Successful anesthetic management of tracheal reconstruction and omentopexy with thoracic epidural anesthesia and transversus abdominis plane block

A 64-year-old man was diagnosed to have a tracheal tumor 2 cm proximal to the carina. He was scheduled for tracheal resection and reconstruction with omentopexy. An epidual tube was placed at the level of T5-6. After induction of anesthesia by propofol and remifentanil, a tracheal tube was inserted with the aid of bronchofiberscopy. Bilateral transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) was performed with 0.5% ropivacaine 40 ml under ultrasound guidance. Anesthesia was maintained by sevoflurane and remifentanil, together with epidural infusion of ropivacaine and fentanyl. During tracheal resection and reconstruction, his left main bronchus was intubated directly from the cutting edge. After the operation, he was extubated under anesthesia without coughing. No pain was complained during postoperative course. Epidural anesthesia combined with TAPB provided sufficient postoperative analgesia, especially in tracheal resection and reconstruction with omentopexy.     

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia after Miles' operation for rectal cancer

A 69-year-old woman (156 cm, 53 kg) underwent a Miles' operation, total hysterectomy, resection of vagina, and thigh flap to vulva for rectal cancer. Before general anesthesia, an epidural catheter was inserted at T11-12 interspace, and 1.5% mepivacaine 7ml was administered. Sensory block level spread from T4 to L1. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane in air oxygen mixture. Operation was performed uneventfully. After the operation, postoperative analgesia was achieved with patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). The epidural solution of 0.06% ropivacaine with 4 microg x ml(-1) fentanyl and 20 microg x ml(-1) was connected to a PCA pump (i-Fuser, JMS, Japan) that was programmed as an 8 ml initial bolus, 4 ml x hr(-1) basal infusion, 2 ml bolus dose, and 10-min lockout interval. Although abdominal pain was well controlled by PCEA, intractable pain in the pelvic nerve region existed. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (IV-PCA) with fentanyl, ketamine, and lidocaine was added to PCEA. Then excellent pain relief was obtained without any side effects such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. It could be useful to use IV-PCA together with PCEA when wide spread postoperative analgesia is necessary.     

Anesthetic management of awake off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (ACAB) with remifentanil and thoracic epidural anesthesia

Two patients with total occlusion of the right internal carotid artery, were anesthetized for ACAB with remifentanil and thoracic epidural anesthesia. Case 1: A 71-year-old man with hypertension and diabetes mellitus underwent single-vessel ACAB under IV remifentanil analgesia, the dose of which was adjusted to 0.04-0.05 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1), along with an epidural infusion of 10 ml x hr(-1) of a mixture of 2% lidocaine and 2.5 microg x ml(-1) of fentanyl, the PaCO2 being maintained at 52-55 mmHg. When the patient felt pain, the remifentanil dose was elevated to 0.08 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) and PaCO2 increased to 60 mmHg. Case 2: A 66-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis underwent ACAB for two grafts. An intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) was inserted preoperatively. The anesthetic method used was the same as in case 1, except for an additional right femoral block to provide anesthesia for extraction of the saphenous vein. Remifentanil was infused at 0.05 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) and PaCO2 maintained at 49-53 mmHg. In response to the patient's pain and movement, the remifentanil dose was increased to 0.07-0.10 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) and PaCO2 to 60 mmHg.     

Patient supplemented epidural analgesia after major abdominal surgery with bupivacaine/fentanyl or ropivacaine/fentanyl

