Ultrasound-guided continuous costoclavicular block through retrograde stimulating catheter technique for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery: a case series

Abstract In five patient undergoing surgery for proximal humerus fracture we investigated into postoperative analgesia provided by continuous costoclavicular block using continuous stimulating catheter. The postoperative pain scores were less than 4 in all patients except in two patients who required intravenous tramadol 50 mg as a rescue analgesic. The radiocontrast dye study executed in two patients revealed contiguous contrast spread through the brachial plexus sheath with the catheter tip in the interscalene space. We propose that a continuous costoclavicular block with a retrograde stimulating catheter is a feasible alternative regional anesthesia technique for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery.

Ultrasound-guided central venous access for patients in the Intensive Care Unit in prone position: report of three cases

Abstract The prone position is extensively used to improve oxygenation in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Occasionally, these patients exhibit cardiac and respiratory functions so severely compromised they cannot tolerate lying in the supine position, not even for the time required to insert a central venous catheter. The authors describe three cases of successful ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation in prone position. The alternative approach here described enables greater safety and well-being for the patient, reduces the number of episodes of decompensation, and risk of tracheal extubation and loss of in-situ vascular lines.

Transient median nerve palsy following ultrasound-guided subscapularis plane block: a case report

Abstract The subscapularis plane block is an effective approach to anesthetize axillary and upper subscapular nerves. There have been no reports regarding brachial plexus paralysis as a potential complication to date. Described here is a case of median nerve palsy following ultrasound-guided subscapularis plane block for awake frozen shoulder manipulation that was performed on a 52-year-old female diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. The patient could not flex digits two and three, and ipsilateral inner palm numbness occurred shortly after the block commenced, with complete resolution in the next two hours. The local anesthetics spillage towards brachial plexus with possible partial paralysis should always be expected after subscapularis plane block.

Bilateral versus unilateral erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled study

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the common surgical intervention for benign biliary diseases. Postoperative pain after LC remains as an important problem, with two components: somatic and visceral. Trocar entry incisions lead to somatic pain, while peritoneal distension with diaphragm irritation leads to visceral pain. Following its description by Forero et al., the erector spinae plane (ESP) block acquired considerable popularity among clinicians. This led to the use of ESP block for postoperative pain management for various operations. Materials and methods This study was conducted between January and June 2019. Patients aged between 18 and 65 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. All the patients received bilateral or unilateral ESP block at the T8 level preoperatively according to their groups. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms NRS scores either at rest or while coughing at any time interval except for postoperative 6th hour (p = 0.023). Morphine consumption was similar between the groups but was significantly lower in group B at 12 and 24 hours (p = 0.044 and p = 0.022, respectively). Twelve patients in group A and three patients in group B had shoulder pain and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.011). Discussion In conclusion, bilateral ESP block provided more effective analgesia than unilateral ESP block in patients undergoing elective LC. Bilateral ESP block reduced the amount of opioid consumption and the incidence of postoperative shoulder pain.

Debridement of axillary necrotizing fasciitis under anesthetic blocks of the serratus plane and supraclavicular brachial plexus: a case report

Abstract The regional techniques for axillary analgesia are well established. However, few studies have investigated surgical anesthesia. In this report, extensive debridement of axillary necrotizing fasciitis, including the posteromedial region of the right arm, performed under exclusive regional anesthesia in a patient with probable difficult airway is described. The procedure was accomplished under a Serratus Plane Block (SPB) and supraclavicular brachial plexus block, guided by ultrasound, and with venous sedation. We observed satisfactory anesthesia 15 minutes after the intervention, efficient intraoperative pain control and within the following 24 hours. Surgical axilla anesthesia is feasible with the described blocks.

