Bloqueos Nerviosos. Bases Anatómicas del Dolor Somático Abdomino-Pélvico / Nerve Blocks. Anatomy of the Somatic Innervation of the Abdomino-Pelvic Cavity

El dolor abdominal es una de las sintomatologías que afectan con frecuencia la cavidad abdomino-pélvica. Dicha cavidad posee una inervación somática en la que intervienen del séptimo a doceavo nervios intercostales, ramos colaterales y terminales del plexo lumbar y el nervio pudendo; siendo objetivo de este trabajo la descripción anatómica del dolor abdominopélvico a través del plexo lumbar, nervios intercostales y nervio pudendo, sus diferentes patrones y variaciones de conformación, y las implicancias de éstas últimas en las distintas maniobras clínico-quirúrgicas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y morfométrico de la inervación somática de la cavidad abdomino-pélvica, en 50 preparaciones cadavéricas, fijadas en solución de formaldehído, de la Tercera Cátedra de Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, entre Agosto/2017-Diciembre/2019. La descripción clásica del plexo lumbar se encontró en 35 casos; la presencia del nervio femoral accesorio en ningún caso; así como también la ausencia del nervio iliohipogástrico en ningún caso; el nervio obturador accesorio se halló en 2 casos; el nervio genitofemoral dividiéndose dentro de la masa muscular del psoas mayor en 6 casos; el nervio cutáneo femoral lateral emergiendo únicamente de la segunda raíz lumbar en 6 casos y por último se encontró la presencia de un ramo del nervio obturador uniéndose al tronco lumbosacro en un caso. Los nervios intercostales y el nervio pudendo presentaron una disposición clásica en todos los casos analizados. Es esencial un adecuado conocimiento y descripción del plexo lumbar, nervios intercostales y nervio pudendo para un adecuado abordaje de la cavidad abdomino-pélvica en los bloqueos nerviosos.

SUMMARY: Abdominal pain is one of the symptoms that affect the abdominal-pelvic cavity. The abdominal-pelvic cavity has a somatic innervation involving the seventh to twelfth intercostal nerves, collateral and terminal branches of the lumbar plexus and the pudendal nerve. The objective of this work is the description of the lumbar plexus, intercostal nerves and pudendal nerve, its different patterns and structure variations, as well as its implications during pain management in patients. A descriptive, observational, and morphometric study of patterns and structure variations of the lumbar plexus, intercostal nerves and pudendal nerve was conducted in 50 formalin-fixed cadaveric dissections of the Third Chair of Anatomy at the School of Medicine in the Universidad de Buenos Aires from August 2017 to December/2019. The standard description of the lumbar plexus was found in 35 cases; accessory femoral nerve was not present in any of the cases; absence of the iliohipogastric nerve was also not found in any case, while the accessory obturating nerve was found in 2 cases; genitofemoral nerve dividing within the muscle mass of psoas in 6 cases; lateral femoral cutaneous nerve emerging only from the second lumbar root in 6 cases and finally, presence of a branch of the obturating nerve was found joining the lumbosacral trunk in one case. The pudendal and intercostal nerve patterns presented a typical pathway in all cases. Adequate knowledge and description of the lumbar plexus, intercostal nerves and pudendal nerve is essential for an adequate approach of the abdominal-pelvic cavity in nerve blocks.

El bloqueo nervioso del plexo lumbar proporciona un mejor manejo analgésico que la infiltración periarticular en artroplastía total primaria de cadera. Ensayo clínico comparativo, prospectivo y simple ciego / Lumbar plexus nerve block provides better analgesic management than periarticular infiltration in primary total hip arthroplasty. Comparative, prospective, and single-blind clinical trial

Resumen: Introducción: La artroplastía es una intervención altamente eficaz que mejora de manera significativa la calidad de vida del paciente, alivia los síntomas, restaura la función articular y mejora la movilidad e independencia. El control óptimo del dolor después de la artroplastía total de cadera se ha convertido en un objetivo importante del tratamiento postoperatorio. El propósito de este trabajo es comparar la infiltración periarticular (IPA) y el bloqueo nervioso del plexo lumbar (BNPL) para el manejo del dolor postoperatorio en la artroplastía total de cadera primaria, ya que creemos que la BNPL proporciona mejor manejo analgésico y menor consumo de opioides. Se evaluó el uso de opioides durante la hospitalización y las complicaciones derivadas de cada técnica. Material y métodos: Fueron aleatorizados 45 pacientes tratados con artroplastía total de cadera electiva entre Enero de 2019 y Enero de 2020 en dos grupos: IPA o BNPL. Ambos como parte de un régimen analgésico multimodal. Resultados: Veintidós en el grupo IPA y 23 en el grupo BNPL. El grupo de bloqueo requirió menos administración de opioides (p = 0.069). La mayoría de los pacientes de ambos grupos reportaron dolor leve/moderado. El grupo de BNPL tuvo menor escala de dolor al realizar fisioterapia. No tuvimos complicaciones derivadas de ninguna de las técnicas analgésicas. Conclusión: El BNPL en pacientes sometidos a artroplastía total de cadera proporciona mejor manejo del dolor y una reducción del consumo de opioides en el postoperatorio en comparación con la IPA. La realización de esta técnica no retrasa el inicio de la fisioterapia y no hubo problemas con la recuperación del paciente.

