Optimal Surgical Conditions Research Articles

Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS) Versus Trans-Arterial (TA) Techniques for Axillary Brachial Plexus Block

Background: Axillary brachial plexus block is one of the widely used techniques for upper extremity surgery. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) provide optimal surgical conditions while providing prolonged post-operative analgesia. The transarterial (TA) technique of axillary brachial plexus block is a well established method of producing regional anaesthesia for surgeries at or below elbow. In this prospective randomized study we compared, “peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) versus trans-arterial (TA) techniques for axillary brachial plexus block” Methods: In this prospective, randomized study 80 patients, age>18 year, ASA-I & II, were divided randomly into two groups PNS and TA. In PNS groups 40 patients received axillary approach of brachial plexus block with the help of peripheral nerve stimulator, and rest TA group received axillary block through transarterial approach. Local anaesthetic 0.25% bupivacaine 15ml+1% lignocaine with adrenaline (1:200,000) 20 ml was used. Then success rate of two different methods of block were compared. Other parameters of comparison was block performance time of block, onset of sensory and motor block, failure rate, analgesia required etcetera. Results: The success rate of the block in PNS group was 90% and the success rate of TA group was 85% and there was no significant difference in success rate. Performance time was significantly low in trans-arterial axillary approach of brachial plexus block (p<0.005). There was no significant difference in onset of motor and sensory block. The sensory and motor functions returned properly in all patients. Conclusion: In our study we found that the PNS guided axillary block and TA injection axillary brachial plexus block provide similar success rate, and onset of block when musculocutaneous nerve blocked separately in the both techniques. Keywords: Axillary brachial plexus block, Trans-arterial approach, Peripheral nerve stimulator.

MODIFIED PRONE POSITIONING AFTER SPINAL ANAESTHESIA FOR TENDON ACHILLES SURGERY; RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 25 CASES

Abstract This retrospective study aims to establish that modified prone positioning after spinal anaesthesia is safe and provides optimal surgical conditions for Tendon Achilles and related limb procedures. Methods Twenty five patients who had undergone tendon Achilles repair under spinal anaesthesia in modified prone positions at Ganga Hospital India, between January 2011 and December 2012, were enrolled into the study. Results Patients were reported to be comfortable throughout the procedure and there was no incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, failed block or conversion to general anaesthesia. Conclusion Modified prone positioning after sub-arachnoid block are comfortable for patients and provide optimal condition for the surgery.

Deep neuromuscular block does not improve surgical conditions in patients receiving sevoflurane anaesthesia for laparoscopic renal surgery

BackgroundDeep neuromuscular block is associated with improved working conditions during laparoscopic surgery when propofol is used as a general anaesthetic. However, whether deep neuromuscular block yields similar beneficial effects when anaesthesia is maintained using volatile inhalation anaesthesia has not been systematically investigated. Volatile anaesthetics, as opposed to intravenous agents, potentiate muscle relaxation, which potentially reduces the need for deep neuromuscular block to obtain optimal surgical conditions. We examined whether deep neuromuscular block improves surgical conditions over moderate neuromuscular block during sevoflurane anaesthesia. MethodsIn this single-centre, prospective, randomised, double-blind study, 98 patients scheduled for elective renal surgery were randomised to receive deep (post-tetanic count 1–2 twitches) or a moderate neuromuscular block (train-of-four 1–2 twitches). Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and titrated to bispectral index values between 40 and 50. Pneumoperitoneum pressure was maintained at 12 mm Hg. The primary outcome was the difference in surgical conditions, scored at 15 min intervals by one of eight blinded surgeons using a 5-point Leiden-Surgical Rating Scale (L-SRS) that scores the quality of the surgical field from extremely poor1 to optimal5. ResultsDeep neuromuscular block did not improve surgical conditions compared with moderate neuromuscular block: mean (standard deviation) L-SRS 4.8 (0.3) vs 4.8 (0.4), respectively (P=0.94). Secondary outcomes, including unplanned postoperative readmissions and prolonged hospital admission, were not significantly different. ConclusionsDuring sevoflurane anaesthesia, deep neuromuscular block did not improve surgical conditions over moderate neuromuscular block in normal-pressure laparoscopic renal surgery. Clinical trial registrationNL7844 (www.trialregister.nl).

