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Background and Aims: Sciatic nerve block at the popliteal level for lower limb procedures provides unpredictable success rates even with ultrasonographic (USG) guidance. This study aimed to compare USG-guided single-point versus two-point injection techniques. Methods: Sixty patients posted for foot surgeries under USG-guided sciatic nerve block were randomised into Group Single Point, receiving a single injection of 20 mL of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline just proximal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation, and Group Double Point, receiving two injections of 10 mL of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline, one at the point similar to the first group and a second injection 6 cm above the first point. Sensory blockade onset, time to complete sensory blockade, time to complete motor blockade, length of the nerve exposed and analgesia duration were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics version 20 software. Results: Double-point injection technique showed a significantly faster time to complete motor blockade [14.46 (9.93) min], increased length of nerve exposed to local anaesthetic [23.23 (7.209) cm] and extended duration of analgesia [420.40 (99.34) min] compared to the single-point injection technique [20.89 (12.62) min, 18.78 (5.95) cm and 344.28 (125.97) min, respectively]. The onset of sensory blockade and the time to complete sensory blockade were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: USG-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block with a double-point injection technique does not significantly shorten the time to complete the sensory block. However, the time to complete motor nerve block and duration of analgesia are prolonged significantly, which may be clinically beneficial for postoperative analgesia.

Background and Aims: Apnoeic oxygenation, although useful during elective intubations, has not shown consistent beneficial results during emergency intubations in critically ill patients. We aimed to study the effectiveness of adding apnoeic oxygenation to our routine practice of using facemask alone, in emergency laparotomy patients needing rapid sequence induction (RSI), for sustaining partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2). Material and Methods: Seventy-two patients undergoing RSI for emergency laparotomy were randomly allocated to either receive pre-oxygenation with 5 L/min of oxygen (O2) with a facemask (Group-FM) or apnoeic oxygenation with 10 L/min of O2 through a nasal catheter in addition to pre-oxygenation (Group-NC). Apnoea (90 s) was allowed from the removal of the facemask before the resumption of ventilation. Arterial blood gas analysis was done at the baseline, following pre-oxygenation and after 90 s of apnoea to study the PaO2 and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The circuit O2 concentrations (fraction of inspired [FiO2] and end-tidal [EtO2]) were also noted to ensure a steady state of O2 uptake was reached. Results: The circuit O2 concentrations were 90 ± 4% in group FM and 93 ± 5% in Group-NC. The FiO2-EtO2 difference was 4% in both groups. During the 90 s apnoea following pre-oxygenation, there was a fall in the PaO2 by 38% in Group-FM and 12% in Group-NC (P = 0.000). Increase in PaCO2 was similar in both groups (Group-FM: 44 [range: 32–55] mmHg; Group-NC: 42 [range: 33–54] mmHg, P = 0.809). Conclusion: Apnoeic insufflation of O2 using a nasopharyngeal catheter along with facemask oxygenation is more effective in sustaining PaO2 for 90 s during RSI than facemask-only oxygenation in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.

Background and Aims: Baska Mask, a newly designed third-generation supraglottic device, has a sump where the pharyngeal secretions can collect and be suctioned out continuously. We aimed to study the effectiveness of Baska Mask in preventing airway contamination during nasal surgeries. Our primary objective was to assess airway soiling using fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Total airway manipulation time, haemodynamic parameters during device insertion and post-operative oro-pharyngeal morbidities were the secondary objectives. Methods: Eighty-four participants undergoing nasal surgeries were randomised to either have their airway maintained with Baska Mask (Group-BM) or Endotracheal tube (Group-TT). Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was performed at the end of the surgery and the airway was inspected for signs of contamination. Total airway manipulation time, haemodynamic parameters during device insertion and post-operative oro-pharyngeal morbidities were also assessed. Unpaired Student's t test was used for parametric data and Chi-square test for nonparametric data. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the intra-group analysis of haemodynamic data. Results: Tracheal contamination was not observed in any patient in either group. Time taken for device insertion (Group TT: 24.24 ± 6.86 s vs. Group BM: 24.22 ± 7.3 s; P = 0.97) was similar in both the groups. The total airway manipulation time was 2 min longer in Group-TT (P = 0.000) due to additional time taken for insertion of throat pack. Haemodynamic parameters during device insertion were stable and post-operative oro-pharyngeal morbidities were fewer with Baska Mask when compared to Tracheal tube. Conclusions: Baska Mask is non-inferior to tracheal tube in preventing tracheal contamination in patients undergoing nasal surgeries.