Abstract: Introduction: Joint replacement is a highly effective intervention that significantly improves the patient's quality of life, relieves symptoms, restores joint function, and improves mobility and independence. The optimal pain control after total hip replacement has become an important goal of postoperative management. The purpose of this paper is to compare periarticular infiltration (PAI) and lumbar plexus nerve block (LPNB) for the management of post-operative pain in primary total hip arthroplasty because we believe that LPNB provides better analgesic management and lower opioid consumption. We evaluated the opioid usage during hospitalization and the complications derived from either technique. Material and methods: We randomized 45 patients who underwent elective total hip arthroplasty between January 2019 and January 2020. Two groups were evaluated based on the association of PAI or LPNB. Both as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen. Results: A total of 45 patients were evaluated (22 PAI group, 23 LPNB group). Block group required less opioid administration (p = 0.069). Most of the patients in both groups reported mild/moderate pain. The LPNB group had lower pain scale with physiotherapy. We did not have complications derived from either technique. Conclusion: Lumbar plexus nerve block (LPNB) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty provides better pain management and reduced opioid consumption compared to PAI. The performance of this technique does not delay the beginning of physiotherapy and there were not any issues with the patient's recovery.

Morphometry of spinal nerve composition and thicknesses of lumbar plexus nerves for use in clinical applications / Morfometría de la composición del nervio espinal y espesores de nervios del plexo lumbar para su uso en aplicaciones clínicas

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to clarify the diverse spinal compositions of the branches of the lumbar plexus in terms of their prevalence rates and thicknesses. Thirty lumbar plexuses extracted from Korean adults were used in this study. The nerve fascicles were separated and traced with the aid of a surgical microscope. The thickness of each spinal nerve component was calculated based on the mean of the largest and smallest diameters using digital calipers under the surgical microscope. The most common patterns of the spinal composition of the branches of the lumbar plexus were as follows: The iliohypogastric nerve (IHN) and the ilioinguinal nerve (IIN) arose from the ventral ramus of the first lumbar nerve (L1), the genitofemoral nerve (GFN) arose from the anterior division of the ventral ramus of the second lumbar nerve (L2), and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) arose from the posterior division of the ventral ramus of theL2, the femoral nerve (FN) arose from the posterior division of the ventral ramus of L2-the fourth lumbar nerve (L4), with the thickest spinal component derived from the third lumbar nerve (L3), and the obturator nerve (OBN) arose from the anterior division of the ventral ramus of L2-L4, with the thickest spinal component derived from L3. However, when L5 constituted the FN and OBN, the thickest spinal components of the FN and OBN was L4. This morphometric study has measured the thicknesses of diverse spinal components that constitute the branches of the lumbar plexus after separating the nerve fascicles. The thicknesses of the various spinal components of these branches can be compared in order to understand which make the main and minor contributions to the lower limb.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las diversas composiciones espinales de los ramos del plexo lumbar en cuanto a sus tasas de prevalencia y grosor. Se utilizaron treinta plexos lumbares extraídos de individuos adultos coreanos. Se separaron y trazaron los fascículos nerviosos por medio de un microscopio quirúrgico. El grosor de cada componente del nervio espinal se calculó con base en la media de los diámetros mayor y menor utilizando calibradores digitales bajo el microscopio. Los patrones más comunes de la composición espinal de los ramos del plexo lumbar fueron los siguientes: el nervio iliohipogástrico (NIH) y el nervio ilioinguinal (NII) surgieron del ramo ventral del primer nervio lumbar (L1). El nervio genitofemoral (NGF) surgió de la división anterior del ramo ventral del segundo nervio lumbar (L2). El nervio cutáneo femoral lateral (NCFM) surgió de la división posterior del ramo ventral L2. El nervio femoral (NF) surgió de la división posterior del ramo ventral de L2. El cuarto nervio lumbar (L4), con el componente espinal más grueso derivado del tercer nervio lumbar (L3) y el nervio obturador (NOB) surgieron de la división anterior del ramo ventral de L2-L4, con el componente espinal más grueso derivado de L3. Sin embargo, cuando L5 constituía el NF y NOB, los componentes espinales más gruesos del NF y NOB eran de L4. Este estudio morfométrico analizó los espesores de diversos componentes espinales que constituyen las ramas del plexo lumbar después de separar los fascículos nerviosos. Es posible comparar los espesores de los diversos componentes espinales de estos ramos para comprender las contribuciones principales y menores al miembro inferior.

