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A Steib

Publications and source records attributed to A Steib.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Anaesthetic considerations for interventional radiology].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the new procedures applied for interventional radiology leading to specific anaesthetic care and organization. DATA SOURCE: Record of references from national and international journals in Medline. STUDY SELECTION: All types of articles were selected including prospective studies, practice guidelines, reviews and case reports. DATA SYNTHESIS: During interventional radiology, anaesthesia should be adapted to the duration of the procedure, the pain induced by the radiologist, the position of the patient and its medical status. General anaesthesia would be preferred for long procedures, requiring total immobility. Locoregional anaesthesia can be proposed for some cases. Sedation associating hypnotics (propofol, midazolam, sevoflurane) and opioids (alfentanil, remifentanil) is commonly used according to different schemes, as discontinuous boluses, continuous infusion, target controlled intravenous sedation or patient controlled sedation. Monitoring of temperature and diuresis may be useful for long procedures. Haemodynamic monitoring (arterial catheter, central venous pressure) and haemostatic monitoring may be necessary for interventional neuroradiology and endovascular stenting. Radiofrequency and laser procedures are often painful, requiring the choice of adequate analgesic regimen. Hydratation associated with acetylcysteine seems to be able to prevent contrast induced nephropathy in patients with risk factors for chronic renal insufficiency. CONCLUSION: As advances in interventional radiology are obvious, general organisation as well as anaesthetic procedures should be adapted to these specific techniques.

Analgesia↗

Venous thromboembolism prevention in surgery and obstetrics: clinical practice guidelines.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To produce up-to-date clinical practice guidelines on the prevention of venous thromboembolism in surgery and obstetrics. METHODS: A Steering Committee defined the scope of the topic, the questions to be answered, and the assessment criteria. Eight multidisciplinary working groups (total of 70 experts) performed a critical appraisal of the literature in the following disciplines: pharmacology of antithrombotic agents, orthopaedics; general surgery (gastrointestinal (GI) and varicose vein surgery); urology; gynaecology and obstetrics; thoracic, cardiac and vascular surgery; surgery of the head, neck and spine; and surgery of burns patients. The resultant reports and guidelines were submitted for comment and completion of the Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation questionnaire to a total of 150 peer reviewers, before producing definite guidelines. RESULTS: The report answers the following questions for each type of surgery: (i) What is the venous thromboembolism incidence according to clinical and/or paraclinical criteria in the absence of prophylaxis? (with stratification of venous thromboembolism risk into low, moderate and high categories); (ii) What is the efficacy and safety of the prophylactic measures used? (iii) When should prophylaxis be introduced and how long should it last? (iv) Does ambulatory surgery affect efficacy and safety of prophylaxis? CONCLUSIONS: Apart from answering the above questions, the guidelines provide a summary table for each discipline. This table stratifies types of surgery into the three risk categories, specifies the recommended prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (pharmacological and/or mechanical) and grades each recommendation. In addition, whenever appropriate, the recommended prophylaxis is adjusted to low- and high-risk patients.

Anticoagulants↗

[Interest of the Mini Mental State Examination to detect cognitive defects after cardiac surgery].

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive defects are frequently described after cardiac surgery. They occur in 30 to 79% cases. They might be related to the use of a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). They are poorly evaluated in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to screen patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, open study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 100 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass or valvular replacement under CPB were enrolled in the study. The MMSE was performed the day before surgery and five days later. Patients exhiting a postoperative defect> or =4 points were compared to those without changes or with improved results. RESULTS: 73 patients completed both tests. The mean score decreased postoperatively in 12 patients (15%). They were older (70+/-8 years), had longer CBP durations (128+/-50 min) and the lowest temperatures (30 degrees C+/-3) compared to the other patients. At the opposite, five patients (9%) improved their scores. CONCLUSION: These results entourage to carry out a more strict follow-up for the oldest patients in cardiac surgery. The MMSE could be systematically integrated to the pre and postoperative screening. The detection of cognitive dysfunction should lead to address the patient to a geriatrician for a prolonged follow-up.

