RESULTS. 15% of patients had solid tumors and 85% had hematological malignancies. There were 36.1% neutropenic patients and 25% hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipients. Treatments at ICU admission included antibacterial (80%), antifungal (29%), and antiviral (15%) agents. We found no significant differences regarding the need for MV (35.4 and 38.7% of patients in the invasive and noninvasive groups, respectively), proportion of patients with no diagnosis (20.4 vs. 21.7%), or 28-day mortality (29 vs. 33%). In the invasivestrategy group, the cause of ARF was identified by FO-BAL (performed within 1 (0-1) day after ICU admission) only in 18% of patients and by noninvasive tests only in 45% of patients (P \ 0.0001).

Method: 33 patients were randomized to receive either 8mg Levobupivacaine 0.5% combined with 0.02mg fentanyl (group A, n 18), or 8mg Ropivacaine 0.75% combined with 0.02mg fentanyl (group B, n 15). We evaluated the patients’ ability to cough effectively using the cough stress test. Cough test was performed before and after the onset of spinal anaesthesia by measuring the volume of leakage in a scale (1-3), after administration of 250ml normal saline in bladder. We recorded the patients’ haemodynamic status just before and during anaesthesia. We also recorded maximal dermatomal sensory block level and maximal motor block achieved, as well as the time required for the achievement of these purposes. Data were analyzed using students’ t-test and the repeated measures analysis of variance.

Christidou, E.; Spanopoulos, K.; Nastou, M.; Macrakis, B.; Blougoura, E.; Petropoulou, T. Author Information

Backround and objectives :Traditionally, general or regional anesthesia has been employed during minor urological operations, whereas a variety of drugs and techniques been introduced into ambulatory anesthesia.We compared the advantage of early home readiness and the side effects of these anesthesia techniques. Methods :.A survey was conducted on 60(sixty) unpremedicated patients, ASA I-II (18-60 av.age) undergoing hydrocele and varicocele repair in our urology operating theatres.The patients were randomly divided into two groups.30 (thirty) patients received TIVA with propofol,fentanyl 3 /kgr and atracurio 0,2mg/kgr, whereas in 30 patients were given spinal anesthesia (26-G atraumatic needle) with hyperbaric bupivocaine 0.5%,1ml and xylocaine 2%,1ml.In seven (7) patients (20% of the spinal group) who underwent spinal anesthesia, more than one attempt at subarachnoidal puncture was required.The patients were visited between 24and 48 hours postoperatively by one of the authors. Results :Physiologic measures remained stable and oxygen saturation was above 90% in all patients in both groups during the procedures. On questioning 18% of patients who underwent spinal anesthesia reported a headach and 50% of these headaches were described as moderate or severe and lasted between 12 and 24 hours.Patients were significantly more like to develop a postdural puncture headach if more than one attempt at subaracnoidal puncture was made.Urinary voiding was a requirement for discharge after spinal block.The average anesthesia and recovery room times were significantly shorter for patients given TIVA (25 s 40 min)and(80 s 180 min)for the spinal group.The characteristics and duration of surgery were recorded.Patients in TIVA group had a greater need for postoperative analgesia.The times for home readiness was longer in spinal group. Conclusions :In urological diagnostics and therapy the spinal anesthesia has still its full right, is less toxic for the patient and has less severe complications.However prerequisite the full assent and psychic quidance of the patient during the whole duration of the intervation, provide as effective as the general anesthesia whitch has the advantage of earlier home readiness. 69. Addition of clonidine to ropivacaine epidural anesthesia