Background and Aims: Adjuvant to the local anesthetic agent has proven benefits when used intrathecally. With regards to intrathecal bupivacaine as control, we have compared in this study the effects of clonidine and neostigmine when co-administered intrathecally with hyperbaric (0.5%) bupivacaine for abdominal hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted from May 2009 to June 2011. A total of 150 patients of American Society of Anaesthesiology grades I and II scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into three groups. A volume of 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine was respectively added 1 ml solution containing 5% dextrose and 75 mcg of neostigmine in Group N, 1 ml containing 5% dextrose and 30 mcg of clonidine in Group C and 1 ml of 5% dextrose in Group D (control). We compared the sensory and motor block, the surgical condition, the duration of spinal analgesia and the side-effect profile. Results and Observations: Sensory and motor blocks and duration of spinal analgesia were significantly increased in both Group C and Group N compared to Group D. More incidences of Nausea and vomiting were observed in Group N compared to other groups. The surgical condition was poorer in Group N compared to Group C. Conclusion: Both intrathecal clonidine and neostigmine increase the bupivacaine-induced spinal block. However, clonidine provides better surgical condition and fewer incidences of nausea and vomiting.

Background: Use of electronic medical record systems has increased in the recent years. Epic is one such system gaining popularity in the USA. Epic is a private company, which invented the electronic documentation system adopted in our hospital. In spite of many presumed advantages, its use is not critically analyzed. Some of the perceived advantages are increased efficiency and protection against litigation as a result of accurate documentation. Materials and Methods: In this study, retrospective data of 305 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (wherein electronic charting was used - "Epic group") were compared with 288 patients who underwent the same procedure with documentation saved on a paper chart ("paper group"). Time of various events involved in the procedure such as anesthesia start, endoscope insertion, endoscope removal, and transfer to the postanesthesia care unit were routinely documented. From this data, the various time durations were calculated. Results: Both "anesthesia start to scope insertion" times and "scope removal to transfer" times were significantly less in the Epic group compared to the paper group. Use of Epic system led to a saving of 4 min of procedure time per patient. However, the mean oxygen saturation was significantly less in the Epic group. Conclusion: In spite of perceived advantages of Epic documentation system, significant hurdles remain with its use. Although the system allows seamless flow of patients, failure to remove all artifacts can lead to errors and become a source of potential litigation hazard.

Background: Liver donors are subjected to specific postresection hemodynamic changes. The aim was to monitor these changes and to evaluate the effect of magnesium sulfate infusion (MgSO ₄ ) on these changes together with total anesthetic agents consumption. Patients and Methods: A total of 50 donors scheduled for right hepatotomy were divided into two equal groups. Controls (C) received saline and magnesium group (Mg) received MgSO ₄ 10% (30 mg/kg over 20 min) administered immediately after induction of anesthesia, followed by infusion (10 mg/kg/h) till the end of surgery. Hemodynamics, transesophageal Doppler (TED) data and anesthetic depth guided by Entropy were recorded. Results: Postresection both groups demonstrated an increase in heart rate (HR) and cardiac output (COP) in association with lowering of systemic vascular resistance (SVR). The increase in HR with Mg was lower when compared with C, P = 0.00. Increase in COP was lower with Mg compared to (C) (6.1 ± 1.3 vs. 7.5 ± 1.6 L/min, P = 0.00) and with less reduction in SVR compared to C (1145 ± 251 vs. 849.2 ± 215 dynes.s/cm ⁵ , P < 0.01), respectively. Sevoflurane consumption was lower with Mg compared to C (157.1 ± 35.1 vs. 187.6 ± 25.6 ml, respectively, P = 0.001). Reduced fentanyl and rocuronium consumption in Mg group are compared to C (P = 0.00). Extubation time, postoperative patient-controlled fentanyl were lower in Mg than C (P = 0.001). Conclusion: TED was able to detect significant hemodynamic changes associated with major hepatotomy. Prophylactic magnesium helped to reduce these changes with lower anesthetic and analgesics consumption and an improvement in postoperative pain relief.