Intraoperative Lumbar Drain Placement in Endoscopic Neurosurgical Procedures: Technical Challenges and Complications—A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract Background Perioperative placement of lumbar drain (LD) is being increasingly preferred in the endoscopic base of skull procedures to provide optimal surgical conditions. This study aims to determine the incidence of technical difficulties and complications associated with LD placement. Materials and Methods A total of 50 patients undergoing transnasal transsphenoidal surgery were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Intraoperatively, LD was placed using an 18-gauge epidural catheter. Technical difficulties in LD placement were assessed by the number of attempts, levels attempted, difficulty in siting catheter, and obtaining free flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The incidence of complications such as postdural puncture headache (PDPH), meningitis headache, and backache was studied. Results Successful LD placement in the first attempt was obtained in 36% of the patients. Technical difficulties were encountered in 64% of the patients. Despite successful LD placement in 90% of the patients, 32% required manipulations to increase CSF flow. The drain failure rate was 10%. Drainage of >20 to 30 mL of CSF/hour was significantly associated with better surgical conditions (p < 0.05). The incidence of headache was 56% and that of backache was 26%. Headache was significantly related to difficulty in tapping CSF (p = 0.032), and backache was significantly related to the number of attempts (p < 0.001), levels attempted (p = 0.001), and large CSF volume (p = 0.004). There were no incidences of PDPH or meningitis in our series. Conclusion We conclude that the incidence of technical difficulties in LD placement with epidural catheters is high. Use of standard well-functioning LD catheters will assist in improving surgical conditions.

Incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade and use of neuromuscular blocking agents with or without antagonists: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectivesNeuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) have revolutionized the field of anesthesiology as they facilitate airway management and ensure optimal surgical conditions. Despite their beneficial and ubiquitous use during surgery, delayed or partial recovery from NMBAs, referred to as residual neuromuscular block (rNMB), is a common clinical problem. While it is well accepted that the antagonist sugammadex, compared to neostigmine, can more rapidly reverse rocuronium-induced NMB regardless of depth of block, the occurrence of rNMB for routinely used combinations of NMBAs with sugammadex or neostigmine has not yet been quantified or evaluated systematically. Review methodsWe conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to quantify and compare the incidence of rNMB [defined as train-of-four ratio (TOFR) <0.9] in patients with moderate and deep neuromuscular block. Methods recommended by Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA group were followed. ResultsA total of 35 RCTs were identified, of which 20 contributed to the meta-analysis. For moderate block, rNMB incidence at 2 min after sugammadex administration was 19.2% (95% CI 0.0–57.8; 122 patients) and declined to 2.8% (95% CI 0.0–16.7; 93 patients) at 6 min post administration. For timepoints 10 to 60 min after administration, rNMB incidence ranged between 0.05% to 2.8%. In contrast, rNMB incidence at 2 min after neostigmine administration was 100% (95% CI 89.9–100; 182 patients) and was 82% (95% CI 71.4–91.2; 93 patients) at 6 min post administration. For timepoints 10 to 60 min after administration, rNMB incidence ranged between 14 and 32%. For deep block, rNMB incidence following sugammadex was essentially reduced to 1% at 15 min after administration. Residual NMB incidence following neostigmine remained at or above 95% for the first 60 min after administration. ConclusionsOverall, based on evidence from 20 RCTs, our results suggest that the combination of rocuronium or vecuronium plus sugammadex is more effective and more rapid in reversing NMB compared with combinations of rocuronium, vecuronium, cisatracurium, or pancuronium plus neostigmine.

