Regional Anesthesia for Lumbar Spine Surgery: Can It Be a Standard in the Future?

This paper is an overview of various features of regional anesthesia (RA) and aims to introduce spine surgeons unfamiliar with RA. RA is commonly used for procedures that involve the lower extremities, perineum, pelvic girdle, or lower abdomen. However, general anesthesia (GA) is preferred and most commonly used for lumbar spine surgery. Spinal anesthesia (SA) and epidural anesthesia (EA) are the most commonly used RA methods, and a combined method of SA and EA (CSE). Compared to GA, RA offers numerous benefits including reduced intraoperative blood loss, arterial and venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, perioperative cardiac ischemic incidents, renal failure, hypoxic episodes in the postanesthetic care unit, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and decreased incidence of cognitive dysfunction. In spine surgery, RA is associated with lower pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, positioning injuries, shorter anesthesia time, and higher patient satisfaction. Currently, RA is mostly used in short lumbar spine surgeries. However, recent findings illustrate the possibility of applying RA in spinal tumors and spinal fusion. Various researches reveal that SA is an effective alternative to GA with lower minor complications incidence. Comprehensive insight on RA will promote spine surgery under RA, thereby broadening the horizon of spine surgery under RA.

Delayed-onset malignant hyperthermia in the postanesthetic care unit: a case report

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal hypermetabolic syndrome that occurs when susceptible individuals are exposed to triggering agents. Variability in the order and time of occurrence of symptoms often makes clinical diagnosis difficult. A late diagnosis or misdiagnosis of delayed-onset MH may lead to fatal complications. We herein report a case of delayed-onset MH in the postoperative recovery room. A 77-year-old man awoke from anesthesia and was transferred to the recovery room. Ten minutes after his arrival, his mental status became stuporous and he developed masseter muscle rigidity, hyperventilation, and a body temperature of 39.8°C. The patient was suspected to have MH, and 60 mg of dantrolene sodium (1 mg/kg) was administered via intravenous drip with symptomatic treatment. Within 10 minutes of dantrolene administration, the patient’s clinical signs subsided. This case report demonstrates that rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to ensure a good prognosis for patients with MH. A high level of suspicion based on clinical symptoms and early administration of therapeutic drugs such as dantrolene will also improve the clinical course. Therefore, suspicion and prompt diagnosis are absolutely essential. This case report emphasizes the importance of continuous education in the diagnosis and treatment of MH.

Does perioperative respiratory event increase length of hospital stay and hospital cost in pediatric ambulatory surgery?

Objective We examined the consequences of perioperative respiratory event (PRE) in terms of hospitalization and hospital cost in children who underwent ambulatory surgery. Methods This subgroup analysis of a prospective cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02036021) was conducted in children aged between 1 month and 14 years who underwent ambulatory surgery between November 2012 and December 2013. Exposure was the presence of PRE either intraoperatively or in the postanesthetic care unit or both. The primary outcome was length of stay after surgery. The secondary outcome was excess hospital cost excluding surgical cost. Financial information was also compared between PRE and non-PRE. Directed acyclic graphs were used to select the covariates to be included in the multivariate regression models. The predictors of length of stay and excess hospital cost between PRE and non-PRE children are presented as adjusted odds ratio (OR) and cost ratio (CR), respectively with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Sixty-three PRE and 249 non-PRE patients were recruited. In the univariate analysis, PRE was associated with length of stay (p = 0.004), postoperative oxygen requirement (p <0.001), and increased hospital charge (p = 0.006). After adjustments for age, history of snoring, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, type of surgery and type of payment, preoperative planned admission had an effect modification with PRE (p <0.001). The occurrence of PRE in the preoperative unplanned admission was associated with 24-fold increased odds of prolonged hospital stay (p <0.001). PRE was associated with higher excess hospital cost (CR = 1.35, p = 0.001). The mean differences in contribution margin for total procedure (per patient) (PRE vs non-PRE) differed significantly (mean = 1,523; 95% CI: 387, 2,658 baht). Conclusion PRE with unplanned admission was significantly associated with prolonged length of stay whereas PRE regardless of unplanned admission increased hospital cost by 35% in pediatric ambulatory surgery. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT02036021.

Modified STOP-Bang for predicting perioperative adverse events in the Thai population

