Quality of recovery in elderly patients with postoperative delirium Daniela Cristelo, Monica Nunes Ferreira, Joao Sarmento e Castro, Ana Rita Teles, Marta Campos, Fernando Abelha Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):285-289 Background: Our study aimed to evaluate quality of recovery in elderly patients with postoperative delirium (POD). Subjects and Methods: An observational prospective study was conducted. Patients aged >60 submitted to elective surgery and admitted to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) in a tertiary hospital from May to July 2017 were included. POD was evaluated with the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC). Quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) was used before (T0) and 24 h (T24) after surgery to assess quality of recovery. Data collection include patient's characteristics, respiratory events at the PACU, and other perioperative variables. The Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for comparisons. Results: Of a total of 235 patients, 12.3% developed POD at PACU. POD was more frequently in patients older than 80 years (P = 0.017), patients with neurological disease (P = 0.026), dementia (P = 0.026), peripheral vascular disease (P = 0.016), and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.037). At T0, there were no differences at median total QoR-15, whereas at T24, patients POD scored lower in 10 items (including “severe pain” with P = 0.001 and “nausea or vomiting” with P = 0.009) of QoR-15 and in total median lower scores (P = 0.001). POD patients stayed longer at PACU (P = 0.017) and they stayed longer at hospital (P = 0.002). Conclusions: POD patients were older and had more comorbidities. POD patients had lower QoR scores at T24 suggesting an adverse impact of delirium in postoperative quality of recovery. POD patients stayed for long in the PACU and at hospital.

Comparative study of fiber-optic guided tracheal intubation through intubating laryngeal mask airway LMA Fastrach™ and i-gel in adult paralyzed patients Suvidha Sood, Anupriya Saxena, Anil Thakur, Shikha Chahar Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):290-294 Background: The i-gel is a novel and innovative supraglottic airway management device used both as an airway rescue device and as a conduit for fiberoptic intubation. In this prospective randomized study, we compared fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubation through the i-gel and LMA Fastrach™ in adult paralyzed patients. Materials and Methods: After ethical committee approval and written informed consent, 60 patients of either sex were randomly allocated to either group of supraglottic airway device (SGAD). After successful insertion of the SGAD, the fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB)-guided tracheal intubation was done through the respective SGAD. The primary objectives were the ease and time taken for fiberoptic-guided intubation in either group. Secondary variables included time taken for successful placement of SGAD, ease of insertion of SGAD, airway seal pressure, ease and time of removal of SGAD, variation in hemodynamic parameters, and complications if any. Results: Time taken for tracheal intubation in LMA Fastrach™ group was 69.53 ± 5.09 s and for the i-gel group it was 72.33 ± 6.73 s. It was seen that it was easy to insert the endotracheal tube (ETT) in 93.3% patients in the LMA Fastrach™ group and 96.7% patients in the i-gel group. Airway seal pressure was higher for the LMA Fastrach™ group. Both the SGADs were comparable in the number of attempts of insertion, ease of insertion, and insertion time. In addition, the hemodynamic variables noted did not show any increase after insertion of SGAD. There was no difficulty encountered in removal of either SGAD. Conclusion: I-gel may be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to LMA Fastrach™ for fibreoptic-guided tracheal intubation.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided versus conventional palpatory method of dorsalis pedis artery cannulation: A randomized controlled trial Rahul Kumar Anand, Souvik Maitra, Bikas Ranjan Ray, Dalim Kumar Baidhya, Puneet Khanna, Sumit Roy Chowdhury, Rajeshwari Subramaniam Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):295-298 Background: Whether use of ultrasound (USG) to cannulate dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) increases first pass successful cannulation, decreases the number of attempts and complications as compared to palpation technique was assessed in this study. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Operating room. Patients: About 60 adult patients undergoing any head–neck or faciomaxillary surgery requiring arterial cannulation were enrolled. Intervention: DPA was cannulated either by USG-guided technique (USG group) or by palpation technique (palpation group) with 30 patients in each group. Measurement: Data were assessed for “ first-attempt success” of cannulation, number of attempts, assessment time, cannulation time, cannulation failure, and incidence of complications. Main Results: Successful first pass DPA cannulation was similar between the groups (ultrasound group vs. palpation group, 76.7% vs. 60%, respectively) [relative risk (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.69 (0.43, 1.13), P = 0.267)] as was the number of attempts required for successful cannulation [median (interquartile range (IQR) number of attempts 1 (1–2) in palpation group P and USG group U 1 (1–1); P = 0.376]. Median (IQR) assessment time was significantly less (P < 0.0004) in palpation group [palpation group 12 (9–17) vs. USG group U 19 (15–21)]. However, cannulation time was significantly higher (P = 0.0093) in Group P [median (IQR) 17.5 (12–36 s) and 11.5 (9–15)]. Although the total procedure time (sum of both assessment time and cannulation time) remain statistically similar between two groups (P = 0.8882). Conclusions: Use of USG for the cannulation of DPA is feasible, but it is not associated with significant increase in first-attempt success rate, decrease in total number of cannulation attempts or total procedure time.

