Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialNeostigmine decreases bupivacaine use by patient-controlled epidural analgesia during labor: a randomized controlled study.
Intrathecal neostigmine not only produces analgesia but also severe nausea. In contrast, epidural neostigmine enhances opioid and local anesthetic analgesia without causing nausea. Previous studies examined only single epidural neostigmine bolus administration and did not assess the efficacy of continuous epidural infusion or several aspects of maternal and fetal safety. We therefore tested the hypothesis that epidural neostigmine in combination with bupivacaine by continuous infusion during labor would reduce the amount of bupivacaine required. ⋯ These data show that adding epidural neostigmine 4 microg/mL reduces the hourly bupivacaine requirement by 19%-25% with patient-controlled epidural analgesia during labor. Administered as a bolus and by continuous infusion at the studied doses, epidural neostigmine does not cause nausea and does not induce uterine contractions or FHR abnormalities, but mild sedation can occur.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialDouble-lumen tube placement using a retractable carinal hook: a preliminary report.
Proper placement of a double-lumen tube (DLT) is vital for its optimal functioning. We modified the standard blind method of left-sided DLT placement using a retractable carinal hook. The aim of this study was to determine whether this modified method could improve the success rate of correct initial tube positioning compared with the conventional method. ⋯ The use of a retractable carinal hook increased the success rate and shortens the time for correct DLT positioning. Further, larger studies are required to confirm its safety and reliability.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effective analgesic dose of dexamethasone after laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Apart from being antiemetic, glucocorticoids have an analgesic property. The optimal dose of dexamethasone in the management of pain after surgery has not been established. In this placebo-controlled, dose-finding study, we evaluated the analgesic effect of three doses of dexamethasone after laparoscopic hysterectomy. ⋯ IV dexamethasone 15 mg before induction of anesthesia decreases the oxycodone consumption during the first 24 h after laparoscopic hysterectomy. During first 2 h after surgery, dexamethasone 10 mg reduces the oxycodone consumption as effectively as the 15 mg dose.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA comparison between sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial intracranial surgery.
Desflurane in neurosurgery may be beneficial because it facilitates postoperative early neurologic evaluation. However, its use has been debated because of its capacity to promote cerebral vasodilatation. Sevoflurane has been extensively used in neurosurgical patients. In this prospective clinical trial, we compared early postoperative recovery and cognitive function in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial expanding lesions and receiving sevoflurane or desflurane anesthesia. ⋯ Patients who received desflurane had a shorter extubation and recovery time but similar intraoperative and postoperative incidence of complications compared with those who received sevoflurane.
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The introduction of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, i.e., statins, constitutes a milestone in the prevention of cardio- and cerebrovascular disease. The effects of statins extend far beyond their effects on cholesterol levels: pleiotropic effects include vasoprotective mechanisms, comprising improved endothelial function, increased bioavailability of nitric oxide, immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory properties, stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, as well as antioxidant and stem cell-regulating capacities. Large clinical trials have clearly demonstrated that statins reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. ⋯ Until now, statins were only available as oral drugs. An IV formulation may be warranted for acute treatment of severely ill patients, for example, those who are unable to swallow or scheduled for surgery. Hydrophilic statins would be suitable for an IV formulation and have been safely tested in healthy volunteers.