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Aim: In our study, we aimed to compare the effect of single and multiple thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) patients who underwent video asisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) on hemodynamic parameters, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) and sedation scores, and total analgesic consumption. Materials and Method: The ASA II-III, age between 18 to 65 years, and body mass index lower than thirty, 60 patients who underwent elective VATS were included to this study. Patients were divided into two groups as single (Group S), (n:30) and multiple (Group M), (n:30) TPVB. Block was performed at T6 level in Group S and at T4, T6, T8 levels in Group M by using 21 mL 0.5 % bupivacaine. Intravenous patient controlled analgesia (PCA) was performed for both groups after surgery. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), Ramsay sedation score (RSS), tramadol consumption during 24 hours, resting and coughing VAS scores were recorded before PCA and at 30th, first, second, 6th, 12th, 20th, and 24th hours of postoperative periods. 50 mg iv dexketoprophene was administered when coughing VAS score above the 4. Despite the iv dexketoprophene, in case of consistent pain 1 gr iv paracetamol was given to the patients, and all additional analgesic requirement was recorded. Results: Hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups during postoperative period (p>0.05). VAS scores were higher in Group M but there were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Additional analgesic requirement was significantly higher in Group M, (p>0.04). Cumulative tramadol consumption was comparable between the groups, (p>0.05). Conclusion: In TPVB, it was observed that single and multiple injections provided similar postoperative pain scores and postoperative cumulative tramadol consumption, but we observed a high additional analgesic requirement in multiple injection group. Based on this result, we concluded that there would be no need to disturb patient comfort and prolong the procedure by applying multiple injections.

Background/aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of preemptive oral pregabalin on hemodynamic response, anxiety, sedation, and recovery in patients who underwent endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) under sedation with intravenous ketamine-propofol combination. Materials and methods Sixty patients were included in this study, and patients were randomly divided into two equal groups to receive the placebo (Group 1) versus pregabalin 150 mg (Group 2) one hour prior to EBUS- TBNA procedure. Patients received 0.25 mg kg-1 ketamine and 0.25 mg kg-1 propofol mixture (ketofol) for sedation. Timing of the parameters was defined as follows; T0: in hospital ward before pregabalin or placebo administration, T1: premedication, T2: in operating room, T3: before the procedure, T4: initiation, T5: 3 min after induction, T6: 6 min after induction, T7: 9 min after induction, and T8: 12 min after induction. Hemodynamic parameters, severity of coughing, sedation and anxiety scores, and complications were recorded. The level of satisfaction of the bronchoscopist and the patients were evaluated at the end of the procedure. Results The heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly higher in Group 1 (P = 0.008, P = 0.04). Total doses of anesthetics, recovery time, and desaturation rate were significantly higher in Group 1 (P = 0.014, P = 0.001, P = 0.045). In Group 2, SpO2 level was significantly higher at various time periods (T1; P = 0.025, T4; P =0.043, T6; P = 0.001, T7; P = 0.003, T8; P < 0.001). The severity of coughing was found significantly lower in Group 2 (T4; P = 0.011, T5; P = 0.01, T6; P = 0.02, T7; P = 0.03, T8; P < 0.01). Anxiety scores were significantly lower in Group 2 (P < 0.001). Conclusion Preemptive oral pregabalin, in addition to sedation with ketamine-propofol combination, was effective in providing limited hemodynamic response, restricted coughing reflex, and lower anxiety during EBUS-TBNA. Besides, with pregabalin usage, decreased anesthetics consumption, lower complication rate, and shorter recovery time might have contributed to safety of the procedure and comfort of the bronchoscopist.

