Low-dose S+ ketamine in target-controlled intravenous anaesthesia with remifentanil and propofol for open gynaecological surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Using remifentanil-propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) in open gynaecological surgeries could be associated with opioid-induced hyperalgesia postoperatively. This study's aim was to investigate the effect of low-dose S-ketamine compared with control on cumulative morphine consumption 24 h postoperatively in women undergoing open abdominal hysterectomy with remifentanil-propofol TCI technique. METHODS: Ninety female patients above 21 years old who underwent elective open abdominal hysterectomy under general anaesthesia with remifentanil-propofol TCI were recruited. They were randomised to receive either normal saline as control (n = 44) or 0.25 mg/kg intravenous boluses of S-ketamine before skin incision and after complete removal of uterus (n = 45). The primary outcome measure was cumulative morphine consumption measured over 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcome measures were incidences of opioid-related and psychotomimetic side effects, pain and level of sedation scores. RESULTS: The cumulative 24-h morphine consumption postoperatively (P = 0.0547) did not differ between both the groups. S-ketamine group had slower emergence from general anaesthesia (P = 0.0308) and lower pain scores (P = 0.0359) 15 min postoperatively. Sedation level, common opioid-related side effects (nausea, vomiting, pruritus), respiratory depression and psychotomimetic side effects were similar between both the study groups. CONCLUSION: Low-dose S-ketamine did not reduce the total cumulative morphine consumption in patients undergoing major open gynaecological surgeries with remifentanil-propofol TCI.

Incidence and association factors for the development of chronic post-hysterectomy pain at 4- and 6-month follow-up: a prospective cohort study.

Chronic pain has major adverse effects on health-related quality of life and contributes to significant socioeconomic burden. Hysterectomy is a very common gynecological surgery, resulting in chronic post-hysterectomy pain (CPHP), an important pain syndrome. We conducted a prospective cohort study in 216 Asian women who underwent abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign conditions. Demographic, psychological, and perioperative data were recorded. Postoperative 4- and 6-month phone surveys were conducted to assess the presence of CPHP and functional impairment. The incidence rates of CPHP at 4 and 6 months were 32% (56/175) and 15.7% (25/159), respectively. Women with CPHP at 4 and 6 months had pain that interfered with their activities of daily living. Independent association factors for CPHP at 4 months were higher mechanical temporal summation score, higher intraoperative morphine consumption, higher pain score in the recovery room, higher pain score during coughing and itching at 24 hours postoperatively, and preoperative pain in the lower abdominal region. Independent association factors for CPHP at 6 months were preoperative pain during sexual intercourse, higher mechanical temporal summation score, and higher morphine consumption during postoperative 24 and 48 hours. In a majority of cases, CPHP resolved with time, but may have significant impact on activities of daily living.

A preliminary assessment of the LMA protector™ in non-paralysed patients.

BACKGROUND: The LMA Protector™ is the latest CE marked single use supraglottic airway device. This airway device provides access and functional separation of the respiratory and digestive tracts. There are two ports (male, female ports) to provide suction in the laryngeal region and insertion of the gastric tube. The aim of our study is to assess the ease of use, airway quality, device positioning, airway leak and complications associated with initial clinical experience in LMA Protector™ usage. METHODS: This is an initial investigation of LMA Protector™ airway device. We conducted a preliminary assessment in the anaesthetised women who underwent minor gynaecological procedures with spontaneous ventilation in order to evaluate the performance of the airway device. RESULTS: Insertion was successful on first and second attempts in 23 (88.5%) and 3 (11.5%) respectively. Median [IQR (range)] insertion time was 19 [17-21(14-58)] seconds. Airway leak pressure was 25.5 [23-29(21-30] cmH2O. On fibreoptic examination via the device, vocal cords were visible in all 26 patients. There were no alternative airway use or airway manipulations required during maintenance of anaesthesia. Six patients had sore throat 24 h after procedures and there was no dysphagia or hoarseness. CONCLUSION: This pilot study of the LMA protector shows that the device is easily inserted with fast insertion time, providing a reliable and adequate airway seal. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Registration NCT02531256 . Retrospectively registered on August 21, 2015.