Intravenous lidocaine to prevent postoperative airway complications in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Extubation-Related Complications

Extubation represents an essential component of airway management. While being a common procedure in anesthesiology and critical care medicine, it is accompanied by a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Safe extubation requires considerable skills, risk stratification and advanced planning. It is important to emphasize that intentional extubation is always an elective procedure, and as such should only be executed when conditions are optimal. The purpose of this review is to discuss the complications associated with planned extubation in the adult patient, including risk factors and management strategies, mainly focusing on the postoperative setting.

Effect of peri-intubation non-pharmacological interventions on postoperative laryngeal symptoms: A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of peri-intubation non-pharmacological interventions in reducing postoperative sore throat (POST), cough (PEC), and hoarseness in surgical patients.

DESIGN

A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

SETTING

Elective surgery under general anesthesia in operating rooms.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evaluate the impact of non-pharmacological interventions, including pre-intubation (gargling with Sodium Azulene Sulfonate, licorice, or using Strepsils tablets of honey and lemon lozenge), during-intubation (inflating the TT cuff with normal saline and softening the ETT cuff with warm normal saline), and post-intubation (cold vapor therapy, gargling with honey lemon water, and using green tea gargle), on the occurrence of POST, PEC, and hoarseness.

RESULTS

Nineteen trials with 2,136 participants were included. Pre-intubation intervention significantly reduced POST immediately after extubation (n = 861; OR: 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.20-0.38, P < 0.001), and 24 h post-extubation (n = 1006; OR: 0.21, 95 % CI: 0.16-0.28, P < 0.001). During-intubation intervention did not show significant effects on POST. Pre-intubation intervention also reduced POST-associated pain score at 24 h post-extubation (n = 440; MD: -0.50, 95 % CI: -0.81 to -0.18, P < 0.001). Post-intubation interventions were effective in reducing POST-associated pain scores at different time points post-extubation (P < 0.05). Pre-intubation intervention significantly reduced PEC (OR: 0.13, 95 % CI: 0.02-0.70, P = 0.02) and hoarseness (OR: 0.36, 95 %CI: 0.15-0.86, P = 0.02) at 24 h post-extubation. However, during-intubation interventions did not reduce hoarseness at 24 h post-extubation.

CONCLUSION

Pre-intubation non-pharmacological interventions were found to be the most effective in reducing the incidence and severity of POST, PEC, and hoarseness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Implementing pre-intubation non-pharmacological interventions can be beneficial for bedside nurses and healthcare professionals in reducing postoperative complications and nurses can contribute to improving patient comfort and recovery outcomes following surgery.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL

The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews on 2 January 2024 (CRD42023492813).

Postoperative exacerbated cough hypersensitivity syndrome induces dramatic respiratory alkalosis, lactatemia, and electrolyte imbalance

BACKGROUND

The perioperative management of patients with chronic cough or cough hypersensitivity syndrome and its sometimes severe effects is currently under-researched and under-reported.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 46-year-old female patient with a history of chronic cough and Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome. After laparoscopic hiatoplasty and anterior fundoplication under general anesthesia, experienced a pronounced exacerbation of coughing symptoms. Despite prompt and extensive treatment involving antitussives, inhalants, anxiolytics, and sedatives, the symptoms remained uncontrollable. Within a few hours, the patient developed a respiratory alkalosis with severe and life-threatening electrolyte shift (pH 7.705, pCO2 1.72 kPa, K+ 2.1 mmol/l). Lactatemia lasted for more than 12 hours with values up to 6.6 mmol/l. Acute bleeding, pneumothorax, and an acute cardiac event were ruled out. Deep analgosedation and inhalation of high-percentage local anesthetics were necessary to manage the clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the challenging nature of chronic cough and hypersensitivity syndrome perioperatively. A tailored anesthesiologic approach, exclusion of other provoking medical problems, and knowledge of possible management and treatment options are key.

Effects and mechanisms of perioperative medications on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal response to surgical injury: A narrative review

The adrenal gland is a vital endocrine organ, and adrenal steroid synthesis and secretion are closely regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to various stimuli. Surgery or trauma can activate the HPA axis and induce the secretion of cortisol. Different cortisol responses vary with the grade of surgery. Perioperative medications have the potential to decrease the cortisol level in the body, and both excessive and insufficient cortisol levels after surgery are disadvantageous. The effect of perioperative medications on the HPA response to surgery can be divided into three levels: "adrenal insufficiency (AI)", "stress response inhibition", and "uncertainty". The clinical presentation of AI includes fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, hypotension, hypovolemic shock and prerenal failure, which may result in fatal consequences. Stress response inhibition can reduce postoperative complications, such as pain and cognitive dysfunction. This is protective to patients during perioperative and postoperative periods. The aim of the present review is to shed light on current evidence regarding the exact effects and mechanisms of perioperative medications on the HPA response to surgical injury and provide the applicable guidance on clinical anesthesia.

Persistent cough after pulmonary resection: Minor issue, major hurdle

Background

Persistent cough is one of the most common complications following pulmonary resection, that impairs patients' quality of life and prolongs recovery time. However, a comprehensive review of persistent cough after pulmonary resection (CAP) has not been performed.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase database was conducted for persistent-CAP up to June 2023. Subsequent qualitative systematic review focused on definition, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of persistent-CAP.

Results

Persistent-CAP stands as a prevalent postoperative complication subsequent to pulmonary resection procedures. with an incidence of 24.4-55.0 %. Although persistent-CAP has a minor impact on survival, this condition is of critical importance because it presents a major hurdle in recovery after surgery. In this review, we proposed a systemic definition for persistent-CAP based on available evidence and our own data. Several assessment tools used to assess severity of persistent-CAP are also introduced. Risk factors associated with persistent-CAP are explored, including surgical approaches, resection extent, surgical site, lymph node dissection, postoperative gastroesophageal acid reflux, tracheal intubation anesthesia, preoperative comorbidity, and sex among others. Surgical and anesthesia preventions targeting risk factors to prevent persistent-CAP are elaborated. A number of studies have shown that a multidisciplinary approach can effectively relieve persistent-CAP.

Conclusions

Although the mechanisms underlying persistent-CAP are still unclear, existing studies demonstrated that persistent-CAP is related to surgical and anesthesia factors. Therefore, in the future, prevention and treatment should be developed based on risk factors to overcome the hurdle of persistent-CAP.

Intravenous versus intracuff alkalinized lidocaine to prevent postoperative sore throat: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Introduction

postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complication after general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation caused by tracheal mucosal injury. Multiple techniques prevent postoperative sore throat (POST). Our study aimed to compare two techniques: intravenous and intracuff lidocaine versus placebo to prevent postoperative sore throat after general anesthesia with orotracheal intubation.

