Pre-incisional local infiltration with levobupivacaine in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized and clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), despite its minimally invasive nature, requires effective control of post-operative pain. The use of local anesthetics (LA) has been studied, but the level of evidence is low, and there is little information on important parameters such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL) or return to work. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of 0.50% levobupivacaine infiltration of incisional sites in reducing POP after LC. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Patients undergoing elective LC were randomized into two groups: no infiltration (control group) and port infiltration (intervention group). POP intensity (numerical rating scale, NRS), need for rescue with opioid drugs, PONV incidence, HRQoL, and return to work data, among others, were studied. RESULTS: Two hundred and twelve patients were randomized and analyzed: 105 (control group) and 107 (intervention group). A significant difference was observed in the NRS values (control group mean NRS score: 3.41 ± 1.82 vs. 2.56 ± 1.96) (p < 0.05) and in the incidence of PONV (31.4% vs. 19.6%) (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Levobupivacaine infiltration is safe and effective in reducing POP, although this does not lead to a shorter hospital stay and does not influence HRQoL, return to work, or overall patient satisfaction.

OBJETIVO: la colecistectomía laparoscópica (CL), a pesar de su carácter mínimamente invasivo, requiere un control efectivo del dolor postoperatorio (POP). El uso de anestésicos locales (AL) ha sido estudiado pero el nivel de evidencia es bajo y existe poca información acerca de parámetros relevantes como la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) o la reincorporación laboral. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la eficacia de la infiltración de los sitios incisionales con levobupivacaína 0,50% en la reducción del dolor postoperatorio tras la CL. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado y doble ciego. Pacientes sometidos a CL programada fueron aleatorizados en dos grupos: sin infiltración (grupo control) y con infiltración preincisional (grupo intervención). La intensidad del dolor (escala de puntuación numérica, NRS), la necesidad de rescates con opioides, la incidencia de náuseas o vómitos postoperatorios (NVPO) y datos de CVRS o reincorporación laboral, entre otros, fueron recogidos. RESULTADOS: 212 pacientes fueron aleatorizados y analizados: 105 en el grupo control y 107 en el grupo de intervención. Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la intensidad del dolor (puntuación media NRS: 3.41 ± 1.82 vs. 2.56 ± 1.96) (p < 0.05) y en la incidencia de NVPO (31.4% vs. 19.6%) (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONES: La infiltración con levobupivacaína es segura y efectiva en la reducción del dolor postoperatorio, aunque esto no conlleva una menor estancia hospitalaria y no influye en los resultados de CVRS, reincorporación laboral o satisfacción del paciente.

Infiltração de anestésicos locais na ferida cirúrgica: efeito sobre a inflamação e cicatriz fibrosa em ratos / Infiltration of local anesthetics into the surgical wound: effect on inflammation and fibrous scar in rats

■ RESUMO Introdução: O alívio da dor após a cirurgia continua sendo um dos desafios médicos mais significativos, principalmente na cirurgia estética. A infiltração da incisão cirúrgica com anestésicos locais tem sido cada vez mais utilizada para reduzir a dor e o uso de analgésicos. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre o efeito desta injeção na cicatrização. O objetivo é avaliar a interferência dos anestésicos locais na área de infiltrado inflamatório e cicatriz de fibrose em ratos. Métodos: Duas incisões lineares foram feitas cada uma na região dorsal de 40 ratos Wistar. A incisão esquerda foi infiltrada com doses de 1,8ml de bupivacaína, levobupivacaína, ropivacaína ou solução salina 0,9%. A incisão direita não recebeu infiltração, servindo como grupo controle. Após sete dias, amostras das incisões foram coletadas para avaliação morfométrica histológica. Resultados: Quando comparada com os grupos controle, a área de infiltrado inflamatório encontrada foi maior nos grupos bupivacaína, ropivacaína e levobupivacaína. O grupo bupivacaína apresentou um infiltrado inflamatório maior do que a levobupivacaína e a ropivacaína. A área da cicatriz fibrosa foi maior nos grupos levobupivacaína e ropivacaína. Não houve diferença entre os grupos que receberam anestésico e solução salina. Conclusão: Como não houve diferença entre os grupos de anestésico e soro fisiológico, o volume aplicado ou o trauma podem ter sido a causa das maiores áreas de infiltração e cicatriz associadas à aplicação dos anestésicos locais.

■ ABSTRACT Introduction: Pain relief after surgery remains one of the most significant medical challenges, mainly in aesthetic surgery. The infiltration of the surgical incision with local anesthetics has been increasingly used to reduce pain and other analgesic use. However, little is known about the effect of this injection on healing. The objective is to evaluate the interference of local anesthetics in the area of inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis scar in rats. Methods: Two linear incisions each were made on the dorsal region of 40 Wistar rats. The left incision was infiltrated with doses of 1.8ml of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, ropivacaine, or 0,9% saline solution infiltration. The right incision did not receive infiltration, serving as a control group. After seven days, samples of the incisions were collected for histological morphometric evaluation. Results: When compared with the control groups, the area of inflammatory infiltrate was found larger in the bupivacaine, ropivacaine, and levobupivacaine groups. The bupivacaine group presented a larger inflammatory infiltrate than the levobupivacaine and ropivacaine. The fibrous scar area was larger in the levobupivacaine and ropivacaine groups. There was no difference between the groups that received anesthetic and saline solution. Conclusion: As there was no difference between the anesthetics and saline solution groups, the volume applied, or the trauma may have been the cause of the larger areas of infiltrating and scar associated with local anesthetics application.

