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Cauda equina syndrome is a well-known but rare complication of spinal anesthesia. An 80-year-old man was scheduled for both herniorrhaphy. Spinal anesthesia was performed at the L3-4 interspinous space with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 12 mg. Eight hours after anesthesia, the patient complained bilateral sensorimotor deficits of the lower extremities and peroneal region. Urinary and fecal incontinence were also observed. MRI and myelography showed severe central spinal stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5. EMG showed cauda equina syndrome. Seven weeks after the procedure, left decompressive subtotal laminectomy L2-L5 was done. The patient still complains the neuropathic pain in the both lower extremities and ambulates using a walker. The local anesthetic was injected into thecal sac between maximum stenoses, and it is likely that there was poor upward spread leading to maldistribution of local anesthetic and resultant local anesthetic toxicity.

Epiduroscopic laser discectomy and neural decompression (ELND) is known as an effective treatment for intractable lumbar pain and radiating pain which develop after lumbar surgery, as well as for herniation of the intervertebral disk and spinal stenosis. However, various complications occur due to the invasiveness of this procedure and epidural adhesion, and rarely, cranial nerve damage can occur due to increased intracranial pressure. Here, the authors report case in which double vision occurred after epiduroscopic laser discectomy and neural decompression in a patient with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS).

Herpes zoster is a cutaneous infection that is characterized by an acute vesicobullous rash with ipsilateral one or two dermatomal distribution and painful allodynia, while predominantly being found in the elderly. Extensive cutaneous dissemination has been reported in immune-compromised patients, such as those who suffer from HIV infections, cancer, chemotherapy, and corticosteroid therapy patients. However, we report a case of disseminated herpes zoster infection in an immuno-competent elderly individual.

We describe a modification of the currently practiced arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction techniques. We augmented the injured PCL with quadrupled autogenous hamstring tendon grafts using the arthroscopic posterior-posterior triangulation method and a single-incision transtibial approach. The tibial drill guide was introduced through the anteromedial portal and positioned onto the fossa for the PCL on the tibia under arthroscopic guidance from the posterolateral portal. The femoral tunnel was made 10 mm posterior to the articular cartilage of the medial femoral condyle by use of the anterior cruciate ligament Beath pin (Arthrex, Naples, FL) introduced through the far-inferior anterolateral portal. The tendon graft was positioned in the knee joint by use of the tibial and femoral double-folded silk loops that traversed the bony tunnels. The graft was fixed by use of bioabsorbable Intrafix screw systems (DePuy Mitek, Raynham, MA) at both the ends. The arthroscopic posterior-posterior triangulation method provides adequate exposure of the posterior knee compartment; this allows for convenient instrumentation and safe and accurate placement of the bony tunnels with preservation of the PCL remnants. We believe that retention of the remnant PCL fibers is biologic and contributes to earlier healing and strengthening of the tendon graft.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position affects the cardiopulmonary system and may also influence intraocular pressure (IOP). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesias on IOP change during laparoscopic hysterectomy. Methods: Thirty-one women were randomly allocated to either a propofol (P-group, n = 15) intravenous anesthesia group or a sevoflurane (S-group, n = 16) inhaled anesthesia group with fentanyl-O/-vecuronium. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, plateau airway pressure, ETC, and IOP were measured before induction (T1), 10 min after induction (T2), 10 min after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position (T3), and 5 min after pneumoperitoneum deflation in the horizontal position (T4). Results: IOP was significantly decreased in both groups after induction. IOP was increased in both groups after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position, but IOP in the sevoflurane group was significantly higher than that in the propofol group. Conclusions: Propofol intravenenous anesthesia may be a better choice for IOP control during laparoscopic surgery.

Although perioperative pulmonary thromboembolisms (PTEs) are not rare, most anesthetists are unfamilar with the condition. We experience a case, which showed a sudden capnographic score drop, increased pumonary arterial pressure, and a D-shaped right ventricle by echocardiography in a femur surgery patient under general anesthesia. The case described provides an example of PTE and should remind anesthetists of the clinical course and treatment of this condition.

