Efficacy of rhomboid intercostal block for analgesia after thoracotomy

Regional anesthesia, including central and plane blocks (serratus anterior plane block and erector spinae block), are used for post-thoracotomy pain. The rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) is mainly performed by injection to the upper intercostal muscle plane below the rhomboid muscle. It has been reported to provide analgesia at the T3–T9 levels. The RIB was performed on 5 patients who had been scheduled for thoracotomy. The catheter was advanced in the area under the rhomboid muscle between the intercostal muscles. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores were observed and each patient’s resting VAS score remained below 3 for 48 hours. The RIB has been observed to be a convenient plane block for post-thoracotomy analgesia. We believe that further information from detailed studies is required.

Axillary local anesthetic spread after the thoracic interfacial ultrasound block - a cadaveric and radiological evaluation / Dispersão axilar de anestésico local após bloqueio interfascial torácico guiado por ultrassom - estudo radiológico e em cadáver

Abstract Background Oral opioid analgesics have been used for management of peri- and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing axillary dissection. The axillary region is a difficult zone to block and does not have a specific regional anesthesia technique published that offers its adequate blockade. Methods After institutional review board approval, anatomic and radiological studies were conducted to determine the deposition and spread of methylene blue and local anesthetic injected respectively into the axilla via the thoracic inter-fascial plane. Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies were then conducted in 15 of 34 patients scheduled for unilateral breast surgery that entailed any of the following: axillary clearance, sentinel node biopsy, axillary node biopsy, or supernumerary breasts, to ascertain the deposition and time course of spread of solution within the thoracic interfascial plane in vivo. Results Radiological and cadaveric studies showed that the injection of local anesthetic and methylene blue via the thoracic inter-fascial plane, using ultrasound guide technique, results in reliable deposition into the axilla. In patients, the injection of the local anesthetic produced a reliable axillary sensory block. This finding was supported by Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies that showed hyper-intense signals in the axillary region. Conclusions These findings define the anatomic characteristics of the thoracic interfascial plane nerve block in the axillary region, and underline the clinical potential of this novel nerve block.

Resumo Justificativa Os analgésicos orais à base de opioides têm sido usados para o manejo da analgesia nos períodos peri e pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos à linfadenectomia axilar. A região axilar é uma zona difícil de bloquear e não há registro de uma técnica de anestesia regional específica que ofereça o seu bloqueio adequado. Métodos Após a aprovação do Conselho de Ética institucional, estudos anatômicos e radiológicos foram feitos para determinar a deposição e disseminação de azul de metileno e anestésico local, respectivamente injetados na axila via plano interfascial torácico. Exames de ressonância magnética foram então feitos em 15 de 34 pacientes programados para cirurgia de mama unilateral que envolveria qualquer um dos seguintes procedimentos: esvaziamento axilar, biópsia de linfonodo sentinela, biópsia de linfonodo axilar ou mamas supranumerárias, para verificar a deposição e o tempo de propagação da solução dentro do plano interfascial torácico in vivo. Resultados Estudos radiológicos e em cadáveres mostraram que a injeção de anestésico local e azul de metileno via plano interfascial torácico com a técnica guiada por ultrassom resulta em deposição confiável na axila. Nos pacientes, a injeção de anestésico local produziu um bloqueio sensitivo axilar confiável. Esse achado foi corroborado por estudos de ressonância magnética que mostraram sinais hiperintensos na região axilar. Conclusões Esses achados definem as características anatômicas do bloqueio da região axilar e destacam o potencial clínico desses novos bloqueios.

