Beta thalassemia is the most common cause of hemolytic anemia in India. Hereby we are reporting four cases of beta thalassemia major aged between 5 and 10 years posted for splenectomy over a period of 2 months. These patients were on repeated blood transfusions since the day of diagnosis, and two patients had a history of cardiac failure. In addition to emphasizing the anesthetic challenges, the purpose of reporting such cases is to raise the awareness of the disease and prevention of the same by aggressive screening and prenatal diagnosis.

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Thyroid diseases have an anesthetic implication that includes difficult airway management, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and postthyroidectomy complications. Securing airway: Intubation and extubation both require skillful management and timely decision to reduce morbidity and mortality in the case of large goiter with retrosternal extension that leads to tracheal compression and deviation. We present the anesthetic management in a patient with a large goiter with retrosternal extension leading to tracheal compression and deviation. We managed the case with an awake fiberoptic intubation and guided extubation.

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The anesthesiologist is frequently involved in the task of achieving central venous access either for intraoperative uses or postoperative purposes or Intensive Care Unit care. We are usually aware of the common complications of subclavian approach, such as arterial puncture, bleeding, pneumothorax, misplacement in the ipsilateral internal jugular vein (IJV) or contralateral brachiocephalic or subclavian vein. In this case report, we highlight the possibility of malpositioning of central venous cannula inserted through IJV into the anterior extra pleural plane after failed subclavian cannulation attempts.

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Context: Spinal anesthesia is preferred choice of anesthesia in lower abdominal surgeries since long time. However problem with this is limited duration of action, so for long duration surgeries alternative are required. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist has property to potentiate the action of local anesthetic used in spinal anesthesia. Fentanyl is an opioid and it has also the same property. Aims: To compare the efficacy, analgesic effects, and side-effects of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl as adjuvant to bupivacaine for lower abdominal surgery. Settings and Design : The type of this study was double-blind randomized trial. Subjects and Methods: A total of 80 patients were randomly allocated in two Group D and Group F. Group D were injected injection bupivacaine 0.5% heavy × 3.0 ml + 0.5 ml of preservative free normal saline containing 5 μg dexmedetomidine. Group F were received injection bupivacaine 0.5% heavy × 3.0 ml + 0.5 ml fentanyl equivalent to 25 μg. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 15.0 statistical analysis software. Results: The results show that highest sensitivity level of T6 and T8 was achieved by higher proportion of subjects from Group D when compared to Group F and sensitivity level T7 was achieved by higher proportion of subjects of Group F when compared to Group D. Duration of analgesic properties was significantly higher in Group D when compared to Group F. Conclusion: The findings in the present study suggested that intrathecal adjuvant use of dexmedetomidine as compared to fentanyl provides a longer sensory and motor blockade and also prolongs the postoperative analgesic effect.

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Background: Intrathecal opioids added to low dose local anesthetics in spinal anaesthesia intensifies sensory block without affecting sympathetic blockade. Aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrathecal levobupivacaine plain versus levobupivacaine plus fentanyl in infraumbilical surgeries. Materials and Methods: In a prospective randomized double blind study, 100 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I and II of either sex, 20-65 years of age were included after approval from the Ethics Committee. Informed consent was taken and patients were randomly divided into two groups of 50 each, to receive either 2 ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine (group L) or 2 ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine + 25 μg fentanyl (group LF) intrathecally. Patients were monitored for sensory and motor block characteristics, postoperative analgesia, haemodynamics and side effects and complications for 24 h. Results: Onset of sensory block and time to maximum sensory block was rapid in group LF (4.8 ± 1.50 and 8.46 ± 1.87 min) as compared to group L (7.6 ± 1.46 and 15.80 ± 2.43 min) (P < 0.000). Maximum sensory block was T6 in group LF and T8 in group L. Maximum Bromage score was 2 in both groups but was achieved earlier in group LF (P < 0.000). Duration of sensory and motor block was significantly prolonged in group LF (270.98 ± 28.60 and 188.52 ± 9.81 min) as compared to group L (197.58 ± 11.20 and 152.76 ± 9.79 min). Total duration of analgesia was also prolonged in group LF (265.16 ± 26.18 min) as compared to group L (168.16 ± 11.08 min). Patients remained haemodynamically stable and side effects and complications were comparable in both groups. Data was analyzed using "Chi-square test" and "unpaired t-test." Conclusion: Addition of fentanyl to levobupivacaine leads to early onset and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block as well as postoperative analgesia with stable haemodynamics and minimal side effects.

