Comparison of intragastric pressure between endotracheal tube and supraglottic airway devices in laparoscopic hepatectomy: A randomized, controlled, non-inferiority study.

BACKGROUND: Supraglottic airway (SGA) devices do not definitively protect the airway from regurgitation of gastric contents. Increased gastric pressure and long operation time are associated with development of complications such as aspiration pneumonia. The aim of this study was to compare intragastric pressure between second-generation SGA and endotracheal tube (ETT) devices during long-duration laparoscopic hepatectomy. METHODS: A total of 66 patients was randomly assigned to 2 groups; 33 patients each in the ETT and SGA groups. Intragastric pressure was continuously measured via a gastric drainage tube with a three-way stopcock connected to the pressure monitoring device. Normal saline was added to the end of the gastric drainage tube at each operation time point. RESULTS: Intragastric pressure during pneumoperitoneum was no different between the 2 groups (P = .146) or over time (P = .094). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) pH of the SGA tip measured after operation was 6.7 (0.4), and a pH <4 was not observed. Relative risk of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the ETT group relative to the SGA group (sore throat, 5.5; cough,13.0). CONCLUSIONS: Use of SGA devices does not further increase intragastric pressure, even during prolonged upper abdominal laparoscopic surgery. Also, the frequency of postoperative sore throat and cough was significantly lower when the second-generation SGA device was used.

Evaluation of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for postoperative management of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a commonly performed minimally invasive procedure that has led to lower levels of pain, as well as procedure-related mortality and morbidity. However, VATS requires analgesia that blocks both visceral and somatic nerve fibers for more effective pain control. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in the postoperative analgesia management of patients undergoing VATS. METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, single-center study between December 2018 and December 2019. Fifty-four patients were recruited to two equal groups (ESPB and control group). Following exclusion, 46 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive preoperative ultrasound-guided ESPB with either ropivacaine or saline. The primary outcome was the numeric rating scale (NRS) score, assessed 12 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were the Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS) score for emergence agitation, postoperative cumulative opioid consumption, length of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and dizziness, and ESPB-related adverse events. RESULTS: The NRS in the ESPB group during the postoperative period immediately after PACU admission was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.96±1.68 and 7.59±1.18, respectively; P<0.001) and remained lower until 6 hours postoperatively (P=0.001 at 1 hour and P=0.005 at 6 hours). At 12 hours postoperatively, NRS scores were not significantly different between groups (P=0.12). The median [interquartile range (IQR)] of the postoperative rescue pethidine consumption in PACU was significantly lower [25 mg (25 mg)] in the ESPB group than that in the control group [50 mg (56.2 mg); P=0.006]. The median (IQR) of PACU residual time was significantly lower [25 min (10 min)] in the ESPB group than that in the control group [30 min (15 min); P=0.034]. The median (IQR) Riker SAS was also lower in the ESPB group [4 (1.0)] than that in the control group [5 (1.25); P<0.001] in PACU. CONCLUSIONS: A single preoperative injection of ESPB with ropivacaine may improve acute postoperative analgesia and emergence agitation in patients undergoing VATS.