Spinal anesthesia for lower segment Cesarean section in patients with stable eclampsia

Study Objective

To report the use of spinal anesthesia in stable eclamptic patients.

Design

Prospective case series.

Setting

Emergency operating room of a metropolitan hospital.

Patients

12 “stable” eclamptic parturients.

Interventions

Subarachnoid block was instituted with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine 1.7 mL with fentanyl 25 μg.

Measurements

Intraoperative maternal hypotension, episodes of convulsion, the need to convert to general anesthesia, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were recorded.

Main Results

Only one of the 12 parturients had an episode of hypotension (treated by intravenous ephedrine), while no patient had a convulsion over the 48 hours after delivery. The sensory level achieved was T₅-T₆ and none of the cases was converted to general anesthesia. Median Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were 8 and 9, respectively.

Conclusion

Spinal anesthesia avoided the known risks of general anesthesia and was not associated with any major complications.     

Terlipressin as Rescue Therapy in Catecholamine-Resistant Hypotension in Solid Organ Donors: A Case Report

Objective

The objective of this study was to report the effects of Terlipressin treatment in 2 potential organ donors with intractable, catecholamine-resistant hypotension.

Design and Setting

This study was based on case reports in the intensive care unit of a general hospital.

Patients

Patients included 2 adult patients with cerebral death and catecholamine-resistant hypotension.

Interventions

A low dose of Terlipressin (3.5 μg/kg) by intravenous bolus was added to the standard treatment.

Measurement and Results

In both cases, Terlipressin induced a rapid improvement in arterial pressure with a consequent increase in urine output and the appearance of diabetes insipidus. In 1 patient it allowed for the withdrawal of norepinephrine infusion. No related adverse effects were detected in either patient. Organ removal was not possible in the second case due to lack of family consent.

Conclusions

Terlipressin might be considered as a rescue therapy for potential organ donors with intractable, catecholamine-resistant hypotension. In spite of the positive results obtained here and by other authors in the treatment of septic shock, its judicious use is recommended, and an optimal administration schedule must still be elucidated.     

Combined Epidural and General Anesthesia for Paediatric Renal Transplantation—A Single Center Experience

Background

Appropriate anesthesia for pediatric renal transplantation requires stable intraoperative hemodynamics, optimal perfusion of the newly transplanted kidney and good analgesia during recovery. The aim of this study was to assess the preliminary application, success and safety of combined epidural and general anesthesia in pediatric renal transplantation in a small cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the anesthesia records of 46 consecutive pediatric patients who received renal transplantation under combined epidural and general anesthesia from January 2003-2007.

Results

The mean patient age and weight were 13.2 ± 2.4 years and 25.7 ± 5.46 kg, respectively. The infused crystalloids, 20% albumin and red blood cell concentrates were 120 ± 2 mL/kg to achieve a CVP of 13 to 15 mm Hg. Brisk diuresis was observed in all patients. Epidural tramadol (2 mg/kg) provided good postoperative analgesia in 89% patients. 15% patients developed radiological evidence of pulmonary edema, only one required mechanical ventilation for hypoxemia. Minor adverse effects were nausea and vomiting (17.5%) and convulsions (8.5%). No perioperative mortality or major morbidity was recorded.

Conclusion

Epidural anesthesia is a useful adjunct to general anesthesia due to stable intraoperative haemodynamics and good postoperative analgesia.     

Augmentation mentoplasty with osteocartilaginous nasal graft

Objective

Augmentation mentoplasty is a common procedure, applied especially in conjunction with rhinoplasty. Although various materials have been used, autogenous nasal hump tissue has not been studied in a big series of patients. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the use of autogenous nasal hump in chin augmentation.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

University hospital.