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Background : Anesthetic agents should be chosen not only on the basis of safety-efficacy profile, but also on the economic aspect. Propofol and sevoflurane are commonly utilized anesthetic agent for general anesthesia. Aim: The present study was designated to compare cost-effectiveness and recovery profile between propofol and sevoflurane for induction, maintenance or both. Settings and Design: Randomized controlled, participant and data operator blinded trial. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into three equal groups to receive: Group P to receive injection propofol for both induction and maintenance; Group PS to receive injection propofol for induction and sevoflurane for maintenance; and Group S to receive sevoflurane for both induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, respectively. Cost analysis, hemodynamic parameter, and recovery profile were compared between these groups. Statistical Analysis: One-way analysis of variance test or Fisher's exact test/Chi-square test whichever appropriate. Results: Total cost of anesthesia was highest in Group P and lowest in Group S. Mean time to extubation and time to follow verbal commands was lowest in Group S than Group P or Group P/S. Hemodynamic parameter was more stable in Group S. Conclusion: We conclude that sevoflurane appears to be better anesthetic agents in terms of cost-effectiveness and recovery profile.

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Introduction: Intrathecal clonidine or dexmedetomidine has improved the quality of spinal anesthesia, this clinical study was undertaken to assess the behavior of intrathecal clonidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in augmenting sensory block in patients undergoing lower limb surgeries. Materials and Methods: We studied 150 patients, between 18 and 60 years of age, patients were randomly divided into three groups of 50 each Group B: 0.5% bupivacaine 15 mg + 0.5 ml normal saline Group C: 0.5% bupivacaine 15 mg + 50 μg clonidine Group D: 0.5% bupivacaine 15 mg + 5 μg dexmedetomidine. Onset and duration of sensory block and motor block, the highest level of sensory blockade, duration of analgesia, and side-effects were assessed. Results: The onset of motor block was faster in Group C and Group D as compared to Group B, The time to reach Bromage scale 3 was fastest in Group C followed by Group D P < 0.001. The duration of sensory, motor blockade and duration of analgesia was longer in Groups C and D as compared to Group B, longest in Group D followed by C and B. The time to regression time to S1 dermatome was. It was longest in Group D followed by Group C and then Group B. Intergroup comparison B to C, B to D and C to D was significant. Duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group C and Group D (P < 0.001) with a mean duration of 309.6 ± 50.99 min in Group C and 336.8 ± 55.38 min in Group D as compared to 204.8 ± 16.81 min in Group B. Intergroup comparison B to C, B to D and Group C to D was significant. Duration was longest in Group D followed by Group C and then Group B. Conclusion: Supplementation of bupivacaine spinal block with a low dose of intrathecal dexmedetomidine (5 μg) or clonidine (50 μg) produces a significantly shorter onset of motor and sensory block and a significantly longer sensory and motor block than bupivacaine alone.

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Cystic hygroma is a congenital benign tumor occurring due to the accumulation of lymph and during its anesthetic management difficulties are known to be encountered. A newborn baby presented with a massive swelling in the front of the neck. It was an antenatally diagnosed case of cystic hygroma with intraoral extension proving to be an anticipated difficult airway. Following inhalational induction, mask ventilation was possible, and the child was successfully intubated. Intra-operative period was uneventful, and the tumor was completely excised. Postoperatively, the child was ventilated for 24 h in view of anticipated airway edema.

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Context: Combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA) has a significant advantage by enabling the use of low dose intrathecal local anesthetic, with knowledge that the epidural catheter may be used to extend the block as necessary. CSEA is useful in high-risk geriatric patients by providing greater hemodynamic stability. Aim: This study is designed to compare the clinical effects of CSEA versus spinal anesthesia in high-risk geriatric patients undergoing surgeries around the hip joint. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients aged >65 years, American Society of Anaesthesiology III and IV were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A (n = 30) received CSEA with 1 ml (5 mg) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 25 μg fentanyl through spinal route, and the expected incompleteness of spinal block was managed with small incremental dose of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine through epidural catheter, 1-1.5 ml for every unblocked segment to achieve T10 sensory level. Group B (n = 30) received spinal anesthesia with 2.5 ml (12.5 mg) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 25 μg fentanyl. Result: Both the groups showed rapid onset, excellent analgesia and good quality motor block. Group A showed a significantly less incidence of hypotension (P < 0.01) along with the provision of prolonging analgesia as compared to Group B. Conclusion: CSEA is a safe, effective, reliable technique with better hemodynamic stability along with the provision of prolonging analgesia compared to spinal anesthesia for high-risk geriatric patients undergoing surgeries around the hip joint.

