Anesthetic Challenges Research Articles

Regional anaesthesia practice in public hospitals in Botswana: A cross-sectional study.

Little is known about the regional anesthesia practice in low resources settings (LRS). The aim of this study was to describe the regional anesthesia capacity, characteristics of regional anesthesia practice, and challenges and solutions of practicing safe regional anesthesia in public hospitals in Botswana. This was a cross-sectional survey of anesthesia providers working in public hospitals in Botswana. A purposive sampling method of public hospitals was used to achieve representation of different hospital levels across Botswana. Paper-based questionnaires were sent to anesthesia providers from selected hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Questionnaires were distributed to 47 selected anesthesia providers from selected hospitals; 38 (80.9%) were returned. Most participants were nurse anesthetists and medical officers (57.8%). All hospitals perform spinal anesthesia; however, other regional techniques were performed by a small number of participants in one referral hospital. Most hospitals had adequate regional anesthesia drugs and sedation medications, however, most hospitals (except one referral hospital) lacked ultrasound machine and the regional anesthesia kit. The common challenges reported were lack of knowledge and skills, lack of equipment and supplies, and lack of hospital engagement and support. Some solutions were proposed such as regional anesthesia training and engaging the hospital management to get resources. The results of this study suggest that spinal anesthesia is the most common regional anesthesia technique performed by anesthesia providers working in public hospitals in Botswana followed by few upper limb blocks. However, most public hospitals lack enough training capacity, equipment, and supplies for regional anesthesia. More engagement of the hospital management, investment in regional anesthesia resources, and training are needed in order to improve the regional anesthesia capacity and provide safe surgery and anesthesia in Botswana.

Removal of Bronchial Thrombus and Perioperative Anesthetic Management in a Cardiac Case: A Case Report

A 63-year-old male with a history of Rheumatic heart disease with post-balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) presented with a carcinoid tumor of the right lower lobe, posted for lobectomy plus regional lymph node resection. Anesthetic challenges and management of this patient is well described here. A rare post-operative complication i.e, blood clots in the bronchus, resulting in hypoxia and desaturation was found during the extubation time. Handling such complications with a bronchoscope is also discussed in this case report.

Physician Unionization: Opportunities and Challenges for Anesthesiologists in the United States.

Physician unionization is gaining traction in the United States, with <10% of practicing physicians now members, up from historically weak support. Factors that drive interest in unions include a decreased number of independent practitioners, an increase in workloads, and the erosion of autonomy. Approximately 56% of anesthesiologists are considered employees and may be eligible for union membership. Physician unions may provide higher wages, better working conditions, and legal protection. However, they also raise concerns about patient care and professionalism. This article discusses the legal and regulatory framework governing the unionization of physicians, benefits, challenges, and potential future developments. Continued analysis and debate are necessary to determine the optimal role of physician unions in the health care industry.

Anesthetic challenges during repairing left pulmonary artery sling without cardiopulmonary bypass: a case report

Left pulmonary artery sling (LPAS) is a rare vascular anomaly. The general surgical technique to correct it is through median sternotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this case, we discuss the anesthetic management of left pulmonary artery (LPA) reimplantation without CPB to improve the understanding and provide an overview for practitioners in managing patients with this rare vascular anomaly. Patient was a 10 months old baby, with main complaints of shortness of breath since he was 4 months old, and diagnosed with LPAS from cardiac multi-slice CT scan (MSCT) examination. Intraoperatively, when the LPA was clamped, the blood pressure decreased due to decreased preload, and the end-tidal CO2 increased to 70 mmHg due to increased dead space, which was successfully managed. Postoperatively, the patient suffered from ventilator acquired pneumonia (VAP). Evaluating and assessing the potential complications that can occur during the perioperative period will help prepare for management and improve the success of anesthetic management.&#x0D; Abbreviations: CPB- Cardiopulmonary Bypass; ETT- Endotracheal Tube; LPA- Left Pulmonary Artery; LPAS- Left Pulmonary Artery Sling; MSCT- Multi-Slice CT Scan; RPA- Right Pulmonary Artery; VAP- Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia&#x0D; Key words: Left Pulmonary Artery; Anesthesia Management; Pulmonary Sling; Cardiopulmonary Bypass&#x0D; Citation: Arifin A, Perdana A. Anesthetic challenges during repairing left pulmonary artery sling without cardiopulmonary bypass: a case report. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(6):776−779; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i6.2352&#x0D; Received: August 10, 2023; Reviewed: October 16, 2023; Accepted: October 30, 2023

