Thoracic combined spinal epidural anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A feasibility study

Thoracic combined spinal epidural anaesthesia for exploratory laparoscopy and laparotomy (sigmoidectomy, colostomy): The first case in Palestine for the ASA5 patient

Thoracic combined spinal epidural anaesthesia offers the ideal perioperative anaesthesia and analgesia. A 78-year-old female presented to our hospital with a hypertensive emergency, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and pulmonary effusion. Then the patient had abdominal pain, constipation and vomiting. When examined, there was significant abdominal distention. During a colonoscopy, there was a fungating mass lesion 20 cm from the anal verge. A biopsy was taken and showed intramucosal adenoma within tubulovillous adenoma with high-grade dysplasia. The patient underwent exploratory laparoscopy and laparotomy (sigmoidectomy, colostomy) under thoracic combined spinal epidural anaesthesia at T9-T10 interspinous space. The patient was classified as ASA5 according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status. The guidelines recommend utilizing regional anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia for compromised elderly patients. In our case, we report the first case in Palestine of an ASA5 patient who successfully underwent abdominal surgery under thoracic combined spinal epidural anaesthesia.

Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair Under Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently used elective surgical operations in the world. General anesthesia (GA) has risks and routine postoperative complications, such as nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, and postoperative pain. Regional anesthesia (RA) has many advantages over GA, such as faster recovery, less postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting, and less hemodynamic compromise. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSEA) in preventing shoulder pain in patients undergoing totally extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy (TEP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The files of patients who had undergone the TEP method under GA and CSEA due to inguinal hernia between April 2020 and November 2021 at the Bakirköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were included in the study. The number of patients operated on GA (group 1) was 40, and the number of patients operated under CSEA (group 2) was 41. There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics of the patients. The surgical time was 42.9 and 42.5 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.970). The mean operative time was recorded as 60.1 and 80.2 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and it was statistically significantly shorter in group 1 (P<0.001). A peritoneal tear was seen in 18 patients (43.90%) in the GA group and 16 patients (40%) in the CSEA group, but no significant difference was found between the groups (P=0.823). Mild shoulder pain that did not require intervention was observed in 1 patient (2.5%) in the CSEA group. In group 2, the VAS scores at all times and the need for postoperative analgesia were statistically significantly lower (P<0.001). In terms of anesthesia complications, headache was not observed in group 1, while it was seen in 6 (15%) patients in group 2 (P=0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

In laparoscopic TEP surgeries, CSEA may be an alternative anesthesia method to GA anesthesia due to the low VAS score, less need for analgesia, and fewer postoperative pulmonary complications.

Thoracic spinal anaesthesia - An effective alternative to general anaesthesia in breast surgeries: A randomised, non-blinded study

Background and Aims

General anaesthesia (GA) is the preferred modality for breast surgeries; however, neuraxial anaesthesia can be performed in cases where GA poses a significant risk. We hypothesise that neuraxial blockade is a safe and effective alternative to GA in short-duration breast surgeries.

Methods

This randomised study included 30 patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, who were scheduled for elective breast surgeries of a duration of less than 90 min. Group I received thoracic spinal anaesthesia, while in Group II, standardised GA was administered. The primary outcome was the time to the first rescue analgesic, and the secondary outcomes were time to recovery, patient satisfaction and the cost incurred.

Results

The demographic characteristics of both groups were comparable (P > 0.05). The time to first rescue analgesic in Group I was more than in Group II (P = 0.001). Patient satisfaction score was superior in Group I compared to Group II (P = 0.002). The average cost was lower in Group I compared to Group II (P = 0.002). Recovery was quicker in Group I than in Group II (P = 0.001). There were no significant haemodynamic disturbances or major complications in either group.

Conclusion

Thoracic spinal anaesthesia is an excellent alternative to GA in terms of analgesic efficacy, patient satisfaction, recovery and cost-effectiveness for short-duration breast surgeries.

The Effect of Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia on Shoulder Pain in Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Hernia Surgery

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain is a condition that seriously discomforts patients and develops caused by a peritoneal tear in laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) surgeries. Although surgeons generally prefer general anesthesia for the TEP technique, many studies have been carried out on the use of regional anesthesia in recent years. In our study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the combined spinal/epidural anesthesia (CSEA) method to prevent shoulder pain in the TEP technique.

