Background: The aim of this post hoc analysis of a large cohort study was to evaluate the association between night-time surgery and the occurrence of intraoperative adverse events (AEs) and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Methods: LAS VEGAS (Local Assessment of Ventilatory Management During General Anesthesia for Surgery) was a prospective international 1-week study that enrolled adult patients undergoing surgical procedures with general anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation in 146 hospitals across 29 countries. Surgeries were defined as occurring during 'daytime' when induction of anaesthesia was between 8:00 AM and 7:59 PM, and as 'night-time' when induction was between 8:00 PM and 7:59 AM. Results: Of 9861 included patients, 555 (5.6%) underwent surgery during night-time. The proportion of patients who developed intraoperative AEs was higher during night-time surgery in unmatched (43.6% vs 34.1%; P<0.001) and propensity-matched analyses (43.7% vs 36.8%; P¼0.029). PPCs also occurred more often in patients who underwent night-time surgery (14% vs 10%; P¼0.004) in an unmatched cohort analysis, although not in a propensity-matched analysis (13.8% vs 11.8%; P¼0.39). In a multivariable regression model, including patient characteristics and types of surgery and anaesthesia, night-time surgery was independently associated with a higher incidence of intraoperative AEs (odds ratio: 1.44; 95% confidence interval: 1.09e1.90; P¼0.01), but not with a higher incidence of PPCs (odds ratio: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 0.89e1.90; P¼0.15). Conclusions: Intraoperative adverse events and postoperative pulmonary complications occurred more often in patients undergoing night-time surgery. Imbalances in patients' clinical characteristics, types of surgery, and intraoperative management at night-time partially explained the higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, but not the higher incidence of adverse events. Clinical trial registration: NCT01601223.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the level of oxidative stress before and after breast cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was tested using a thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay based on the release of a color complex due to TBA reaction with MDA. The glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was evaluated by enzymatic conjugation of reduced glutathione (GSH) with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. The level of total glutathione (reduced GSH and oxidized GSSG) was detected using a recycling system by 5,5-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). The levels of the indices were determined in the serum of 52 patients before surgery, two hours and five days after surgery, and in 42 healthy women. Results: In the patients over 50 years old the level of MDA was higher after surgery in comparison with before surgery, and GST activity was lower in comparison with the control. The GSH + GSSG level in both ages groups after surgery was lower than in the control. Significant differences of MDA level were detected in patients with stage III after surgery compared to the control. The level of GSH + GSSG was significantly lower in the patients with I-III stages compared to the control. Conclusion: The most expressed changes demonstrate the significance of MDA as a marker to evaluate oxidative stress in breast cancer patients. The degree of oxidative stress depends on the patient's age and stage of disease. (1) Malondialdehyde can be used as an oxidative stress marker; (2) A higher stage of the disease and older age correspond to a higher rise of malondialdehyde, suggesting more intensive oxidative stress.

The incidence of PONV in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under spinal anaesthesia with i.v. PCA morphine is very high (88.2%). Antiemetic prophylaxis with ondansetron is highly recommended in this patients group resulting in a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting, and significantly improves patient' satisfaction and life quality in the early postoperative period.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used as a clarifying technique after a high-resolution ultrasound examination during pregnancy. Combining ultrasound with MRI, additional diagnostic information is obtained or ultrasound diagnosis is frequently corrected. High spatial resolution provides accurate radiological imaging of internal organs and widens possibilities for detecting perinatal development disorders. The safety of MRI and the use of intravenous contrast agent gadolinium are discussed in this article. There is no currently available evidence that MRI is harmful to the fetus, although not enough research has been carried out to prove enduring safety. MRI should be performed when the benefit outweighs the potential side effects. The narrative review includes several clinical cases of fetal MRI performed in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics.

Background: At the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reduced admissions for cerebrovascular events were identified, but acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) has remained one of the leading causes of death and disability for many years. The aim of this article is to review current literature data for multidisciplinary team (MDT) coordination, rational management of resources and facilities, ensuring timely medical care for large vessel occlusion (LVO) AIS patients requiring endovascular treatment during the pandemic. Methods: A detailed literature search was performed in Google Scholar and PubMed databases using these keywords and their combinations: acute ischaemic stroke, emergency, anaesthesia, airway management, mechanical thrombectomy, endovascular treatment, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), COVID-19. Published studies and guidelines from inception to April 2021 were screened. The following nonsystematic review is based on a comprehensive literature search of available data, wherein 59 were chosen for detailed analysis. Results: The pandemic has an impact on every aspect of AIS care, including prethrombectomy, intraprocedural and post-thrombectomy issues. Main challenges include institutional preparedness, increased number of AIS patients with multiorgan involvement, different work coordination principles and considerations about preferred anaesthetic technique. Care of these patients is led by MDT and nonoperating room anaesthesia (NORA) principles are applied. Conclusions: Adequate management of AIS patients requiring mechanical thrombectomy during the pandemic is of paramount importance to maximise the benefit of the endovascular procedure. MDT work and familiarity with NORA principles decrease the negative impact of the disease on the clinical outcomes for AIS patients.

