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Biomedical subjects

G P Joshi

Publications and source records attributed to G P Joshi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Complications of laparoscopy.

The frontiers of laparoscopic surgery have extended from gynecologic procedures to general surgical techniques. As new applications for laparoscopy emerge, anesthesiologists must be familiar with the possible complications associated with the various laparoscopic procedures. Only by an appreciation of the potential complications of a procedure can their overall incidence be minimized. A systematic approach must consider all potential complications during laparoscopy. In addition to routine evaluation (i.e., depth of anesthesia and volume status), anesthesiologists must confirm that intra-abdominal pressure is less than 15 mm Hg, and that inadvertent endobronchial intubation, pneumothorax, and gas embolism have not occurred. In the case of precipitous changes in vital signs not responding to routine management, it is imperative to release the pneumoperitoneum and place the patient in the supine (or Trendelenburg) position. After cardiopulmonary stabilization, cautious slow reinsufflation then can be attempted. With persistent signs of significant cardiopulmonary impairment, however, it is sometimes necessary to convert to an open procedure.

Embolism, Air↗

Onset/offset characteristics and intubating conditions of rapacuronium: a comparison with rocuronium.

We compared onset and offset of action and tracheal intubating conditions after rapacuronium and rocuronium in 60 patients in a randomized, assessor-blinded study. Following induction of anaesthesia with propofol 2.5 mg kg-1, either rapacuronium 1.5 mg kg-1 (n = 30) or rocuronium 0.6 mg kg-1 (n = 30) was administered to facilitate tracheal intubation. Anaesthesia was maintained with either a propofol infusion (100 micrograms kg-1 min-1) or sevoflurane (1% end-tidal) with 66% nitrous oxide (N2O), n = 15 in each subgroup. Neuromuscular monitoring was performed using an electromyographic (EMG) device (Datex Relaxograph). The lag times (mean 42 (SD 11) s and 44 (16) s), maximum block (99 (2)% and 98 (3)%) and intubating conditions at 60 s (good-to-excellent in 86% and 84% of patients) were similar for rapacuronium and rocuronium, respectively. The onset time of rapacuronium was shorter than rocuronium (87 (20) vs 141 (65) s, P < 0.001), and the degree of block at 60 s was greater (69 (26) vs 50 (27)%, P < 0.05). Twenty-five per cent recovery was shorter with rapacuronium than rocuronium during propofol (15.0 (3.2) vs 39.1 (14.2) min, P < 0.001) and sevoflurane (15.1 (4.2) vs 47.8 (19.0) min, P < 0.001) anaesthesia. We conclude that rapacuronium 1.5 mg kg-1 had a more rapid onset, similar intubating conditions, and shorter recovery times than rocuronium 0.6 mg kg-1.

Adult↗

Reversal of rapacuronium block during propofol versus sevoflurane anesthesia.

UNLABELLED: We studied the antagonism of rapacuronium with edrophonium-atropine during propofol- or sevoflurane- based anesthesia in 60 healthy outpatients. After the induction of anesthesia with standardized doses of propofol and fentanyl, rapacuronium 1.5 mg/kg was administered to facilitate tracheal intubation. Patients were randomized to receive either a propofol infusion (100 microg. kg(-1). min(-1)) or sevoflurane (1.0%, end-tidal) in combination with nitrous oxide 66% for maintenance of anesthesia. Neuromuscular block was monitored by using electromyography at the wrist and reversed with edrophonium 1.0 mg/kg and atropine 0.015 mg/kg when the first twitch (T(1)) response of the train-of-four (TOF) stimulation recovered to 25% of the baseline value. The clinical duration of action (i.e., time to 25% T(1) recovery) was similar during both propofol (13.1 +/- 3.6 min) and sevoflu-rane (13.7 +/- 4.4 min) anesthesia. The time from 25% T(1) recovery to TOF ratio of 0.8 was also similar with propofol (3.4 +/- 2.1 min) and sevoflurane (5.9 +/- 8.7 min) (P > 0.05). Although none of the patients in the propofol group required more than 9 min to achieve a TOF ratio of 0. 8, two patients receiving sevoflurane required 31 min and 37 min. Adequate antagonism of rapacuronium block with edrophonium can be achieved within 10 min during propofol anesthesia. However, more prolonged recovery may occur in the presence of sevoflurane. IMPLICATIONS: We studied the reversal of rapacuronium-induced block with edrophonium and found that the residual rapacuronium block can be readily antagonized during propofol-based anesthesia. However, reversal of rapacuronium appears to be less predictable during sevoflurane-based anesthesia.

