Subarachnoid Anesthesia Research Articles

Intravenous Parecoxib and Continuous Femoral Block for Postoperative Analgesia after Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Randomized, DoubleBlind, Prospective Trial

Background: Up until now, the optimal strategy for postoperative pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains to be elucidated. Objective: The current investigation aimed to examine the analgesic efficacy and the opioid sparing effects of intravenous parecoxib in combination with continuous femoral blockade. Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, prospective trial. Setting: University hospital in the United Kingdom. Methods: In total, 90 patients underwent TKA under subarachnoid anesthesia and received continuous femoral block initially as a bolus with 20 mL of ropivacaine 0.75%. Infusion of 0.2% on 10 mL/h followed. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. Group D and Group P received parecoxib and placebo, respectively at 12 hour time intervals. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were obtained at different time intervals including 4, 8, 12, 24 and 36 hours. The pain scores were measured with patients in a resting position. Morphine could also be administered with a patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pump if the specified analgesia was deemed inadequate (VAS > 5). Results: None of the patients were withdrawn from the study. Parecoxib provided greater relief than placebo following TKA. The VAS pain scores measured at rest were statistically significantly lower in parecoxib-treated patients compared to the placebo group (P = 0.007) at 4 (P = 0.044), 12 (P = 0.001), and 24 hours (P = 0.012), postoperatively. Patients receiving parecoxib consumed less morphine at all time intervals than patients receiving placebo, with borderline statistical significance (P = 0.054). In each time period, all patients receiving continuous femoral block irrespectively of the treatment group, required low morphine doses. Limitations: Current protocol did not answer question as to functional recovery. Conclusion: According to our findings intravenous parecoxib in combination with continuous femoral block provided superior analgesic efficacy and opioid sparing effects in patients undergoing TKA. Key words: Anesthesia, TKA, morphine, opioids, VAS scores, continuous femoral block

Comparación de los efectos profilácticos del droperidol y del ondansetrón sobre el prurito provocado por la morfina subaracnoidea

Background and objectivesThe prophylactic effect of ondansetron on subarachnoid morphine-induced pruritus is controversial, while evidence suggests that droperidol prevents pruritus. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of droperidol and ondansetron on subarachnoid morphine-induced pruritus. MethodsOne hundred eighty patients ASA I or II patients scheduled to undergo cesarean sections under subarachnoid anesthesia combined with morphine 0.2mg were randomized to receive, after the child's birth, metoclopramide 10mg (Group I-control), droperidol 2.5mg (Group II) or ondansetron 8mg (Group III). Postoperatively, the patients were assessed for pruritus (absent, mild, moderate or severe) or other side effects by blinded investigators. Patients were also blinded to their group allocation. The tendency to present more severe forms of pruritus was compared between groups. NNT was also determined. ResultsPatients assigned to receive droperidol (proportional odds ratio: 0.45 [95% confidence interval 0.23-0.88]) reported less pruritus than those who received metoclopramide. Ondansetron effect was similar to metoclopramide (proportional odds ratio: 0.95 [95% confidence interval 0.49-1.83]). The NNT for droperidol and ondansetron was 4.0 and 14.7, respectively. ConclusionsOndansetron does not inhibit subarachnoid morphine-induced pruritus.

Comparison of droperidol and ondansetron prophylactic effect on subarachnoid morphine-induced pruritus

Background and objectivesThe prophylactic effect of ondansetron on subarachnoid morphine-induced pruritus is controversial, while evidence suggests that droperidol prevents pruritus. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of droperidol and ondansetron on subarachnoid morphine-induced pruritus. Methods180 ASA I or II patients scheduled to undergo cesarean sections under subarachnoid anesthesia combined with morphine 0.2mg were randomized to receive, after the child's birth, metoclopramide 10mg (Group I – control), droperidol 2.5mg (Group II) or ondansetron 8mg (Group III). Postoperatively, the patients were assessed for pruritus (absent, mild, moderate or severe) or other side effects by blinded investigators. Patients were also blinded to their group allocation. The tendency to present more severe forms of pruritus was compared between groups. NNT was also determined. ResultsPatients assigned to receive droperidol [Proportional odds ratio: 0.45 (95% confidence interval 0.23–0.88)] reported less pruritus than those who received metoclopramide. Ondansetron effect was similar to metoclopramide [Proportional odds ratio: 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.49–1.83)]. The NNT for droperidol and ondansetron was 4.0 and 14.7, respectively. ConclusionsOndansetron does not inhibit subarachnoid morphine-induced pruritus.

