Remziye Sivaci

Procalcitonin Levels as an Early Marker in Patients with Multiple Trauma under Intensive Care

This prospective study investigated the levels of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with various types and severity of multiple trauma, and their relationship to trauma-related complications. Adult multiple-trauma patients (n = 113) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the first 24 h after trauma were included. The Injury Severity Scores (ISS), and PCT and CRP levels were measured in the first 24 h (day 1), on day 7 and on the final day of their ICU stay. Survival at 30 days was recorded. Mean PCT and CRP levels were both significantly higher on day 7 compared with day 1 and the final assessment day in patients with an ISS > 20. Levels of PCT were significantly higher in cases with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock compared with cases who developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), however levels of CRP were significantly higher only in cases with severe sepsis or septic shock, but not in cases with sepsis alone. These data support the view that PCT levels may be a better indicator than CRP levels in the early diagnosis of septic complications in patients with multiple trauma.

Preemptive Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract:  In pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, subhepatic administration of bupivacaine immediately after the creation of pneumoperitoneum has been shown to be more effective than administration before the withdrawal of the trocars. We aimed to investigate the effect of intraperitoneal bupivacaine administration to the subhepatic area before the creation of the pneumoperitoneum. Eighty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were included in a prospective, randomized study. Patients received 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine in the subhepatic area just after intubation, before pneumoperitoneum (group 1), immediately after the creation of the pneumoperitoneum (group 2), just before the removal of the trocars (group 3), or received no local anesthetic (group 4). The degree of the postoperative pain was assessed at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after the surgery. The consumption of analgesics (diclofenac sodium) was also recorded. The pain scores and analgesic consumption did not differ among groups 1, 3, and 4. The pain scores of group 2 were lower at each time point compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). Postoperative analgesic consumption in group 2 was reduced compared to the other groups (23.4 ± 35.9 mg vs. 80.0 ± 66.3 mg, P = 0.005 [group 1], 69.6 ± 62.2 mg, P = 0.026 [group 3], and 70.0 ± 59.9 mg, P = 0.022 [group 4]). The subhepatic infiltration of 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine offers good postoperative analgesia when applied just after the creation of the pneumoperitoneum, not before the pneumoperitoneum or after the termination of the pneumoperitoneum.

Effect of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Cost of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Anesthesia

Background Use of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for postoperative analgesia is continuously increasing. However, few studies have investigated intraoperative effects of TAP block. We aimed to study the effects of TAP block in terms of cost-effectiveness and consumption of inhalation agents. Material/Methods Forty patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n=20) patients received TAP block and Group 2 (n=20) patients did not receive TAP block. Standard anesthesia induction was used in all patients. For the maintenance of anesthesia, fractional inspired oxygen (FIO2) of 50% in air with desflurane was used with a fresh gas flow of 4 L/min. All patients were monitored with electrocardiography and for peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ET), heart rate (HR), noninvasive mean blood pressure (MBP), and bispectral index (BIS). Bilateral TAP blocks were performed under ultrasound guidance to Group 1 patients. The BIS value was maintained at between 40 and 50 during the surgery. The Dion formula was used to calculate consumption of desflurane for each patient. Results There was no difference between the groups with respect to demographic characteristics of the patients. Duration of anesthesia, surgery time, and dosage of fentanyl were similar in the 2 groups. However, the cost and consumption of desflurane was significantly lower in Group 1. Conclusions Total anesthesia consumption was lower and the cost-effectiveness of anesthesia was better in TAP block patients with general anesthesia than in non-TAP block patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Evaluation of low tidal volume with positive end-expiratory pressure application effects on arterial blood gases during laparoscopic surgery.