Comparative Study between Spinal Anesthesia and Lumbar Plexus Block for Intraoperative Anesthesia and Postoperative Analgesia in Fracture Femur Surgery

Background:Fracture femur is common in elderly. Spinal anesthesia (SA) in elderly patients can be associated with major hemodynamic changes whereas lumbar plexus block (LPB) can provide ideal perioperativeanalgesia as there is no hemodynamic instability or depression of pulmonary functions. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of SA versus LPB for intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in fracture femur surgery.Materials andMethods: This prospective randomized controlled study was carried out 70 patients of either sex with age >20 years, ASA physical status I -III scheduled for fracture femur surgery. Patients were randomly classified into two equal groups (n = 35); group I(SA) received SA by heavy bupivacaine HCL 0.5% 2.5-3.5 ml and group II (LBP) received posterior LPB by 30-35 ml bupivacaine 0.5% Results:The time for performing the block was significantly longer in group LPB than group SA. The onset of sensory and motor block was significantly increased in group LPB than group SA. The intraoperative HR was significantly increased, and intraoperative MAP was significantly decreased in group SA compared to group LPB at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes. Postoperative HR and MAP was significantly increased in group SA compared to group LPB at 1 and 6 h. Postoperative VAS was significantly increased in group SA than group LPB at 1 and 6 h. The duration of sensory and motor block was significantly increased in group LPB than group SA. The time of postoperative first analgesic requirement was significantly longer and the total pethidine consumption in the 1st24 h was significantly lower in group LPB than group SA. SA was associated with significant increase in hypotension, nausea, vomiting and headache.Conclusion:LPB is an effective alternative to SA as an anesthetic technique for femur fracture surgeries. LBP offers a more stable intraoperative hemodynamics and provides longer duration of analgesia postoperatively with less side effects. However, SA has shorter time for performing the block with earlier onset of sensory and motor block

Incidence of epidural spread after Chayens approach to lumbar plexus block: a retrospective study / Incidência de dispersão peridural após bloqueio do plexo lumbar com técnica de Chayen: estudo retrospectivo

Abstract Background and objectives: The lumbar plexus block (LPB) is a key technique for lower limb surgery. All approaches to the LPB involve a number of complications. We hypothesized that Chayen's approach, which involves a more caudal and more lateral needle entry point than the major techniques described in the literature, would be associated with a lower rate of epidural spread. Method: We reviewed the electronic medical records and chart of all adult patients who underwent orthopedic surgery for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and hip hemiarthroplasty due to osteoarthritis and femoral neck fracture with LPB and Sciatic Nerve Block (SNB) between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2017, in our institute. The LPB was performed according to Chayen's technique using a mixture of mepivacaine and levobupivacaine (total volume, 25 mL) and a SNB by the parasacral approach. The sensory and motor block was evaluated bilaterally during intraoperative and postoperative period. Results: A total number of 700 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to IV who underwent LPB met the inclusion criteria. The LPB and SNB was successfully performed in all patients. Epidural spread was reported in a single patient (0.14%;p < 0.05), accounting for an 8.30% reduction compared with the other approaches described in the literature. No other complications were recorded. Conclusions: This retrospective study indicates that more caudal and more lateral approach to the LPB, such as the Chayen's approach, is characterized by a lower epidural spread than the other approach to the LPB.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O bloqueio do plexo lombar (BPL) é uma técnica fundamental para a cirurgia de membros inferiores. Todas as abordagens do BPL são associadas a uma série de complicações. Nossa hipótese foi de que a abordagem de Chayen, que envolve um ponto de entrada da agulha mais caudal e mais lateral do que as principais técnicas descritas na literatura, estaria associada a menor incidência de dispersão peridural. Método: Revisamos os prontuários médicos eletrônicos e em papel de todos os pacientes adultos submetidos à artroplastia total do quadril (ATQ) e hemiartroplastia do quadril devido a osteoartrite ou fratura do colo do fêmur empregando-se BPL associado ao bloqueio do nervo ciático (BNC), entre 1 de janeiro de 2002 e 31 de dezembro de 2017 em nossa instituição. Realizamos o BPL usando a técnica de Chayen e uma mistura de mepivacaína e levobupivacaína (volume total de 25 mL) e o BNC pela abordagem parassacral. Testes sensorial e motor bilaterais foram realizados no intra e pós-operatório. Resultados: Os critérios de inclusão foram obedecidos pelo total de 700 pacientes classe ASA I a IV submetidos ao BPL. Os BPL e BNC foram realizados com sucesso em todos os pacientes. A dispersão peridural foi relatada em um único paciente (0,14%; p < 0,05), representando uma redução de 8,30% quando comparada às outras abordagens descritas na literatura. Nenhuma outra complicação foi registrada. Conclusões: Este estudo retrospectivo indica que a abordagem mais caudal e mais lateral do BPL, como a técnica de Chayen, é caracterizada por menor dispersão peridural do que outras abordagens do BPL.