The chondrotoxic and apoptotic effects of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on the rabbit knee joint / Os efeitos condrotóxicos e apoptóticos de levobupivacaína e bupivacaína na articulação do joelho de coelhos

Abstract Background: A single dose injection or continuous infusion of local anesthetics into the joint space is considered to be a well-defined analgesia technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the chondrotoxic and apoptotic effects of single-dose intra-articular injection of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on rabbit knee joint tissues. Materials and methods: The animals were allocated into two groups each containing 20 rabbits. 0.5% levobupivacaine (Group L) and 0.5% bupivacaine (Group B) were applied intra-articularly to the left posterior joints of rabbits. At the same time, normal saline was applied to the right posterior leg knee joints of rabbits in both groups and used as a control (Group S). At the end of the 7th and 28th days after the intraarticular injections, ten randomly chosen rabbits in each group were killed by applying intraperitoneal thiopental. Sections of cartilage tissue samples were stained for light microscopic examinations and the TUNEL method was used to investigate apoptotic cells. Results: As a result of immunofluorescence microscopic examination, the number of apoptotic cells in Group B at day 7 and day 28 were both significantly higher than Group L and S (p < 0.05). Also, the number of apoptotic cells in Group L at day 7 and day 28 were both significantly higher than Group S (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We found that bupivacaine is more chondrotoxic than other anesthetic agent and increases the number of apoptotic cells. These results indicated that bupivacaine caused high chondrotoxic damage and it led to more apoptotic activation than levobupivacaine.

Resumo Justificativa: Uma injeção em dose única ou infusão contínua de anestésicos locais no espaço articular é considerada uma técnica de analgesia bem definida. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos condrotóxicos e apoptóticos da injeção intra-articular com dose única de levobupivacaína e bupivacaína em tecidos articulares do joelho de coelho. Material e métodos: Os animais foram alocados em dois grupos, cada um contendo 20 coelhos. Levobupivacaína a 0,5% (Grupo L) e bupivacaína a 0,5% (Grupo B) foram aplicadas intra-articularmente nas articulações posteriores esquerdas de coelhos. Ao mesmo tempo, solução salina normal foi aplicada nas articulações do joelho da perna posterior direita de coelhos em ambos os grupos e usada como controle (Grupo S). Ao fim do 7° e 28° dias após as injeções intra-articulares, 10 coelhos escolhidos aleatoriamente em cada grupo foram mortos por aplicação de tiopental intraperitoneal. Seções de amostras de tecido cartilaginoso foram coradas para exames de microscopia de luz, e o método TUNEL foi usado para investigar células apoptóticas. Resultados: Como resultado do exame microscópico de imunofluorescência nos dias 7 e 28, o número de células apoptóticas no Grupo B foi significativamente maior que nos grupos L e S (p < 0,05). Além disso, o número de células apoptóticas nos dias 7 e 28 foi significativamente maior no Grupo L do que no Grupo S (p < 0,05). Conclusões: Demonstramos que a bupivacaína é mais condrotóxica do que o outro agente anestésico e aumenta o número de células apoptóticas. Esses resultados indicaram que a bupivacaína causou intensa lesão condrotóxica e levou a uma ativação apoptótica maior do que a levobupivacaína.

Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: comparison of efficacy of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on postoperative pain control / Bloqueio do plano abdominal transverso guiado por ultrassom em pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica: comparação da eficácia de bupivacaína e levobupivacaína no controle da dor pós-operatória

Abstract Background and objective The use of transversus abdominis plane block with different local anesthetics is considered as a part of multimodal analgesia regimen in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. However no studies have been published comparing bupivacaine and levobupivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block. We aimed to compare bupivacaine and levobupivacaine in ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods Fifty patients (ASA I/II), undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated into two groups. Following anesthesia induction, ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane block was performed with 30 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% in Group B (n = 25) and 30 mL of levobupivacaine 0.25% in Group L (n = 25) for each side. The level of pain was evaluated using 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and during coughing 1, 5, 15, 30 min and 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h after the operation. When visual analogue scale > 3, the patients received IV tenoxicam 20 mg. If visual analogue scale remained >3, they received IV. tramadol 1 mg.kg−1. In case of inadequate analgesia, a rescue analgesic was given. The analgesic requirement, time to first analgesic requirement was recorded. Results Visual analogue scale levels showed no difference except first and fifth minutes postoperatively where VAS was higher in Group L (p < 0.05). Analgesic requirement was similar in both groups. Time to first analgesic requirement was shorter in Group L (4.35 ± 6.92 min vs. 34.91 ± 86.26 min, p = 0.013). Conclusions Bupivacaine and levobupivacaine showed similar efficacy at TAP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo O uso do bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal com diferentes anestésicos locais é considerado como parte do regime de analgesia multimodal em pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica. No entanto, nenhum estudo comparando bupivacaína e levobupivacaína para bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal foi publicado. Nosso objetivo foi comparar bupivacaína e levobupivacaína em bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal guiado por ultrassom em pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica. Métodos Cinquenta pacientes (ASA I/II), submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Após a indução da anestesia, o bloqueio do plano transverso abdominal bilateral guiado por ultrassom foi realizado com 30 mL de bupivacaína a 0,25% no Grupo B (n = 25) e 30 mL de levobupivacaína a 0,25% no Grupo L (n = 25) para cada lado. O nível de dor foi avaliado usando a escala visual analógica de 10 cm em repouso e durante a tosse em 1, 5, 15, 30 minutos e em 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 e 24 horas após a operação. Quando a escala visual analógica > 3, os pacientes receberam 10 mg de tenoxicam por via intravenosa (IV). Se a escala visual analógica permanecesse > 3, os pacientes recebiam tramadol IV (1 mg.kg−1). Em caso de analgesia inadequada, um analgésico de resgate foi administrado. A necessidade de analgésico e o tempo até a primeira solicitação de analgésico foram registrados. Resultados Os escores da escala visual analógica não mostraram diferença, exceto no primeiro e quinto minutos de pós-operatório, onde a escala visual analógica foi maior no Grupo L (p < 0,05). A necessidade de analgésico foi semelhante em ambos os grupos. O tempo até a primeira solicitação de analgésico foi menor no Grupo L (4,35 ± 6,92 min vs. 34,91 ± 86,26 min, p = 0,013). Conclusões Bupivacaína e levobupivacaína apresentaram eficácia similar no bloqueio TAP em pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica.