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Background: Effective management of postoperative pain leads to increased patient satisfaction, earlier mobilization, reduced hospital stay and costs. One of the methods used for management of postoperative pain is preemptive analgesia-blockade of afferent nerve fibers before a painful stimulus. It modifies peripheral and central nervous system processing of noxious stimuli and reduces postoperative opioid consumption. In this study, we sought to determine whether the preoperative use of pregabalin reduced postoperative pain and morphine consumption in thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods: The observation was conducted on patients undergoing thyroidectomy surgery in two groups of 30 each. Of the two groups, one received a single oral dose of pregabalin 1 h preoperatively. Both the group of patients undergoes anesthesia in a similar manner. Following surgery the efficacy of the preoperative dose of pregabalin is observed by measuring the total opioid consumption 6 h postoperatively and assessing verbal numeric pain scales. Results: The mean time to request of rescue analgesia in pregabalin group was 322.07 ± 69.106 min when compared to morphine group 256.33 ± 111.978 min (P < 0.05). The mean pain scores in the postoperative period were also significantly lower in patients receiving pregabalin. Conclusion: Single oral dose of pregabalin was effective in reducing acute postoperative pain in thyroidectomy patients. It prolongs the time to the request of rescue analgesia and also results in lower postoperative pain scores in the immediate postoperative period. However a statistically significant low opioid consumption could not be proved.

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Background: Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) combines intravenous sedation along with local anesthetic infiltration or nerve block. Several drugs have been used for MAC, but all are associated with complications. Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist with both sedative and analgesic properties and is devoid of respiratory depressant effects. Its short elimination half-life makes it an attractive agent for sedation during MAC. Aim: Comparative evaluation of dexmedetomidine and midazolam for MAC. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 50 American Society of Anesthesiologist I and II patients undergoing a surgical or diagnostic procedure of <1 h requiring MAC were enrolled. Dexmedetomidine-ketamine (Group "KD") patients (n = 25) received intravenous (I.V.) dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg over 10 min followed by 0.5 mg/kg of I.V. ketamine. Midazolam-ketamine patients (n = 25) received I.V. midazolam 0.05 mg/kg over 10 min followed by 0.5 mg/kg of I.V. ketamine to get a targeted level of sedation (≤4 using Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale score). Inadequate sedation (e.g., 15% increase in mean arterial blood pressure or heart rate, decrease in degree of calmness, increase in respiratory rate, physical movement) was treated by a ketamine bolus of 0.5 mg/kg as a rescue analgesia. Statistical Analysis: The statistical tests used in the study are unpaired Student's t-test for continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables. Mann-Whitney test was used to assess the patient and surgeon satisfaction. Data were expressed as mean ΁ standard deviation. Value of P < 0.05 is considered significant and P < 0.0001 as highly significant. Results: Clinically desired sedation and analgesia was achieved earlier and better with dexmedetomidine. Patients and surgeons satisfaction were significantly higher with dexmedetomidine. The requirement of additional sedation and analgesia was less in dexmedetomidine (KD) group. Conclusion: During MAC dexmedetomidine provides better sedation and analgesia than midazolam.

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Aims and Objectives: The aim of our study is to compare the efficacy and side-effects of Ketamine and Midazolam administered nasally for the pediatric premedication. Materials and Methods: We studied 100 American Society of Anesthesiology I and II children aged from 1 to 10 years undergoing various surgical procedures. Totally, 50 children were evaluated for nasal ketamine (using 50 mg/ml vials) at the dose of 5 mg/kg and the other 50 received nasal midazolam 0.2 mg/kg, before induction in operation theater each patient was observed for onset of sedation, degree of sedation, emotional status being recorded with a five point sedation scale, response to venipuncture and acceptance of mask, whether readily, with persuasion or refuse. Results: The two groups were homogenous. Midazolam showed a statistically significant early onset of sedation (10.76 ± 2.0352 vs. 16.42 ± 2.0696 min). There were no significant differences in venipuncture score, sedation scale at 20 min, acceptance of mask and oxygen saturation throughout the study. Significant tachycardia and 'secretions were observed in the ketamine group intra operatively. Postoperatively emergence (8% vs. 0%) and secretions (28% vs. 4%) were significant in the ketamine group. Nausea and vomiting occurred in l6% versus 10% for midazolam and ketamine group. Conclusions: Both midazolam and ketamine nasally are an effective pediatric premedication. Midazolam has an early onset of sedation and is associated with fewer side-effects.