Bloqueos de extremidad inferior / Lower extremity blocks

Lower limb blocks are described with emphasis on distribution according to sensitive distribution and its sonoanatomy.

Se describen los bloqueos de la extremidad inferior haciendo énfasis en la distribución de acuerdo a distribución sensitiva y a su sonoanatomia.

A Study Of Variations In Iliohypogastric And Ilioinguinal Nerves In Human Adults

Introduction: Lumbar plexus is one of the main nervous pathways supplying the lower limb which is bound toshow variations. Surgeons should be aware of these variations to avoid possible injuries to the structure andtheir consequences. This study was conducted to observe the formation of Iliohypogastric nerve and IlioinguinalnerveMaterial and methods: Dissection of 40 bilateral lumbar plexuses from formalin fixed adult human cadaversprocured from department of anatomy JJMMC Davangere.Results: Many significant variations were found in the anatomy of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerve.Conclusion: Knowledge of the variations in the branching pattern and formation of the lumbar plexus is essentialto prevent nerve injury during routine surgical procedures like inguinal hernia surgery, low transverse incisionof gynecological procedures

Evaluation Of The Origin Variability Of The Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve With Clinical Significance

Background and Objectives: The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) of the thigh arises from the dorsalbranches of the second and third lumbar ventral rami. Several variations in the formation, course and branchesof this nerve have been reported. The regional anatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is highly variedand may account for its susceptibility to local trauma. Knowledge of these variations is important for surgeonsto avoid injury to the nerve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in the formation of LFCN of thethigh and to discuss its clinical implications.Materials And Methods: The study was conducted on 25(50 sides) adult human cadavers in the Department ofAnatomy, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India by dissection method. The LFCN was lookedfor, bilaterally, and its formation studied. The specimens were numbered and photographed.Results: In the present study, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of thigh arising from dorsal divisions of L2 L3was observed in 34(68%) specimens. Variations in LFCN were observed in 16 specimens. The variationsencountered were the absence of LFCN (2%), the origin of LFCN from ventral ramus of L1 spinal nerve (2%), theorigin of LFCN from ventral rami of L1 L2 spinal nerves (8%), the origin of LFCN as a branch of femoral nerve (20%).Conclusion: The present study highlights the necessity for a thorough knowledge of the topographical features ofthe LFCN so as to increase the efficacy of diagnosis, reduce complications and increase patient comfort.

Perioperative lumbar plexus block and cardiac ischemia in patients with hip fracture: randomized clinical trial / Bloqueio perioperatório do plexo lombar e isquemia cardíaca em pacientes com fratura de quadril: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Background Perioperative myocardial ischemia is common among patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative continuous lumbar plexus block in reducing the risk of cardiac ischemic events of elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures, expressed as a reduction of ischemic events per subject. Methods Patients older than 60 years, ASA II-III, with risk factors for or known coronary artery disease were enrolled in this randomized controlled study. Patients were randomized to conventional analgesia using opioid intravenous patient-controlled analgesia or continuous lumbar plexus block analgesia, both started preoperatively and maintained until postoperative day three. Continuous electrocardiogram monitoring with ST segment analysis was recorded. Serial cardiac enzymes and pain scores were registered during the entire period. We measured the incidence of ischemic events per subject registered by a continuous ST-segment Holter monitoring. Results Thirty-one patients (intravenous patient-controlled analgesia 14, lumbar plexus 17) were enrolled. There were no major cardiac events during the observation period. The number of ischemic events recorded by subject during the observation period was 6 in the lumbar plexus group and 3 in the intravenous patient-controlled analgesia group. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.618). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of cases with increased perioperative troponin values (3 cases in the lumbar plexus group and 1 case in the intravenous patient-controlled analgesia group) or in terms of pain scores. Conclusions Using continuous perineural analgesia, compared with conventional systemic analgesia, does not modify the incidence of perioperative cardiac ischemic events of elderly patients with hip fracture.

Resumo Justificativa A isquemia miocárdica perioperatória é comum em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de fratura de quadril. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a eficácia do bloqueio perioperatório contínuo do plexo lombar na redução do risco de eventos cardíacos isquêmicos em pacientes idosos submetidos à cirurgia para fraturas de quadril, expresso como uma redução de eventos isquêmicos por indivíduo. Métodos Pacientes com mais de 60 anos de idade, ASA II-III com fatores de risco para ou com doença coronariana conhecida foram incluídos neste estudo controlado e randomizado. Os pacientes foram aleatorizados para analgesia convencional usando analgésicos opioides para administração de analgesia intravenosa controlada pelo paciente (Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia - IVPCA) ou analgesia contínua com o bloqueio do Plexo Lombar (PL), ambas iniciadas no pré-operatório e mantidas até o terceiro dia de pós-operatório. Monitoração contínua de ECG com análise do segmento ST foi registrada. Enzimas cardíacas seriadas e escores de dor foram registrados durante todo o período. Medimos a incidência de eventos isquêmicos por indivíduo registrados com monitoração contínua do segmento ST via Holter. Resultados Trinta e um pacientes (IVPCA 14, PL 17) foram incluídos. Não houve eventos cardíacos sérios durante o período de observação. O número de eventos isquêmicos registrados por sujeito durante o período de observação foi de seis no grupo PL e três no grupo IVPCA. Essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,618). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas no número de casos com aumento dos valores de troponina no perioperatório (três casos no grupo LP e um caso no grupo IVPCA) ou em termos de escores de dor. Conclusões O uso da analgesia perineural contínua comparado ao da analgesia sistêmica convencional não modifica a incidência de eventos isquêmicos cardíacos no período perioperatório de pacientes idosos com fratura de quadril.

