The Addition of Midazolam Reduces the Incidence of Early Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Short Time Gynecological Procedures

Background: If untreated, one third of patients who undergo surgery develop postoperative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV). The prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting can improve satisfaction among vulnerable patients. We hypothesized that preoperative anxiety may increase the incidence of PONV. The objective was to assess whether administration of a benzodiazepine prior to surgery would reduce the incidence of PONV. Methods: 130 women (ASA I and II) scheduled to undergo dilatation and curettage comprised the study group. The women were allocated randomly to two study groups according to the type of anesthesia administered (with and without midazolam). Results: Sixty-eight women received midazolam and 62 did not. Patients treated with midazolam were feeling more comfortable (“friendliness”, p = 0.005 and “elation”, p = 0.01) and had less postoperative fatigue (p = 0.04) than non-midazolam-treated group. Patients treated with midazolam had significantly fewer emetic episodes during the first 4 hours after surgery than those without midazolam (0.1 ± 0.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.6, respectively, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Midazolam reduces the incidence of PONV and improves patient’s comfort. We suggest that midazolam has to be routinely included in the anesthesia protocol for short-term gynecological procedures (dilatation and curettage).

Surgicel Induced Intraoperative Cardiovascular Collapse in a Child with Midbrain Glioma

Introduction: Intraoperative cardiovascular complications were previously demonstrated in relation to high sympathetic nervous system outflow or stimulation of the vagal nerve nucleus during theneurosurgical procedures on brain tumors. Main Symptoms and Important Clinical Findings: We are presenting clinical case of 13-year-old girl who suffered from midbrain glioma and developed life threatening cardiovascular events during neurosurgical procedure after surgicel hemostatic agent application. Therapeutic Interventions and Outcomes: Cardiovascular stability has been restored after immediate removal of surgicel from the operating field. We believe that it might be related to direct application of the surgicel hemostatic agent.

Case Series: Nasogastric (NG) Feeding Tube Misplacement in Critically Ill Tracheostomized Patients

In this case series we present 3 cases of nasogastric tube misplacement in tracheostomy patients. Although considered safe and it being a common procedure nasogastric tube misplacement can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. We present three cases of nasogastric tube misplacement in tracheostomized patients. One of the cases presented suffered from pneumothorax. Different time intervals between procedures in these different cases resulted in similar results. We would like to emphasize the importance of due conformation of correct placement of the nasogastric tube in the tracheostomy patient as well as to suggest that over inflation of the balloon securing the tracheostomy apparatus in place during nasogastric tube placement, might prevent misplacement. Nasogastric tube placement in tracheostomized patients has potential for serious complications. As such maintaining safe practice procedure is essential. Considering over inflation of the tracheostomy apparatus balloon might be beneficial as well, by preventing entry of NGT into the trachea.