Regional analgesia and surgical site infections after colorectal surgery: a retrospective cohort analysis

Abstract Background The effect of regional analgesia on perioperative infectious complications remains unknown. We therefore tested the hypothesis that a composite of serious infections after colorectal surgery is less common in patients with regional analgesia than in those given Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia (IV-PCA) with opiates. Methods Patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery lasting one hour or more under general anesthesia at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus between 2009 and 2015 were included in this retrospective analysis. Exposures were defined as regional postoperative analgesia with epidurals or Transversus Abdominis Plane blocks (TAP); or IV-PCA with opiates only. The outcome was defined as a composite of in-hospital serious infections, including intraabdominal abscess, pelvic abscess, deep or organ-space Surgical Site Infection (SSI), clostridium difficile, pneumonia, or sepsis. Logistic regression model adjusted for the imbalanced potential confounding factors among the subset of matched surgeries was used to report the odds ratios along with 95% confidence limits. The significance criterion was p < 0.05. Results A total of 7811 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria of which we successfully matched 681 regional anesthesia patients to 2862 IV-PCA only patients based on propensity scores derived from potential confounding factors. There were 82 (12%) in-hospital postoperative serious infections in the regional analgesia group vs. 285 (10%) in IV-PCA patients. Regional analgesia was not significantly associated with serious infection (odds ratio: 1.14; 95% Confidence Interval 0.87‒1.49; p-value = 0.339) after adjusting for surgical duration and volume of intraoperative crystalloids. Conclusion Regional analgesia should not be selected as postoperative analgesic technique to reduce infections.

Comparison of oxycodone and sufentanil in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Managing acute postoperative pain is challenging for anesthesiologists, surgeons, and patients, leading to adverse events despite making significant progress. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) is a recommended solution, where oxycodone has depicted unique advantages in recent years. However, controversy still exists in clinical practice and this study aimed to compare two drugs in PCIA.@*METHODS@#We performed a literature search in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases up to December 2020 to select specific randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of oxycodone with sufentanil in PCIA. The analgesic effect was the primary outcome and the secondary outcome included PCIA consumption, the Ramsay sedation scale, patients' satisfaction and side effects.@*RESULTS@#Fifteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with sufentanil, oxycodone showed lower Numerical Rating Scale scores (mean difference [MD] = -0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.01 to -0.41; P < 0.001; I2 = 93%), demonstrated better relief from visceral pain (MD = -1.22, 95% CI: -1.58 to -0.85; P < 0.001; I2 = 90%), promoted a deeper sedative level as confirmed by the Ramsay Score (MD = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.35-1.19; P < 0.001; I2 = 97%), and resulted in fewer side effects (odds ratio [OR] = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.35-0.60; P < 0.001; I2 = 11%). There was no statistical difference in the degree of patients' satisfaction (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.88-1.44; P = 0.33; I2 = 72%) and drug consumption (MD = -5.55, 95% CI: -14.18 to 3.08; P = 0.21; I2 = 93%).@*CONCLUSION@#Oxycodone improves postoperative analgesia and causes fewer adverse effects, and could be recommended for PCIA, especially after abdominal surgeries.@*REGISTRATION@#PROSPERO; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; CRD42021229973.

Bloqueio epidural torácico comparado a morfina endovenosa no tratamento da dor na síndrome pós-embolização hepática: ensaio clínico randomizado controlado / Thoracic epidural block compared to intravenous morphine in the treatment of pain in hepatic post-embolization syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Introdução: A embolização e a quimioembolização transarterial hepática são procedimentos cirúrgicos usados para tratar pacientes com tumores hepáticos de origem primária e metastática, entretanto causam dor importante no período pós-operatório. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o bloqueio epidural torácico à morfina endovenosa no tratamento da dor na síndrome pós-embolização hepática. Métodos: Foram randomizados 50 casos de pacientes submetidos a embolização transarterial hepática, os quais foram alocados em dois grupos: grupo morfina endovenosa (GV), submetido a uma dose de morfina na sala operatória; e o grupo bloqueio epidural torácico (GE), submetido a bloqueio epidural de injeção única. Todos os pacientes utilizaram analgesia endovenosa controlada pelo paciente no período pós-operatório. Foram analisados no estudo o consumo de morfina endovenosa no período pós-operatório, a dor aferida pela escala numérica verbal (ENV), o tempo de internação hospitalar, a incidência de náuseas, vômitos, prurido, retenção urinária, depressão respiratória e sonolência. Resultados: Não houve diferença do consumo médio de morfina e da ENV no período pós-operatório imediato. No primeiro dia pós-operatório o consumo médio de morfina no GV foi de 6.3 mg vs. 0.45 mg no GE, p < 0.01. A ENV no GV foi de 3.77 vs. 0.82 no GE, p<0.01. O consumo médio de morfina no período pós-operatório no GV foi de 6.91mg vs. 0.5mg no GE, p<0.01. Apenas dois pacientes do GE ficaram internados por mais de um dia, enquanto no GV oito pacientes receberam alta hospitalar a partir do segundo dia pós-operatório, entretanto não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa do tempo de internação hospitalar. Prurido foi observado em 18.2% dos pacientes do GE, e não houve ocorrência no GV, p=0.04. Conclusões: O bloqueio epidural torácico foi superior à morfina endovenosa no tratamento da dor na síndrome pós-embolização hepática.

