Arterial cannulation for constant monitoring of arterial pressure and blood gase analyses has become commonplace in the care of the critically ill patients. The radial artery is often regarded as causing a negligible complication risk because of extensive collateral arterial flow in the hand. One of other alternative sites for arterial cannulation is femoral artery. Femoral artery cannulation has a high degree of success in very small, critically ill children. It should be considered an acceptable alternative to small-vessel cannulation when the latter is not technically achievable, or in the unstable patient where rapid establishment of reliable artery access is necessary. Arterial cannulation may cause many complications: arterial catheters can directly injure the vessels, resulting in thrombosis, occlusion, distal embolization or ischemia. Local insertion site complications, such as hematoma, hemorrhage, and infection may occur. Arterial catheter may also be a source of systemic sepsis. We report an unusual case of unintentional release of a catheter fragment into the external iliac artery in a 7-month (7.8 kg) male patient with tetralogy of Fallot, which was inadvertently inserted during right femoral artery cannulation. The catheter fragment was successfully retrieved with the Amplatz Goose Neck microsnare under fluoroscopy without any problems.
Arterial Pressure ; Arteries ; Catheterization* ; Catheters* ; Child ; Critical Illness ; Femoral Artery* ; Fluoroscopy ; Hand ; Hematoma ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Iliac Artery* ; Ischemia ; Male ; Neck ; Radial Artery ; Sepsis ; Tetralogy of Fallot ; Thrombosis

With the development of gray scale ultrasonography, detection and evaluation of hepatic parenchymal diseaseincluding space occupying lesions are easitly performed and frequently used in the world. Thirty-five cases ofhistopathologically proven and ultrasonographically suggested hepatocellular carcinoma are retrospectivelystudied. The results were as follows; 1. Ultrasonographic findings of hepatocellular carcinoma show hyperechoicpattern in 22 cases (63%), hypoechoic pattern in 2 cases (6%), and mixed pattern in 11 cases (31%). 2. The marginof tumor is ill-defined in 19 cases (54%) and well defined in 16 cases (46%). 3. The size of tumor by sonographicmeasurement was larger than 5cm in diameter in 33 cases (94%). 4. The number of tumor is solitary in 19 cases andmultiple in 16 cases. The sites of involved lobe were right lobe in 22 cases (63%), left lobe in 2 cases (6%), andboth lobes in 11 cases (31%). 5. Associated sonographic findings were hepatomegaly with focal contour change in 25cases (71%), splenomegaly in 16 cases (46%), cirrhosis of liver in 15 cases (43%), ascites in 11 cases (31%) andtumoral thrombosis in portal vein in 8 cases (23%). 6. The sex ratio is 6:1 male predominence and the age rangesfrom 32 to 76 years with highest incidence in 5th and 6th decades.
Ascites ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Fibrosis ; Hepatomegaly ; Humans ; Incidence ; Liver ; Male ; Portal Vein ; Sex Ratio ; Splenomegaly ; Thrombosis ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common complaints following laparoscopic surgery, and being female is a risk factor for PONV. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine if the incidence of PONV is associated with variations in the blood concentration of female hormones that occur during different stages of the menstrual cycle. METHODS: We recruited 103 women who were undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia and met all of the inclusion criteria for this study. A menstrual history was taken from each patient during the preoperative anesthetic visit and blood samples were collected from all patients to determine the concentration of female hormones (estradiol, progesterone). We then assessed the nausea rating scale (NRS) and the occurrence of retching and vomiting at 0-2 hours, 2-6 hours, and 6-24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The overall incidence of PONV was 60.2% within the first 24 hours following surgery. However, no significant differences in the incidence of PONV were observed in women in different menstrual phases (follicular phase, 63.5% vs. luteal phase, 56.9%). In addition, there was no significant difference observed in the female hormonal concentration of the blood of patients who experienced PONV and those that did not, and there was no correlation between the NRS and the blood concentration of female hormones. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that female hormones (estradiol, progesterone) are not associated with the occurrence of PONV following gynecological laparoscopic surgery.
Anesthesia, General ; Estradiol ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Laparoscopy ; Luteal Phase ; Menstrual Cycle ; Nausea ; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting ; Progesterone ; Risk Factors ; Vomiting

Tuberous sclerosis is reported rarely and is associated with systemic lesions including central nervous system, skin, heart, eye and kidney. Approximately 5-15% of individuals with tuberous sclerosis will develop brain neoplasia, almost invariably subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma (SGCA). We experienced a case of SGCA with tuberous sclerosis operated by the transcallosal approach and report with literature review.
Astrocytoma* ; Brain ; Central Nervous System ; Heart ; Kidney ; Skin ; Tuberous Sclerosis*

