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Controlled-release oxycodone is better tolerated than intravenous tramadol/metamizol for postoperative analgesia after retinal-surgery.

PURPOSE: We assessed the clinical efficacy and tolerance of controlled-release oxycodone (CRO), comparing it with intravenous tramadol/metamizol combination in this prospective, randomised, double-blind study of 35 ASA physical status I-III patients undergoing retinal-surgery. METHODS: General anaesthesia using remifentanil and propofol was performed for surgery. On arrival in the recovery room patients were randomly allocated to two groups. The controlled-release oxycodone group (CRO Group) received 10 mg CRO. 12 h after the initial dose another 10 mg CRO were administered. Simultaneously with the initial CRO dose, and every 4 h up to 24 h postoperatively, the CRO Group received intravenous isotonic saline infusion. On arrival in the recovery room the tramadol/metamizol group (TM Group) received a placebo tablet, and 12 h later a second placebo. Simultaneously 100 mg tramadol combined with 1 g metamizol were administered intravenously every 4 h until 24 h postoperatively. All patients had access to intravenous opioid rescue medication. RESULTS: The AUC for quality of analgesia was significantly higher in the CRO Group than in the TM Group (p = 0.0023). Patient rated quality of analgesia significantly higher in the CRO Group than in the TM Group 8 h (p = 0.048), 16 h (p = 0.009) and 24 h (p = 0.001) postoperatively. There was no statistical difference in AUC for pain scores between groups (p = 0.205). The CRO Group experienced significantly less nausea than the TM Group (p = 0.012). Six patients in the TM Group in contrast to none in the CRO Group interrupted the study before finishing the study protocol (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that CRO administered twice in the first 24 h postoperatively is superior to intravenous tramadol/metamizol for postoperative analgesia after retinal surgery, with fewer adverse events and greater patient satisfaction.

Adolescent↗

Blood loss after total knee replacement. Effects of tourniquet release and continuous passive motion.

We prospectively studied the cases of 121 patients who were being operated on for insertion of a unilateral total knee prosthesis with cement, and we placed them randomly in four groups. In Group I, the tourniquet was inflated throughout the operative procedure, and we released it postoperatively after a compressive dressing had been applied; a splint was used postoperatively for three days. In Group II, the tourniquet remained inflated throughout the operation, but no splint was applied postoperatively, and continuous passive motion was started immediately in the recovery room. In Group III, the tourniquet was released intraoperatively, and hemostasis was achieved by cauterization; postoperatively, a compressive dressing was applied, and a splint was used for three days. In Group IV, the tourniquet was released intraoperatively, hemostasis was established, and then the tourniquet was reinflated; a compressive dressing was applied, and continuous passive motion was started immediately in the recovery room. Hemoglobin and hematocrit values were monitored in all patients. Blood loss in suction drainage was recorded, and the total blood loss was calculated. The results show that total knee arthroplasty is associated with major loss of blood (mean, 1518 milliliters). The calculated blood loss for Groups I, II, and III averaged 1443 milliliters, while that for Group IV averaged 1793 milliliters. Loss in suction drainage correlated with total estimated blood loss and averaged 511 milliliters. The magnitude of blood loss after total knee arthroplasty should be appreciated, and special attention should be paid to the availability of adequate fluid and blood products, preferably blood donated by the patient preoperatively.

Adult↗

Assessment of atracurium during anesthesia and surgery.

Atracurium is a competitive neuromuscular blocking agent which goes through Hofmann elimination. It does not accumulate even after several bolus doses or infusion lasting several hours. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of atracurium on bolus injection for intubation and continuous infusion for subsequent surgery with the manufacturer's suggested dose. Forty-six patients (23-78 yr, ASA I-IV) undergoing laparotomy were included in the study. The patients were induced with Thropental and fentanyl, then a bolus of atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) was given and intubation done 90 sec later. Anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide, oxygen and isoflurane. Twenty minutes later atracurium 0.3 mg/kg/hr was infused continuously. The infusion continued until skin closure or an estimated 20-30 min before the end of the operation. Quality of muscle relaxation for intubation and surgery was evaluated by the surgeons and the anesthesiologists. Train-of-four (TOF) count was also recorded in the beginning and at the end of infusion. After extubation, residual curarization was evaluated clinically and with the TOF count method in the recovery room. Intubation quality was rated fair to poor in 67% of cases. Muscle relaxation assessed by the surgeons as excellent to good amounted to 96% of cases. All patients were extubated within 30 min after completion of surgery except for five patients who had poor postoperative conditions because of underlying diseases. No patient showed residual curarization or complication in the recovery room. With doses suggested by the manufacturer, our study indicated that intubation was not satisfactory while continuous infusion for muscle relaxation during surgery was acceptable.