Background: Hepatic transarterial embolization and chemoembolization are surgical procedures used to treat patients with hepatic tumors of primary and metastatic origin, however they cause significant pain in the postoperative period. The objective of the study was to compare thoracic epidural block with intravenous morphine in the treatment of pain in hepatic post-embolization syndrome. Methods: A total of 50 patients undergoing hepatic transcatheter arterial embolization were randomized and allocated into two groups: intravenous morphine group (IG) underwent to a morphine dose in the operating room; and thoracic epidural block group (EG) underwent to a single-shot epidural injection. All patients used intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in postoperative period. Intravenous morphine consumption in the postoperative period, pain measured by the numerical rating scale (NRS), length of hospital stay, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, urinary retention, respiratory depression and drowsiness were analyzed. Results: There was no difference in the mean morphine consumption and NRS in the immediate postoperative (IPO) period. On postoperative day 1, the IG mean morphine consumption was 6.3 mg vs. 0.45 mg in EG, p<0.01. NRS in IG was 3.77 vs. 0.82 in EG, p<0.01. Morphine consumption in post-operative period in IG was 6.91 mg vs. 0.5 mg in EG, p<0.01. Only two patients in the EG were hospitalized for more than one day, while in the GV eight patients were discharged from the second postoperative day, however there was no statistically significant difference in the length of hospital stay. Pruritus was observed in 18.2% of EG patients and none in the IG, p = 0.04. Conclusions: Thoracic epidural block was superior to intravenous morphine in the treatment of pain in hepatic post embolization syndrome.

Analgesic effect of intercostal nerve block given preventively or at the end of operation in video-assisted thoracic surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective To compare the analgesic effect of intercostal nerve block (INB) with ropivacaine when given preventively or at the end of the operation in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods A total of 50 patients undergoing VATS were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in the preventive analgesia group (PR group) were given INB with ropivacaine before the intrathoracic manipulation combined with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The patients in the post-procedural block group (PO group) were administered INB with ropivacaine at the end of the operation combined with PCA. To evaluate the analgesic effect, postoperative pain was assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and Prince Henry Pain Scale (PHPS) scale at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Results At 6 h and 12 h post-surgery, the VAS at rest and PHPS scores in the PR group were significantly lower than those in the PO group. There were no significant differences in pain scores between two groups at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-surgery. Conclusion In patients undergoing VATS, preventive INB with ropivacaine provided a significantly better analgesic effect in the early postoperative period (at least through 12 h post-surgery) than did INB given at the end of surgery.

Investigation of the effect of ultrasonography-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block on postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores in patients undergoing hepatectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is still a debate about what constitutes effective and safe postoperative analgesia in hepatectomy surgery. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block may be an important part of multimodal analgesia application in hepatectomy surgery. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block combined with intravenous (iv) patient-controlled analgesia (iv PCA), in comparison with iv PCA alone, in hepatectomy surgery. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Randomized prospective single-blinded study in a tertiary university hospital. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled for elective hepatectomy surgery were included in the study. Patients were randomized into the ESP group or the control group. In the ESP group, bilateral ESP block was performed preoperatively and iv PCA was used. In the control group, only iv PCA was used. Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and coughing, analgesic requirements and occurrences of nausea and vomiting were recorded. RESULTS: Intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, rescue analgesia requirement and resting and dynamic NRS scores were significantly lower in the ESP group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of the presence of dynamic pain after the first postoperative hour. While all patients in the control group had nausea and vomiting, 24% of the patients in the ESP group did not have nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: This study showed that ESP block can be used as a part of multimodal analgesia, with the benefit of reducing opioid consumption and postoperative nausea and vomiting in hepatectomy surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12620000466943.