Aged↗

[Digestive surgery and varicose vein surgery].

The thromboembolic risk related to surgery may be considered as low for varicose vein surgery and non major digestive surgery. It could be defined as moderate in case of large dissection, long duration of procedures and emergency cases. The risk may be considered as high for major abdominal surgery involving cancer surgery or not and bariatric surgery. The absence of prophylaxis can be proposed for low risk surgery (grade B). However, elastic compression stocking are effective for all cases of digestive surgery and suggested to be used (grade A). There are no data concerning the moderate risk situation. Therefore, experts recommend the use of elastic compression stockings or low doses of LMWH (grade D). High-risk surgery requires the use of high doses of LMWH recommended for reasons of efficacy, tolerance, and easiness to use (grade A). Associated elastic stockings is efficious (grade B). The duration of prophylaxis lasts generally 7-10 days. Extension to 1 month is recommended for major abdominal cancer surgery (grade A).

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

[Delayed evaluation of continuous medical education].

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the results of delayed evaluation of European teaching sessions using a questionnaire provided by the French College of Anaesthesiologists. STUDY DESIGN: Open evaluation. MATERIAL: Questionnaires were completed 3-6 months after European courses provided in November-December 1999. METHOD: The types of professional exercise and the medical practice as well as the theme of the courses were pointed out. The evaluation included six items noted from 1 to 10: usefulness of the abstract book, discussion with colleagues, discussion with a manager, decision to modify medical practice, application of that decision, own objectives fulfilled. The global mean score for each item was calculated. Results were compared according to the professional mode of exercise and the theme of the course. RESULTS: 5/7 centres provided information. 91/239 questionnaires were returned to the organizers. The participants were working in different structures (private clinic: 25, university hospital: 31, general hospital: 27, PSPH: 8). The main exercise was anaesthesiology (75/77 answers). Means scores affected to the different items were around 7 for all but one of them. The mean score concerning discussion with a manager was significantly decreased to 3.5 +/- 3.2. Decision to modify their own practise was higher in private clinics compared to PSPH. The abstract book was more consulted after the first course (respiration and thorax). CONCLUSION: 3-6 months following the FEEA courses the participants thought to have fulfil their objectives and declared to have modify their medical practise. The lack of discussion with a manager should be analysed.

Anesthesiology↗

[Difficult intubation in patients with endotracheal prosthesis].

We report a case of two consecutive episodes of difficult intubation in a patient with an endotracheal Dumon's prosthesis inserted two years before. Despite several preanaesthetic visits and ENT examination, the absence of recollection by the patient and the lack of information in her previous medical records led to the impossibility to introduce a normal tube into her trachea during two consecutive anaesthetic procedures. This case points out the limits of preanaesthetic visits. It allows to remind special measures that must be taken in patients having tracheal prosthesis and scheduled for anaesthesia and surgery.

Aged↗

Intraoperative blood losses and transfusion requirements during adult liver transplantation remain difficult to predict.

PURPOSE: To identify preoperative factors associated with high blood losses during liver transplantation for chronic end-stage liver disease. METHODS: Four hundred and ten consecutive patients were included in this retrospective study. Blood losses were calculated, based on transfusion requirements. The population was divided into two groups: the upper quartile was defined as the high blood loss (HBL) group and the lower three quartiles as the low blood loss group. Fourteen preoperative variables were collected. Qualitative variables consisted of the type of hepatopathy, Child-Pugh's classification, sex, the surgical team's experience, previous abdominal surgery and portal hypertension. Quantitative variables were age, hemoglobin concentration Hb, platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen concentration, fibrin degradation products (FDP) and euglobulin lysis time. Univariate analysis and stepwise multivariate analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Patients in the HBL group required 12 units of red blood cell or more to maintain a Hb >/= 100g*L(-1). HBL was associated with severe liver disease, previous abdominal surgery, use of a venovenous bypass and little surgical experience in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In the HBL group several hemostatic parameters were more disturbed before surgery. The multivariate analysis disclosed three independent variables associated with HBL: Hb and FDP concentrations and previous upper abdominal surgery. When combined, these resulted in a high specificity (98%) but low sensitivity to predict blood loss. CONCLUSION: Despite our efforts we were unable to identify predictive risk factors of bleeding during OLT even in a homogeneous population. Centres should evaluate their practice individually in an attempt to identify patients at high risk of being transfused.

