[Effectiveness of Sacral Intervertebral Epidural Block for Umbilical Hernia Repair in Children].

BACKGROUND: Effectiveness of sacral intervertebral epidural block (S 2-3 block) for umbilical hernia repair has not been clarified. METHOD: We investigate 24 children, undergoing umbilical hernia repair; mean age of 3 years (age range: 20-65 months). Under general anesthesia, epidural block was performed at S 2-3 interspace with 1 ml x kg(-1) ropivacaine (0.2%) at injecting rate of 1 ml x sec(-1) followed by 0.25 ml x kg(-1) normal saline. RESULTS: In all cases, neither systolic blood pressure nor heart rate increased > 15% from those just before the block. Postoperative analgesics were given in 6 patients (25%) rectally. Mean time between the block and the administration of analgesic was 10.5 hours. CONCLUSIONS: S 2-3 block can be effective for postoperative pain in umbilical hernia repair.

[Postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under total intravenous anesthesia using propofol combined with fentanyl or pentazocine].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in propofol-anesthetized patients receiving either fentanyl or pentazocine as opioid supplement. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were classified into two groups according to opioid supplement under propofol-anesthesia; pentazocine group (n = 26) and fentanyl group (n = 41). Anesthesia was induced with propofol using target controlled infusion method, and was maintained with propofol infusion with pentazocine or fentanyl and intermittent administration of vecuronium with 40% oxygen in air. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV was 23.1% in fentanyl group and 22.0% in pentazocine group, respectively. The incidence of PONV was not different between the groups. There were no severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PONV in propofol-anesthetized patients receiving pentazocine as opioid supplement is not different from that in patients receiving fentanyl.

[Anesthetic managements for emergency cesarean section and craniotomy in patients with intracranial hemorrhage due to ruptured cerebral aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation].

We report two cases of anesthetic management for emergency cesarean sections and craniotomies in patients with intracranial hemorrhage. Case 1: A 32-year-old woman at 33 weeks gestation suffered from subarchnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of cerebral aneurysm. Case 2: A 38-week-pregnant woman aged 32 developed intracerebral hematoma resulting from ruptured arteriovenous malformation. The weights of the fetuses were estimated to be 1756 g and 1996 g respectively, and they were expected premature. Discussions with obstetricians, neurosurgeons and neonatologists encouraged us to schedule cesarean section followed by craniotomy under general anesthesia. Before deliveries we selected isoflurane and avoided excessive hyperventilation to maintain uteroplacental circulation. After deliveries, isoflurane was changed to propofol and prostaglandin E1 was infused to control blood pressure and to avoid uterine atonic bleeding. Uneventful anesthetic course resulted in both the mothers and the fetuses surviving. It is important to develop good relationships among the specialists for the management of pregnant woman with intracranial hemorrhage.

[Dose requirements of pentazocine during abdominal surgery in total intravenous anesthesia using propofol].

BACKGROUND: To determine the dose requirements of pentazocine when administered as a single bolus dose in total intravenous anesthesia with propofol for abdominal surgery. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six patients scheduled for abdominal surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were classified into three groups according to duration of the operation ; under 120 min (Group 1, n=87) ; 120-240 min (Group 2, n=56) ; over 240 min (Group 3, n=13). Anesthesia was induced with propofol using target controlled infusion method, and was maintained with propofol infusion, pentazocine as a single dose before incision, and intermittent administration of vecuronium with 40% oxygen in air. RESULTS: Dosage of pentazocine was significantly increased according to length of the operation. The maintenance doses of propofol were not different among the three groups. Awakening time in about 80% of patients in each group was within 15 minutes. There are no severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and pentazocine is useful to stabilize hemodynamics and to achieve rapid recovery. For the operation within 120 min, 0.7 mg x kg(-1) of pentazocine is necessary whereas 0.8 mg x kg(-1) of pentazocine is needed in the operation of 120-240 min.