Background: Chronic exposure to inhaled anaesthetic agents poses an occupational hazard related to the practice of anaesthesia. Therefore, this study sought to find out the perception of anaesthesia providers on expos...Background: Chronic exposure to inhaled anaesthetic agents poses an occupational hazard related to the practice of anaesthesia. Therefore, this study sought to find out the perception of anaesthesia providers on exposure to inhalational anaesthetics, evaluate their knowledge on the effects of chronic exposure and strategies to reduce chronic exposure to operating room inhalational anaesthetic agents. Method: This cross-sectional survey was conducted by administering a self-administered questionnaire to 71 anaesthesia providers in Ghana who attended the annual refresher course of the faculty of Anaesthesia, West African College of Surgeons, in 2016. Data collected were analysed and presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Halothane and isoflurane were the most frequently used inhalational agents by the respondents. Majority (90.1%) of the respondents perceived they are exposed to inhalational anaesthetics in their working environment. Majority of the anaesthetic providers cited poorly functioning scavenging systems (28.2%) and use of paediatric Ayre’s T-piece (28.2%) as sources of exposure to inhalational anaesthetics. All respondents admitted making attempts to reduce their exposure to inhalational anaesthetics. Majority of the respondents mentioned teratogenicity (77.5%) and hepatotoxicity (67.6%) as effects of chronic exposure to inhaled anaesthetic agents. Conclusion: Anaesthesia providers in Ghana perceived they are chronically exposed to inhalational anaesthetic agents in their work environment. They are aware of the sources of inhalational anaesthetic agent exposure, associated health risks and strategies required to reduce chronic exposure to inhaled anaesthetic agents.展开更多
Background: Hypnosis monitoring has been shown to reduce the incidence of awareness. A-line ARX-IndexTM (AAI) derived from auditory evoked potentials (AEP) represents as a numerical variable depth of anaesthesia. Obje...Background: Hypnosis monitoring has been shown to reduce the incidence of awareness. A-line ARX-IndexTM (AAI) derived from auditory evoked potentials (AEP) represents as a numerical variable depth of anaesthesia. Objectives: To study the efficacy of AEP as an indicator of anaesthetic depth and monitor intraoperative awareness in neurosurgical patients by using the AAI scale. Design: Prospective cohort study is used. Setting: The study is in Neurosurgical centre of Tertiary care hospital. Participants: Neurosurgical patients requiring general anaesthesia with duration of surgery between 90 - 150 minutes were enrolled for the study. Intervention: Patients in Group 1 (control) were monitored by conventional methods. Patients in Group 2 (study) underwent intraoperative monitoring by using the AEP monitor. Primary outcome: To study the efficacy of AEP monitoring and AAI index for monitoring the depth of anaesthesia and reducing the incidence of awareness. Results: There was no significant difference in the intraoperative haemodynamic responses measured between the two study groups (p > 0.5). There was no significant difference in the identification of intraoperative awareness by using conventional parameters between the two groups (p > 0.5). There was also a significantly faster time to recovery for patients in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Hypnosis monitoring using AEP monitor/AAI in neurosurgical patients under general anaesthesia did not show any significant difference in haemodynamic response and intraoperative awareness but had significant lower consumption of volatile anaesthetic with cost sparing effect and a faster recovery time as compared to conventional monitoring.展开更多
Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome is a rare acquired pulmonary disorder that develops secondary to infectious etiologies in early childhood. Patients who are affected have the potential of developing perioperative respirat...Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome is a rare acquired pulmonary disorder that develops secondary to infectious etiologies in early childhood. Patients who are affected have the potential of developing perioperative respiratory complications. While regional anaesthetic techniques are often performed as adjuncts to general anaesthesia, there is less data on breast operations being done solely under regional anaesthesia. We herein describe a patient with Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome who underwent breast lesion wide excision under combined paravertebral and pectoral nerves block, supplemented with propofol infusion for sedation. Choice of blocks was decided upon based on knowledge on the anatomy. Sole regional anaesthetic techniques have been the safest approach in some circumstances and should always be considered in patients who are of high risk under general anaesthesia.展开更多
Background: The main function of the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff is to ensure a tight seal between the tracheal wall and the endotracheal tube to prevent stomach contents from entering the trachea during ventilation ...Background: The main function of the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff is to ensure a tight seal between the tracheal wall and the endotracheal tube to prevent stomach contents from entering the trachea during ventilation thus preventing aspiration. Whereas excessive inflation of the cuff is associated with complications as a result of impaired blood supply to the trachea mucosa, low inflation pressure puts the patient at risk of aspiration. This study sought to find the accuracy of correctly estimating the cuff pressure and whether experience has effect on the accuracy. Methods: After approval from the Ethics Committee, we observed 199 patients who had general anaesthesia and had been intubated at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,KumasiGhana. Anaesthesia practitioners were blinded to the study. The endotracheal cuff pressure was measured using a low pressure manometer. The experience of the Anaesthetist was also noted. Results: Only 26% of the cuff pressures measured were within the acceptable range of 20-30 cm H2O. 4.5% of the pressures measured were below the acceptable minimum value of20 cm H2O hence exposing the patient to the risk of aspiration. 68% of the cuff pressures measured were above the maximum pressure of30 cm H2O. Physician anaesthetists were likely to inflate the cuff correctly. They had average inflation pressures of24 cm H2O with minimum and maximum inflation pressures of15 cm H2O and32 cm H2O respectively. Resident physician anaesthetists inflate the endotracheal pressures moderately high, an average of41.64 cm H2O. Nurse anaesthetists and student nurse anaesthetists had a tendency to overinflate the endotracheal cuff above the recommended range of 20-30 cm H2O. Their mean inflating pressures were 64.7 and 68.54 respectively. Conclusion: ETT cuff pressures measured by the low pressure aneroid manometer in patients undergoing general anaesthesia in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital are routinely high and are significantly higher when inflated by nurse anaesthetists, student nurse anaesthetists and Anaesthesia residents.展开更多
Anaphylaxis is a serious systemic reaction that is part of the general pattern of potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions requiring immediate management. We report the case of a patient presenting to emergency wi...Anaphylaxis is a serious systemic reaction that is part of the general pattern of potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions requiring immediate management. We report the case of a patient presenting to emergency with signs of malaria and pneumonia who was diagnosed with grade 4 anaphylaxis following antibiotic injection in the emergency department. The patient was 30 years old, with no previous history of anaphylaxis, and presented to the emergency department with fever, dry cough, headache and dizziness associated with prostration. Physical examination showed stable hemodynamics (BP = 110/80 mmHg, HR = 95 p/min,) and respiratory function with SpO<sub>2</sub> = 98%, HR = 22 c/min and crepitus rales at the base of the lungs. The laboratory work-up carried out in the emergency department revealed a biological inflammatory syndrome associated with hyperleukocytosis of 11,260/mm<sup>3</sup>, a positive thick drop with GE(+) dp = 1183 T/microlitre;blood glucose = 0.83 g/l;Covid 19 RDT = (negative). A diagnosis of malaria and pneumonia was made and antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone) and artesunate were indicated. During the injection of ceftriaxone 1 g, the patient became agitated, followed by cardiorespiratory arrest, confirming the diagnosis of stage 4 anaphylaxis. Treatment consisted of stopping the ceftriaxone injection, external cardiac massage and ventilation, intravenous adrenaline and vascular filling, which enabled the patient to recover and stabilize. The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is clinical. Early administration of adrenaline is the mainstay of treatment.展开更多