An alternative approach for blocking the superior trunk of the brachial plexus evaluated by a single arm clinical trial

Abstract Background Interscalene brachial plexus block is associated with phrenic nerve paralysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative approach to interscalene brachial plexus blocks in terms of efficacy, grade of motor and sensory blockade, and phrenic nerve blockade. Methods The study was prospective and interventional. The ten living patients studied were 18 to 65 years old, ASA physical status I or II, and submitted to correction of rotator cuff injury. A superior trunk blockade was performed at the superior trunk below the omohyoid muscle, without blocking the phrenic nerve. The needle was advanced below the prevertebral layer until contacting the superior trunk. In order to guarantee the correct positioning of the needle tip, an intracluster pattern of the spread was visualized. The block was performed with 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine in ten patients. In the six cadavers, 5 mL of methylene blue was injected. Diaphragmatic excursion was assessed by ultrasonography of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. In three patients, pulmonary ventilation was evaluated with impedance tomography. Pain scores and analgesic consumption were assessed in the recovery room for 6 hours after the blockade. Results In the six cadavers, methylene blue didn't reach the phrenic nerve. Ten patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, and no clinically phrenic nerve paralysis was observed. No patient reported pain during the first 6 hours. Conclusions This study suggests that this new superior trunk approach to block the superior trunk may be an alternative technique to promote analgesia for shoulder surgery in patients with impaired respiratory function.

O papel da ultrassonografia na doença trofoblástica gestacional / The role of ultrasonography in gestational trophoblastic disease

A doença trofoblástica gestacional (DTG) agrupa um conjunto de anomalias do desenvolvimento trofoblástico, que incluem formas clínicas benignas como a mola hidatiforme completa e parcial, o nódulo do sítio placentário atípico e o sítio trofoblástico exagerado, e malignas, caracterizando a neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional (NTG). De modo geral, seu diagnóstico precoce antecipa complicações clínicas que podem estar associadas a near miss obstétrico. Diante da suspeição clínica, é a ultrassonografia (US) precoce o exame de escolha pa ra o diagnóstico, associado à dosagem sérica de gonadotrofina coriônica humana, capaz de minimizar a ocorrência de complicações clínicas associadas à gravidez molar. Nos casos de NTG, é a US também de grande valia para estadiamento, avaliação de prognóstico e acompanhamento da mulher tratada para DTG. Este estudo faz uma revisão sobre o papel da US na DTG, sendo importante para familiarizar os tocoginecologistas com essa doença e salientar o papel da US consoante as melhores práticas clínicas.(AU)

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) includes a set of trophoblastic developmental anomalies, which include benign forms such as complete and partial hydatidiform mole, atypical placental site nodule and exaggerated trophoblastic site, and malignant forms, characterizing gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). In general, its early diagnosis anticipates clinical complications that could be associated with obstetric near miss. In view of clinical suspicion, early ultrasonography (US) and serum levels of human chorionic gonadotropin are the best diagnostic screening techniques, able to minimizing the occurrence of medical complications associated with molar pregnancy. In cases of GTN, US is also of great value for staging, assessment of prognosis and follow-up of women treated for GTN. This study reviews the role of US in GTD, being important to familiarize tocogynecologists with this disease and highlight the role of US according to best clinical practices to minimize the morbidity of these patients and maximize the remission rates of this disease.(AU)

Efficacy of serratus anterior plane block versus thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia after breast cancer surgery - a randomized trial