METHODS

The patients who operated with the TEP procedure were divided into 2 groups; SA (group 1) and CSEA (group 2). The 2 patient groups were compared in terms of sex, age, body mass index, duration of surgery, total operation time, patient satisfaction, pain scores, length of hospital stay, adverse effects, intraoperative, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The number of patients in group 1 was 42 and group 2 was 40. The mean operation time was recorded as 55.9 and 80.2 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively, which was statistically significantly shorter in group 1 ( P <0.001). Postoperative pain was significantly less in group 2 for the 4th hour ( P <0.0001) and the 12th hour ( P =0.047). There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of peritoneal tear ( P =0.860). Intraoperative and postoperative shoulder pain was significantly less in group 2 ( P =0.038, P =0015, respectively).

CONCLUSION

CSEA is an effective and safe anesthesia method for preventing shoulder pain that develops after TEP surgeries.

Defining the role of thoracic spinal anaesthesia in the 21st century: a narrative review

Since the performance of the first thoracic spinal anaesthetic in early 1908 many anaesthetists have gained interest in this unorthodox neuraxial anaesthetic technique. The main rationale justifying its use is to prevent complications related to general anaesthesia in high-risk patient populations. There is, however, significant debate regarding this practice around the world. The main concerns are fear of iatrogenic injury to the spinal cord, cephalad spread of local anaesthetic causing a complete spinal block, and haemodynamic instability owing to blockade of cardioaccelerator sympathetic fibres. The purpose of this narrative review is to appraise the literature critically regarding thoracic spinal anaesthesia, to synthesise the available information, and to provide a summary of evidence justifying its use in modern anaesthesia.

Comparison of General Anesthesia and Combined Spinal and Epidural Anesthesia for Gasless Laparoscopic Surgery in Gynecology

Background and Objectives

Laparoscopic surgeries in gynecologic field have been performed under general anesthesia (GA) due to the respiratory changes caused by pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position. Therefore, this study aimed to compared general anesthesia and combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSEA) for gasless laparoscopic surgery in gynecologic field.

Methods

We matched patients with type of surgery who underwent gasless single port access (SPA) laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia and CSEA. The medical records of 90 patients between March 1, 2018 and June 30, 2020 were reviewed. Gasless laparoscopic surgery was performed in all patients with a SPA using a J-shaped retractor.

Results

No significant differences were observed for age, body mass index, parity, and previous abdominal surgery between GA and CSEA groups. During operation under CSEA, six patients (20%) experienced nausea/vomiting. Hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) was observed in five patients (16.7%). Intravenous analgesics was administrated in four of the patients (13.3%) who suffered from shoulder pain or abdominal discomfort. One patient developed bradycardia. The duration of hospital admission was shorter in the CSEA group than in the GA group (p = 0.014). There was no difference between the groups in terms of surgery type, surgical specific finding, operation time, estimated blood loss, laparotomy conversion rate and use of additional trocar. No major complications such as urologic, bowel, or vessel injuries were found in both groups.

Conclusions

CSEA is a safe and feasible technique for application in nonobese patients undergoing gasless laparoscopic surgery in gynecologic field.

Open kidney cancer surgery and perioperative cardiac arrhythmias

Introduction

Although cardiac arrhythmias during anesthesia are often observed, the literature focuses mainly on cardio-thoracic surgery. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of arrhythmias appearing in the perioperative period in patients undergoing urological surgery and furthermore to define whether combining general with epidural anesthesia prevents them.

Material and methods

The study included 50 adults, without a prior cardiac or arrhythmia history, undergoing an open kidney cancer surgery, who were randomly allocated to receive either general or combined epidural/general anesthesia. A Holter monitor was applied the evening before the surgery, tracing continuously for a period of 24 hours (7PM–7PM). ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02988219

Results

There was no statistical difference in the arrhythmia occurrence between the randomization groups. Among 65.21% the following arrhythmias were observed: 27 – bradycardia, 4 – sinus pause, 6 – ventricular extrasystoles (>1000/24 hours), 3 – supraventricular extrasystoles (>200/24 hours). The patients with arrhythmia were older and often with hypertension (p <0.01). A longer surgery duration predisposed to arrhythmia appearance (122.5 vs. 99 minutes), (p <0.01). The temperature measured at the beginning and at the end of the surgery was significantly lower among the participants with arrhythmia (p = 0.02, p = 0.01). The gender, body mass index (BMI), laboratory tests and the intake of intravenous fluids did not influence the occurrence of arrhythmia.

