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Background: Long-chain triglyceride/medium-chain triglyceride (LCT/MCT) propofol is less painful than standard long chain triglyceride (LCT) propofol; however, there is still a need to reduce severe pain. 5-Hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists have an analgesic effect during the injection of standard LCT propofol. This study compared the incidence of moderate-to-severe injection pain with LCT/MCT propofol using pretreatment with palonosetron versus pretreatment with saline or lidocaine. Methods: This prospective, randomized double-blind study divided 98 patients scheduled for general anesthesia into three groups: control (n = 33), palonosetron (n = 32), and lidocaine (n = 33) groups. An 18-gauge intravenous catheter was inserted into the peripheral vein at the dorsum of the hand. The patient’s vein was occluded by a rubber tourniquet at mid-forearm, and we then administered 2 ml of the pretreatment drug. One minute after venous occlusion, we released the tourniquet and administered LCT/MCT propofol 2 mg/kg for 10 –15 seconds. The degree of pain on propofol injection was evaluated using a 4-point scale. Results: The incidence of moderate-to-severe pain in the control, palonosetron, and lidocaine groups was 9.1, 15.6, and 12.1%, respectively. The incidence of overall pain was lower in the lidocaine group than in the control or palonosetron group. Conclusions: Palonosetron and lidocaine pretreatment does not reduce moderate-to-severe pain on injection of 1% LCT/MCT propofol. Lidocaine pretreatment reduced the overall incidence of injection pain. (Anesth Pain Med 2016; 11: 249-254)

Cervical epidural anesthesia (CEA) is used for pain control and surgical procedures of the head and neck or upper arm areas. However, the failure rate of CEA is reported to be high, is the failure rate being quite higher than other sites, because of the anatomical differences of the cervical spine. We hypothesized that the loss of resistance (LOR) method combined with the drip infusion method for confirmation of the cervical epidural space can reduce the failure rate. This study investigated the usefulness of the drip infusion method.One hundred chronic renal failure patients undergoing arteriovenous bridge graft for hemodialysis at the upper arm under cervical epidural anesthesia were recruited for this study. In the cervical epidural puncture, we identified the cervical epidural space using a combination of the LOR method with the drip infusion method. After confirmation of the epidural space with LOR method, we decided it was the true epidural space when fluid dripping to the space was present. Otherwise, if fluid dripping was not present, we designated it was pseudo LOR, and we found the true epidural space using the drip infusion method only.In all cases, the combined LOR with drip infusion method, identify the epidural space.Combined LOR with drip infusion method is an efficacious method for the confirmation of the cervical epidural space.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of palonosetron combined with dexamethasone for the prevention of PONV compared to dexamethasone alone in women who received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) using fentanyl. Methods In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 204 healthy female patients who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia followed by IV-PCA for postoperative pain control were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: the PD group (palonosetron 0.075 mg and dexamethasone 5 mg IV; n = 102) and the D group (dexamethasone 5 mg IV; n = 102). The treatments were given after the induction of anesthesia. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, severity of nausea, and the use of rescue anti-emetics during the first 48 hours after surgery were evaluated. Results The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in the PD group compared with the D group during the 0-24 hours (43 vs. 59%) and 0-48 hours after surgery (45 vs. 63%) (P < 0.05). The severity of nausea during the 6-24 hours after surgery was significantly less in the PD group compared with the D group (P < 0.05). The incidence of rescue antiemetic used was significantly lower in the PD group than in the D group during the 0-6 hours after surgery (13.1 vs. 24.5%) (P < 0.05). Conclusions Palonosetron combined with dexamethasone was more effective in preventing PONV compared to dexamethasone alone in women receiving IV-PCA using fentanyl.

Background/Aims Distinction is vague between severe constipation and postoperative ileus (POI) in terms of pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment options. However, no data are available regarding their associations. Methods After retrospective review of data from patients who underwent orthopedic surgery during the first 6 months of 2011, a total of 612 patients were included. Severe constipation was defined as symptoms of constipation requiring treatment using at least 2 laxatives from different classes for at least 6 months. POI was defined as paralytic ileus lasting more than 3 days post-surgery and associated with 2 or more of the following: (1) nausea/vomiting, (2) inability to tolerate an oral diet over a 24-hour period, and (3) absence of flatus over a 24-hour period. The subjects were divided into non-POI and POI groups, and we compared patient-, surgery-, and pharmaceutical-related factors. Results Thirteen (2.1%) out of 612 experienced POI. In comparisons between the non-POI and POI groups, univariate analysis showed significant differences in the mean age (51.4 vs 71.6 years), mean body mass index (24.1 vs 21.8 kg/m2), severe constipation (5.8% vs 76.9%), co-morbidities (33.2% vs 84.6%), type of orthopedic surgery (spine/hip/limb: 19.4/11.0/65.6% vs 23.1/61.5/15.4%), and estimated blood loss (50 vs 300 mL). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for age, body mass index, co-morbidities, type of orthopedic surgery, and estimated blood loss, showed that severe constipation was an independent risk factor for POI (OR, 35.23; 95% CI, 7.72–160.82; P < 0.001). Conclusions Severe constipation is associated with POI after orthopedic surgery.