Subjects and Methods

The osteocartilaginous mentoplasty procedure was performed in 124 patients along with rhinoplasty in a series of 218 patients who had undergone combined rhinoplasty and mentoplasty with various techniques. The median follow-up was 58 months (range, 12-120 months) over a 10-year period. The procedure commenced under general anesthesia for all patients with large humps and poor chin projection. During the rhinoplasty procedure, the osteocartilaginous nasal hump was removed, tailored to achieve an anatomic mental form, and inserted into the mental pocket through a submental or an intraoral incision.

Results

Infection was detected in five patients, two of whom required graft removal. All other patients recovered normally along an almost painless process, without displacements or any other complaints.

Conclusion

Nasal hump in reduction rhinoplasty is a useful alternative for augmentation mentoplasty on patients with large humps and poor chin projection. It also avoids all the disadvantages of alloplastic materials and eases integration compared with other alternatives in selected cases.     

Prophylactic glycopyrrolate prevents bradycardia after spinal anesthesia for Cesarean section: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective trial with heart rate variability correlation

Study Objective

To determine if prophylactic glycopyrrolate prevents bradycardia after spinal anesthesia.

Design

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Setting

Large university-affiliated community hospital.

Patients

81 consecutive term parturients (not in active labor) who were scheduled for elective Cesarean section.

Interventions

Parturients received 1.0 to 1.5 L of intravenous Ringer's lactate and either glycopyrrolate 0.4 mg or an equal volume of saline, with caregivers blinded to the immediate sequelae of study drug. Each patient received intrathecal bupivacaine (12 to 14 mg) with morphine sulfate (0.1 to 0.2 mg).

Measurements

Continuous heart rate (HR) and blood pressure monitoring occurred for 20 minutes, with the minimum HR recorded for each 5-minute epoch. Heart rates < 60 beats per minute defined bradycardia. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis occurred offline.

Main Results

None of 34 patients administered glycopyrrolate and 6 of 35 (17%) patients receiving saline experienced bradycardia (P = 0.02476). Time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear and embedded spectrum entropy analyses all reflected the decrease in HRV accompanying administration of glycopyrrolate.

Conclusion

Bradycardia after spinal anesthesia occurs commonly. Prophylactic glycopyrrolate may prevent the bradycardia, but not necessarily the hypotension.     

Intravenous landiolol, a novel β(1)-adrenergic blocker, reduces the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in women

Study Objective

To investigate the effect of intravenous (IV) landiolol, a novel β₁-adrenergic blocker, on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane in adult women.

Design

Prospective, randomized study.

Setting

University hospital.

Patients

42 ASA physical status 1 and 2 women, aged 24-57 years, who were scheduled to undergo elective abdominal surgery.

Interventions

Anesthesia was induced in all patients by vital capacity rapid inhalation induction of sevoflurane. In the landiolol group, administration of landiolol began when patients took a vital-capacity breath: 0.125 mg/kg/min for one minute and then 0.04 mg/kg/min. Normal saline was administered in the control group.

Measurements

MAC was determined by a technique adapted from the conventional up-down method.

Main Results

The MAC of sevoflurane was 2.2% ± 0.2% in the control group and 1.7% ± 0.2% in the landiolol group, a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0005).

Conclusions

IV landiolol reduces the MAC of sevoflurane in women by approximately 20%.     

Adjunctive renal artery revascularization during juxtarenal and suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs

Background

We report a 15-year experience with renal artery revascularization during abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

Methods

AAA repairs from 1994 to 2009 were reviewed. Postoperative complications, renal function, patency, and survival in patients undergoing renal artery revascularization were evaluated and compared with a control group of patients undergoing juxtarenal AAA repairs not requiring renal artery revascularization.

Results

Sixty patients underwent renal artery revascularization during AAA repair. Transient postoperative renal insufficiency occurred in 20 patients. Temporary hemodialysis was required in 3 patients, with none requiring permanent hemodialysis. There was 1 postoperative death. There was 1 renal artery revascularization failure at 1 month but no other graft failures at 12 months median follow-up evaluation (1-year patency, 97%). In comparison with the control group, transient renal insufficiency and pulmonary complications (33.3% vs 19.8%; P = .042) were more common with renal artery revascularization, with no differences in long-term renal complications or mortality.

