A pilot study to compare epidural identification and catheterization using a saline-filled syringe versus a continuous hydrostatic pressure system.

We are introducing a new continuous hydrostatic pressure system for identification and catheterization of epidural space in adults. One hundred and eight patients scheduled for elective endoscopic urological procedures were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. They were assigned to perform loss of resistance epidural technique by either the conventional saline-filled syringe (group C) or the new pressure technique (group P).

Perioperative effects of various anesthetic adjuvants with TIVA guided by bispectral index.

Background: This prospective, randomized, double blinded, controlled study was designed to compare effects of intravenous co-administration of clonidine, magnesium, or ketamine on anesthetic consumption, intraoperative hemodynamics, postoperative analgesia and recovery indices during Bispectral Index (BIS) guided total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA).

Methods: After ethical committee approval and written informed consent, 120 adult patients ASA I and II scheduled for open cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to one of 4 equal groups. Group CL received clonidine 3 µg/kg and maintained by 2 µg/kg/h.

In vivo effects of different anesthetic agents on apoptosis.

Background: This study was designed to measure in vivo effects of propofol, isoflurane and sevoflurane on apoptosis by measuring caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) blood level as apoptotic markers.

Methods: After obtaining ethical committee approval and informed written consents, sixty adult patients ASA I scheduled for open cholecystectomy participated in this study. They were randomally allocated into one of three equal groups to receive propofol infusion, low-flow isoflurane or sevoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia.