Evaluation of anthropometric measurements and clinical tests in the diagnosis of difficult airway in patients undergoing head and neck surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to research the incidence of difficult airways and the effectiveness of anthropometric measurements and clinical tests used to predict difficult airways in patients undergoing head and neck surgery. METHODS: This study was performed on a total of 200 patients over the age of 18 who underwent head and neck surgery between December 2019 and March 2020. The demographic data of the patients in the preoperative period, previous operations/ radiotherapy history applied to the head and neck region, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome symptoms were recorded. In the physical examination, the jaw structure, mouth opening, jaw movement, and tooth structure of the patients, modified Mallampati classification, head and neck movements, neck circumference, thyromental and sternomental distance, atlantooccipital joint mobility, upper lip bite test, Wilson risk scoring, and Cormack-Lehane classification were evaluated. RESULTS: The difficult laryngoscopy rate was identified as 19%, and the difficult intubation rate as 8%. Operation history related to head and neck (p = 0.002), presence of at least two of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome symptoms (p = 0.008), Modified Mallampati score (p = 0.009), Wilson risk score (p = 0.004), upper lip bite test (p < 0.0001) and mouth opening (p = 0.001) were found to be associated with difficult laryngoscopy. Modified Mallampati score (p = 0.002), Wilson risk score (p < 0.0001), upper lip bite test (p < 0.0001), mouth opening (p < 0.0001), sternomental distance (p = 0.003), Atlantooccipital joint mobility (p = 0.001), and Cormack-Lehane classification (p < 0.0001) were found to be associated with difficult intubation. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the results obtained for sternomental distance and mouth opening were OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-1.1 and OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.4, respectively. DISCUSSION: In patients who underwent head and neck surgery, it was observed that the frequency of difficult airway was higher, and particularly the Modified Mallampati score, Wilson risk score, upper lip bite test, and mouth opening were associated with both difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation.

The Effects of Different Pressure Pneumoperitoneum Models Created By Standard or Heated-Humidified CO2 Insufflation on Ovary and Peritoneum: an Experimental Study in Rats.

There is still controversy over whether structural and morphological changes can be observed in tissues depending on the carbon dioxide (CO2) nature or the applied intra-abdominal pressures (IAP). This study aimed to investigate the effects of different pressure or CO2 nature used for pneumoperitoneum in gynecological laparoscopic surgery on inflammation, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes in ovarian and peritoneal tissue. For this purpose, forty female rats were randomly divided into 6 groups and different pneumoperitoneum models were created in these groups. Rats in group other than control and sham groups received standard (CD) or heated-humidified CO2 (HH) insufflations at low (4 mmHg) or high pressure (8 mmHg). The ovary and peritoneum sections were evaluated microscopically for apoptotic index (API) and API scoring was calculated. Tissue and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrotizing factor-alpha (TNF-α), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The most severe changes occurred in the 8CD group microscopically, while the least severe changes occurred in the 4HH group. All histopathological parameters except for ovarian apoptotic index and peritoneal PCNA at low pressure were higher in the CD group. TNF-α and 8-OHdG levels were higher in the CD group at both low and high pressures. Standard CO2 caused more prominent histopathological changes at high pressures and systemic inflammation in both pressure groups. The least change between the experimental study groups in terms of histopathological and biochemical was observed in the low-pressure heated-humidified group.

The effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum at different temperature and humidity on hemodynamic and respiratory parameters and postoperative pain in gynecological laparoscopic surgery: A prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: It is recommended to heat and humidity CO2 in laparoscopic surgery to prevent postoperative pain and hypothermia but information about its effects on hemodynamic and respiratory parameters is limited. We aimed to investigate the effects of standard and heated-humidified CO2 on hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, body temperature and pain in healthy patients. METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign pathology were divided into two groups: Group CD (cold-dry) patients were administered standard CO2, while Group HH (heated-humidified) patients were administered 95% humidified insufflation at 37 °C. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, body temperature, pain score and blood count parameters were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were included in the study, taken from the 100 patients. Group HH (n:47) had only higher systolic blood pressure at 75, mean blood pressure at 50 and 55 and a lower heart rate between 15 and 45 min (p:0.049, 0.037, 0.013 respectively). Pain score, morphine consumption, end-tidal CO2 and arterial blood gas values were not different between the groups, with only body temperature from 40 min and minimum value being significantly higher (at a difference of 0.86-1.04 °C) in Group HH. Postoperative leukocyte, neutrophil and NLR (neutrophil-leukocyte ratio) were found to be higher in this group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It has been found that both standard and heated-humidified CO2do not constitute a problem in terms of hemodynamic and respiratory parameters in healthy patients. The heated-humidified CO2group had only a higher core body temperature and inflammatory response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04508387.

