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It remains uncertain whether individualization of pneumoperitoneum pressures during laparoscopic surgery improves postoperative recovery. This study compared an individualized pneumoperitoneum pressure (IPP) strategy with a standard pneumoperitoneum pressure (SPP) strategy with respect to postoperative recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.This was a multicentre RCT. The IPP strategy comprised modified patient positioning, deep neuromuscular blockade, and abdominal wall prestretching targeting the lowest intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) that maintained acceptable workspace. The SPP strategy comprised patient positioning according to the surgeon's preference, moderate neuromuscular blockade and a fixed IAP of 12 mmHg. The primary endpoint was physiological postoperative recovery, assessed by means of the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale. Secondary endpoints included recovery in other domains and overall recovery, the occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and plasma markers of inflammation up to postoperative day 3.Of 166 patients, 85 received an IPP strategy and 81 an SPP strategy. The IPP strategy was associated with a higher probability of physiological recovery (odds ratio (OR) 2·77, 95 per cent c.i. 1·19 to 6·40, P = 0·017; risk ratio (RR) 1·82, 1·79 to 1·87, P = 0·049). The IPP strategy was also associated with a higher probability of emotional (P = 0·013) and overall (P = 0·011) recovery. Intraoperative adverse events were less frequent with the IPP strategy (P 0·001) and the plasma neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was lower (P = 0·029). Other endpoints were not affected.In this cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery, an IPP strategy was associated with faster recovery, fewer intraoperative complications and less inflammation than an SPP strategy. Registration number: NCT02773173 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).No se sabe con certeza si individualizar las presiones del neumoperitoneo durante la cirugía laparoscópica mejora la recuperación postoperatoria. Comparamos una estrategia con individualización de la presión del neumoperitoneo (individualised pneumoperitoneum pressure, IPP) frente a una estrategia con presión estándar del neumoperitoneo (standard pneumoperitoneum pressure, SPP) respecto a la recuperación postoperatoria tras cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica. MÉTODOS: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado multicéntrico. La estrategia IPP consistió en una modificación de la posición, bloqueo neuromuscular profundo, y una distensión de la pared abdominal conseguida con la presión intraabdominal (intra-abdominal pressure, IAP) más baja en la que el espacio quirúrgico operativo siguiera siendo aceptable. La estrategia SPP consistió en una posición de acuerdo con la preferencia del cirujano, bloqueo neuromuscular moderado, e IAP fija de 12 mm Hg. El resultado primario fue la recuperación fisiológica postoperatoria, evaluada mediante la escala de calidad en la recuperación postoperatoria (Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale, PQRS). Los resultados secundarios incluyeron la recuperación en otros dominios y la recuperación global, la aparición de complicaciones intraoperatorias y postoperatorias, duración de la estancia hospitalaria, y los valores de los marcadores inflamatorios séricos durante tres días postoperatorios.De un total de 166 pacientes, 85 recibieron una estrategia IPP y 81 una estrategia SPP. La estrategia IPP se asoció con una elevada probabilidad de recuperación fisiológica (razón de oportunidades, odds ratio OR, 2,8 (i.c. del 95% 1,2-6,4); P = 0,017, razón de riesgo, 1,8 (i.c. del 95% 1,7-1,9), P = 0,05)). La estrategia IPP también se asoció con una elevada probabilidad de recuperación emotiva (P = 0,013) y global (P = 0,011). Los eventos adversos intraoperatorios fueron menos frecuentes con la estrategia IPP (P0,001) y la tasa neutrófilo-linfocito fue más baja (P = 0,029). No se observaron cambios en otras variables. CONCLUSIÓN: En esta cohorte de pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica, una estrategia IPP se asoció con una recuperación más rápida, menos complicaciones intraoperatorias y menos inflamación en comparación con una estrategia SPP.

BackgroundThe current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has a great impact worldwide. Healthcare workers play an essential role and are one of the most exposed groups. Information about the psychosocial impact on healthcare workers is limited.Methods3109 healthcare workers completed a national, internet-based, cross-sectional 45-item survey between 9 and 19 April 2020. The objective is to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spanish healthcare workers. A Psychological Stress and Adaptation at work Score (PSAS) was defined combining four modified versions of validated psychological assessment tests (A) Healthcare Stressful Test, (B) Coping Strategies Inventory, (C) Font-Roja Questionnaire and (D) Trait Meta-Mood Scale.ResultsThe highest psychosocial impact was perceived in Respiratory Medicine, the mean (S.D.) PSAS was 48.3 (13.6) and Geriatrics 47.6 (16.4). Higher distress levels were found in the geographical areas with the highest incidence of COVID-19 (>245.5 cases per 100 000 people), PSAS 46.8 (15.2); p < 0.001. The least stress respondents were asymptomatic workers PSAS, 41.3 (15.4); p < 0.001, as well as those above 60 years old, PSAS, 37.6 (16); p < 0.001. Workers who needed psychological therapy and did not receive it, were more stressed PSAS 52.5 (13.6) than those who did not need it PSAS 39.7 (13.9); p < 0.001.ConclusionsThe psychological impact in healthcare workers in Spain during COVID-19 emergency has been studied. The stress perceived is parallel to the number of cases per 100 000 people. Psychotherapy could have a major role to mitigate the experimented stress level.

The implementation of a clinical pathway in bariatric surgery (BS) might facilitate systemic care. Focusing on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs may also improve surgical outcomes depending on the degree of adherence achieved. We hypothesized that the implementation of an ERAS clinical pathway in BS (ERABS) improves clinical outcomes compared to traditional treatment in a tertiary care hospital. The main objective was to assess the degree of adherence to the ERABS program. Secondary objectives were to evaluate compliance with the quality indicators of the Spanish Society for Obesity Surgery (SECO) and overall patients' satisfaction. A retrospective observational study was designed. Data from patients who underwent BS into an ERABS context were reviewed and compared with traditionally treated patients. Process and outcomes indicators adapted from RICA (Recuperacion Intensificada en Cirugia Abdominal) pathway, degree of compliance with SECO quality indicators and patients' satisfaction were analyzed. Forty-three patients were included per group. Indicators' compliance rate per patient was 83.23%. Differences were found in postoperative bleeding, immediate morbidity and overall morbidity, but not in severity of complications. No patient felt dissatisfied or unsatisfied. Average compliance with indicators of process and outcome was 90.45%. Overall morbidity in ERABS group did not differ from that recommended by SECO, but traditional group did show significant increase. Adherence was 83.63% and overall incidence of complications was 7%. Our study shows improved clinical outcomes in ERABS group with a high degree of adherence. Quality indicators were met, improving overall morbidity with no difference in the severity of complications.