Background: Most local anesthetics decrease neuromuscular transmission and potentiate the neuromuscular blocks of muscle relaxants. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of lidocaine on it effects rocuronium onset and intubation conditions in rapid-sequence intubation and to compare with those of succinylcholine. Methods: Seventy five ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients were randomly allocated to three groups. Group S received succinylcholine (1.0 mg/kg), Group R received rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) and additional lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) was given intravenously prior to the administration of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg in Group RL. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam 0.03 mg/kg, fentanyl /kg, and thiopental 5 mg/kg. Intubation was performed 60 seconds after the administration of muscle relaxants and intubation conditions were evaluated. Neuromuscular blockades were assessed by single twitch responses of the adductor pollicis after ulnar nerve stimulation by accelerography (0.1 Hz, 0.2 ms supramaximal stimuli). Results: The onset time of Group S (47.811.3) was shorter than those of Group R (87.8 30.2) and Group RL (75.421.5), but no differences was observed between the onset times of Group R and Group RL. Intubation conditions were good or excellent in all groups. Conclusions: Additional lidocaine to rocuronium neither influences intubation condition nor accelerate the rocuronium onset, and it is cannot be viewed as an alternative for succinylcholine in rapid-sequence tracheal intubation.

Although the incidence of epidural abscess is rare, once it occurs, its high morbidity rate and high mortality rate create a great deal of serious sequalae for these patient, if this condition is not diagnosed in time. We experienced a case of epidural abscess after performing percutaneous vertebroplasty in a patient who had a lumbar spinal compression fracture. This case will remind the pain clinician of the possibility of epidural abscess after such a procedure.

Although a bronchospastic attack is common during the induction and emergence of general anesthesia, it is quite rare during maintenance of it. We experienced a severe case of a bronchospasm in a male patient during the maintenance of general anesthesia. His past medical history indicated no risk factors for the bronchospasm except for heavy smoking. He suffered from poor ventilation, hypercarbia and a pneumothorax that occurred abruptly, 2 hours after inducing general anesthesia. Ten hours later, he recovered his normal respiratory function without any respiratory complication. This case highlights the possibility of a bronchospasm during the maintenance of general anesthesia.

Background: Lidocaine, , -adrenergic blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, and various other analgesics have been used for blocking awakening, movements, and hemodynamic instability during general anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of esmolol to attenuate the cardiovascular, motor, and central nervous system responses to nociceptive stimulation, such as intubation, during general anesthesia. Methods: Forty randomly selected patients participated in this study either as a control (n = 20) or as a study (n = 20) group, respectively. As soon as patients lost consciousness, at a propofol effect-site concentration of 4/ml, a touniquet was applied to one arm and inflated to 150 mmHg higher than the systolic pressure, and then vecuronium (1 mg/kg) was injected. Simultaneously esmolol (1 mg/kg + 250/kg/min) or normal saline were injected in the study and control groups respectively. Four minutes after starting esmolol, orotracheal intubation was administered. We monitered the BP, HR, BIS and gross movement during the study. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in mean BP, HR, and BIS between the two groups during esmolol injection. Conclusions: Esmolol can reduce anesthetic requirements during general anesthesia with propofol.

Background: Hypotension is the most frequent side effect of spinal anesthesia. Unilateral spinal anesthesia may be advantageous because it reduce the extent of spinal block. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of hypotension and the difference of heart rate between unilateral and conventional bilateral spinal anesthesia. Methods: Seventy patients were randomly allocated into two groups, which both received 2.0 ml (10 mg) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. In group 1, local anesthetic was injected for two minutes with the needle orifice turned toward the dependent side; the lateral position was maintained for 20 minutes (unilateral, n = 35). In group 2, local anesthetic was injected through a cranially directed needle orifice, then patients were immediately turned supine (conventional, n = 35). Observers recorded noninvasive hemodynamic variables, as well as loss of cold and touch sensation and motor block on both side. Results: In the unilateral group, 16 patients (45.7%) showed a unilateral loss of cold sensation and 23 patients (65.7%) had no motor block on the nondependent side for the duration of the study, whereas all conventional patients had bilateral distribution of spinal block (P 9.8% and -19.7 10.4%) than in unilateral group (-14.6 5.5% and -16.9 11.2%). Conclusions: Unilateral spinal anesthesia reduces the incidence of hypotension during spinal anesthesia.

