Ultrasound-guided sphenopalatine ganglion block for effective analgesia during awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation: A case report

BACKGROUND Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation(AFNI)is the preferred airway ma-nagement strategy for patients with difficult airways.However,this procedure can cause significant physical and psychological distress.This case report explores the application of a sphenopalatine ganglion(SPG)block as an alternative anal-gesic modality to mitigate the discomfort associated with AFNI.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old female with a history of right maxillary osteosarcoma underwent craniotomy for a suspected malignant brain lesion.The patient’s medical history included prior surgery,chemotherapy,and radiation therapy,resulting in signi-ficant jaw impairment and limited neck mobility.Considering the anticipated air-way challenges,AFNI was planned.A SPG block was performed under real-time ultrasound guidance,providing effective analgesia during nasotracheal intuba-tion.CONCLUSION The SPG block represents a promising analgesic approach in AFNI,offering po-tential benefits in alleviating pain involving the nasal and nasopharyngeal regions as well as improving patient cooperation.

Awake laparoscopic cholecystectomy:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)is one of the most widely practiced surgical procedures in abdominal surgery.Patients undergo LC during general anaesthesia;however,in recent years,several studies have suggested the ability to perform LC in patients who are awake.We report a case of awake LC and a literature review.CASE SUMMARY A 69-year-old patient with severe pulmonary disease affected by cholelithiasis was scheduled for LC under regional anaesthesia.We first performed peridural anaesthesia at the T8-T9 level and then spinal anaesthesia at the T12-L1 level.The procedure was managed in total comfort for both the patient and the surgeon.The intra-abdominal pressure was 8 mmHg.The patient remained stable throughout the procedure,and the postoperative course was uneventful.CONCLUSION Evidence has warranted the safe use of spinal and epidural anaesthesia,with minimal side effects easily managed with medications.Regional anaesthesia in selected patients may provide some advantages over general anaesthesia,such as no airway manipulation,maintenance of spontaneous breathing,effective postoperative analgesia,less nausea and vomiting,and early recovery.However,this technique for LC is not widely used in Europe;this is the first case reported in Italy in the literature.Regional anaesthesia is feasible and safe in performing some types of laparoscopic procedures.Further studies should be carried out to introduce this type of anaesthesia in routine clinical practice.

Awake robotic liver surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND In recent years,minimally invasive liver resection has become a standard of care for liver tumors.Considering the need to treat increasingly fragile patients,general anesthesia is sometimes avoided due to respiratory complications.Therefore,surgical treatment with curative intent is abandoned in favor of a less invasive and less radical approach.Epidural anesthesia has been shown to reduce respiratory complications,especially in elderly patients with pre-existing lung disease.CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old man with hepatitis-C-virus-related chronic liver disease underwent robotic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.The patient was suffering from hypertension,diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program score for developing pneumonia was 9.2%.We planned a combined spinal–epidural anesthesia with conscious sedation to avoid general anesthesia.No modification of the standard surgical technique was necessary.Hemodynamics were stable and bleeding was minimal.The postoperative course was uneventful.CONCLUSION Robotic surgery in locoregional anesthesia with conscious sedation could be considered a safe and suitable approach in specialized centers and in selected patients.

Awake thoracoscopic surgery under epidural anesthesia: is it really safe?

Thoracoscopic surgeries usually require single-lung ventilation under general anesthesia because of the need to obtain a sufficient working space.In patients with impaired pulmonary function,if the patient can undergo general anesthesia,a more selected collapse of the lung is considered to be beneficial for intraoperative oxygenation.The selective bronchial blockade of the lobe to be resected has been reported by several investigators （1-3）.Mukaida and coworkers first reported thoracoscopic surgery for pnenmothorax under local and epidural anesthesia in 1998 in high-risk patients contraindicated for general anesthesia （4）.

