Balanced General Anesthesia Research Articles

Do Previous Multiple Scorpion Bites Produce Resistance to Local Anesthetics Administered Via Repeated Subarachnoid and Epidural Blocks? A Case Report and Review of Available Evidence

Introduction: Failure to achieve a subarachnoid block, even after a second attempt, and the inability to activate epidural analgesia, despite a properly placed catheter, can be both frustrating and perplexing. This case presents a situation where these incidents occurred, and two well-conducted attempts at a subarachnoid block and a properly placed epidural catheter block were unable to produce surgical anesthesia. Case Presentation: A 55-year-old female, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade II, was scheduled for a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. After adequate pre-operative preparation, an epidural catheter was inserted on the morning of surgery, followed by a subarachnoid block with all the proper precautions, which completely failed. After waiting for 10 minutes, the epidural block was activated with a local anesthetic mixture. To our surprise, it also did not produce any desirable effect, so the subarachnoid block was repeated, which again failed to produce any clinical block. Consequently, the surgery had to be conducted under balanced general anesthesia. Recalling previous experience and evidence, a history of scorpion bites was elicited. The patient had a history of multiple encounters (five) and was from a geographical area known to be endemic for scorpions. Conclusions: This case represents another instance of developing resistance to the effects of local anesthetics after exposure to scorpion venom. We believe there is a strong correlation between previous scorpion bites, the number of bites, and the duration between the most recent bite and the development of resistance to local anesthetic agents (LAAs). From a detailed search, it was evident that enough clinical evidence has emerged to irrefutably support this proposal.

Opioid-Free Anesthesia and Analgesic Quality During the Postoperative Period of Oncological Breast Surgery

<i>Background: </i>Pain is one of the most common symptoms in cancer patients. We can understand it as a multifactorial phenomenon. Breast cancer surgical treatment generates real damage to the structures and activates nociception which can generate persistent pain. Current anesthetic management is based on the use of opioids, which generate a large number of complications that can severely affect this group of patients, increasing morbidity and mortality. Opioid-free techniques have been shown to reduce complications and generate optimal anesthetic-analgesic management as well as decrease postoperative misuse. The purpose of this research is to compare both approaches and evaluate their impact on this population group. <i>Methods: </i>Simple, prospective, randomized, controlled blind clinical trial in 30 patients undergoing oncological mammary quadrantectomy a. The patients were divided into two groups study, the first (group A) received balanced general anesthesia with opioids as an analgesic strategy, the other group (group B) received general anesthesia balanced opioid-free supplemented with a PECs II regional block and/or Serratus (BRILMA) according to the patient's sonoanatomy, and ketamine-lidocaine as adjuvant drugs. Analgesia was assessed using the numerical pain scale at 2, 4, and 6 o'clock. The severity and impact of pain on the daily performance of patients were measured using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) short form in combination with clinical examination, the presence of postoperative complications, the length of stay in hours and the need for rescue with opioids. <i>Results: </i>35% of the patients in group A required analgesic rescue with Tramadol to improve pain postoperative, while in group B only 10% needed it. 33% of the patients in group A completed their postoperative period with nausea and vomiting, while in the opioid-free group the percentage was only 1%. Referring to the length of hospital stay from surgery to discharge, group A was hospitalized for a period of 25 hours (SD=21.2), while group B was there for 15.2 hours (SD=8.7). <i>Conclusions:</i>. Use of opioid-free anesthesia along with adjuvant strategies (drugs and nerve blocks) represent a safe and effective anesthetic strategy related with a lower incidence of complications from the use of opioids in the postoperative period, a lower consumption of analgesic rescues, a decrease in the length of hospitalization and a greater degree of comfort for the patient. This protocol represents an alternative when it comes to providing good intra and postoperative conditions for such a susceptible group of patients.

