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Purpose: Postoperative sore throat (POST) after general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation is a common and undesirable complication. In this study, we evaluated the combined effects of paracetamol and dexamethasone on the prevention of POST in patients after general anesthesia. Methods: A total of 226 patients scheduled for urologic surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the DexaPara group ( n = 113), dexamethasone (10 mg) and paracetamol (1000 mg) was infused. In the Dexa group ( n = 113), dexamethasone (10 mg) alone was given. POST, hoarseness, and dysphagia were monitored. The postoperative wound pain score and perioperative opioid requirements were compared. In addition, complications related to opioids were compared between the groups. Results: The overall incidence of POST was lower in the DexaPara group than in the Dexa group [42 (37%) vs. 72 (64%), p < 0.001]. The incidence of POST while resting at postoperative 1 and 6 h was lower in the DexaPara group than in the Dexa group ( p = 0.008 and p = 0.004, respectively). The incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, shivering, and headache was comparable between the groups. Conclusions: Paracetamol and dexamethasone infusion reduced the incidence of POST without serious complications in patients for urologic surgery under general anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and sagittal imbalance are relatively common in elderly patients. Although the goals of surgery include both functional and radiological improvements, the criteria of correction may be too strict for elderly patients. If the main symptom of patients is not forward-stooping but neurogenic claudication or pain, lumbar decompression without adding fusion procedure may be a surgical option. We performed cost-utility analysis between lumbar decompression and lumbar fusion surgery for those patients. Elderly patients (age > 60 years) who underwent 1–2 levels lumbar fusion surgery (F-group, n = 31) or decompression surgery (D-group, n = 40) for LSS with sagittal imbalance (C7 sagittal vertical axis, C7-SVA > 40 mm) with follow-up ≥ 2 years were included. Clinical outcomes (Euro-Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, EQ-5D; Oswestry Disability Index, ODI; numerical rating score of pain on the back and leg, NRS-B and NRS-L) and radiological parameters (C7-SVA; lumbar lordosis, LL; the difference between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis, PI-LL; pelvic tilt, PT) were assessed. The quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and incremental cost-effective ratio (ICER) were calculated from a utility score of EQ-5D. Postoperatively, both groups attained clinical and radiological improvement in all parameters, but NRS-L was more improved in the F-group (p = 0.048). ICER of F-group over D-group was 49,833 US dollars/QALY. Cost-effective lumbar decompression may be a recommendable surgical option for certain elderly patients, despite less improvement of leg pain than with fusion surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blocking the abrupt increase in systolic blood pressure associated with autonomic response during bladder hydrodistention in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is essential for patient safety. We conducted this study to compare autonomic responses during bladder hydrodistention in patients with IC/BPS under general and spinal anaesthesia. Thirty-six patients were randomly allocated to a general anaesthesia (GA, n = 18) or a spinal anaesthesia (SA, n = 18) group. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured continuously and ΔSBP, defined as maximum increases in SBP during bladder hydrodistention from baseline, was compared between groups. Heart rate variability was analysed using electrocardiograms. The post-anaesthesia care unit assessed postoperative pain using a numeric (0–10) rating scale. Our analyses yield a significantly greater ΔSBP (73.0 [26.0–86.1] vs. 2.0 [− 4.0 to 6.0] mmHg), a significantly lower root-mean-square of successive differences in heart rate variability after bladder hydrodistention (10.8 [7.7–19.8] vs. 20.6 [15.1–44.7] ms), and significantly higher postoperative pain scores (3.5 [0.0–5.5] vs. 0.0 [0.0–0.0]) in the GA compared to the SA group. These findings suggest that SA has advantages over GA for bladder hydrodistention in