Awake craniotomy for auditory brainstem implant in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2:Four case reports

BACKGROUND The auditory brainstem implant(ABI)is a significant treatment to restore hearing sensations for neurofibromatosis type 2(NF2)patients.However,there is no ideal method in assisting the placement of ABIs.In this case series,intraoperative cochlear nucleus mapping was performed in awake craniotomy to help guide the placement of the electrode array.CASE SUMMARY We applied the asleep-awake-asleep technique for awake craniotomy and hearing test via the retrosigmoid approach for acoustic neuroma resections and ABIs,using mechanical ventilation with a laryngeal mask during the asleep phases,utilizing a ropivacaine-based regional anesthesia,and sevoflurane combined with propofol/remifentanil as the sedative/analgesic agents in four NF2 patients.ABI electrode arrays were placed in the awake phase with successful intraoperative hearing tests in three patients.There was one uncooperative patient whose awake hearing test needed to be aborted.In all cases,tumor resection and ABI were performed safely.Satisfactory electrode effectiveness was achieved in awake ABI placement.CONCLUSION This case series suggests that awake craniotomy with an intraoperative hearing test for ABI placement is safe and well tolerated.Awake craniotomy is beneficial for improving the accuracy of ABI electrode placement and meanwhile reduces non-auditory side effects.

Awake fiberoptic intubation and use of bronchial blockers in ankylosing spondylitis patients

BACKGROUND Patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS)combined with severe cervical fusion deformity have difficult airways.Awake fiberoptic intubation is the standard treatment for such patients.Alleviating anxiety and discomfort during intubation while maintaining airway patency and adequate ventilation is a major challenge for anesthesiologists.Bronchial blockers(BBs)have significant advantages over double-lumen tubes in these patients requiring one-lung ventilation.AIM To evaluate effective drugs and their optimal dosage for awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation in patients with AS and to assess the pulmonary isolation effect of one-lung ventilation with a BB.METHODS We studied 12 AS patients(11 men and one woman)with lung or esophageal cancer who underwent thoracotomy with a BB.Preoperative airway evaluation found that all patients had a difficult airway.All patients received an intramuscular injection of penehyclidine hydrochloride(0.01 mg/kg)before anesthesia.In the operating room,dexmedetomidine(0.5μg/kg)was infused intravenously for 10 min,with 2%lidocaine for airway surface anesthesia,and a 3%ephedrine cotton swab was used to contract the nasal mucosa vessels.Before tracheal intubation,fentanyl(1μg/kg)and midazolam(0.02 mg/kg)were administered intravenously.Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation was performed in the semi-reclining position.Intravenous anesthesia was administered immediately after successful intubation,and a BB was inserted laterally.The pre-intubation preparation time,intubation time,facial grimace score,airway responsiveness score during the fiberoptic introduction,time of end tracheal catheter entry into the nostril,and lung collapse and surgical field score were measured.Systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),and heart rate(HR)were recorded while entering the operation room(T1),before intubation(T2),immediately after intubation(T3),2 min after intubation(T4),and 10 min after intubation(T5).After surgery,all patients were followed for adverse reactions such as epistaxis,sore throat,hoarseness,and dysphagia.RESULTS All patients had a history of AS(20.4±9.6 years).They had a Willson's score of 5 or above,grade III or IV Mallampati tests,an inter-incisor distance of 2.9±0.3 cm,and a thyromental(T-M)distance of 4.8±0.7 cm.The average pre-intubation preparation time was 20.4±3.4 min,intubation time was 2.6±0.4 min,facial grimace score was 1.7±0.7,airway responsiveness score was 1.1±0.7,and pulmonary collapse and surgical exposure score was 1.2±0.4.The SBP,DBP,and HR at T5 were significantly lower than those at T1-T4(P<0.05).While the values at T1 were not significantly different from those at T2-T4(P>0.05),they were significantly different from those at T5(P<0.05).Seven patients had minor epistaxis during endotracheal intubation,two were followed 24 h after surgery with a mild sore throat,and two had hoarseness without dysphagia.CONCLUSION Patients with AS combined with severe cervical and thoracic kyphosis should be intubated using fiberoptic bronchoscopy under conscious sedation and topical anesthesia.Proper doses of penehyclidine hydrochloride,dexmedetomidine,fentanyl,and midazolam,combined with 2%lidocaine,administered prior to intubation,can provide satisfactory conditions for tracheal intubation while maintaining the comfort and safety of patients.BBs are safe and effective for onelung ventilation in such patients during thoracotomy.

