Emergence delirium and postoperative pain in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy: a comparison of propofol vs sevoflurane anesthesia

Background: Emergence delirium (ED) is a frequent postoperative complication in young children undergoing ENT procedures and it may be exacerbated by sevoflurane anesthesia whereas propofol maintenance has been suggested to decrease the incidence of ED. The aim of this randomized, prospective, double‐blind study was to evaluate the effect of sevoflurane vs propofol anesthesia on the quality of recovery after adenotonsillectomy. Methods: Forty‐two patients were randomized to maintenance with either propofol or sevoflurane for adenotonsillectomy. At the conclusion of surgery, patients were extubated awake. ED and pain were assessed using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Scale (CHEOPS), respectively. Higher PAED scores (0–20) indicate greater severity of ED. Nursing and parental satisfaction, hospital length of stay, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), anesthetic complications, and subsequent emergency room admissions were also assessed. Results: Median PAED score was 14 in the propofol group and 17 in the sevoflurane group (NS). Propofol was associated with less pain medication required during recovery and a lower incidence of PONV (5.3% vs 36.8%, P < 0.05). Nursing and parental satisfaction as well as time spent in recovery room was similar for the two groups. Conclusion: Propofol anesthesia does not influence agitation after adenotonsillectomy, as measured by the PAED score. A PAED score of ≥10 was not useful in identifying patients with ED. However, propofol maintenance is associated with less need for pain medication in the recovery room and a lower incidence of PONV compared to sevoflurane anesthesia.     

小儿七氟醚麻醉后躁动的研究进展

背景 七氟醚因其具有无刺激味、诱导迅速及对呼吸循环影响小等特点,目前广泛应用于小儿全身麻醉的诱导和维持.但小儿七氟醚麻醉后躁动发生率远高于成年人,对术后管理非常不利. 目的 提高小儿七氟醚全身麻醉苏醒的质量. 内容 系统回顾近年来小儿七氟醚麻醉后躁动的研究,综述其可能的发病机制及防治措施. 趋向 七氟醚麻醉后躁动的发生机制尚不清楚,特别是基础研究还需深入.     

Prevention of Sevoflurane Delirium and Agitation With Propofol

Emergence delirium and agitation (EAD) associated with sevoflurane general anesthesia are very commonly observed in young children. Such events pose a risk for injury as well as decreased parental satisfaction, especially in the ambulatory and office-based setting. This article reviews the different approaches described in the literature to reduce EAD. A novel approach using a Bispectral Index System (BIS)-guided anesthesia with propofol washout technique is proposed as a viable and effective approach to prevent EAD.Key Words: Agitation, Delirium, Propofol, SevofluraneInhalation anesthesia has been known to cause emergence delirium and agitation, particularly in young children. Halothane was the induction agent of choice for children for 4 decades until the advent of sevoflurane, which offered better clinical outcomes in the pediatric patient. Sevoflurane is advantageous because it does not cause significant cardiac depression and dysrhythmias compared to halothane. Inhalation induction and maintenance are often necessary in children who are uncooperative and combative. There are numerous other advantages of sevoflurane inhalation and maintenance of general anesthesia in children. Inhalation anesthesia does not require intravenous access and patient cooperation during the initial stages of induction. Sevoflurane anesthesia is also easy to titrate for maintaining an adequate level of anesthesia, especially for the intubated and spontaneously breathing pediatric patient in a dental office. It also is a potent bronchodilator, which can offer an added benefit especially in children with a history of asthma. While sevoflurane has clearly become the inhalation induction agent of choice, it also presents a high incidence of emergence delirium and agitation compared to other inhalation anesthetic agents. This article will review the various agents investigated for the reduction of emergence agitation and delirium (EAD), including the limitations of such techniques. Since Bispectral Index System (BIS)-guided anesthesia has been proven to be very useful in various aspects of ambulatory pediatric anesthesia, including reducing extubation, recovery, and discharge times, a novel technique employing the BIS-guided supplemental propofol anesthesia in the final stages of office-based pediatric sevoflurane general anesthesia is proposed to reduce the incidence of EAD.     