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Background: Infraclavicular brachial block with coracoids approach has gained popularity because of consistent bony landmarks and less chances of vascular puncture and pneumothorax. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding clonidine to bupivacaine or ropivacaine on the onset and duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia in infraclavicular block. Materials and Methods: In a prospective randomized double-blind study, 60 patients of 18-65 years were randomly divided in to two groups of 30 each. Infraclavicular block was performed with 30 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine + 150 μg clonidine in group R and 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine + 150 μg clonidine in group B and were compared for onset and duration of sensory and motor block, postoperative analgesia, side-effects and complications. Results: Significant differences were observed in the time for onset of sensory block (5.80 ± 5.12 min in group R and 4.87 ± 1.46 min in group B, P < 0.05); onset of motor block (11.37 ± 2.66 min in group R and 9.60 ± 1.78 min in group B, P < 0.05); duration of sensory and motor block (10.07 ± 0.91 and 9.03 ± 0.89 h in group R and 12.50 ± 1.14 and 10.67 ± 1.18 h in group B respectively, P < 0.01) and duration of analgesia (15.30 ± 1.39 h in group R and 18.07 ± 1.66 h in group B). No significant difference was observed in hemodynamics, sedation, side-effects and complications. Statistical Analysis: Variables were compared using Chi-square test for nonparametric data and Student's t-test for parametric data. Conclusion: Addition of clonidine to bupivacaine lead to early onset and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block with prolonged analgesia as compared to the addition of clonidine to ropivacaine.

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Background: The addition of fentanyl to ropivacaine has shown to improve the quality of analgesia without compromising its benefits such as early mobilization and early voiding. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the isobaric ropivacaine in combination with fentanyl and compare it with the isobaric ropivacaine alone in spinal anesthesia for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Settings and Design: Double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Subjects and Methods: Hundred patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II scheduled for either lower abdominal or lower limb surgery under spinal anesthesia were included. The study was a prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial where patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 2.5 ml of 0.75% (18.75 mg) isobaric ropivacaine with 25 μg fentanyl (Group RF) or 2.5 ml of 0.75% (18.75 mg) isobaric ropivacaine with 0.5 ml of 0.9% saline (Group R) intrathecally. Statistical Analysis: Data analysis was done by Student's unpaired t-test. SPSS version 16 was used. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: We found no significant difference in hemodynamics, onset of sensory and motor block, peak level of block, recovery from motor block, return of micturition and incidence of side effects with the addition of fentanyl to ropivacaine. First request for analgesia was required earlier in the control group. There was also a significant prolongation of the duration of sensory block (mean - 341.6 min) and postoperative analgesia in Group RF (mean - 442.2 min) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The addition of fentanyl to ropivacaine significantly prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia with clinically insignificant influence on hemodynamics and motor blockade with minimal side effects.

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Cranial Meningocoele is a term which represents herniation of meninges and cerebrospinal fluid through the congenital defect in the cranium. Anaesthetic challenges in the management of neonates with occipital meningocoele include airway management and proper positioning of the neonate without pressure on the meningocoele sac so as to preventthe rupture of the membranes. Associated congenital anomalies also can cause anaesthesia and procedure related complications. Other difficulties include performing a difficult airway case in an unfamiliar environment outside operation theatre. We report a case of 6 day old neonate with occipital meningocoele posted for MRI brain and the successful anaesthetic management.

