Lidocaine hydrochloride versus lidocaine bicarbonate for epidural anesthesia in outpatients undergoing arthroscopic surgery

In a randomized, double-blind study, 24 patients undergoing outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery were divided into two groups. Group 1 received 2% lidocaine hydrochloride; group 2 received pH-adjusted 1.73% lidocaine made by adding 1 ml of NaHCO3 44.6 meq/L to 10 ml of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride. Epidural anesthesia was administered in the sitting position. Group 1 consisted of 12 males; group 2 consisted of 6 males and 6 females (p less than 0.01). Statistical analysis using the unpaired Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test found no significant differences between the two groups regarding time of onset of analgesia, degree of spread of analgesia, time to maximum motor blockade, degree of motor blockade, length of surgical procedure, total anesthesia time, regression of anesthesia, dosage of lidocaine used, and serum lidocaine levels. Intraoperative conditions were satisfactory in all cases. Postoperatively, all patients reported having experienced a satisfactory anesthetic without any complications. The authors conclude that epidural anesthesia is a satisfactory technique for outpatient arthroscopic surgery. There appears to be no advantage to adding bicarbonate to lidocaine anesthetic solutions for use in epidural anesthesia.     

Arteriovenous fistula in chronic renal failure patients: comparison between three different anesthetic techniques

The creation of arteriovenous fistula is an established form of therapy for patients with chronic renal failure. Anesthetic management in such patients is governed by the presence of risk factors such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, anemia, coagulopathy, metabolic acidosis and/or hyperkalemia. In an attempt to improve the quality of anesthetic care and outcome we designed the present study to compare the different anesthetic techniques which are used for creation of arteriovenous fistula. Retrospectively we reviewed 164 patients who underwent creation of arteriovenous fistula. We retrieved the data concerning the age, sex, ASA class, and coexisting diseases. The patients were classified into three groups depending on the anesthetic technique received. Group A (n = 48) patients received general anesthesia; group B (n = 39), patients received brachial plexus block and group C (n = 77), patients received local infiltration anesthesia. Chi-square test was used to compare between the percentages among the different groups. The percentages of cardiac patients showed significant differences between groups A and B and also between groups A and C. There was a significant difference between the groups A and B also between the groups A and C but not between groups B and C concerning age. ASA classes were not significantly different among the groups. Among the total number of patients, 34 were diabetics and 75 patients were cardiac. Axillary brachial plexus block was complete in 70% of patients and incomplete in 27% and failed in 3% of patients. We conclude that chronic renal failure patients are at increased risk during anesthesia. We conclude that brachial plexus blockade or local anesthetic infiltration are good alternatives to general anesthesia in these patients undergoing creation of arteriovenous fistula. Age, ASA class and cardiac status were the three determining factors for the choice of the anesthetic technique. Further multivariate prospective study are needed to confirm these results.     

Regional anesthesia does not increase the risk of postoperative neuropathy in patients undergoing ulnar nerve transposition.

The use of regional anesthetic techniques in patients with preexisting neuropathies has been widely debated. The possibility of needle- or catheter-induced trauma, local anesthetic toxicity, or neural ischemia during regional blockade may place patients with underlying mechanical, ischemic, or metabolic neurologic derangements at increased risk of progressive neural injury. We evaluated the safety of regional versus general anesthesia in patients with a preexisting ulnar neuropathy undergoing ulnar nerve transposition. All patients (n = 360) who underwent ulnar nerve transposition at the Mayo Clinic from 1985 to 1999 were retrospectively studied. A general anesthetic was performed in 260 (72%) patients. The remaining 100 (28%) patients received an axillary block, including 64 patients in whom an ulnar paresthesia or nerve stimulator motor response was elicited at the time of block placement. Patient characteristics, the severity of preoperative ulnar nerve dysfunction, and surgical variables were similar between groups. Anesthetic technique did not affect neurologic outcome (new or worsening pain, paresthesias, numbness, or motor weakness) immediately after surgery or at 2 or 6 wk after surgery. All six patients in the Axillary Block group who reported new or worsening neurologic symptoms after surgery had received bupivacaine in combination with either an ulnar paresthesia or motor response. By using logistic regression, bupivacaine was identified as an independent risk factor for worsening of ulnar nerve function compared with other local anesthetics. We conclude that axillary blockade is a suitable anesthetic technique for this procedure. IMPLICATIONS: The use of regional anesthetic techniques in patients with preexisting neuropathies has been widely debated. Theoretical concerns include the risk of progressive nerve damage from direct needle trauma or local anesthetic toxicity. This investigation, however, supports the safety of axillary blockade in patients with preexisting ulnar neuropathy undergoing ulnar nerve transposition.     