Conclusions

Renal artery revascularization can be performed during AAA repair with excellent patency and minimal morbidity.     

Postdischarge unplanned admission in ambulatory surgery—a prospective study

Background

Postdischarge recovery continues at home and some patients will need admission if complications occur.

Objective

To analyze the postdischarge unplanned admission rate in a hospital-based ambulatory surgery unit.

Method

Prospective non-comparative study. Patients admitted in the first 30 days postdischarge were included.Univariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictive factors for these admissions.

Results

The postdischarge unplanned admission rate was 1%. Urology, gynaecology and general surgery, patients 90 years or older and epidural anaesthesia were significant risk factors for postdischarge unplanned admission.

Conclusion

The postdischarge unplanned admission rate was very low.     

A contemporary evaluation of surgical outcome in neonates and infants undergoing lung resection

Background/Purpose

The timing and need of resection of asymptomatic congenital lung lesions are controversial. The morbidity of such surgery needs to be considered in the decision analysis. We analyzed the contemporary outcome of infants and neonates undergoing lung resection.

Methods

With institutional review board approval, all patients 12 months or younger undergoing lung resection between 1995 and 2004 in 2 hospitals were reviewed. Demographic data, indications for surgery, operative procedure, complications, use of regional anesthesia, length of stay (LOS), and follow-up were assessed.

Results

Forty-five patients (28 male, 17 female) with a median age of 4 months (2 days-12 months) were evaluated. Congenital lesions (42) were the most frequent indication for surgery. Twenty-two (48.9%) patients had cardiorespiratory symptoms or infection preoperatively. Lobectomy was the most common operation (40/45). Three patients had intraoperative difficulty (bleeding, hypotension, desaturation). Significant postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients: prolonged air leak or chest tube drainage (4), anemia or bleeding (2), respiratory distress requiring reintubation (1). Fewer complications occurred in asymptomatic vs symptomatic patients (1/23 vs 6/22). Of 12 patients, 7 (58%) requiring 24 hours of ventilation or longer were 3 months or younger. Increasing age did significantly influence the chance of successful extubation (P = .01; odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.0), as did the use of epidural anesthesia (P < .001). Median LOS was 6 days (2-89 days). Asymptomatic patients had shorter LOS (median, 4 days; range, 2-20 days; P = .024) vs symptomatic patients (median, 8 days; range, 4-89 days). The only death occurred from underlying heart disease. Mean follow-up at 35 months (12-132 months) revealed no subjective reduction in cardiopulmonary function.

Conclusions

Lung resection is safe and well tolerated in infancy. Surgery should be scheduled before the development of symptoms but likely after 3 months of age to improve the chances of postoperative extubation. The use of regional anesthesia may facilitate this.     

Nasal septum to columella attachment: A major tip support?

Objective

To determine whether surgical section of attachment of the medial crural footplates to the quadrangular cartilage produces loosening of the nasal tip.

Study Design

Prospective, observational, before-and-after study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

Hispanic patients undergoing septoplasty who required a transfixion incision were included. A six-month postoperative assessment of the nasal tip support was compared with preoperative values. As measures of the nasal tip support, we included tip recoil test, nasolabial angle, tip rotation angle, nasofacial angle, and the Goode method for determining tip projection.

Results

Twenty-seven patients completed the follow-up, and their results are reported. There were no statistically significant differences after septoplasty in any of the five measurements used to assess the nasal tip support (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In this preliminary cohort of Hispanic patients, surgical section of the attachment of the medial crural footplates to the quadrangular cartilage does not produce significant changes in nasal tip support.     

