Acute postoperative pain experiences and satisfaction with its management among patients with elective surgery: An observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is a paucity of regional data on acute postoperative pain. The present study was conducted with an aim to assess the acute postoperative pain experiences, its interference with ADLs, emotions, sleep, IPR and satisfaction with pain management among patients who had undergone elective surgeries. METHODS: In this observational study, 200 postoperative adult patients; who had undergone elective surgery were interviewed using American Pain Society's Patient Outcome and Satisfaction Survey Questionnaire. Pain perception and interference of pain with ADLs, emotions, sleep, and IPR was measured on 0-10 numerical scale and satisfaction on 6 point Likert scale, i.e., very satisfied to very dissatisfied. RESULTS: There was high incidence (82.5%) of acute postoperative pain experience and mean score for worst episodes of pain was significantly high, i.e., 7.6 ± 1.5, which had significant interference with ADLs (5.6 ± 2.1), sleep (3.6 ± 1.7), and emotions (3.6 ± 1.6). Majority of patients reported that pain was assessed only once (17%) or twice (48.5%) in each shift. Despite of poor pain control, a large number of patients were satisfied with overall pain treatment (69%), and response of physicians (81%) and nurses (62%) for their pain complaints. Acute pain score was directly associated with the duration of postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Acute postoperative pain was inadequately assessed and undertreated but still a large number of participants were satisfied with acute postoperative pain management probably because patients expects that pain is inevitable after surgery. Postoperative pain had significant interference with ADLs, emotions and sleep of patients, which may affect postoperative comfort and recovery.

The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act and its implication on advancement of ultrasound in anaesthesiology; time to change mindsets rather than laws.

Ultrasonography (USG) has a continuously expanding role in anaesthesiology, critical care and pain management and has enhanced and refined patient care. The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act was established to counter the persistent problem of female foeticide in India. This unique problem which seems to be rooted in our social structure has indirectly impeded the evolution of USG as a widespread tool in medicine in our country. This brief review is aimed at highlighting the expanding role of USG in anaesthesia practice and training, nuances of the PCPNDT act and its implications on the growth and management of ultrasound technology in anaesthesia, in India.

Comparison of block characteristics of spinal anesthesia following intravenous dexmedetomidine and clonidine.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Different routes of administration of α2 adrenergic receptor agonists have been found to prolong the duration of spinal block. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients, aged 18-60 years, of ASA physical status I or II posted for elective fixation of fractures of lower limb under spinal anesthesia were selected. Spinal anesthesia was administered with 2.5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine mixed with 10 µg fentanyl. The patients were randomized to receive intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg/h for 15 min followed by infusion of 0.3 µg/kg/h (Group I), IV Clonidine 2 µg/kg/h for 15 min followed by infusion of 0.5 µg kg/h (Group II) or 15 ml of normal saline for 15 min followed by infusion at 50 ml/h (Group III). Motor and sensory blockade was evaluated using bromage score and pin prick method respectively. RESULTS: The median block height in all groups was T8. Time to achieve block height was fastest in Group I. Time of regression of sensory block to T12/L1 dermatome was 230.75 ± 21.25 min (Group I), 196.25 ± 20.27 min (Group II) and 163.88 ± 15.46 min (Group III) respectively. Regression of motor blocks to Bromage 0/1 was 274 ± 21.25 min, 234.25 ± 32.41 min and 130.12 ± 20.70 min in Groups I, II and III respectively. Bradycardia was seen in one patient in Group I and two patients in Group II. Hypotension was seen in five patients in Group I and seven patients in Group II. First requirement for postoperative analgesic was after 353.13 ± 39.60 min, 314.38 ± 30.64 min and 193.25 ± 17.74 min in Groups I, II and III respectively. CONCLUSION: IV α2 agonists are useful adjuvants for prolongation of the duration of spinal block. IV dexmedetomidine produces a better clinical profile compared to clonidine.