The epidural "top-up" in combined spinal-epidural anesthesia: the effect of volume versus dose

The reinforcement of anesthesia by an epidural "top-up" in combined spinal-epidural anesthesia may be explained by a dual mechanism: a volume effect compressing the dural sac and a local anesthetic effect. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relative importance of each of these factors. Fifty patients scheduled for lower limb orthopedic surgery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia were randomly allocated to one of five groups comprising 10 patients each. Using a needle-through-needle technique, all patients received a subarachnoid injection of 10 mg of plain bupivacaine and an epidural catheter. After the maximal level of sensory blockade as a result of the subarachnoid injection had been established, an epidural top-up was given according to the randomization code. Patients in Group 1 received 10 mL of bupivacaine 0.25%; patients in Group 2 received 10 mL of saline; patients in Group 3 received 5 mL of bupivacaine 0.5%; patients in Group 4 received 5 mL of saline; and patients in Group 5 received no epidural top-up. The maximal level of sensory blockade was then assessed for an additional 30 min. In Groups 1-4, the maximal level of sensory blockade increased significantly, whereas there was no significant increase in Group 5. There was no significant difference in the increase in the maximal level of sensory blockade among Groups 1-4. We conclude that, under the conditions of our study, there is no difference between 5 and 10 mL with regard to the volume effect of an epidural top-up in combined spinal-epidural anesthesia and that to produce an additional local anesthetic effect with bupivacaine, the dose must be larger than 25 mg. Implications: In combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, an epidural "top-up" may increase the maximal level of sensory blockade by means of a volume effect and a local anesthetic effect. In this study, volumes of 5 and 10 mL produced a similar increase, and 25 mg of bupivacaine was insufficient to produce an additional local anesthetic effect.     

Evaluation of postoperative pain relief by infiltration of bupivacaine or epidural block after laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

We compared the analgesic effect of bupivacaine infiltration into surgical wounds with that of epidural block after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Forty-five patients (ASA physical status I-II) for LC were randomized into three groups (n = 15 in each group). Patients received only general anesthesia (Group C), received infiltration of 0.5% bupivacaine into the surgical wound before surgery combined with general anesthesia (Group L), or received epidural anesthesia combined with general anesthesia (Group E). Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analogue scale (scale: 0-10) at 1, 2, 6 and 12 hours after the operation, the need for additional supplemental analgesics, and the cost of anesthesia. Visual analogue scale in Group C at 1, 2, or 6 hours was significantly greater than that of Group L and E. The number of patients who needed supplemental analgesics was 9 in Group C, 5 in Group L, and 2 in Group E. The cost of pharmaceutical and anesthetic practice of Group E was more expensive than Group L and C. In conclusion, infiltration of bupivacaine combined with general anesthesia is an effective and economical method of postoperative pain relief.     

