A Comparative Study in Airway Novices Using King Vision Videolaryngoscope and Conventional Macintosh Direct Laryngoscope for Endotracheal Intubation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tracheal intubation using laryngoscopy is a fundamental skill, for an anesthesiologist. However, teaching this skill is difficult since Macintosh direct laryngoscope (DL) allows only one individual to view the larynx during the procedure. Hence, this study aimed to determine whether King Vision® videolaryngoscope (KVL) provides any advantage over direct laryngoscopy in teaching this skill to airway novices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized crossover study, Ethical Committee clearance was obtained from the institutional review board (MSRMC/EC/2017) and the study was registered with Clinical Trial Registry. After informed consent, 53 medical students were allotted to perform laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation on a manikin by using either KVL or Macintosh DL. The participants first performed laryngoscopy with either KVL or Macintosh DL following a brief instruction and then crossed over to the second arm of the study to perform laryngoscopy using the other scope. The primary outcome measure was the time for successful endotracheal intubation. The secondary outcome measures were incidence of esophageal intubation (EI), excess application of pressure on maxillary teeth excess maxillary pressure, and success rate. RESULTS: Mean time for endotracheal intubation was significantly faster using KVL than in DL (44.64 vs. 87.72 s; P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the incidence of esophageal intubation 15.1% in KVL group versus 24.5% in DL group (P = 0.223). In the KVL group, 81.1% did not apply pressure on maxillary teeth versus 26.4% in the DL group (P < 0.001). The success rate of intubation was 100% in the KVL group versus 86.8% in the DL group (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The KVL is a more effective tool to teach endotracheal intubation in comparison to Macintosh laryngoscope in airway novice medical students. Clinical trial registry India registration number: CTRI/2017/11/010491.

Effect of Single Preoperative Dose of Duloxetine on Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Total Abdominal Hysterectomy under Spinal Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Women undergoing hysterectomy present a unique set of challenges to the anesthesiologist in terms of postoperative pain management. This study was conducted to see the effect of single-dose perioperative duloxetine 60 mg on postoperative analgesia following abdominal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted on 64 patients scheduled to undergo elective abdominal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups of 32 in each, Group D received duloxetine 60 mg 2 h preoperatively and Group P received placebo 2 h preoperatively. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated by an independent observer for pain on rest and during cough at 0 (arrival at postanesthesia care unit), 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h. In addition, the postoperative analgesic requirements and adverse effects were noted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Independent t-test/Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the pain score between two groups. RESULTS: The demographic data were comparable between both the groups. The mean Visual Analogue Scale scores assessed postoperatively at rest and during cough which were not statistically significant between the two groups. The rescue analgesic consumption in Group D (0.97 ± 0.86) and Group P (1.25 ± 0.76) was comparable and statistically not significant. The total analgesic requirement between duloxetine (4.94 ± 0.84) and placebo (1.25 ± 0.76) group was comparable and statistically not significant. The incidence of nausea vomiting and somnolence was higher in Group D. CONCLUSION: We conclude that patients receiving a single dose of 60 mg duloxetine as premedication before hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia are no better than placebo on postoperative pain during the first 24 h.

Ultrasound-guided costoclavicular vs. axillary brachial plexus block: A randomized clinical study.

Background and Aims: Brachial plexus is in a very compact state at the costoclavicular space (CCS) when compared to the axilla, where the individual nerves are separate. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that brachial plexus block (BPB) at the CCS would result in a faster onset of block as compared to the axillary approach of BPB. Material and Methods: Fifty patients who underwent surgeries below the level of mid-arm under ultrasound-guided BPB were randomly allocated to any one of the two study groups. Thirty milliliters of local anesthetic (LA), a mixture of 10-mL 2% lidocaine with 5-µg/mL adrenaline and 20-mL 0.5% bupivacaine, was deposited around the axillary artery (25-mL LA) and the musculocutaneous nerve (5-mL LA) or at the CCS, and performance time was noted. Observer blinded to the block procedure recorded the block onset time and success rate. Results: The mean (SD) onset times were comparable between the costoclavicular (CC) and axillary (AX) groups (12.0 ± 3.2 vs. 11.2 ± 2.9 min, respectively; P = 0.367). Group CC demonstrated a reduction in performance time compared to group AX (5.3 ± 1.9 vs. 8.0 ± 3 min, respectively; P < 0.05). All blocks were successful in both groups without any complications except for one patient in group AX who required a rescue block for radial nerve. Conclusion: Costoclavicular and axillary ultrasound-guided BPBs resulted in similar onset times. However, the block performance time was longer for AX group compared to CC group. There were no intergroup differences found in terms of success rates.