Celebi-Tayfur A, Yaradilmis RM, Ulus F, Caltik-Yilmaz A, Ozayar E, Kosar B, Buyukkaragoz B, Horasanli E. Bismuth intoxication resulting in acute kidney injury in a pregnant adolescent girl. Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 292-296. Bismuth intoxication is a rare cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and is usually reversible by appropriate therapeutic measures. We present here a case of an adolescent pregnant girl who developed AKI due to an overdose of colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS, total amount of 6 g). She received parenteral chelating agent dimercaprol for 14 days. Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHD) with high-flux membrane was carried out in the first 3 days of chelating therapy and intermittent hemodialysis for 11 days, thereafter. The patient recovered clinically and was discharged after 21 days. She gave birth to a healthy term boy. At the last visit, the baby was 6 months old with normal growth and development as well as normal kidney functions. Neither deterioration in renal functions nor emergence of proteinuria was recorded in the patient during follow-up care after hospital discharge. In cases of AKI due to an overdose of CBS, treatment with dimercaprol combined with high flux hemodiafiltration and subsequently hemodialysis appears to be both useful and safe for bismuth elimination.

Objective The demand for critical care facilities is also growing in our country. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence and causes of inappropriate admissions to adult intensive care units (ICUs) in our region to facilitate the planning of bed numbers. Methods A team of specialists made an unannounced visit to level 1, 2 and 3 adult ICUs in 12 hospitals in our region between June 2014 and January 2015. A total of 290 ICU patients were evaluated. Results The rate of inappropriate ICU admission was 55.9%, and the most common reason was the lack of a lower level ICU. Palliative patients comprised 35.5% of the ICU patients, 68% of whom should have been in home care. The rate of inappropriate admission was 16.7% higher in open ICUs than in closed ICUs. Conclusion Our results indicate that instead of increasing the number of beds in level 2 and 3 ICUs, hospitals should increase the number of level 1 ICU beds. In addition, we believe that the existing beds could be utilised more effectively if all ICUs implemented a closed management style and if there was better coordination between ICUs.

Background/aim: This study aims to investigate the effects of thoracic epidural analgesia, before and after surgical incision and in the postoperative period, on thoracotomy pain and stress response. Materials and methods: A total of 45 patients who were scheduled for posterolateral thoracotomy were included in this study. A combination of epidural levobupivacaine and morphine was administered as a bolus before incision (Group 1; n=15), after incision (Group 2; n=15), or at the end of surgery (Group 3; n=15). Additionally, infusion was used in Group 1 and Group 2 during operation. Postoperative patient-controlled epidural analgesia infusion pumps were connected to all patients. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores and morphine consumption were recorded during the postoperative 48 h. Glucose, insulin, cortisol, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were compared before surgery and at 4, 24, and 48 h after the operation. Results: There were no differences in the morphine consumption and VAS scores for all measurements among the groups (P > 0.05). Both blood glucose levels at 4 h and CRP values at 48 h were higher in Group 2 than Group 1 (P < 0.05). Cortisol levels at 4, 24, and 48 h after the operation were similar to baseline values in all groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The application of thoracic epidural analgesia before and after surgical incision and in the postoperative period did not result in a significant difference in the severity of the postthoracotomy pain and stress response in all groups. Based on our results, we suggest that epidural levobupivacaine combined with morphine provides an effective and safe analgesia and can partially suppress surgical stress response.