PURPOSE: To compare analgesic efficacy and occurrence of motor block and other side effects during patient supplemented epidural analgesia (PSEA) with either ropivacaine/fentanyl or bupivacaine/fentanyl mixtures. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 32 ASAI-III patients undergoing major abdominal surgery received an epidural catheter at the T8- T10, followed by integrated general epidural anesthesia. Postoperative epidural analgesia was provided using a patient controlled pump with either ropivacaine 0.2%/2 microg x ml(-1) fentanyl (group Ropivacaine, n = 16) or bupivacaine 0.125%/2 microg x ml(-1) fentanyl (group Bupivacaine, n = 16) [background infusion 4-6 ml x hr(-1), 1.5 ml Incremental Doses and 20 min lock out]. Verbal pain rating score, number of incremental doses, consumption of epidural analgesic solution and rescue analgesics, sedation (four-point scale), and pulse oximetry were recorded by a blind observer for 48 hr after surgery. RESULTS: No differences in pain relief, motor block, degree of sedation, pulse oximetry and other side effects were observed between the two groups. The number of incremental doses and the volume of analgesic solution infused epidurally were higher in patients receiving the bupivacaine/fentanyl mixture (10 [0-52] I.D. and 236 [204-340] ml) than in patients receiving the ropivacaine/fentanyl solution (5 [0-50] I.D. and 208 [148-260] ml) (P = 0.03 and P = 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Using a ropivacaine 0.2%/2 microg x ml(-1) fentanyl mixture for patient supplemented epidural analgesia after major abdominal surgery provided similar successful pain relief as bupivacaine 0.125%/2 microg x ml(-1) fentanyl, but patients receiving bupivacaine/fentanyl requested more supplemental.     

The effect of remifentanil on cerebral blood flow velocity in children anesthetized with propofol

BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular stability and rapid anesthetic emergence are desirable features of a neuroanesthetic regimen. In this randomized crossover study the effect of a low-dose remifentanil infusion on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in children anesthetized with propofol was evaluated. METHODS: Twenty healthy children aged 1-6 years undergoing urological surgery were enrolled. Following face mask induction with sevoflurane, anesthesia was maintained with a standardized propofol infusion. Rocuronium was used to facilitate tracheal intubation and normothermia, and normocapnia were maintained. All children received a caudal epidural block, and a transcranial Doppler probe was placed to measure middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca). Each patient received a remifentanil regimen of 0.5 microg x kg(-1) followed by 0.2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) in a predetermined order of remifentanil + propofol or propofol alone. Vmca, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded simultaneously at equilibrium with and without remifentanil. RESULTS: The combination of remifentanil and propofol caused an 8.1% decrease in MAP (P = 0.0005) and an 11.8% decrease in HR (P < 0.0001) compared with propofol alone. Vmca was not different between the two groups (P = 0.4041). CONCLUSION: The addition of remifentanil to propofol anesthesia in children causes a reduction in MAP and HR without affecting CBFV. This may imply that cerebral blood pressure autoregulation is preserved in children under propofol and remifentanil anesthesia.     

A case of ectopic pheochromocytoma of pulmonary origin

A 55-year-old woman with pulmonary tumor was scheduled for tumor resection. Preoperatively, her episode of paroxysmal hypertension suggested the existence of pheochromocytoma, but MIBG (metaiodo-benzylguanidine) scintigraphy revealed no local accumulation. Therefore, physicians and surgeons denied the possibility of pheochromocytoma. During epidural catheterization, hypertension occurred, which was controlled by diltiazem 2 mg. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam 10 mg, propofol 70 mg and fentanyl 300 microg and maintained with propofol 4-7 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1), epidural block with 1% mepivacaine and nitrous oxide 66% in oxygen. Manipulation of the tumor induced hypertension. Diltiazem 1-2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) and nicardipine 0.4-4 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) were administered. After tumor resection, blood pressure decreased to 82/42 mmHg and norepinephrine 0.05-0.25 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) was infused. Norepinephrine infusion was continued for 24 hours after surgery. She was discharged from the recovery room on the third postoperative day without any complications. A case of ectopic pheochromocytoma of pulmonary origin was managed with midazolam, propofol, fentanyl and continuous epidural block. Diltiazem, nicardipine and norepinephrine were administered to control blood pressure.     

Advantage of ropivacaine for postoperative epidural analgesia following leg orthopedic surgery