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Background and Aims : Caudal-epidural, the most commonly used regional analgesia technique, is virtually free of measurable hemodynamic effects, thus adding a new dimension to the evolving necessity of pediatric postoperative pain management. Though, bupivacaine is the most commonly used drug for this purpose, ropivacaine has emerged as a safer alternative, with the addition of opioids, like fentanyl, increasing the effective duration of analgesia. With this overview, our present study was designed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of bupivacaine-fentanyl and ropivacaine-fentanyl combinations by caudal-epidural technique in pediatric infraumbilical surgeries. Materials and Methods : Totally, 60 pediatric patients, of either sex, aged between 2 and 8 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, undergoing elective infraumbilical surgeries were assigned into two groups, Group BF receiving bupivacaine 0.25%, 0.7 ml/kg and Group RF receiving ropivacaine 0.25%, 0.7 ml/kg with fentanyl 1 μg/kg added to each group. Assessment of pain was done using "Hannallah pain scale." Consumption of the total amount of rescue analgesic and time to requirement of the first dose, as also duration of motor blockade were noted. Perioperative hemodynamics and any adverse effects were monitored at regular intervals. Results : The RF Group experienced significantly longer duration of effective postoperative analgesia, with significantly shorter duration of motor blockade and lesser total analgesic requirement in comparison to the BF Group. Hemodynamically, patients in both the groups, were equally stable. Conclusion : Ropivacaine, with an equipotent analgesic efficacy and a lesser duration of motor block, can be used as an alternative to bupivacaine for pediatric postoperative pain care through the caudal route.

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Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is rare for benign thyroid lesions (0.2%). After extubation-stridor, respiratory distress, aphonia occurs due to the closure of the glottic aperture necessitating immediate intervention and emergency intubation or tracheostomy. Intra-operative identification and preservation of the RLN minimizes the risk of injury. It is customary to expect RLN problems after thyroid surgery especially if malignancy, big thyroid, distorted anatomical problems and difficult airway that can lead to intubation trauma. Soon after extubating, it is essential to the anesthetist to check the vocal cord movements on phonation and oropharyngeal reflexes competency. But this case is specially mentioned to convey the message that in spite of absence of above mentioned predisposing factors for complications and good recovery profile specific to thyroid, there can be unanticipated airway compromise that if not attended to immediately may cost patient's life. This is a case of postextubation stridor following subtotal thyroidectomy due to bilateral RLN damage and its management.

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Cerebrovascular accident during hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is a rare entity, but carries high risk of mortality and morbidity due to its unpredictable onset and late diagnosis. Here, we report an unusual case of 20-year-old primigravida with 34 weeks gestation having no risk factor, which developed sudden atypical eclampsia and intracranial hemorrhage within few hours. She was successfully managed by multidisciplinary approach including emergency cesarean section and conservative neurological treatment for intraventricular hemorrhage.

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Background: Hyperbaric bupivacaine along with either fentanyl or sufentanil as additive, has been widely used in spinal anesthesia. In the present study, we compared the analgesic effects of intrathecal fentanyl versus sufentanil combined with bupivacaine for surgical procedures over the abdomen and lower limbs. Settings and Design: This was randomized controlled study conducted in a tertiary care hospital attached to a medical school. Methods: Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients were randomized into three groups by sealed envelope technique. Group 1 was to receive bupivacaine with fentanyl; group 2 to receive bupivacaine with sufentanil and group 3 to receive bupivacaine with saline (control), intrathecally. The parameters checked were hemodynamic changes, onset and duration of sensory block, duration of analgesia and maximal sensory level achieved. Statistical Analysis: The data collected were analyzed using χ2 test and paired Student's t-test. Results: The time taken for the onset of analgesia was longest in the control group followed by fentanyl group. The earliest onset of action of 9.35 ± 1.92 min was recorded in sufentanil group. Duration of sensory blockade and analgesia was longest for fentanyl group than the other groups. Adverse effects noted were more for sufentanil group but were self-limiting. Conclusion: Fentanyl with bupivacaine produced prolonged analgesia and delayed two-segment regression and demonstrated reduced incidence of complications as compared with intrathecal sufentanil. As the quality of analgesia was complete and comparable, fentanyl emerges as a better option for analgesia and it is much economical too when compared to sufentanil.