The implementation of a clinical pathway in bariatric surgery (BS) might facilitate systemic care. Focusing on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs may also improve surgical outcomes depending on the degree of adherence achieved. We hypothesized that the implementation of an ERAS clinical pathway in BS (ERABS) improves clinical outcomes compared to traditional treatment in a tertiary care hospital. The main objective was to assess the degree of adherence to the ERABS program. Secondary objectives were to evaluate compliance with the quality indicators of the Spanish Society for Obesity Surgery (SECO) and overall patients' satisfaction. A retrospective observational study was designed. Data from patients who underwent BS into an ERABS context were reviewed and compared with traditionally treated patients. Process and outcomes indicators adapted from RICA (Recuperación Intensificada en Cirugía Abdominal) pathway, degree of compliance with SECO quality indicators and patients' satisfaction were analyzed. Forty-three patients were included per group. Indicators' compliance rate per patient was 83.23%. Differences were found in postoperative bleeding, immediate morbidity and overall morbidity, but not in severity of complications. No patient felt dissatisfied or unsatisfied. Average compliance with indicators of process and outcome was 90.45%. Overall morbidity in ERABS group did not differ from that recommended by SECO, but traditional group did show significant increase. Adherence was 83.63% and overall incidence of complications was 7%. Our study shows improved clinical outcomes in ERABS group with a high degree of adherence. Quality indicators were met, improving overall morbidity with no difference in the severity of complications.

Anaphylaxis during anaesthesia is a rare event occurring in up to 1:20,000 anaesthetics and in 33%–63% neuromuscular blocking agents are involved. Several case reports suggested the effectiveness of sugammadex in the treatment of rocuronium-induced anaphylactic shock refractory to conventional treatment. We report a case of anaphylactic reaction to rocuronium that caused isolated respiratory symptoms and showed no improvement in oxygen saturation after intravenous corticosteroids and intratracheal beta-2 agonists and that was successfully treated with sugammadex. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that explain the potential beneficial effect of sugammadex in this context are not completely known. We briefly review the literature regarding this topic.

In this chapter, the classical aspects of surgical neuromuscular blockade are reviewed focusing on its application to thoracic surgery. The neurobiology of the neuromuscular junction is shortly reviewed, as is the pharmacology of the neuromuscular blocking agents and reversal drugs. The characteristics of typical thoracic surgery patients are outlined. As an example the oncologic patient that loss muscle mass, sustain hypoproteinemia, cachexia, etc. The patient with neuromuscular diseases, especially myasthenia gravis, is reviewed from the neuromuscular function and muscle relaxation point of view. An overview on atypical procedures is offered, as esophageal surgery, day case thoracic surgery and bronchoscopic procedures.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during spine surgery is usually acomplished avoiding muscle relaxants. A case of intraoperative sugammadex partial reversal of the neuromuscular blockade allowing adequate monitoring during spine surgery is presented. A 38 year-old man was scheduled for discectomy and vertebral arthrodesis throughout anterior and posterior approaches. Anesthesia consisted of total intravenous anesthesia plus rocuronium. Intraoperatively monitoring was needed, and the muscle relaxant reverted twice with low dose sugammadex in order to obtain adequate responses. The doses of sugammadex used were conservatively selected (0.1 mg/kg boluses increases, total dose needed 0.4 mg/kg). Both motor evoqued potentials, and electromyographic responses were deemed adequate by the neurophysiologist. If muscle relaxation was needed in the context described, this approach could be useful to prevent neurological sequelae. This is the first study using very low dose sugammadex to reverse rocuronium intraoperatively and to re-establish the neuromuscular blockade.

Resumen La ecocardiografía transesofágica en la cirugía mínimamente invasiva mitral es una técnica imprescindible en la actualidad. La diversa información que nos ofrece durante todo el proceso quirúrgico implementa la monitorización continua intraoperatoria, ayuda al cirujano a guiar su actuación ante campos quirúrgicos de escasa visualización, permite valorar exhaustivamente la enfermedad valvular y diagnosticar potenciales complicaciones derivadas de la cirugía. En este trabajo se revisan y concretan los aspectos principales y específicos de esta técnica como soporte a la cirugía mini-invasiva mitral. Transoesophageal echocardiography is an essential technique in minimally invasive mitral surgery. It provides continuous haemodynamic monitoring for the anaesthetic management and provides assistance to the surgeons during the different stages of the procedure when visibility can be limited. This paper reviews the value and role of transoesophageal echocardiography during minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

Infection is considered to be a relative contraindication for regional anaesthesia. However, there is a paucity of articles addressing the topic of regional anaesthesia in patients with an active infectious process. Recent publications show a low incidence of infection (0.007% to 0.6%) of the central nervous system after neuraxial punctures in patients at risk of, or with ongoing bacteraemia, and a low incidence of infection after performing regional anaesthesia techniques in immunosuppressed patients, or patients with an actual infection. Therefore, some authors conclude that it seems that there is little justification to set strict contraindications regarding this indication and that the risk–benefit ratio should prevail. In addition, a low incidence of meningitis or abscesses after the lumbar puncture has been observed in patients with unsuspected and ongoing bacteraemia, or who were at risk of bacteraemia, when antibiotic therapy has been previously started. For viral infections, regional techniques seem to be safe, being applied in patients with HIV infection. The only established absolute contraindication for any type of regional anaesthesia technique is the infection at the puncture site. Debate persists if a neuraxial anaesthesia technique is to be performed in the course of sepsis with the origin away from the puncture site. In case of thoracic epidural anaesthesia and analgesia, experimental and clinical studies highlight their potential benefits in the systemic inflammatory response syndromes and founded sepsis, both in surgical and non-surgical patients. Finally, the anti-inflammatory and anti-infective effects of local anaesthetics and the basis of excessive inflammatory response are described, as the latter might be involved, in part, in the clinical outcomes.