BACKGROUND: In searching for a differential spinal block between dependent and nondependent sides, we evaluated the influence of the duration of lateral decubitus on the spread of hyperbaric bupivacaine during spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Spinal anesthesia with 1.2 ml of hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine (6 mg) was administered with a 25-gauge Whitacre unidirectional needle to 50 ASA 1 patients undergoing unilateral knee arthroscopy. The patients were allocated randomly to three groups according to the duration of lateral decubitus after spinal injection in the lateral position operation side dependent: Group 1, 10 min in lateral decubitus then supine; Group 2, 20 min in lateral decubitus then supine; Group 3, 30 min in lateral decubitus then supine. Sensory and motor block (pinprick/modified Bromage scale) as well as skin temperature were compared between the dependent and nondependent sides. Circulatory variables were recorded for 10 min after being turned supine. RESULTS: The sensory block between dependent and nondependent sides were significantly different in Group 3. In Group 1, the level of maximum sensory block was higher than Group 3 on nondependent side. There was no difference in the number of patients having achieved Grade 3 and 0 motor block among three groups on dependent and nondependent sides. The skin temperature in lateral decubitus was significantly higher on the dependent side than nondependent side in three groups. In Groups 1 and 2, the skin temperatures of nondependent side were increased after turned supine, but that was maintained during supine position in Group 3. The circulatory variables were stable in all 50 patients. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that when a small dose of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine is injected into patients in the lateral position, complete unilateral spinal anesthesia is achieved when the patients arekeep in a lateral position for more than 30 min after spinal injection.
Anesthesia, Spinal* ; Arthroscopy ; Bupivacaine* ; Humans ; Injections, Spinal ; Knee ; Needles ; Skin Temperature ; Supine Position

PURPOSE: A study was done to assess the incidence, clinical characteristics of urinary tract anomalies for decreasing urinary tract morbidity. METHODS: We review 98 cases of anomaly of urinary tract who were admitted Kyung Hee University Hospital between 1986 and 1995. We analyzed incidence and associated anomalies, associated diseases and treatment modalities. RESULTS: 1) It was composed of 45 cases (45%) of renal anomalies, 37 cases (37.7%) of ureteral anomalies, 7 cases (7.1%) of urethral anomalies, 3 cases Prune-belly syndrome, 3 cases of urachal remnants, 2 cases of bladder exstrophy, 1 cases of VATER syndrome. 2) Anomalies of the kidney were composed of 14 cases of renal agenesis, 11 cases of multicystic dysplastic kidney, 10 cases of hydronephrosis 3 cases of hypoplasia, 3 cases of polycystic kidney, 2 cases of ectopia, 1 case of malrotation and 1 case of horseshoe kidney, 20 cases (44.4%) were diagnosed before 1 month of life. 20 cases were male and 25 casses were female. Bilateral involvement were in 7 cases and 38 cases of unilateral involvement were composed of 23 cases of right side and 15 cases of left side. Operative treatment were performed in 15 cases (30%) of renal anomalies. The common chief complaint of renal anomalies were abnormal finding on urinalysis (24.4%), abnormal finding on fetal ultrasonogram (20%), gastrointestinal tract symptom (15.6%), and fever (9%). 3) Anomalies of the ureter were composed of 26 cases of ureteral duplication, 9 cases of UPJ obstruction, 2 cases of megaureter. Ureteric duplications included 8 cases of male and 18 cases of female and 19 cases were unilateral and 7 cases were bilateral. 19 cases were diagnosed before 5 years old. 19 cases (73.1%) had symptoms associated with urinary tract infection. 11 cases had abnormal finding of ipsilateral kidney on DMSA scan or IVP. Associated abnormalities were hydronephrosis, ureterocele and VUR. UPJ obstruction were mostly diagnosed before 1 month of life, 6 cases were male and 3 cases were female. 2 cases were bilateral and 3 cases were right side involvement and 4 cases were left side. CONCLUSIONS: It seems to be reasonable that we should recommend the patients with the symptoms of urinary tract diseases to do evaluate the possibility of congenital urinary tract anomalies.
Bladder Exstrophy ; Child* ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Fever ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis ; Incidence ; Kidney ; Male ; Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney ; Polycystic Kidney Diseases ; Prune Belly Syndrome ; Succimer ; Ultrasonography ; Ureter ; Ureterocele ; Urinalysis ; Urinary Tract Infections ; Urinary Tract* ; Urologic Diseases

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggested that preoperative block of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor with NMDA antagonists may reduce postoperative pain. In this double-blind study, we administered magnesium sulfate, a natural NMDA receptor antagonist, to investigate the preemptive effect of magnesium sulfate on postoperative pain. METHODS: Seventy-three patients scheduled for gastrectomy were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Groups 2 and 3 received intravenous magnesium sulfate (Group 2: 50 mg/kg bolus, 7.5 mg/kg/h for 20 h, preoperatively, Group 3: 50 mg/kg bolus, 7.5 mg/kg/h for 20 h, postoperatively). Group 1 received normal saline as the control group. Visual analog scale (VAS) for postoperative pain and mood, cumulative analgesic comsumption, recovery of pulmonary function and side effects were evaluated at 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the operation. RESULTS: In groups 2 and 3, plasma concentration of magnesium were significantly higher than group 1 after 6 and 20 hours after infusion. There were no significant differences in the pain, mood, cumulative analgesic comsumption, and recovery of pulmonary function and the incidence of side effects at 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the operation among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that intravenous infusion of magnesium is not effective in reducing postoperative pain.
Double-Blind Method ; Gastrectomy* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Magnesium Sulfate* ; Magnesium* ; N-Methylaspartate ; Pain, Postoperative* ; Plasma ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; Visual Analog Scale