Adult↗

Regional anaesthesia for hernia repair in children: local vs caudal anaesthesia.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of local anaesthesia (LA) with that of caudal anaesthesia (CA) on postoperative care of children undergoing inguinal hernia repair. This was a randomized, single-blind investigation of 202 children aged 1-13 yr. Anaesthesia was induced with N2O/O2 and halothane or propofol and maintained with N2O/O2/halothane. Local anaesthesia included ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block plus subcutaneous injection by the surgeon of up to 0.3 ml.kg-1 bupivacaine 0.25% with 5 micrograms.kg-1 adrenaline. The dose for caudal anaesthesia was 1 ml.kg-1 up to 20 ml bupivacaine 0.2% with 5 micrograms.kg-1 adrenaline. Postoperative pain was assessed with mCHEOPS in the anaesthesia recovery room, with postoperative usage of opioid and acetaminophen in the hospital, and with parental assessment of pain with a VAS. Vomiting, time to first ambulation and first urination were recorded. The postoperative pain scores and opioid usage were similar; however, the LA-group required more acetaminophen in the Day Care Surgical Unit. The incidence of vomiting and the times to first ambulation and first urination were similar. The LA-patients had a shorter recovery room stay (40 +/- 9 vs 45 +/- 15 min, P < 0.02). The postoperative stay was prolonged in the CA group (176 +/- 32 vs 165 +/- 26 min, P = 0.02). We conclude that LA and CA have similar effects on postoperative care with only slight differences.

Acetaminophen↗

Shortening the discharging time after total hip replacement under combined spinal/epidural anesthesia by actively warming the patient during surgery.

BACKGROUND: To compare passive thermal insulation by reflective blankets with forced-air active warming on the efficacy of normothermia maintenance and time for discharging from the recovery room after combined spinal/epidural anesthesia for total hip arthroplasty. METHODS DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Inpatient anesthesia at three University Departments of orthopedic surgery. PATIENTS: 50 ASA physical status I-III patients, who were scheduled for elective total hip arthroplasty. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received combined spinal/epidural anesthesia (CSE) with intrathecal injection of 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. All procedures started 8-10 a.m., and operating room temperature was maintained between 21-23 degrees C, with relative humidity ranging between 40-45%. As warming therapy patients received either passive thermal insulation of the trunk, the two upper limbs and the unoperated lower limb with reflective blankets (group passive, n = 25), or forced-air active warming of the two upper limbs (group active, n = 25). Core temperature was measured before CSE placement (baseline), and then every 30 min until recovery of normothermia. RESULTS: Demographic data, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood losses, and crystalloid infusion were similar in the two groups. Arterial blood pressure decreased in both groups compared with baseline values, while no differences in heart rate were observed during the study. Core temperatures in passive group patients decreased more markedly than in actively warmed patients, with a 1 degree C difference between the two groups at the end of surgery (p < 0.0005). At recovery room entry seven patients in group active (24%) and 16 patients in group passive (64%) showed a core temperature < 36 degrees C (p < 0.01). Achievement of both discharging criteria and normothermia required 32 +/- 18 min in active group and 74 +/- 52 min in passive group (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Forced-air cutaneous warming allows the anesthesiologist to maintain normothermia during combined spinal/epidural anesthesia for total hip replacement even if the convective blanket is placed on a relatively small skin surface with reflex vasoconstriction. Maintaining core normothermia decreased the duration of postanesthesia recovery and may, therefore, reduce costs of care.

Aged↗

Left ventricular performance following the arterial switch operation: use of noninvasive wall stress analysis in the postoperative period.

