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Background Compared to an equivalent sized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) double-lumen tube (DLT), a silicone DLT has a shorter endobronchial segment. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of clinically significant displacement of left-sided PVC and silicone DLTs after a positional change to a lateral position from a supine position and determine its effect on the need for DLT repositioning for successful lung separation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Methods One hundred eight adult patients requiring one-lung ventilation were randomly divided into group P (PVC DLT, n = 54) and group S (Silicone DLT, n = 54). The position of the DLT was observed before and after lateral positioning to assess the effect of the position change. The incidence of clinically significant displacement (> 10 mm) of DLT was compared between the groups. Results DLTs were clinically significantly displaced in group P (17/48, 35.4%) and group S (18/52, 34.6%) after lateral positioning (P = 0.933). A proximal displacement (31.3% [group P] and 25.0% [group S]) was more common than distal displacement (4.2% [group P] and 9.6% [group S]), with no significant intergroup difference (P = 0.494). After lateral positioning, critical malposition of DLT with bronchial herniation to the right main bronchus was 8.3% (group P) and 7.9% (group S, P = 0.906). Conclusions Left-sided PVC and silicone DLTs produced comparable incidences of clinically significant displacement and, consequently, required similar rates of repositioning for successful lung separation after lateral positioning.

Vascularized composite allotransplantation for the forearm is a complex surgical procedure, requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. It is important to provide optimal blood flow to the grafts, effective immunosuppression, and early rehabilitation for graft survival and good functional outcomes. As ischemia-reperfusion injury and substantial but unquantifiable blood loss are inevitable in this type of surgery, anesthetic management should focus on providing adequate hemodynamic management with proper monitoring, and anesthetic and analgesic strategies to prevent vasoconstriction in the graft. In this paper, we describe the anesthetic management of the first forearm transplantation performed in Korea.

Severe hypercapnia can be predicted by a decrease in cerebral electrical activity. The authors describe a sudden decrease in spectral entropy due to severe hypercapnia-induced respiratory acidosis in a patient with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease during lung resection. After two and a half hours of low tidal volume ventilation in the lateral position, the state entropy suddenly dropped from 45 to 7, without any changes in the effect-site concentration of propofol, end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO2) tension, oxygen saturation, or arterial pressure. However, arterial blood gas analysis showed severe respiratory acidosis (pH 7.01, PaCO2 115 mmHg and PaO2 246 mmHg with FIO2 of 0.5). Immediate hyperventilation improved the state entropy and acid-base balance. Electroencephalography-based spectral entropy can detect severe hypercapnia in chronic pulmonary obstructive disease patients with a large arterial to end-tidal CO2 difference due to prolonged hypoventilation during thoracic surgery.

Background We evaluated the effect of two drugs with anti-inflammatory action, dexamethasone and ketorolac, on reduction of postoperative sore throat (POST) after general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Methods One hundred and ninety-two female patients scheduled to undergo general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation for thyroidectomy were enrolled in this prospective study. Participants were randomly allocated to receive intravenous medication; placebo (Group C, n = 45), ketorolac 30 mg immediately before intubation (Group Kpre, n = 47), ketorolac 30 mg at the end of surgery (Group Kpost, n = 45) and dexamethasone 10 mg (Group D, n = 43). The incidence and severity of POST and hoarseness were evaluated at 1, 6 and 24 hours after surgery. Results Incidences and severities of POST at rest and during swallowing in first 6 hours after extubation were comparable among 4 groups. At 24 hours postextubation, the incidence (P = 0.002, 95% CI of proportion differences; 0.05-0.39) and severity (P = 0.008) of POST during swallowing were significantly lower in group D than in group C. Kpre and Kpost groups did not show a greater reduction in POST than group C, despite lower rescue analgesic requirement at 1 hour after extubation in group Kpre (P = 0.006; 95% CI of proportion differences; 0.07-0.38). No intergroup differences were observed in incidences of hoarseness or adverse events. Conclusions Intravenous administration of dexamethasone 10 mg, but not ketorolac, before induction of anesthesia reduces the incidence and severity of POST during swallowing at 24 hours after thyroidectomy.

Background: We performed a prospective, double blind study to compare the clinical effect of vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block produced by 0.75% vs 0.5% ropivacaine for upper limb surgery. Methods: We included 80 patients receiving upper limb surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus block. The infraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed via the vertical technique with 30 ml of 0.75% or 0.5% ropivacaine. By observation, we de- termined nerve type was stimulated and scored the level of sensory block and motor block. The quality of blocks was assessed intra-operatively. The duration of sensory block and motor block and their complications were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences in the frequency of stimulated nerve type, evolution of sensory and motor block quality, or success of block. There were no significant differences in the duration of sensory block and motor block. Vascular puncture was noted in 1 patient in the 0.75% ropivacaine. Conclusions: Both the 0.75% and 0.5% ropivacaine had similar effects in the vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2009; 57: 572∼8)

Rationale Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is an X-linked recessive disorder presenting with uric acid overproduction, neurocognitive disability, and behavioral disturbances. Inhalational anesthesia has been frequently used in LNS patients undergoing surgery. Characteristic compulsive self-injurious behavior and high risk of emesis may hinder inhalational induction. Propofol may be beneficial for these patients because of its easy and rapid titration for anesthetic depth during induction, early recovery from anesthesia, and antiemetic effect as well as uricosuric effect. Patient concerns A 16-year-old male adolescent was scheduled for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. He exhibited poorly controlled muscle, self-injurious behaviors and intellectual disability. Diagnosis The patient presented with neurodevelopmental delay in the first year of life, and was diagnosed with LNS, with a substitution of phenylalanine to leucine in hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) 1 gene on the X-chromosome at 3 years of age. Interventions Total intravenous anesthesia was used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil using target-controlled infusion. Outcomes Time to recovery of consciousness was prolonged after uneventful surgery. Serum uric acid levels gradually increased during postoperative period. Lessons Propofol anesthesia using target-controlled infusion does not provide significant clinical advantages in rapid emergence from anesthesia and management of hyperuricemia in LNS patients undergoing urological surgery.