Management of postoperative nausea and vomiting in women scheduled for breast cancer surgery

Breast cancer surgery performed under general anesthesia is associated with a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). A number of approaches are available for the management of PONV after breast cancer surgery. First, the risk factors related to patient characteristics, surgical procedure, anesthetic technique, and postoperative care can be reduced. More specifically, the use of propofol-based anesthesia can reduce the incidence of PONV. Secondly, a wide range of prophylactic antiemetics, including butyrophenones (droperidol), benzamides (metoclopramide), glucocorticoids (dexamethasone), clonidine, a small dose of propofol, and serotonin receptor (SR) antagonists (ondansetron, granisetron, tropisetron, dolasetron, ramosetron, and palonosetron), are available for preventing PONV. Thirdly, antiemetic therapy combined with granisetron and droperidol or dexamethasone, and a multimodal management strategy which includes a package consisting of dexamethasone, total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, and ondansetron are highly effective in preventing PONV. Unfortunately, the use of glucocorticoids and SR antagonists for preventing PONV is not permitted in Japan according to national health insurance guidelines. Fourth, electro-acupoint stimulation at the P6 point (Nei-Guwan) as a non-pharmacologic therapy is as effective as ondansetron for preventing PONV. Knowledge of the risk factors for PONV, antiemetics, and a non-pharmacologic approach are needed for the management of PONV in women undergoing breast cancer surgery.     

Association of pharmacological prophylaxis with the risk of pediatric emergence delirium after sevoflurane anesthesia: An updated network meta-analysis

Study objectiveThis updated network meta-analysis aims at exploring whether the concurrent use of midazolam or antiemetics may enhance the efficacy of other pharmacological regimens for delirium prophylaxis in pediatric population after general anesthesia (GA).DesignNetwork meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020179483).SettingPostoperative recovery area.PatientsPediatric patients undergoing GA with sevoflurane.InterventionsPharmacological interventions applied during GA with sevoflurane.MeasurementsThis network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted with a frequentist model. PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Cochrane CENTRAL, ClinicalKey, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from their inception dates to April 12, 2020, for RCTs of either placebo-controlled or active-controlled design containing information on the incidence of emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing sevoflurane anesthesia.Main resultsSeventy studies comprising 6904 participants were included for the analysis of 30 pharmacological interventions. Based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) analysis, midazolam was ranked the lowest in therapeutic effect (SUCRA: 20%), while antiemetics as a monotherapy had no effect on delirium prophylaxis. However, there was a trend that most combination therapies with midazolam or antiemetics were superior to monotherapies for delirium prophylaxis. Subgroup analyses based on age (i.e., ≤7 years) and a validated scoring system (i.e., the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale) for delirium also suggested a better efficacy of combination therapies than monotherapies. Overall, combination therapies with midazolam or antiemetics did not have a negative impact on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit, or time to extubation. The dexmedetomidine-midazolam-antiemetic combination was the most effective strategy for the prevention of emergence delirium.ConclusionsThis network meta-analysis suggested that the incorporation of midazolam or antiemetics as adjuncts for combination therapies may have synergistic effects against pediatric postoperative emergence delirium. Future large-scale placebo-controlled RCTs are warranted to validate our findings.     

Management of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The common and distressing complications of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are the main concern of 40–70% of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The first step in preventing PONV after LC is to reduce the risk factors involving patient characteristics, surgical procedure, anesthetic technique, and postoperative care. Particularly, the use of propofol-based anesthesia can reduce the incidence of PONV after LC. Second, prophylactic antiemetics including antihistamines (dimenhydrinate), phenothiazines (perphenazine), butyrophenones (droperidol), benzamides (metoclopramide), dexamethasone, and serotonin receptor antagonists (ondansetron, granisetron, tropisetron, dolasetron, and ramosetron) are available for preventing PONV after LC. Third, antiemetic therapy combined with a serotonin receptor antagonist (ondansetron, granisetron) and droperidol or dexamethasone is highly effective in the prevention of PONV after LC. Fourth, acupressure at the P6 point is a nonpharmacologic technique that is as effective as ondansetron for preventing PONV after LC. Knowledge regarding the risk factors for PONV and antiemetics is needed for the management of PONV after LC.     

Sevoflurane versus halothane: postoperative maladaptive behavioral changes: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial to determine whether the use of sevoflurane in children undergoing anesthesia and surgery results in a higher incidence of postoperative maladaptive behavioral changes as compared with halothane. METHODS: Children and their parents (n = 102) were randomly assigned to either a halothane group (n = 50) or a sevoflurane group (n = 52). The intraoperative anesthetic protocol was strictly controlled, and the postoperative analgesic consumption and pain levels were recorded. The effect of the group assignment on emergence status and maladaptive postoperative behavioral changes was assessed both by validated psychological measures and physiologic instruments (actigraphy) on postoperative days 1-7. Anxiety of the parent and child was also assessed, as was the child's postoperative recovery (Recovery Inventory). RESULTS: There were no group differences in preoperative state anxiety, postoperative analgesic requirements, postoperative pain, or the incidence of emergence delirium (P = not significant). Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed no group differences in the incidence of postoperative maladaptive behaviors (F4,72 = 0.60, P = 0.701) or actigraphic variables such as percent sleep, number of night awakenings, and night awakenings that lasted for more than 5 min (P = not significant). CONCLUSION: The authors found no increased incidence of emergence delirium, maladaptive postoperative behavior changes, or sleep disturbances in children undergoing anesthesia with sevoflurane as compared with halothane.     