Microdialysis in awake macaque monkeys for central nervous system pharmacokinetics

Background: The brain bioavailability of novel small molecules developed to address central nervous system disease is classically documented through ex vivo or in vivo analyses conducted in rodent models. Data acquired in rodent models are, however,not easily transferrable to human as the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profiles of the species are quite different.Methods: Using drugs selected for their differential transport across the blood-brain barrier, we here demonstrate the feasibility of brain microdialysis in normal vigil macaque monkey by measuring brain extracellular fluid bioavailability of carbamazepine, digoxin, oxycodone, and quinidine.Results: All drugs, but digoxin, were found in dialysate samples. Drugs that are substrate of P-glycoprotein show a difference of bioavailability or brain pharmacokinetic parameters between rodents and primates.Conclusion: Data suggest that brain microdialysis in vigil macaque monkey, the species of choice for classic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics studies could help predicting human brain bioavailability of a small molecule depending on the protein involved in the efflux transport from the brain.

Anesthetic technique for awake artery malformation clipping with motor evoked potential and somatosensory evoked potential: A case report

BACKGROUND Awake craniotomy has been widely used for tumor resection,epilepsy surgery,deep brain stimulation,and carotid endarterectomy.The report on awake artery malformation clipping is rare,especially for anesthesia management.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old female diagnosed with malformation of anterior cerebral artery at the right side.We clipped the artery malformation with intraoperative neuromonitoring(IONM)in awake craniotomy.Spontaneous respiration was maintained throughout the procedure by nasopharyngeal airway during the surgery successfully.CONCLUSION The technique of monitoring anesthesia care can be performed successfully for the patient with IONM.

Awake extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for a critically ill COVID-19 patient:A case report

BACKGROUND A critically ill coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patient complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome is reported.The patient survived following treatment with awake veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO).CASE SUMMARY A 53-year-old male patient attended our hospital following a cough for 11 d and fever for 9 d.According to his computed tomography(CT)scan and real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay of a throat swab,nucleic acid was positive,confirming that he had COVID-19.He was subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit due to respiratory failure.The patient received antiviral drugs,a small dose of glucocorticoid,and respiratory support,including mechanical ventilation,but the treatment effect was poor.On the 28th day after admission,veno-venous ECMO and prone position ventilation(PPV)were performed,combined with awake ECMO and other comprehensive rehabilitation measures.On the 17th day of ECMO,the patient started to improve and his chest CT and lung compliance improved.ECMO was discontinued after 27 days,and mechanical ventilation was also discontinued after 9 days.The patient was then transferred to the rehabilitation department.CONCLUSION COVID-19 can damage lung tissues and cause evident inflammatory exudation,thus affecting oxygenation function.Awake ECMO,PPV,and comprehensive rehabilitation are effective in patients with critical COVID-19 and respiratory failure.

Conscious Sedation and Awake Fiberoptic Intubation in a Patient with Difficult Mask Ventilation—A Case Report

Since maxillofacial malignancy is a common cause of facial defects and disfigurement of the face that may make fitting of a mask difficult and cause air leakage from the side, thus making mask ventilation difficult. In addition, distorted anatomy of the airway and base of the skull in such patients may cause difficult intubation (DI). We experienced a case with a huge facial defect due to maxillary carcinoma, in which difficult mask ventilation (DMV) and DI were predicted. After evaluation by three-dimensional airway computed tomography, the airway was secured with conscious sedation using dexmedetomidine, and awake fiberoptic intubation was safely performed. Three-dimensional airway computed tomography seems to be a good tool for successful intubation when DMV and DI are predicted.

A Comparative Study between Dexmedetomidine versus Fentanyl on Intubating Conditions and Side Effects during Awake Fiberoptic Nasal Intubation under Topical Anesthesia in Patients Underwent Elective Surgical Operation

Awake fiber optic intubation is the gold standard technique for management of anticipated difficult airway. In spite of availability of several sedatives, at higher doses these drugs cause respiratory depression and sensorium. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Dexmedetomidine or Fentanyl for sedation during AFOI. Sixty patients, aged 20 - 40 years undergoing AFOI were made into two groups, group D Dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg, and group F Fentanyl 2 μg/kg, both drugs was diluted with 50 ml saline to be infused over 10 minutes). Demographic data, patient cough score, sedation score and post-intubation score were compared between two groups. Cough score ≤ 2 was 25 patients in group D compared with 2 patients in group F, post intubation score 1 in group D was 24 vs. 2 in group F, mean Ramsy sedation score in group D was 3 vs. 2.1 in group F, SpO2 ≥ 95% in group D was 28 vs. 5 patients in group F, insignificant rise in MAP from 93 to 96 mmhg in group D (P = 0.347), but there was significant rise from 92.3 to 118.18 (P ≤ 0.0001) in group F, there was significant decrease in HR from 77.4 to 71 (P = 0.005) vs. significant rise from 77 to 114 (P ≤ 0.0001) in group F. Thus, we can conclude that Dexmedetomidine provides better intubating condition, sedation, less respiratory depression and hemodynamic stability than fentanyl for AFOI, without adversely affecting airway.

