Competency-based postgraduate training: Mentoring and monitoring using entrustable professional activities with descriptive rubrics for objectivity- A step beyond Dreyfus.

Background At Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, a competency-based learning and training (CoBaLT©) model for postgraduate (PG) curriculum, within the regulatory norms, was implemented in 2016 after adequate faculty development programmes. This focused on well-defined outcomes. Methods A review of the outcomes was undertaken in 2018 as part of internal quality assurance receiving feedback from all stakeholders, viz. students, alumni and faculty. Recent publications were also reviewed. A major problem identified was lack of clarity in definition of levels leading to subjectivity in assessment while grading. It was also noted that the process needed to be aligned with the programme outcomes. Further refinements were, therefore, made to align and objectivize formative assessment using entrustable professional activities (EPA) with the aid of descriptive rubrics of sub-competencies and milestones. Addition of detailed rubrics for objectivity takes assessment a step beyond the Dreyfus model, aligning overall to the programme outcomes. Results Achievement of appropriate grades in EPAs by individual candidates ensures entrustability in professional activities by the time of completion of the PG programme. The modification was found more transparent and objective with reference to grading by the teachers and more conducive to reflections by the residents on their performance and how to improve it. Conclusions The use of descriptive rubrics along with EPAs brings transparency and plays a key role as an objective assessment tool, which can lend direction to individual resident learning and entrustability. This is an important component of outcome-based education.

Relative Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric Nerve Block versus Transverse Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia following Lower Segment Cesarean Section: A Prospective, Randomized Observer-blinded Trial.

BACKGROUND: Quality of postoperative analgesia after cesarean section makes difference to mother in child bonding, early ambulation, and discharge. Ilioinguinal iliohypogastric (ILIH) and transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block had been tried to reduce the opioid analgesics, but the relative efficacy is unknown. Hence, this study was designed to compare the efficacy of these two regional analgesic techniques in sparing postoperative rescue analgesic requirement following lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent LSCS were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either US-guided TAP block or ILIH nerve block using sealed envelope technique at the end of the surgery. In the postoperative ward, whenever patient complained of pain, pain nurse in-charge administered the rescue analgesics as per the study protocol. A blinded observer visited the patient at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h postoperative intervals and recorded the quality of pain relief and the amount of rescue analgesic consumed. RESULTS: All patients in both the study groups required one dose of rescue analgesics in the form of injection diclofenac sodium 50 mg intravenously but subsequently 57% of patients did not require any further analgesics till 24 h in the TAP block group whereas in ILIH group, only 13% did not require further analgesics (P = 0.00), correspondingly the cumulative tramadol dose was significantly higher at all the time interval in the ILIH group when compared to the TAP group. CONCLUSION: Quality of postoperative analgesia provided by TAP block was superior to ILIH block following LSCS.

Role of temporary pacing at the right ventricular outflow tract in anesthetic management of a patient with asymptomatic sick sinus syndrome.

A 60-year-old woman posted for percutaneous nephrolithotomy with ureterolithotripsy was found to have a history of hypertension and ischemic heart disease from past 6 months on regular treatment. Pulse rate was irregularly irregular in a range of 56-60/min, unresponsive to atropine, with a sinus pause on the electrocardiogram. Although the patient was asymptomatic, anticipating unmasking of the sick sinus syndrome during general anesthesia in the prone position, a temporary pacemaker was implanted at right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) septum before the scheduled surgery. A balanced anesthesia technique with endotracheal intubation was administered. There were several episodes of continuous pacing by the temporary pacemaker intraoperatively, which may be attributed to unmasking of the sinus node dysfunction due to general anesthesia. At the end of surgery, patient was extubated after adequate reversal from neuromuscular blockade. Postoperative period remained uneventful, and the pacemaker wires were removed on the 2(nd) postoperative day. With this case report, we highlight the importance of inserting a temporary pacemaker prior to anesthesia even in an asymptomatic patient if a sinus node dysfunction is suspected preoperatively and if intraoperative access to transvenous pacing is difficult such as in prone position. Pacing at RVOT septum minimizes ventricular dyssynchrony and improves hemodynamic parameters.

Comparison of efficacy of three subanesthetic doses of ketamine in allaying procedural discomfort during establishment of subarachnoid block: A randomized double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Procedural discomfort is experienced by patients during the establishment of subarachnoid block even after good preoperative counseling and adequate premedication. To enhance comfort, procedural sedation that would provide good analgesia, faster recovery, and amnesia is necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists Status I and II posted for elective surgeries under subarachnoid block were premedicated with injection midazolam 0.05 mg/kg and preloaded with 10 ml/kg ringer lactate solution. They were randomized into three groups of 30 each. Group K0.3 received ketamine 0.3 mg/kg, Group K0.4 received ketamine 0.4 mg/kg and Group K0.5 received ketamine 0.5 mg/kg intravenously. University of Michigan sedation score, ease of positioning, prick response, verbal response, hallucinations, recall of procedure, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in sedation among the three groups. Increased dose necessitated help of two persons to position the patient, which showed statistically significant difference. Verbal response was seen early in Group K0.3 (4.67 ± 2.84 min). There was no recall of experience of subarachnoid block procedure in any of the groups in spite of back muscle contraction or patient movement. Hence, all patients in all three groups were satisfied and were willing to undergo subarachnoid block, if the situation arises. CONCLUSION: Ketamine in the dose of 0.3 mg/kg provided sufficient sedation for allaying procedural discomfort due to less sedation, less positional difficulty, early verbal response, no hallucinations, no recall of performance of procedure, and good patient satisfaction.

Improved prophylaxis of postoperative nausea vomiting: Palonosetron a novel antiemetic.