Methods

we conducted a prospective double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial involving patients, proposed for a scheduled surgery less than 240 minutes under general anesthesia with orotracheal intubation. Patients were divided into three groups: L group: infused with saline, cuff filled with alkalinized lidocaine. S group: Infused with 1.5 mg/kg of lidocaine, cuff filled with saline. T group: placebo: infused with saline, cuff filled with saline. Our primary outcome was the incidence of sore throat and their (visual analog scale) VAS score in the first 24 postoperative hours. Our secondary outcomes were the incidence of cough, dysphonia, dysphagia, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Results

ninety patients were analyzed and divided into 3 groups of 30. The incidence of POST at the sixth postoperative hour, for placebo, the "L" group, and the "S" group, respectively, was 67%, 30%, and 47%. And at the 24th postoperative hours 67%, 13%, and 37%. Intravenous lidocaine reduced significantly the VAS of POST at the 24th hour (S: 6.80 ± 20.70; T: 20.67 ± 18.182; p= 0.02). Alkalinized lidocaine decreased significantly the VAS of POST in the sixth (L: 8.17 ± 22.761; T: 23 ± 21.838; p = 0.048) and the 24th postoperative hour (L: 6.33 ± 20.592; T: 20.67 ± 18.182; p= 0.019) with the lowest pain score. There was no statistically significant difference between the L and S groups at the 6 and 24 postoperative hours. Both lidocaine techniques reduced cough at emergence, with the superiority of alkalinized lidocaine (p=0.02). They decreased the incidence of cough, dysphonia, dysphagia, nausea, and vomiting compared to a placebo.

Conclusion

intravenous and intracuff lidocaine allowed better control of postoperative sore throat.

Spanish Society of Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Pain Therapy (SEDAR), Spanish Society of Emergency and Emergency Medicine (SEMES) and Spanish Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) Guideline for difficult airway management. Part II

The Airway Management section of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation, and Pain Therapy (SEDAR), the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), and the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) present the Guide for the comprehensive management of difficult airway in adult patients. Its principles are focused on the human factors, cognitive processes for decision-making in critical situations, and optimization in the progression of strategies application to preserve adequate alveolar oxygenation in order to enhance safety and the quality of care. The document provides evidence-based recommendations, theoretical-educational tools, and implementation tools, mainly cognitive aids, applicable to airway management in the fields of anesthesiology, critical care, emergencies, and prehospital medicine. For this purpose, an extensive literature search was conducted following PRISMA-R guidelines and was analyzed using the GRADE methodology. Recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE methodology. Recommendations for sections with low-quality evidence were based on expert opinion through consensus reached via a Delphi questionnaire.

Metoprolol for prevention of bucking at orotracheal extubation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Respiratory responses to extubation can cause serious postoperative complications. Beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, can interfere with the cough pathway. However, whether metoprolol can effectively control respiratory reflexes during extubation remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous metoprolol in attenuating respiratory responses to tracheal extubation.

METHODS

Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center located in Brasília, Brazil. Recruitment: June 2021 to December 2021.

SAMPLE

222 patients of both sexes with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III aged 18-80 years. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous metoprolol 5 mg IV or placebo at the end of surgery. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who developed bucking secondary to endotracheal tube stimulation of the tracheal mucosa during extubation. Secondary outcomes included coughing, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, Mean Blood Pressure (MAP), and Heart Rate (HR) levels.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seven participants were included in the final analysis: 102 in the metoprolol group and 105 in the placebo group. Patients who received metoprolol had a significantly lower risk of bucking (43.1% vs. 64.8%, Relative Risk [RR = 0.66], 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI 0.51-0.87], p = 0.003). In the metoprolol group, 6 (5.9%) patients had moderate/severe coughing compared with 33 (31.4%) in the placebo group (RR = 0.19; 95% CI 0.08-0.43, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Metoprolol reduced the risk of bucking at extubation in patients undergoing general anesthesia compared to placebo.

Multimodal prevention of emergence cough following nasal endoscopic surgery under general anesthesia: a double-blind randomized trial

Purpose

Cough during emergence from anesthesia is a common problem and may cause adverse events. Monotherapy faces uncertainty in preventing emergence cough due to individual differences. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multimodal intervention for preventing emergence cough in patients following nasal endoscopic surgery.

Methods

In this double-blind randomized trial, 150 adult patients undergoing nasal endoscopic surgery were randomly allocated into three groups. For the control group (n = 50), anesthesia was performed according to clinical routine, no intervention was provided. For the double intervention group (n = 50), normal saline 3 mL was sprayed endotracheally before intubation, 0.4 μg/kg dexmedetomidine was infused over 10 min after intubation, and target-controlled remifentanil infusion was maintained at an effect-site concentration of 1.5 ng/mL before extubation after surgery. For the multimodal intervention group (n = 50), 0.5% ropivacaine 3 mL was sprayed endotracheally before intubation, dexmedetomidine and remifentanil were administered as those in the double intervention group. The primary endpoint was the incidence of emergence cough, defined as single cough or more from end of surgery to 5 min after extubation.

Results

The incidences of emergence cough were 98% (49/50) in the control group, 90% (45/50) in the double group, and 70% (35/50) in the multimodal group, respectively. The incidence was significantly lower in the multimodal group than those in the control (relative risk 0.71; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.86; p < 0.001) and double (relative risk 0.78; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.95; p = 0.012) groups; the difference between the double and control groups was not statistically significant (relative risk 0.92; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.02; p = 0.20). The severity of sore throat was significantly lower in the multimodal group than that in the control group (median difference-1; 95% CI -2 to 0; p = 0.016). Adverse events did not differ among the three groups.

Conclusion

For adult patients undergoing endonasal surgery, multimodal intervention including ropivacaine topical anesthesia before intubation, dexmedetomidine administration after intubation, and remifentanil infusion before extubation after surgery significantly reduced emergence cough and was safe.

Preoperative Ultrasound-Guided Internal Branch Block of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Reduces Postoperative Sore Throat Caused by Double Lumen Endotracheal Intubation: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is one of the more common side effects of tracheal intubation patients under general anesthesia (GA) after extubation using double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs). The internal branches of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block (iSLNB) have been reported to anesthetize the larynx for airway manipulation (such as awake tracheal intubation) and pain treatment efficiently. We hypothesized that ultrasound-guided iSLNB (US-guided iSLNB) combined with GA would ameliorate the incidence and severity of POST and hoarseness.

METHODS

Patients (n = 82) undergoing thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules/lobes/segments with one-lung ventilation (OLV) under GA were randomized into 2 groups depending on whether performed with iSLNB (S group, n = 41) or not (C group, n = 41) under GA. Patients in the S group received US-guided iSLNB bilaterally before surgery. POST and hoarseness were assessed at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of POST at 6 hours after surgery between groups.

RESULTS

The overall accumulated incidence of POST was lower in the S goup than in the C group (9/41 vs 20/41; 95% CI, 0.30 [0.11-0.77]; P = .011). The incidence and severity of POST was lower in the S group than in the C group at 2 hours (9/41 vs 20/41; 95% CI, 0.30 [0.11-0.77]; P = .008 and P = .004) and 6 hours after (7/41 vs 17/41; 95% CI, 0.29 [0.10-0.81]; P = .012 and P = .015) surgery. The incidence and severity of POST at 24 hours after surgery was nonsignificant. However, the incidence and severity of hoarseness was comparable between the 2 groups at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative US-guided iSLNB could significantly ameliorate the incidence and severity of POST induced by double-lumen bronchial catheter intubation.