Acupoint Injection Decreases Anesthetic Cosumption during Combined Spinal-Epidural and Patient-Controlled Epidural Labor Analgesia / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore if acupoint injection can improve analgesic effects or delivery outcomes in parturients who received combined spinal-epidural analgesia (CSEA) and patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) for labor analgesia.@*METHODS@#A total of 307 participants were prospectively collected from July 2017 to December 2019. The participants were randomized into the combined acupoint injection with CSEA plus PCEA group (AICP group, n=168) and CSEA plus PCEA group (CP group, n=139) for labor analgesia using a random number table. Both groups received CSEA plus PCEA at cervical dilation 3 cm during labor process, and parturients of the AICP group were implemented acupoint injection for which bilateral acupoint of Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were selected in addition. The primary outcome was Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and the secondary outcomes were obstetric outcomes and requirement of anesthetics doses. Safety evaluations were performed after intervention.@*RESULTS@#The VAS scores were significantly lower in the AICP group than in the CP group at 10, 30, 60, and 120 min after labor analgesia (all P<0.05). The latent phase of the AICP group was shorter than that of the CP group (P<0.05). There were less additional anesthetics consumption, lower incidences of uterine atony, fever, pruritus and urinary retention in the AICP group than those in the CP group (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint injection combined CSEA plus PCEA for labor analgesia can decrease the anesthetic consumption, improve analgesic quality, and reduce adverse reactions in the parturients. (Registration No. ChiMCTR-2000003120).

Case report: Patient controlled analgesia after pediatric scoliosis surgery through erector spinal plane catheter / Analgesia controlada por paciente a través de catéter en plano erector espinal poscirugía escoliosis pediátrica

INTRODUCTION: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a recently described technique (2016); its use as continuous analgesia with an intrafascial catheter in anterior scoliosis surgery for pediatric patients in intensive care unit (ICU) has not been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of an intrafascial catheter in the erector spinae for continuous infusion and patient-controlled analgesia as a postoperative analgesic technique in anterior scoliosis surgery. CLINICAL CASE: 15-year-old patient weighing 34 kg, diagnosed with scoliosis with 110° Cobb angle in the context of neurofibromatosis, subjected to anterior corrective surgery with continuous analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia through an intrafascial catheter in the erector spinae. CONCLUSIONS: The use of continuous intrafascial analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia in the erector spinae provided adequate analgesic control in the postoperative period of corrective anterior scoliosis surgery in a pediatric patient in ICU.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El bloqueo del plano del erector de la espina (ESPB) es una técnica de reciente descripción (2016). Su uso como analgesia continua con catéter intrafascial en cirugía de escoliosis por vía anterior para pacientes pediátricos en unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) no ha sido reportado en la literatura. OBJETIVO: Describir el uso del catéter intrafascial del erector de la espina como técnica analgésica posoperatoria en cirugía de escoliosis vía anterior con analgesia en infusión continua y controlada por el paciente. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 15 años, peso 34 kg, con diagnóstico de escoliosis con ángulo de Cobb 110° en el contexto de neurofibromatosis, sometido a cirugía correctiva vía anterior con analgesia continua y controlada por el paciente mediante catéter intrafascial en erector de la espina en UCI. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de analgesia intrafascial continua y controlada por el paciente por catéter en el erector de la espina resulta en un adecuado control analgésico posoperatorio de cirugía correctiva de escoliosis via anterior en un paciente pediátrico en UCI.

Impact of post-thoracotomy analgesia with dexmedetomidine and morphine on immunocytes: a randomized clinical trial / Impacto da analgesia pós-toracotomia com dexmedetomidina e morfina em imunócitos: estudo randomizado

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of post-thoracotomy analgesia with dexmedetomidine and morphine on immunocytes. Methods A total of 118 patients with post-thoracotomy Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia (PCIA) in our hospital from March 2016 to July 2018 were randomly selected and divided into the Composite (COM) Group (57 patients administered with dexmedetomidine [1.0 µg.kg-1 body weight] and morphine [0.48 mg.kg-1 body weight]) and the Morphine (MOR) group (61 patients administered with morphine [0.48 mg.kg-1]). The values of lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) and Natural Killer cells in the peripheral blood of these two groups were detected by FACSCalibur flow cytometry at different time points (before anesthesia induction [T0], immediately after tracheal extubation [T1], 12 hours after surgery [T2], 24 hours after surgery [T3], 48 hours after surgery [T4], 72 hours after surgery [T5], and 7 days after surgery [T6]). The doses of morphine at T3 to T5 and the adverse reactions between the two groups were also recorded and compared. Results The CD3+ level and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio at T2 to T5 and the CD4+ level and NK cells at T3 to T5 were significantly higher in the COM Group than in the MOR Group (p< 0.05). The postoperative morphine dose and the incidence of postoperative itching, nausea, and vomiting were significantly lower in the COM Group than in the MOR Group (p< 0.05). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine combined with morphine for post-thoracotomy PCIA can improve the function of immunocytes, reduce morphine consumption, and reduce the adverse reactions during analgesia induction.