Conclusions

Perioperative cardiac arrhythmias (usually sinus arrhythmias) are common during an open kidney surgery and occur regardless of the anesthetic technique and usually do not require any treatment. Age, hypertension, long operation time or low body temperature predispose the patient to perioperative cardiac arrhythmias during surgery.

Comparison of the effects of spinal epidural and general anesthesia on coagulation and fibrinolysis in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial: VSJ Competition, 2nd place

Introduction

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is usually performed under general anesthesia. Recently, laparoscopic cholecystectomy under regional anesthesia has become popular, but this creates a serious risk of thromboembolism because of pneumoperitoneum, anesthesia technique, operative positioning, and patient-specific risk factors.

Aim

This randomized controlled trial compares the effects of two different anesthesia techniques in laparoscopic cholecystectomy on coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Material and methods

This randomized prospective study included 60 low-risk patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who underwent elective LC without thrombo-emboli prophylaxis. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the anesthesia technique: the general anesthesia (group 1, n = 30) and spinal epidural anesthesia (group 2, n = 30) groups. Measurement of the prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and blood levels of D-dimer (DD) and fibrinogen (F) were recorded preoperatively (pre), at the first hour (post 1) and 24 h (post 24) after the surgery. These results were compared both between and within the groups.

Results

The mean age was 51.5 ±16.7 years (range: 19–79 years). Pneumoperitoneum time was similar between group 1 (33.8 ±7.8) and group 2 (34.8 ±10.4). The TT levels significantly declined postoperatively in both groups. The levels of PT, aPTT, INR, D-dimer and fibrinogen dramatically increased postoperatively in both groups.

Conclusions

While there was not any DVT, there was a significant decline in TT. There was a dramatic rise in the PT, INR, D-dimer, fibrin degradation products (FDP), and fibrinogen following LC. This may be attributed to the effects of pneumoperitoneum and anesthesia techniques on portal vein flow.

Effect of Pneumoperitoneum and Lateral Position on Oropharyngeal Seal Pressures of Proseal LMA in Laparoscopic Urological Procedures

INTRODUCTION

A sustained and effective oropharyngeal sealing with supraglottic airway is required to maintain the ventilation during laparoscopic surgery. Previous studies have observed the Oropharyngeal Seal Pressure (OSP) for Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMA) after pneumoperitoneum in supine and trendelenburg position, where PLMA was found to be an effective airway device. This study was conducted with ProSeal LMA, for laparoscopic Urologic procedures done in lateral position.

AIM

To measure OSP in supine and lateral position and to observe the effect of pneumoperitoneum in lateral position on OSP. Secondary objectives were to assess adequacy of ventilation and incidence of adverse events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total number of 25 patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II and I were enrolled. After induction of anaesthesia using a standardized protocol, PLMA was inserted. Ryle's tube was inserted through drain tube. The position of PLMA was confirmed with ease of insertion of Ryle's tube and fibreoptic grading of vocal cords. Patients were then put in lateral position. The OSP was measured in supine position. This value was baseline comparison for OSP in lateral position and that after pneumoperitoneum. We assessed the efficacy of PLMA for ventilation, after carboperitoneum in lateral position (peak airway pressure, End Tidal Carbon dioxide (EtCO2), SPO2). Incidence of adverse effects (displacement of device, gastric insufflation, regurgitation, coughing, sore throat, blood on device, trauma) was also noted.

RESULTS

The OSP was above Peak Airway Pressure (PAP) in supine (22.1±5.4 and 15.4±4.49cm of H2O) and lateral position (22.6±5.3 and 16.1±4.6). After pneumoperitoneum, which was in lateral position, there was statistically significant (p-value <0.05) increase in both PAP (19.96±4.015) and OSP (24.32±4.98, p-value 0.03). There was no intraoperative displacement of PLMA. There was no event of suboptimal oxygenation. EtCO2 was always within normal limits. Gastric insufflation was present in one patient. One patient had coughing and blood was detected on device. Three patients had throat discomfort post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

In this study, Oropharyngeal seal pressures with PLMA were found to increase after pneumoperitoneum in lateral position. PLMA forms an effective seal around airway and is an efficient and safe alternative for airway management in urological laparoscopic surgeries done in lateral position.