During neuromuscular monitoring, repeated electrical stimulation evokes muscle responses of increasing magnitude ('staircase phenomenon', SP). We aimed to evaluate whether SP affects time course and twitches' values of an acceleromyographic assessed neuromuscular block with or without previous tetanic stimulation. Fifty adult patients were randomized to receive a 50Hz tetanic stimulus (S group) or not (C group) before monitor calibration. After 20min of TOF ratio (TOFr) stimulation rocuronium was administered. Onset time of block (primary endpoint), recovery of T1 to 25%, TOFr to 0.9, and recovery index were compared. We also compared T1 and TOFr at baseline, post-stimulation, and during recovery from block. Moreover the correlation between T1 at maximum recovery and (a) baseline T1 and (b) post-stimulation T1 along with T1/TOFr ratio during recovery were evaluated. After stimulation median T1 increased (32%) in group C and decreased (16%) in group S (P=0.0001). Onset time (Median [IQR] in seconds) was 90 (29-77) vs. 75 (28-60) in C and S group (P=0.002). Time [Mean (SD) in minutes] to normalized TOFr 0.9 were 70.13 (14.9) vs. 62.1 (21.2) in C and S groups (P=0.204). TOFr showed no differences between groups at any time point. T1 at maximum recovery showed a stronger correlation with post-stabilization T1 compared to baseline. (rho=0.80 and rho=0.85, for C and S groups.) Standard calibration does not ensure twitch baseline stabilization and prolongs onset time of neuromuscular block. TOF ratio is not influenced by SP.

Objective The use of a test dose in epidural anesthesia is a safety recommendation. However, specificity and sensitivity of the drugs used with this indication have not been conclusive. The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and the adverse effects of a simulated intravascular test dose of adrenaline, lidocaine and S(+)-ketamine. Material and methods A prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled study was designed. ASA I patients scheduled for elective surgery were included. These were randomized to the following study groups: S(+)-ketamine 0.5 mg kg −1 (S+K group), 5% lidocaine 1.5 mg kg −1 (L5% group), adrenaline 15 μg (ADR group), and physiological saline 3 ml (SF group; control group). An evaluation was made during the first 15 min after the study drug was administered. Variables including heart rate (HR) systolic and diastolic blood pressure (sBP and dBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and SpO 2 were recorded at 0 min (baseline) and at 2, 5, 8, 10 and 15 min after drug injection. An increase of at least 20 beats per minute (bpm) in relation to the baseline measurement was considered a positive result, as was an increase sBP >15 mm Hg. The clinical effects described as related to IV injection of the study drugs recorded were sedation-hypnosis, dizziness, nystagmus, metallic taste perception, perioral or facial paresthesias, tinnitus, as well as any other effect the patients mentioned. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated as was the percent increase in the parameters in order to see if these were clinically useful. Results A total of 80 patients, 20 per group, were included. The sBP, dBP, and MAP were significantly raised at the 2, 5, 8 and 10 min measurements in the S(+)K group compared to the rest of the groups ( p p Sensitivity and specificity were high, and significant in the S(+)K group from minute 2 to minute 8 compared with the placebo group, as well as percentage points differences in the same interval. There were significant differences in the incidence of sedation-hypnosis, nystagmus and dizziness, which were more frequent in the S(+)K group. There were no differences in the incidence of metallic taste, perioral and facial paresthesias or tinnitus. The effects in the S(+)K group always occurred before minute 5 after drug injection. Conclusion Both lidocaine and adrenaline at the scheduled doses showed low sensitivity and specificity as a simulated IV epidural test dose. S(+)-ketamine could be a feasible marker after accidental IV injection during epidural anesthesia or analgesia.

ResumenObjetivo La dosis test en anestesia epidural es una recomendacion de seguridad. La especificidad y sensibilidad de los farmacos empleados no ha resultado concluyente. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar la efectividad de adrenalina, lidocaina y S(+)-ketamina como dosis test intravascular simulada, asi como sus efectos adversos. Material y metodos Estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Pacientes ASA I, sometidos a cirugia electiva. Los grupos de estudio fueron (asignacion aleatoria): S(+)-ketamina 0,5 mg/kg-1 (grupo S + K), lidocaina 5% 1,5 mg/kg-1 (grupo L5%), adrenalina 15 μg (grupo ADR) y suero fisiologico 3 ml (grupo SF; grupo control). Se evaluaron los primeros 15 min tras la administracion del farmaco. Se evaluo: FC, PAS, PAM, PAD y SpO2 a los 0 min (basal) y a los 2, 5, 8, 10 y 15 min de la inyeccion del farmaco de estudio. Se considero positivo un incremento de al menos 20 lat/min respecto de la determinacion basal, o un incremento de la PAS > 15 mm Hg. Se registraron efectos clinicos: aparicion de sedacion-hipnosis, mareo, nistagmo, percepcion de sabor metalico, parestesias faciales o peribucales, tinnitus, asi como cualquier otro efecto referido por los pacientes. Se calculo la sensibilidad y especificidad y la diferencia porcentual de la variacion para comprobar su significacion clinica. Resultados Fueron incluidos 80 pacientes, 20 por grupo. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la PAS, PAM y PAD que se incrementaron a los 2, 5, 8 y 10 min entre el grupo S(+)K y los otros 3 grupos (p