Achalasia cardia is among the conditions that pose a high risk of aspiration during induction of anaesthesia. This report is about a case of a 23-year-old male patient, where regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration occurred in a patient with achalasia cardia despite Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI). The risk of aspiration in conditions that cause stasis in the oesophagus is much higher due to the anaesthetic induced relaxation of the upper oesophageal sphincter and the proximity of the pooled contents to the oropharynx. The lower oesophageal sphincter being pathological in achalasia cardia does not relax. In this article, even though it is a case report of such an incidence, the various techniques that can be adopted to negate the risk have been explored. Preinduction oesophagoscopy and suctioning, video-laryngoscope guided intubation and ultrasound confirmation of Tracheal Tube (TT) position before initiating ventilation can be adopted in addition to head up positioning and RSI as an infallible technique to abolish the aspiration risk in patients with achalasia cardia. The case report is highlighted in the way to focus on describing safe ways of induction of anaesthesia where there is a high risk of aspiration.

Background and Aims: Ultrasound measurement of anterior neck soft tissue thickness by skin to epiglottis distance (SED) has been shown to predict difficult laryngoscopy. In this study, we developed an airway scoring system incorporating SED into three clinical predictors and assessed whether it would improve accuracy in prediction of difficult intubation. Methods: Mentohyoid distance, mandibular subluxation, head extension and ultrasound measurement of skin to epiglottis distance were measured a day before surgery in 310 adult patients. During direct laryngoscopy, Cormack–Lehane grading was noted (Grade 1 and 2 = Easy, Grade 3 and 4 = Difficult). We constructed a score named MSH, which included mentohyoid distance, mandibular subluxation and head extension. Then, SED was added to the MSH score to form another new score named USED-MSH. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test or Fisher exact tests were used. Both scoring systems were compared under the receiver-operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Results: Difficult intubation was observed in 62/310 patients (20%). The AUC for USED-MSH score was greater than the MSH score (0.93, 95% CI [0.89–0.97] vs 0.76, 95% CI [0.69–0.84], P value

Background and Aims: In spite of adequate fluid loading and left lateral tilt, parturients develop hypotension under spinal anesthesia during cesarean section. Elastic crepe bandage (CB) or pneumatic compression device (PCD) can be utilized to prevent the pooling of blood in lower limbs and thereby it may reduce the incidence of hypotension in these patients. This study was formulated to analyze the hemodynamic effects of leg wrapping with elastic CB and PCD in parturients undergoing for cesarean section under anesthesia. Material and Methods: Ninety term obstetric patients posted for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomized into 3 groups: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (CB), and Group 3 (PCD). All the parturients had their legs wrapped with an elastic bandage and pneumatic sleeve applied over it. In Group 1 (Control), patients had their legs wrapped with CB loosely and pneumatic sleeve also applied was switched on. In Group 2, patients the CB was applied by stretching the bandage (15 cm width and 4 m stretched length). The PCD was not switched on in this group. In Group 3, the legs were wrapped with the CB loosely. The pneumatic sleeve was applied over the bandage, and the machine was switched on with a preset pressure of 40–50 mmHg after spinal anesthesia. Incidence of maternal hypotension and ephedrine requirement to maintain systolic blood pressure, neonatal Apgar score were recorded. Results: The incidence of hypotension was significantly lower in Group 2 and 3 than the control group. Similarly, the requirement of ephedrine was significantly high in control group compared to CB and PCD. The incidence of hypotension was lower in group CB than group PCD. Meantime to receive the first dose of ephedrine was significantly low in control (7.37 ± 4.94 min) as compared to CB (10 ± 2.8 min) and PCD (13.88 ± 9.23). Conclusion: Leg-wrapping with CB is cost-effective, non-invasive, non-pharmacological, and effective tool to reduce the incidence of hypotension after spinal anesthesia in a parturient.

