Inhalational Anesthesia is Noninferior to Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Terms of Surgical Field Visibility in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Purpose

Regarding the quality of surgical field visibility, previous studies and meta-analyses comparing total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and inhalational anesthesia (IA) in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) have presented inconsistent findings. Considering that IA has some advantages over TIVA, we aimed to test the hypothesis that IA with sevoflurane-remifentanil is noninferior to TIVA with propofol-remifentanil in terms of surgical field visibility quality during ESS.

Patients and Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, noninferiority clinical trial, 110 adult patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the IA (n = 55) or TIVA (n = 55) group. The primary outcome was the quality of surgical field visibility, as measured by the intraoperative mean Boezaart score (BS). Additionally, post hoc analysis was performed for patients with Lund-Mackay scores of ≤ 12 or > 12. Other secondary outcomes included total blood loss, bleeding rate, total fluid, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, dose of remifentanil for anesthesia maintenance, end-tidal CO₂, length of stay in the post anesthesia care unit, postoperative hypoxemia, sore throat, and nausea.

Results

The intraoperative mean BS of the IA group was noninferior to that of the TIVA group [medians with interquartile ranges (IQRs), 2.0 (1.7-2.2) vs 2.0 (1.8-2.1), P = 0.923]. Moreover, post hoc analysis confirmed no difference between IA and TIVA for patients with Lund-Mackay scores ≤ 12 (P = 0.403) or > 12 (P = 0.226). No differences in total blood loss, bleeding rate, or other intraoperative indicators or complications were observed between groups.

Conclusion

Regarding surgical field visibility during ESS, IA with sevoflurane-remifentanil is noninferior to TIVA with propofol-remifentanil anesthesia maintenance.

The 15° reverse Trendelenburg position can improve visualization without impacting cerebral oxygenation in endoscopic sinus surgery-A prospective, randomized study

BACKGROUND

In this study we compared intraoperative bleeding and regional cerebral oxygenation in patients with different degrees of the reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

METHODS

In total, 120 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis treated by ESS were randomly assigned to the following 4 groups: a horizontal position (HP) group, and 5°, 10°, and 15° RTP (5-RTP, 10-RTP, and 15-RTP, respectively) groups. The primary outcome was the Boezaart grading scale (BS). The cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO₂ ), total blood loss, numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, and complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

The median BS values in the HP, 5-RTP, 10-RTP, and 15-RTP groups were 2.0, 2.0, 2.1, and 1.7, respectively. Multiple pairwise comparisons of the BS showed significant differences between the 15-RTP group and the other 3 groups (HP, 5-RTP, and 10-RTP). Regarding the NRS and bleeding rate, significant differences were found between the HP and 15-RTP groups. No difference was found in ScO₂ among the 4 groups, and no cerebral desaturation events occurred in any group. No complications, including vital organ (heart, brain, and kidney) dysfunction problems, were reported in this study during hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Compared with HP, 5-RTP, and 10-RTP, 15-RTP can improve visual clarity during ESS, and ScO₂ is not affected by the degree of RTP. No cerebral deoxygenation or vital organ dysfunction was observed in this study. Therefore, we recommend 15-RTP with moderate deliberate hypotension for ESS.

Preemptive local anesthetic infiltration reduces opioid requirements without attenuation of the intraoperative electrical stapedial reflex threshold in pediatric cochlear implant surgery

Background and Aims:

Total intravenous anesthesia using remifentanil provides good surgical condition without affecting the intraoperative electrical stapedial reflex threshold (ESRT). However, remifentanil results in hyperalgesia and increases postoperative opioid requirements. Local anesthetic infiltration is alternative methods to opioid for providing analgesia. However, otologists avoids its use as it can abolish the ESRT. We investigated the effect of the preemptive local anesthetic infiltration on intraoperative ESRT and opioid requirements in pediatric cochlear implant surgery performed under TIVA.

Material and Methods:

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study including 70 child undergoing cochlear implant under TIVA were randomly assigned to a local anesthesia (LA group, n = 35) or control (CT group, N = 35). The primary outcome was the total tramadol consumption during the first 24 h postoperative, and the secondary outcomes were time to first analgesia request, postoperative pain scores, the ESRT and, propofol and remifentanil requirements. The incidence of postoperative vomiting was recorder as well.