EARLY ACTIVATION PATHWAYS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING OPEN HEART SURGERY WITH MULTICOMPONENT GENERAL ANESTHESIA COMBINED WITH HIGH THORACIC EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA

Background: Early mobilization of patients in the postoperative period after open heart surgeries, significantly decreases the risk of complications, accelerates the restoration of functional capacity, shortens the length of hospital stay, and reduces treatment costs Materials and methods: Open heart surgeries were performed on 60 patients at Ankara "Bayındır" Hospital, Central Clinical Hospital, and Baku Health Center were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. 30 of them underwent the procedure with the use of multi-component balanced general anesthesia and intravenous fentanyl analgesia in the postoperative period. The other group of 30 patients underwent catheterization under high thoracic epidural anesthesia, with the administration of ropivacaine prior to induction and, in the postoperative period, ropivacaine and fentanyl. We conducted a study on central hemodynamic parameters and analgesic effects. Results: Thirty of them underwent the procedure with the use of multi-component general anesthesia and intravenous fentanyl analgesia in the postoperative period. The other group of 30 patients underwent catheterization of the high epidural space with the administration of ropivacaine before induction and, in the postoperative period, ropivacaine and fentanyl. We conducted a study on central hemodynamic parameters and analgesic effects. Conclusion: It has been established that for patients in the second group according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery strategy, hemodynamic support and effective pain management can contribute to early patient mobilization after surgery. Early mobilization, in turn, can expedite recovery and reduce the length of hospital stay, ultimately leading to potential cost savings.

A Comparison of Analgesic and Recovery Profiles of Ketamine, Lignocaine, and Dexmedetomidine (KeLiDex) Versus Fentanyl-Based Anesthesia in Laparoscopic Nephrectomies: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Pilot Study.

In the search for opioid-free anesthesia, notable numbers of drugs, singly or in combinations, have been tested with variable results. However, most of the drugs used are not as strong as opioids. Even if some non-opioid drugs are potent enough, they cause significant untoward effects, necessitating the use of lower effective dosages of multiple drugs as a substitute. The present pilot study evaluated low-dose combinations of ketamine, lignocaine, and dexmedetomidine (KeLiDex) against fentanyl-based anesthesia for analgesia and recovery profiles in laparoscopic nephrectomies. Twenty patients (10 in each group) randomly received KeLiDex or fentanyl infusion as an analgesic component for balanced general anesthesia. Entire patients also received paracetamol and quadratus lumborum block-2. Anesthesia depth, neuromuscular blockade, and reversal were standardized. Intraoperative hemodynamic variation, time to extubation after reversal (T-tEAR) administration, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge readiness assessed using modified Aldrete score, sedations using Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale, postoperative pain, and rescue analgesia consumptions were compared using different validated scales. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. The KeLiDex group had a significantly lower heart rate (HR) between 45-90 minutes and at the time of reversal. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) differed significantly at only a 60-minute interval (KeLiDex group 80.90 ± 9.50 versus fentanyl group 92.60 ± 16.13 mmHg, p-value 0.041). The Friedman test for change in HR and MAP over time within each group was also insignificant. The mean ± SD of T-tEAR was 6.37 ± 2.13 in KeLiDex, and 8.18 ± 2.92 minutes in the fentanyl group, p-value 0.27. Sedation scores, Modified Alderette scores, pain scores, and rescue analgesic requirements were also comparable. KeLiDex could effectively control hemodynamics and pain both at rest and in movements in line with fentanyl-based anesthesia for laparoscopic nephrectomies. Further, recovery from the anesthesia, sedation, and PACU discharge readiness were similar.

Analgesic Efficacy of Thoracolumbar Interfascial Plane Block versus Standard Care in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spinal Surgeries—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Patients who undergo spine surgery often experience severe pain postoperatively. Multimodal analgesia inclusive of a regional block provides optimal pain relief. Thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block may provide promising analgesia in these patients. Materials Fifty consenting adults aged between 18 and 60 years undergoing elective lumbar spinal surgeries under balanced general anesthesia were divided into two equal groups (group T: received bilateral TLIP block, and group C: received conventional opioid analgesia). All the patients were taken care of by an independent anesthesiologist unaware of the study protocol in the postanesthesia care unit. The postoperative pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Time to first rescue analgesia, total morphine consumption, complications, and patient satisfaction were also recorded. Results Postoperative mean VAS scores till 12 hours were significantly higher in the control group. The mean time to the first analgesic requirement among group T and group C patients was 404.4 ± 25.1 and 150.2 ± 12.4 minutes, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Morphine consumptions in 24 hours were also significantly higher in group C (3.36 ± 1.04 vs. 7.84 ± 1.43; p &lt; 0.001). Mean intraoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly more in group C (122.4 ± 16.4 µg and 140.4 ± 21.7 µg; p = 0.001). Complications were similar in both groups. However, patient satisfaction was significantly higher in group T (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion TLIP block provided superior analgesia, decreased opioid consumption, and improved patient satisfaction as compared with patients receiving standard general anesthesia with opioid analgesics. Hence, TLIP block could be a component of multimodal analgesia in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgeries.CTRI No.: CTRI/2021/03/031682

