Introduction and Objectives: The intensive care unit (ICU) is an uncomfortable and stressful environment for patients. The use of adequate sedation and analgesia is important to reduce stress to patients. The aim of this study was to compare a relatively new sedative agent, dexmedetomidine to current sedative agent used, propofol in the provision of sedation and analgesia, their effects on haemodynamic and respiratory parameters and cost involved on post open heart surgery patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized single-blinded trial was conducted on post open heart surgery patients in the ICU of the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Thirty two patients were randomized to dexmedetomidine or propofol groups. Analgesic requirement, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters, and extubation time were measured and compared. Mean rate of infusion to achieve adequate sedation were used to calculate the cost involved in the use of these two agents. Results: Patients sedated with dexmedetomidine required significantly lower dose of morphine compared to propofol [mean (sd): 12.80 (2.61) versus 15.86 (1.87) mg/kg/min, p=0.00]. Mean heart rate was also significantly lower in dexmedetomidine group compared to propofol group [mean (CI): 74.48 (70.38,78.59) versus 83.85 (79.61,88.09) per minutes, p=0.00]. However there were no significant differences in the other parameters between the two groups. Cost involved the use of dexmedetomidine was slightly higher compared to propofol (RM 9.57 versus RM8.94 per hour). Discussion and Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine is comparable to propofol in the provision of sedation, and its effect on haemodynamic and respiratory parameters. However it has added advantages in the provision of analgesia, and caused a significant reduction in heart rate. This is beneficial in these patients by reducing myocardial oxygen demand, and hence subsequent ischaemia and infarction. However, further larger studies are needed to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on perioperative cardiac morbidity and mortality.
We report a case of a 59 year old man who developed venous air embolism (VAE) during an elective craniotomy for parasagittal meningioma resection. The surgery was done in the supine position with slightly elevated head position. VAE was provisionally diagnosed by sudden decreased in the end tidal carbon dioxide pressure from 34 to 18 mmHg, followed by marked hypotension and atrial fibrillation. Prompt central venous blood aspiration, aggressive resuscitation and inotropic support managed to stabilize the patient. Post operatively, he was admitted in neuro intensive care unit and made a good recovery without serious complications.
Hepatoblastoma is the most frequently occurring malignant tumor of the liver in children (ages ≤5 years). The formation of bronchobiliary fistula is a rare complication. We present a case report that describes the associated anesthetic challenges that we encountered for the treatment of this pathology.