Predictive Factors Involved in Development of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we applied the method of the multi-center Prospective Evaluation of a Risk Score for postoperative pulmonary Complications in Europe (PERISCOPE) study, which was designed to predict postoperative complications and funded by the European Society of Anaesthesiology, to patients in our institution with the aim of prospectively analyzing the postoperative risk factors of pulmonary complications.

METHODS

One hundred patients over 18 years of age who had emergency or elective non-thoracic or non-obstetric surgery under general anaesthesia or neuraxial blocks were included in the study. Collected data regarding the preoperative and postoperative period were filled in separate forms for all patients.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients developed pulmonary complications. We observed respiratory failure in 8 patients, pleural effusion in 3 patients, atelectasis in 5 patients, bronchospasm in 3 patients, and pneumothorax in 1 patient. In the univariate logistic regression model, patient age, gender, weight, rate of preoperative respiratory symptoms, cough test results, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, and the duration of surgery did not significantly increase the complication risk (p>0.05). However, in the univariate logistic regression model, the presence of respiratory symptoms increased the risk for complications approximately 5.34-fold (p=0.014). There was an increase in the possibility of complications in parallel with the increase in the duration of postoperative hospital stay (p=0.012). More respiratory symptoms (p=0.019) and longer hospital stay (6.5 vs. 3.5 days respectively, p=0.029) were recorded in patients with postoperative pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSION

Considering patients undergoing non-thoracic or non-obstetric surgery, the prevalence of postoperative pulmonary complications is higher in patients diagnosed with respiratory symptoms in the preoperative period. These complications significantly extend the length of hospital stay.

[A comparison of vertical infraclavicular and coracoid approaches in forearm surgery]

OBJECTIVES

Despite several risks, infraclavicular approaches to the brachial plexus gained popularity. The present study compared success rates, block onset times, block performance times, and frequency of adverse effects of vertical infraclavicular (VIB) and coracoid blocks (CB) in patients undergoing forearm surgery.

METHODS

After ethical committee approval and informed consent 40 patients undergoing forearm surgery were included. The brachial plexus was located using a nerve stimulator and an insulated pencil point needle. Thirty ml bupivacaine 0.5% was used for the block. The blocks were assessed every minute for the first 5 min, then every 5 min for 15 min and then every 15 min and at the end of the operation.

RESULTS

Block onset times of both groups were similar. Higher rates of sensory block were found in group CB at the 5th, 10th, and 15th minutes of assessment. Also higher rates of motor block were found in group CB at the 5th, 10th, 15th and 30th minutes of assessment. Time to perform block was shorter in group VIB. One patient in CB group required general anaesthesia. Except two vascular punctures in group CB no other side-effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Coracapid block provided higher rates of sensorial and motor blocks in a similar onset time without serious complications. CB can be accepted as a safe and reliable alternative to VIB for forearm surgery.