ResumoJustificativa e objetivosEsclarecer a importância do ano de residência e outros fatores que influenciam o sucesso do cateterismo epidural torácico (CET) em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia.MétodosApós a aprovação do Comitê de Ética, os dados foram retrospectivamente analisados a partir dos prontuários de 415 pacientes. Todos os pacientes assinaram os termos de consentimento informado. As tentativas de CET foram divididas em dois grupos: segundo‐terceiro ano (Grupo I) e quarto ano (Grupo II), de acordo com o ano de residência. Dados demográficos, características das tentativas de CET e todas as dificuldades e complicações durante o CET foram registrados retrospectivamente.ResultadosA taxa de sucesso global de CET foi semelhante entre os grupos. Os níveis de colocação do cateter, o número e a duração das tentativas não foram diferentes entre os grupos (p>0,05). A alteração do nível de inserção da agulha foi estatisticamente maior no Grupo II (p=0,008), enquanto que a parestesia foi significativamente maior no Grupo I (p=0,007). As taxas de cefaleia durante e após punção dural foram maiores no Grupo I. Um índice de massa corporal (IMC) maior e o nível do local de inserção foram fatores significativos para o fracasso do CET e para as taxas de complicações no pós‐operatório, mas independentes da experiência dos residentes (p0.05). Change of needle insertion level was statistically higher in Group II (p=0.008), whereas paresthesia was significantly higher in Group I (p=0.007). Dural puncture and postdural puncture headache rates were higher in Group I. Higher body mass index and level of the insertion site were significant factors for thoracic epidural catheterization failure and postoperative complication rate and those were independence from residents’ experience (p

ResumoO mecanismo do efeito antidepressivo de bupropiona ainda não está bem esclarecido. Contudo, seu uso no tratamento de depressão revelou ser eficaz para reduzir os sintomas de abstinência relacionados à cessação do tabagismo. Uma paciente do sexo feminino, 28 anos, com história de depressão, deu entrada no setor de emergência uma hora após a ingestão de bupropiona, quetiapina e levotiroxina em doses elevadas para cometer suicídio. Ao ser internada em unidade de terapia intensiva, estava acordada, alerta, desorientada e agitada. Após duashoras, apresentou uma crise tônico‐clônica generalizada. O tratamento necessário foi administrado e novehoras mais tarde, com a estabilização hemodinâmica, o estado mental da paciente melhorou.Bupropiona pode causar comportamentos incomuns, incluindo delírios, paranoia, alucinações ou confusão mental. O risco de convulsão é altamente dependente da dose. Queremos enfatizar a importância da lavagem gástrica precoce e da administração de carvão ativado.AbstractThe mechanism of the antidepressant effect of bupropion is not fully understood. Besides, using it in the treatment of depression, it is found to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms due to smoking cessation. A 28‐year‐old female patient with a history of depression was admitted to emergency department an hour after ingestion of bupropion, quetiapine, and levothyroxine in high doses to commit suicide. While accepting her into the Intensive Care Unit, she was awake, alert, disoriented and agitated. After 2h, the patient had a generalized tonic–clonic seizure. The necessary treatment was given and 9h later with hemodynamic improvement, the patients’ mental status improved.Bupropion may cause unusual behaviors such as delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, or confusion. The risk of seizure is strongly dose‐dependent. We want to emphasize the importance of early gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal.

Cannulation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) may be diffucult because of anatomical variations. A 66-year-old female patient, who was in the intensive care unit, underwent ultrasound-guided cannulation of the right IJV. The right IJV could not be visualized by ultrasonography despite positional changes of the patient and Valsalva maneuvre. The left IJV was easily determined by ultrasonography and cannulated. Although the landmark technique may be sufficient for most of the central vein cannulations, the rate of anatomical variations and related complications is quite high. We point out that even if ultrasound cannot be used in real-time, the ultrasonographic confirmation during the pre-insertion period may be crucial for successful central vein cannulation.