Effect of magnesium and lignocaine on post-craniotomy pain: A comparative, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study Charu Mahajan, Rajeeb Kumar Mishra, Bhagya Ranjan Jena, Indu Kapoor, Hemanshu Prabhakar, Girija Prasad Rath, Arvind Chaturvedi Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):299-305 Background: Lignocaine and Magnesium have an analgesic action and reduce perioperative opioid requirements. We carried out this study to evaluate the effect of magnesium and lignocaine on postoperative pain as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and fentanyl consumption. We also measured S-100 B levels and noted the side effect of drugs if any. Materials and Methods: In this prospective preliminary study, 45 patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy for tumor surgery were randomized to receive either lignocaine (group I-1.5 mg/kg bolus followed by 2 mg/kg/h infusion), saline (Group II) or magnesium (group III: bolus of 50 mg/kg followed by 25 mg/kg/hr) intraoperatively. The amount of fentanyl required, VAS over first 24 hours and any side effects were noted. S100 B levels were also measured to assess brain protective effect of these drugs, if any. Appropriate statistical tests were applied for analysis of data and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: None of the patient experienced any adverse hemodynamic effect intraoperatively secondary to the study drugs. The amount of intraoperative fentanyl consumption was comparable among the three groups. The mean VAS score was significantly less in group I and III [Group I (15.3 ± 6.0), Group II (24.8 ± 6.7), Group III (17.9 ± 7.6); (P < 0.01)]. The fentanyl consumed in first 24 hours was significantly less in those patients who received lignocaine and magnesium [Group I (204.4 ± 136.4), Group II (383 ± 168.2), Group III (194 ± 148.9); (P = 0.01)]. S100 value did not differ in the lignocaine and the saline group during the perioperative period. However, a significant decline was noted in the levels of S100 B in the magnesium group. Conclusion: Intraoperative infusion of lignocaine and magnesium results in lower VAS score and decreases the postoperative opioid requirement in patients undergoing craniotomy for excision of supratentorial tumors.

Analgesia nociception index and hemodynamic changes during skull pin application for supratentorial craniotomies in patients receiving scalp block versus pin-site infiltration: A randomized controlled trial Kaushic A Theerth, Kamath Sriganesh, Dhritiman Chakrabarti, K R Madhusudan Reddy, G S Umamaheswara Rao Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):306-311 Background: Noxious stimulation such as skull pin insertion for craniotomy elicits a significant hemodynamic response. Both regional analgesic techniques (pin-site infiltration [PSI] and scalp block [SB]), and systemic strategies (opioids, alpha-2 agonists, anesthetics, and beta-blockers) have shown to attenuate this response. Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) provides objective information about the magnitude of nociception and adequacy of analgesia. This study compared ANI and hemodynamic changes in patients receiving local anesthetic SB versus PSI during skull pin application for craniotomy. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult patients scheduled for elective supratentorial tumor surgery were randomly allocated to receive local anesthetic SB or PSI for skull pin insertion after the induction of anesthesia. Data regarding heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and ANI were collected every minute for 5 min after the skull pin insertion beginning from the baseline. Results: A significant difference was observed in ANI values between the SB (higher ANI) and the PSI groups during skull pin insertion, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003 for ANIi and ANIm, respectively. Similarly, a significant difference was seen in HR and BP both within and between the two groups during skull pin insertion (P < 0.001 for both). The magnitude and duration of change were smaller in the SB group compared with the PSI group for the parameters studied. A strong negative linear correlation was noted between ANI and hemodynamic parameters. Conclusions: The changes in HR, BP, and ANI were significantly less with local anesthetic SB compared with PSI during skull pin insertion in patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy.