Awake Craniotomy and Coaching

Background: The importance of monitoring cognition during awake craniotomy has been well described in previous studies. The relevance of being coached during such a procedure has received less attention and questions still remain unanswered about what factors are the most important herein. Objective: The aim of this study was to qualitatively analyze what factors were, according to our patients, important in being coaching during awake craniotomy. Methods: Twenty-six patients who underwent awake craniotomy received a questionnaire about their experiences during the procedure. The questions concerned different aspects of the pre-operative part, the operation itself and coaching aspects. Answers were qualitatively analyzed by two investigators and per question, different answer categories were made. Results: Two thirds of the 20 patients who responded to the questionnaire reported anxiety in the days before or during the operation, varying from general anxiety for being awake during surgery to anxiety for very specific aspects such as opening the skull. The constant presence of the neuropsychologist and a transparent communication during the procedure were most frequently (65% of all the answers) reported as helpful in staying calm. Conclusion: Results of this descriptive study show that patients experience different anxieties before and during an awake craniotomy and give more insight into what factors are important for patients in being coached during such an operation. This study gives directions for clinicians in improving their role as a coach.

The Dance Drama Awakeing Lion Becoming a Hit

On February 22z a national dance drama 一 A wakening Lion , which was created by the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theater, was again staged in the Guangzhou Opera House.The dance drama consists of the background of Sanyuanli Struggle against British Invaders and the core element of the national intangible cultural heritage ——Cantonese lion dance. It won the 11^th Lotus Dance Award in December 2018. And it was popular with young audiences. When it was performed firstly to the public, the tickets were quickly sold out.

Efficacy and safety of awake prone positioning in the treatment of non-intubated spontaneously breathing patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,prone positioning has been widely applied for non-intubated,spontaneously breathing patients.However,the efficacy and safety of prone positioning in non-intubated patients with COVID-19-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure remain unclear.We aimed to systematically analyze the outcomes associated with awake prone positioning(APP).Methods We conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE,Cochrane Library,Embase,and Web of Science from January 1,2020,to June 3,2022.This study included adult patients with acute respiratory failure caused by COVID-19.The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines were followed,and the study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.The primary outcome was the reported cumulative intubation risk across randomized controlled trials(RCTs),and the effect estimates were calculated as risk ratios(RRs;95%confidence interval[CI]).Results A total of 495 studies were identified,of which 10 fulfilled the selection criteria,and 2294 patients were included.In comparison to supine positioning,APP significantly reduced the need for intubation in the overall population(RR=0.84,95%CI:0.74–0.95).The two groups showed no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events(RR=1.16,95%CI:0.48–2.76).The meta-analysis revealed no difference in mortality between the groups(RR=0.93,95%CI:0.77–1.11).Conclusions APP was safe and reduced the need for intubation in patients with respiratory failure associated with COVID-19.However,it did not significantly reduce mortality in comparison to usual care without prone positioning.

