The analgesic efficacy of continuous transversus abdominis plane block in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is suitable for operations where parietal pain is a major cause of pain. Renal transplant recipients are ideally suited to gain maximum benefit from TAP block as the incision classically involves the lower abdomen. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of continuous TAP block in transplant recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective double-blind study, 40 chronic renal failure patients undergoing open renal transplant were randomly divided into two groups. At the end of surgery during closure, a multiorifice epidural catheter was placed in TAP plane. Study group (Group S) received Inj bupivacaine bolus 1 mg/kg (0.25%) followed by infusion 0.25 mg/kg (0.125%) through the catheter, whereas control group (Group C) received normal saline through the catheter. Inj pentazocine (0.3 mg/kg) was given as rescue analgesic at visual analogue score (VAS) > 3 in any group at rest or on movement. The analgesic efficacy was judged by VAS, time of first rescue analgesic, and total analgesic consumption in 24 h. RESULTS: Patients in Group S had significant lower VAS scores, longer time to first rescue analgesic (270 ± 347.96 vs. 42.85 ± 32.27 min) and lower pentazocine consumption (9.75 ± 13.95 vs. 56.42 ± 12.46 mg) in 24 h. There was significant sedation in Group C. CONCLUSION: The TAP catheter technique for postoperative pain control after renal transplant has proved to be effective in relieving the postoperative pain after renal transplant with less pentazocine requirement and less sedation.

Reversal of severe lactic acidosis with thiamine in a renal allograft recipient.

A 48-year-old female patient with end-stage renal failure developed unexplained severe lactic acidosis (LA) associated with hyperglycemia during robotic-assisted laparoscopic renal transplantation. Initial treatment with sodium bicarbonate and insulin infusion were ineffective in treating acidemia. Postoperatively, intravenous administration of thiamine resulted in rapid improvement of LA and blood sugar levels. Uremia and chronic hemodialysis might be the causes behind the quantitative/qualitative deficiency of thiamine unmasked during the surgical stress. Though a rare entity, acute thiamine deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained severe LA in patients with chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis who undergo major surgery or admitted to critical illness care units.

Bradycardia and severe vasospasm caused by intramyometrial injection of vasopressin during myomectomy.

Vasopressin is often used locally to reduce blood loss during surgery. Vasopressin has longest clinical effect, but its systemic effects may be profound and pose significant challenges for the anesthesiologist and it can also sometimes cause lethal complications. The loss of peripheral pulse along with bradycardia, non-measurable arterial blood pressure, and cardiac complications have been reported after myometrial injection of vasopressin. Here, we describe a patient with multiple uterine myomas who developed severe bradycardia, non-measurable blood pressure by non-invasive means and loss of peripheral pulse after myometrial injection of vasopressin at a total dose of 20 units (1 unit/ml) with documentation of severe peripheral arterial vasospasm and increased proximal blood pressure. The patient was successfully resuscitated.

Ultrasound guided peritubal infiltration of 0.25% Bupivacaine versus 0.25% Ropivacaine for postoperative pain relief after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A prospective double blind randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a common for managing renal calculi. Pain in the initial post operatie period is relieved by infiltration of local anaesthetic around the nephrostomy tract. We aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of bupivacaine and ropivacaine. METHODS: A total of 100 adult patients undergoing elective PCNL-under balanced general anaesthesia were randomly divided into bupivacaine group (Group B) and ropivacaine group (Group R). After completion of procedure, 23G spinal needle was inserted at 6 and 12 O'clock position under ultrasonic guidance up to renal capsule along the nephrostomy tube. A volume of 10 ml of either 0.25% bupivacaine or 0.25% ropivacaine solution was infiltrated in each tract while withdrawing the needle. Post-operative pain was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and dynamic visual analogue scale (D-VAS) for initial 24 h. Intravenous tramadol was given as rescue analgesia when VAS >4. Time to first rescue analgesic, number of doses and total amount of tramadol required in initial 24 h and side-effects were noted. RESULTS: Visual analogue scale and D-VAS at 6 h and 8 h in Group B was significantly higher than Group R. Mean time to first rescue analgesia in Group R was significantly longer than Group B. Mean number of doses of tramadol and total consumption of tramadol in 24 h was less in Group R, though not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Peritubal infiltration of 0.25% ropivacaine infiltration along the nephrostomy tract is more effective than 0.25% bupivacaine in alleviating initial post-operative pain after PCNL.