[The chondrotoxic and apoptotic effects of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on the rabbit knee joint]. / Os efeitos condrotóxicos e apoptóticos de levobupivacaína e bupivacaína na articulação do joelho de coelhos.

BACKGROUND: A single dose injection or continuous infusion of local anesthetics into the joint space is considered to be a well-defined analgesia technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the chondrotoxic and apoptotic effects of single-dose intra-articular injection of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on rabbit knee joint tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals were allocated into two groups each containing 20 rabbits. 0.5% levobupivacaine (Group L) and 0.5% bupivacaine (Group B) were applied intra-articularly to the left posterior joints of rabbits. At the same time, normal saline was applied to the right posterior leg knee joints of rabbits in both groups and used as a control (Group S). At the end of the 7th and 28th days after the intraarticular injections, ten randomly chosen rabbits in each group were killed by applying intraperitoneal thiopental. Sections of cartilage tissue samples were stained for light microscopic examinations and the TUNEL method was used to investigate apoptotic cells. RESULTS: As a result of immunofluorescence microscopic examination, the number of apoptotic cells in Group B at day 7 and day 28 were both significantly higher than Group L and S (p<0.05). Also, the number of apoptotic cells in Group L at day 7 and day 28 were both significantly higher than Group S (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that bupivacaine is more chondrotoxic than other anesthetic agent and increases the number of apoptotic cells. These results indicated that bupivacaine caused high chondrotoxic damage and it led to more apoptotic activation than levobupivacaine.

Effects of local anesthetics on wound healing / Efeitos dos anestésicos locais na cicatrização de feridas

Abstract Introduction Local anesthetic infiltration is used widely for post-operative analgesia in many situations. However the effects of local anesthetics on wound healing are not demonstrated clearly. This study planned to evaluate the effects of lidocaine, prilocaine, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on wound healing, primarily on wound tensile strength and on collagen ultrastructure. Methods This study was conducted on male Sprague Dawley rats. On days 0, 8th, 15th, and 21st, all animals were weighed and received a preincisional subcutaneous infiltration of 3 mL of a solution according the group. Control saline (C), lidocaine (L) 7 mg.kg-1, prilocaine (P) 2 mg.kg-1, bupivacaine (B) 2 mg.kg-1 and levobupivacaine (LVB) 2.5 mg.kg-1. The infiltrations were done at the back region 1.5 cm where incision would be performed at the upper, middle and lower part along the midline, under general anesthesia. Wound tensile strengths were measured after 0.7 cm × 2 cm of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue samples were obtained vertical to incision from infiltrated regions. Tissue samples were also obtained for electron microscopic examination. Evaluations were on the 8th, 15th and 21st days after infiltration. Results There was no difference between groups in the weights of the rats at the 0th, 8th, 15th and 21st days. The collagen maturation was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days. The maturation scores of the B and L groups at the 21st day was significantly lower than the Group C (1.40, 1.64 and 3.56; respectively). The wound tensile strength was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days but at the 21st day the Groups B and LVB had significantly lower value than Group C (5.42, 5.54 and 6.75; respectively). Conclusion Lidocaine and prilocaine do not affect wound healing and, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine affect negatively especially at the late period.

Resumo Introdução A infiltração de anestésico local é amplamente usada para analgesia pós-operatória em muitas situações. No entanto, os efeitos dos anestésicos locais na cicatrização de feridas não foram demonstrados claramente. Neste estudo planejamos avaliar os efeitos de lidocaína, prilocaína, bupivacaína e levobupivacaína sobre a cicatrização de feridas, principalmente sobre a força tênsil da ferida e a ultraestrutura do colágeno. Métodos Este estudo foi feito em ratos machos da linhagem Sprague Dawley. Nos dias 0, 8, 15 e 21, todos os animais foram pesados e receberam uma infiltração subcutânea pré-incisional de 3 mL de uma solução, de acordo com a designação dos grupos: Grupo C recebeu salina (controle); Grupo L recebeu lidocaína (7 mg.kg-1); Grupo P recebeu prilocaína (2 mg.kg-1); Grupo B recebeu bupivacaína (2 mg.kg-1); Grupo LVB recebeu levobupivacaína (2,5 mg.kg-1). As infiltrações foram feitas na região posterior a 1,5 cm de onde a incisão seria feita na parte superior, média e inferior ao longo da linha média, sob anestesia geral. A força tênsil da ferida foi medida após amostras de 0,7 × 2 cm de tecido cutâneo e subcutâneo serem obtidas das regiões infiltradas, verticalmente à incisão. Amostras de tecido também foram obtidas para exame microscópico eletrônico. As avaliações foram feitas nos dias 8, 15 e 21 após a infiltração. Resultados Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação ao peso dos ratos nos dias 0, 8, 15 e 21. A maturação do colágeno não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos nos dias 8 e 15. Os escores de maturação dos grupos B e L no dia 21 foram significativamente inferiores aos do Grupo C (1,40, 1,64 e 3,56, respectivamente). A força tênsil da ferida não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos nos dias 8 e 15, mas no dia 21 os grupos B e LVB apresentaram valores significativamente menores que o Grupo C (5,42, 5,54 e 6,75, respectivamente). Conclusão Lidocaína e prilocaína não afetam a cicatrização de feridas, enquanto bupivacaína e levobupivacaína afetam negativamente, especialmente no período tardio.