Abdomen↗

[Immediate evaluation of continuous medical education].

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the results of the immediate evaluation of an European teaching session using a questionnaire provided by the French College of anaesthesiologists. STUDY DESIGN: Open evaluation. MATERIAL: Questionnaires completed after each topic by 50 participants of an European course including 15 lectures were collected. METHODS: The types of professional exercise and the medical practise reliable to the different topics were pointed out. The evaluation included 4 items noted from 1 to 10: new information for medical practise, definition of pedagogic objectives, quality of means used for teaching, interest for the treated subject. The global mean score for each item and for each speaker was calculated. Results were compared according to the professional mode of exercise, the own medical practise and the project to modify it in the future. RESULTS: Scores affected to items were significantly lower for participants exercising in PSPH compared to general and university hospitals and private clinics (p < 0.001). New information was better found in case of poor or absence of practise, but interest was improved when medical practise was frequent. 2/3 of the participants projected to modify their practise after the session. CONCLUSION: The analysis of medical evaluation should allow to determine an acceptable zone of quality which may be useful for accreditation. However, distorting results according to the professional mode of exercise and the own medical practise should encourage the development of adapted continuous medical education. Delayed evaluation may be necessary to objective the putative benefits of CME on medical practise.

Education, Medical, Continuing↗

Haemostatic disorders during liver transplantation.

Profound and complex coagulation disorders are encountered during liver transplantation. They include preoperative coagulation disorders related to the liver disease and haemostatic changes related to the procedure itself. They commonly lead to increased intraoperative bleeding, especially due to increased fibrinolysis, the contribution of which can be demonstrated by the relative efficacy of antifibrinolytics. Given the multifactorial nature of bleeding in liver transplantation, preoperative coagulation tests cannot predict blood loss even if some statistical relationship is occasionally found. Preoperative correction of coagulation defects has not been shown to be effective in reducing intraoperative bleeding. Throughout the procedure, a rapid and sensitive method for monitoring coagulation is necessary in order to guide the rational use of blood components and pharmacological agents. The usefulness of such a method to assist management of blood loss or blood component requirements is poorly documented and controversial.

Blood Coagulation Disorders↗

Fatal form of phaeochromocytoma presenting as acute pyelonephritis.

We report the case of a young man who presented with a clinical picture of acute pyelonephritis. Within 3 h of admission, the patient developed acute respiratory distress associated with tachycardia and shock, and he was transferred to the intensive care unit. Mechanical ventilation of the lungs and symptomatic treatment were started immediately. Abdominal ultrasound revealed the presence of an adrenal tumour with central necrosis indicating a probable phaeochromocytoma. There was no sign of pyelonephritis. Ventricular fibrillation followed by asystole occurred soon after admission. The suddenness of the patient's death did not allow time for further investigation and therapy. The severity of the clinical signs was probably related to a massive release of catecholamines because of necrosis of the tumour, which may have been worsened by the diagnostic procedures performed to investigate the clinical symptoms and signs of acute pyelonephritis.

