The use of esmolol and magnesium to prevent haemodynamic responses to extubation after coronary artery grafting.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The haemodynamic responses during extubation can cause complications after open-heart surgery. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of esmolol and magnesium before extubation on these haemodynamic responses. METHODS: Following the approval of local Ethics Committee, 120 patients having coronary artery bypass grafting with extubation in the intensive care unit were included in the study. Patients were allocated to receive esmolol 1 mg kg-1 (group I, n = 40), magnesium 30 mg kg-1 (Group II, n = 40) or normal saline (Group III, n = 40). Study medication was administered as a 20-min infusion in a volume of 20 mL. Patients were extubated just after termination of the infusion. Heart rate, blood pressure and central venous pressure were recorded prior to drug administration, before extubation, during extubation and 1 min after extubation. RESULTS: Heart rate was lower in Group I than in Groups II (P < 0.05) and III (P < 0.001) and lower in Group II than in Group III (P < 0.05) during extubation. It was also lower in Group I than in Group III (P < 0.05) after extubation. Systolic blood pressure was lower in Group I than in Groups II and III (P < 0.001) during extubation. Diastolic blood pressure was higher in Group III than in Groups I and II during extubation (P < 0.001) and after extubation (P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure was lower in Group I than in Groups II and III (P < 0.001) during extubation, lower in Group II than in Group III (P < 0.05) during extubation and lower in Group I than in Group III (P < 0.05) after extubation. CONCLUSION: We found that using esmolol before extubation following coronary artery bypass graft surgery prevents undesirable haemodynamic responses while magnesium reduces undesirable haemodynamic responses but does not prevent them.

Comparison of the laryngeal mask (LMA) and laryngeal tube (LT) with the new perilaryngeal airway (CobraPLA) in short surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We compared the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and the laryngeal tube (LT) with the newly introduced perilaryngeal airway (CobraPLA, PLA) with regard to haemodynamic responses induced by airway insertion, clinical performance and occurrence of postoperative sore throat after short surgical procedures. METHODS: After premedication, 90 ASA I-II patients awaiting short surgical procedures were randomized to receive, LMA, LT or PLA. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol (2.5 mg kg(-1)) and mivacurium (0.2 mg kg(-1)). Number of attempts, time of insertion of the device, any other unwanted effect, mean aterial pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and end-tidal carbon dioxide were recorded. At the end of surgery, the cuff of the device was immediately deflated and the airway device was removed. The device was examined and noted for the presence of visible blood. Patients were asked to rate their throat soreness, dysphonia and dysphagia 1 and 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no differences in haemodynamic variables. Insertion times for the devices were similar (LMA: 20 +/- 11 s, LT: 19 +/- 14 s and PLA: 21 +/- 12 s.) The success rates at first insertion were lower in the (LMA group (57%) when compared with the PLA (97%, P < 0.05). The number and type of airway interventions for achieving an effective airway were similar. When the airways were removed 50% of the PLA devices had positive blood traces, while only 17% of the LMA and LT devices had positive blood traces (P < 0.01). Fifty percent of the patients suffered from a sore throat in the PLA group, which was significantly higher than in the LMA and LT groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that haemodynamic, ventilation and oxygenation variables throughout the surgery were similar with, LMA, LT and PLA, but LT and PLA were easier to insert; LMA and LT caused less mucosal trauma.

Effect of oral gabapentin on postoperative epidural analgesia.

BACKGROUND: Gabapentin has been used successfully as a non-opioid analgesic adjuvant for postoperative pain management. We hypothesized that gabapentin might be a useful adjuvant for postoperative analgesia provided with patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). METHODS: Forty patients undergoing lower extremity surgery procedures were randomly assigned to receive (i) placebo capsules (control) or (ii) gabapentin (1.2 g day(-1)) before and for 2 days after surgery. Anaesthetic technique was standardized. Postoperative assessments included verbal rating scale scoring for pain and sedation, PCEA usage, quality of recovery assessment, times of GI function recovery, and patient satisfaction scoring for pain management. RESULTS: Pain scores at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h (P<0.001), PCEA bolus requirements (n) at 24 [21 (3), 14 (2)], 48 [15 (4), 10 (3)] and 72 [8 (5), 2 (3)] (P<0.05) and paracetamol (mg) consumption [700 (523), 350 (400)]; P<0.05), were significantly lower in the gabapentin-treated patients than in the control group. Patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management at 24 h was better in gabapentin-treated patients [85.5 (7.5), 66.5 (15)]; P<0.001). Gabapentin-treated patients had less motor block when compared with control group. Times of return of bowel function, hospitalization, and resumption of dietary intake were similar in the groups. However, the incidence of dizziness was higher in the gabapentin group (35% vs 5%; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral gabapentin (1.2 g day(-1)) as an adjunct to epidural analgesia decreased pain and analgesic consumption. Despite an increased incidence of dizziness it also increased patient satisfaction.