Adolescent↗

Is there a learning curve associated with the use of remifentanil?

UNLABELLED: This study prospectively determined whether there was a learning curve with the use of remifentanil, as indicated by decreased hemodynamic variability, improved recovery profile, and decreased incidence of opioid-related adverse events with increasing experience. Patients undergoing diverse surgical procedures (outpatient [n = 1340] and inpatient [n = 560]) were enrolled by investigators (n = 190) who had no previous experience with remifentanil use. Each investigator enrolled 10 patients. A standardized protocol for administration of remifentanil was used. Data were analyzed to determine differences between the first three patients and the last three patients enrolled for each anesthesiologist in the study. There were no differences in hemodynamic variables between the first triad and the last triad in either outpatients or inpatients. Requirements for hypnotic drugs and the doses of remifentanil used were also similar between groups. Analgesic medications administered at the end of surgery and in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) were similar between groups, except that the last triad in the outpatient group received smaller doses of fentanyl compared with the first triad. Times to response to verbal command, tracheal extubation, and operating room discharge did not differ between groups. However, patients in the last triad undergoing outpatient surgery had shorter times to eligibility for PACU discharge, but times to eligibility for discharge home did not differ. The overall incidence of all adverse events (i.e., hypotension, hypertension, muscle rigidity, respiratory depression, apnea, nausea, and vomiting) was less in the last triad as compared with the first triad. When analyzed separately, only the incidence of vomiting (in the outpatient group) was decreased in the last triad as compared with the first triad. This study suggests that there is a learning curve that aids reduction of minor adverse effects associated with the use of analgesic medications administered at the end of surgery in outpatients, which might have reduced the incidence of postoperative vomiting and the duration of PACU stay. IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrated that anesthesiologists rapidly acquire the ability to use remifentanil with limited experience. However, there is a learning curve that aids reduction of minor adverse effects associated with the use of analgesic medications administered at the end of surgery in outpatients, which might have reduced the incidence of postoperative vomiting and the duration of postanesthesia care unit stay.

Adult↗

Effects of pretreatment with cisatracurium, rocuronium, and d-tubocurarine on succinylcholine-induced fasciculations and myalgia: a comparison with placebo.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of cisatracurium, rocuronium, and d-tubocurarine in preventing succinylcholine-induced fasciculations and postoperative myalgia in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled trial SETTING: Teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: 80 ASA physical status I and II patients scheduled for elective ambulatory surgery with general anesthesia. INTERVENTION: A standardized balanced anesthetic technique was used for all patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients were randomized to receive cisatracurium 0.01 mg/kg, rocuronium 0.06 mg/kg, d-tubocurarine 0.05 mg/kg, or saline, 3 minutes prior to intravenous (i.v.) succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg. The intensity of fasciculations and intubating conditions were assessed using a four-point rating scale. In addition, the severity of myalgia was assessed using a four-point rating scale in the postanesthesia care unit and at 24 hours postoperatively. No patient complained of any side effects after the administration of the study drug. Fasciculations were observed less frequently (p < 0.05) in the d-tubocurarine and rocuronium groups compared with the placebo and cisatracurium groups. However, there was no difference between the d-tubocurarine group and the rocuronium group (21% vs. 10%, respectively). Although fasciculations occurred less frequently in the cisatracurium group than in the placebo group (59% vs. 85%, respectively), this difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no difference among the four groups in the intubating conditions or the incidence of postoperative myalgia. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with rocuronium and d-tubocurarine was superior to cisatracurium in preventing succinylcholine-induced fasciculations. However, pretreatment did not have any effect on the incidence of myalgia after ambulatory surgery.