A comparison of two techniques of postoperative analgesia: lignocaine-fentanyl intravenous infusion and ropivacaine-fentanyl epidural infusion in patients undergoing cytoreductive cancer surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)-prospective randomized control study

BACKGROUND

Extensive surgical dissection, hemodynamic alterations associated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS), and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) make pain management challenging. We hypothesized that infusions of intravenous lignocaine and fentanyl provide comparable analgesia to epidural ropivacaine and fentanyl in these patients.

METHODS

Fifty patients scheduled to undergo CRS and HIPEC were enrolled in the study. The patients in group IV (Intravenous) received a bolus dose of 1.5 mg/kg lignocaine over 15 min, starting approximately 15 min before the surgical incision and fentanyl 0.5 mcg/kg, about 2 min before the surgical incision, following which patient received lignocaine infusion at 1 mg/kg/hr and fentanyl infusion at 0.5 mcg/kg/hr intraoperatively. Patients in group EPI (Epidural) received 6 mL of Ropivacaine 0.2% and fentanyl (2mcg/mL) approximately 15 min before surgical incision, followed by continuous infusion at the rate of 5 mL/hr. The procedure for induction and maintenance of anesthesia was standardized for both groups. In the postoperative period, the infusion of analgesics was reduced to half the intraoperative rates and continued for 24 h.

RESULTS

Demographic profile and clinical parameters were comparable between both groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the number of fentanyl doses given in the IV group [Langenbecks Arch Chir 373(3):189-196, 4, IQR (2-11)] and the EPI group [Reg Anesth Pain Med 35(4):370-376, 12, IQR (5-21)] in the postoperative period (p = 0.229). The need for intraoperative rescue analgesia was comparable among the groups (p = 0.882).

CONCLUSION

The two techniques, epidural (ropivacaine and fentanyl) and IV (lignocaine and fentanyl) infusions, provide comparable analgesia in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRI/2020/08/027052 dated 09/08/2020.

Anesthetic management for inhibiting sympathetic activation in an adolescent patient diagnosed with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and undergoing left cardiac sympathetic denervation: A case report

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a genetic disorder in which catecholamine release during exercise or emotional stress cause fatal tachyarrhythmias. In this paper, we discuss methods to minimize the sympathetic stimulation that can occur during the perioperative period in patients undergoing left cardiac sympathetic denervation to surgically treat CPVT.

Efficacy of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion on postoperative opioid consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

We designed this study to evaluate the impact of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion on postoperative opioid consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

In total, 98 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included and randomized. In the experimental group, intravenous lidocaine (bolus 1.5 mg/kg and continuous infusion 2 mg/kg/h) was administered intraoperatively additionally to the standard analgesia, whereas the control group received a matching placebo. Blinding existed at the level of both the patient and the investigator.

RESULTS

Our study failed to confirm any benefit in opioid consumption, during the postoperative period. Lidocaine resulted to reduced intraoperative systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure. Lidocaine administration did not change postoperative pain scores or the incidence of shoulder pain, at any time endpoint. Moreover, we did not identify any difference in terms of postoperative sedation levels and nausea rates.

CONCLUSION

Overall, lidocaine did not have any effect on postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The effect of lidocaine intraoperative infusion on quality of postoperative sleep in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The incidence of thyroid nodules has increased significantly in recent years, and surgical removal is a common treatment. Postoperative sleep disturbance is still a serious problem in the current surgical environment. In this study, we explored whether intraoperative lidocaine infusion could improve the quality of sleep over 7 days and 30 days after surgery and postoperative recovery for patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

METHODS

Seventy patients who underwent thyroid surgery from October 2020 to June 2021 were randomly assigned to the lidocaine or the normal saline group, 35 cases in each group. Patients enrolled in this study were randomized to receive either system lidocaine (a bolus of 1.5 mg·kg^- 1, followed by an infusion of 2 mg·kg^- 1·h^- 1 until the end of the surgical procedure) or identical volumes and rates of normal saline. The primary endpoint was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores. Secondary endpoints included intraoperative remifentanil consumption, whether there was a cough within 5 min after extubation and the cough scores, postoperative pain scores, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

RESULTS

Totally seventy cases were enrolled and eventually sixty-eight cases were analyzed. PSQI scores did not change significantly over time (F = 2.799, P = 0.069); also, there was no significant difference in PSQI scores between two groups in the entire 30 days follow-up period (F = 0.174, P = 0.678). Further, there was no interaction between the time points and the intervention (F = 0.649, P = 0.513). Similarly, intraoperative remifentanil consumption, the incidence of cough and postoperative pain scores, were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05); while patients in the lidocaine group showed significantly lower cough scores (P = 0.042) and lower incidence of PONV (P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic lidocaine infusion might not improve the sleep quality and reduce postoperative pain over 7 days or 30 days after the operation of patients who underwent thyroid surgery, but it can reduce postoperative complications and improve the quality of recovery. Furthermore, sleep quality of patients wasn't impaired significantly in the entire 30 days follow-up period after thyroid surgery compared with baseline values.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn , identifier: ChiCTR2000039764, date: 08/11/2020).

An Approach to Acute SARS-CoV-2 Management with Complementary Neuraltherapeutic Medicine: A Case Report

Background:

It has been proposed that the immunomodulatory capacity of neuraltherapeutic medicine (NTM) functions by means of stimuli to the nervous system, which influences the self-regulatory and plastic capacity of the nervous system, especially through the autonomic balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Several studies report the usefulness of NTM in inflammatory pathologies.

Case presentation:

A case report through a retrospective review of the medical history of an 82-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of acute SARS-CoV-2 who received a therapeutic intervention of NTM at the beginning of his hospitalization and presented satisfactory clinical evolution, with a follow-up for 18 months without post-COVID sequelae. A patient diagnosed with acute pneumonia for SARS-CoV-2, and mild ARDS, with markers of severity given by the history of COPD, advanced age, and elevation of LDH, ferritin, and CRP. On the third day of hospitalization, he presented an episode of pulmonary thromboembolism. He presented significant clinical improvement with in-hospital management for 9 days and underwent out-patient control with no post-COVID sequelae.

Conclusions:

NTM could be useful for the management of acute inflammatory diseases, including viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, in a mild or severe state of inflammation, when added to allopathic medicine, and it can improve clinical evolution and long-term sequelae. More studies are needed to validate this information.

