Efficacy Comparison Between Interscalene Block with and Without Superficial Cervical Plexus Block for Anesthesia in Clavicle Surgery.

Background: Clavicle fractures account for over one-third of shoulder injuries and up to 3.3% of all fractures in adults. While the majority of these fractures can be managed non-surgically, there are instances where surgical intervention is performed. Regional anesthesia (RA) can be a preferred alternative to general anesthesia (GA) to avoid complications and high costs in this surgery. Moreover, the identification of the most optimal approach for RA remains challenging. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of interscalene block (ISB) with and without superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) as an anesthetic technique for clavicular fracture operation. Methods: This double-blinded, non-inferiority clinical trial was conducted on 120 patients randomly divided into 2 groups: One receiving ISB and the other receiving ISB with SCPB. The primary outcome was defined as the conversion to GA. Various factors were recorded, including surgery duration, nerve block initiation, analgesics required in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and sedation during surgery. Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in PACU. SPSS version 26 was used for statistical analysis, performing descriptive analysis, Student's t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests to compare non-parametric variables between the 2 groups. Statistically significant results had a P value of less than 0.05. Results: A total of 120 patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups, each consisting of 50 males and 10 females. The mean age of intervention and case groups were 37.23 ± 13.30 and 38.43 ± 11.95 years, respectively. After performing statistical tests (Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test), there was no significant difference in the initiation time of nerve block, surgery initiation time, surgery duration, the amount of required sedation, VAS scores, and meperidine consumption (P > 0.05). None of the patients in both groups required conversion to GA. Conclusions: The primary goal was achieved in all included cases, and no patients required conversion to GA. The efficacy of ISB is the same whether or not it is combined with a SCPB. Interscalene block is an alternative RA approach for clavicle fractures. Thus, ISB alone is as efficient as when used in combination with SCPB.

The Effect of Intravenous Metoclopramide on Gastric Emptying of Opium-dependent Patients based on Ultrasonographic Criteria; a Case-control Study.

Introduction: Induction of anesthesia for emergency procedures, without prior gastric preparation and incomplete fasting, is associated with the risk of reflux of stomach contents and aspiration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous (IV) metoclopramide administration on gastric emptying in opium users, candidate for procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA). Methods: In the present case-control study, opium-dependent (case) and non-dependent (control) patients in need of PSA were administered with 10 mg IV metoclopramide after undergoing gastric ultrasonography for determination of its area and contents. Then, 30 minutes after the administration of metoclopramide, the area and contents of the stomach were measured again and compared with the measures obtained before the intervention. Results: 135 patients were evaluated in three groups of 45, including the case, control, and placebo groups. The three groups were similar regarding mean age (p = 0.068), sex (p = 0.067), weight (p = 0.596), height (p = 0.671), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.877), duration of fasting (p = 0.596), and type of gastric contents (p = 0.124). Mean antral cross-sectional area (CSA) of the study participants in the case, control, and placebo groups before the administration of the drug was 8.49 ± 1.40, 8.31 ± 2.56, and 6.56 ± 1.72 cm2, respectively. Mean gastric area in the case (p < 0.001) and control (p < 0.001) groups had significantly decreased after the intervention. Mean antral gastric grade of gastric contents in the case (p < 0.001) and control (p < 0.001) groups had significantly decreased after the intervention. Conclusion: It seems that metoclopramide administration in opium users in need of PSA leads to a significant decrease in mean gastric area and increases gastric emptying.

Comparison of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block with fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) for pain control in hip fractures: A double-blind prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is a common regional analgesic strategy in hip fracture surgery but, recently it has been suggested that FICB may not provide enough analgesia. Pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) is a novel method for hip analgesia which its efficacy is not well established yet. The aim of this study was to the effect of the PENG block in the control of the hip fracture pain as well as to compare the effectiveness of the PENG compared with FICB. HYPOTHESIS: The hypothesis of this study was that the PENG block could be a good alternative to the FICB in hip fracture analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in the Imam- Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran; between 2018 and 2019. Hip fracture patients were randomly divided into two groups; Group A (n=22) received FICB and Group B (n=30) received PENG block. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between VAS score before blocks procedure between two groups (p=0.37). After 15minutes of blocks and after 12hours of post-surgery, VAS score significantly reduced in the PENG block group compared with the FICB group (p=0.031; p=0.021, respectively). The first time of the analgesic consumption after surgery was significantly longer in the PENG block compared with the FCIB (p=0.007). Compared with the FICB group, the total dose of morphine consumption during 24hours significantly reduced in the PENG block (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: PENG block is a good method in hip fractures analgesia and provides better analgesia than FICB. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate the efficacy and superiority of the PENG blocks over conventional techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

The Effect of Repeated Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (R-DOPS) Assessment Method on the Clinical Skills of Anesthesiology Residents.