OBJECTIVE: To determine postoperative left ventricular mechanics following the arterial switch operation (ASO). DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. SETTING: Pediatric cardiac recovery room. PATIENTS: Nine neonates with transposition of the great arteries undergoing the ASO within the first week of life. INTERVENTIONS: Noninvasive ejection phase indices: shortening fraction (% SF), corrected mean velocity of circumferential shortening (VCFc), and wall stress analysis were used to calculate indices of specific left ventricular systolic mechanics. The % SF and VCFc were respectively adjusted for left ventricular afterload (end-systolic wall stress) to derive an index for left ventricular performance (stress-shortening relation) and contractility (stress-velocity relation). Left ventricular preload was assessed as the variance between the performance and contractility indices. All indexed data are reported as mean Zscore (i.e., number of standard deviations from the mean of a normal age- and body surface area-adjusted population). A mean Zscore of < -2 or > 2 was regarded as a significant variance from normal. Transmitral Doppler flow patterns were recorded at each postoperative interval and analyzed for isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) as an index of left ventricular compliance. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All nine patients did well clinically and completed the study. Noninvasive parameters were measured at mean intervals of 3 (early), 23 (intermediate), and 48 hrs (late postoperative) relative to the time of arrival in the cardiac recovery room. Postoperative left ventricular performance was decreased throughout the early (-4.0 +/- 1.5 SD), intermediate (-4.1 +/- 2.8), and late (-3.5 +/- 1.3) phases of recovery. In contrast, the overall left ventricular contractility remained normal throughout the three postoperative intervals (0.2 +/- 1.8, -1.2 +/- 1.9, and -1.0 +/- 1.6, respectively), although three of the nine patients had a diminished stress-velocity index during the study period. Left ventricular afterload was within normal range in the early (0.1 +/- 1.7) and intermediate (1.5 +/- 1.9) phases of recovery, but increased in the late postoperative period (2.5 +/- 2.9). Left ventricular preload was decreased significantly throughout the early (-4.2 +/- 1.3), intermediate (-2.8 +/- 2.0), and late (-2.5 +/- 1.0) postoperative phases. All nine patients demonstrated decreased preload during the recovery period. IVRT was decreased in the post-ASO patients at each phase of recovery compared with normal data (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular performance is impaired in infants during the period immediately following the ASO. A persistent preload deficit closely matches the pattern of impaired ventricular performance. Decreased IVRT points to impaired ventricular compliance as the etiology of the altered preload. In contrast, left ventricular contractility remains normal in the majority of post-ASO patients. Decreased contractility may account for impaired ventricular performance in selected cases.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

Transcervical or intraperitoneal analgesia for laparoscopic tubal sterilization: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of analgesia administered transcervically through a uterine manipulator compared with direct topical application to the fallopian tubes for relief of postoperative pain after interval laparoscopic tubal sterilization. METHODS: Sixty-one women who had laparoscopic sterilization were enrolled in a randomized, double-masked clinical trial comparing analgesia with 75 mg of bupivacaine administered through a uterine manipulator with 75 mg of bupivacaine applied directly to the fallopian tubes through a secondary trocar. Results were evaluated using visual analog scale pain levels, time of administration of analgesics, total analgesics required, and recovery room times. We calculated that a sample size of 60 women would detect a 30% difference in pain levels with a power of 80% at a significance level of .05. RESULTS: In the 59 women who completed the study, there were no differences in the two groups in pain levels, amounts of medications used, or times to administration of postoperative analgesia. Mean recovery room time was shorter in the group given analgesia transcervically, but that difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in postoperative pain relief between transcervical administration and topical application of analgesia for laparoscopic tubal sterilization.

Adult↗

Postoperative nausea and vomiting in children using patient-controlled analgesia: the effect of prophylactic intravenous dixyrazine.

BACKGROUND: Although patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine provides a high degree of satisfactory postoperative analgesia in children, it is often associated with a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Our aim in this study was to evaluate the prophylactic effect of dixyrazine, a phenothiazine with proven anti-emetic properties. METHODS: The incidence of nausea and vomiting was studied in 60 children using PCA after major surgery. The patients were randomised to receive either dixyrazine 0.25 mg kg-1 or placebo on the induction of anaesthesia in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The anaesthetic technique was standardised. The PCA pump was programmed to deliver bolus doses of morphine of 20 micrograms kg-1 with a continuous background infusion of 8-10 micrograms kg-1 h-1. Nausea, vomiting, sedation and pain scores were noted every 3 h for a period of 24 h. RESULTS: The morphine consumption of morphine was the same in both groups. During the stay in the recovery room the incidence of vomiting was 3% in the dixyrazine group compared to 30% in the placebo group (P < 0.05). On the ward, 57% versus 83% of the children vomited (P < 0.05). Rescue antiemetics were significantly lower, 30%, in the dixyrazine group compared to 60% in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Higher sedation scores were recorded for the dixyrazine group in the recovery room. No other adverse effects were found. CONCLUSION: A significant number of children using PCA with morphine after major surgery experience PONV. Although prophylactic dixyrazine reduces the incidence and severity of vomiting, the incidence still remains high.