Blood Count Parameters can be Useful in Predicting Vascular Events in Microvascular Surgery: Results of a Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Vascular events are a major cause of flap failure and identifying patients who are at risk is of paramount importance. In the past, many studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of blood count parameters for ischemic events such as peripheral vascular diseases. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate whether blood count parameters can have predictive value for vascular events in microvascular flap surgery. METHODS: Elective cases with free flap microsurgery performed in a single center were reviewed from 2015 to 2019. Demographic data, comorbidities, flap types, perioperative complications, and preoperative blood count parameters from the hospital records were screened. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients were included in the study, taken from the 163 patients undergoing free tissue transfer. The rate of thrombosis and partial necrosis was 8.8%, was 8.2%, respectively, and the total flap loss due to these complications was 5.4%. Only patient age, gender, and length of hospital stay were correlated with flap loss. According to the preoperative blood count results, there were significant differences between vascular events and leucocyte, and neutrophil counts. CONCLUSION: The findings of this preliminary study suggest that these parameters may be used in predicting vascular events in flap surgery.

Effect of Coagulation Status and Co-Morbidity on Flap Success and Complications in Patients with Reconstructed Free Flap.

OBJECTIVE: Free flap surgeries constitute the basis of reconstruction surgery in patients with major defects. Prediction of complications that cause flap loss in such patients is important in terms of reducing the length of hospital stay and expenses. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the effect of co-morbidities and the coagulation status on flap loss and complications in patients with reconstructed free flap. METHODS: Demographic data, smoking, alcohol habits, co-morbidities, coagulation tests and thromboelastogram results from preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative anaesthesia and surgical records of patients undergoing free flap surgeries between January 2015 and June 2017 were retrospectively screened. RESULTS: Flap success rate was found to be 96.1% in total 77 patients with free flap. Coagulation related complication rate, such as thrombosis, haematoma and partial necrosis, were 22.1%. There was a significant relationship between age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypercholesterolaemia and flap loss (p=0.006, p=0.025 ve p=0.025, respectively). Flap complications were more frequent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension. Laboratory test results revealed no statistical correlation between flap complications and flap loss with preoperative and postoperative TEG. CONCLUSION: Advanced age, co-morbidities such as hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with complications and flap loss in free flap surgery. However, there were no clinically significant association of complications and flap loss with laboratory tests showing coagulation. We believe that standardised protocols should be established in terms of preparation, intraoperative management and postoperative follow-ups because the time between taking the coagulation tests and postoperative anticoagulant administration should be standardised in such surgeries.

The effects of uterine size with or without abdominal obesity on spinal block level and vasopressor requirement in elective cesarean section: a prospective observational study

Background/aim: Hypotension is a serious complication caused by spinal anesthesia that places both the mother and fetus at increased risk. We aimed to investigate the effects of uterine size with or without abdominal obesity on sensory block level of pregnant women receiving spinal anesthesia. Materials and methods: This study included 125 term parturients who underwent cesarean section. Motor and sensory block characteristics, the distance between the symphysis pubis and the fundus (SPF), the distance between the symphysis pubis and the xiphoid (SPX), newborn and placental weights, adverse effects, and doses of ephedrine were recorded. Results: Sensory block level and ephedrine dose were significantly correlated with the SPX and the combined newborn and placenta weights (P < 0.05). The incidence of hypotension was related to the SPX and the combined newborn and placenta weight (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between the SPF and sensory block level or ephedrine dose. The sensory block level was higher for patients who had greater SPX values and higher combined newborn and placenta weights. The incidence of hypotension and the ephedrine dose were also higher in these subjects. Conclusion: SPX values and combined newborn and placenta weights are more predictive of sensory block level than SPF values in parturients receiving spinal anesthesia.

