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Background Acute postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery adversely affects recovery and is an independent predictor of chronic postsurgical pain in these patients. Serratus plane blocks have been found to provide analgesia to the anterior hemithorax. However, trials comparing superficial serratus plane block and deep serratus block in breast cancer surgery patients are sparse. Methodology A total of 74 female patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II scheduled for elective modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer were randomized into two groups. Group A patients received a superficial serratus plane block with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, and group B patients received a deep serratus plane block with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine. Postoperatively, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score was measured during the immediate postoperative period, after 30 minutes and at one, four, eight, 16, and 24 hours, as well as on the second and third day. After discharge, the NRS scores were recorded in the second and third weeks and then monthly once for three months. All patients received patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous (IV) morphine. The duration of analgesia, pain scores, and 24-hour morphine consumption were also noted. Results In group A, the mean duration of analgesia (hours) was 5.51 ± 1.42, whereas in group B the mean duration of analgesia (hours) was 6.69 ± 1.18 (p0.01). NRS scores for pain during rest at 12 and 16 hours and NRS scores for pain during cough at eight, 12, and 16 hours, as well as at the third month were significantly lower in group B. However, morphine consumption was comparable between the groups. Conclusions Deep serratus plane block was associated with better NRS scores for pain on rest and coughing and prolonged duration of analgesia after a modified radical mastectomy. We conclude that the deep serratus plane block provides superior and extended analgesia than the superficial serratus plane block after a modified radical mastectomy.

To the Editor I had read with interest the article titled “Epidural gravity flow technique for labor analgesia”.[1][1] I would like to comment on the safety of this technique. I presume that this study was based on the meniscus test for identifying the epidural space.[2 3][2] The combination of

Background and Aims: Early psychomotor recovery is an essential part of day care surgery which depends on brain integration of motor and sensory co-ordination. Even though dexmedetomidine is commonly used for day care procedures, the recovery profile was not studied. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the psychomotor recovery of sedation with dexmedetomidine during spinal anesthesia. Material and Methods: Sixty-six patients were included. Group D received dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg (loading dose) followed by 0.2–1 μg/kg/hour. Group P received propofol infusion of 25–100 μg/kg/minute. Psychomotor recovery was assessed by finger-tapping, manual dexterity, visual spatial memory capacity, and pen and paper tests. Psychomotor tasks were given to the patients postoperatively at every 30 minutes for 2 hours followed by every hour up to 4 hours after surgery. Distribution of patients, age, weight, duration of surgery, and the level of sensory blockade was compared using independent t-test. Student's t-test has been used to find the significance of parameters such as heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation (SpO2), psychomotor recovery between two groups. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The motor recovery using finger tapping test was faster in Group D than Group P (73.94 ± 42.13 vs 101.21 ± 37.98 minutes, P–value = 0.007). Motor recovery using peg board test was faster in Group P than Group D (82.12 ± 40.37 vs 99.39 ± 43.08 minutes, P–value = 0.098). Visual spatial capacity memory test and pen and paper test were unaffected. Conclusions: We conclude that patients who received dexmedetomidine showed earlier recovery with finger tapping test. Hence, we suggest to use dexmedetomidine for complete psychomotor recovery and fast-track discharging of the patient after spinal anesthesia.

Mask ventilation is one of the important skills required for successful airway management. Following the induction of general anaesthesia, there could be airway obstruction due to fall back of the tongue or soft palate. This obstruction could be overcome by manoeuvring the mandible or inserting airways. The primary objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of modified thenar eminence technique of mask ventilation in improving expired tidal volume (VTSeventy-six patients were randomised into group M and group C. In group M, the modified thenar eminence technique was performed for five consecutive breaths followed by conventional technique, and vice versa was followed in group C. In each breath, VTVTModified thenar eminence technique of mask ventilation is superior to the conventional technique in terms of VT

Background and Aims: The difficulty during flexible fiber-optic bronchoscopy (FOB) guided tracheal intubation could be because of inability in visualising glottis, advancing and railroading of endotracheal tube. Several methods are available for visualising glottis, but none is ideal. Hence, this randomised controlled study was designed to evaluate the simple pre-determined length insertion technique (SPLIT) during oral FOB. Methods: Fifty-eight patients were randomised into Group C and Group P. General anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and oxygen in spontaneous respiration. In Group C, conventional flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy was done followed by SPLIT and vice versa in Group P. The time to visualise the glottis (T1), from glottic visualisation to pass beyond glottis (T2) and from incisors to pass beyond the glottis (T3) were noted from the recorded video. The time interval was analysed using Wilcoxon matched pairs test and Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: The T1 was significantly less in SPLIT as compared to conventional technique (13 [10, 20.25] vs. 33 [22, 48] s). The T3 was significantly less in SPLIT (24.5 [19.75, 30] vs. 44 [34, 61.25] s). The T1 by SPLIT was comparable between residents and consultants (P = 0.09), whereas it was significantly more among residents than the conventional technique. The SPLIT was preferred by 91.3% anaesthesiologists. Conclusion: The SPLIT significantly lessened the time to visualise the glottis than conventional technique for FOB. The SPLIT was the preferred technique. Hence, we suggest using the SPLIT to secure the airway at the earliest and also as an alternative to conventional technique.