Anesthesia Approach for Nephrectomy in Full-Term Neonate with Suspected Wilms Tumor and Patent Foramen Ovale: A Case Report

Background: Nephrectomy for Wilms tumor presents a considerable challenge in pediatric anesthesia. This study aimed to describe the anesthesia approach for nephrectomy in a full-term neonate with suspected Wilms tumor and patent foramen ovale.&#x0D; Case presentation: A 25-day-old male neonate was referred with a longstanding intraabdominal mass present since birth. Echocardiography revealed a patent foramen ovale with a diameter of 2.7 mm and a left-to-right shunt. The patient also had a diagnosis of partial ileus obstruction, likely caused by the tumor's pressure on the left kidney. Preoperative fasting adhered to a "6-4-3-1" regimen. Normoglycemia was maintained throughout the perioperative period. The case was managed under general anesthesia without the use of the rapid sequence induction technique. Caudal analgesia was administered using 1.14 ml of 0.175% bupivacaine. Vigilant monitoring of blood loss, prevention of hypothermia, and effective pain management are vital aspects of the surgical procedure. For postoperative pain management, analgesia and morphine infusion were employed. The patient was then transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for observation for any signs of complications related to anesthesia and surgery.&#x0D; Conclusion: Nephrectomy in neonates is one of the challenges of pediatric anesthesia. Pre-anesthesia preparation in relation to hypertension control, analgesia plan and postoperative care site, transfusion strategy, and management of intravascular extension.

Children's Anaesthesia and perioperative care challenges, and innovations

The 2015 Sustainable Development Goals emphasise good health to all with reduced inequalities, and surgical and anaesthesia care is essential to achieve these. https://sdgs.un.org/goals. However, it has been estimated that 1.7 billion children do not have access to safe anaesthesia and surgery when needed and this disproportionately affects children in low- and middle-income countries (1). It is alarming that 1 in 10 individuals in LMICs do not have access to safe surgical care. Both safe surgery and anaesthesia are essential for ensuring that individuals receive proper medical attention. Economically viable public health initiatives that can avert many disability-adjusted years are needed. (2–4)Morbidity and mortality from surgical disease and anaesthesia care remain high in low-income countries, unlike in high-income countries. The incidence of severe anaesthesia-related critical events and perioperative cardiac arrest is between three and ten times more in LMICs than in HICs (5–7) A baseline POMR that is 100 times higher in LMICs compared to HICs is reported. (8) This perioperative morbidity and mortality gap is more evident in neonates and younger age groups, especially in children with congenital abnormalities. The challenges facing providers of anaesthesia and perioperative care are multifactorial and include but are not limited to the inadequate workforce, inadequate and inappropriate infrastructure, lack of adequate and appropriately sized equipment, including monitors, and safe monitoring capacity, supply chain challenges for medicines and reusable consumables, unreliable supply of oxygen and blood products, lack of data and research for policy formulation, inadequate resource allocation from governments and lack of safety culture among other things. In paediatrics, this is further multiplied by the variability in the sizes of the patients, from neonates to older children (9).1.Improved perioperative care must include anaesthesia and nursing to improve perioperative outcomes for children.2.Perioperative care for children in LMICs is predominantly by non-physician anaesthesia providers or non-specialty-trained anaesthesiologists.3.There is a need to train physician anaesthesia leaders to direct and oversee the care of children undergoing anaesthesia4.Infrastructure and equipment for the safe provision of paediatric anaesthesia/perioperative care are usually wanting/often times inadequate and inappropriate.5.The GICS OReCS document provides a valuable guide for the bare minimum requirements for the provision of safe paediatric anaesthetic and surgical care services, starting at the district hospital.6.Equipment donations should be conscientious, in consultation with local leads. Considerations will include biomedical support for maintenance, availability of spare parts, and electrical compatibility, among others.7.Context-specific innovations have been shown to work in LMICs and include paediatric anaesthesia courses for all providers and simulation-based training using low technology.8.Any worthwhile programs aimed at improving anaesthetic and surgical care for children need to ultimately fit into national healthcare systems.