Background: The study was conducted to evaluate the perioperative analgesic efficacy of the two doses of caudally administered tramadol versus bupivacaine in adult hemorrhoidectomy. Patients and Methods: A total of 90 patients, aged 20-50 years, undergoing hemorrhoidectomy were randomly scheduled to receive bupivacaine 0.25% in 20 ml (Group B; n = 30), tramadol 1 mg/kg in 20 ml (Group T ₁ ; n = 30), tramadol 2 mg/kg in 20 ml (Group T ₂ ; n = 30) through caudal route after induction of general anesthesia. Postoperative pain was assessed every hour until the visual analog scale was 6, which is 1 ^st time for rescue analgesia. Postoperative sedation, hemodynamic changes, serum cortisol, and epinephrine levels and incidence of side effects were also evaluated. Results: Duration of analgesia was longer in Group T ₂ (20 [1.14] h] compared with the Group B (7 [1.2] h) or Group T ₁ (12 [0.75] h); all P < 0.001. There were no significant hemodynamic changes. There were not incidences of side effects. Conclusion: Caudal tramadol 2 mg/kg provided a longer duration of postoperative analgesia with rapid onset and no incidence of complications or adverse effects in adult hemorrhoidectomy.

Objective/Background: Ultrasound (US) facilitates central venous catheter (CVC) placement in children. A new supraclavicular approach using the brachiocephalic vein (BCV) for US-guided CVC placement in very small children has been recently described. In 2012, we changed our departmental standard and used the left BCV as preferred puncture site during CVC placement. In our retrospective analysis, we compared US-guided cannulation of the BCV with other puncture sites (control). Design/Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all CVC cannulations from October 2012 to October 2013 in our department. For cannulation of the BCV, the in-plane technique was used to guide the needle into the target vein. Results: We performed CVC cannulations in 106 children (age 1-day to 18 years). In 29 patients, the weight was <4.5 kg. CVC placement was successful in all patients. The left BCV could be used in 81.1% of all cases. In a Poisson regression model of punctures regressed by age, weight or group (left BCV vs. control), age, weight or the cannulation site did not influence the number of punctures. In a logistic regression model of complications (yes vs. no) regressed by the group (left brachiocephalic vs. control) an odds ratio of 0.15 was observed (95% confidence interval 0.03-0.72, P likelihood ratio test = 0.007). Conclusion: US-guided puncture of the left BCV is a safe method of CVC placement in children. The use of the left BCV was associated with a high success rate in our retrospective analysis.

Introduction and Aim: Epidural analgesia is an effective technique for postoperative pain relief following thoracoabdominal surgeries. Lower limb motor weakness is a well-known complication of epidural analgesia with local anesthetics and delays postoperative rehabilitation. Our aim in conducting this observational study was to assess the frequency of lower limb motor weakness in patients receiving epidural analgesia following upper abdominal surgery and the factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: All adult patients, aged 20-70 years, who underwent upper abdominal surgery and received postoperative analgesia with an epidural infusion of bupivacaine with fentanyl, were included. Data were collected over 4 months from notes entered by acute pain service after each round. Data collected included level of epidural placement, drug solution and volume, degree of lower limb motor weakness and measures taken to relieve it. Bromage scale was used to assess motor weakness. Results: Data were collected on 123 patients. Bupivacaine 0.1% with fentanyl 2 mg/mL was used in 113 (92%) patients. Lower limb motor weakness developed in 45 patients (36.5%). The highest frequency was seen in patients with epidural at L2-L3 level. The common management steps were a change of patient's position or decrease in concentration of local anesthetic. These measures produced improvement in 39 (87%) patients whereas the local anesthetic was stopped temporarily in the remaining six patients. Conclusion: Lower limb motor weakness occurred in 36.5% patients. It was more common with a lumbar epidural. It was successfully managed in all patients. Lower thoracic epidurals are recommended for abdominal surgeries.

Background and Aims: Caudal block is a common technique for pediatric analgesia for infraumblical surgeries. Because of the short duration of analgesia with bupivacaine alone various additive have been used to prolong the action of bupivacaine. The present study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of tramadol or fentanyl added to bupivacaine for infraumblical surgeries in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, single-blind controlled trial. After written informed consent from parents, 100 patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I-II, in the age group of 1-12 years, of either sex undergoing infraumblical surgery under general anesthesia were divided into two groups. Group BT received 1 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with tramadol 2 mg/kg in normal saline and Group BF received 1 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with fentanyl 2 mg/kg in normal saline with maximum volume of 12 ml in both groups. All patients were assessed intraoperatively for hemodynamic changes, the requirement of sevoflurane concentration, as well as postoperatively for pain by using FLACC (F = Face, L = Leg, A = Activity, C = Cry, C = Consolability), pain score and for sedation by using four point sedation score. Results: The mean duration of analgesia was 10-18 h in Group BT while in Group BF it was 7-11 h. The postoperatively period up to 1΍ h, Group BF had higher sedation score up to two as compared to that below one on Group BT. Conclusion: Caudal tramadol significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia as compared to caudal fentanyl without any side effects.