Background and Aims: Many studies have studied the effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine on the prolongation of the duration of the subarachnoid block (SAB). These studies had administered dexmedetomidine using different regimens. This study was designed to find out the suitable regimen with maximum advantages and minimum disadvantages. Material and Methods: Ninety-three ASA 1 and 2 patients scheduled to undergo surgeries under SAB were randomly allocated into three groups namely B, M, and BM. After SAB, Group B received 0.5 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine bolus over 15 min, Group M received 0.5 μg/kg/h of dexmedetomidine infusion until the end of surgery, Group BM received both bolus and infusion. Results: The time to achieve T10 sensory level (SL) was significantly faster in the Groups B and BM than in the Group M. Maximum block height achieved was T4 and was same in all the groups. The Time to achieve maximum SL and Bromage 3 was comparable in all groups. The two-segment regression time and time to reach Bromage 0 was significantly higher in Groups M and BM than Group B. The time for a first request of analgesia was similar in Groups M and BM. The maximum sedation attained in all groups was Ramsay Sedation Score of 3. Side effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, and desaturation were comparable between the groups. Conclusion: We conclude that the continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine results in more advantages than just a bolus dose. Therefore, we suggest using only the maintenance dose of intravenous dexmedetomidine after subarachnoid blockade for prolonging the duration and achieving sedation.

Background and Aims: Conventional age-based formulae often fail to predict correct size of endotracheal tube (ETT). In this study, we evaluated usefulness of ultrasound in determining appropriate tube size and derived a formula which enables us to predict correct tube size. Methods: A total of 41 American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status 1 and 2 children in the age group of 2–6 years, undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia with uncuffed ETT were included in the study. Ultrasonography (US) was used to measure the subglottic diameter after induction of anaesthesia. The trachea was intubated with an ETT that allowed an audible leak between 15–30 mmHg. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the correlation between US measured subglottic diameter (US-SD) with diameter of ETT used. Linear regression was used to derive a formula for predicting ETT size. Results: We found that US-SD and patient's age correlated well with actual ETT OD (r: 0.83 and 0.84, respectively). Age-based formula, ETT ID = (Age/3) +3.5 [r: 0.81] had better correlation with actual ETT OD than conventional age-based Cole's formula, i.e., ETT ID = Age/4 + 4 [r: 0.77]. Our results enabled us to derive a formula for selecting uncuffed ETT based on US-SD. Conclusion: Our study concludes that although US-SD correlates with actual tracheal tube used and may be useful in choosing appropriate size ETT, there was no difference in number of correct predictions of ETT size by US measurement, universal formula, and locally derived formula.

Background: Laryngoscopy and intubation form an indispensable step in general anesthesia. They elicit significant sympathoadrenal responses. Suppression of these responses forms an essential step in general anesthesia. The aim of our study is to compare the efficacy of nebulized lidocaine versus intravenous (IV) lidocaine in suppressing the pressor response to laryngoscopy and intubation. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients within the age group of 18–65 years undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups: group IV lignocaine (IVL) (n = 50) and group nebulized lignocaine (NL) (n = 50). Baseline values of heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and saturation were noted. Patients received either nebulized or IV lidocaine according to the group. HR, saturation, BP, MAP, and arrhythmias were noted every minute from laryngoscopy up to 5 min postlaryngoscopy and intubation. Results: There was an increase in HR and BP from baseline in both the groups with laryngoscopy and intubation, and the increase is significantly less in NL (P

Background: i-gel™ and the ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) are two supraglottic airway devices with gastric channel used for airway maintenance in anesthesia. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of i-gel compared with PLMA for airway maintenance in pediatric patients under general anesthesia with controlled ventilation. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2 patients were included in the study and randomized to either i-gel or PLMA group. After induction of anesthesia using a standardized protocol for all the patients, one of supraglottic airway devices was inserted. Insertion parameters, ease of gastric tube insertion and fiber-optic scoring of the glottis were noted. Airway parameters such as end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO 2 ), peak airway pressures and leak airway pressures were noted. Patients were observed for any complications in the first 12 h of the post-operative period. Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of ease of insertion, number of attempts and other insertion parameters. Ease of gastric tube insertion, EtCO 2 , airway pressures (peak and leak airway pressure) and fiber-optic view of the glottis were comparable in both groups. There were no clinically significant complications in the first 12 h of the post-operative period. Conclusion: i-gel is as effective as PLMA in pediatric patients under controlled ventilation.