Introduction: Pain assessment is an essential step towards pain relief. In our context, however, it is insufficient in emergency departments. The aim was to assess the nature and effectiveness of the analgesia used in...Introduction: Pain assessment is an essential step towards pain relief. In our context, however, it is insufficient in emergency departments. The aim was to assess the nature and effectiveness of the analgesia used in the emergency department of the CHU-Donka. Method: This was a single-centre prospective observational study conducted over one month (November 2020) in the medical-surgical emergency department of CHU-Donka. All patients aged 18 or over admitted to the emergency department with moderate to severe acute pain were included. Results: We enrolled 880 patients, 615 of whom (69.88%) were in pain. Males predominated (65.2%), with a sex ratio of 1.87. The average age was 44.78 ± 16.41 years, with extremes ranging from 18 to 85 years. The most represented age group was 18 - 34 years, with 66.18%. Initial assessment of pain by nursing staff in 3 cases. Initial assessment of pain by the investigator was 100%, 74% moderate and 26% severe. No reassessment of pain by nursing staff. Reassessment by the interviewer was 100% and found 5% no pain, 61% mild pain, 24% moderate pain and 10% severe pain. With an average numerical scale of 3.77 ± 2.61 and extremes from 0 to 10. Average length of stay was 2.85 ± 1.48 hours, with extremes ranging from 45 minutes to 8 hours. Analgesia was administered with paracetamol alone (43.58%), combined with tramadol or nefopam. No patient received morphine. Conclusion: This study revealed a lack of pain assessment in our department.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong> Lower extremity surgeries performed in elderly people usually have high prevalence of peri-operative medical problems related to anaesthesia. The overall objective of peri-oper...<strong>Background:</strong> Lower extremity surgeries performed in elderly people usually have high prevalence of peri-operative medical problems related to anaesthesia. The overall objective of peri-operative care of geriatric population is to fast recovery from anaesthesia and avoid functional decline.<strong> Objective: </strong>To compare the peri-operative pulmonary status of combined spinal epidural anaesthesia (CSEA) and spinal anaesthesia (SA) in geriatric patients underwent lower extremity surgeries. Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted at Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (B中央人民政府), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2018. A total of 70 geriatric cases that underwent lower extremity surgeries were included in this study. Cases were randomly allocated into two groups;35 in Group A (CSEA) and 35 in Group B (SAB). The different outcome variables between the groups like-duration of anaesthesia, respiratory rates (RR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), end tidal CO<sub>2</sub> (EtCO<sub>2</sub>), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), breath holding test (BHT), peri-operative side effects of anaesthesia and post-operative visual analogue score (VAS) were analyzed and compared by statistical tests. <strong>Results: </strong>The mean age, weight, BMI of Group A and Group B patients were not significantly different (<em>p</em> > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in duration of surgery, gender and ASA grade between the groups (<em>p</em> > 0.05). Mean duration of anaesthesia, mean time to achieve target level of sensory block and mean time to achieve complete motor block were significantly higher in Group A (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Mean RR, SpO2, EtCO<sub>2</sub>, PEFR and BHT of both groups were not significantly different (<em>p</em> > 0.05). Peri-operative side effects of anaesthesia and post-operative VAS were significantly less in group A patients (<em>p </em>< 0.05). <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Combined spinal epidural anaesthesia is effective and safe;produces stable peri-operative pulmonary status with prolonging analgesia and fewer side effects as compared to spinal anaesthesia in geriatric patients.展开更多
This article explored the application of dexmedetomidine(Dex),a highly selective alpha-2 agonist,in managing postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)in elderly patients undergoing radical colon cancer surgery.Aging i...This article explored the application of dexmedetomidine(Dex),a highly selective alpha-2 agonist,in managing postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)in elderly patients undergoing radical colon cancer surgery.Aging is associated with a progressive decline in physiological functions and an increased risk of adverse surgical outcomes,including POCD,which encompasses many neurocognitive disorders that manifest during the perioperative period.The aging population is at a higher risk for POCD,which can lead to prolonged hospital stays,delayed recovery,and increased healthcare costs.Dex has neuroprotective,opioid-sparing,and sympatholytic properties,which reduces the incidence and severity of POCD.Dex was introduced for sedation in patients receiving mechanical ventilation but has since been adopted in anesthesia due to its multifaceted benefits.Its appli-cation extends to sedation,analgesia,maintenance of anesthesia,and controlling delirium.Its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects have been explored in managing POCD.This article discussed the broad range of patient and procedure-related risk factors for POCD.Early identification and intervention are crucial to prevent the progression of POCD,which can have severe physical,psychological,and economic consequences.The article underscored the importance of a mul-tidisciplinary approach in managing POCD,involving the optimization of comor-bidities,depth of anesthesia monitoring,hemodynamic stability,and cerebral oxygenation monitoring.展开更多
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a disease that has only recently been recognised as a definitive clinical entity. In the setting of liver cirrhosis, it is characterized by a blunted inotropic and chronotropic response t o...Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a disease that has only recently been recognised as a definitive clinical entity. In the setting of liver cirrhosis, it is characterized by a blunted inotropic and chronotropic response t o s t r e s s, i m p a i r e d d i a s t o l i c r e l a x a t i o n o f t h e myocardium and prolongation of the QT interval in the absence of other known cardiac disease. A key pathological feature is the persistent over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system in cirrhosis, which leads to down-regulation and dysfunction of theβ-adrenergic receptor. Diagnosis can be made using a combination of echocardiography(resting and stress), tissue Doppler imaging, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, 12-lead electrocardiogram and measurement of biomarkers. There are significant implications of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in a number of clinical situations in which there is an increased physiological demand, which can lead to acute cardiac decompensation and heart failure. Prior to transplantation there is an increased risk of hepatorenal syndrome, cardiac failure following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion and increased risk of arrhythmias during acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Liver transplantation presents the greatest physiological challenge with a further risk of acute cardiac decompensation. Peri-operative management should involve appropriate choice of graft and minimization of large fluctuations in preload and afterload. The avoidance of cardiac failure during this period has important prognostic implications, as there is evidence to suggest a long-term resolution of the