Background and Aims: Brachial plexus (BP) blocks continue to be described with reference to anatomical landmarks (Interscalene and Supraclavicular), even after the introduction of ultrasound which enables us to directly identify the roots, trunks and divisions of the BP. The aim of this study was to describe a novel injection technique targeting trunks of BP and to determine the minimum effective local anaesthetic volume (MELAV) required to produce BP block with this approach. Methods: Twenty-one male patients in the age group 20–40 years, undergoing elective forearm bony procedures received an ultrasound-guided truncal injection BP block. MELAV50was determined using the Dixon and Mood up-and-down method. Initial volume of local anaesthetic (LA; 50:50 mixture of bupivacaine 0.5% and lignocaine 2% with 5 μg/ml epinephrine) injected was 6 ml in each trunk, which was varied by 1 ml/trunk for each consecutive patient according to the response of the previous patient. The MELAV50, MELAV95 andMELAV99were calculated using Probit transformation and logistic regression. Results: Out of the 21 patients, 13 patients had a successful block. The MELAV50, MELAV95 and MELAV99were 7.41, 10.47 and 12 ml, respectively. Eight patients in whom block failed had sparing in the ulnar and median nerve territories. Conclusion: Trunks of the brachial plexus can be identified and targeted for the injection of local anaesthetics. The MELAV50and MELAV95 required for ultrasound-guided truncal injection brachial plexus block were 7.4 and 10.4 ml, respectively.

During the past three decades, especially in developed countries there are adequate and effective Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) control programs and implementations are being focused. But in developing countries, due to lack of awareness and effective implementable infection control policies, there is no adequate comparative data to validate the safe healthcare delivery system. Thus this descriptive surveillance study was aimed to find the Incidence rate of Catheter Associated Infections (CA-UTIs) in a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry over a period of three years (2016, 2017 & 2018). From all confirmed CA-UTI cases, demographic details, patient distribution, bacteriological profile and antibiotic resistance pattern was aimed. Strict hand hygiene, aseptic practices and catheter bundle care approaches were meticulously emphasized and monitored regularly. The incidence rate of CA-UTI during 2016, 2017 and 2018 was calculated as 7.9, 4.8 and 2.9 per 1000 catheter days respectively. Male gender preponderance was noticed, with majority of age-group belongs to 61 years and above. E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were found to be the commonest bacterial Uro-pathogens with moderate to high level resistance to various antibiotics tested. This study ensures that strict hand hygiene, appropriate and adequate usage of Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPE), aseptic measures and adherence to infection control bundles will reduce the incidence and burden of CA-UTI.

Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world and its production has implications in both international and domestic economy. It is an important commercial crop of India and hence, reliable acreage and production estimation is most essential for taking up policy decisions. The coffee growing regions in India are mainly confined to the traditional South Indian states (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) and partly in non-traditional regions (Andhra Pradesh and Odisha) while to a smaller extent in North-Eastern states. Interpretation and mapping of coffee plantations using satellite data is quite challenging due to the diverse and complex cultivation practices. In the present study, multi-resolution and multi-source data was utilized for mapping of coffee plantations in the country. Temporal LISS-III (24.0 m) data was used for characterizing the phenology of coffee and other competing plantation crops for selection of optimal high resolution satellite (HRS) datasets. Accordingly, Cartosat-1 (2.5 m) and Resourcesat LISS-IV multispectral (5.0 m) datasets corresponding to February-April months were utilized. The spectral signature of coffee plantations is determined by the age category of coffee plantations, varietal difference, density & composition of shade trees along with terrain features like slope and aspect. The plantations manifested in different tones of red and mottled texture on the multispectral image. Object oriented classification approach showed encouraging results in homogenous & contiguous areas but showed poor mapping accuracy in heterogeneous regions due to complex spectral signature and varying texture. Thus, a combination of digital and visual interpretation techniques were used for mapping of coffee plantations depending on the suitability. Feature space optimization function was used for selection of object parameters and 14 image features consisting of mean spectral values, standard deviation, NDVI, geometry and contextual parameters were used for classification of coffee plantations using Support Vector Machine (SVM). In case of small holdings and heterogeneous areas, interactive visual interpretation of HRS data at 1 : 5,000 scale using tone, texture, shape and terrain characteristics was carried out for mapping of coffee plantations with the help of ground truth and field experience of Liaison Officials of Coffee Board. Post-interpretation field verification/validation of the interpreted maps was carried out for the accuracy assessment and the overall mapping accuracy of better than 90.0 per cent was achieved in the study. Total area under coffee plantations was about 4.41 lakh ha (excluding N-E states). This is the first study in the country to generate coffee map at national level for creation of baseline geospatial database which could be updated periodically. Suitability analysis using pedo-climatic and terrain parameters is being carried to promote the coffee cultivation in the non-traditional regions. Further research efforts are necessary for varietal discrimination and modelling of pests and diseases which is critical input for production estimation.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly rising chronic illness in developing countries. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a widely used tool for diagnosing, screening, and managing patients with diabetes, hence proper interpretation of the HbA1c is crucial. Objectives: To investigate the risk factors affecting type 2 diabetes mellitus HbA1c and their correlation with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Material & Methods: Diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during study period were enrolled in this study. Criteria for diagnosis were: HbA1c = 6.5% (48 mmol/mol), Fasting plasma glucose = 126 mg/dL (7.0mmol/L) 2-Hour postprandial plasma = 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L). Demographic data and risk factors associated with diabetes were analysed. Results: Majority of the patients (37%) were 51-70 years age group, predominantly male (63%). Among risk factors assessment, 66.5% were overweight or obese, 53.3% had positive family history of DM, 55.3% were hypertensives, 43.5% had dyslipidemia, 32.7% had a family history of CAD, 39.3% were smokers and 32% were physically inactive. HbA1c were significantly associated with the all these risk factors. Conclusion: Age, higher BMI, family history of DM, smoking, physical inactivity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and history of CVD are positively correlated with the HbA1c level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Restriction of head and neck movements prevents the alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes and increases the incidence of difficult tracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine fractures. Video laryngoscopes have gained an important role in the management of difficult intubation, especially in situations with limited head and neck movements. This study compares the success of intubation using Macintosh laryngoscope assisted Bonfils® fiberscope (ML-BF) with TruviewPCD video laryngoscope (TV) in patients with simulated restricted head and neck movements. Material and Methods: One hundred and fifty-two patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to two groups of 76 each. Patients were made to lie supine on the table without a pillow and a soft collar was used to restrict head and neck movements. After a standardized premedication-induction sequence, tracheal intubation was done either with ML-BF or TV. Success of intubation, time taken for successful intubation, hemodynamic changes, airway trauma, and postoperative oropharyngeal morbidity were noted. Results: Intubation was successful in all the 76 patients in direct laryngoscopy-Bonfils fiberscope group and 75 out of 76 patients in TV group within the specified time (90 s). The median time taken for successful intubation with TV and ML-BF were 44 (range 26–80) s and 49 (range 28–83) s, respectively. Hemodynamic changes, airway trauma, and postoperative oropharyngeal morbidity were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Both TV and ML-BF are equally effective for successful tracheal intubation in patients with simulated restricted head and neck movements. In cases of difficult laryngeal visualization with routine Macintosh laryngoscope, Bonfils can be used as an adjunct to achieve successful intubation in the same laryngoscopy attempt.