The relationship between the Trendelenburg position and cerebral hypoxia inpatients who have undergone robot-assisted hysterectomy and prostatectomy

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the Trendelenburg position and cerebral hypoxia in robot-assisted hysterectomy and prostatectomy.Materials and methods: A standardized mini-mental state examination was administered to 50 patients enrolled in the study 1 h before and after surgery. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) values and hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were recorded after induction of anesthesia (baseline) and once every 20 min in the Trendelenburg position and supine positions. The relationship between the development of cerebral desaturation and the patient's position was examined. Results: For all patients, the baseline mean cerebral oxygen saturation (RSO2) on the right and left were 70.5 ± 7.3% and 70.6 ± 6.7%, respectively. Right RSO2 values at 20 min and 60 min in the Trendelenburg position decreased significantly, but they increased at 120 min. A significant positive correlation was found between right RSO2 and EtCO2 in the supine period following surgery, and between left RSO2 and EtCO2 at 60 min in the Trendelenburg and supine positions. The relationship between NIRS values and cognitive dysfunction was not significant.Conclusion: We found that cerebral saturation decreases as age increases, and cerebral desaturation may occur owing to the Trendelenburg position. There was no correlation between patients? cognitive function and NIRS values.

Single-site robotic total hysterectomy: standardization of technique and surgical outcomes.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of robotic single-site total hysterectomy and to compare the outcomes of newly implemented robotic single-site bipolar and external vessel-sealing device. DESIGN: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with benign indications for hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent robotic-assisted single-incision transumbilical total hysterectomy using the novel da Vinci Single-Site Platform. Vaginal cuff closures were performed intracorporeally using the same technique in all cases. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 49.5 years (range, 40-61), and body mass index was 28.5 (range, 21-34). Blood loss was 22.5 mL (range, 7-120 mL). Docking time was 5.5 minutes (range, 3-10 minutes), console time was 74.5 minutes (range, 60-160 minutes), vaginal cuff closure time was 25 minutes (range, 16-41 minutes), and total operative time was 98.5 minutes (range, 71-183 minutes). When 2 groups were created according to the energy devices used during the procedures, console time in the newly implemented bipolar group was shorter than in the external sealing device group (69.5 minutes vs. 77 minutes; p = .03); however, no differences were found for uterus removal time (50.5 minutes vs. 53.5 minutes; p = .13). Differences were observed in vaginal cuff closure time (18.5 minutes vs 23 minutes; p = .01). CONCLUSION: Robotic single-site total hysterectomy using a newly implemented bipolar grasping instrument and even with intracorporeal cuff closure is a safe and feasible procedure in appropriately selected patients.

The Evaluation of Applied Anaesthetic Techniques for Caesarean in Parturients with Cardiac Diseases: Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effects of anaesthetic technique on mother and newborn were investigated in a retrospective analysis of parturients with cardiac diseases undergoing Caesarean section between 2006-2012. METHODS: Our hospital's medical information system records were analyzed, and we found 107 parturients with cardiac disease and were undergoing Caesarean section, and their demographic data and obstetric, anaesthetic, and neonatal record forms were inspected. RESULTS: Fifty-three (49.5%) pregnant women received general anaesthesia, and 54 (50.5%) received regional anaesthesia (34 spinal, 19 epidural and 1 CSE) (p=0.05). Week of pregnancy was lower for the group of general anaesthesia (p=0.007). Among cardiac parturients, valvular lesion rates were higher (75.7%). The relationship between existing cardiac disease and anaesthetic management was not significant (p=0.28). However, we determined that parturients with higher NYHA (New York Heart Association) classifications had higher general anaesthesia rates. (p=0.001). A rate of 39% of 74 NYHA I patients were undergoing general anaesthesia; this rate was 64% for NYHA II and 100% for NYHA III. The patients with cardiac surgery or medical treatment history had higher general anaesthesia rates (p=0.009). Although the general anaesthesia group newborn weights were lower (p=0.03), there was no difference between groups for APGAR scores. With regard to postoperative complications and hospital stay, the groups were similar. CONCLUSION: We determined that general and epidural rates in parturients with cardiac diseases were similar, general anaesthesia was preferred for parturients who had higher NYHA classifications and surgical or medical treatment history. We considered that general anaesthesia criteria should reduce the anaesthesia management of parturients with cardiac disease; epidural or CSE anaesthesia applications should increase according to the patient's physical state, haemodynamic parameters, and obstetric indications.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension and pregnancy.

