Pain management after laparoscopic appendectomy: Comparative effectiveness of innovative pre-emptive analgesia using liposomal bupivacaine.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy is standard of care for appendicitis in the US. Pain control that limits opioids is an important area of research given the opioid epidemic. This study examined post-appendectomy inpatient opioid use and pain scores following intraoperative use of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) versus non-liposomal bupivacaine. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 155 adults who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Patients were divided into four cohorts based on the analgesia administered: (i) bupivacaine hydrochloride (BH)± epinephrine; (ii) undiluted LB; (iii) LB diluted with normal saline; and (iv) LB diluted with BH. RESULTS: Baseline demographic/clinical attributes, intra-operative findings, and post-operative pain scores were equivalent across cohorts. Post-operative pre-discharge opioid use was higher in the BH vs. LB cohorts (mean 60.4 vs. 46.0, 35.5, and 30.4 morphine milligram equivalents, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-emptive analgesia with LB during laparoscopic appendectomy can reduce inpatient opioid use without significantly increasing post-operative pain scores.

How effective is periarticular multimodal drug injection in open elbow arthrolysis? A prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the efficacy and safety of periarticular multimodal drug injection (PMDI) in open elbow arthrolysis (OEA) is limited. This study aimed to investigate differences in postoperative pain, blood loss, and range of motion (ROM) between PMDI vs. no injection among patients undergoing OEA, and the presence of PMDI-related complications. METHODS: This prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial included 59 patients who underwent OEA. Patients randomly received PMDI (ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketoprofen) before wound closure or no injection. The primary outcomes were elbow pain over the first postoperative week at rest and during motion, measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). VAS scores were compared to attain the 20-mm threshold values for a minimum clinically important difference. Parecoxib consumption on OEA night and postoperative days (PODs) 1-3 and total consumption during the first postoperative week were recorded. Blood loss was recorded every 24 hours until POD 3. ROM during rehabilitation was measured daily from day 1 to day 7 after surgery, as well as at 3-month follow-up. Medication-related side effects were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: The mean VAS score showed clinically important differences between PMDI and control groups at rest on OEA night (mean difference [MD], 25 mm; P < .001) and first 3 PODs with motion (POD 1: MD, 28 mm, P < .001; POD 2: MD, 21 mm, P < .001; POD 3: MD, 21 mm, P < .001) but not in other postoperative assessments. Parecoxib consumption was lower in the PMDI group on OEA night and PODs 1-3. Total parecoxib consumption during the first postoperative week was lower in the PMDI group vs. the control group (MD, 148 mg; P < .001). Blood drainage was less in the PMDI group vs. the control group on POD 1 (MD, 38 mL; P = .016) but not on POD 2 (P = .950), POD 3 (P = .259), or total (P = .184). The PMDI group exhibited significantly better ROM during the first 4 PODs than the control group, whereas there was no difference at 3-month follow-up. No medication-related side effects were noted in the PMDI group. CONCLUSION: PMDI effectively relieves pain and reduces analgesic consumption for OEA patients, without an apparent increase in risks.

Use of Topical Lidocaine Gel Plus Paracervical Blockade vs. Paracervical Blockade Alone for Pain Management During Manual Vacuum Aspiration: ADouble-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the use of lidocaine gel applied to the cervix prior to manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in addition to paracervical blockade is useful in reducing the level of pain associated with the procedure. METHODS: A total of 88 patients were randomized to receive either 5 mL of lidocaine gel or a placebo applied topically to the cervix 5 minutes prior to paracervical blockade. Both groups received the same drugs for pain control (tramadol hydrochloride, diazepam, and sodium diclofenac). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for evaluation of pain intensity at two times: 2 minutes before the blockade (directly after tenaculum clamping of the anterior aspect of the cervix) and after MVA of the uterine cavity. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in pain intensity between the arms of the study. At the first evaluation time (cervical clamping), VAS pain score for the placebo group (control) was 3.6 (2.1) and that for the lidocaine gel group (case) was 1.2 (1.4) (P < 0.01). At the second evaluation time (after manual vacuum aspiration), VAS pain score perceived by the control group was 5.3 (2.5) and that for the case group was 3.1 (1.9) (P < 0.01). The use of lidocaine gel was not associated with any adverse effects of interest. CONCLUSION: The use of a topical lidocaine gel plus paracervical blockade was effective in reducing the intensity of pain associated with MVA when compared to paracervical blockade alone.

