Evaluation of the effects of dexmedetomidine infusion on oxygenation and lung mechanics in morbidly obese patients with restrictive lung disease.

Background: Dexmedetomidine infusion improves oxygenation and lung mechanics in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease; however, its effect in patients with restrictive lung disease has not been thoroughly investigated yet. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine infusion on oxygenation and lung mechanics in morbidly obese patients with restrictive lung disease.

Methods: Forty-two morbidly obese patients scheduled for bariatric surgery were included in the study.

Preprocedural ultrasound examination versus manual palpation for thoracic epidural catheter insertion.

Background And Aims: Ultrasound imaging before neuraxial blocks was reported to improve the ease of insertion and minimize the traumatic trials. However, the data about the use of ultrasound in thoracic epidural block are scanty. In this study, pre-insertion ultrasound scanning was compared to traditional manual palpation technique for insertion of the thoracic epidural catheter in abdominal operations.