The injection of a non-isobaric local anesthetic should induce a unilateral spinal anesthesia in patients in a lateral decubitus position. The posterior spinal hemianesthesia only be obtained with hypobaric solutions injected in the jackknife position. The most important factors to be considered when performing a spinal hemianesthesia are: type and gauge of the needle, density of the local anesthetic relative to the CSF, position of the patient, speed of administration of the solution, time of stay in position, and dose/concentration/volume of the anesthetic solution. The distance between the spinal roots on the right-left sides and anterior-posterior is, approximately, 10-15 mm. This distance allows performing unilateral spinal anesthesia or posterior spinal anesthesia. The great advantage of obtaining spinal hemianesthesia is the reduction of cardiovascular changes. Likewise, both the dorsal and unilateral sensory block predominates in relation to the motor block. Because of the numerous advantages of producing spinal hemianesthesia, anesthesiologists should apply this technique more often. This review considers the factors which are relevant, plausible and proven to obtain spinal hemianesthesia.

Human have lungs to breathe air and they have no gills to breath liquids like fish. When the surface tension at the air-liquid interface of the lung increases as in acute lung injury, scientists started to think about filling the lung with fluid instead of air to reduce the surface tension and facilitate ventilation. Liquid ventilation (LV) is a technique of mechanical ventilation in which the lungs are insufflated with an oxygenated perfluorochemical liquid rather than an oxygen-containing gas mixture. The use of perfluorochemicals, rather than nitrogen as the inert carrier of oxygen and carbon dioxide offers a number of advantages for the treatment of acute lung injury. In addition, there are non-respiratory applications with expanding potential including pulmonary drug delivery and radiographic imaging. It is well-known that respiratory diseases are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit. During the past few years several new modalities of treatment have been introduced. One of them and probably the most fascinating, is of LV. Partial LV, on which much of the existing research has concentrated, requires partial filling of lungs with perfluorocarbons (PFC's) and ventilation with gas tidal volumes using conventional mechanical ventilators. Various physico-chemical properties of PFC's make them the ideal media. It results in a dramatic improvement in lung compliance and oxygenation and decline in mean airway pressure and oxygen requirements. No long-term side-effect reported.

Ketamine was introduced commercially in 1970 with the manufacturer's description as a "rapidly acting, nonbarbiturate general anesthetic" and a suggestion that it would be useful for short procedures. With the help of its old unique pharmacological properties and newly found beneficial clinical properties, ketamine has survived the strong winds of time, and it currently has a wide variety of clinical applications. It's newly found neuroprotective, antiinflammatory and antitumor effects, and the finding of the usefulness of low dose ketamine regimens have helped to widen the clinical application profile of ketamine. The present article attempts to review the current useful applications of ketamine in anesthesia, pain and critical care. It is based on scientific evidence gathered from textbooks, journals, and electronic databases.

Background: A double-blinded, prospective, and randomized study was designed to determine the efficacy and tolerability of intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MgSO ₄ ) to facilitate fiberoptic bronchoscopic (FOB) nasotracheal intubations. Patients and Methods: A total of 120 patients scheduled to undergo elective awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation, while they were anesthetized for elective surgery were randomly allocated to one of three groups: The control Group S (n = 40) received 100 ml (50 ml 0.9% saline + 50 ml paracetamol) was infused in 10 min and direct IV 5 ml 0.9% normal saline, Group MD (n = 40): Received midazolam IV in a dose of 0.07 mg/kg in 5 ml 0.9% normal saline and 100 ml 0.9% was infused in 10 min and Group MS (n = 40): IV 45 mg/kg MgSO ₄ 10 min in 100 ml of 0.9% normal saline through 10 min and direct IV 5 ml 0.9% normal saline. Results: Time required for nasotracheal intubation was significantly less in group Groups MD and MS, as compared with the control group, but not significant between the two groups. (Group MD: 9.05 + 1.95 min, Group MS 3.75 + 0.75 min and Group S 16.85 + 1.7 min). However, the number of fiberoptic intubation was significantly more in the MD and MS groups, as compared with the control group. Easy intubation (control group: 0, Group MD: 25 and Group MS: 35), moderate difficulty (control group: 5, Group MD: 12 and Group MS: 4) and difficult (control group: 35, Group MD: 3 and Group MS: 1). Procedure adverse events were significantly lower in Group MS. None of the patients in Group MS had procedure hypoxia, but it occurred in 10 patients of Group MD and 20 patients in Group S. Six patients in Group S and two in Group MD had procedure apnea whereas, none of the patients in the MS group experienced this. After medication and just before intubation heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly less in Groups MD and MS, as compared to the control group (Group MD: 77 + 7.7 beat/min, Group MS: 70 + 5.6 beat/min and Group S: 80 + 7.8 beat/min) (Group MD: 90 + 8.5 mmHg, Group MS: 80 + 8.1 mmHg and Group S: 105 + 10.5 mmHg). This difference however, significant between Group MD and Group MS. Conclusion: Intravenous MgSO ₄ improved awaken FOB intubation without adverse hemodynamic or respiratory effects.

