Experience Verification of 63 Cases of Liver Transplantation Anesthesia Management

Background: We reviewed the intraoperative management of previous liver transplantation (LT) cases to identify an optimal anesthetic method, which may affect patient outcomes and lead to faster postoperative recovery for future recipients. Methods: This single-center retrospective study reviewed 63 patients who underwent LT, including 51 living donor LT (LDLT), seven deceased donor LT (DDLT), and five simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation patients. We examined the patients’ backgrounds, intraoperative management (anesthetic method, water balance, and catecholamine dosage), and postoperative courses (hospitalization period, length of intensive care unit stay, renal function). Results: All patients received general anesthesia using inhalational anesthetics, either sevoflurane or desflurane, and both drugs were administered similarly. Rocuronium was administered at its usual dose despite liver failure. All patients undergoing preoperative dialysis due to acute kidney injury were successfully withdrawn from dialysis after surgery. The albumin infusion volume was 32% of the total infusion and transfusion volume. The five-year survival rate was 88% and graft failure occurred in one case. Conclusion: The anesthetic management of LT is currently conducted empirically in our institution, and we could not identify an optimal anesthetic method. However, we drew some conclusions. First, the use of human atrial natriuretic peptide as a drug infusion and appropriate transfusion management was expected to restore renal function. Second, the infusion volume of albumin was high. Third, the usual dose of rocuronium was required because excessive bleeding may cause unstable plasma drug concentration. Our results will be useful in future multi-institutional studies or meta-analyses and further improving the outcomes of future transplant recipients.

Cross-sectional Study on Effects of Ondansetron and Meperidine in the Prevention of Postoperative Shivering after Spinal Anesthesia

Purpose: Post-anesthesia shivering is one of the most common problems after surgery and may lead to multiple complications such as hypoxemia, lactate acidosis and catecholamine release. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of intravenous meperidine and ondansetron on postoperative shivering in patients having an elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Design: Cross-sectional study Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 105 patients with the age of 18-45 years and ASA class I-II undergoing elective cesarean section were randomly assigned into three groups. Group O was administered 8mg ondansetron, group M patients were given 0.4mg/kg meperidine and group P was placebo that was administered with 2cc of saline intravenously after the delivery. The incidence and intensity of shivering and postoperative nausea was monitored and recorded by the trained nurse. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS v18. Results: All three groups (n=35) had no significant difference in terms of age, weight and time of spinal anesthesia. Postoperative shivering was reported in 4 patients (11.4%) in group A and 3 patients (8.6%) in group B and in 14 patients (40%) in group C. The incidence of postoperative shivering was significantly less in groups A and B as compared to the placebo, p=0.03. The intensity of shivering was greater in group C as compared to groups A and B, p=0.01. The incidence and intensity of postoperative nausea was significantly less in group A, p=0.03, p<0.001, respectively, while no difference was reported in groups B and C, p<0.05. Conclusion: 8mg ondansetron and 0.4 mg/kg of meperidine are equally effective in managing postoperative shivering; however, ondansetron has an additional effect of reducing the incidence of postoperative nausea among patients undergoing caesarean section with spinal anesthesia.

Life Plus Mini Capsule S®, Novel Intubating Box – A Pilot Study

To protect clinicians without access to recommended personal protective equipment during aerosol-generating procedures such as endotracheal intubation, various products have been introduced to clinical practice. The authors would like to present a pilot study with a novel intubating box, the LIFE PLUS MINI CAPSULE S®, which has improved systems to prevent the egress of particles from the box as well as a built-in HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) aspiration filter. Nineteen anesthesiologists simulated endotracheal intubation on a mannequin in test conditions with and without using the LIFE PLUS MINI CAPSULE S®. All anesthesiologists successfully intubated the mannequin at first attempt, and there were no failed intubations. The median (range) intubation time was 9.1 (2.0–25.0) seconds longer when the LIFE PLUS MINI CAPSULE S® was used, and there were no breaches of personal protective equipment. The leakage of airborne particles was analyzed using a Qualitative and a Quantitative Fit Test. Although our pilot study shows promising results, further research is required to validate our results in vivo and in a larger sample size which will provide us with a better insight into the efficacy and applicability of this safety tool in emergency and elective clinical conditions.

Comparing Intravenous Single Low Doses of Magnesium Sulphate versus Dexamethasone as Adjuvants to Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block for Prolongation of Postcesarean Analgesia