Hernia pulmonar espontánea secundaria a acceso de tos: reparación por técnica asistida por video / Spontaneous lung hernia secondary to coughing fit: repair by video assisted technique

La hernia pulmonar es la protrusión del tejido pulmonar a través de una de las estructuras que lo contienen. Generalmente, son secundarias a traumatismos o a un procedimiento quirúrgico; con menos frecuencia, pueden ser espontáneas posteriores a accesos de tos. El diagnóstico se hace por el cuadro clínico y debe confirmarse con radiografía o tomografía, con las cuales se puede ver la protrusión del tejido pulmonar a través de los espacios intercostales. Pueden tratarse de manera conservadora si son asintomáticas, pero el tratamiento más común es el quirúrgico, con técnica abierta o asistida por video. Se presenta una revisión bibliográfica y el reporte de un caso manejado con técnica asistida por video.

Lung hernia is the protrusion of lung tissue through one of its bounding structures. Usually it develops as the result of thoracic trauma or after a surgical procedure; less frequently it can be spontaneous after a coughing fit. Diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical findings and should be confirmed by X-ray imaging or computed tomography, which evidence the protrusion of the lung through the intercostal spaces. Treatment of lung hernia may be conservative when the patient is asymptomatic, but surgical intervention is most commonly performed, which can be by the open technique or by the video assisted technique. We present a literature review and report a case that was managed by the video assisted surgical technique.

Intercostal and forearm muscle deoxygenation during respiratory fatigue in patients with heart failure: potential role of a respiratory muscle metaboreflex

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of respiratory muscle fatigue on intercostal and forearm muscle perfusion and oxygenation in patients with heart failure. Five clinically stable heart failure patients with respiratory muscle weakness (age, 66±12 years; left ventricle ejection fraction, 34±3%) and nine matched healthy controls underwent a respiratory muscle fatigue protocol, breathing against a fixed resistance at 60% of their maximal inspiratory pressure for as long as they could sustain the predetermined inspiratory pressure. Intercostal and forearm muscle blood volume and oxygenation were continuously monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy with transducers placed on the seventh left intercostal space and the left forearm. Data were compared by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction. Respiratory fatigue occurred at 5.1±1.3 min in heart failure patients and at 9.3±1.4 min in controls (P<0.05), but perceived effort, changes in heart rate, and in systolic blood pressure were similar between groups (P>0.05). Respiratory fatigue in heart failure reduced intercostal and forearm muscle blood volume (P<0.05) along with decreased tissue oxygenation both in intercostal (heart failure, -2.6±1.6%; controls, +1.6±0.5%; P<0.05) and in forearm muscles (heart failure, -4.5±0.5%; controls, +0.5±0.8%; P<0.05). These results suggest that respiratory fatigue in patients with heart failure causes an oxygen demand/delivery mismatch in respiratory muscles, probably leading to a reflex reduction in peripheral limb muscle perfusion, featuring a respiratory metaboreflex.

Thoracoscopic and endovascular management of retained haemothoarx associated with an intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm.

Intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm (IAP) is a rare entity and may complicate a percutaneous intervention through an intercostal space or follow thoracic trauma. Its rupture into the pleural space can give rise to haemothorax, which if untreated may lead to a retained haemothorax (RH). Traditionally both the IAP and the RH are managed by a thoracotomy. We report a patient who developed an IAP with haemothorax following a trauma. The diagnosis was established by computed tomography. The patient was treated by endovascular embolisation of the IAP followed by thoracoscopic decortications of the RH.

Porcine Dermal Collagen (Permacol) for Sternal Reconstruction

In chest wall reconstruction after wide chest wall resection, the use of a musculocutaneous flap or prosthetic materials is inevitable for maintaining thoracic movement and a closed pleural cavity. We report a case of a 63-year-old male with a large invasive thymic carcinoma in the anterior mediastinum. The mass measured 6.8 cm and involved the sternum, left side of the parasternal area, ribs, and intercostal muscles. The patient underwent subtotal sternectomy, radical thymectomy, and reconstruction with biological mesh (Permacol). Successful chest wall reconstruction without any other complications was achieved, demonstrating the effectiveness of Permacol.