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Regional anesthesia is favored in patients who undergo emergency extremity (limb) surgery, and specifically so in the absence of fasting status. In the absence of ultrasonic guidance, the nerve stimulator still remains a valuable tool in performing a brachial block, but its use is difficult in an emergency surgical patient and greater cautious approach is essential. We identified the supraclavicular plexus by the nerve stimulation-motor response technique as follows. Anterior chest muscles contractions, diaphragmatic contraction, deltoid contractions, and posterior shoulder girdle muscle contractions when identified were taken as "negative response" with decreasing stimulating current. A forearm muscle contraction, especially "wrist flexion" and "finger flexion" at 0.5 mA of current was taken as "positive response." If no positive response was identified, the "elbow flexion" was considered as the final positive response for successful drug placement. The series of patients had difficulty for administering both general and regional anesthesia and we considered them as complex scenarios. The risk of the block failure was weighed heavily against the benefits of its success. The described series includes patients who had successful outcomes in the end and the techniques, merits, and risks are highlighted.

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Butane is a commonly misused volatile agent, and a cause of intoxication. We present a case, who had a syncope and persistent ventricular fibrillation during the course of resuscitation. We discussed the management of this case in the intensive care unit and the accompanying difficulties in the light of the current literature.

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The incidence of acute coronary syndrome after a lung resection is less, especially in an asymptomatic patient. However, arrhythmias are very commonly encountered which can be benign or may require anti-arrhythmic agents thereby increasing stay postoperatively in the Intensive Care Unit. We encountered unexpected ST-T changes after a left upper lobectomy under general anesthesia in a 60-year-old lady in the immediate postoperative period that made us to review the literature for electrocardiographic abnormalities after lung resection surgeries.

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Mandibulo facial injuries present special problems to the anesthesiologist in terms of the difficult airway. Hence, if regional anesthesia could be possible, it necessarily removes the major concern with airway access. We present a case of bilateral mandibular condylar fracture dislocation with the maxillary and mandibular nerve blocks on both sides. The surgery went on smoothly without any perioperative problems.

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Many cases of reinforced endotracheal tube (ETT) obstruction were reported in the literature. In most of these cases, the obstruction was related to the use of a resterilized tube with or without the use of nitrous oxide (N ₂ O). Resterilization and autoclaving of the tube may result in dissection or formation of a bleb between the two layers of the tube that may expand after the use of N ₂ O. We describe a case of acute non-resterilized reinforced ETT obstruction, by bleb formation, during occipital craniotomy under general anesthesia.

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Context: Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is an inherent and inadvertent association with the use of succinylcholine and alpha ₂ agonists can be used to obtund this effect. Aims: The study was aimed to assess the efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine and clonidine premedication in attenuating rise in IOP during laryngoscopy and intubation following administration of succinylcholine. Settings and Design: This prospective, observational study was conducted in 40 patients aged 20-60 years undergoing non ophthalmic surgical procedures. Subjects and Methods: For patients in Group D, dexmedetomidine 0.4 mcg/kg and in Group C clonidine 1 μg/kg over 10 min was administered before induction. All patients were induced with propofol. Laryngoscopy and intubation were performed 1 min after administration of succinylcholine 2 mg/kg. Statistical Analysis Used: Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Mean baseline IOP of both groups were comparable (15.4 ± 2.6 vs. 14.7 ± 2.3). Following premedication and induction, IOP decreased in both groups and the reduction was significantly more in Group D. Following administration of succinylcholine and 1 min after intubation IOP raised and exceeded the baseline value in Group C (16.0 ± 1.6 and 18.6 ± 2.2). Though there was an increase in IOP in Group D (12.0 ± 1.9 and 14.0 ± 2.1), it did not reach up to baseline values. Then there was a gradual reduction in IOP in both groups at 3, 5, and 10 min and Group D continued to have a significantly low IOP than Group C up to 10 min. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine 0.4 μg/kg resulted in a reduction of IOP and blunted the increase in IOP, which followed administration of succinylcholine, laryngoscopy, and intubation. Though clonidine 1 μg/kg reduced IOP, it did not prevent rise in IOP following succinylcholine, laryngoscopy, and intubation.