Extra-anatomic bypass grafting in the lower extremity

Between January 1975 and December 1980, 104 extra-anatomic bypasses were performed on 102 patients. Of these, there were 81 femorofemoral bypasses on 80 patients and 23 axillofemoral bypasses on 22 patients. Those who underwent femorofemoral grafting were divided into three groups: group 1 - 18 patients who had undergone previous aortofemoral bypass grafting with occlusion of one limb of the graft, group 2 - 17 patients who were considered to be at high risk and group 3 - 45 patients who could have tolerated a conventional reconstructive procedure. Our results indicate that the cumulative patency rate of the femorofemoral bypass at the end of 1 year and 5 years is good and that this operation is an excellent first choice procedure in cases of unilateral iliac disease, to relieve severe ischemia or disabling claudication, whether the patient is a poor or good operative risk. On the other hand, axillofemoral grafting has a lower patency rate and should be reserved for high-risk patients and for the relief of severe ischemia only.     

Infrarenal aortic occlusion: a reassessment of surgical indications

Citing a high incidence of proximal propagation of aortic thrombosis, several authors have advocated aortic reconstruction for all patients with infrarenal aortic occlusion irrespective of their preoperative symptoms and potential operative risks. To test this thesis, the records and follow-up data of 38 patients seen at our institution between 1965 and 1982 with infrarenal aortic occlusion were analyzed. Twenty-four of the 38 patients were treated surgically (Group I); 16 (42 percent) had an aortobifemoral graft and 8 (21 percent) had an axillofemoral bypass graft. When the 14 patients who did not have surgery (Group II) and the 8 patients who had an axillofemoral graft were combined, 22 patients (58 percent) did not have aortic reconstruction (Group III), thus the aortic thrombus was left in situ. There was no significant difference in cumulative survival between the three groups at 4 year follow-up. Of 13 patients in Group III who were followed for more than 6 months (mean 48 months), none died from proximal propagation of aortic thrombosis. The decision for surgical intervention in patients with distal aortic occlusion should be arrived at, as in other patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease, by weighing preoperative symptoms and operative risks and not primarily by the level of risk of proximal propagation of thrombosis.     

Postoperative apnea in former preterm infants: prospective comparison of spinal and general anesthesia

Thirty-six former preterm infants undergoing inguinal hernia repair were studied. All were less than or equal to 51 weeks postconceptual age at the time of operation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive general or spinal anesthesia. Group 1 patients received general inhalational anesthesia with neuromuscular blockade. Group 2 patients received spinal anesthesia using 1% tetracaine 0.4-0.6 mg/kg in conjunction with an equal volume of 10% dextrose and 0.02 ml epinephrine 1:1000. In the first part of the study, infants randomized to receive spinal anesthesia also received sedation with im ketamine 1-2 mg/kg prior to placement of the spinal anesthetic (group 2 A). The remainder of group 2 patients did not receive sedation (group 2 B). Respiratory pattern and heart rate were monitored using an impedance pneumograph for at least 12 h postoperatively. Tracings were analyzed for evidence of apnea, periodic breathing and/or bradycardia by a pulmonologist unaware of the anesthetic technique utilized. None of the patients who received spinal anesthesia without ketamine sedation developed postoperative bradycardia, prolonged apnea, or periodic breathing. Eight of nine infants (89%) who received spinal anesthesia and adjunct intraoperative sedation with ketamine developed prolonged apnea with bradycardia. Two of the eight infants had no prior history of apnea. Five of the 16 patients (31%) who received general anesthesia developed prolonged apnea with bradycardia. Two of these five infants had no prior history of apnea. When infants with no prior history of apnea were analyzed separately, there was no statistically significant increased incidence of apnea in children receiving general versus spinal anesthesia with or without ketamine sedation. Because of the small numbers of patients studied, and the multiple factors that may influence the incidence of postoperative apnea (e.g., prior history of neonatal apnea), standard postoperative respiratory monitoring of these high-risk infants is still recommended following all anesthetic techniques.     