Adolescent↗

Recovery characteristics of sevoflurane and halothane in preschool-aged children undergoing bilateral myringotomy and pressure equalization tube insertion.

UNLABELLED: This double-blinded study was undertaken to prospectively evaluate the role of halothane and sevoflurane and the use of IV ketorolac on the anesthetic emergence in a group of children undergoing bilateral myringotomy with pressure equalization tube procedures. Two-hundred ASA physical status I and II patients were premedicated with nasal midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) and randomized to one of four groups (Group 1 - halothane and ketorolac; Group 2 - halothane and placebo; Group 3 - sevoflurane and ketorolac; Group 4 - sevoflurane and placebo). A blinded nurse observer characterized the quality of the anesthetic emergence and recorded the incidence of emesis and the use of pain medications in the recovery room. There were no differences in age, weight, previous anesthetic experience, or duration of anesthesia among the four groups. There was no difference in the incidence of emergence agitation for patients anesthetized with sevoflurane compared with halothane, regardless of whether they received ketorolac or placebo. Regardless of the anesthetic, the incidence of emergence agitation was significantly less in patients who received ketorolac compared with patients who received placebo. The incidence of emesis in the recovery room, the total 24-h incidence of emesis, and the use of at-home pain medications were similar in all four groups. IMPLICATIONS: We conclude that the incidence of emergence agitation in children undergoing ultrashort anesthetic procedures is similar for sevoflurane and halothane and that ketorolac markedly diminishes emergence agitation and/or pain behavior.

Analgesia↗

[Correlation between the real cost of an intervention and cost factors in France: example of removal of jaw fixation material in mandibular fractures].

INTRODUCTION: economic cost is a timely topic which will have to be taken in consideration more and more for determining the appropriate indication for surgical procedures. "Health has no price, but it has a cost" is a common proverb urging us to think in terms real cost of a surgical procedure. The purpose of this study is to estimate the real cost of a usual and frequent intervention: removal of osteosynthesis material in mandibular fractures. Real cost was compared with the cost charged by the French health insurance fund. MATERIAL AND METHODS: this retrospective study collected all the interventions concerning material removal after mandibular fractures performed in our department during 2002. The following parameters were retained: the number of consultations, the duration of occupation of the surgical unit and the recovery room, the list of materials and products used, the cost of the medical staffs and cleaning agents, the duration of hospitalization, other administrative loads and expenses. RESULTS: a series of 30 patients was found, each patient had had three consultations, the average duration of hospitalization was 36 hours, the time of occupation of the surgical unit was 100 minutes and occupation of the recovery room was 2 hours. The total real cost of this intervention was 510 Euros, the cost estimated by the health insurance fund was 110 Euros and the cost of hospitalisation charged was 997 Euros. CONCLUSION: these results show us the real cost of this intervention and the cost estimated by the French health insurance fund. It is highly noteworthy that the cost estimates were totally inadequate. This study leads to a discussion concerning a more global approach to the cost-benefit ratio of such an intervention as well as the indication for bioabsorbable material compared with titanium in facial traumatology.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

Pediatric anesthesia morbidity and mortality in the perioperative period.

One of the most frequent questions asked of a pediatric anesthesiologist is "What are the risks of anesthesia for my child?" Unfortunately, few studies have examined the consequences of general anesthesia in children. We used data from a large pediatric anesthesia follow-up program at Winnipeg Children's Hospital (1982-1987) to determine rates of perioperative adverse events among children of different ages. A check-off form was completed by a pediatric anesthesiologist for each case (n = 29,220) and a designated follow-up reviewer examined all anesthesia forms and hospital charts to ascertain adverse effects for children less than 1 mo, 1-12 mo, 1-5 yr, 6-10 yr, and 11-16 yr of age in the intraoperative, recovery room, and postoperative periods. The majority of the children were healthy, and 70% had no preoperative medical conditions. Infants less than 1 mo old were more likely to be undergoing major cardiac or vascular procedures, whereas the older children had mainly orthopedic or otolaryngologic procedures. Infants less than 1 mo old had the highest rate of adverse events both intraoperatively and in the recovery room. The main problem in this age group was related to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. In children over 5 yr of age, postoperative nausea and vomiting was very frequent, with about one-third of the children experiencing this problem. When all events were considered (both major and minor), there was a risk of an adverse event in 35% of the pediatric cases. This contrasts with 17% for adults. This morbidity survey helps to focus on areas of intervention and for further study.