Efficacy and safety of mixture of dexmedetomidine and low-concentration ropivacaine in lumbar plexus block for elderly patients / 实用医学杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of 2 differentdoses of dexmedetomidine combined with low-concentration ropivacaine during lumbar plexus block for elderly patients. Methods Ninety elderly patients were randomly divided into group A,B and C with 30 cases in each group. All patients were performed lumbar plexus block guided by ultrasound and nerve stimulator.35 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine was injected in group A,35ml of 0.25% ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg in group B,and 35 mL of 0.25% ropiva-caine plus dexmedetomidine 1 ug·kg-1in group C. Onset time,duration,blocking extent and the occurrence of adverse events wererecordedafter lumbar plexus block.Ramssay sedation score,blood pressure,heart rate and res-piration were monitored intraoperatively,and the dosage of analgesic within 24 hours after operation was measured. Results Group C witnessed the shortest onset time of sensory and motor block and the longest duration,followed by group B and A(P<0.01).The Ramssay sedation score of group C was higher than that of group A and B(P<0.05),but no significant difference was found between group A and B. Group C witnessed the lowest blood pres-sure and heart rate(P < 0.05),followed by group A and B(P < 0.05). The dosage of analgesics in group C was less than thatof group A and B(P<0.05),withthe lest in group B(P<0.05).All patients in group B and C com-pleted the surgery only under nerve blockade.However,there were6 patients in group Arequiring additional intrave-nous anesthesia to complete the surgery for poor outcome of nerve blockade. Conclusions The mixture of 0.5~1 μg·kg-1dexmedetomidine and 0.25% ropivacaine in lumbar plexus block can achieve good anesthetic outcome for elderly patients,with moderate sedation,stable respiration and circulation,and less adverse events.

Comparison of Lumbar Plexus Nerve Block and General Anesthesia in the Patients Aged over 70 Years Un-dergoing Total Hip Replacement / 中国药师

Objective:To compare the clinical effects of dexmedetomidine assisted lumbar plexus nerve block and propofol-remifentanil general anesthesia in the patients aged over 70 years undergoing total hip replacement. Methods:Totally 58 patients(≥70 years old) with selective total hip replacement were divided into dexmedetomidine assisted lumbar plexus nerve block group(group A,28 cases) and propofol-remifentanil general anesthesia group (group B,30 cases) according to the time order of operation. The perioperative stability of respiratory and circulatory,postoperative recovery,anesthesia complications in 24 h after the surgery and anes-thesia satisfaction were evaluated and compared between the groups. Results:The vital signs of group A during the operation had no significant difference among each time point(P>0.05). There was statistical signification in blood pressure and heart rate before and after the anesthesia induction and the tracheal intubation in group B(P<0.05). Perioperative cardiovascular drug use in group B was significantly more than that in group A(P<0.01). Totally 20 cases in group A were directly sent back to the ward after the operation, another 8 cases was in anesthesia recovery room for 0.5~1-hour observation. Totally 12 cases with postoperative controlled breathing in group B were directly sent back to the intensive care unit,another 7 cases pulled out the endotracheal tube and were sent back to the intensive care unit and another 11 cases were observed in anesthesia recovery room for 1-2 h. The occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in group B was significantly higher than that in group A(P<0.05),while the anesthesia satisfaction was extremely lower than that in group A(P<0.01). Conclusion:For the patients aged over 70 years undergoing total hip replacement,dexmedetomidine at moderate dose assisted lumbar plexus nerve block is more ideal anesthesia.

