Hari H Dash

Predicting difficult laryngoscopy in acromegaly: a comparison of upper lip bite test with modified Mallampati classification.

Upper lip bite test (ULBT) is a simple test for predicting difficult intubation. However, it has not been evaluated in acromegalic patients. The primary aim of this study was to compare ULBT with modified Mallampati classification (MMPC) to predict difficult laryngoscopy in acromegalic patients. Over a 5-year period, 64 acromegalic and 63 nonacromegalic patients presenting for excision of pituitary tumor were enrolled. Preoperative airway assessment was done using MMPC and the ULBT. Under anesthesia, laryngoscopic view was assessed using Cormack-Lehane (CL) grading. MMPC III/IV and ULBT grade III were considered predictive of difficult laryngoscopy that was defined as Cormack-Lehane grades III or IV. Difficult intubation was defined as more than 2 direct laryngoscopy attempts involving change of blade or use of bougie/fiberoptic bronchoscope/intubating laryngeal mask airway. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of both tests in predicting difficult laryngoscopy were calculated. Incidence of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation in acromegalics were 24% and 11%, respectively. MMPC and ULBT predicted difficulty in 61% and 14% acromegalics, respectively. However, only 26% and 44% of the laryngoscopies predicted to be difficult by MMMC and ULBT, respectively, were actually difficult. MMPC failed to predict 33% of difficult laryngoscopies whereas ULBT failed to predict 73%. Neither test predicted difficulty in 33% laryngoscopies that turned out to be difficult. Twenty-seven percent of the difficult laryngoscopies were correctly predicted by both tests. In acromegalic group, MMPC was more sensitive, whereas ULBT was more specific. Sensitivity and accuracy of both tests were less in acromegalic patients compared with nonacromegalic controls.

Effect of narcotic pretreatment on pain after rocuronium injection: a randomized, double-blind controlled comparison with lidocaine

Various strategies have been studied to reduce the discomfort of rocuronium pain. These studies have shown fentanyl and lidocaine to be effective in reducing the incidence of pain on rocuronium injection. This prospective, randomized, and double-blind study was carried out on 80 neurosurgical patients for whom pain on rocuronium injection was assessed after pretreatment with lidocaine, fentanyl, sufentanil, or normal saline. The 80 neurosurgical patients were randomly allocated to anyone of the groups to receive lidocaine, fentanyl, sufentanil, or normal saline prior to being given rocuronium. The patients were asked about any discomfort in the hand, and also to rank that discomfort on a 5-point scale. In the normal saline group, the incidence of pain was 95%, of which 90% had very severe pain. In the lidocaine group, only 10% of patients reported pain, which was mild in nature. In the fentanyl group, 95% of patients had pain, of whom 25% had severe to very severe pain. In the sufentanil group, 85% of patients reported pain, of whom 25% fell into the severe to very severe group. We found that lidocaine was best at decreasing the incidence of pain on intravenous (i.v.) injection of rocuronium. Although the incidence of pain on injection of rocuronium with both fentanyl and sufentanil was high, the intensity was definitely reduced, with most patients falling in the mild pain group.

Stellate ganglion block for treatment of cerebral vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage - A preliminary study.

Background: Stellate ganglion block improves cerebral perfusion by decreasing the cerebral vascular tone. Its effects on cerebral vasospasm to relieve neurological deficits have not been evaluated. This prospective observational study was carried out to evaluate the effect of stellate ganglion block on cerebral hemodynamics in patients with symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients of either sex, aged 18-75 years, who underwent surgical clipping of aneurysm and developed refractory cerebral vasospasm were included. Stellate ganglion block was performed using 10 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% on the side with maximum cerebral blood flow velocity. Neurological status, cerebral blood flow velocity and pulsatility index were assessed before and 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours after stellate ganglion block. Results: Improved Glasgow coma score was observed 30 minutes after stellate ganglion block. Neurological deficits reduced in 11 patients. Ipsilateral middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity decreased from 133.66 cm/sec before stellate ganglion block to 110.53 cm/sec at 6 hours (P<0.001) and 121.62 cm/sec at 24 hours (P<0.001) after stellate ganglion block. There was a decrease in ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery mean flow velocity after stellate ganglion block (P<0.001), which persisted for 12 hours. A decline in flow velocities was observed in contralateral middle cerebral artery (P=0.008) and anterior cerebral artery (P=0.041) for 12 hours. Conclusion: This study suggests stellate ganglion block to be an effective modality of treatment for refractory cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Intensive care management of patients with acute intermittent porphyria: Clinical report of four cases and review of literature