Comparação dos efeitos profiláticos do droperidol e do ondansetron sobre o prurido provocado pela morfina subaracnoidea

Background and objectivesThe prophylactic effect of ondansetron on subarachnoid morphine‐induced pruritus is controversial, while evidence suggests that droperidol prevents pruritus. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of droperidol and ondansetron on subarachnoid morphine‐induced pruritus. Methods180 ASA I or II patients scheduled to undergo cesarean sections under subarachnoid anesthesia combined with morphine 0.2mg were randomized to receive, after the child's birth, metoclopramide 10mg (Group I – control), droperidol 2.5mg (Group II) or ondansetron 8mg (Group III). Postoperatively, the patients were assessed for pruritus (absent, mild, moderate or severe) or other side effects by blinded investigators. Patients were also blinded to their group allocation. The tendency to present more severe forms of pruritus was compared between groups. NNT was also determined. ResultsPatients assigned to receive droperidol [Proportional odds ratio: 0.45 (95% confidence interval 0.23‐0.88)] reported less pruritus than those who received metoclopramide. Ondansetron effect was similar to metoclopramide [Proportional odds ratio: 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.49‐1.83)]. The NNT for droperidol and ondansetron was 4.0 and 14.7, respectively. ConclusionsOndansetron does not inhibit subarachnoid morphine‐induced pruritus.

Comparación de 3 pautas de sedación para pacientes sometidos a anestesia subaracnoidea. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, simple ciego

IntroductionSedation is defined as the set of actions aimed at having a quiet, comfortable, pain-free patient during a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure without any bad memories. Since the standard regional anesthesia techniques used in clinical practice are relatively traumatic and painful procedures, sedation has been introduced to make these interventions more comfortable for the patient and to facilitate the patient's cooperation. ObjectiveTo establish the efficacy of three sedation guidelines in patients undergoing subarachnoid anesthesia. MethodologyExperimental, randomized, prospective, single blind clinical trial comparing three guidelines for the sedation of patients undergoing subarachnoid anesthesia. ResultsAll of the patients in the trial received anxiolysis, collaborated with the puncture and said that they would not be afraid to receive subarachnoid anesthesia in the future. There were no complications including respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting or any other complications reported with the use of the sedation guidelines. Patient satisfaction was high. Withdrawal reflex (P=0.0003) and puncture related pain (P=0.0069) were more common in the group using the intravenous midazolam-only guideline and patient satisfaction with sedation was also lower in this group; however, the three guidelines showed good efficacy. ConclusionsThe three sedation guidelines presented were effectively used in subarachnoid anesthesia; the results were more favorable with the use of midazolam + fentanyl or midazolam + ketamine.p-2011-1682 Colciencias. Registro # NCT0213664 (clinicaltrials.gov,prospectivo).

A comparative analysis of 3 sedation guidelines for patients undergoing subarachnoid anesthesia. Randomized, single blind clinical trial

IntroductionSedation is defined as the set of actions aimed at having a quiet, comfortable, pain-free patient during a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure without any bad memories. Since the standard regional anesthesia techniques used in clinical practice are relatively traumatic and painful procedures, sedation has been introduced to make these interventions more comfortable for the patient and to facilitate the patient's cooperation. ObjectiveTo establish the efficacy of three sedation guidelines in patients undergoing subarachnoid anesthesia. MethodologyExperimental, randomized, prospective, single blind clinical trial comparing three guidelines for the sedation of patients undergoing subarachnoid anesthesia. ResultsAll of the patients in the trial received anxiolysis, collaborated with the puncture and said that they would not be afraid to receive subarachnoid anesthesia in the future. There were no complications including respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting or any other complications reported with the use of the sedation guidelines. Patient satisfaction was high. Withdrawal reflex (P=0.0003) and puncture related pain (P=0.0069) were more common in the group using the intravenous midazolam-only guideline and patient satisfaction with sedation was also lower in this group; however, the three guidelines showed good efficacy. ConclusionsThe three sedation guidelines presented were effectively used in subarachnoid anesthesia; the results were more favorable with the use of midazolam+fentanyl or midazolam+ketamine.p-2011-1682 Colciencias. Registro # NCT0213664 (clinicaltrials.gov,prospectivo).