Effects of intra-operative magnesium sulfate infusion on orthognathic surgery: A prospective and randomized controlled trial

PurposeTo comprehensively understand the effects of intra-operative infusion of magnesium sulfate on patients who underwent orthognathic surgery, including remifentanil consumption, postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), inflammatory response, and serum magnesium levels. MethodsSeventy-five adult patients undergoing orthognathic surgery under general balanced anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. One group (Group M) received 50 mg/kg of magnesium sulfate in 20 mL 0.9 % saline after intubation, followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 15 mg/kg/h until 30 min before the anticipated end of surgery. The other group (Group C) received an equal volume of isotonic saline as a placebo. (Clinical trial registration number: chiCTR2100045981). ResultsThe primary outcome was remifentanil consumption. The secondary outcomes included the pain score assessed using the verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) and PONV assessed using a Likert scale. Remifentanil comsumption in Group M was lower than Group C (mean ± SD: 0.146 ± 0.04 μg/kg/min vs. 0.173 ± 0.04 μg/kg/min, P = 0.003). At 2 h after surgery, patients in Group C suffered more severe PONV than those in Group M (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 1 [3] vs. 1 [0], mean rank: 31.45 vs. 42.71, P = 0.040). At post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), postoperative pain in Group C was severe than Group M (3 [1] vs. 3 [0], mean rank: 31.45 vs. 42.71, P = 0.013). Changes in haemodynamics and surgical field scores did not differ between the groups (all P > 0.05). The levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-a, and MIP-1β) were not significantly different between the groups after surgery (all P > 0.05). Postoperative serum magnesium levels in Group C were lower than those in Group M (0.74 ± 0.07 mmol/L vs. 0.91 ± 0.08 mmol/L, P = 0.000) and the preoperative level (0.74 ± 0.07 mmol/L vs. 0.83 ± 0.06 mmol/L, P = 0.219). ConclusionsIn orthognathic surgery, magnesium sulfate administration can reduce remifentanil requirement and relieve PONV and postoperative pain in the early postoperative phase.

To Compare the Efficacy of Sub-Pecto-Interfascial Block with Erector Spinae Plane Block in Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Objectives: Pain following sternotomy has always been an issue of major concern for anesthesiologists. The incidence of pain is as high as 49% at rest following coronary artery bypass grafting. We planned to utilize the sub-pecto-interfascial plane (SIP) block and erector spinae plane (ESP) block to determine its efficacy and quality of analgesia as compared to conventional intravenous analgesia. Material and Methods: After the Institutional Ethics Committee’s approval, we recruited 105 patients and randomized them into three groups. Group 1 received conventional analgesia, group 2 SIP, and group 3 ESP block. Group 2 and Group 3 received allocated blocks after induction of balanced general anesthesia under ultrasound guidance. With high-frequency linear probe (13 MHz) planes identified, a mixture of injection ropivacaine (0.375%) and dexmedetomidine (1.1 mcg/mL) was deposited. In group 2, six injections of 6 mL each at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th intercostal spaces in the bilateral parasternal region. In group 3, two injections of 20 mL of the above-mentioned mixture on each side above the transverse process of the T5 vertebra under the erector spinae muscle plane were injected. All patients were monitored throughout the procedures, and their vitals were recorded. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were noted at baseline, at skin incision, at sternotomy, and 30 min post-extubation. Patients were followed for total fentanyl consumption, pain score (numerical rating scale [NRS] score), and peak inspiratory flow rate, which were noted at extubation and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-extubation. Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol, and prolactin were done at baseline and 24 h after surgery. Extubation time, time of first oral intake, and total length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were also compared between the groups. Results: Total fentanyl consumption was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.005) in group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1. Patient receiving blocks were significantly lower NRS score compared to the control group. Spirometry has shown improved results in block groups catering to early discharge from ICU. Rise in levels of CRP, cortisol, and prolactin were much higher in group 1 as compared to group 2 and group 3. Conclusion: The application of ESP and SIP blocks is far superior than conventional parenteral analgesics in terms of pain score, total opioid’s consumption, hemodynamic maintenance, spirometry efforts, and length of ICU stays.