Comparison of pharyngeal stenosis between hypopharyngeal patients undergoing primary versus salvage laryngopharyngectomy

Objective

To survey the risk factors of pharyngeal stenosis after laryngopharyngectomy in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancers.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Pharyngeal stenosis rates and risk factors were compared between two groups of laryngopharyngectomy patients: a group that underwent concurrent chemoradiation therapy followed by surgical salvage, and a surgery initiated group with adjuvant chemoradiation.

Results

Of 160 patients, 25 developed pharyngeal stenosis, which was diagnosed by barium esophagography with a pooling of barium contrast above the neopharyngeal inlet. These patients required nasogastric tube feeding or gastrostomy feeding because an oral liquid diet could not meet their nutritional needs. Primary closure and old age were risk factors for pharyngeal stenosis. Pharyngeal stenosis did not affect survival in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent laryngopharyngectomy.

Conclusion

Primary closure reconstruction is discouraged in patients over the age of 65 years.     

Post-appendectomy visits to the emergency department within the global period: a target for cost containment

Background

Postoperative visits to the emergency department (ED) instead of the surgeon's office consume enormous cost.

Hypothesis

Postoperative ED visits can be avoided.

Setting

Fully accredited, single-institution, 617-bed hospital affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

Patients

Retrospective analysis of 597 consecutive patients with appendectomies over a 4-year period.

Methods

Demographic and medical data, at initial presentation, surgery, and ED visit were recorded as categorical variables and statistically analyzed (Pearson χ² test, Fisher exact test, and linear-by-linear). Costs were calculated from the hospital's billing department.

Results

Forty-six patients returned to the ED within the global period with pain (n = 22, 48%), wound-related issues (n = 6, 13%), weakness (n = 4, 9%), fever (13%), and nausea and vomiting (n = 3, 6%). Thirteen patients (28%) required readmission. Predictive factors for ED visit postoperatively were perforated appendicitis (2-fold increase over uncomplicated appendicitis) and comorbidities (cardiovascular or diabetes). The cost of investigations during ED visits was $55,000 plus physician services.

Conclusions

ED visits during the postoperative global period are avoidable by identifying patients who may need additional care; improving patient education, optimizing pain control, and improving patient office access.     

Thrombotic Microangiopathy Following Intestinal Transplantation: A Single Center Experience

Background

Transplant-related thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a well-recognized complication of all types of transplantations. Despite its known relationship with immunosuppressive therapy, only a few cases have been reported following intestinal transplantation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical files of nine consecutive intestinal transplant patients between 2000 and 2008.

Results

The diagnosis of TMA was established in 3 patients (33%). At diagnosis the immunosuppressive therapy consisted of tacrolimus (n = 3), combined with azathioprine (n = 1) or sirolimus (n = 2) and steroids (n = 2). The median time between transplantation and TMA was 104 days (range, 55-167 days). Levels of ADAMTS13, a von Willebrand protease, were within normal ranges in all 3 patients. Treatment consisted of stopping/tapering of tacrolimus, together with initiation of plasma therapy, leading to complete remission in all 3 patients. During further follow-up, all 3 patients showed severe graft rejection necessitating more profound immunosuppressive therapy, leading to graft loss in 1 patient and infection-related death in the 2 others. At a median follow-up of 52 months (range, 9-100 months) all remaining TMA-free patients (n = 6) were alive with functioning grafts under minimal immunosuppression.

Conclusion

Herein we have described 3 intestinal transplant patients who were diagnosed with transplantation-related TMA. Despite excellent disease control the final outcomes were dismal, which clearly contrasts with the outcome among TMA-free patients, who were all well with functioning grafts at last follow-up.     

Risk factors for surgical complications in distal pancreatectomy

Background

Pancreatic fistula (PF) represents a major complication after distal pancreatectomy. In a consecutive series of 110 patients, risk factors for the incidence of PF and surgical morbidity were identified.

