How safe is therapeutic dose of lignocaine with epinephrine: An overview

Comparative analysis of perioperative outcomes in endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: Fascia iliaca block versus general anesthesia, a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aimed to compare rates of perioperative mortality and morbidity, especially pulmonary complication, between endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) performed under general anesthesia (GA) and under fascia iliaca block (FIB).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) who were treated with EVAR were included. Retrospective review of electronic medical records was performed. Patient characteristics, operative details, and postoperative results including mortality and morbidity within 30 days were collected. Statistical analysis to compare postoperative outcomes between EVAR under FIB and EVAR under GA was performed. A univariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with increased 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

This study included 119 patients, 75 in the FIB group and 44 in the GA group. Most patients were male, with 62 (82.5%) in the FIB group and 31 (70.2%) in the GA group, and most patients were hypertensive, with 57 (76%) in the FIB group and 36 (81.8%) in the GA group. Smoking and coronary artery disease (CAD) was more prevalent in the FIB group, p < .05. Thirty-day mortality was not significantly different between the FIB group and the GA group (1 (1.3%) vs 2 (4.5%), p = .554). Pulmonary complication was lower in the FIB group than in the GA group (1.3% vs 11.4%, p = .026). ICU stay was shorter in the FIB group than in the GA group (0.2 vs 4.5 days, p = .012). Univariate analysis showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was associated with higher 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular aneurysm repair under FIB was feasible. Compared to GA, this approach resulted in lower postoperative pulmonary complications and shorter ICU stay.

Nasal Bone Fracture Reduction Under Local Anaesthesia: A Holistic Approach to Nasal Blocks and a Comparison with General Anaesthesia

To compare the pain scores in closed reduction of nasal bone fractures under local anaesthesia (LA) and general anaesthesia (GA), and to outline the blocks that should be used for the same based on their nerve supply. A prospective study was conducted with 40 patients with Class 1 and 2 nasal bone and septal fracture. 20 patients underwent the procedure under LA and 20 under GA. The local blocks that should be used based on the complete nerve supply of the nose has been tabulated. Pain scores were recorded immediately after the procedure and 6 h later. Additionally, all the patients undergoing reduction under LA were asked, if given the choice again, if they would prefer to undergo the procedure under LA or GA. The overall difference in the pain scores calculated by T-test showed a p-value of 0.08807 (the result was not significant at p < .05) in the immediate post operative period. At the 6 h post operative period, overall difference in the pain scores showed a p-value of 0.384972 (not significant at p < .05). Of the patients who underwent the procedure under LA, 18 of 20 (90%) said that if given a choice again, they would undergo the procedure under LA, while 2 said they would prefer GA. Based on the pain score in the La vs. GA groups, there is no significant difference in the pain scores whether closed reduction is done under local or general anaesthesia. If all the blocks are given keeping the nerve supplies in mind, and both externally, and with pledgets, the entire nerve supply of the nose can be blocked.

A Knowledge and Practice Survey Among Dentists in Saudi Arabia Analysing Myths and Misconceptions in Dentistry and Oral Surgery: What Do Dentists Believe?

Introduction To ensure safe and effective practice, dental practitioners must stay up-to-date with all scientific updates involving their profession. In this regard, many outdated myths and misconceptions may be persistently believed and practiced. This study aimed to examine dental misconceptions circulating among dentists in Saudi Arabia. Methods An electronic survey was administered to Saudi Arabian dental practitioners classified and registered with the Saudi Commission of Health Specialties. It collected their demographics, career and experience details, and responses to 16 questions that targeted different myths. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with their knowledge. Results A total of 519 dentists answered the survey, of which 54% were male with a mean age of 32 ± 9 years and a mean practice of 7 ± 8 years. More than half (57%) practiced general dentistry. In most (69%) of the questions, 40% of the respondents answered incorrectly. The proportion of incorrect answers to some questions reached 62%. Years of teaching, years in practice, and doctor rank had no association with the knowledge score. Conversely, the type of practice and specialty had multiple statistically significant associations (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study shows that many myths, despite being debunked for more than 20 years, are still circulating among Saudi Arabian dentists, including many young dentists. Academic institutions must urgently address these concepts and the science that disproves them; dentists must implement up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge in their practice.

Epinephrine-induced lactic acidosis in orthognathic surgery: a report of two cases

Submucosal infiltration and the topical application of epinephrine as a vasoconstrictor produce excellent hemostasis during surgery. The hemodynamic effects of epinephrine have been documented in numerous studies. However, its metabolic effects (especially during surgery) have been seldom recognized clinically. We report two cases of significant metabolic effects (including lactic acidosis and hyperglycemia) as well as hemodynamic effects in healthy patients undergoing orthognathic surgery with general anesthesia. Epinephrine can induce glycolysis and pyruvate generation, which result in lactic acidosis, via β2-adrenergic receptors. Therefore, careful perioperative observation for changes in plasma lactate and glucose levels along with intensive monitoring of vital signs should be carried out when epinephrine is excessively used as a vasoconstrictor during surgery.