abnormalities in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate treatment safety and hemodynamic changes during a single 6-h treatment with the PrometheusTM liver assist system in a randomized, controlled study. METHODS： Twenty-four patients were randomized to e...AIM： To evaluate treatment safety and hemodynamic changes during a single 6-h treatment with the PrometheusTM liver assist system in a randomized, controlled study. METHODS： Twenty-four patients were randomized to either the study group or to one of two control groups： Fractionated Plasma Separation Adsorption and Dialysis, PrometheusTM system （Study group; n = 8）; Molecular Adsorbent Recirculation System （MARS）TM （Control group 1, n = 8）; or hemodialysis （Control group 2; n = 8）. All patients included in the study had decompensated cirrhosis at the time of the inclusion into the study. Circulatory changes were monitored with a Swan-Ganz catheter and bilirubin and creatinine were monitored as measures of protein-bound and water-soluble toxins. RESULTS： Systemic hemodynamics did not differ between treatment and control groups apart from an increase in arterial pressure in the MARS group （P = 0.008）. No adverse effects were observed in any of the groups. Creatinine levels significantly decreased in the MARS group （P = 0.03） and hemodialysis group （P = 0.04）. Platelet count deceased in the Prometheus group （P = 0.04）.CONCLUSION： Extra-corporal liver support with Prometheus is proven to be safe in patients with endstage liver disease but does not exert the beneficial effects on arterial pressure as seen in the MARS group,展开更多
AIMTo investigate the relationship between baseline platelet count, clauss fibrinogen, maximum amplitude (MA) on thromboelastography, and blood loss in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODSA retrospective an...AIMTo investigate the relationship between baseline platelet count, clauss fibrinogen, maximum amplitude (MA) on thromboelastography, and blood loss in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODSA retrospective analysis of our OLT Database (2006-2015) was performed. Baseline haematological indices and intraoperative blood transfusion requirements, as a combination of cell salvage return and estimation of 300 mls/unit of allogenic blood, was noted as a surrogate for intraoperative bleeding. Two groups: Excessive transfusion (> 1200 mL returned) and No excessive transfusion ( RESULTSOf 322 OLT patients, 77 were excluded due to fulminant disease; redo transplant or baseline haemoglobin (Hb) of P ≤ 0.001), platelet count (P = 0.005), clauss fibrinogen (P = 0.004) and heparinase MA (P = 0.001) were all statistically significantly different. Univariate logistic regression with a cut-off of platelets 9</sup>/L as the predictor and Haemorrhage as the outcome showed an odds ratio of 1.393 (95%CI: 0.758-2.563; P = 0.286). Review of receiver operating characteristic curves showed an area under the curve (AUC) for platelet count of 0.604 (95%CI: 0.534-0.675; P = 0.005) as compared with AUC for fibrinogen level, 0.678 (95%CI: 0.612-0.744; P ≤ 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression shows United Kingdom model for End Stage Liver Disease (P = 0.006), Hb (P = 0.022) and Fibrinogen (P = 0.026) to be statistically significant, whereas Platelet count was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONPlatelet count alone does not predict excessive transfusion. Additional investigations, e.g., clauss fibrinogen and viscoelastic tests, provide more robust assessment of bleeding-risk in thrombocytopenia and cirrhosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca compartment nerve block(FICNB) has been an established technique for postoperative analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture. FICNB is technically easy, effective for postoperative pa...BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca compartment nerve block(FICNB) has been an established technique for postoperative analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture. FICNB is technically easy, effective for postoperative pain control after operation for femoral bone fracture and decreases the complications induced by systemic analgesic drugs. The severity of postoperative pain is affected by genetics, cultural and social factors across the world. In this study we assessed the efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment nerve block when it is used as part of multimodal analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture.METHODS: An institution-based case control study was conducted from September, 2013 to May, 2014. All patients who had been operated on under spinal anesthesia for femoral bone fracture were included. The patients divided into a FICNB group(n=20) and a control group(n=20). The FICNB group was given 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the operation. Postoperative pain was assessed within the f irst 24 hours, i.e. at 15 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours using 100 mm visual analogue scale(VAS), total analgesic consumption, and the time for the f irst analgesic request.RESULTS: VAS pain scores were reduced within the f irst 24 hours after operation in the FICNB group compared wtih the control group. VAS scores at 2 hours were taken as median values(IQR) 0.00(0.00) vs.18.00(30.00), P=0.001; at 6 hours 0.00(0.00) vs. 34.00(20.75), P=0.000; at 24 hours 12.50(10.00) vs. 31.50(20.75), P=0.004; and at 12 hours(17.80±12.45) vs.(29.95±12.40), P=0.004, respectively. The total analgesic consumption of diclofenac at 12 and 24 hours was reduced in the FICNB group, and the time for the fi rst analgesic request was signifi cantly prolonged(417.50 vs. 139.25 minutes, P=0.000).CONCLUSIONS: A single injection for FICNB could lead to postoperative pain relief, reduction of total analgesic consumption and prolonged time for the fi rst analgesic request in the FICNB group after surgery for femoral bone fracture. We recommend FICNB for analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture and for patients with femoral bone fracture at the emergency department.展开更多
BACKGROUND:We investigated whether the use of a specially designed visual estimation tool may improve accuracy in quantifying blood volumes related to surface spreading.METHODS:A prospective,paired-control,single-blin...BACKGROUND:We investigated whether the use of a specially designed visual estimation tool may improve accuracy in quantifying blood volumes related to surface spreading.METHODS:A prospective,paired-control,single-blinded experimental study was performed at a medical university.Anesthesiologists and emergency medical personnel estimated various blood volumes on surfaces with varying absorptivity(carpet,towel,polyvinyl chloride,wooden fl ooring)in an experimental setting.We assessed the sensitivity of training blood volume quantifi cation using a self-designed visual estimation tool by comparing the accuracy of visual blood volume estimations before and after practical training with the tool.RESULTS:A total of 352 estimations by 44 participants were evaluated.Accurate estimations improved significantly from pre-training to post-training(P<0.05).The sensitivity of blood volume quantifi cation was 33.0%after training with the visual estimation tool.Estimations did not depend on age,profession,gender or years of the estimator’s professional experience.CONCLUSIONS:Training with a visual estimation tool by professional rescuers can improve the estimation accuracy of blood volumes spread on surfaces with varying absorptivity.展开更多
Background: Propofol is the most popular induction agent for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion in current anaesthesia practice however associated hypotension has been reported as its major disadvantage. Etomidate,...Background: Propofol is the most popular induction agent for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion in current anaesthesia practice however associated hypotension has been reported as its major disadvantage. Etomidate, which produces less hypotension, can be considered as an alternative agent for LMA insertion. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the hemodynamic effects of etomidate with propofol for induction of general anaesthesia (GA) for LMA. Ease of inserting LMA was also looked at. Material and Methods: It was a prospective randomized double blinded study. All ASA I and II patients of 15 - 60 years of age undergoing general anaesthesia with LMA for elective surgeries were included. Patients were induced with intravenous (I/V) fentanyl and induction agent either etomidate or propofol according to group randomization. LMA was inserted after 30 seconds. Intra-operative heart rate (HR), sys tolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), number of attempts and duration of LMA insertion were monitored. Results: There was no difference in the heart rate between the two groups. A significant drop was found for systolic blood pressure (SBP) in propofol group while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was decreased in both the groups. In propofol group, successful insertion of LMA was achieved on the first attempt in 93.3% of patient as compared to 36.7% in etomidate group. Conclusion: Use of etomidate for induction of laryngeal mask anesthesia can prevent the hypotension following induction;however it may delay the insertion of laryngeal mask airway.展开更多