preventing an abrupt increase in SBP and postoperative pain in IC/BPS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The effects of anesthetic technique on intermediate-term postoperative adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) functional outcomes have not been fully determined in non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) patients. Postoperative hypocortisolism is potentially life-threatening and requires steroid replacement after pituitary surgery. The present study determined whether sevoflurane anesthesia was predictive of 3-month postoperative hypocortisolism in NFPA patients with preoperative normal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Methods: Demographics, preoperative pituitary hormone status, intraoperative data, and tumor characteristics were retrospectively collected from 429 NFPA patients, who had preoperative normal HPA axis and underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on intraoperative anesthetic technique: sevoflurane-based inhalation anesthesia group (n = 74) and propofol-based intravenous anesthesia group (n = 355). After propensity score matching, 73 patients were selected in each group and the incidence of 3-month postoperative hypocortisolism (primary outcome measure) was compared between the two groups. Results: The incidence of 3-month postoperative hypocortisolism was higher in the sevoflurane anesthesia group than the propofol anesthesia group before (n = 20[27.0%] vs. n = 49[13.8%], P = 0.008) and after (n = 20 [27.4%] vs. n = 5 [6.8%], P = 0.002) propensity score matching, respectively. Sevoflurane anesthetic use (odds ratio [95% CI] 5.37[1.80–15.98], P = 0.003) and postoperative steroid administration (2.89 [1.06–7.92], P = 0.039) were predictors of 3-month postoperative hypocortisolism. Conclusion: In patients with preoperative normal HPA axis undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for NFPA, sevoflurane anesthesia and postoperative steroid administration were associated with the development of 3-month postoperative hypocortisolism. A large-scale prospective study is needed to confirm the negative association between sevoflurane anesthesia and postoperative ACTH functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Besides 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), liver enzyme elevation after brain tumor surgery can be caused by anesthesia and medications. In this retrospective study, we determined whether preoperative 5-ALA administration is associated with postoperative elevation of liver enzymes (PELE) in brain tumor patients and identified predictive factors for PELE in patients treated with 5-ALA. Methods: In 179 patients undergoing brain tumor surgery with preoperative normal values of liver enzymes, laboratory data on serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (T.bil) levels were collected preoperatively and through postoperative day (POD) 45. Results: Ninety-nine PELEs (ALT, 56; AST, 34; ALP, 5; and TB, 4) were observed in 62 (34.6%) patients. Four (4.2%) patients treated with 5-ALA showed grade 3 elevation of transaminases based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Effects. Preoperative 5-ALA treatment was predictive of PELE (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.30 [1.14–4.67]; P = 0.021). In patients treated with 5-ALA (n = 95), 70 PELEs (ALT, 39; AST, 22; ALP, 5; and TB, 4) were observed in 41 (43.2%) patients and significant predictive factors for PELE were preoperative ALT level (1.10 [1.04–1.17]; P = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI, 1.29 [1.08–1.56]; P = 0.006). In patients treated with 5-ALA, 13 and 36 patients, of 39 patients whose maximum postoperative ALT levels > 40 U/L, showed the normal value of serum ALT on PODs 14 and 45, respectively. Only three patients showed ALT elevation > 40 U/L on PODs 15–45, with a downward trend. Conclusions: The use of 5-ALA for brain tumor surgery in patients with preoperative normal values of liver enzymes was associated with increased transient PELE, but a low incidence of severely elevated liver transaminases levels. When 5-ALA is administered to patients with the upper normal value of preoperative serum ALT and overweight, attention is paid to PELE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the authors of the article "Clinical Outcomes After Unplanned Extubation in a Surgical Intensive Care Population" in a 2014 issue is presented.