Median effective dose of remifentanil for awake laryngoscopy and intubation

Background Awake intubation requires an anesthetic management that provides sufficient patient safety and comfort, adequate intubating conditions, and stable hemodynamics. In this prospective clinical study, our aim was to determine the median effective dose （ED50） of remifentanil in combination with midazolam and airway topical anesthesia for awake laryngoscopy and intubation. Methods Thirty-six female adult patients, scheduled for elective plastic surgery under general anesthesia requiring orotracheal intubation were included in this study. Ten minutes after intravenous administration of midazolam 0.1 mg/kg, patients were assigned to receive remifentanil in bolus, followed by a continuous infusion. The bolus dose and infusion rate of remifentanil were adjusted by a modified Dixon＇s up-and-down method. Patient＇s reaction score at laryngoscopy and an Observer＇s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale （OAA/S） were used to determine whether the remifentanil dosage regimen was accepted. During laryngoscopy, 2% lidocaine was sprayed into the airway to provide the topical anesthesia. ED50 of remifentanil was calculated by the modified Dixon up-and-down method, and the probit analysis was then used to confirm the results obtained from the modified Dixon＇s up-and-down method. In the patients who were scored as ＂accept＂, patient＇s OAA/S and reactJon scores at dJfferent observed points, JntubatJng conditJon score and patient＇s tolerance to the endotracheal tube after intubation were evaluated and recorded. Blood pressure and heart rate at different measuring points were also noted. Results ED50 of remifentanil for awake laryngoscopy and intubation obtained by the modified Dixon＇s up-and-down method was （0.62±0.02） μg/kg. Using probit analysis, ED50 and ED95 of remifentanil were 0.63 μg/kg （95% CI, 0.54-0.70） and 0.83 μg/kg （95% CI, 0.73-2.59）, respectively. Nineteen patients who were scored as ＂accept＂ had an OAA/S of 〉15 and tolerated well laryngoscopy without significant discomfort or gagging. The mean intubating condition score was 1.8±0.8. The endotracheal tube was well tolerated. During awake laryngoscopy and intubation, blood pressure and heart rate were also kept stable. The postoperative follow up showed that no patient recalled discomfort and pain for airway manipulation. Conclusions When combined with midazolam 0.1 mg/kg and airway topical anesthesia, ED50 of remifentanil for successful awake laryngoscopy and Jntubation is 0.62 μg/kg in bolus followed by continuous infusJon of 0.062 μg·kg·min^-1. This sedation and analgesia regimen can provide patient safety and comfort, ensure adequate intubating conditions, maintain hemodynamic stability, and prevent negative recall of the airway procedure.

Three core techniques in surgery of neuroepithelial tumors in eloquent areas： awake anaesthesia, intraoperative direct electrical stimulation and ultrasonography

Background The goal of surgery in the treatment of intrinsic cerebral tumors is to resect the maximum tumor volume,and to spare the eloquent areas. However, it is difficult to discover the eloquent areas intraoperatively due to individual anatomo-functional variability both for sensori-motor and language functions. Consequently, the surgery of intrinsic cerebral tumors frequently results in poor extent of resection or permanent postoperative deficits, or both, and remains a difficult problem for neurosurgeons.Methods From January 2003 to January 2010, 112 patients with neuroepithelial tumors in/close to the eloquent areas were operated on under awake anesthesia with the intraoperative direct electrical stimulation for functional mapping of the eloquent areas. The extent of the tumors was verified by intraoperative ultrasonography. The maximal resection of the tumors and minimal damage of the eloquent areas were the surgical goal of all patients.Results Totally 356 cortical sites in 99 patients were detected for motor response by intraoperative direct electrical stimulation, 50 sites in 16 patients for sensory, 72 sites in 48 patients for language. Sixty-six patients （58.9%） achieved total resection, 34 （30.4%） subtotal and 12 （10.7%） partial. Fifty-eight patients （51.8%） had no postoperative deficit, while 37 patients （33.0%） had transitory postoperative paralysis, 26 patients （23.2%） with transitory postoperative language disturbance and 3 patients （2.7%） with permanent neurological deficits. No patient complained of pain recollection following operation.Conclusions Awake anesthesia, intraoperative direct electrical stimulation and ultrasonography are three core techniques for the resection of intrinsic cerebral tumors near the eloquent areas. This new concept allows an improvement in the quality of surgery for neuroepithelial tumors in/adjacent to eloquent areas.

Dexmedetomidine-midazolam versus Sufentanil-midazolam for Awake Fiberoptic Nasotracheal Intubation： A Randomized Double-blind Study

