Multiple analyses of factors related to intraoperative blood loss and the role of reverse Trendelenburg position in endoscopic sinus surgery

[Specific anaesthetic procedures for nasal and sinus surgery]

In nasal and sinus surgery, the anaesthetist must share the operating field with the surgeon and take into account some patients' specific pathologies. Bleeding must be avoided by different means but the accurate gesture of the surgeon, added to the properties of the new anaesthetic drugs, may reduce the risk of this functional surgery.

Cerebral oximetry monitoring during sinus endoscopy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Deliberate hypotension, reverse Trendelenburg position, and hyperventilation are techniques utilized during functional endoscopic sinus surgery to attempt to reduce surgical bleeding. These methods may predispose patients to cerebral ischemia. Cerebral oximetry has not been investigated extensively within otolaryngologic surgery. Our study sought to address the question of whether cerebral oximetry is feasible in the FESS population and evaluate whether the data provided may be useful in the assessment of cerebral perfusion.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, blinded, observational trial.

METHODS

We designed a prospective, blinded, observational trial of patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery using cerebral oximetry monitoring. Collected data included mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂), cerebral saturation (SctO₂), postanesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

RESULTS

Thirty-one subjects were enrolled into the study. Univariate analyses showed cross-correlation between concurrent EtCO₂ values and SctO₂ of 0.43 (95% CI: 0.27 to 0.59) and between present EtCO₂ and the SctO₂ 5 minutes later of 0.46 (95% CI: 0.33 to 0.59). MAP was not significantly cross-correlated with SctO₂. Patients who had an SctO₂ below 60% at any time had a median (interquartile range [IQR]) PACU length of stay of 167 (IQR, 95-386) minutes. Patients whose cerebral saturation did not fall below 60% at any time had a median PACU length of stay of 103 (IQR, 76-155) minutes. This difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .257). The median (IQR) maximum decline in SctO₂ for patients with PONV was 11.2% (IQR, 8.2%-13.1%) and for patients without PONV was 7.1% (IQR, 5.1%-9.8%) (P = .126).

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral oximetry monitoring was feasible during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. This study demonstrated a cross-correlation between EtCO₂ and SctO₂, but not MAP and SctO₂. A longer PACU length of stay and higher rate of PONV were seen but did not reach statistical significance.

Hemostatic effect of hot saline irrigation during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The endoscopically magnified operative field in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) makes even a small amount of bleeding a potentially significant hindrance. It is thought that irrigation with hot saline during surgery may improve surgical field of view by producing a hemostatic effect. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of hot saline irrigation (HSI) compared to room temperature saline irrigation (RTSI) in the control of intraoperative bleeding during FESS.

METHODS

Sixty-two chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients undergoing FESS were randomized to 2 treatment arms in an equal ratio. Subjects received either HSI (49°C) or RTSI (18°C), 20 mL every 10 minutes, for the duration of FESS. The Boezaart endoscopic field of view grading system was the primary outcome measure. Boezaart score, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were recorded at 10-minute intervals between irrigations.

RESULTS

Mean endoscopic surgical field of view (Boezaart score) did not significantly differ between the HSI and RTSI groups (1.5 ± 0.6 vs 1.3 ± 0.5; p = 0.23). However, when FESS was longer than 2 hours in duration, the Boezaart scores were significantly better in the HSI group (1.6 ± 0.6 vs 1.2 ± 0.4; p = 0.04). We found that blood loss per minute was significantly reduced (p = 0.02) in all cases in which HSI was used (2.3 ± 1.0) compared to RTSI (1.7 ± 1.1). Despite this, heart rate (p = 0.32) and MABP (p = 0.14) did not significantly differ between treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

HSI may be beneficial in improving surgical field of view in FESS after 2 hours of operating time. A significant reduction in rate of blood loss may be attained with HSI.