Background: The clinical value of inflammatory biomarkers is still questionable. Aim of the Work: The aim of this study is to compare the clinical informative value of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma concentration in the early detection of sepsis, as well as relating these biomarkers to other scoring systems. Patients and Methods: A total of 138 patients were enrolled in our study. All were subjected to PCT, CRP, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores daily for 7 days (starting from admission day). Blood samples were collected before starting antibiotics, with 28 days follow-up and patients were assigned to three groups: Group I: SOFA 2-7, Group II: SOFA 8-10, and Group III: SOFA ≥11. Results: Underlying clinical diagnosis revealed pneumonia in 72 patients, urinary tract infections in eight, bloodstream infection in four, and other infections in 23, while infection could not be traced in 25 patients. The mean PCT was 3 ng/ml (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1-4), 12 ng/ml (95% CI: 9.1-14), and 19 ng/ml (95% CI: 16.3-22.3) in Groups I, II, and III, respectively, with a statistically significant difference in the mean PCT level among the three groups (P < 0.0001). On the other hand, CRP mean level did not significantly differentiate between the groups (147.1 mg/L in Group II, which was even higher than the level of Group III, 138.4 mg/L). Conclusion: PCT seems to do better than CRP in predicting the SOFA groups, giving its patronage display over a wide spectrum of insults.

Background: Midazolam and clonidine are preferred premedicants whose effects are not restricted to the preoperative period. In addition, these premedicants significantly modulate not only the intraoperative requirements of the anesthetic agents, but also the postoperative outcome. We aim to compare the efficacy of both the agents in view of premedication, induction characteristics, hemodynamic changes and postoperative complications utilizing bispectral index (BIS) using propofol anesthesia. Materials and Methods: The type of this study was randomized control trial conducted on patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Study included 105 patients of either sex aged 20-60 years. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups: Intravenous midazolam (Group 1), clonidine (Group 2), and normal saline (Group 3) (control). The initial value of BIS and Ramsay Sedation Score, dose of propofol required for induction were noted in each group and monitored for pulse rate, electrocardiograph, noninvasive blood pressure, and BIS. Results: The requirement of propofol ranged from 40 to 150 mg. Mean requirement was maximum in Group 3 (109.43 ± 20.14 mg) and it was minimum in Group 1 (78.57 ± 22.15 mg). A significant reduction in consumption of propofol with the use of midazolam (P < 0.001) and clonidine (P < 0.001) was observed. Both premedicants partially attenuates laryngoscoy and intubation response along with reduction in the incidence of postoperative complications. Conclusion: Both clonidine and midazolam contributed equally in lowering propofol consumption. Reduction in the induction dosage of propofol and hemodynamic variations were also observed to be similar with the use of midazolam or clonidine as premedicants. Both provide a beneficial effect in relation to recovery and less postoperative complications. However clonidine premedication was found to be more effective in preventing post operative shivering and can be recommended in routine practice.

Background: Neuraxial anesthesia greatly expands the anesthesiologist armamentarium, providing alternatives to general anesthesia, especially in the lower abdominal surgeries. Clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, has a variety of actions, including potentiation of effects of local anesthetics. This study was undertaken to assess the degree of sensory and motor block and postoperative analgesia provided by low dose (50 mcg) intrathecal clonidine admixed with bupivacaine. Aims: The aim of this study is to establish efficacy and safety of intrathecal clonidine as adjuvant to bupivacaine. Settings and Design: The type of the study was double-blind randomized trial. Materials and Methods: Hundred patients were randomly allocated in two groups, A and B. Group A received bupivacaine 0.5%, 3 ml with placebo (normal saline 0.33 ml) and Group B, bupivacaine 0.5%, 3 ml with clonidine 50 μg (0.33 ml). Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15.0 statistical analysis software. Results: Mean duration of motor block was significantly higher in Group B (280.80 ± 66.88 min) as compared with Group A (183.60 ± 77.06 min). Significant difference in duration of sensory block was noted between Group B (295.20 ± 81.17 min) and Group A (190.80 ± 86.94 min). Duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly higher in Group B as compared to Group A (551.06 ± 133.64 min and 254.80 ± 84.19 min respectively). Mean visual analog scale scores at different time intervals were significantly lower in the study group (except for 4-h time interval), but the control group had better hemodynamic stability as compared with study group. Conclusion: The findings in this study suggested that use of clonidine 50 μg added to bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia effectively increased the duration of sensory block, duration of motor block, and duration of analgesia.

