Prospective Randomized Study on the Effects of Improved Sleep Quality After Craniotomy on Melatonin Concentrations and Inflammatory Response in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Sleep disorders in intensive care units after a craniotomy can decrease melatonin secretion and increase the inflammatory stress response. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of improving sleep quality via eye patches and earplugs on melatonin secretion and inflammatory mediator release. METHODS: The study enrolled 41 patients who underwent craniotomy. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. "Group Intervention" received a sleep-promoting intervention with eye patches and earplugs to provide light and noise isolation, while "Group Control" received standard care. Blood levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 along with urine levels of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6) were measured preoperatively (baseline) and on postoperative days 1 and 3. Sleep quality was assessed with the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. RESULTS: Sleep quality was higher in the intervention group (Richards-Campbell score:80.61 ± 11.96 vs. 33.50 ± 16.32; P < 0.001). Urine aMT6 levels increased significantly in the intervention group in spot urine samples from 10.15 (5.38-14.40) ng/mL at baseline to 14.52 (6.24-29.11) and 11.51 (7.88-29.05) ng/mL on postoperative days 1 and 3. They also increased in 24-hour urine samples from 25.73 (8.24-52.73) ng/mL at baseline to 35.38 (11.48-95.65) and 39.18 (2.36-125.23) ng/mL on postoperative days 1 and 3 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). The aMT6 concentration did not change significantly in the control group. The C-reactive protein concentrations increased postoperatively compared with baseline concentrations in both groups (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin secretion significantly increased as a result of improving postoperative sleep quality by noise and light isolation in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients after craniotomy.

Fast-track anesthesia in patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy: comparison of sevoflurane with total intravenous anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: The use of short-acting anesthetics has introduced a "fast-track anesthesia" concept in outpatient surgery which provides discharge of the patients from operation room directly to the phase II recovery area without entering into postanesthesia care unit. The aim of this prospective and randomized study was to compare general anesthesia using sevoflurane with propofol-remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) for fast-track eligibility in patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The secondary aim was to compare 2 discharge scoring systems: White's Fast-Tracking Scoring System (WFTSS) and Modified Aldrete Scoring Systems (MASS) with regard to postanesthesia care unit bypass rate and postoperative problems. METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval and written informed patient consent, 80 patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: group sevoflurane (n=40) and group TIVA (n=40). Anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium in both groups and maintained with sevoflurane in group sevoflurane and with remifentanil-propofol in group TIVA. Fast-track eligibility was evaluated using both WFTSS and MASS while patients were discharged from operation room according to WFTSS. Recovery times, number of fast-track eligible patients, factors related to fast-track ineligibility, and perioperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The ratio of fast-track eligible patients was higher and times to fast-track eligibility were shorter in group TIVA compared with group sevoflurane (82.1% vs 57.5% and 8 minutes vs 12 minutes; P<.05). The primary factors that have inhibited fast-tracking were desaturation, hemodynamic instability, pain, and postoperative nausea and vomiting, respectively. Postoperative nausea and vomiting presented a major difference in the rate of fast-track ineligibility between groups (4 patients in group sevoflurane, whereas none in group TIVA; P<.05). The fast-track ratio was lower with the WFTSS compared with MASS in group sevoflurane (57.5% vs 77.5%, P<.05), but similar in group TIVA.

Comparison between two anatomic landmarks using ultrasonography in spinal anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tuffier's line is the most used anatomic landmark in clinical practice. We aimed to compare the accuracy of Tuffier's line with a landmark that joins the two lowest points of the tenth rib on the flanks with the help of ultrasound. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial was performed with 200 patients aged between 18 and 50. Patients taller than 180 cm or shorter than 150 cm, or with body mass index >30 kg/m2 were excluded. The first anesthesiologist examined Group T according to Tuffier's line and Group R according to the tenth rib line and marked L4-5. Only one anesthesiologist evaluated the marked level with ultrasound for accuracy of the anesthesiologist's examination. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups for demographic and surgical data (p > 0.05). However, we observed a significant difference between the two techniques for success rate (60% in group T vs. 74% in group R) at estimation of correct level (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between success of estimation and patients' demographic data. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the tenth rib line is better than Tuffier's line for accuracy with palpation. However, it must be confirmed by further studies including more than one examiner for palpation and also include different patient populations.