BACKGROUND: Epidural administration of local anesthetics may lead to effective pain relief. However, tachyphylaxis or other problems following prolonged epidural anesthesia may develop and in many cases difficulties exist in the maintenance of the similar degree of sensory blockade. The present study was therefore performed to investigate the analgesic effect of continuous postoperative epidural infusion of ropivacaine with fentanyl in comparison with that of bupivacaine or ropivacaine alone. METHODS: After leg orthopedic surgery with lumbar combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, thirty-six patients were randomized to one of the three postoperative epidural infusion groups: bupivacaine 0.125%, ropivacaine 0.2%, or ropivacaine 0.2% with 2.2 microg x ml(-1) (400 microg x 180 ml(-1)) of fentanyl. Continuous epidural infusion was started at a rate of 6 ml x h(-1) with possibility of an additional bolus injection of 3 ml at least every 60 min. Pain was assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) just before and 15 min after epidural bolus injections, and 15-20 h after the start of continuous epidural infusion as the severe at pain through the observation. The spread of analgesia (loss of sharpness in pinprick perception) and motor block (Bromage scale) were evaluated bilaterally. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were also measured. RESULTS: The epidural bolus infusion was associated with a significant decrease of VAS (P < 0.001) and stable blood pressure and heart rate in all groups. The maximal VAS in patients receiving 0.2% ropivacaine+fentanyl was significantly less compared to that in the other two groups. The regression of sensory blockade was significantly prolonged in patients treated with ropivacaine+fentanyl. There was no significant difference in the spread of sensory analgesia between 20 min and 15-20 h after the continuous epidural anesthesia in this group. None of the patients developed adverse effects such as respiratory depression, nausea, and pruritis. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural injection of ropivacaine with fentanyl decreased postoperative pain with stable vital signs in patients undergoing leg orthopedic surgery, as compared to bupivacaine or ropivacaine alone, possibly because of the maintenance of sensory blockade by ropivacaine and enhancement of this sensory blockade by fentanyl.     

Total intravenous anesthesia with remifentanil, propofol and cisatracurium in end-stage renal failure

PURPOSE: To compare recovery parameters of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with remifentanil and propofol, hemodynamic responses to perioperative events, and pharmacodynamic parameters of cisatracurium in 22 end-stage renal failure and 22 normal renal function patients. METHODS: Anesthesia was induced with 2-3 mg x kg(-1) propofol and 1 microg x kg(-1) remifentanil and maintained with 75 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) propofol and propofol initial infusion of 0.2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) propofol. Arterial pressure and heart rate were maintained by remifentanil infusion rate adjustments. The first twitch (T1) was maintained at 25% by an infusion of cisatracurium. RESULTS: There was no difference in the time to maintenance of adequate respiration, date of birth recollection, first analgesic administration, between the renal failure (4.8+/-2.5, 7.8+/-3.2, 12.3+/-5.3 min respectively) and the control group (5.2+/-2.8, 8.1+/-3.1, 12.7+/-5.5 min): nor were there any differences in the time to 25% T1 recovery, T1 recovery from 25% to 75%, or cisatracurium infusion rate between the renal failure group (32.1 +/-10.8 min, 18.2+/-5.5 min, 0.89+/-0.29 microg x kg(-1) min(-1) respectively) and the control group (35.9 (7.9 min, 18.4+/-3.8 min, 0.95+/-0.22 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)). CONCLUSION: End-stage renal failure does not prolong recovery from TIVA with remifentanil and propofol, or the recovery from cisatracurium neuromuscular block.     

Rhabdomyolysis accompanying low back pain following prolonged urological surgery in the exaggerated lithotomy position: a case report

A 69-year-old man (163 cm, 72 kg) with hypertension and lumbar spondylosis deformans was diagnosed as having prostate cancer and subsequently underwent perineal prostatectomy under sevoflurane anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia using mepivacaine in the exaggerated lithotomy position. Supplemental intravenous fentanyl was also given. The patient's systolic blood pressure ranged between 80 and 120 mmHg throughout the 255-minute procedure. On emergence from the anesthesia, the patient was free from pain and epidural infusion with 0.2% ropivacaine, fentanyl 2 microg x ml(-1) and droperidol 12.5 microg x ml(-1) at a rate of 5 ml x hr(-1) was started. Shortly thereafter, the patient began to complain of severe low back pain, which required intramuscular pentazocine injection as a rescue analgesic for 5 days postoperatively. On the 6th postoperative day, creatine kinase, which had apparently passed its peak, was 4,795 IU x l(-1). MRI on the 8th day demonstrated the presence of hemorrhage in the bilateral erector spinae muscles. On day 16, CT scan also confirmed partial necrotizing changes in the bilateral gluteal and erector spinae muscles. We believe that the low back pain was due to rhabdomyolysis secondary to ischemia of the lumbar and pelvic muscles resulting from lengthy compression during surgery. The recognition and early diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis following prolonged time in the exaggerated lithotomy position are the key to prevent potentially fatal sequelae.     