Intraoperative effects of combined versus general anesthesia during major liver surgery

AIM: The study compares the intraoperative effects of combined versus general anesthesia during major liver surgery. METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, 70 patients were divided into 2 group of 35 subjects. Group A received general anesthesia (thiopentone, fentanyl, vecuronium, sevoflurane in a closed circuit) 15 minutes after placement of an epidural catheter (D9-D10) and induction of epidural anesthesia (6 ml 2% naropine). Continuous epidural infusion was initiated before surgical incision and continued with 0.2% naropine (7 ml/h) until the end of the operation. Group B received combined intraoperative anesthesia wit fentanyl doses according to hemodynamic parameters and 0.1 mg/kg morphine 30-4 minutes before cutaneous suture. Hemodynamic values were measured at base line (T0), and then at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after induction of general anesthesia (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively). On recovery, patients were assessed for pain at rest and on movement reported on a visual analog scale; degree of motor blockade according to the Bromage scale; appearance of side effects; use af analgesic. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure (ABP) and heart rate (HR) was noted within each group at 15 minutes after induction of general anesthesia. Significant differences in ABP were found between the 2 groups at T1 to T5, whereas HR values were substantially similar. The mean intraoperative use of fentanyl was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A, as was that of vecuronium. Pain intensity on recovery in patients who received epidural anesthesia was lower both at rest and on movement; only the patients in Group B required additional analgesics. No motor blockade was observed in either group. Nausea and vomiting were more frequent in Group B; hypotension was more frequent in Group A. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the safety of locoregional anesthesia in liver surgery, with good hemodynamic stability and absence of major side effects. The lower intraoperative use of opioids and muscle relaxants in patients who received epidural anesthesia confirms the neurovegetative protection this method provides. The data support the hypothesis that greater intraoperative use of opioids may be responsible for the higher incidence of side effects. Therefore, the intraoperative use of combined low-concentration anesthetic agents alone appears to offer a reasonable treatment option that provides adequate pain control at recovery from general anesthesia, with only minor side effects typically associated with analgesic (motor blockade) and opioids (nausea and vomiting). Given the complications associated with the technique, it should be performed by an expert anesthetist.     

Samenstrangblockade und Skrotumfeldblock nach Reclus

The difficulty of anesthetic management of the critically ill, especially cardiovascular risk patients is discussed. The usually applied practice of general anesthesia or neuroaxial blockades for bilateral orchiectomy has a considerable cardiovascular risk profile. This case report presents an alternative procedure with an ilioinguinal nerve blockade completed by periscrotal infiltration. This is a generally unknown and uncommon minimally invasive locoregional procedure, which is generally judged to be safe, efficient, economical with low grade side effects or complications and suitable for outpatient surgery. Therefore it is an additional element to anesthetic management for nearly all operative scrotal procedures concerning cardiovascular risk patients.     

Cardiac Outcome after Peripheral Vascular Surgery: Comparison of General and Regional Anesthesia

Background: Despite evidence that regional anesthesia may be associated with fewer perioperative complications than general anesthesia, most studies that have compared cardiac outcome after general or regional anesthesia alone have not shown major differences. This study examines the impact of anesthetic choice on cardiac outcome in patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery who have a high likelihood of associated coronary artery disease.

Methods: Four hundred twenty-three patients, between 1988 and 1991, were randomly assigned to receive general (n = 138), epidural (n = 149), or spinal anesthesia (n = 136) for femoral to distal artery bypass surgery. All patients were monitored with radial artery and pulmonary artery catheters. Postoperatively, patients were in a monitored setting for 48-72 h and had daily electrocardiograms for 4-5 days and creatine phosphokinase/isoenzymes every 8 h x 3, then daily for 4 days. Cardiac outcomes recorded were myocardial infarction, angina, and congestive heart failure.

Results: Baseline clinical characteristics were not different between anesthetic groups. Overall, the patient population included 86% who were diabetic, 69% with hypertension, 36% with a history of a prior myocardial infarction, and 41% with a history of smoking. Cardiovascular morbidity and overall mortality were not significantly different between groups when analyzed by either intention to treat or type of anesthesia received. In the intention to treat analysis, incidences of cardiac event or death for general, spinal, and epidural groups were 16.7%, 21.3%, and 15.4%, respectively. The absolute risk difference observed between general and all regional anesthesia groups for cardiac event or death was -1.6% (95% confidence interval -9.2%, 6.1%) This reflected a nonsignificant trend for lower risk of postoperative events with general anesthesia.     