Resumo Objetivo Estudar o impacto em linfócitos causado pelo uso da dexmedetomidina associada à morfina para analgesia pós-toracotomia. Método Um total de 118 pacientes utilizando Analgesia Intravenosa Controlada pelo Paciente (AICP) pós-toracotomia em nosso hospital, de março de 2016 a julho de 2018, foram selecionados aleatoriamente e divididos em dois grupos: o Grupo Combinado [COM, 57 pacientes que receberam dexmedetomidina (1,0 µg.kg-1 de peso corpóreo) associada à morfina (0,48 mg.kg-1 de peso corpóreo)] e o Grupo Morfina [MOR, 61 pacientes, que receberam somente morfina (0,48 mg.kg-)]. Os valores dos subconjuntos de linfócitos (CD3+, CD4+ e CD8+) e das células NK no sangue periférico desses dois grupos foram medidos por citometria de fluxo FACSCalibur em diferentes momentos do estudo [antes da indução anestésica (T0), imediatamente após extubação traqueal (T1), 12 horas após a cirurgia (T2), 24 horas após a cirurgia (T3), 48 horas após a cirurgia (T4), 72 horas após a cirurgia (T5) e 7 dias após a cirurgia (T6)]. As doses de morfina do momento T3 ao T5 e as reações adversas entre os dois grupos também foram registradas e comparadas. Resultados O nível de CD3+ e a razão CD4+/CD8+ de T2 a T5, e o nível de CD4+ e as células NK de T3 a T5 do Grupo COM foram significantemente maiores (p< 0,05) quando comparados ao Grupo MOR. A dose de morfina no pós-operatório e a incidência de prurido, náusea e vômito no pós-operatório foram significantemente menores no grupo MOR (p< 0,05). Conclusões Dexmedetomidina combinada com morfina para AICP no período pós-toracotomia pode melhorar a função dos linfócitos, reduzir o consumo de morfina e diminuir reações adversas durante a analgesia.

Fibrin Clot Mistook as a Worm in the Intravenous Line

There have been several reports of foreign bodies being discovered in the intravenous set. In this case, the patient complained that he found a worm in his intravenous line. It was later confirmed as a long, white fibrin deposit by pathologic examination. This happened even though there was a non-return valve in the intravenous line. Also, since there were few red blood cells in the deposit, it did not look like a blood clot. In cases like this, we suggest that physicians keep this possibility in mind to reassure their patients.

Sufentanil during anesthetic induction of remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial / Sufentanil durante a indução da anestesia intravenosa total à base de remifentanil: ensaio clínico randômico

Abstract Background Postoperative pain represents an important concern when remifentanil is used for total intravenous anesthesia because of its ultrashort half-life. Longer acting opioids, such as sufentanil, have been used during induction of remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia as a means to overcome this shortcoming. However, the effectiveness and safety of such strategy still lacks evidence from randomized clinical trials. Hence, we aimed to assess the postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety of a single dose of sufentanil administered during the induction of remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia. Methods Forty patients, scheduled for elective open abdominal surgery, were randomized to receive remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia with or without a single dose of sufentanil upon induction. We assessed the postoperative morphine consumption administered through a patient-controlled analgesia pump. Self-reported pain scores and the occurrence of nausea, vomiting, pruritus, agitation, somnolence and respiratory depression were also assessed up to 2 days after surgery. Results The mean difference between the sufentanil and control groups regarding morphine consumption in the post-anesthetic care unit and at 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery were -7.2 mg (95%CI: -12.5 to -2.1, p < 0.001), -3.9 mg (95%CI: -11.9 to 4.7, p = 0.26), -0.6 mg (95%CI: (-12.7 to 12.7, p = 0.80), and -1.8 mg (95%CI: (-11.6 to 15.6, p = 0.94), respectively. Neither self-reported pain nor the incidence of adverse events were significantly different between groups at any time point. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the administration of sufentanil during induction of remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia is associated with decreased early postoperative opioid consumption.

Resumo Justificativa A dor pós-operatória é uma grande preocupação quando o remifentanil é usado para anestesia intravenosa total devido à sua meia-vida ultracurta. Os opioides de ação mais longa, como o sufentanil, têm sido usados durante a indução de anestesia intravenosa total à base de remifentanil como um meio de superar essa deficiência. Porém, a eficácia e segurança de tal estratégia ainda precisam de evidências advindas de ensaios clínicos randômicos. Portanto, objetivamos avaliar a eficácia analgésica e a segurança pós-operatória de uma dose única de sufentanil administrada durante a indução de anestesia intravenosa total à base de remifentanil. Métodos Quarenta pacientes eletivamente agendados para cirurgia abdominal aberta foram randomizados para receber anestesia intravenosa total à base de remifentanil, com ou sem uma dose única de sufentanil, após a indução da anestesia. Avaliamos o consumo de morfina no pós-operatório, administrado através de uma bomba de analgesia controlada pelo paciente. Os escores de dor autorrelatados e a ocorrência de náusea, vômito, prurido, agitação, sonolência e depressão respiratória também foram avaliados até dois dias após a cirurgia. Resultados A diferença média entre os grupos sufentanil e controle em relação ao consumo de morfina em sala de recuperação pós-anestesia e após 12, 24 e 48 horas da cirurgia foi de -7,2 mg (IC 95%: -12,5 a -2,1, p < 0,001), -3,9 mg (IC 95%: -11,9 a 4,7, p = 0,26), -0,6 mg (IC 95%: (-12,7 a 12,7, p = 0,80) e -1,8 mg (IC 95%: -11,6 para 15,6, p = 0,94), respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa tanto nos escores de dor autorrelatados, quanto na incidência de eventos adversos entre os grupos. Conclusão Nossos achados sugerem que a administração de sufentanil durante a indução de anestesia intravenosa total à base de remifentanil está associada à redução do consumo de opioides no pós-operatório imediato.

