Assessing the efficacy of video versus direct laryngoscopy through retrospective comparison of 436 emergency intubation cases

Video laryngoscopy has become a common practice for tracheal intubations. However, information on its efficacy in emergency intubations is minimal. The external video monitor may act as a means for assistance by present staff, heighten teaching ability, and improve intubation outcomes. We conducted a retrospective review consisting of 436 patients requiring emergency intubation outside the operating room to evaluate the application of a C-MAC video laryngoscope for emergency intubation(s). Nine cases were removed, 315 underwent direct laryngoscopy, 73 underwent video laryngoscopy, and 39 underwent both methods. The C-MAC laryngoscope provided a significantly better visualization of the glottis (p = 0.02). The C-MAC also provided successful intubation on the first attempt in 82 % of the 39 direct laryngoscopy cases subsequently intubated with the C-MAC. The presence of the attending anesthesiologist (while the resident intubates) had no effect on complication rates; the number of attempts required and the grade view obtained were nonsignificant (p = 0.91 and p = 0.34, respectively). Overall, use of the C-MAC video laryngoscope provided a better view of the airway structures during an emergency intubation. The success of the C-MAC laryngoscope in intubation after failed direct laryngoscopy suggests the importance of the video laryngoscope as the primary intubation approach during an emergency intubation.     

Needs analysis for developing a virtual-reality NOTES simulator

Introduction and study aim

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging surgical technique that requires a cautious adoption approach to ensure patient safety. High-fidelity virtual-reality-based simulators allow development of new surgical procedures and tools and train medical personnel without risk to human patients. As part of a project funded by the National Institutes of Health, we are developing the virtual transluminal endoscopic surgery trainer (VTEST?) for this purpose. The objective of this study is to conduct a structured needs analysis to identify the design parameters for such a virtual-reality-based simulator for NOTES.

Methods

A 30-point questionnaire was distributed at the 2011 National Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research meeting to obtain responses from experts. Ordinal logistic regression and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used for analysis.

Results

A total of 22 NOTES experts participated in the study. Cholecystectomy (CE, 68 %) followed by appendectomy (AE, 63 %) (CE vs AE, p = 0.0521) was selected as the first choice for simulation. Flexible (FL, 47 %) and hybrid (HY, 47 %) approaches were equally favorable compared with rigid (RI, 6 %) with p < 0.001 for both FL versus RI and HY versus RI. The transvaginal approach was preferred 3 to 1 to the transgastric. Most participants preferred two-channel (2C) scopes (65 %) compared with single (1C) or three (3C) or more channels with p < 0.001 for both 2C versus 1C and 2C versus 3C. The importance of force feedback and the utility of a virtual NOTES simulator in training and testing new tools for NOTES were rated very high by the participants.

Conclusion

Our study reinforces the importance of developing a virtual NOTES simulator and clearly presents expert preferences. The results of this analysis will direct our initial development of the VTEST? platform.     

Common uses and cited complications of energy in surgery

Background

Instruments that apply energy to cut, coagulate, and dissect tissue with minimal bleeding facilitate surgery. The improper use of energy devices may increase patient morbidity and mortality. The current article reviews various energy sources in terms of their common uses and safe practices.

Methods

For the purpose of this review, a general search was conducted through NCBI, SpringerLink, and Google. Articles describing laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgeries using single or multiple energy sources are considered, as are articles comparing various commercial energy devices in laboratory settings. Keywords, such as laparoscopy, energy, laser, electrosurgery, monopolar, bipolar, harmonic, ultrasonic, cryosurgery, argon beam, laser, complications, and death were used in the search.

Results

A review of the literature shows that the performance of the energy devices depends upon the type of procedure. There is no consensus as to which device is optimal for a given procedure. The technical skill level of the surgeon and the knowledge about the devices are both important factors in deciding safe outcomes.

Conclusions

As new energy devices enter the market increases, surgeons should be aware of their indicated use in laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open surgery.     

How Long Will I Be Blue? Prolonged Skin Staining Following Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Using Intradermal Patent Blue Dye

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund: Der für die Sentinel-Knoten-Biopsie bei Mammakarzinom-Patientinnen verwendete blaue Farbstoff kann längerfristige Hautverfärbungen im Injektionsbereich verursachen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Dauer derartiger Hautverfärbungen zu bestimmen. Patientinnen und Methoden: 236 aufeinanderfolgende Mammakarzinom-Patientinnen, bei denen eine brusterhaltende Operation und Sentinel-Knoten-Biopsie durchgeführt worden waren, wurden von Januar 2007 bis Dezember 2009 prospektiv untersucht. Ergebnisse: Bei 2 der 236 Patientinnen war eine bilaterale chirurgische Behandlung erfolgt, und 41 wurden im Rahmen jährlicher Nachuntersuchungen beurteilt. Blaue Verfärbungen im Injektionsbereich waren nach 12, 24 bzw. > 36 Monaten bei 36,5, 23,6 bzw. 8,6% der Patientinnen weiterhin sichtbar. Schlussfolgerung: Die Anwendung von Patentblau zur Identifikation des Sentinellymphknotens bei chirurgisch behandelten Mammakarzinom-Patientinnen kann zur längerfristigen Verfärbung der Haut im Injektionsbereich führen.     

What are the symptoms of internal rectal prolapse?

Aim Although high‐grade internal rectal prolapse is believed to cause functional symptoms such as obstructed defaecation, little has been published on the exact distribution and frequency of symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify the most common symptoms of patients with high‐grade internal rectal prolapse. Method Patients were diagnosed with high‐grade prolapse (grade 3 and 4) on proctography using the Oxford Rectal Prolapse Grade. Information from a prospectively collected database was supplemented by a retrospective case note review. Results Eighty eight patients (94% of them women) were included for analysis. Faecal incontinence (56%) was the most common symptom at presentation. Symptoms related to obstructed defaecation syndrome were the next most common, including incomplete evacuation (45%), straining (34%), digital assistance (34%) and repetitive toilet visits (33%). Conclusion A variety of symptoms may be caused by high‐grade internal rectal prolapse Although symptoms of obstructed defaecation were frequent, urge faecal incontinence was the most common.