Background and Aims: Sciatic nerve block at the popliteal level for lower limb procedures provides unpredictable success rates even with ultrasonographic (USG) guidance. This study aimed to compare USG-guided single-point versus two-point injection techniques. Methods: Sixty patients posted for foot surgeries under USG-guided sciatic nerve block were randomised into Group Single Point, receiving a single injection of 20 mL of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline just proximal to the sciatic nerve bifurcation, and Group Double Point, receiving two injections of 10 mL of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline, one at the point similar to the first group and a second injection 6 cm above the first point. Sensory blockade onset, time to complete sensory blockade, time to complete motor blockade, length of the nerve exposed and analgesia duration were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics version 20 software. Results: Double-point injection technique showed a significantly faster time to complete motor blockade [14.46 (9.93) min], increased length of nerve exposed to local anaesthetic [23.23 (7.209) cm] and extended duration of analgesia [420.40 (99.34) min] compared to the single-point injection technique [20.89 (12.62) min, 18.78 (5.95) cm and 344.28 (125.97) min, respectively]. The onset of sensory blockade and the time to complete sensory blockade were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: USG-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block with a double-point injection technique does not significantly shorten the time to complete the sensory block. However, the time to complete motor nerve block and duration of analgesia are prolonged significantly, which may be clinically beneficial for postoperative analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Anaesthetic practice is associated with a risk of chronic exposure to anaesthetic agents. With the advent of newer inhalational agents and changing anaesthetic practices, the risks for anaesthesiologists with regard to adverse reproductive outcomes is unknown. Hence, a nationwide online survey was conducted to study the anaesthetic practices prevalent in India and their association, if any, with poor reproductive outcomes. Methods: The online survey involved 9974 anaesthesiologists. A questionnaire soliciting information regarding anaesthetic practice techniques, reproductive outcomes and perinatal outcomes was designed. All the anaesthesiologists in the ISA National database were mailed a link to the above questionnaire. Results: Female anaesthesiologists and spouses of male anaesthesiologists had a higher incidence of first trimester spontaneous abortions than the general population. Female anaesthesiologists when compared with spouses of male anaesthesiologists faced more difficulty with conception (P = 0.015). Female anaesthesiologists who worked in the operating room (OR) in their first trimester of gestation had a higher incidence of spontaneous abortions than those who did not work in the OR (P = 0.05). Longer hours of general anaesthesia conducted in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of birth defects in their progeny (P = 0.05). Conclusion: Spontaneous abortions and birth defects were higher in female anaesthesiologists who worked in the OR in the first trimester of gestation. Both female anaesthesiologists and spouses of male anaesthesiologists had a greater risk for a first trimester miscarriage than the general population.

Background: The quality and duration of analgesia is improved when a local anesthetic is combined with alpha 2 adrenergic agonist. Though, the effects of clonidine on local anesthetics have been extensively studied, there are limited studies demonstrating the effects of epidural dexmedetomidine on local anesthetics. The aim of our study is to compare the effect of clonidine and dexmedetomidine when used as an adjuvant to epidural ropivacaine in lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Materials and Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups-group ropivacaine with clonidine (RC) received 15 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine with 1 μg/kg clonidine and group ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine (RD) received 15 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine with 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine epidurally. Onset of sensory analgesia using cold swab, onset of motor blockade using Bromage scale, time to 2 dermatome regression of sensory level, time to first demand for analgesia, sedation using Ramsay sedation scale, intra operative hemodynamic parameters and complications were assessed. Results: The onset (RD-8.53 ± 1.81, RC-11.93 ± 1.96) and duration of sensory blockade (RD-316 ± 31.5, RC-281 ± 37, sedation were found to be significantly better in the dexmedetomidine group. No significant difference was found in terms of onset of motor blockade and hemodynamic changes. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine at doses of 1 μg/kg is an effective adjuvant to ropivacaine for epidural anesthesia, which is comparable to clonidine.