Anesthesia Approach for Nephrectomy in Full-Term Neonate with Suspected Wilms Tumor and Patent Foramen Ovale: A Case Report

Introduction: Nephrectomy for Wilms tumor presents a considerable challenge in pediatric anesthesia. This study aimed to describe the anesthesia approach for nephrectomy in a full-term neonate with suspected Wilms tumor and patent foramen ovale.&#x0D; Case presentation: A 25-day-old male neonate was referred with a longstanding intraabdominal mass present since birth. Echocardiography revealed a patent foramen ovale with a diameter of 2.7 mm and a left-to-right shunt. The patient also had a diagnosis of partial ileus obstruction, likely caused by the tumor's pressure on the left kidney. Preoperative fasting adhered to a "6-4-3-1" regimen. Normoglycemia was maintained throughout the perioperative period. The case was managed under general anesthesia without the use of the rapid sequence induction technique. Caudal analgesia was administered using 1.14 ml of 0.175% bupivacaine. Vigilant monitoring of blood loss, prevention of hypothermia, and effective pain management are vital aspects of the surgical procedure. For postoperative pain management, analgesia and morphine infusion were employed. The patient was then transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for observation for any signs of complications related to anesthesia and surgery.&#x0D; Conclusion: Nephrectomy in neonates is one of the challenges of pediatric anesthesia. Pre-anesthesia preparation in relation to hypertension control, analgesia plan and postoperative care site, transfusion strategy, and management of intravascular extension.

Anaesthetic challenges in a patient with acromesomelic dysplasia posted for vitreoretinal surgery - A case study.

Anaesthetic challenges in a patient with acromesomelic dysplasia posted for vitreoretinal surgery - A case study.

Eisenmenger syndrome during pregnancy: A true anesthetic challenge

Eisenmenger syndrome during pregnancy: A true anesthetic challenge

Williams–Beuren Syndrome in Adulthood for Hernia Repair: Anesthetic Challenges and Tutorial on Atrial Fibrillation

Williams–Beuren Syndrome in Adulthood for Hernia Repair: Anesthetic Challenges and Tutorial on Atrial Fibrillation

A Case Report on the Unique Challenges of COVID-19 Infection During Perioperative Anesthesia Care for a Laboring COVID-19-Infected Mother in a Low-Resource Area

BACKGROUND:Recently, the rate of cesarean sections has increased, addressing the concern of anesthesia for cesarean sections in a similar manner. Physiological changes during pregnancy, such as increased cardiac output, heart rate, and oxygen consumption, decreased lung compliance and capacity, immune modulation (an altered response of the cell-mediated immunity), and increased risk of thromboembolic disease reduce maternal compensation during stress and certain pathological conditions like infections. Importantly, the provision of anesthesia for a pregnant mother is perceived as a challenging situation because of the attendant physiological, anatomical, and pharmacological changes in pregnancy. This culminates in the modification and dosage adjustment for certain medications, especially sedative-hypnotics and delivery, as well as the management of anesthetic techniques, to optimize and ensure maternal organ function and fetal well-being.Certain perioperative factors, such as COVID-19 infection, comorbid disease, and obstetric complications, increase the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality with a subsequent fetal compromise during the perioperative state, besides the aforementioned anesthetic challenges. Moreover, COVID-19 infection increases the perils of complicating pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, including maternal artificial ventilation and intensive care admission, preterm labor, fetal distress, neonatal intensive care admission, and fetal and maternal deaths.CONCLUSION:Preventive strategies toward the spread of the COVID-19 infection, vaccines, and the proper use of personnel protective equipment by healthcare providers reduce the spread and severity of the COVID-19 infection and improve obstetric and pregnancy outcomes.

Anaesthetic management and complications of a Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) undergoing diagnostic imaging