Hiccup: Mystery, Nature and Treatment

Hiccup is the sudden onset of erratic diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle contraction and immediately followed by laryngeal closure. The abrupt air rush into lungs elicits a "hic" sound. Hiccup is usually a self-limited disorder; however, when it is prolonged beyond 48 hours, it is considered persistent whereas episodes longer than 2 months are called intractable. A reflex arc involving peripheral phrenic, vagal and sympathetic pathways and central midbrain modulation is likely responsible for hiccup. Accordingly, any irritant in terms of physical/chemical factors, inflammation, neoplasia invading the arc leads to hiccups. The central causes of hiccup include stroke, space occupying lesions and injury etc, whereas peripheral causes include lesions along the arc such as tumors, myocardial ischemia, herpes infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease and applied instrumentations on human body etc. Besides, various drugs (eg, anti-parkinsonism drugs, anesthetic agents, steroids and chemotherapies etc) are the possible etiology. An effective treatment of persistent hiccup may be established upon the correct diagnosis of lesion responsible for the serious event. The pharmacotherapy of hiccup includes chlorpromazine, gabapentin, baclofen, serotonergic agonists, prokinetics and lidocaine. Non-pharmacological approaches such as nerve blockade, pacing, acupuncture and measures to hold breathing are also successful. Finally, alternative medicines and remedies are convenient to treat hiccups with uncertain effect. In conclusions, hiccup is likely to result from lesions involving the hiccup reflex arc. The lesion may need to be localized correctly for ablative treatment in patients with intractable hiccup. Apart from lesion ablation, drugs acting on reflex arc may be effective, while some other conventional measures may also be tried.

Congenital Intercostal Lung Herniation Combined with an Unusual Morgagni's Hernia

A 70-year-old male visited urgent care due to coughing for 1 month and left chest pain. He had no history of trauma. The initial chest computed tomography (CT) showed the 7th left intercostal lung herniation. A follow-up CT showed an intercostal lung herniation combined with a bowl herniation, which had developed due to a Morgagni's hernia. An emergency operation was performed due to the incarceration of the bowl and lung. The primary repair of the diaphragm was performed and the direct approximation of the 7th intercostal space was determined. We concluded that the defect of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscle was a congenital lesion, and the recurrent coughing was the aggravating factor of herniation.

Post-epidural unilateral paralysis of intercostal muscles in child

Morbidity after paediatric epidural anaesthesia is unusual. We report a case of transient motor nerve root block in an eleven years old girl receiving epidural analgesia postoperatively following anterior instrumented spinal fusion for scoliosis. The epidural catheter was placed within the T8-T9 inter-space under general anaesthesia. Postoperatively the child developed unilateral paradoxical chest wall movement which was felt to be due to transient motor nerve roots blockade from the epidural analgesia, resulting from migration of catheter though uncommon, the complication needs to be considered in the differential of respiratory compromise postoperatively

Lesão complexa da traqueia: correção com retalho pediculado de músculo intercostal / Complex tracheal lesion: correction with an intercostal muscle pedicle flap

A reconstrução esofágica é uma das mais complexas cirurgias do aparelho digestivo, principalmente quando realizada por técnicas minimamente invasivas. Esse procedimento está associado a inúmeras complicações, como deiscência de anastomose, quilotórax, necrose do tubo gástrico e fistulas. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com o diagnóstico de carcinoma epidermoide no terço distal do esôfago que foi submetido à uma esofagectomia por videotoracoscopia e laparoscopia. Durante o ato operatório, houve lesão do brônquio principal esquerdo, sendo necessária a correção cirúrgica imediata da lesão. No pós-operatório, o paciente evoluiu com insuficiência respiratória aguda e grande escape aéreo pelos drenos de tórax e pela ferida operatória cervical. Foi submetido à nova intervenção cirúrgica, através da qual se observou uma grande lesão na parede membranosa da traqueia, que foi corrigida com um retalho de músculo intercostal.