BACKGROUND: The ultimate result of patient care is one of the most important outcomes in medical education. Several methods, including the direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS), have been proposed to assess professional competencies in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effects of the Repeated DOPS (R-DOPS) method on the performance of procedural skills in anesthesiology residents. METHODS: The procedural skill performance of anesthesiology residents was assessed using a standard DOPS protocol from May to October 2019. Their scores were then objectively recorded, and the satisfaction rates regarding the 2 DOPS exams were assessed. RESULTS: We found a considerable improvement in anesthesiology residents' procedural skill performance, especially in the anesthesiology residency curriculum's basic items. Besides, anesthesiology residents' satisfaction was significantly improved after the 2nd DOPS. CONCLUSIONS: R-DOPS leads to improved training outcomes, including assessing the procedural skills, time to feedback to trainees, and trainee satisfaction.

Comparison of the Combined Femoral and Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block Plus Popliteal Block with Spinal Anesthesia for Thigh Tourniquet Pain During Foot or Ankle Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: A pneumatic thigh tourniquet is routinely used during lower-extremity orthopedic surgeries to provide a bloodless field. When using peripheral nerve blocks, tourniquet-related thigh pain and discomfort limit their routine use as an anesthetic method. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present prospective, randomized study was to compare the efficacy of combined femoral nerve/lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block technique and spinal anesthesia on intraoperative thigh tourniquet pain. METHODS: We studied 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery on the foot or ankle using a pneumatic thigh tourniquet. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. The peripheral nerve block group received a combined popliteal, femoral, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block under ultrasound-guidance. In both groups, the level of sensory blockade was determined by the pinprick test. The block performance time, anesthetic effect time, intraoperative tourniquet pain scores, the amount of fentanyl and ketamine, surgery duration, and patient's satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: The patients' characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The mean duration of block performance and anesthetic effect, intraoperative tourniquet pain scores, and the amount of intravenous analgesics in the peripheral nerve block group were significantly greater than those in the spinal anesthesia group. Patient satisfaction was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia is significantly more effective than the peripheral nerve block method in reducing thigh tourniquet pain. A combined femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block with popliteal block can improve thigh tourniquet tolerance if supplemented with intravenous analgesics.

Comparison of the Effect of Bicarbonate, Hyaluronidase, and Lidocaine Injection on Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic syndrome that occurred in a local or focal part of the body. The basis for myofascial pain syndrome is the presence of myofascial trigger point or points, producing pain in clinical examinations. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effect of injection of bicarbonate, hyaluronidase, and lidocaine on myofascial pain syndrome. METHODS: The patients were randomly allocated to three groups of bicarbonate, hyaluronidase, and lidocaine. The injection was done at two painful regions of trapezius muscle with a sonography guide for each patient. The values of visual analogue scale (VAS), pre-injection range of motion (ROM), immediately after injection, second and fourth week were measured. RESULTS: The analysis showed that there were no significant differences between the three groups for age, gender, BMI, and height (P > 0.05). Repeated measures one-way ANOVA (week * group) 4 * 3 was used to compare the effect of bicarbonate, hyaluronidase, and lidocaine on VAS and range of motion (ROM) before injection, immediately after injection, second and fourth week. The results showed that the main effect of group and week is significant for VAS (P < 0.05). This study showed that the values of VAS were significantly different between the three groups during the fourth weeks of the study. Moreover, the patients experienced more pain decline in the hyaluronidase group during weeks before injection, after injection, second and fourth week, which indicated the permanent effect of this medication on pain decline. CONCLUSIONS: Injection of lidocaine leads to a significant reduction in pain immediately after injection; however, the decline was not permanent and disappeared in the following four weeks. But VAS reduction in hyaluronidase group more than bicarbonate and lidocaine groups.

Saline vs. dextrose for local anesthetic dilution in brachial plexus block: A randomized study.

Higher sodium ions in saline diluted local anesthetic may reduce the anesthetic action of the drug as injected around the nerves. However, the impact of local anesthetic dilution agents on the quality of peripheral nerve blockades has not yet been widely investigated. This study was aimed at evaluating the impact of lidocaine dilution with normal saline vs dextrose 5% on onset time of supraclavicular approach to brachial plexus block. Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1or2 patients, scheduled for elective upper extremity surgeries under sono-guided supraclavicular block were randomly assigned to receive lidocaine 2% diluted with either dextrose 5% or normal saline. At the end of lidocaine injection, sensory and motor blocks were evaluated at 5 min intervals for 30 min in the areas innervated by median, radial, ulnar and musculocutaneous nerves. Block onset time and number of patients with complete sensory or motor blockade were similar in both groups. Lidocaine diluted with either normal saline or dextrose 5% produces comparable sensory and motor block onset time and success rate in ultrasound guided supraclavicular block.

