Journal of anesthesia
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Journal of anesthesia · Oct 2013
Case ReportsPostoperative neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like symptoms improved with intravenous diazepam: a case report.
A 75-year-old man who had undergone left upper lobectomy of the lung exhibited fever and insomnia on postoperative day (POD) 1 and muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, and somnolence on POD2 after epidural administration of droperidol and withdrawal of oral etizolam. He had not been known to have any neuromuscular diseases or psychiatric diseases, with the exception of anxiety disorder. Brain computed tomography did not show cerebrovascular disorders. ⋯ Subsequently, oral administration of lorazepam (1 mg/day) was started, and his symptoms disappeared within 2 days (POD5). Although NMS-like symptoms are rarely seen in clinical practice, some factors may induce it during the perioperative period, such as the administration of dopamine antagonists and the cessation of benzodiazepines. Intravenous diazepam is an effective treatment in cases with suspected gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) hypoactivity at the GABA(A) receptor induced by the cessation of benzodiazepines.
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Journal of anesthesia · Oct 2013
ReviewCan anesthetic techniques or drugs affect cancer recurrence in patients undergoing cancer surgery?
Despite the development of effective chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgery remains the mainstay treatment of many cancers, requiring anesthesia. Almost all cancer deaths after primary surgery are attributable to recurrence or metastases. ⋯ This review summarizes available experimental information on the potential effects of common anesthetic agents and techniques on cancer metastases and the conflicting retrospective clinical data on regional anesthesia in various types of cancer. A number of prospective, randomized, multicenter, clinical trials are in progress, and their results are eagerly awaited.
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Journal of anesthesia · Oct 2013
Case ReportsTwo cases in which the effectiveness of "laryngospasm notch" pressure against laryngospasm was confirmed by imaging examinations.
We report two cases in which development of laryngospasm and release of the spasm immediately after applying pressure in the "laryngospasm notch" was confirmed by ultrasonographic and fiberoptic examinations. A bronchoscopy was planned under propofol sedation using a laryngeal mask airway for a 61-year-old man after subtotal esophagotomy. When a bronchoscope was advanced into the trachea, the vocal cords suddenly closed. ⋯ Immediately after this maneuver, the vocal cords opened. We reconfirmed that applying pressure in the "laryngospasm notch" was effective to release laryngospasm. Imaging studies, especially ultrasonographic examination, were useful for making the decision to apply pressure in the "laryngospasm notch."
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Journal of anesthesia · Oct 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialComparative effects of flurbiprofen and fentanyl on natural killer cell cytotoxicity, lymphocyte subsets and cytokine concentrations in post-surgical intensive care unit patients: prospective, randomized study.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the long-term administration of flurbiprofen and fentanyl in the intensive care unit on natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC), lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels. ⋯ Transient suppressive effects on NKCC were observed in the fentanyl group as compared to the flurbiprofen group. This suggests that when choosing postoperative analgesics, physicians should bear in mind the potential immunosuppressive effects of these agents in patients requiring prolonged sedation in the intensive care unit.