Background: Continuous thoracic paravertebral block (C-TPVB) produces multidermatomal, ipsilateral, somatic and sympathetic nerve blockade, and is one of the options for pain management following thoracotomy. Herein, our experience of a continuous paravertebral infusion of ropivacaine for pain management following a thoracotomy is reported. Methods: Thirty two patients who underwent a thoracotomy were investigated. TPVB was performed using the Eason and Wyatt's technique at the T3-4 or T4-5 intervertebral space with an 18 G, 8 cm Tuohy needle. An epidural catheter was placed into the TPVS through the 18 G Tuohy needle, and advanced 4 - 5 cm into the TPVS. Eight ml of 1 % mepivacaine was injected into the thoracic paravertebral space (TPVS) and the dermatomal level checked by cold sensation. After the TPVB, general anesthesia was performed. When the visceral pleural had been closed, 8 ml of 0.3% ropivacaine was injected through the catheter, and 4 ml/h of 0.3% ropivacaine 0.3% continuous infused. The postoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS) was checked 2, 8, 24 and 48 hours after the operation in the resting and coughing states. Also, the requirements of the total dose of analgesic drug were recorded. The range of ann motion at the thoracotomy site, the side effects and patients' satisfaction were checked. Results: The mean VAS scores were 3.0 1.1 and 3.2 1.0 in the resting and coughing states, respectively, but there was no significant difference between the two states. The mean degree of ann motion was 1.47 0.5 and the patient satisfaction was good. Conclusions: Our results suggest that continuous thoracic paravertebral block with ropivacaine is an effective method for providing continuous pain relief in patients undergoing a unilateral thoracotomy.

Background: Infusion of propofol by a target-controlled infusion (TCI) system is effective in achieving conscious sedation for anxious patients presenting for dental surgery. However, there is no report of conscious sedation for mandibular fracture patients using propofol TCI. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriation of a conscious sedation using propofol for mandibular fracture patients. Methods: Twenty patients with a mandibular fracture undergoing an open reduction and miniplate insertion operation were analyzed. We anesthetized patients using a propofol infusion by a TCI system (Diprifusor: Master TCI: Pilot Anesthesia Is, France) with local anesthesia using lidocaine. The BIS score was evaluated continually during surgery using a microcomputer (A-2000 BIS monitor, Aspect Medical System, USA). We set the infusion machine at a target concentration 2/ml, and adjusted the propofol concentration for a BIS score range of 80-85. Infusion rate, total dosage, duration of induction, recall of operative procedure and cooperation scores were checked. BIS, heart rate, noninvasive arterial blood pressure, and were recorded during the operation. Results: The mean BIS score was 82.95, the mean target concentration of propofol was 2.645/ml, the mean infusion rate was 136.3/kg/min, and the mean cooperation score was 2.5, the patients were cooperative. The score of amnesia was 0.2, almost patients did not recall the intraoperative event. The mean duration of stay in the recovery room was 22.2 minutes, and the most frequent side effect was pain on injecion of propofol. Conclusions: Conscious sedation with propofol TCI is an effective anesthesia method substitute for general anesthesia with quick emergence, few side effects, and safety for mandibular fracture patients.

Despite the high incidence of subdural block (SDB) during epidural anesthesia, the condition is unfamiliar to anesthesiologist. We experienced a case of SDB: severe hypotension, transient hemiplegia, wide extent of block and late onset and recovery from block. The case described is an examples of SDB and should remind anesthesiologist of the clinical course and treatment.

Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic and occlusive inflammatory disease of uncertain etiology affecting medium to large sized arteries. We anesthetized a patient who had Takayasu's arteritis affecting both common carotid arteries, the left anterior descending coronary artery, and the left subclavian artery. During beating heart coronary artery bypass graft and aorto-carotid bypass graft we chose a cervical epidural block combined with light general anesthesia as an anesthetic technique. We managed the patient successfully with consistant hemodynamic stability. The operation was done without cardiopulmonary bypass and the patient was returned to consciousness immediately after the end of the operation. We extubated the endotracheal tube in the operating room without pain. The patient maintained hemodynamic stability in the intensive care unit and we controlled the pain via a cervical epidural catheter with morphine and 0.1% bupivacaine.