Anesthesiology
-
Evoked, recurrent electromyographic activity (F waves) reflect alpha-motor neuron excitability. Based on observations that other inhaled anesthetics do so, we hypothesized that nitrous oxide, alone or in combination with isoflurane, would depress F-wave activity and correlate with depression of movement response to tail clamp or electric stimulation. ⋯ Because nitrous oxide depressed F-wave but not M-wave activity, the data suggest a central (spinal) rather than neuromuscular junctional site of action of this agent. The direct correlation between nitrous oxide dose, F-wave amplitude depression, and surgical immobility suggests the possibility of using F-wave activity to predict the likelihood of anesthetic-induced immobility. However, the mechanism of action of nitrous oxide may differ from that of the potent inhaled agents.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Preemptive analgesia: intraperitoneal local anesthetic in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
A controversy exists over the effectiveness and clinical value of preemptive analgesia. Additional studies are needed to define the optimum intensity, duration, and timing of analgesia relative to incision and surgery. ⋯ The results indicate that intraperitoneal local anesthetic blockade administered before or after surgery preempts postoperative pain relative to an untreated placebo-control condition. However, the timing of administration is also important in that postoperative pain intensity and analgesic consumption are both lower among patients treated with local anesthetic before versus after surgery.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Vomiting and recovery after outpatient tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children. Comparison of four anesthetic techniques using nitrous oxide with halothane or propofol.
The authors' purpose in this study was to compare prospectively four different anesthetic induction and maintenance techniques using nitrous oxide with halothane and/or propofol for vomiting and recovery after outpatient tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures in children. ⋯ After tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures, despite reduced postoperative vomiting with use of propofol rather than halothane, along with nitrous oxide for anesthetic maintenance, the authors found no differences in "true" endpoints such as unplanned admissions or discharge times. Among the groups, the main factor that delayed hospital discharge beyond 6 h was vomiting within the first 6 h.
-
Comparative Study
Comparative pharmacology of cisatracurium (51W89), atracurium, and five isomers in cats.
Atracurium has four chiral centers and the marketed product is a mixture of ten optical and geometric isomers. Six of the isomers were prepared and evaluated for neuromuscular blocking activity and autonomic effects in anesthetized cats. This study reports the comparative pharmacology of the six isomers and atracurium that led to the selection of one isomer, cisatracurium (Nimbex, 51W89) for clinical development. ⋯ Cisatracurium has neuromuscular blocking effects identical to those of atracurium, is more potent, and does not produce cardiovascular effects or increase plasma histamine concentrations.
-
This investigation examined the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on quantitative indices of left ventricular afterload derived from aortic input impedance (Zin) interpreted using a three-element Windkessel model. ⋯ The results indicate that desflurane and sevoflurane produce substantially different effects on left ventricular afterload in chronically instrumented dogs. Desflurane-induced decreases in systemic vascular resistance occur primarily because of effects on arteriolar resistance vessels. In contrast, sevoflurane increased C and Zc concomitant with pressure-dependent reductions in aortic diameter, suggesting that this anesthetic may alter left ventricular afterload by affecting the mechanical properties of the aorta.