Background and goal of study Postoperative myocardial infarction is a serious and frequent complication of cardiac surgery. Nonetheless, diagnosis in this context is occasionally challenging. We sought to evaluate the kinetics and diagnostic accuracy of the new biomarker “heart-type fatty acid-binding protein” (h-FABP) in the early detection of myocardial injury in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, compared with classical biomarkers. Materials and methods A prospective study was conducted on 17 consecutive patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting during a 2-month period. Blood samples were drawn for measurement of myocardial ischemic injury biomarkers (h-FABP, troponin, creatine kinase [CK] and CK-MB), at baseline (T1), immediate post-coronary artery bypass grafting (T2), on ICU admission (T3), and after 4 (T4), 8 (T5), 24 (T6) and 48 h (T7). Perioperative ischemic complications, defined according to electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and hemodynamic criteria, were recorded. Results Earlier peak biochemical marker plasma values occurred at T4 with troponin (2.9 ± 5.2 ng/mL), and at T5 with h-FABP (37.9 ± 55.5 ng/mL). Maximum values of CK and CK-MB occurred later, both in T6 (741 ± 779 and 37 ± 51 U/L, respectively). The optimized cut-off obtained for h-FABP was 19 ng/mL, providing a sensitivity and specificity of 77 and 75%, respectively, for diagnosis of perioperative ischemic injury, with an area under the ROC curve for h-FABP of 0.83 (95% CI 0.6–1.0) vs. 0.63 (95% CI 0.33–0.83) for troponin. This cut-off value for h-FABP is reached on average at T2 (mean value of h-FABP at T2: 18.9 ± 21.5 ng/mL). Conclusion This is the first study evaluating the kinetics of h-FABP biomarker in perioperative off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, and the cut-off value established could help to extend earlier detection of myocardial ischemia in this context.

The fragility index (FI), the number of events the statistical significance a result depends on, and the number of patients lost to follow-up are important parameters for interpreting randomised clinical trial results. We evaluated these two parameters in randomised controlled trials in anaesthesiology. For this, we performed a systematic search of the medical literature, seeking articles reporting on anaesthesiology trials with a statistically significant difference in the primary outcome and published in the top five general medicine journals, or the top 15 anaesthesiology journals. We restricted the analysis to trials reporting clinically important primary outcome measures. The search identified 139 articles, 35 published in general medicine journals and 104 in anaesthesiology journals. The median (inter-quartile range) sample size was 150 (70-300) patients. The FI was 4 (2-17) and 3 (2-7), and the number of patients lost to follow-up was 0 (0-18) and 0 (0-6) patients in trials published in general medicine and anaesthesiology journals, respectively. The number of patients lost to follow-up exceeded the FI in 41 and 27% in trials in general medicine journals and anaesthesiology journals, respectively. The FI positively correlated with sample size and number of primary outcome events, and negatively correlated with the reported P-values. The results of this systematic review suggest that statistically significant differences in randomised controlled anaesthesiology trials are regularly fragile, implying that the primary outcome status of patients lost to follow-up could possibly have changed the reported effect.

Study objective To evaluate the influence of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) on surgical conditions during low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (8mmHg) laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), while comparing moderate and deep NMB. Secondary objective was to evaluate if surgical conditions during low-pressure pneumoperitoneum LC performed with deep NMB could be comparable to those provided during standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum (12mmHg) LC. Design Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Setting Operating room. Patients Ninety ASA 1–2 patients scheduled for elective LC. Interventions Patients were allocated into 3 groups: Group 1: low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with moderate-NMB (1–3 TOF), Group 2: low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep-NMB (1–5 PTC) and Group 3: standard pneumoperitoneum (12mmHg). Rocuronium was used to induce NMB and acceleromiography was used for NMB monitoring (TOF-Watch-SX). Measurements Three experienced surgeons evaluated surgical conditions using a four-step scale at three time-points: surgical field exposure, dissection of the gallbladder and extraction/closure. Main results Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (Group 1 vs. 2): good conditions: 96.7 vs. 96.7%, 90 vs. 80% and 89.6 vs. 92.3%, respectively for the time-points, p>0.05. No differences in optimal surgical conditions were observed between the groups. Surgery completion at 8mmHg pneumoperitoneum: 96.7 vs. 86.7%, p=0.353. Standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum vs. low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep NMB (Group 3 vs. 2): good conditions: 100% in Group 3 for the three time-points (p=0.024 vs. Group 2 at dissection of the gallbladder). Significantly greater percentage of optimal conditions during standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum LC at the three time points of evaluation. Conclusions The depth of NMB was found not to be decisive neither in the improvement of surgical conditions nor in the completion of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum LC performed by experienced surgeons. Surgical conditions were considered better with a standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum, regardless of the depth of NMB, than during low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep NMB.

Type I neurofibromatosis is characterised by altered skin pigmentation and the growth of benign tumours, particularly along the peripheral nerves and central nervous system. We report a 36-year-old primigravida woman in labour who was admitted to the obstetric suite of the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain, in 2007 with hypothyroidism, type I neurofibromatosis and a factor V Leiden mutation. Due to a lack of cranial and spinal imaging data, an epidural was not indicated; instead, continuous intravenous remifentanil analgaesia was administered. The remifentanil infusion was self-titrated by the patient using a visual analogue scale, with the dosage ranging from 0.01 to 0.25 μg/kg/minute. Due to rotational dystocia, Kjelland-type forceps were used during the delivery. After birth, the infant was found to have Apgar scores of 9 and 10, with no maternal or neonatal adverse effects observed. Although still controversial, remifentanil may be a successful alternative for analgaesia in similar cases; however, the specific risks and benefits for each patient should be considered prior to administration.