Oxidised cellulose powder for haemostasis following sinus surgery: a pilot randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Haemorrhage is the most common major complication of endoscopic sinus surgery. Post-operative absorbable or non-absorbable nasal packing can cause pain and blockage. Haemostatic powders or gels may prevent this problem. However, when based on factors in the clotting cascade, they induce an inflammatory reaction and can cause post-operative synechiae. Oxidised cellulose powder produces haemostasis without inducing synechiae formation, but has not been trialled for sinus surgery.

METHOD

A randomised clinical trial was performed to compare cellulose powder to non-absorbable packing following sinus surgery. Participants were 50 consecutive patients undergoing sinus surgery, 47 of whom completed the study. The main outcome measures were post-operative bleeding, pain scores and synechiae formation.

RESULTS

Cellulose powder was effective at stopping bleeding, and was associated with less pain than nasal packing, with no evidence of increased synechiae formation.

CONCLUSION

Cellulose powder appears to be a good haemostatic agent following sinus surgery. A larger trial would allow more accurate quantification of its effectiveness.

Intraoperative bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery and microvascular density of the nasal mucosa

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between quality of the surgical field, intraoperative bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and the density of microvasculature of the nasal mucosa.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Nasal mucosa of 30 patients, operated for chronic rhinosinusitis, was biopsied to assess expression of CD34 antigen on vascular endothelium. Quality of surgical field was evaluated with Fromm-Boezaart scale at mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 70-80 mmHg. If at this MAP surgical field quality was not satisfactory further reduction of hemodynamic parameters was performed until 'bloodless surgical field' (grade 2 or lower) was achieved. The rate of intraoperative bleeding was calculated from the ratio of total blood loss and the operative time. The extent of the disease was assessed according to computed tomography findings using Lund-Mackay staging system.

RESULTS

Significant positive correlation (Spearman correlation test; p<0.05) was found between CD34 antigen expression and quality of surgical field at MAP between 70 and 80 mmHg as well as the rate of intraoperative bleeding. More intense reduction of MAP was necessary to achieve 'bloodless surgical field' in patients with high CD34 expression than in those with moderate and low expression. Lund-Mackay score correlated with quality of surgical field but not with the rate of intraoperative bleeding.

CONCLUSION

During ESS, it is microvascular density of the nasal mucosa rather than the extent of the disease that contributes to the intensity of intraoperative bleeding, although both factors negatively influence the quality of surgical field.

Five-degree, 10-degree, and 20-degree reverse Trendelenburg position during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Using the reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a safe, simple, and cost-free method that has been found to reduce intraoperative blood loss. However, the critical angle of RTP that produces the least amount of bleeding without compromising surgical technique and safety remains unanswered. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of 5-degree, 10-degree, and 20-degree RTP (5-RTP, 10-RTP, and 20-RTP, respectively) on intraoperative bleeding during FESS.

METHODS

This double-blind randomized controlled trial involved 75 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with and without nasal polyposis undergoing FESS. Twenty-five patients were enrolled into each group: 5-RTP, 10-RTP, and 20-RTP. Boezaart endoscopic field-of-view score (BS), total blood loss (TBL), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), operating time, and blood loss per minute were recorded. An intention-to-treat analysis was used, with a Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Intervention groups were comparable in age, sex, nasal polyposis, and disease severity. Mean values of BS and TBL were as follows: 5-RTP (2.0, 231 mL), 10-RTP (1.8, 230 mL), and 20-RTP (1.4, 135 mL). The differences in means were significant for BS (p < 0.01) and TBL (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in MABP (p = 0.85), operating time (p = 0.10), or blood loss per minute (p = 0.11) between the 3 groups. Pairwise comparison between 5-RTP vs 20-RTP found significant difference in BS (p < 0.01) but not TBL (p = 0.04). Significance was not found in similar comparisons of 10-RTP vs 20-RTP and 5-RTP vs 10-RTP (p > 0.03).

CONCLUSION

FESS in 20-RTP produced the best BS and lowest blood loss without compromising surgical technique.