Comparative assessment of hemodynamic parameters during anesthesia in orthopedic and traumatological operations on the lower extremities in children

Objective. To conduct a comparative analysis of hemodynamic parameters during orthopedic and traumatological operations on the lower extremities in children performed under conditions of multicomponent balanced general and combined anesthesia. Materials and methods. A single-center prospective study. The present study included 60 children aged 6 to 17 years who underwent planned orthopedic and trauma surgery interventions on the lower extremities. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the method of anesthesia: Group 1 (n = 25) - multicomponent balanced general anesthesia, Group 2 (n = 35) - combined anesthesia (multicomponent balanced general anesthesia in combination with regional blocks of the sciatic and femoral nerves). To solve these problems, a comparative analysis of heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure was carried out at seven stages of the study: 1st stage - initial, child on the operating table; 2nd stage - induction of anesthesia; 3rd stage - placement of the laryngeal mask; 4th stage - start of the operation; 5th stage - traumatic stage of the operation; 6th stage - completion of the operation; 7th stage - after removal of the laryngeal mask. Results. In all cases, the surgical interventions were successful. The study found that in the group of children who underwent multicomponent general anesthesia at the 4th (start of surgery), 5th (traumatic stage of surgery) and 6th (end of surgery) stages, heart rate (HR) was higher compared to the group of combined anesthesia. Systolic and mean arterial blood pressure during the traumatic phase of surgery were also higher in children undergoing multicomponent general anesthesia. The values of diastolic blood pressure did not differ between groups throughout the study with the exception of the 3rd stage (laryngeal mask placement) where lower values were observed in patients of the Group 1. Diastolic blood pressure values did not differ between groups throughout the study, with the exception of 3th stage (laryngeal mask placement), where lower values were noted in Group 1 patients. Conclusion. Combined methods of anesthesia based on the combination of multicomponent general anesthesia and conductive peripheral nerve blocks provide the greatest hemodynamic stability during orthopedic and traumatologic surgeries on the lower extremities in children.

Effects of opioid-free anaesthesia compared with balanced general anaesthesia on nausea and vomiting after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a single-centre randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesOpioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) has emerged as a promising approach for mitigating the adverse effects associated with opioids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of OFA on...

Anesthetic Management with Intubation in Awake Patient with Ludwig's Angina Using Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine: A Case Report

Introduction: Ludwig's Angina (LA) is a bacterial infection of the submandibular space that can cause airway obstruction. Prompt surgical treatment and antimicrobial therapy are crucial. Airway evaluation is important to identify risk factors for difficult intubation and anatomical distortion that may require awake endotracheal intubation. Case presentation: A 22-year-old female presented to the emergency department with left submandibular pain, edema, increased skin temperature, and erythema with a history of grade III caries of 6 months evolution without treatment. Physical examination revealed extension to the left lateral neck region and mild respiratory distress. Classified as ASA grade III, the patient underwent awake intubation using dexmedetomidine (DXM) and ketamine (KET), followed by balanced general anesthesia for the surgical procedure. Clinical discussion: The patient's condition predicted high difficult airway, therefore awake intubation was performed to maintain spontaneous ventilation and reduce cardiac arrest risk. In this case, DXM was used to avoid anxiety and respiratory depression, while KET was employed for its analgesic, bronchodilator, and tachycardic effects. Conclusion: Ketamine and dexmedetomidine allow adequate spontaneous ventilatory mechanics, without respiratory depressant effect. Further research is needed to find more anesthetic drugs that can be used for intubation without suppressing autonomic ventilation, and to develop guidelines to prevent respiratory depressant effects in patients with LA.

Hyperoxia therapy for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after breast cancer surgery

Background/Aim. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are one of the most common causes of patient dissatisfaction in the postoperative period after general anesthesia. Hyperoxia may prevent PONV after abdominal surgery, but the effectiveness of intraoperative and early postoperative hyperoxia in preventing PONV after breast cancer surgery has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess if the application of intraoperative hyperoxia during surgery could prevent PONV. Methods. Forty female patients with breast cancer were recruited for the study, all of whom underwent surgical treatment of breast cancer with axillary sentinel node sampling or axillary lymph node dissection. A balanced general anesthesia was conducted, which was induced with propofol and maintained with sevofluran. Out of the 40 patients, 20 (in-tervention group) received a volatile gas mixture with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 0.8 L/min intraoperatively and, afterward, 3 L/min of oxygen via face mask for two hours after surgery. The other 20 patients (control group) received a FiO2 of 0.4 L/min during the surgery without further administration of oxygen in the early postoperative period. The presence and severity of PONV were assessed at 30 min, 4, 24, 32, 48, and 56 hrs after surgery with the use of the PONV numerical Intensity Scale by Wengritzky for evaluating clinically significant PONV in the first six hours after surgery. Data were collected in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using the independent Student?s t-test. Results. The overall incidence of PONV during the 30 min after the surgery was 17.5% (15% in the group of patients receiving FiO2 of 0.8 L/min and 20% in the group of patients receiving FiO2 of 0.4 L/min intraoperatively). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the frequency of PONV, as well as in the severity of PONV, measured with the PONV Intensity Scale by Wengritzky (p ? 0.05). Conclusion. We found no benefit of intra- and post-operative hyperoxia in reducing the incidence of PONV. The data do not support routine administration of hyperoxia, in addition to antiemetics, for the prevention of PONV in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

Pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine in anaesthetized horses following repeated subcutaneous administration and intravenous constant rate infusion

BackgroundThe inclusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX) within a balanced general anaesthesia protocol is effective in improving the clinical outcome and recovery quality of anaesthesia in horses. This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of DEX following repeated subcutaneous (SC) administration at 2 µg/kg every 60 min till the end of the procedure in comparison to intravenous constant rate infusion (CRI) at 1 µg/kg/h in anaesthetized horses undergoing diagnostic procedures up to the end of the diagnostic procedure.ResultsIn the CRI and SC groups DEX maximum concentrations (Cmax) were 0.83 ± 0.27 ng/mL and 1.14 ± 0.71 ng/mL, respectively, reached at a time (Tmax) of 57.0 ± 13.4 min and 105.5 ± 29.9 min. Mean residence time to the last measurable concentration (MRTlast) was 11.7 ± 6.2 and 55.8 ± 19.7 min for the CRI group and SC groups, respectively. The apparent elimination half-life was 18.0 ± 10.0 min in the CRI group and 94.8 ± 69.8 min for the SC group, whereas the area under the curve (AUC0-last) resulted 67.7 ± 29.3 and 83.2 ± 60.5 min*ng/mL for CRI and SC group, respectively. Clearance was 16.26 ± 8.07 mL/min/kg for the CRI group. No signs of adverse effects were recorded in both groups.ConclusionsThe pharmacokinetic profile of DEX following repeated SC administration in anaesthetized horses was comparable to intravenous CRI administration during the intranaesthetic period and beneficial during the recovery phase from general anaesthesia. The SC route could be considered as an alternative to CRI for improving the recovery quality of equine patients undergoing general anaesthesia.

Analgesic efficacy of Transverse Abdomen Plane Block in Kidney Transplantation

Introduction: The transversus abdominis plane anesthetic block (TAP Block) technique was first introduced in 2001 by Rafi to promote anterolateral abdominal wall analgesia. This block involves the T7-L1, subcostal, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves. Kidney transplant recipients are candidates for this blocking method, since the surgical access to the kidney implant allows exposure of the nerve plexus, T7-L1, responsible for the parietal component of pain, allowing its blockade under direct vision. Objectives:To analyze the analgesic efficacy of TAP Block x local infiltration in kidney transplantation in three different moments: upon awakening after 6h and with 24h of rest and 24h of sitting down using the visual analogue pain scale for evaluation. Methods:Prospective, randomized, double-blind study with two groups, the control group: standard balanced general anesthesia and infusion of local anesthetic in the subcutaneous tissue; and the experimental: balanced general anesthesia and local anesthetic infusion (TAP Block) directly through the surgical access. These groups were evaluated postoperatively by a researcher who was unaware of the type of procedure the patient underwent. Candidates to participate in the study were patients from the General Transplant Unit, located at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP). Results: 45 patients were allocated in the study. After exclusions, 20 patients in the control group and 21 patients in the experimental group were analyzed. No clinical or demographic characteristics were statistically significant. In the control group, 72.6 % reported moderate/severe pain upon awakening, while moderate and severe pain was present in only 7.4 % of the experimental group, with p&lt;0.001. In the 06h assessment, there was a significant difference in relation to moderate/severe pain scores between groups: 59.8 % in the control and 15 % for the experimental group, respectively, with p &lt; 0.007. There was no statistical difference between the groups in the static and dynamic evaluation in the 24h period. Conclusion: Balanced general anesthesia associated with TAP Block proved to be effective in reducing moderate and severe pain scores in the initial moments: upon awakening, and after 6h, being, as expected, less effective in the 24-hour evaluation.