Effect of continuous magnesium sulfate infusion on spinal block characteristics: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is an established mode of anesthesia for lower limb orthopedic surgeries. The limitations of the technique are short duration of action and limited post-operative analgesia. Concomitant use of intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate may have an effect on the block characteristics and duration of action of intrathecal bupivacaine. METHODS: A total of 80 American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients, either sex, 20-60 years of age scheduled for elective orthopedic fixation of fracture of long bones of lower limbs under spinal anesthesia were included. Spinal anesthesia administered with 2.5 ml heavy bupivacaine mixed with 10 mcg fentanyl. The groups were then divided to receive an infusion of injection magnesium sulfate 50 mg/kg/h over 15 min followed by 15 mg/kg/h until the end of the surgery (Group M) and 15 ml of Normal Saline over 15 min followed by 100 ml/h until the end of surgery (Group S). Onset, duration of sensory and motor block and amount of post-operative analgesic were noted. RESULTS: A total of 6 patients (Group M) and seven patients (Group S) had inadequate block and excluded from the study. Mean block height was T6. Time required to achieve block height was 8.82 min versus 7.42 min in Groups M and S respectively (P = 0.04). Mean duration of motor block was longer in group M (160.63 ± 17.76 min) compared with Group S (130.12 ± 20.70 min) (P = 0.000). Time for regression of sensory block to T12/L1was 206.88 ± 20.96 min (Group M) and 163.88 ± 15.46 min (Group S) (P = 0.000). Hemodynamic parameters were similar and statistically not significant. Need for first analgesic requirement was after 262.88 ± 21.11 min in group M and 193.25 ± 17.74 min in the group S (P = 0.000). Mean dosage of tramadol needed in first 24 h was less in group M (190 ± 30.38 mg vs. 265 ± 48.30 mg, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Use of intravenous magnesium with spinal anesthesia reduces post-operative pain and analgesic consumption.

A retrospective clinical audit of 696 central venous catheterizations at a tertiary care teaching hospital in India.

BACKGROUND: Malpositions after central venous cannulation are frequently encountered and may need a change in catheter. The incidence of malpositions are varied according to various studies and depend on the experience of the operator performing the cannulation. AIM: To access the incidence of malpositions and related complications associated with landmark-guided central venous cannulation in a 15-bedded medical surgical ICU over a period of three years. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of records of all the central venous cannulation done in a 15- bedded medical- surgical ICU over the period of three years (April 2008 to June 2011) were evaluated for the site and side of insertion, number of attempts of puncture, arterial puncture as well as the malpositions on post procedural chest X-ray. The records were also evaluated for the experience of the operator performing cannulation and relationship between experience of operator to malpositions of catheter. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Analysis was done using SPSS v 17.0 for Windows. Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the statistical significance. P > 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Records of 696 cannulations were evaluated. Malpositions occurred in 40 patients. Subclavian vein cannulation resulted in increased malpositions in relation to internal jugular vein cannulation. More common with left sided cannulation. Experience of operator had positive correlation with malpositions and arterial puncture. Arterial puncture was common in 6%, while more than one attempt for cannulation was taken in 100 patients. CONCLUSION: Incidence of malpositions was low. We conclude that experience of operator improves successful catheterization with lesser number of complications.

Nausea and vomiting after ENT surgeries: A comparison between ondansetron, metoclopramide and small dose of propofol.

AIMS: To evaluate the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron, metoclopramide or small dose of propofol following ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study involving 60 patients, both children and adults undergoing elective ENT surgery under standard general anesthesia. At the completion of surgery the patients received either 0.1 mg/kg of ondansetron or 0.2 mg/kg of metoclopramide or 0.5 mg/kg of propofol intravenously. The patients were observed for 24 hrs after operation for any occurrence of nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) during first 24 hrs was recorded in 20%, 70%, 50% of patients who had received ondansetron, metoclopr-amide or propofol respectively (p < 0.05). Fewer patients given ondansetron needed rescue antiemetic. The incidence of PONV was higher following middle year surgery. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that ondansetron was most effective in preventing occurrence of PONV while metoclopramide was least effective. Propofol was effective only in 50% of patients, thus not recommended for routine use.