Background: The opioid sparing effect of low dose ketamine is influenced by bolus dose, infusion rate, duration of infusion, and differences in the intensity of postoperative pain. In this study, we investigated the opioid sparing effect of low dose ketamine in patients with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) using fentanyl after lumbar spinal fusion surgery, which can cause severe postoperative pain. Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for elective lumbar spinal fusion surgery were randomly assigned to receive one of three study medications (K1 group: ketamine infusion of 1 μg/kg/min following bolus 0.5 mg/kg, K2 group: ketamine infusion of 2 μg/kg/min following bolus 0.5 mg/kg, Control group: saline infusion following bolus of saline). Continuous infusion of ketamine began before skin incision intraoperatively, and continued until 48 h postoperatively. For postoperative pain control, patients were administered fentanyl using IV-PCA (bolus dose 15 μg of fentanyl, lockout interval of 5 min, no basal infusion). For 48 h postoperatively, the total amount of fentanyl consumption, postoperative pain score, adverse effects and patients’ satisfaction were evaluated. Results: The total amount of fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the K2 group (474 μg) compared to the control group (826 μg) and the K1 group (756 μg) during the 48 h after surgery. Pain scores at rest or with movement, the incidence of adverse events and patient satisfaction were not significantly different among the groups. Conclusions: Low-dose ketamine at 2 μg/kg/min following bolus 0.5 mg/kg significantly reduced the total amount of fentanyl consumption during the 48 h after lumbar spinal fusion surgery without increasing adverse effects. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2013; 64: 524-528)

Background: This study was performed to ultrasonographically demonstrate the changes in relationship between the right internal jugular vein (IJV) and an anatomical landmark in two different head positions: neutral and rotated. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial. One hundred patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were enrolled in this study. The patients were placed in the supine position with a neutral head position and without a pillow. The apex of the triangle formed by the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and clavicle was marked (AL point : anatomical landmark point). Ultrasonography of the neck anatomy was performed and the skin was marked at the central point of the IJV (US point: ultrasonography point). The other investigator measured the distance from the AL point to the US point (ALUS distance). The patient’s head was then turned 30 o to the left; the same procedure was repeated and the AL-US distance was again measured. The changes in AL-US distance were calculated. Results: The AL-US distance increased significantly after 30 o head rotation compared with that in a head neutral position. The mean ± SD of the AL-US distance was 0.28 ± 0.78 cm in the neutral head position and 0.83 ± 1.03 cm in the head rotated position. Conclusions: The anatomical landmark point becomes more distant from the actual right IJV point and moves more medially after head rotation. We suggest minimizing the angle of head rotation and taking this distance into consideration when using the landmark-guided method. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2011; 61: 107-111)

Objective: Topical steroids are a good option for preventing postoperative sore throat (POST). This study examined whether triamcinolone paste applied as lubricant reduces the severity of POST following laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study enrolled 50 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patients who were between 20 and 70 years of age and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. The patients were divided randomly into two groups. Patients in the chlorhexidine group (the placebo group) were inserted with a LMA lubricated with chlorhexidine gluconate jelly, whereas patients in the triamcinolone group were inserted with a LMA lubricated with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide paste. The patients were interviewed 1, 6, and 24 hours after the operation. The incidence and severity of POST and the incidence of cough and hoarseness were recorded. Results: The difference of the POST incidence during the 24 hours after the operation was not significant (34.8% in triamcinolone group vs. 45.5% in chlorhexidine group, P = 0.381). The severity score in the triamcinolone group was significantly lower than the chlorhexidine group at 1 hour after the operation (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the incidence of cough, hoarse ness, dysphagia, nausea, or dry throat between the two groups. Conclusion: Triamcinolone paste applied as lubricant reduces the severity of POST following LMA insertion.