Gabapentin: an alternative to the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors for perioperative pain management.

The cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, was a popular analgesic adjuvant for improving perioperative pain management. We designed this placebo-controlled study to test the hypothesis that gabapentin could produce similar reductions in postoperative pain and opioid analgesic usage, thereby improving the recovery process. One hundred patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy procedures were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: 1) control group received placebo capsules and pills before and for 2 days after surgery, 2) rofecoxib group received 50 mg/d PO and placebo capsules before and after surgery and, 3) gabapentin group received 1.2 g/d PO and placebo pills before and after surgery, and 4) combination group received rofecoxib 50 mg/d and gabapentin 1.2 g/d PO before and after surgery. The anesthetic technique was standardized and the postoperative assessments included verbal rating scales for pain and sedation, IV morphine usage, quality of recovery assessment, recovery of bowel function, resumption of normal activities, and patient satisfaction with their pain management. Postoperative pain scores were significantly reduced in all three analgesic treatment groups (versus control group). Compared with the control group, patient-controlled analgesia morphine usage was also significantly reduced in the 3 analgesic treatment groups at 1, 8, 24, and 30 h after surgery. Total PCA morphine usage was decreased by 43%, 24%, and 50% in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively, compared with group 1. Oral analgesic consumption was also smaller in groups 2 and 4 when compared with the control group. The opioid-sparing effects of rofecoxib and gabapentin lead to a faster recovery of bowel function. Discharge eligibility scores in groups 2 and 4 were improved at 24 h when compared with group 1, and patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management was significantly higher at 24 h in all 3 analgesic treatment groups. At the 72 h follow-up, all of the patients in group 4 were completely satisfied with their pain management compared with only 32%, 64%, and 72% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Gabapentin (1.2 g/d PO) appears to be an acceptable alternative to rofecoxib (50 mg/d PO) for short-term use as an adjuvant to opioid analgesics in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery.

Intraarticular analgesia after arthroscopic knee surgery: comparison of neostigmine, clonidine, tenoxicam, morphine and bupivacaine.

We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blinded study to compare the analgesic effects of intraarticular neostigmine, morphine, tenoxicam, clonidine and bupivacaine in 150 patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. General anaesthesia protocol was same in all patients. At the end of the surgical procedure, patients were randomized into six intraarticular groups equally. Group N received 500 mug neostigmine, Group M received 2 mg morphine, Group T received 20 mg tenoxicam, Group C received 1 microg kg(-1) clonidine, Group B received 100 mg bupivacaine and Group S received saline 20 ml. Visual analog scale scores 0, 30 and 60 min and 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, time to first analgesic need, analgesic consumption at 48 h and 72 h and side effects were noted. Demographic and operational parameters were similar in six groups. All study groups provided analgesia when compared with saline group (P<0.05). Duration of analgesia in Group N and C was longer than other groups (P<0.001). Analgesic consumptions of Group N, C and T were lower than other groups (P<0.01). Pain scores during 2 h postoperatively were lower in all study groups than the control group (P<0.001). In Group B, median pain scores were higher than Groups N and C at 0 min and 30 min postoperatively (P<0.001). Side effects were not significantly different among the six groups. We conclude that the most effective drugs that are administered intraarticularly are neostigmine and clonidine among the five drugs we studied. Tenoxicam provided longer analgesia when compared with morphine and bupivacaine, postoperatively.

Effects of sevoflurane, isoflurane and propofol infusions on post-operative recovery criteria in geriatric patients.