State of education regarding ultrasound-guided interventions during pain fellowships in Korea: a survey of recent fellows

BACKGROUND: Recently, the use of ultrasound (US) techniques in regional anesthesia and pain medicine has increased significantly. However, the current extent of training in the use of US-guided pain management procedures in Korea remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to assess the current state of US training provided during Korean Pain Society (KPS) pain fellowship programs through the comparative analysis between training hospitals. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous survey of 51 pain physicians who had completed KPS fellowships in 2017. Items pertained to current US practices and education, as well as the types of techniques and amount of experience with US-guided pain management procedures. Responses were compared based on the tier of the training hospital. RESULTS: Among the 51 respondents, 14 received training at first- and second-tier hospitals (Group A), while 37 received training at third-tier hospitals (Group B). The mean total duration of pain training during the 1-year fellowship was 7.4 months in Group A and 8.4 months in Group B. Our analysis revealed that 36% and 40% of respondents in Groups A and B received dedicated US training, respectively. Most respondents underwent US training in patient-care settings under the supervision of attending physicians. Cervical root, stellate ganglion, piriformis, and lumbar plexus blocks were more commonly performed by Group B than by Group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Instruction regarding US-guided pain management interventions varied among fellowship training hospitals, highlighting the need for the development of educational standards that mandate a minimum number of US-guided nerve blocks or injections during fellowships in interventional pain management.

Analgesia pós-operatória da artroplastia do quadril: comparação do bloqueio de plexo lombar contínuo com a analgesia peridural / Postoperative analgesia for hip arthroplasty: comparison of continuous lumbar plexus block and epidural analgesia

RESUMO JUSTIFICATICA E OBJETIVOS: A dor pós-operatória da artroplastia total do quadril tem intensidade moderada a intensa, exigindo a realização de técnicas analgésicas eficazes. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o bloqueio do plexo lombar contínuo com a analgesia peridural em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia de quadril. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, observacional e analítico dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia de quadril durante dois anos, sob analgesia pós-operatória por bloqueios do plexo lombar contínuo e peridural. Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com a técnica analgésica escolhida pelo anestesiologista. O protocolo consiste em infusão contínua de ropivacaína a 0,2% (5mL/h) via cateter de bloqueio do plexo lombar contínuo ou em ropivacaína a 0,1% e fentanil 3µg/mL (5mL/h) via cateter peridural. Recorrendo aos registos da Unidade de Dor Aguda, foram comparados os três dias pós-operatórios dos grupos bloqueio do plexo lombar contínuo e peridural em relação à intensidade da dor, analgesia de resgate, complicações e tempo de internação hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 162 pacientes. A maioria de ambos os grupos não apresentou queixas de dor no primeiro dia pós-operatório (77,6% bloqueio do plexo lombar contínuo versus 79,2% peridural). Ambos os grupos não diferiram em relação à intensidade de dor nem à incidência de necessidade de analgesia de resgate (23,5% bloqueio do plexo lombar contínuo versus 22,1% peridural). O grupo bloqueio do plexo lombar contínuo registrou menos complicações (4,7% versus 23,4%), nomeadamente bloqueio motor, náuseas, vômitos e prurido. A rara ocorrência de complicações não permite detectar diferenças significativas entre as técnicas. A maioria dos pacientes de ambos os grupos obteve alta hospitalar no 3º dia pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Em relação à analgesia peridural, o bloqueio do plexo lombar contínuo proporcionou analgesia semelhante com menos complicações.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty is moderate to severe and requires effective analgesic techniques. This study aimed at comparing continuous lumbar plexus block and epidural analgesia in patients submitted to hip arthroplasty. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational and analytical study of patients submitted to hip arthroplasty in a two-year period, under postoperative analgesia with continuous lumbar plexus block and epidural analgesia. Patients were divided according to the analgesic technique chosen by the anesthesiologist. The protocol consists in continuous perfusion of 0.2% ropivacaine (5mL/h) via continuous lumbar plexus block catheter or 0.1% ropivacaine and fentanil (3μg/mL) (5mL/h) via epidural catheter. Using Acute Pain Unit records, three postoperative days were compared between continuous lumbar plexus block and epidural analgesia with regard to pain intensity, rescue analgesia, complications and hospital stay. RESULTS: Participated in the study 162 patients. Most patients of both groups had no pain in the first postoperative day (77.6% continuous lumbar plexus block versus 79.2% epidural). Both groups were not different with regard to pain intensity and need for rescue analgesia (23.5% continuous lumbar plexus block versus 22.1% epidural). Continuous lumbar plexus block group had fewer complications (4.7% versus 23.4%), namely motor block, nausea, vomiting and itching. The low number of complications does not allow the detection of significant differences between techniques. Most patients of both groups were discharged in the third postoperative day. CONCLUSION: As compared to epidural analgesia, continuous lumbar plexus block has provided similar analgesia with fewer complications.

Comparison of lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block and spinal anesthesia on elderly patients with knee joint sur-gery during the perioperative period / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To compare and analyze the clinical application of lumbar plexus combined with sciatic nerve block and spinal anesthesia for elderly patients with knee joint surgery.Methods A total of 77 elderly patients with ASAⅠ ~Ⅲ undergoing single knee re-placement surgery were randomly divided into combined group which recieved lumbar plexus combined with sciatic nerve block and spinal an-esthesia group.The baseline values,blood pressure and heart rate at multiple time points,the block area and duration,the volume of intraoper-ative fluid,and other indexes of adverse reaction were observed.Results The MAP,SBP and DBP in the spinal anesthesia group after the op-eration have changed significantly at the time of T1,T2 and T3.The operating of anesthesia in the combined group was shorter than that of spi-nal anesthesia group.The rate of adverse reactions in combined group was significantly lower than that inspinal anesthesia group.Conclusion The spinal anesthesia can be satisfied for operation requirements,but it will cause the unstable circulation and varied adverse reactions.Lum-bar plexus combined with sciatic nerve block is safe and effective with less adverse reactions,less disturbance of hemodynamics,which is much better for the old or the patients with coagulation abnormalities combined heart and lung disease.