Background: Muscarinic receptors are involved in the mechanism of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). Glycopyrrolate and atropine as adjuncts to reversal of neuromuscular blockers have differential inhibitory effects on muscarinic receptors. This study was conducted to compare the effect of glycopyrrolate versus atropine on postoperative CRBD in patients undergoing transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT). Methods: Seventy-four patients undergoing TURBT were randomly allocated to receive either glycopyrrolate 10 μg/kg (glycopyrrolate group, n = 37) or atropine 15 μg/kg (atropine group, n = 37) in combination with neostigmine 25 μg/kg at the end of surgery for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. The incidence and severity (mild/moderate/severe) of CRBD were assessed at 0, 1, 6, and 24 h postoperatively. Tramadol 50-100 mg was administered intravenously if the patients complained of moderate or severe CRBD. Results: The incidence of CRBD was significantly lower in the glycopyrrolate group than in the atropine group at 0 h (65 % vs. 89 %, p = 0.025) and 1 h (54 % vs. 89 %, p = 0.002) postoperatively. The severity of postoperative CRBD was less severe in the glycopyrrolate group than in the atropine group at 0 h ( p = 0.013) and 1 h ( p = 0.006). Fewer patients required tramadol in the glycopyrrolate group than in the atropine group (3 % vs. 12 %, p = 0.024). Conclusions: Glycopyrrolate as an adjunct to reversal of neuromuscular blockers decreased the incidence of early postoperative CRBD and postoperative tramadol requirements in patients undergoing TURBT when compared to atropine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several methods have been used to predict the optimal depth of central venous catheter (CVC) tip position when using the anatomical landmark technique. In the present study, we devised a simple formula to predict CVC depth using ultrasound images and chest X-ray (CXR) in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided subclavian venous catheterization. Methods: Central venous catheterization via the subclavian vein was performed under ultrasound guidance. We measured five parameters to determine the distance between the needle insertion point and the CVC tip: insertion point to vein puncture point ( A), insertion point to a skin point indicating a vertical position above the vein puncture point ( B), insertion point to the clavicular notch ( C), clavicular notch to the carina ( D), and catheter tip to carina ( E). Catheter insertion depth was then determined as follows: calculated catheter insertion depth = A − B + C + D; actual catheter insertion depth = ( A − B + C + D) + E. Results: The calculated CVC insertion depth (mean ± SD) was 15.4 ± 1.5 cm from the needle insertion point to the carina [95 % confidence interval (CI) 15.0-15.9 cm]. Actual depth was 15.4 ± 1.5 cm (95 % CI 15.0-15.9 cm). No significant difference was observed between the calculated CVC insertion depth and the actual distance from the needle insertion point to the carina ( p = 0.940). Conclusions: The appropriate length of a CVC inserted through the subclavian vein can be estimated by a formula using ultrasound images and CXR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of the Mega Acer kit, a new heated and humidified breathing circuit (HHBC) containing a fluid-warming device, was investigated on intraoperative core temperature ( T). Methods: A total of 102 patients undergoing elective craniotomies were randomly divided into three groups based on the breathing circuit used: a conventional breathing circuit (group C, n = 34), a Fisher & Paykel HHBC (group F, n = 34), and the Mega (group M, n = 34). From baseline to the end of the surgery, T and infusion fluid temperature ( T) were recorded at 15-min intervals. If T became lower than 35.5 °C, a forced-air warmer was used. Results: Baseline temperatures were 36.7 ± 0.3, 36.6 ± 0.2, and 36.6 ± 0.2 °C in groups C, M, and F, respectively. T at the end of surgery dropped from baseline values by 1.0 ± 0.4, 0.5 ± 0.5, and 0.8 ± 0.5 °C in groups C, M, and F, respectively. From 60 min of post-induction to the end of surgery, T was higher in group M than group C ( p < 0.05). From 105 min of post-induction to the end of surgery, T was higher in group M than group F ( p < 0.05). The number of patients receiving forced-air warmer and total forced-air warmer using time were significantly lower in group M than groups C and F ( p < 0.05). T was higher in group M than groups C and F throughout the study period (31.0 ± 1.0 vs. 23.5 ± 0.5 and 24.0 ± 0.4 °C; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The Mega significantly reduced the drop in intraoperative T by delivering warm fluids, compared with the other breathing circuits tested. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01831843. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors' response to A. K. Coskun, O. Mentes, and A. Harlak's commentary to their article "Clinical Outcomes After Unplanned Extubation in a Surgical Intensive Care Population," which appeared in a previous issue in 2014.