Abstract Background Breast cancer surgery is associated with considerable acute post-surgical pain and restricted mobility. Various regional and neuraxial anesthesia techniques have been used to alleviate post-mastectomy pain. Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) has been considered a simple and safe technique. This randomized control study was performed to compare the efficacy of SAPB with the thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) for postoperative analgesia after breast cancer surgery. Methods A total of 40 adult ASA physical status I - II female patients undergoing radical mastectomy were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either ultrasound-guided TPVB or SAPB with 0.4 mL.kg-1 0.5% ropivacaine, 30 min before surgery. All patients received standardized general anesthesia for surgery. Injection diclofenac and tramadol were used for postoperative rescue analgesia. The time to first rescue analgesia, total analgesic consumption in the first 24 hours, postoperative pain scores, and any adverse effects were recorded. Results The time to first rescue analgesia was significantly longer in the SAPB group (255.3 ± 47.8 min) as compared with the TPVB group (146.8 ± 30.4 min) (p< 0.001). Total diclofenac consumption in 24 hours was also less in the SAPB group (138.8 ± 44.0 mg vs 210.0 ± 39.2 mg in SAPB and TPVB group respectively, p< 0.001). Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the SAPB group as compared with TPVB group (p< 0.05). The incidence of PONV was also less in the SAPB group (p= 0.028). No block-related adverse effects were reported. Conclusion We found that the serratus anterior plane block was more effective than the thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia after breast cancer surgery.

Experiencia en el uso de ultrasonido en cateterismo venoso central (yugular-femoral) en pacientes pediátricos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Experience with ultrasound use in central venous catheterization (jugular-femoral) in pediatric patients in an intensive care unit

Objetivos. Describir el uso de la guía ecográfica en el cateterismo venoso central, comparando el número de intentos (1 versus 2 o más intentos), en relación con los catéteres insertados en vena yugular interna (VYI) versus vena femoral (VF). Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo de catéteres venosos centrales (CVC) colocados mediante punción ecoguiada en pacientes de 1 mes a 18 años. Se realizó un modelo de regresión multivariado considerando el punto final primario, éxito a la primera punción en relación con el sitio de inserción (VYI versus VF) y variables predictoras de éxito. Resultados. Se colocaron 257 CVC, VYI 118 (45,9 %), VF 139 (54,1 %); 161 (62,7 %) insertados en la primera punción y 96 (37,3 %) requirieron más de una punción. Las inserciones en VYI fueron exitosas en la primera punción en 86 pacientes (53,5 %) y en VF fueron 75 (46,5 %) (p 0,0018; OR: 0,43 [IC95%: 0,24-0,76]). Hubo 21 (8,1 %) complicaciones inmediatas, 3 (1,86 %) se relacionaron con la primera punción, 18 (18,75 %) lo hicieron con más de una punción (p 0,0001 [IC95%: 3,36-45,68]). Las complicaciones graves, como neumotórax, fueron 4. Conclusiones. El cateterismo venoso guiado por ultrasonido demostró ser significativamente exitoso en el primer intento cuando el vaso de elección fue la VYI comparado con VF, especialmente en menores de 6 meses. Las complicaciones inmediatas fueron más frecuentes en los pacientes que requirieron más de una punción

Objectives. Describe ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization use comparing the number of attempts (1 versus 2 or more attempts) in relation to catheters placed in the internal jugular vein (IJV) versus the femoral vein (FV). Material and methods. Descriptive, prospective study of central venous catheters (CVCs) inserted via ultrasound-guided puncture in patients aged 1 month to 18 years. A multivariate regression model was done considering the primary endpoint, first puncture success in relation to the insertion site (IJV versus FV), and predictors of success. Results. A total of 257 CVCs were inserted: IJV 118 (45.9%), FV 139 (54.1%); 161 (62.7%) were inserted in the first attempt and 96 (37.3%) required more than 1 attempt. IJV insertions were successful with the first puncture in 86 patients (53.5%) and FV insertions, in 75 (46.5%) (p 0.0018; OR: 0.43 [95% CI: 0.24-0.76]). There were 21 (8.1%) immediate complications: 3 (1.86%) were related to the first puncture, 18 (18.75%), to more than 1 puncture (p 0.0001 [95% CI: 3.36-45.68]). There were 4 cases of severe complications, including pneumothorax. Conclusions. Ultrasound-guided venous catheterization demonstrated to be significantly successful in the first attempt when using the IJV versus FV, especially in infants younger than 6 months. Immediate complications occurred more frequently in patients requiring more than 1 puncture.