This is the case report of a pregnant woman who refused pregnancy termination when diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) functional class 2-3 at the 24th week of gestation and of her newborn. A pregnant woman with PAH functional class 2-3 was treated with inhaled prostacyclin analog (iloprost), oral sildenafil, oxygen, and low molecular weight heparin. She delivered at 32nd week by Cesarean section. The infant required oxygen up to 36th week postconceptional age and had a short steroid treatment. The mother needed close cardiovascular monitorization, intensive oxygen and pulmonary vasodilator therapy for 2 months and was discharged with oxygen and oral iloprost treatment. A multidisciplinary approach together with pulmonary vasodilator therapy may be succesful in such a high-risk pregnant woman.

Management of anesthesia for cesarean section in parturients with placenta previa with/without placenta accreta: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to review placenta previa cases and determine the prognostic factors effective on morbidity and mortality and to evaluate the strategy of anesthetic management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 65 women with placenta previa scheduled for elective or emergency cesarean sections from 2004 to 2009 were examined. Patient demographic data, surgery and obstetric characteristics, anesthetic techniques, blood transfusions, the values of hemoglobin and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mostly general anesthesia was preferred in the parturients with placenta previa (86.2%, 56/65). 9 patients (13.8%), 2 of whom were converted to general anesthesia due to bleeding and prolonged surgery received regional anesthesia. 37 of 65 women (56.9%) with placenta previa had had cesarean sections previously. More than half of these patients (21/37, 56.7%) had abnormally invasive placentation and 16 of 21 cases underwent cesarean hysterectomy. The incidence of complications in women with previous cesarean section with abnormally invasive placentation was higher than in the other women (p < .0001). Three patients were transferred to the intensive care unit; 2 were intubated and mechanical ventilation was applied, and 1 died of hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthetic management is important for parturients with placenta previa who had previous cesarean section or abnormally invasive placentation. We found that general anesthesia was our method of preference for placenta previa as we wished to avoid the risk of bleeding. However, regional anesthesia can be safe in patients lacking any abnormally invasive placentation.

The effects of morphine and fentanyl alone or in combination added to intrathecal bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized double-blind controlled trial examined the effects of fentanyl and morphine, alone and in combination, as adjuncts to spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section. METHODS: Sixty women undergoing elective cesarean section, with spinal anesthesia using 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, were randomly allocated to receive morphine 0.2 mg, fentanyl 25 µg, or fentanyl 12.5 µg plus morphine 0.1 mg, intrathecally. The start of spinal block, the time to T10 level, the highest sensorial and motor block level, time to regression of sensory block to T10, time to resolution of motor block, surgical characteristics, maternal side effects, Apgar and NACS scores, umbilical blood gas evaluations, and time to first analgesic requirement were recorded. RESULTS: No patient experienced pain during the intraoperative period. The degree and time of sensorial and motor block were similar in both groups, and there was no difference in time to T10 level and time to reversal of motor block. The difference in time to first postoperative analgesic requirement was statistically significant. There was no difference between groups in postoperative side effects. There were no neonatal differences in Apgar and NACS scores or umbilical blood gas evaluations. CONCLUSION: The quality of postoperative analgesia with morphine, when used alone, was found to be superior to that with fentanyl. The combination of opioids offered no advantages over morphine alone.

A randomized comparison of different doses of intrathecal levobupivacaine combined with fentanyl for elective cesarean section: prospective, double-blinded study.

PURPOSE: Levobupivacaine may produce a sensory and motor block different from that produced by bupivacaine, which is the most popular local anesthetic in parturients undergoing cesarean section. The aim of this study was to investigate the block characteristics, the clinical efficacy, surgeon and patient satisfaction, and hemodynamic effects of using different doses of intrathecal plain levobupivacaine combined with fentanyl. METHODS: One hundred twenty women undergoing elective cesarean section with a combined spinal-epidural technique were enrolled. The parturients were randomly assigned to receive one of the following: levobupivacaine 5 mg (group 5), 7.5 mg (group 7.5) or 10 mg (group 10), all combined with fentanyl 25, 15 or 10 µg, respectively. RESULTS: Anesthesia was effective in 60, 82.5 and 100% of the patients in the levobupivacaine 5, 7.5 and 10 mg groups, respectively. Levobupivacaine 10 mg provided longer durations of analgesia and motor block and greater patient and surgeon satisfaction, although the incidence of hypotension was lower in groups 5 and 7.5 than in group 10 (12.5, 17.5 and 42.5%, respectively). Intraoperative epidural supplementation was higher in group 5 than in group 7.5 (40 and 17.5%, respectively), whereas no patients in group 10 were given an epidural bolus dose. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hypotension was higher in the levobupivacaine 10 mg group, even though this group presented more effective anesthesia and greater patient and surgeon satisfaction compared with the levobupivacaine 5 and 7.5 mg groups. As a result, we believe that levobupivacaine 7.5 mg combined with fentanyl 15 µg is suitable for combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in elective cesarean section.

