AANA journal
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Review Case Reports
Anesthetic Considerations of Stiff-Person Syndrome: A Case Report.
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a neurologic disorder characterized by painful involuntary episodes of severe muscle rigidity affecting the axial muscles and extremities. Although the etiology of SPS is unknown, it is suspected to involve the synthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Symptoms of SPS are precipitated by sudden unexpected movements, noises, and stress. ⋯ Because of the effect of SPS and SPS medications, inhalational agents and neuromuscular blockers have the potential to cause prolonged hypotonia following anesthesia, resulting in respiratory failure despite full reversal of neuromuscular blockade. In documented case reports, the outcomes of using general anesthesia with inhalational agents and neuromuscular blockers in patients with SPS varied. This case report highlights the anesthetic management of a 56-year-old woman with diagnosed SPS undergoing a hemicolectomy for a colon mass using total intravenous anesthesia.
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Inadequate pain relief after surgery may delay surgical recovery, decrease patient satisfaction, increase length of stay, raise the risk of hospital readmissions, and increase overall healthcare costs. One way to decrease postoperative pain for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery is through the use of peripheral nerve blocks. ⋯ A review of published studies using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane search engines was performed using predefined data fields. Based on this literature review, recommendations for practice are provided.
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Review Meta Analysis
Nonpharmacologic Neuraxial Interventions for Prophylaxis of Postdural Puncture Headache in the Obstetric Patient.
Postdural puncture headache due to accidental dural puncture during epidural catheter placement is a source of morbidity for new mothers. It can interfere with maternal-newborn bonding and increase the length of hospitalization. This evidence-based article examined the question: For obstetric patients experiencing an accidental dural puncture during epidural placement, which nonpharmacologic prophylactic neuraxial interventions safely and effectively decrease the incidence of postdural puncture headache? A search of online databases revealed 4 systematic reviews with meta-analysis and a randomized controlled trial meeting the inclusion criteria. ⋯ The evidence suggested there may be value in performing a prophylactic blood patch or placing an intrathecal catheter. The risk of the intervention must be carefully weighed with the benefits. Further rigorous studies are needed to help determine the best methods to decrease the incidence of postdural puncture headache in obstetric patients experiencing an accidental dural puncture during epidural placement.
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Obesity causes major alterations in pulmonary mechanics. Obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery present mechanical ventilation-related challenges that may lead to perioperative complications. Databases were systematically searched for clinical trials of ventilation maneuvers for obese patients and bariatric surgery. ⋯ Recruitment maneuvers followed by PEEP are effective ventilation strategies for obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. During induction, NIPPV provides further benefit. Future studies are needed to examine the postoperative effects of recruitment maneuvers with PEEP as well as the efficacy and safety of equal ratio ventilation.
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Occasionally intubation of patients is difficult using a video laryngoscope (GlideScope, Verathon Medical) because of an inability to guide the endotracheal tube to the glottis or pass the tube into the trachea despite an adequate view of the glottis. We examined methods to improve success when this difficulty occurs. A literature search revealed 253 potential sources, with 25 meeting search criteria: 7 randomized controlled trials, 4 descriptive studies, 8 case series, and 6 case reports. ⋯ Evidence from lower-level sources suggested that several interventions were helpful, including using a controllable stylet, a fiberoptic bronchoscope in conjunction with the GlideScope, or an intubation guide, and twisting the endotracheal tube to facilitate passage into the trachea. Providers must consider the risks and benefits of any technique, particularly if the device manufacturer does not recommend the technique. Further rigorous investigations should be conducted examining methods to increase success.