Femoral nerve infusion after primary total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial.

ObjectivesEffective analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) improves patient satisfaction, mobility and expedites discharge. This study assessed whether continuous femoral nerve infusion (CFNI) was superior to a single-shot femoral nerve block in primary TKA surgery completed under subarachnoid blockade including morphine.MethodsWe performed an adequately powered, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled trial comparing CFNI of 0.125% bupivacaine versus normal saline following a single-shot femoral nerve block and subarachnoid anaesthesia with intrathecal morphine for primary TKA. Patients were randomised to either treatment (CFNI 0 ml to 10 ml/h 0.125% bupivacaine) or placebo (CFNI 0 ml to 10 ml/h normal saline). Both groups received a single-shot femoral nerve block (0.25% 20 ml bupivacaine) prior to placement of femoral nerve catheter and subarachnoid anaesthesia with intrathecal morphine. All patients had a standardised analgesic protocol. The primary end point was post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score over 72 hours post-surgery. Secondary outcomes were morphine equivalent dose, range of movement, side effects, and length of stay.ResultsA total of 86 patients were recruited. Treatment and placebo groups were comparable. No significant difference was found in VAS pain scores, total morphine equivalent requirements, side effects, range of movement, motor block, or length of hospital stay.ConclusionNo significant advantage was found for CFNI over a single-shot femoral block and subarachnoid anaesthesia after TKA.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:11–16.

A rare complication of spinal anesthesia: Intracranial subdural hemorrhage

Spinal (subarachnoid) anesthesia (SA) is a widely used general-purpose anesthesia. Postdural Puncture Headaches (PDPHs) represent one of the principal complications of spinal anesthesia. A 21-year-old man underwent inguinal herniorrhaphy and orchiectomy using spinal anesthesia. Postoperatively, our patient started to have a headache with nausea. The patient received symptomatic therapy, but the severe headache persisted even in the supine position, with his vital signs and neurological examination being normal. Cranial MRI showed a bilateral subdural hematoma from his frontal to temporal region. A postdural puncture headache is a frequent complication after spinal anesthesia. However, serious complications, such as an intracranial subdural hemorrhage, can rarely occur.

Ondansetron Does Not Attenuate Hemodynamic Changes in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery Using Subarachnoid Anesthesia

Hypotension is the most common complication after subarachnoid anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Several therapeutic and preventive measures are used to attenuate this side effect. Serotonin receptor-blocking drugs have been suggested as one such approach. We sought to determine whether prophylactically administered intravenous ondansetron could attenuate hypotension in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery performed under subarachnoid anesthesia. Eighty-six patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were recruited and randomly allocated to receive either 8 mg intravenous ondansetron (group O; n = 44) or placebo (group P; n = 42) in a prospective double-blind design. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured at baseline and at 3-minute intervals from the time of initiation of subarachnoid anesthesia until delivery. Ondansetron effect on hemodynamics (SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR) was quantified and analyzed using a linear mixed effect model. We did not find differences in SBP (P = 0.78), MAP (P = 0.89), DBP (P = 0.82), or HR (P = 0.18) between the 2 groups during the study period. Phenylephrine requirements to treat hypotension were 350 μg (175-700 μg) in group O and 450 μg (300-700 μg) in group P (P = 0.30). The incidence of pruritus was 63% (n = 28 of 44) in group O and 56% (n = 23 of 42) in group P (difference, 0.08 [95% confidence interval, -0.23 to 0.41], P = 0.59). No difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting or sensory level was found. Ondansetron premedication does not attenuate hemodynamic changes after subarachnoid anesthesia nor does it reduce the amount of vasopressor use, pruritus, or nausea and vomiting.

Comparison of the Concentrations of Lidocaine in Different Body Fluids/Tissues after Subarachnoid Space and Intravenous Administration of a Lethal Dose of Lidocaine