Comparison of continuous epidural infusion of ropivacaine and sufentanil with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after total hip replacement.

We assessed the efficacy of an epidural infusion of ropivacaine 0.1% and sufentanil 1 microg x ml(-1), comparing it with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia using piritramide in this prospective, randomised, double-blind study of 24 ASA physical status I-III patients undergoing elective total hip replacement. Lumbar epidural block using ropivacaine 0.75% was combined with either propofol sedation or general anaesthesia for surgery. Epidural infusion and patient-controlled analgesia were started after surgery. Twelve patients received an epidural infusion of ropivacaine 0.1% and sufentanil 1 microg x ml(-1) at a rate of 5-9 ml x h(-1) and an intravenous patient-controlled analgesia device loaded with saline. Eleven patients received an epidural infusion of saline at the same rate and intravenous piritramide via the patient-controlled analgesia device. Motor block was negligible in both groups. The epidural ropivacaine group had significantly lower visual analogue pain scores at rest 4 h after surgery (p < 0.01), and on movement 4 h (p < 0.01) and 8 h (p < 0.05) after surgery, than the intravenous piritramide group. The piritramide group experienced significantly more adverse events than the epidural group (p < 0.001), especially hypotension (p < 0.01) and vomiting (p < 0.05). Patients in the epidural ropivacaine group were more satisfied with the pain management (p < 0.05). We conclude that the epidural infusion of ropivacaine 0.1% and sufentanil 1 microg x ml(-1) is superior to intravenous opioid by patient-controlled analgesia in preventing pain after total hip replacement, with fewer adverse effects and greater patient satisfaction.     

Postoperative epidural analgesia in children after major orthopaedic surgery. A randomised study of the effect on PONV of two anaesthetic techniques: low and high dose i.v. fentanyl and epidural infusions with and without fentanyl

BACKGROUND: The study was performed in order to improve postoperative pain management in children after major orthopaedic surgery. Two different anaesthetic techniques (sevoflurane-low fentanyl and propofol-higher fentanyl) and two different epidural mixtures (bupivacaine 1.5 mg ml(-1) and adrenaline 2 microg ml(-1) compared with bupivacaine 1 mg ml(-1), adrenaline 2 microg ml(-1) and fentanyl 2 microg ml(-1)) were investigated with regard to postoperative analgesia and side effects, primarily postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: Forty-two children were randomised into one of three groups: sevoflurane anaesthesia and epidural solution with fentanyl (SBAF); sevoflurane anaesthesia and epidural solution without fentanyl (SBA); propofol anaesthesia and epidural solution without fentanyl (PBA). RESULTS: Including fentanyl in the epidural mixture resulted in excellent postoperative analgesia without any need of i.v. opioids. However, 7 out of 16 children were nauseated and needed antiemetic drugs. On average, a 55-75% higher dose of bupivacaine was necessary to assure adequate analgesia when an epidural mixture without fentanyl was used. In addition, significantly more children needed i.v. opioids. Under these conditions there was no significant difference in pain scoring between the groups. There was significantly less nausea and less use of antiemetic drugs in children having epidurals without fentanyl in the sevoflurane groups. The same tendency, although not significant, was observed in the whole material. Sevoflurane anaesthesia resulted in less PONV than propofol anaesthesia, probably due to the higher amount of intravenous fentanyl used with the latter. This difference was not significant due to the small number of children included. Incidence of pruritus related significantly to epidural fentanyl. CONCLUSION: A satisfactory postoperative analgesia can be achieved with both epidural mixtures used in the study. Epidural fentanyl results in better analgesia, but significantly more PONV and greater use of antiemetic drugs. Omitting epidural fentanyl results in less PONV, but significantly less profound analgesia and a need for additional treatment with i.v. opioids, in addition to a 55-75% higher epidural bupivacaine infusion. Both epidural treatments result in high and similar patient satisfaction and no serious complications. The study could not show any significant difference between the effect of sevoflurane and propofol anaesthesia on PONV.     