Background: Dexmedetomidine is a useful anesthetic adjuvant for general anesthesia. We determined whether preoperative dexmedetomidine administration could reduce the half maximal effective concentration (EC) of propofol for successful i-gel insertion without muscle relaxants. Methods: Thirty-seven patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups. In the dexmedetomidine group ( n = 19), dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) was loaded for 10 min preoperatively. In the control group ( n = 20), the same volume of 0.9 % normal saline was administered in the same manner. The EC of propofol for successful i-gel insertion was determined using Dixon's up-and-down method. The EC of propofol was calculated as the midpoint concentration after at least six crossover points had been obtained. For successful i-gel insertion, all of the following four factors were required-(1) no major movement of the body within 1 min of insertion, (2) no significant resistance to mouth opening, (3) cough ≤2, and (4) visible square wave capnogram without air leakage at a peak airway pressure of <10 cmHO. Mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored during the peri-insertion period of i-gel. Results: The EC of propofol for successful i-gel insertion was 3.18 μg/mL in the dexmedetomidine group and 6.75 μg/mL in the control group ( p < 0.001). The incidence of hypotension (MBP <80 % of the baseline) during the peri-insertion period of i-gel was higher in the control group ( p = 0.001), whereas the incidence of bradycardia (HR <80 % of the baseline) was higher in the dexmedetomidine group ( p = 0.001). Conclusions: Preoperative dexmedetomidine reduced the EC of propofol for successful i-gel insertion without muscle relaxants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Percutaneous tunneling (hydrodissection) in the neck and anterior chest in patients undergoing robotic thyroidectomy leads to significant hemodynamic responses such as increases in blood pressure and heart rate. We evaluated whether a single preoperative dexmedetomidine injection attenuated hemodynamic responses to hydrodissection by reducing the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of remifentanil needed to maintain hemodynamic stability during hydrodissection. Methods: Forty-one patients undergoing robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy were randomly allocated to one of the two groups-group D ( n = 22) and group C ( n = 19) patients received dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg and normal saline for 10 min before anesthetic induction, respectively. The EC50 of remifentanil for hemodynamic stability during hydrodissection was determined using Dixon's up-and-down method with initial dose (4 and 5 ng/mL in groups D and C, respectively). The concentration of remifentanil for consecutive patients in each group was determined by the response of the previous patient, using increments or decrements of 0.5 ng/mL. Hemodynamic stability during hydrodissection was defined as increased systolic blood pressure <20 % of baseline. Results: The EC50 of remifentanil for maintaining hemodynamic stability during hydrodissection was 0.8 ng/mL in group D and 7.3 ng/mL in group C ( p = 0.002). Conclusions: A single preoperative dexmedetomidine injection attenuated hydrodissection-induced hemodynamic responses in patients undergoing robotic thyroidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study we investigated whether cerebral ventricle indices based on brain computed tomography (CT) scans are reliable for predicting intracranial pressure (ICP) in hydrocephalic patients. Methods: Electronic medical records of 221 patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to hydrocephalus were retrospectively reviewed. Cerebral ventricle indices including Evans' index, third ventricle index, cella media index, and ventricular score were calculated from transverse diameters measured at various levels on preoperative brain CT scans. ICP was considered as CSF opening pressure. Patients were categorized into three groups: communicating hydrocephalus, non-communicating hydrocephalus, and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The non-communicating hydrocephalus group was further divided according to the obstruction site; aqueduct, fourth ventricle outlet, third ventricle, and the foramen of Monro. The primary endpoint was the extent of the correlation between cerebral ventricle indices and ICP in each hydrocephalus