Comparison of epidural butorphanol versus epidural morphine in postoperative pain relief.

INTRODUCTION: Epidural route is preferable for postoperative pain relief in thoraco-abdominal and lower limb surgeries. We aimed to compare epidural butorphanol versus morphine for postoperative analgesia up to 24 hours in open nephrectomy surgery. METHODS: 80 ASA physical status I and II adult patients were selected for this randomized double blind prospective study. A standard balanced general anesthesia technique was applied for all patients. Epidural catheter was placed in lower thoracic inter-vertebral space before the start of surgery. Injection butorphanol 0.04 mg/kg in group B (n = 40) or morphine 0.06 mg/kg in group M (n = 40) was given in a double blind manner after completion of surgery and before extubation through the epidural catheter. Patients were observed for pain relief by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the next 24 hours. Dose was repeated when VAS was > 4. The onset and peak effect of pain relief, duration of analgesia of 1st dose, frequency of drug administration and side effects if any were observed. RESULTS: The average onset of analgesia was 26.5 +/- 7.61 minutes with butorphanol and 62.5 +/- 13.4 minutes with morphine group which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean peak effect of pain relief following 1st dose was 173 +/- 51.25 minutes with butorphanol and 251 +/- 52.32 minutes with morphine group. The duration of pain relief after 1st dose was statistically significant and was 339.13 +/- 79.57 minutes in group B and 709.75 +/- 72.12 minutes in group M which was gradually increased on repeated dosing in group B while it was almost same in Group M. Number of doses required in 24 hours was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in butorphanol group than morphine group. Somnolence was the main side effect in group B while pruritus was the main side effect with group M. CONCLUSION: Epidural butorphanol appears to provide safer and faster postoperative analgesia without much untoward effects but its analgesic action is short so more repeated doses are required than morphine via epidural catheter up to 24 hours.

Ultrasound guided peritubal infiltration of 0.25% ropivacaine for postoperative pain relief in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a common endourologic procedure with less morbidity than open surgery. However, pain around the nephrostomy tube requires good post operative analgesia. So we hypothesize that infiltration of local anesthetic from the renal capsule to the skin around the nephrostomy tract would relieve the pain in the initial postoperative period. METHODS: 60 adult patients of either sex with ASA physical status I to III and undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy were randomized for a prospective double-blind controlled study. Patients were divided into control group (n = 30) and ropivacaine group (n = 30). Balanced general anesthesia was given. After completion of surgical procedure, 23 gauge spinal needle was inserted at 6 and 12 o'clock position under ultrasonic guidance up to therenal capsule along the nephrostomy tube. 10 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine or normal saline solution was infiltrated in each tract while withdrawing the needle from renal capsule to the skin. Post-operative pain was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and dynamic visual analogue scale (D-VAS) during deep breathing and coughing on a scale of 0-10 during the initial postoperative 24 hours. Rescue analgesia was given in the form of injection tramadol 1.0 mg/kg intravenously when VAS > 4 and maximum up to 400mg in 24 hours. Time to first rescue analgesic, number of doses of tramadol and total amount of tramadol required in the initial postoperative 24 hours were noted. Patients were observed for any side effect and treated accordingly. RESULTS: VAS at rest (VAS) as well as during deep breathing and coughing (DVAS) were significantly lower in ropivacaine group during first 24 hours. Mean time to 1st rescue analgesic in ropivacaine group was longer (10.7 +/- 2.64 hours) as compared to control group (2.05 +/- 1.44 hours) (P = 0.0001). Mean number of doses of tramadol in 24 hours in group-R were less (2.25 +/- 0.51) than group-C (4.4 +/- 0.68) (P = 0.0001). The mean total amount of tramadol in 24 hours in group-R was significantly lower than group-C. Side effects like nausea and vomiting and sedation were minimum and non-significant in both groups. CONCLUSION: Local anesthetic infiltration of 0.25% ropivacaine along the nephrostomy tract is efficient in alleviating post-operative pain after percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery. The number of doses and total consumption of rescue analgesic were also decreased in the initial postoperative 24 hours.