The circulatory stimulation accompanying laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation and its attendant potential hazards are well recognized. This study was perfomed to compare cardiovascular effects of rapid sequence induction with slow induction during induction of anesthesia and following tracheal intubation with laryngoscope. Eighty six adult patients ASA class I or II, ages 20-55, with no previous history of hypertension and pulmonary diseases that undergoing elective surgery requiring intubation, were admitted to the study. These patients were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1. Rapid sequence induction (n=20) Group 2. Slow induction for 7min. (n=20) Group 3. Slow induction for 10min. (n=21) Group 4. Slow induction for 15min. (n=25) Anesthesia was induced with lidocaine 1.5mg/kg and thiopental sodium 5mg/kg i.v. in a rapid sequence induction in group 1. Tracheal intubation with laryngoscope was facilitated with succinylcholine chloride 1mg/kg iv. Thereafter 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen, 2.0 vol% enflurane, and vecuronium bromide 0.1mg/kg was administered. Group 2, 3, 4 patients received thiopental sodium 5mg/kg iv, vecuronium bromide 0.1mg/kg iv, 2.0 vol% enflurane and 5096 nitrous oxide in oxygen with mask ventilation for 7 min, 10 min and 15 min before intubation with laryngoscope, respectively. After tracheal intubation inhalation of the anesthetic gases were administered. Blood pressure and heart rate measurements and electrocardiography were obtained throughout the study period. Slow induction (Group 2, 3, 4) significantly blunted the increase in heart rate and blood pressure caused by laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation than rapid sequence induction (group 1). Less unwanted effects were observed in group 2 and 3. Therefore, the author suggests that 7-10 minute of slow induction with volatile anesthetics following thiopental sodium injection is more effective in attenuating cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation and laryngoscopy.
Adult ; Anesthesia ; Anesthetics ; Anesthetics, Inhalation ; Blood Pressure ; Electrocardiography ; Enflurane ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Inhalation ; Intubation ; Intubation, Intratracheal ; Laryngoscopes ; Laryngoscopy ; Lidocaine ; Lung Diseases ; Masks ; Nitrous Oxide ; Oxygen ; Succinylcholine ; Thiopental ; Vecuronium Bromide ; Ventilation

BACKGROUND: Recently, functional direct cortical stimulation mapping is frequently used during craniotomy for the surgery of brain pathology (tumors, epileptic foci etc.) within or close to the central motor area. We reviewed and analyzed our experiences to evaluate the safety and efficacy of our hospital's anesthetic management regimens. METHODS: We used three anesthetic regimens (isoflurane fentanyl; propofol fentanyl; awake craniotomy, conscious sedation analgesia) in 44 patients. We evaluated the success ratio of mapping and the incidence of intraoperative problems (seizures, changes in vital signs etc) in each regimens. RESULTS: In awake craniotomy group, functional mapping is performed successfully in all patients but there were some intraoperative problems (hypertension; 3 in 11 patients, hypercapnia; 3 in 11 patients, change to general anesthesia required; 1 in 12 patients). In general anesthesia groups, there were no significant differences between isoflurane treated patients and propofol treated patients in the success ratio of mapping (17/20 vs 11/12) and the incidence of intraoperative problems (seizure; 3/20 vs 1/12, hypertension; 2/20 vs 1/12). CONCLUSION: This results suggest that the anesthetic management regimens used in our hospital provide suitable conditions for craniotomies when brain mapping is required.
Anesthesia, General ; Brain Diseases ; Brain Mapping ; Conscious Sedation ; Craniotomy* ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Hypercapnia ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Isoflurane ; Propofol ; Vital Signs

BACKGROUND: Postoperative myalgia after administration of succinylcholine is a frequent complication after surgery. This study was designed to determine whether there was any association between postoperative myalgia and muscle relaxants. METHODS: Sixty patients were assigned to three groups of equal size. Group 1, the patients received succinylcholine, 1.0 mg/kg for tracheal intubation. Group 2, received pancuronium 0.01 mg/kg, 4 minutes before administration of succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg. Group 3, received pancuronium 0.01 mg/kg, 4 minutes before administration of pancuronium 0.09 mg/kg. Blood samples for determination of serum potassium concentration were taken before the induction of anesthesia and 3 minutes after tracheal intubation. The incidence and severity of muscle fasciculation and myalgia were assessed in a double-blind manner. RESULTS: Serum potassium concentration was significantly increased in group 1. In group 2, incidence and severity of muscle fasciculation were significantly less than groups 1. Postoperative myalgia was significantly less in group 3 when compared with group 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant correlation between succinylcholine induced fasciculation and postoperative myalgia. Pretreatment with pancuronium decreased the incidence of fasciculation and the changes of serum potassium concentration by succinylcholine, but has little effects on the succinylcholine induced postoperative myalgia.
Anesthesia ; Fasciculation ; Humans ; Incidence ; Intubation ; Myalgia* ; Pancuronium* ; Potassium ; Succinylcholine*