Effects of continuous and slow tracheal tube cuff deflation on cough reflex during extubation in noncardiac surgery patients: a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The incidence of cough reflex during extubation is 76%. Cough reflex causes severe hemodynamic fluctuations and airway complications. This prospective trial investigated the potential effects of tracheal tube cuff deflation on cough reflex during extubation.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-six patients scheduled for operations within 3 h under general anaesthesia with orotracheal intubation were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control (C), experimental (E) or syringe (S) groups. Patients in group C underwent tracheal tube cuff deflation using a 10-ml syringe in 1 s, patients in group E underwent tracheal tube cuff deflation continuously and slowly in 5 s using a cuff pressure gauge until the pressure was zero and patients in group S underwent tracheal tube cuff deflation using a 10-ml syringe at a speed of 1 ml s^-1. The incidence and severity of cough reflexs during extubation and the incidence of postoperative airway complications within 48 h were assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with group C (60.0%), the incidence of cough reflex in group E was 9.8% (p < 0.001) and in group S was 12.5% (p < 0.001). The severity of cough reflex was graded as 2 (1-2) in group C, 1 (1-1) in group E and 1 (1-1) in group S (p < 0.001 for group comparisons). The incidence of hoarseness in group C was 0.0%, in group E was 19.5% and in group S was 5.0% (p < 0.05 for all groups, p = 0.009 between group C and E).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with deflating a trachal tube cuff with a 10-ml syringe in 1 s, the use of a 10-ml syringe at a speed of 1 ml s^-1 or a cuff pressure guage within 5 s can both reduce the incidence of cough reflex, but deflating with a cuff pressure guage can increase the incidence of postoperative hoarseness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier: ChiCTR2100054089, Date: 08/12/2021.

A Randomized Comparison of Effects of Budesonide Spray and K-Y Gel as an Endotracheal Tube Cuff Lubricant on Incidence of Postoperative Sore Throat

PURPOSE

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a frequent postoperative complication. Pre-induction budesonide inhalation is effective in POST prevention. However, it requires inhaler equipment and patient cooperation. Budesonide spraying on the endotracheal (ETT) cuff is simple and can be performed on most patients requiring endotracheal intubation. This study aims to compare the effects of budesonide spray and K-Y gel as an ETT cuff lubricant on the incidence and severity of POST.

DESIGN

Randomized and triple-blinded study.

METHODS

One hundred patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery were randomly allocated into the budesonide group (n = 50) and the K-Y gel group (n = 50). In the budesonide group, 200 mcg of budesonide was sprayed on the cuff of the ETT. For the K-Y gel group, the ETT cuff was lubricated with K-Y gel. A visual analog scale was used to assess the severity of POST at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. Other complications of tracheal intubation and adverse effects of budesonide were also recorded.

FINDINGS

Compared to the K-Y gel group, the budesonide group had a significantly lower overall incidence of POST (30% versus 54%, P = .032) and reduced the risk of POST by 24% (relative risk reduction = 24%, 95% CI, 5.23-42.77, P = .012) as well as the incidence of hoarseness (8.6% vs 34%, P = .001) and cough (0% vs 8%, P = 0.041). No incidence of drug-related side effects was reported in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Spraying budesonide on the ETT cuff significantly reduces the incidence and severity of POST.

Risk of Bacterial Exposure to the Anesthesiologist's Face During Intubation and Extubation

Introduction

Anesthesiologists are exposed to the risk of infection from various secretions or droplets from the respiratory tract of patients. We aimed to determine bacterial exposure to anesthesiologists' faces during endotracheal intubation and extubation.

Methods

Six resident anesthesiologists performed 66 intubation and 66 extubation procedures in patients undergoing elective otorhinolaryngology surgeries. Sampling was performed by swabbing the face shields twice in an overlapping slalom pattern, before and after each procedure. Samples for pre-intubation and pre-extubation were collected immediately after wearing the face shield at the time of anesthesia induction and at the end of the surgery, respectively. Post-intubation samples were collected after the injection of anesthetic drugs, positive pressure mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and confirmation of intubation success. Post-extubation samples were collected after endotracheal tube suction, oral suction, extubation, and confirmation of spontaneous breathing and stable vital signs. All swabs were cultured for 48 h, and bacterial growth was confirmed by colony forming unit (CFU) count.

Results

There was no bacterial growth in either pre- or post-intubation bacterial cultures. In contrast, while there was no bacterial growth in pre-extubation samples, 15.2% of post-extubation samples were CFU+ (0/66 [0%] vs 10/66 [15.2%], p=0.001). All the CFU+ samples belonged to 47 patients with post-extubation coughing, and the CFU count was correlated with the number of coughing episodes during the process of extubation (P < 0.01, correlation coefficient= 0.403).

Conclusion

The current study shows the actual chance of bacterial exposure to the anesthesiologist's face during the patient awakening process after general anesthesia. Given the correlation between the CFU count and the number of coughing episodes, we recommend anesthesiologists to use appropriate facial protection equipment during this procedure.

Pharmacologic methods to minimise coughing during extubation in the era of COVID-19

BACKGROUND/AIM

Given the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic, coughing at the time of extubation is at risk of creating aerosolisation. This may place health care workers at risk of nosocomial infection during the perioperative period. This study aims to summarise the current pharmacologic methods to minimise cough at the time of extubation, and to determine whether some strategies could be more beneficial than others.

METHODS

This is a summary of systematic reviews. A comprehensive search through MEDLINE was performed. Thirty-three publications were screened for eligibility. Only the manuscripts discussing pharmacologic methods to minimise coughing on extubation were included in this review.

FINDINGS

Many pharmacological agents have been proposed to decrease the incidence of cough at the time of extubation. Of these, intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine (relative risk 0.4; 95% CI: 0.4-0.5) or remifentanil (RR 0.4; 95% CI: 0.4-0.5) seems to have the largest effect to reduce cough on extubation.

CONCLUSION

The available data in the current literature is sparse. Yet, dexmedetomidine and remifentanil seem to be the most efficient agents to decrease the incidence of emergence coughing.

Effect of postoperative ultrasound-guided internal superior laryngeal nerve block on sore throat after intubation of double-lumen bronchial tube: a randomized controlled double-blind trial

Background

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is one of the main adverse postoperative outcome after tracheal intubation using double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided block of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN) for alleviating POST after intubation of DLTs.

Methods

Patients undergoing thoracic surgery between August 2019 and August 2021 were randomized into two groups depending on whether they received US-guided iSLN block immediately after the operation. In the control group, the patients underwent a thoracic surgery under general anesthesia (GA) with DLTs without any special treatment, while the patients in the experimental group received US-guided iSLN block bilaterally with 2 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine on either side immediately after the operation. The primary outcome was the grading of sore throat at three-time points after the operation, i.e., immediate extubation, 2 h after extubation, and 24 h after extubation. Secondary outcomes included the rate of nausea and vomiting, hoarseness, dyspnea, and choking cough after swallowing saliva at 2 h after extubation.

Results

The incidence and severity of sore throat were significantly lower in the experimental group than the control group at all time intervals (all P < 0.01). The rate of nausea and vomiting, hoarseness, dyspnea, and choking cough after swallow saliva at 2 h after extubation had no statistical difference (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The use of US-guided iSLN block can be effectively and safely applied to relieve POST after intubation of DLTs on thoracic surgery.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn, NO. ChiCTR2000032188, 22/04/2020).

Effect of intravenous lidocaine on pain after head and neck cancer surgery (ELICO trial): A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment of postoperative pain after ear, nose and throat (ENT) cancer surgery is mainly morphine administration. Additional systemic lidocaine has shown promising results in some surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective was to evaluate morphine consumption in the first 48 postoperative hours after intra-operative lidocaine infusion during major ENT cancer surgery.