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness, hemodynamic changes and duration of sedation and analgesia between combinations of fortwin-phenergan-midazolam (FPM) and ketamine - midazolam (KM) along with local anesthesia for the surgeries done under the umbrella of monitored anesthesia care. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients undergoing surgeries as tympanoplasty, septoplasty, lip repair , dacrocystectomy and cataract under local anesthesia, randomly received either intravenous (IV) fortwin 0.3 mg/kg over 1 min followed by IV midazolam 0.04 mg/kg plus IV phenergan 12.5 mg (Group FPM) or IV ketamine 0.3 mg/kg over 1 min plus IV midazolam 0.04 mg/kg (Group KM). Sedation was titrated to Ramsay sedation score (RSS) of 3. Patients' mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), saturation peripheral pulse, duration of sedation and need for intraoperative rescue sedation/analgesic were recorded and compared. Satisfaction of patients (using a 1-7 point Likert verbal rating scale) and readiness for discharge towards (time to Aldrete score of 10) were also determined. Result: Group KM had significant rise in HR (20-25%) and MAP (25-30%) from 30 min after the bolus dose given until the end of the surgery in contrast to Group FPM. The target sedation level (RSS ≥ 3) was higher in Group FPM (n = 23 [92%]) as compared with Group KM (n = 12 [48%]). Time until need for rescue sedation was 66.96 ± 17.19 min in FPM and 32.80 ± 8.90 min in KM group. The patient satisfaction (Likert scale) is more with the FPM group (6.12 ± 0.83 vs. 4.40 ± 1.20). Conclusion: We found that the combination of FPM is superior to the KM combination as per the hemodynamic changes, duration of analgesia, patients' satisfaction and efficacy of the drugs are concerned.

Background: Various techniques exist for gaseous induction in adults. Vital capacity induction (VCI) is a special technique for gaseous induction of anesthesia. Aims: We compared the two methods for time of induction, vital parameters at induction, and suitability for laryngeal mask insertion and its effects, if any on the emergence and postoperative cognitive function tests. Settings and Design: A total of 60 adult American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I and II gynecological patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each. Materials and Methods: Group "S" received VCI with 8% sevoflurane in 8 l/min oxygen and group "P" received intravenous induction with propofol after premedication. Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was inserted and anesthesia maintained with oxygen, nitrous oxide, and sevoflurane in both groups. Induction time, corresponding entropy, vital parameters, and emergence time were noted. Postoperative cognitive and psychomotor functions were noted with P-deletion test, digit symbol substitution test, and finger nose test. Statistical Analysis Used: Unpaired t-test and Fisher exact test. Results: Time for induction was 61 ± 32 s and 31 ± 10.8 s for VCI (group S) and propofol (group P), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). About 70% patients in VCI had excellent conditions for LMA insertion when compared with 76% in propofol group (P = 0.3855). The incidence of airway complications, emergence times, and recovery of postoperative cognitive functions was not significantly different in both groups. Conclusions: VCI provides an induction and recovery comparable to propofol induction.

Context and Aims: Spinal anesthesia though gaining popularity in children, the misconceptions regarding its safety and feasibility can be better known with greater use and experience. The objective of this study was to evaluate the success rate, complications and hemodynamic stability related to pediatric spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: In this 1-year prospective study, 102 pediatric patients aged 6 months to 14 years undergoing infraumbilical and lower extremity surgery were included. Spinal anesthesia was administered using hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg (for child < 5 kg), 0.4 mg/kg (for 5-15 kg), 0.3 mg/kg (for >15 kg) in L4-L5 space under all aseptic precautions after sedation. Demographic data, vital parameters, supplemental sedation, number of attempts for lumbar puncture, sensory-motor block characteristics, and complications were noted. Results: Spinal anesthesia was successful in 98 (97.1%) patients. Remaining 4 (3.9%) were failures and were given general anesthesia. Lumbar puncture was successful in first attempt (60 [58.82%]) or 2 ^nd attempt (42 [41.18%]). There was no significant change in vital parameters. Mean peak sensory level was T 6.35 ± 1.20 (T4-T8). Mean sensory level at the end of surgery was T 8.11 ± 1.42 (T6-T10). Modified Bromage score was 3 in 98 (96.08%) patients. Sensory and motor block recovery was complete in all patients. Mean time to two segment regression was 43.97 ± 10.72 (30-70) min. Mean time to return Bromage score to 0 was 111.95 ± 20.54 (70-160). Mean duration of surgery was 52.5 ± 16.056 (25-95) min. Incidence of complications was minimal with hypotension occurring in 2 (2%) and shivering in 3 (2.9%) patients. Conclusion: Pediatric spinal anesthesia is a safe and effective anesthetic technique for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries of shorter duration (<90 min) with high success rate. Owing to, its early motor recovery, it can be a preferred technique for day case surgeries in the pediatric population.

