Anterior mediastinal tumour identified by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography

Influence of different intraoperative fluid management on postoperative outcome after abdominal tumours resection

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative fluid management is a crucial aspect of cancer surgery, including colorectal surgery and pancreatoduodenectomy. The study tests if intraoperative multimodal monitoring reduces postoperative morbidity and duration of hospitalisation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery treated by the same anaesthetic protocols with epidural analgesia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted in 2 parallel groups. High-risk surgical patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomly selected in the control group (CG), where standard monitoring was applied (44 patients), and the protocol group (PG), where cerebral oxygenation and extended hemodynamic monitoring were used with the protocol for intraoperative interventions (44 patients).

RESULTS

There were no differences in the median length of hospital stay, CG 9 days (interquartile range [IQR] 8 days), PG 9 (5.5), p = 0.851. There was no difference in postoperative renal of cardiac impairment. Procalcitonin was significantly higher (highest postoperative value in the first 3 days) in CG, 0.75 mcg/L (IQR 3.19 mcg/L), than in PG, 0.3 mcg/L (0.88 mcg/L), p = 0.001. PG patients received a larger volume of intraoperative fluid; median intraoperative fluid balance +1300 ml (IQR 1063 ml) than CG; +375 ml (IQR 438 ml), p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

There were significant differences in intraoperative fluid management and vasopressor use. The median postoperative value of procalcitonin was significantly higher in CG, suggesting differences in immune response to tissue trauma in different intraoperative fluid status, but there was no difference in postoperative morbidity or hospital stay.

A case of unexpected intraoperative airway obstruction in a patient with an aneurysm of the ascending aorta and aortic arch

Upper airway compression is one of the clinical manifestations of thoracic aortic aneurysm, which is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. A 44-year-old patient with ascending aortic and arch aneurysm who was scheduled for Bentall surgery and total arch replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass suffered difficult ventilation after endotracheal intubation. The patient did not exhibit any positional dyspnoea or orthopnoea, did not show any difficulties in the supine position, and had no noteworthy medical history. However, we encountered unexpected hypoventilation after intubation. Isoprenaline infusion was effective while emergency cardiopulmonary bypass was established to deal with this crisis. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed complete obstruction of the carina and confirmed the supracarinal position of the tube. Complete airway obstruction may occur even if there are no symptoms before surgery in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm. Comprehensive preoperative assessment, a well-developed airway management plan, and responses to possible emergencies are essential to reduce unnecessary events or complications.

Cognitive Aids for the Management of Thoracic Anesthesia Emergencies: Consensus Guidelines on Behalf of a Canadian Thoracic Taskforce

A cognitive aid is a tool used to help people accurately and efficiently perform actions. Similarly themed cognitive aids may be collated into a manual to provide relevant information for a specific context (eg, operating room emergencies). Expert content and design are paramount to facilitate the utility of a cognitive aid, especially during a crisis when accessible memory may be limited and distractions may impair task completion. A cognitive aid does not represent a rigid approach to problem-solving or a replacement for decision-making. Successful cognitive aid implementation requires dedicated training, access, and culture integration. Here the authors present a set of evidence-based cognitive aids for thoracic anesthesia emergencies developed by a Canadian thoracic taskforce.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the anesthetic management of a patient with a massive intrathoracic goiter causing severe tracheal obstruction with positional symptoms: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Perioperative anesthetic management in cases of severe airway obstruction with positional symptoms can be associated with difficulties in ventilation or intubation, with a risk of acute respiratory decompensation at every stage of anesthesia.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here we describe the anesthetic management of a 67-year-old man with a massive intrathoracic goiter causing severe tracheal obstruction with positional symptoms. The patient presented with progressive dyspnea that was aggravated in the supine position and was scheduled for total thyroidectomy.

DIAGNOSIS

Preoperative computed tomography showed a large goiter extending into the thoracic cavity, with diffuse segmental tracheal narrowing for 6 cm. The diameter at the narrowest portion of the trachea was 4.29 mm.