The anxiolytic efficacy of video watching, in the absence of parents, during the mask induction of anesthesia in young children with high separation anxiety has not been clearly established. We performed this study to determine whether the effect of video distraction on alleviating preoperative anxiety is independent of parental presence and whether a combination of both interventions is more effective than either single intervention in alleviating preoperative anxiety and postoperative behavioral disturbance in preschool children.In this prospective trial, 117 children aged 2 to 7 years scheduled for elective minor surgery were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups, a video distraction group (group V), a parental presence group (group P), or a combination of video distraction plus parental presence group (group VP) during induction of sevoflurane anesthesia. The Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) was used to assess anxiety in the preoperative holding area (baseline), immediately after entry to the operating room, and during mask induction. Compliance during induction, emergence delirium during recovery, and negative behavioral changes at 1 day and 2 weeks postoperatively were also assessed.The mYPAS scores were comparable (P = 0.558), and the number of children exhibiting baseline anxiety (an mYPAS score30) were not different among the 3 groups in the preoperative holding area (P = 0.824). After intervention, the changes in mYPAS scores from baseline to induction were not different among the 3 groups (P = 0.049). The proportion of children with increased mYPAS scores was higher in group P compared with group V from baseline to operating room entry (Bonferroni-adjusted 95% confidence interval for difference, 2 to 49) but similar from baseline to induction in all 3 groups. Although children in group V were more cooperative during mask induction than those in the other 2 groups (P0.001 versus group P and P = 0.001 versus group VP), no significant intergroup differences were observed in the incidence of emergence delirium or new-onset negative behavioral change after surgery.Video distraction, parental presence, or their combination showed similar effects on preoperative anxiety during inhaled induction of anesthesia and postoperative behavioral outcomes in preschool children having surgery.

The additional administration of remifentanil during inhalation induction with sevoflurane could provide better conditions for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion than sevoflurane alone. This study was designed to evaluate the 50 % effective bolus dose (ED50) and 95 % effective bolus dose (ED95) of remifentanil required for LMA insertion in children during inhalation induction with sevoflurane. Pediatric patients aged 3–12 years requiring general anesthesia were recruited. A predetermined dose of remifentanil was injected over 30 s after the induction of general anesthesia with sevoflurane. LMA insertion was attempted 60 s after remifentanil injection. The dose of remifentanil was determined using the Dixon’s up-and-down method, starting from 0.5 μg/kg (step size of 0.05 μg/kg). The study was conducted until seven cross-over points and 29 children were collected. The ED50 of remifentanil for successful LMA insertion during sevoflurane inhalation induction in children was 0.168 ± 0.035 μg/kg using Dixon’s method. In addition, the ED50 and ED95 of remifentanil from the probit analysis were 0.176 μg/kg (95 % confidence limits, 0.102–0.216 μg/kg) and 0.268 μg/kg (95 % confidence limits, 0.223–0.659 μg/kg), respectively. The ED50 and ED95 of remifentanil for successful LMA insertion in children were estimated to be 0.176 (0.168) and 0.268 μg/kg during inhalation induction with 2.1 % sevoflurane.

Rationale Perioperative management of patients with bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an anesthetic challenge because they typically exhibit poor lung function preoperatively, require meticulous lung isolation intraoperatively and need postoperative respiratory support. Patient concerns A 44-year-old man with a past surgical history of pancreaticoduodenectomy presented fluctuating fever, jaundice, dyspnea and yellowish sputum. Despite intravenous antibiotic treatment and repeated percutaneous drainage, patient showed gradual deterioration with hypoxemia, and uncontrolled pneumonia. Diagnoses The patient was diagnosed with BBF based on the clinical manifestation such as biloptysis with pneumonia, and imaging studies. Interventions Resection of the fistula and bilobectomy was performed under general anesthesia. Avoidance of positive pressure ventilation before lung isolation and precise lung isolation are essential for patients with BBF to protect the unaffected lung. Therefore, rapid sequence induction was performed. Left-sided double-lumen tube was inserted for lung isolation and position of the tube was confirmed by visualization with fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Bile-stained secretion was repeatedly suctioned in trachea and both bronchi during surgery. Outcomes In spite of decrease in SpO2 with institution of one-lung ventilation, the patient's oxygenation was gradually improved as surgery progressed without hemodynamic instability. At the end of surgery, the double-lumen tube was replaced with a single-lumen endotracheal tube for postoperative mechanical ventilation. Lessons Absolute lung isolation using double-lumen tube for one-lung ventilation and bronchial toilet during surgery and replacement of single-lumen tube for postoperative respiratory support at the end of surgery are effective to improve oxygenation in patients with BBF.

BACKGROUND: The optimal concentration of ropivacaine for continuous interscalene block after shoulder surgery is currently unknown. METHODS: Fifty-six patients received a perineural infusion of either ropivacaine 0.1% or 0.2% for 48 hours after shoulder surgery. We assessed pain scores as primary end points and supplemental analgesia, ropivacaine consumption, motor block, side effects, and patient satisfaction as secondary end points. RESULTS: Pain scores were not statistically different during the infusion periods; however, supplemental analgesia consumption was higher in the group receiving ropivacaine 0.1% during the first 24 hours (64% vs 28%, P = 0.022). Other secondary end points were statistically inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ropivacaine 0.2% provides more effective analgesia than ropivacaine 0.1% during the first 24 hours for continuous interscalene block after shoulder surgery.