Results:

The total tramadol consumption during the first 24 h after surgery was significantly less in the LA group than in CT group (8.25 [4.3] vs. 16.5 [6.57] mg, P < 0.01). The time to first analgesic request was significantly prolonged in the LA group as compared with the CT group [8 [2–12] vs. 3 [0–8] h, P < 0.01). The postoperative Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry Consolability pain scores were significantly lower in the LA group at 15 min, 30 min, 2, 4 and 6 h postoperative. Mean remifentanil infusion rate [mean (standard deviation)] was significantly higher in in the CT group than in the LA group [0.7 (0.3) vs. 0.5 (0.2) μg/kg/min; P = 0.001).The ESRT response, propofol requirements, and the incidence of postoperative vomiting had no significant differences between both groups.

Conclusion:

Preemptive local anesthetic infiltration reduced opioid requirements without attenuation of the ESRT in pediatric cochlear implant surgery performed under TIVA.

Perioperative management of endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

The contemporary embrace of endoscopic technology in the approach to the anterior skull base has altered the perioperative landscape for patients requiring pituitary surgery. Utility of a multi-disciplinary unit in management decisions facilitates the delivery of optimal care. Evolution of technology and surgical expertise in pituitary surgery mandates ongoing review of all components of the care central to these patients. The many areas of potential variability in the pre, intra and post-operative timeline of pituitary surgery are readily identifiable. Core undertakings and contemporary controversies in the peri-operative management of patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery are assessed against the available literature with a view to providing guidance for the best evidence-based practice.

Surgical Field Visualization during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Comparison of Propofol- vs Desflurane-Based Anesthesia

OBJECTIVE

To assess if the type of general anesthetic affects bleeding and field visualization during endoscopic sinus surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING

Academic teaching hospital and Veterans Affairs hospital in the United States.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Seventy patients were randomized to 1 of 3 anesthetic regimens: (1) the volatile anesthetic desflurane (n = 22), (2) intravenous anesthesia with propofol (n = 25), or (3) a combination of propofol and desflurane (n = 23). Intravenous remifentanil was titrated to decrease the mean arterial pressure to 60 to 70 mm Hg but not ≥30% from baseline. Surgical bleeding scores were recorded along with bleeding rates and hemodynamic parameters, including cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance through pulse contour analysis from a radial arterial line. Statistics: multiple comparison tests and regression analyses; α = .05.

RESULTS

There were no differences in bleeding rate (median, 0.58, 0.85, 0.57 mL min^-1), bleeding score (2.1, 2.0, 2.0), surgery duration (79, 81, 86 minutes), extubation time (9, 7, 8 minutes), recovery room time (65, 61, 61 minutes), or any hemodynamic parameters among groups 1 through 3, respectively. Group 1 required lower remifentanil infusions than group 2 (0.11 vs 0.26 µg kg^-1 min^-1; P = .01). The bleeding score correlated positively with height (P = .014) and the Lund-MacKay score (P = .013). Bilateral vs unilateral surgery led to longer surgery duration (P = .001) and recovery room time (P = .004).

CONCLUSION

When remifentanil is used for controlled hypotension, propofol has no advantage over desflurane to improve surgical field visualization during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Nitrous oxide anesthetic versus total intravenous anesthesia for functional endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a common procedure for sinonasal disease, frequently performed in the outpatient setting. General anesthesia maintained with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol has been shown to give superior surgical conditions compared to inhaled anesthetics. This study evaluated the effects of TIVA versus a predominantly nitrous oxide (N₂ O)-based anesthetic with a low-dose propofol and remifentanil infusion on sinus surgery.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to either a N₂ O-based (nitrous oxide with propofol and remifentanil) or TIVA (propofol and remifentanil without nitrous oxide) group. The surgeon was blinded to the anesthetic technique. Surgical field grading was performed in real time by the otolaryngologist every 15 minutes with the Boezaart grading system.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the Boezaart scores, duration of surgery, or estimated blood loss between the two anesthetic techniques. However, the use of N₂ O provided a statistically significant, 38% reduction in time from surgery end to extubation. The TIVA group had significantly decreased mean and median pain scores in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). There was no difference in the rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

A N₂ O-based anesthetic for functional endoscopic sinus surgery provides similar intraoperative and postoperative conditions when compared to TIVA, while being superior in terms of time to extubation. Although the TIVA group had significantly decreased pain scores, this did not lead to a decrease in pain medicine received in the PACU, and there was no difference between groups in time to discharge.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1b Laryngoscope, 130:E299-E304, 2020.