DESIGN

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Bicentric study including a university hospital and a major cancer centre, conducted from December 2016 to December 2019.

PATIENTS

A total of 144 patients undergoing major ENT cancer surgery were included.

INTERVENTION

The patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous lidocaine or placebo during surgery and in the recovery room.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Endpoints were postoperative morphine consumption in the first 24 and 48 h postoperatively, intra-operative remifentanil consumption, adverse events occurrence and assessment 3 to 6 months after surgery with the McGill pain questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients were included (lidocaine n  = 57; placebo n  = 61, 26 patients were excluded). There was no significant difference in morphine consumption during the first 48 postoperative hours in the lidocaine group compared with the placebo group with a median [IQR] of 0.60 [0.30 to 1.03] mg kg -1 vs. 0.57 [0.37 to 0.96] mg kg -1 , total dose 44 [21 to 73.3] mg vs. 38 [23.3 to 56.5] mg, P  = 0.92.There was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the other endpoints, including at follow up 3 to 6 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous lidocaine in ENT cancer surgery did not show any additional analgesic or morphine-sparing effect 48 h after surgery. Three to six months after surgery, there was no significant difference in pain scores or consumption of analgesics. Patients treated pre-operatively with opioids were not evaluated in the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02894710 and EUDRACT number 2015-005799-90.

Anesthesia care in the interventional neuroradiology suite: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The scope of procedures conducted by neurointerventionalists is expanding quickly, with lacking consensus over the best anesthesia modality. Although the procedures involve all age groups, the interventions may be complex and lengthy and may be provided in hospitals currently not yet familiar with the field. Here we review current literature addressing elective outpatient neurointerventional procedures and aim to provide an update on the management of intervention-specific crises, address special patient populations, and provide key learning points for everyday use in the neurointerventional radiology suite.

RECENT FINDINGS

Various studies have compared the use of different anesthesia modalities and preinterventional and postinterventional care. Monitored anesthesia care is generally recommended for elderly patients, whereas children are preferably treated with general anesthesia. Additional local anesthesia is beneficial for procedures, such as percutaneous kyphoplasty and vascular access.

SUMMARY

Combining different anesthetic modalities is a valuable approach in the neurointerventional radiology suite. More interventional and patient population-specific studies are needed to improve evidence-based perioperative management.

The effectiveness of acupuncture point stimulation for the prevention of postoperative sore throat: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery pathways can be further improved for postoperative sore throat (POST) that occurs after surgery under general anesthesia. Medications have shown some effectiveness in preventing POST, but acupuncture or related techniques with better safety and lower cost can be used as an alternative or adjuvant therapy to treat perioperative symptoms by stimulating acupuncture point (acupoint). Therefore, we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to assess whether acupoint stimulation helps patients prevent POST in adults undergoing tracheal intubation for general anesthesia.

METHODS

Publications in PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register, ScienceDirect, and ClinicalTrial.gov were surveyed from January 2000 through August 2020. Studies that compared interventions between true acupoint stimulation and no or sham acupoint stimulation were included. The primary outcomes were the incidence and severity of POST at 24h.

RESULTS

Four randomized control trials and 1 comparative study involving 1478 participants were included. Compared with the no or sham acupoint stimulation, the true acupoint stimulation was associated with a reduced incidence (risk ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.18-0.55; P < .001) and decreased severity (standardized mean difference, -2.79; 95% CI, -4.59 to - 0.99; P = .002) of POST. There were no significant adverse events related to acupoint stimulation. The finding for POST was assured by subgroup, sensitivity, and trial sequential analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Acupoint stimulation may reduce the occurrence of POST. It can be considered as one of nonpharmacological methods to prevent POST in enhanced recovery pathways. Further rigorous studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of acupoint stimulation.

Effect of intratracheal dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine on postoperative sore throat: a prospective randomised double-blinded controlled trial

Background

The present study aimed to investigate whether intratracheal dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine reduces the severity and incidence of postoperative sore throat after tracheal intubation under general anaesthesia.

Methods

Two hundred patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I-II who were subjected to general anaesthesia were randomly divided into four groups, namely, Group D, Group R, Group DR and Group S; these groups received intratracheal dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg), 0.8% ropivacaine (40 mg), dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) combined with 0.8% ropivacaine (40 mg) and normal saline before endotracheal intubation, respectively. The primary outcomes were the incidence and grade of sore throat and hoarseness at 2 h and 24 h after surgery. Moreover, the modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale results were recorded at each time point. The secondary outcomes were intraoperative haemodynamic fluctuations, intraoperative anaesthetic drug requirements, and adverse reactions during and after surgery. The patients’ vital signs before induction, before superficial anaesthesia, after superficial anaesthesia, before intubation, after intubation, and 1 min after intubation were recorded. The use of anaesthetic drugs and occurrence of adverse effects were also recorded.

Results

The incidence and severity of sore throat were significantly lower in Group DR than in the other three groups 2 h after the operation, but they were only significantly lower in Group DR than in the control group 24 h after the operation. Moreover, compared with Group S and Group D, Group DR exhibited more stable haemodynamics during intubation. The doses of remifentanil and propofol were significantly lower in Group DR than in the other groups.

Conclusion

The combined use of dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine for surface anaesthesia before intubation significantly reduced the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat. This treatment also decreased anaesthetic drug requirements and intraoperative haemodynamic fluctuations and caused no adverse effects.

Trial registration

This clinical research was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900022907, Registration date 30/04/2019).

Development of a nomogram for prediction of postoperative sore throat in patients under general anaesthesia: a single-centre, prospective, observational study

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is very common in patients under general anaesthesia. However, there is no effective clinical predictive model for reducing its occurrence. The objective of this study was to estimate the risk factors for POST in patients after general anaesthesia by designing a nomogram.

DESIGN

A prospective study.

SETTING

This study was conducted in a large tertiary hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 18-85 years old who received general anaesthesia with either an endotracheal tube or supraglottic airway and of American Society of Anesthesiologists classification level Ⅰ-III.

RESULTS

A total of 442 patients were enrolled in this study, with a POST incidence of 44.1%. The results showed that younger age (≤55 years), surgical site (head and neck surgery), duration of anaesthesia (≥4 hours) and history of chronic pharyngitis were independent risk factors for POST in general anaesthesia patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves were used to evaluate the nomogram. The area under the ROC curve was 0.784 and the C-index was 0.779.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram combining age, surgical site, duration of anaesthesia and history of chronic pharyngitis is potentially useful in predicting POST under general anaesthesia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR-ROC-17013258; Post-results.

The European COVID-19 drugs calculation tool: an aid for the estimation of the drugs needed during the SARS-CoV 2 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To create an informatics supportive tool, which can assist healthcare professionals in estimating potential requirements for essential drug supplies to respond to the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic based on epidemiological forecasting.