We compared the effects of sevoflurane, isoflurane and propofol infusions on postoperative recovery criteria in geriatric patients. Sixty patients aged > 65 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) group 1 or 2 and undergoing gynaecological or urological procedures were randomized equally into three groups. Group 1 received 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) sevoflurane in a 50% O2/N2O mixture and group 2 received 1 MAC isoflurane in a 50% O2/N2O mixture. Group 3 received a 50% O2/N2O mixture plus propofol total intravenous anaesthesia (8 mg/kg for the first 30 min, followed by 6 mg/kg for maintenance). Recovery criteria comprising the times to spontaneous eye opening, extubation, response to verbal stimuli and orientation were recorded following the discontinuation of anaesthesia. Recovery times were significantly shorter in groups 1 and 3 compared with group 2. We conclude that sevoflurane and propofol had similar effects on recovery criteria and were associated with a faster recovery than isoflurane.

The addition of sufentanil, tramadol or clonidine to lignocaine for intravenous regional anaesthesia.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of sufentanil, tramadol or clonidine added to lignocaine for intravenous regional anaesthesia. We investigated the onset and duration of sensory and motor block, the quality of the anaesthesia, intraoperative and postoperative haemodynamics, intraoperative and postoperative pain and sedation. Sixty patients undergoing ambulatory hand surgery received intravenous regional anaesthesia using 35 ml of 0.5% lignocaine and either 5 ml saline (Group L, n = 15); sufentanil 25 micrograms (Group LS, n = 15); tramadol 100 mg (Group LT, n = 15) or clonidine 1 microgram.kg-1 (Group LC, n = 15). Before and after the tourniquet application, haemodynamic data, tourniquet pain, sedation scores and analgesic use were recorded. After tourniquet deflation, haemodynamic data, pain and sedation, time to first analgesic requirement and analgesic use were noted. There were no differences among groups in intraoperative haemodynamic data, the time to recovery of sensory block, the onset and the recovery of motor block, sedation scores or postoperative pain. Compared to the other groups, in Group L the onset of sensory block was longer, the time to initial tourniquet pain was shorter and the intraoperative tourniquet pain scores and use of the opioid were higher (P < 0.05). The quality of anaesthesia in Groups LS, LT and LC was better than in Group L (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of sulfentanil, tramadol or clonidine to lignocaine shortened the onset of the sensory block, delayed the onset time of the tourniquet pain and reduced the intraoperative consumption of opioid, but did not affect postoperative pain.

Effect of aminophylline on bispectral index.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of aminophylline on BIS as well as clinical recovery in patients anesthetized with sevoflurane. METHODS: Sixty patients with status of ASA I-II scheduled for elective surgery were enrolled in this study. Anesthesia was induced by 2 mg kg(-1) of propofol and 0.5 mg kg(-1) of atracurium, maintained with 1:1 ratio of oxygen and nitrous oxide and 2-2.5% sevoflurane, keeping BIS values at 50 +/- 5. During the last 30 min of the operation no muscle relaxant was given and anesthesia was continued without decreasing anesthetic concentration. After sevoflurane discontinuation, saline was given to Group P, and 5 mg kg(-1) of aminophylline was given to Group A. Bispectral index values, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were determined in all the patients before and every min after injection of the test drug for 15 min. The following variables were measured in both groups: eye opening, extubation time, response to command, Aldrete scores, and performing three simple arithmetic calculations. RESULTS: Between groups there was no statistically significant difference in mean arterial blood pressure, SpO2 and anesthesia time. Heart rate was found to be statistically higher (P < 0.001) at 2 to 6 min in Group A when compared with group P. Eye opening, verbal response, extubation and arithmetic calculation times were significantly shorter (P < 0.001) in Group A. Bispectral index scores were significantly higher in Group A at 1 to 12 min after aminophylline injection when compared with placebo (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia and BIS scores are improved in early period when aminophylline is given at emerging from anesthesia.

The use of intraarticular tramadol for postoperative analgesia after arthroscopic knee surgery: a comparison of different intraarticular and intravenous doses.