Fifteen-degree clavicular hook plate achieves better clinical outcomes in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: Clavicular hook plate application is one of the most commonly used treatment methods for acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation, although it may cause multiple postoperative complications. We modified the regularly used 0° hook plate to 15° and compared the clinical outcomes of these two hook plates for treatment of AC joint dislocation. METHODS: Forty-three patients with acute AC joint dislocation were randomly enrolled (0° hook plate, 20 patients; 15° hook plate, 23 patients). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and visual analog scale for pain (VASP) scores were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 days and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the preoperative scores, the 6-month postoperative ASES score gradually increased but the VASP score decreased in both groups. Furthermore, the ASES and VASP scores were significantly different between the two groups at every postoperative time point. CONCLUSION: The 15° hook plate is superior to the 0° hook plate in reducing shoulder pain and improving postoperative recovery in the treatment of AC joint dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Treatment study (retrospective comparative study).

Histological subtype of lung cancer affects acceptance of illness, severity of pain, and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Histologic classification of lung cancer plays an important role in clinical practice. Two main histological subtype of lung cancer: small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) differ in terms of invasiveness, response to treatment, and risk factors, among others. AIMS: To evaluate differences in acceptance of illness, level of perceived pain, and quality of life (QoL) between patients with SCLC and NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-seven lung cancer patients, who were treated in 2015, completed Acceptance of Illness Scale, Visual Analog Scale for pain, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-item Core Quality of Life Questionnaire and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 13-item Lung Cancer specific Quality of Life Questionnaire. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected. For statistical analysis, the Student t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used. For comparisons among three or more groups, analysis of variance was employed. RESULTS: Patients with SCLC had significantly worse health as measured with the presence of metastases, parameters of lung function, comorbidities, and number of previous hospitalizations. The Acceptance of Illness Scale score and Visual Analog Scale score were significantly worse in patients with SCLC than in those with NSCLC (24.58±8.73 vs 27.05±9.06; p=0.046 and 4.81±2.01 vs 4.17±1.97; p=0.003). Patients with SCLC achieved worse scores of all aspects of QoL than patients with NSCLC. Comparison with the reference values showed that all dimensions of functioning are impaired in patients with lung cancer regardless of its type; only the role functioning in patients with NSCLC remains unaffected. CONCLUSION: Monitoring of QoL, personalized approach to treatment, and interventions for symptom management should be conducted in a tailored manner. Socioeconomic status in lung cancer patients, especially those suffering from SCLC, needs to be addressed.

Minimally invasive anterior and lateral transpsoas approaches for closed reduction of grade II spondylolisthesis: initial clinical and radiographic experience.

OBJECTIVE Minimally invasive anterior and lateral approaches to the lumbar spine are increasingly used to treat and reduce grade I spondylolisthesis, but concerns still exist for their usage in the management of higher-grade lesions. The authors report their experience with this strategy for grade II spondylolisthesis in a single-surgeon case series and provide early clinical and radiographic outcomes. METHODS A retrospective review of a single surgeon's cases between 2012 and 2016 identified all patients with a Meyerding grade II lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) or anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) targeting the slipped level. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were collected and analyzed. Changes in radiographic measurements, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were compared using the paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test for continuous and ordinal variables, respectively. RESULTS The average operative time was 199.1 minutes (with 60.6 ml of estimated blood loss) for LLIFs and 282.1 minutes (with 106.3 ml of estimated blood loss), for ALIFs. Three LLIF patients had transient unilateral anterior thigh numbness during the 1st week after surgery, and 1 ALIF patient had transient dorsiflexion weakness, which was resolved at postoperative week 1. The mean follow-up time was 17.6 months (SD 12.5 months) for LLIF patients and 10 months (SD 3.1 months) for ALIF patients. Complete reduction of the spondylolisthesis was achieved in 12 LLIF patients (75.0%) and 7 ALIF patients (87.5%). Across both procedures, there was an increase in both the segmental lordosis (LLIF 5.6°, p = 0.002; ALIF 15.0°, p = 0.002) and overall lumbar lordosis (LLIF 2.9°, p = 0.151; ALIF 5.1°, p = 0.006) after surgery. Statistically significant decreases in the mean VAS and the mean ODI measurements were seen in both treatment groups. The VAS and ODI scores fell by a mean value of 3.9 (p = 0.002) and 19.8 (p = 0.001), respectively, for LLIF patients and 3.8 (p = 0.02) and 21.0 (p = 0.03), respectively, for ALIF patients at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Early clinical and radiographic results from using minimally invasive LLIF and ALIF approaches to treat grade II spondylolisthesis appear to be good, with low operative blood loss and no neurological deficits. Complete reduction of the spondylolisthesis is frequently possible with a statistically significant reduction in pain scores.