Esophageal reconstruction is one of the most complex types of gastrointestinal surgery, principally when it is performed using minimally invasive techniques. The procedure is associated with various complications, such as anastomotic dehiscence, chylothorax, esophageal necrosis and fistulae. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with epidermoid carcinoma in the distal third of the esophagus. The patient was submitted to esophagectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopy and laparoscopy. During the operation, the left main bronchus was injured, and this required immediate surgical correction. In the postoperative period, the patient presented with acute respiratory failure and profuse air leak through the thoracic drains and through the cervical surgical wound. The patient underwent a second surgical procedure, during which a large lesion was discovered in the membranous wall of the trachea. The lesion was corrected with an intercostal muscle pedicle flap.

Sternalis: a clinically important variation

Sternalis muscle is an anatomical variation that is considered as a dilemma for surgeons and radiologists whereas a matter of interest for anatomists. It is found occasionally in the human on the anterior aspect of the thorax, superficial to the pectoralis major muscle. During routine cadaveric dissection for undergraduate medical students, presence of sternalis muscle was detected in a 60 years old mate cadaver. This rare anomaly has puzzled radiologists and surgeons in confirming diagnosis, missing it completely or mistaking it for a tumor on mammography or CT scan as it may mimic a malignant mass lesion on the medial aspect of craniocaudal mammograms. A detailed description of this important variation is needed in the text books for radiologists and surgeons

Bronchial sump reinforcement with intercostal muscle flap after pulmonary resection: comparative study with direct closure

Controversy exists about the need for and the benefit from coverage of the bronchial stump. However, most authors recommended coverage of bronchial stump in high risk patients with some form of vascular tissue flaps. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of bronchial stump reinforcement with intercostal muscle flap after major lung resection. This study includes ninety two patients submitted for major lung resection and completes the follow up period of six months. The patients were divided into two groups according to the method of bronchial stump closure uTespective to the extent of lung resection or the indication for resection. Group A: included 52 patients, whose bronchial stump was reinforced by intercostal muscle flap after closure with interrupted suture. Group B: Included 40 patients, whose bronchial stump was closed by interrupted suture 'ithout reinforcement. The two patient groups were matched as regarded patient's age and sex distribution. Patients among group A had significant more incidence of diabetes mellitus [55.8% versus 20%] and had more preoperative induction chemotherapy [17.3% versus 5%]. bronchopleural fistula was reported in 7.5% in group B versus 0% in group A. overall hospital mortality was 4.4%. Mortality among patients in group B were related to bronchopleural fistula, while in group A, mortality was related to systemic disease. Intercostal muscle flap well seal bronchial stump dehiscence in two patients in group A. No late bronchopleural fistula was diagnosed in any patients. The use of intercostal muscle flap to reinforce the bronchial stump after lung resection is a simple procedure and high effective for prevention of bronchopleural fistula even with bronchial stump dehiscence

A prospective, randomised comparison of continuous paravertebral block and continuous intercostal nerve block for post-thoracotomy pain

ABSTRACTBackground: This study aimed to compare paravertebral block and continuous intercostal nerve block after thoracotomy.Methods: Forty-six adult patients undergoing elective posterolateral thoracotomy were randomised to receive either acontinuous intercostal nerve blockade or a paravertebral block. Opioid consumption and postoperative pain were assessedfor 48 hours .Pulmonary function was assessed by forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) recorded at 4 hours intervals.Results: With respect to the objective visual assessment (VAS), both techniques were effective for post thoracotomy pain.The average VAS score at rest was 29±10mm for paravertebral block and 31.5±11mm for continuous intercostal nerve block.The average VAS score on coughing was 36±14mm for the first one and 4 ±14mm for the second group.Pain at rest was similar in both groups. Pain scores on coughing were lower in paravertebral block group at 42 and 48hours. Post-thoracotomy function was better preserved with paravertebral block. No difference was found among the twogroups for side effects related to technique, major morbidity or duration of hospitalisation.Conclusion: We found that continuous intercostal nerve block and paravertebral block were effective and safe methods forpost-thoracotomy pain

Treatment of Persistent Hiccups with Mirtazepine / 대한정신약물학회지

Hiccups are defined as involuntary contractions of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Most instances of hiccups are self-limiting, but intractable hiccups can sometimes lead to multiple problems including exhaustion. A 56-year-old female visited our psychiatric department due to persistent hiccups and insomnia. Initially, she was unsuccessfully managed using conservative methods, i.e., holding her breath, drinking water, inducing a gag reflex, and orally administering haloperidol. We administered Remeron Soltab(R), and the hiccups disappeared. We conclude that mirtazapine is a useful in the treatment for persistent hiccups.