A prospective randomized study on the impact of low-dose dexamethasone on perioperative blood glucose concentrations in diabetics and nondiabetics.

BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid when administered alone or in combination alone has proven efficacious in preventing nausea and vomiting (PONV) perioperatively. However, the administration of even a single dose has been associated with hyperglycemia. This is the first study that evaluates the effect of two low-doses of dexamethasone (4 and 8 mg) on blood glucose concentrations among diabetics and nondiabetics in patients who have received spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining ethical clearance and patient consent, 180 American Society of Anesthesiologists 1-3 patients undergoing the elective infraumbilical surgeries under spinal anesthesia aged between 18 and 70 years were included in this study. Ninety diabetic patients were allotted to the diabetic group (DM), and ninety nondiabetic patients were allotted to the nondiabetic group (ND). Group DM was divided into three subgroups DM0, DM4, and DM8. Group ND was divided into three subgroups ND0, ND4, and ND8. The patients in groups DM0 and ND0 served as controls. The patients in groups DM4 and ND4 received 4 mg dexamethasone. The patients in groups DM8 and ND8 received 8 mg dexamethasone. The blood glucose concentrations were monitored at 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 h after giving the drug. RESULTS: The baseline blood glucose values were higher in diabetics compared to nondiabetics (128.57 ± 22.26 vs 94.99 ± 12.82 mg/dL). There was a statistically significant increase in blood glucose concentrations in both diabetics and nondiabetics who received dexamethasone. The rise of blood glucose from baseline was similar in both diabetics and nondiabetics. CONCLUSION: The maximum rise in blood glucose was in the range of 40-45 mg/dl in the patients who received dexamethasone. The clinician should use his clinical judgment before administering dexamethasone for PONV prophylaxis/treatment.

A Comparative Study of Analgesic Efficacy of Intrathecal Buprenorphine with Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postcesarean Delivery Analgesia.

BACKGROUND: Women undergoing cesarean (CS) delivery present a unique set of challenges to the anesthetist in terms of postoperative pain management. This study was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal buprenorphine (ITB) with ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in post-CS delivery pain. METHODOLOGY: A prospective randomized comparative study of sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II pregnant patients divided into two groups of thirty each as ITB group and TAP block group after satisfying the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: In the present study, demographic data were comparable between both groups. The time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in ITB group (389.67 ± 90.78 min) compared to TAP group (669.17 ± 140.65 min) and was statistically significant, P < 0.001. The mean paracetamol consumption in the first 24 h was higher in the TAP group (3.5 g) compared to the ITB group (1.13 g) and was statistically significant, P < 0.0001, and the mean tramadol consumed in first 24 h was higher in the TAP (46.66 mg) group as compared to the ITB group (16.66 mg) and was statistically significant, P < 0.001. The mean visual analog scale scores assessed at 4, 6, 12, and 24 h was higher in the TAP group and was statistically significant, P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that patients receiving ITB for post-CS pain management reported longer duration of analgesia, lower pain scores, and lower analgesic consumption during the first 24 h. The benefits of neuraxial opiates are significant and far outweigh the side effects.