Distribution of various volumes of methylene blue injection in suprainguinal fascia iliaca block under ultrasound guidance: a cadaveric study / Distribución de varios volúmenes de inyección de azul de metileno en el bloque suprainguinal de la fascia ilíaca bajo guía por ultrasonido: un estudio cadavérico

SUMMARY: The local anesthetic volume for a single-shot suprainguinal fascia iliaca block (SFIB) is a key factor of a block success because the courses of the three target nerves from the lumbar plexus (LP), the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), femoral nerve (FN), and obturator nerve (ON), at the inguinal area are isolated and within striking distance. Thus, this cadaveric study aims to demonstrate the distribution of dye staining on the LFCN, FN, ON, and LP following the ultrasound-guided SFIB using 15-50 ml of methylene blue. A total of 40 USG-SFIBs were performed on 20 fresh adult cadavers using 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 ml of methylene blue. After the injections, the pelvic and inguinal regions were dissected to directly visualize the dye stained on the LFCN, FN, ON, and LP. All FN and LFCN were stained heavily when the 15-50 ml of dye was injected. Higher volumes of dye (40-50 ml) spread more medially and stained on the ON and LP in 60 % of cases. To increase the possibility of dye spreading to all three target nerves and LP of the SFIB, a high volume (≥40 ml) of anesthetic is recommended. If only a blockade of the FN and LFCN is required, a low volume (15-25 ml) of anesthetic is sufficient.

RESUMEN: El volumen de anestésico local para un bloqueo de la fascia ilíaca suprainguinal (FISI) de una sola inyección es un factor clave para el éxito del bloqueo, debido a que los cursos de los tres nervios objetivo del plexo lumbar (PL), el nervio cutáneo femoral lateral (NCFL), femoral (NF) y el nervio obturador (NO), en el área inguinal están aislados y dentro de la distancia de abordaje. Por lo tanto, este estudio cadavérico tiene como objetivo demostrar la distribución de la tinción de tinte en NCFL, NF, NO y PL siguiendo el FISI guiado por ultrasonido usando 15-50 ml de azul de metileno. Se realizaron un total de 40 USG-FISI en 20 cadáveres adultos frescos utilizando 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 y 50 ml de azul de metileno. Después de las inyecciones, se disecaron las regiones pélvica e inguinal para visualizar directamente el tinte teñido en NCFL, NF, NO y PL. Todos los NF y NCFL se tiñeron intensamente cuando se inyectaron los 15- 50 ml de colorante. Volúmenes mayores de colorante (40-50 ml) se esparcen más medialmente y tiñen el NO y la PL en el 60 % de los casos. Para aumentar la posibilidad de que el colorante se propague a los tres nervios objetivo y al PL del FISI, se recomienda un volumen elevado (≥40 ml) de anestésico. Si solo se requiere un bloqueo de NF y NCFL, un volumen bajo (15-25 ml) de anestésico es suficiente.

Safe ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy in eight steps and necessary precautions in COVID-19 patients / Traqueostomia percutânea segura guiada por ultrassonografia em oito passos e cuidados necessários em pacientes com COVID-19

ABSTRACT Percutaneous tracheostomy has been considered the standard method today, the bronchoscopy-guided technique being the most frequently performed. A safe alternative is ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy, which can be carried out by the surgeon, avoiding the logistical difficulties of having a specialist in bronchoscopy. Studies prove that the efficacy and safety of the ultrasound-guided technique are similar when compared to the bronchoscopy-guided one. Thus, it is of paramount importance that surgeons have ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy as a viable and beneficial alternative to the open procedure. In this article, we describe eight main steps in performing ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy, highlighting essential technical points that can reduce the risk of complications from the procedure. Furthermore, we detail some precautions that one must observe to reduce the risk of aerosolization and contamination of the team when percutaneous tracheostomy is indicated in patients with COVID-19.