Differential lung ventilation for increased oxygenation during one lung ventilation for video assisted lung surgery

BackgroundOne lung ventilation (OLV) is the technique used during lung resection surgery in order to facilitate optimal surgical conditions. OLV may result in hypoxemia due to the shunt created. Several techniques are used to overcome the hypoxemia, one of which is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the non-dependent lung. Another technique is ventilating the non-dependent lung with a minimal volume, thus creating differential lung ventilation (DLV). In this study we compared the efficacy of CPAP to DLV during video assisted thoracoscopic lung resection.Patients and methodThis is a prospective study of 30 adult patients undergoing elective video assisted thoracoscopic lung lobectomy. Each patient was ventilated in four modes: two lung ventilation, OLV, OLV + CPAP and OLV + DLV. Fifteen patients were ventilated with CPAP first and DLV next, and the other 15 were ventilated with DLV first and then CPAP. Five minutes separated each mode, during which the non-dependent lung was open to room air. We measured the patient’s arterial blood gas during each mode of ventilation. The surgeons, who were blinded to the ventilation technique, were asked to assess the surgical conditions at each stage.ResultsOxygenation during OLV+ CPAP was significantly lower that OLV + DLV (p = 0.018). There were insignificant alterations of pH, PCO2 and HCO3 during the different ventilating modes. The surgeons’ assessments of interference in the field exposure between OLV + CPAP or OLV + DLV was found to be insignificant (p = 0.073).ConclusionsDuring OLV, DLV is superior to CPAP in improving patient’s oxygenation, and may be used where CPAP failed.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03563612. Registered 9 June 2018, retrospectively (due to clerical error).

ANESTHESIA OF AQUARIUM-HOUSED WALRUS ( ODOBENUS ROSMARUS): A CASE SERIES.

Walruses are a challenging species to anesthetize as a result of their large mass, limited access for drug delivery, unique physiology, and small number of reports describing anesthetic procedures. Three aquarium-housed walruses ( Odobenus rosmarus) ranging in age from 3 to 11 yr old (344-1,000 kg) were anesthetized for dental or ophthalmic surgical procedures, with one animal anesthetized twice and one anesthetized three times. Preanesthetic medication was with intramuscular midazolam (0.1-0.2 mg/kg) and meperidine (2-3 mg/kg). A catheter was placed in the extradural intravertebral vein, and anesthesia was induced with propofol to effect. Orotracheal intubation was performed and anesthesia maintained with isoflurane in oxygen using a circle breathing system connected to a ventilator. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation was used in all procedures. For the ophthalmic surgery, the neuromuscular blocking agent, cisatracurium, was given intravenously to provide a central eye and optimal surgical conditions. The neuromuscular block was antagonized with edrophonium. Total anesthesia times ranged from 1.5 to 6 hr. Midazolam and meperidine were antagonized with flumazenil and naltrexone, respectively, in five of six cases. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents were provided for analgesia. Recoveries were calm and uneventful. The described anesthetic protocols and case management were successful under the conditions encountered.

Recent advances and anaesthetic considerations in corneal transplantation.

Significant surgical advances have been made recently in corneal transplantation. Penetrating keratoplasty was the dominant method from 1905, until selective lamellar keratoplasty emerged as the preferred technique over the last 20 years. Advanced techniques such as corneal limbal stem cell transplant and keratoprosthesis are also available. The major surgical complications of corneal transplantation are extrusion of ocular content and expulsive choroidal haemorrhage. It is essential for an ophthalmic anaesthetist to have a good understanding of these new surgical procedures so as to provide optimal surgical conditions. This article aims to inform anaesthetists about the recent surgical advances in corneal transplantation and explore the anaesthetic considerations of these new techniques. General anaesthesia remains suitable for a wide range of these procedures especially in repeat surgery, difficult, or prolonged procedures. Regional ophthalmic blocks are ideal for endothelial keratoplasty but can be used in penetrating keratoplasty based on individual risk-benefit assessment, and as a supplement to general anaesthesia. Topical anaesthesia provides an alternative when general anaesthesia and ophthalmic regional blocks are less desirable but overall its use is limited.