Thoracic epidural analgesia via the caudal approach using nerve stimulation in an infant with CATCH22

PURPOSE: To illustrate insertion of an epidural catheter via caudal route in a small infant under electrical stimulation guidance. CLINICAL FEATURES: A six month old boy, weighting 4.25 kg, with a diagnosis of CATCH22 (Cardiac abnormality/abnormal faces, T cell deficit due to thymic hypoplasia, cleft palate, hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism resulting from 22q11 deletion) was scheduled for fundoplication and gastrostomy tube (G-tube) insertion. A combined light general anesthesia and continuous epidural anesthesia technique was selected. Following induction of general anesthesia and tracheal intubation with 1.5 mg midazolam, 10 microg fentanyl and 10 mg succinylcholine, a 16G intravenous catheter was inserted into the caudal space. A 19G epidural catheter (Arrow Flextip Plus) epidural catheter was then inserted up cranially. A low electrical current (1-10mA) was then applied through the catheter. The level of motor movement was advanced from the lower limb muscles to the upper abdominal muscles as the catheter was threaded cranially. After 19 cm of epidural catheter had been inserted, intercostal muscle movement (T9-10 level) was observed at 4.2mA. The tip of the catheter was later confirmed to be at the T9-10 interspace by radiographical imaging. The patient awakened without distress and the trachea was extubated the same evening. The infant was discharged to the ward next morning with good pain relief from a continuous epidural infusion of bupivacane 0.1% with 1 microg x ml(-1) at 1.6 ml(-1). CONCLUSION: Epidural stimulation may help placement of the epidural catheter at the appropriate dermatome for effective anesthesia and analgesia.     

Propofol anesthesia for craniotomy: a double-blind comparison of remifentanil, alfentanil, and fentanyl

For patients undergoing craniotomy, it is desirable to have stable and easily controllable hemodynamics during intense surgical stimulation. However, rapid postoperative recovery is essential to assess neurologic function. Remifentanil, an ultra-short-acting mu-opioid receptor agonist, may be the ideal agent to confer the above characteristics. In this prospective randomized study, we compared the hemodynamic stability, recovery characteristics, and the dose of propofol required for maintaining anesthesia supplemented with an infusion of remifentanil, alfentanil, or fentanyl in 34 patients scheduled for supratentorial craniotomy. With routine monitors in place, anesthesia was induced with propofol (2-3 mg/kg), atracurium (0.5 mg/kg), and either remifentanil (1 microg/kg), alfentanil (10 microg/kg), or fentanyl (2 micro/kg). The lungs were ventilated with O2/air to mild hypocapnia. Anesthesia was maintained with infusions of propofol (50-100 microg/kg/min) and either remifentanil (0.2 microg/kg/min), alfentanil (20 microg/kg/h), or fentanyl (2 microg/kg/h). There were no significant differences among the groups in the dose of propofol maintenance required, heart rate, or mean arterial pressure. However, the time to eye opening (minutes) was significantly shorter in the remifentanil compared to the alfentanil group (6+/-3; 21+/-14; P = 0.0027) but not the fentanyl group (15+/-9). We conclude that remifentanil is an appropriate opioid to use in combination with propofol during anesthesia for supratentorial craniotomy.     

A randomized double-blinded multicenter comparison of remifentanil versus fentanyl when combined with isoflurane/propofol for early extubation in coronary artery bypass graft surgery

We compared a fentanyl/isoflurane/propofol regimen with a remifentanil/isoflurane/propofol regimen for fast-track cardiac anesthesia in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study on patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Anesthesia was induced with a 1-min infusion of 0.5 mg/kg propofol followed by 10-mg boluses of propofol every 30 s until loss of consciousness. After 0.2 mg/kg cisatracurium, a blinded continuous infusion of remifentanil at 1 microg. kg(-1). min(-1) or the equivalent volume rate of normal saline was then started. In addition, a blinded bolus syringe of 1 microg/kg remifentanil or 10 microg/kg fentanyl, respectively, was given over 3 min. Blinded remifentanil, 1 microg. kg(-1). min(-1) (or the equivalent volume rate of normal saline), together with 0.5% isoflurane, were used to maintain anesthesia. Significantly more patients (P < 0.01) in the fentanyl regimen experienced hypertension during skin incision and maximum sternal spread compared with patients in the remifentanil regimen. There were no differences between the groups in time until extubation, discharge from the surgical intensive care unit, ST segment and other electrocardiogram changes, catecholamine levels, or cardiac enzymes. The remifentanil-based anesthetic (consisting of a bolus followed by a continuous infusion) resulted in significantly less response to surgical stimulation and less need for anesthetic interventions compared with the fentanyl regimen (consisting of an initial bolus, and followed by subsequent boluses only to treat hemodynamic responses) with both drug regimens allowing early extubation. IMPLICATIONS: Both fentanyl and the newer opioid remifentanil, when each is combined with isoflurane and propofol, allowed for fast-track cardiac anesthesia. The remifentanil regimen used in this study resulted in significantly less hemodynamic response to surgical stimulation.     