Correlation Between Changes in Visual Analog Scale and Patient-Reported Outcome Scores and Patient Satisfaction After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Improvements in pain, function, and patient satisfaction are used to evaluate the outcomes of hip arthroscopic surgery. PURPOSE: To identify correlations between the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and patient satisfaction with 4 commonly used patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores to determine to what extent changes in these 2 parameters are reflected in each of the PRO scores. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery between February 2008 and February 2013 were assessed prospectively before surgery, at 3 months, and annually thereafter with the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-sports-specific subscale (HOS-SSS), and Hip Outcome Score-activities of daily living (HOS-ADL). Patients were also assessed using a 10-point VAS for pain and queried for satisfaction at the same time points ("0" indicated no pain, and "10" indicated complete satisfaction with surgery). The VAS score and patient satisfaction were correlated with changes in the 4 PRO scores. RESULTS: During the study period, 1417 patients underwent hip arthroscopic surgery, of whom 1137 patients had 2-year postoperative PRO scores after primary surgery. There was a significant improvement in all PRO scores at 2-year follow-up. The mean improvements in mHHS, NAHS, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SSS scores were 16.7, 21.6, 19.7, and 22.7 points, respectively. The mean improvement in the VAS score was 2.9 points. Mean patient satisfaction at 2-year follow-up was 7.74 (of 10). There was a statistically significant correlation between the VAS and patient satisfaction scores and changes in each of the 4 PRO scores. The strength of the correlation was moderate. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a moderate correlation between the VAS and patient satisfaction outcomes and changes in 4 commonly used PRO scores in hip arthroscopic surgery (mHHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, and NAHS). In addition to several PRO instruments, a VAS for pain and patient satisfaction may add to the overall assessment of the efficacy of hip arthroscopic surgery.

Comparative evaluation of different doses of intrathecal neostigmine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of intrathecal neostigmine at dose of 50 µg and 150 µg as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia under spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 75 patients of either sex, belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II in the age group of 30-65 years scheduled to undergo lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries were allocated randomly into 3 groups of 25 each. Spinal anesthesia was administered in Group I (control group) with 12.5 mg (2.5 ml) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, in Group II (50 µg group) with 12.5 mg (2.5 ml) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 50 µg (0.1 ml) of neostigmine methylsulphate and in Group III (150 µg group) with 12.5 mg (2.5 ml) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 150 µg (0.3 ml) of neostigmine methylsulphate. Hemodynamic parameters, onset and level of sensory block were recorded. Postoperative analgesic assessment was made in terms of total Visual Analogue Scale-Pain (VAS-P) scores in 24 hrs, duration of analgesia (time to requirement of first analgesic) and total number of rescue analgesic (diclofenac sodium 75 mg intramuscularly) consumption in 24 hours. Side effects were recorded. RESULTS: The total VAS-P score in group I was 23.12 ± 3.21, which was higher than the VAS-P score in group II (18.4 ± 2.92) and group III (16.24 ± 1.85). The total duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in neostigmine groups (224.40 ± 23.28 min in group I, 367.60 ± 42.15 min in group II and 625.60 ± 87.70 min in group III). In group I, the patients required 2.48 ± 0.51 number of analgesics in 24 hours, which was much higher than required in group II (1.92 ± 0.64) and group III (1.32 ± 0.47). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was more with 150 µg neostigmine group compared to 50 µg neostigmine. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of intrathecal neostigmine in dose of 50 µg as an adjuvant to bupivacaine produces hemodynamically stable analgesia with minimal side effects.