We aimed to determine the optimal dose of tramadol when administered intraarticularly after arthroscopic knee surgery under general anesthesia in patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score of I-II. When the surgical procedure was completed, patients were assigned to one of seven groups ( n=30 for each) in a double-blinded and randomized manner according to a table of random numbers. Group I received 100 mg tramadol, Group II received 50 mg tramadol, Group III received 20 mg tramadol and Group IV received 0.9% NaCl intraarticularly in 20 ml solutions. Group V received 100 mg tramadol, Group VI received 50 mg tramadol and Group VII received 20 mg tramadol intravenously. Pain was evaluated by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 0 min (when the patient was cooperated after extubation), 30 min, 1 h, 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h and 24 h postoperatively. Patients were administered diclofenac sodium 75 mg intravenously (i.m.) when they experienced pain. The intraarticular tramadol groups had longer duration of analgesia than i.v. tramadol groups who were administered the same doses (I vs V; II vs VI; III vs VII; p <0.001). Group I had the longest duration of analgesia ( p<0.001). Group II had a longer time to the first analgesic request than all other groups ( p<0.001) except Group I. Consequently, Group I and II needed less analgesics than other groups ( p<0.001). Pain scores were 0-3 on the VAS in Groups I, II and V at first assessment, in Groups I and II at 30 min and 1 h, and in Group I at 4 h and 6 h postoperatively ( p<0.01). In Group V, vomiting was more a more frequent complication than with other groups ( p<0.05). It is concluded that tramadol provides analgesia with a peripheral mechanism when administered intraarticularly. The side effects of intraarticular 100 mg tramadol were no more severe than those for intraarticular 50 mg tramadol. Moreover, intraarticular 100 mg tramadol provided excellent analgesia after arthroscopic surgery.

The prevention of pain from injection of rocuronium by magnesium sulphate, lignocaine, sodium bicarbonate and alfentanil.

We compared the efficacy of magnesium sulphate, lignocaine, sodium bicarbonate or alfentanil in minimizing pain due to injection of rocuronium in 250 patients. After tourniquet application on the forearm, the patients were given saline, magnesium sulphate, lignocaine, sodium bicarbonate 8.4% or alfentanil, diluted into a 3 ml solution. The occlusion was released after 20 seconds, and rocuronium was injected over 10 to 15 seconds. The patients were observed and asked immediately if they had pain in the arm and the response was assessed. Reactions such as discomfort and pain, withdrawal of the hand and screaming after the administering of the rocuronium were recorded as side-effects and patients were reassessed at 24 hours postoperatively. We concluded that magnesium sulphate, lignocaine, sodium bicarbonate or alfentanil decreased the level of rocuronium injection pain. Of these drugs, magnesium sulphate, lignocaine and sodium bicarbonate were the most effective while alfentanil was the least effective.

The influence of methylene blue infusion on cytokine levels during severe sepsis.

The aim of our study was to assess the effect of methylene blue infusion on plasma levels of cytokines in severe sepsis. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients received either methylene blue 0.5 mg.kg-1.h-1 (MB group, n = 15) or similar volume of isotonic saline (control group, n = 15) i.v. for 6 hours. Plasma concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1, interleukin-2 receptor, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 were measured by sensitive immunoassays at basal (15 min before start of the study), immediately after, and at 24 and 48 hours after methylene blue infusion. We evaluated haemodynamic parameters (mean arterial pressure, heart rate), blood gases, methaemoglobin levels, and biochemical parameters at the same time. Methylene blue administration had no significant effect on plasma cytokine levels, blood gases and biochemical parameters. When compared to placebo infusion in controls, methylene blue administration resulted in significantly higher mean arterial pressure (85 +/- 14 mmHg vs 74.1 +/- 10.3 mmHg; P < 0.01), and methaemoglobin levels (1.06 +/- 0.22% vs 0.9 +/- 0.05%; P < 0.05). Furthermore, comparison with baseline levels revealed significantly increased both mean arterial pressure (85 +/- 14 mmHg and 74.1 +/- 10.2 mmHg; P < 0.05) and methaemoglobin levels (1.06 +/- 0.22% and 0.88 +/- 0.06%; P < 0.05) in MB group. There was no difference in mortality rates between the groups. We found that methylene blue infusion did not change cytokine levels or outcome in severe sepsis. The administration of methylene blue, however, resulted in a transient increase in arterial pressure. Because of the limited size of the present study, and the short period of observation, our findings need to be confirmed by larger clinical trials of methylene blue infused in a dose-titrated manner.

