The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure is a rare form of perinatal resuscitation. It is basically a bridge therapy between partial delivery of the child and stabilization of its cardiorespiratory functions. This procedure has multiple anesthetic challenges including maternal anesthesia, maintenance of uteroplacental flow, tocolysis till the neonate is stabilized, management of postpartum hemorrhage, fetal, and neonatal anesthesia. This review also describes a case of cervical teratoma in fetus, for which the EXIT was performed in our institute. In addition to the case description, multiple concerns specific for EXIT procedure are discussed in this review.

The field of pharmacogenomics seeks to understand how an individual's unique gene sequence can affect their response to certain drugs. It is particularly relevant in anesthesia when the interindividual response to pain medication is essential. Codeine and tramadol are prodrugs metabolized by CYP2D6, polymorphisms of which can cause dangerous or even fatal levels of their metabolites, or decrease the level of metabolites to decrease their analgesic effect. Many other opioids are metabolized by CYP2D6 or CYP3A5, of which loss-of-function variants can cause dangerous levels of these drugs. The OCT1 transporter facilitates the movement of drugs into hepatocytes for metabolism, and variants of this transporter can increase serum levels of morphine and O-desmethyltramadol. Many NSAIDs are metabolized by CYP2C9, and there is concern that variants of this enzyme may lead to high serum levels of these drugs, causing gastrointestinal bleeding, however the data does not strongly support this. The ABCB1 gene encodes for P-glycoprotein which facilitates efflux of opioids away from their target receptors. The C3435T SNP may increase the concentration of opioids at target receptors, although the data is not conclusive. Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) is shown to indirectly upregulate opioid receptors. Certain haplotypes of COMT have been demonstrated to have an effect on opioid requirements. The OPRM1 gene codes for the mu-opioid receptor, and there is conflicting data regarding its effect on analgesia and opioid requirements. Overall, there is a fair amount of conflicting data in the above topics, suggesting that there is still a lot of research to be done on these topics, and that pain perception is multifactorial, likely including many common genetic variants.

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that results from any structural or functional impairment of ventricular filling or ejection of blood. American College of Cardiology Foundation / American Heart Association 2013 guidelines have classified HF into two categories: (i) HF with reduced (≤40%) ejection fraction (HFrEF) or systolic HF, and (ii) HF with preserved (≥50%) ejection fraction (HFpEF) or diastolic HF. Risk factors for HFpEF include age more than 70 years, female gender, hypertension, wide pulse pressure, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal insufficiency, left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, smoking, recent weight gain, and exercise intolerance. Cardiac catheterization and echocardiography are used for the confirmation of diagnosis of HFpEF. Intraoperatively, the hemodynamic goals in patients with HFpEF are avoidance of tachycardia, maintenance of sinus rhythm, and maintenance of higher than usual filling pressure. No specific treatment for HFpEF is established, and therapeutic options include an intravenous diuretic, a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker, a venodilator, and management of co-morbidities.

Background and Aims: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) is a minimally invasive treatment for hepatic tumors. We assessed and compared the efficacy of right thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) with that of local anesthetic infiltration for the anesthetic management of PRFA of liver tumors. Material and Methods: Sixty patients with hepatic tumors aged 50–80 years were randomly allocated into two groups. Group I received local anesthetic infiltration along the path of the ablation device with sedation. Group II received right TPVB at the level T7 and T9 with sedation. The pain was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) at 1 min and then every 5 min during PRFA procedure, on admission, and discharge from the post-PRFA observation area. The total dose of rescue analgesia during PRFA procedure, number of patients requiring general anesthesia, patient and radiologist satisfaction were reported. Results: VAS was significantly lower in group II than group I during and after PRFA procedure (P < 0.05). General anesthesia was administered in 7 patients in group I, whereas no patient required general anesthesia in group II (P < 0.05). Patient and radiologist satisfaction were significantly higher in group II compared to group I (P < 0.05). There were no significant complications in group II compared to group I (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Right TPVB with sedation is an effective and safe anesthetic technique for the management of PRFA procedure of hepatic tumors. It is more effective than local anesthesia with sedation in relieving pain during PRFA procedure of hepatic tumors.