Effects of Epidural Needle Rotation on Evolution of Unilateral Epidural Block and Patients' Hemodynamics beside Recovery Profile in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Knee Surgeries; A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evolution pattern of epidural block after rotating the needle tip 45° to the operative side and evaluate its effects on patients' hemodynamics and recovery profile in those undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS: Forty participants were randomly subdivided into control and rotation group (n=20). An 18-gauge, 3.5 inch, Tuohy needle was placed at the level of L4-5 and pushed forward into the epidural space through parasagittal approach, in control group, the needle was pushed forward to the epidural space in cephaldad 90 degrees. For the rotation group, the needle was pushed forward to the epidural space and the tip was rotated 45 degrees to the surgical side.15 mL of bupivacaine 0.5% was injected and evolution of sensory and motor blocks until 2-segment regression of the sensory level below to T10 as well as total duration of motor block and surgery were recorded. Hemodynamic parameters (HR, MAP, and SPO2), hypotension, fluid intake, vasopressors, first ambulation and spontaneous urination were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and P≤0.5 considered significant. RESULTS: Sensory block up to T10 level, Complete motor block and time for 2-segment regression of sensory level were earlier in the 45°-rotation than in the control group (p<0.001). Total duration of motor block in control group was lower than rotation group (p<0.001).Hypotension, N&V, vasopressors and fluid intake showed no statistically difference between the two groups (p=0.219). First spontaneous urination and ambulation were significantly lower in rotation group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: 45 degrees' needle rotation to the surgical side provides a faster block evolution and hastened recovery profile with no significant difference in hemodynamic fluctuations. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: IRCT20130518013364N7.

Preemptive Oral Clonidine Provides Better Sedation Than Intravenous Midazolam in Brachial Plexus Nerve Blocks.

BACKGROUND: Preemptive analgesia is the blocking of pain perception afferent pathways before noxious painful stimuli. Clonidine is an alpha agonist drug that is partially selective for α-2 adrenoreceptors. Clonidine is used as anti-anxiety medication and an, analgesic, and it prolongs the duration of the block in the brachial plexus block. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of preemptive clonidine with midazolam on intraoperative sedation, duration of block, and postoperative pain scores. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, 80 patients with orthopedic fractures of an upper extremity who underwent supraclavicular nerve block were randomly assigned to receive 0.2 mg oral clonidine or 2 mg oral midazolam. Intraoperative sedation was measured at one hour after the start of urgery and again in the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) using the Ramsay scale. The duration of sensory blockade was measured. Postoperative pain scores were measured using the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) after entrance to recovery up to 2 hours. RESULTS: The percentages of patients in the calm and sedated scale were significantly higher in clonidine group (35 and 42.5%, respectively), compared to the midazolam group (17.5 and 17.5%, respectively) (P = 0.042, 0.029; respectively). Those administered fentanyl in the clonidine group 105 ± 30.8 was significantly lower than that for the midazolam group 165 ± 34.5 (P = 0.0018). The percentages of patients in the calm scale were significantly higher in the clonidine group (52.5), compared to the midazolam group (17.5) (P = 0.001) in the post-operative period. VAS scores were significantly lower at one (P = 0.01) and two hours (P = 0.001) after operation in the clonidine group, compared to the midazolam group. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive clonidine has many marvelous advantages over midazolam, including better sedation inside the operating room and then in the post-operative care unit, lower fentanyl doses are required during surgery, more stable heart rate and blood pressure are observed during the procedure, and patients report lower post-operative pain scores.

Do the Concentration and Volume of Local Anesthetics Affect the Onset and Success of Infraclavicular Anesthesia?

BACKGROUND: Although local anesthesia is a suitable method for upper limb surgeries, there is debate regarding the effects of appropriate dosing. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we investigated the effects of the concentration and volume of a local anesthetic on the beginning and quality of anesthesia during upper limb orthopedic surgeries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients aged between 18 and 85 years candidated for upper limb orthopedic operations. The patients were equally and randomly distributed into two groups (n = 30). Under ultrasound imaging guidance, the first group received 7 mL of 2% lidocaine and the second group 10 mL of 1.3% lidocaine into the brachial plexus cords. The onset of block and the level of sensory and motor block were documented for each nerve territory. RESULTS: The onset of sensory and motor block was significantly shorter in the 1.3% lidocaine group than in the 2% lidocaine group (P ≤ 0.05). The success rate of sensory and motor block was not different. The quality (completeness) of sensory block for the musculocutaneous nerve and that of motor block for the radial nerve were significantly better in the 1.3% lidocaine group than in the 2% lidocaine group. CONCLUSIONS: The volume of the injected anesthetic accelerated the onset of sensory and motor block without affecting the rate of success in our patients.