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), the most common and the most severe form of acute hepatic porphyria, is an autosomal dominant condition. It results from lower-than-normal levels (less than 50%) of porphobilinogen (PBG) deaminase. Patients may present commonly with gastrointestinal complaints and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Diagnosis may be confirmed with the presence of intermediary metabolites of haem synthesis, amino levulinic acid (ALA) and PBG in urine or with specific enzyme assays. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom (90%). Peripheral polyneuropathy, primarily motor with flaccid paresis of proximal musculature, with or without autonomic involvement, is characteristic. Respiratory failure necessitates ventilator and intensive care support. Avoidance of precipitating factors and the use of haem preparations and intravenous dextrose form the basis of management. Gabapentin and propofol, rather than the conventional antiepileptics appear to be the appropriate choice for seizure control. Here, we present intensive care management of four cases of AIP with varying clinical presentation.

Both clonidine and metoprolol modify anesthetic depth indicators and reduce intraoperative propofol requirement

PurposeBeta-blockers have been used in the past to decrease the depth of anesthesia, but the results are conflicting. However, beta-blockers are known to suppress electroencephalographic activities. This study was carried out to assess the effect of metoprolol on anesthetic depth indicators. We also compared the effect of metoprolol in reducing propofol requirements.MethodsNinety healthy adult patients undergoing peripheral nerve injury repair were enrolled in three groups to receive either: a tablet containing clonidine 200 μg, a tablet containing metoprolol tartrate 100 mg, or a placebo; 1 h prior to surgery. Standard anesthesia technique was followed. The bispectral index was monitored to guide propofol infusion and was maintained between 40 and 60. The total duration of anesthesia and surgery, and the total propofol consumption, were noted.ResultsDemographic variables were comparable in all three groups. Significantly less propofol was consumed by patients in the clonidine and metoprolol groups in comparison to that in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Heart rate and mean blood pressure values differed significantly in the placebo group in comparison to the values in the other two groups.ConclusionOur study showed that, like clonidine, metoprolol attenuated the hemodynamic response to intraoperative stimuli and also had a sparing effect on the propofol dose requirement.

Treatment of Vertebral Hemangiomas With Absolute Alcohol (Ethanol) Embolization, Cord Decompression, and Single Level Instrumentation: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND:Vertebral hemangiomas (VH) are the most common lesions of the vertebral column. OBJECT:To evaluate the role of intraoperative ethanol embolization, surgical decompression, and instrumented fusion in VH presenting with myelopathy. METHODS:This is was a prospective study of single-level symptomatic VH with cord compression. Exclusions were as follows: pathological fractures, deformity, or multilevel pathologies. Surgery consisted of intraoperative bilateral pedicular absolute alcohol injection and laminectomy at the level of pathology followed by a short-segment instrumented fusion using pedicle screws. RESULTS:Ten patients (mean, 26.8 ± 18.11; range, 10-68 years; 8 females) were treated with use of this technique. Clinical features included myelopathy with motor and sensory involvement in all (4 paraplegic), sphincter involvement (8), and severe local pain (5). The preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scores were A (3), B (1), and C (6). All had pan vertebral body VH with severe cord compression. The mean surgical time was 102 ± 22 minutes; average blood, 296 ± 90.82 mL. Mean amount of absolute alcohol injected was 12.6 ± 4.7 mL (1 requiring 25 mL). Immediate embolization was achieved in all patients allowing laminectomy and soft-tissue hemangioma removal. Postsurgery, all patients showed improvement (sphincters improved in 4) at a follow-up ranging 12 to 26 months (transient neurological deterioration in 1). Postsurgery ASIA scores were D (5) and E (5) at last follow-up. Two patients showed evidence of bone sclerosis on follow-up CT scans at 1.2 and 1.5 years. CONCLUSION:This procedure seems to be a safe, efficient method to treat VH with severe cord compression. It seems to serve the purpose of providing embolization, cord decompression, and rigid fusion at the same sitting.

Ten years' experience in the management of spinal intramedullary tumors in a single institution.

We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 195 patients with intramedullary tumors who underwent surgery between January 2001 and December 2010 at a single institution. The symptomatology, neurological and neuroradiological findings, operative details, perioperative and postoperative complications, histopathological data and follow-up examinations of the 137 (70.2%) males and 58 (29.7%) females were studied and analyzed. Epidermoid was the most common intramedullary tumour in children (23%), whereas in adults, ependymomas were more common (46%). Ependymomas were more amenable to resection (total excision in 57.7% and near-total excision in 39.4%) as compared to astrocytomas (total excision in 29%; near total excision in 60.5%). At the final clinical follow-up, 24 patients (16.4%) had improved in McCormick grade, 112 patients (76.7%) remained unchanged and 11 patients (7.5%) had worsened. Complete removal of the lesion is the primary goal of surgery. We conclude that the strongest predictor of functional outcome was the preoperative neurological condition, beyond the histological differentiation of the intramedullary tumor.

