BACKGROUND: Although a brachial plexus block can be used to provide anesthesia and analgesia for upper extremity surgery, its effects using MgSO4 on postoperative pain management have not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate brachial plexus block using MgSO4 on postoperative analgesia. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who were scheduled to undergo upper extremity surgery were randomly allocated into two groups: patients receiving axillary brachial plexus block with 0.2% ropivacaine 20 ml and normal saline 2 ml (group S) or 0.2% ropivacaine 20 ml and MgSO4 200 mg (group M). Before extubation, the blocks were done and patient controlled analgesia was started, and then, the patients were transported to a postanesthetic care unit. The postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), opioid consumption, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: The two groups were similar regarding the demographic variables and the duration of the surgery. No differences in VAS scores were observed between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in opioid consumption between the two groups. Nausea was observed in three patients for each group. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary brachial plexus block using MgSO4 did not reduce the level of postoperative pain and opioid consumption.
Amides ; Analgesia ; Analgesia, Patient-Controlled ; Anesthesia and Analgesia ; Brachial Plexus ; Humans ; Magnesium Sulfate ; Nausea ; Pain, Postoperative ; Upper Extremity

Pneumothorax during laparoscopic surgery is a potentially fatal complication.We present a case of left-sided pneumothorax complicating laparoscopic anterior resection of the sigmoid colon cancer.After signs suggestive of pneumothorax were recognized during carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, chest X-ray confirmed the diagnosis.Oxygen saturation and vital signs were maintained by increasing the inspired oxygen fraction and deflating the pneumoperitoneum.The pneumothorax resolved spontaneously after surgery and there were no complications.This case shows the importance of vigilance on the part of the anesthesiologist during laparoscopic surgery.
Carbon Dioxide ; Colon, Sigmoid ; Laparoscopy ; Oxygen ; Pneumoperitoneum ; Pneumothorax ; Thorax ; Vital Signs

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective, double-blind randomized study was to compare the recovery characteristics of desflurane-remifentanil and propofol-remifentanil anesthesia in patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy under BIS monitoring. METHODS: Eight patients (ASA I-II, 20-65 yr) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to receive propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia or desflurane-remifentanil. The BIS was monitored and maintained between 45-55. At the end of surgery all anesthetics were discontinued. Time to eye opening and time to extubation was recorded. Subsequently, the patients were transported to the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) and the modified aldrete score, visual analogue scale (VAS), blood pressure, heart rate, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were recorded upon arrival at the PACU, as well as at 15 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, and 24 hr. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the incidence of PONV between the two groups. Modified aldrete scores were significantly higher in the propofol group at 15 min postoperative period (P = 0.013, Propofol = 9.87, Desflurane = 9.62). Further, VAS scores were significantly higher in the desflurane group at 30 min (P = 0.037, Propofol = 4.26, Desflurane = 5.0), and the number of antiemetic injections were significantly higher in the desflurane group at arrival to the PACU (P = 0.035, Propofol = 0, Desflurane = 0.11 +/- 0.052) and at 24 hr (P = 0.03, Propofol = 0.41 +/- 0.562, Desfluarane = 0.62 +/- 0.157). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with BIS monitoring, there is no significant differences in the incidence of PONV. The use of propofol is associated with less postoperative pain.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia Recovery Period ; Anesthetics ; Blood Pressure ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic ; Consciousness Monitors ; Eye ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Incidence ; Isoflurane ; Pain, Postoperative ; Piperidines ; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting ; Postoperative Period ; Propofol ; Prospective Studies