METHODS

The tool was based on a Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) epidemiological model in which the population is divided into three compartments and transmission parameters are specified to define the rate at which people move between stages. Appropriate data entry was guaranteed by the creation of structured guided paths. The drugs needed for the forecasted patients were estimated according to a list of critical care drugs compiled by consulting previous published scientific works, national and international guidelines. For each drug, an estimation was made of the percentage average ICU uptake for each therapeutic group and active principle.

RESULTS

The tool consists of a Microsoft Excel template that is based on the initial epidemiological situation, the non-pharmaceutical interventions applied, the risk of hospitalisation based on the population age distribution, and the hospital beds available. The tool provides a forecast of which patients with COVID-19 will need to be treated in a hospital setting. The number of patients is used to estimate the drugs needed based on the average daily dose and the treatment length of each drug. The possibility of editing the type of distribution (exponential or linear) of the number of patients at the beginning of the analysis, the percentage adherence with non-pharmaceutical interventions and their delayed effect, and all the key epidemiological parameters make the estimation tailorable to different clinical contexts and needs.

CONCLUSIONS

This model might be an effective supporting tool that could be easily implemented within the workflow of health professionals. All the information reported in this paper could be useful in developing new strategies to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of different sedatives/analgesics on stress responses in patients undergoing craniotomy and bone flap decompression

Objective

To explore the effects of sedation and analgesia with dexmedetomidine and other drugs on the stress response in patients with cerebral hemorrhage after craniotomy hematoma removal and bone flap decompression and insertion of an indwelling endotracheal catheter.

Methods

A total of 180 patients with cerebral hemorrhage with consciousness disturbance who underwent emergency surgery were included in this study. They were divided into six groups treated with propofol, dexmedetomidine, lidocaine, sufentanil, dezocine, and remifentanil, respectively. Intravenous medication was given after recovery of spontaneous respiration, and stress responses were compared among the group.

Results

Serum concentrations of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol and systolic blood pressure were significantly correlated with drug treatment. Serum norepinephrine concentrations differed significantly among the groups, except between the sufentanil and propofol groups. There were significant differences in serum epinephrine concentrations among all groups, and significant differences in serum cortisol concentrations among all groups, except the propofol, dexmedetomidine, and lidocaine groups.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine can reduce the stress response in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage undergoing emergency craniotomy and bone flap decompression, and can reduce adverse events from an indwelling endotracheal catheter 3 hours post-operation.

Intracuff alkalinized lidocaine to prevent postoperative airway complications: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Post-extubation cough is a common phenomenon in surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia, which can lead to potentially dangerous complications. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of intracuff alkalinized lidocaine in patients with tracheal intubation to prevent cough and other airway complications during the perioperative period.

AIM

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of intracuff alkalinized lidocaine for the prevention of postoperative airway complications.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared intracuff alkalinized lidocaine to placebo. We used risk-of-bias assessment to assess the RCTs, and the quality of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations.

RESULTS

Twelve randomized trials (1175 patients) were analyzed. Meta-analysis showed that intracuff alkalinized lidocaine was associated with less cough compared to that produced by placebo [risk ratio (RR): 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23-0.63]. Similarly, intracuff alkalinized lidocaine was more effective than the control in reducing postoperative sore throat at 24 h (RR: 0.19; 95%CI: 0.09-0.41) and postoperative hoarseness (RR: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.21-0.69).

CONCLUSION

Intracuff alkalinized lidocaine is an effective adjuvant that can decrease airway complications, such as coughing, hoarseness, and sore throat.

General anesthetic techniques for enhanced recovery after surgery: Current controversies

General anesthesia technique can influence not only immediate postoperative outcomes, but also long-term outcomes beyond hospital stay (e.g., readmission after discharge from hospital). There is lack of evidence regarding superiority of total intravenous anesthesia over inhalation anesthesia with regards to postoperative outcomes even in high-risk population including cancer patients. Optimal balanced general anesthetic technique for enhance recovery after elective surgery in adults includes avoidance of routine use preoperative midazolam, avoidance of deep anesthesia, use of opioid-sparing approach, and minimization of neuromuscular blocking agents and appropriate reversal of residual paralysis. Given that the residual effects of drugs used during anesthesia can increase postoperative morbidity and delay recovery, it is prudent to use a minimal number of drug combinations, and the drugs used are shorter-acting and administered at the lowest possible dose. It is imperative that the discerning anesthesiologist consider whether each drug used is really necessary for accomplishing perioperative goals.

Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine on Serum Interleukin-17 After Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Purpose

Surgical stress promotes tumor metastasis. Interleukin (IL)-17 plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, and high IL-17 expression predicts poor prognosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lidocaine may exert tumor-inhibiting effects. We hypothesize that intravenous lidocaine attenuates surgical stress and reduces serum IL-17 levels during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for NSCLC.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 60 early-stage NSCLC patients undergoing VATS, into a lidocaine group (n = 30; intravenous lidocaine bolus 1.0 mg/kg, and 1.0 mg/kg/h until the end of surgery) or a normal saline control group (n = 30). The primary outcome was serum IL-17 level at 24 hours postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included serum IL-17 level at the time of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge, serum cortisol level at PACU discharge and postoperative 24 hours, pain scores (0–10) from PACU discharge to 48 hours postoperatively, incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and arrhythmia during 0–48 hours postoperatively, and 30-day mortality. Long-term outcomes included chemotherapy, cancer recurrence, and mortality.

Results

The lidocaine group had lower serum IL-17 at 24 hours postoperatively compared with the control group (23.0 ± 5.8 pg/mL vs 27.3 ± 8.2 pg/mL, difference [95% CI] = −4.3 [−8.4 to −0.2] pg/mL; P = 0.038). The lidocaine group also had reduced serum IL-17 (difference [95% CI] = −4.6 [−8.7 to −0.5] pg/mL), serum cortisol (difference [95% CI] = −37 [−73 to −2] ng/mL), and pain scores (difference [95% CI] = −0.7 [−1.3 to −0.1] points) at PACU discharge. During a median follow-up of 10 (IQR, 9–13) months, 2 patients in the lidocaine group and 6 patients in the control group received chemotherapy, one patient in the control group had cancer recurrence, and no death event occurred.

Conclusion

Intravenous lidocaine was associated with reduced serum IL-17 and cortisol following VATS procedures in early-stage NSCLC patients.

Trial Registration

ChiCTR2000030629.