We report a case of 29-year-old, morbidly obese, diabetic primigravida who had undergone previously primary percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement for an inferior wall myocardial infarction at 10 weeks of gestation. She remained asymptomatic with medication during the remainder of her pregnancy, but preoperative echocardiography revealed left ventricular dilation and a restrictive diastolic dysfunction with a preserved ejection fraction (46%). She developed acute pulmonary edema associated with hypertension after an elective Cesarean delivery under continuous epidural anesthesia despite the meticulous restriction of fluid.

Background this study was to estimate the predicted effect-site concentration of propofol administered by a target-controlled infusion (TCI) for maintenance of anesthesia based on the bispectral (BIS) index as a measure of hypnosis in laparoscopic surgery. Method one-hundred and sixty unpremedicated patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy were assigned randomly to receive one of the target effect-site concentrations of propofol 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 microg/ml during TCI with propofol and sufentanil. The dose-response relationship of propofol for the maintenance of adequate anesthesia based on BIS, movement and hemodynamic response was investigated using a fixed effect-site concentration of sufentanil (0.2 ng/ml). The BIS values, hemodynamic variables, time course during emergence and intraoperative awareness were also assessed. Results the predicted effect-site propofol concentrations for adequate anesthesia at the skin incision in 50% (EC(50) ) and 95% (EC(95) ) of patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy were 2.2 and 3.7 microg/ml, respectively. The predicted propofol EC(50) and EC(95) to maintain adequate anesthesia in these patients were 2.6 microg/ml (95% CI 2.3-2.7 microg/ml) and 3.6 microg/ml (95% CI 3.3-4.0 microg/ml), respectively. The BIS values, effect-site concentration of propofol, hemodynamic data and time course during emergence and post-operative adverse events were comparable in each group. There were no reports of intraoperative awareness in the post-anesthetic care unit. Conclusion based on the anesthetic depth assessed by the clinical signs and BIS monitoring, the predicted effect-site propofol concentrations for the maintenance of anesthesia in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy were similar in those administered adequate anesthesia at the skin incision during TCI.

Background: A continuous interscalene brachial plexus block is a highly effective postoperative analgesic modality after shoulder surgery. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal basal infusion rate of ropivacaine for a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block. A prospective, double blind study was performed to compare two different basal rates of 0.2% ropivacaine for a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block after shoulder surgery. Methods: Sixty-two patients receiving shoulder surgery under an interscalene brachial plexus block were included. The continuous interscalene brachial plexus block was performed using a modified lateral technique with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. Surgery was carried out under an interscalene brachial plexus block or general anesthesia. After surgery, the patients were divided randomly into two groups containing 32 each. During the first 48 h after surgery, groups R8 and R6 received a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 8 ml/h and 6 ml/h, respectively. The pain scores at rest and on movement, supplemental analgesia, motor block, adverse events and patient’s satisfaction were recorded. Results: The pain scores, supplemental analgesia, motor block, adverse events and patient’s satisfaction were similar in the two groups. Conclusions: When providing continuous interscalene brachial plexus block after shoulder surgery, 0.2% ropivacaine at a basal rate of 8 ml/h or 6 ml/h produces similar clinical efficacy. Therefore, decreasing the basal rate of CISB is more appropriate considering the toxicity of local anesthetics. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2010; 59: 27-33)

www.ekja.org Background: A prospective, double blind study was performed to compare the clinical effect of vertical infraclavicular and supraclavicular brachial plexus block using a nerve stimulator for upper limb surgery. Methods: One hundred patients receiving upper limb surgery under infraclavicular or supraclavicular brachial plexus block were enrolled in this study. The infraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed using the vertical technique with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. The supraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed using the plumb bob technique with 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. The block performance-related pain was evaluated. This study observed which nerve type was stimulated, and scored the sensory and motor block. The quality of the block was assessed intra-operatively. The duration of the sensory and motor block as well as the complications were assessed. The patient’s satisfaction with the anesthetic technique was assessed after surgery. Results: There were no significant differences in the block performance-related pain, frequency of the stimulated nerve type, evolution of sensory and motor block quality, or the success of the block. There were no significant differences in the duration of the sensory and motor block. There was a significant difference in the incidence of Horner’s syndrome. Two patients had a pneumothorax in the supraclavicular approach. There were no significant differences in the patient’s satisfaction. Conclusions: Both infraclavicular and supraclavicular brachial plexus block had similar effects. The infraclavicular approach may be preferred to the supraclavicular approach when considering the complications. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2010; 58: 260-266)

As compared with medial approaches for the infraclavicular brachial plexus block, lateral approaches generally have no impact on the phrenic nerve or pulmonary function. A patient experienced transient hemidiaphragmatic paresis after ultrasound-guided lateral sagittal infraclavicular block for lower arm surgery. An accessory phrenic nerve, ie, an anatomical variation, may have been the mechanism of transient hemidiaphragmatic paresis in this patient.