Adult↗

The effects of antagonizing residual neuromuscular blockade by neostigmine and glycopyrrolate on nausea and vomiting after ambulatory surgery.

UNLABELLED: The effects of neostigmine on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are controversial. In this study, we evaluated the effects of neostigmine and glycopyrrolate on the incidence of PONV and the need for antiemetics in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. One hundred healthy patients undergoing outpatient surgical procedures were included in the study. A standardized anesthetic technique was used for all patients. Patients were randomized to receive either mivacurium (n = 50) or rocuronium (n = 50) to achieve muscle paralysis. Bolus doses of mivacurium 2-4 mg or rocuronium 5-10 mg were administered to maintain one or two twitches of the train-of-four stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the wrist. After surgery, residual neuromuscular blockade was reversed with neostigmine 2.5 mg i.v. and glycopyrrolate 0.5 mg i.v. only if clinically deemed necessary (i.e., fade on train-of-four stimulation, inadequate tidal volume, reduced hand grip, or inability to maintain head lift). The incidence of PONV and the need for antiemetics were recorded in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), in the phase II unit, and 24 h after surgery. We compared patients who received neostigmine (n = 40) for reversal of residual neuromuscular blockade with those who did not (n = 60). More patients receiving rocuronium required reversal drugs than those receiving mivacurium (68% vs 10%). There were no differences in the incidence of nausea (18% vs 15%), vomiting (8% vs 12%), and the need for antiemetics (13% in both the groups) in the PACU between patients who received neostigmine and those who did not. In addition, the duration of PACU stay and the time to home-readiness were also similar between the groups. We conclude that, compared with rocuronium, the use of mivacurium decreases the need for reversal drugs. In addition, reversal of residual neuromuscular blockade with neostigmine does not increase the incidence of PONV or the need for antiemetic medications in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. IMPLICATIONS: In this study, we showed that the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and the need for antiemetics do not increase with the use of neostigmine and glycopyrrolate for reversal of residual muscle paralysis.

Adult↗

The relative potency of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate compared with intravenous morphine in the treatment of moderate to severe postoperative pain.

UNLABELLED: Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that oral transmucosal absorption of fentanyl is relatively rapid compared with gastrointestinal absorption, and it results in increased bioavailability. We designed this study to establish the relative potency of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) compared with i.v. morphine in 133 postoperative patients. The morning after surgery, patients randomly received one dose of either OTFC (200 or 800 microg) and a placebo i.v. injection or i.v. morphine (2 or 10 mg) and an oral transmucosal placebo unit. Pain intensity, pain relief, time to meaningful pain relief, and time to remedication were recorded. Median time to onset of relief was approximately 5 min for all groups. Over the first hour, little difference among treatment groups was seen for pain intensity and pain relief. By 2 h after study drug administration, 800 microg of OTFC and 10 mg of i.v. morphine generally produced similar analgesia, which was better than the smaller doses. Duration of analgesia with the larger doses (800 microg of OTFC and 10 mg of morphine) was similar and longer that produced by the smaller doses. The larger doses of OTFC and morphine produced better and more sustained analgesia than 200 microg of OTFC or 2 mg of morphine. IMPLICATIONS: The relative potency of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) to i.v. morphine was 8-14:1. In this postoperative setting, OTFC produced rapid pain relief similar to that produced by i.v. morphine. The larger doses of OTFC (800 microg) and morphine (10 mg) produced better and more sustained analgesia than 200 microg of OTFC or 2 mg of morphine.

Administration, Oral↗

Effects of prophylactic nalmefene on the incidence of morphine-related side effects in patients receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia.