Genotoxicity of waste anaesthetic gases.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The possibility of a potential mutagenic or carcinogenic action of chronic exposure to low concentrations of inhalational anaesthetics has been previously studied, with conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to assess whether occupational exposure to waste anaesthetic gases increases genotoxic risk. We examined peripheral lymphocytes from anaesthetists for both sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and for cells with high-frequency SCEs (HFCs). METHOD: A group of 16 non-smoking anaesthetists with occupational exposure to anaesthetic gases and a sex- and age-matched group matched 16 non-smoking matched physicians without occupational exposure to anaesthetic gases were studied. The participants were also selected on the basis of similar responses to a questionnaire assessing risk of genotoxicity relating to other aspects of life. RESULT: SCEs, and HFC percentages obtained from the exposed anaesthetists (6.6+/-2.4 and 12.2+/-15.9) were greater but not statistically significantly so than in the reference group (5.2+/-1.6 and 5.9+/-10.0). CONCLUSION: This study does not support the existence of an association between occupational exposure to waste anaesthetic gases and an increase in SCEs in lymphocytes. The nature of our anaesthesia practice suggests exposure was likely to be low. It should be noted that some anaesthetic gases produce lesions that can be efficiently repaired in mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes in vitro but not in circulating lymphocytes.

Analgesic effects of rofecoxib in ear-nose-throat surgery.

UNLABELLED: In this study we evaluated the analgesic efficacy and the opioid-sparing effect of rofecoxib in ear-nose-throat surgery patients. Patients undergoing nasal septal or sinus surgery were randomized to receive either oral placebo or rofecoxib 50 mg 1 h before surgery. All patients received propofol 0.8 mg/kg, fentanyl 1 microg/kg, and local anesthesia at the operative site. Sedation was maintained by a continuous infusion of propofol adjusted to maintain sedation at a 2-3 level on the Ramsey scale. Additional fentanyl 0.5-1 microg/kg was administered at the patient's request or if the verbal rating scale score was >4. Patient sedation and pain scores were obtained at 5, 15, 30 45, and 60 min during surgery and 30 min and 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after completion of the procedure. During the postoperative period, diclofenac 75 mg IM was administered for analgesia at the patient's request or if the visual analog scale (VAS) rating for pain was more than 4. VAS pain scores, intraoperative fentanyl, and postoperative diclofenac requirements were significantly smaller in the rofecoxib group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The times to first analgesic request were also significantly less in the rofecoxib group. We conclude that the preoperative administration of oral rofecoxib provided a significant analgesic benefit and decreased the need for opioids in patients undergoing nasal septal and nasal sinus surgery. IMPLICATIONS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and opioid-sparing effect of rofecoxib, a new selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor drug, in ear-nose-throat surgery patients. Preoperative administration of oral rofecoxib provided a significant analgesic benefit and decreased the need for opioids in patients undergoing nasal septal and nasal sinus surgery.

Intravenous regional anesthesia using prilocaine and neostigmine.

UNLABELLED: Neostigmine has been added to local anesthetics for central and peripheral nerve blocks resulting in prolonged, increased anesthesia and improved analgesia. We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of neostigmine when added to prilocaine for IV regional anesthesia (IVRA). Thirty patients undergoing hand surgery were randomly assigned to two groups to receive IVRA. The control group received 1 mL of saline plus 3 mg/kg of prilocaine diluted with saline to a total dose of 40 mL; the study group received 0.5 mg of neostigmine plus 3 mg/kg of prilocaine diluted with saline to a total dose of 40 mL. Sensory and motor block onset and recovery, anesthesia quality determined by an anesthesiologist, anesthesia quality determined by a surgeon, and dryness of the operative field were noted. Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and oxygen saturation values were noted at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 min before surgery and after tourniquet release. Time to first analgesic requirement was also noted. Shortened sensory and motor block onset times, prolonged sensory and motor block recovery times, improved quality of anesthesia, and prolonged time to first analgesic requirement were found in the neostigmine group. We conclude that neostigmine as an adjunct to prilocaine improves quality of anesthesia and is beneficial in IVRA. IMPLICATIONS: Neostigmine has been added to local anesthetics for central and peripheral nerve blocks. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of neostigmine when added to prilocaine for IV regional anesthesia (IVRA). Neostigmine as an adjunct to prilocaine improves quality of anesthesia and is beneficial in IVRA.