Background： Awake fiberoptic intubation （AFOI） is usually performed in the management of the predicted difficult airway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of dexmedetomidine with midazolam （DM） and sufentanil with midazolam （SM） for sedation for awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation. Methods： Fifty patients with limited mouth opening scheduled for AFOI were randomly assigned to two groups （n = 25 per group） by a computer-generated randomization schedule. All subjects received midazolam 0.02 mg/kg as premedication and airway topical anesthesia with a modified ＂spray-as-you-go＂ technique. Group DM received dexmedetomidine at a loading dose of 0.5 μg/kg over 10 min followed by a continuous infllsion of 0.25 μg.kg^-1.h ^-1, whereas Group SM received sufentanil at a loading dose of 0.2 μg/kg over 10 rain followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1 μg.kg^-1.h ^-1. As necessary, since the end of the administration of the loading dose of the study drug, an additional dose ofmidazolam 0.5 mg at 2-min intervals was given to achieve a modified Observers＇Assessment of Alertness/Sedation of 2-3. The quality of intubation conditions and adverse events were observed.Results： The scores of ease of the AFOI procedure, patient＇s reaction during AFOI, coughing severity, tolerance after intubation, recall of the procedure and discomfort during the procedure were comparable in both groups （z = 0.572, 0.664, 1.297, 0.467, 0.895, and 0.188, respectively, P 〉 0.05）. Hypoxic episodes similarly occurred in the two groups, but the first partial pressure of end-tidal CO, after intubation was higher in Group SM than that in Group DM （45.2 ± 4.2 mmHg vs. 42.2 ±4.3 mmHg, t = 2.495, P 〈 0.05）. Conclusions： Both dexmedetomidine and sufentanil are effective as an adjuvant for AFOI under airway topical anesthesia combined with midazolam sedation, but respiratory depression is still a potential risk in the sufentanil regimen.

Clinical assessment of awake endotracheal intubation using the lightwand technique alone in patients with difficult airways

Background There is few study to determine whether the use of the lightwand technique alone could achieve effective, safe and successful awake endotracheal intubation （ETI）, therefore we designed a prospective clinical study to systematically evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of awake ETI using the lightwand alone in patients with difficult airways. Methods Seventy adult patients with difficult airways were enrolled in this study. After the desired sedation with fentanyl and midazolam, airway topical anesthesia was performed with 9 ml of 2% lidocaine, which were in order sprayed in three aliquots at 5 minutes intervals into the supraglottic （two doses） and laryngotracheal areas （one dose） using a combined unit of the lightwand and MADgic atomizer. After airway topical anesthesia, awake ETI was performed using a Lightwand. Subjective assessments by patients and operators using the visual analogue scores （VAS）, and objective assessments by an independent investigator using patients＇ tolerance and reaction scores, coughing severity, intubating conditions and cardiovascular variables were taken as the observed parameters. Results Of 210 airway sprays, 197 （93.8%） were successfully completed on the first attempt. The total time for airway spray was （14.6±1.5） minutes. During airway topical anesthesia, the average patients＇ tolerance scores were 1.7-2.3. After airway topical anesthesia, the mean VAS for discomfort levels that the patients reported was 6.5. Also airway topical anesthesia procedure was rated as acceptable and no discomfort by 94.3% of patients. The lightwand-guided awake ETI was successfully completed on first attempt within 29 seconds in all patients. During awake ETI, patients＇ reaction and coughing scores were 1.9 and 1.6, respectively. All patients exhibited excellent or acceptable intubating conditions. Cardiovascular monitoring revealed that changes of systolic blood pressure and heart rate at each stage of airway manipulations were less than 20% of baseline values. The postoperative follow-up showed that 95.7% of patients had no recall or slight memories of all airway instrumentation. The incidence of postoperative mild airway complications was 38.6%. Conclusion Alone use of the lightwand technique can achieve effective, safe and successful awake ETI in patients with difficult airways.

Resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumor under awake anesthesia: A novel approach to minimize postoperative motor deficits

Objective: To observe advantages and disadvantages of the resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumor under awake anesthesia. Methods: Two patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumor underwent resection under awake anesthesia and followed up post-operatibely for any motor deficits. Results: Patients who underwent tumor resection under awake(AAA) anesthesia combined with intraoperative NPM had no motor deficits postoperatively. More accurate and nondelayed responses were observed in the awake cycle of anesthesia and helped guide surgery, thus avoiding injuries to the spinal cord. Conclusion: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are not common, but only gross total resection(GTR) can provide complete remission of symptoms and progression-free survival. However, GTR sometimes results in motor function deficits postoperatively,particularly when the cervical cord is involved, and especially if surgery is done under general anesthesia with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring(NPM) alone,because of delayed sensory evoked potential and motor evoked potential responses. We present two cases that underwent GTR of cervical intramedullary spinal cord tumors under an asleep-awake-asleep(AAA) cycle of anesthesia, combined with intraoperative NPM in which no post-operative motor deficits were observed on 6-months follow up.