[Effects of local anesthetics on wound healing]. / Efeitos dos anestésicos locais na cicatrização de feridas.

INTRODUCTION: Local anesthetic infiltration is used widely for post-operative analgesia in many situations. However the effects of local anesthetics on wound healing are not demonstrated clearly. This study planned to evaluate the effects of lidocaine, prilocaine, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on wound healing, primarily on wound tensile strength and on collagen ultrastructure. METHODS: This study was conducted on male Sprague Dawley rats. On days 0, 8th, 15th, and 21st, all animals were weighed and received a preincisional subcutaneous infiltration of 3mL of a solution according the group. Control saline (C), lidocaine (L) 7mg.kg-1, prilocaine (P) 2mg.kg-1, bupivacaine (B) 2mg.kg-1 and levobupivacaine (LVB) 2.5mg.kg-1. The infiltrations were done at the back region 1.5cm where incision would be performed at the upper, middle and lower part along the midline, under general anesthesia. Wound tensile strengths were measured after 0.7cm×2cm of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue samples were obtained vertical to incision from infiltrated regions. Tissue samples were also obtained for electron microscopic examination. Evaluations were on the 8th, 15th and 21st days after infiltration. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in the weights of the rats at the 0th, 8th, 15th and 21st days. The collagen maturation was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days. The maturation scores of the B and L groups at the 21st day was significantly lower than the Group C (1.40, 1.64 and 3.56; respectively). The wound tensile strength was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days but at the 21st day the Groups B and LVB had significantly lower value than Group C (5.42, 5.54 and 6.75; respectively). CONCLUSION: Lidocaine and prilocaine do not affect wound healing and, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine affect negatively especially at the late period.

[Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: comparison of efficacy of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on postoperative pain control]. / Bloqueio do plano abdominal transverso guiado por ultrassom em pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica: comparação da eficácia de bupivacaína e levobupivacaína no controle da dor pós­operatória.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of transversus abdominis plane block with different local anesthetics is considered as a part of multimodal analgesia regimen in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. However no studies have been published comparing bupivacaine and levobupivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block. We aimed to compare bupivacaine and levobupivacaine in ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Fifty patients (ASA I/II), undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated into two groups. Following anesthesia induction, ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane block was performed with 30mL of bupivacaine 0.25% in Group B (n=25) and 30mL of levobupivacaine 0.25% in Group L (n=25) for each side. The level of pain was evaluated using 10cm visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and during coughing 1, 5, 15, 30min and 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24h after the operation. When visual analogue scale>3, the patients received IV tenoxicam 20mg. If visual analogue scale remained >3, they received IV. tramadol 1mg.kg-1. In case of inadequate analgesia, a rescue analgesic was given. The analgesic requirement, time to first analgesic requirement was recorded. RESULTS: Visual analogue scale levels showed no difference except first and fifth minutes postoperatively where VAS was higher in Group L (p<0.05). Analgesic requirement was similar in both groups. Time to first analgesic requirement was shorter in Group L (4.35±6.92min vs. 34.91±86.26min, p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Bupivacaine and levobupivacaine showed similar efficacy at TAP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Anesthetic requirements measured by bilateral bispectral analysis and femoral blockade in total knee arthroplasty / Necessidade de anestésicos avaliada com a análise do índice bispectral bilateral e bloqueio femoral em artroplastia total de joelho