BACKGROUND: Opioid-related side effects associated with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia can be reduced by a low-dose naloxone infusion. The influence of nalmefene, a pure opioid antagonist with a longer duration of action, on opioid-related side effects has not been evaluated. This study was designed to determine the dose-response relation for nalmefene for the prevention of morphine-related side effects in patients receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. METHODS: One hundred twenty women undergoing lower abdominal surgery were enrolled in the study. General anesthesia was induced using thiopental and rocuronium and maintained with desflurane, nitrous oxide, and fentanyl or sufentanil. All patients received neostigmine and glycopyrrolate to reverse residual neuromuscular blockade. No prophylactic antiemetics were administered. At the end of surgery, patients were randomized to receive saline, 15 microg nalmefene, or 25 microg nalmefene intravenously. The need for antiemetic and antipruritic drugs and the total consumption of morphine during the 24-h study were recorded. The incidences of postoperative nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and pain were recorded 30 min after patients were admitted to the postanesthesia care unit. In addition, patient remembrance of these side effects was noted at 24 h after operation. RESULTS: The need for antiemetic and antipruritic medications during the 24-h study period was significantly lower in the patients receiving nahmefene compared with those receiving placebo. However, the need to treat side effects was similar in the two nahmefene groups. Prophylactic administration of nalmefene reduced the patients remembrance of nausea and itching as assessed 24 h after operation. Although the total consumption of morphine during the 24-h study period was similar in the three groups, retrospectively patients who received nalmefene characterized their pain as less severe in the previous 24 h. CONCLUSION: Compared with placebo, prophylactic administration of nalmefene significantly decreased the need for antiemetics and antipruritic medications in patients receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with morphine.

Adult↗

Work of breathing in anesthetized patients: laryngeal mask airway versus tracheal tube.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the work of breathing associated with the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and tracheal tube (TT) in spontaneously breathing anesthetized patients. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, controlled trial. SETTING: University teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: 20 ASA physical status I and II patients scheduled for elective peripheral surgery with general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS AND MEASUREMENTS: A standardized anesthetic protocol was utilized, and patients were allowed to breathe spontaneously through a circle absorption system. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either LMA (n = 10) or TT (n = 10) for airway management. Work of breathing was determined after the patients' ventilatory status had been allowed to stabilize for 15 minutes and before the onset of the surgical stimulus. Airflow and esophageal pressures were measured using a pneumotachograph and an esophageal balloon, respectively, and the values were subsequently integrated to determine work of breathing. MAIN RESULTS: The two groups were similar with respect to demographic characteristics and the end-tidal concentrations of carbon dioxide and isoflurane. Work of breathing per minute through the LMA (1.4+/-0.3 J/min) was significantly lower than that through the TT (1.9+/-0.4 J/min). CONCLUSION: In healthy, anesthetized, spontaneously breathing patients, work of breathing is significantly lower through the LMA than the TT.

Adult↗

Audit in transfusion practice.

Given the growing concern for the safety, cost and adequacy of blood supply, there is an increasing need for appropriate blood product utilization. Despite a number of consensus guidelines for the transfusion of allogeneic blood products, inappropriate blood transfusion continues. We discuss the quality assurance process for improvement in transfusion therapy including audit of blood transfusion. Audits identify areas of problems in transfusion practice which can be corrected by education of doctors, formulation of practice guidelines and algorithms. To improve the effectiveness of the audit programmes, the frequency of audits has to be maintained and there should be continual reinforcement of policies.

Blood Transfusion↗

Fast-track eligibility after ambulatory anesthesia: a comparison of desflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol.