Late results following extra-anatomic bypass procedures for chronic aortoiliac occlusive disease

During the period from 1970 to 1983 150 extra-anatomic bypass operations were carried out on 129 high risk patients revascularizing 157 extremities. There were 124 axillofemoral and 26 femorofemoral bypass grafts. In elective operations the mortality ranged from 4.9% for the axillofemoral bypass and 3.7% for the femorofemoral bypass. A five year postoperative follow-up showed a cumulative patency rate (according to life table method) of 80.21% for the femorofemoral bypass, 79.90% for the axillobifemoral bypass (Type IV) and 45.77% for the unilateral axillofemoral bypass (Type I and II). Considering the low operative mortality, the short operating time, the late results and the high late mortality independent of the surgical procedure, the femorofemoral bypass and in many ways also the axillobifemoral bypass represent suitable and effective methods of operation for high risk patients, whereas unilateral and bilateral axillofemoral grafts showed a high rate of graft thrombosis and poor long term results (Type I and III).     

Distal nerve blocks at the wrist for outpatient carpal tunnel surgery offer intraoperative cardiovascular stability and reduce discharge time

Carpal tunnel release is often performed as an outpatient procedure. We designed this retrospective study to assess the effect of different anesthesia techniques on intraoperative cardiovascular stability and discharge time. According to the anesthesia technique received, 62 consecutive patients were categorized in Group BIER (IV regional anesthesia), Group BLOCK (distal nerve blocks), and Group GENERAL (general anesthesia). Incidences of intraoperative periods of tachycardia or bradycardia and hyper- or hypotension were studied, as were tourniquet, surgical, operating room, and discharge times. Cardiovascular stability was better achieved in Group BLOCK, as indicated by a significantly smaller incidence of periods of hypertension compared with Group BIER (5% vs 25%) and a significantly less frequent incidence of periods of hypotension compared with Group GENERAL (14% vs 42%). Patients in Group BLOCK spent significantly less time in the hospital after surgery than patients in Group BIER (65 vs 88 min) or patients in Group GENERAL (65 vs 133 min). We conclude that distal nerve blocks for outpatient carpal tunnel surgery are associated with greater intraoperative cardiovascular stability than general anesthesia. After surgery, patients in Group BLOCK could be discharged earlier than patients who received IV regional anesthesia or general anesthesia; this could be related to the superior postoperative analgesia provided by this technique. IMPLICATIONS: This retrospective analysis of three different anesthetic techniques for ambulatory carpal tunnel surgery shows that nerve blocks performed at the wrist provided excellent intraoperative cardiovascular stability and allowed for earlier discharge.     

Hemispheric synchronized sounds and intraoperative anesthetic requirements

Hemispheric synchronization is currently promoted as a treatment for preoperative anxiety and for reduction of intraoperative anesthetic and analgesic consumption. We designed this study to examine the effect of Hemisync sounds on anesthetic hypnotic depth. After obtaining informed consent, we randomized subjects undergoing general anesthesia and outpatient surgery into two groups: the treatment group received Hemisync sounds (n = 31), and the control group received a blank cassette tape (n = 29). Both groups received the intervention in the preoperative area and during the surgical procedure. Subjects underwent a propofol-based anesthetic regimen, and propofol doses required for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia were recorded. A bispectral index monitor was used to ensure that the hypnotic component of the anesthetic state was the same in all patients. We found no differences in the amount of propofol used during the induction of anesthesia (2.49 +/- 0.59 mg/kg versus 2.60 +/- 0.59 mg/kg; P = 0.48) or the maintenance of anesthesia (0.141 +/- 0.02 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1) versus 0.146 +/- 0.04 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1); P = 0.62) between the Hemisync and control groups. We also found no differences between the Hemisync group and the control group for participants with high state anxiety (P = not significant). We conclude that Hemisync sounds do not reduce the hypnotic component of the anesthetic state of patients undergoing general anesthesia and surgery.     

