Lactate/pyruvate monitoring during carotid endarterectomy under general anaesthesia versus cervical plexus block: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces the risk of stroke in patients with significant carotid stenosis and may be performed under general anaesthesia (GA) or regional anaesthesia (RA). This study aimed to compare RA and GA with regard the jugular venous bulb blood lactate and pyruvate levels.

METHODS: This randomised-controlled trial was done between October-2013 and September-2015. Thirty-six patients were randomised into either GA or RA groups, with six excluded after randomisation. In the RA group, combined deep and superficial cervical plexus blocks were performed. In the GA group, anaesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanyl. In both groups, monitoring of neurological function was done. Sampling of the contralateral jugular bulb blood was done. The main outcome measures were lactate and pyruvate in the jugular venous blood. For comparing categorical data, Chi-square test was used, and for the numerical variables, t-test was used.

RESULTS: Demographics were comparable in the two Groups. Serum lactate and pyruvate levels were higher in the GA group than RA group. At 120 min under anaesthesia, lactate and pyruvate levels under RA vs. GA, respectively were 0.76±0.03 mEq/L vs. 1.14±0.06, p-0.001 mEq/L, and 0.08± 0.00 mEq/L vs. 0.10±0.01 mEq/L, p=0.006. Lactate/ pyruvate ratios were normal in both groups. The mean blood pressure was significantly lower in the GA group during anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing Carotid endarterectomy, serum levels of both lactate and pyruvate were higher under general versus regional anaesthesia.