Comparing the efficacy of intra-articular application of morphine and tramadol on postoperative pain after arthroscopic knee surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular analgesia is a pain reliever that is frequently administered following arthroscopic knee surgery. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of intra-articular application of morphine and tramadol on postoperative pain after arthroscopic knee surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For this randomized double blinded clinical trial, 132 patients undergoing minor arthroscopic knee surgery were randomly assigned to receive either; 5 mg morphine or 50 mg tramadol intra-articularly. Pain was evaluated by means of the verbal pain rating score (VRS) preoperatively (at rest and on movement of the knee joint) and postoperatively at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Meanwhile, the time of the first analgesic request and need for supplemental analgesic were also recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in VRS scoring between the two groups during the preoperative period either at rest or on knee movement. Meanwhile, VRS scores did not differ significantly between the morphine and tramadol treated groups postoperatively, except for in the one-hour post-operative scores in which the tramadol-treated group experienced less pain (P < 0.007). Post-operative VRS scores at 6, 12, and 24 hours were significantly decreased when compared with previous scores in both morphine and tramadol prescribed subjects (P < 0.001), hence, both local analgesics can significantly reduce pain after minor knee surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a postoperative analgesic effect of intra-articularly administered morphine and tramadol following minor arthroscopic knee surgeries with a maximum effect 6 hours post injection.

Post-dural Puncture Headache: A Comparison Between Median and Paramedian Approaches in Orthopedic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is an iatrogenic complication of spinal anesthesia. Reported risk factors for PDPH include sex, age, pregnancy, needle tip shape and size, bevel orientation, approach and others. Little is known regarding the effect of different approaches on the incidence of PDPH. OBJECTIVES: In this study we aimed to compare the incidence of PDPH in the case of median and paramedian approaches in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for orthopedic operations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia between 2007 and 2008 were studied in a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. The patients were randomized to receive spinal anesthesia by either a median (n = 75) or paramedian (n = 75) approach through a 25-gauge Crawford needle. No premedication was given, and all patients received 500 mL of normal saline intravenously and 4 mL of 0.5% isobaric Marcaine 30 minutes prior to surgery in both approaches. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (10%) developed PDPH. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PDPH in both groups, with 7 (9.3%) patients in the median approach group versus 8 (10.7%) in the paramedian approach group developing typical PDPH (P = 0.875). However, a significant difference in PDPH incidence (P = 0.041) was observed between females (9; 16.7%) and males (6; 6.3%). CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference between median and paramedian approaches with respect to PDPH incidence; the paramedian approach is therefore recommended, especially for older patients with degenerative changes in the spine and intervertebral spaces and those who cannot take the proper position. Moreover, the rate of PDPH was found to be significantly higher in females than in males.

The effect of tranexamic acid on reducing blood loss in cementless total hip arthroplasty under epidural anesthesia.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with high intraoperative and postoperative blood loss. Antifibrinolytic drugs have been used to minimize the potential risks of bleeding and blood transfusion. Studies on the effect of tranexamic acid on decreasing blood loss in THA have revealed interesting results, but most have focused on cemented THA. Yet its benefits in THA, especially in cementless THA, have not been proved. We conducted a prospective double-blind randomized controlled study on 64 patients who were candidates for cementless THA under epidural anesthesia between 2006 and 2008. Patients were randomly assigned into study and control groups. Patients in both groups were well matched regarding preoperative characteristics. Five minutes preoperatively 32 patients of the study and control groups received 15 mg/kg tranexamic acid or normal saline intravenously respectively. Our findings showed a significantly smaller decrease in 6- and 24-hour postoperative hemoglobin levels, less intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, and less need for allogenic blood transfusion in the tranexamic acid group. Our results also revealed a higher mean of 6- and 24-hour hematocrit level and shorter hospital stay in the tranexamic acid group compared to the control group, which were not statistically meaningful. In our study no thromboembolic event was seen; except 1 patient in the control group. Our study showed that administering tranexamic acid before the start of cementless THA under epidural anesthesia can reduce intraoperative and postoperative bleeding as well as need for blood transfusion.