Building an electronic health record integrated quality of life outcomes registry for spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrating the value of spine care requires adequate outcomes assessment. Long-term outcomes are best measured as overall improvement in quality of life (QOL) after surgical intervention. Present registries often require parallel data entry, introducing inefficiencies and limiting compliance. The authors detail the methodology of constructing an integrated electronic health record (EHR) system to collect QOL metrics and demonstrate the effect of data collection on routine clinical workflow. A streamlined approach to collecting QOL data can capture patient data without requiring dual data entry and without increasing clinic visit times. METHODS: Through extensive literature review, a combination of QOL assessments was selected, consisting of the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and -9, Oswestry Disability Index, Neck Disability Index, and visual analog scale for pain. These metrics were used to provide assessment of QOL following spine surgery and were incorporated into standard clinic workflow by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, advanced practice providers, and health care information technology specialists. A clinical dashboard tracking more than 25 patient variables was developed. Clinic flow was assessed and opportunities for improvement reviewed. Duration of clinic visits before and after initiation of QOL measure capture was recorded, with assessment of mean clinic visit times for the 12 months before and the 12 months after implementation. RESULTS: The integrated QOL capture was instituted for 3 spine surgeons in a tertiary care academic center. In the 12-month period prior to initiating collection of QOL data, 806 new patient visits were completed with an average visit time of 127.9 ± 51.5 minutes. In the 12 months after implementation, 1013 new patient visits were recorded, with 791 providing QOL measures with an average visit time of 117.0 ± 45.7 minutes. Initially the primary means of collecting patient outcome data was via paper form, with gradual transition to collection via entry into the electronic medical records system. To improve electronic data capture, paper forms were eliminated and an online portal used as part of the patient rooming process. This improved electronic capture to nearly 98% without decreasing the number of patients enrolled in the process. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic approach to collecting spine-related QOL data within an EHR system is feasible and offers distinct advantages over registries that require dual data entry. The process of data collection does not impact patients' clinical visit or providers' clinical workflow. This approach is scalable, and may form the foundation for a decentralized outcomes registry network.

Calidad de vida y reinserción al trabajo en pacientes con trauma moderado y grave por accidentes de tránsito en Medellín (Colombia) / Quality of Life and Reintegration to Work in Patients with Moderate and Severe Trauma due to Traffic Accidents in Medellin (Colombia) / Qualidade de vida e reinserção no trabalho em pacientes com trauma moderado e grave por acidentes de trânsito em Medellín (Colombia)

Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida (CV) y su relación con la reinserción al trabajo, depresión y dolor, en personas lesionadas en accidentes de tránsito. Métodos: pacientes con trauma moderado o grave, se evaluó reinserción al trabajo, CV (SF-36), depresión (PHQ-9) y dolor (escala análoga visual). Resultados: doce meses después del trauma se reintegraron 367 de 451 pacientes (81,4%). Los pacientes no reintegrados tuvieron menores puntaciones en las subescalas de CV, comparados con las de referencia, y en los que sí se reintegraron fueron superiores. No se observó depresión y el PHQ-9 tuvo mayor correlación con la subescala desempeño emocional del SF-36 en los reintegrados y con la de desempeño físico en los que no se reintegraron. La gravedad de la lesión y el dolor afectaron la CV. Conclusión: la CV en pacientes que no se reintegran laboralmente fue inferior y estuvo afectada por la gravedad de la lesión y la depresión.

Objective: Assessing the quality of life (CV) and its relationship with reintegration to work, depression and pain in people injured in traFFic accidents. Methods: we evaluated reintegration to work, CV (SF-36); depression (PHQ-9); and pain (visual analog scale), in patients with moderate or severe trauma. Results: twelve months after the trauma 367 out of 461 patients reintegrated to work (81.4%). The patients that did not reintegrate had lower scores in the CV subscales, compared to the reference scores; those who did reintegrate to work had higher scores. We did not observe depression and PHQ-9 had a greater correlation with the emotional performance subscale of SF-36 in reintegrated people and with physical performance in those who did not reintegrate. CV was aFFected by the severity of the injuries and pain. Conclusion: CV is lower and was aFFected by the severity of the injuries and depression in patients who did not reintegrate to work.

Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida (CV) e sua relacào com a reinsercào ao trabalho, depressào e dor, em pessoas lesas em acidentes de trànsito. Métodos: pacientes com trauma moderado ou grave, avaliou-se reinsercào ao trabalho, CV (SF-36), depressào (PHQ-9) e dor (escala analógica visual). Resultados: doze meses depois do trauma reintegraram-se 367 de 451 pacientes (81,4%). Os pacientes nào reinseridos tiveram menores pontuações nas subescalas de CV se comparados com as de referencia, e nos que se reintegraram foram superiores. Nào se observou depressào e o PHQ-9 apresentou maior correlacào com a subescala desempenho emocional do SF-36 nos reinseridos e com a de desempenho físico nos que nào se reinseriram. A gravidade da lesào e a dor afetaram a CV. Conclusào: a CV em pacientes que nào foram reinseridos laboralmente foi inferior e esteve afetada pela gravidade da lesào e a depressào.