High‐flow apnoeic oxygenation delivered by LMA or tracheal tube for tracheal resection and reconstruction surgery

SummaryAirway management for tracheal resection and reconstruction can be challenging. 'LET Flow' is a novel technique using a high‐flow oxygen delivery device attached directly to a laryngeal mask or tracheal tube that may provide apnoeic oxygenation during surgery on an open trachea.We report a case where a high‐flow oxygen device, AIRVOTM 2 (Fisher &amp; Paykel Healthcare, Aukland, New Zealand), was attached to a size three laryngeal mask airway and 100% oxygen at a flow‐rate of 40 l.min‐1 delivered across an open trachea. This permitted 42 minutes of uninterrupted surgery in an apnoeic female patient with subglottic tracheal stenosis. Oxygen saturations remained above 96% during the apnoeic period and arterial blood gas parameters within acceptable limits. To avoid possible barotrauma or volutrauma as complete tracheal closure approached, flow was reduced to 10 l.min‐1 followed by laryngeal mask cuff deflation. Mechanical ventilation recommenced at tracheal closure. 'LET Flow' provided optimal surgical conditions by removing an airway device from the operative field. No urgent interruption of surgery or rescue mechanical ventilation was required.

Influence of depth of neuromuscular blockade on surgical conditions during low-pressure pneumoperitoneum laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A randomized blinded study

Study objectiveTo evaluate the influence of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) on surgical conditions during low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (8mmHg) laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), while comparing moderate and deep NMB. Secondary objective was to evaluate if surgical conditions during low-pressure pneumoperitoneum LC performed with deep NMB could be comparable to those provided during standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum (12mmHg) LC. DesignProspective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. SettingOperating room. PatientsNinety ASA 1–2 patients scheduled for elective LC. InterventionsPatients were allocated into 3 groups: Group 1: low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with moderate-NMB (1–3 TOF), Group 2: low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep-NMB (1–5 PTC) and Group 3: standard pneumoperitoneum (12mmHg). Rocuronium was used to induce NMB and acceleromiography was used for NMB monitoring (TOF-Watch-SX). MeasurementsThree experienced surgeons evaluated surgical conditions using a four-step scale at three time-points: surgical field exposure, dissection of the gallbladder and extraction/closure. Main resultsLow-pressure pneumoperitoneum (Group 1 vs. 2): good conditions: 96.7 vs. 96.7%, 90 vs. 80% and 89.6 vs. 92.3%, respectively for the time-points, p>0.05. No differences in optimal surgical conditions were observed between the groups. Surgery completion at 8mmHg pneumoperitoneum: 96.7 vs. 86.7%, p=0.353.Standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum vs. low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep NMB (Group 3 vs. 2): good conditions: 100% in Group 3 for the three time-points (p=0.024 vs. Group 2 at dissection of the gallbladder). Significantly greater percentage of optimal conditions during standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum LC at the three time points of evaluation. ConclusionsThe depth of NMB was found not to be decisive neither in the improvement of surgical conditions nor in the completion of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum LC performed by experienced surgeons. Surgical conditions were considered better with a standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum, regardless of the depth of NMB, than during low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep NMB.

Perturbation treadmill training improves clinical rating of the motor symptoms gait and postural stability, and sensor-based gait parameters in Parkinson’s disease

Although deep neuromuscular block (post-tetanic-count 1-2 twitches) improves surgical conditions during laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery compared with standard block (train-of-four 1-2 twitches), the quality of surgical conditions varies widely, often related to diaphragmatic contractions. Hypocapnia may improve surgical conditions. Therefore we studied the effect of changes in arterial carbon dioxide concentrations on surgical conditions in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia and deep neuromuscular block.Forty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for prostatectomy or nephrectomy received propofol/remifentanil anaesthesia and deep neuromuscular block with rocuronium. Patients were randomized to surgery under hypocapnic or hypercapnic conditions. During surgery, the surgical conditions were evaluated using the 5-point Leiden-Surgical Rating Scale (L-SRS) ranging from 1 (extremely poor conditions) to 5 (optimal conditions) by the surgeon, who was blinded to group.Mean (sd) arterial carbon dioxide concentrations were 4.5 (0.6) [range: 3.8–5.6] kPa under hypocapnic and 6.9 (0.6) [6.1–8.1] kPa under hypercapnic conditions. The L-SRS did not differ between groups: 4.84 (0.4) [4-5] in hypocapnia and 4.77 (0.4) [3.9–5] in hypercapnia. Ninety-nine percent of ratings were good or excellent irrespective of treatment.Deep neuromuscular block provides good to optimal surgical conditions in laparoscopic retroperitoneal urological surgery, independent of the level of arterial PCO2.NCT01968447.