General anaesthetic considerations for haemostasis in orbital surgery

Orbital surgery is often conducted in areas with limited exposure where vital structures are tightly crowded together. A bloodless field is paramount in orbital surgery for the proper identification of normal and pathologic tissue and even minimal bleeding can obscure the surgical field, making surgery more difficult and increasing the risk of complications. Surgery for highly vascular orbital lesions is an additional situation where maintaining an adequate surgical field is often challenging but paramount. The role of the anaesthetist in controlling surgical blood loss has been increasingly recognized in the last few decades. Various techniques including hypotensive anaesthesia have been described, but the control of intraoperative bleeding does not rely on a single particular technique, but a series of well-designed interventions that result in optimal conditions. An understanding of the anaesthetic considerations pertinent to haemostasis is invaluable for oculoplastic surgeons. Additionally, with the growing use of endonasal approaches to medial wall decompression and accessing the medial orbit, it has become increasingly important that orbital surgeons understand the anaesthetic requirements of their colleagues in other disciplines.

Control of bleeding in endoscopic skull base surgery: current concepts to improve hemostasis

Hemostasis is critical for adequate anatomical visualization during endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery. Reduction of intraoperative bleeding should be considered during the treatment planning and continued throughout the perioperative period. Preoperative preparations include the optimization of comorbidities and cessation of drugs that may inhibit coagulation. Intraoperative considerations comprise anesthetic and surgical aspects. Controlled hypotension is the main anesthetic technique to reduce bleeding; however, there is controversy regarding its effectiveness; what the appropriate mean arterial pressure is and how to maintain it. In extradural cases, we advocate a mean arterial pressure of 65–70 mm Hg to reduce bleeding while preventing ischemic complications. For dealing intradural lesion, controlled hypotension should be cautious. We do not advocate a marked blood pressure reduction, as this often affects the perfusion of neural structures. Further reduction could lead to stroke or loss of cranial nerve function. From the surgical perspective, there are novel technologies and techniques that reduce bleeding, thus, improving the visualization of the surgical field.

Effects of three different types of anaesthesia on perioperative bleeding control in functional endoscopic sinus surgery

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of three different types of anaesthesia on perioperative bleeding control and to analyse the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in patients undergoing endoscopic paranasal sinus surgery. Ninety patients (30 women and 60 men, aged 18–85 years) scheduled to undergo functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the years 2008–2010 were identified as candidates for inclusion in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups (30 patients each) according to the type of general anaesthesia to be administered. Groups I and II both received inhalation anaesthesia (sevoflurane for sedation) and intravenous anaesthesia (fentanyl in group I, remifentanil in group II). Anaesthesia was delivered solely via intravenous route (TIVA) in group III, with propofol used for sedation and remifentanil for analgesia. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during surgery and post-surgically for 4 h. Mean anaesthesia duration in groups I, II and III was 108.7 ± 20.8, 112.6 ± 22.2 and 103.7 ± 17.5 min and the surgery duration was 71.3 ± 16.7, 78.8 ± 24.2 and 66.5 ± 15.5 min, respectively. Mean blood loss during surgery was 365.0 ± 176.2, 340.0 ± 150.5 and 225.0 ± 91.7 ml, with a mean blood loss rate of 5.1 ± 2.4, 4.5 ± 2.2 and 3.4 ± 1.1 ml/min in groups I, II and III, respectively. Technologically advanced control of the drug dose with the TIVA technique allows for better control of perioperative bleeding.

Quality of surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery: a systematic literature review of the effect of total intravenous compared to inhalational anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Adequate surgical field visualization is imperative for successful outcomes in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The type of anesthetic administered can alter a patient's hemodynamics and impact endoscopic visualization during surgery. We review the current evidence regarding the effect of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) compared to inhalational anesthesia (INA) on visualization of the surgical field during ESS.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed. Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched from 1946 to January 2012. Citations from the primary search were reviewed and filtered to identify all relevant abstracts in English. Articles meriting full review included prospective controlled trials enrolling adult patients undergoing ESS that were randomized to a group receiving INA or TIVA with outcome measures focused on surgical field visualization.