Combined anesthesia of lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve and superior clunial nerve versus spinal-epi-dural analgesia in total hip replacement:an observation of clinical effects / 临床外科杂志

Objective To compare the clinical effects of combined anesthesia of lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve and superior clunial nerve versus spinal-epidural analgesia in total hip replacement. Methods Fifty cases of total hip replacement were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in group A received combined anesthesia of lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve and superior clunial nerve,while patients in group B received spinal-epidural analgesia. Results There were no significant differences in preoperative HR, SBP,DBP and SpO2 between the groups(P > 0. 05). Compared with pre-anesthesia data,HR,SBP,DBP in group A were significantly lower during the anesthesia(P 0. 05). Patients′ heart rate in group A showed significant changes compared with that in group B. The differences in HR,SBP and DBP between group A and B at the same time points were significant(P < 0. 05). Superior rate of anesthesia in group B is higher than that in group A(P < 0. 05). Conclusion Combined anesthesia of lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve and superior clunial nerve has limited influence on the circulatory and respiratory systems,which can be used for total hip replacement.

Pain management of malignant psoas syndrome with tapentadol and lumbar plexus blockade：A case report

Malignant psoas syndrome（MPS）is one of challenging cancer pain states, which is often refractory to conventional analgesic therapy. We report a case of a 67 years-old female patient suffering from left MPS caused by lumbar paravertebral malignant lymphoma. Tapentadol, a dual action analgesic, has relatively low affinity to mu-opioid receptor and provoke noradrenergic reuptake inhibition simultaneously. Neuropathic component is predominant in MPS. Tapentadol is reported to be a drug of choice for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Psoas compartment blockade is a choice of interventions to relieve severe thigh pain caused by a lesion of lumbar plexus which exists in a compartment between psoas and quadratus lumborum muscles. Pain and numbness in the affected left thigh region of the patient were well managed by opioid switching from oxycodone to tapentadol and supplemental psoas compartment blocks with a local anesthetic and dexamethasone. The activity of daily life and quality of life of the patient were dramatically improved. Tapentadol with psoas compartment blockade may be efficacious for the management of MPS.

Raquianestesia total após bloqueio do plexo lombar: relato de caso / Total spinal block after lumbar plexus block: a case report / Raquianestesia total posterior al bloqueo del plexo lumbar: relato de caso

O bloqueio do plexo lombar (BPL) é um método adequado para uso em pacientes idosos e cirurgias na extremidade inferior. Muitas complicações podem ser observadas durante o BPL, mas não tanto quanto no bloqueio central. Neste relato de caso, nosso objetivo foi relatar uma raquianestesia total, uma complicação incomum. BPL com bloqueio ciático foi planejado para um paciente do sexo masculino, 76 anos, programado para artroplastia total do joelho por causa de gonartrose. O paciente ficou inconsciente após o bloqueio do compartimento do psoas com a técnica de Chayen para BPL. A operação terminou em 145 minutos. O paciente foi internado em unidade de terapia intensiva até o segundo dia pós-operatório e recebeu alta hospitalar no quinto dia pós-cirúrgico. A principal preocupação da monitoração do paciente deve ser a presença do anestesiologista. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o contato com o paciente deve ser garantido durante esses procedimentos.

Lumbar plexus block (LPB) is a suitable method for elder patients for lower extremity surgery. Many complications could be seen during LPB, but not as many as central block. In this case report, we aimed to report a total spinal block, an unusual complication. LPB with sciatic block was planned for a male patient, 76 years old, scheduled for total knee replacement due to gonarthrosis. The patient became unconscious after psoas compartment block with Chayen technique for LPB. The operation ended at 145th minute. The patient was admitted to intensive care unit until postoperative second day and discharged to home on fifth day of surgery. Main concern of patient monitorization should be an anesthesiologist. In this manner, we conclude that contacting to the patient should be ensured during these procedures.

El bloqueo del plexo lumbar (BPL) es un método adecuado para usarlo en pacientes ancianos sometidos a cirugía de la extremidad inferior. Durante el BPL pueden observarse muchas complicaciones, pero no tantas como en el bloqueo central. En este relato de caso, nuestro objetivo fue exponer una raquianestesia total, una complicación no común. Se planificó un BPL con bloqueo ciático para un paciente del sexo masculino, de 76 años de edad, programado para artroplastia total de la rodilla debida a gonartrosis. El paciente quedó inconsciente después del bloqueo del compartimento del psoas con la técnica de Chayen para BPL. La operación terminó en 145 min. El paciente fue ingresado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos hasta el segundo día del postoperatorio y tuvo alta hospitalaria al quinto día poscirugía. La principal preocupación de la monitorización del paciente debe ser la presencia del anestesiólogo. Así se concluye que el contacto con el paciente debe estar garantizado durante esos procedimientos.

