We report the cases of 4 patients who performed daily mirror therapy for 2 wk before undergoing elective limb amputation. One patient experienced no phantom limb pain (PLP). Two patients experienced rare episodes of mild PLP without effect on their participation in physical therapy (PT) or their quality of life. One patient reported daily, brief episodes of moderate PLP without effect on his participation in PT or his stated quality of life. These results indicate that preoperative mirror therapy may improve postamputation PT compliance and decrease the incidence of PLP. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm the results of this case series.

We tested whether positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) increases right internal jugular vein (RIJV) cross-sectional area (CSA) in 45 ASA physical status I and II adults. All patients received a standardized IV fluid bolus, induction of general anesthesia, tracheal intubation, and mechanical ventilation. We evaluated the CSA of the RIJV using ultrasound without PEEP (control) and with PEEP (10 cm H(2)O) in the supine, level position. Addition of PEEP increased RIJV CSA 0.42 + or - 0.41 cm(2) (mean + or - SD, median 0.34 cm(2), P < 0.001), which represented a 41% mean increase in CSA.