Sepsis is one of the leading worldwide causes of morbidity and mortality in critically-ill patients. Prediction of outcome in patients with sepsis requires repeated clinical interpretation of the patients' conditi...Sepsis is one of the leading worldwide causes of morbidity and mortality in critically-ill patients. Prediction of outcome in patients with sepsis requires repeated clinical interpretation of the patients' conditions, clinical assessment of tissue hypoxia and the use of severity scoring systems, because the prognostic categorization accuracy of severity scoring indices alone, is relatively poor. Generally, such categorization depends on the severity of the septic state, ranging from systemic inflammatory response to septic shock. Now, there is no gold standard for the clinical assessment of tissue hypoxia which can be achieved by both global and regional oxygen extractabilities, added to prognostic pro-inflammatory mediators. Because the technology used to identify the genetic make-up of the human being is rapidly advancing, the structure of 30 000 genes which make-up the human DNA bank is now known. This would allow easy prognostic categorization of critically-ill patients including those suffering from sepsis. The present review spots lights on the main severity scoring systems used for outcome prediction in septic patients. For morbidity prediction, it discusses the Multiple Organ Dysfunction score, the sequential organ failure assessment score, and the logistic organdysfunction score. For mortality/survival prediction, it discusses the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation scores, the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System, the Simplified acute physiology score and the Mortality Probability Models. An ideal severity scoring system for prognostic categorization of patients with systemic sepsis is far from being reached. Scoring systems should be used with repeated clinical interpretation of the patients' conditions, and the assessment of tissue hypoxia in order to attain satisfactory discriminative performance and calibration power.展开更多
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)resection is currently being undertaken in an increasing number of obese patients.Existing studies have yet to reach a consensus as to whether obesity affects post-operative outcomes f...BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)resection is currently being undertaken in an increasing number of obese patients.Existing studies have yet to reach a consensus as to whether obesity affects post-operative outcomes following CRC surgery.AIM To evaluate the post-operative outcomes of obese patients following CRC resection,as well as to determine the post-operative outcomes of obese patients in the subgroup undergoing laparoscopic surgery.METHODS Six-hundred and fifteen CRC patients who underwent surgery at the Prince Charles Hospital between January 2010 and December 2020 were categorized into two groups based on body mass index(BMI):Obese[BMI≥30,n=182(29.6%)]and non-obese[BMI<30,n=433(70.4%)].Demographics,comorbidities,surgical features,and post-operative outcomes were compared between both groups.Postoperative outcomes were also compared between both groups in the subgroup of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery[n=472:BMI≥30,n=136(28.8%);BMI<30,n=336(71.2%)].RESULTS Obese patients had a higher burden of cardiac(73.1%vs 56.8%;P<0.001)and respiratory comorbidities(37.4%vs 26.8%;P=0.01).Obese patients were also more likely to undergo conversion to an open procedure(12.8%vs 5.1%;P=0.002),but did not experience more postoperative complications(51.6%vs 44.1%;P=0.06)or high-grade complications(19.2%vs 14.1%;P=0.11).In the laparoscopic subgroup,however,obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of post-operative complications(47.8%vs 39.3%;P=0.05)but not high-grade complications(17.6%vs 11.0%;P=0.07).CONCLUSION Surgical resection of CRC in obese individuals is safe.A higher prevalence of post-operative complications in obese patients appears to only be in the context of laparoscopic surgery.展开更多
Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 （ST2） is a member of the interleukin （IL）-1 receptor family The ST2 receptor exists in two isoforms - ST2 ligand （ST2L） and soluble ST2 （sST2）.ST2L is a membrane receptor and sS...Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 （ST2） is a member of the interleukin （IL）-1 receptor family The ST2 receptor exists in two isoforms - ST2 ligand （ST2L） and soluble ST2 （sST2）.ST2L is a membrane receptor and sST2 is a trun- cated receptor which is soluble in the blood, allowing it to be detected in serum. IL-33 is a member of the IL-1 family of ligand and is the fimctional ligand of ST2L receptor. It binds to the ST2L, thereby mediating its immune function.展开更多
The photoplethysmogram(PPG) of a pulse wave,similar in appearance to the arterial blood pressure(ABP) waveform,contains rich information about the cardiovascular system.The decay time constant RC,equal to the product ...The photoplethysmogram(PPG) of a pulse wave,similar in appearance to the arterial blood pressure(ABP) waveform,contains rich information about the cardiovascular system.The decay time constant RC,equal to the product of peripheral resistance R and total arterial compliance C,is a meaningful cardiovascular model parameter in vascular assessment.Using or ameliorating the existing ABP methods does not achieve a satisfactory estimation of RC from the PPG volume pulse(VRC).Thus,a novel non-iterative shape method(NSM) of evaluating VRC is introduced in this paper.The mathematic expression between a novel,readily available morphological parameter called the area difference ratio(ADR) and VRC was established.As it was difficult to calculate VRC from the complicated expression analytically,we recommend estimating it using a piecewise linear interpolation criterion.Also,since the effect of the PPG magnitude is eliminated in the calculation of ADR,precaliberation or normalization is dispensable in the NSM.Results of human experiments indicated that the NSM was computationally efficient,and the simulation experiments confirmed that the NSM was theoretically available for ABP.展开更多
Purpose: Doppler-guided transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation (THD), with the addition of rectal mucopexy, has been gaining popularity as a minimally invasive haemorrhoidal treatment. The aim of this study was to ...Purpose: Doppler-guided transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation (THD), with the addition of rectal mucopexy, has been gaining popularity as a minimally invasive haemorrhoidal treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of THD in patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids. Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing THD by a single surgeon over a 2 year period from 1st January 2010 were included. Results: THD was performed on 58 consecutive patients, with 46 (79.3%) having had previous haemorrhoidal treatment(s). Haemorrhoid grades were: 1 (n = 6);2 (n = 12);3 (n = 32);4 (n = 8). The median number of THD ligations was 7 (range 4 to 9) and rectal mucopexies 3 (range 1 to 3). All procedures (100%) were carried out as daycase, with 1 readmission within 30 days (anal fissure). No patients required return to theatre. After median follow-up of 10.5 weeks (range 1 to 48 weeks, 2 lost to follow-up), 53 (91%) patients reported symptomatic resolution or significant improvement. Two (3.4%) patients had post-operative complications (anal fissure). Two (3.4%) patients had further haemorrhoidal surgery following THD. Conclusions: THD is a safe daycase procedure for symptomatic haemorrhoids of all grades. It is an effective treatment in the short term, but longer-term follow-up is required to assess its symptomatic benefit more formally.展开更多