Delirium do despertar após anestesia com sevoflurano em adultos: estudo observacional prospectivo

Background and objectivesEmergence delirium after general anesthesia with sevoflurane has not been frequently reported in adults compared to children. This study aimed to determine the incidence of emergence delirium in adult patients who had anesthesia with sevoflurane as the volatile agent and the probable risk factors associated with its occurrence.Design and methodsA prospective observational study was conducted in adult patients who had non‐neurological procedures and no existing neurological or psychiatric conditions, under general anesthesia. Demographic data such as age, gender, ethnicity and clinical data including ASA physical status, surgical status, intubation attempts, duration of surgery, intraoperative hypotension, drugs used, postoperative pain, rescue analgesia and presence of catheters were recorded. Emergence delirium intensity was measured using the Nursing Delirium Scale (NuDESC).ResultsThe incidence of emergence delirium was 11.8%. The factors significantly associated with emergence delirium included elderly age (>65) (p = 0.04), emergency surgery (p = 0.04), African ethnicity (p = 0.01), longer duration of surgery (p = 0.007) and number of intubation attempts (p = 0.001). Factors such as gender, alcohol and illicit drug use, and surgical specialty did not influence the occurrence of emergence delirium.ConclusionsThe incidence of emergence delirium in adults after general anesthesia using sevoflurane is significant and has not been adequately reported. Modifiable risk factors need to be addressed to further reduce its incidence.     

Emergence characteristics of sevoflurane compared to halothane in pediatric patients undergoing bilateral pressure equalization tube insertion

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the emergence characteristics of sevoflurane with halothane in pediatric patients having bilateral myringotomy and pressure equalization tube insertion using a highly standardized and common anesthetic technique. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 43 ASA physical status I and II healthy pediatric outpatients scheduled for initial ear tube placement by one surgeon. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive either halothane or sevoflurane as their sole anesthetic drug for ear tube insertion. All patients as well as the research nurse grading emergence agitation were blinded to group assignment. No premedication was administered, and all patients received a standard dose of rectal acetaminophen for postoperative pain control. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with emergence agitation, defined as thrashing behavior requiring physical restraint for greater than three minutes. Time to discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and from the hospital were also compared. Sevoflurane patients had a greater incidence of emergence delirium: 57% versus 27% [95% CI (1.7%-58.1%) p = 0.047]. Time to discharge from the PACU and the hospital were longer for patients who received sevoflurane: 62 versus 50 min [95% CI (1.4-23.6) p = 0.02] and 102 versus 79 mins [95% CI (9.6-37.1) p = 0.003]. CONCLUSION: In our institution there is a trend toward greater emergence agitation in ear tube placement patients given sevoflurane versus halothane anesthesia. Further, (with our discharge criteria) patients are actually discharged from the PACU and the hospital faster when given halothane as a sole anesthetic when compared to sevoflurane.     

Induction with sevoflurane-remifentanil is comparable to propofol-fentanyl-rocuronium in PONV after laparoscopic surgery

PURPOSE: To compare sevoflurane-remifentanil induction and propofol-fentanyl-rocuronium induction with regards to the frequency of moderate to severe postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in the first 24 hr after laparoscopic day surgery. METHODS: After informed consent, 156 ASA physical status class I to III patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy or tubal ligation were randomized to either induction with sevoflurane 8%, N(2)O 67% and iv remifentanil 1 to 1.5 microg.kg(-1) or induction with iv fentanyl 2 to 3 microg.kg(-1), propofol 2 mg.kg(-1), and rocuronium 0.3 to 0.5 mg.kg(-1). All patients received iv ketorolac 0.5 mg.kg(-1) at induction and sevoflurane-N(2)O maintenance anesthesia with rocuronium as needed. PONV was treated with iv ondansetron, droperidol, or dimenhydrinate; postoperative pain was treated with opioid analgesics. Patients were followed for 24 hr with regards to PONV and pain. Intubating conditions, induction and emergence times, time to achieve fast-track discharge criteria, and drug costs were measured. RESULTS: No differences were seen between the two groups in their frequencies of 24-hr moderate to severe PONV and postoperative pain, or in their intubating conditions, induction and emergence times, and time to achieve fast-track discharge criteria. Patients undergoing sevoflurane-remifentanil induction received more morphine (11 mg vs 8 mg; P < 0.001) in the postanesthetic care unit. Sevoflurane-remifentanil induction resulted in similar anesthetic and total drug costs for both procedures. CONCLUSION: We did not demonstrate any difference in PONV, pain, or anesthetic/recovery times or costs between the sevoflurane and propofol groups. Sevoflurane-remifentanil induction is a feasible technique for anesthetic induction.     