Extracorporeal Venous Bypass: A Beneficial Device in Operation for Superior Vena Caval Syndrome

Life-threatening complications can occur unexpectedly during general anesthesia in operations for acute progressive superior vena caval syndrome. We describe a temporary extracorporeal axillofemoral venous bypass procedure to reduce the high venous pressure in the upper part of the body before induction of general anesthesia. The bypass supports the operation for superior vena caval syndrome without life-threatening accidents. No serious complications related to the procedure have been observed.     

Effects of preoperative ketamine on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparotomy

BACKGROUND: Effects of preoperative ketamine on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparotomy have been controversial. METHODS: Fifty-two patients undergoing elective laparotomy were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to anesthetic management; patients received general anesthesia alone with preoperative ketamine (n = 20), patients received epidural blockade and general anesthesia with preoperative ketamine (n = 15), and patients received epidural blockade and general anesthesia without preoperative ketamine (n = 17). Among the three groups, we compared the parameters concerning postoperative pain managements; frequency of complaining about pain, opioid consumption, incidence of nausea and vomiting in the first 24 hours after laparotomy, and ability of ambulation on the first postoperative day. RESULTS: Among the three groups, there were no significant differences in all parameters concerning postoperative pain management described above. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study imply that preoperative ketamine may elicit preemptive analgesic effects, and can be an efficient adjuvant to postoperative pain management for patients undergoing laparotomy.     

High recurrence rate following axillofemoral bypass: is continued use still justified?

124 axillofemoral bypass grafts were performed in 105 high risk patients with chronic aortoiliac occlusive disease (1970-1983). Graft thrombosis occurred in 49.35% of 77 unilateral grafts, mostly as early occlusion, whereas in cases of 20 axillobifemoral bypass procedures the incidence of graft thrombosis was 35.0%. By graft thrombectomy, if necessary combined with reconstruction of the femoropopliteal artery segment, and graft exchange the patency rates could be improved in both groups. After 5 years of patency rate was 52.57% in the unilateral and 81.48% in the bifemoral group. In both groups the patency times of every second graft could be prolonged respectively for 16 and 18.8 months. On the whole considering the bifemoral procedure was superior to the unilateral. Considering the high rate of graft thrombosis and the poor long term results, esp. in cases of unilateral grafts, the initial euphoria of using the axillofemoral bypass was not justified. Therefore nowadays the indication for axillofemoral bypass is handled more strictly: high risk patient without any other possibilities to avoid amputation.     

Low-dose bupivacaine plus fentanyl for spinal anesthesia during ambulatory inguinal herniorrhaphy: a comparison between 6 mg and 7. 5 mg of bupivacaine

BACKGROUND: Inguinal herniorrhaphy is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure. Spinal anesthesia offers some advantages over general anesthesia in this setting. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly divided into two groups according to a double-blind protocol: Group L had spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine 6.0 mg and Group H with bupivacaine 7.5 mg; in both groups, fentanyl 25 micro g was added to the spinal anesthetic. The sensory block was measured by 'pin-prick' and the motor block was evaluated by a modified Bromage scale. RESULTS: No differences were seen in the spread, duration and regression of sensory block between the groups on the operated side. A greater number of patients required analgesics during the operation in Group L (6) compared with Group H (1) (P<0.05). The return of the modified Bromage scale to grade 0 was earlier in Group L than in Group H (P<0.05) but the time to mobilization and discharge was similar. Seven patients (17%) needed to be catheterized and two had the catheter retained overnight. Times to home discharge (median) were 350 and 445 min, respectively, in Groups L and H. Postoperatively and during the first week, visual analog pain scores, analgesic requirements and side-effects were similar between the groups. In Group H, 95% of the patients and in Group L 85% would have the same anesthetic again if operated upon for a similar procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine 7.5 mg and fentanyl offers an alternative to general or local anesthesia for ambulatory inguinal herniorrhaphy. However, the long discharge times and risk for urinary retention restrict its routine use in all patients.     