Background: Pneumoperitoneum (PNP) and patient positions required for laparoscopy can induce pathophysiological changes that complicate anesthetic management during laparoscopic procedures. This study investigated whether low tidal volume and positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) application can improve ventilatory and oxygenation parameters during laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A total of 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were randomized to either the conventional group (n = 30, tidal volume = 10 mL/kg, rate = 12/minute, PEEP = 0 cm H2O) or the low tidal group with PEEP group (n = 30, tidal volume = 6 mL/kg, rate = 18/minute, PEEP = 5 cm H2O) at maintenance of anesthesia. Hemodynamic parameters, peak plateau pressure (Pplat) and arterial blood gases results were recorded before and after PNP. Results: There was a significant increase in the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) values after PNP in the conventional group in the reverse Trendelenburg (41.28 mmHg) and Trendelenburg positions (44.80 mmHg;p = 0.001), but there was no difference in the low tidal group at any of the positions (36.46 and 38.56, respectively). We saw that PaO2 values recorded before PNP were significantly higher than the values recorded 1 hour after PNP in the two groups at all positions. No significant difference was seen in peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak) at the reverse Trendelenburg position before and after PNP between the groups, but there was a significant increase at the Trendelenburg position in both groups (conventional; 21.67 cm H2O, p = 0.041, low tidal; 23.67 cm H2O, p = 0.004). However, Pplat values did not change before and after PNP in the two groups at all positions. Conclusion: The application of low tidal volume + PEEP + high respiratory rate during laparoscopic surgeries may be considered to improve good results of arterial blood gases.

Determining entropy values equivalent to the bispectral index values during sevoflurane anaesthesia.

Introduction We aimed to identify the entropy levels that would be equivalent to the bispectral index (BIS) levels in sevoflurane anaesthesia in patients who are to undergo elective lumbar disc surgery. Material and methods Thirty cases in ASA groups I-II who underwent lumbar disc surgery under general anaesthesia were included in our study after obtaining the consent of the patients and Ethics Committee of our medical school between January 1, 2005 and October 30, 2006. BIS and entropy electrodes were applied at the same time in 30 cases in the study group. The depth of the anaesthesia was regulated so that 10 min after beginning the general anaesthesia the BIS values were between 40 and 60. At the same time equivalent entropy values corresponding to BIS values were obtained. Results At the end of the study, entropy values corresponding to general anaesthesia BIS values were identified. General anaesthesia BIS and RE/SE values at 10 min were lower than the values of the control, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Equivalent entropy values were obtained lower than the BIS values during general anaesthesia and these values were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The blood pressure (BP) values obtained were very low at equivalent BIS values and when these BP values were compared with the initial BP values they were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions Based on this observation, we think that general anaesthetic agents that might cause severe hypotension could be more safely administered under entropy monitoring.

Comparison of Entropy and Bispectral Index during Propofol and Fentanyl Sedation in Monitored Anaesthesia Care

Comparison of entropy (state entropy [SE] and response entropy [RE]) with the bispectral index (BIS) during propofol sedation in monitored anaesthesia care (MAC) was carried out in patients undergoing hand surgery. Thirty candidates for elective hand surgery were pre-medicated with midazolam 0.06 mg/kg and atropine 0.01 mg/kg. Sedation was induced with intravenous propofol and fentanyl was also administered. The Modified Observers Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale (MOAA/S) was used to determine sedation level and pain was maintained at < 4 on a 0-10 verbal rating scale. The BIS, entropy, MOAA/S and pain values were recorded before initiation of sedation (control), during initiation of sedation, during surgery, and for 30 min after the end of surgery and anaesthesia. On initiation of sedation, entropy decreased more rapidly than BIS. At 10 min after initiation of sedation, the mean ± SD values for MOAA/S, BIS, RE and SE were 3.00 ± 0.36, 85.45 ± 0.15, 74.00 ± 0.60 and 72.02 ± 0.12, respectively. During recovery, BIS and RE and SE increased in parallel with MOAA/S. It is concluded that entropy monitoring is as reliable as BIS monitoring in MAC.

Gastrointestinal Ischemia Related Mortality in Patients Undergoing Off- or On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

OBJECTIVE Gastrointestinal ischemia (GII) after heart surgery is a rare but devastating condition. The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of GII after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) performed off-pump (OPCAB) vs on-pump (ONCAB). METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 2625 adult patients who underwent isolated coronary artery surgery during a 6-year period. The OPCAB group included 658 patients and the ONCAB group 1967 patients. Patients were evaluated, and GII, morbidity, and mortality in the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS GII developed in 0.4% (7 of 1967) patients in the ONCAB group and in 0.2% (1 of 658) patients in the OPCAB group (P = .28). Mortality rates due to GII were 0.2% (4 of 1967) in the ONCAB group, and no deaths occurred in the OPCAB group (P < .04). Postoperative atrial fibrillation incidence with GII was 100% (7 of 7) in ONCAB group and 0% (0 of 1) in the OPCAB group (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Compared to ONCAB, the OPCAB procedure has lower GII related mortality rates, which is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period of CABG surgery.