RESULTS

Seven eligible trials fulfilled inclusion criteria. Four of the 7 demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in surgical field grade during ESS when receiving TIVA compared with INA. However, detailed INA concentrations were often not provided. High levels of INA may have been administered; therefore, side effects of INA rather than effects of an ideal INA administration were possibly represented. Analgesic administration also varied widely among the anesthetic groups, further complicating interpretation of study results. The lack of power and the heterogeneity of the studies precluded a formal meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

Although several studies reported that TIVA improves surgical conditions in ESS, there are significant limitations. These findings prevent any definite recommendation at this point, emphasizing the need for further high-quality studies.

Comparing the reverse Trendelenburg and horizontal position for endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the 15-degree reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) during functional endoscopic sinus surgery improves endoscopic field of view and reduces intraoperative blood loss when compared with the horizontal position (HP).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

St Paul's Sinus Centre, Vancouver, Canada.

SUBJECTS

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with or without nasal polyposis, receiving functional endoscopic sinus surgery were included. Patients were excluded if they had severe or uncontrolled hypertension and cardiovascular disease, continued use of anticoagulants, impaired coagulation, or a sinonasal tumor.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients with CRS undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were randomized to either 15-degree RTP (experimental arm) or HP (control arm) from October 2011 to February 2012. Boezaart endoscopic field-of-view grading system was the primary outcome measure. Lund-Mackay computed tomography (CT) score, total blood loss, blood loss per minute, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, anesthetic technique, and surgery time were also recorded.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in mean Boezaart scoring between RTP and HP: 1.66 vs 2.33 (P < .001), with RTP producing a better endoscopic field of view. There was also a lower total blood loss and blood loss per minute with RTP (P = .01, P = .03). There was no significant difference in disease severity (P > .05), time of surgery (P > .05), or mean arterial pressure (P > .05) between the 2 surgical positions.

CONCLUSION

The 15-degree RTP improves the endoscopic field of view and reduces blood loss during FESS. We would therefore recommend its use.

[The comparison of the influence of various types of anaesthesia on perioperative bleeding control in endoscopic paranasal sinus surgery]

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed at evaluating the influence of targeted hypotension with three types of anaesthetics on the amount of blood loss in extensive endoscopic operations of polyps of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety patients, including 30 women aged 31-73 and 60 men aged 21-79, who were operated within the period of 2008-2010 at Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology Military Medical Academy University Clinical Hospital in Lodz, were qualified for the study. The bilateral removal of nasal polyps, bilateral ethmoidectomy, and surgery or revision of the maxillary, sphenoid and temporal sinuses in endoscopy were conducted in each patient. Due to the type of general anaesthesia the patients were divided into three groups, 30 patients each: I – sevoflurane inhalation (sedation) and fentanyl I.V., II – sevoflurane inhalation (sedation) and remifentanil I.V. (analgesia), III – TIVA, propofol sedation and remifentanil analgesia. The drugs were administered via the infusion pomp TCI.

RESULTS

In group I the mean anaesthesia time was 108.67±20.80 min., group II – 112.63±22.17 min., group III – 103.67±17.47 min. The surgery time in the studied groups was as follows: I – 71.33±16.71 min, II – 78.83±24.24 min, III – 66.5±15.49 min. During the operation the mean blood loss was: group I – 365±176.2 ml, group II – 340±150.5 ml, group III – 225±91.7 ml. During the operation the mean rate of blood loss was: group I – 5.118±2.38 ml/min, II – 4.507±2.215 ml/min, group III – 3.416±1.059 ml/min.

CONCLUSIONS

In TIVA the advanced technologically control of a drug dose allows for a better control of hypotension, which, finally, results in lower haemorrhage within the operation area, a favourable condition for both a patient and a physician. Perioperative bleeding was independent on sex in every type of anaesthesia.

Intravenous esmolol infusion improves surgical fields during sevoflurane-anesthetized endoscopic sinus surgery: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence to support the use of anesthetics to affect operative fields during endoscopic sinus surgery and thus the speed, thoroughness, and safety of the surgery itself. Previous research has suggested preoperative beta-blockers improve surgical fields (SFs); our study is novel in showing the impact of a beta-blocker infusion on SFs during sinus surgery.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 40 patients. Patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis received a constant infusion of i.v. esmolol or saline in addition to a standard inhaled anesthetic protocol. At regular 15-minutes intervals, the quality of SF, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were assessed. Total blood loss was also recorded.