Background: Ultrasound imaging is an ideal tool for stellate ganglion block (SGB) due to clarity, portability, lack of radiation, and low cost. Ultrasound guided anterior approach requires the application of pressure to the anterior neck and is associated with more risk of injury to inferior thyroid artery, vertebral artery, and esophagus. The lateral approach does not interfere with nerve or vascular structures. Blockade at the C ₆ vertebral level results in more successful sympathetic blockade of the head and neck with less sympathetic blockade of the upper extremity compared to sympathetic blockade at C ₇ vertebral level, which produces successful sympathetic blockade of upper extremity. This is helpful in patients of complex regional pain syndrome of the upper limb. Hence, we conducted a study using the lateral approach at C ₇ level. Materials and Methods: Ultrasound guided SGBs using lateral in-plane technique at C ₇ level were given in 20 patients suffering from chronic pain patients of upper extremity, head, and neck using 4 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 1 ml of 40 mg triamcinolone. The patients were assessed for a numeric pain intensity score (NPIS), the rise in axillary temperature, the range of motion of joints of upper extremity, and resolution of edema at various time intervals up to 3 months. Results: NPIS showed a statistically significant decrease from baseline at 30 min, which was sustained till 3 ^rd month. The rise in axillary temperature after the block was statistically significant, which was sustained till 2 ^nd week. The edema score decreased significantly at all-time intervals (P ≤ 0.001). The restriction of motion in all joints of upper limb decreased from 13 to 3 patients. Conclusion: There is a significant variation in the anatomy of stellate ganglion at the level of C ₆ and C ₇ . Ultrasound guided lateral approach increases the efficacy of SGB by deposition of drug subfascially with real-time imaging.

Context: Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) are of the most validated and prevalent general scoring systems over the world. Aims: The aim of the current study was to evaluate APACHE II and SOFA ability in predicting the outcomes (survivors, nonsurvivors) in surgical and medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Setting and Design: This was an observational and prospective study of 300 consecutive patients admitted in surgical and medical ICU during a 6-month period. Materials and Methods: APACHE II and SOFA scores and demographic characteristics were recorded for each patient separately in the first admission 24 h. Statistical Analysis Used: Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis (95% confidence interval). Results: Data analysis showed a significant statistical difference in APACHE II and SOFA scores between survivor and nonsurvivor patients (P < 0.0001, P = 0.001; respectively). The discrimination power was acceptable for APACHE II and poor for SOFA (area under ROC [AUC] curve: 73.7% (standard error [SE]: 3.2%), 63.4% [SE: 3.6%]; respectively). The acceptable calibration was seen just for SOFA (c² = 11.018, P = 0.051). Conclusions: Both APACHE II and SOFA showed good predictive accuracy for results in surgical and medical ICUs; however, the SOFA is the choice to select, because of being simpler and easier to record data.

Background and Objective: Ultrasonography has been suggested as a useful noninvasive tool for intravascular volume assessment in critically ill-patients. Fluid absorption is an inevitable complication of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, there are few data comparing the caval aortic index with central venous pressure (CVP) measurement for intravascular volume assessment in patients undergoing TURP. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observer blinded study carried out on 50 patients who underwent elective TURP. The primary outcome measure of our study was the correlation of the caval aorta (Ao) index with CVP, and the secondary outcome measures were the sensitivity and specificity of the caval Ao index. Results: There was a positive correlation of inferior vena cava/Ao (IVC/Ao) index to CVP (R = 0.9 and significant P = 0.001*). The sensitivity and specificity of the IVC/Ao index were measured to predict the CVP. A CVP ≤7 cm H ₂ O correlated with IVC/Ao index 0.8 ± 0.3 mean ± standard deviation (SD) (sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.66), a CVP of 8-12 cm H ₂ O correlated with IVC/Ao index 1.5 ± 0.2 mean ± SD (sensitivity 0.96, specificity 0.42), and a CVP >12 cm H ₂ O correlated with IVC/Ao index 1.8 ± 0.07 mean ± SD (sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.58). Conclusion: Sonographic caval Ao index is useful for the evaluation of preoperative and intraoperative volume status, especially in major surgeries with marked fluid shift or blood loss and had the advantage of being noninvasive, safe, quick, and easy technique with no complications.