Clinical effect of nerve stimulator combined with low back plexus sciatic nerve block for the arthroscopy anesthesia / 实用医学杂志

Objective To study the clinical effect of nerve stimulator combined with low back piexus sciatic nerve block for the arthroscopic surgery anesthesia. Methods 86 patients who required the arthroscopic surgery from March 2010 to March 2013 in our hospital were randomly divided into observation group (43 cases) and control group (43 cases). The observation group accepted nerve stimulator combined with low back plexus sciatic nerve block under the arthroscopic surgery;the control group adopted waist hard joint anesthesia during the arthroscopic surgery. Data of hemodynamics, effects of anesthesia, anesthesias maintaining time, rehydration fluids and adverse effect in both groups were recorded and compared. Results The time for preparation and control of anesthesia operation (Tr), time for feeling completely block (T1), time for recovery (T2), time for completely blocking (T3), time for movement recovery (T4) in observation group were significantly shorter than that of the observation group (P<0.05); the first time of urination (Tu) after operation was significantly longer in control group than that in the observation group (P < 0.05); MAP in the control group were lower than that in the observation group 20 minutes after anesthesia (T20,P < 0.05); complications in the control group were more frequent than that in the observation group. Conclusion The clinical effect of nerve stimulator combined with low back plexus sciatic nerve block for the arthroscopic surgery anesthesia is more obvious , especially for patients with relatively long operating time.

The impacts of lumbar plexus block combined with sciatic nerve block on postoperative cognitive function and plasma S100βin eldly patients undergoing hip surgeries / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To observe the impacts of lumbar plexus block combined with sciatic nerve block on postoperative cognitive function and plasma S100βlevel in eldly patients undergoing hip surgeries.Methods Sixty patients of ASA Ⅱ or Ⅲ aged 65-85 years,undergoing selective hip sur-geries,were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=30 each).Group G received general anesthesia with tracheal intubation,while group L received ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block and parasacral sci-atic nerve block combined with general anesthesia.The mini-mental state examination (MMSE)score was recorded before anesthesia,1 d,3 d and 7 d after operation.The plasma S100βlevel was detected before anesthesia,1 h and 7 d after operation.Results The MMSE scores declined on 1 d after oper-ation in both groups(P <0.05),and the value was lower in group G(P <0.05).There were 18 (56.7%)patients diagnosed with POCD in group G at the first day postoperatively,while it was 10 (33.3%)in group L,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).The MMSE scores were still low-er at 3 d after operation (P<0.05).The concentrations of plasma S100βincreased in both groups at 1 h after operation,and it was more obviously in group G (P <0.05).Conclusion Lumbar plexus block combined with parasacral sciatic nerve block might reduce the stress reaction and dosages of general anesthetics in eldly patients undergoing hip surgeries,minimize the damages of central nervous system,protect the cognitive function and reduce the incidence of POCD.

Nervio femoral accesorio: una variación del plexo lumbar / Accessory femoral nerve: a variation of lumbar plexus

Variaciones en el origen de los ramos del plexo lumbar son observadas comúnmente durante las disecciones. Entre ellas se pueden mencionar: ausencia del nervio iliohipogástrico, presencia de un nervio obturador accesorio, bifurcación del nervio femoral, entre otras, destacándose la presencia de un nervio accesorio del nervio femoral. Durante una disección de rutina, en un cadáver fijado en formaldehido 10 por ciento, de un individuo adulto, Chileno, de sexo masculino, se observó la presencia unilateral de este nervio femoral accesorio originado del ramo anterior del nervio femoral, el cual estaba formado por dos ramos, describiendo sus características de origen, trayecto y distribución. Las variaciones anatómicas del plexo lumbar deben ser consideradas en el momento de efectuar cirugías en la región, evitando daños al nervio mencionado u otros, durante la disección quirúrgica.

Variations in the origin of the branches of the lumbar plexus are commonly observed during dissections. Among them may be mentioned: absence of iliohypogastric nerve, the presence of an accessory obturator nerve, femoral nerve bifurcation, highlighting the presence of a accessory femoral nerve. During routine dissection in a cadaver fixed in 10 percent formaldehyde, an adult individual, Chilean, male, unilateral accessory femoral nerve was observed, originating from the anterior branch of femoral nerve, which consisted of two branches.The characteristics of origin, course and distribution are described. Anatomical variations of the lumbar plexus must always be considered at the time of surgery in the mentioned sector avoiding nerve damage, during surgical dissection.