Background and Aims: Insertion of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) requires adequate depth of anaesthesia, which provides jaw relaxation and suppression of upper airway reflexes. Propofol can provide these conditions especially when combined with narcotics. This study had been designed to find out the effect-site concentration (EC 50 ) of propofol using target controlled infusion (TCI) when fentanyl or morphine is added as an adjuvant. Methods: Patients satisfying inclusion criteria were divided into fentanyl and morphine groups. Intravenous glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg was given 15 min before induction. Patients were given either intravenous fentanyl (1 μg/kg) or morphine (0.1 mg/kg) before propofol infusion depending on the group. Patients in either groups were induced by continuous infusion of propofol at an EC of 6 μg/mL by TCI with Schneider pharmacokinetic model. The LMA supreme of appropriate size was inserted 1 min after achieving target concentration. Patient movement at LMA insertion or within 1 min of insertion was classified as failure. For subsequent patients, the target EC was increased/decreased depending on previous patients′ response. Dixons up and down method was used to determine the EC 50. The EC 50 is defined as the mean of crossover midpoints in each pair of failure to success. Results: The EC 50 of propofol in the fentanyl group for LMA insertion was 5.95 ± 0.6 μg/ml and morphine group was 5.75 ± 0.8 μg/ml. No significant difference in insertion conditions was noticed between the two groups (P = 0.3). Conclusion: We conclude that there was no significant difference in propofol EC 50 for insertion of LMA and insertion conditions were similar when fentanyl or morphine was used as an adjuvant drug.

Background: Procedural discomfort is experienced by patients during the establishment of subarachnoid block even after good preoperative counseling and adequate premedication. To enhance comfort, procedural sedation that would provide good analgesia, faster recovery, and amnesia is necessary. Materials and Methods: Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists Status I and II posted for elective surgeries under subarachnoid block were premedicated with injection midazolam 0.05 mg/kg and preloaded with 10 ml/kg ringer lactate solution. They were randomized into three groups of 30 each. Group K0.3 received ketamine 0.3 mg/kg, Group K0.4 received ketamine 0.4 mg/kg and Group K0.5 received ketamine 0.5 mg/kg intravenously. University of Michigan sedation score, ease of positioning, prick response, verbal response, hallucinations, recall of procedure, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results: There was statistically significant difference in sedation among the three groups. Increased dose necessitated help of two persons to position the patient, which showed statistically significant difference. Verbal response was seen early in Group K0.3 (4.67 ± 2.84 min). There was no recall of experience of subarachnoid block procedure in any of the groups in spite of back muscle contraction or patient movement. Hence, all patients in all three groups were satisfied and were willing to undergo subarachnoid block, if the situation arises. Conclusion: Ketamine in the dose of 0.3 mg/kg provided sufficient sedation for allaying procedural discomfort due to less sedation, less positional difficulty, early verbal response, no hallucinations, no recall of performance of procedure, and good patient satisfaction.

Background and Aims: Subarachnoid block is one of the common modes of anaesthesia opted for emergency caesarean section, if the maternal and foetal conditions are favourable. Various factors influence the quality of care administered during the procedure. This questionnaire based study was undertaken to look for self-expressed problems in peri-operative period in patients undergoing emergency caesarean surgery under subarachnoid block. Methods: All the parturients who underwent emergency caesarean section under subarachnoid block during 6 months period were distributed a questionnaire in post-operative period. They were encouraged to fill and return the form within 15 days. Patient satisfaction and the self-expressed problems were analysed at the end of 6 months. Results: One hundred and seventy five out of 220 parturients responded. 58.3% of them said that they were explained about the anaesthesia prior to surgery and 85.3% overall remained anxious. With people around them, 93.1% of them felt comfortable and 91.4% expressed that they were made comfortable inside the theatre. The self-expressed problems were shivering (43.4%), breathlessness (21.7%), pain (20%), post-operative headache (15.4%) and backache (19.4%). Parturients who heard their babies cry was 85.1%. After their babies were shown after delivery, 77.1% mothers slept well; 86.9% fed their babies within 4 h of delivery. Conclusion: Pre-operative communication in emergency caesarean section by health personnel did not reduce the anxiety level, which shows that communication was ineffective. Intra-operative psychological support like making the patient comfortable, showing baby to mother and early breast feeding improve bonding between child and mother and essentially contribute to patient satisfaction.