The objective of the study was to compare the concentration of lidocaine in different body fluids/tissues after subarachnoid space and intravenous administrations of a lethal dose of lidocaine. Totally 18 dogs were used in the experiment. Six dogs were given subarachnoid anesthesia, another were given an intravenous injection of a dose of 75 mg/kg weight of lidocaine hydrochloride in 5 min and the last 6 dogs were used as the blank control dogs and given a subarachnoid space injection or a femoral artery injection of the same volume of sodium chloride. As soon as its vital signs disappeared, each dog was dissected and the specimen, such as brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in lateral ventricle, CSF in subarachnoid space, spinal cord (cervical spinal cord, thoracic spinal cord, lumbar spinal cord, and waist spinal cord), heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, bile, urine, heart blood, peripheral blood, muscle in injection location, and muscle in no injection location, were collected for analysis of lidocaine immediately. Analysis was performed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). From the maximum to the minimum, the order of lidocaine concentration detected in the subarachnoid space-administered dogs was as follows: CSF in subarachnoid space, waist spinal cord, thoracic spinal cord, CSF in lateral ventricle, lumbar spinal cord, cervical spinal cord, lung, kidney, muscle in injection location, heart, brain, spleen, heart blood, liver, peripheral blood, bile, muscle in no injection location, and urine. The order of lidocaine concentration detected in the intravenously administered dogs was as followed: Kidney, heart, lung, spleen, brain, liver, peripheral blood, bile, heart blood, cervical spinal cord, thoracic spinal cord, muscle in injection location, lumbar spinal cord, muscle in no injection location, CSF in subarachnoid space, urine, and CSF in lateral ventricle. The maximum concentration of lidocaine was detected in the subarachnoid space CSF of subarachnoid space-administered dead dogs, while in intravenously injected dead dogs, the maximum concentration of lidocaine was detected in the kidney. Our study provides some useful data for the forensic identification of epidural anesthesia accidents to decide the way the lidocaine enters the body.

Comparison of Spinal Anesthetic Effect between Emulsified Isoflurane and Emulsified Nonimmobilizer F6

Background: Our previous study found that emulsified isoflurane (EI) produced subarachnoid anesthesia in dogs. The spinal effect of isoflurane might account for its immobility action. 1, 2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane (F6) is a nonimmobilizer that is incapable of causing immobility, it is therefore interesting to know whether there are different spinal anesthetic actions between emulsified F6 and isoflurane and their underlying mechanisms.Methods: EI and emulsified F6 were intrathecally injected into rats, and motor and sensory functions were evaluated. Sodium channel currents were recorded from spinal neurons. The effect of EI and emulsified F6 on sodium channel was examined.Results: EI produced subarachnoid anesthesia (median effective concentration [EC50]at 3.65%). Duration of actions of 8% EI was similar to 1% lidocaine. Emulsified F6 did not produce spinal anesthesia at 2% (5 folds of its predicted EC50). Meanwhile, EI inhibited sodium channel currents with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 0.81±0.09 mmol/L and hyperpolarized voltage-dependent inactivation of sodium channel (from -57.5±2.4 to -66.3±1.8 mV, P<0.01). Emulsified F6 slightly inhibited sodium channel currents and no effect was found to the channel gating.Conclusions: Neither spinal anesthetic action nor effect to sodium channel was observed for nonimmobilizer F6, while EI inhibited spinal neurons sodium channels at clinically relevant concentrations and produced spinal anesthesia. Citation: Jiao Guo, Cheng Zhou, Peng Liang, Xiao-jia Wang, Yi Zhao, Jin Liu. Comparison of spinal anesthetic effect between emulsified isoflurane and emulsified nonimmobilizer F6. J Anesth Perioper Med 2015; 2: 1-7. doi: 10.24015/JAPM.2015.0001This is an open-access article, published by Evidence Based Communications (EBC). This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format for any lawful purpose. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

The influence of intravenous ondansetron on maternal blood haemodynamics after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

verification of a hypothesis assuming that 5-HT3 receptor blockade by intravenous administration of ondansetron reduces the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section. The study design was approved by the Bioethics Committee and included 72 patients undergoing elective Caesarean section, randomly assigned to ondansetron group (group 0) or placebo group (group P). Finally group 0 encompassed 35 patients administered ondansetron 8 mg i.v. dissolved in 10 ml 0.9% NaCl whereas group P consisted of 34 patients receiving 0.9% NaCl 10 mg. Systolic and diastolic pressures were measured every 2 minutes since the onset of anaesthesia. Heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously The criterion of hypotension requiring ephedrine was a decrease in systolic pressure by 20% compared to its baseline value or a decrease in systolic pressure below 90 mm Hg. The criterion of bradycardia was a decrease in HR below 60/min. Hypotension was observed in 14 group 0 patients (39%) and in 15 group P patients (44%); the difference was not statistically significant. Bradycardia was noted in 1 group 0 patient (3%) and in 2 group P patients (6%); the difference was not statistically significant. A hypothesis assuming a reduction in pressure following subarachnoid anaesthesia for Caesarean section after the administration of 8 mg of ondansetron was not confirmed.