BACKGROUND Tourniquets are commonly used in elective extremity orthopaedic surgery to reduce blood loss,improve visualization in the surgical field,and to potentially reduce surgical time.There is a lack of consensus ...BACKGROUND Tourniquets are commonly used in elective extremity orthopaedic surgery to reduce blood loss,improve visualization in the surgical field,and to potentially reduce surgical time.There is a lack of consensus in existing guidelines regarding the optimal tourniquet pressure,placement site,and duration of use.There is a paucity of data on the relationship between the site of a tourniquet and postoperative pain in foot and ankle surgery.AIM To explore the relationship between tourniquet site and intensity of post-operative pain scores in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery.METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 201 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery in a single institution was undertaken.Intraoperative tourniquet duration,tourniquet pressure and site,and postoperative pain scores using Visual Analogue Score were collected in immediate recovery,at six hours and at 24 h post-op.Scatter plots were used to analyse the data and to assess for the statistical correlation between tourniquet pressure,duration,site,and pain scores using Pearson correlation coefficient.RESULTS All patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery had tourniquet pressure of 250 mmHg for ankle tourniquet and 300 mmHg for thigh.There was no correlation between the site of the tourniquet and pain scores in recovery,at six hours and after 24 h.There was a weak correlation between tourniquet time and Visual Analogue Score immediately post-op(r=0.14,P=0.04)but not at six or 24 h post-operatively.CONCLUSION This study shows that there was no statistically significant correlation between tourniquet pressure,site and postop pain in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.The choice of using a tourniquet is based on the surgeon's preference,with the goal of minimizing the duration of its application at the operative site.展开更多
文摘Background: Chronic exposure to inhaled anaesthetic agents poses an occupational hazard related to the practice of anaesthesia. Therefore, this study sought to find out the perception of anaesthesia providers on exposure to inhalational anaesthetics, evaluate their knowledge on the effects of chronic exposure and strategies to reduce chronic exposure to operating room inhalational anaesthetic agents. Method: This cross-sectional survey was conducted by administering a self-administered questionnaire to 71 anaesthesia providers in Ghana who attended the annual refresher course of the faculty of Anaesthesia, West African College of Surgeons, in 2016. Data collected were analysed and presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Halothane and isoflurane were the most frequently used inhalational agents by the respondents. Majority (90.1%) of the respondents perceived they are exposed to inhalational anaesthetics in their working environment. Majority of the anaesthetic providers cited poorly functioning scavenging systems (28.2%) and use of paediatric Ayre’s T-piece (28.2%) as sources of exposure to inhalational anaesthetics. All respondents admitted making attempts to reduce their exposure to inhalational anaesthetics. Majority of the respondents mentioned teratogenicity (77.5%) and hepatotoxicity (67.6%) as effects of chronic exposure to inhaled anaesthetic agents. Conclusion: Anaesthesia providers in Ghana perceived they are chronically exposed to inhalational anaesthetic agents in their work environment. They are aware of the sources of inhalational anaesthetic agent exposure, associated health risks and strategies required to reduce chronic exposure to inhaled anaesthetic agents.
文摘Background: Hypnosis monitoring has been shown to reduce the incidence of awareness. A-line ARX-IndexTM (AAI) derived from auditory evoked potentials (AEP) represents as a numerical variable depth of anaesthesia. Objectives: To study the efficacy of AEP as an indicator of anaesthetic depth and monitor intraoperative awareness in neurosurgical patients by using the AAI scale. Design: Prospective cohort study is used. Setting: The study is in Neurosurgical centre of Tertiary care hospital. Participants: Neurosurgical patients requiring general anaesthesia with duration of surgery between 90 - 150 minutes were enrolled for the study. Intervention: Patients in Group 1 (control) were monitored by conventional methods. Patients in Group 2 (study) underwent intraoperative monitoring by using the AEP monitor. Primary outcome: To study the efficacy of AEP monitoring and AAI index for monitoring the depth of anaesthesia and reducing the incidence of awareness. Results: There was no significant difference in the intraoperative haemodynamic responses measured between the two study groups (p > 0.5). There was no significant difference in the identification of intraoperative awareness by using conventional parameters between the two groups (p > 0.5). There was also a significantly faster time to recovery for patients in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Hypnosis monitoring using AEP monitor/AAI in neurosurgical patients under general anaesthesia did not show any significant difference in haemodynamic response and intraoperative awareness but had significant lower consumption of volatile anaesthetic with cost sparing effect and a faster recovery time as compared to conventional monitoring.
文摘Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome is a rare acquired pulmonary disorder that develops secondary to infectious etiologies in early childhood. Patients who are affected have the potential of developing perioperative respiratory complications. While regional anaesthetic techniques are often performed as adjuncts to general anaesthesia, there is less data on breast operations being done solely under regional anaesthesia. We herein describe a patient with Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome who underwent breast lesion wide excision under combined paravertebral and pectoral nerves block, supplemented with propofol infusion for sedation. Choice of blocks was decided upon based on knowledge on the anatomy. Sole regional anaesthetic techniques have been the safest approach in some circumstances and should always be considered in patients who are of high risk under general anaesthesia.
文摘Background: The main function of the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff is to ensure a tight seal between the tracheal wall and the endotracheal tube to prevent stomach contents from entering the trachea during ventilation thus preventing aspiration. Whereas excessive inflation of the cuff is associated with complications as a result of impaired blood supply to the trachea mucosa, low inflation pressure puts the patient at risk of aspiration. This study sought to find the accuracy of correctly estimating the cuff pressure and whether experience has effect on the accuracy. Methods: After approval from the Ethics Committee, we observed 199 patients who had general anaesthesia and had been intubated at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,KumasiGhana. Anaesthesia practitioners were blinded to the study. The endotracheal cuff pressure was measured using a low pressure manometer. The experience of the Anaesthetist was also noted. Results: Only 26% of the cuff pressures measured were within the acceptable range of 20-30 cm H2O. 4.5% of the pressures measured were below the acceptable minimum value of20 cm H2O hence exposing the patient to the risk of aspiration. 68% of the cuff pressures measured were above the maximum pressure of30 cm H2O. Physician anaesthetists were likely to inflate the cuff correctly. They had average inflation pressures of24 cm H2O with minimum and maximum inflation pressures of15 cm H2O and32 cm H2O respectively. Resident physician anaesthetists inflate the endotracheal pressures moderately high, an average of41.64 cm H2O. Nurse anaesthetists and student nurse anaesthetists had a tendency to overinflate the endotracheal cuff above the recommended range of 20-30 cm H2O. Their mean inflating pressures were 64.7 and 68.54 respectively. Conclusion: ETT cuff pressures measured by the low pressure aneroid manometer in patients undergoing general anaesthesia in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital are routinely high and are significantly higher when inflated by nurse anaesthetists, student nurse anaesthetists and Anaesthesia residents.