This study was performed to examine whether applying triamcinolone acetonide paste as a lubricant to endotracheal tubes (ETTs) reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST) more effectively than applying chlorhexidine gluconate jelly.This was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients enrolled in the study were ages 20 to 70 yr, American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status I and II, and scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were divided randomly into two groups, the chlorhexidine group and the triamcinolone group. Prior to endotracheal intubation, ETTs in the chlorhexidine group were lubricated with 0.1% chlorhexidine gluconate jelly, whereas the ETTs in the triamcinolone group were lubricated with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide paste 0.5 mg. During the 24 hr after the operation, we recorded the incidence and severity of POST and the incidence of cough, hoarseness, dysphagia, nausea, and dry throat.Of the 150 patients initially enrolled, 143 patients were included in the study. The incidence of POST was significantly lower in the triamcinolone group compared with the chlorhexidine group (difference = 52.4%; 95% confidence interval, 36.8% to 64.2%; P0.001). The severity score for the triamcinolone group was significantly lower than that for the chlorhexidine group. The frequencies of coughing, hoarseness, dysphagia, nausea, and dry throat were similar in the two groups for the first 24 hr after surgery.Triamcinolone acetonide paste applied along the length of the ETT resulted in clinically important and statistically significant decreases in the incidence and severity of POST compared with the application of chlorhexidine jelly. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00908817).

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a syndrome caused by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage from the spinal dural sac. The most common symptom is a postural headache and other clinical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, photophobia, diplopia, dizziness, and tinnitus. Usually, conservative treatments like hydration, bed rest, and administration of caffeine are recommended first, but epidural blood patch is regarded as the mainstay of treatment in the patients who do not respond to conservative therapy. Epidural blood patch was known that it provides the tamponade and seal of dural sac when performed at the leak site. Our patient was suspected the CSF leakage at cervicothoracic junction, but epidural blood patch was performed in lumbar level and the headache of patient was managed successfully for at least 1 year.

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous low dose ketamine for reducing the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST). Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The study population consisted of 70 patients between 20 and 70 years old who were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II and were scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were divided randomly into two groups. Patients in the ketamine group received an intravenous injection of 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine just before induction, followed by 10 μg/kg/min throughout the operation. Patients in the control group received intravenous saline instead of ketamine. The patients were interviewed 1, 6, and 24 h after the operation. The incidence and severity of POST were recorded. Results: No significant differences in the incidence and severity of POST during the 24 h after the operation were found between the two groups (21/31 in the ketamine group vs. 26/34 in the control group, P = 0.398). Conclusions: Intravenous injection of low dose ketamine was not effective for reducing POST. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2010; 59: 22-26)

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine sedation on patient's and surgeon's satisfaction during retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia. Methods Forty-four patients scheduled for elective retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. The patients were divided into Dexmedetomidine (n = 22) and Control (n = 22) groups. Intravenous dexmedetomidine or 0.9% saline via infusion pump were administered continuously to the dexmedetomidine or control group, respectively. Ramsay sedation scale with a target level of 3-4 was used to assess adequacy of sedation. Perioperative pain, hemodynamic and respiratory data were collected, while satisfaction from patients and surgeon were assessed post-surgery using a 5-point satisfaction scale. Results Patient and surgeon satisfaction was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). The pain associated with sub-tenon's anesthesia and peripheral vitrectomy was lesser in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group (P = 0.020). There was significant reduction of heart rate in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.001), but only one patient needed treatment with atropine. There was no respiratory effect on both groups. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine sedation during retinal surgery improved satisfaction from both patient and surgeon without respiratory complication. It is a safe and preferable choice of sedation for retinal surgery.

BACKGROUND Aquafol, a microemulsion propofol, causes more severe and frequent pain on injection than propofol. The purpose of this study was to compare a combination of lidocaine and ketamine on aquafol-induced pain with lidocaine or ketamine alone during the induction of anesthesia. METHODS In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study, 130 healthy patients who were undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. The patients received IV lidocaine 40 mg plus ketamine 25 mg (Group LK, n = 43), lidocaine 40 mg (Group L, n = 42), or ketamine 25 mg (Group K, n = 45) with a rubber tourniquet on the forearm 1 min before the injection of microemulsion propofol. The pain score was assessed by a 4-point verbal rating scale (VRS) at 10 seconds after injection of microemulsion propofol 30 mg and during the injection of the remaining total dose. RESULTS The incidence and severity of pain was significantly lower in Group LK than Group L or Group K at 10 seconds after the injection of microemulsion propofol 30 mg (P < 0.05). And the incidence and severity of pain was significantly lower in Group LK and Group K than Group L during the injection of the remaining total dose (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment with IV lidocaine 40 mg plus ketamine 25 mg with a rubber tourniquet on the forearm 1 min before the injection of microemulsion propofol is more effective than lidocaine 40 mg or ketamine 25 mg alone in preventing pain from the injection of microemulsion propofol.

Awareness of intraoperative events in patients under general anesthesia is rare, but awareness during anesthesia is a serious complication that leads to anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Bispectral Index (BIS) has generally been accepted as a measurement of hypnosis under anesthesia. It is derived from a processed electroencephalogram and computer algorithm that assigns a numerical value based on the probability of consciousness. A 46-year-old, 65-kg male without underlying disease underwent elective surgery for ventral hernia. The patient in this case was administered an anesthetic that we frequently use and then average BIS value are 35. But he experienced awake during general anesthesia. We describe the first case of intraoperation awake under BIS 40 using desflurane.