Advantages of autologous blood transfusion in off-pump coronary artery bypass.

BACKGROUND In this randomized controlled study, we investigated the effects of autologous Hemobag blood transfusion (AHBT) and allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. METHODS Sixty patients who underwent surgery between February 2008 and August 2008 were randomized into 2 groups. The AHBT group (n = 30) consisted of patients who received autologous Hemobag blood transfusion, and the ABT group (n = 30) consisted of patients who received allogenic blood transfusion. All patients underwent OPCAB via sternotomy. The time to extubation, chest tube drainage volume, postoperative white blood cell counts, amount of blood transfusion, sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein concentration, postoperative temperature, and the presence of atelectasis were recorded in the intensive care unit. RESULTS Intraoperative bleeding and fluid resuscitation were similar in the 2 groups (P > .05); however, there were significant decreases in postoperative blood loss, extubation period, postoperative white cell counts, sedimentation rate, incidence of atelectasis, C-reactive protein, and fever in the AHBT group compared with the ABT group (P < .05). The rate of atrial fibrillation in the AHBT group tended to be lower than in the ABT group. CONCLUSION Autologous blood transfusion in OPCAB may be beneficial in certain cardiac surgery patients; however, these beneficial effects require further study to be proved.

Exploring for the Safer Ventilation Method in Laparoscopic Urologic Patients? Conventional or Low Tidal?

BACKGROUND To study the effects of low tidal volume with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on arterial blood gases of patients undergoing laparoscopic urologic surgeries. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Eighty-six laparoscopic urologic patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into two groups according to the ventilatory settings. In the conventional group (Group C) (n=43), the tidal volume was 10 mL/kg, and the PEEP was set at 0 cm of H2O. In the low tidal volume with PEEP group (Group LP), the tidal volume was 6 mL/kg, with PEEP of 5 cm of H2O. In both groups total minute volume was 6 L/kg. Peak and plateau airway pressure (PPEAK and PPLAT, respectively) and arterial blood gases were recorded before pneumoperitoneum (PNP) (T1) and the first and third hour (T3) after PNP induction and also after extubation in the intensive care unit. Additionally, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and peripheral O2 saturation of hemoglobin were recorded. RESULTS Heart rate, PPEAK, and PPLAT values were similar in both groups. Partial arterial O2 pressure values measured postoperatively were significantly higher in Group LP, whereas those measured before PNP induction were similar (P=.014 and P=.056, respectively). Compared with the baseline, partial arterial CO2 pressure values measured at T1 and at T3 after PNP induction were significantly higher in Group C than in Group LP (P<.001). The pH values of Group C at T1 and at T3 postoperatively were significantly lower than the values of Group LP (P<.001). Extubation times were significantly lower in Group LP. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that low tidal volume with PEEP application may be a good alternative for preventing high CO2 levels and yielding better oxygenation and lower extubation times in patients undergoing prolonged laparoscopic urology.

Comparison of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Paravertebral Block for Postthoracotomy Pain Relief

BACKGROUND Inadequate relief of postthoracotomy pain is a major reason of increased occurrence of postoperative complications. We aimed to investigate and compare the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and paravertebral block (PVB) to relieve pain after thoracotomy procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 40 patients who underwent thoracotomy. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either PVB (group P, n = 20) or TENS (group T, n = 20) for postoperative pain. The electrodes of TENS were placed 2 cm under and 2 cm over the thoracotomy cut on both posterior and anterior sides. The surgeon inserted paravertebral catheters using direct vision at the end of the surgery. A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device was connected to all patients. Visual analog scales, patient demand, and consumption of tramadol were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS Mean visual analog scale (VAS) values were significantly lower in group P for all time points. The patients in group P needed lower amounts of opioid (tramadol) and the difference was statistically significant (258.4 ± 13.52 mg vs. 314.4 ± 8.65 mg, p = 0.005). In addition, the number of demand attempts recorded from the PCA device was significantly lower in group P (14.95 ± 13.64 vs. 26.7 ± 17.34, respectively and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION TENS has beneficial effects for pain relief after thoracotomy, without any side effects; however, it cannot provide sufficient pain relief when compared with PVB.