Neuraxial labor analgesia: a literature review / Analgesia de parto no neuroeixo: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract The use of analgesia techniques for labor has become increasingly frequent, with neuraxial techniques being the most commonly used and most effective. Labor pain entails a number of physiological consequences that may be negative for the mother and fetus, and therefore must be treated. This literature review was performed through a search in the PubMed database, from July to November 2016, and included articles in English or Portuguese, published between 2011 and 2016 or anteriorly, if relevant to the topic. The techniques were divided into the following topics: induction (epidural, combined epidural-spinal, continuous spinal, and epidural with dural puncture) and maintenance of analgesia (continuous epidural infusion, patient-controlled epidural analgesia, and intermittent epidural bolus). Epidural analgesia does not alter the incidence of cesarean sections or fetal prognosis, and maternal request is a sufficient indication for its initiation. The combined technique has the advantage of a faster onset of analgesia; however, patients are subject to a higher incidence of pruritus resulting from the intrathecal administration of opioids. Patient-controlled analgesia seems to be an excellent technique, reducing the consumption of local anesthetics, the number of anesthesiologist interventions, and increasing maternal satisfaction.

Resumo O uso de técnicas de analgesia para o trabalho de parto tem se tornado cada vez mais frequente. As técnicas neuroaxiais são as mais comumente usadas e de maior eficácia. A dor do trabalho de parto traz uma série de consequências fisiológicas que podem ser negativas para a mãe e para o feto, e por isso deve ser tratada. Esta revisão de literatura foi feita na base de dados PubMed, de julho a novembro de 2016, e foram incluídos artigos em inglês ou portuguê publicados entre 2011 e 2016, ou mais antigos que fossem relevantes ao tema. As técnicas foram divididas nos tópicos: indução (peridural, raquiperidural combinada, raquianestesia contínua e peridural com punção dural) e manutenção da analgesia (infusão peridural contínua, analgesia peridural controlada pela paciente e bolus peridural intermitente). A analgesia peridural não altera a incidência de cesarianas nem o prognóstico fetal, e o desejo materno é indicação suficiente para seu início. A técnica combinada apresenta como vantagem um início mais rápido da analgesia, entretanto as pacientes estão sujeitas a maior incidência de prurido decorrente da administração intratecal de opioides. A analgesia controlada pela paciente parece ser uma excelente técnica, diminui o consumo de anestésicos locais e o número de intervenções do anestesiologista e aumenta a satisfação materna.

Continuous quadratus lumborum type 3 block provides effective postoperative analgesia for hip surgery: case report / O bloqueio contínuo do quadrado lombar tipo 3 fornece analgesia pós-operatória efetiva para cirurgia do quadril: relato de caso

Abstract Introduction: Hip surgery is a major surgery that causes severe postoperative pain. Although pain during rest is usually considerably reduced mobilization is important in terms of thromboembolic complications. The quadratus lumborum block is a regional analgesic technique that blocks T6-L3 nerve branches. This block may provide adequate analgesia and reduce opioid consumption after hip surgery. Case report: We performed continuous quadratus lumborum type 3 block in two patients who underwent hip arthroplasty. Postoperative 24-h pain scores, local anesthetic consumptions on patient-controlled analgesia and additional analgesic requirement were recorded. In two patients, postoperative pain scores were less than 6 during rest and physiotherapy. Patient was mobilized in the early postoperative period without additional opioid analgesic requirement and without muscle weakness. Discussion: Continuous quadratus lumborum block may be used to relieve postoperative acute pain in hip surgery because it provides one-sided anesthesia without muscle weakness.

Resumo Introdução: A cirurgia de quadril é uma cirurgia de grande porte que causa dor intensa no pós-operatório. Embora a dor durante o repouso seja consideravelmente reduzida, a mobilização é importante em termos de complicações tromboembólicas. O bloqueio doquadrado lombar é uma técnica analgésica regional que bloqueia os ramos nervosos de T6-L3. Esse bloqueio pode fornecer analgesia adequada e reduzir o consumo de opioides após cirurgiasde quadril. Relato de caso: Realizamos o bloqueio contínuo do quadrado lombar tipo 3 em dois pacientes submetidos à artroplastia de quadril. Durante as 24 hs de pós-operatório foram registrados os escores de dor, o consumo de anestésicos locais em analgesia controlada pelo paciente e a necessidade de analgésicos adicionais. Em dois pacientes, os escores de dor pós-operatória foram < 6 durante o repouso e fisioterapia. O paciente foi mobilizado no período pós-operatório imediato, sem precisar de analgésico opioide adicional e sem fraqueza muscular. Discussão: O bloqueio contínuo do quadrado lombar pode ser usado para aliviar a dor aguda no pós-operatório de cirurgia de quadril porque fornece anestesia unilateral sem fraqueza muscular.

Addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in ultrasonography-guided paravertebral blockade potentiates postoperative pain relief among patients undergoing thoracotomy / Adição de dexmedetomidina à bupivacaína em bloqueio paravertebral guiado por ultrassom potencializa o alívio da dor pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia

Abstract Background and objective: Thoracic paravertebral blockade is an alternative regional technique for comforting post-thoracotomy pain, thereby decreasing opioid consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, dizziness, respiratory depression and health care costs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of bupivacaine and bupivacaine plus dexmedetomidine on postoperative pain score and analgesic consumption in thoracotomy patients who had undergone ultrasonography-guided paravertebral blockade. Material and method: 93 ASA I-II patients aged 18-65 years were included in the study and scheduled for thoracic surgery. Prior to anesthesia induction, the paravertebral blockade procedure was performed by an anesthetist with ultrasonography. Cases were randomly stratified into three groups. The paravertebral blockade procedure was performed with 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine injection in Group B (n = 31) and 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine + 1 mL dexmedetomidine (100 µg) injection in Group BD. Group C received postoperative i.v. morphine via patient-controlled analgesia without paravertebral blockade. Post-operative pain scores were recorded in the recovery room and post-operatively using a VAS. Hemodynamic parameters, adverse effects and morphine consumption were also recorded. Results: No significant difference was determined between Group B and Group C regarding intra-operative adverse effects such as bradicardia and hypotension, while these adverse effects were significantly higher in Group BD (p = 0.04). VAS scores with rest and upon movement were significantly lower in Group BD compared to Group C (p < 0.001). Total morphine consumption was significantly lower in both Group B and Group BD in comparison with Group C (p < 0.001). In Group BD, HR and MAP were lower, but this was not clinically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine lowers postoperative pain scores and morphine consumption in thoracotomy patients who receive ultrasonography guided paravertebral blockade.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo: O bloqueio paravertebral torácico é uma técnica regional opcional para o alívio da dor pós-toracotomia, deste modo diminui o consumo de opioides, náuseas e vômitos no pós-operatório, tontura, depressão respiratória e custos com saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos de bupivacaína isolada e bupivacaína + dexmedetomidina no escore de dor pós-operatória e no consumo de analgésicos em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia sob bloqueio paravertebral guiado por ultrassom. Material e método: Noventa e três pacientes, ASA I-II, com idades entre 18 e 65 anos, foram incluídos no estudo e programados para cirurgia torácica. Antes da indução anestésica, o procedimento de bloqueio paravertebral foi realizado por um anestesista com o uso de ultrassom. Os casos foram estratificados aleatoriamente em três grupos. O procedimento de bloqueio paravertebral foi realizado com injeção de 20 mL de bupivacaína a 0,5% no Grupo B (n = 31) e de 20 mL de bupivacaína a 0,5% + 1 mL de dexmedetomidina (100 µg) no Grupo BD. O Grupo C recebeu morfina intravenosa via analgesia controlada pelo paciente sem bloqueio paravertebral. Os escores de dor pós-operatória foram registrados na sala de recuperação e no pós-operatório usando a escala VAS. Parâmetros hemodinâmicos, efeitos adversos e consumo de morfina também foram registrados. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos B e C em relação a efeitos adversos intraoperatórios, como bradicardia e hipotensão, enquanto esses efeitos adversos foram significativamente maiores no Grupo BD (p = 0,04). Os escores VAS em repouso e movimento foram significativamente menores no Grupo BD em relação ao Grupo C (p < 0,001). O consumo total de morfina foi significativamente menor nos grupos B e BD em comparação com o Grupo C (p < 0,001). No Grupo BD, a frequência cardíaca e a pressão arterial média foram menores, mas esse resultado não foi clinicamente significativo (p < 0,05). Conclusão: A adição de dexmedetomidina à bupivacaína reduz os escores de dor pós-operatória e o consumo de morfina em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia sob bloqueio paravertebral guiado por ultrassom.