BackgroundThe presence of a tracheal septum dividing the trachea into two makes intubation one of the main challenges of penguin anaesthesia. Differences in the length and location of the aforementioned tracheal septum have been described in some penguin species. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it has not been reported in Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). Therefore, one of the aims of this publication is to report the septal position in this Humboldt penguin. Furthermore, this publication describes the anaesthetic protocol and complications encountered and discusses some of the more important features of penguin anaesthesia. It is anticipated that this case report will aid in future procedures requiring anaesthesia of this penguin species.Case presentationA 25-year-old female Humboldt penguin was anaesthetized at the University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital for radiographs and computed tomography (CT) following three weeks of inappetence. After assessing the health status of the penguin from the clinical history and performing a physical examination, an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score of II was assigned and a combination of butorphanol 1 mg/kg and midazolam 1 mg/kg was administered intramuscularly to sedate the penguin. Induction of anaesthesia was performed via a face mask using sevoflurane in oxygen. The airway was intubated with a 4.0 mm Cole tube and anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen during the entire procedure. Anaesthetic monitoring consisted of an electrocardiogram, pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure, capnography, and body temperature.ConclusionsTracheal bifurcation was identified as the start of the tracheal septum 4.67 cm from the glottis using CT. Most of the anticipated complications of penguin anaesthesia, such as hyperthermia, hypothermia, regurgitation, hypoventilation, and difficulties in intubation were present in this case. However, no major sequalae occurred following the anaesthetic protocol described.

Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome With Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility in a Child Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Case Report.

Congenital myasthenic syndromes are rare genetic diseases involving pathologic proteins in the neuromuscular junction. Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is a genetic disorder involving a hypermetabolic response to volatile anesthetics and depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents. We present the first reported case of a 3-year-old boy with both congenital myasthenic syndrome and malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, resulting from a mutation in the ryanodine receptor type 1 gene, who underwent an adenotonsillectomy for severe obstructive sleep apnea. We discuss the anesthetic challenges in navigating these 3 comorbidities in the setting of airway surgery.

Continued challenges in pediatric anesthesia during COVID-19 in 2022: An international survey from the pediatric anesthesia COVID-19 collaborative.

This international survey explored the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on pediatric anesthesiology. It assessed COVID-19's impact on the practice of pediatric anesthesiology, staffing, job satisfaction, and retention at the beginning of 2022 and addressed what should be done to ameliorate COVID-19's impact and what initiatives hospitals had implemented. This survey focused on five major domains: equipment/medication, vaccination/testing, staffing, burnout, and economic repercussions. Pilot testing for questionnaire clarity was conducted by members of the Pediatric Anesthesia COVID-19 Collaborative. The survey was administered by e-mail to a representative of the 72 collaborative centers. Respondents were instructed to answer based on their institution's practice from February through April of 2022. Descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals are reported. Seventy of seventy-two institutions participated in this survey (97% response rate). Fifty-nine (84%) were from the United States, and 11 (16%) included other countries. The majority experienced equipment (68%) and medication (60%) shortages. Many institutions reported staffing shortages in nursing (37%), perioperative staff (27%), and attending anesthesiologists (11%). Sixty-two institutions (89%) indicated burnout was a frequent topic of conversation among pediatric anesthesiologists. Forty-three institutions (61%) reported anesthesiologists leaving current practice and 37 (53%) early retirement. Twenty-eight institutions (40%) canceled elective cases. The major suggestions for improving job retention included improving financial compensation (76%), decreasing clinical time (67%), and increasing flexibility in scheduled clinical time (66%). Only a minority of institutions had implemented the following initiatives: improving financial compensation (19%), increased access to mental health/counseling services (30%), and assistance with child or elder care (7%). At the time of the survey, 34% of institutions had not made any changes. Our study found that COVID-19 has continued to impact pediatric anesthesiology. There are major discrepancies between what anesthesiologists believe are important for job satisfaction and faculty retention compared to implemented initiatives. Data from this survey provide insight for institutions and departments for addressing these challenges.

A case report on anaesthetic challenges in Patau syndrome: Navigating craniofacial and cardiac defects

The anaesthetic management of paediatric patients with Patau syndrome presents unique challenges, particularly when combined with craniofacial and cardiac defects and limited airway resources. This case report highlights our experience in managing a syndromic child with a difficult airway in a resource-constrained environment. The inability to secure the airway adequately can pose significant perioperative risks. In this case, we successfully utilized an oesophageal bougie as an alternative technique to secure the airway. This report emphasizes the importance of adapting to limited resources and employing innovative approaches to ensure optimal patient care in challenging situations.

Anaesthetic challenges in surgical enucleation of pancreatic insulinoma

Insulinoma is a very rare tumour occurring in 1-4 persons per million per year. It is a functional endocrine tumour of the pancreas characterized by repeated attacks of hypoglycaemia presenting as adrenergic or neuroglycopenic symptoms. Surgical management of insulinoma is the mainstay of treatment which can be done by either laparoscopic or open approach. There is occurrence of rapid and wide fluctuations of blood glucose levels in the intraoperative as well as perioperative period. Intraoperative hypoglycaemia is critical due to masking of symptoms by the effect of anaesthesia and if not detected and treated promptly may lead to permanent neurological insult. We here-in describe the challenges of anaesthetic management in a case of functional pancreatic insulinoma undergoing open surgical enucleation with the help of intraoperative ultrasonography.