Introduction: The TAP block is a regional anesthetic technique, which blocks neural afferents between T6 and L1, which provide anterior abdominal walls and therefore help to alleviate postoperative pain. Aim: The aim is to compare the efficacy of preoperative single low dose of intravenous MgSO4 versus intravenous dexamethasone as adjuvants to ultrasound guided TAP block for prolongation of postcesaren analgesia. Materials and Methods: A total 60 pregnant females were selected undergoing elective caesarean sections under general anesthesia with ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block done at the end of surgery. Patients were randomly and equally allocated into three groups of 20 patients each. The first group of patients were classified as magnesium sulphate group (M)who received 50 mg/Kg IV, the second group of patients were classified as dexamethasone group (D) who received 2 mg IV and the third group was classified as the placebo group (C) who received IV saline. Results: Comparison of the VAS at 6 and 12 hours postoperatively showed statistically significantly lower values in group (M) and group (D) compared to group (C) and also group (M) was significantly lower than group (D) as well. The time interval until first rescue analgesia (Nalbuphine) needed by the patients (VAS ≥ 50) was significantly longer in group (M) compared to group (D) and group (C) consecutively. Additionally, it was significantly longer in group (D) than in the control group(C). The total dose of rescue analgesia consumed during the first 24 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in groups (M) than in group (D) and both groups showed lesser doses compared to group (C) Conclusion: We concluded that both MgSO4 and dexamethasone could prolong the postoperative duration and analgesic efficiency provided by the TAP block in cesarean sections. This further reduced the demands for postoperative rescue analgesia, with MgSO4 found to be more efficient than IV dexamethasone. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04223128

If the Price is Right? Cost Analysis of Propofol Infusions and Sevoflurane Anaesthesia in Endoscopic Cases

The environmental superiority of Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) compared to inhaled agents has been recognised by ANZCA in a 2019 statement. Yet what about cost? Little current data has been published on this topic. We conducted a cost analysis and audit of propofol use in 71 endoscopy cases (colonoscopy/gastroscopy), taking into account the cost of adjuncts (syringes, tubing, and discarded propofol). We then compared these to calculated costs of the same cases performed with sevoflurane anaesthesia. In terms of the agent, propofol was 35% cheaper, costing $1.60 for an average endoscopy compared to a sevoflurane cost of $2.46. Including the cost of adjuncts (including a laryngeal mask airway for sevoflurane anaesthesia), endoscopy cases with propofol infusions were 80% cheaper than the same case performed under sevoflurane general anaesthesia ($3.08 vs $15.48). Although pricing may vary from hospital to hospital, our data suggests choosing propofol costs less in endoscopy.

Use of Either Non-invasive Ventilation Immediately Post-extubation or Controlled Mechanical Ventilation for One Hour after Fulfilling Weaning Criteria Decreases Re-intubation of Patients with Post-traumatic ARDS

Introduction: Re-intubation and re-ventilation after complete weaning of patients with prolonged ventilation are considered a major problem in ICU. The re-intubation in such patients associated with higher mortalities prolongs the duration of ICU stay. The mortality rate in those patients may exceed 40% in some studies. Aims: The study aimed to compare and evaluate the effect of use of two new maneuvers with control after fulfilling criteria of weaning from prolonged ventilation, either immediate use of NIV post-extubation and every 12 hours for 24 hours or MV for one hour on both re-intubation and ICU discharge of traumatic ARDS patients who ventilated for one week or more. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective double-blind study done on total 300 patients, admitted with respiratory failure ARDS due to severe lung contusion. All of them were selected to be ventilated for > one week. All of them fulfilled the criteria of weaning at the end of the studied period. Patients were randomly allocated in three groups; each group contained 100 patients. Group A was considered the control group. They extubated and followed our routine protocol; patients of group B used our first new maneuver and reconnected to mechanical ventilation before extubation for one hour, while patients of group C used our second new maneuver; patients of this group extubated and immediately connected to NIV with BIPAP mode for 1 hour every 12 hours for 24 hours. Results: There was a significant reduction in the number of patients who experienced deterioration in conscious level throughout the study in patients of both groups B and C compared to group A. Also, a significant reduction was seen in the number of patients who experienced deterioration in clinical parameters of respiration, of both groups B and C compared to group A with regard to high respiratory rate, desaturation and development of hyperdynamic circulation (tachycardia and hypertension). Also, a significant reduction was seen in the number of patients who had multiple quadrant parenchymatous infiltration throughout the study in patients of both groups B and C compared to group A. significant reduction in the number of patients marked limitation to FEV1, FVC and MVV in patients of both groups B and C compared to group A. Conclusion: Use of either immediate NIV every 12 hours for 24 hours or MV for one hour after fulfillment of weaning criteria reduced reintubation, re-ventilation and post-extubation respiratory failure and decreased the ICU stay in prolonged ventilated patients due to ARDS from severe lung trauma with no significant difference between them.

Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine has no Effect on Postoperative Pain Scores for Posterior Spinal Fusion

Background: Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) for idiopathic scoliosis results in severe postoperative pain. At our institution, a protocol for postoperative analgesia is followed, but anesthetic maintenance is decided by the anesthesiologist. Previous studies have shown that postoperative use of dexmedetomidine may improve analgesia for these patients, but the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative pain scores remains unknown. Purpose: We sought to retrospectively compare pain scores from the Postoperative Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and from PACU discharge until midnight between PSF patients who did and did not receive intraoperative dexmedetomidine. Methods: After obtaining IRB approval, we retrospectively identified 79 patients aged 10-17 years who had undergone PSF for idiopathic scoliosis from June 2015-August 2018 and who received intrathecal morphine. Patients were then divided into two groups based on whether or not they received intraoperative dexmedetomidine. A multivariable linear regression model was constructed with the dependent variable of highest PACU pain score and exposure of interest intraoperative dexmedetomidine use. Secondary analyses were conducted similarly within those who received dexmedetomidine to examine the effects of dose on PACU pain scores, using a p-value < 0.05. Results: After adjusting for age, weight, sex, levels fused, intrathecal morphine, diazepam, and ketamine doses, there was no statistically significant difference in average PACU pain scores between those who did and did not receive intraoperative dexmedetomidine (β = -0.85, 95% CI: -2.48, 0.68; p = 0.31). Conclusion: Intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine during posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis appears to have no effect on postoperative pain scores.

