Exploring the effects of post operative hyperoxic intermittent stimuli on reticulocyte levels in cancer patients: a randomized controlled study.

Background: Anemia is common among hospitalized critically ill and surgical oncological patients. The rising incidence of cancer and aggressive treatments has increased the demand for blood products, further strained by a dwindling donor pool. The normobaric oxygen paradox (NOP) has emerged as a potential avenue to increase EPO levels.

Physiological and Clinical Impact of Repeated Inhaled Oxygen Variation on Erythropoietin Levels in Patients After Surgery.

The "Normobaric Oxygen Paradox" (NOP) is a physiologic mechanism that induces an increase of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) production by creating a state of relative hypoxia in subjects previously exposed to hyperoxia, followed by a rapid return to normoxia. Oxygen exposure duration and inspired oxygen fraction required to observe a significant increase in EPO or hemoglobin are not clearly defined. Consequently, we here study the effect of one model of relative hypoxia on EPO, reticulocytes and hemoglobin stimulation in patients after surgery.

Potential Benefit of Intra-operative Administration of Ketorolac on Breast Cancer Recurrence According to the Patient's Body Mass Index.

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are currently used in some countries as analgesics in primary cancer surgery. Retrospective studies suggest that NSAIDs could reduce breast cancer recurrences. Because NSAIDs also act on biological mechanisms present in patients with increased adiposity, we aimed at assessing whether the intra-operative administration of ketorolac or diclofenac would be associated with a reduction of recurrence in patients with elevated body mass index (BMI).

Single-access transumbilical laparoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy using new curved reusable instruments: a pilot feasibility study.

Background: The umbilicus can be considered as the embryological opening for single-access laparoscopic procedures. We report on single-access transumbilical laparoscopic appendectomy (SATLA) and cholecystectomy (SATLC), performed using new curved reusable instruments.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of 30 patients who underwent SATLA and 20 patients who underwent SATLC between May and November 2009 was undertaken.

Ultrasound-guided block of the brachial plexus at the humeral canal.

Purpose: Conduction block of the brachial plexus block at the humeral canal, as described by Dupre, has certain clinical indications. The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the feasibility of this technique under ultrasound guidance.

Methods: After ultrasound evaluation of the brachial plexus at the humeral canal in 61 adult volunteers, we performed ultrasound-guided blocks in another 20 adult patients.

Expression of adenosine A 2A receptors in the rat lumbar spinal cord and implications in the modulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor currents.

Background: The presence of A(2A) receptors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord remains controversial. At this level, activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors induces wind-up, which is clinically expressed as hyperalgesia. Inhibition of NMDA receptor currents after activation of A(2A) receptors has been shown in rat neostriatal neurons.

Effects of remifentanil on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor: an electrophysiologic study in rat spinal cord.

Background: Remifentanil hydrochloride contained in Ultiva (GlaxoSmithKline, Genval, Belgium) has been incriminated in difficult postoperative pain management, promotion of hyperalgesia, and direct N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation, but the involved mechanisms have remained unclear. In the current study, the authors investigated the effects of remifentanil hydrochloride, with and without its vehicle, glycine, on the activation of NMDA receptors and the modulation of NMDA-induced current on neurons inside the lamina II from the dorsal horn of rat spinal cord.

Methods: To test these effects, whole cell patch clamp recordings were conducted on acute rat lumbar spinal cord slices.

The anesthetic management of a case of tracheal necrosis.

A 63-yr-old female patient developed a tracheal necrosis after esophageal resection with gastric interposition. We report the anesthetic management of this patient undergoing tracheal repair focusing on an original airway management and ventilation strategy.

The radial nerve should be blocked before the ulnar nerve during a brachial plexus block at the humeral canal.

Purpose: The brachial plexus block through the humeral canal as described by Dupré is indicated in hand and forearm surgery. This block requires a multi-stimulation technique that emphasizes the necessity of a rigorous and safe technique. Nerve injury associated with regional anesthesia can entail significant morbidity for patients.