Intraoperative Anesthetic Management of Bilateral Intraventricular Hemorrhage Secondary to Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Rupture in Hypertensive Patient

Introduction: Primary (IVH) is non traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage confined to the ventricular system which is relatively infrequent, but is more commonly caused by hypertensive (52%) hemorrhagic stroke, followed by trauma (15%), intraventricular arteriovenous malformation (7.5%), coagulopathy (7.5%), diabetic vasculopathy (7.5%), anterior communicating artery aneurysms (3%), and undetectable cause. Clipping of ruptured anterior communicating artery with hypertension possess anesthetic challenges in managing intra-operatively, and when it comes for an ideal neuroprotective agent, barbiturates induced anesthesia was planned. Case Report: A 70 years old male came to our hospital with history of sudden loss of consciousness and a known case of systemic hypertension for 3 years and was on irregular medications, intubated in emergency medicine department in view of low GCS which was difficult intubation. CT brain Angiogram was done and diagnosed as ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm and underwent Aneurysmal clipping of anterior communicating artery aneurysm under general anesthesia. Emergency medications were kept ready. Intensive neuro monitoring, invasive blood pressure monitoring and to decrease the intraoperative intracranial pressure, to preserve autoregulation of cerebral blood flow, barbiturates induced anesthesia were planned (thiopentone as an induction agent and maintained with inhalational anesthetic agent). Patient was shifted to ICU for observation and extubated on next day uneventfully. Conclusion: We present a successful anesthetic management of hypertensive patient with ruptured anterior communicating artery who underwent clipping of aneurysm. A detailed pre-anesthetic evaluation and proper planning is utmost important to encounter the risk of ischemic injury to brain while clipping of ruptured aneurysmal vessel.

Anesthesia management of superobese pregnant patient under spinal anesthesia in cesarean section

Morbidly obese parturient requires specialized anesthetic care for safe labour and delivery. Regional anesthesia is considered safer than general anesthesia for cesarean section in super morbid obese parturient. We present this case to discuss anesthetic challenges associated with regional anesthesia and our approach in successful management of cesarean section in super morbid obese parturient.

Anaesthetic management of pregnant patients with severe dengue fever for emergency caesarean section - A case series and review

: Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, can lead to severe complications like dengue shock syndrome and severe thrombocytopenia. Pregnant patients with dengue present unique anaesthetic challenges. In this case series, we present the anaesthetic management of four pregnant patients with dengue who required emergency caesarean delivery.: All patients had severe thrombocytopenia and required platelet transfusions. Two patients developed respiratory distress and pulmonary edema in the perioperative period. One patient had severe liver function abnormalities along with thrombocytopenia, complicating the diagnosis. All patients received intensive care unit (ICU) management. None of the neonates tested positive for dengue.: The pathophysiological changes of pregnancy and dengue infection complicate the anaesthetic management of critically ill dengue patients. Thrombocytopenia and abnormal immune response lead to acute vascular permeability, plasma leakage, circulatory insufficiency, and polyserositis. Abnormal liver function tests and thrombocytopenia must be differentiated from HELLP syndrome. Over-transfusion of fluids due to shock can lead to pulmonary edema.: Pregnant patients with dengue fever pose a high risk of maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity. Successful anaesthetic management requires judicious transfusion of blood products and fluids based on the disease's complications and stage of illness. General anaesthesia is safe in these patients.

Pediatrics vascular injury management with total replacement of blood volume- Anesthesia challenges: A case report

Background: Vascular injuries with significant blood loss causing ischemia and revascularization for limb salvage are rarely done in developing countries. Hence, most hospitals and surgeons lack the experience to deal with vascular injuries. Case Presentation: A 9-year-old child presented with left subclavian artery transection and massive hemorrhage. The patient required massive transfusions during the repair of the injured vessel. Herein, we describe the challenges faced during the management of this patient. Conclusion: In an emergency setting, full optimization is not always possible. Every effort should be made to manage the patient by utilizing the available resources without undue delays.