Comparison of the effects of different anesthetic techniques on electrocorticography in patients undergoing epilepsy surgery – A bispectral index guided study

AIMnIt is well known that general anesthetics suppress/alter electrocorticography (ECoG) activity. However there are no randomized studies available, comparing various anesthetic techniques as regards their effects on ECoG.nnnMETHODSnThe following is a double blind, randomized cross over study to compare the effects of isoflurane and propofol with or without nitrous oxide on electrocorticographic activity in patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. 40 patients suffering from medically intractable epilepsy scheduled to undergo resective surgery under ECoG guidance under general anesthesia, (March 2008-December 2010) were enrolled. Patients received either isoflurane or propofol (with air/oxygen or nitrous oxide/oxygen) as maintenance agents as per randomization and ECoG was recorded and quantified as per a scoring system (range 1-5, where 5 is most abnormal).nnnRESULTSnThe mean ECoG score in isoflurane group and propofol with nitrous oxide was 3.0(1.2), 3.2(1.2) [p=0.7] and with air was 3.9(1.0) and 3.4(1.1) [p=0.1] respectively. In both isoflurane group and propofol group addition of nitrous oxide depressed the ECoG score (p ≤ 0.01, 0.5 respectively). The total duration of anesthesia, surgery, emergence time, extubation time, and hospital stay was comparable in two groups.nnnCONCLUSIONnIn our study optimal ECoG recordings were possible with use of either isoflurane or propofol. Addition of nitrous oxide to either of the anesthetic regimens suppressed the ECoG score.

Post‑operative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing transoral odontoidectomy and posterior fixation for craniovertebral junction anomalies

Background: In patients with craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies, the respiratory system is adversely affected in many ways. The sub-clinical manifestations may get aggravated in the postoperative period owing to anesthetic or surgical reasons. However, there is limited data on the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and associated risk factors in such patients, who undergo transoral odontoidectomy (TOO) and posterior fixation (PF) in the same sitting. Materials and Methods: Five years data of 178 patients with CVJ anomaly who underwent TOO and PF in the same sitting were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative status, intraoperative variables, and PPCs were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of PPCs. Bivariate analysis was done to find out association between various risk factors and PPCs. Multivariate analysis was done to detect relative contribution of the factors shown to be significant in bivariate analysis. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The incidence of PPCs was found to be 15.7%. Factors significantly associated with PPCs were American Society of Anesthesiologists grade higher than II, preoperative lower cranial nerves palsy and respiratory involvement, duration of surgery, and intraoperative blood transfusion. In multivariate analysis, blood transfusion was found to be the sole contributing factor. The patients who developed PPCs had significantly prolonged stay in ICU and hospital. Conclusion: Patients with CVJ anomaly are at increased risk of developing PPCs. There is a strong association between intraoperative blood transfusion and PPCs. Patients with PPCs stay in the ICU and hospital for a longer period of time.

A comparative evaluation of nitrous oxide-isoflurane vs isoflurane anesthesia in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumors: A preliminary study

BACKGROUNDnNeuroanesthesiologists are a highly biased group; so far the use of nitrous oxide in their patient population is concerned. We hypothesized that any adverse consequence with use of nitrous oxide should affect the patient so as to prolong his/her stay in the hospital. The primary aim of this preliminary trial was to evaluate if avoidance of nitrous oxide could decrease the duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital stay after elective surgery for supratentorial tumors.nnnPATIENTS AND METHODSnA total of 116 consecutive patients posted for elective craniotomy for various supratentorial tumors were enrolled between April 2008 and November 2009. Patients were randomly divided into Group I: Nitrous oxide - Isoflurane anesthesia (Nitrous oxide-based group) and Group II - Isoflurane anesthesia (Nitrous oxide-free group). Standard anesthesia protocol was followed for all the patients. Patients were assessed till discharge from hospital.nnnRESULTSnThe median duration of ICU stay in the nitrous group and the nitrous-free group was 1 (1 - 11 days) day and 1 (1 - 3 days) day respectively (P = 0.67), whereas the mean duration of hospital stay in the nitrous group was 4 (2 - 16) days and the nitrous free group was 3 (2 - 9) days (P = 0.06). The postoperative complications in the two groups were comparable.nnnCONCLUSIONnFrom this preliminary study with a low statistical power, it appears that avoidance of nitrous oxide in ones practice may not affect the outcome in the neurosurgical patients. Further large systemic trials are needed to address this issue.