group. Results: No cerebral ventricle index correlated with ICP in patients with communicating hydrocephalus ( n = 113) and NPH ( n = 62). In the non-communicating hydrocephalus group ( n = 46), only the third ventricle index revealed moderate negative correlation with ICP ( r = −0.395, p < 0.01). In subgroup analyses, the third ventricle index showed a strong negative relationship with ICP only in patients with the third ventricle obstruction ( r = −0.779, p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this study we showed that although an inverse correlation existed between ICP and the third ventricle index only in patients with non-communicating hydrocephalus due to obstruction of the third ventricle, cerebral ventricle indices based on brain CT scan were non-reliable predictors of ICP in hydrocephalic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Minimizing hemodynamic changes during the peri-intubation period is a concern for anesthesiologists. We investigated the effect of lidocaine sprayed on the laryngoscope blade and trachea on hemodynamics during direct laryngoscopic intubation. Methods: Seventy-two patients were randomly allocated to one of four groups: 10 % lidocaine was sprayed either on the laryngoscope blade (group L), on the trachea (group V), or on the laryngoscope blade and the trachea (group LV). No lidocaine was used in group C. Anesthesia was induced in all patients with remifentanil (effect site concentration: 4.0 ng/ml) and propofol (effect site concentration 4.0 μg/ml) continuous infusion using a target control infusion (TCI) device. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded during the peri-intubation period. Results: Changes in MAP and HR over time were markedly different among the four groups ( P < 0.05). MAP at 1 min post-intubation was significantly lower in groups L, V, and LV than in group C (86.1 ± 12.7, 85.3 ± 12.6, and 83.7 ± 13.1 vs 106.3 ± 22.9 mmHg, P < 0.01). Maximum MAP values were lower in groups L and LV than in group C ( P < 0.05). HRs at 1, 2, and 3 min post-intubation were lower in group LV than in group C (70.4 ± 9.0 vs 84.2 ± 15.3; 64.0 ± 8.1 vs 79.2 ± 15.4; 61.6 ± 8.3 vs 77.2 ± 14.5 beats/min, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Lidocaine sprayed on the laryngoscope blade and/or trachea reduced the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopic intubation during the post-intubation period following anesthetic induction with remifentanil and propofol using a TCI device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical outcome after unplanned extubation (UE) in patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) has not been fully investigated. In this study we assessed in-hospital mortality of patients with UE and determined whether UE is a predictor of in-hospital mortality. Finally, we sought to identify predictors of reintubation after UE in mechanically ventilated patients in the SICU. Methods: Medical charts of patients ( n = 4,407) admitted to the SICU between October 2007 and December 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Eighty-five episodes of UE occurred in 81 patients. Patients with UE required emergency surgery more frequently and had higher ICU and hospital mortality rates, reintubation rate, and APACHE II scores and longer mechanical ventilation (MV) and ICU stay than patients without UE ( P < 0.05 for all associations). Multivariate analysis revealed that reintubation (odds ratio [95 % confidence interval]: 4.14 [2.58-6.67]; P < 0.001), APACHE II scores (1.14 [1.12-1.17]; P < 0.001), emergency surgery (1.73 [1.18-2.53]; P = 0.005), and chronic neurologic disease (2.11 [1.30-3.41]; P = 0.002) were associated with hospital mortality. Reintubation was necessary in 17 patients. On multivariate analysis, a score on the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS, 0.48 [0.31-0.76]; P = 0.001), PaO/FiO ratio (0.99 [0.99-1.00]; P = 0.048), and MV duration before UE (1.46 [1.08-1.98]; P = 0.014) were independently associated with reintubation after UE. Conclusions: Our results indicated that although patients with UE had high in-hospital mortality, UE was not directly associated with in-hospital mortality. Reintubation, chronic neurologic disease, emergency operation, and higher APACHE II score were related to increased in-hospital mortality. A low RASS score, a low PaO/FiO ratio, and long MV duration before UE were related to reintubation after UE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]