PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H H Dash

Publications and source records attributed to H H Dash.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Haemodynamic changes after intracisternal papaverine instillation during intracranial aneurysmal surgery.

Cerebral vasospasm remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Use of either intra-arterial or intracisternal papaverine as an alternative treatment of refractory cerebral vasospasm has been associated with various complications including haemodynamic instabilities. However, our search in literature did not reveal association of bradycardia and hypotension with the use of papaverine by either of these routes. Here, we describe a case of anterior communicating artery aneurysm with hydrocephalus. The patient underwent craniotomy and clipping of the aneurysm followed by third ventriculostomy. Instillation of papaverine at the surgical site caused significant haemodynamic changes possibly because of stimulation of hypothalamus in the third ventricle or vagal nuclei in the fourth ventricle, or even both. We recommend cautious use of intracisternal papaverine in such scenario especially when third ventriculostomy has been performed as an adjunct surgical procedure.

Administration, Topical↗

Severe bradycardia and hypotension after connecting negative pressure to the subgaleal drain during craniotomy closure.

Negative pressure drainage systems are often used after craniotomy for evacuation of potential bleeding. There are several reports of haemodynamic disturbances with epidural negative pressure drainage, but such reports are very few for subgaleal drains placed over the bone flap. We report a case in which a patient developed severe cardiovascular disturbances after the vacuum drainage was connected to a subgaleal drain after craniotomy for aneurysm clipping. The patient had no significant cardiac history, had an uneventful intra-operative course and yet developed bradycardia and hypotension, which were reproducible and severe enough to require atropine administration. Anaesthetists must be aware of these effects, so that they can anticipate and treat such complications.

Aged↗

Effects of stellate ganglion block on cerebral haemodynamics as assessed by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) causes vasodilatation in the skin of the head and neck because of regional sympathetic block. Its effects on cerebral haemodynamics, in health or in disease, are not clear. We evaluated the effects of SGB on ipsilateral middle cerebral artery flow velocity (MCAFV), estimated cerebral perfusion pressure (eCPP), zero flow pressure (ZFP), carbon dioxide reactivity (CO2R) and cerebral autoregulation using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD). METHODS: Twenty male patients, with pre-existing brachial plexus injury, and undergoing SGB for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome of the upper limb, were studied. For SGB, 10 ml of plain lidocaine 2% was used and the onset of block was confirmed by presence of ipsilateral Horner's syndrome. The MCAFV, eCPP, ZFP, CO2R, and cerebral autoregulation were assessed before and after SGB using established TCD methods. The changes in these variables were analysed using Wilcoxon's signed rank test. RESULTS: The block caused a significant decrease in MCAFV from median (inter-quartile range) value of 61 (53, 67) to 55 (46, 60) cm s(-1), a significant increase in eCPP from 59 (51, 67) to 70 (60, 78) mm Hg, and a significant decrease in ZFP from 32 (26, 39) to 25 (16, 30) mm Hg. There were no significant changes in CO2R or cerebral autoregulation. CONCLUSION: The increase in eCPP, decrease in ZFP, and no changes in CO2R or cerebral autoregulation suggest that the SGB decreases cerebral vascular tone without affecting the capacity of the vessels to autoregulate. These effects may be of therapeutic advantage in relieving cerebral vasospasm in certain clinical settings.

Adolescent↗

Comparative incidence of venous air embolism and associated hypotension in adults and children operated for neurosurgery in the sitting position.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Venous air embolism is a constant threat during neurosurgery performed in the sitting position. No large prospective study has compared the incidence of venous air embolism and associated hypotension between adults and children. METHODS: Four hundred and thirty patients (334 adults, 96 children) scheduled to undergo planned posterior fossa surgery in the sitting position (between January 1989 to December 1994) were studied with end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring. Intraoperatively, a sudden and sustained decrease in end-tidal carbon dioxide tension of >0.7 kPa was presumed to be due to venous air embolism. Management during the episode was on the established guidelines. Hypotension (decrease in systolic arterial pressure of 20% or more from the previous level) was treated with crystalloids and/or a vasopressor. RESULTS: Capnometry detected a 28% incidence rate of air embolism in adults (93/334) and a 22% incidence rate in children (21/96) (P = 0.29). In both groups, the highest incidence rate of embolism took place during muscle handling (44% of adults versus 38% of children, P = 0.8). Embolic episodes were accompanied by hypotension in 37% of adults (34/93) and in 33% of children (7/21) (P = 0.98). To restore arterial pressure to pre-embolic levels, 53% of adults (18/34) and 43% of children (3/7) were administered vasopressors (P = 0.94). There was no intraoperative mortality. The surgical procedure on one adult was abandoned because of persistent hypotension following the embolic episode. CONCLUSION: The incidence of venous air embolism and consequent hypotension is similar in adults and children.

Adult↗

Recurrent bradycardia and delayed recovery in a neonate following repair of nasofrontal encephalocoele with holoprosencephaly and single cerebral ventricle.

