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Methods@#A total of 90 American Society of Anesthesiologist grade I–III patients, aged 18–65 years, with a motor power of ≥4/5 grade as per the Medical Research Council Scale in all four limbs who were scheduled for elective spine surgery under transcranial electrical motor evoked potential monitoring were enrolled. The subjects were randomly allocated into the following three groups: group PD who received 0.5 μg/kg/hr dexmedetomidine infusion, group PK who received 0.5 mg/kg/hr ketamine infusion, and group PS who received normal saline infusion, along with standard propofol–fentanyl based TIVA regime. Amplitude and latency of bilateral motor evoked potentials of the tibialis anterior and abductor halluces muscle were recorded at Ti (at train-of-four ratio >90%), T30 (30 minutes post-Ti), T60 (60 minutes post-Ti), and Tf (at the end of spine manipulation). @*Results@#Baseline median amplitudes were comparable among the study groups. In group PK, we noted a gradually enhanced response by 24%–100% from the baseline amplitude. The median amplitudes of all the muscles were higher in group PK than those in groups PS and PD at time points T60 and Tf (p <0.05). @*Conclusions@#The present study demonstrated that compared with dexmedetomidine and control treatment, a subanesthetic dose of ketamine caused gradual improvement in amplitudes without affecting the latency.
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Background@#Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is a frequent complaint after awakening from anesthesia in patients receiving perioperative bladder catheterization. Overactive bladder (OAB) and CRBD show similar symptoms; thus, drugs used for the management of OAB influence symptoms of CRBD. Trospium chloride has been found effective in managing resistant cases of OAB. We evaluated the efficacy of oral trospium on CRBD in the postoperative period. @*Methods@#Sixty-four male and female adult patients, with planned spinal surgery and requiring urinary bladder catheterization, were randomly divided into two groups of 32 each. Group T patients received 60 mg extended-release oral trospium (extended-release) 1 h before induction of anesthesia and Group C patients received a similar-looking placebo. The anesthetic technique was identical in both groups. The CRBD score was evaluated in the postoperative ward using a 4-point scale (1 = no discomfort, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, 4 = severe). Readings were recorded on arrival (0 h), and 1 h, 2 h, and 6 h postoperatively. All patients received fentanyl for postoperative pain relief. @*Results@#The incidence of CRBD was significantly higher in group C than in group T at 0 h (66% vs 22%, P=0.001) and 1 h postoperatively (72% vs 28%, P=0.001). The incidence of moderate to severe CRBD was higher in group C at postoperative 2 h (82% vs 14%, P=0.004). There was no significant difference in postoperative fentanyl requirements. @*Conclusions@#Pretreatment with 60 mg ER trospium reduced the incidence and severity of CRBD in the early postoperative period.
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BACKGROUND: Epidural steroid injection is an established treatment modality for intervertebral disc prolapse leading to radiculopathy. In cases where two levels of radiculopathy are present, two separate injections are warranted. Herein, we present our experience of management of such cases with a single epidural injection of local anaesthetic, tramadol and methylprednisolone, and table tilt for management of both radiculopathies. METHODS: 50 patients of either sex aged between 35-65 years presenting with features of cervical and lumbar radiculopathic pain were included and were subjected to single lumbar epidural injection of local anaesthetic, tramadol and methylprednisolone, in the lateral position. The table was then tilted in the trendelberg position with a tilt of 25 degrees, and patients were maintained for 10 minutes before being turned supine. All patients were administered 3 such injections with an interval of 2 weeks between subsequent injections, and pain relief was assessed with a visual analogue scale. Immediate complications after the block were assessed. RESULTS: Immediate and post procedural complications observed were nausea and vomiting (20%), painful injection site (4%), hypotension (10%) and high block (4%). Pain relief was assessed after the three injections by three grades: 37 (74%) had complete resolution of symptoms; 18% had partial relief and 8% did not benefit from the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This technique may be used as an alternative technique for pain relief in patients with unilateral cervical and lumbar radiculopathies.