Background: The ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is a unique laryngeal mask with a modified cuff to improve seal and a channel to facilitate gastric tube placement. This is a better device in difficult airway situations compared to classic laryngeal mask airway. This prompted us to study the ease of insertion and positioning of PLMA in patients with simulated restricted neck mobility while using gum elastic bougie (GEB) group or introducer tool (group IT) to aid insertion. Methods: Sixty ASA I or II patients, aged between 18 years and 60 years, undergoing minor non-head and neck surgeries in the supine position were studied. A rigid neck collar was used to simulate restricted neck mobility in all patients. After anaesthetising the patients with a standard protocol, the PLMA was inserted using either of the technique using the tongue depressor to open the mouth. The ease of insertion, positioning, haemodynamic responses to insertion and other complications related to the procedure were noted. Results: Regarding demographic variables, both groups were similar. The mean time taken for insertion of PLMA in group GEB was 67.80 s as compared to 46.79 s in group IT ( P

Background. At Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, a competency-based learning and training (CoBaLT©) model for postgraduate (PG) curriculum, within the regulatory norms, was implemented in 2016 after adequate faculty development programmes. This focused on well-defined outcomes. Methods. A review of the outcomes was undertaken in 2018 as part of internal quality assurance receiving feedback from all stakeholders, viz. students, alumni and faculty. Recent publications were also reviewed. A major problem identified was lack of clarity in definition of levels leading to subjectivity in assessment while grading. It was also noted that the process needed to be aligned with the programme outcomes. Further refinements were, therefore, made to align and objectivize formative assessment using entrustable professional activities (EPA) with the aid of descriptive rubrics of sub-competencies and milestones. Addition of detailed rubrics for objectivity takes assessment a step beyond the Dreyfus model, aligning overall to the programme outcomes. Results. Achievement of appropriate grades in EPAs by individual candidates ensures entrustability in professional activities by the time of completion of the PG programme. The modification was found more transparent and objective with reference to grading by the teachers and more conducive to reflections by the residents on their performance and how to improve it. Conclusions. The use of descriptive rubrics along with EPAs brings transparency and plays a key role as an objective assessment tool, which can lend direction to individual resident learning and entrustability. This is an important component of outcome-based education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Labour pain is distressing and it produces undue side effects both to the mother and the baby. The incidence is high in developing countries like India where the awareness about labour analgesia is still lacking. Aim: It is to find out the incidence of labour pain and the influence of various described factors on pain with a comparison between patients admitted in a government set up with a private set up in a south Indian semi-urban area. Materials and Methods: Two hundred continuous uneventful normal deliveries each in a Government (group G) and a private hospital (group P) were enrolled for the study. The reported pain during labour was noted 6-7 hours after delivery by interacting with the patient. The factors like age of the mother, sex and weight of the baby, literacy, socioeconomic status, the use of oxytocics and analgesia were evaluated. Results: The incidence of severe pain was more in group G (43.5%) than group P (12%). There was no analgesic intervention in 68.5% in group G while it was 13.5% (27/200) in group P. Even among these 27 patients who did not receive analgesics, only three parturients reported severe pain. Even administration of analgesics in a Government set up did not decrease pain to a significant extent. There were richer and more literate patients in group P. Booked cases were less in group G. Logistic regression analyses to find out factors which influenced pain in either group was used. Gravida, analgesic intervention and admission in a Govt. hospital influenced the pain experience of the parturient. There was minimal antenatal preparation in both the groups. There were no post partum complications. Conclusion: Mothers suffered from labour pain to a significant extent and there is an urgent need for awareness about labour analgesia. Primigravida, admission in a Govt. set up and analgesic interventions were the factors which influenced pain than others. Patients admitted in Govt. hospitals suffered more pain with less analgesic intervention possibly due to illiteracy. The increased drug intervention in Group P was just incidental and routine on their demand and did not correlate with pain. A sincere effort to increase antenatal counseling should be initiated.