A randomised controlled trial comparing adductor canal block and femoral nerve block for knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION@#Adductor canal block (ACB) is hypothesised to provide superior analgesia to femoral nerve block (FNB) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) while preserving quadriceps strength.@*METHODS@#30 patients undergoing TKA were randomised to receive either ACB or FNB. Baseline tests of quadriceps strength were performed. Ultrasound-guided blocks with 30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine were administered before induction of general anaesthesia. Patient-controlled analgesia (morphine) was prescribed for postoperative analgesia. The primary outcome of this prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial was morphine consumption (mean ± standard deviation) in the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were pain scores using a numeric rating scale (median and interquartile range [IQR]), quadriceps strength (% of baseline) and functional outcomes at 24 hours and 48 hours postoperatively.@*RESULTS@#There was no statistically significant difference in morphine consumption at 24 hours between the ACB and FNB groups (21 ± 11 mg vs. 20 ± 12 mg; p = 0.85). No statistically significant differences were observed between the ACB and FNB groups in pain scores at 24 hours (at rest: 0 [IQR 0-2] vs. 0 [IQR 0-2]; on movement: 5 [IQR 4-8] vs. 5 [IQR 3-8]) and quadriceps strength (24 hours: 28.8% ± 26.1% vs. 26.8% ± 19.6% of baseline; 48 hours: 31.5 ± 23.1% vs. 33.7% ± 20.1% of baseline). There were also no statistically significant differences in functional outcomes and length of stay.@*CONCLUSION@#We found no statistically significant differences in analgesic effects, quadriceps strength or functional recovery postoperatively between ACB and FNB.

Effects of perioperative transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe and evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at different time points on postoperative analgesia in perioperative period in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery, and to explore the optimal time to use TEAS for shoulder arthroscopic surgery.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients undergoing unilateral shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia, graded withⅠtoⅡaccording to ASA criteria were randomly divided into 3 groups, 40 patients in each one. The patients in the group A were treated with preoperative TEAS at sham acupoints combined with postoperative TEAS at Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6); the patients in the group B were treated with preoperative TEAS at Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) combined with postoperative TEAS at sham acupoints; the patients in the group C were treated with TEAS at sham acupoints before and after operation. The parameters of TEAS were dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 30 min. When the resting-state visual analogue scale (VAS) of incision was more than 3 points, the patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) pump of sufentanil was administered to maintain the VAS no more than 3 points. The time point when PCIA pump was firstly used, the used dose of sufentanil and effective pressing number of PCIA pump within 24 hours after surgery were recorded. Intraoperative anesthetic doses were recorded in the three groups. The resting-state and task-state VAS were evaluated at 0, 6, 12, 24 hours after surgery; the patient's satisfaction rate and adverse effects were recorded.@*RESULTS@#The time when PCIA pump was firstly used in the group A and the group B was significantly longer than that in the group C, and the used dose of sufentanil and effective pressing number of PCIA pump within 24 hours after surgery in the group A and group B were significantly less than those in the group C (all 0.05). There were no statistically significant difference in VAS score at different postoperative time points and postoperative analgesia satisfaction rate between the two groups (all >0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Perioperative TEAS could improve the postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery, delay the time when PCIA pump is firstly used, reduce the dosage of postoperative analgesics and adverse events. Compared before surgery, postoperative TEAS has better analgesia.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Leiomyomas and Adenomyosis: A Pictorial Essay Based on Our Experience from 1300 Cases

Since its introduction in 1995, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has become an established option for the treatment of leiomyomas. Identification of a leiomyoma using arteriography improves the ability to perform effective UAE. UAE is not contraindicated in a pedunculated subserosal leiomyoma. UAE in a cervical leiomyoma remains a challenging procedure. A leiomyoma with high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging responds well to UAE, but a malignancy with similar radiological features should not be misdiagnosed as a leiomyoma. Administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists before UAE is useful in selected patients and is not a contraindication for the procedure. The risk of subsequent re-intervention 5 years after UAE is approximately 10%, which represents an acceptable profile. UAE for adenomyosis is challenging; initial embolization using small particles can achieve better success than that by using larger particles. An intravenous injection of dexamethasone prior to UAE, followed by a patient-controlled analgesia pump and intra-arterial administration of lidocaine after the procedure, are useful techniques to control pain. Dexmedetomidine is an excellent supplemental sedative, showing a fentanyl-sparing effect without causing respiratory depression. UAE for symptomatic leiomyoma is safe and can be an alternative to surgery in most patients with a low risk of re-intervention.

Perioperative Factors Associated with Severe Pain in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit after Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of nitrous oxide and anesthetic and operative factors associated with severe pain in the early postoperative period after thoracolumbar spine surgery. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Thoracolumbar spine surgery is the most common procedure in spine surgery, and up to 50% of the patients suffer from moderate to severe pain. Nitrous oxide has analgesic, anxiolytic, and anesthetic effects; nevertheless, its benefits for early postoperative pain control and opioid consumption remain to be established. METHODS: The medical records of eligible participants who underwent thoracolumbar spine surgery between July 2016 and February 2017 were reviewed. Enrolment was performed consecutively until reaching 90 patients for the case (severe pain) group (patients with a pain score of >7 out of 10 at least once during the post-anesthesia care unit [PACU] admission), and 90 patients for the control (mild-to-moderate pain) group (patients with a pain score of <7 in every PACU assessment). The data collected comprised patient factors, anesthetic factors, surgical factors, PACU pain score, and PACU pain management. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients underwent thoracolumbar spine surgery with an incidence of early postoperative severe pain of 53.3%. The case-control study revealed no differences in the factors related to pain intensity. A subgroup analysis was performed for failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. After multivariate analyses, only the age group of 19–65 years and the baseline Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were found to be significant risk factors for early postoperative severe pain in the PACU (odds ratio [OR], 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–6.25; OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Nitrous oxide, anesthetic agents, and surgical techniques did not affect the early postoperative pain severity. Age under 66 years and the baseline ODI were the significant risk factors for pain intensity during the early postoperative period of the FBSS, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis subgroups.