RESUMO A traqueostomia percutânea tem sido considerada o método padrão atualmente, sendo a técnica guiada por broncoscopia a mais realizada. Uma alternativa segura é a traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassonografia, que pode ser feita pelo próprio cirurgião, evitando-se as dificuldades logísticas de disponibilidade de um especialista em broncoscopia. Estudos comprovam que a eficácia e a segurança da técnica guiada por ultrassonografia, comparada à guiada por broncoscopia, são semelhantes. Assim, é de suma importância que os cirurgiões tenham a traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassonografia como alternativa viável e benéfica em relação ao procedimento aberto. Neste artigo, descrevemos oito passos principais da realização da traqueostomia percutânea ecoguiada, destacando pontos técnicos essenciais que podem reduzir o risco de complicações do procedimento. Ainda, detalhamos alguns cuidados que devem ser observados, com o intuito de reduzir o risco de aerolização e contaminação da equipe, quando a traqueostomia percutânea é indicada no paciente com COVID-19.

Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block accelerates postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) on perioperative stress response, gastrointestinal hormones and postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.@*METHODS@#This study was conducted among 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class II-III patients with gastric cancer (regardless of gender, aged 35-75 years with BMI of 18.5-26 kg/m2) undergoing elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. The patients were randomized into experimental group (S group, n=30) and control group (NS group, n=30). In S group, SGB at the C6 level of the right cervical spine was performed under ultrasound guidance 15 min before induction of anesthesia by injection of 7 mL 0.5% ropivacaine; the patients in NS group received injections of normal saline in the same manner. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected before SGB (T1), after surgery (T2), and on the 2nd and 6th days after surgery (T3 and T4) for determination of the levels of motitin (MOT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), cortisol (COR), and blood glucose (GLU). Intraoperative usage of sufentanil, recovery rate of intestinal sounds at 36, 48, 60, 72, 84 and 96 h after operation and the time of first passage of flatus were recorded and compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in the total amount of sufentanil consumption between the two groups. Compared with those in NS group, the patients in S group had significant lower COR and VIP levels (P < 0.05) and higher MOT level (P < 0.05) at T2, T3 and T4. Glu level at T2 and T3 was also significantly lower in S group (P < 0.05). The recovery rates of intestinal sounds at 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 h after surgery were significantly higher (P < 0.05) and the time of the first passage of flatus was earlier in S group than in NS group (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#In patients with gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, ultrasound-guided SGB can reduce postoperative stress level, promote the recovery of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, and accelerate postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal functions.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in children. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 66 cases who underwent non-cardiac surgery ECMO in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Shanghai Children's Hospital from May 2016 to April 2021 were collected. The demographics, model of ECMO support, type and size of arteriovenous cannulas, way of catheterization and complications were recorded and summarized. Patients were divided into percutaneous cannulation group and surgical cannulation group according to catheterization strategies. The demographics, duration of cannulation and ECMO support, ECMO weaning rate and hospital survival rate were compared among two groups. χ2 and nonparametric rank sum test were used for comparison. Results: Among the 66 patients who received ECMO, 38 were male and 28 were female, with age 44.5 (12.0, 83.5) months and weight 15.0 (10.0, 25.0) kg; 21 patients underwent percutaneous cannulation, with a success rate of 95% (20 cases). Point-of-care ultrasound was performed for all percutaneous cannulation cases. The duration of percutaneous cannulation was significantly shorter than that of surgical cannulation (26.0 (23.3, 30.3) vs. 57.0 (53.8, 64.0) min, Z=6.31, P<0.001). Successful percutaneous cannulation cases were aged 70.5 (23.8, 109.5) months, and their weight was 23.2 (13.6, 37.0) kg. Ten cases were initially given veno-venous (VV) ECMO support, and 10 cases were given veno-arterial (VA) ECMO support. ECMO arterial cannulas were sized from 8 F to 17 F, and venous cannulas sized from 10 F to 19 F. For VV-ECMO, the right internal jugular and femoral veins were used as vascular access, while VA-ECMO used right internal jugular vein-femoral artery or right femoral vein-left femoral artery approach. Only one patient suffered severe complication (superior vena cava perforation). There was no catheter-related bloodstream infection. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cannulation for ECMO can be performed with a high rate of success and safety in children.

