Comparison of Analgesic Method in Laparoscopic Gastrectomy Using External Oblique Intercostal Block Versus Wound Infiltration: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: External oblique intercostal block (EOIB) is effective in relieving pain in the T6 to T10 dermatomes; however, there is limited evidence comparing EOIB with conventional regional anesthesia. In this randomized controlled trial, it was hypothesized that EOIB would provide more effective analgesia than wound infiltration (WI) in laparoscopic gastrectomy. Methods: Thirty-two patients (aged 20-85 years) with American Society of Anesthesiologists Performance Status of 1 to 2, scheduled for laparoscopic gastrectomy, were randomly divided into EOIB and WI groups. Both procedures were performed using 40 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine. The primary outcome was the numerical rating scale (NRS) score 12 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were NRS at 2, 24, and 48 h postoperatively, variation in quality of recovery-15 score on postoperative days 1 and 2 from preoperative baseline, postoperative fentanyl consumption, and variation in World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale 2.0 scores between baseline and 3 months postoperatively. Plasma concentrations of levobupivacaine and pinprick sensation in the T4-11 dermatomes post-EOIB were evaluated to determine the exploratory endpoints. Results: There were no differences in the NRS scores 12 h postoperatively at rest and during movement between the EOIB and WI groups (mean standard deviation 1.3 [1.1] vs. 1.5 [1.4] and 3.1 [1.6] vs. 3.8 [1.7], respectively). Secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups. The time to peak plasma concentration of levobupivacaine following EOIB was 45 min. Conclusions: No significant differences in NRS scores were observed between the analgesic effects of EOIB and WI at 12 h postoperatively.

Effect of nociception level-directed analgesic management on opioid usage in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a single-center, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the importance of appropriate opioid administration methods according to nociceptive monitoring. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 54 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at our hospital. Patients were randomly allocated to either receive nociception level (NOL)-directed intraoperative opioid management with a minimum flow of remifentanil (NOL group) or conventional intraoperative analgesic management (control group). The primary outcome was the mean intraoperative remifentanil infusion flow rate (intraoperative remifentanil usage [µg]/ideal body weight [kg]/operation time [min]). The main secondary outcomes were plasma concentrations of three perioperative inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein [CRP], and cortisol levels) and postoperative pain (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS]) scores 2 h postoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 7. RESULTS: Compared with standard analgesia management, NOL-directed analgesic management reduced remifentanil consumption by 20% ( - 0.038; 95% confidence interval, - 0.059 to - 0.017; p = 0.0007). NOL-directed management did not lead to an increase in IL-6, CRP, or cortisol levels compared with conventional analgesic management. Furthermore, this protocol led to improvements in the NRS scores at rest 2 h postoperatively and upon movement up to postoperative day 3. CONCLUSION: NOL-directed analgesic management reduced remifentanil consumption by 20% and the NRS scores at rest 2 h postoperatively and upon movement up to postoperative day 3 without an increase in inflammatory marker levels. REGISTRY NUMBER: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, JRCTs052220034.

Comparison of Quality of Recovery between Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerves Block through Perichondrial Approach versus Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through a perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) provides a wide analgesic range. Herein, we examined the quality of recovery (QoR) of M-TAPA for total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) compared with oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (OSTAPB) and measured plasma levobupivacaine concentrations (PClevo). Forty female patients undergoing TLH were randomized to each group. Nerve blocks were performed bilaterally with 25 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine administered per side. The primary outcome was changes in QoR-15 scores on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 from the preoperative baseline. The main secondary outcomes were PClevo at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 min after performing nerve block. Group differences (M-TAPA-OSTAPB) in mean changes from baseline in QoR-15 scores on POD 1 and 2 were -11.3 (95% confidence interval (CI), -24.9 to 2.4, p = 0.104; standard deviation (SD), 22.8) and -7.0 (95% CI, -20.5 to 6.6, p = 0.307; SD, 18.7), respectively. Changes in PClevo were similar in both groups. The post hoc analysis using Bayesian statistics revealed that posterior probabilities of M-TAPA being clinically more effective than OSTAPB were up to 22.4 and 24.4% for POD 1 and 2, respectively. In conclusion, M-TAPA may not be superior to OSTAPB for TLH.

Anesthetic management of scapular Y-osteotomy using a combination of suprascapular nerve block and erector spinae plane block for Sprengel deformity associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) occurs in 1/40,000 individuals and is characterized by cervical fusion. Thirty percent of patients with KFS present with Sprengel deformity, leading to orthopedic problems and limited shoulder abduction. No reports exist regarding anesthetic procedures for pediatric scapular osteotomies. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 4-year-and-7-month-old boy (95.6 cm, 14.7 kg) who underwent left scapular osteotomy. At the age of 8 months, he also underwent a right lower lobectomy due to a congenital pulmonary airway malformation. We decided to use a combination of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), erector spinae plane block (ESPB), and general anesthesia. He received regular acetaminophen administration and fentanyl 5-10 µg/hour intravenously until 20 h postoperatively and remained on ≤ 2/10 in the Wong-Baker Face Scale (0: no hurt; 10: hurts worst). CONCLUSION: The combination of SSNB and ESPB could be an option for perioperative analgesia for scapular osteotomies.

Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block and Quadriceps Strength: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The decrease in quadriceps strength after anterior quadratus lumborum block (AQLB) has not been quantified. This prospective cohort study investigated the incidence of quadriceps weakness after AQLB. We enrolled patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, and AQLB was performed at the L2 level with 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine. We evaluated each quadriceps' maximal voluntary isometric contraction using a handheld dynamometer preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 and 4 days. The incidence of muscle weakness was defined as a 25% reduction in muscle strength compared with the preoperative baseline, and "muscle weakness possibly caused by nerve block" was defined as a 25% reduction compared with the non-block side. We also assessed the numerical rating scale and quality of recovery-15 scores. Thirty participants were analyzed. The incidence of muscle weakness compared with preoperative baseline and the non-block side was 13.3% and 30.0%, respectively. Patients with a numerical rating scale ≥ 4 or quality of recovery-15 score < 122, which was classified as moderate or poor, had decreased muscle strength with relative risks of 1.75 and 2.33, respectively. All patients ambulated within 24 h after surgery. The incidence of quadriceps weakness possibly caused by nerve block was 13.3%; however, all patients could ambulate after 1 day.

Bolus intertransverse process block and continuous erector spinae plane block for perioperative analgesic management of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery - Three cases report.

BACKGROUND: Common regional anesthesia approaches for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) include paravertebral block (PVB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB). PVB is considered a deep nerve block which is contraindicated in antithrombotic therapy. ESPB is effective when administered as a bolus, as well as continuously. However, the recently proposed intertransverse process block (ITPB) ensures more effective diffusion of the local anesthetic into the paravertebral space. CASE: We report cases of three patients who received bolus ITPB (costotransverse foramen block and mid-point transverse process-to-pleura block in one and two cases, respectively) combined with continuous ESPB when a deep nerve block could not be administered. Opioids were not required postoperatively, and all postoperative numerical rating scale scores (0-10) at rest were maintained below 4. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of bolus ITPB and continuous ESPB may be an alternative analgesic method when deep nerve blocks are contraindicated in VATS.

Efficacy of modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach in open gynecological surgery: a prospective observational pilot study and a cadaveric evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) was first described as a peripheral nerve block by Tulgar in 2019. This technique provides an analgesic effective range from Th7-11 with a single puncture per side. Although the efficacy and effective duration of M-TAPA have been reported, further examination is required. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the analgesic range and effective duration of M-TAPA in open gynecologic surgery. METHODS: Following approval, 10 adult female patients scheduled for open radical hysterectomy via a vertical incision or laparotomy using a midline incision from under the xiphoid process to the symphysis pubis were enrolled. The primary outcome was the number of anesthetized dermatomes at 2 and 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included numerical rating scale scores and the total amount of fentanyl used. Cadaveric evaluation was performed to assess the spread of the dye. RESULTS: The median numbers (interquartile range) of anesthetized dermatomes at 2 and 24 h postoperatively were 6 (5-7) and 6.5 (5-7) in the anterior cutaneous branch area and 5 (4-7) and 7 (5-7) in the lateral cutaneous branch area, respectively. There was an 85% chance of simultaneously acquiring analgesia in areas innervated by Th8-11, including complete block in areas innervated by the anterior cutaneous branches of Th9-10. Cadaveric evaluation showed the spread of the dye in Th8-11. CONCLUSIONS: M-TAPA may have analgesic effects in the areas supplied by the anterior cutaneous branches of Th8-11. TRAIL REGISTRATION: IRB approval (No.2700; registered on July 10, 2020) and registration (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000041137 ; registered on July 17, 2020).

Effect of NOciception Level-Directed analgesic management on Opioid usage in Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (NOLDOR): study protocol for a single-centre single-blinded randomised controlled trial.

Background: The nociception level (NOL) index discriminates noxious stimuli during surgery with high sensitivity and specificity. Although some studies have reported that a NOL-directed opioid protocol reduces intraoperative opioid consumption, one study implied that it might cause an unintended increase in the stress response. Therefore, we designed a study to investigate the effects of the NOL-directed opioid protocol and measure inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: This single-centre RCT will enrol 54 patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated to receive (i) NOL-directed intraoperative opioid management (NOL group) or (ii) conventional intraoperative analgesic management (control group). The remifentanil infusion rate will be determined solely using the NOL index during surgery in the NOL group. The primary outcome will be the mean intraoperative remifentanil infusion rate. Secondary outcomes will include the plasma concentrations of three perioperative inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and cortisol) and the variation in the NOL index at the start of pneumoperitoneum and with postural changes. Conclusions: This study is expected to accumulate evidence on the effects of NOL-directed analgesic opioid protocol and provide additional evidence regarding the variability of stress responses and the character of the NOL index. Clinical trial registration: JRCTs052220034.

Anesthetic management using a combination of anterior quadratus lumborum block and erector spinae plane block for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: There has been increasing attention regarding quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as effective truncal blocks. There have been reports of combined QLB and ESPB usage in hip surgery resulting in a symbiotic increase in effectiveness. However, there have been no reports regarding robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), which requires multiple port holes ranging from near the xiphoid process to below the umbilicus. We hypothesized that the combined use of QLB and ESPB was an option for anesthesia and analgesia during RAPN. CASE PRESENTATION: Anterior QLB and ESPB were applied to two patients undergoing scheduled RAPN. With intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, the post-surgery numerical rating scale scores were < 3/10 at rest and < 5/10 upon movement, throughout the perioperative time. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of QLB and ESPB could be an option for the postoperative analgesia in RAPN.