Holoprosencephaly and single cerebral ventricle are uncommon congenital anomalies that are associated with a high rate of perinatal mortality. We describe a neonate who developed recurrent bradycardia along with delayed recovery following frontal craniotomy for the repair of a nasofrontal encephalocoele associated with holoprosencephaly and a single cerebral ventricle. The neonate, however, recovered following elective ventilation. Etiopathogenesis and management of such complications are discussed.

Anesthesia Recovery Period↗

Hemodynamic response to skull pins application in children: effect of lignocaine infiltration of scalp.

BACKGROUND: Skull pins application following local anesthetic infiltration of scalp obtunds hemodynamic changes in adults. No such study is available in children. METHODS: 30 children undergoing elective suboccipital craniectomy with skull pins fixation, were randomly allocated either to control group I, or lignocaine group II. Whereas in group I, pins were applied without any scalp infiltration. In group II, pins were applied 1 min. after scalp infiltration with 0.5% lignocaine (plain) at each pin site. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded during pinning (peak increase),1,4,7 and 10 min later, and were compared with the baseline (parameters recorded approximately 20 min. after intubation). Mean arterial pressure in group I peaked from 77.0 +/- 9.19 to 113.87 +/- 13.7mmHg (P<0.001) and remained significantly high throughout the study period. In Group II peak increase in mean arterial pressure was from 91.64 +/- 16.39 to 101.85 +/- 15.87 mmHg (P<0.01) and remained high till 1 min. only. Pins placement resulted in significant increase in heart rate only during pinning (peak increase) and up to 1 min. in both the groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In children, skull pins placement 1 min. after scalp infiltration with 0.5% lignocaine plain fails to prevent the hemodynamic changes arising during pins placement (peak change) and up to 1 min. after pins placement. However, the technique successfully blocks these changes beyond 1 min. post skull pins fixation.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Venous air embolism: does the site of embolism influence the hemodynamic changes?

Three hundred and ninety-seven patients undergoing posterior cranial fossa surgery in the sitting position were prospectively studied to evaluate the incidence of venous air embolism (VAE) and its effects on hemodynamics. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETC02) tension was monitored to diagnose VAE. A sudden and sustained decrease in ETC02 of more than 5 mmHg, in the absence of sudden hypovolemia, was presumed to be the result of VAE. The site of probable air entrainment (whether muscle, bone or tumor) was noted. Hemodynamic consequences were managed symptomatically. ETC02 monitoring detected VAE in 22% of the patients. The highest incidence of embolism resulted from muscles and tumor (40% in each case). Forty-two per cent of patients developed hypotension during the embolic episode (systolic BP less than 100 mmHg). Ten per cent of patients developed ventricular arrhythmias during the embolic episode. Air aspiration was successful in 4.8%. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of VAE among the different groups (P>0.05). Also, the frequency of hypotension and ventricular arrhythmias were not significantly different, irrespective of the source of VAE (P>0.05). The general condition of the patients in the preoperative stage had no influence on the incidence of embolism, hypotension or ventricular arrhythmias.

Adolescent↗

Cardiovascular responses to scalp infiltration with reduced concentration of adrenaline.

A prospective randomized controlled study was carried out in 41 adult neurosurgical patients to find out the hemodynamic effects following scalp infiltration with 0.5% lignocaine with or without adrenaline. The patients were divided randomly into two groups. Group I patients (n=21) received 0.5% lignocaine with adrenaline (1:8,00,000) for scalp infiltration and group II patients (n=20) received 0.5% lignocaine without adrenaline. Continuous monitoring of ECG, heart rate and arterial blood pressure was carried out every minute for 20 minutes following scalp infiltration. Blood loss while raising the scalp flap was assessed by the neurosurgeon who was unaware of the study. No significant hemodynamic disturbances were observed in either group. However, Group I patients had significantly (p=0.001) less bleeding on incision. From this study, we conclude that 0.5% lignocaine with adrenaline (1:8,00,000) does not give rise to any cardiovascular disturbances during and following scalp infiltration. Rather, it minimises blood loss while raising the craniotomy flap.

Adult↗

Effect of prophylactic ondansetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting after elective craniotomy.

This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after elective craniotomy in adult patients. The authors also tried to discover certain predictors for postcraniotomy nausea and vomiting. We studied 170 ASA physical status I and II patients, aged 15 to 70 years, undergoing elective craniotomy for resecting various intracranial tumors and vascular lesions. A standardized anesthesia technique and postoperative analgesia were used for all patients. Patients were divided into two groups and received either saline placebo (Group 1) or ondansetron 4 mg (Group 2) intravenously at the time of dural closure. Patients were extubated at the end of surgery and episodes of nausea and vomiting were noted for 24 hours postoperatively in the neurosurgical intensive care unit. Demographic data, duration of surgery, and anesthesia and analgesic requirements were comparable in both groups. Overall, a 24-hour incidence of postoperative emesis was significantly reduced in patients who received ondansetron compared with those who received a saline placebo (39% in Group 1 and 11% in Group 2, P = .001). There was a significant reduction in the frequency of emetic episodes and rescue antiemetic requirement in patients treated with ondansetron; however, ondansetron did not significantly reduce the incidence of nausea alone (14% in Group 2 vs 5% in Group 1, P = .065). Prophylactic ondansetron had a favorable influence on PONV outcome measures such as patient satisfaction and number needed to prevent emesis (3.5). Side effects were similar in both groups. We conclude that ondansetron 4 mg given at the time of dural closure is safe and effective in preventing emetic episodes after elective craniotomy in adult patients.