Abstract Background and objectives A continuous peripheral nerve blockade has proved benefits on reducing postoperative morphine consumption; the combination of a femoral blockade and general anesthesia on reducing intraoperative anesthetic requirements has not been studied. The objective of this study was to determine the relevance of timing in the performance of femoral block to intraoperative anesthetic requirements during general anesthesia for total knee arthroplasty. Methods A single-center, prospective cohort study on patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty, were sequentially allocated to receive 20 mL of 2% mepivacaine throughout a femoral catheter, prior to anesthesia induction (Preoperative) or when skin closure started (Postoperative). An algorithm based on bispectral values guided intraoperative anesthetic management. Postoperative analgesia was done with an elastomeric pump of levobupivacaine 0.125% connected to the femoral catheter and complemented with morphine patient control analgesia for 48 hours. The Kruskall Wallis and the chi-square tests were used to compare variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results There were 94 patients, 47 preoperative and 47 postoperative. Lower fentanyl and sevoflurane were needed intraoperatively in the Preoperative group; median values and range: 250 (100-600) vs 450 (200-600) µg and 21 (12-48) vs 32 (18-67) mL p = 0.001, respectively. There were no differences in the median verbal numeric rating scale values 4 (0-10) vs 3 (0-10); and in median morphine consumption 9 (2-73) vs 8 (0-63) mg postoperatively. Conclusions A preoperative femoral blockade is useful in decreasing anesthetic requirements in total knee arthroplasty surgery but no added effect in the postoperative analgesic control.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos O bloqueio contínuo de nervos periféricos provou ser benéfico para reduzir o consumo de morfina no pós-operatório. A combinação de um bloqueio femoral e anestesia geral para reduzir a necessidade de anestésicos no intraoperatório ainda não foi avaliada. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a relevância do momento propício durante o bloqueio femoral para a necessidade de anestésicos no intraoperatório durante a anestesia geral para artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ). Métodos Estudo prospectivo de coorte de pacientes agendados para ATJ. Os pacientes foram sequencialmente alocados em grupos para receber mepivacaína a 2% (20 mL) durante a inserção do cateter femoral, antes da indução da anestesia (pré-operatório) ou no início do fechamento da pele (pós-operatório). Um algoritmo com base nos valores do BIS orientou o manejo da anestesia no intraoperatório. Analgesia no pós-operatório foi administrada via bomba elastomérica de levobupivacaína a 0,125% conectada ao cateter femoral e complementada com analgesia (morfina) controlada pelo paciente durante 48 horas. Os testes de Kruskall-Wallis e do qui-quadrado foram usados para comparar as variáveis. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p < 0,05. Resultados Foram estudados 94 pacientes, 47 no pré-operatório e 47 no pós-operatório. Houve menos necessidade de fentanil e sevoflurano durante o período intraoperatório no grupo pré-operatório; medianas e variações dos valores: 250 (100-600) vs. 450 (200-600) µg e 21 (12-48) vs. 32 (18-67) mL p = 0,001, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças nas medianas dos valores das escalas de classificação numérica e verbal, 4 (0-10) vs. 3 (0-10), e nas medianas do consumo de morfina, 9 (2-73) vs. 8 (0-63) mg no pós-operatório. Conclusões O bloqueio femoral no pré-operatório é útil para diminuir a necessidade de anestésicos em ATJ, mas não tem efeito adicional no controle da analgesia no pós-operatório.

[Anesthetic requirements measured by bilateral bispectral analysis and femoral blockade in total knee arthroplasty]. / Necessidade de anestésicos avaliada com a análise do índice bispectral bilateral e bloqueio femoral em artroplastia total de joelho.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A continuous peripheral nerve blockade has proved benefits on reducing postoperative morphine consumption; the combination of a femoral blockade and general anesthesia on reducing intraoperative anesthetic requirements has not been studied. The objective of this study was to determine the relevance of timing in the performance of femoral block to intraoperative anesthetic requirements during general anesthesia for total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: A single-center, prospective cohort study on patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty, were sequentially allocated to receive 20mL of 2% mepivacaine throughout a femoral catheter, prior to anesthesia induction (Preoperative) or when skin closure started (Postoperative). An algorithm based on bispectral values guided intraoperative anesthetic management. Postoperative analgesia was done with an elastomeric pump of levobupivacaine 0.125% connected to the femoral catheter and complemented with morphine patient control analgesia for 48hours. The Kruskall Wallis and the chi-square tests were used to compare variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: There were 94 patients, 47 preoperative and 47 postoperative. Lower fentanyl and sevoflurane were needed intraoperatively in the Preoperative group; median values and range: 250 (100-600) vs 450 (200-600)µg and 21 (12-48) vs 32 (18-67)mL p=0.001, respectively. There were no differences in the median verbal numeric rating scale values 4 (0-10) vs 3 (0-10); and in median morphine consumption 9 (2-73) vs 8 (0-63)mg postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative femoral blockade is useful in decreasing anesthetic requirements in total knee arthroplasty surgery but no added effect in the postoperative analgesic control.

The effect of intra-articular levobupivacaine on shoulder cartilage at different doses - experimental study / O efeito de levobupivacaína intra-articular na cartilagem do ombro em doses diferentes-estudo experimental

Abstract Background and objectives: In this study it was aimed to examine the histological and morphometric effects on cartilage structure of intra-articular application of levobupivacaine to the shoulder joint. Methods: In twenty New Zealand adult male rabbits, 35 shoulders were used for the study and prepared in 5 groups of 7. These groups were defined as Groups L1, L2, L3 and L4 which were right shoulders administered with 0.25% and 0.5% levobupivacaine, Group C which were left shoulders as the control group and Groups S1 and S2 which were left shoulders administered with 0.9% saline. On the 2nd and 15th days the animals were killed, the glenohumeral joints were evaluated macroscopically then cartilage samples were taken. These samples were evaluated with Mankin score, and histomorphometrically by measuring the thickness of the cartilage between the superficial cartilage layer and the tidemark and the thickness of calcified cartilage between the tidemark and the subchondral bone. Results: Macroscopically, on the 15th day the joint fluid was seen to have reduced in all the groups. After microscopic evaluation, the highest Mankin score (mean: 3.14 ± 2.1/14) was in the L4 group (15th day 0.5% levobupivacaine) and was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined between the other groups. Conclusions: Histologically, as the highest Mankin score was in the L4 group, this indicates that in a single intra-articular injection of levobupivacaine a low concentration should be selected. Level of evidence: Level 5, animal study.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo: Neste estudo o objetivo foi examinar os efeitos histológicos e morfométricos sobre a estrutura da cartilagem da aplicação intra-articular de levobupivacaína em articulação do ombro. Métodos: Trinta e cinco ombros de 20 coelhos New Zealand, machos e adultos, foram usados para o estudo e divididos em cinco grupos de sete. Os grupos foram definidos como L1, L2, L3 e L4, consistiram em ombros direitos nos quais levobupivacaína a 0,25% e 0,5% foi administrada; o Grupo C, que consistiu em ombros esquerdos, foi o grupo controle; os grupos S1 e S2, que consistiram em ombros esquerdos, receberam solução salina a 0,9%. Os animais foram sacrificados no segundo e no 15º dia; as articulações glenoumerais foram avaliadas macroscopicamente e, em seguida, amostras de cartilagem foram coletadas. As amostras foram avaliadas com o escore de Mankin e histomorfometricamente. Mediu-se a espessura da cartilagem entre a camada superficial e a "linha de maré" (tidemark) e a espessura da cartilagem calcificada entre a tidemark e o osso subcondral. Resultados: Macroscopicamente, observou-se no 15º dia que o líquido articular havia reduzido em todos os grupos. Após a avaliação microscópica, o maior escore de Mankin (média: 3,14 ± 2,1/14) foi observado no grupo L4 (15º dia levobupivacaína a 0,5%), considerado estatisticamente significativo (p < 0,05). Nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi determinada entre os outros grupos. Conclusões: Histologicamente, como o maior escore de Mankin foi observado no Grupo L4, isso indica que em uma única injeção intra-articular de levobupivacaína uma concentração baixa deve ser selecionada. Nível de evidência: Nível 5, estudo em animais.