Context: ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) efficacy in pediatric anesthesia. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare PLMA size 2 and 2½ in anesthetized paralyzed pediatric patients weighing 20-30 kg undergoing elective surgery. Settings and Design: A prospective randomized study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists I pediatric patients of either sex having body weight between 20 and 30 kg undergoing elective surgeries were randomly allocated to PLMA of either size 2 or 2½. Standardized anesthetic technique with propofol, sevoflurane, vecuronium bromide, nitrous oxide was used in all patients. Parameters such as number of attempts, time to achieve an effective airway, hemodynamic parameters, drain tube test, oropharyngeal leak pressure (OPL), gastric tube placement, and postoperative adverse events were noted. Statistical analysis by Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis, Mann-Whitney U-test, Student's t-test, Wilk's lambda test and power analysis was done. Results: There were no significant differences in demographic variables, ease of insertion and ventilation, number of insertion attempts, hemodynamics, and postoperative complications. OPLs were slightly higher in PLMA size 2½ (27.38 ± 6.36 vs. 22.62 ± 2.85 cm H ₂ O, respectively; P = 0.001) than size 2. Conclusions: Both PLMA size 2 and 2½ provided adequate seal pressures that would allow positive pressure ventilation in healthy children. Thus PLMA of either size 2 or 2½ can be used as a reliable airway device in children weighing 20-30 kg.

Context: Perioperative fluid management in elderly poses considerable challenge to the anesthesiologist. The conventional crystalloid loading may not be a preferred regime in this subgroup of patients since an exaggerated hemodynamic response is expected due to blunted sympathetic response and compromised cardiorespiratory system. Aims: This study was designed in the elderly patient for comparing efficacy, side-effects and limitations of prophylactic ephedrine 30 mg (intramuscular [i.m.]) versus polygeline 3.5% 500 ml (intravenous [i.v.]) for the maintenance of blood pressure after subarachnoid block (SAB). Settings and Design: The sample size of 100 elderly (age > 50 years) patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries was administered SAB using bupivacaine 0.5% heavy. The primary outcome of this study was the attenuation of hypotension due to SAB using ephedrine or polygeline 3.5%. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients were randomly allocated to receive ephedrine 30 mg i.m. 10 min before the institution of SAB in Group I and preloading with 500 ml of polygeline 3.5% i.v. over 10 min prior to SAB in Group II. Patients in both groups were closely monitored for pulse rate, systolic blood pressure; any hypotension, requirement of rescue therapy and adverse effects. Statistical Analysis Used: Results were interpreted using Student's t-test for parametric and Chi-square tests for nonparametric data. Results: The incidence of hypotension and requirement for rescue therapy was statistically less in Group I compared with Group II (P < 0.05). Heart rates were better maintained in Group I than Group II, with few hemodynamic adverse effects in both groups. Conclusions: Ephedrine 30 mg i.m. given as pretreatment before SAB in elderly patients was more effective for the prevention of post-SAB hypotension.

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is the one of the most common surgical procedure in women. There is preoperative stress effect before the delivery of the baby as (intubation and skin incision). There is acute postoperative pain, which may be progressed to chronic pain. All these perioperative stress effects need for various approach of treatment, which including systemic and neuraxial analgesia. The different analgesia modalities may affect and impair early interaction between mother and infant. Preemptive intravenous (I.V.) paracetamol (before induction) may reduce stress response before the delivery of the baby, intraoperative opioids and postoperative pain. Objectives: The aim of this study to compare between the administration of I.V. paracetamol as: Preemptive analgesia (preoperative) and preventive analgesia (at the end of surgery) as regards of hemodynamic, pain control, duration of analgesia, cumulative doses of intraoperative opioids and their related side-effects and to compare between two different protocols of postoperative analgesia and their cumulative doses. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients undergoing elective CS were randomly enrolled in this study and divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Group I: i.V. paracetamol 1 g (100 ml) was given 30 min before induction of anesthesia. Group II: i.V. paracetamol 1 g (100 ml) was given 30 min before the end of surgery. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analog score. Postoperative pethidine was given by two different protocols: group I: 0.5 mg/kg was divided into 0.25 mg/kg intramuscular and 0.25 mg/kg I.V. Group II was given pethidine 0.5 mg/kg I.V. Doses of intraoperative fentanyl, postoperative pethidine, duration of paracetamol analgesic time, time to next analgesia, and side-effects of opioid were noted and compared. Result: Preemptive group had hemodynamic stability, especially before delivery of the baby P < 0.001. Preventive group had longer duration of paracetamol analgesia and higher intraoperative opioid P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively. Preemptive group had longer time for next analgesia and lower incidences of postoperative side-effects P < 0.001 and P < 0.05. Preemptive group had higher pain scores in immediate postoperative and after 6 h but preventive group had higher pain scores in 4 and 8 h postoperatively P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively. Conclusion: preemptive paracetamol and immediate postoperative opioid analgesia were more effective than preventive paracetamol.