Adolescent↗

Dynamic intraoperative kinking of flexometallic tube.

A 22-year-old male patient had two episodes of oxygen desaturation with concomitant increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide and airway pressure while undergoing transoral odontoidectomy under fluoroscopy. Dynamic kinking of the flexometallic endotracheal tube from compression by a Dingman retractor was responsible. Fluoroscopic imaging was helpful in confirming the etiology of sudden alteration in the monitoring parameters.

Adult↗

Airway management in critically ill neurological patients.

Respiratory complications play an important part in the morbidity and mortality of critically ill neurological patients. Assurance of airway patency is of primary concern in such patients. A plethora of airway maintenance techniques and devices have been recommended for securing and maintaining the airway. But, translaryngeal intubation through the oral route is the safest and most preferred technique. Proper assessment and adequate preparation of the patient before intubation helps to avert crises. In difficult intubation one may secure and maintain the airway by placing a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). The role of early tracheotomy in patients who require prolonged ventilatory support can not be overemphasized. However, the development of inert and softer endotracheal tubes with low pressure cuff has reduced the complications associated with endotracheal intubation. Finally and most importantly the best place to acquire competence in securing the airway is the operation theater not the intensive care unit.

Critical Care↗

Sympathetic blockade for the relief of chronic pain.

The sympathetic blocks are useful in many ways for relief of chronic pain. The sympathetic block can be caused at pre- and paravertebral sympathetic ganglia eg, stellate ganglia, coeliac plexus and lumbar sympathetic ganglia. Indications for sympathetic blockade are: Complex regional pain syndrome, phantom limb pain, central pain, acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cancer pain from upper abdominal viscera. Stellate ganglion blockade is required for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy for painful and other conditions associated with sympathetic dysfunctions of head, neck and upper extremity. Coeliac plexus block is indicated in pain due to intra-abdominal cancer, stemming from organs innervated by coeliac plexus. Lumbar sympathetic block is indicated for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy for painful and other conditions associated with sympathetic dysfunctions like complex regional pain syndrome I and II, herpes zoster, amputation stump pain and inoperable peripheral vascular vasospastic diseases of the lower limb. Indications for superior hypogastric block are the prognostic and therapeutic purposes of cancer pelvic organs--uterus, cervix, bladder, prostate, urethra, testes and ovaries.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Tension pneumocephalus after neurosurgery in the supine position.

Tension pneumocephalus has been reported most frequently after posterior fossa surgery performed in the sitting position. We present a paediatric patient who developed tension pneumocephalus in the postoperative period after decompression of a craniopharyngioma performed with the patient in the supine position.

Child↗

Epilepsy surgery in India: All India Institute of Medical Sciences experience.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical treatment of epilepsy should be considered an important alternative to medical therapy. The identification of a suitable candidate, pre-operative evaluation requires a multidisciplinary team. The specific diagnostic studies required depend on the operative strategy and objective of surgical treatment. METHODS: In twenty patients with medically intractable epilepsy, who had clinical evaluation, electroencephalography (EEG), video-EEG monitoring using scalp electrodes, high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuropsychology, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was done to localise the seizure focus. If the investigations were concordant resective surgery was performed. In case of frequent falls, atonic and tonic seizures, with generalised/multifocal discharges on EEG, a callostomy was done. Surgical outcome was assessed using Engel's 4 point scale. RESULTS: In 18 patients the seizure focus was localised, 13 had temporal lobectomy, five extra-temporal resection, and two had callosotomy. Fifteen patients had a follow-up of more than eight months, mean 20.5 (range 8-35 months), 13 had outcome I (seizure free), two had outcome II (occasional seizures), one-outcome III. Three were lost to follow-up and one patient died. There were no major post-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of epilepsy is a safe, effective mode of therapy. Suitable candidates should be identified early and referred to appropriate centres.

Adolescent↗

The blink reflex before and after percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy in patients with trigeminal neuralgia--a prospective study of 28 patients.

The blink reflex was prospectively studied in 28 patients with trigeminal neuralgia, prior-to and following percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy to the Gasserian ganglion. Fifteen patients (54%) had varying degrees of sensory loss in the trigeminal nerve distribution already before glycerol injection. Three more patients developed sensory loss following glycerol injection. Thus following glycerol injection 18 patients had graded sensory loss. Pre-injection the blink reflex showed abnormal R1 wave in 57% patients, while direct and consensual R2 waves were abnormal in 43% and 48%, respectively. Post-injection R1 wave was abnormal in 64% patients. Direct R2 waves were abnormal in 33% patients. Thus clinical findings of sensory loss correlated well with pre-and post-injection blink reflex abnormality. Postoperatively R1 and ipsilateral R2 latencies from the side of the injection deteriorated and consensual R2 latency improved, thus, signifying better function on the contralateral side following relief of pain by glycerol rhizotomy.

Adult↗