Do Intubation Devices Affect Middle Ear Pressure Dynamics?

Our study aimed to investigate the effects of different intubation devices on middle ear pressure (MEP) dynamics by evaluating MEP during stages of anesthesia.Sixty-one consecutive patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the classical endotracheal intubation group and the Baska Mask (a new laryngeal mask [LMA]) group. All patients received the same anesthesia protocol. The right and left MEP values of the patients were measured and recorded preoperatively, during the induction of anesthesia, at the time of intubation and at 5th minute of anesthesia.In group 1, the pressure values measured in the right ear during anesthesia induction, at the time of intubation and at 5th minute of anesthesia were 10.97 ± 27.06, 16.77 ± 29.40, and 21.64 ± 90.31, respectively, compared to left ear values of 8.61 ± 26.39, 18.77 ± 37.84, and 38.61 ± 56.96 daPa, respectively. In group 2, MEP values measured in the right ear during anesthesia induction, at the time of intubation, and at 5th minute of anesthesia were 9.53 ± 20.43, 22.30 ± 41.50, and 20.60 ± 46.85 daPa, respectively, compared to left ear values of -4.26 ± 25.17, 6.20 ± 26.56, and 30.30 ± 65.17 daPa, respectively. MEP was statistically significantly increased in the classical endotracheal intubation group compared to the LMA group.We found that the increase in pressure is lower in patients receiving LMA compared to classical endotracheal intubation. The Baska Mask LMA is recommended in selected patients to prevent complications of MEP elevation.

Anaesthesia for ear surgery in remote or resource-constrained environments

Background

The successful provision of middle-ear surgery requires appropriate anaesthesia. This may take the form of local or general anaesthesia; both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Local anaesthesia is simple to administer and does not require the additional personnel required for general anaesthesia. In the low-resource setting, it can provide a very safe and effective means of allowing middle-ear surgery to be successfully completed. However, some middle-ear surgery is too complex to consider performing under local anaesthesia and here general anaesthesia will be required.

Conclusion

This article highlights considerations for performing middle-ear surgery in a safe manner when the available resources may be more limited than those expected in high-income settings. There are situations where local anaesthesia with sedation may prove a useful compromise of the two techniques.

Safety Comparison of Laryngeal Mask Use With Endotracheal Intubation in Patients Undergoing Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery

PURPOSE

This study will determine the safety of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) compared with endotracheal tube (ETT) in patients undergoing general anesthesia for dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent DCR at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital using either LMA or ETT were compared.

RESULTS

Over a period of 52 months, 429 patients underwent external DCR surgery. An ETT was used in 37 patients and LMA in 392 patients. Baseline patient characteristics and anesthetic management were similar. No documented cases of blood or gastric aspiration occurred in the total cohort. Our study confirmed the findings of others that there is less cardiovascular lability on LMA placement than with ETT intubation. A 30% increase in heart rate from baseline after intubation (ETT 10.8%, LMA 1.8%; p = 0.010) and after incision (ETT 8.1%, LMA 1.8%; p = 0.047) occurred more frequently in the ETT group. Airway management with an LMA was also less difficult compared with an ETT (ETT 5.7%, LMA 0.5%; p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of an LMA for airway control is safe and effective in patients undergoing general anesthesia for DCR surgery. No events of aspiration occurred with LMA use. Heart rate increase was significantly less in the LMA group. In our opinion, use of an LMA for airway control during DCR surgery is superior to use of an ETT. Airway protection, improved hemodynamics, and less difficulty in placement of the laryngeal airway device are all validated by this study.