INTERVENTIONS

Before the induction of general anesthesia, we applied extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in preparation for potential difficulties in securing the airway during general anesthesia. Subsequently, anesthesia was successfully induced and maintained.

OUTCOMES

After the surgical procedure, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and chest radiography showed resolution of the tracheal narrowing. ECMO was weaned 2 hours after the surgery, and the patient was extubated on the first postoperative day. He was discharged without any complication.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this case suggest that the use of ECMO before the induction of general anesthesia is a safe method for maintaining oxygenation in patients with severe tracheal obstruction.

Pediatric Anterior Mediastinal Mass

One of the more challenging cases facing a pediatric anesthesiologist is the management of patients presenting with an anterior mediastinal mass (AMM). Patients with an AMM may have severe cardiopulmonary compromise that can be exacerbated when undergoing general anesthesia. Several case reports have documented cardiopulmonary collapse during induction or maintenance of general anesthesia and even for procedures done without anesthesia. Despite increased understanding and management of these patients, perioperative complications, defined as anything from transient decreases in blood pressure correcting with fluids or mild airway obstruction requiring no intervention, to complete cardiopulmonary collapse, are still estimated to occur during 9% to 20% of anesthetic procedures. The purpose of this review article is to provide foundational knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of a patient with an AMM, with particular emphasis on the pediatric patient. It will assist in recognizing presenting signs and symptoms and discuss the appropriate preoperative testing, which together can help assess perioperative risk and determine the appropriate anesthetic management plan for the patient’s safety and comfort.

Anesthesia for massive retrosternal goiter with severe intrathoracic tracheal narrowing: the challenges imposed -A case report-

Anesthetic management of patients with mediastinal masses remains challenging as acute cardiorespiratory decompensation may follow induction of anesthesia. We describe a 57 year old lady with massive retrosternal goiter and severe intrathoracic tracheal compression who had a total thyroidectomy. Comprehensive contingency plans were an essential prerequisite for successful management of difficult airway, including multidisciplinary involvement of otorhinolaryngologic and cardiothoracic surgeons preparing for rigid bronchoscopy and cardiopulmonary bypass. Awake oral fiberoptic intubation was performed under dexmedetomidine sedation. Severe tracheal narrowing necessitated usage of a 5.0 mm uncuffed flexometallic endotracheal tube. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine infusion with target controlled infusion of remifentanil as analgesia. No muscle relaxant was given. Surgical manipulation led to intermittent total tracheal compression and inadequate ventilation. The tumor was successfully removed via the cervical approach. A close working relationship between anesthesiologists and surgeons was the key to the safe use of anesthesia and uneventful recovery of this patient.

Anesthetic evaluation and perioperative management in a patient with new onset mediastinal mass syndrome presenting for emergency surgery

Mediastinal mass syndrome (MMS) is a complex case that poses many challenges to the anesthesiologist. The cornerstone of management focuses on the potential hemodynamic changes associated with this syndrome. We describe the anesthetic management of a patient with a previously undiagnosed mediastinal mass presenting for emergency neurosurgical surgery.

Patient repositioning and the amelioration of airway obstruction by an anterior mediastinal tumor during general anesthesia -A case report-

An 18-year-old male with huge anterior mediastinum mass was scheduled for thoracotomic incisional biopsy under general anesthesia after failed fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous needle biopsy. Under propofol and succinylcholine anesthesia, intubation was successfully achieved using a Univent tube. However, when we changed the patient's position from supine to right lateral decubitus, oxygen saturation declined. He was then positioned supine, but hypoxemia did not improve. Because the tumor expanded toward the left thoracic field, we considered that the left lateral decubitus position might help relieve the mass effect on the main bronchus. His position was changed accordingly and soon after, hypoxemia improved and surgery was undertaken under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The biopsy was successfully performed under CPB without complication.