Intraoperative care for aortic surgery using circulatory arrest.

The total circulatory arrest (CA) is necessary to achieve optimal surgical conditions in certain aortic pathologies, especially in those affecting the ascending aorta and aortic arch. During this procedure it is necessary to protect all the organs of ischemia, especially those of the central nervous system and for this purpose several strategies have been developed. The first and most important protective method is systemic hypothermia. The degree of hypothermia and the route of application have been evolving and currently tend to use moderate hypothermia (MH) (20.1-28 °C) associated with unilateral or bilateral selective cerebral perfusion methods. In this way the neurological results are better, the interval of security is greater and the times of extracorporeal circulation are smaller. Even so, it is necessary to take into account that there is the possibility of ischemia in the lower part of the body, especially of the abdominal viscera and the spinal cord, therefore the time of circulatory stop should be limited and not to exceed 80 minutes. Evidence of possible neurological drug protection is very weak and only mannitol, magnesium, and statins can produce some benefit. Inhalational anesthetics and some intravenous seem to have advantages, but more studies would be needed to test their long-term benefit. Other important parameters to be monitored during these procedures are blood glucose, anemia and coagulation disorders and acid-base balance. The recommended monitoring is common in complex cardiovascular procedures and it is of special importance the neurological monitoring that can be performed with several techniques, although currently the most used are Bispectral Index (BIS) and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). It is also essential to monitor the temperature routinely at the nasopharyngeal and bladder level and it is important to control coagulation with rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).

Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Improves Laparoscopic Surgical Conditions: A Randomized, Controlled Study.

Sustained deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) during laparoscopic surgery may facilitate optimal surgical conditions. This exploratory study assessed whether deep NMB improves surgical conditions and, in doing so, allows use of lower insufflation pressures during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We further assessed whether use of low insufflation pressure improves patient pain scores after surgery. This randomized, controlled, blinded study (NCT01728584) compared use of deep (1-2 post-tetanic-counts) or moderate (train-of-four ratio 10%) NMB, and lower (8mmHg) or higher (12mmHg; 'standard') insufflation pressure in a 2×2 factorial design. Primary endpoint was surgeon's overall satisfaction with surgical conditions, rated at end of surgery using an 11-point numerical scale. Post-operative pain scores were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Of 127 randomized patients, 120 had evaluable data for the primary endpoint. Surgeon's score of overall satisfaction with surgical conditions was significantly higher with deep versus moderate NMB indicated by a least-square mean difference of 1.1 points (95% confidence interval 0.1-2.0; P=0.026). Furthermore, strong evidence of an effect was observed for standard versus low pressure: least-square mean difference of 3.0 points (95% confidence interval 2.1-4.0; P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in average pain scores within 24h post-surgery for low versus standard pressure [0.17 (95% confidence interval -0.67 to +0.33); P=0.494]. Although associated with significantly improved surgical conditions, deep NMB alone was insufficient to promote use of low insufflation pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Furthermore, low insufflation pressure did not result in reduced pain, compared with standard pressure. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01728584. Merck Sharp and Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.