The intraoperative management of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has become the second most commonly performed robotic surgical procedure worldwide, therefore, anesthesiologists should be aware of the intraoperative pathophysiological consequences. The aim of this narrative review is to report the most recent updates regarding the intraoperative management of anesthesia, ventilation, hemodynamics and central nervous system, during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Surgical innovations and the advent of new technologies make it imperative to optimize the anesthesia management to provide the most holistic approach possible. In addition, an ageing population with an increasing burden of comorbidities requires multifocal attention to reduce the surgical stress. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and balanced general anesthesia are similar in terms of postoperative complications and hospital stay. Reversal of rocuronium is associated with shorter hospital stay and postanesthesia recovery time. Adequate PEEP levels improve oxygenation and driving pressure, and the use of a single recruitment maneuver after the intubation reduces postoperative pulmonary complications. Restrictive intravenous fluid administration minimizes bladder-urethra anastomosis complications and facial edema. TIVA maintains a better autoregulation compared with balanced general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists should be able to optimize the intraoperative management to improve outcomes.

Protocol Study for the Evaluation of Non-Opioid Balanced General Anaesthesia in Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Randomised, Controlled, Multicentric Superiority Trial (OFACAR Study).

Opioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) is general anaesthesia based on the use of several non-opioid molecules that aim to have an analgesic effect, decrease the sympathetic response, decrease hormonal stress, and decrease the inflammatory response during surgery. Although this approach to anaesthesia is regularly used in clinical practice, it remains a novel approach. The literature on this anaesthesia modality finds a number of positive effects on cardiac, respiratory, and cognitive function but no randomised study evaluated these effects during cardiac surgery where there is a high incidence of postoperative complications. The main aim of the study is to compare OFA vs. standard balanced opioid general anaesthesia on the incidence of postoperative complications and the length of stay in intensive care and hospital. OFACAR is a multicentric, randomised, controlled, superiority, single-blind, two parallel-arm clinical trial in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. We compared a balanced general anaesthesia without opioids (OFA group) vs. a balanced opioid general anaesthesia with sufentanil (control group). One hundred and sixty patients will be enrolled in each treatment group. The primary endpoint is a composite one which corresponds to the occurrence of at least one of the postoperative complications, defined according to European standards within 30 days after surgery. Recruitment started in September 2019, and data collection is expected to end in November 2024.

Blended (Combined Spinal and General) vs. General Anesthesia for Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Retrospective Study.

Adequate pain management for abdominal hysterectomy is a key factor to decrease postoperative morbidity, hospital length of stay and chronic pain. General anesthesia is still the most widely used technique for abdominal hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of blended anesthesia (spinal and general anesthesia) compared to balanced general anesthesia in patients undergoing hysterectomy with or without lymphadenectomy for ovarian, endometrial or cervical cancer or for fibromatosis. We retrospectively collected data from adult ASA 1 to 3 patients scheduled for laparoscopic or mini-laparotomic hysterectomy with or without lymphadenectomy for ovarian, endometrial or cervical cancer or for fibromatosis. Exclusion criteria were age below 18 years, ASA > 3, previous chronic use of analgesics, psychiatric disorders, laparotomic surgery with an incision above the belly button and surgery extended to the upper abdomen for the presence of cancer localizations (e.g., liver, spleen or diaphragm surgery). The cohort of patients was retrospectively divided into three groups according to the anesthetic management: general anesthesia and spinal with morphine and local anesthetic (Group 1), general anesthesia and spinal with morphine (Group 2) and general anesthesia without spinal (Group 3). NRS was lower in the spinal anesthesia groups (Groups 1 and 2) than in the general anesthesia group (Group 3) for every time point but at 48 h. The addition of local anesthetics conferred a small but significant NRS decrease (p = 0.009). A higher percentage of patients in Group 3 received intraoperative sufentanil (52.2 ± 18 mcg in Group 3 vs. Group 1 31.8 ± 16.2 mcg, Group 2 44.1 ± 15.6, p < 0.001) and additional techniques for postoperative pain control (11.4% in Group 3 vs. 2.1% in Group 1 and 0.8% in Group 2, p < 0.001). Intraoperative hypotension (MAP < 65 mmHg) lasting more than 5 min was more frequent in patients receiving spinal anesthesia, especially with local anesthetics (Group 1 25.8%, Group 2 14.6%, Group 3 11.6%, p < 0.001), with the resulting increased need for vasopressors. Recovery-room discharge criteria were met earlier in the spinal anesthesia groups than in the general anesthesia group (Group 1 102 ± 44 min, Group 2 91.9 ± 46.5 min, Group 3 126 ± 90.7 min, p < 0.05). No differences were noted in postoperative mobilization or duration of ileus. Intrathecal administration of morphine with or without local anesthetic as a component of blended anesthesia is effective in improving postoperative pain control following laparoscopic or mini-laparotomic hysterectomy, in reducing intraoperative opioid consumption, in decreasing postoperative rescue analgesics consumption and the need for any additional analgesic technique. We recommend managing postoperative pain with a strategy tailored to the patient's physical status and the type of surgery, preventing and treating side effects of pain treatments.