Sevoflurane for ENT-surgery in children A comparison with halothane

Sevoflurane, a new volatile anesthetic agent, is of great potential interest in pediatric anesthesia. Its use for ENT surgery in children was compared with halothane in this study.
Altogether 40 children participated in the investigation. In 18 (median age 4.2 years), halothane was used. The remainder (median age 4.0 years) were anesthetized with sevoflurane. After rectal premedication with midazolam and atropine, anesthesia was induced by mask (the agent in O₂/N₂O, 40/60) using a Mapleson D system. The trachea was intubated without the use of muscle relaxants and the children were then allowed to breathe spontaneously at fresh gas flows set high enough to avoid rebreathing. Hemoglobine oxygen saturation (SpO₂), inspired and expired gas concentrations, respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), ECG and blood pressure were followed.
Equianesthetic concentrations of the agents were used and induction characteristics were comparable between the two agents. RR and end-tidal CO₂ tensions were similar in the two groups. HR and systolic blood pressures were, however, higher with sevoflurane. Cardiac arrhythmias were seen more frequently with halothane (61%) than with sevoflurane (5%). During emergence, postoperative nausea/vomiting was more frequent after halothane anesthesia. Initially, postoperative excitement occurred more often after sevoflurane, when paracetamol was given during anesthesia, which was reduced ( P <0.01) when paracetamol was given at the time for premedication. It is concluded that sevoflurane is an excellent induction agent, and maintains heart rate and systolic blood pressure better than when halothane is used. The incidence of cardiac arrhytmia is lower with sevoflurane than with halothane. Sevoflurane anesthesia does, however, result in a high rate of postoperative excitement after ENT surgery, a factor that must be addressed prior to anesthesia.     

Komplikationen in der Kinderanästhesie

As in adult anesthesia, morbidity and mortality could be significantly reduced in pediatric anesthesia in recent decades. This fact cannot conceal the fact that the incidence of anesthetic complications in children is still much more common than in adults and sometimes with a severe outcome. Newborns and infants in particular but also children with emergency interventions and severe comorbidities are at increased risk of potential complications. Typical complications in pediatric anesthesia are respiratory problems, medication errors, difficulties with the intravenous puncture and pulmonal aspiration. In the postoperative setting, nausea and vomiting, pain, and emergence delirium can be mentioned as typical complications. In addition to the systematic prevention of complications in pediatric anesthesia, it is important to quickly recognize disturbances of homeostasis and treat them promptly and appropriately. In addition to the expertise of the performing anesthesia team, the institutional structure in particular can improve quality and safety in pediatric anesthesia.     

Nausea and vomiting after outpatient ACL reconstruction with regional anesthesia: are lumbar plexus blocks a risk factor?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To track the incidence of in-hospital postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) requiring postoperative parenteral nursing interventions after outpatient reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with one of two types of regional anesthesia to determine the extent to which various anesthetic techniques, preemptive antiemetics, and other factors were associated with the lowest probability of PONV. DESIGN: Retrospective chart (database) review of all ACL procedures at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from August 1997 through June 1999. SETTING: University medical center. MEASUREMENTS: We reviewed our institutional database of 347 consecutive patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with either spinal with femoral nerve block (SPI-FNB) or lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block (LUM-SCI). Recorded variables and outcomes included gender, history of PONV, intravenous (i.v.) fentanyl before and during surgery, preemptive antiemetics given, and parenteral nursing interventions for PONV performed. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with PONV. MAIN RESULTS: For SPI-FNB, PONV incidence was 13% (26/208), but it was higher for LUM-SCI [25%, 34/139, p = 0.002; odds ratio (OR) = 2.2]. Regression modeling demonstrated that women (OR = 2.8, p = 0.003) and LUM-SCI patients (OR = 3.0, p = 0.005) were at greater risk for PONV. The combination of dexamethasone (4 to 10 mg i.v.) and perphenazine (1.2 to 2.0 mg i.v.) was associated with less PONV (OR = 0.3, p = 0.005). Type of local anesthetic used for lumbar plexus block was not associated with PONV incidence. CONCLUSIONS: For ACL reconstruction with regional anesthesia, use of LUM-SCI was associated with a higher rate of PONV, whereas combination antiemetic prophylaxis with perphenazine and dexamethasone was associated with less PONV.     