RESULTS

Average vital sign parameters (HR/SBP/DBP) were significantly lower in the esmolol group (69.1/90.2/55.1 versus 77.2/99.5/63.5; p < 0.01). The esmolol infusion improved SFs relative to control (2.3 versus 2.6; p = 0.045). Esmolol infusion resulted in good SFs (grades 1 and 2) more often than poor fields (grades 3 and 4); on the contrary, the control group showed more poor than good SFs (chi-square; p = 0.04). A correlation between increasing HR and worsening SFs was identified (r = 0.259; p = 0.002). The control group had significantly higher average blood loss (1.3 versus 0.8 mL/min; p = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

Esmolol-induced relative hypotension and bradycardia during endoscopic sinus surgery achieves significantly improved SFs relative to saline control.

Preoperative treatment with topical corticoids and bleeding during primary endoscopic sinus surgery

OBJECTIVE

To find out whether the constant preoperative use of a topical corticoid (mometasone furoate [MF]) could really improve the operative field quality and decrease bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

STUDY DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Seventy patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with and without polyps underwent ESS under standardized general anesthesia with equal randomization into two groups. During four weeks within the preoperative period, 35 cases were treated with MF, while the other half received placebo matching sprays. Total blood loss, operation time, and surgical field quality were recorded.

RESULTS

Intraoperative blood loss in the MF-treated group was 142.8 mL, less than in the control group (170.6 mL). The difference between the groups is 27.7 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5-51.92), statistically significant: P = 0.025. Time of surgery was 59 minutes in the MF group and 70 minutes in the control group. The difference was 11.2 minutes (95% CI 2.82-19.51), which is statistically significant: P = 0.009. The quality of the endoscopic surgical field was significantly better for patients treated with MF. Treatment with topical corticoid enables significantly reduced bleeding, decreased operation time, and improved endoscopic vision during ESS for CRS.

CONCLUSION

The use of topical corticoid (MF) in the preoperative period can improve endoscopic vision, reduce bleeding, and decrease operation time in CRS patients with and without polyps undergoing ESS, but our sample size cannot exclude small, and possibly trivial, group differences.

Perioperative and intraoperative maneuvers to optimize surgical outcomes in skull base surgery

There are many approaches to obtaining a workable endoscopic surgical field in sinus surgery. With extended sinus and transdural endoscopic surgery, a more rigid approach must be taken. There are 3 main factors that invariably lead to poor surgical outcomes in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery: bleeding, inadequate access, and unidentified anatomic anomalies. Bleeding is arguably the most common reason for incomplete resection. An understanding of microvascular and macrovascular bleeding allows a more structured approach to improve the surgical field in extended endoscopic surgery. The endoscopic surgeon should always be comfortable in performing the same procedure as an open operation. However, converting or abandoning an endoscopic procedure should rarely occur because much of this decision making should take place preoperatively. Along with poor hemostasis, inadequate access is an important cause of poor outcome. Evaluation of the anatomy involved by pathology but also the anatomy that must be removed to allow adequate exposure is important. This article reviews the current techniques used to ensure optimal surgical conditions and outcomes.

Anaesthesia for endoscopic sinus surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery is commonly performed and has a low risk of major complications. Intraoperative bleeding impairs surgical conditions and increases the risk of complications. Remifentanil appears to produce better surgical conditions than other opioid analgesics, and total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol may provide superior conditions to a volatile-based technique. Moderate hypotension with intraoperative beta blockade is associated with better operating conditions than when vasodilating agents are used. Tight control of CO(2) does not affect the surgical view. The use of a laryngeal mask may be associated with improved surgical conditions and a smoother emergence. It provides airway protection equivalent to that provided by an endotracheal tube in well-selected patients, but offers less protection from gastric regurgitation. Post-operatively, multimodal oral analgesia provides good pain relief, while long-acting local anaesthetics have been shown not to improve analgesia.