The aim of this study was to assess the surgical and histopathological hemostatic effects of topical Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) on major arterial vessel injury related to elevated intra-arterial blood pressure in an experimental rabbit model.The study included 14 New Zealand rabbits. ABS was used to treat femoral artery puncture on 1 side in each animal and the other untreated side served as the control. Likewise, for abdominal aortic puncture, only 50% of the aortic injuries received topical liquid ABS and the others did not (control). The experiment was performed under conditions of normal arterial blood pressure and was repeated with a 50% increase in blood pressure. Histopathological analysis was performed in all of the studied animals.Mean bleeding time in the control femoral arteries was 105.0±18.3 s, versus 51.4±9.8 s (p0.05) in those treated with ABS. Mean blood loss from the punctured control femoral arteries was 5.0±1.5 mg and 1.6±0.4 mg from those treated with ABS (p0.05). Histopathological examination of the damaged arterial structures showed that ABS induced red blood cell aggregates.ABS administered to experimental major arterial vessel injury reduced both bleeding time and blood loss under conditions of normal and elevated intra-arterial blood pressure. ABS-induced erythroid aggregation was prominent at the vascular tissue level. These findings will inform the design of future experimental and clinical studies on the anti-bleeding and vascular repairing effects of the novel hemostatic agent ABS.AMAÇ: Bu çalışmanın amacı büyük arter yaralanmalarında arter içi basınç artışı ile paralel olarak uygulanan topikal Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS)’ın cerrahi ve histopatolojik hemostatik etkilerini deneysel bir tavşan modelinde değerlendirmektir. YÖNTEMLER: Çalışma grubunu ondört Yeni Zelanda tavşanı oluşturmuştur. Hayvanların bir ekstremitesinde oluşturulan femoral arter hasarında ABS uygulanırken karşı ekstremite kontrol olarak kullanılmıştır. Benzer biçimde, abdominal aort hasarı oluşturulan hayvanlarda, hayvanların yarısında topikal ABS uygulanırken diğer grup kontrol olarak çalışmaya alınmıştır. Büyük arter kanamaları normal arteriyel basınç altında oluşturulmuşken, çalışma intra-arteriyel basınç %50 arttırılarak tekrar edilmiştir. Histopatholojik incelemeler çalışılan tüm hayvanlarda gerçekleştirilmiştir.Hasar görmüş femoral arterden gelişen ortalama ‘kanama zamanı’ ABS olmadan 105.0±18.3 sn. iken topikal ABS uygulamasıyla 51.4±9.8 saniyeye düşürülmüştür (p0.05). Hasar görmüş femoral arterden gelişen ortalama ‘kanama miktarı’ ABS olmadan 5.0±1.5 mg iken topikal ABS uygulamasıyla 1.6±0.4 mg’a gerilemiştir (p0.05). Abdominal aorta kanama modelinde ise ortalama ‘kanama zamanı’ ve ortalama ‘kanama miktarı’ kan basıncı yükseltildiğinde bile ABS kullanımıyla azalmasına karşın kontrol grupları ile farklılık istatistiksel anlamlılık düzeylerine erişmemiştir. Hasar görmüş arteriyel yapıların histopatolojik incelemelerinde ABS uygulaması ile ilişkili kırmızı küre aggregatları belirgin biçimde gözlenmiştir. SONUÇ: Topikal Ankaferd Hemostat uygulaması deneysel büyük arter modelinde “kanama zamanı” ve “kanama miktarı” değerlerini normal ve yüksek arter-içi basınç durumlarında aşağıya çekmiştir. ABS-bağımlı eritroid aggregasyon vasküler doku düzeyinde belirgin olarak gösterilmiştir. Gözlemler bu yeni hemostatik ajan’ın kanamayı engelleyici ve damar onarımına zemin hazırlayan etkilerinin gelecek deneysel ve klinik çalışmalarla ortaya konulması için temel teşkil etmektedir.