Adolescent↗

[Early postoperative hypoxemia in infants, children and adults undergoing elective plastic surgery].

Seven hundred ASA-class-1 patients undergoing elective plastic surgery were selected to study the effect of age on early postoperative hypoxemia with a pulse eximeter for continuous monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the postanesthesia recovery room. The patients were divided into four groups: group 1, 72 infants aged less than one year; group 2, 120 children aged from one to three years; group 3, 364 children aged over three years; and group 4, 144 adults aged from 18 to 58 years. The results showed that the younger the patients, the lower the SpO3 and the higher the incidence of hypoxemia in the early postoperative period. The incidences of early postoperative hypoxemia in the postanesthesia recovery room were 44.4% in group 1, 31.7% in group 2, 17.3% in group 3 and 8.3% in group 4. Early postoperative hypoxemia occurred most commonly within 40 min. in infants and within 15 min. in children aged over one year and adults.

Adolescent↗

Pre-induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients with nasally administered sufentanil.

To evaluate nasally administered sufentanil, 1.5-4.5 micrograms/kg, for pre-induction (i.e., pre-medication/induction) of anesthesia in pediatric patients, the authors studied ASA PS 1 or 2 patients scheduled for elective surgery. Eighty children, ages 6 months to 7 yr, were randomized to receive sufentanil (1.5, 3.0, or 4.5 micrograms/kg) or placebo (normal saline, 0.03 ml/kg) nasally over 15-20 s. Induction of anesthesia was completed with 5% halothane and O2 via facemask. After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with N2O (60-70%) and halothane, as clinically indicated. A blinded observer remained with the child from prior to drug administration until discharge from the recovery room. Patients given sufentanil were more likely to separate willingly from their parents and be judged as calm at or before 10 min compared to those given saline. Ventilatory compliance during induction of anesthesia decreased markedly in 25% of subjects given sufentanil, 4.5 micrograms/kg. Subjects given sufentanil moved or coughed less during tracheal intubation and required less halothane compared to those given placebo. During recovery, patients given sufentanil cried less and fewer needed analgesics; recovery times were similar for all groups. However, patients given sufentanil, 4.5 micrograms/kg, had a higher incidence of vomiting in the recovery room and during the first postoperative day. The authors conclude that nasally administered sufentanil, 1.5 or 3.0 micrograms/kg, facilitates separation of children from parents, has minimal side effects, may improve intubating conditions, and can provide postoperative analgesia.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Dexamethasone compared with betamethasone for glucocorticoid treatment of postpartum HELLP syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of dexamethasone and betamethasone to ameliorate the course of postpartum hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. METHODS: A prospective, mixed randomized/non-randomized clinical investigation of patients with postpartum HELLP syndrome. Treatment with either dexamethasone or betamethasone was continued until there was evidence of disease recovery. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of both the dexamethasone (n=18) and betamethasone (n=18) groups were similar. Although the time to discharge from the obstetrical recovery room was not statistically significant between groups, reduction in mean arterial blood pressure was more pronounced in the dexamethasone group as compared with the betamethasone group (-15.3+/-1.4 mmHg vs. -7.5+/-1.4 mmHg, respectively, P<0.01). Patients in the dexamethasone group required less antihypertensive treatment than the betamethasone group (6% vs. 50%, P=0.01) and also had a decreased need for readmission to the obstetrical recovery room (0% vs. 22%, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: This investigation supports the use of dexamethasone as the superior glucocorticoid to use for patients with postpartum HELLP syndrome.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

The use of remifentanil for bloodless surgical field during vertebral disc resection.

BACKGROUND: A short hospital stay is nowadays desirable and affordable for a wide range of surgical pathology, respecting safety of care and home discharge. In the present study, the Authors investigated the use of TIVA with propofol/remifentanil during microsurgical vertebral disc resection to maintain a controlled vascular hypotension for bloodless surgical field aiming to reduce the operating time and consequently recovery room length of stay and morbility related to anaesthesia. METHODS: The study took place in a 300 bed Orthopaedics hospital over a period of 3 months and 50 ASA I-II patients were enrolled in this trial; further data are presented for comparison of 50 ASA I-II patients homogeneous for age and sex to the studied population, operated under a standard TIVA with propofol and boluses of fentanyl. Duration of anaesthesia and surgery, time for awakening after cessation of TIVA, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), amount and quality of postoperative analgesia, length of stay in the recovery room are reported in statistical presentation. RESULTS: Time of surgery and anaesthesia were reduced in the remifentanil group compared with the fentanyl group, thanks to an easily reachable and durable state of controlled hypotension in the first group without the use of any other drug. The recovery profile was shorter in the remifentanil group the drug being rapidly metabolised by plasma cholinesterase. CONCLUSIONS: No difference occurred between the two groups regarding quality and amount of postoperative analgesia, while PONV presented more in the fentanyl group and shivering more in the remifentanil group.