Background and Aims: In contrast to propofol, volatile agents are often considered harmful to maintain anesthesia due to increasing brain volume and potential deleterious effects. Patients for cranioplasty, including patients with large bone defects, could be susceptible for intraoperative complications but have not properly been investigated so far. The aim of the present study was to evaluate brain swelling, intraoperative conditions, surgical course, and postoperative complication rates of propofol-based vs. volatile-based anesthesia. Material and Methods: In this monocentric, retrospective, and observational study, we collected demographic, clinical, and outcome data of patients undergoing cranioplasty between December 2010 and September 2014. According to the hypnotic drug used, patients were assigned to either a propofol or a volatile group. The primary outcome parameter was brain swelling. For comparison of the groups, univariate analysis was performed using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney-U test. Results: One hundred and one patients were identified in the period. Twenty-three patients were excluded due to cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Baseline characteristics and preoperative conditions did not vary between the groups except a higher body mass index and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in the propofol group. The choice of anesthesia (volatile or intravenous) influence neither the intraoperative local conditions nor postoperative complication rate. No significant risk factor for impaired bone flap placement was identified. Conclusions: In a well-defined cohort, the choice of the anesthetic agent does not influence the degree of intraoperative brain swelling, bone flap fit, and postoperative course.

Background and Aims: Congenital hearing loss affects about 1 in every 1000 live births. Cochlear implant is an effective therapeutic method for aural rehabilitation in children suffering from severe-to-profound hearing loss. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the intravenous and inhalational anesthesia techniques on neuroauditory threshold and stapedial reflex threshold responses. Material and Methods: After approval of the university ethics committee and obtaining written informed parental consent, 110 children with severe or profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss undergoing cochlear implant surgery were randomly divided in two groups. The effects of the total intravenous anesthesia (propofol and remifentanil) and inhalation anesthesia (sevoflurane) techniques were evaluated on the neuroauditory threshold and stapedial reflex threshold responses of patients. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and mean arterial blood pressure were measured in both groups. Results: No significant difference was observed in the following parameters: age, weight, duration of anesthesia, and surgery. No side effects was observed in the two groups. No significant difference was found in the Telemetry Neuroal Response Test (TNRT) reflex between the two groups (P = 0.294); however, the difference between the two groups was significant (P = 0.001) for Electrical Stapedial Reflex Threshold (ESRT) reflex. In the sevoflurane group, in 39 patients in the electrode 3 and in 17 patients in the electrode 9 (compared with 20 and 6 patients in the Propofol–remifentanil group) complete suppression of stapedial reflex existed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that, during the cochlear implant surgery, use of inhalation anesthetics should be avoided for achieving controlled hypotension because this may suppress or even fully eliminate stapedial reflex. Remifentanil and Propofol infusion has a slight effect on hearing thresholds and is recommended for determining hearing thresholds during cochlear implant surgeries.

Background and Aims: The Supreme laryngeal mask airway (SLMA) and the laryngeal tube suction-disposable (LTS-D), both second-generation supraglottic airway devices, have a record of efficiency when used for airway management in mechanically ventilated patients, during general anesthesia. There is no published data comparing these two devices in patients breathing spontaneously during general anesthesia. Material and Methods: Eighty patients with normal airways undergoing elective general anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation were randomized to airway management with a SLMA or LTS-D. Efficacy and adequacy of oxygenation and ventilation were compared. Results: No cases of desaturation of oxygen saturation (SpO₂) values of less than 95% occurred with either device. The mean difference for SpO₂between the two devices (0.7%) has no clinical significance. Slight hypercapnia was noted with both devices to acceptable values during spontaneous ventilation. Conclusions: Both SLMA and LTS-D are suitable and effective for airway management in patients breathing spontaneously during general anesthesia for minor surgery of short duration.

Background and Aims: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) CTrach™ and Airtraq^® videolaryngoscopes are useful for endotracheal intubation in patients with limited cervical spine movements and other predicted difficult airways. We aimed to compare LMA CTrach™ and Airtraq^® videolaryngoscopes as conduits for endotracheal intubation in patients with simulated limitation of cervical spine movements by manual in-line stabilization (MILS). Material and Methods: This was a prospective, randomized study including 50 patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia. Patients were assigned to undergo intubation using Airtraq^® (n = 25) or LMA CTrach™ (n = 25) by an experienced anesthesiologist, while MILS was provided. Laryngoscopy and intubation were compared in terms of time taken to obtain optimal laryngeal view, successful intubation, total time, percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score, maneuvers required for optimal laryngeal view and alignment of endotracheal tube, and number of attempts and complications. An integrated score was calculated to classify the attempt as good, restricted, or poor. Results: Time taken to obtain optimal laryngeal view, successful intubation, and total time in both groups were comparable. POGO score >50% was seen in 25 and 21 patients in Groups A and C. Seventy-six percent and ninety-six percent in Groups A and C, respectively, had a good integrated score; 6% and 1% had restricted score; none had a poor score; and the difference between them was statistically significant (P = 0.042). Conclusions: LMA CTrach™ and Airtraq^® are similar with respect to time taken for obtaining optimal laryngeal view, successful intubation, and total time when used for intubation in patients with simulated limitation of cervical spine movements.