Context: Vascular pain is a frequent and hypotension is most important complications of propofol administration. Aims: The goal of this study is to evaluate frequency of vascular pain during rapid and slow injection of propofol and also effect of ephedrine for decreasing of vascular pain. Materials and Methods: After approval of local ethical committee, 120 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists status I (ASA I), who were candidates for cataract surgery, were divided randomly into three groups. The first group received 20 mg of lidocaine, and propofol 1% at 1 ml per 5 seconds (slow injection). The second and third groups received propofol at 10 ml per 5 seconds without lidocaine (rapid injection) and also in the third group, 10 mg of ephedrine were injected at first and vascular pain were evaluated with 5-point scale. Statistical analysis: Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v16, Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskel-Wallis. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Demographic characteristics of the three groups were similar. The vascular pain was 52.5%, 40%, and 27.5% in first, second, and third group, respectively. The injection pain was more severe in the slow injection (P = 0.025), but was the same between two rapid groups (P = 0.76). Heart rate and blood pressure changes were similar between all groups (P = 0.45 and P = 0.58, respectively). Conclusion: Rapid propofol injection induced less vascular pain compared with slow injection, but 10 mg ephedrine was not more effective.

Background: Regional anesthesia, increasingly used for infraumbilical surgery, has advantages of decreased stress response to surgery, nausea, vomiting, and cardio-respiratory depression with improved postoperative analgesia, in comparison to general anesthesia. Intrathecal isobaric ropivacaine (RP) had been found, in various clinical studies, to be shorter acting in comparison to bupivacaine (BP). Our present study was, hence, aimed to compare the anesthetic and analgesic efficacy of intrathecal hyperbaric RP relative to hyperbaric BP in lower limb orthopedic surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients aged ranges between 18 and 60 years of either sex, ASAPS 1 and 2, undergoing elective lower limb orthopedic surgeries were divided into two groups, RP group and BP group receiving intrathecal 0.75% RP 3 ml and glucose 50%, 0.5 ml and 0.5% hyperbaric BP 3 ml and 0.9% normal saline 0.5 ml, respectively. The efficacy in terms of onset and duration of anesthesia and analgesia were assessed along with the heart rate, blood pressure at regular intervals throughout the perioperative period. Result: The two study groups were comparable in terms of demography and duration of surgery. Patients in group RP experienced significantly late onset and shorter duration of sensory and motor block in comparison to patients in group BP. There were clinically insignificant differences in perioperative hemodynamics and side-effects noted in each group. Hence, it was observed in this study that equipotent dose of hyperbaric RP had shorter duration of analgesia and anesthesia than with equipotent dose of hyperbaric BP.

Context: Quality assurance of providing a work ready machine in multiple theatre operating rooms in a tertiary modern medical center in Riyadh. Aims: The aim of the following study is to keep high quality environment for workers and patients in surgical operating rooms. Settings and Design: Technicians based audit by using key performance indicators to assure inspection, passing test of machine worthiness for use daily and in between cases and in case of unexpected failure to provide quick replacement by ready to use another anesthetic machine. Materials and Methods: The anesthetic machines in all operating rooms are daily and continuously inspected and passed as ready by technicians and verified by anesthesiologist consultant or assistant consultant. The daily records of each machines were collected then inspected for data analysis by quality improvement committee department for descriptive analysis and report the degree of staff compliance to daily inspection as "met" items. Replaced machine during use and overall compliance. Statistical Analysis Used: Distractive statistic using Microsoft Excel 2003 tables and graphs of sums and percentages of item studied in this audit. Results: Audit obtained highest compliance percentage and low rate of replacement of machine which indicate unexpected machine state of use and quick machine switch. Conclusions: The authors are able to conclude that following regular inspection and running self-check recommended by the manufacturers can contribute to abort any possibility of hazard of anesthesia machine failure during operation. Furthermore in case of unexpected reason to replace the anesthesia machine in quick maneuver contributes to high assured operative utilization of man machine inter-phase in modern surgical operating rooms.