Objectives: Hemodynamic derangement during displacement of beating heart in off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) surgery might be related with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. We evaluated RV function and hemodynamic alterations using a thermodilution pulmonary artery catheter. Methods: The study included 30 patients undergoing OPCAB, using single pericardial suture and tissue stabilizer. A thermodilution pulmonary artery catheter for continuous monitoring of the cardiac output (CO), right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and RV volume was inserted before anesthesia. The hemodynamic variables were measured after the induction of anesthesia, 5 min after the heart was positioned for each coronary anastomosis and after the sternum was closed. Results: There was no significant change in the RVEF and cardiac index during anastomosis of the left anterior descending artery and right coronary artery. However, the significantly reduced RVEF accompanied by an increase in RV afterload and decrease in the CO was observed during anastomosis of the obtuse marginal (OM) artery. RV volumes did not significantly change during anastomoses, though the right atrial pressure increased during anastomoses of all coronary arteries. Conclusions: The displacement of beating heart for positioning during anastomosis of the graft to OM artery caused significant derangement of RV function and decrease in CO. A thermodilution catheter continuously measuring the CO and RVEF was useful to monitor the change in RV function and volume during OPCAB. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

We experienced a case in which a central venous catheter (CVC) was misplaced into the wrong vein, which was mistaken for the internal jugular vein (IJV), identified by chest x-ray and ultrasound. The vertebral vein passes through the transverse foramina from the atlas to the 6th cervical vertebra. After exiting the transverse foramen of the 6th vertebra, the vein subsequently runs anterolateral to the vertebral artery and posterior to the IJV and drains the innominate vein. In this case, chest x-ray and ultrasound revealed that the inserted CVC had a course very similar to the vertebral vein. The misplacement of a CVC into the vertebral vein might occur from excessive rotation of the patient's head, which leads to alterations in the cervical vascular anatomy, and from deep insertion of the puncture needle. Therefore, it is advised, for safe CVC insertion, to minimize a patient's head rotation and to make use of ultrasound when the anatomical structures cannot be clearly identified.

Objective To compare the effect of thoracic epidural local anesthetic, epidural opioid, and intravenous opioid on pulmonary shunt fraction, arterial oxygenation, and hemodynamic changes during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Design A prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Setting A university hospital. Participants Thirty-nine patients undergoing OLV for pulmonary resection. Interventions Patients were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: epidural bupivacaine (TEA-B group, n = 13), epidural sufentanil (TEA-S group, n = 13), or intravenous remifentanil (IV-R group, n = 13) during general anesthesia with propofol. A double-lumen tube was inserted, and mechanical ventilation with 100% oxygen was used in the lateral decubitus position. Measurements and Main Results Hemodynamic variables and arterial and mixed venous blood gas analysis from the radial and pulmonary artery catheter were measured and shunt fraction was calculated during two-lung ventilation (TLV), 15, 30, and 60 minutes after the initiation of OLV, and 15 minutes after the reinstitution of TLV. Although mean arterial pressures 15 and 30 minutes after OLV in the IV-R group were significantly higher than the value in TEA-S group, cardiac output and pulmonary vascular resistance were maintained. Decreases in PaO2, SaO2, PvO2, and SvO2 and an increase in the shunt fraction after OLV were not different among groups and returned to baseline value after the resumption of TLV. Conclusions Thoracic epidural bupivacaine, epidural sufentanil, and intravenous remifentanil-combined general intravenous anesthesia have comparable effects on shunt fraction and arterial oxygenation during OLV in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Background This prospective, randomized controlled study was undertaken to compare stress hormone response to open thoracotomy for lung resection at different anesthetic depths, as determined by bispectral index (BIS) monitoring, in patients under propofol-remifentanil anesthesia. Methods Forty-eight adult patients scheduled for lung resection surgery using one-lung ventilation were randomly assigned to either a deep anesthesia group (BIS score of 40 ± 5, n = 24) or a light anesthesia group (BIS score of 60 ± 5, n = 24) by adjusting propofol infusion rates. Blood norepinephrine, epinephrine, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and cortisol levels were measured before the induction of anesthesia, at the end of surgery, and at 2 hours postoperatively. Blood glucose, hemodynamic, and oxygenation-ventilation variables, and postoperative outcomes were also measured. Results Norepinephrine and epinephrine levels remained unchanged over time in the deep group, but norepinephrine levels significantly increased in the light group at 2 h after surgery than at baseline (P = 0.007 and 0.004, respectively). Temporal changes in norepinephrine, but not in epinephrine, were significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.036). Plasma glucose levels in the light group increased with time and were significantly higher than in the deep group at the end of surgery (P = 0.002). Conclusions A deep level of anesthesia achieved using high propofol infusion rates during lung surgery provided lower perioperative norepinephrine and glucose responses than light level of anesthesia during the early postoperative period but failed to affect immediate postoperative outcomes.