Extubation time, hemodynamic stability, and postoperative pain control in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: an evaluation of fentanyl, remifentanil, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs with propofol for perioperative and postoperative management

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare three anesthetic strategies with respect to the time of extubation after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and to assess patient satisfaction with the procedure. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary-care referral center. PARTICIPANTS: 180 cardiac surgical patients undergoing primary CABG from January through June 2004. INTERVENTIONS: After induction of general anesthesia, patients were allocated to one of three groups. All three groups received a continuous infusion of intravenous (IV) propofol perioperatively and postoperatively. Group 1 (fentanyl infusion group, n = 60) received continuous IV fentanyl infusion perioperatively and postoperatively for analgesia. Group 2 (diclofenac group, n = 60) received fentanyl bolus doses intraoperatively and diclofenac suppository postoperatively. Group 3 (remifentanil group, n = 60) received continuous infusion of IV remifentanil perioperatively and IV fentanyl as an immediate postoperative bolus followed by continuous fentanyl infusion. Duration of postoperative ventilation up to the time of extubation, inotrope requirement, time at which analgesic infusion was discontinued, postextubation arterial blood gas analysis, pain evaluation via visual analog scale, need for rescue analgesia, awareness during surgery, and length of postcardiac surgical unit stay, were evaluated in each patient. MAIN RESULTS: The diclofenac group exhibited the shortest time to extubation, the least inotrope use, and the fewest rescue doses of analgesic than did patients of the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Intravenous propofol with bolus doses of IV fentanyl intraoperatively in combination with postoperative nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs had the best recovery profile in patients undergoing primary CABG than did the other two regimens studied.     

Hemodynamic effects of levobupivacaine after pediatric caudal anesthesia evaluated by transesophageal doppler

Background: The aim of this study is to determine if there are significant differences in hemodynamic effects between combined general‐regional anesthesia using levobupivacaine 0.25% 2 ml·kg^?1 via the caudal route in comparison with balanced general anesthesia using continuous infusion of remifentanil in young children undergoing genitourinary surgery. Patients and methods: 62 ASA I‐II pediatric patients (12 female, 50 male) aged 6 months to 7 years undergoing genitourinary surgery were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into one of two groups of 31 patients each. Group Caud received caudal blockade with levobupivacaine 0.25% 2 mg·kg^?1 in combined general‐regional anesthesia and Group Gen received balanced general anesthesia with remifentanil. The noninvasive hemodynamic parameters were measured in each group 5 min after induction of general anesthesia or caudal block (Tcaud), after further 5 min coincident with skin incision (Tsi), 10 min after skin incision (T10i), at the end of surgical procedure (Tend). The time between Tcaud and Tsi was 10 min and the measurements during the interval time T10i‐Tend were performed every 15 min according to the duration of surgical procedures. Results: There was a decrease in all measured hemodynamic parameters at skin incision. The decreases occurred in both groups with those in the caudal group occurring at skin incision and those in the balanced anesthesia group occurring at 10 min after skin incision. These variations showed no significant differences for any of the stated outcomes; neither between the groups at each time point nor in the caudal in comparison with baseline measurements. Conclusions: Using transesophageal Doppler no differences in hemodynamic parameters could be detected between balanced general anesthesia with either caudal levobupivacaine or remifentanil infusion. Both techniques showed good hemodynamic stability with only minor changes from baseline over time which are unlikely to be of clinical significance except possibly in patients with preexisting cardiovascular compromise. Other studies with noninvasive monitoring in a larger population are required to better understand the consequences of caudal blockade on CO and on regional blood flow in infants.