Context: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing tachycardia and hypertension. Dexmedetomidine has an affinity for alpha ₂ receptors 8 times greater than that of clonidine. It diminishes norepinephrine release and inhibits sympathetic activity leading to decreased heart rate (HR) and blood pressure. Aims: The aim was to compare the effect of intravenous (IV) infusion of dexmedetomidine and clonidine on the pressor response among patients undergoing tracheal intubation in elective surgeries under general anesthesia. Settings and Design : A prospective, randomized control study. Subjects and Methods: Seventy-five adult patients of age 18-55 years in American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II were included in this study. Patients were allocated randomly into Group P, Group D and Group C of 25 patients each. In the operation theatre, clonidine (3 μg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) or placebo (0.9% normal saline) diluted in 100 ml NaCl 0.9% were infused over a period of 10 min. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15.0. Chi-square test, ANOVA, Student's t-test, and Paired t-test were used. Results: As compared to Group P, the mean systolic blood pressure in Group D and Group C were significantly lower (<0.01) after intubation and all the subsequent intervals. After infusion and after the induction interval, the maximum value was observed in Group D while minimum mean value was observed in Group C. As compared to Group P, the mean arterial pressure in Group D was significantly higher at after infusion and after induction intervals but significantly lower after intubation and subsequent intervals. However, in Group C, the mean value was significantly lower as compared to Group P at all-time intervals except after infusion and after induction intervals. As compared to Group P, the mean HR in Group D was significantly higher at after infusion and after induction intervals. However at all the subsequent intervals, Group D was significantly lower as compared to Group P. Conclusion: It was found that attenuating response to hemodynamic changes were observed with dexmedetomidine and clonidine IV infusion. The early onset of dexmedetomidine makes it a promising choice. Hence premedication with IV infusion of dexmedetomidine can safely be recommended for attenuation of hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation.

Background: Inhalation anesthetics have many advantages for outpatient general anesthesia, such as minimal postoperative side-effects and rapid and full recovery. The aim of this randomized study was to compare the postoperative recovery time of sevoflurane and desflurane and to observe the effects of anesthesia on mental, psychomotor and cognitive functions and pain in outpatients undergoing arthroscopic surgery. Patients and Methods: This study included 40 American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II patients who were divided into two groups via sealed envelopes. For maintenance of anesthesia, a mixture of 66% N ₂ O and 33% O ₂ and 4-7% desflurane was used in Group D, and a mixture of 66% N ₂ O and 33% O ₂ and 1-2.5% sevoflurane was used in Group S. The modified Aldrete score (MAS) was evaluated postoperatively at time points determined previously. An MAS of 8 or higher was considered to indicate alertness. Mental and psychomotor functions of the patients were evaluated using the short cognitive examination (SCE), and postoperative pain levels were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of demographic data (P > 0.05). The mean time to reach MAS 8, eye-opening, and orientation were higher in Group S as compared to Group D (P < 0.01). The mean MAS initially and at 5 and 10 min was higher in Group D as compared to Group S (P < 0.001). The mean SCE at 5 and 15 min was higher in Group D as compared to Group S (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of VAS scores (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It has been determined that desflurane provided better quality and more rapid recovery than sevoflurane, and the return of cognitive functions in the early postoperative period was faster. In conclusion, both agents can apparently be used safely in outpatient anesthetic procedures.

Background: Truview ^PCD laryngoscope is specially designed to aid positioning of the endotracheal tube as well as to record entry of the tube into glottis. Aim of the study is to compare the view of glottic opening and ease of intubation between Truview ^PCD laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope in patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA). Methodology: Two hundred patients undergoing elective surgery, under GA were randomized into two groups, Group TV and Group ML. In Group TV, Trueview ^PCD laryngoscope was used initially to visualize the vocal cords for Cormack and Lehane grading (CLG) and to spray the vocal cords with 10% lignocaine. Then the patient was ventilated for 1 min and Macintosh laryngoscope was used to visualize the vocal cords for CLG and proceed with intubation. In Group ML, Macintosh laryngoscope was used initially and later Truview ^PCD laryngoscope. Time to intubation, CLG, number of attempts and hemodynamic parameters were recorded. Results: Ninety-six and 89 patients had CLG1 visualization when Truview ^PCD laryngoscope was used as 1 ^st and 2 ^nd device respectively compared to 41 and 68 with Macintosh laryngoscope (P = 0.00). Four patients had CLG 4 visualization with Macintosh laryngoscope that turned out to be grade II visualization with Truview ^PCD laryngoscope (P = 0.00). Mean time taken for intubation with Truview ^PCD and Macintosh laryngoscope was 21.10 ± 5.64 s and 15.79 ± 2.76 s respectively (P = 0.00). Conclusion: Better visualization with lesser CLG was found with Truview ^PCD laryngoscope but it took longer time for intubation than Macintosh laryngoscope. The hemodynamic response to intubation was significantly less with the use of Truview ^PCD laryngoscope when compared to that of Macintosh laryngoscope.