Perioperative heart rate control with landiolol for a patient with rapid atrial fibrillation complicated with low cardiac function

A 62-year-old man complicated with old antero-septal wall myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation suffered from lung and pancreas cancer. He underwent gastro-duodenum bypass surgery under epidural combined with general anesthesia. His ECG and echocardiogram revealed atrial fibrillation and his left ventricular ejection fraction was 35%. After the start of surgery under general anesthesia, EHR was stable between 80-100 beats x min(-1) but rapid atrial fibrillation developed with a rate of over 140 beats x min(-1) after epidural injection of 0.375% ropivacaine 3 ml. Treatment including continuous intravenous diltiazem and several bolus intravenous injections of verapamil failed to decrease the heart rate. Therefore we used landiolol, a short-acting beta blocker, to control heart rate. HR decreased without decreasing his blood pressure. Continuous landiolol infusion was maintained for 3 hours and 30 minutes in the ICU. After finishing infusion, his heart rhythm never became rapid atrial fibrillation. We conclude that landiolol is useful for heart rate control of rapid atrial fibrillation.     

Effectiveness of ropivacaine and fentanyl for postoperative epidural analgesia following thoracic surgery

BACKGROUND: Epidural ropivacaine is now a common drug used for postoperative analgesia. However, little information is available concerning regression of sensory blockade and analgesia following prolonged epidural infusion of ropivacaine. We investigated the efficacy of ropivacaine and fentanyl for postoperative analgesia after thoracic surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing thoracic surgery were enrolled. After surgery with general and thoracic epidural anesthesia, continuous epidural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine+fentanyl (1.67 microg x ml(-1)) was started at a rate of 6 ml x h(-1) for patients whose height was more than 155 cm and 4 ml x h(-1) for those below 155 cm with possibility of an additional bolus injection of 3 ml at least every 60 min. RESULTS: An additional epidural injection of 3 ml produced a decrease in VAS without significant changes of vital signs. The greatest VAS was 10+/-25 mm in the incision site and 36+/-38 mm in the ipsilateral shoulder. Sensory blockade was sustained until the morning after the day of surgery. Also blood pressure and heart rate were stable throughout the observation period. There were no adverse effects except for slight nausea in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: A bolus of 3 ml with continuous 4-6 ml x h(-1) epidural injection of ropivacaine plus a small dose of fentanyl would decrease postoperative pain with stable vital signs in patients after thoracic surgery.     

Clinical usefulness of remifentanil

Anesthesia with remifentanil can be induced either with slow bolus administration (1 microg x kg(-1) for over 60 sec) or with starting the continuous infusion (0.5-1 microg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)) combined with a standard hypnotic agent (i.e. propofol, thiamylal, sevoflurane or isoflurane). According to the patient's requirement observing hemodynamics, the infusion rate of remifentanil should be titrated after tracheal intubation. Because of the rapid onset and short duration of its action, the infusion rate can be increased or decreased safely. Remifentanil is an effective agent in obtunding the stress response to tracheal intubation and surgery. Due to its synergistic effect with hypnotic agents, sevoflurane, isoflurane or propofol, it should be reduced carefully to prevent excessive depth of anesthesia. BIS values should be monitored closely. Remifentanil seems to be as potent as fentanyl. Prior to emergence from general anesthesia using remifentanil, postoperative pain management should be considered. NSAIDs or a long acting opioid could be administered.     