Intubation with direct laryngoscopy may be impossible in 0.05%-0.35% patients due to an undetected supraglottic mass despite an apparently normal pre-operative airway assessment. We report a case of granular cell myoblastoma of the tongue, as a cause of an unanticipated impossible intubation.A 55-year-old ASA III male weighing 75 Kg was taken up for emergency exploratory laparotomy with perforation peritonitis. On preoperative airway examination there was no indication of difficult intubation. After induction of anesthesia (rapid sequence with rocuronium) we performed direct laryngoscopy. There was a mass arising from the base of the tongue because of which no recognizable epiglottis or glottic structure could be identified. Despite repeat laryngoscopy, optimal external manipulation and direct laryngoscopy performed by an ENT surgeon, the airway could not be secured. As no fibreoptic laryngoscope was available, a surgical tracheostomy had to be performed.

Background Robot-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy has brought new challenges to the anaesthesiologists. Here we present a study of 17 patients undergoing robotic thymectomy. Patients and methods The present study was a prospective study, which included 17 patients with myasthenia gravis scheduled for robot-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy. Preoperatively, all scheduled medications were continued along with incentive spirometry.In the operating room, routine monitors were attached. Radial artery cannula and central venous catheter were inserted. Anaesthesia was induced with fentanyl, propofol and sevoflurane in oxygen and nitrous oxide. The neuromuscular blockade was achieved with atracurium. Airway was secured with double lumen tube. The capnography, entropy, neuromuscular junction and temperature monitoring were initiated. After patient positioning, one-lung ventilation was initiated prior to insertion of trocar. Thereafter, the robot was docked and surgery was started. During the surgical dissection, capnomediastinum was created. At the end of the surgery, double lumen tube was changed to single lumen endotracheal tube size. After extubation in ICU, continuous positive airway pressure of 5 mmHg was administered. Results Intraoperatively, all patients had transient episodes of arrhythmias and hypotension. The airway pressure increased from 23.7 +/- 2 to 28 +/- 2.7 cmH2O and central venous pressure increased from 12.9 +/- 1 to 19.2 +/- 1.6 mmHg after creation of capnomediastinum. The accidental rent in the right-sided pleura occurred in two patients. Intraoperatively, ventilatory difficulty was encountered in another two patients. One patient had brachial plexus injury. Two patients had hoarseness of voice. Summary Refinement of the surgical technique is required to avoid compression by robotic arms on any portion of the patient, particularly the upper extremities. The use of beanbag for positioning of the ipsilateral arm needs to be evaluated further. The double lumen tube is to be positioned in such a way as to avoid any obstacle in the movement of robotic arm. We suggest pulse oximeter and arterial blood pressure monitoring in the abducted arm ipsilateral to the surgical approach. The airway pressure and capnography are to be monitored continuously for detection of capnothorax. Patient of robot-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy should be observed for any nerve injury.

Background: Unanticipated difficult intubation can be challenging to anesthesiologists, and various bedside tests have been tried to predict difficult intubation. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of difficult intubation in the Indian population and also to determine the diagnostic accuracy of bedside tests in predicting difficult intubation. Settings and Design: In this study, 200 patients belonging to age group 18–60 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II, scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation were enrolled. Patients with upper airway pathology, neck mass, and cervical spine injury were excluded from the study. Materials and Methods: An attending anesthesiologist conducted preoperative assessment and recorded parameters such as body mass index, modified Mallampati grading, inter-incisor distance, neck circumference, and thyromental distance (NC/TMD). After standard anesthetic induction, laryngoscopy was performed, and intubation difficulty assessed using intubation difficulty scale on the basis of seven variables. Statistical Analysis: The Chi-square test or student t-test was performed when appropriate. The binary multivariate logistic regression (forward-Wald) model was used to determine the independent risk factors. Results: Among the 200 patients, 26 patients had difficult intubation with an incidence of 13%. Among different variables, the Mallampati score and NC/TMD were independently associated with difficult intubation. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed a cut-off point of 3 or 4 for Mallampati score and 5.62 for NC/TMD to predict difficult intubation. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of NC/TM ratio and Mallampatti score were better compared to other bedside tests to predict difficult intubation in Indian population.