UNLABELLED: This study was designed to test the hypothesis that using the less soluble volatile anesthetics, desflurane and sevoflurane, as alternatives to propofol for maintenance of anesthesia facilitates the ability of outpatients to achieve postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge criteria (i.e., fast-track eligibility) on arrival in the PACU after laparoscopic surgery. One hundred-twenty consenting women undergoing laparoscopic tubal ligation procedures were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. After a standardized induction of anesthesia and tracheal intubation sequence, anesthesia was maintained with either desflurane 2%-6%, sevoflurane 0.6%-1.75%, or propofol 50-150 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) in combination with nitrous oxide 60% in oxygen. Recovery times, postanesthesia recovery scores, and the number and type of therapeutic interventions in the PACU were recorded. Compared with the propofol group, the times to awakening and to achieve a recovery score of 10 were significantly shorter, and the percentage of patients judged fast-track eligible on arrival in the PACU was significantly higher, in the desflurane and sevoflurane groups (90% and 75% vs 26%). In conclusion, compared with propofol, the use of desflurane and sevoflurane for the maintenance of general anesthesia resulted in a higher percentage of patients being judged fast-track eligible after outpatient laparoscopic tubal ligation procedures. IMPLICATIONS: Bypassing the recovery room by transferring outpatients directly to the step-down unit after ambulatory surgery ("fast-tracking") could result in significant cost-savings. We examined the effects of three different maintenance anesthetics--desflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol--on the fast-track eligibility of outpatients after laparoscopic tubal ligation surgery. Compared with propofol, desflurane and sevoflurane resulted in a higher percentage of outpatients being judged eligible for fast-tracking.

Adult↗

Hemodynamic changes during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with severe cardiac disease.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hemodynamic changes and need for pharmacologic interventions during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with severe cardiac dysfunction. DESIGN: Prospective open study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 17 ASA physical status III and IV patients with severe cardiac dysfunction undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. INTERVENTIONS: A standardized general anesthetic and surgical technique was used for all patients. In addition to routine monitoring, invasive hemodynamic monitoring included radial and pulmonary artery (PA) cannulation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hemodynamic parameters were recorded prior to induction of anesthesia, 5 minutes after induction of anesthesia but prior to incision, 5 minutes after carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation and head-up tilt, every 10 minutes after change of position, after deflation of the abdomen and return to supine position, and 10 minutes after attaining supine position. Need for any pharmacologic interventions [to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 100 mmHg and/or systemic vascular resistance (SVR) < 2,000 dynes sec/cm-5, and/or cardiac index (CI) > 1.5 L/min/m2] and the incidence of any myocardial morbidity and mortality was noted. CI decreased significantly (p < 0.05) following insufflation and remained low until exsufflation. MAP, SVR, and PA occlusion pressure increased significantly (p < 0.05) after CO2 insufflation. Three of the 17 patients required administration of nitroglycerin to maintain the MAP and SVR within the accepted limits, one of whom also required administration of dobutamine to maintain CI. There was no myocardial morbidity or mortality in the perioperative period. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with severe cardiac dysfunction results in significant hemodynamic changes.

Adult↗

Priming with rocuronium accelerates the onset of neuromuscular blockade.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of priming rocuronium on the time course of neuromuscular blockade. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, randomized clinical study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 42 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing peripheral surgery with general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Following a standardized propofol-fentanyl induction, patients in Group 1 (n = 21) received a priming dose of rocuronium 0.06 mg/kg followed two minutes later by an intubating dose of rocuronium 0.54 mg/kg. Patients in Group 2 (n = 21) received a saline placebo injection followed two minutes later by rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and nitrous oxide 60% in oxygen. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Neuromuscular function was assessed at the wrist using mechanomyography with a single-twitch mode of stimulation at a frequency of 1 Hz until tracheal intubation and at 0.1 Hz thereafter. The times from injection of the intubating dose of rocuronium until 95% suppression of the twitch tension (onset time), recovery of twitch tension to 25% of control (clinical duration of action), and the time from 25% to 75% spontaneous recovery of twitch tension (recovery index) were recorded. The trachea was intubated at 95% depression of the twitch tension and the intubating conditions were graded using a 3-point scale. The onset times with priming rocuronium (34 +/- 6 s) were significantly shorter (p < 0.01) than those without priming (59 +/- 14 s). The intubation conditions were similar in the two groups; however, the intubating times with priming were significantly shorter. The clinical duration of action and the recovery index did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Priming rocuronium decreased the onset times and thus, the intubating times without increasing the clinical duration of action or recovery index.

Adult↗