Postoperative Problem (postoperative + problem)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Surgical Ablation of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation by Means of Maze Radiofrequency:

JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 5 2004
Mid-Term Results
We report our experience with a biatrial pattern of lesions based on the use of epicardial and endocardial radiofrequency ablation in an effort to minimize maze procedure. Method: In 85 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for established permanent atrial fibrillation (>3 months), a biauricular pattern of epicardic,endocardic maze lesions was performed. The main surgical procedures were diverse: 42 mitral valve surgeries, 7 mitrotricuspid valves, 18 mitroaortics, 4 mitroaortic and tricuspids, 2 aortic valves, 3 CABGs, 5 CABG and valve procedures, and 4 atrial septal defects. The mean age of the patients was 61 ± 12 (range 39,78). The mean duration of atrial fibrillation was 5.8 years (range 0.3 to 24). Results: Sixty-two (72.9%) patients presented postoperative supraventricular arrhythmia. Hospital mortality was seen in five patients (5.8%). Two patients died after a 12-month mean follow-up (range 2 to 32). A total of 14.1% of patients remained with their previous atrial fibrillation and 85.9% recovered and maintained sinus rhythm, with two patients having a permanent pacemaker. A total of 56% patients have been followed-up for a period of more than 6 months, and among them prevalence of sinus rhythm is 87.5%. Echocardiography detected biauricular contraction in 65% of them. After analyzing the data, factors involved in postoperative recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency surgery were oldness of the atrial fibrillation (p < 0.01) and pre and postoperative left auricle volume (p < 0.04). Conclusion: Intraoperative radiofrequency has permitted us to perform the maze procedure in a simple way, with a low surgical morbid-mortality. We have obtained an 85.9% electrographic effectiveness and a 65% recovery of atrial contraction. Postoperative incidence of arrhythmia is the main postoperative problem. [source]


Detecting postoperative urinary retention with an ultrasound scanner

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2002
L. A. Rosseland
Background: Retention of urine is a common postoperative problem associated with risk of overdistention and permanent detrusor damage. Prevention of urinary retention by insertion of indwelling catheter may increase the risk of urinary infection. We have performed a reliability test of an ultrasound scanner, implemented in the postoperative monitoring equipment. Methods: Patients were monitored after different types of surgery under spinal anesthesia with an ultrasound scanner in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Patients: Patients who according to current guidelines required a urinary bladder catheter, were scanned before a catheter was inserted and urine volume was measured. These two urine volumes were compared and analyzed for agreement. Results: Nineteen female and 17 male patients were included. The mean difference between ultrasound estimates and catheter urine volume measurements was ,,21.5 mL, and limits of agreement, calculated as a 95% confidence interval, were ,,147 and +,104 mL. This means that the urine volume estimated by ultrasound was on average 21.5 mL smaller than the urine volume when the bladder was emptied. Conclusion: This study confirms a good agreement between the ultrasound scanner estimates of urinary bladder volume and urine volume measured after emptying the bladder. Nurses in the PACU could operate the ultrasound scanner after a brief instruction and training period. Considering the potentially serious long-term consequences of undiagnosed postoperative urinary retention, introducing this equipment for routine monitoring of urinary bladder volume should be considered. [source]


The Use of Acellular Dermis in the Prevention of Frey's Syndrome

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 11 2001
Satish Govindaraj MD
Abstract Educational Objective At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant should be able to discuss the indications and advantages of using acellular dermis in the prevention of post-parotidectomy gustatory sweating (Frey's Syndrome). Introduction Gustatory sweating is a common postoperative problem and a challenge to treat. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of acellular dermis in preventing post-parotidectomy gustatory sweating. Methods Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group I consisted of 32 patients who underwent a superficial lobe parotidectomy. Group II consisted of 32 patients who underwent a superficial lobe parotidectomy and underwent intraoperative placement of acellular dermis within the parotid bed, between the skin flap and the remaining parotid tissue. The implanted volume of acellular dermis was determined by the amount required to aesthetically restore lateral facial contour. All 64 patients were evaluated for gustatory sweating by identical phone and mail questionnaires. Thirty randomly chosen patients (group I = 15, group II = 15) were evaluated using a modified Minor's Starch-Iodine Test (MSIT). In all 30 patients, the MSIT was administered to both sides of the face. Results The responses to questionnaires (N = 64) demonstrated the subjective presence of gustatory sweating in 3 of 32 patients (9.3%) in group I, whereas group II demonstrated a subjective incidence in 1 of 32 patients (3.1%). The objective incidence determined by those who underwent the MSIT (n = 30) revealed a 40% (6) and 0% incidence of Frey's Syndrome in groups I and II, respectively. The complication rate in group I was 9% (3 seromas) and in group II it was 25% (7 seromas and 1 wound infection). Conclusions Acellular dermis appears to be an effective method for preventing post-parotidectomy gustatory sweating, despite its higher complication rate. [source]