Many anti-emetics are used in clinical practice. Palonosetron hydrochloride is one of them. It is a novel, centrally acting antiemetic, and anti-nausea agent. This drug is an antagonist of serotonin receptor subtype 3 (5-HT3). This drug has longer duration of action which makes it useful in the prevention and treatment of acute and delayed onset of nausea and vomiting. This drug was initially used for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Federal drug agency (FDA) has approved it for prevention and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting. The literature search for this article was done using Google scholar and Pubmed using the terms "Palonosetron," "longer duration of action," "nausea," "vomiting," and "postoperative".

A comparative study between Truview(PCD) laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope in viewing glottic opening and ease of intubation: A crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Truview(PCD) laryngoscope is specially designed to aid positioning of the endotracheal tube as well as to record entry of the tube into glottis. Aim of the study is to compare the view of glottic opening and ease of intubation between Truview(PCD) laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope in patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA). METHODOLOGY: Two hundred patients undergoing elective surgery, under GA were randomized into two groups, Group TV and Group ML. In Group TV, Trueview(PCD) laryngoscope was used initially to visualize the vocal cords for Cormack and Lehane grading (CLG) and to spray the vocal cords with 10% lignocaine. Then the patient was ventilated for 1 min and Macintosh laryngoscope was used to visualize the vocal cords for CLG and proceed with intubation. In Group ML, Macintosh laryngoscope was used initially and later Truview(PCD) laryngoscope. Time to intubation, CLG, number of attempts and hemodynamic parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Ninety-six and 89 patients had CLG1 visualization when Truview(PCD) laryngoscope was used as 1(st) and 2(nd) device respectively compared to 41 and 68 with Macintosh laryngoscope (P = 0.00). Four patients had CLG 4 visualization with Macintosh laryngoscope that turned out to be grade II visualization with Truview(PCD) laryngoscope (P = 0.00). Mean time taken for intubation with Truview(PCD) and Macintosh laryngoscope was 21.10 ± 5.64 s and 15.79 ± 2.76 s respectively (P = 0.00). CONCLUSION: Better visualization with lesser CLG was found with Truview(PCD) laryngoscope but it took longer time for intubation than Macintosh laryngoscope. The hemodynamic response to intubation was significantly less with the use of Truview(PCD) laryngoscope when compared to that of Macintosh laryngoscope.

Bilateral vocal cord edema following anterior cervical discectomy-usefulness of bonfils retromolar fiberscope.

We present a case of a 40-year-old male patient who presented to us with radicular pain in arm for anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. The preanesthetic checkup including indirect laryngoscopy was normal with routine investigations within normal limits. The patient was induced and intubated with the established routine technique without any obvious airway problems. Prophylactic dexamethasone was administered, and the intraoperative course was uneventful. Immediately after extubation, it was noticed that the patient had inspiratory stridor and whispered voice on the operation theater table itself. Assessment by Bonfils retromolar fiberscope under fentanyl sedation revealed bilateral vocal cord edema. The patient was re intubated and put on T piece with humidified O2. After 72-h, patient was extubated after confirming normal vocal cord movement under flexible fiberscope guidance. This case is presented to alert anesthesiologist about the possibility of vocal cord edema even though other potential airway complications are possible. We would also highlight the importance of Bonfils retromolar fiberscope in awake vocal cord examination and flexible fiberscope use in managing patients presenting with airway problems during extubation.

Intraoperative anaphylaxis to ranitidine during cesarean section.

Ranitidine, a widely used drug, is known to be well tolerated. This case report illustrates a severe anaphylactic reaction after a single intravenous dose of 50 mg ranitidine during the emergency cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Anaphylaxis was successfully managed with Inj. adrenaline, Inj. hydrocortisone, ventilatory, and inotropic support following which she had a full recovery. Awareness of this rare but fatal adverse reaction to this commonly used drug could help in early recognition of the event if faced suddenly.

Anesthetic management of a patient presenting with eclampsia.

Eclampsia is one of the most common emergencies encountered by anesthesiologists which involve a safe journey of two lives. The definition, etiology, pathophysiology, treatment guidelines along with a special reference to management of labour pain and caesarean section are discussed. Eclampsia is commonly faced challenging case in our day to day anaesthesia practice,but less is discussed in our anaesthesia text books. Lot of controversies with regard to fluid management and monitoring still remain unanswered.

Menstrual abnormalities in school going girls - are they related to dietary and exercise pattern?

CONTEXT: Adolescence is the transitional phase of physical and mental development between childhood and adulthood and is characterized by immense hormonal changes.75% of girls experience some problems associated with menstruation. AIM: We tried to find out the prevalence of menstrual abnormalities in school going girls in Pondicherry and their association with dietary and exercise habits. SETTING AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in adolescent girls who attained menarche in four secondary schools of Pondicherry, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All students who attained menarche and willing to participate in the study were invited to answer the questionnaire, which dealt with anthropometric data, socioeconomic data, menstrual history, and diet and exercise pattern. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test was used to compare the dietary and exercise patterns among students having menstrual abnormalities and those who do not have menstrual abnormalities. RESULTS: A total of 853 students participated in the study. Dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms were the most frequent problems encountered. Premenstrual symptoms were significantly more common among girls who were overweight, in girls who were eating junk food regularly, in girls who were eating less food (dieting) in order to lose weight and in those who were not doing regular physical activity. Dysmenorrhea was significantly more common in the girls who were dieting to lose weight. Passage of clots was also significantly high in the girls who were dieting. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle modifications like regular physical activity, decreasing the intake of junk food and promoting healthy eating habits should be emphasised in school health education programs to improve their menstrual health.