Methods

Patients having undergone distal pancreatectomy between 2003 and 2007 were identified. Clinicopathologic parameters as well as perioperative data were correlated with the incidence of PF and overall surgical morbidity using univariate and multivariate models.

Results

In 72 patients (65%), malignant disease was present. Splenectomy and multivisceral resection were performed in 84 (76%) and 47 (42%) patients, respectively. Overall major surgical morbidity was 18%, and 12 patients (11%) developed PFs. A body mass index > 25 kg/m² was the only independent significant predictive factor for PF. Malignancy, splenectomy, multivisceral resection, transfusion, comorbidity, and stapler use did not show statistical significance. For overall surgical morbidity, there was no significant indicator.

Conclusions

A body mass index > 25 kg/m² contributes to the incidence of PF after distal pancreatectomy. Other parameters did not show a significant influence on PF or on overall surgical morbidity.     

Utilizing computed tomography as a road map for designing selective and superselective neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy

Objective

To determine whether computed tomography can distinguish low risk neck levels that can be omitted when neck dissection is undertaken after chemoradiotherapy.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy between January 1998 and June 2008. We compared computed tomography findings after chemoradiotherapy with neck dissection pathology results; used primary location and computed tomography findings to design selective or superselective neck dissection; and determined whether these surgeries would have contained all metastatic disease.

Results

A total of 104 patients were identified, providing 110 heminecks, 531 neck levels, and 3009 lymph nodes for analysis. Neck dissections were positive in 20 (19%) of 104 patients, corresponding to 20 hemineck dissections, 31 neck levels, and 53 lymph nodes. The negative predictive value for computed tomography was 95 percent. The negative predictive value for computed tomography per neck level was as follows: I, 100 percent; II, 96 percent; III, 96 percent; IV, 97 percent; and V, 96 percent. A selective neck dissection or a superselective neck dissection, guided by level specific computed tomography findings and limited to necks with post treatment partial response in one level, would have captured all disease in 52 (95%) of 55 and 51 (93%) of 55 heminecks.

Conclusion

Negative computed tomography accurately predicts pathologic complete response at neck dissection. Neck dissection can be avoided in these patients. Additionally, computed tomography reliably identifies low risk neck levels that do not require dissection, permitting selective neck dissection or superselective neck dissection in partial response patients with limited residual disease.     

Further reduction of hospital stay for laparoscopic colon resection by modifications of the fast-track care plan

Background

Fast-track surgery has been described as a plan to facilitate early recovery. We present one surgeon's modifications to fast-track surgery for laparoscopic colectomy patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 48 consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colectomy treated by a modified fast-track plan between 2004 and 2008. Elements included preoperative education, pre-anesthesia dexamethasone, immediate postoperative general diet, no urinary catheter, no epidural anesthesia, and no flatus or bowel movement as a discharge requirement. Data collected included the following: age, sex, body mass index, resection indications, surgical time, blood loss, pain score, time to ambulation, time to bowel function, length of stay, complications, and mortality.

Results

The mean length of stay was 37 hours (1.5 d), with 29 of 48 patients discharged without passage of flatus or stool. Only 1 patient required readmission.

Conclusions

Our modified fast-track plan achieved significant improvement in length of stay for laparoscopic colectomy compared with previous results.     

Pseudarthroses of the cornu of the thyroid cartilage

Objective

Injuries to the cartilaginous larynx are rare disorders that usually undergo good spontaneous healing and rarely require surgery.

Study Design

Case series with chart review from patients with pseudarthrosis of the cornu of the thyroid cartilage.

Setting

ENT department of a level I trauma center.

Subjects and Methods

We examined the medical records of seven patients treated for impaired healing of the cornu of the thyroid cartilage at a level I trauma center between 1997 and 2009.

Results

Seven patients were treated as a result of impaired healing of injuries to the cornu of the thyroid cartilage caused by trivial trauma (e.g., car accidents). The principal symptom was odynophagia. Computed tomography was used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment involved resecting the cornu of the thyroid cartilage. Histology showed a hypertrophic pseudarthrosis at the base of the cornu. All patients were free of symptoms 10 days after resection.