Background: Acoustic puncture assist device (APAD) is designed to detect aand signal the loss of resistance during the epidural procedure. We aimed to evaluate this device in terms of successful identification of the epidural space and the incidence of accidental dural puncture. Patients and Methods: Following Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent obtained from all patients, 200 adult patients (107 males) American Society of Anesthesiologists I-III who underwent lower limb orthopedic surgery under lumbar epidural anesthesia using APAD were enrolled in the study. APAD system was connected to the epidural needle using normal saline prefilled extension tube. Numbers of successful epidural attempts and accidental dural tap were documented. Results: The mean values of the depth of epidural space and the time to perform epidural puncture were 5.8 ± 1.0 cm and 3.3 ± 1.4 min, respectively. In 63% of patients, epidural puncture was successful from the first attempt and in 1% it was successful from the fourth attempt. Epidural anesthesia by APAD was successful in 198 cases (99 %). Dural tap occurred in 2 cases (1%). Conclusions: Using APAD, the success of identifying the epidural space was high and reliable.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and upper and lower arm as well as lower leg circumferences and the frequency of correct blood pressure (BP) cuff fit. We explored recommendations for the most likely BP cuff size and location for the three BMI categories. Materials and Methods: Following IRB approval we retrospectively analyzed a research database of bariatric surgical patients with a BMI of ≥40 kg/m ² . Data included patients' characteristics, upper and lower arm as well as lower leg circumferences. Patients were divided into three groups based on BMI (kg/m ² , Group I: <45, Group II: 45-55, and Group III: >55). Appropriate cuff fit using a standard or large adult BP cuff (CRITIKON ^® , GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA) on the upper and lower arm, and lower leg was determined. We analyzed the percent proportion of proper cuff fit for cuff sizes and locations between groups using appropriate nonparametric testing. Results: Limb circumference correlated significantly with BMI (P = 0.01), and the upper arm correlated most closely (r = 0.76). A standard adult BP cuff on the lower arm fit properly in >90% and >80% and in Groups I and II, respectively. A large cuff on the lower arm was appropriate in 87% of Group III. In two participants, a large cuff fit properly on the lower leg. Discussion: Limb circumference significantly correlated with BMI. Recommendations for proper cuff fit in different BMI categories can be made.

Introduction and Aim: Use of transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) in the management of postoperative pain after the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been a common anesthetic practice. This study evaluates the effect of adding magnesium sulfate to bupivacaine in TAP block in LC regarding postoperative analgesia and analgesic consumption. Patients and Methods: Ninety patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II was divided into three groups: Control group (C group, n = 30), bupivacaine group (B group, n = 30), bupivacaine magnesium group (M group, n = 30). Results: M group showed better analgesic profile in the 1 ^st postoperative day in the form of lower mean visual analog scale score (2.8 ± 0.6 for C group, 2.1 ± 0.5 for B group, 2.2 ± 0.5 for M group, P < 0.001), longer duration of analgesia (7 ± 2.8 h for C group , 16 ± 2.5 h for B group, 19 ± 2.2 h for M group, P < 0.006), lower morphine consumption (2 ± 0.1 mg for C group, 0.9 ± 0.1 mg for B group, 0.5 ± 0.1 mg for M group, P < 0.011). There was a significant lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (32% for C group, 6% B group, 7% M group, P < 0.004). Conclusion: Adding MgSo4 as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in TAP block; during anesthesia for LC; improved postoperative analgesia in the form of increased duration, decreased analgesic requirements and PONV.