Background Transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block can be recommended as a multimodal method to reduce postoperative pain in laparoscopic abdominal surgery. However, it is unclear whether TAP block following local anesthetic infiltration is effective. We planned this study to evaluate the effectiveness of the latter technique in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP). Methods We randomly divided patients into two groups: the control group (n = 37) and TAP group (n = 37). Following the induction of general anesthesia, as a preemptive method, all of the patients were subjected to local anesthetic infiltration at the trocar sites, and the TAP group was subjected to ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block with 30 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine in addition before TEP. Pain was assessed in the recovery room and post-surgery at 4, 8, and 24 h. Additionally, during the postoperative 24 h, the total injected dose of analgesics and incidence of nausea were recorded. Results On arrival in the recovery room, the pain score of the TAP group (4.33 ± 1.83) was found to be significantly lower than that of the control group (5.73 ± 2.04). However, the pain score was not significantly different between the TAP group and control group at 4, 8, and 24 h post-surgery. The total amounts of analgesics used in the TAP group were significantly less than in the control group. No significant difference was found in the incidence of nausea between the two groups. Conclusions TAP block following local infiltration had a clinical advantage only in the recovery room.

Background: The ultrasound-guided transverse abdominis plane block (TAPB) reduces postoperative pain after laparoscopic abdominal surgery. But, its effect post laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) is not clear. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided TAPB in TEP. Methods: In this prospective, randomized study, forty adult patients (ASA I-II) scheduled for a TEP under general anesthesia were studied. In the TAPB group (n = 20), an ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB was performed with 0.375% ropivacaine 15 ml on each side after the induction of general anesthesia. The control group (n = 20) did not have TAPB performed. Fentanyl 50 μg was repeatedly injected as per the patient’s request in the recovery room. Pain scores at rest and on coughing were assessed postoperatively in the recovery room (20 min, at discharge) and at 4, 8, and 24 hours after surgery. Results: In the recovery room, pain scores (numeric rating scale, 0-10) at postoperative 20 min were lower in the TAPB group (3.9 ± 1.6, 4.9 ± 1.8) than the control group (6.9 ± 1.6, 8.0 ± 1.6) at rest and on coughing. Also, pain scores upon discharge from the recovery room were lower in the TAPB group (3.2 ± 1.2, 4.2 ± 1.5) than the control group (5.3 ± 1.6, 6.5 ± 1.8) at rest and on coughing. Conclusions: The ultrasound-guided TAPB in patients that had undergone TEP reduced postoperative pain scores and the fentanyl requirement in the recovery room. Also, pain scores on coughing were reduced until postoperative 8 hours. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2012; 63: 227-232)

We present a case of acute prostatitis with abscess. The patient had undergone intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy for bladder cancer. A prostate biopsy demonstrated tuberculous prostatitis with abscess. This case illustrates that when bladder cancer is treated with BCG, a tuberculous prostate abscess can develop.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an aprepitant, neurokinin-1(NK1) receptor antagonist, for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for up to 24 hours in patients regarded as high risk undergoing gynecological surgery with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) using fentanyl. Methods: In this randomized, open label, case-control study 84 gynecological surgical patients receiving a standardized general anesthesia were investigated. Patients were randomly allocated to receive aprepitant 80 mg P.O. approximately 2-3 hours before operation (aprepitant group) or none (control group). All patients received ramosetron 0.3 mg IV after induction of anesthesia. The incidence of PONV, severity of nausea, and use of rescue antiemetics were evaluated for up to 24 hours postoperatively. Results: The incidence of nausea was significantly lower in the aprepitant group (50.0%) compared to the control group (80.9%) during the first 24 hours following surgery. The incidence of vomiting was significantly lower in the aprepitant group (4.7%) compared to the control group (42.8%) during the first 24 hours following surgery. In addition, the severity of nausea was less among those in the aprepitant group compared with the control group over a period of 24 hours post-surgery (P < 0.05). Use of rescue antiemetics was lower in the aprepitant group than in the control group during 24 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In patients regarded as high risk undergoing gynecological surgery with IV PCA using fentanyl, the aprepitant plus ramosetron ware more effective than ramosetron alone to decrease the incidence of PONV, use of rescue antiemetics and nausea severity for up to 24 hours postoperatively. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2012; 63: 221-226)

Although rare, intraoperative anaphylaxis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Aquafol® (Daewon Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea), a microemulsion propofol, was developed to eliminate lipid solvent-related adverse events, and was used in clinical anesthesia since 2009 with little data about severe side effects such as anaphylaxis. A healthy 16-yr-old male patient who had past medical history with two previous operations of no complications developed cardiovascular shock with generalized erythema following administration of microemulsion propofol during anesthesia induction. Intravenous injection of epinephrine and steroid rescued him. He remained in a stable state without any problems postoperatively and was discharged. Clinicians should consider this rare but serious complication during induction of anesthesia with propofol.