A Randomized Controlled Comparison Between Combined Spinal-Epidural and Single-Shot Spinal Techniques in Morbidly Obese Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery

BACKGROUND: There is no current consensus on the optimal technique for subarachnoid anesthesia in morbidly obese parturients even though some providers prefer the combined spinalepidural (CSE) over single-shot spinal (SSS) technique. In this randomized controlled study, we compared the time required for initiation of subarachnoid anesthesia between SSS and CSE techniques in morbidly obese parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery. METHODS: Morbidly obese parturients presenting for elective cesarean delivery were randomized to receive subarachnoid anesthesia performed either with a SSS or a CSE technique. The spinal procedure in the sitting position was attempted by an experienced resident for up to 10 minutes, and if unsuccessful, the attending obstetric anesthesiologist assumed control of the procedure. The primary outcome was the time it took from the insertion of the introducer needle (SSS group) or insertion of the epidural needle (CSE group) to the end of intrathecal injection of drugs (procedure time). RESULTS: Forty-four patients were enrolled and completed the study. Three were excluded due to protocol violations. Of the remaining, 21 patients were in the SSS group and 20 in the CSE group. Demographic variables and mean (SD) body mass index (48.7 ± 7.6 kg/m 2 for SSS; 49.9 ± 8.6 kg/m 2 for CSE) were not different between groups. The median [interquartile range] for procedure time was 210 [116–692] seconds and 180 [75–450] seconds for SSS and CSE groups, respectively (P = 0.36), while the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference was −80 to +180 seconds. The first operator completed the procedure in <10 minutes in 71% of subjects in the SSS group and 95% of those in the CSE group (P = 0.09) and the 95% CI of the difference was −2% to +45%. There were more attempts to successful completion of the procedure in the SSS group (P = 0.007) with its 95% CI of the difference being +1 to +6. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the CSE technique is noninferior to the SS technique in morbidly obese parturients for time of initiation of subarachnoid anesthesia and may be accomplished with fewer attempts than the SSS technique with experienced residents. (Anesth Analg 2014;118:168–72)

Postoperative analgesia in patients older than 75 years undergoing intervention for per-trochanteric hip fracture: a single centre retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of four analgesia techniques on postoperative pain after per-trochanteric femur fracture. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 131 consecutive patients older than 75 years enrolled in an 18-month period and who underwent per-trochanteric fracture repair under spinal analgesia. Patients received postoperative analgesia from: G1 (n = 36), intravenous analgesia on demand only; G2 (n = 28) administration of acetaminophen at fixed hours; G3 (n = 50) continuous morphine infusion; G4 (n = 17), preoperative echo-graphic guided femoral nerve block. Continuous opioid infusion failed to prevent the onset of pain at the end of the effects of subarachnoid anesthesia (rescue dose of analgesic in 48 % of patients in G3 vs. 22 % in G2 in the first day; p < 0.05). The greater effectiveness was achieved by preventing the onset of pain with drugs administered at time intervals (rescue dose of analgesic in 48 % of patients in G3, 58 % in G1 and 48 % in G4 vs. 22 % in G2 in the first day and rescue dose of analgesic in 32 % of patients in G3, 67 % in G1 and 76 % in G4 vs. 18 % in G2 in the second day; p < 0.05). Our study does not confirm the effectiveness of a single shot femoral nerve block on postoperative pain in per-trochanteric femur fracture (PAIN VAS score > 3 at t1 in 23 % of patients in G1 and 19 % in G4 vs. 10 % in G2 and G3; p < 0.05).