Congenital heterotopic gastrointestinal duplication cyst of the face: a rare case report

Gastrointestinal duplication (GDC) cysts have various synonyms; choristoma, enterocystoma, and duplication cyst. They are infrequent congenital benign lesions diagnosed mainly in children in the first decade of life, comprising approximately less than 5% of the pediatric population with a predilection for the male sex. It is exceedingly rare in the oral cavity but it is possible, particularly on the tongue, floor of the mouth, and pharynx. From 1895 until 1994, 30 cases of this lesion in the oral cavity were reported. Nowadays, none of the authors reported a GDC in the facial region. We report an exceptional case of heterotopic gastrointestinal duplication cysts (HGDC) in the facial region of a 13 -years -old male teenager who was referred to our medical department for an evaluation of a painless progressive facial asymmetry. In the first instance, the ultrasound facial soft tissue was made with a 6.5 MHz convex transducer, reporting a big anechoic image with regular borders to a 60 x 26 x 56 mm diameter with a 46cc approximate volume. Following this, a non-contrast magnetic resonance image was executed with an open Philips PanoramaⓇ machine performed at 3T, reporting a hyperintense image in T2-weighted (repetition time msec/echo time msec: 5,500/112) sagittal sequence and FLAIR-weighted (5,714/80) axial sequence; and an isointense image in T1-weighted (24/80) coronal sequence to 54 x 30 x 51 mm diameter compatible with space occupant lesion with interior walls. A complete tumor resection was achieved under balanced general anesthesia, and the specimen was sent for histological examination. Microscopic examination showed a cystic cavity lined mostly by mucous secretory gastrointestinal epithelium and other areas by stratified squamous epithelium. The cystic wall was composed of fibrous connective tissue and contains abundant gastric cells. Its deepest portion exhibits a smooth muscle layer. In summary, HGDC is an unusual congenital head and neck lesion, but it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonates and children. The diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract duplications may be suggested by imaging studies; however, the correct diagnosis is defined by histopathologic analysis. Due to the risk of destruction potential and malignant transformation, HGDC should be treated surgically by complete excision.

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Purpose: To evaluate the impact of three different effect-site concentrations of remifentanil [1.0, 2.0 and 2.5 ng.ml-1] on cough, heart rate and systolic blood pressure during extubation after balanced anesthesia with desflurane or sevoflurane. Design: Double-blinded controlled trial. Setting: Operating room. Patients: ASA I-II adults (n=451) who underwent elective procedures. Interventions: Subjects were randomly assigned to maintain remifentanil effect-site concentrations at 1.0, 2.0 and 2.5 ng.ml-1 by a target control infusion system after receiving balanced general anesthesia with remifentanil and sevoflurane vs. desflurane. Measurements: Cough severity (using a four-point intensity scale), heart rate and systolic blood pressure were registered during eye opening, tracheal extubation and 2.5 minutes after. Main Results: Cough was significantly reduced in all groups of remifentanil at 2.0 and 2.5 ng.ml-1 during eye opening, tracheal extubation and 2.5 minutes after, when compared with 1.0 ng.ml-1 [Risk ratio (95% CI) at tracheal extubation 0.35 (0.23-0.53) and 0.33 (0.21-0.52) for desflurane; 0.50 (0.35-0.73) and 0.45 (0.30-0.73) for sevoflurane, respectively. P &lt; 0.001]. There were no significant differences on heart rate or systolic blood pressure values at these time points for any of the studied groups. Conclusion: In adult patients of elective procedures under balanced general anesthesia with sevoflurane or desflurane, maintaining a remifentanil effect-site concentration at 2.0-2.5ng.ml-1 significantly reduce the risk of cough but not hemodynamic responses during tracheal extubation.