Background and Aims: Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormality encountered in postoperative patients especially in the elderly. We aimed to assess the efficacy of single-dose intravenous conivaptan vs. oral tolvaptan therapy for correction of hyponatremia in postoperative patients. Material and Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted on 40 patients aged 20–70 years, who had undergone major head and neck surgeries with a serum sodium level of ≤130 mEq/L and were symptomatic. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Patients belonging to group C received single intravenous bolus dose of conivaptan 20mg, whereas group T received oral tolvaptan 15mg on the first day. At 24h, if sodium correction was <4mEq/L, dose of tolvaptan was increased to 30mg in group T or an infusion of conivaptan 20mg over next 24h was started in group C. Results: Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and paired t-test were used as applicable. Though there was no significant difference in the baseline sodium values in both groups, at 12 and 24 h group C had significantly high values. At 48h sodium values in both the groups were comparable. Intra-group analysis had shown that there was a significant increase in sodium values from the baseline at 12, 24, and 48 h in both the groups. Conclusion: Single-dose intravenous conivaptan as well as oral tolvaptan were safe and effective in correcting hyponatremia in postoperative patients. Conivaptan could be considered superior as it resulted in faster sodium correction with effective aquaresis.

Background and Aims: Etomidate induced myoclonus (EM) is a common and hazardous sequel. Premedication with a number of opioids has been shown to effectively attenuate EM. However, there is no reported literature evaluating the effect of nalbuphine pretreatment on EM. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of 0.2 mg/kg nalbuphine intravenous (IV) pretreatment for prevention of EM. Material and Methods: This prospective randomized double-blind and placebo controlled study was conducted in a medical college associated tertiary hospital. One hundred patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to one of two groups to receive: 10 ml of normal saline (Group I) or 0.2 mg/kg nalbuphine in 10 ml of normal saline (Group II) 150 s before injection etomidate 0.3 mg/kg administered IV over 20 s. The patients were assessed for the presence and severity of etomidate induced vascular pain (EP) and EM while injecting etomidate and for the next 2 min, respectively. The patients were monitored for sedation, nausea/vomiting, headache, dizziness, and respiratory depression for 24 h postoperatively. Student's t-test, Chi-square test, or Fisher exact test were used wherever appropriate and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results and Conclusion: Both the groups were comparable with respect to demographic characteristics. Nalbuphine pretreatment significantly reduced the incidence (20% vs. 72%; respiratory rate = 0.294, 95% confidence interval: 0.160–0.496, P < 0.01) and severity of EM without any significant increase in the incidence of adverse effects. Nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg IV pretreatment significantly reduces the incidence and severity of EM with side-effect profile comparable to saline placebo.

Background and Aims: Ultrasound (US)-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is used as a part of a multimodal analgesic regimen in the postoperative period. Lateral approach TAP block (LTAP) has been widely used for postoperative analgesia after lower abdominal surgeries. Posterior approach TAP block (PTAP), which is achieved by more posterior blockade of the anterior ramus of the spinal nerve, also provides profound postoperative analgesia after transverse lower abdominal incision. We investigated the dermatomal sensory block following LTAP and PTAP under US guidance. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven adult female patients undergoing the laparoscopic resection of ovarian tumors under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups, those receiving LTAP (Group L, n = 14) and those receiving PTAP (Group P, n = 13). Before induction of general anesthesia, all patients were given bilateral TAP blocks with 15 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine on each side under US guidance, and the sensory blockade was evaluated. Results: The data are expressed as median (interquartile range [IQR]). PTAP produced a median sensory blockade to sharp touch of three dermatomal segments (IQR 3–4), the most cephalad being T-10 (IQR T-9–T-10), whereas LTAP produced blockade of a median of two segments (IQR 2–2, P = 0.002), the most cephalad being T-10 (IQR T-10–T-10, P = 0.005). Conclusions: PTAP produced a sensory block that involved a greater number of dermatomes and involvement of more cephalad dermatome blocked to sharp touch, compared with LTAP under US guidance.

Background and Aims: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) has started to gain recognition as a problem in early postoperative care. Dexmedetomidine reduces bladder contractility via M3 muscarinic receptor antagonism and α-2 receptor agonism, apart from its concomitant therapeutic benefits, such as sedation and sympatholysis, in a postoperative period. We, therefore, evaluated the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in reducing incidence and severity of CRBD. Material and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done on 110 voluntary kidney donors for live related kidney transplantations were planned for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The donors were of ages 18–60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II of either sex. The control group received 20 ml normal saline (NS) intravenous (IV) infusion over 15 min, whereas the dexmedetomidine group received dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg made in 20 ml NS as IV infusion over 15 min. The incidence and severity of CRBD were recorded as primary endpoints up to 12 h in early postoperative period. The incidence of bladder discomfort was analysed by Fisher's exact test and severity of bladder discomfort by Mann Whitney U test. Results: The incidence of CRBD on arrival at postoperative care unit was 18% in dexmedetomidine group compared to 42% in control group (P < 0.05). The incidence and severity of CRBD reduced in dexmedetomidine group at 0, 2, and 4 h compared with control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg administered IV to patients 30 min before extubation reduces the incidence and severity of CRBD in early postoperative settings with no adverse effects.

Background and Aims: In patients undergoing open heart surgery, chest tubes are removed postoperatively when patients are well awake and stable. Pain during chest tube removal can be moderate to severe and can be the worst experience of hospitalization. Various modalities of pain relief during chest tube removal have been tried with variable results. We sought to examine the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an intervention for pain relief during chest tube removal after cardiac surgery. Material and Methods: In a tertiary care center, fifty patients undergoing open heart surgery were randomized into two groups. Group TENS (n = 25) received TENS from 30 min before and continued up to 30 min after chest tube removal. Control Group (n = 25) did not receive TENS. In both the groups, additional analgesic medication was provided on demand, besides the standard analgesic regime which was injection ketorolac 30 mg intramuscularly every 8 h. Patients were studied for pain during chest drain removal and pain related nausea, vomiting, and sense of well-being. Results: Mean visual analog pain score assessed for chest tube removal was significantly less 4.1 ± 1.2 (P < 0.05) in TENS Group as compared to 6.1 ± 0.8 in Control Group. Significantly greater number of patients (n = 14) (P < 0.05) in Control Group demanded additional analgesia as compared to TENS Group (n = 5). Feeling of well-being, improvement in appetite, and sleep was better in TENS Group as compared to Control Group. Conclusion: We conclude that TENS might not replace the conventional analgesics but has definite adjuvant role in decreasing pain scores and improves sense of well-being during chest tube removal after cardiac surgery.

Background and Aims: It is a common practice to add intrathecal lipophilic opioids to local anesthetics to improve the quality of subarachnoid block. This study was designed to find a dose of intrathecal fentanyl, which can improve the quality of surgical anesthesia with minimal side effects in parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia with intrathecal bupivacaine. Material and Methods: In a prospective randomized double-blind study, 243 parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive 10, 15, or 25 μg of intrathecal fentanyl with 10 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Patients were assessed for clinical efficacy by measuring pain score, need for rescue analgesia, conversion to general anesthesia, and complaints of inadequacy of surgical anesthesia by the surgeon. The side effects assessed were pruritus, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and decrease in saturation and respiratory rate. In addition, neonatal APGAR score, patients' hemodynamics, need for vasopressors, onset and duration of sensory, and motor block were measured. Results: Patients receiving 25 μg of fentanyl had a significantly higher incidence of pruritus, nausea, and dizziness in addition to a significantly prolonged sensory and motor block (P < 0.001). All patients in three groups had adequate surgical anesthesia with no statistically significant difference in the onset of block, quality of surgical anesthesia, pain scores, neonatal APGAR score, hemodynamic variables, and need for vasopressor. Conclusion: For patients undergoing cesarean section, 10 or 15 μg of intrathecal fentanyl with 10 mg of bupivacaine provided adequate surgical anesthesia and analgesia with minimal side effects.

Background and Aims: Dexmedetomidine has been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious in prolonging the duration of peripheral nerve blocks. This study was designed to compare the duration, quality of postoperative analgesia, hemodynamic stability, and patient's satisfaction with addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine versus plain bupivacaine in pectoral nerve block (Pecs) type I and II in breast surgeries. Material and Methods: This prospective randomized double-blind study was carried out in 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I–III female patients, aged 18–70 years randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received 10 ml 0.25% bupivacaine for pecs I block and 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine for pecs II block. Group B received 10 ml 0.25% bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine for pecs I block and 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine in pecs II block, keeping a total dose of dexmedetomidine of 1 μg/kg body weight and the volume constant in both the groups. Results: Numerical rating scores at rest and on abduction of arm were significantly lower in Group B. There was a 40% increase in duration of complete analgesia in dexmedetomidine group (1024.0 ± 124.9 min) compared to plain bupivacaine (726.4 ± 155.3 min; P < 0.001). Total consumption of injection diclofenac sodium in 24 h was 23% less in Group B (77.5 ± 13.6 mg) compared to Group A (100.0 ± 35.9 mg, P = 0.003). Patient satisfaction score was significantly better in dexmedetomidine group. No adverse effects were noted in either group. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to bupivacaine helps prolong the duration and improves the quality of postoperative analgesia in pecs I and II block without serious side effects.