Fatores de risco associados a delírio no despertar da anestesia em crianças submetidas à cirurgia ambulatorial

IntroductionAnesthesia emergence delirium is a self‐limiting clinical phenomenon very common in children. Although pathophysiology is still uncertain, some factors seem to be involved, such as rapid awakening in an unknown environment, agitation during anesthetic induction, preoperative anxiety, environmental disorders, use of preanesthetic medication, use of inhalational anesthetics, and postoperative pain.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with anesthesia emergence delirium in children undergoing outpatient surgery.MethodsA prospective observational study was carried out with 100 children aged 2 to 10 years, who underwent surgery on an outpatient basis. The study variables were: anesthesia emergence delirium and the associated risk factors (preoperative anxiety, child impulsive behavior, use of pre‐anesthetic medication, traumatic induction, type of anesthesia, and postoperative pain). Multivariate Poisson's logistic regression was used to analyze the possible explanatory variables, where the prevalence ratios were estimated with the respective 95% confidence intervals, considering a significance level of 5%.ResultsDelirium and pain were observed in 27% and 20% of children, respectively. Only postoperative pain after Poisson's regression, was shown to be associated with anesthesia emergence delirium, with a prevalence ratio of 3.91 (p < 0.000).ConclusionThe present study showed 27% prevalence of anesthesia emergence delirium in the study population. The incidence of anesthesia emergence delirium was higher in children who had postoperative pain.     

Emergence agitation in pediatric anesthesia

Emergence agitation following general anesthesia in children is an evolving problem, since sevoflurane has become a popular anesthetic for pediatric anesthesia. Several studies comparing incidence of emergence agitation between halothane and sevoflurane showed that sevoflurane anesthesia would result in higher chance of emergence agitation. The reasons of higher incidence of emergence agitation following sevoflurane anesthesia remain unknown. Other risk factors of emergence agitation include age of patients, operative procedure, pain, preoperative anxiety and so on. Several methods are advocated to prevent emergence agitation. The aggressive treatment of surgical pain is essential to avoid screaming on emergence. In addition, varieties of medication, including opioid, sedatives and alpha-2 agonist, have been tried with various success. The avoidance of sevoflurane use for maintenance of anesthesia could be a major contributing factor to reduce the risk of emergence agitation. In the light of quality of emergence, propofol anesthesia seems to be favorable for sedation in imaging procedures. Emergence agitation should be treated appropriately, since it could injure the patient him/herself or caregiver. The calm wake-up from general anesthesia will greatly enhance the parental satisfaction to anesthesia and surgery.     

Nausea and vomiting after dexamethasone versus droperidol following outpatient laparoscopy with a propofol-based general anesthetic

Background: The purpose of this randomized, double-blinded study was to compare the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after dexamethasone versus droperidol following gynecologic laparoscopy, a group at high risk for developing PONV.
Methods: Ninety-five patients who underwent a propofol-based general anesthetic received either dexamethasone 0.17 mg/kg IV, or droperidol 0.02 mg/kg IV, just prior to abdominal incision. Nausea, retching, vomiting, degree of sedation, and discharge times were assessed in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and the Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU). Following hospital discharge (24 h), the patients were contacted by telephone to assess any further complications.
Results: PONV in the PACU (14.6% vs. 14.9%) and ACU (8.3% vs. 14.9%) was as common after dexamethasone as after droperidol. PONV following hospital discharge was, however, less common after dexamethasone than after droperidol (4.2% vs. 17.0%, P =0.041). Postoperatively, no complications of therapy were detected.
Conclusions: We conclude that PONV is similar with dexamethasone and droperidol, but dexamethasone may have a longer duration of action in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy.     

