Propofol Decreases Waste Anesthetic Gas Exposure During Pediatric Bronchoscopy

Does exposure to inhalation anesthesia gases change the ratio of X-bearing sperms and Y-bearing Sperms? A worth exploring project into an uncharted domain

According to recent surveys performed in United States and India, anesthesia care providers were observed to have sired female offspring in a higher proportion than male offspring as their firstborn progeny; however, the reasons for the skew are not clear. Our hypothesis is that the underlying biological evidence may be elucidated by unraveling differences (if any) between the concentrations of X-bearing sperms and Y-bearing sperms in the semen samples obtained from males exposed to varied levels of anesthetics in their lifetimes. Therefore, the objectives of the envisaged study would be to conduct a three-stage investigative study on in-vitro human semen samples to determine (a) X-bearing sperms and Y-bearing sperms concentrations' ratio in male pediatric anesthesia care providers' semen samples, (b) changes in X-bearing sperms and Y-bearing sperms concentrations' ratios between the pre-rotation and post-rotation semen samples of male medical student volunteers/observers, and (c) changes in X-bearing sperms and Y-bearing sperms concentrations' ratios between the pre-operative and post-operative day-3 semen samples of male patients presenting for outpatient procedures under inhalational anesthesia. The expected outcomes would be (a) linear and positive correlation of the anesthetic gas usage (exposure) with increased X-bearing sperms/Y-bearing sperms ratio in post-anesthesia day 3 sample as compared to the baseline preoperative sample, (b) linear and positive correlation of the anesthetic gas usage (exposure) with increased X-bearing sperms/Y-bearing sperms ratio in post-rotation sample as compared to the baseline sample, and (c) observation of high X-bearing sperms/Y-bearing sperms ratio in the pediatric anesthesia care providers. In summary, effects (if any) of occupational or personal exposure to inhalational anesthetic gases on the X-bearing sperms and Y-bearing sperms ratio is a worthy project wherein lots of questions that have arisen over decades could find the path to their definitive answers, based on envisaged laboratory investigations into this uncharted domain.

Tubeless anaesthesia with sevoflurane and propofol in adult laryngeal surgery

The presence of endotracheal intubation tube or jet ventilation cannula can compromise free view and access to operation area in certain endolaryngeal operations. The objective of this prospective study was to test whether adequate level of anaesthesia could be obtained in adults using tubeless sevoflurane inhalation anaesthesia with spontaneous breathing. In 23 ASA 1-2 patients, 31 treatments were included in the study of which 19 were laser-assisted papilloma or other tumour resections and 12 were fascia injection laryngoplasties. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained by insufflating sevoflurane mixture to the patient's oropharynx. The adequacy of the anaesthesia level was assessed by monitoring bispectral index, haemodynamic parameters and peripheral oxygen saturation during the anaesthesia. The ENT surgeon estimated operating conditions, whilst the two participating anaesthesiologists assessed the quality of anaesthesia using a 100 mm VAS scale. Sevoflurane contamination in the operating theatre was measured during five treatments. Mean bispectral index was below 40 throughout the operation. Haemodynamic parameters showed only minor changes during the anaesthesia. Both attending anaesthesiologists and operating ENT surgeon were satisfied with the quality of the anaesthesia and operating conditions (VAS 83 ± 15, mean ± SD, range 42-100, and VAS 93 ± 10, range 55-100, respectively). Sevoflurane room air contamination was high in most measured cases. The modification of tubeless inhalation anaesthesia used in this study produced adequate level of anaesthesia with stable haemodynamics and good operating conditions. Sevoflurane contamination can be reduced with more efficient scavenging systems.

What you don't know can hurt you: health hazards in the work environment

Perianesthesia nurses are aware of health hazards in the work environment including radiation, chemotherapeutic drugs, and blood-borne pathogens. Results of a 2005 survey reveal that there may be more hazards to consider. Substances used by nurses and patients every day such as hand disinfecting agents, personal care products, and housekeeping chemicals may also pose a threat to the health of patients, nurses, and the nurses' children. Perianesthesia nurses are exposed to these commonly occurring hazards and to other materials including second-hand anesthetic gases, latex, and sterilizing agents. A survey of more than 1,500 nurses from across the country conducted by a coalition of environmental and nursing organizations revealed exposures that can have serious health effects. These survey results illuminate health implications all nurses need to know to take the necessary steps to protect patients, themselves, and their children.