Background. These are primary results of a randomized double-blinded study comparing postoperative changes in cognitive functions and the effect of desflurane and sevoflurane on these changes.Materials and methods. The study includes patients of ≥40 years of age undergoing elective thyroid surgery under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to either sevoflurane or desflurane group. Cognitive testing (memory, attention, and reasoning tasks) was performed a day before surgery and repeated 24 hours postoperatively. A decrease of 20% in the postoperative score was considered as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).Results. At present 38 patients are included in the study. Median decrease in the postoperative score was 2.7% (IQR 16.7). The incidence of POCD was 2.6%. Significantly decreased memory scores were observed in 15.8% of patients. Both study groups were comparable based on demography, duration of anaesthesia, intraoperative opioids, postoperative pain, and satisfaction. No difference was found in the cognitive score comparing sevoflurane and desflurane groups, except for memory tasks where the sevoflurane group performed worse (p = 0.01).The age or the duration of anaesthesia did not affect postoperative scores. Postoperative satisfaction negatively correlated with the memory score (r = -0.35, p = 0.03). Postoperative satisfaction correlated with the reasoning score (r = -0.55; p < 0.01) and the total score (r = -0.42; p = 0.03) in the sevoflurane group. Likewise, temperature in the sevoflurane group correlated with the memory score (r = -0.58; p = 0.02).Conclusions. The desflurane group performs better in memory tasks, but no such advantage is found in the total cognitive score. In contrast to the age or anaesthesia duration, intraoperative temperature and postoperative satisfaction may affect postoperative cognitive performance.

Background. The surgicalstressinduced release of hormones, such as ca techolamines (norepinephrine and epinephrine), adrenocorticotropic hor mone (ACTH), and cortisol, via the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamicpituitaryadrenal axis (HPA) mediates inhibitory effects on immune functions. Pain management may influence the immune response in the postoperative period. The goal of the present study was to examine to what extent postoperative pain management modulates the surgeryinduced alterations of the immune response, specifically, interleukin6, cortisol and C reactive protein (CRP); to compare effects of two pain management tech niques, based on NSAID and continuouos epidural infusion of a local anaes thetic and morphine mixture.Materials and methods. Local Bioethics Committee's approval was re ceived, patients ASA I-III scheduled for laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) were randomised to receive general anesthesia (GA, N = 27) or combined ge neral anesthesia with epidural analgesia (EA, N = 26). Anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl and atracurium and maintained with sevoflurane. The EA group received the first dose of 3 mg epidural morphine with 0.25-0.125% bupivacaine mixture 20-30 min before surgery and continuous epidural infu sion of bupivacaine 0.25% and 5 mg of a morphine mixture for postopera tive analgesia. The GA group received intravenuous fentanyl and morphine during surgery, and NSAID for postoperative pain management. There were 5 cases when laparoscopy was converted to open surgery due to surgery find ings, these cases made the thirdconversion group (CG) with further mainte nance intended analgesia type. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) after anaesthesia and 24 hours later. Venous blood samples for cortisol and interleukin6 were taken preoperatively before induction of ana esthesia (baseline), after surgery and 24 hours after baseline. Venuous blood samples for CRP were checked after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 days after surgery. Collected data were stored in the data base and were analysed using SPSS for Windows Version 19.0. The data were analysed using the MannWhitney U test and Stu dent's t test for comparison of 2 groups and ANOVA for comparison of more than two groups. The Bonferroni adjustment was used to detect pairwise dif ferences between the groups. The Chisquare test was used to determine dif ferences between categorical variables. Differences between the groups were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. 245Impact of anesthesia method on cortisol and interleukin6 concentration changes during... Results and discussion.There were statistically significant differences be tween the groups in pain score after surgery (p < 0.001) and 24 hours later (p < 0.000) and in bowel motility after anaesthesia (p < 0.001). In EA group bowel motility was observed in 96.2% of patients after surgery and lasted more than 24 hours despite of infusion of local anesthetic mixture with morphine. In the GA group only in 55.6% of cases bowel motility was observed after...

Background. Sufficient preoxygenation prevents arterial oxygen desaturation prior to intubation. An optimally sealed facemask is necessary for fast preoxygenation. The study was aimed at comparing the efficiency of preoxygenation using two different face masks. Materials and methods. In 2018, a prospective study was conducted. Patients were classified into two groups: group A – Intersurgical Economy face masks, group B – Intersurgical QuadraLite masks. The circuit was flushed with 100% O2 for 30s, preoxygenation started with flow of 8l/min, FiO2100. The patients were asked to breathe deeply. Fentanyl (1–2 mcg/kg) was administered to increase mask toleration. End-tidal oxygen concentration (EtO2) ≥90% was the goal. EtO2 was monitored after 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 210, 240, 270 and 300 seconds. Data was analyzed using the Independent-Samples T-test and the Mann-Whitney-U test. Results. Twelve patients were enrolled in group A and 19 in group B. Differences in sex, age, BMI and Mallampati class in the groups were statistically insignificant (p = 0.13, 0.39, 0.65, 0.43 respectively). Patients assigned to ASA I – 25.8% (n = 8–>2/6), ASA II – 71.0% (n = 22–>10/12), ASA III – 3.2% (n = 1–>0/1), p = 0.64. The success rate of preoxygenation to EtO290 within 5 min was statistically significantly different in the groups, with 33.3% in group A and 94.7% in group B (p < 0.01). Mean time to EtO290 was 228.3 ± 104.0/164.4 ± 84.3. Mean EtO2 after: 30s – 56.0 ± 13.5/69.3 ± 11.2 (p < 0.01); 60s – 63.8 ± 15.3/76.1 ± 11.7 (p = 0.02), 90s – 67.8 ± 17.7/80.7 ± 10.1 (p = 0.03); 120s– 69.6 ± 18.2/83.4 ± 10.0 (p = 0.03), 150s–71.1 ± 19.0/87.1 ± 6.5 (p = 0.01); 180s – 72.9 ± 16.8/88.5 ± 5.3 (p = 0.01), 210s – 72.6 ± 18.0/89.2 ± 5.1 (p < 0.01); 240s – 74.17 ± 15.4/90.0 ± 4.3 (p < 0.01), 270s-76.3 ± 16.3/90.2 ± 3.6; 300s – 77.8 ± 14.6/90.2 ± 1.5 (p < 0.01). Conclusions. Preoxygenation was significantly more efficient and faster with Intersurgical QuadraLite face masks.