Is postoperative arteriovenous fistula still a concern after en bloc stapling of the renal hilum during laparoscopic nephrectomy?

Purpose: To report our experience with en bloc stapling of the renal hilum during laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) and nephroureterectomy and to compare it with separate stapling performed during the same period at the same institution.

Patients And Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 125 laparoscopic nephrectomies and nephroureterectomies performed between November 2003 and September 2006 for benign and malignant conditions. The main outcome was assessment of complications, with special emphasis on postoperative arteriovenous fistula.

Preservation of static and dynamic cerebral autoregulation after mild hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background: Dysfunction of cerebral autoregulation might contribute to neurological morbidity after cardiac surgery. In this study, our aim was to assess the preservation of cerebral autoregulation after cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods: Dynamic and static components of cerebral autoregulation were evaluated in 12 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, anaesthetized with midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol, and using mild hypothermic CPB (31-33 degrees C).

Does intraoperative fluid management in spine surgery predict intensive care unit length of stay?

Study Objective: To determine whether intraoperative fluid management in spine surgery predicts postoperative intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS).

Design: Retrospective case series.

Setting: University-affiliated medical center.

Anesthesia for magnetic resonance guided neurosurgery: initial experience with a new open magnetic resonance imaging system.

The authors present their initial experience with a compact open magnetic resonance (MR) image-guided system, (PoleStar N-10, Odin Medical Technologies, Yokneam, Israel) used in a standard operating room, modified for radio frequency (RF) shielding. The low intensity of the magnetic field (0.12T), and the ability to lower the magnet from the operative field during surgery allows for an almost routine surgical procedure, in addition to the benefits of using intraoperative MR imaging.