Randomized controlled trial comparing the supraglottic airway to use of an endotracheal tube in sinonasal surgery

BACKGROUND

The supraglottic airway (SGA) represents an alternative to endotracheal intubation (endotracheal tube [ETT]) in many types of ambulatory surgery. Adoption of the SGA has progressed slowly in sinonasal surgery due to concerns about airway protection. The purpose of this study was to compare quality of life measures and indices of airway protection between patients undergoing sinonasal surgery who were ventilated via an SGA or ETT.

METHODS

Patients undergoing outpatient sinonasal surgery were enrolled into a randomized, single-blind study in which patients would be ventilated with either an SGA or ETT. At the first postoperative visit, a symptom severity and quality of life questionnaire was completed. Additional objective metrics were extracted from the anesthesia record.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients were enrolled; 49 assigned to the SGA group and 53 assigned to the ETT group. No significant differences in swallowing function or cough were identified. SGA patients reported more difficulty returning to a normal diet (p = 0.03) with a trend toward reduced throat pain (p = 0.07) and improved phonation (p = 0.06). No significant difference in perioperative oxygen desaturations, emesis, recovery time, or airway blood penetration were identified.

CONCLUSION

While the use of the SGA results in patient diet modification postoperatively, it may also be associated with a reduction in throat pain and dysphonia. SGA use had no appreciable effect on postanesthesia recovery times, oxygen desaturations, or emesis. Use of the SGA in sinonasal surgery appears to be a safe and reliable option for airway management in selected adult patients undergoing routine ambulatory sinonasal surgery.

Laryngeal Mask Airway Embedded With Pharyngeal Suction Catheters for Rhinoplasty: A Case Report

A flexible laryngeal mask airway device (LMAD) embedded with 2 pharyngeal suction catheters was used for a young female patient who underwent a revision rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and chin implant. The modified LMAD was constructed by attaching 2 suction catheters onto the back of the mask; it functioned well without signs of malfunction or complications, with a total of 71 mL of blood evacuated from the pharyngeal area during the five and a half hour surgery. The patient emerged from anesthesia without coughing or straining, and reported no sore throat or nausea/vomiting in the recovery room.

Hemostasis in sinus surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Optimization of the surgical field involves a complex interplay of many factors. Although it is agreed that hemostasis is critical to safe, efficient, and successful sinus surgery, a lack of consensus exists as to the best way to achieve it. This review examines the current body of evidence supporting many of the practices surgeons believe to influence hemostasis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although many of the practices discussed in this article have long been considered to influence hemostasis, it is not until recently that high-level evidence supporting their use has been available. Well designed studies now exist supporting the preoperative use of oral steroids in polyp patients, the importance of adequate reverse trendelenburg positioning, the use of flexible laryngeal mask ventilation during general anesthesia, and the increased safety and comparable efficacy of topical epinephrine over other topical and injectable agents. Controversy still exists as to the ideal method of achieving controlled hypotensive anesthesia, although new evidence has emerged as to what hemodynamic parameters should be adhered to, to reduce the risk of cerebral hypoperfusion.

SUMMARY

Numerous factors influence hemostasis and so it is important that ENT surgeons have a sound understanding of the evidence supporting their everyday surgical practice. Improved standardization of scoring and reporting of bleeding may increase the power of research studies to draw more definitive conclusions about the role that certain factors have on hemostasis.

The effect of blood pressure and cardiac output on the quality of the surgical field and middle cerebral artery blood flow during endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

A clear surgical field is critical during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Hypotensive anesthesia and cardiac output (CO) may optimize the surgical field; however, evidence of their effect on bleeding and cerebral blood flow is conflicting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blood pressure (BP) and CO on intraoperative bleeding and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca ) during ESS.

METHODS

This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients undergoing ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis at a tertiary institution in 2013 were randomized to receive BP manipulation using target-controlled noradrenaline infusion during surgery to either their left or right sinuses. The contralateral side in each patient served as control. Bleeding was scored using a 0 to 10 point bleeding assessment scale (BAS, 0-10) and Vmca was measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography every 10 minutes or when surgically opportune, and time-matched with BP and CO. Data was analyzed using Bland-Altman methods.