Propofol Decreases Early Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Thyroid and Parathyroid Operations

BACKGROUND: As the practice of parathyroid and thyroid surgery shifts toward short stay and outpatient treatment, the occurrence and management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) increases in importance due to its potential to delay discharge. PONV also may contribute negatively to the patient's experience and thus their level of satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether anesthetic technique based on propofol decreases the incidence of PONV and, consequently, improves patient satisfaction with their care. METHODS: A prospective, randomized trial included patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy under general anesthetic with (75 patients) or without (73 patients) propofol. Occurrences of nausea, vomiting, and the resultant treatment were tracked during the perioperative period. Repeated questionnaires at multiple time points determined patient expectations and experiences related to PONV after their operation. Statistical analyses compared differences between the propofol and non-propofol groups. RESULTS: PONV was significantly less likely in the propofol group at the early time points (in the operating room and postanesthesia care unit) but not at later time points (postoperative day 1 or 2). Patients were largely satisfied with different aspects of their management despite the specifics of their anesthetic regimen. CONCLUSIONS: A propofol-based anesthetic decreases PONV immediately after the operation but this influence does not persist throughout the episode of care or significantly contribute to patient perceptions of satisfaction.     

Preoperative hypnosis reduces postoperative vomiting after surgery of the breasts

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after general anesthesia and surgery may have an incidence as high as 70% irrespective of antiemetic drug therapy. The use of preoperative hypnosis and mental preparation by means of an audio tape was investigated in the prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting before elective breast reduction surgery. Similar interventions have not been found in the literature.
Methods: Fifty women were randomized to a control group or a hypnosis group; the latter listened to an audio tape daily 4–6 days prior to surgery. A hypnotic induction was followed by suggestions as to how to relax and experience states incompatible with nausea and vomiting postoperatively (e.g. thirst and hunger). There was a training part on the tape where the patients were asked to rehearse their own model for stress reduction. Premedication and anesthetic procedures were standardized.
Results: Patients in the hypnosis group had significantly less vomiting, 39% compared to 68% in the control group, less nausea and less need of analgesics postoperatively.
Conclusions: Preoperative relaxation and/or hypnotic techniques in breast surgery contribute to a reduction of both PONV and postoperative analgesic requirements.     

不同七氟醚吸入浓度对小儿腺样体手术术后苏醒期烦躁的影响

【摘要】 目的 对比观察吸入不同浓度七氟烷对小儿腺样体手术术后烦躁的影响。 方法 38例ASAⅠ级接受腺样体手术的学龄前儿童随机分为七氟烷维持高浓度组（H组）和七氟烷维持低浓度组（L组）。两组均用七氟烷、芬太尼2μg/kg、顺阿曲库胺0.2mg/kg诱导。H组患儿呼出七氟烷浓度为（2.7%---3.0%）,术中相应维持BIS于40--60;L组将患儿呼出七氟烷的浓度降低至维持于（1.3%—1.8%）,主麻医生不按照BIS值的指导。两组均根据术中生命体征调节瑞芬太尼并记录其用量。在围拔管期,记录两组拔管所需时间;记录拔管后watcha评分及PAED评分烦躁评分。结果 两组患者术后拔管时间差异有统计学意义(p<0.05);拔管后运用两种烦躁评分方法,发现差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 七氟烷浓度与腺样体手术术后烦躁发生率无明确相关性,但运用低浓度七氟烷可减少拔管所需时间。     

Incidence of atrial fibrillation early after cardiac surgery: can choice of the anesthetic regimen influence the incidence?

Occurrence of atrial fibrillation is a common complication after coronary surgery. This study aimed to identify the perioperative factors that are associated with its occurrence with specific attention to the possible influence of the choice of the anesthetic regimen after elective coronary surgery. A retrospective chart analysis was performed in 460 patients who underwent elective coronary artery surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass using the standard institutional anesthetic, surgical and postoperative protocols. The only difference in management was the choice of the primary anesthetic regimen. 110 patients had a total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, 90 patients had a total intravenous anesthesia with midazolam, 150 patients were anesthetized with sevoflurane and 110 patients with desflurane. The primary outcome variable was the incidence of atrial fibrillation within the first 24 postoperative hours. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 64 of the 460 patients included (13.9%). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified increased age (> 70 years), EuroSCORE > 4, prolonged CPB time (> 100 min) and need for prolonged inotropic support (> 6 hours) as the significant independent risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation differed among the different anesthetic groups with the lowest incidence in the sevoflurane group (propofol: 17/110; midazolam: 15/90; sevoflurane: 9/150; desflurane: 23/110) (p = 0.004). This finding should be further confirmed in a prospective sufficiently powered multicenter study.