Background: Pain experienced following laparotomy is largely due to abdominal wall incision. Effective mitigation of this pain is vital to improve patient satisfaction and for early ambulation. We evaluated the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for postoperative analgesia, as a component of multimodal analgesia. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult ASA physical status I to III patients undergoing emergency laparotomy under general anesthesia were recruited for this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. The TAP block was performed before skin incision, using the double pop technique in the midaxillary line, at the level of the umbilicus with a 22 gauge blunt needle. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 25 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine or normal saline (NS), bilaterally. Tramadol was used for postoperative analgesia via a patient-controlled analgesia pump (PCA) along with an intramuscular (IM) injection of diclofenac sodium, 12-hourly. Each patient was assessed in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) immediately after shifting and every two hours thereafter, for 24 hours, for pain, nausea, sedation scores, and pruritus. The two-hourly and total tramadol consumption, over 24 hours, was assessed. Results: The mean total pain scores were significantly less in the TAP block group (48.07 ± 6.76) when compared to the control group (62.63 ± 6.66). The total tramadol consumption was decreased by 36% in the TAP block group (281.33 ± 69.66 mg) compared to the control group (439 ± 68.59 mg). Tramadol consumption measured every two hours was also less up to 18 hours postoperatively, after which, there was an increase in pain scores and tramadol consumption in the TAP block group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of nausea, vomiting, sedation or pruritis. Conclusion: TAP block is an effective component of the multimodal analgesia regimen for reducing postoperative pain and opioid requirement after emergency laparotomy.

Context: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation produce sympathetic overdrive by catecholamine release resulting in hypertension and tachycardia. Various agents are being tried to combat the intubation response over years. Aims: This study is aimed at comparing dexmedetomidine which is a highly selective alpha-2 agonist with an ultra-short acting beta blocker, esmolol to see which among the two is better in attenuating the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Settings and Design: This was a prospective randomized double-blind control study. Subjects and Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for general anesthesia were divided into two groups, D and E with 30 patients in each group. Group-D patients received dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg and Group-E patients received esmolol 0.5 mg/kg as intravenous premedication over 5 min before a rapid sequence induction and tracheal intubation. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures along with heart rate were measured using invasive arterial line at various time points. The percentage change of hemodynamic parameters at those time points from the baseline was compared between the groups. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Results: The percentage change of all hemodynamic parameters from base line were less in the dexmedetomidine group than in esmolol group at all-time points of measurement. However, a statistically significant difference was observed often at the time points within 1 min after tracheal intubation. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine is superior to esmolol in attenuating the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

Aims: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of mannitol (M) and hypertonic saline (HTS) on brain relaxation and electrolyte balance. Settings and Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Subjects and Methods: A total of 114 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists status II and III, scheduled to undergo craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumor resection were enrolled. Patients received 5 ml/kg 20% mannitol (n = 56) or 3% HTS (n = 58) at the start of scalp incision. Hemodynamics, fluid balance and electrolytes, were measured at 0, 15, 30, and 60 min and 6 h after infusion. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay between the two groups was also recorded. The surgeon assessed brain relaxation on a four-point scale (1 = Relaxed, 2 = Satisfactory, 3 = Firm, 4 = Bulging). Appropriate statistical tests were used for comparison; P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Brain relaxation conditions in the HTS group (relaxed/satisfactory/firm/bulging, n = 28/20/5/3) were better than those observed in the M group (relaxed/satisfactory/firm/bulging, n = 17/21/11/9). The levels of serum sodium were higher in the HTS group (P < 0.001). The average urine output was higher in the M group (5.50 ± 0.75 L) than in the HTS group (4.38 ± 0.72 L) (P < 0.005). There was no significant difference in fluid input, ICU stay, and hospital days between the two groups. Conclusion: We concluded that HTS provided better brain relaxation than mannitol during elective supratentorial brain tumor surgery, without affecting ICU and hospital stay.

