No abstract

PurposeThe infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (iPACK) has been described to provide analgesia without loss of muscle strength and is effective in functional recovery. This study compared iPACK + ACB (adductor canal block) with PAI (periarticular infiltration) + ACB and ACB alone in terms of postoperative analgesia and functional improvement. Methods This double-blinded randomized controlled trial included 105 patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Patients received ACB, iPACK + ACB, and PAI + ACB along with spinal anesthesia. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) numeric rating scale (NRS) at 48 h. Secondary outcomes were cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption within 48 h, timed up-and-go test, range of motion, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. ResultsThe 48-h AUC movement NRS score in the iPACK + ACB group was significantly lower than in the PAI + ACB and ACB groups (p < 0.05). At the postoperative 48th h, the opioid consumption of the iPACK + ACB group was lower than those of the ACB and PAI + ACB groups (p < 0.001). The patients in the iPACK + ACB group had significantly shorter discharge and mobilization days than the ACB and PAI + ACB groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions The adding of an iPACK block to the ACB improves postoperative analgesia and reduces opioid consumption. In addition, this approach improves functional performance and reduces hospital stay.

Airway management of children with congenital craniofacial anomalies is a challenge for paediatric anaesthesiologists. We do not have any video-assisted airway device in our department for difficult paediatric intubations. We decided to attach a regular fiberoptic (outer diameter; 3.7 mm, Karl Storz, Germany) scope to a conventional Macintosh Laryngoscope (size 1). We describe two cases of Pierre Robin and Patau's (Trisomy 13) syndrome successfully intubated with a fiberoptic-assisted laryngoscope (FOL). A fiberoptic scope and any size of a laryngoscope blade can be easily assembled in the operating room. The FOL may be a useful device in the setting of difficult paediatric intubation.

Objective: The COVID-19 disease has become a new cause of anxiety for pregnant women regarding caesarean sections. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anaesthesia preferences of pregnant women who preferred general anaesthesia in their previous caesarean sections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 140 pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 45, who had undergone elective caesarean section under general anaesthesia, were included in the study. Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory were applied. The primary cause of anxiety and anaesthesia preference was asked and recorded. Results: It was found that 50.7% (71/140) of the pregnant women who preferred general anaesthesia in their previous caesarean sections preferred regional anaesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also found that patients with primary anxiety because of COVID-19 contagion preferred regional anaesthesia more (36/55), and the primary reason for anxiety in these patients was COVID-19 contamination anxiety (36/71). Conclusions: Informing the patients about the pandemic precautions in the surgery room and in the hospital during the pandemic, as well as routine information in the preoperative anaesthesia appointment, may be effective in the choice of regional anaesthesia, which is considered to have a low risk of transmission.

No abstract