Post-intubation throat pain is a common complaint that is caused by focal ischemia, damage to the laryngeal mucosa, or edema. However, if the laryngeal symptoms persist after 72 h, vocal cord paralysis, the formation of granulation tissue, or ulcers can occur [1]. Most vocal cord ulcers that are caused by intubation are found after progression to granuloma. However, we recently observed a patient in whom the ulcer was detected before progression, and was successfully treated with conservative interventions. A 39-year-old male (167 cm, 66 kg) was scheduled for elective Guyon's tunnel release surgery. The patient had no significant medical history, except for septoplasty surgery 6 years ago using general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Pre-operatively, he exhibited no laryngopharyngeal symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, or stridor. Anesthesia was induced using 130 mg propofol, and endotracheal intubation was performed with 35 mg rocuronium. An endotracheal tube with an internal diameter of 8.0 mm, and a high volume/low pressure cuff was used. Laryngoscopy was performed using a standard 3 Macintosh metal blade, a stylet, and external laryngeal pressure, and was characterized as Cormack-Lehane laryngoscopy grade III. There was slight friction when going through the vocal cord during intubation, but the process was otherwise successful. The duration of intubation was 65 min, and anesthesia was completed without any specific hemodynamic instability. Emergence was smooth, and extubation was completed without any coughing or vigorous movement. After surgery, the patient persistently complained of throat pain during the hospitalization period. However, the attending physician and nurse overlooked his complaints because throat pain was considered to be a normal side effect of intubation. He was therefore discharged 4 days after the operation without any further examination. The day after discharge, the patient was concerned that his sore throat persisted, unlike his previous experience with general anesthesia and intubation, and visited an otolaryngology outpatient clinic. Laryngeal endoscopic examination showed an ulcer in the posterior of the vocal cord (Fig. 1A). Prednisolone (5 mg, BID) and esomeprazole (40 mg, QD) were prescribed, and voice rest was recommended. His sore throat improved after 1 week, and laryngoscope examination revealed partial cure of the vocal cord ulcer (Fig. 1B). After subsequent visits, the ulcer had completely healed without progressing to granuloma. Fig. 1 (A) Five days after surgery, a vocal cord ulcer was observed in the rightsided posterior of the vocal cord. (B) Twelve days after surgery, the vocal cord ulcer had decreased in size after medical therapy and voice rest. Vocal cord ulcers are non-neoplastic lesions of the posterior glottis, and represent an early stage in the progression of vocal cord granulomas [2]. Generally, vocal cord ulcers occur due to mechanical or chemical damage, such as the overuse of voice, chronic coughing, throat clearing, or gastroesophageal reflux disease [3]. The common symptoms of vocal cord ulcers and granulomas are throat pain, hoarseness, and coughing [4]. The causes of vocal cord ulcers related to endotracheal intubation are vocal cord mucosa damage during intubation and extubation, clasping movements between the vocal cords and the tube, continuous pressure of the tube during anesthesia, use of a tube that is too large, or infection. During endotracheal intubation, inflammation can occur on the mucous membrane of the vocal process area of arytenoid cartilage, and its severity tends to increase with longer intubation times or increased pressure [5]. In the current case, the duration of intubation was short, and there was little or no movement of the head and neck during the surgery or extubation. It is therefore likely that the vocal cord ulcer was caused by friction with the tube during intubation, damaging the vocal cord mucosa. It is also possible that the endotracheal tube used was too large, or that the pressure exerted by the external cricoids led to backward and lateral tilt, making the vocal process more prominent and vulnerable to injury [5]. Most vocal cord ulcers can be cured with conservative treatment such as voice therapy, or medical interventions including steroids, antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, or histamine-2 receptor blockers. However, if the cause of ulcer is iatrogenic or the ulcer has progressed to granuloma, it may lead to aspiration and respiratory distress, and so long-term treatment or even surgical excision may be required [1,4]. To prevent post-intubation vocal cord ulcers from occurring, using an appropriately sized tube, adequate sedation and muscle relaxation, performing smooth intubation, stabilization of the tube, and extubation without laryngeal reflexes are recommended [4,5]. In conclusion, anesthesiologists should recognize that vocal cord ulcers could occur as a complication of intubation following endotracheal anesthesia. Persistent post-operative laryngopharyngeal symptoms should not be overlooked, and appropriate examinations will help identify complications, such as ulcers, before they progress to granuloma.

An interscalene brachial plexus block is an effective means of providing anesthesia-analgesia for shoulder surgery. However, it has a multitude of potential side effects such as phrenic nerve block. We report a case of a patient who developed atelectasis of the lung, and pleural effusion manifested as chest discomfort during a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia.

Background: Postoperative continuous intravenous analgesia may not provide effective postoperative analgesia following total knee arthroplasty. This study was conducted to determine if combined continuous intravenous analgesia and peri-articular infiltration provided a better quality of analgesia following total knee arthroplasty than epidural analgesia. Methods: A prospective, double-blind study involving 50 patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty was conducted. Patients were divided into control group and an experimental group. Patients in the control group (n = 25) received peri-articular infiltration with 47 mL normal saline prior to closure of the wound and postoperative epidural analgesia for 48 hours. Patients in the experimental group (n = 25) received a mixture of peri-articular infiltration of 16 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine, 6 mg morphine, 0.2 mg of epinephrine and 25 mL normal saline prior to closure of the wound and postoperative continuous intravenous analgesia for 48 hours. The analgesic efficacy was then evaluated using the verbal numeric rating scale at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. The side effects and the dosage of rescue analgesics were then recorded. Results: The experimental group showed a significantly higher pain score than the control group 2 and, 6 hours postoperatively at rest and 2 hours postoperatively following passive knee movement (P ＜ 0.05). In addition, the rescue analgesic requirement was higher for the experimental group during the first 24 hours following surgery than for the control group (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions: We found that combined continuous intravenous analgesia and peri-articular infiltration of a mixture of ropivacaine and, morphine injected into the peri-articular tissue provided minimal benefits for pain control during the early postoperative period when compared to epidural analgesia after total knee arthroplasty. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2009; 56: 47～53)

Background: We performed a prospective, double blind study to compare the clinical effect of vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block produced by 0.5% levobupivacaine and 0.5% ropivacaine for upper limb surgery. Methods: We included 60 patients receiving upper limb surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus block. The infraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed via the vertical technique with 30 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine or 0.5% ropivacaine. We observed which nerve type was stimulated and scored the sensory and motor block. The quality of block was assessed intraoperatively. The duration of sensory and motor block and complications were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences in frequencies of stimulated nerve type, evolution of sensory and motor block quality, or success of block. There were no significant difference in duration of sensory block, but duration of motor block was prolonged after 0.5% levobupivacaine. There were no complications. Conclusions: Both 0.5% levobupivacaine and 0.5% ropivacaine had similar effects in the vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2009; 56: 162~8)