Single shot spinal anaesthesia with hypobaric bupivacaine for hip fracture repair surgery in the elderly. Randomized, double blinded comparison of 3.75 mg vs. 7.5 mg

BackgroundArterial hypotension is the most frequent adverse effect of subarachnoid anaesthesia in the elderly sustaining a femoral proximal fracture. Decreasing the local anaesthetic dose reduces the incidence of hypotension but shortens sensory block duration that could be insufficient in some surgical procedures. Sensory block duration could be prolonged using hypobaric local anaesthetics. We evaluated whether low hypobaric bupivacaine doses were adequate for this type of surgery while maintaining the haemodynamic stability. MethodsA prospective, randomized, double blinded study was designed. Patients over 65 years old, sustaining traumatic hip fracture, were assigned to one of two groups: B0.5 group, hypobaric bupivacaine 7.5mg 5mg/ml (control group), and B0.25 group, hypobaric bupivacaine 3.75mg 2.5mg/ml (study group). After subarachnoid injection, sensory level and motor blockade degree were registered, as were blood pressure, and heart rate at basal time and at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30min after injection. The doses of vasopressor needed were registered as well. Surgical conditions and the duration of the surgical procedure—whether rescue analgesia or anaesthesia was needed—and sensory level regression to T12, were registered as well. ResultsSixty four patients was the calculated sample size. The study was stopped in an interim analysis because an elevated number of patients in the B0.25 group needed iv rescue anaesthesia. In the analyzed cases, blood pressure was significantly lower in the B0.5 group at the 15 and 30min measurements. Vasopressor drugs needs were similar between groups [ephedrine accumulated mean (SD) doses 11.4 (5.2) mg vs. 9.1 (2.7) mg, p=0.045)]. Sensory block regression to T12 was faster in the B0.25 group, [(mean (SD) 68.2 (29.0) min vs. 112.8 (17.3) min in the B0.5 group, p<0.05]. Five out of 19 patients in the B0.25 group needed intravenous anaesthesia rescue before surgery started. ConclusionLowering hypobaric bupivacaine dose to 3.75mg in subarachnoid anaesthesia for hip fracture repair surgery in elderly patients decrease intraoperative blood pressure, but in an important number of patients intravenous anaesthesia rescue was needed and preclude recommendation.

A randomized, controlled, double blind trial on the incidence of nausea and vomiting with prophylactic subhypnotic propofol vs metoclopramide and in combination therapy in cesarean section with subarachnoid anesthesia

A randomized, controlled, double blind trial on the incidence of nausea and vomiting with prophylactic subhypnotic propofol vs metoclopramide and in combination therapy in cesarean section with subarachnoid anesthesia

Anestesia subaracnoidea y anestesia general en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la hernia inguinal en pacientes ambulatorios. Análisis comparativo de coste-efectividad

To compare the costs related to the clinical effectiveness of general anesthesia versus spinal anesthesia in inguinal hernioplasty ambulatory surgery. An observational, retrospective cohort study measurement and analysis of cost-effectiveness, in the ambulatory surgery unit of a general hospital. All patients over 18 years of age diagnosed with primary inguinal hernia and scheduled for unilateral hernioplasty between January 2010 and December 2011 were included. Duration of anesthetic induction, length of stay in both the operating room, and in the post-anesthesia care unit, the anesthetic effectiveness (the incidence of adverse effects and the patient's comfort level), and variable economic costs associated with the use of drugs, as well as the use of human resources, were compared. The final analysis included 218 patients, 87.2% male, with a mean age of 53 years (range: 18-85 years). Of these, 139 (63.76%) received subarachnoid anesthesia and 79,(36.2%) general anesthesia. The length of time a patient remained in the post-anesthesia care unit was 337.6±160.2min in the subarachnoid anesthesia group, and 210.0±97.5min for the general anesthesia group (P<.001). Costs of drugs for general anesthesia were higher than that for subarachnoid anesthesia (86.2±8.3 vs. 18.7±7.2). The total cost difference between the 2 techniques was €115.8 more for subarachnoid anesthesia (P<.001). Both techniques showed similar effectiveness. The overall costs for subarachnoid anesthesia were greater than for the general. The cost-effectiveness of general anesthesia is better for outpatient inguinal hernia repair surgery.

A Randomized Controlled Comparison Between Combined Spinal-Epidural and Single-Shot Spinal Techniques in Morbidly Obese Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery

There is no current consensus on the optimal technique for subarachnoid anesthesia in morbidly obese parturients even though some providers prefer the combined spinal-epidural (CSE) over single-shot spinal (SSS) technique. In this randomized controlled study, we compared the time required for initiation of subarachnoid anesthesia between SSS and CSE techniques in morbidly obese parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery. Morbidly obese parturients presenting for elective cesarean delivery were randomized to receive subarachnoid anesthesia performed either with a SSS or a CSE technique. The spinal procedure in the sitting position was attempted by an experienced resident for up to 10 minutes, and if unsuccessful, the attending obstetric anesthesiologist assumed control of the procedure. The primary outcome was the time it took from the insertion of the introducer needle (SSS group) or insertion of the epidural needle (CSE group) to the end of intrathecal injection of drugs (procedure time). Forty-four patients were enrolled and completed the study. Three were excluded due to protocol violations. Of the remaining, 21 patients were in the SSS group and 20 in the CSE group. Demographic variables and mean (SD) body mass index (48.7 ± 7.6 kg/m for SSS; 49.9 ± 8.6 kg/m for CSE) were not different between groups. The median [interquartile range] for procedure time was 210 [116-692] seconds and 180 [75-450] seconds for SSS and CSE groups, respectively (P = 0.36), while the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference was -80 to +180 seconds. The first operator completed the procedure in <10 minutes in 71% of subjects in the SSS group and 95% of those in the CSE group (P = 0.09) and the 95% CI of the difference was -2% to +45%. There were more attempts to successful completion of the procedure in the SSS group (P = 0.007) with its 95% CI of the difference being +1 to +6. Our results suggest that the CSE technique is noninferior to the SS technique in morbidly obese parturients for time of initiation of subarachnoid anesthesia and may be accomplished with fewer attempts than the SSS technique with experienced residents.

Metabolic Syndrome and Perioperative Complications during Scheduled Surgeries with Spinal Anesthesia

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of factors associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and Diabetes Mellitus. Despite of the many studies related to MS, little is known about its impact on scenarios such as surgical anesthesia. Objective: To examine the correlation between demographic and metabolic variables with the occurrence of perioperative complications in patients with MS undergoing scheduled surgeries using a spinal anesthesia technique in the surgery department at the University Clinic San Juan de Dios in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Methods: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional, single-center study of 150 subjects with MS and 150 control subjects. Perioperative complications, socio-demographic, hemodynamic and respiratory variables were registered. Groups were compared using t test, Fisher’s exact test or Chi-square, as appropriate. We applied a logistic multiple regression model, adjusted by backward stepwise at 0.25 and forward at 0.05, to find possible incompatible associations. p value surgeries using the subarachnoid anesthesia technique. Accordingly, it is appropriate to implement health intervention strategies by the surgical team, aiming at their prevention and management.

Intracranial hematoma as the cause of headache after subarachnoid anesthesia for cesarean section – a case report

Intracranial subdural hematoma is an exceptionally rare but life-threating complication of epidural and spinal anesthesia. The diagnosis is rather difficult because the initial symptoms mimic post-dural puncture headache. A 33-year-old primipara was admitted to the hospital at 38 weeks gestation for a cesarean section due to premature rupture of membranes and meconium stained amniotic fluid. During the procedure a single puncture between L2 and L3 vertebrae was made with the use of a 26-gauge, pencil-point needle. The amount of 2.8 ml of analgesic solution was administered in order to obtain subarachnoid analgesia at the level of Th4 and Th5 vertebrae. Postpartum recovery was uneventful for the first two days. On the third day the patient developed strong headache in the forehead area and tinnitus. An anesthesiologist diagnosed post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). The patient received 1 g of Paracetamol every 6 hours intravenously together with 3000 ml of crystalloid solution for 24 hours. As a result, the patient recovered and was discharged home with her infant. Five days later the patient presented at the neurology clinic because of strong and chronic temporal lobe headache. No other complaints were reported. Upon admission, the patient had a head CT followed by an MRI examination, which revealed cranial hematomas localized bilaterally in the area of the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes, spreading from the cranial vault to the skull base. The width of the hematomas was: 3-4 mm on the left and 5-6 mm on the right side. Hematomas infiltrated the anterior part of the medial longitudinal fissure. Magnetic resonance angiography showed normal images of the arteries, veins, and the dural venous sinuses. No vascular malformations, which may be a source of intracranial hemorrhage, were found. Other tests showed normal results. Patient condition during hospitalization was stable. Conservative treatment was implemented, i.e. fluids administered intravenously anti-edematous drugs, analgesic medications and bed rest. All pain complaints subsided and a control CT scan showed that hematomas evolved as expected i.e. their HU density decreased. About 6 weeks later the patient had a CT head scan, performed in outpatient settings, which showed complete absorption of extravasated blood. The presented case shows headaches in obstetric patients require thorough diagnostic examinations and appropriate management. In addition to the most typical PDPH, it may be the first sign of life-threatening intracranial pathology