Effect of preoperative oral use of erythromycin and nizatidine on gastric pH and volume.

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of preoperative oral erythromycin or nizatidine on gastric pH and volume. Sixty patients, ASA 1 and 2 status scheduled for elective surgery were studied. All subjects received oral study medication with 10 ml of water 60 minutes prior to surgery. Patients in Group 1 (n=20) were given erythromycin 200 mg, in Group 2 (n=20) nizatidine 300 mg, and in Group 3 (n=20) placebo capsule. A nasogastric tube was inserted immediately after anaesthesia induction. Gastric content was aspirated, and volume and pH recorded. pH values determined in Group 1 were 5.6+/-1.87; in Group 2, 5.65+/-1.92 and in Group 3, 3.5+/-1.93. There was no statistical difference between Groups 1 and 2, but there was a statistically significant difference between Group 3 and Groups 1 and 2 (P<0.001). The volume of gastric content was 10.25+/-6.65 ml in Group 1, 10.3+/-6.29 ml in Group 2 and 20.25+/-16.72 ml in Group 3. Again, there was no statistical difference between Groups 1 and 2, but there was a statistically significant difference between Group 3 and Groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). The proportion of patients considered "at risk" of significant lung injury should aspiration occur was 10% of Group 1, 5% of Group 2 and 20% of Group 3 (not statistically different). We conclude that oral erythromycin and nizatidine given one hour prior to surgery are effective in reducing gastric pH and volume.

Effect of aminophylline on recovery from sevoflurane anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In this randomized, double-blind study, we aimed to investigate the effect of aminophylline on recovery from sevoflurane. METHODS: One-hundred ASA I-II patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly divided into two groups receiving either NaCl 0.9% (Group 1, n = 50) or aminophylline 5mg kg(-1) (Group 2, n = 50). All patients were premedicated with atropine 0.01 mgkg(-1) and midazolam 0.06mgkg(-1) intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2mg kg(-1) for muscle relaxation, and atracurium 0.5 mg kg(-1) was maintained with sevoflurane 2% in 50% oxygen and nitrous oxide. Further atracurium (0.1 mgkg(-1) was given when needed. Aminophylline or saline was given after sevoflurane was discontinued. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, the duration of anaesthesia and recovery times (eye opening, verbal response, extubation and successful performance of arithmetical calculations) were recorded. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation and anaesthesia time between the two groups. Heart rate increased significantly (P < 0.05) after aminophylline and was also higher than in the placebo group. Recovery times were significantly shorter (P < 0.001) in the patients receiving aminophylline. CONCLUSIONS: Aminophylline speeded recovery after sevoflurane anaesthesia and it may have some advantage in anaesthesia practice for patients.

The prevention of propofol injection pain by tramadol or ondansetron.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of tramadol and ondansetron in minimizing the pain due to injection of propofol in 100 patients. METHODS: An intravenous cannula was inserted in the dorsum of the hand. After tourniquet application to the forearm, tramadol 50 mg (Group 1, n = 50) or ondansetron 4 mg (Group 2, n = 50) was injected. The tourniquet was released after 20 s, and propofol 5 mL was administered over 5 s. The patients were observed and asked if they had pain in the arm and the response was assessed. Nausea and vomiting and degree of sedation were recorded for the first postoperative 24 h. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients in Group 1 and 14 patients in Group 2 reported no pain. Slight pain was seen in 15 patients in Group 1 and in 18 patients in Group 2. Moderate pain was seen in 10 patients in Group 1 and 15 patients in Group 2. Severe pain was seen in four of the patients in Group 1 and three patients in Group 2. There was no significant difference of pain between Groups 1 and 2, but we found a significant reduction of nausea and vomiting in the ondansetron group compared with the tramadol group (P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol or ondansetron are equally effective in preventing pain from propofol injection. The added benefit of a reduction in nausea and vomiting after operation in the ondansetron group may be a reason to prefer this drug.