Background: Continuous epidural analgesia with an opioid-local anesthetic combination is an effective strategy for postoperative pain relief after abdominal surgery. Levobupivacaine, the pure S (−) enantiomer of racemic bupivacaine, is similar to its native agent for anesthetic efficacy but has less cardiotoxic and neurotoxic potential than the bupivacaine. We compared the efficacy and safety of 0.1% levobupivacaine with sufentanil or 0.2% levobupivacaine with the same dose of suentanil for patient-controlled epidural analgesia after major abdominal surgery. Methods: Forty patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either 0.1% levobupivacaine with sufentanil 0.75μg/ml (n = 20) or 0.2% levobupivacaine with sufentanil 0.75μg/ml (n = 20) for postoperative epidural analgesia using a patient-controlled analgesia pump at a rate of 3 ml/h and bolus dose of 2 ml on demand. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at rest, on coughing, during mobilization from the supine to the sitting position and on ambulation were assessed during 48 hours following the surgery. In addition, degree of motor block and mobilization, additional analgesic requirements and adverse effects were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences in VAS pain scores at rest, on coughing, during mobilization from the supine to the sitting position and on ambulation. There were no signi ficant differences in mean volume of local anesthetic consumption, additional analgesic requirements, degree of motor block and mobilization and the incidence of adverse effects. Conclusions: 0.1% levobupivacaine with sufentanil provided comparable postoperative epidural analgesia and incidences of adverse effects to 0.2% levobupivacaine with the same dose of suentanil in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2008; 54: 307∼14)

Epinephrine is frequently used to control local bleeding during surgery. However, it may be associated with complications, such as pulmonary edema, reversible cardiomyopathy, and cardiac arrest. We encountered a case of stress induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) after local epinephrine instillation. The SIC is manifested with typical left ventricular apical ballooning and clinical symptoms of a myocardial infarction without coronary stenosis. Although its prognosis is more favorable than a myocardial infarction, anesthesiologists need to be aware of the possible adverse effects of local epinephrine infiltration. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2008; 54: 581∼4)

Ropivacaine and levobupivacaine are recently introduced amide local anesthetics that are structurally similar to bupivacaine. In this study, we compared the quality of postoperative analgesia and the side effects of 0.1% ropivacaine/sufentanil and 0.1% levobupivacaine/sufentanil. Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for gynecologic surgery under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either 0.1% ropivacaine with sufentanil (ropivacaine group) or 0.1% levobupivacaine with sufentanil (levobupivacaine group) for postoperative epidural analgesia using a patient-controlled analgesia pump at a rate of 5 ml/h during the 48 hour period following surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at rest and on coughing, sitting and movement, the degree of ambulation, additional analgesic requirements and side effects were assessed. Results: In the levobupivacaine group, VAS scores at rest and on coughing, sitting and movement were lower than in the ropivacaine group (P ＜ 0.05). In the ropivacaine group more patients were able to walk unaided (P ＜ 0.05). There were no differences in local anesthetic consumption, additional analgesic requirements and side effects between the groups. Conclusions: Both 0.1% ropivacaine with sufentanil and 0.1% levobupivacaine with sufentanil provided effective postoperative epidural analgesia, but ropivacaine produced lesser motor block.

Background: Ropivacaine and levobupivacaine, both single S-enantiomers, show less toxicity on the central nervous and cardiovascular system than racemic bupivacaine. Earlier studies have shown that levobupivacaine and bupivacaine are almost equipotent while ropivaciane was 60% less potent than bupivacaine. The aim of this prospective, double blinded study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of epidural anesthesia produced by 0.5% levobupivacaine and 0.5% ropivacaine for a cesarean section. Methods: Sixty-two parturients undergoing an elective cesarean section were randomized to receive either epidural levobupivacaine 0.5% 20 ml (n = 31) or epidural ropivacaine 0.5% 20 ml (n = 31). Surgery was commenced when the sensory block had reached the dermatome level, T6. The onset, duration, quality of the sensory and motor block and abdominal muscle relaxation were evaluated. The blood pressure and heart rate of the mother and neonatal outcome, as assessed by the Apgar score and umbilical pH, were also recorded. Results: There was no difference in the onset time, the segmental spread of sensory block and analgesic supplement between the two groups. However, levobupivacaine produced a longer duration of sensory block than ropivacaine (levobupivacaine 224.1 ± 66.6 min, ropivacaine 176.5 ± 32.8 min, P ＜ 0.05). The onset time (except Bromage scale 2), intensity and duration of the motor block and muscle relaxation were similar in both groups. There was no difference in the maternal and neonatal outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions: 0.5% levobupivacaine and 0.5% ropivacaine produced equivalent efficacy and safety in epidural anesthesia for a cesarean section, but levobupivacaine resulted in a longer duration of sensory block. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2007; 52: 284~90)

Background: It is generally known that neuraxial anesthesia for adults reduces the demand for hypnotics needed for adequate sedation. Therefore, this study examined the effect of a preoperative caudal block on the general anesthetic requirements for an adequate depth of anesthesia in children. Methods: Twenty children aged 3-5 years, who were set to undergo inguinal herniorraphy, were divided into 2 groups of 10 children each, normal saline and lidocaine groups. Tracheal intubation was performed. After setting up the bispectral index (BIS) monitor, a caudal block was administered to both groups differently, normal saline 0.7 ml/kg was administered to the normal saline group and 1.5% lidocaine 0.7 ml/kg was administered to lidocaine group. The end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane was maintained at 1.5 vol% for 10 minutes in the first patient in both groups, and the BIS value, was measured 6 times every 10 seconds, and averaged. When the BIS was ≥ 50, the end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane was increased by 0.2 vol% in the subsequent patient. When the BIS was less than or equal to 50, the end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane was decreased by 0.2 vol% in the subsequent patient. The MACBIS50 in both groups was calculated using probit analysis. Relative median potency analysis was used to compare the results in both groups. Results: The MACBIS50 of sevoflurane was significantly lower with a 1.5% lidocaine caudal block (1.40 vol% [95% CI, 1.25-1.55 vol%]) compared with the normal saline group (1.77 vol% [95% CI, 1.61-2.00 vol%]). Conclusions: A preoperative caudal block reduces the demand for sevoflurane required for an adequate depth of anesthesia, as measured by the BIS in children. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2007; 52: 29～33)