The effect of intra-articular levobupivacaine on shoulder cartilage at different doses-experimental study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study it was aimed to examine the histological and morphometric effects on cartilage structure of intra-articular application of levobupivacaine to the shoulder joint. METHODS: In twenty New Zealand adult male rabbits, 35 shoulders were used for the study and prepared in 5 groups of 7. These groups were defined as Groups L1, L2, L3 and L4 which were right shoulders administered with 0.25% and 0.5% levobupivacaine, Group C which were left shoulders as the control group and Groups S1 and S2 which were left shoulders administered with 0.9% saline. On the 2nd and 15th days the animals were killed, the glenohumeral joints were evaluated macroscopically then cartilage samples were taken. These samples were evaluated with Mankin score, and histomorphometrically by measuring the thickness of the cartilage between the superficial cartilage layer and the tidemark and the thickness of calcified cartilage between the tidemark and the subchondral bone. RESULTS: Macroscopically, on the 15th day the joint fluid was seen to have reduced in all the groups. After microscopic evaluation, the highest Mankin score (mean: 3.14±2.1/14) was in the L4 group (15th day 0.5% levobupivacaine) and was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined between the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Histologically, as the highest Mankin score was in the L4 group, this indicates that in a single intra-articular injection of levobupivacaine a low concentration should be selected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5, animal study.

[The effect of intra-articular levobupivacaine on shoulder cartilage at different doses-experimental study]. / O efeito de levobupivacaína intra­articular na cartilagem do ombro em doses diferentes­estudo experimental.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study it was aimed to examine the histological and morphometric effects on cartilage structure of intra-articular application of levobupivacaine to the shoulder joint. METHODS: In twenty New Zealand adult male rabbits, 35 shoulders were used for the study and prepared in 5 groups of 7. These groups were defined as Groups L1, L2, L3 and L4 which were right shoulders administered with 0.25% and 0.5% levobupivacaine, Group C which were left shoulders as the control group and Groups S1 and S2 which were left shoulders administered with 0.9% saline. On the 2nd and 15th days the animals were killed, the glenohumeral joints were evaluated macroscopically then cartilage samples were taken. These samples were evaluated with Mankin score, and histomorphometrically by measuring the thickness of the cartilage between the superficial cartilage layer and the tidemark and the thickness of calcified cartilage between the tidemark and the subchondral bone. RESULTS: Macroscopically, on the 15th day the joint fluid was seen to have reduced in all the groups. After microscopic evaluation, the highest Mankin score (mean: 3.14±2.1/14) was in the L4 group (15th day 0.5% levobupivacaine) and was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined between the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Histologically, as the highest Mankin score was in the L4 group, this indicates that in a single intra-articular injection of levobupivacaine a low concentration should be selected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5, animal study.

Evaluation of sciatic nerve damage following intraneural injection of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine and lidocaine in rats / Avaliação da lesão do nervo ciático após injeção intraneural de bupivacaína, levobupivacaína e lidocaína em ratos