Aim: To study the efficacy of a noninjectable anesthetic gel with a thermosetting agent in the reduction of pain during scaling and root planing (SRP) in untreated chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: This study is a randomized, double-masked, split-mouth, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty patients were enrolled who underwent SRP in a split-mouth (right side/left side) manner. Before commencement of SRP, both quadrants on each side were isolated and had a randomized gel (either placebo or test gel) placed in the periodontal pockets for 30 s. The pain was measured using numerical rating scale (NRS) and verbal rating scale (VRS). Results: The median NRS pain score for the patients treated with the anesthetic test gel was 1 (range: 0-4) as opposed to 5 (range: 3-7) in the placebo treated patients. The mean rank of pain score using NRS in test gel was 16.18 as compared to 44.82 in placebo treated sites. Hence, significant reduction in pain was found in test gel as compared to placebo using NRS (P < 0.001). The VRS showed that the majority of patients reported no pain or mild pain with a median of 1 as compared to placebo treated sites with a median of 2 suggestive of moderate pain. Conclusions: The NRS and VRS pain scores showed that the side treated with anesthetic gel was statistically more effective than the placebo in reducing pain during SRP.

Background: The Serratus anterior muscle plane (SAP) block has recently been described for the purpose of perioperative pain management following cases of trauma and breast surgery. It might prove a safer alternative to the other regional thoracic paravertebral and central neuraxial blockade techniques. There are no descriptive cadaveric studies in the pre-existing literature to delineate the anatomical plane for this novel technique. The main objectives for our study were to examine the location of the Serratus anterior muscle belly, assess the efficacy of achieving adequate delineation of the muscle plane utilising ultrasound imaging with agitated water as the contrast agent, and finally, to observe the extent of the cepahlo-caudal spread of the injectate in the SAP. Materials and Methods: Seven cadavers were studied. 20 mls of saline was injected into posterior axillary line (PAL) at the level of the 4-5 ^th rib under ultrasound guidance. This was followed by injection of 10 mls of water with air (8 mls water and 2 mls of air). The presence of hyperechoic air bubbles in the fluid distended SAP (hypoechoic) area demonstrated the spread of water and air. Results: In 36% of cadavers, fully formed Serratus Anterior muscle belly was identified at the midaxillary line (MAL), 14% in PAL, and remaining 50% between PAL and MAL. The lower most limit of air-water spread was identified at the subcostal margin. Cephalad spread of contrast was noted in 2 ^nd intercostal space ICS (7%), 3 ^rd ICS (71%), and 4 ^th ICS (22%). Conclusion: This study describes that the serratus anterior muscle is well-formed near the PAL and the injectate spread can be determined with the help of agitated water contrast on ultrasound. Furthermore, there was variability in the cephalad spread of the injectate.

Background: Uncuffed endotracheal tubes are commonly used in children but due to several decade preferred in paediatric oral surgery. Due to lack of conclusive evidences in this regard, we have conducted this study to compare post-operative morbidity following use of cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes in paediatric patients undergoing cleft lip-palate surgery. Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted on children aged 2 to 12 years.110 patients were allocated in two parallel groups using computer generated list of random numbers. Post operative extubation stridor, sore throat, time to first oral intake and regaining of normal voice were compared between two groups. Results: The incidence of sore throat was significantly more (P value > 0.005) in patients of uncuffed group compared to cuffed group. The time to first oral intake and time to regain normal voice were significantly earlier in cuffed group compared to the other. Conclusion: With standard care, preformed cuffed ET tube has shown reduced incidence of post operative sore throat.Cuffed group has earlier oral intake and normal voice regain compared to uncuffed group.

Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a major morbid outcome among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Providing oral care for intubated patients is an important task by the ICU nursing staff in reducing the mortality and morbidity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the attitudes and knowledge of ICU nurses regarding oral care delivery to critically ill patients in Saudi Arabian ICUs. The findings were further correlated to the presence of healthcare quality accreditation of the institution. Materials and Methods: The nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare quality accreditation status of the hospital were recorded. Two hundred fifteen nurses conveniently selected from 10 random hospitals were included in this study from Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional study in the form of a questionnaire. Results: When comparing the knowledge of the participants to their level of education, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of nurses. The majority of the nurses agreed that the oral cavity is difficult to clean and that oral care delivery is a high priority for mechanically ventilated patients. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the attitudes between nurses working in accredited and nonaccredited hospitals. Conclusion: The presence of healthcare quality accreditation did not reflect any significance in attitudes or knowledge of the ICU nurses in regard to mechanically ventilated patients. Factors affecting oral care delivery should be evaluated on the personal and institutional level to achieve better understanding of them.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness, safety, and oral intubation time (IT) using a retromolar Bonfils fiberoptic scope compared with a conventional Macintosh laryngoscope. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients (16-60 years old, American Society of Anesthesiology I/II) scheduled for general anesthesia for elective ear-nose-throat and plastic surgery were randomly divided into a Bonfils group (Group B, n = 30) and a Macintosh group (Group M, n = 30). Exclusion criteria included Mallampati IV, thyromental distance ≤4 cm, mouth <4 cm, cervical spine problems, body mass index >35, sleep apnea, reflux esophagitis, coronary artery disease, intracranial vascular malformation, elevated intracranial pressure, bleeding disorders, allergies to planned drugs, and patient refusal. Mallampati scoring, mouth opening, and thyromental distance were used for airway assessment. The time needed for successful intubation (IT), number of attempts, number of failures, systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR) and Oxygen saturation (O ₂ ) and damage to the lips, dentures, and pharyngeal or laryngeal structures were recorded. Continuous variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation and categorical variables are presented as frequency and percentage. Chi-square tests and Student's t-tests were used to compare the groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The groups were comparable regarding demographic data, preoperative airway parameters, IT, the number of attempts, O ₂ , and the incidence of complications (P > 0.05). However, Bonfils intubation was associated with more stable HR, SBP, DBP and MBP (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The Bonfils fiberoptic scope is comparable to a Macintosh laryngoscope but assures better hemodynamic stability. In difficult cases, the Bonfils scope is a better choice because of its ability to navigate.

The advances in thoracic procedures require optimum lung separation to provide adequate room for surgical access. This can be achieved using either a double-lumen tube (DLT) or a bronchial blocker (BB). Most thoracic anesthesiologists prefer the use of DLT. However, lung separation in patients with potential difficult airway can be achieved using either BB through a single lumen tube or placement of a DLT over a tube exchanger or a fiberoptic bronchoscope. Numerous videolaryngoscopes (VL) have been introduced offering both optical and video options to visualize the glottis. Many studies reported improved glottis visualization and easier DLT intubation in patients with normal and potential difficult airway. However, these studies have a wide diversity of outcomes, which may be attributed to the differences in their designs and the prior experience of the operators in using the different devices. In the present review, we present the main outcomes of the available publications, which have addressed the use of VL-guided DLT intubation. Currently, there is enough evidence supporting using VL for DLT intubation in patients with predicted and unanticipated difficult airway. In conclusion, the use of VL could offer an effective method of DLT placement for lung separation in patients with the potential difficult airway.

Neuraxial anesthesia combined with general anesthesia has become a widely accepted method of providing effective postoperative analgesia and decreasing intraoperative anesthetic needs in the pediatric population. In clinical practice, there still appears to be hesitancy for the use of a neuraxial technique (spinal or epidural) in patients at risk for bacteremia or with an on-going systemic infection. However, evidence-based medicine lacks any data to support an increase in the risk of infectious complications following neuraxial anesthesia. We present two pediatric patients with intra-abdominal infectious processes who received caudal epidural blockade for postoperative operative analgesia. The use of neuraxial techniques in patients at risk for bacteremia is reviewed, evidence-based medicine regarding the risks of infection discussed, and the potential favorable effects of neuraxial blockade on the neurohumoral response to sepsis and the systemic inflammatory responses presented.

Craniofacial abnormalities in pediatric population fall under the category of expected case of difficult airway. We present here a case of large maxillary tumor in a 9-year-old girl where the relative difficulty was further compounded due to her noncooperation which was again expected from a child. Local anesthetic topicalization of airway followed by slow inhalational induction with gradually increasing sevoflurane, while maintaining her spontaneous breathing, we secured her airway using fiber optic bronchoscopy. The surgery and the extubation went uneventful. In conclusion a planned airway management using fiber optic bronchoscope after airway topicalization and sevoflurane induction is the ideal technique in an expected case of difficult pediatric airway.

The use of epinephrine-containing saline irrigating solutions during arthroscopic shoulder surgery gained popularity after it was reported that the addition of epinephrine reduced bleeding and improved visualization without adverse cardiovascular effects. We share a case of a patient undergoing shoulder arthroscopy who received a standard intra-articular infusion of epinephrine-containing normal saline (1 mcg/mL) and experienced severe hemodynamic consequences.