Oxycodone versus Fentanyl for Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery

OBJECTIVE: Oxycodone, a semi-synthetic thebaine derivative opioid, is commonly used for treating moderate to severe pain. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and side effects of oxycodone and fentanyl used for treating postoperative pain with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. METHODS: A total of 122 patients were randomized to receive postoperative pain treatment with either oxycodone (n=62, group O) or fentanyl (n=60, group F). Patients received 7.5 mg oxycodone and 150 mcg fentanyl with ketorolac 30 mg at the end of anesthesia, and then continued with IV-PCA (conversion dose ratio, 50:1) for 48 hours postoperatively. A blinded observer assessed postoperative pain based on a numerical rating scale, postoperative nausea and vomiting and other side effects, infused PCA dose, patient satisfaction, and sedation level. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in patient satisfaction according to the analgesic used during the 48 hours postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Oxycodone showed similar efficacy for pain relief compared to fentanyl when used at a conversion dose ratio of 50:1. Therefore, oxycodone may be useful as an alternative to fentanyl for IV-PCA after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

The analgesic efficacy of the continuous adductor canal block compared to continuous intravenous fentanyl infusion with a single-shot adductor canal block in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The adductor canal block (ACB) is an effective intervention for postoperative analgesia following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the ideal ACB regimen has not yet been established. We compared the analgesic effects between a continuous ACB group and fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) with a single-shot ACB group. METHODS: Patients who underwent TKA were randomly allocated to either a continuous ACB group (Group CACB) or IV-PCA with a single-shot ACB group (Group IVACB). Before the surgery, ultrasound guided ACB with 0.5% ropivacaine 20 cc was provided to all patients. Before skin incision, the infusion system (0.2% ropivacaine through an adductor canal catheter in group CACB vs. intravenous fentanyl in group IVACB) was connected. The postoperative pain severity; the side effects of local anesthetics and opioids; administration of rescue analgesics and anti-emetics; and sensorimotor deficits were measured. RESULTS: Postoperative pain severity was significantly higher in the IVACB group at 30 min, 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery. The averages and standard deviations (SD) of the NRS score of postoperative pain were 0.14 ± 0.37, 4.57 ± 2.37, 6.00 ± 1.63, and 4.28 ± 1.49, respectively in the IVACB group. Rescue analgesic requirements and quadriceps muscle strength were not statistically different between the groups throughout the postoperative period. Moreover, rescue antiemetic requirements were higher in group IVACB than group CACB. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the continuous ACB provided superior analgesia and fewer side effects without any significant motor deficit than the IV-PCA with a single-shot ACB.

Thoracic interfascial plane block for multimodal analgesia after breast lumpectomy

BACKGROUND: Thoracic interfascial plane block is useful as a component of multimodal analgesia in patients undergoing mastectomy. However, multimodal analgesia tends not to be provided during lumpectomy as it is one of the less aggressive procedures among breast cancer surgeries. Therefore, we investigated the effects of thoracic interfascial plane block as more effective analgesia after breast lumpectomy. METHODS: Forty six patients (20–80 years old, female) with breast cancer scheduled to undergo lumpectomy were randomly assigned to two groups. Postoperative pain control in the control group consisted only of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). In the block group, intravenous PCA was used after serratus intercostal fascial plane block and pecto-intercostal fascial plane block. The primary outcome was the 24 h cumulative postoperative fentanyl consumption. Pain severity, additional rescue analgesic requirement, side effects, and patient satisfaction were also evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperative fentanyl consumption in the block group was significantly reduced compared with the control group (median, 88.8 [interquartile range, 48.0, 167.6] vs. 155.2 [88.8, 249.2], P = 0.022). The pain score was significantly lower in the block group only in the post-anesthesia care unit (2.9 ± 1.8 vs. 4.3 ± 2.3, P = 0.022). There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and the requirement for additional analgesics between the groups. The satisfaction score was significantly higher in the block group. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic interfascial plane block after lumpectomy reduces opioid usage and increases patient satisfaction with postoperative pain control. Thoracic interfascial plane block is useful for multimodal analgesia after lumpectomy.