Background Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with adverse perioperative outcomes. The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a validated screening tool for OSA. However, its precision may vary among different populations. This study determined the association between high-risk OSA based on the modified STOP-Bang questionnaire and perioperative adverse events. Methods This cross-sectional study included patients undergoing elective surgery from December 2018 to February 2019. The modified STOP-Bang questionnaire includes a history of Snoring, daytime Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure, Body mass index > 30 kg/m2, Age > 50, Neck circumference > 40 cm, and male Gender. High risk for OSA was considered as a score ≥ 3. Results Overall, 400 patients were included, and 18.3% of patients experienced perioperative adverse events. On the basis of modified STOP-Bang, the incidence of perioperative adverse events was 23.2 and 13.8% in patients with high risk and low risk (P-value 0.016) (Original STOP-Bang: high risk 22.5% vs. low risk 14.7%, P-value 0.043). Neither modified nor original STOP-Bang was associated with perioperative adverse events (adjusted OR 1.91 (95% CI 0.99–3.66), P-value 0.055) vs. 1.69 (95%CI, 0.89–3.21), P-value 0.106). Modified STOP-Bang ≥3 could predict the incidence of difficult ventilation, laryngoscopic view ≥3, need for oxygen therapy during discharge from postanesthetic care unit and ICU admission. Conclusions Neither modified nor original STOP-Bang was significantly associated with perioperative adverse events. However, a modified STOP-Bang ≥3 can help identify patients at risk of difficult airway, need for oxygen therapy, and ICU admission. Trial registrations This study was registered on Thai Clinical Trials Registry, identifier TCTR20181129001, registered 23 November 2018 (Prospectively registered).

Dexmedetomidine decreased the post‐thyroidectomy bleeding by reducing cough and emergence agitation – a randomized, double‐blind, controlled study

Background Bleeding after thyroidectomy occurs due to violent coughing during emergence. Dexmedetomidine is helpful for the smooth emergence and suppression of cough. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative bleeding after thyroidectomy. Methods Randomized, double-blind, controlled trials were conducted in female patients (ASA I–II, aged 20 to 60 years). The patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Approximately 15 min before the end of the surgery, dexmedetomidine was administered (0.6 µg/kg/h) without a loading dose in group D (n = 69), and normal saline was administered in group S (n = 70) at the same infusion rate. Hemodynamic data, coughing reflex, extubation time, Ramsay sedation scale (RSS), and recovery time were assessed during the administration of the study drugs and recovery from anesthesia. The amount of postoperative hemorrhage was measured for 3 days. Results Data from a total of 139 patients were analyzed. The incidence of severe cough was significantly lower in group D than in group S (4.3 % vs. 11.5 %, P = 0.022). The emergence agitation in the postanesthetic care unit was significantly lower in group D than in group S (P = 0.01). Postoperative bleeding was significantly lower in group D than in group S until the second postoperative day (P = 0.015). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine can be helpful in decreasing bleeding after thyroidectomy by reducing coughing and emergence agitation. Trial registration This study was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT02412150, 09/04/2015).

Perioperative Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesic Efficacy of Morphine with Combined Nefopam and Parecoxib versus Parecoxib in Gynecologic Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Background. Nefopam is a non-NSAIDs and opioid sparing centrally acting drug which is effective for a multimodal postoperative analgesia. The present study aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of nefopam combined with parecoxib for gynecologic surgery. Methods. This randomized double-blinded control trial recruited participants (n = 72) who underwent gynecologic surgeries and divided them into either a nefopam or control group. The study group received parecoxib 40 mg plus nefopam 20 mg, while the control group received parecoxib 40 mg plus normal saline solution intravenously during open abdominal gynecological surgery. Both groups then received either nefopam or normal saline every 6 hours postoperatively for 24 hours. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with morphine was given for breakthrough pain within 24 h. The participants were evaluated for morphine consumption within 24 hours and postoperative pain using a verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) at a postanesthetic care unit, at 6-, 12-, and 24-hour postoperative periods. Adverse effects were recorded. Results. Morphine consumption within 24 hours and adverse effects were not significantly different between both groups. Mean difference and 95% confident interval of morphine consumption between both groups was 1.00 (−4.56, 4.76), P = 0.97 . The VNRS on movement at 6 hours after surgery of the nefopam group was significantly different from that of the control group [mean (SD), 4.14 (2.11) vs. 5.14 (1.80), P = 0.04 ]. The VNRS of the nefopam group at 12 hours after operation during resting and on movement was significantly different from that of the control group ([mean (SD), 1.47 (1.80) vs. 2.54 (2.15), P = 0.03 ], [mean (SD), 3.22 (1.84) vs 4.17 (1.74), P = 0.03 ]), respectively. Conclusions. The combined administration of nefopam and parecoxib during gynecologic surgery slightly reduced the VNRS at 6 and 12 hours postoperatively more than treatment with parecoxib.

A small dose of dexmedetomidine decreased the postoperative bleeding by reducing cough and emergence agitation after thyroidectomy – A randomized, double-blind, controlled study

Background: Bleeding after a thyroidectomy occurs due to violent cough during the emergence. Dexmedetomidine is helpful for smooth emergence and suppressing the cough. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative bleeding after thyroidectomy. Methods: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in female patients (ASA I–II, aged 20 to 60 years) were conducted. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. About fifteen minutes before the end of the surgery, dexmedetomidine was administered (0.6 μg/kg/hr) without a loading dose in group D (n=69), and normal saline was administered in group S (n=70) at the same infusion rate. Hemodynamic data, coughing reflex, extubation time, Ramsay sedation scale (RSS), recovery time were assessed during the administration of study drugs and recovery from anesthesia. Amounts of postoperative hemorrhage were measured for 3 days. Results: A total of 139 patients were analyzed. The incidence of severe cough was significantly decreased in group D compared to group S (4.3% vs. 11.5%, P = 0.022). Emergence agitation in the postanesthetic care unit was significantly decreased in group D compared to group S (P = 0.01). Postoperative bleeding showed a significant decrease in group D compared to group S until the second postoperative day (P = 0.015). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine can decrease postoperative bleeding by reducing coughing and emergence agitation after thyroidectomy. Trial registration: This study was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT02412150, 09/04/2015).

