Aysun Yilmazlar

Comparison of ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block versus spinal anesthesia for inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the optimal anesthetic technique for use in elective herniorrhaphy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 126 inguinal hernia repairs. The patients were allocated to one of two groups: an ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block group (IHNB group, n = 63) and spinal anesthesia group (SA group, n = 63). We recorded information about perioperative and postoperative parameters. Results: There were statistically significant decreases in both mean arterial pressure and pulse rate in the SA group (P < 0.001). None of the patients in the IHNB group required recovery room care. Patients in the IHNB group initiated oral intake (0.31 ± 0.1 h) more quickly than patients in the SA group (5.74 ± 0.1 h) (P < 0.001). The time-to-home readiness was significantly lower (14.1 ± 1.5h) in group IHNB, compared with group SA (42.8 ± 5.3h) (P < 0.001). First rescue analgesic time postoperatively was 3.30 ± 0.2 hours in group SA and 2.7 ± 0.13 hours in group IHNB (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of IHNB for patients undergoing herniorrhaphy resulted in a shorter time-to-home readiness, quicker oral intake post surgery, and no need for recovery room care, when compared with the use of SA.

Vasopressin, renin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels during the resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock in dogs

Hemorrhage is a potent stimulus for the release of vasopressin (VP), renin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The goal of this study was to analyze changes in plasma VP, renin, and ACTH levels during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation with two different solutions: hypertonic acetate dextran (HAD) and lactated Ringers (LR) solution. Eight randomized dogs were shocked by removing 37 +/- 9 mL/kg of blood while maintaining the mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 45 +/- 5 mmHg for 1 h. Test solutions were randomized and infused as needed with the hemorrhaged blood to restore the MAP and cardiac index to baseline. Blood samples for hormone analyses were taken in baseline, shock, and resuscitation periods. For each experiment, all hormone levels increased in the postshock period and then returned to baseline values after resuscitation with both solutions. VP and renin levels rapidly returned to baseline values after resuscitation in the LR dogs compared with the HAD dogs (p < 0.05). By contrast, there was no significant difference in ACTH levels between the two solutions. High-volume infusion with LR achieves more rapid restoration than small-volume infusion with HAD for VP and renin levels.

Functional results of conservative therapy accompanied by interscalane brachial plexus block and patient-controlled analgesia in cases with frozen shoulder.

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the efficacy of simultaneous interscalene block and catheter analgesia applied as an aid to conservative treatment in improving shoulder functions in patients with frozen shoulder. METHODS Three patients (2 women, 1 man; mean age 47 years) with frozen shoulder underwent conservative treatment including manipulation under interscalene brachial plexus block and subsequent rehabilitation under catheter analgesia to improve shoulder range of motion and function. Following manipulation under interscalene block, the patients were hospitalized for 15 to 28 days (mean 21 days) for an exercise program performed by a physiotherapist and orthopedist at least twice a day under interscalene catheter analgesia. Thirty minutes before each rehabilitation session, patient-controlled analgesia was administered via a pain relief pump. Active and passive range of motion (ROM) were measured and the severity of pain was rated using a visual analog scale (VAS) prior to and following interscalene block, during the exercise program, and at the end of the treatment. Functional assessments were made before and after treatment using the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Scale. The exercise program under interscalene analgesia was performed until pain-free and sufficient active movements were obtained, with at least 80% improvement in active and passive motion, a VAS score of 0-2, and an UCLA score of >27. RESULTS Compared to pretreatment values, the ROM values showed remarkable increases at the end of the treatment. Active ROM reached at least 30 degrees external rotation, 40 degrees internal rotation, 150 degrees flexion, 45 degrees extension, and 100 degrees abduction in all cases. On presentation, the VAS scores of all cases were 10 for both active and passive movements, whereas they ranged from 0 to 2 on discharge. The mean UCLA score increased from 12.3 to 30.3 after treatment. Immediately after the interscalene block, two patients exhibited signs of Horners syndrome which resolved spontaneously within an hour without the need for treatment. No complications or catheter-related problems such as infection, break-off, or displacement developed throughout the treatment period. There was no requirement for additional analgesia. CONCLUSION In patients with frozen shoulder, interscalene block and continuous patient-controlled analgesia via an interscalene catheter provided sufficient analgesia and contributed to the recovery of shoulder functions through an effective and safe exercise program, with no side effects or complications. However, further studies are needed to assess the feasibility of home applications of interscalene patient-controlled analgesia to increase cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

Ogilvie’s syndrome following bilateral knee arthroplasty: a case report

Ogilvies syndrome, also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, is an uncommon but severe postoperative complication of total hip and knee arthroplasty. This syndrome should be borne in mind after arthroplasty surgery. We present a case of this serious postoperative complication and aim to identify the risk factors and alert surgeons to the possibility and appropriate management of Ogilvies syndrome.

Preperitoneal catheter analgesia is an effective method for pain management after colorectal surgery: the results of 100 consecutive patients

Background In a previous prospective randomized trial, we showed that local anesthetic infusion using a preperitoneal catheter is an effective postoperative analgesic method following colorectal resections. Over time, we have improved the technique of preperitoneal catheter analgesia. In this prospective cohort study, we report the results of 100 consecutive patients who underwent colorectal resections. Materials and methods Preperitoneal catheter analgesia was performed via a multihole catheter placed in the preperitoneal space using 10 mL 0.5% levobupivacaine every 4 hours following the operation for the first 3 days. Additional analgesics were used whenever necessary. Postoperative pain was assessed with the visual analog scale score. Short-term clinical outcomes, such as need for systemic analgesics, time to first gas and stool discharge, length of hospital stay, and morbidity, particularly surgical site infections, were reported. Results From May 2009 to May 2010, 100 consecutive patients were recruited in the study. A total of 83 patients were operated on for malignancy, and the tumor was located in the rectum in 52 patients and in the colon in 31 patients. The median pain score was 4 (0–6), 3 (0–9), 2 (0–8), 1 (0–8), 1 (0–6), 0 (0–6), and 0 (0–3) at postoperative hours 0, 1, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72, respectively. Additional analgesics were required in 34 patients: 21 of them required only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and 13 patients needed opioids additionally. The median amounts of opioid analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were 1.76±0.78 mg and 6.70±1.18 mg, respectively. However, almost all of the additional analgesics were given in the first 24 hours. Surgical site infections were detected in eight patients. Conclusion Preperitoneal catheter analgesia is an effective analgesic method. When applied and used properly, it may even be used as the sole analgesic method in some patients.