Oral mask ventilation is more effective than face mask ventilation after nasal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the face mask (FM) and oral mask (OM) ventilation techniques during anesthesia emergence regarding tidal volume, leak volume, and difficult mask ventilation (DMV) incidence. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, crossover study. SETTING: Operating room, training and research hospital. SUBJECTS: American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II adult patients scheduled for nasal surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in group FM-OM received FM ventilation first, followed by OM ventilation, and patients in group OM-FM received OM ventilation first, followed by FM ventilation, with spontaneous ventilation after deep extubation. The FM ventilation was applied with the 1-handed EC-clamp technique. The OM was placed only over the mouth, and the 1-handed EC-clamp technique was used again. A child's size FM was used for the OM ventilation technique, the mask was rotated, and the inferior part of the mask was placed toward the nose. MEASUREMENTS: The leak volume (MVleak), mean airway pressure (Pmean), and expired tidal volume (TVe) were assessed with each mask technique for 3 consecutive breaths. A mask ventilation grade ≥3 was considered DMV. MAIN RESULTS: DMV occurred more frequently during FM ventilation (75% with FM vs 8% with OM). In the FM-first sequence, the mean TVe was 249±61mL with the FM and 455±35mL with the OM (P=.0001), whereas in the OM-first sequence, it was 276±81mL with the FM and 409±37mL with the OM (P=.0001). Regardless of the order used, the OM technique significantly decreased the MVleak and increased the TVe when compared to the FM technique. CONCLUSION: During anesthesia emergence after nasal surgery the OM may offer an effective ventilation method as it decreases the incidence of DMV and the gas leak around the mask and provides higher tidal volume delivery compared with FM ventilation.

Tizanidine for the management of acute postoperative pain after inguinal hernia repair: A placebo-controlled double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: α2-Agonists are used postoperatively as a component of multimodal analgesia. Tizanidine is a centrally acting α2-agonist with muscle relaxant properties. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of tizanidine with placebo in terms of postoperative pain scores, analgesic consumption, return to daily activity and health-related quality of life. DESIGN: A randomised double-blind study. SETTING: Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital. INTERVENTIONS: After obtaining ethical approval and informed patient consent, 60 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into one of the two groups. The patients in Group T received tizanidine 4 mg orally 1 h before surgery and twice daily during the first postoperative week. The patients in Group P received the same treatment with a placebo pill. Both the groups received a standard analgesic treatment regimen comprising intravenous dexketoprofen 25 mg prior to induction of anaesthesia, dexketoprofen 25 mg orally three times daily for 1 week and intravenous paracetamol 1 g at the end of surgery. Supplemental analgesia was provided with paracetamol if the visual numerical rating scale (NRS) was at least 4 cm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative pain was assessed using the NRS. Total analgesic consumption was determined. Return to normal daily activity was evaluated using a five-point daily activity score after the first postoperative week, and health-related quality of life was evaluated using the short form-36 one month after surgery. RESULTS: The patients in Group T had significantly lower NRS pain scores than those in Group P 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively both at rest and during movement (P < 0.001), and on postoperative days 1, 2, 3 and 4. The analgesic consumption was also lower in patients who received tizanidine. Ten patients (33%) in Group T and 23 patients (77%) in Group P consumed supplemental paracetamol (P < 0.001) after discharge. The daily activity score was lower in Group T than in Group P (P < 0.001), and the short form-36 scores were significantly different in the pain dimension [74 (74 to 100) in Group T and 74 (31 to 80) in Group P, (P < 0.001)] and in the physical component summary score. CONCLUSION: The addition of tizanidine to the postoperative pain therapy after herniorrhaphy decreased postoperative pain and analgesic consumption and improved return to normal activity and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02016443 (10 October 2013, Principal investigator D. Yazicioglu).

Investigation of Effects of Epidural Anaesthesia Combined with General Anaesthesia on the Stress Response in Patients Undergoing Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of general anaesthesia and general+epidural anaesthesia on the stress response which was evaluated with the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, insulin, and glucose levels and the haemodynamic parameters. METHODS: Forty two, American Society of Anesthesiologists physiologic status I-II, patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty were randomized into two groups; general anaesthesia (Group G) and general anaesthesia+epidural anaesthesia (Group E). Epidural anaesthesia: patients in Group E received epidural anaesthesia with 0.5% bupivacaine, a lumbar epidural catheter was placed and after achieving sensorial block at T10 dermatome, general anaesthesia was commenced. General anaesthesia was standardized in both groups. Further, plasma ACTH, cortisol, insulin and glucose levels were determined at preoperative=t1, after the surgical incision=t2, postoperative 2(nd) hour=t3 and postoperative 24(th) hour=t4. Perioperative heart rate, blood pressures, pain scores and morphine consumption were also determined. RESULTS: ACTH levels were higher in Group G than Group E [Group G, t2: 71.4±39.9 pg mL(-1), t3: 578.6±566.1 pg mL(-1), Group E, t2: 20.2±16.2 pg mL(-1), t3: 56.3±73.6 pg mL(-1) (p<0.001)]. Cortisol, was higher in Group G compared with Group E [Group G, t3: 33.4±13.1 µg dL(-1), t4: 34.1±22.5 µg dL(-1), Group E, t3: 19.1±10.3 µg dL(-1), t4: 21.3±8.1 µg dL(-1) (p=0.001 and p=0.002)]. The insulin levels were higher compared with the baseline values at t3, and glucose was higher at t3 and t4 in both groups. Haemodynamic parameters were stable in Group E, and pain scores and morphine consumption were higher in Group G than in Group E. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that epidural anaesthesia combined with general anaesthesia suppressed the stress response, which was evaluated with ACTH, cortisol levels and haemodynamic parameters; however, this method was ineffective to attenuate the increase in glucose and insulin levels.

Spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric prilocaine in day-case perianal surgery: randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The local anaesthetics used in day-case spinal anaesthesia should provide short recovery times. We aimed to compare hyperbaric prilocaine and bupivacaine in terms of sensory block resolution and time to home readiness in day-case spinal anaesthesia. MeTHODS: Fifty patients undergoing perianal surgery were randomized into two groups. The bupivacaine-fentanyl group (Group B) received 7.5 mg, 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 20 µg fentanyl in total 1.9 mL. The prilocaine-fentanyl group (Group P) received 30 mg, 0.5% hyperbaric prilocaine + 20 µg fentanyl in the same volume. RESULTS: Time to L1 block and maximum block was shorter in Group P than in Group B (Group P 4.6 ± 1.3 min versus Group B 5.9 ± 01.9 min, P = 0.017, and Group P 13.2 ± 7.5 min versus Group B 15.3 ± 6.6 min, P = 0.04). The time to L1 regression and S3 regression of the sensorial block was significantly shorter in Group P than in Group B (45.7 ± 21.9 min versus 59.7 ± 20.9 min, P = 0.024, and 133.8 ± 41.4 min versus 200.4 ± 64.8 min, P < 0.001). The mean time to home readiness was shorter for Group P than for Group B (155 ± 100.2 min versus 207.2 ± 62.7 min (P < 0.001)). CONCLUSION: Day-case spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric prilocaine + fentanyl is superior to hyperbaric bupivacaine in terms of earlier sensory block resolution and home readiness and the surgical conditions are comparable for perianal surgery.

Addition of lidocaine to levobupivacaine reduces intrathecal block duration: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The duration of the spinal block is a concern for anesthetists. Low dose intrathecal lidocaine has vasodilatory effects and increases the local anesthetic clearance from the intrathecal space. The aim was to investigate whether this effect of lidocaine can be used to increase the resolution of levobupivacaine spinal anesthesia. METHOD: After obtaining ethical approval and informed patient consent, 40 patients underwent transurethral prostate resection were studied. Patients were randomized into two groups and patients received either levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + 0.3 mL 2% lidocaine (Group L) or levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + saline (Group C). The main outcome measures were the difference between groups regarding the duration of the spinal block and PACU stay. Secondary outcome measures were the difference between groups in onset and resolution of the spinal block, adverse events and treatments were also investigated. RESULTS: Spinal block resolved faster in Group L than Group C; 162.43±39.4 min vs 219.73 ± 37.3 min (p = 0.000). PACU time was shorter in Group L (109 ± 49.9 min in Group L vs 148 ± 56.8 min in Group C) (p = 0.036). There was no difference between groups with respect to the incidence of adverse events and treatments. Groups were also similar regarding complications. PDPH and TNS were not observed in any group. CONCLUSION: Addition of low dose lidocaine to hyperbaric levobupivacaine reduces the duration of the intrathecal block provided by hyperbaric levobupivacaine. This technique can be used to reduce the spinal block duration for relatively short procedures like TUR-P.

Addition of lidocaine to levobupivacaine reduces intrathecal block duration: randomized controlled trial / Adição de lidocaína à levobupivacaína reduz a duração do bloqueio intratecal: estudo clínico randômico / La adición de lidocaína a la levobupivacaína reduce la duración del bloqueo intratecal: estudio clínico aleatorizado

Background: The duration of the spinal block is a concern for anesthetists. Low dose intrathecal lidocaine has vasodilatory effects and increases the local anesthetic clearance from the intrathecal space. The aim was to investigate whether this effect of lidocaine can be used to increase the resolution of levobupivacaine spinal anesthesia. Method: After obtaining ethical approval and informed patient consent, 40 patients underwent transurethral prostate resection were studied. Patients were randomized into two groups and patients received either levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + 0.3 mL 2% lidocaine (Group L) or levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + saline (Group C). The main outcome measures were the difference between groups regarding the duration of the spinal block and PACU stay. Secondary outcome measures were the difference between groups in onset and resolution of the spinal block, adverse events and treatments were also investigated. Results: Spinal block resolved faster in Group L than Group C; 162.43 ± 39.4 min vs 219.73 ± 37.3 min (p = 0.000). PACU time was shorter in Group L (109 ± 49.9 min in Group L vs 148 ± 56.8 min in Group C) (p = 0.036). There was no difference between groups with respect to the incidence of adverse events and treatments. Groups were also similar regarding complications. PDPH and TNS were not observed in any group. Conclusion: Addition of low dose lidocaine to hyperbaric levobupivacaine reduces the duration of the intrathecal block provided by hyperbaric levobupivacaine. This technique can be used to reduce the spinal block duration for relatively short procedures like TUR-P. .