Single shot spinal anesthesia is used worldwide for hip fracture repair surgery in the elderly. Arterial hypotension is a frequent adverse effect. We hypothesized that lowering local anesthetics dose could decrease the incidence of arterial hypotension, while maintaining quality of surgical anesthesia.In a randomized double blinded study, 66 patients over the age of 65 years, with hip fracture needing surgical repair, were assigned to B0.5 group 7.5mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 5mg/ml (control group), and B0.25 group 3.75mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5mg/ml (study group). Sensory and motor block level, and hemodynamic parameters including blood presure, heart rate and vasopressor dose administration were registered, along with rescue anesthesia needs, the feasibility of surgery, its duration, and regression time of sensory anesthesia to T12.After exclusions, 61 patients were included in the final analysis. Arterial hypotension incidence was lower in the B0.25 group (at the 5, 10, and 15min determinations), and a lower amount of vasopressor drugs was needed (mean accumulated ephedrine dose 1.6mg vs. 8.7mg in the B0.5 group, p0.002). Sensory block regression time to T12 was shorter in the B0.25 group, mean 78.6±23.6 (95% CI 51.7-110.2)min vs. 125.5±37.9 (95% CI 101.7-169.4)min in the B0.5 group, p=0.033. All but one patient in the B0.25 group were operated on under the anesthetic procedure first intended. No rescue anesthesia was needed.Lowering bupivacaine dose for single shot spinal anesthesia for hip fracture repair surgery in elderly patients was effective in decreasing the occurrence of arterial hypotension and vasopressor use, while intraoperative quality remained.

Resumen Introduccion La elevacion del lactato serico en el posoperatorio de la cirugia cardiaca es frecuente y su etiopatogenia, multifactorial. Esta elevacion se asocia a hipoxia tisular (hiperlactatemia tipo A) y a alteraciones metabolicas no hipoxicas (hiperlactatemia tipo B). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la evolucion del lactato en el posoperatorio de la ablacion de la fibrilacion auricular durante la cirugia valvular cardiaca y analizar si los niveles de lactato pudieran ser predictores de morbimortalidad. Material y metodos Estudio de casos y controles. Se estudiaron 32 pacientes intervenidos entre 2011 y 2012 de ablacion de la fibrilacion auricular realizada junto a la cirugia de recambio valvular (grupo Maze), y 32 pacientes pareados (grupo Control). Se analizaron los niveles posoperatorios seriados de lactato, la morbimortalidad perioperatoria y la estancia hospitalaria. Se realizo un estudio univariante y multivariante para estancias prolongadas y un suceso compuesto de morbimortalidad con el fin de detectar predictores independientes. Resultados El lactato estuvo mas elevado a las 6, 12 y 24 h en el grupo Maze. En el analisis univariante resultaron significativos como predictores de complicaciones, mortalidad y estancias prolongadas el hecho de pertenecer al grupo Maze (OR 3,88; IC 95% 1,3-11,1; p = 0,01) y la elevacion de lactato a las 12 h (OR 1,33; IC 95% 1,01-1,7; p = 0,04). En el analisis multivariante la pertenencia al grupo Maze fue predictor independiente de complicaciones mayores (OR 4,13; IC 95% 1,3-12,9; p = 0,015), para el suceso compuesto de morbimortalidad (OR 3,9; IC 95% 1,3-11,6; p = 0,01) y para estancia prolongada en la Unidad de Cuidados Criticos (OR 5,7; IC 95% 2,01-15,7; p = 0,01). Conclusiones La cirugia de ablacion de la fibrilacion auricular podria ser una causa no descrita previamente de hiperlactatemia tipo B con picos entre las 4-24 h tras cirugia cardiaca. El valor predictivo de esta elevacion, su correlacion con la morbimortalidad, su sensibilidad y su especificidad para discriminar los umbrales significativos estan aun por definir.

Level of evidence: Not applicable.

Resumen Objetivos Aunque hay numerosas pautas de tratamiento de la preeclampsia en la paciente obstetrica, hay escasa evidencia acerca de lo adecuado del tratamiento estandar. Por otra parte, organismos sanitarios internacionales recomiendan que haya disponibles recomendaciones, protocolos o guias escritas para la atencion de situaciones frecuentes o graves por parte de hospitales o servicios de anestesia. Nuestro objetivo fue elaborar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia sobre el abordaje terapeutico de la paciente con preeclampsia grave. Material y metodos Se realizo una revision de la bibliografia obtenida de diversas fuentes, bases de datos, recomendaciones de sociedades y revisiones. Se llevo a cabo por 4 anestesiologos expertos que plantearon preguntas clinicas (extraidas de la lectura de revisiones recientes sobre preeclampsia). Para la seleccion final se requirio consenso de al menos 3 de los 4 expertos. Se siguieron los criterios de asignacion de evidencia de Oxford y se aplico la escala de Jadad a los estudios seleccionados. Resultados Se eligieron 50 preguntas clinicas que fueron respondidas. Se clasificaron en: medidas generales, influencia de la forma de parto, evaluacion preanestesica, tratamiento periparto (incluyendo la analgesia y anestesia), eclampsia, posparto y tratamiento intensivo y traslado. La mayoria de las respuestas presentan una evidencia cientifica baja que las avale. Conclusiones Se proponen unas recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para el tratamiento de la preeclampsia grave, especialmente enfocadas a los anestesiologos.

Resumen Objetivos La etiologia multifactorial de los sintomas del tracto urinario inferior (STUI) justifica su evaluacion detallada para un adecuado abordaje terapeutico segun las guias europeas actuales. Para conocer el perfil sintomatico e impacto en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de pacientes varones que acuden a consulta de urologia se desarrollo el siguiente estudio. Material y metodos Estudio epidemiologico, transversal en 826 varones adultos con ≥ 1 STUI de novo no tratados previamente. Se recogieron variables sociodemograficas y clinicas. Los pacientes cumplimentaron la Puntuacion internacional de sintomas prostaticos (IPSS), Cuestionario de autoevaluacion del control vesical (CACV) y cuestionario SF-12. Resultados La edad media (DE) fue de 65 (10) anos. El 69% presentaba una combinacion de sintomas de llenado, vaciado y posmiccionales. El 30% tenia ≥ 2 episodios de urgencia y ≥ 8 micciones al dia (subpoblacion con sintomas de llenado [SLL]). Los SLL fueron el motivo de consulta en el 86% de los casos. El flujo urinario maximo medio fue 11,4 ml/s y el 44% tenia volumen prostatico entre 20-40 cc y el 91% sintomas moderados o graves (IPSS) con puntuacion media (DE) de 17 (7). La subpoblacion con SLL tenia puntuaciones mayores del CACV (sintomas 6,9 vs 4,8; molestias 7,8 vs 5,1). La subpoblacion con SLL presentaba peor CVRS (IPSS item 8). Conclusiones Estos hallazgos evidencian que es importante conocer el perfil de sintomas de cada paciente y el grado de molestia e impacto en la calidad de vida para orientar adecuadamente el tratamiento.