Anaesthesia for laparoscopic kidney transplantation: Influence of Trendelenburg position and CO2 pneumoperitoneum on cardiovascular, respiratory and renal function.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a routine practice since 1995. Until now, the recipient has always undergone open surgery for transplantation. In our institute, laparoscopic kidney transplantation (LKT) started in 2010. To facilitate this surgery, the patient must be in steep Trendelenburg position for a long duration. Hence, we decided to study the effect of CO2 pnuemoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients undergoing LKT. METHODS: A total of 20 adult CRF patients having mean age of 31.7±10.36 years and body mass index 19.65±3.41 kg/m(2) without significant coronary artery disease were selected for the procedure. Cardiovascular parameters heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), Central venous pressure (CVP) and respiratory parameters (ETCO2, peak airway pressure) were noted at the time of induction, after induction, 15 min after creation of pnuemoperitoneum, 30 min after Trendelenburg position, 15 min after decompression of pnuemoperitonuem and after extubation. Arterial blood gas analysis was carried out after induction, 15 min after creation of pnuemoperitoneum, 30 min after Trendelenburg position and 15 min after clamp release. Total duration of surgery, anastomosis time, time for the establishment of urine output and total urine output were noted. Serum creatinine on the 1(st) and 7(th) post-operative day were recorded. RESULTS: Significant increase in HR was observed after creation of CO2 pneumoperitoneum and just before extubation. Significant increase in the MAP and CVP was noted after creation of pneumoperitoneum and after giving Trendelenburg position. No significant rise in the ETCO2 and PaCO2 was observed. Significant increase in the base deficit was observed after the clamp release, but none of the patients required correction. CONCLUSION: LKT performed in steep Trendelenburg position with CO2 pneumoperitoneum significantly influenced cardiovascular and respiratory homeostasis; however, measured parameters remained within clinically acceptable range without affecting early function of the transplanted kidney.

The analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block for retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is suitable for lower abdominal surgeries. Blind TAP block has many complications and uncertainty of its effects. Use of ultrasonography increases the safety and efficacy. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound (USG)-guided TAP block for retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy (RDN). METHODS: In a prospective randomized double-blind study, 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy were randomly divided into two groups by closed envelope method. At the end of surgery, USG-guided TAP block was given to the patients of both the groups. Study group (group S) received inj. Bupivacaine (0.375%), whereas control group (group C) received normal saline. Inj. Tramadol (1 mg/kg) was given as rescue analgesic at visual analog scale (VAS) more than 3 in any group at rest or on movement. The analgesic efficacy was judged by VAS both at rest and on movement, time tofirst dose of rescue analgesic, cumulative dose of tramadol, sedation score, and nausea score, which were also noted at 30 min, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h postoperatively. Total tramadol consumption at 24 h was also assessed. RESULTS: Patients in group S had significantly lower VAS score, longer time tofirst dose of rescue analgesic (547.13±266.96 min vs. 49.17±24.95 min) and lower tramadol consumption (103.8±32.18 mg vs. 235.8±47.5 mg) in 24 h. CONCLUSION: The USG-guided TAP block is easy to perform and effective as a postoperative analgesic regimen in RDN, with opioids-sparing effect and without any complications.

Anesthesia for parturient with renal transplantation.

Management of successful pregnancy after renal transplantation is a unique challenge to nephrologist, obstetrician, and anesthesiologist, as these patients have altered physiology and are immune-compromised. We present the anesthetic management of three postrenal transplant patients scheduled for cesarean section. While conducting such cases, cardiovascular status, hematological status, and function of transplanted kidney should be assessed thoroughly. Side effects of immunosuppressant drugs and their interaction with anesthetic agents should be taken into consideration. Main goal of anesthetic management is to maintain optimum perfusion pressure of renal allograft to preserve its function.