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine with ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of dexmedetomidine on the duration of analgesia in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II/III undergoing elective upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block using nerve stimulator were randomized into two groups. Group A (n = 30) received 30 mL 0.5% ropivacaine and 1 mL normal saline, and Group B (n = 30) received 30 mL 0.5% ropivacaine and 1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine. The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes included time to onset and duration of sensory/motor blockade. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Results on continuous measurements are presented as mean ± standard deviation and compared using Student's unpaired t-test. Results on categorical measurements are presented in number (%) and compared using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Onset of sensory and motor block in Group A (13.0 ± 4.1 and 23.5 ± 5.6 min) was slower than those in Group B (9.5 ± 5.8 and 15.6 ± 6.3 min; P = 0.009 for sensory and P < 0.001 for the motor block). Duration of sensory and motor block in Group A (400.8 ± 86.6 and 346.9 ± 76.9 min) was shorter than those in Group B (630.6 ± 208.2 and 545.9 ± 224.0 min; (P < 0.001). The duration of analgesia in Group A (411.0 ± 91.2 min) was shorter than that in Group B (805.7 ± 205.9 min; P < 0.001). The incidence of bradycardia and hypotension was higher in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Perineural dexmedetomidine with ropivacaine provides prolonged postoperative analgesia, hastens the onset of sensory and motor block and prolongs the duration of the supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Low Dose Dexmedetomidine Attenuates Hemodynamic Response to Skull Pin Holder Application.

BACKGROUND: The application of skull pin holder elicits an adverse hemodynamic response that can be deleterious; there are many drugs that have been used to attenuate this response. We have conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) dexmedetomidine on attenuation of hemodynamic responses to skull pin head holder application and to compare the effectiveness of two doses of i.v. dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg and 0.5 µg/kg bolus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists physical Status I-III patients undergoing craniotomy were randomized into three groups of thirty each. After intubation, patients in Group A received 1 µg/kg of i.v. dexmedetomidine, Group B received 0.5 µg/kg of i.v. dexmedetomidine, whereas Group C received an equivalent quantity of normal saline. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored regularly after skull pin insertion. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the monitored hemodynamic parameters among the three groups from baseline until intubation. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased significantly at skull pin insertion and subsequent points in Group C, whereas the values decreased in Groups A and B (P < 0.05). Patients in Group A showed a higher and sustained attenuation of MAP. Patients in Group C had a higher incidence of tachycardia and hypertension requiring additional measures to attenuate the response. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine in either dosage (1 µg/kg or 0.5 µg/kg) was effective in attenuating hemodynamic response to skull pin insertion. Dexmedetomidine in doses of 0.5 µg/kg was as effective in attenuating the HR and MAP response to skull pin insertion as compared to a dose of 1 µg/kg.

Caudal Levobupivacaine Supplemented with Caudal or Intravenous Clonidine in Children Undergoing Infraumbilical Surgery: A Randomized, Prospective Double-blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Caudal analgesia is the most popular regional anesthesia technique in pediatric population for intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Clonidine, an α2 agonist, prolongs analgesia without causing significant respiratory depression after systemic or neuraxial administration. However, the most beneficial route of its administration is still controversial. Thus, we compared the effects of caudal and intravenous (i.v) clonidine on postoperative analgesia produced by caudal levobupivacaine in children undergoing infraumbilical surgery. METHODS: A comparative three group study was carried out in seventy-five pediatric patients who underwent elective surgery for infraumbilical procedures, under general anesthesia with caudal block. Group A (n = 25) received levobupivacaine 0.25% 1 mL/kg caudally and 5 mL of normal saline i.v, Group B (n = 25) received levobupivacaine 0.25% 1 mL/kg with 1 µg/kg clonidine caudally and 5 mL of normal saline i.v, and Group C (n = 25) received levobupivacaine 0.25% 1 mL/kg caudally and 1 µg/kg clonidine in 5 mL normal saline i.v. Postoperative pain was assessed for 24 h using the Children and Infants Postoperative Pain Scale Score. Ramsay sedation scale and modified Bromage scale were assessed at predetermined time intervals for sedation and motor blockade, respectively. RESULTS: The mean duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly longer in Group B (16.68 ± 4.7 h) than in Group A (4.24 ± 1.42) and Group C (9.44 ± 3.88 h): P < 0.001. The number of patients not requiring rescue analgesia in Group B was 5, which was significantly higher than in Group C (one patient) and Group A (zero patient): P < 0.001. No motor blockade or sedation was observed in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Clonidine in a dose of 1 µg/kg added to 0.25% levobupivacaine for caudal analgesia significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia, without any side effects.