A dopamine infusion decreases propofol concentration during epidural blockade under general anesthesia

PURPOSE: It is common clinical practice to use dopamine to manage the reduction in blood pressure accompanying epidural blockade. As propofol is a high-clearance drug, propofol concentrations can be influenced by cardiac output (CO). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of dopamine infusions on propofol concentrations administered by a target-controlled infusion system during epidural block under general anesthesia. METHODS: 12 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were enrolled in this study. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and vecuronium 0.1 mg.kg(-1), and maintained using 67% nitrous oxide, sevoflurane in oxygen and constant infusion of propofol. Propofol was administered to all subjects via target-controlled infusion to achieve a propofol concentration at 6.0 microg.mL(-1) at intubation and 2.0 microg.mL(-1) after intubation. Before and after the administration of 10 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine from the epidural catheter and dopamine infusion at 5 microg.kg(-1).min(-1), CO and effective liver blood flow (LBF) were measured using indocyanine green. Blood propofol concentration was also determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: At one hour after epidural block and dopamine infusion, CO was significantly increased from 4.30 +/- 1.07 L.min(-1) to 5.82 +/- 0.98 L.min(-1) (P < 0.0001), and effective LBF was increased 0.75 +/- 0.17 L.min(-1) to 0.96 +/- 0.18 L.min(-1) (P < 0.0001). Propofol concentration was significantly decreased from 2.13 +/- 0.24 microg.mL(-1) to 1.59 +/- 0.29 microg.mL(-1) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Propofol concentrations decrease with an increase in CO, suggesting the possibility of inadequate anesthetic depth following catecholamine infusion during propofol anesthesia.     

Narcotrend监测下硬膜外阻滞复合全麻在老年病人腹部手术中的应用

目的比较Narcotrend监测下硬膜外阻滞复合全麻和单纯全麻用于老年病人腹部手术的临床效果,探讨老年腹部手术病人更安全合理的麻醉方式。方法 40例ASAⅡ～Ⅲ择期行腹部手术的老年病人,随机分为硬膜外阻滞复合全麻组(EGA)和单纯全麻组(GA),每组20例。两组全麻诱导用药为舒芬太尼0.4μg/kg、顺苯磺阿曲库铵0.15 mg/kg、依托咪酯0.2 mg/kg,气管插管后微泵持续输注丙泊酚、瑞芬太尼及间断静注顺苯磺阿曲库铵维持麻醉,术中行Narcotrend监测并使Narcotrend分级(NTS)维持在D0～D2之间。EGA组全麻诱导前先行硬膜外穿刺置管,注入试验剂量1.3%利多卡因3 ml,气管插管后硬膜外追加1.3%利多卡因6～8 ml,再以0.375%罗哌卡因5～8 ml/次维持硬膜外阻滞。术中监测血流动力学变化,术毕记录两组病人全麻维持用药量和病人睁眼时间、拔管时间及定位功能恢复时间等。结果 EGA组术中收缩压低于GA组(P<0.05);术中麻醉用药比较,EGA组丙泊酚及顺苯磺阿曲库铵用量少于GA组(P<0.05),EGA组瑞芬太尼用量明显少于GA组(P<0.01);恢复时间比较,EGA组病人睁眼时间、拔管时间、定位功能恢复时间均明显短于GA组(P<0.01);两组病人均无术中知晓发生。结论硬膜外阻滞复合全麻用于老年病人腹部手术血流动力学稳定,全麻药用量减少,病人恢复较快,是一种安全可行的麻醉方法,同时进行麻醉深度监测,有利于预防术中知晓。     

Plasma concentration of propofol was 4.4 microg x ml(-1), 4.5 hours after completion of its administration

Propofol is one of the most commonly used intravenous anesthetic drugs because its distribution, metabolism and excretion are rapid. Recovery from anesthesia using propofol infusion is generally smooth. We have therefore taken this opportunity to report on a case of delayed recovery from anesthesia in a 58-year-old man who underwent removal of a light maxillary sinus mucocele. General anesthesia was performed with propofol 3-7 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1) associated with intermittent injection of fentanyl, total of 450 microg. He was not obese, and his preoperative liver function was within normal limits. Any intracranial hematomas, brain edema, cerebral infarction, acid-base abnormalities, hypo- and hyperglycemia and hypothermia were not detected in the early postoperative period. The administration of naloxone hydrochloride and flumazenil failed to improve delayed recovery from anesthesia. It was 16 hours after the end of operation and the administration of propofol had been completed before the trachea could be extubated. His plasma concentration of propofol was 4.4 microg x ml(-1), 4.5 hours after administration. In this patient we could not prove a metabolic abnormality with propofol, but it was strongly suspected.