Conclusion

Pseudarthrosis of the cornu of the thyroid cartilage is a previously undescribed condition. Pseudarthrosis of the laryngeal skeleton should be excluded in patients with odynophagia.     

What surgeons tell their patients about the intraoperative role of residents: a qualitative study

Background

The issue of residents operating and disclosure to patients about this have not been explored from staff surgeons' perspectives.

Methods

A preliminary survey was sent to all active surgeons at the University of Toronto. A qualitative interview study followed. Thirty-nine face-to-face interviews were conducted with surgeons. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis by 3 reviewers.

Results

Four encompassing themes emerged: (1) surgeons are comfortable allowing residents to operate independently with graded responsibility, (2) surgeons do not voluntarily inform patients about the involvement of residents in their operation, (3) residents are seen as important assets in a teaching hospital and are beneficial to patient care, and (4) surgeons recognize the trust their patients place in them.

Conclusions

Surgeons recognize their patient care and teaching responsibilities and the trust that is placed in them. Patients might benefit from a discussion with their surgeon about the role of residents in their surgery.     

Prophylactic therapy with valganciclovir in high-risk (cytomegalovirus D+/R-) kidney transplant recipients: a single-center experience

Background

A prospective study was performed in kidney transplant patients at risk of developing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (CMV D⁺/R⁻). They were treated with valganciclovir (VGC) for 3 months as prophylactic therapy. The aim was to determine the safety and efficacy of prophylactic therapy with VGC.

Methods

Antigenemia and/or polymerase chain reaction CMV was routinely performed every 2 weeks up to month 3, monthly to month 6, and every other month until the end of the first year posttranplantation, as well as when clinically indicated.

Results

From July 2007 to April 2010, 366 renal transplantations were performed at our center, including 34 (9%) high-risk patients for CMV infection. The median age was 47 years; 19 were males and 15 females. Twelve (35%) patients developed CMV infections: 10 (34%) gastrointestinal disease and 3 viral syndromes. The timing of the clinical manifestations was 16% (3/12) between months 1 and 3, 75% (8/12) between months 4 and 6, and 8% (1/12) in month 9 posttransplantation.

Conclusion

Treatment with intravenous ganciclovir followed by oral VGC was successful in all patients. No opportunistic infections or allograft rejection were observed; only 1 patient developed thrombocytopenia as an adverse event to VGC.     

Development and validation of a specific questionnaire for evaluating the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms on the health-related quality of life of transplant patients

Background

Transplant patients receiving immunosuppressant treatment suffer gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) limiting their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and causing dose redíuctions and discontinuations.

Methods

This observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire for detecting and quantifying the impact of GIS on the HRQOL of patients with functioning organ transplants. We developed a pilot version of the questionnaire SIGIT-QOL (Impact of Gastrointestinal Symptoms on Quality Of Life) and then evaluated the feasibility, validity, and reliability. We consecutively recruited 274 solid organ transplant patients from 20 hospitals. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Patients completed the SIGIT-QOL and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index-GIQLI- questionnaires.

Results

Mean age was 52.7 (SD, 7.59) and 181 were male; 43.4% showed an episode of GIS since transplantation (3-12 months before). Of all patients, 95.3% completed the SIGIT-QOL. Mean time of completion was 6.49 minutes. Exploratory factorial analysis identified a 1-dimensional structure (42% of total variance). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha, 0.889). A significant association was found between the SGITI-QOL and the presence of GIS (P < .01). Finally, correlation coefficients between SIGIT-QOL and GIQLI were moderate-high except for Social Function.

Conclusion

The brief SIGIT-QOL questionnaire can detect and quantify the GIS and their impact on the HRQOL of solid organ transplant patients.