Background: The causes of the pleural effusion are remained unclear in a the substantial number of patients with exudative effusions determined by an examination of the fluid obtained via thoracentesis. Among the various tools for diagnosing exudative pleural effusions, thoracoscopy has a high diagnostic yield for cancer and tuberculosis. Medical thoracoscopy can also be carried out under local anesthesia with mild sedation. The aim of this study was to determine diagnostic accuracy and safety of medical thoracoscopy. Methods: Twenty-five patients with exudative pleural effusions of an unknown cause underwent medical thoracoscopy between October 2005 and September 2006 in Konyang University Hospital. The clinical data such as age, gender, preoperative pulmonary function, amounts of pleural effusion on lateral decubitus radiography were collected. The vital signs were recorded, and arterial blood gas analyses were performed five times during medical thoracoscopy in order to evaluate the cardiopulmonary status and acid-base changes. Results: The mean age of the patients was 56.8 years (range 22-79). The mean depth of the effusion on lateral decubitus radiography (LDR) was 27.49 mm. The medical thoracoscopic pleural biopsy was diagnostic in 24 patients (96.0%), with a diagnosis of tuberculosis pleurisy in 9 patients (36%), malignant effusions in 8 patients (32%), and parapneumonic effusions in 7 patients (28%). Medical thoracoscopy failed to confirm the cause of the pleural effusion in one patient, who was diagnosed with tuberculosis by a pericardial biopsy. There were no significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, acid-base and no major complications in all cases during medical thoracoscopy (p>0.05). Conclusions: Medical thoracoscopy is a safe method for patients with unknown pleural effusions with a relatively high diagnostic accuracy.

Background: Rocuronium administration after the induction of general anesthesia is associated with localized withdrawal of limbs or generalized movements in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of normal saline, lidocaine, sodium bicarbonate (), and lidocaine- mixed with rocuronium reduces withdrawal response. Methods: Eighty-five pediatric patients (aged 5-15 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups in a double blinded, prospective study; Group S (0.9% normal saline 5 ml mixed with rocuronium 50 mg/5 ml, n = 21), Group L (2% lidocaine 5 ml mixed with rocuronium 50 mg/5 ml, n = 22), group B (8.4% 5 ml mixed with rocuronium 50 mg/5 ml, n = 22) and Group LB (4% lidocaine 2.5 ml and 8.4% 2.5 ml mixed with rocuronium 50 mg/5 ml, n = 20). After loss of consciousness by sevoflurane inhalation, all patients received 0.6 mg/kg premixed rocuronium over 5 seconds. We investigated the incidence and severity of withdrawal movement using 4-point scales. We also measured pH values and the osmolalities of each mixture. Results: The incidence and degree of withdrawal reaction in response to rocuronium injection were significantly reduced in Groups B (18.1%) and LB (15.0%) versus Group S (57.1%). The addition of lidocaine failed to reduce withdrawal response compared with saline. Conclusions: mixed with rocuronium is more effective than lidocaine addition with suspect to preventing withdrawal movement in pediatric patients.

Background: When large volume of intravenous saline are administered to correct extracellular fluid deficits, metabolic acidosis can result. Two theories have been proposed to explain metabolic acidosis, dilutional acidosis and hyperchloremic acidosis. This study was performed to evaluate the possible explanations for metabolic acidosis resulting from the infusion of large amounts of normal saline. Methods: Thirty two adult patients who underwent upper abdominal surgery with general anesthesia were included in this study. All patients were allocated randomly to receive either normal saline (NS group, n = 16) or Hartmann's solution (HS group, n = 16) during anesthesia. We monitored arterial blood gas, electrolyte, and hematocrit values during the perioperative period. We also calculated the estimated postoperative HC0 concentrations based on dilutional acidosis or hyperchloremic acidosis and compared these with the measured HC0 concentrations. Statistical analyses were performed using the Fisher's exact test, unpaired t-test, paired t-test, and repeated measure ANOVA. Data are expressed as means SD. Results: The infusion of normal saline, but not of Hartmann's solution, caused metabolic acidosis with hyperchloremia. The estimated postoperative HC0 concentration based on dilutional acidosis was almost the same as the measured HC0 concentration. The estimated postoperative HC0 concentration based on hyperchloremic acidosis was significantly lower than based on dilutional acidosis and the measured HC0 concentration. Conclusions: Infusion of large amounts of normal saline during anesthesia produced metabolic acidosis, which was not observed after the administration of Hartmann's solution. The appropriate term to describe this phenomenon is suggested to be dilutional acidosis.