A Case of Persistent Hiccup in a Patient with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

A hiccup is caused by involuntary, intermittent, and spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. It starts with a sudden inspiration and ends with an abrupt closure of the glottis. Even though a hiccup is thought to develop through the hiccup reflex arc, its exact pathophysiology is still unclear. The etiologies include gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory abnormalities, psychogenic factors, toxic-metabolic disorders, central nervous system dysfunctions and irritation of the vagus and phrenic nerves. Most benign hiccups can be controlled by traditional empirical therapy such as breath holding and swallowing water. However, though rare, a persistent hiccup longer than 48 hours can lead to significant adverse effects including malnutrition, dehydration, insomnia, electrolyte imbalance, and cardiac arrhythmia. An intractable hiccup can sometimes even cause death. We herein describe a patient with non-small cell lung cancer who was severely distressed by a persistent hiccup.

Acquired spontaneous intercostal hernia

A case of acquired spontaneous intercostal hernia is being presented. The aetiology, clinical features, radiological findings and management are discussed

Metastasizing Pleomorphic Adenoma in Right Lung: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma originating from the parotid gland is a rare form of neoplasm. The neoplasm is a histologically benign, but clinically controversial entity. Herein, a case report of a pleuro-pneumonectomy of a metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma in the right lung is described. A 57-year-old man, who underwent resection of parotid gland due to a pleomorphic adenoma, presented with multiple metastases on the right lung, mediastinum, pericardium and intercostal muscle. The metastatic lesions were composed of a benign pleomorphic structure.

Clinical Analysis of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Spinal Surgery in the Thoracic or Thoracolumbar Spinal Pathologies

OBJECTIVE: Thoracoscopic spinal surgery provides minimally invasive approaches for effective vertebral decompression and reconstruction of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine, while surgery related morbidity can be significantly lowered. This study analyzes clinical results of thoracoscopic spinal surgery performed at our institute. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients underwent video-assisted thoracosopic surgery (VATS) to treat various thoracic and thoracolumbar pathologies from April 2000 to July 2006. The lesions consisted of spinal trauma (13 cases), thoracic disc herniation (4 cases), tuberculous spondylitis (1 case), post-operative thoracolumbar kyphosis (1 case) and thoracic tumor (1 case). The level of operation included upper thoracic lesions (3 cases), midthoracic lesions (6 cases) and thoracolumbar lesions (11 cases). We classified the procedure into three groups: stand-alone thoracoscopic discectomy (3 cases), thoracoscopic fusion (11 cases) and video assisted mini-thoracotomy (6 cases). RESULTS: Analysis on the Frankel performance scale in spinal trauma patients (13 cases), showed a total of 7 patients who had neurological impairment preoperatively : Grade D (2 cases), Grade C (2 cases), Grade B (1 case), and Grade A (2 cases). Four patients were neurologically improved postoperatively, two patients were improved from C to E, one improved from grade D to E and one improved from grade B to grade D. The preoperative Cobb's and kyphotic angle were measured in spinal trauma patients and were 18.9+/-4.4 degrees and 18.8+/-4.6 degrees, respectively. Postoperatively, the angles showed statistically significant improvement, 15.1+/-3.7 degrees and 11.3+/-2.4 degrees, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Although VATS requires a steep learning curve, it is an effective and minimally invasive procedure which provides biomechanical stability in terms of anterior column decompression and reconstruction for anterior load bearing, and preservation of intercostal muscles and diaphragm.