Acute Disease↗

Bronchial blocker compared to double-lumen tube for one-lung ventilation during thoracoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) requires one-lung ventilation with a properly collapsed lung. This study compared the Broncho-Cath double-lumen endotracheal tube with the Wiruthan bronchial blocker to determine the advantages of one device over the other during anaesthesia with one-lung ventilation for thoracoscopy. METHODS: Thirty-five patients undergoing VATS were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Sixteen patients received a left-sided double-lumen tube (DLT) and nineteen a Wiruthan bronchial blocker (BB). The BB group was subdivided in two: BB in the right mainstem bronchus (BBR) for right-sided VATS (9 patients), BB in the left mainstem bronchus (BBL) for left-sided VATS (10 patients). The position of the devices was checked using a fibreoptic bronchoscope. The following variables were measured: 1) number of unsuccessful placement attempts; 2) number of malpositions of the devices; 3) time required to place the device in the correct position; 4) number of secondary dislodgements of the devices after turning the patient into the lateral decubitus position. The quality of lung deflation was evaluated by the surgeons who were blinded to the type of tube being used. RESULTS: The number of unsuccessful placement attempts was one in the DLT group (1/16), three in the BBL group (3/10) and none in the BBR group (0/9). The number of malpositions was significantly greater in the BBL group (10/10) compared to the DLT group (2/16) and to the BBR group (1/9) (P<0.001). The time (mean+/-SD) required to place a BBL was 4.21 min+/-1.28, significantly longer than the time required to place a DLT (2.26 min+/-0.55, P<0.0006) or a BBR (2.41 min+/-0.53, P<0.008). The difference in placement time between DLT and BBR was not significant. The number of secondary dislodgements was one in the DLT group, one in the BBR group and none in the BBL group (NS). The quality of lung deflation was judged excellent or fair in all patients in the DLT and the BBL groups and poor in 44% of the patients in the BBR group. CONCLUSION: It took significantly longer to place a left BB than a DLT (P<0.0006) or a right BB (P<0.008). The number of initial malpositionings of the left BB was significantly greater than in the other groups (P<0.001). The quality of lung deflation was better in the BBL and in the DLT groups than in the BBR group. We conclude that for routine use during left-sided VATS, the use of a DLT is preferable to a left BB because of its greater ease of placement. For right-sided VATS, DLT and right BB showed the same facility of placement but the DLT provided a better quality of lung deflation.

Adult↗

[Changes in homeostasis during surgical liver resection].

OBJECTIVES: To assess changes in haemostasis during liver resection and to discuss the indications for antifibrinolytic therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Open prospective study. PATIENTS: The study included 39 consecutive non-cirrhotic patients presenting for liver resection under portal triad clamping. METHOD: General anaesthesia was obtained with thiopentone, fentanyl, vecuronium and isoflurane. Transfusion scheme was standardized. Aprotinin (5,000 kIU.kg-1 BW) was administered in case of unexplained bleeding in the operative field. Coagulation pattern was assessed by routine tests and thrombelastrography before surgery, before portal triad clamping, 5 min after reperfusion and at completion of surgery. Patients requiring aprotinin intraoperatively were compared to others. RESULTS: In 32 patients no significant bleeding occurred. Their coagulation pattern was moderately changed and remained within the normal range. In seven patients severe bleeding occurred which was treated with aprotinin. Their coagulation tests were significantly modified, especially after reperfusion, associating an increase in aPTT, TT, FDP, DDim, r + k and a decreased platelet count. CONCLUSION: These changes were more in favour of a dilution coagulopathy or a DIC than hyperfibrinolysis. Therefore substitutive therapy with coagulation factors should be preferred to an antifibrinolytic agent. A systematic administration of the latter for liver resection in non-cirrhotic patients is debatable, considering the allergic risk (reoperation for cancer recurrence), thrombosis facilitation (pedicle clamping) and high cost.