As a rare procedure, massive bronchoalveolar lavage (MBAL) is a large-volume lavage which necessitates general anesthesia and one-lung ventilation (OLV). During MBAL isotonic saline is instilled into one lung and drained through one lumen of a double-lumen tube. MBAL is the most effective treatment for symptomatic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). A 27-year-old male with PAP was scheduled for therapeutic MBALs. After standard preoxygenation, monitoring and anesthesia induction, a double-lumen tube was placed. Tube position was verified by a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The internal jugular vein, radial and pulmonary arteries were cannulated. A temperature probe and foley catheter were inserted. The nonventilated lung was filled with 1000 mL saline and then drained in each session. The left and right lung were lavaged with an interval of 2 weeks. A total of 20 L saline was used in each MBAL without retention. MBALs were terminated after the effluent became clear. Duration of the left and right MBALs were 325 and 275 minutes, respectively. Despite increased shunt fraction, oxygenation was within acceptable limits during OLV. The trachea was extubated in the operating room uneventfully after each MBAL. The patient's clinical and laboratory findings were evidently improved. Consequently, if proper conditions are provided, MBAL is safe and beneficial despite its risks and the long duration. Turkish Baslik: Nadir Gorulen Bir Hastalik Icin Nadir Bir Girisim: Bir Pulmoner Alveolar Proteinosis Hastasinda Masif Bronkoalveolar Lavaj Anahtar Kelimeler: Bronkoalveolar lavaj, pulmoner alveoler proteinoz, genel anestezi Nadir bir islem olan masif bronkoalveolar lavaj (MBAL) genel anestezi ve tek akciger ventilasyonu (TAV) gerektiren genis hacimli lavajdir. MBAL sirasinda, bir akcigere, cift lumenli tupun bir lumeni araciligiyla, izotonik salin infuze edilip drene edilir. MBAL, semptomatik pulmoner alveolar proteinosis (PAP) icin en etkin tedavi yontemidir. PAP tanisi olan 27 yasinda erkek hastaya terapotik MBAL planlandi. Standart preoksijenasyon, monitorizasyon ve anestezi induksiyonunu takiben cift lumenli tup yerlestirildi. Tup pozisyonu fiberoptik bronkoskopla dogrulandi. Internal juguler ven, radiyal ve pulmoner arter kateterizasyonu uygulandi. Ozafageal isi probu ve foley sonda yerlestirildi. Her seansta ventile olmayan akciger 1000 ml serum fizyolojik ile doldurulup, serbest direnajla bosaltildi. Sol ve sag akciger 2 hafta arayla yikandi. Sivi retansiyonu olmayan her bir MBAL sirasinda toplam 20 L serum fizyolojik kullanildi. Yikama sivisi berrak geldiginde islem sonlandirildi. Sol ve sag MBAL sureleri sirasiyla 325 ve 275 dk idi. TAV sirasinda arteriyel oksijenasyon, artmis santa ragmen, kabul edilebilir sinirlarda idi. Her bir islem sonunda, hasta ameliyathanede ekstube edilerek, sorunsuz olarak yogun bakim unitesine transfer edildi. Hastanin klinigi ve laboratuvar bulgularinda belirgin duzelme gozlendi. Sonuc olarak, MBAL uzun suresine ve risklerine ragmen, uygun kosullar saglandiginda guvenli ve yararlidir.

To analyze the effect of central venous pressure on cerebrospinal fluid oxygen tension and intrathecal pressure, multiparameter sensors were introduced into the intrathecal space for continuous monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid PO2, PCO2, and intrathecal pressure in 15 pigs. After 20 min of aortic clamping, hypervolemia was established for 20 min, followed by normovolemia. The animals were divided into 3 groups: in group 1, cerebrospinal fluid PO2 = 0% at some time during crossclamping; in group 2, cerebrospinal fluid PO2 was 2 remained ≥50%. Mean decreases in cerebrospinal fluid PO2 during the initial 20 min of crossclamping were 82%, 57%, and 15% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Following induction of hypervolemia, central venous and cerebrospinal fluid pressures increased simultaneously; this caused a significant decrease in cerebrospinal fluid PO2 in group 2 only. In this model, aortic clamping did not increase cerebrospinal fluid pressure if central venous pressure was not elevated. The detrimental effect of elevated intrathecal pressure on cerebrospinal fluid oxygenation was seen only in animals with an intermediate degree of spinal cord ischemia. This might have important implications for the prevention of paraplegia during thoracoabdominal aortic replacement.