Clinical value of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of retroperitoneal tumors / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical value of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of retroperitoneal tumors. Methods: The clinical data of 13 patients with retroperitoneal tumors treated with ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The ablation effect was evaluated and the postoperative complications were observed. The changes of tumor volume before and after radiofrequency ablation were compared. Results: The symptoms of pain and dyspepsia were significantly improved after radiofrequency ablation, and the hospital stay was (9.2±2.9) days. The tumor was ablated completely in 10 cases, tumor residual in 1 case and tumor metastasis in 2 cases. One patient had postoperative duodenal perforation complicated with intra-abdominal infection, and no serious complications occurred in other patients. There were 20 lesions in 13 patients. The maximum diameter of 20 lesions before operation and 1, 3, 6 months after operation were (39.5±15.9) mm, (30.6±4.9)mm, (15.6±7.7) mm and (9.9±3.1) mm, respectively, the maximum diameters of 1, 3 and 6 months after operation were smaller than that before operation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation is a real-time, accurate, safe and effective minimally invasive treatment with few complications, and has a high clinical value for retroperitoneal tumors.

Application of ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization at various sites in infants with shock / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the clinical characteristics of ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization at various sites in infants with shock, and to explore how to quickly select the site for central venous puncture in infants with shock.@*METHODS@#The medical data of 112 infants who were diagnosed with shock and underwent central venous catheterization in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Dongguan Children's Hospital Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, from January 2016 to December 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into an ultrasound group (n=70) and a body surface location group (n=42) according to whether the catheterization was carried out under ultrasound guidance. The application of ultrasound-guided catheterization at various sites in infants was summarized and analyzed, and the success rate of one-time puncture, overall success rate, catheterization time, and complications were compared between these sites.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the body surface location group, the ultrasound group had a significantly higher success rate of one-time puncture, a significantly shorter catheterization time, and a significantly reduced incidence rate of complications in internal jugular vein and femoral vein catheterizations (P<0.05). In the ultrasound group, the proportion of internal jugular vein catheterization was the highest (51%, 36/70), followed by femoral vein catheterization (33%, 23/70), and subclavian vein catheterization (16%, 11/70). For the comparison between different puncture sites under ultrasound guidance, internal jugular vein catheterization showed the shortest time of a successful catheterization [5.5 (5.0, 6.5) minutes] (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of complications among the different puncture sites groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In infants with shock, ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization can be used as the preferred catheterization method for clinicians.

Application of ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy in children with appendix-related chronic abdominal pain / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy in children with appendix-related chronic abdominal pain.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 30 children with the chief complaint of chronic abdominal pain who were admitted from August 2019 to May 2021. All the children were found to have inflammation of the appendix or intracavitary stool and fecalith by ultrasound and underwent ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy. The medical data for analysis included clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, length of hospital stay, and cure rate.@*RESULTS@#Among the 30 children with chronic abdominal pain, there were 13 boys (43%) and 17 girls (57%), with a mean age of (9±3) years (range 3-15 years) at diagnosis. The median duration of the disease was 12 months, and the median length of hospital stay was 3 days. The children had a median white blood cell count of 6.7×109/L and a neutrophil percentage of 50%±13%. Fecalith and a large amount of feces were flushed out of the appendix cavity for 21 children (70%) during surgery. The follow-up rate was 97% (29/30), and the median follow-up time was 11 months (range 5-26 months). Of the 29 children, abdominal pain completely disappeared in 27 children (93%).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy is effective in children with chronic abdominal pain caused by feces or fecalith in the appendix cavity.