Background: The loss of resistance (LOR) method is most commonly used to identify the epidural space. This method is thought to rely on the penetration of the ligamentum flavum. Unfortunately the exact morphology of the ligamentum flavum is variable at different vertebral lev els. Especially, it has been pointed out that the lower cervical ligamentum flavum may be discontinuous in the mi dline in up to 50% of patients. Thus, the LOR method may be inaccurate to confirm the cervical epidural space . The aim of this study is to determine which method is the safest and most exact for confirming the cervical epidural space. Methods: 100 adult, chronic renal failure patients who were undergoing an arteriovenous bridge graft for hemodialysis at the upper arm under cervical epidural anesthesia were recruited for this study. During the cervical epidural puncture, we identified the cervical epidural space by subjectively feeling the resistance with using a finger just through the ligamentum flavum, and we also used the drip infusion method, the loss of resistance method using air, and the hanging drop method. By using 5 grades, we classified the extent of whether or not the techniques were effective. Results: Using the drip infusion method, we identify the epidural space in all the patients as ＋/＋＋ grade. The catheter insertion method was also successful in identifying those epidural spaces over a ± grade. The pseudo LOR was over ± grade in 47 patients. Conclusions: The combined LOR/hanging drop with drip infusion method is useful for confirming the cervical epidural space. (Korean J Pain 2009; 22: 158-162)

Urinary retention is a common post-operative complication that has been associated with opioid therapy. In this study, we investigated whether an intraoperative remifentanil infusion increased postoperative urinary retention in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Methods: Sixty-two healthy patients having elective minor surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Anesthesia was maintained with either sevoflurane (S group, n = 31) alone or with sevoflurane combined with a remifentanil infusion (0.1−0.2μg/kg/min) (RS group, n = 31). Bladder urine volume and voiding difficulty were evaluated at 2 and 6 hours after the operation. Results: The incidence of urinary retention was 13% in the S group and 6% in the RS group at 2 hours after operation, which was not a significant difference. The total incidence of urinary retention was 13% in both groups at 6 hours after operation. Conclusions: Intraoperative remifentanil infusion did not increase the postoperative urinary retention.

Internal jugular vein cannulation is commonly used for the anesthetic management of patients undergoing a major operation. Complications associated with internal jugular vein cannulation such as a carotid artery puncture, pneumothorax and hemothorax, have been reported; however, thrombotic complications of arteries due to accidental arterial punctures are rare. We report a case of thrombotic obstruction of the subclavian artery associated with inadvertent arterial puncture following an attempted internal jugular vein cannulation. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2008; 55: 95～8)

Background: Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) combined with general anesthesia is commonly used in major upper abdominal surgery. The advantages of this method is the suppression of the perioperative stress response, the improvement in endocardial perfusion, and the reduction of myocardial oxygen consumption, postoperative morbidity and mortality. In particular, this method reduces the level of postoperative ileus and intestinal anastomosis leakage during gastrointestinal surgery. However, there is the possibility of severe cardiovascular depression using this combination method. This study evaluates the cardiovascular effects of extensive TEA combined with sevoflurane general anesthesia. Methods: Fifty patients scheduled subtotal gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. After administering a bolus injection of 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine through an epidural catheter during sevoflurane general anesthesia, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance measured by Hemosonic (HemoSonicTM 100, Arrow, USA) every 5 minutes over a 30-minute period after the injection. Results: All the data showed a significant decrease from 5 minutes after the epidural bolus injection except for the stroke volume, but that was not important clinically. Conclusions: A thoracic epidural injection of 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine can be used safely during sevoflurane anesthesia without severe cardiovascular complications during upper abdominal surgery.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cause of tumors in Korean women. Until recently, oncologic breast surgery was performed by using general inhalation anesthesia. However, this anesthetic method is associated with incomplete postoperative pain control and significantly more postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Therefore, this study examinated the value of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) for a mastectomy, and evaluated the effects of a continuous epidural infusion on postoperative pain control and the PONV, which is known to be a better method than general anesthesia with intravenous patient controlled analgesia (IV PCA). Methods: Sixty five patients scheduled for a mastectomy were randomly assigned and divided into two groups. The GA group underwent general anesthesia using O2-N2O-sevoflurane with IV PCA. The TEA group was injected with 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine with fentanyl 50μg at T4－5. After surgery the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of postoperative pain and nausea was checked. Results: The postoperative pain intensity was significantly (P ＜ 0.05) lower in the TEA group at the postoperative period and during 6 hours compared with the GA group. Postoperative nausea intensity was significantly (P ＜ 0.05) lower in the TEA group during 6 hours. Conclusions: These results suggest that TEA is a method suitable of regional anesthesia for a mastectomy and a continuous epidural catheter infusion is more effective on postoperative pain control than general anesthesia with IV PCA. In addition, it is a good method for decreasing the PONV to a similar level as IV PCA with antiemetics. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2007; 52: 396~402)