Dans un modele de clampage aortique, nous avons etudie l'utilisation d'une sonde multiparametrique pour la mesure des PO 2 , PCO 2 , et pH dans le liquide cephalo-rachidien (LCR) pendant et apres le clampage. Cette etude a evalue les changements des parametres mentionnes ci-dessus et leur relation selon les intervalles de temps. Chez 31 porcs, une sonde a ete placee dans l'espace intrathecal et le laser Doppler epidural a ete utilise pour mesurer le flux sanguin medullaire (FSM). En placant le clamp aortique a differents niveaux, trois groupes differents d'ischemie medullaire ont ete obtenus (legere, moderee, et severe). Les variables du LCR en fonction du FSM ont ete etudiees pour des changements de 25%, 50%, et 100% par rapport au niveau de base. Pendant la periode de clampage, le FSM diminuait respectivement de 71,5%, 40,0%, et 33,3% dans les groupes 1, 2, et 3. La tension d'O 2 du LCR atteignait 0 dans le groupe 1, diminuait de 74,8% dans le groupe 2, et de 12,7% dans le groupe 3.La tension de CO 2 du LCR augmentait de 247,2% et 202,0% dans les groupes 1 et 2, respectivement, et legerement seulement dans le groupe 3. Le temps de reaction maximum de la tension d'O 2 du LCR etait d'environ 16,7-26,9 min, alors que les extremes etaient de 34,5-49,8 min pour la tension de CO 2 du LCR. Nous avons identifie que la tension d'O 2 reagit plus rapidement que PCO 2 et le pH. Il est possible que la tension O2 soit utilise plus rapidement CO2 que produit dans le milieu ischemique, bien qu'on le sache que le taux de diffusion de CO2 est beaucoup plus haut. La surveillance de la tension d'O 2 medullaire est une methode importante pour detecter les changements ischemiques.

In a model of aortic cross-clamping, we studied the use of a multiparameter sensor for measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PO(2), PCO(2), and pH during and after aortic cross-clamping. The present study addressed the above-mentioned alterations and their relation according to time intervals. In 31 pigs, a sensor was introduced into the intrathecal space and epidural laser Doppler was used to measure spinal cord blood flow (SCF). By placing the aortic clamp at different levels, three different spinal cord ischemia groups were obtained (mild, moderate, and severe). CSF variables with SCF were studied for 25%, 50%, and 100% changes according to baseline level. In the clamping period, SCF decreased 71.5%, 40.0%, and 33.3% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. CSF O(2) tension reached 0 in group 1, decreased 74.8% in group 2, and was 12.7% in group 3. CSF CO(2) tension increased 247.2% and 202.0% in groups 1 and 2, respectively, but slightly increased in group 3. The maximum reaction time of CSF O(2) tension was about 16.7-26.9min, although this range was 34.5-49.8min in CSF CO(2) tension. We recognized that O(2) tension reacts faster than PCO(2) and pH. It is possible for O(2) tension to be used faster than produced CO(2) in the ischemic medium, although it is known that the diffusion rate of CO(2) is much higher. Spinal cord O(2) tension monitoring is an important method to detect ischemic changes.