Adult↗

[Use of remifentanil in ambulatory obstetric-gynecologic surgery. A dose-effect study].

BACKGROUND: Remifentanil, a recently commercialised opioid, is characterised by a predictable and non cumulative effect which vanishes rapidly without determining side effects in the long term. These characteristics make remifentanil an ideal opioid in continuous infusion for the ambulatory surgery setting. Aim of this study was to assess the ideal dose of remifentanil, administered in bolus before propofol, in patients undergoing uterine curettage and assisted by mask ventilation in 100% oxygen. METHODS: Sixty patients, ASA status I-II, scheduled for uterine curettage, were divided into three study groups according to the bolus dose of remifentanil received before the induction agent: group A (n = 20) 1 microgram/kg; group B (n = 20) 2 micrograms/kg; group C (n = 20) 2 micrograms/kg. All patients were assisted by 100% oxygen ventilation with facial mask. During surgery the following were recorded: time to spontaneous ventilation (in case of post induction apnea); incidence of somatic and autonomic responses to surgical stress (treated with remifentanil in bolus). At the end of surgery the times to response to simple verbal commands, to discharge from the recovery room (by Aldrete score every 5') and to discharge from hospital (by PADSS score every 30') were registered. RESULTS: All patients presented post-induction apnea with a significantly more rapid return to spontaneous ventilation in group A. Six patients of group A responded to surgical stress while in groups B and C there was no need for supplementary boluses (p < 0.05). Five patients of group C were treated with atropine for bradycardia, in four of group C it was necessary to administer succinylcholine for thoracic rigidity. No significant differences regarding the anesthesia recovery times were observed. All patients were discharged from the recovery room after 10' from the end of surgery. Overall, the qualification for discharge from hospital was obtained at the second PADSS score control, except for one group A patient who incurred in metrorrhagia. CONCLUSIONS: The administration in bolus of remifentanil, before the inducing agent, permits short-term surgery in ambulatory surgery settings thanks to the rapid recovery of vital functions. Compared to the other doses, the 1.5 micrograms/kg dose guaranteed a good control over surgical stress without influencing the speed of awakening and without determining uncomfortable side effects.

Adult↗

Postanaesthetic shivering in children.

This study was designed to assess the incidence, severity and possible aetiological factors of postanaesthetic shivering in children. Three hundred and seventy-six children undergoing general anaesthesia were enrolled in the study. Tympanic membrane temperatures were recorded pre-operatively and every 15 min postoperatively in the recovery room until discharge to the ward. Also recorded were all anaesthetic data including fluid administration, methods of temperature preservation used, sedation scores and shivering (using a four-point scale). The overall incidence of shivering was 14.4%. Multiple regression analysis identified three factors that were significantly related to shivering: age, the administration of atropine and peri-operative temperature changes. Children who shivered rewarmed faster in the recovery room.

Adolescent↗

Ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml versus bupivacaine 5 mg/ml for interscalene brachial plexus block--a comparative study.

We investigated ropivacaine 75 mg/ml in comparison with bupivacaine 5 mg/ml in patients receiving interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) and general anaesthesia. In this randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trial, each patient received an ISB block according to the technique originally described by Winnie and a catheter technique as per Meier. The rapidity of onset and the quality of sensory and motor block were determined. After general anaesthesia had been induced further parameters evaluated were consumption of local anaesthetic, opioid and neuromuscular blocking drug. After arrival in the recovery room, the patients were assessed for intensity of pain using a visual analog scale (VAS). One hundred and twenty patients were included in the study. The onset and development of sensory block was similar in both groups. Development and quality of motor block was also nearly identical for both local anaesthetics. Consumption of neuromuscular blocking drug and opioid did not differ between ropivacaine and bupivacaine. In the recovery room the mean pain score was less than 25 in both groups. There were no significant differences in terms of onset and quality of sensory or motor block during the intraoperative and early postoperative period. In addition we did not identify any side-effects related to the administration of the local anaesthetics. Ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml and bupivacaine 5mg/ml proved to be nearly indistinguishable when administered for interscalene brachial plexus block.

Adult↗