Background: Hemodynamic derangement during the displacement of the beating heart in off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCAB) might be related with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. This study evaluated the influence of displacing and stabilizing the heart, for the anastomosis of coronary arteries, on hemodynamic alterations and RV function in patients undergoing OPCAB. Methods: Twenty patients with triple vessel coronary artery disease underwent OPCAB using single pericardial sutures: a tissue stabilizer was included. The hemodynamic variables and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) were obtained using a right-heart ejection fraction thermodilution pulmonary artery catheter after the induction of anesthesia, before and after anastomosis of each coronary artery and after sternal closure. Results: No significant hemodynamic changes were observed during the displacement of the heart or the placement of a stabilizer on all of the coronary arteries, except the obtuse marginal artery (OM) before anastomosis. RVEF, left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI), stroke volume index and cardiac index (CI) decreased and mean pulmonary artery pressure increased significantly whist positioning the graft to the OM. Right ventricular volumes were not significantly changed, although central venous pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure increased. Changing CI had a close relationship with LVSWI ( = 0.537, P ＜ 0.05) but not with RVEF ( = 0.118). These hemodynamic compromises recovered to baseline values after sternal closure. Conclusions: The displacement of the beating heart for positioning during anastomosis of the graft to the OM caused significant hemodynamic instability and LV functional changes in addition to RV functional changes seemed to be responsible for hemodynamic derangements.

Protruding atheromas of the aorta have been identified as one of the sources of a systemic emboli and a major cause of stroke following cardiac surgery. We report a case of surgical modification in a 58-year-old man with an atheromatous aortic arch detected by an intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). After induction of anesthesia, protruding atheromatous plaques with a mobile element in the aortic arch were identified by a TEE that was not noticed by a preoperative angiography and transthoracic echocardiograpy. Based on the TEE finding, the surgical technique was modified to CABG combined with an aortic atherectomy under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The atheromatous areas correlated well with the TEE finding and the patient recovered from anesthesia and surgery without neurologic deficit. Therefore, an intraoperative TEE examination is considered as a safe and reliable technique to identify atherosclerotic disease of the thoracic aorta in patients undergoing CABG and to minimize unexpected neurologic complications after CABG.

Background: Portable glucometers are often utilized at the patient's bedside in the ICU or operating room for frequent measurements of the blood glucose concentration. Many of these devices are based on a glucose oxidase method that may be influenced by . The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a high of arterial blood on measured glucose values compared with venous blood. Methods: Forty adult patients who underwent surgery with general anesthesia were included in this study. Each patient had a cannula inserted into the radial artery and a central venous catheter through the right internal jugular vein. Two hours after the induction of anesthesia, we drew arterial and venous blood and measured the blood glucose concentration using both a bedside glucometer based on a glucose oxidase method and a laboratory glucometer based on a hexokinase method. We also measured blood gas, electrolyte, and hematocrit values. Statistical analyses were performed with repeated measure ANOVA, multiple linear regression, and Bland-Altman's analysis. Data is expressed as mean . SD. Results: The arterial blood glucose concentration measured by the glucose oxidase method (119.5 25.0 mg/dl) was significantly lower than the venous blood (133.5 24.8 mg/dl) and hexokinase method (134.2 27.1 mg/dl). There was no significant difference between the venous blood glucose concentration by the glucose oxidase method and hexokinase method. When we used the correction formula: corrected glucose value = arterial glucose value by glucose oxidase method + 0.1053 - 5.414, the bias improved from - 14.6 mg/dl to 1.0 mg/dl. Conclusions: The blood glucose concentration measured by the glucose oxidase method is more accurate in venous blood than oxygenated arterial blood. When we measure the blood glucose level using the glucose oxidase method, we should consider the influence of high oxygen tension.

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass (Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, OPCAB) causes significant hemodynamic derangement by displacement of the beating heart. The purpose of this study was to analyze the hemodynamic changes caused in relation to grafted arteries by displacing the heart and stabilizing the coronary arteries in patients undergoing OPCAB. Methods: Nineteen patients underwent OPCAB using two deep pericardial sutures and tissue stabilizers (Octopus Tissue Stabilization Syetem, Medtronic, USA). The hemodynamic variables were obtained after induction of anesthesia, after deep pericardial sutures, before and after anastomosis of each coronary artery during epicardial stabilizing, after sternal closure, and after postoperative 6 hours and 12 hours in the intensive care unit. Results: The hemodynamic variables were maintained with the Trendelenburg position, volume loading and low dose vasopressors after deep pericardial stay sutures. Displacement of the heart and placement of the stabilizer on all coronary territories except the obtuse marginal artery before anastomosis showed no significant difference in hemodynamics compared with baseline. Positioning for the graft to the obtuse marginal artery decreased cardiac index (1.6 0.4 L/min/) and stroke index (27.6 9.9 L/beat/) and increased systemic vascular resistance (2318.9 673.7 dyne . sec . ), resulting in hemodynamic compromise (P

Background: Thyroidectomy is associated with a relatively high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) ranging from 63% to 84%. In this study, we evaluated the safety and the antiemetic effects of tropisetron 30μg/kg or tropisetron 30μg/kg plus dexamethasone 5 mg in patients undergoing thyroidectomy under a standard anesthetic technique without narcotics. Methods: Sixty-eight patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomized to receive a placebo (Group C, n = 28), tropisetron 30μg/kg (Group T, n = 23) or tropisetron 30μg/kg plus dexamethasone 5 mg (Group T + D, n = 17) IV over 2-5 minutes immediately before the induction of anesthesia. The effects of these regimens on the development of PONV, adverse events and need for rescue antiemetics were analyzed for the 0 to 1 hour and 1 to 24 hours postoperative periods. Results: In the 0 to 1 hour postoperative periods, the incidence of PONV in group C, T and T + D was 35.7%, 17.4% and 17.6% respectively, which showed no significant difference among the three groups (P > 0.05). In the same period, the incidence of retching or vomiting in Group C, T and T + D was 14.3%, 0% and 0% respectively, which showed a significantly lower incidence in Group T and T + D than Group C (P 0.05). During the first 24 hours postoperatively, the overall incidences of PONV was 67.9% for group C, 60.9% for group T and 58.8% for group T + D, which showed no siginificant difference among the three groups (P > 0.05). Group T + D patients had more headache compared to other groups, but there was no significant difference in the