Role of IVC collapsibility index to predict post spinal hypotension in pregnant women undergoing caesarean section. An observational trial Yudhyavir Singh, Rahul K Anand, Stuti Gupta, Sumit Roy Chowdhury, Souvik Maitra, Dalim K Baidya, Akhil K Singh Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):312-317 Background: Postspinal anesthesia hypotension (PSH) in pregnant women is common and may lead to poor maternal and fetal outcome. Fluid loading in pregnant women before spinal anesthesia to prevent hypotension is of limited ability. We hypothesized that those women who are hypovolemic before spinal anesthesia may be at risk of PSH and inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) will be able to identify hypovolemic parturients. Methods: In this prospective observational study, n = 45 women undergoing elective lower segment cesarean section with singleton pregnancy were recruited and IVCCI in left lateral tilt (with wedge) and supine position (without wedge) were noted by M-mode ultrasound (USG) before spinal anesthesia. After spinal anesthesia, changes in blood pressure were noted till 15 min after spinal anesthesia. Results: USG measurements were obtained in 40 patients and 23 of 40 patients (57.5%) had at least one episode of hypotension. Area under the ROC curve of IVCCI with wedge to predict PSH was 0.46 (95% CI 0.27, 0.64) and best cut-of value was 25.64 with a sensitivity and specificity of 60.9% and 35.5%, respectively. Area under the ROC curve of IVCCI without wedge to predict PSH was 0.38 (95% CI 0.19, 0.56) and best cut-of value was 20.4 with a sensitivity and specificity of 69.6% and 23.5%, respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that IVCCI is not a predictor of PSH in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section.

Comparative evaluation of forced air warming and infusion of amino acid–enriched solution on intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgeries: A prospective randomised study Nishkarsh Gupta, Sachidanand Jee Bharti, Vinod Kumar, Rakesh Garg, Seema Mishra, Sushma Bhatnagar Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):318-324 Background: Inadvertent core hypothermia is a common occurrence during general anaesthesia. Forced air warming (FAW) is the most effective perianaesthetic warming system, but it may lead to thermal discomfort. Amino acids (AAs) have been used to prevent hypothermia, but no study has compared the effect of AA infusion with FAW systems. We have conducted this study to compare the effects of external heating (FAW system) and internal heat generation (AA infusion) in preventing hypothermia during anaesthesia. Methods: After institutional review board approval, 80 American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade I/II adult patients admitted for head and neck cancer surgeries lasting more than 2 h under general anaesthesia were included. The patients were randomly divided into two groups using computer-generated codes to receive AA infusion at 3 mL/kg/h, Group AA (N = 40), or normal saline at 3 mL/kg/h with FAW, Group FA (N = 40) till the end of surgery. Standard anaesthetic technique and monitoring was used in all the patients. Results: The baseline mean temperature in both the groups was comparable. The core temperature was similar in the two groups at 30 min (35.6 ± 0.54 vs 35.5 ± 0.54), 60 min (35.5 ± 0.63 vs 35.3 ± 0.60), 90 min (35.5 ± 0.79 vs 35.2 ± 0.66), 120 min (35.6 ± 0.93 vs 35.2 ± 0.78), 150 min (35.7 ± 0.88 vs 35.3 ± 0.89) and 180 min (35.8 ± 1.01 vs 35.3 ± 0.95) in Groups FA and AA, respectively (P > 0.05). However, the core temperature was significantly higher in Group FA at 210 min (35.8 ± 1.0 vs 35.3 ± 0.85; P = 0.01), 240 min (35.9 ± 1.0 vs 35.4 ± 0.90; (P = 0.001), 270 min (35.9 ± 1.12 vs 35.6 ± 0.97; P = 0.002) and 300 min (36.0 ± 1.12 vs 35.6 ± 1.02; P = 0.002), respectively. Clinically relevant hypothermia (at least one measurement <35.5°C) was comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: The AA infusion can be used as an alternative to FAW in preventing intraoperative hypothermia under general anaesthesia especially in places where FAW system is unavailable.