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: The local anesthetics may cause neurotoxicity. We aimed to compare the neurotoxic potential of different local anesthetics, local anesthetic induced nerve damage and pathological changes of a peripheral nerve. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats weighing 200-350 g were studied. Rats were assigned into 3 groups and 26-gauge needle was inserted under magnification into the left sciatic nerve and 0.2 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine, 5% levobupivacaine, and 2% lidocaine were injected intraneurally. An individual who was blind to the specifics of the injection monitored the neurologic function on postoperative 1st day, and daily thereafter. Neurologic examination included assessment for the presence and severity of nociception and grasping reflexes. At the 7th day sciatic nerve specimen was taken for evaluation of histopathologic changes. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference detected among groups regarding grasping reflex and histopathologic evaluation. Two cases in bupivacaine group, 1 case in levobupivacaine group and 2 cases in lidocaine group had slight grasping, while 1 case in lidocaine group had no grasping reflex on the seventh day. Severe axonal degeneration was observed in all groups, respectively in bupivacaine group 4 (20%), levobupivacaine group 3 (15%), and lidocaine group 6 (30%). CONCLUSION: In all groups, histopathological damage frequency and severity were more than the motor deficiency.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Os anestésicos locais podem causar neurotoxicidade. Nosso objetivo foi comparar o potencial neurotóxico de diferentes anestésicos locais, os danos induzidos aos nervos e as alterações patológicas de um nervo periférico. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 60 ratos Whistler com 200-350 g. Os ratos foram divididos em três grupos, uma agulha de calibre 26 foi inserida no nervo ciático esquerdo, com o uso de ampliação, e 0,2 mL de bupivacaína a 0,5%, levobupivacaína a 5% e lidocaína a 2% foram injetados por via intraneural. Um colaborador, cego para os conteúdos das injeções, monitorou a função neurológica no primeiro dia de pós-operatório e depois diariamente. O exame neurológico incluiu a avaliação da presença e da gravidade da nocicepção e dos reflexos de agarrar. No sétimo dia, uma amostra do nervo ciático foi colhida para avaliar as alterações histopatológicas. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em relação ao reflexo de agarrar e à avaliação histopatológica. Dois casos no grupo bupivacaína, um no grupo levobupivacaína e dois no grupo lidocaína apresentaram um leve reflexo de agarrar; também no grupo lidocaína, um caso não apresentou reflexo de agarrar no sétimo dia. Degeneração axonal grave foi observada em todos os grupos: quatro casos no grupo bupivacaína (20%), três no grupo levobupivacaína 3 (15%) e seis no grupo lidocaína (30%). CONCLUSÃO: Em todos os grupos, a frequência de dano histopatológico e de gravidade foi maior do que a deficiência motora.

Evaluation of sciatic nerve damage following intraneural injection of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine and lidocaine in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The local anesthetics may cause neurotoxicity. We aimed to compare the neurotoxic potential of different local anesthetics, local anesthetic induced nerve damage and pathological changes of a peripheral nerve. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats weighing 200-350g were studied. Rats were assigned into 3 groups and 26-gauge needle was inserted under magnification into the left sciatic nerve and 0.2mL of 0.5% bupivacaine, 5% levobupivacaine, and 2% lidocaine were injected intraneurally. An individual who was blind to the specifics of the injection monitored the neurologic function on postoperative 1st day, and daily thereafter. Neurologic examination included assessment for the presence and severity of nociception and grasping reflexes. At the 7th day sciatic nerve specimen was taken for evaluation of histopathologic changes. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference detected among groups regarding grasping reflex and histopathologic evaluation. Two cases in bupivacaine group, 1 case in levobupivacaine group and 2 cases in lidocaine group had slight grasping, while 1 case in lidocaine group had no grasping reflex on the seventh day. Severe axonal degeneration was observed in all groups, respectively in bupivacaine group 4 (20%), levobupivacaine group 3 (15%), and lidocaine group 6 (30%). CONCLUSION: In all groups, histopathological damage frequency and severity were more than the motor deficiency.

A comparison of different densities of levobupivacaine solutions for unilateral spinal anaesthesia / Uma comparação das diferentes densidades das soluções de levobupivacaína para raquianestesia unilateral

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the block characteristics and clinical effects of dextrose added to levobupivacaine solutions at different concentrations to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomised, double-blind study comprised 75 ASA I-II risk patients for whom unilateral total knee arthroscopy was planned. The patients were assigned to three groups: in Group I, 60 mg dextrose was added to 7.5 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine, in Group II, 80 mg and in Group III, 100 mg. Spinal anaesthesia was applied to the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the operated side below and the patient was kept in position for 10 min. RESULTS: The time for the sensorial block to achieve T12 level was slower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p < 0.05, p< 0.00). The time to full recovery of the sensorial block was 136 min in Group I, 154 min in Group II and 170 min in Group III. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean duration of the motor block was 88 min in Group I, 105 min in Group II, and 139 min in Group III and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The time to urination in Group I was statistically significantly shorter than in the other groups (p < 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that together with an increase in density, the sensory and motor block duration was lengthened. It can be concluded that 30 mg mL-1 concentration of dextrose added to 7.5 mg levobupivacaine is sufficient to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in day-case arthroscopic knee surgery.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Comparar as características do bloqueio e os efeitos clínicos da adição de dextrose às soluções de levobupivacaína em diferentes concentrações para proporcionar raquianestesia unilateral em cirurgia de extremidade inferior. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randômico e duplo-cego conduzido com 75 pacientes, estado físico ASA I-II, programados para artroplastia unilateral total do joelho. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: no Grupo-I, 60 mg de dextrose foram adicionados a 7,5 mg de levobupivacaína a 0,5%; no Grupo II, 80 mg e no Grupo III, 100 mg. A raquianestesia foi aplicada ao paciente posicionado em decúbito lateral, com o lado operado abaixo, e o paciente foi mantido em posição durante 10 minutos. RESULTADOS: O tempo para o bloqueio sensorial atingir o nível T12 foi mais lento no Grupo-I do que nos grupos II e III (p < 0,05,p < 0,00). O tempo de recuperação total do bloqueio sensorial foi de 136 minutos no Grupo-I, 154 minutos no Grupo-II e 170 minutos no Grupo III. As diferenças foram estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05). A média da duração do bloqueio motor foi de 88 minutos no Grupo-I, 105 minutos no Grupo-II e 139 minutos no Grupo-III e as diferenças foram estatisticamente significativas (p< 0,05). O tempo de micção foi significativamente menor no Grupo-I do que nos outros grupos (p < 0,00). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados do estudo mostraram que, junto com um aumento da densidade, a duração dos bloqueios sensorial e motor foi prolongada. Pode-se concluir que uma concentração 30 mg mL-1 de dextrose adicionada a 7,5 mg de levobupivacaína é suficiente para proporcionar raquianestesia unilateral para artroscopia do joelho em regime ambulatorial.