Justificativa e objetivo: a duração do bloqueio espinhal é uma preocupação para os anestesistas. Lidocaína intratecal em dose baixa tem efeito vasodilatador e aumenta a eliminação do anestésico local do espaço intratecal. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se esse efeito da lidocaína pode ser usado para aumentar a resolução da anestesia espinhal com levobupivacaína. Método: após obter aprovação do Comitê de Ética e consentimento informado, 40 pacientes submetidos à ressecção transuretral da próstata foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos e receberam6mgde levobupivacaína + 0,3 mL de lidocaína a 2% (Grupo L) ou6,75mgde levobupivacaína + solução salina (Grupo C). O desfecho primário foi a diferença entre os grupos em relação à duração do bloqueio espinhal e a permanência na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA). Os desfechos secundários foram a diferença entre os grupos em relação ao início e à resolução do bloqueio espinhal; eventos adversos e tratamentos também foram investigados. Resultados: a resolução do bloqueio espinhal foi mais rápida no Grupo L do que no Grupo C: 162,43 ± 39,4 min vs. 219 ± 37,3 min (p = 0,000). O tempo na SRPA foi menor no Grupo L do que no Grupo C: 109 ± 49,9 min vs. 148 ± 56,8 min (p = 0,036). Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à incidência de eventos adversos e tratamentos. Os grupos também foram semelhantes no que diz respeito a complicações. Cefaleia pós-punção dural (CPPD) e sintomas neurológicos transitórios (SNT) não foram observados em nenhum grupo. Conclusão: a adição ...

Justificación y objetivo: la duración del bloqueo raquídeo es una preocupación para los anestesistas. La lidocaína intratecal en dosis baja tiene un efecto vasodilatador y aumenta la eliminación del anestésico local del espacio intratecal. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar si ese efecto de la lidocaína puede ser usado para aumentar la resolución de la anestesia raquídea con levobupivacaína. Método: después de obtener la aprobación del Comité de Ética y el consentimiento informado del paciente, fueron incluidos en el estudio 40 pacientes sometidos a resección transuretral de próstata. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados en 2 grupos y recibieron 6 mg de levobupivacaína + 0,3 mL de lidocaína al 2% (grupo L) o 6,75 mg de levobupivacaína + solución salina (grupo C). El objetivo primario fue analizar la diferencia entre los grupos con relación a la duración del bloqueo raquídeo y la permanencia en la sala de reanimación postanestesia. El secundario fue la diferencia entre los grupos con relación al inicio y al término del bloqueo raquídeo. También se investigaron los eventos adversos y los tratamientos. Resultados: la resolución del bloqueo raquídeo fue más rápida en el grupo L que en el grupo C (162,43 ± 39,4 min vs. 219,73 ± 37,3 min [p = 0,000]). El tiempo en la sala de reanimación postanestesia fue menor en el grupo L que en el grupo C (109 ± 49,9 min vs. 148 ± 56,8 min [p = 0,036]). No hubo diferencia entre los grupos con relación a la incidencia de eventos adversos y tratamientos. Los grupos también fueron similares en lo que respecta a las complicaciones. No se observó en ningún grupo ni cefalea pospunción dural ni síntomas neurológicos transitorios. Conclusión: la adición de una ...

Outpatient simultaneous repair of ventral and groin hernias in local anesthesia: case report.

Umbilical and epigastric hernias are occasionally seen in patients with groin hernias, however, there is almost no published evidence about their simultaneous repair. In a 3-year period, 10 patients were subjected to simultaneous repair of groin hernias (7 unilateral, 2 bilateral inguinal and 1 femoral) and ventral hernias (7 primary, 2 recurrent umbilical and 1 epigastric) with local infiltration anesthesia and intravenous sedation. The mean total bupivacaine dose was 18 (10-30) mL and mean total lidocaine dose 21 (14-30) mL. The mean time to resuming normal daily activity was 5.5 days, whereas the time to car driving was 3-7 days. The oral analgesic (naproxen sodium) requirement was 6-10 tablets for 3-5 days. Patient acceptance was excellent. Simultaneous repair of groin and ventral hernias with local anesthesia in outpatient setting is feasible and associated with a low complication rate and maximum patient comfort.