Background: Segmental high thoracic epidural anesthesia and analgesia is now accepted as a popular technique for thoracic and breast surgeries, as well as post operative pain relief. However, a high thoracic epidural puncture is technically difficult, which can cause neurological complications. Having prior knowledge of the distance from the skin to the thoracic epidural space may be helpful for the prevention of complications during this procedure. This study was undertaken to evaluate the distance from the skin to the thoracic epidural space and the insertion angle of the Tuohy needle, as measured using a protractor, and to determine any potential relationship between a patient's height, weight and BMI (body mass index) with the calculated distance on the preoperative chest CT and the distance from the skin to the epidural space in 50 women undergoing a mastectomy. Methods: In the sitting position, using a mid-line approach, the T4-5 epidural depth was measured in 50 mastectomy patients after the block had been successfully confirmed. The patient's age, height, weight and BMI, as well as the calculated distance on the preoperative chest CT were then checked. Results: The distance from the skin to the thoracic epidural space at the T4-5 intervertebral level and insertion angle were 5.59 ± 1.26 cm and 54.40 ± 12.12 o , respectively. A significant correlation was found between the epidural depth and, the weight, BMI and calculated distance on the preoperative chest CT. Conclusions: The distance from the skin to the thoracic epidural space showed significant relationships with the weight, BMI and calculated distance on the preoperative chest CT. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2007; 53: 589∼92)

Background: Segmental thoracic epidural anesthesia (sTEA) is commonly used for postoperative pain control in chest or upper abdominal surgery. But it is not commonly used for the purpose of pure regional anesthesia. Therefore we investigated the usefulness of sTEA for mastectomy and evaluated the effects of sTEA on respiration and hemodynamics. Methods: Twenty patients scheduled for mastectomy were randomly assigned. Under sitting position, epidural catheter was inserted at T3-4 or T4-5. 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine with fentanyl 50g was injected to maintain anesthesia. The targeted sensory anesthetic dermatomal levels were determined by pinprick and measured at 5 min intervals for the first 15 min after injection of the drugs. If sensory block was not adequate, subsequent 5 ml doses of ropivacaine was injected. Supplemental oxygen (3-6 L/min) was administered through a face mask. After dermatomal level was checked, propofol infusion for sedation was started. Arterial blood sampling was taken for ABGA. Results: Average sensory anesthetic dermatomal levels is C5.5 1.9 - T8.9 2.7. During surgery, hypotension was noted in 25% of patients. It was treated with ephedrine 6 mg i.v. Average is 47.9 7.7 mmHg. Conclusions: Above results suggest that sTEA is suitable for mastectomy as a method of regional anesthesia.

Background: Postoperative vomiting (POV) is a common complication after pediatric strabismus surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic antiemetic effects of a combination of ondansetron with dexamethasone after strabismus surgery in children. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 126 healthy children, aged 3-10 years, who underwent strabismus surgery under general anesthesia using sevoflurane were examined. The patients were divided randomly into three groups: Patients who received 100g/kg ondansetron with 100 g/kg dexamethasone (OD group, n = 42); 100g/kg ondansetron (O group, n = 42); and saline as placebo (P group, n = 42) after the induction of anesthesia. The incidence of vomiting, the patient's distress due to vomiting, the need for rescue antiemetics and parental satisfaction during the first 24 h after surgery were evaluated. Results: The incidence of vomiting in group OD (5%) and group O (17%) during the first 24 h after surgery were significantly lower than in group P (40%) (P

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prophylactic effect of ondansetron on the postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 77 healthy female patients, who underwent a LC under general anesthesia using sevoflurane were investigated. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; the ondansetron group (n = 39) was administered 4 mg ondansetron, and the placebo group (n = 38) 2 ml of normal saline before the end of surgery. The incidence and severity of PONV, and the need for rescue antiemetics during the first 6 h and 24 h after surgery were evaluated. Results: The incidence of nausea in the ondansetron was significantly lower than in the placebo group during the 0-6 h (early nausea, P