文摘Anaphylaxis is a serious systemic reaction that is part of the general pattern of potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions requiring immediate management. We report the case of a patient presenting to emergency with signs of malaria and pneumonia who was diagnosed with grade 4 anaphylaxis following antibiotic injection in the emergency department. The patient was 30 years old, with no previous history of anaphylaxis, and presented to the emergency department with fever, dry cough, headache and dizziness associated with prostration. Physical examination showed stable hemodynamics (BP = 110/80 mmHg, HR = 95 p/min,) and respiratory function with SpO<sub>2</sub> = 98%, HR = 22 c/min and crepitus rales at the base of the lungs. The laboratory work-up carried out in the emergency department revealed a biological inflammatory syndrome associated with hyperleukocytosis of 11,260/mm<sup>3</sup>, a positive thick drop with GE(+) dp = 1183 T/microlitre;blood glucose = 0.83 g/l;Covid 19 RDT = (negative). A diagnosis of malaria and pneumonia was made and antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone) and artesunate were indicated. During the injection of ceftriaxone 1 g, the patient became agitated, followed by cardiorespiratory arrest, confirming the diagnosis of stage 4 anaphylaxis. Treatment consisted of stopping the ceftriaxone injection, external cardiac massage and ventilation, intravenous adrenaline and vascular filling, which enabled the patient to recover and stabilize. The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is clinical. Early administration of adrenaline is the mainstay of treatment.
文摘Introduction: Pain assessment is an essential step towards pain relief. In our context, however, it is insufficient in emergency departments. The aim was to assess the nature and effectiveness of the analgesia used in the emergency department of the CHU-Donka. Method: This was a single-centre prospective observational study conducted over one month (November 2020) in the medical-surgical emergency department of CHU-Donka. All patients aged 18 or over admitted to the emergency department with moderate to severe acute pain were included. Results: We enrolled 880 patients, 615 of whom (69.88%) were in pain. Males predominated (65.2%), with a sex ratio of 1.87. The average age was 44.78 ± 16.41 years, with extremes ranging from 18 to 85 years. The most represented age group was 18 - 34 years, with 66.18%. Initial assessment of pain by nursing staff in 3 cases. Initial assessment of pain by the investigator was 100%, 74% moderate and 26% severe. No reassessment of pain by nursing staff. Reassessment by the interviewer was 100% and found 5% no pain, 61% mild pain, 24% moderate pain and 10% severe pain. With an average numerical scale of 3.77 ± 2.61 and extremes from 0 to 10. Average length of stay was 2.85 ± 1.48 hours, with extremes ranging from 45 minutes to 8 hours. Analgesia was administered with paracetamol alone (43.58%), combined with tramadol or nefopam. No patient received morphine. Conclusion: This study revealed a lack of pain assessment in our department.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> Lower extremity surgeries performed in elderly people usually have high prevalence of peri-operative medical problems related to anaesthesia. The overall objective of peri-operative care of geriatric population is to fast recovery from anaesthesia and avoid functional decline.<strong> Objective: </strong>To compare the peri-operative pulmonary status of combined spinal epidural anaesthesia (CSEA) and spinal anaesthesia (SA) in geriatric patients underwent lower extremity surgeries. Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted at Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (B中央人民政府), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2018. A total of 70 geriatric cases that underwent lower extremity surgeries were included in this study. Cases were randomly allocated into two groups;35 in Group A (CSEA) and 35 in Group B (SAB). The different outcome variables between the groups like-duration of anaesthesia, respiratory rates (RR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), end tidal CO<sub>2</sub> (EtCO<sub>2</sub>), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), breath holding test (BHT), peri-operative side effects of anaesthesia and post-operative visual analogue score (VAS) were analyzed and compared by statistical tests. <strong>Results: </strong>The mean age, weight, BMI of Group A and Group B patients were not significantly different (<em>p</em> > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in duration of surgery, gender and ASA grade between the groups (<em>p</em> > 0.05). Mean duration of anaesthesia, mean time to achieve target level of sensory block and mean time to achieve complete motor block were significantly higher in Group A (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Mean RR, SpO2, EtCO<sub>2</sub>, PEFR and BHT of both groups were not significantly different (<em>p</em> > 0.05). Peri-operative side effects of anaesthesia and post-operative VAS were significantly less in group A patients (<em>p </em>< 0.05). <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Combined spinal epidural anaesthesia is effective and safe;produces stable peri-operative pulmonary status with prolonging analgesia and fewer side effects as compared to spinal anaesthesia in geriatric patients.
文摘This article explored the application of dexmedetomidine(Dex),a highly selective alpha-2 agonist,in managing postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)in elderly patients undergoing radical colon cancer surgery.Aging is associated with a progressive decline in physiological functions and an increased risk of adverse surgical outcomes,including POCD,which encompasses many neurocognitive disorders that manifest during the perioperative period.The aging population is at a higher risk for POCD,which can lead to prolonged hospital stays,delayed recovery,and increased healthcare costs.Dex has neuroprotective,opioid-sparing,and sympatholytic properties,which reduces the incidence and severity of POCD.Dex was introduced for sedation in patients receiving mechanical ventilation but has since been adopted in anesthesia due to its multifaceted benefits.Its appli-cation extends to sedation,analgesia,maintenance of anesthesia,and controlling delirium.Its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects have been explored in managing POCD.This article discussed the broad range of patient and procedure-related risk factors for POCD.Early identification and intervention are crucial to prevent the progression of POCD,which can have severe physical,psychological,and economic consequences.The article underscored the importance of a mul-tidisciplinary approach in managing POCD,involving the optimization of comor-bidities,depth of anesthesia monitoring,hemodynamic stability,and cerebral oxygenation monitoring.