Background and Aims: Analgesic effect of gabapentin and pregabalin is well-defined in the treatment of neuropathic pain.Postoperative pain after lumbar spine surgery limits the function of patients in the postoperative period, for which the search for ideal analgesic goes on. The aim of the present study was to compare pregabalin and gabapentin as a pre-emptive analgesic in elective lumbar spine surgeries. Material and Methods: In this randomized prospective study, 75 patients were allocated into three groups of 25 each. Group G, group PG, and group P received two capsules of gabapentin 300 mg each, two capsules of pregabalin 150 mg each, and two multivitamin capsules, respectively, with sip of water 1 hour before the expected time of induction of anesthesia. Time for requirement of first dose of rescue analgesia, reduction in postoperative pain score and total dose of rescue analgesic used in first 24 hours postoperatively, and side effects were compared. Result: Time for requirement of first dose of rescue analgesic in PG group was 180.12 min and in G group was 104.16 min, which was statistically significant. Both G and PG group had lower visual analogue scale (VAS) score in comparison to P group, which was statistically significant.Consumption of rescue analgesic was less in G and PG group in comparison to P group. Amount of rescue analgesic requirement were low in PG group in comparison to G group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Though both study drugs had produced prolonged postoperative analgesia compared to placebo, pregabalin had better analgesic profile in postoperative period than gabapentin.

Background and Aims: Pre-emptive analgesia using caudal epidural technique is an underutilized technique in lumbosacral spine surgery patients. We intend to study if pre-emptive analgesia with a single caudal epidural injection of ropivacaine is an effective method of postoperative analgesia by assessing the quality and duration of pain relief and intraoperative opioid requirement. Material and Methods: Eighty patients undergoing lumbosacral spine surgeries by the posterior approach were randomized to ropivacaine (R) group (n = 40) and saline (S) group (n = 40). Patients in R group received caudal epidural injection of 20 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine for surgeries at or below L5 lumbar spine and 25 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine for surgeries between L2 and L5 lumbar spine. Patients in S group received similar amounts of normal saline. Patients were monitored in the immediate postoperative period and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours for pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) scale. Time to rescue analgesia and intraoperative fentanyl requirement were noted. Results: The demographics, duration of anesthesia, and hemodynamic variables were comparable in both groups. The mean intraoperative fentanyl requirement (P = 0.001) and mean VAS scores were significantly lower in the R group in the immediate postoperative period, (P < 0.001), 4 hours (P < 0.001), 8 hours (P = 0.009), 12 hours (P = 0.007), and 24 hours (P = 0.046) postoperatively. The mean time to rescue analgesia was significantly longer in the R group (P < 0.001) compared to S group. No hemodynamic or neurological side-effects were observed in the groups. Conclusion: Pre-emptive analgesia with caudal epidural injection of ropivacaine is a safe and effective method of postoperative analgesia.

Background and Aims: Adductor canal block (ACB) is now an established component of multimodal analgesia for knee replacement surgery and is slowly replacing femoral nerve block (FNB). It is also gaining popularity for providing pain relief in knee arthroscopies including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery (ACLR). Data is lacking from the Indian subcontinent on comparing ACB to the traditional FNB for ACLR. Hence, we conducted the present study to compare ACB and FNB in ACLR under general anesthesia. Material and Methods: Sixty patients were randomized to receive either ACB or FNB under ultrasound guidance. Postoperatively, quadriceps muscle strength (straight leg raise and time up and go; TUG test) and quality of analgesia (numeric rating scale; NRS and patient satisfaction score) were assessed every 6 hour, and thereafter, up to 48 hours. The time of rescue analgesia and total analgesic consumption (tramadol) were also recorded. Data was statistically analyzed and P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Patients receiving ACB had significantly less quadriceps weakness (P < 0.001) compared to FNB on postoperative day (POD) 1. In addition, patient satisfaction score was statistically higher (P < 0.05) in FNB on POD1. Both the above parameters were comparable on POD2. No statistically significant difference was recorded in NRS, time for rescue analgesia, and total analgesic consumption among the two groups. Conclusion: ACB preserves quadriceps motor strength while providing analgesia comparable to FNB in patients undergoing ACLR. However, patient satisfaction score is better with FNB than ACB.