Intranasal atomised dexmedetomidine optimises surgical field visualisation with decreased blood loss during endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized study

Safe and effective endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) depends on distinct surgical visibility. Various interventions are proposed to reduce intranasal bleeding. This study investigated whether intranasal atomised dexmedetomidine (DEX) provided optimal surgical conditions and decreased blood loss. ASA I or II patients undergoing ESS were randomly assigned to receive either 2 μg/kg intranasal DEX (group D) or the same volume of saline (group N) 15 min before induction. Lund-Mackay (LM) scores represented the extent of the preoperative surgical lesion and were obtained based on the computed tomographic scans. Estimated blood loss was recorded. The visibility of the surgical field was rated by surgeons on a numerical rating scale (NRS) or assessed using Boezaart score. Median blood loss in groups D and N was 75 and 100 ml, respectively. NRS and Boezaart score for surgical condition were lower in group D than in group N. LM score showed a positive correlation between NRS and Boezaart score in group N but not in group D. Intranasal atomised DEX resulted in improved surgical conditions with less bleeding during ESS despite the severity of the preoperative surgical lesion.

Anesthesia for Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is used in the treatment of patients with functional neurological disorders but has expanded to include many other disorders. The target site for stimulation is dependent on the disease and symptoms of each patient. The procedure includes imaging techniques to visualize and establish coordinates to the nuclei, electrophysiological guidance with microelectrode recordings, and testing of an awake patient. The goals of anesthesia are to provide optimal surgical conditions and patient comfort, facilitate target localization and diagnosis, and treat complications. The choice of anesthetic agents and techniques will depend not only on the specific patient population and stimulation target but also varies according to institutional practice. Monitored anesthesia care, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia have all been used successfully. Perioperative complications include intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, and venous air embolism. The anesthetic management will continue to evolve with new developments in surgical, imaging, and monitoring techniques, and the understanding of the effects of drugs on electrophysiological recordings.

Influence of variations in arterial PCO2 on surgical conditions during laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery

BackgroundAlthough deep neuromuscular block (post-tetanic-count 1-2 twitches) improves surgical conditions during laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery compared with standard block (train-of-four 1-2 twitches), the quality of surgical conditions varies widely, often related to diaphragmatic contractions. Hypocapnia may improve surgical conditions. Therefore we studied the effect of changes in arterial carbon dioxide concentrations on surgical conditions in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia and deep neuromuscular block. MethodsForty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for prostatectomy or nephrectomy received propofol/remifentanil anaesthesia and deep neuromuscular block with rocuronium. Patients were randomized to surgery under hypocapnic or hypercapnic conditions. During surgery, the surgical conditions were evaluated using the 5-point Leiden-Surgical Rating Scale (L-SRS) ranging from 1 (extremely poor conditions) to 5 (optimal conditions) by the surgeon, who was blinded to group. ResultsMean (sd) arterial carbon dioxide concentrations were 4.5 (0.6) [range: 3.8–5.6] kPa under hypocapnic and 6.9 (0.6) [6.1–8.1] kPa under hypercapnic conditions. The L-SRS did not differ between groups: 4.84 (0.4) [4-5] in hypocapnia and 4.77 (0.4) [3.9–5] in hypercapnia. Ninety-nine percent of ratings were good or excellent irrespective of treatment. ConclusionsDeep neuromuscular block provides good to optimal surgical conditions in laparoscopic retroperitoneal urological surgery, independent of the level of arterial PCO2. Clinical trial registrationNCT01968447.

Intranasal atomised dexmedetomidine optimises surgical field visualisation with decreased blood loss during endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized study.

Safe and effective endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) depends on distinct surgical visibility. Various interventions are proposed to reduce intranasal bleeding. This study investigated whether intranasal atomised dexmedetomidine (DEX) provided optimal surgical conditions and decreased blood loss. ASA I or II patients undergoing ESS were randomly assigned to receive either 2 μg/kg intranasal DEX (group D) or the same volume of saline (group N) 15 min before induction. Lund-Mackay (LM) scores represented the extent of the preoperative surgical lesion and were obtained based on the computed tomographic scans. Estimated blood loss was recorded. The visibility of the surgical field was rated by surgeons on a numerical rating scale (NRS) or assessed using Boezaart score. Median blood loss in groups D and N was 75 and 100 ml, respectively. NRS and Boezaart score for surgical condition were lower in group D than in group N. LM score showed a positive correlation between NRS and Boezaart score in group N but not in group D. Intranasal atomised DEX resulted in improved surgical conditions with less bleeding during ESS despite the severity of the preoperative surgical lesion.