Ramosetron Compared with Granisetron for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting following General Anesthesia for Breast Mass Excision Ji Eun Kim, M.D., Chang Bong Lee, M.D., Sun Chong Kim, M.D., Soon Im Kim, M.D., and Si Young Ok, M.D. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea Background: Women undergoing general anesthesia for breast mass excision have a high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We therefore evaluated the efficacy of ramosetron versus granisetron for preventing PONV. Methods: One hundred twenty women scheduled for breast mass excision received, in a randomized allocated, double-blind manner, an intravenous placebo (P group), granisetron 40/kg (G group) or ramosetron 6 /kg (R group) at the end of surgery. Emetic episode and side effects were assessed. Results: The incidence and severity of nausea in G and R group was less than P group (P ＜ 0.05) during the first 24 hrs. The incidence of vomiting in R group was less than P group (P ＜ 0.05) during the first 6 hrs. However there was no significant difference in the incidence of PONV between G and R group. Conclusions: Our results showed that both granisetron and ramosetron significantly decreased the occurrence of PONV compared to placebo. However, any different efficacy for preventing PONV was not revealed between granisetron and ramosetron.

Background: A prospective study was performed to evaluate the preventive effect of intravenous (IV) ondansetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) due to epidural morphine for postoperative pain control after major abdominal surgery. Methods: One hundred patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery were randomly devided into two groups, group O (n = 50) receiving IV ondansetron and group C (n = 50) receiving IV saline. After bolus epidural morphine were injected to all patients thirty minutes before the end of surgery, group O received ondansetron 8 mg and group C received normal saline intravenously. Incidence and severity of nausea, episodes of vomiting, patient´s satisfaction, side effects such as pruritus, headache, dizziness related to epidural morphine were checked at 6, 24 hours after operation. Results: The incidence and severity of nausea were significantly decreased in group O than group C during the first 24 hours after surgery. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain scores and patient´s satisfaction between groups. The patients who didn´t experienced PONV were significantly more satisfied than those who experienced PONV after surgery. Conclusions: Ondansetron decrease the incidence and severity of nausea in patients receiving epidural morphine for postoperative pain control after major abdominal surgery.

Background: Hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery is most common and serious adverse effect despite the use of uterine displacement and volume preload. This study evaluated the role of ephedrine and fluid preload for prevention of hypotension during spinal anesthesia. Methods: Sixty healthy women undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at term were allocated randomly to receive ephedrine 10/kg/min followed by 4 mg bolus IV (E group, n = 20); ephedrine 10/kg/min followed by 4 mg bolus IV and rapid administration of 500 ml hydroxyethyl starch solution (EH group, n = 20); and ephedrine 10/kg/min followed by 4 mg bolus IV and rapid administration of 500 ml lactated Ringers solution (ER group, n = 20). Heart rate, blood pressure, hypotension incidence, and total ephedrine administration were checked after spinal anesthesia. Umbilical blood gas analysis and APGAR score were checked after delivery. Results: Maternal blood pressure, maternal heart rate, APGAR score were similar in three groups. But umbilical blood and is significantly low in hypotensive group than normotensive group (P /kg/min) with or without 500 ml colloid or crystalloid infusion is not effective for blood pressure maintenance. Once the maternal hypotension induces the umbilical blood low oxygen tension, it is necessary for anesthesiologists to concentrate more on the maintenance of the blood pressure.

Aprotinin is a serine protease inhibitor and a powerful antifibrinolytic agent, derived from the inhibition of plasmin and kallikrein. Therefore, it is widely used in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery or major surgery for reducing bleeding and blood transfusion requirements. Aprotinin is rapidly eliminated from the circulation by glomerular filtration and is actively reabsorbed in the renal tubular system, where it is stored, metabolized, and eliminated over the following 5-6 days. Because of this metabolism, concerns have been raised regarding the possibility that aprotinin may impair renal function due to a toxic effects on proximal tubular cells. We report three cases of postoperative renal failure after aprotinin had been used during surgery. Two patients, Jehovah's Witnesses who refused blood transfusion, required hemodialysis. One patient, who underwent spinal orthopedic surgery, was administered aprotinin to reduce intraoperative blood loss, and developed acute renal dysfunction. The patient recovered after supportive therapy.

Background: The present study was undertaken to investigate whether the transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 acupoint prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after minor breast surgery. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, we investigated ASA I or II female patients who underwent minor breast surgery under general anesthesia using sevoflurane. We used a ReliefBanddevice (NSTTM 600, Woodside Biomedical Inc, USA) for the transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 acupoint. The patients were randomly divided into two groups; in the P6 group (n = 33) the activated ReliefBandwas placed at the P6 acupoint; in the placebo group (n = 33) the inactivated ReliefBandwas placed at the P6 acupoint. The ReliefBandwas applied 10 min before the end of surgery and it remained in place for 24 h. We evaluated the incidence and severity of PONV, and the need for palliative antiemetics during the first 6 h and 24 h after surgery. Results: The incidence of nausea was significantly lower in the P6 group (33%) than in the placebo group (67%) during the first 24 h after surgery. The severity of nausea was also significantly lower in the P6 group than in the placebo group. However, the incidence of vomiting and the need for palliative antiemetics was not different between the two groups. Conclusions: Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 acupoint significantly reduced the incidence and severity of nausea, but not the incidence and severity of vomiting, for female patients undergoing minor breast surgery during the first 24 h after surgery.