Comparative Effects of Total Intravenous Anesthesia with Propofol and Remifentanil Versus Inhalational Sevoflurane with Dexmedetomidine on Emergence Delirium in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery

Background: Emergence delirium (ED) is common after strabismus surgery due to postoperative visual disturbance, vomiting, and pain. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) has many advantages like smooth emergence from anesthesia, decreased incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and postoperative analgesia. Objectives: Our study aimed to compare the incidence of ED using inhalational sevoflurane with dexmedetomidine (DEX) versus TIVA with remifentanil. Methods: Eighty-four patients aged 3 - 11 years scheduled for strabismus surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups. Patients in group I received sevoflurane and DEX (group I, n = 42), while group II patients received TIVA with propofol and remifentanil infusion (group II, n = 42). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and pulse oximetry (SpO2) were monitored before induction, at induction, and every 10 minutes during the surgery. In the postanesthetic care unit (PACU), pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED), face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC), need for rescue analgesics, recovery time, level of parents’ satisfaction, and PONV were recorded. Results: Based on the results, HR and MAP significantly decreased 10 and 20 min after induction compared to baseline in group I after infusion of DEX. The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in group II than in group I, while the recovery time was significantly shorter in group I. The incidence of emergence delirium decreased in both groups. Conclusions: The use of either total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil or sevoflurane inhalational anesthesia with dexmedetomidine resulted in a lower incidence of emergence delirium, although dexmedetomidine resulted in hypotension, bradycardia, and PONV.

Magnesium Supplementation and Postoperative Recovery Quality in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery: A Prospective, Randomised, Controlled Study

Background: The benefits of intraoperative magnesium supplementation have been reported. In this prospective, randomized study, the effects of magnesium supplementation during general anesthesia on emergence agitation and postoperative pain in children were evaluated.Methods: A total of 66 children aged 2 to 5 years who underwent strabismus surgery were assigned to the magnesium or to the control group. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. After anesthesia induction, the magnesium group received an initial loading dose of 30 mg/kg magnesium sulphate over 10 min and, then, continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg per h until 10 min before the end of the surgery. The control group received an equal volume of normal saline via the same regimen. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score, pain score, and respiratory events were assessed at the postanesthetic care unit.Results: Data obtained from 65 children were analyzed. The PAED and pain scores of the two groups did not differ significantly. There were 26 of 33 (78.8%) and 27 of 32 (84.4%) children with emergence agitation in the control and the magnesium groups, respectively (odds ratio 0.69, 95% CI 0.19–2.44; p = 0.561). The preoperative anxiety score was not significantly correlated with the PAED score. The incidence of respiratory events during the emergence period did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: Magnesium supplementation during anesthesia had no significant effects on the incidence of emergence agitation or postoperative pain in children undergoing strabismus surgery.Clinical trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03132701)

Effectiveness Comparison of Dexmedetomidine and Remifentanil for Perioperative Management in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Background For patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery, intranasal injection of epinephrine can cause acute increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Objective Among the drugs for reducing hyperdynamic effects, dexmedetomidine and remifentanil are expected to blunt the acute hemodynamic responses after intranasal injection of epinephrine. Our study compared a difference in the 2 drugs in their abilities to blunt the hemodynamic responses in intraoperative period and postoperative profile. Methods In this study, the patients were randomly divided into the dexmedetomidine and remifentanil groups. During the intraoperative period, the hemodynamic values were recorded. The surgical condition was assessed by a single surgeon. During the postoperative period, hemodynamic values, sedation scale score, and pain score were recorded. Result No significant differences in hemodynamic variables were found between the groups before and after intranasal injection of epinephrine. Comparison of the group mean values before endotracheal intubation revealed that the blood pressure values in the remifentanil group were significantly lower than those in the dexmedetomidine group. At 2 minutes after endotracheal intubation, blood pressure and heart rate values in the remifentanil group were significantly lower than those in the dexmedetomidine group. The sedation score was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group on arrival and at 30 minutes after arrival at the postanesthetic care unit ( P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). At 30 and 60 minutes after the operation, the pain scores were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group ( P = .015 and P = .001, respectively). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine had better postoperative sedative and analgesic effects than remifentanil for patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery in this study. Remifentanil and dexmedetomidine attenuated acute hemodynamic responses to be within normal ranges after intranasal injection of epinephrine, and no significant differences in terms of hemodynamic variables. Remifentanil was superior to dexmedetomidine in inducing hypotension during endotracheal intubation.