An estimated 0.75-2% of pregnant women undergo nonobstetric surgery during pregnancy. Surgery is indicated during pregnancy only if it is absolutely essential for wellbeing of mother and fetus. A 25-year-old primigravida with 22 weeks gestation diagnosed with extra hepatic portal venous obstruction, hypersplenism, and refractory pancytopenia was posted for open splenectomy. General anesthesia was administered by rapid sequence induction and endotracheal intubation. The perioperative management involved ensuring hemodynamic stability with administration of blood and blood products for around 2.5 L blood loss. The procedure was completed in 4 h. Patient was extubated with an uneventful postoperative course. A fetal ultrasound showed no variation from preprocedure baseline. Optimal anesthetic management requires an understanding into normal alterations in maternal physiology during pregnancy and potential fetal effects from anesthesia and surgery.

Vocal cord palsy (VCP) presenting as hoarseness of voice can be the first symptom of very serious and sinister common pathologies. But vocal cord palsy resulting from aortic aneurysm is a rare entity and still rarer is the right cord palsy due to aortic aneurysm. We are reporting a rare case in which a 52-year old male smoking for last 30 years having asymptomatic aortic aneurysm presented to us with hoarseness of voice. On Panendoscopy, no local pathology was found and CECT from base of skull to T12 was advised. CECT showed a large aneurysm involving ascending aorta and extending upto abdominal aorta with compression of the bilateral bronchi. CTVS consultation was sought and they advised for regular follow-up only. We are reporting this case to warn both the anaesthetist and the surgeon about the catastrophic complications if they are not alert in handling such cases.

Congenital absence of sternum, also known as sternal cleft, is a rare anomaly. It is due to impaired organogenesis leading to nonfusion of sternal bars. It may be of two types- complete or incomplete. It may be associated with other congenital malformations viz., cardiac, anorectal etc., or may be a part of Cantrell's pentalogy. Besides cosmetic concerns, mediastinal structures are at increased risk to damage in case of trauma to the anterior chest wall. Due to restricted mediastinal space, there may be restrictive pulmonary dysfunctions and unstable hemodynamics. It usually presents in the neonatal period or early infancy, rarely in adult age. The defect should be surgically closed as early as possible. If cardiac arrest occurs due to any reason, the only option is open cardiac massage. We report a case of complete congenital sternal cleft accidentally diagnosed on the operation table, while preparing the patient for diagnostic laparotomy. The patient was retrospectively assessed for the presence of other congenital malformations.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an autoimmune, multisystem, acute vasculitis of childhood commonly involving the skin, gut, joints and the kidneys. Fatal complications involving various systems can occur in this disease and careful perioperative management is advocated. We report here the occurrence of postoperative bradycardia and the successful perioperative management of a 12-year-old boy with HSP for diagnostic laparoscopy.

It is well known that labelling is crucial in anesthetic practice. Syringe and drug preparation errors accounted for 452 (50.4%) incidents in the Australian Incident Monitoring Study database. We report a unique potential event of possible wrong route administration of medications where a bowl of local anaesthetics was mistakenly taken to the surgical trolley. This incident serves as lesson for practicing sterile labelling and identifying anaesthetic trolley.

Plexus block is the preferred anesthesia plan for upper limb surgeries. Among the known complications, hematoma formation following the vascular trauma is often occur but this complication is frequently underreported. We present a case where a massive hemothorax developed post operatively in a patient who underwent resection of giant cell tumor of the right hand radius bone followed by arthroplasty under brachial plexus block using supraclavicular approach. This case report attempts to highlight the essence of remaining vigilant postoperatively for first initial days after brachial plexus block, especially after failed or multiple attempts. Ultrasound guided technique in combination with nerve stimulator has proven to be more reliable and safer than traditional techniques.

We present a case of a 40-year-old male patient who presented to us with radicular pain in arm for anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. The preanesthetic checkup including indirect laryngoscopy was normal with routine investigations within normal limits. The patient was induced and intubated with the established routine technique without any obvious airway problems. Prophylactic dexamethasone was administered, and the intraoperative course was uneventful. Immediately after extubation, it was noticed that the patient had inspiratory stridor and whispered voice on the operation theater table itself. Assessment by Bonfils retromolar fiberscope under fentanyl sedation revealed bilateral vocal cord edema. The patient was re intubated and put on T piece with humidified O ₂ . After 72-h, patient was extubated after confirming normal vocal cord movement under flexible fiberscope guidance. This case is presented to alert anesthesiologist about the possibility of vocal cord edema even though other potential airway complications are possible. We would also highlight the importance of Bonfils retromolar fiberscope in awake vocal cord examination and flexible fiberscope use in managing patients presenting with airway problems during extubation.