文摘Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a disease that has only recently been recognised as a definitive clinical entity. In the setting of liver cirrhosis, it is characterized by a blunted inotropic and chronotropic response t o s t r e s s, i m p a i r e d d i a s t o l i c r e l a x a t i o n o f t h e myocardium and prolongation of the QT interval in the absence of other known cardiac disease. A key pathological feature is the persistent over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system in cirrhosis, which leads to down-regulation and dysfunction of theβ-adrenergic receptor. Diagnosis can be made using a combination of echocardiography(resting and stress), tissue Doppler imaging, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, 12-lead electrocardiogram and measurement of biomarkers. There are significant implications of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in a number of clinical situations in which there is an increased physiological demand, which can lead to acute cardiac decompensation and heart failure. Prior to transplantation there is an increased risk of hepatorenal syndrome, cardiac failure following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion and increased risk of arrhythmias during acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Liver transplantation presents the greatest physiological challenge with a further risk of acute cardiac decompensation. Peri-operative management should involve appropriate choice of graft and minimization of large fluctuations in preload and afterload. The avoidance of cardiac failure during this period has important prognostic implications, as there is evidence to suggest a long-term resolution of the abnormalities in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
基金The NOVO Nordic Foundation, Savvrksejer Jeppe & Ovita Mindelegat, Fabricant Vilhelm Pedersen & Wifes Mindelegat, A.P. Moller Scientific Foundation, the Danish Medical Association Research Fund and the Laerdal Foundation for Acute Medicine, and by an unrestricted grant from the Fresenius Medical Care GmBH
文摘AIM： To evaluate treatment safety and hemodynamic changes during a single 6-h treatment with the PrometheusTM liver assist system in a randomized, controlled study. METHODS： Twenty-four patients were randomized to either the study group or to one of two control groups： Fractionated Plasma Separation Adsorption and Dialysis, PrometheusTM system （Study group; n = 8）; Molecular Adsorbent Recirculation System （MARS）TM （Control group 1, n = 8）; or hemodialysis （Control group 2; n = 8）. All patients included in the study had decompensated cirrhosis at the time of the inclusion into the study. Circulatory changes were monitored with a Swan-Ganz catheter and bilirubin and creatinine were monitored as measures of protein-bound and water-soluble toxins. RESULTS： Systemic hemodynamics did not differ between treatment and control groups apart from an increase in arterial pressure in the MARS group （P = 0.008）. No adverse effects were observed in any of the groups. Creatinine levels significantly decreased in the MARS group （P = 0.03） and hemodialysis group （P = 0.04）. Platelet count deceased in the Prometheus group （P = 0.04）.CONCLUSION： Extra-corporal liver support with Prometheus is proven to be safe in patients with endstage liver disease but does not exert the beneficial effects on arterial pressure as seen in the MARS group,
文摘AIMTo investigate the relationship between baseline platelet count, clauss fibrinogen, maximum amplitude (MA) on thromboelastography, and blood loss in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODSA retrospective analysis of our OLT Database (2006-2015) was performed. Baseline haematological indices and intraoperative blood transfusion requirements, as a combination of cell salvage return and estimation of 300 mls/unit of allogenic blood, was noted as a surrogate for intraoperative bleeding. Two groups: Excessive transfusion (> 1200 mL returned) and No excessive transfusion ( RESULTSOf 322 OLT patients, 77 were excluded due to fulminant disease; redo transplant or baseline haemoglobin (Hb) of P ≤ 0.001), platelet count (P = 0.005), clauss fibrinogen (P = 0.004) and heparinase MA (P = 0.001) were all statistically significantly different. Univariate logistic regression with a cut-off of platelets 9</sup>/L as the predictor and Haemorrhage as the outcome showed an odds ratio of 1.393 (95%CI: 0.758-2.563; P = 0.286). Review of receiver operating characteristic curves showed an area under the curve (AUC) for platelet count of 0.604 (95%CI: 0.534-0.675; P = 0.005) as compared with AUC for fibrinogen level, 0.678 (95%CI: 0.612-0.744; P ≤ 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression shows United Kingdom model for End Stage Liver Disease (P = 0.006), Hb (P = 0.022) and Fibrinogen (P = 0.026) to be statistically significant, whereas Platelet count was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONPlatelet count alone does not predict excessive transfusion. Additional investigations, e.g., clauss fibrinogen and viscoelastic tests, provide more robust assessment of bleeding-risk in thrombocytopenia and cirrhosis.
文摘BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca compartment nerve block(FICNB) has been an established technique for postoperative analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture. FICNB is technically easy, effective for postoperative pain control after operation for femoral bone fracture and decreases the complications induced by systemic analgesic drugs. The severity of postoperative pain is affected by genetics, cultural and social factors across the world. In this study we assessed the efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment nerve block when it is used as part of multimodal analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture.METHODS: An institution-based case control study was conducted from September, 2013 to May, 2014. All patients who had been operated on under spinal anesthesia for femoral bone fracture were included. The patients divided into a FICNB group(n=20) and a control group(n=20). The FICNB group was given 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the operation. Postoperative pain was assessed within the f irst 24 hours, i.e. at 15 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours using 100 mm visual analogue scale(VAS), total analgesic consumption, and the time for the f irst analgesic request.RESULTS: VAS pain scores were reduced within the f irst 24 hours after operation in the FICNB group compared wtih the control group. VAS scores at 2 hours were taken as median values(IQR) 0.00(0.00) vs.18.00(30.00), P=0.001; at 6 hours 0.00(0.00) vs. 34.00(20.75), P=0.000; at 24 hours 12.50(10.00) vs. 31.50(20.75), P=0.004; and at 12 hours(17.80±12.45) vs.(29.95±12.40), P=0.004, respectively. The total analgesic consumption of diclofenac at 12 and 24 hours was reduced in the FICNB group, and the time for the fi rst analgesic request was signifi cantly prolonged(417.50 vs. 139.25 minutes, P=0.000).CONCLUSIONS: A single injection for FICNB could lead to postoperative pain relief, reduction of total analgesic consumption and prolonged time for the fi rst analgesic request in the FICNB group after surgery for femoral bone fracture. We recommend FICNB for analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture and for patients with femoral bone fracture at the emergency department.
文摘BACKGROUND:We investigated whether the use of a specially designed visual estimation tool may improve accuracy in quantifying blood volumes related to surface spreading.METHODS:A prospective,paired-control,single-blinded experimental study was performed at a medical university.Anesthesiologists and emergency medical personnel estimated various blood volumes on surfaces with varying absorptivity(carpet,towel,polyvinyl chloride,wooden fl ooring)in an experimental setting.We assessed the sensitivity of training blood volume quantifi cation using a self-designed visual estimation tool by comparing the accuracy of visual blood volume estimations before and after practical training with the tool.RESULTS:A total of 352 estimations by 44 participants were evaluated.Accurate estimations improved significantly from pre-training to post-training(P<0.05).The sensitivity of blood volume quantifi cation was 33.0%after training with the visual estimation tool.Estimations did not depend on age,profession,gender or years of the estimator’s professional experience.CONCLUSIONS:Training with a visual estimation tool by professional rescuers can improve the estimation accuracy of blood volumes spread on surfaces with varying absorptivity.
文摘Background: Propofol is the most popular induction agent for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion in current anaesthesia practice however associated hypotension has been reported as its major disadvantage. Etomidate, which produces less hypotension, can be considered as an alternative agent for LMA insertion. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the hemodynamic effects of etomidate with propofol for induction of general anaesthesia (GA) for LMA. Ease of inserting LMA was also looked at. Material and Methods: It was a prospective randomized double blinded study. All ASA I and II patients of 15 - 60 years of age undergoing general anaesthesia with LMA for elective surgeries were included. Patients were induced with intravenous (I/V) fentanyl and induction agent either etomidate or propofol according to group randomization. LMA was inserted after 30 seconds. Intra-operative heart rate (HR), sys tolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), number of attempts and duration of LMA insertion were monitored. Results: There was no difference in the heart rate between the two groups. A significant drop was found for systolic blood pressure (SBP) in propofol group while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was decreased in both the groups. In propofol group, successful insertion of LMA was achieved on the first attempt in 93.3% of patient as compared to 36.7% in etomidate group. Conclusion: Use of etomidate for induction of laryngeal mask anesthesia can prevent the hypotension following induction;however it may delay the insertion of laryngeal mask airway.