Lidocaine versus propofol administration on the attenuation of hemodynamic responses during extubation in the adult elective surgical patient: A prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Tracheal extubation is the process of removing a tube from the trachea. It is associated with an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, intracranial pressure, intraocular pressure, coughing, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, and bleeding. Many techniques, as well as drugs, have been attempted for attenuation of the airway and cardiovascular responses. Propofol and lidocaine are widely available drugs in resource-limited settings even though their relative effectiveness for smooth extubation is not well established.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of intravenous lidocaine and propofol on the attenuation of extubation-induced hemodynamic responses in the adult elective surgical patient from November 01, 2019, to February 30, 2020, at Asella teaching and referral hospital, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institutional-based prospective observational cohort study design was conducted on 72 ASA I patients who underwent elective surgery. The study participants were allocated into three groups equally based on anesthetists' extubation plan; Group P, 0.5 mg/kg propofol, group L, 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine administered 2 min before extubation and group C was a control group. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 after the normality of the data was checked by the Shapiro Wilk test. One-way ANOVA followed by a Tukey posthoc test has been employed to find the pair-wise significance and a p-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

A demographic status and clinical characteristics of the patient were comparable between groups with p-values of >0.05. After extubation; heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure were decreased significantly in groups of propofol and lidocaine within 10 min. Propofol shows better results in maintaining stable systolic blood pressure up to 3 min, while heart rate, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure were maintained stable up to 5 min after extubation (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

0.5 mg/kg propofol or 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine might help to attenuate extubation induced hemodynamic responses.

Impact of topical airway anesthesia on immediate postoperative cough/bucking: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative cough may occur after tracheal intubation, but it is indistinct which drug is best at diminishing these events. Additionally, airway reflexes are commonly accompanied by severe hemodynamics responses during emergence.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the role of topical airway anesthesia on immediate post-extubation cough/bucking and extubation time.

METHODS

Randomized clinical trials from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and LILACS published until December 23, 2020 were included. Our primary outcome was postoperative cough/bucking incidence which was compared between local anesthetics and controls. Extubation times were likewise considered. Predisposition appraisal and subgroup, affectability investigations were likewise performed.

RESULTS

The pooled analysis found a 45% reduction in cough incidence after treatment with topical airway local anesthetic (RR.á=.á0.55; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.72; p.á<.á0.001). The number needed to treat (NNT) was 4.61. The intervention showed no differences in reduction of the extubation time (mean difference = -0.07; 95% CI: -0.14 to 0.28; p.á=.á0.49).

CONCLUSION

Topical airway anesthesia demonstrated better than placebo or no medication in reducing immediate post-extubation cough/bucking. Further studies could have this objective to combine the different ways to perform better outcomes for patients.

Difficult Airway Management in Adult COVID-19 Patients: Statement by the Society of Airway Management

The COVID-19 disease, caused by Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, often results in severe hypoxemia requiring airway management. Because SARS CoV-2 virus is spread via respiratory droplets, bag-mask ventilation, intubation, and extubation may place health care workers (HCW) at risk. While existing recommendations address airway management in patients with COVID-19, no guidance exists specifically for difficult airway management. Some strategies normally recommended for difficult airway management may not be ideal in the setting of COVID-19 infection. To address this issue the Society for Airway Management (SAM) created a task force to review existing literature and current Practice Guidelines for management of the difficult airway by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Management of the Difficult Airway. SAM task force created recommendations for management of known or suspected difficult airway in the setting of known or suspected COVID-19 infection. The goal of the task force was to optimize successful airway management while minimizing exposure risk. Each member conducted a literature review on specific clinical practice section utilizing standard search engines (PubMed, Ovid, Google Scholar). Existing recommendations and evidence for difficult airway management in COVID-19 context were developed. Each specific recommendation was discussed among task force members and modified until unanimously approved by all task force members. Elements of AGREE Reporting Checklist for dissemination of clinical practice guidelines were utilized to develop this statement. Airway management in the COVID-19 patient increases HCW exposure risk. and difficult airway management often takes longer, may involve multiple procedures with aerosolization potential, strict adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols is mandatory to reduce risk to providers. When patient's airway risk assessment suggests awake tracheal intubation is an appropriate choice of technique, procedures that may cause increased aerosolization of secretions should be avoided. Optimal preoxygenation before induction with tight seal facemask may be performed to reduce risk of hypoxemia. Unless the patient is experiencing oxygen desaturation, positive pressure bag-mask ventilation after induction may be avoided to reduce aerosolization. For optimal intubating conditions, patients should be anesthetized with full muscle relaxation. Videolaryngoscopy is recommended as first-line strategy for airway management. If emergent invasive airway access is indicated, we recommend a surgical technique such as scalpel-bougie-tube, rather than an aerosolizing generating procedure, such as transtracheal jet ventilation. This statement represents recommendations by SAM task force for the difficult airway management of adults with COVID-19 with the goal to optimize successful airway management while minimizing the risk of clinician exposure.

Factors and potential treatments of cough after pulmonary resection: A systematic review

Cough is a common complication following pulmonary resection. Persistent and severe cough after pulmonary resection can cause significant impairments in quality of life among postoperative patients. Complications of cough can be life-threatening. To improve patients' probability and quality of life, factors that induce cough after pulmonary resection (CAP) and potential treatments should be explored and summarized. Previous studies have identified various factors related to CAP. However, those factors have not been categorized and analyzed in a sensible manner. Here, we summarized the different factors and classified them into four groups. Potential therapies might be developed to selectively target different factors that affect CAP. However, the exact mechanism underlying CAP remains unknown, making it difficult to treat and manage CAP. In this review, we summarized the latest studies in our understanding of the factors related to CAP and potential treatments targeting those factors. This review can help understand the mechanism of CAP and develop efficient therapies and management.

Smooth Extubation and Smooth Emergence Techniques: A Narrative Review

There is a paucity of literature on extubation technique and a lack of consensus regarding the definition of smooth extubation. This narrative review paper defines an ideal extubation, otherwise known as a “smooth extubation,” reviews perioperative criteria for extubation and risks and adverse events related to extubation, and explores various perioperative techniques that can be used to achieve a smooth extubation while caring for an uncomplicated patient without significant risk factors for extubation failure. In light of the evolving practice during the SARS CoV2 (COVID-19) pandemic to minimize aerosol generation and infection transmission, smooth extubation is particularly important.

Should lidocaine routinely be used to prevent pain on propofol injection during induction of general anaesthesia or sedation?

Anaesthetists commonly debate whether lidocaine should be added to propofol for anaesthetic induction. The benefits include pain relief and improved patient satisfaction, but disadvantages include the effect on the emulsion itself, the efficacy of propofol once it has been mixed, and the effect on growth of bacteria in the syringe.

Organizing a safe operating room during a pandemic. What did we learn from COVID-19?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple guidelines have been issued on hospital safety and protection measures to prevent transmission to healthcare workers and to other patients. The operating room is a high-risk environment where enhanced precautions are required. The guidelines differ and practical implementation between hospitals can also vary, according to interpretation and budget. Staff at risk may question if the local policies are sufficient and correct. This article provides an overview and theoretical background to the additional safety measures required in the operating room during a viral pandemic like the COVID-19 pandemic. This may serve as a touchstone and tool for anesthetists and OR managers.