A comparison of different densities of levobupivacaine solutions for unilateral spinal anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the block characteristics and clinical effects of dextrose added to levobupivacaine solutions at different concentrations to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomised, double-blind study comprised 75 ASA I-II risk patients for whom unilateral total knee arthroscopy was planned. The patients were assigned to three groups: in Group I, 60mg dextrose was added to 7.5mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine, in Group II, 80mg and in Group III, 100mg. Spinal anaesthesia was applied to the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the operated side below and the patient was kept in position for 10min. RESULTS: The time for the sensorial block to achieve T12 level was slower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p<0.05, p<0.00). The time to full recovery of the sensorial block was 136min in Group I, 154min in Group II and 170min in Group III. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean duration of the motor block was 88min in Group I, 105min in Group II, and 139min in Group III and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The time to urination in Group I was statistically significantly shorter than in the other groups (p<0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that together with an increase in density, the sensory and motor block duration was lengthened. It can be concluded that 30mg mL(-1) concentration of dextrose added to 7.5mg levobupivacaine is sufficient to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in day-case arthroscopic knee surgery.

[Evaluation of sciatic nerve damage following intraneural injection of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine and lidocaine in rats]. / Avaliação da lesão do nervo ciático após injeção intraneural de bupivacaína, levobupivacaína e lidocaína em ratos.

OBJECTIVE: The local anesthetics may cause neurotoxicity. We aimed to compare the neurotoxic potential of different local anesthetics, local anesthetic induced nerve damage and pathological changes of a peripheral nerve. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats weighing 200-350g were studied. Rats were assigned into 3 groups and 26-gauge needle was inserted under magnification into the left sciatic nerve and 0.2mL of 0.5% bupivacaine, 5% levobupivacaine, and 2% lidocaine were injected intraneurally. An individual who was blind to the specifics of the injection monitored the neurologic function on postoperative 1st day, and daily thereafter. Neurologic examination included assessment for the presence and severity of nociception and grasping reflexes. At the 7th day sciatic nerve specimen was taken for evaluation of histopathologic changes. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference detected among groups regarding grasping reflex and histopathologic evaluation. Two cases in bupivacaine group, 1 case in levobupivacaine group and 2 cases in lidocaine group had slight grasping, while 1 case in lidocaine group had no grasping reflex on the seventh day. Severe axonal degeneration was observed in all groups, respectively in bupivacaine group 4 (20%), levobupivacaine group 3 (15%), and lidocaine group 6 (30%). CONCLUSION: In all groups, histopathological damage frequency and severity were more than the motor deficiency.

[A comparison of different densities of levobupivacaine solutions for unilateral spinal anaesthesia]. / Uma comparação das diferentes densidades das soluções de levobupivacaína para raquianestesia unilateral.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the block characteristics and clinical effects of dextrose added to levobupivacaine solutions at different concentrations to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomised, double-blind study comprised 75 ASA I-II risk patients for whom unilateral total knee arthroscopy was planned. The patients were assigned to three groups: in Group I, 60mg dextrose was added to 7.5mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine, in Group II, 80mg and in Group III, 100mg. Spinal anaesthesia was applied to the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the operated side below and the patient was kept in position for 10min. RESULTS: The time for the sensorial block to achieve T12 level was slower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p<0.05, p<0.00). The time to full recovery of the sensorial block was 136min in Group I, 154min in Group II and 170min in Group III. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean duration of the motor block was 88min in Group I, 105min in Group II, and 139min in Group III and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The time to urination in Group I was statistically significantly shorter than in the other groups (p<0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that together with an increase in density, the sensory and motor block duration was lengthened. It can be concluded that 30mgmL(-1) concentration of dextrose added to 7.5mg levobupivacaine is sufficient to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in day-case arthroscopic knee surgery.

[Low-dose levobupivacaine plus fentanyl combination for spinal anesthesia in anorectal surgery]. / Combinação de levobupivacaína em dose baixa e fentanil para raquianestesia em cirurgia anorretal.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of spinal anesthesia using two different doses of fentanyl combined with low-dose levobupivacaine in anorectal surgery. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind study, 52 American Society of Anaesthesiologists I-II patients scheduled for elective anorectal surgery were randomized into two groups. The patients in group I received intrathecal 2.5mg hyperbaric levobupivacaine plus 12.5µg fentanyl and in group II received intrathecal 2.5mg hyperbaric levobupivacaine plus 25µg fentanyl. All the patients remained in the seated position for 5min after completion of the spinal anesthesia. Sensory block was evaluated with pin-prick test and motor block was evaluated with a modified Bromage scale. RESULTS: Motor block was not observed in both of the groups. The sensory block was limited to the S2 level in group I, and S1 level in group II. None of the patients required additional analgesics during the operation. Time to two-segment regression was shorter in group I compared with group II (p<0.01). One patient in group I and 5 patients in group II had pruritus. Hemodynamic parameters were stable during the operation in both of the groups. CONCLUSION: Spinal saddle block using hyperbaric levobupivacaine with both 12.5µg and 25µg fentanyl provided good quality of anesthesia without motor block for anorectal surgery in the prone position.