RESULTS

A total of 105 time points were collected across a mean arterial pressure (MAP) range of 32 to 118 mmHg. Significant correlations were demonstrated between MAP and Vmca (r = 0.7, p < 0.0001), MAP and BAS (r = 0.50, p < 0.0001), CO and Vmca (r = 0.57, p < 0.0001), and CO and BAS (r = 0.42, p < 0.0001). The best surgical fields were seen at 40 to 59 mmHg MAP. However, MAP below 60 mmHg produced >50% reduction in Vmca in more than 10% of time points.

CONCLUSION

Balancing surgical visibility with organ perfusion remains a challenge. The results of this study show that moderate hypotension significantly improves the surgical field; however reducing BP below 60 mmHg may risk cerebral hypoperfusion.

Oropharyngeal oxygen and volatile anesthetic agent concentration during the use of laryngeal mask airway in children

BACKGROUND

The laryngeal mask airway is increasingly used as an airway adjunct during general anesthesia. Although placement is generally simpler than an endotracheal tube, complete sealing of the airway may not occur, resulting in contamination of the oropharynx with anesthetic gases. Oropharyngeal oxygen enrichment may be one of the contributing factors predisposing to an airway fire during adenotonsillectomy. The current study prospectively assesses the oropharyngeal oxygen and volatile anesthetic agent concentration during laryngeal mask airway use in infants and children.

METHODS

Following the induction of general anesthesia and placement of a laryngeal mask airway, the oropharyngeal gas sample was obtained by placing a 14-gauge catheter attached to the gas sampling tube into the oropharynx above the laryngeal mask airway. The oropharyngeal concentration of the oxygen and the anesthetic agent were recorded for five breaths during both spontaneous ventilation (SV) and positive pressure ventilation (PPV).

RESULTS

The study included 238 patients. The oropharyngeal concentration of sevoflurane was >50% of the inspired sevoflurane concentration during SV in 10 of 238 (4.2%) patients and during PPV in 135 of 238 (56.7%) patients. Similarly, during SV and PPV, the oropharyngeal oxygen concentration was >21% in 30 of 238 (12.6%) patients and in 188 of 238 (79%) patients, respectively. Significantly, we also noticed that the oropharyngeal oxygen concentration exceeded 50% in 5 of 238 (2.1%) patients during SV and in 139 of 238 patients (58.4%) patients during PPV.

CONCLUSIONS

With the use of a laryngeal mask airway and the administration of 100% oxygen, there was significant contamination of the oropharynx during both PPV and SV. The oropharyngeal concentration of oxygen was high enough to support combustion in a significant number of patients. The use of a laryngeal mask airway does not ensure sealing of the airway and may be one risk factor for an airway fire during adenotonsillectomy.

Comprehensive review on endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery

Endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery is the standard procedure for surgery of most paranasal sinus diseases. Appropriate frame conditions provided, the respective procedures are safe and successful. These prerequisites encompass appropriate technical equipment, anatomical oriented surgical technique, proper patient selection, and individually adapted extent of surgery. The range of endonasal sinus operations has dramatically increased during the last 20 years and reaches from partial uncinectomy to pansinus surgery with extended surgery of the frontal (Draf type III), maxillary (grade 3-4, medial maxillectomy, prelacrimal approach) and sphenoid sinus. In addition there are operations outside and beyond the paranasal sinuses. The development of surgical technique is still constantly evolving. This article gives a comprehensive review on the most recent state of the art in endoscopic sinus surgery according to the literature with the following aspects: principles and fundamentals, surgical techniques, indications, outcome, postoperative care, nasal packing and stents, technical equipment.

Hemostasis in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

William Halsted established the basic principles of modern surgical technique highlighting the importance of meticulous hemostasis and careful tissue handling. These concepts hold true today and are even more critical for endoscopic visualization, making hemostasis one of the most relevant cornerstones for the safe practice of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) of the skull base. During preoperative assessment, patients at higher risk for serious hemorrhagic complications must be recognized. From an anatomical point of view, EES can be grossly divided in two major components: sinonasal surgery and sellar-cranial base surgery. This division affects the choice of appropriate technique for control of bleeding that relies mainly on the source of hemorrhage, the tissue involved, and the proximity of critical neurovascular structures. Pistol-grip or single-shaft instruments constitute the most important and appropriately designed instruments available for EES. Electrocoagulation and a variety of hemostatic materials are also important tools and should be applied wisely. This article describes the experience of our team in the management of hemorrhagic events during EES with an emphasis on technical nuances.