The Effect of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy-guided Technique for Placement of a Left-sided Double-lumen Tube on the Intubation Performance Compared with the Conventional Method Using a Macintosh Laryngoscope

Background: The accurate placement of the double-lumen endotracheal tube is imperative for effective one-lung ventilation in thoracic surgery. Malpositioning and repositioning of a misplaced tube may cause excessive trauma. Objective: We hypothesized that the fiberoptic bronchoscope-guided method for double-lumen endotracheal tube placement would reduce the incidence of malpositioning as compared to the conventional method using the Macintosh laryngoscope. Methods: Fifty patients scheduled to undergo elective thoracic surgery were recruited and randomly assigned to the fiberoptic bronchoscope-guided [n=25; Group F] and conventional [n=25; Group C] method groups, according to the method of double-lumen endotracheal tube placement. The primary outcome was the incidence of double-lumen endotracheal tube malpositioning observed under the fiberoptic bronchoscope after initial placement. Secondary outcomes included the times for placement, confirmation, and total procedure of double-lumen endotracheal tube intubation. Results: The incidence of malpositioning after initial double-lumen endotracheal tube placement was significantly lower in Group F than in Group C (20.0% vs 68.0%). In addition, the time for placement was significantly higher in Group F than in Group C, and that for confirmation was significantly lower in Group F than in Group C. Conclusion: The fiberoptic bronchoscope-guided method for double-lumen endotracheal tube placement can reduce the incidence of malpositioning after initial placement and expedite the intubation process with a double-lumen endotracheal tube in thoracic surgery.

Pulse-oximetry Derived Perfusion Index as a Predictor of the Efficacy of Rescue Analgesia After Major Abdominal Surgeries

Study Objective: The use of an easy to apply reliable tool is essential to assess pain in patients in intensive care units. This study aimed primarily to evaluate perfusion index usefulness as an objective indicator of pain. Methods and Measurements: Data were collected from 40 non-intubated adult patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit postoperatively. The Masimo pulse co-oximetry perfusion index (PI) probe was attached to the patient. At the time of the first request for analgesia (T1), the Behavioural pain scale non-intubated scoring system (BPS-NI) was recorded with the PI and patients' haemodynamics following which rescue analgesia was given. Thirty minutes thereafter (T2), second measurements for the mentioned parameters were taken. Main Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the BPS-NI score, blood pressure and heart rate after analgesic administration (P-values, <0.001, 0.039 and 0.001, respectively), together with a significant increase in the PI (P-value, 0.004). This means that the PI increases with adequate relief from pain, as indicated by a decrease in BPS-NI score and haemodynamics, but the correlation was not statistically significant between their changes. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant correlation between the PI and the pain score or other clinical indicators of pain either before or after the administration of analgesic.

Comparative Study between the Uses of High Dose Corticosteroid Therapy for Short Duration Versus Low Dose Corticosteroid for Long Duration in Severe Lung Contusion with ARDS

Introduction: Corticosteroids are used in ARDS to prevent lung fibrosis. The best dose, duration and regimen are still the points of debate among physicians. Aim of the Work: The aim of this study is to make a comparison between two corticosteroid regimens, i.e. short-duration high dose versus long- duration low dose corticosteroid use in ARDS due to lung contusion with VAP for lowering both morbidity and mortality rates and early weaning from ventilator. Patients and Methods: Patients who had >3 on Murray score and >6 on CPIS were allocated randomly in two groups of 120 patients each. Group A received 30 mg/kg methyl-prednisolone slowly intravenously in 250 ml normal saline every 8 hours for only 48 hours, while group B received 1 mg/kg/day methyl-prednisolone divided into three doses given every 8 hours for two weeks. The study lasted for 16 days; morbidity was considered if no improvement was observed in any or all clinical parameters of both Murray and CPIS scores and if there was failure in removing patients from the ventilator within the studied period. Results: Significant improvement was observed in patients of group B compared to group A with regard to APACH II <10 score, arterial oxygen saturation>95, hypoxic index >300, lung infiltrate in chest X-ray, lung compliance, response of the lung to recruitment maneuver, the return of core temperature to normal, normal tracheal secretion, the return of leucocytic count to normal, negative qualitative sputum culture and a significantly higher number of patients were removed from the ventilator of group B compared to group A. However, mortality rate was not significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Low dose corticosteroid if used for a long duration significantly lowers morbidity and accelerates recovery, and in turn, accelerates weaning from ventilator compared to high dose corticosteroid used for a short duration. While the difference between the two regimens was not significant with regard to the mortality rate, still further studies are needed to emphasize a fixed corticosteroid dose and regimen in ARDS due to lung contusion.