Objectives Following current European guidelines, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are produced by several causes and, thus, thorough clinical assessment should be undertaken for a correct therapeutic management. This study was conducted in order to assess the symptoms profile and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL) of male patients attending urology outpatient clinics.

Resumen Aunque infrecuentes, las reacciones de toxicidad general a los anestesicos locales pueden ser muy graves, y resultar en dano irreversible o muerte del paciente. Por ello se requiere un protocolo de actuacion que siga unas lineas claras para el diagnostico y tratamiento rapidos, que son fundamentales para la recuperacion completa del paciente. Se revisa la fisiopatologia de la toxicidad por anestesicos locales, asi como las posibilidades de prevencion y el tratamiento una vez instaurada. Aunque hay pocos aspectos que se puedan basar en la evidencia, se recogen las medidas recomendadas haciendo especial hincapie en la reanimacion cardiopulmonar avanzada, el tratamiento farmacologico y el empleo precoz de las emulsiones lipidicas.

Residual neuromuscular blockade after general anesthesia using nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents has pathophysiological, clinical, and economic consequences. A significant number of patients under muscle relaxation sustain residual curarization.Observational, prospective, multicenter study of a cohort of patients (Residual Curarization in Spain Study, ReCuSS). Residual blockade was defined as TOFr0.9. Patients18 years-old under general anesthesia, including at least one dose of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents, and transferred extubated and spontaneously ventilating to the postanesthesia care unit were included. Pre- and intraoperative data were recorded, including, patient characteristics, ASA physical status, experience of the anesthesiologist, type of surgery, temperature monitoring, surgery duration, neuromuscular blockade-related parameters, type of anesthesia (halogenated-balanced, intravenous propofol-based, other), and use of neuromuscular monitoring.A total of 763 patients from 26 hospitals were included, 190 patients (26.7%) showing residual paralysis. Female patients were more prone to residual neuromuscular blockade. Length of surgery, type of relaxant used (benzylisoquinolines), halogenated anesthesia, absence of intraoperative specific monitoring, avoidance of drug reversal, and neostigmine reversal (vs. sugammadex), were significantly related to residual blockade. In the postanesthesia care unit, patients with residual neuromuscular blockade had an increased incidence of respiratory events and tracheal reintubation.The incidence of residual blockade in Spain is similar to that published in other settings and countries. Female gender, longer duration of surgery, and halogenated drugs for anesthesia maintenance were related to residual paralysis, as were NMBA specific items, such as the use of benzylisoquinoline drugs, and the absence of reversal or reversal with neostigmine.

This work was designed to explore the ability of the self-administered Overactive Bladder 8-Question Awareness Tool (OAB-V8) to predict patient self-assessed effectiveness of antimuscarinic therapy on OAB symptoms in daily practice. Also, the ability of the tool to predict clinician evaluation of improvement was explored.Patients of both genders,18 years, with symptomatic OAB (score8 on OAB-V8), and able to understand patient-reported outcome instruments were enrolled in this 3-month study. Patients were prescribed treatment with an antimuscarinic drug according to usual practice. Treatment effectiveness was assessed by the clinician and patient using the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement and Treatment Benefit Scale and by improved self-perceived quality of life using the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OAB-q SF) 3 months after initiating or changing an antimuscarinic therapy. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were applied to explore the predictive validity of OAB-V8 scores at the baseline visit.A total of 246 patients (57.7 years, 67 % women) were analyzed. Based on baseline OAB-V8 scores, logistic regression models were capable of predicting clinical improvement and patient self-perceived treatment benefit in 70 % of cases. OAB-V8 scores significantly correlated with OAB-q SF domains at baseline: 0.790 and - 0.659 for symptom bother and health-related quality of life domains, respectively (p0.001 in both cases). Baseline OAB-V8 score was able to predict changes in both domains of the OAB-q SF: R (2) = 0.212 and 0.162 for symptom bother and health-related quality of life, respectively.The OAB-V8 scale showed evidence of predictive validity for antimuscarinic effectiveness in daily practice based on physician assessment and patient self-assessment of improved quality of life and treatment benefit.

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by the symptoms of urinary urgency or urge incontinence, which appear without a local patho logical or metabolic explanation. OAB is defined by symptoms and the evaluation of treatment effectiveness should be based upon patient perceptions. The Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form (OAB-q SF) is a brief, self-administered patient-reported outcomes tool with two scales assessing symptom bother and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in patients with OAB. Objective: This study aimed to adapt the OAB-q SF into Spanish and to estimate its psychometric properties in patients with symptomatic overactive bladder. Methods: The Spanish version of the OAB-q SF was administered on two occasions, 3 months apart, to a set of patients of both sexes, over 18 years of age, diagnosed with OAB, scoring ≥8 on the OAB-V8 scale (a self-reported 8-item OAB screening and awareness tool), and able to understand patient-reported-outcome instruments written in Spanish. Patients were recruited consecutively at urology clinics. Feasibility, internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), test-retest reliability, structure of instrument, criteria and construct validity and responsiveness were examined using classic test theory statistics. Results: Data from 246 OAB patients (mean age 57.7 years, 76% women, 99% Caucasian, 37% workers and 36% with a primary education) were evaluated. Floor and ceiling effects ranged between 0.8% and 33%, and missing items were below 2%. Cronbach’ alphas attained 0.811 and 0.922 for symptom-botherz and HR-QOL domains, respectively. These two subscales matched the original structure and explained variances above 50%, which correlated moderately with EQ-5D (EuroQol) [r=−0.28 and r=+0.31, respectively (p< 0.001 in both cases)]. A significant change in OAB−q SF mean domain scores (−23.8; 95% CI −26.3, −21.3; and +17.7; 95% CI 15.4, 20.6; p