En un modelo de clampaje aortico, estudiamos el uso de un sensor multiparametrico para determinar los valores de PO2, PCO2 y pH en liquido cefalorraquideo (LCR) durante y despues del clampaje aortico. El presente estudio abordo las alteraciones mencionadas previamente y su relacion de acuerdo con intervalos de tiempo. En 31 cerdos, se introdujo un sensor en el espacio intratecal y se utilizo fluximetria laser Doppler para determinar el flujo sanguineo de la medula espinal (FME). Aplicando el clampaje a diferentes niveles, se obtuvieron tres grupos distintos de isquemia de medula espinal (leve, moderada y grave). Las variables del LCR con FME se estudiaron para cambios del 25%, 50% y 100% de acuerdo con el nivel basal. En el periodo de clampaje, el FME disminuyo un 71,5%, 40,0%, y 33,3% en el grupo 1, 2 y 3, respectivamente. La tension de O2 en LCR alcanzo 0 en el grupo 1, disminuyo un 74,8% en el grupo 2, y fue del 12,7% en el grupo 3. La tension de CO2 en LCR aumento un 247,2% y un 202,0% en los grupos 1 y 2, respectivamente, pero aumento ligeramente en el grupo 3. El tiempo de reaccion maxima de la tension de O2 en el LCR fue de alrededor de 16,7-26,9 min, aunque este intervalo fue de 34,5-49,8 min en la tension de CO2 en LCR. Comprobamos que la tension de O2 reacciona con mas rapidez que la PCO2 y el pH. Es posible que en un medio isquemico la tension de O2 se use con mas rapidez que el CO2 producido, aunque es bien conocido que la tasa de difusion de este es mucho mayor. La monitorizacion de la tension de O2 en la medula espinal es un importante metodo para detectar los cambios isquemicos.

Background and objectives: In this study, we aimed to clarify the importance of residency grade and other factors which influence the success of thoracic epidural catheterization in thoracotomy patients. Methods: After the ethical committee approval, data were recorded retrospectively from the charts of 415 patients. All patients had given written informed consent. The thoracic epidural catheterization attempts were divided into two groups as second–third year (Group I) and fourth year (Group II) according to residency grade. We retrospectively collected demographic data, characteristics of thoracic epidural catheterization attempts, and all difficulties and complications during thoracic epidural catheterization. Results: Overall success rate of thoracic epidural catheterization was similar between the groups. Levels of catheter placement, number and duration of thoracic epidural catheterization attempts were not different between the groups (p > 0.05). Change of needle insertion level was statistically higher in Group II (p = 0.008), whereas paresthesia was significantly higher in Group I (p = 0.007). Dural puncture and postdural puncture headache rates were higher in Group I. Higher body mass index and level of the insertion site were significant factors for thoracic epidural catheterization failure and postoperative complication rate and those were independence from residents’ experience (p 0,05). A alteração do nível de inserção da agulha foi estatisticamente maior no Grupo II (p = 0,008), enquanto que a parestesia foi significativamente maior no Grupo I (p = 0,007). As taxas de cefaléia durante e após punção dural foram maiores no Grupo I. Um índice de massa corporal (IMC) maior e o nível do local de inserção foram fatores significativos para o fracasso do CET e para as taxas de complicações no pós-operatório, mas independentes da experiência dos residentes (p

Background: Symptomatic airway obstructions are common with endobronchial exophytic tumors and may result in lethal complications. Recently, a cryorecanalization procedure has emerged that plays a role in the immediate management of airway obstruction. This study was conducted to investigate the value of cryorecanalization for the immediate management of endobronchial obstructive pathology and to determine the factors that affect the success of the procedure. Methods: We analyzed 40 patients with symptoms of airway obstruction who were admitted to our hospital from 2006 to 2010. Patients with exophytic stenosis due to primary bronchial or metastatic neoplasms who underwent cryorecanalization procedures were included. Patients were excluded if they had involvement of a major artery near the site of the intervention. The procedure was not performed on patients with coagulation abnormalities or thrombocyte count and aggregation problems. The data were collected retrospectively. Results: Successful cryorecanalization was achieved in 72.5 % of patients. We found that the success rate was mainly related to the presence of the distal involvement and the older age of obstruction. Restenosis rate was 12.8 %. The mean survival time after the cryorecanalization procedure was 11 ± 12.7 months. No complications occurred in 14 patients. No severe bleeding was observed for any patients, and moderate hemorrhaging occurred in ten patients, which was stopped with an argon plasma coagulator. We experienced no intraoperative mortality. Conclusions: Cryorecanalization is a successful and safe intervention for the immediate management of endobronchial stenosis. Appropriate patient selection and high success rates should be achieved after careful radiological assessments and with early management. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012.