[Comparison of the maternal and neonatal effects of combined spinal-epidural block and spinal block for cesarean section]. / Sezaryen operasyonlarinda kombine spinal epidural blok ile spinal blogun maternal ve neonatal etkilerinin karsilastirilmasi

OBJECTIVES: Combined spinal-epidural block (CSEB) has gained increasing interest as it combines the reliability of a spinal block (SB) and the flexibility of an epidural block in cesarean section. We investigated the maternal and fetal effect of CSEB against SB in cesarean operation. METHODS: Forty healthy, term pregnant women were randomized into two groups. Patients in the CSEB and SB groups were given 1.5 ml and 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally, respectively. If sensorial block did not reach T4 within 10 min, supplemental bupivacaine was injected epidurally 2 ml per unblocked segment in the CSEB group. The quality and side effects of surgical anesthesia, hemodynamic parameters, Apgar scores, neurological and adaptive capacity score (NACS) and postoperative duration of pain were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The time for the block to reach the T4 level was significantly lower in the SB group (p<0.05). More patients in the SB group achieved complete motor blockade sooner than in the CSEB group (p<0.05). Mean arterial pressure was lower in the SB group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to Apgar scores, cord blood gases, NACS, and adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: Both SB and CSEB provide good surgical analgesia for cesarean section. Maternal hypotension is a risk with both techniques, but it occurs earlier and is greater with SB. There is no difference in neonatal outcome, provided that maternal blood pressure is cautiously monitored and hypotension promptly treated.

Anesthetic management for cesarean delivery in a pregnant woman with polymyositis: A case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Polymyositis which is a rare disease both in general population and in pregnancy is systemic connective tissue disorder characterized by inflammation and degeneration of muscles. There is only a little information relating to the anesthetic management of a pregnant woman with polymyositis. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we present anesthetic management of urgent cesarean delivery of a 28-year-old parturient with polymyositis under epidural anesthesia who was diagnosed with polymyositis five years ago and has been treated regularly with different doses prednisolone since then. CONCLUSION: In a parturient with polymyositis, it should not be suggested general anesthesia due to risks including delayed recovery from muscle relaxation, aspiration pneumonitis, arrhythmias, cardiac failure, we consider that epidural anesthesia for cesarean section can be safely applied.

Propofol - not thiopental or etomidate - with remifentanil provides adequate intubating conditions in the absence of neuromuscular blockade.

PURPOSE: Administration of remifentanil followed by propofol provides adequate conditions for tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants. Other hypnotic drugs have not been thoroughly investigated in this regard. Intubating conditions with remifentanil followed by propofol, thiopentone or etomidate are compared in this study. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind study 45 healthy males were assigned to one of three groups (n = 15). After iv atropine, remifentanil 3 microg x kg(-1) were injected over 90 sec followed by propofol 2 mg x kg(-1) (Group I), thiopentone 6 mg x kg(-1) (Group II) or etomidate 0.3 mg x kg(-1) (Group III). Ninety seconds after the administration of the hypnotic agent, laryngoscopy and intubation were attempted. Intubating conditions were assessed as excellent, good or poor on the basis of ease of ventilation, jaw relaxation, position of the vocal cords, and patient response to intubation and slow inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff. RESULTS: One patient in Group I, three patients in Group II and five patients in Group III could not be intubated on the first attempt. Clinically acceptable intubating conditions were observed in 93.3%, 66.7%, 40.0% of patients in Groups I, II and III, respectively. Overall conditions at intubation were significantly (P < 0.05) better, and the frequency of excellent conditions was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the propofol group compared with the thiopentone and etomidate groups. No patient was treated for hypotension or bradycardia. CONCLUSION: Propofol 2 mg x kg(-1) was superior to thiopentone 6 mg x kg(-1) and etomidate 0.3 mg x kg(-1) for tracheal intubation when combined with remifentanil 3 microg x kg(-1) and no muscle relaxant.