CADASIL (cerebral arteriopathy, autosomal dominant, with subcortical infarcts and leu-koencephalopathy) is an infrequent inherited disease that could have anesthetic implica-tions. However these have rarely been reported. We present a male patient previously diagnosed with CADASIL, who had suffered an ischemic vascular cerebral accident with a MRI compatible with leukoencephalopathy, and who was dependent for daily activities, and sustained dementia, mood alterations, apathy, and urine incontinence. He had famil-ial antecedents of psychiatric symptoms and ischemic stroke events in several relatives including his father, two brothers and one sister. He was scheduled for arthrodesis of the left knee because of multiple infectious complications of prosthetic knee surgery. He was under clopidogrel treatment which was withdrawn seven days before surgery. The pro-cedure was performed under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, intraoperative seda-tion with midazolam, and postoperative multimodal analgesia including epidural patient controlled analgesia. The perioperative management was uneventful and we outline the adequacy of managing these patients under regional anesthesia and analgesia, as these permit to maintain hemodynamic stability leading to adequate cerebral perfusion, key to avoid an increase in the effects of the chronic arteriopathy patients with CADASIL sustain.

Objectives This study assessed the cost-effectiveness and health-care budget impact of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in refractory idiopathic OAB-wet patients in Spain. Methods A 10-year Markov analytic model was developed to estimate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and incontinence episode avoided associated with SNM therapy compared with botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) or continued optimized medical treatment (OMT). Results At 10 years, the cumulative costs of SNM, BoNT-A, and OMT were €29,166, €29,458, and €29,370, respectively, whereas the QALYs for SNM, BoNT-A, and OMT are 6.89, 6.38, and 5.12, respectively. Consequently, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for SNM demonstrate that although the initial costs for SNM are higher than those for the other treatments, decreasing follow-up costs coupled with consistently greater effectiveness in the long term make SNM the economically dominant option at 10 years. Sensitivity analyses suggest that 99.7% and 99.9% (for SNM vs. BoNT-A and OMT, respectively) of the 1000 Monte Carlo iterations fall within the €30,000 cost-effectiveness threshold, considered to be acceptable in Spain. The 10-year incremental cost per incontinence episode avoided for SNM also makes this therapy the dominant option compared to BoNT-A or OMT. Additionally, the estimated budget impact of the gradually increased referral for SNM for the management of OAB patients in Spain is small. Conclusions As a treatment option for refractory idiopathic OAB, at 10 years, SNM provides a considerable possibility of symptom and quality-of-life improvement and is cost-effective compared to BoNT-A or continued OMT.

Selective sensory spinal anesthesia preserves lower limb motor function and thus facilitates postanesthesia care unit (PACU) bypass and reduces ambulation recovery time.We compared the ambulation time and PACU bypass rate after using 3 low-dose, low-concentration levobupivacaine-fentanyl spinal solutions (5, 4, and 3 mg + 10 μg) in a double-blind study consisting of 90 patients (ASA physical status I and II) scheduled to undergo knee arthroscopy.The 3-mg dose was halted because of a large number of inadequate blocks (50%). Twenty-three percent and 80% of patients from groups 5 mg and 4 mg, respectively, bypassed the PACU (P = 0001). Ambulation took place after 70 minutes (30-130 minutes) (median [range]) in group 5 mg and 45 minutes (23-120 minutes) in group 4 mg (P = 0006).Four milligrams levobupivacaine plus 10 μg fentanyl produced adequate surgical anesthesia with the shortest time to ambulation and the highest PACU bypass rate.

Background and objective: Spinal anesthesia is the technique of choice for scheduled or emergency cesarean section, but the prevalence of hypotension is high in this setting. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of a colloid (6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4) to ephedrine for preventing hypotension. Patients and methods: Patients undergoing elective or emergency cesarean section (in non-life-threatening situations) were enrolled. Patients were randomized to 3 groups for prophylaxis. The first ephedrine group received 5 mg of ephedrine intravenously (EPHE-5); the second ephedrine group received 10 mg of the drug intravenously (EPHE-10); and the HES group received 500 mL of HES 130/0.4 in rapid infusion in 15 minutes. We recorded systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate after 10 minutes in the operating room and 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes after injection of the anesthetic. We also assessed the sensory and motor blockades on both sides 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes after injection. Neonatal status was assessed by Apgar score and umbilical cord blood gas analysis. Results: Ninety-six patients, 33 in each ephedrine group and 30 in the HES group, were enrolled. Blood pressure decreased similarly in all 3 groups (36% EPHE-5 group, 36% EPHE-10 group and 40% HES group); no significant between-group differences were observed. Nor were there significant differences in the percentages of patients requiring bolus doses of ephedrine to treat hypotension (23% in the HES group vs 33% in the EPHE-5 group and 27% in the EPHE-10 group) or in the cumulative doses of ephedrine. Neonatal status was also similarly satisfactory in all 3 groups. Conclusions: HES 130/0.4 is as useful for hypotension prophylaxis as 5-mg or 10-mg intravenous doses of ephedrine. HES 130/0.4 might be a substitute for sympathomimetic agents if adverse effects are predicted or contraindications to the use of such drugs are present.