Supine versus semi-Fowler's positions for tracheal extubation in abdominal surgery-a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Tracheal extubation is commonly performed in the supine position. However, in patients undergoing abdominal surgery, the supine position increases abdominal wall tension, especially during coughing and deep breathing, which may aggravate pain and lead to abdominal wound dehiscence. The semi-Fowler's position may reduce abdominal wall tension, but its safety and comfort in tracheal extubation have not been reported. We aimed to evaluate the safety and comfort of different extubation positions in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

METHODS

We enrolled 141 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of I-III who underwent abdominal surgery. All patients were anesthetized with propofol, fentanyl, cisatracurium, and sevoflurane. After surgery, all patients were transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Patients were then randomly put into the semi-Fowler's (n = 70) or supine (n = 71) position while 100% oxygen was administered. The endotracheal tube was removed after the patients opened their eyes and regained consciousness. Vital signs, coughing, and pain and comfort scores before and/or after extubation were recorded until the patients left the PACU.

RESULTS

In comparison with the supine position, the semi-Fowler's position significantly decreased the wound pain scores at all intervals after extubation (3.51 ± 2.50 vs. 4.58 ± 2.26, 2.23 ± 1.68 vs. 3.11 ± 2.00, 1.81 ± 1.32 vs. 2.59 ± 1.88, P = 0.009, 0.005 and 0.005, respectively), reduced severe coughing (8[11.43%] vs. 21[29.58%], P = 0.008) and bucking after extubation (3[4.29%] vs. 18[25.35%], P < 0.001), and improved the comfort scores 5 min after extubation (6.11 ± 2.30 vs. 5.17 ± 1.78, P = 0.007) and when leaving from post-anesthesia care unit (7.17 ± 2.27 vs. 6.44 ± 1.79, P = 0.034). The incidences of vomiting, emergence agitation, and respiratory complications were of no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Tracheal extubation in the semi-Fowler's position is associated with less coughing, sputum suction, and pain, and more comfort, without specific adverse effects when compared to the conventional supine position.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900025566 . Registered on 1st September 2019.

Ventilatory Support for COVID-19 Patients

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), first emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has now become a worldwide health emergency. The symptoms of Coronavirus vary from anosmia, fever, and cough to severe complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, which often require intubation and subsequent ventilation. Procedures such as these are aerosol-generating, and this adds additional challenges due to the risks posed to staff. In this brief article, we discuss the need for ventilation, risks raised to healthcare staff in this context, and ways to potentially mitigate these risks. We also discuss emerging themes, including phenotypes of COVID-19 and the role of prone positioning. (www.actabiomedica.it)

COVID-19 pandemic: Effects and evidence-based recommendations for otolaryngology and head and neck surgery practice

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly contagious zoonosis produced by SARS-CoV-2 that is spread human-to-human by respiratory secretions. It was declared by the WHO as a public health emergency. The most susceptible populations, needing mechanical ventilation, are the elderly and people with associated comorbidities. There is an important risk of contagion for anesthetists, dentists, head and neck surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, and otolaryngologists. Health workers represent between 3.8% and 20% of the infected population; some 15% will develop severe complaints and among them, many will lose their lives. A large number of patients do not have overt signs and symptoms (fever/respiratory), yet pose a real risk to surgeons (who should know this fact and must therefore apply respiratory protective strategies for all patients they encounter). All interventions that have the potential to aerosolize aerodigestive secretions should be avoided or used only when mandatory. Health workers who are: pregnant, over 55 to 65 years of age, with a history of chronic diseases (uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and all clinical scenarios where immunosuppression is feasible, including that induced to treat chronic inflammatory conditions and organ transplants) should avoid the clinical attention of a potentially infected patient. Health care facilities should prioritize urgent and emergency visits and procedures until the present condition stabilizes; truly elective care should cease and discussed on a case-by-case basis for patients with cancer. For those who are working with COVID-19 infected patients' isolation is compulsory in the following settings: (a) unprotected close contact with COVID-19 pneumonia patients; (b) onset of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other symptoms (gastrointestinal complaints, anosmia, and dysgeusia have been reported in a minority of cases). For any care or intervention in the upper aerodigestive tract region, irrespective of the setting and a confirmed diagnosis (eg, rhinoscopy or flexible laryngoscopy in the outpatient setting and tracheostomy or rigid endoscopy under anesthesia), it is strongly recommended that all health care personnel wear personal protective equipment such as N95, gown, cap, eye protection, and gloves. The procedures described are essential in trying to maintain safety of health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, otolaryngologists, head and neck, and maxillofacial surgeons are per se exposed to the greatest risk of infection while caring for COVID-19 positive subjects, and their protection should be considered a priority in the present circumstances.

Head and neck oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic: Reconsidering traditional treatment paradigms in light of new surgical and other multilevel risks

The COVID-19 pandemic demands reassessment of head and neck oncology treatment paradigms. Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are generally at high-risk for COVID-19 infection and severe adverse outcomes. Further, there are new, multilevel COVID-19-specific risks to patients, surgeons, health care workers (HCWs), institutions and society. Urgent guidance in the delivery of safe, quality head and neck oncologic care is needed. Novel barriers to safe HNC surgery include: (1) imperfect presurgical screening for COVID-19; (2) prolonged SARS-CoV-2 aerosolization; (3) occurrence of multiple, potentially lengthy, aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) within a single surgery; (4) potential incompatibility of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) with routine operative equipment; (5) existential or anticipated PPE shortages. Additionally, novel, COVID-19-specific multilevel risks to HNC patients, HCWs and institutions, and society include: use of immunosuppressive therapy, nosocomial COVID-19 transmission, institutional COVID-19 outbreaks, and, at some locations, societal resource deficiencies requiring health care rationing. Traditional head and neck oncology doctrines require reassessment given the extraordinary COVID-19-specific risks of surgery. Emergent, comprehensive management of these novel, multilevel surgical risks are needed. Until these risks are managed, we temporarily favor nonsurgical therapy over surgery for most mucosal squamous cell carcinomas, wherein surgery and nonsurgical therapy are both first-line options. Where surgery is traditionally preferred, we recommend multidisciplinary evaluation of multilevel surgical-risks, discussion of possible alternative nonsurgical therapies and shared-decision-making with the patient. Where surgery remains indicated, we recommend judicious preoperative planning and development of COVID-19-specific perioperative protocols to maximize the safety and quality of surgical and oncologic care.

Update for Anaesthetists on Clinical Features of COVID-19 Patients and Relevant Management

When preparing for the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the coronavirus infection disease (COVID-19) questions arose regarding various aspects concerning the anaesthetist. When reviewing the literature it became obvious that keeping up-to-date with all relevant publications is almost impossible. We searched for and summarised clinically relevant topics that could help making clinical decisions. This is a subjective analysis of literature concerning specific topics raised in our daily practice (e.g., clinical features of COVID-19 patients; ventilation of the critically ill COVID-19 patient; diagnostic of infection with SARS-CoV-2; stability of the virus; Covid-19 in specific patient populations, e.g., paediatrics, immunosuppressed patients, patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney or liver disease; co-medication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); antiviral treatment) and we believe that these answers help colleagues in clinical decision-making. With ongoing treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients other questions will come up. While respective guidelines on these topics will serve clinicians in clinical practice, regularly updating all guidelines concerning COVID-19 will be a necessary, although challenging task in the upcoming weeks and months. All recommendations during the current extremely rapid development of knowledge must be evaluated on a daily basis, as suggestions made today may be out-dated with the new evidence available tomorrow.