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a most common genetic cardiovascular disorder, characterized by asymmetric hypertrophy of the interventricular septum that leads to intermittent obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). Clinical presentation ranges from absence of symptoms to sudden death in the young and disability at any age. Although patients are asymptomatic in basal conditions, but anesthesia and surgical stress can lead to exacerbation of the LVOT obstruction and may complicate the perioperative course. Therefore, complete understanding of the pathophysiology and anesthetic implications is needed for the successful perioperative outcome. We describe the successful management of a case of HCM with atrial flutter posted for percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

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Context: Postoperative throat complaints such as postoperative sore throat (POST), dysphagia, and hoarseness frequently arises after tracheal intubation and throat packing for patient undergoing general anesthesia. This condition is very disturbing to patient. Avoiding POST is a major priority for these patients because preventing postoperative complications contributes to patient satisfaction. Aims: To describe and analyze the postoperative throat effects of nasopharyngeal packing and oropharyngeal packing in patients undergoing nasal surgery. Settings and Design: A randomized comparative study. Subjects and Methods: After obtaining approval of Ethical Committee 40 patients were included in study. After this patient were randomly allocated into two groups of 20 each. Group A - in which the oropharynx was packed and Group B - inwhich the nasopharynx was packed. General anesthesia were given and throat packing was done and patients were interviewed postoperatively for any throat complications such as sore throat, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), hoarseness of voice, throat irritation, and any other symptom pertaining to the study were noted and data were analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: T-test to compare the age, while Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare sex distribution, sore throat, dysphagia, hoarseness, and throat irritation. Results: Results showed statistically significant difference in incidence and severity of POST in Group A patients when compared to Group B patients to be more. Patients in Group A had a higher incidence of dysphagia when compared to their Group B counterparts. With respect to the incidence of hoarseness and throat irritation, there was no statistical significance between the groups. Conclusion: We concluded that the site of pharyngeal packing influences the incidence and severity of POST and as well as the incidence of dysphagia after general anesthesia. The use of nasopharyngeal packing in the patients undergoing nasal surgeries might lead to a reduction of the same.

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Central venous catheterization is generally a safe procedure, but several complications such as pneumothorax, arrhythmias, arterial puncture, infection, and thrombosis are known to occur even in the experienced hands. Complications related to guide wire are very rare and mostly relate to the expertise of operating person. We hereby report a rare but completely avoidable complication, that is, complete loss of the guide wire into the subclavian vein which was successfully retrieved by surgery.

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Awake craniotomy is generally performed in scalped block, although it is safe, but this procedure can sometimes produce severe hemodynamic disturbances. Here, we reported a case of 32-year-old male, who came for burr hole and during the craniotomy performed under scalped block developed bradycardia and became apneic as manifested by the absence of ETCO ₂ and no chest excursions. An I-gel was inserted rather than intubating the patient and the case was managed very well and which showed the importance of supraglottic airway devices in our day to day practice.

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Background: The sparing of ulnar nerve often leads to the failure of the upper limb blockade. It has been claimed that local anesthetic injection at the site of stimulator evoked finger flexion response is associated with highest success rate of a successful block. The lower trunk stimulation of plexus should yield similar results as this trunk contributes significantly for median and ulnar nerves of hand and forearm. Materials and Methods: The patients with intact anatomical upper limb structures underwent (a) combined ultrasound (USG) assisted nerve stimulator evoked motor response evaluation or in (b) open brachial plexus trunk stimulation evaluations. The individual patient's lower trunk stimulation motor responses were documented. Results: When combined the results of both USG and open plexus groups, wrist flexion was seen in 52%, finger flexion in 61% and forearm pronation or twitches of anterior compartment in 48% of total subjects studied. These responses were noted either separately or in combinations. Conclusion: We conclude other than finger flexion, the wrist flexion the forearm twitches, pronation and wrist adduction may be used for lower trunk blockade and thus for higher accuracy.

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We report a case of delayed emergence from anesthesia in a 37-year-old male who came for emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy. This patient is hailing from one of the endemic zones of Malaria, Orissa State in India. Two months ago he had cerebral malaria and was treated in our intensive care unit. After recovering from cerebral malaria, he presented to us for acute abdomen, and he was taken for emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy. He had delayed emergence of around 2 h to extubate from the time of completion of surgery in spite of termination of anesthetic agents. Further investigations showed to have decreased serum levels of thyroid hormones and cortisol levels in the postoperative period. The Physician promptly diagnosed the condition as hypopituitarism a known sequel of cerebral malaria. The secondary thyroid insufficiency contributing to the delayed emergence from anesthesia. We also review the pertinent literature related to this rare sequelae of cerebral malaria and its perioperative implication to the anesthesiologist.

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