Preventive analgesia: Effect of small dose of ketamine on morphine requirement after renal surgery.

BACKGROUND: N-methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors seem to be responsible for pain memory and their blockade can contribute significantly in prevention of pain. This study was conducted to evaluate the preventive effect of small dose of ketamine, a NMDA receptor blocker, given before skin incision in renal surgery, with the aim to compare analgesic efficacy, intra operative and post-operative side effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective double-blind study, 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk I and II adult patients scheduled for elective open renal surgeries by flank incision were randomly divided in two groups. Ketamine group (group K) received ketamine 0.15 mg/kg intravenously, 30 minute before start of surgery followed by infusion of ketamine 2 mcg/kg/min till start of skin closure. Control group (group C) received normal saline in place of ketamine. Both groups received morphine 0.15 mg/ kg i.v. at the time of skin closure. The analgesic efficacy was judged by visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and on movement, time to first analgesic and morphine consumption in 24 hours. Opioid or ketamine related side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: Patients in ketamine group had significantly lower VAS score, longer time to first analgesic (21.6 ± 0.12 Vs 3.8 ± 0.7 hrs), and lower morphine consumption (5.8 ± 1.48 Vs 18.1 ± 1.6 mg) in 24 hours. There were no demonstrable side effects related to ketamine in group K whereas incidence of nausea and vomiting was higher in group C. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that small dose of ketamine decreases post-operative pain, reduces morphine consumption, and delays patients request for analgesia beyond the clinical duration of action of ketamine after open renal surgery.

Post operative analgesia after incisional infiltration of bupivacaine v/s bupivacaine with buprenorphine.

INTRODUCTION: Opioid receptors have been demonstrated in the peripheral nerve endings of afferent neurons. Blockade of these receptors with peripherally administered opioid is believed to result in analgesia. AIM: To evaluate whether buprenorphine added to bupivacaine for wound infiltration can enhance post-operative analgesia via peripheral mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty ASA I and II adult patients scheduled for open donor nephrectomy were enrolled in this randomized double blind prospective study. In group A (n = 20) patients, the wound was infiltrated with bupivacaine 0.5% (2 mg/kg) and in group B (n = 20) with bupivacaine 0.5% (2 mg/kg) and buprenorphine (2 µg/kg). All patients were given diclofenac 75 mg IM at 8 h interval. Post-operative quality of analgesia was assessed by VAS (0-10) for 24 h and when VAS > 4 rescue analgesic was administered. Total dose of rescue analgesic and side effects were noted. RESULTS: The time of administration of first rescue analgesic was significantly higher in group B (10.52±5.54 h) as compared to group A (3.275±1.8 h). Mean VAS was significantly lower in group B as compared to group A. The total dosage of rescue analgesic was more in group A as compared to group B patients. CONCLUSION: Addition of buprenorphine to the local anesthetic significantly prolonged the time to first rescue analgesic requirement and the total consumption of rescue analgesic in 24 h, thus providing evidence in support of the existence of peripheral opioid receptors.

Anti-thymocyte globulin induced non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema during renal transplantation.

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema (NCPE) is a clinical syndrome characterized by simultaneous presence of severe hypoxemia, bilateral alveolar infiltrates on chest radiograph, without evidence of left atrial hypertension/congestive heart failure/fluid overload. The diagnosis of drugrelated NCPE relies upon documented exclusion of other causes of NCPE like gastric aspiration, sepsis, trauma, negative pressure pulmonary edema. We describe a 28year-old, 50 kg male with ASA risk III posted for laparoscopic renal transplantation, who developed NCPE after 4 hours of administration of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (ATG). He was successfully treated with mechanical ventilatory support and adjuvant therapy. This report emphasizes that this fatal complication may occur with use of ATG.