Endocrine and metabolic monitoring for anesthesia care in orthopedic trauma surgery on the lower extremities of children: prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND: Standard anesthesia monitoring during surgery only indirectly allows us to estimate achieving an effective level of analgesia sufficient to protect the patient from surgical trauma. Recently, studies have analyzed cortisol, glucose, and lactate levels during surgery in children and adults; however, data presented remain inconsistent.&#x0D; OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a prospective comparative analysis of endocrine metabolic dynamic rates in orthopedic trauma surgery on the lower extremities of children.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 39 children who underwent orthopedic trauma surgery. They were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=17) underwent multicomponent balanced general anesthesia, and group 2 (n=22) received combined anesthesia (multicomponent balanced general anesthesia combined with regional blockade of the sciatic and femoral nerves). The dynamics of cortisol, glucose, and lactate indicators at three stages of the perioperative period, total amount of fentanyl, and need for an inhalation anesthetic were examined.&#x0D; RESULTS: Indicators of cortisol, glucose, and lactate in mixed venous blood during surgery did not exceed the age norm in both groups. In group 1, cortisol, glucose, and lactate levels did not statistically differ at all stages of the study. In group 2, cortisol and lactate levels increased at the fifth stage (traumatic stage) of surgery, and lactate levels increased in the sixth stage (end of surgery). In intergroup comparison, the lactate level at the traumatic stage of surgery was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p=0.048). Cortisol and glucose levels at the stages of the study did not differ significantly. The total amount of fentanyl for pain relief in group 1 was 4.1 [3.3; 5.0] g/kg, which was 8.2 times higher than that in group 2, with 0.5 [0.4; 0.53] g/kg (p 0.0001).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Both anesthesia methods ensure stable levels of cortisol, glucose, and lactate, and adequate level of analgesia at all stages of surgery; however, the use of a conduction blockade as a component of combined anesthesia provides more pronounced antinociceptive protection and reduces surgical stress in children.

Fast Track Liver Transplantation: Lessons learned after 10 years running a prospective cohort study with an ERAS-like protocol

Fast Tracking in Liver Transplantation has been around for the past 25 years, although no substantial advancement, in the form of a comprehensive protocol, had been readily available. Few centers had embraced this goal, so before we started our program, a little over a decade ago, we adopted most of these ideas into a comprehensive pathway that would swiftly carry our patients from the preoperative stage through a safe home discharge. From day one, we have used this Fast Track pathway and applied it prospectively to every single patient undergoing liver transplantation at our institution, monitoring the results periodically. We now report our results after 10 years. Patients and MethodsAll liver transplants performed at our center for the first 10 years since the start of the program (September 2012–September 2022) were included. Our standard protocol included balanced general anesthesia, fluid restriction, avoidance of transfusions, inferior vena cava preservation with temporary porto-caval shunt and thromboelastography. Standard immunosuppression administered included steroids, tacrolimus (delayed in the setting of renal impairment, with basiliximab induction added) and mycophenolate mofetil. Tacrolimus dosing was adjusted using a Bayesian estimation methodology. Oral intake and ambulation were started early. Results385 transplants were performed in 367 patients (287♂/80♀) over 120 months, mean age 57.4±9.5 years, raw MELD score 15.4±8.1. Predominant etiologies were alcohol (n=217) and HCV (n=108), with hepatocellular carcinoma present in 197 (53.7%). Eighteen patients underwent combined liver-and-kidney transplants. Mean operating time was 313±66 min with cold ischemia times of 281±85 min. Fifty-nine patients (15.3%) were transfused in the OR (2.3±1.1 units of PRBC). Extubation was immediate (< 30 min) in 365 cases (94.8%). Median ICU length of stay was 12.6 h, and median post-transplant hospital stay was 4 days (2–97) with 55 patients (15.8%) discharged home by the 2nd day, 141 (40.5%) by the 3rd day and 203 (58.3%) by the 4th day, which defined our Fast-Track group. The overall thirty-day-readmission rate was (34.5%), which became significantly lower (27.6% vs 44.1%, p=0.0014) in the Fast-Track group when compared to the regular discharge group. Patient survival was 87.6% at 1 year and 79.7% at 5 years. ConclusionFast-Tracking of Liver Transplant patients is very feasible and can be applied as the standard of care.