Aged↗

[Anesthesia in the HIV positive or AIDS patient].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current anaesthetic management of HIV/AIDS patients. DATA SOURCES: References were obtained from computerized bibliographic research (Medline), recent review articles, the library of the service, personal files. STUDY SELECTION: Original articles, reviews, cases reports, letters to the editor in French and English were analyzed and selected. DATA EXTRACTION: Current data on HIV infection, perioperative clinical and biological symptoms, arguments for choice of the type of anaesthesia, risks of transmitting HIV to health care workers and protective measures were extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty per cent of HIV-positive patients require surgery during their illness. Anaesthesia and surgery decrease cell mediated immunity and modify the activity of immune mediators. These changes are more pronounced under general anaesthesia compared to regional anaesthesia. They are transient and not clinically significant. Poor information is available concerning the perioperative management of HIV-positive patients and the effects of anesthesia on their immune status. Preoperative evaluation focuses on the following three important data: patient's status, surgery, and anaesthesia. In patients in good clinical conditions who comply with treatment, the anesthetist assesses the effects of the antiretroviral treatment and the risk of interactions between anaesthetic and antiretroviral agents. Etomidate, atracurium, cisatracurium, remifentanil and desflurane are not dependent on hepatic metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system. In patients in bad clinical conditions or in patients who do not comply with treatment, attention focuses on cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurologic and nutritional status. The specific antiretroviral treatment is not discontinued in the perioperative period, as far as compatible with the type of surgery and associated dysfunction of the digestive tract. Regional anaesthesia offers the benefits of not interfering with the immune system and antiretroviral agents. However, the viral infection can be enhanced by regional anaesthesia due to the cofactors' effect of local anaesthetic agents in cerebrospinal fluid. Homologous blood transfusion is not recommended as it increases postoperative infection and viral activation. Erythropoietin can be of benefit in selected cases. In the future, supportive immunotherapy will probably be the main tool for perioperative management of HIV and AIDS patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Does N-acetylcysteine improve hemodynamics and graft function in liver transplantation?

The release of toxic oxidative free radicals induced by ischemia and reperfusion may jeopardize liver graft function. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has shown protective effects on hypothermic and warm ischemia reperfusion liver injury in animals. NAC improves hemodynamics and survival rates in patients with fulminant hepatic failure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether intraoperative treatment with NAC would improve hemodynamics and postoperative graft function in liver transplantation. Sixty patients with chronic end-stage liver disease were included in a prospective randomized placebo-controlled study. NAC or the same volume of 5% glucose was started during the anhepatic phase. Hemodynamic data and calculated tissue oxygenation parameters were compared throughout the procedure. Postoperative graft function was assessed by measurements of aminotransferases, prothrombin time, and monoethylglycinexylidide test over the 3 first postoperative days. Patient demographics were similar before the infusion of NAC or glucose. Hemodynamic parameters, oxygen consumption, oxygen delivery, oxygen extraction ratio, and lactates were not different throughout the procedure. One hour after the revascularization of the hepatic artery, the oxygen extraction ratio by the liver was similar (17% +/- 7.6% v 17% +/- 6.2%) in both groups. Postoperative graft function was comparable within the 3 first postoperative days. This study failed to show any beneficial effect of the intraoperative administration of NAC on hemodynamics and graft function in liver transplantation in patients with chronic liver disease.

Acetylcysteine↗

Orthotopic liver transplantation with preservation of portocaval flow compared with venovenous bypass.

Conventional liver transplantation requires cross-clamping of the hepatic pedicle and inferior vena cava, leading to severe hemodynamic and metabolic disturbances, usually attenuated by the use of venovenous bypass. A more recent surgical technique, piggyback with temporary portocaval shunting, preserves both caval and portal blood flows. The aim of this study was to compare the two methods prospectively. Forty-four patients with chronic liver disease were studied. Local anatomic conditions guided the surgeon to choose the easiest way to remove the native liver. Anesthetic management was standardized. Hemodynamic and metabolic changes were assessed by use of routine tests at specific periods. Graft function was evaluated by measurement of aminotransferases and monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) test 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Conventional liver transplantation with venovenous bypass was performed in 26 patients, and the piggyback with temporary portocaval shunting was performed in 15 patients. ANOVA showed that cardiac output and systemic oxygen delivery were better maintained before revascularization in the piggyback group. Metabolic changes were comparable, and hyperfibrinolytic activity was detected in both groups. Graft function was comparable and satisfactory within the 3 first postoperative days. Piggyback with temporary portocaval shunting provided better intraoperative hemodynamics and tissue oxygenation than liver transplantation with venovenous bypass.

Adult↗