The influence of positive end-expiratory pressure on surgical field conditions during functional endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the mainstay of surgical treatment for sinonasal disease. This surgery carries certain risks. Most of these risks relate to the quality of the surgical field. Thus, mechanisms by which the surgical field can be improved are important to study. We sought to determine whether positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) had a deleterious effect on the quality of the surgical field in patients undergoing primary FESS.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients were randomized to a ventilation strategy using either 5 cm H2O of PEEP or zero added PEEP. The quality of the surgical field was measured every 15 minutes using a validated surgical scoring method.

RESULTS

The addition of PEEP did not have any measurable effect on the surgical field scores after onset of surgery (odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 1.06 (0.44-2.58), P = 0.895 for side 1; OR (95% CI) = 0.56 (0.16-1.93), P = 0.356 for side 2). The peak inspiratory pressure did have an effect on surgical grades. Every cm H2O of added pressure over 15 cm H2O total pressure contributing to increased odds of higher surgical field score. For each cm H2O increase in inspiratory pressure above 15cm H2O increased the surgical field score (OR [95% CI] 1.13 [1.04-1.22], P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

During FESS surgery if PEEP is added, it is important to keep the mean inspiratory pressure below 15cm H2O to avoid worsening surgical field conditions.

Anaesthesia for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Survey of Anaesthesiologists in Restructured Hospitals in Singapore

Introduction:

A cross-sectional survey of anaesthesiologists in Singapore's restructured hospitals was conducted to explore strategies employed to obtain a bloodless surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods:

All practicing anaesthesiologists in public institutions in Singapore were invited to answer an anonymous questionnaire. A point of contact per institution assisted in distribution and collection of questionnaire forms over a nine-month period.

Results:

A total of 114 anaesthesiologists completed the survey (response rate 60%). It was observed that 64.9% of respondents do not routinely employ controlled hypotension for endoscopic sinus surgery. Sixty-seven point five per cent chose general anaesthesia without nitrous oxide as the preferred anaesthetic technique for endoscopic sinus surgery. Forty-seven point four per cent opined that anaesthetic technique made no significant difference to outcomes in endoscopic sinus surgery. The most commonly used narcotics in endoscopic sinus surgery by the respondents were morphine (59.6%) and fentanyl (54.4%). However, where total intravenous anaesthesia was adopted, 86.0% of respondents opted to use remifentanil. The most commonly used class of antihypertensives for controlled hypotension was beta-blockers (66.7%). Factors limiting the use of total intravenous anaesthesia were also explored.

Conclusion:

This survey identifies variations from current evidence in the anaesthetic management of endoscopic sinus surgery among anaesthesiologists in Singapore's public institutions. The reasons behind these variations, which could include surgical preferences, financial, logistical, cultural, and educational factors, should be explored and any issues found addressed as necessary.

[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.

Prevention of perioperative and anesthesia-related complications in facial cosmetic surgery

Although office-based anesthesia for facial cosmetic surgery remains remarkably safe, no anesthesia or sedation performed outside the operating room should be considered minor. Proper organization, preparation, and patient selection, close collaboration with the surgeon, and expert and effective anesthesia care will increase patient safety and improve perioperative outcomes and patient satisfaction. This article presents a comprehensive overview of anesthesia in terms of facial plastic surgery procedures, beginning with a broad review of essentials and pitfalls of anesthesia, followed by details of specific anesthetic agents, their administration, mechanism of action, and complications.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Laryngeal mask airways in ear, nose, and throat procedures

The use of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and its variants in ear, nose, and throat procedures have been extensively described in case reports, retrospective reviews, and randomized clinical trials. The LMA has developed a considerable following because of its lack of tracheal stimulation, which can be a considerable advantage in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures. The incidence of coughing on emergence has been shown to be lower with the LMA than with the endotracheal tube (ETT). Although other approaches to smooth emergence have been described, few would argue that it is as easy to achieve a smooth emergence with an ETT as with an LMA. Although patients certainly exist for whom the LMA is contraindicated, many will experience better results with the LMA because of the features delineated in this article.

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.