Comparison of efficacy of ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve block versus thoracic paravertebral block using levobupivacaine and dexamethasone for postoperative analgesia after modified radical mastectomy: A randomized controlled trial Ashwini Siddeshwara, Geeta Singariya, Manoj Kamal, Kamlesh Kumari, Satyanarayan Seervi, Rakesh Kumar Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):325-331 Background and Aims: Pectoral nerve (PecS II) block is the latest modality for providing postoperative analgesia after breast surgery. The present study was planned to compare the analgesic efficacy of thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and PecS II for postoperative analgesia after modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Methods: A total of 40 female patients undergoing radical mastectomy were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 20). Group T received ultrasound-guided TPVB, while group P received PecS II block using 0.25% levobupivacaine 24 ml + dexamethasone 1 ml (4 mg) before induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome was duration of analgesia (time to request first analgesic dose), while total rescue analgesic consumption in first 24 h, numeric rating score (NRS), and complication were secondary outcomes. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 22.0. Results: The duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in the group P than group T (474.1 ± 84.93 versus 371.5 ± 51.53 min, respectively; P < 0.0001). Postoperative morphine consumed at 24 h was less in the group P than group T (11.25 ± 4.75 and 15.0 ± 4.86 mg, respectively; P = 0.018). NRS at movement and rest were lower in the group P as compared to group T at all time intervals (median 3 versus 4). No block-related complication was recorded in any group. Conclusions: The 0.25% levobupivacaine with dexamethasone 4 mg in PecS II block provided longer duration of analgesia than the TPVB in patients undergoing MRM without any adverse effects.

A comprehensive analysis of patient satisfaction with anesthesia Elena Sinbukhova, Andrey Lubnin Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):332-337 Background: Patient satisfaction with anesthesia after surgical treatment is a complex concept that includes not only the level of satisfaction with the anesthesia itself but also the presence of fears, worries, depression, evaluation of the anesthesiologists' work, as well as cognitive dysfunction as a possible negative consequence of anesthesia. Objective: Conducting a comprehensive analysis of patients' satisfaction with anesthesia. Methods: Questionnaire of patients' satisfaction with anesthesia (Sinbukhova E.V., Lubnin A.Yu.), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in the adaptation by Y.L. Hanin, Assessment of Depression, The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Frontal Assessment Battery. Population consisted of 202 patients. Results: Satisfaction with anesthesia: assessment “good and higher” with primary anesthesia – 59.7% of patients with repeated – 70% of patients. The most common factors that reduce the assessment of patients' satisfaction with anesthesia are: strong excitement before surgery about operation and anesthesia, no postoperative visit of the anesthesiologist, no visit of the anesthesiologist before the operation, not enough attention of anesthesiologist in the surgery room before anesthesia, nausea, vomiting, pain, dizziness, general discomfort, and thirst. MoCA cognitive assessment before and after anesthesia: P < 2.2 e–16 (significant decrease). Depression: major depression in 52% of patients, subclinical depression in 22.8%. Conclusion: Regular survey of patients' satisfaction should help to improve the quality of medical care. The strong excitement of the patient about the upcoming anesthesia and surgery, and the presence of a high level of anxiety and depression can be factors of reducing the patients' satisfaction with anesthesia. It requires psychological support of patients at the stage of surgical treatment.

Airway management of palatoglossal bands – A challenge to an anaesthesiologist Vandana Pandey, Vaishali Waindeskar, Rishi Katiyar, Sanjay Agrawal Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):338-339 Palatoglossal bands are one of the very rare congenital anomaly with very few documented cases worldwide. They can present with respiratory distress which requires immediate surgical intervention, or with feeding difficulties. The management of such a patient is a challenge to any anaesthesiologist because of inability to perform conventional laryngoscopy and associated cardiac or digital anomalies. We discuss here the management of such an infant who presented at 18 months with feeding difficulties.