A&A practice
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Ultrasound-guided scalp blocks may revolutionize regional anesthesia for neurosurgery. In this report, we demonstrate that ultrasound-guided scalp blocks can be used effectively for a craniotomy. A 48-year-old patient with a brain tumor at the motor cortex was scheduled for an awake craniotomy. ⋯ A total of 29 mL of levobupivacaine 0.3% was used. No additional local anesthetic agent was given for skull pinning, skin incision, or the craniotomy. Postoperatively, the patient remained pain-free, and she was discharged without complications.
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Case Reports
A Software-Guided Approach to Hemodynamic Management in a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report.
The function of renal allografts in the perioperative period is partly dependent on minimizing hemodynamic instability. We have developed hemodynamic monitoring software-named the "pressure field"-that was utilized in a 68-year-old high-risk kidney transplant recipient. ⋯ The patient received net zero fluid intraoperatively and had an uneventful postoperative course. We found the pressure field method helpful to manage perioperative hemodynamics in this high-risk patient.
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Cancer-related neuropathic pain is prevalent in up to 40% of patients with advanced disease. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used to treat chronic pain when other treatments are ineffective. ⋯ Additionally, all parts of SCS can potentially interfere with radiotherapy delivery. We present a case of successful administration of radiotherapy to a patient without damaging the SCS device implanted in proximity to the target lesion.
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Case Reports
Dehiscence and Deep Wound Infection After Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Managed Without Explantation: A Case Report.
Deep infections of spinal cord stimulator devices usually result in explantation, as recommended by some professional societies. However, alternative options should be explored to avoid potential complications that are associated with explantation, and possibly additional procedures required in consideration of reimplantation. ⋯ There was suspicion for deep wound infection based on a wound culture that was positive for Staphylococcus aureus, but no purulent material was noted on further inspection. The patient was treated with standard wound-care management and oral antibiotics without removing the device, and recovered while preserving the original system.
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Case Reports
Anesthetic-Induced Intraoperative Dream Associated With Remission of a Psychiatric Disorder: A Case Report.
Trauma is associated with debilitating acute and posttraumatic stress disorders, which have limited treatment options. We report on a patient undergoing surgical hand repair after a recent knife attack who experienced vivid dreaming and subsequent remission of acute stress disorder. ⋯ While intraoperative dreaming is common, this case details potential associations between anesthetic state, dreaming, intraoperative electroencephalography, and remission of a psychiatric disorder. Our experience suggests a novel intervention for stress disorders.