Propofol anaesthesia caused less suppression of the cortical SSEP, with better preservation of SSEP amplitude, and less variability at an equivalent depth of anaesthesia.

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This clinical study compared induction time, consumed anaesthetic dose, and haemodynamic and recovery profiles when using a new type of multifunctional anaesthesia machine (Zeus) in semi-closed or closed circuit modes. Sixty female patients undergoing gynaecological surgery were randomly assigned to three groups and received desflurane anaesthesia through a semi-closed circuit (SCC) at fresh gas flow rates of 4 l/min (SCC 4 l/min) or 2 l/min (SCC 2 l/min), or through a closed circuit (CC). Anaesthesia was maintained at the minimum alveolar concentration for blocking the adrenergic response to painful stimulus (MAC(BAR)) (4.6% end-tidal desflurane) during each operation. The time required to reach MAC(BAR) was significantly shorter and the dose of desflurane was significantly smaller in the CC group compared with the other groups. There were no differences in haemodynamic and recovery profiles between the groups. It is concluded that the CC mode allowed a faster and more reliable induction, lower anaesthetic consumption and stable haemodynamic and recovery profiles.

Objective This study was performed to compare two different shapes of stylets, 60° and J-shaped stylets, for intubation using the McGrath MAC® video laryngoscope (MVL). Methods Two hundred twenty-two patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to Group J (n = 111) or Group 60° (n = 111) and intubated using the MVL with the stylet bent into the allocated shape. The time to intubation (TTI) and other intubating profiles were compared between the groups. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between factors related to difficult intubation and TTI. Results The TTI was not different between the two groups. There were also no differences in the intubating profiles between the two groups. In both groups, the TTI was longer with a modified Mallampati score (mMS) of ≥3 and percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score of <50. In Group J, the TTI was longer with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2. Conclusion The TTI during tracheal intubation with the MVL was not different between the two groups. The TTI was longer with an mMS of ≥3 and POGO score of <50. In Group J, the TTI was longer with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2.

Background During transoral robot‐assisted thyroidectomy, there is a risk of increasing intracranial pressure because the site of CO2 insufflation is narrow and close to the brain. Methods We analyzed the pre‐ to post‐CO2 neck insufflation change in the optic nerve sheath diameter during transoral robot‐assisted thyroidectomy. Changes in vital‐signs, airway pressure, and arterial carbon dioxide pressure were analyzed along with postoperative complications. Results Among the 30 participants, the post‐CO2 inflation mean optic nerve sheath diameter (5.64 ± 0.54 mm) was higher than the pre‐induction diameter (4.81 ± 0.37 mm) with a mean difference of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.69–0.97; p < 0.001), but returned to baseline after CO2 deflation in most cases. One participant had sustained increased optic nerve sheath diameter (6.35 mm) associated with severe new‐onset postoperative headache. Conclusion Transient elevation in the intracranial pressure during low‐pressure CO2 neck insufflation in the transoral robot‐assisted thyroidectomy did not appear to adversely affect patients.