文摘Sepsis is one of the leading worldwide causes of morbidity and mortality in critically-ill patients. Prediction of outcome in patients with sepsis requires repeated clinical interpretation of the patients' conditions, clinical assessment of tissue hypoxia and the use of severity scoring systems, because the prognostic categorization accuracy of severity scoring indices alone, is relatively poor. Generally, such categorization depends on the severity of the septic state, ranging from systemic inflammatory response to septic shock. Now, there is no gold standard for the clinical assessment of tissue hypoxia which can be achieved by both global and regional oxygen extractabilities, added to prognostic pro-inflammatory mediators. Because the technology used to identify the genetic make-up of the human being is rapidly advancing, the structure of 30 000 genes which make-up the human DNA bank is now known. This would allow easy prognostic categorization of critically-ill patients including those suffering from sepsis. The present review spots lights on the main severity scoring systems used for outcome prediction in septic patients. For morbidity prediction, it discusses the Multiple Organ Dysfunction score, the sequential organ failure assessment score, and the logistic organdysfunction score. For mortality/survival prediction, it discusses the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation scores, the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System, the Simplified acute physiology score and the Mortality Probability Models. An ideal severity scoring system for prognostic categorization of patients with systemic sepsis is far from being reached. Scoring systems should be used with repeated clinical interpretation of the patients' conditions, and the assessment of tissue hypoxia in order to attain satisfactory discriminative performance and calibration power.
文摘BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)resection is currently being undertaken in an increasing number of obese patients.Existing studies have yet to reach a consensus as to whether obesity affects post-operative outcomes following CRC surgery.AIM To evaluate the post-operative outcomes of obese patients following CRC resection,as well as to determine the post-operative outcomes of obese patients in the subgroup undergoing laparoscopic surgery.METHODS Six-hundred and fifteen CRC patients who underwent surgery at the Prince Charles Hospital between January 2010 and December 2020 were categorized into two groups based on body mass index(BMI):Obese[BMI≥30,n=182(29.6%)]and non-obese[BMI<30,n=433(70.4%)].Demographics,comorbidities,surgical features,and post-operative outcomes were compared between both groups.Postoperative outcomes were also compared between both groups in the subgroup of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery[n=472:BMI≥30,n=136(28.8%);BMI<30,n=336(71.2%)].RESULTS Obese patients had a higher burden of cardiac(73.1%vs 56.8%;P<0.001)and respiratory comorbidities(37.4%vs 26.8%;P=0.01).Obese patients were also more likely to undergo conversion to an open procedure(12.8%vs 5.1%;P=0.002),but did not experience more postoperative complications(51.6%vs 44.1%;P=0.06)or high-grade complications(19.2%vs 14.1%;P=0.11).In the laparoscopic subgroup,however,obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of post-operative complications(47.8%vs 39.3%;P=0.05)but not high-grade complications(17.6%vs 11.0%;P=0.07).CONCLUSION Surgical resection of CRC in obese individuals is safe.A higher prevalence of post-operative complications in obese patients appears to only be in the context of laparoscopic surgery.
文摘Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 （ST2） is a member of the interleukin （IL）-1 receptor family The ST2 receptor exists in two isoforms - ST2 ligand （ST2L） and soluble ST2 （sST2）.ST2L is a membrane receptor and sST2 is a trun- cated receptor which is soluble in the blood, allowing it to be detected in serum. IL-33 is a member of the IL-1 family of ligand and is the fimctional ligand of ST2L receptor. It binds to the ST2L, thereby mediating its immune function.
基金Project (No.81070885) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘The photoplethysmogram(PPG) of a pulse wave,similar in appearance to the arterial blood pressure(ABP) waveform,contains rich information about the cardiovascular system.The decay time constant RC,equal to the product of peripheral resistance R and total arterial compliance C,is a meaningful cardiovascular model parameter in vascular assessment.Using or ameliorating the existing ABP methods does not achieve a satisfactory estimation of RC from the PPG volume pulse(VRC).Thus,a novel non-iterative shape method(NSM) of evaluating VRC is introduced in this paper.The mathematic expression between a novel,readily available morphological parameter called the area difference ratio(ADR) and VRC was established.As it was difficult to calculate VRC from the complicated expression analytically,we recommend estimating it using a piecewise linear interpolation criterion.Also,since the effect of the PPG magnitude is eliminated in the calculation of ADR,precaliberation or normalization is dispensable in the NSM.Results of human experiments indicated that the NSM was computationally efficient,and the simulation experiments confirmed that the NSM was theoretically available for ABP.
文摘Purpose: Doppler-guided transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation (THD), with the addition of rectal mucopexy, has been gaining popularity as a minimally invasive haemorrhoidal treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of THD in patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids. Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing THD by a single surgeon over a 2 year period from 1st January 2010 were included. Results: THD was performed on 58 consecutive patients, with 46 (79.3%) having had previous haemorrhoidal treatment(s). Haemorrhoid grades were: 1 (n = 6);2 (n = 12);3 (n = 32);4 (n = 8). The median number of THD ligations was 7 (range 4 to 9) and rectal mucopexies 3 (range 1 to 3). All procedures (100%) were carried out as daycase, with 1 readmission within 30 days (anal fissure). No patients required return to theatre. After median follow-up of 10.5 weeks (range 1 to 48 weeks, 2 lost to follow-up), 53 (91%) patients reported symptomatic resolution or significant improvement. Two (3.4%) patients had post-operative complications (anal fissure). Two (3.4%) patients had further haemorrhoidal surgery following THD. Conclusions: THD is a safe daycase procedure for symptomatic haemorrhoids of all grades. It is an effective treatment in the short term, but longer-term follow-up is required to assess its symptomatic benefit more formally.
文摘BACKGROUND Tourniquets are commonly used in elective extremity orthopaedic surgery to reduce blood loss,improve visualization in the surgical field,and to potentially reduce surgical time.There is a lack of consensus in existing guidelines regarding the optimal tourniquet pressure,placement site,and duration of use.There is a paucity of data on the relationship between the site of a tourniquet and postoperative pain in foot and ankle surgery.AIM To explore the relationship between tourniquet site and intensity of post-operative pain scores in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery.METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 201 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery in a single institution was undertaken.Intraoperative tourniquet duration,tourniquet pressure and site,and postoperative pain scores using Visual Analogue Score were collected in immediate recovery,at six hours and at 24 h post-op.Scatter plots were used to analyse the data and to assess for the statistical correlation between tourniquet pressure,duration,site,and pain scores using Pearson correlation coefficient.RESULTS All patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery had tourniquet pressure of 250 mmHg for ankle tourniquet and 300 mmHg for thigh.There was no correlation between the site of the tourniquet and pain scores in recovery,at six hours and after 24 h.There was a weak correlation between tourniquet time and Visual Analogue Score immediately post-op(r=0.14,P=0.04)but not at six or 24 h post-operatively.CONCLUSION This study shows that there was no statistically significant correlation between tourniquet pressure,site and postop pain in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.The choice of using a tourniquet is based on the surgeon's preference,with the goal of minimizing the duration of its application at the operative site.