Epidural ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine reduces propofol requirement based on bispectral index in patients undergoing lower extremity and abdominal surgeries.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To assess the amount of propofol required for induction based on bispectral index (BIS) after administering epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine alone and ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing lower extremities and abdominal surgeries. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial was carried out in 60 patients over a period of 2 years in a tertiary care hospital. American Society of Anaesthesiologists I or II in age group 18-65 years were included in the study. Group R received epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine alone, and Group D received ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine. General anesthesia was induced with propofol under BIS monitoring after 15 min. Onset of sensory and motor block, time for loss of consciousness and total amount of propofol used during induction to achieve the BIS value < 55 were recorded. Student's t-test and Chi-square test were used to find the significance of study parameters. RESULTS: Time of onset of sensory block (Group R 11.30 ± 1.64/Group D 8.27 ± 0.83 min), motor block (Group R 14.16 ± 1.33/Group D 12.63 ± 1.22 min), time for loss of consciousness (Group R 90.57 ± 11.05/Group D 73.67 ± 16.34 s), and total amount of propofol (Group R 129.83 ± 22.38/Group D 92.13 ± 12.93 s) were reduced in Group D which was statistically significant with P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Epidural ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine significantly reduces the total propofol dose required for induction of anesthesia. Also, it decreases the onset time of sensory and motor block and provides good hemodynamic stability.

Anesthesia for cesarean delivery in a patient with large anterior mediastinal tumor presenting as intrathoracic airway compression.

Anterior mediastinal mass is a rare pathology that presents considerable anesthetic challenges due to cardiopulmonary compromise. We present a case that was referred to us in the third trimester of pregnancy with severe breathlessness and orthopnea. An elective cesarean delivery was performed under combined spinal epidural anesthesia with a favorable outcome. We discuss the perioperative considerations in these patients with a review of the literature.

Post- thyroidectomy haematoma causing severe supraglottic oedema and pulmonary oedema - a case report.

Large, long standing goiters present multiple challenges to anaesthesiologist. Post thyroidectomy haematoma is a rare but life threatening complication of thyroid surgery leading to airway obstruction. We report a case of huge goiter that underwent near total thyroidectomy and developed post thyroidectomy haematoma. Within no time it resulted in near fatal airway obstruction, pulmonary oedema and cardiac arrest. The haematoma was evacuated immediately and patient was resuscitated successfully. Pulmonary oedema was further worsened by subsequent aggressive fluid resuscitation. She was electively ventilated with PEEP and was extubated after five days. Except for right vocal cord palsy her postoperative stay was uneventful. This is unique case where a post thyoidectomy haematoma has resulted in fatal supraglottic oedema and pulmonary oedema. Early recognition, immediate intubation and evacuation of haematoma are the key to manage this complication. We highlight on the pathophysiology of haematoma and discuss the strategies to prevent similar events in future.

Wire-aided reintubation following rigid bronchoscopy a safe technique.

The management of a neonate with a known difficult airway is a challenge to any clinician. We report a four-day-old neonate with a known difficult airway, who presented to us for rigid bronchoscopy. We used an innovative, economical and easily available adult central venous line guidewire to secure the airway and reintubate the child.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: An anesthetic challenge.

Children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita often require multiple orthopedic corrective procedures. We present a case of a child with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita posted for contracture release of both lower limbs that were successfully managed with total intravenous anesthesia and caudal epidural analgesia with Bupernorphine as an additive.