatic improvement in his symptoms.