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of preemptive gabapentin on postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing mastectomy. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind study, 41 patients received a single dose of oral gabapentin 900 mg with routine premedicantion (GABA group, n = 21) or only routine premedication without gabapentin (control group, n = 20) 1 h before surgery. Patients received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia using fentanyl for postoperative analgesia. VAS scores for pain at rest and during movement, sedation scores, side effects, and fentanyl consumptions were assessed at 6 and 24 h after surgery. Results: No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of pain scores, side effects, or fentanyl consumptions for 24 h postoperatively. However, patients in the GABA group were more sedated at 6 h postoperatively than patients in the control group (P

Background: It is believed that stimulation of the P6 acupoint minimizes nausea and vomiting and has been used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting in vario us situations. T he present study was undertaken to investigate whether the transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 acupoint prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV in female patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. M ethods: In this prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study we investigated 59 ASA I or II female patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia using isoflurane or enflurane. We used a ReliefBand u nit (NST TM 600 Woodside Biomedical Inc USA for the transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 acupoint. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; in the P6 group (n = 29 the activated ReliefBand w as placed at the P6 acupoint; and in the placebo group (n = 30 the inactivated ReliefBand was placed at the P6 acupoint. The ReliefBand was applied 10 min before the end of surgery and remained in place for 24 h. We evaluated the incidence and severity of PONV and need for rescue antiemetics during the first 6 h and 24 h after surgery. Results: No differences in age weight previous PONV history or duration of anesthesia were present between groups. The incidence of PONV was significantly lower (34% in the P6 group than in the placebo group (63% during the first 24 h after surgery. The severity of nausea and vomiting was also significantly lower in the P6 group than in the placebo group. However the need for rescue antiemetics was similar in the two groups. Conclusions: Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 acupoint significantly reduces the incidence and severity of PONV in female patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the first 24 h after surgery. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2003; 44: 853～859

Background : Postoperative nausea and vomiting remain troublesome problems, especially in women receiving the opioid analgesics. This study was performed to assess the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron in patients using an intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) after gynecologic surgery. Methods : In this randomized placebo-controlled study, forty healthy gynecologic surgical patients received ondansetron 4 mg or placebo at the end of surgery. Patients in the recovery room received fentanyl by PCA which provided a bolus dose of 20μg, a lockout time of 6 minutes, and a basal infusion of 20μg/hr. We assessed the occurrence of nausea, vomiting, and the need for rescue antiemetics during the first 24 hours after operation. Results : During the first 24 hr after operation, 40% of patients experienced no nausea or vomiting in the ondansetron group compared to 30% of patients in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea between groups (70% in placebo group vs 60% in ondansetron group). However, ondansetron reduced the incidence of vomiting from 50% to 15%, and the need for rescue antiemetics significantly from 25% to 0% (P＜ 0.05). Conclusions : Ondansetron in a dose of 4 mg does not prevent postoperative nausea during the first 24 hours after operation when used with fetanyl PCA. However, ondansetron significantly reduces the chance of postoperative vomiting and rescue antiemetics. (Korean J Anesthesiol 1999; 37: 1089∼1094)

Technological advances in video camera, high resolution monitors and optical systems have produced considerable process in endoscopic surgery. Recently we have experienced transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy(TES) for the treatment of Buerger's disease of both hands in a 47 years old male healthy patient. For the TES, one lung ventilation is necessary to provide adequate surgical access, so this patient had general anesthesia with a disposable left sided Robertshaw double lumen endobronchial tube. The patient was monitored for arterial pressure, herat rate, ECG, pulse oximetry, end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration, peak inspired airway pressure and arterial blood gas analysis. Potenial intraoperative problems wese hypoxemia during one-lung anesthesia, hypotension and hypercarbia occurred by insufflation of carbon dioxide into the chest cavity. Our patient also developed moderate hypoxemia which was corrected by application of high frequency jet ventilation with low driving pressure during right sided operation, and increased significantly arterial carbon dioxide tension about 8-12 mmHg during one lung ansthesia. We reviewed our experience and discussed the anesthetic technique and perioperative problems encounterd in the patient undergoing transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy for Buerger's disease.

Neurologic deficits following spinal anesthesia are extremely rare since the use of sterile spinal anesthesia kit and the relative small doses of the local anesthetics employed. We have experienced 29 years old healthy female patient developed left S root radiculopathy with dysesthesia and motor weakness of left foot after spinal anesthesia for appendectomy. And the patient recovered spontaneously after 6 months without specific treatment except physical and symptomatic therapy.