Latex allergy , potentially a painful postoperative problem

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2000
L. J. E. Harding
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


Effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on hepatic regeneration after 70% hepatectomy in normal and cirrhotic rats

HPB, Issue 2 2002
A Ero
Background Post-hepatectomy liver insufficiency is one of the most serious postoperative problems and its prevention is important after major hepatic resection, especially in the cirrhotic liver. Some growth factors and cytokines appear to play important roles in liver regeneration. In the present study we have investigated the effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on hepatic regeneration after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic rats. Methods A rat model of liver cirrhosis was prepared using thioacetamide (TAA) (a dose of 20 mg/100 g body w, intraperitoneally) on three days a week for 12 weeks. Adult male rats were divided into four groups:Group 1 (n = 10) no cirrhosis and no GM-CSF; Group 2 (n = 10) no cirrhosis and GM-CSF; Group 3 (n = 10) cirrhosis and no GM-CSF; and Group 4 (n = 10) cirrhosis and GM-CSF. All the rats underwent a 70% hepatectomy, and GM-CSF was administrated immediately after operation in Groups 2 and 4. On postoperative days 2 and 7, fresh samples from the remnant liver were obtained to evaluate its regenerative capacity. The liver regenerative process was estimated by DNA synthesis, using flow cytometry. Results Proliferation index (PI) of hepatocytes at 48 h was higher in Group 4 rats than Group 3 rats (p < 0.05). On post-operative day 7, PI was elevated in Group 3 rats compared with Group 4 rats, but this difference was not statistically significant. In non-cirrhotic rats given GM-CSF, PI was increased compared with Group 1 rats at day 2 (p < 0.05), but not at day 7. Conclusions The findings suggest that the proliferative capacity of liver cells is impaired and delayed after 70% PH in cirrhotic rat liver. GM-CSF administration might enhance the liver PI in both normal and TAA-induced cirrhotic rats. [source]


Sedation with ketamine and low-dose midazolam for short-term procedures requiring pharyngeal manipulation in young children

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 1 2008
HELENA NOVAK MD
Summary Background:, Pediatric intestinal biopsy procedures including considerable transpharyngeal manipulation of a wire-guided metal capsule require adequate sedation or anesthesia. This retrospective cohort study was designed to evaluate intravenous sedation with ketamine and low-dose midazolam in young children undergoing these procedures before and also after discharge from the hospital. Methods:, A total of 244 biopsy procedures in 217 children under the age of 16 years were evaluated. All anesthesia records were reviewed according to a defined study protocol and in 145 cases the parents were also interviewed by telephone to obtain further information on possible adverse effects before and after discharge. Results:, Ketamine and low-dose midazolam were carefully titrated by an experienced anesthesia team at an approximate dose ratio of 40 : 1 (total doses 2.3 and 0.05 mg·kg,1) in continuously monitored spontaneously breathing children. Possibly associated problems before discharge were salivation (5.7%), vomiting (4.9%), oxygen desaturation (3.3%), laryngospasm (2.5%) and rash (1.2%) according to the patient records and blurred vision (27%), nausea and vomiting (19%), vertigo (13%) and hallucinations or nightmares (3.5%) according to telephone interviews. Few, mild and transient problems remained after discharge from the hospital. Conclusions:, Careful titration of ketamine and low-dose midazolam provides adequate sedation for nonsurgical pediatric short-term procedures also requiring considerable pharyngeal manipulation, particularly considering the low number of serious airway problems such as laryngospasm. The high incidence of late postoperative problems suggests that prospective studies should be designed for long-term follow-up of young children subjected to sedation or anesthesia. [source]