The oromaxillofacial rehabilitation in orthodontic-surgical protocols

Oro-maxillo-facial rehabilitation is an ancient practice that has developed over recent years through research and integration with physiotherapists in multidisciplinary teams, as is the case with orthodontic-surgical procedures. At the same time, the progress made in orthognathic and orthodontic surgery over the last 20 years encourages more and more patients to undergo surgery. Preoperative treatment is based on early assessment and preparation for optimal surgical conditions to come up with a functional plan. A short stay in a hospital, focusing on rehabilitation, is recommended. During the postoperative phase, the key objectives are to ensure the muscles and arteries all function perfectly, acceptance of the new face, and the immediate correction of any orofacial dyspraxia that has occurred during myofunctional therapy. The various specialists in this multidisciplinary team must constantly be in communication. The importance of postoperative physiotherapy will be illustrated by a study consisting of 35 cases of maxillomandibular osteotomy with orthodontic preparation and monitoring. The purpose of this study is to show occurrence of suboccipital and cervical muscle tensions as well as masticatory muscles. Then we will be able to see the importance of these practices, the impact on recovery, the impact on posture and how best to treat.

Update on transient cardiac standstill in cerebrovascular surgery.

Transient cardiac standstill is a complementary procedure used with microsurgery to treat patients with particularly complex aneurysms, such as large or giant cerebral aneurysms. These procedures allow the aneurysms to be decompressed while maintaining a bloodless field and increased surgical exposure. Deep hypothermia combined with circulatory arrest provides cerebroprotection with optimal surgical conditions. However, its disadvantage is the relatively high risk of the procedure, which requires extensive expertise and infrastructure. Thus, its use is typically limited to patients with complex posterior circulation aneurysms. Adenosine-induced transient asystole is an easily applied technique in a variety of clinical situations. Its use requires minimal advanced preparation and no complex logistical coordination with other subspecialties. However, patient-specific dose-response relationships must be determined by exposure, so the relationship may not be known in an emergent situation. Persistent hypotension is a potentially major complication. Rapid ventricular pacing (RVP) has recently been reintroduced into cerebrovascular surgery. It is more predictable than adenosine in response time and, thus, can be used during unanticipated complications, such as aneurysmal rupture. It also induces a shorter period of hypotension compared with adenosine. However, RVP is more invasive and more complex from an anesthesia standpoint. Vascular neurosurgeons should be familiar with these techniques and know their applications and limitations.

Intra-operative Communication Regarding Neuromuscular Blockade: A Survey of Anaesthesiologists and Surgeons

Background: Surgeons and anesthesiologists have shared but often-conflicting objectives for neuromuscular relaxation. While surgeons require neuromuscular relaxation to optimize surgical conditions, anesthesiologists must balance these requests for additional muscle relaxation with timely extubation and operating room efficiency. Methods: An internet based survey of anesthesiologists and surgeons was conducted between November 14th and December 4th, 2013. Respondents were asked a series of questions about pre-, intra- and post-operative communication regarding neuromuscular relaxation in open and laparoscopic procedures. Results: A total of 256 anesthesiologists and 254 surgeons completed the survey. The most common reason cited by surgeons for requesting more neuromuscular relaxation in open procedures was difficulty closing the incision (86%) and in laparoscopic procedures it was patients’ breathing or straining while intubated (89%). Anesthesiologists honor surgeon’s requests for additional neuromuscular relaxation 60% of the time via NMB, choosing alternate approaches the remainder of the time. Reasons cited by anaesthesiologists as to why they were unlikely to administer more NMB upon request were that it was too close to the end of surgery (48%) or that they felt the patient was sufficiently relaxed (38%). Conclusions: Surgeons’ requests for additional neuromuscular relaxation at the end of surgery appear to be in conflict with anesthesiologists’ desire for rapid reversal and timely extubation. Neuromuscular management approaches that provide surgeons with adequate muscle relaxation and optimal surgical conditions, while allowing anesthesiologists to provide timely extubation, should be explored.