Resumen Introduccion El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el porcentaje de pacientes que evitaban su paso (bypass) por la unidad de recuperacion postanestesica (URPA) despues de una anestesia subaracnoidea selectiva con lidocaina-fentanilo respecto a otra de levobupivacaina-fentanilo, en cirugia anorrectal realizada en pacientes en posicion de navaja. Material y metodos Estudio aleatorizado, prospectivo y doble ciego. Se compararon dos grupos de 30 pacientes, ASA I-II. El grupo Lido recibio 18 mg de lidocaina 0,6% mas 10 µg fentanilo y el grupo Levo 3 mg de levobupivacaina 0,1% mas 10 µg fentanilo. Se monitorizaron las siguientes variables intraoperatorias: tiempo de inicio de la cirugia, nivel maximo de bloqueo sensitivo, necesidad de suplementacion analgesica, aparicion de eventos hemodinamicos. El nivel sensitivo se registro a los 5, 10 y 15 minutos y al final de la cirugia. Tras la cirugia se registro el grado de bloqueo motor, el nivel de propiocepcion, el test de Romberg y si el paciente podia puentear la Unidad de recuperacion postanestesica. Los tiempos de deambulacion y de alta a domicilio, las complicaciones y la satisfaccion postoperatoria tambien fueron registradas. Resultados No se observo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a variables intraoperatorias. El 100% de los pacientes del estudio fue directamente a la unidad de adaptacion al medio sin pasar por la URPA. Los tiempos para la deambulacion, el alta a domicilio, asi como las complicaciones y la satisfaccion global postoperatoria fueron similares en ambos grupos. Conclusiones Ambas soluciones intratecales producen anestesia selectiva efectiva proporcionando un porcentaje de bypass de la URPA similar en cirugia anorrectal en posicion de navaja.

Neuraxial techniques are considered safe if certain guidelines are followed, but they are not risk free. We report the case of an 81-year-old woman with an invasive bladder tumor who underwent radical cystectomy with a Bricker-type procedure. General anesthesia was used and epidural analgesia was also provided for surgical and postoperative pain management. Late in the postoperative recovery period a large epidural hematoma was diagnosed based on radiologic signs of spinal cord compression, in the absence of symptoms other than mild and progressive back pain that developed after extubation. The surgeon decided against emergency surgery to reduce compression. Symptoms resolved gradually, and a magnetic resonance image 45 days after discharge confirmed that the hematoma was smaller. In addition to the usual safety recommendations for epidural anesthesia with regard to drugs that alter hemostasis, it is important to bear in mind circumstances that have pharmacokinetic repercussions and that increase risk. Lower back pain can be a warning sign. Some cases may resolve spontaneously.

To evaluate the effect of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) upon the abdominal space during pneumoperitoneum establishment in laparoscopic surgery, comparing moderate NMB and deep NMB.Prospective, randomized, crossover clinical trial.Operating room.Seventy-six American Society of Anesthesiologists 1 to 2 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic surgery.Two independent evaluations were performed at the establishment of pneumoperitoneum for a preset intraabdominal pressures (IAPs) of 8 and 12 mm Hg, both during moderate NMB (train-of-four count, 1-3) and deep NMB (posttetanic count,5). Rocuronium was used to induce NMB, and sugammadex was used for reversal.We evaluated (i) the volume of CO2 introduced in 41 patients and (ii) the skin-sacral promontory distance in 35 patients, at pneumoperitoneum establishment.Compared to moderate NMB, deep NMB increased, in a significant manner, both the intraabdominal volume of CO2 insufflated (mean [SD], 2.24 [1.10] vs 2.81 [1.13] L at 8 mm Hg IAP, P.001, and 3.52 [1.31] vs 4.09 [1.31] L at 12 mm Hg IAP, P.001) and the skin-sacral promontory distance (11.78 [1.52] vs 12.16 [1.51] cm at 8 mm Hg IAP, P=.002, and 13.34 [1.87] vs 13.80 [1.81] cm at 12 mm Hg IAP, P.001). Increase in intraabdominal volume after inducing deep NMB was observed in 88% and 81.7% of patients at 8 and 12 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum, with a volume increase of mean of 36.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.8-50.8) and 25% (95% CI, 13.7-36.4), respectively (P=.003). Increase in distance was observed in 61% and 82% of patients at 8 and 12 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum, with a mean distance increase of 3.3% (95% CI, 1.3-5.4) and 3.6% (95% CI, 1.9-5.2), respectively (P=.840).Deep NMB, in comparison to moderate NMB, increased in a significant manner the abdominal space at pneumoperitoneum establishment. However, the effective increase in the abdominal cavity dimensions could be low, the increase showed a great interindividual variability, and it was not observed in every patient. Clinical significance of this increase on surgical conditions is yet to be demonstrated.

The anaesthetic and critical care management of blunt abdominal trauma in a patient previously diagnosed with non-compaction of the left ventricular myocardium (a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease) is reported. The management was influenced by the presence of an implanted automated internal defibrillator and treatment with anticoagulants because of the high frequency of severe arrhythmias and systemic embolism. The pathophysiology of ventricular non-compaction is reviewed briefly.

Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of bladder cycling (BC) in differentiating between urodynamic abnormalities due to reversible bladder dysfunction and those due to preexisting lower urinary tract (LUT) abnormalities, and to determine if BC increases the diagnostic yield of urodynamic investigations (UIs) in these patients. Methods: Eleven patients with oligoanuria (2O) and low cystometric capacity (mean 146 ml) and were placed in a BC program. The indications for UIs were LUT symptoms in 2 patients, LUT abnormalities (myelodysplasia or urethral valves) in 3 patients, or the appearance of an extremely small bladder on cystogram (6 patients). BC was performed through a hypogastric catheter in an outpatient setting. UIs were repeated afterwards. Results: After BC, 5 patients (45%) continued to have low compliance (2O) and 4 patients (36%) had normal UIs. In 2 cases (18%), a previously unrecognized obstruction was diagnosed. No patient with LUT symptoms or abnormalities had a normal UI after BC. Conversely, 4 of 6 patients in whom BC was indicated due to a small bladder on cystogram had normal UIs after BC. Conclusions: BC is useful in explaining whether high bladder pressure is due to dysfunction or to preexisting disorders, and thus indicating the proper surgery for correction. Suprapubic BC significantly increases bladder capacity thus increasing the diagnostic yield of the UI.