Ultrasound-Guided Continuous Thoracic Paravertebral Block Improves Patient's Quality of Recovery After Open Hepatectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Background Ultrasound-guided continuous thoracic paravertebral block can provide pain-relieving and opioid-sparing effects in patients receiving open hepatectomy. We hypothesize that these effects may improve the quality of recovery (QoR) after open hepatectomy. Methods Seventy-six patients undergoing open hepatectomy were randomized to receive a continuous thoracic paravertebral block with ropivacaine (CTPVB group) or normal saline (control group). All patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with morphine postoperatively for 48 hours. The primary outcome was the global Chinese 15-item Quality of Recovery score on postoperative day 7, which was statistically analyzed using Student's t-test. Results Thirty-six patients in the CTPVB group and 37 in the control group completed the study. Compared to the control group, the CTPVB group had significantly increased global Chinese 15-item Quality of Recovery scores (133.14 ± 12.97 vs. 122.62 ± 14.89, P = 0.002) on postoperative day 7. Postoperative pain scores and cumulative morphine consumption were significantly lower for up to 8 and 48 hours (P < 0.05; P = 0.002), respectively, in the CTPVB group. Conclusion Perioperative CTPVB markably promotes patient's QoR after open hepatectomy with a profound analgesic effect in the early postoperative period.

Ultrasound-guided Radial Artery Cannulation / 中国医学科学院学报

Arterial cannulation can be used to monitor blood pressure in real time and facilitate frequent arterial blood gas analysis.It is one of the commonly used clinical techniques in anesthesia,emergency,and intensive care units.Studies have demonstrated that ultrasound guidance can increase the success rate of arterial cannulation and reduce the incidence of related complications.In recent years,ultrasound guidance technology has developed rapidly and is increasingly used in clinical practice.This article reviews the latest advances in the application of ultrasound guidance in radial artery cannulation.

Ultrasound-guided electroacupuncture at suprahyoid muscle group for pharyngeal dysphagia after stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect among ultrasound-guided electroacupuncture (EA) at suprahyoid muscle group, conventional acupuncture and conventional EA at suprahyoid muscle group on pharyngeal dysphagia after stroke, and to explore its biomechanical mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients with pharyngeal dysphagia after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group, a control-1 group and a control-2 group, 40 cases in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated with ultrasound-guided EA at suprahyoid muscle group; the patients in the control-1 group were treated with EA at Lianquan (CV 23), Wangu (GB 12) and Fengchi (GB 20), etc.; the patients in the control-2 group were treated with EA at suprahyoid muscle group according to anatomical location. The EA in the three groups were discontinuous wave, with frequency of 5 Hz and current intensity of 1 mA. The EA was given for 30 minutes, once a day, 6 times were taken as a course of treatment, and 4 courses of treatment were provided. The video floroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was performed before and after treatment. The Rosenbek penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) score, the forward and upward movement distance of hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage, Ichiro Fujima ingestion-swallowing function score were recorded in the three groups, and the incidences of subcutaneous hematoma were recorded after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the PAS scores were reduced and the Ichiro Fujima ingestion-swallowing function scores were increased after treatment in the three groups (P<0.05); the PAS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control-1 group and the control-2 group, and the Ichiro Fujima ingestion-swallowing function scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control-1 group and the control-2 group (P<0.05). After treatment, the forward and upward movement distance of hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage in the observation group and the control-2 group was increased (P<0.05), and the forward and upward movement distance of hyoid bone was increased in the control-1 group (P<0.05); the forward and upward movement distance of hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage in the observation group was longer than that in the control-1 group and the control-2 group (P<0.05). The incidence of subcutaneous hematoma in the observation group was 0% (0/40), which was lower than 20.0% (8/40) in the control-1 group and 47.5% (19/40) in the control-2 group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Ultrasound-guided EA at suprahyoid muscle group could improve the swallowing function in patients with pharyngeal dysphagia after stroke by increasing the motion of hyoid laryngeal complex. Its effect and safety are better than conventional acupuncture and conventional EA at suprahyoid muscle group.