[TAP block analgesia after iliac bone surgery]. / Bloc dans le plan du muscle transverse de l'abdomen pour l'analgésie de la chirurgie du bassin antérieur.

We report two cases of iliac bone surgery (repair of a symphysis disjunction and fixation of a fracture of the iliac ala) where TAP blocks were effective for postoperative analgesia. In the first case, we performed a bilateral block, and only a unilateral block in the second case. We discuss possible mechanisms to explain the efficacy of the TAP blocks in such surgeries. As for the femoral nerve block in major knee surgery, we think that blocking the parietal pain from skin and blocking parietal muscles contracture, can reduce postoperative pain in such surgeries.

Increase in optic nerve sheath diameter induced by epidural blood patch: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) might be related to cerebrospinal fluid hypotension. Studies in brain-injured patients have shown a good relationship between optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured by ocular sonography and invasively measured intracranial pressure (ICP). The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in ONSD after lumbar epidural blood patch (EBP). METHODS: Consecutive subjects receiving an EBP for PDPH were included. ONSD and pain measurements were performed before (T(0)), 10 min (M(10)), 2 h (H(2)), and 20 h (H(20)) after the EBP. RESULTS: Ten subjects were included. ONSD [median (inter-quartile range)] increased with time after EBP, from 4.8 mm (4.5-5.1) at T(0) to 5.2 mm (4.9-5.7) at M(10) (P=0.005 vs T(0)), 5.5 mm (5.1-6.0) at H(2) (P=0.007 vs T(0)), and 5.8 mm (5.2-6.3) at H(20) (P=0.02 vs T(0)). EBP was clinically successful in nine of 10 subjects. In subjects in whom EBP was successful, ONSD significantly increased at M(10) and T(2) compared with T(0) (P=0.004 and 0.008, respectively) but did not reach statistical significance at H(20) (P=0.06). In the subject in whom EBP failed, a small increase in ONSD was observed over time. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary report, EBP was followed by ONSD enlargement in subjects with successful EBP, but not in the subject with EBP failure. Since ONSD is a surrogate marker of ICP, this suggests that a sustained increase in ICP is associated with successful EBP.

[TAP block and blocks of the abdominal wall]. / TAP bloc et blocs de la paroi abdominale.

Since the revolution of ultrasound in regional anesthesia, new techniques have arisen. The "transversus abdominis plane" block or TAP block is one of them. The benefits of a TAP block for postoperative analgesia have been shown mostly after laparotomy. Because this block seems to be technically easy, many anesthesiologists have quickly adopted it. However, the TAP block presents some technical specificities and knowledge of the anatomy is required. This article reviews the anatomy of the abdominal wall, the different blocks, the indications, the complications, and highlights the many unanswered questions left. This review proposes a new vision of the abdominal wall blocks based on a new understanding of the anatomy of the abdominal wall associated with an ultrasound technique.

Lateral approach to the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa.

UNLABELLED: We describe a modification of the sciatic nerve (SN) block in the popliteal fossa through the lateral approach. After a brief anatomic study using previously reported landmarks, we propose a new needle orientation associated with a double injection technique after identification of the tibial and the common peroneal nerve. Thirty-four patients undergoing ankle or foot surgery were enrolled in this study. With patients in the supine position, the upper edge of the patella and the groove between the posterior border of the vastus lateralis and the anterior border of the tendon of the biceps femoris were identified. The needle was directed posteriorly with a 20-30 degrees angle relative to the horizontal plane and slightly caudal. Both nerves were individually located with a nerve stimulator and blocked with a mixture of lidocaine-bupivacaine and clonidine. In all but one case, the two nerves were easily located, and no vascular puncture was evident. Effective analgesia was obtained for a minimum of 15 h (first analgesic demand). We conclude that this technique, with a modified direction of the needle and a double stimulation, provides a very high rate of success for SN blockade in the popliteal fossa. IMPLICATIONS: We describe a new lateral approach to the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa. The needle was directed caudad and posteriorly while seeking with a nerve stimulator for the tibial and the peroneal nerves, which were blocked separately. This technique was very successful.

[Sciatic nerves block]. / Blocs des nerfs sciatiques.

Sciatic nerve block is considered difficult to perform, but very useful for lower limb anaesthesia and analgesia. The use of a nerve stimulator makes the technique easier. Functionally, it is better to consider that there are three independent sciatic nerves, namely, the posterior cutaneous nerve, the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve. Searching for blocking these three nerves and especially the latter two, specifically improve the reliability and quality of blockade.

[Block of the lumbar plexus]. / Les blocs du plexus lombaire.

Lumbar plexus block is indicated in anesthesia and analgesia of the proximal part of the lower limb. Several techniques, two via the anterior approach and at least three via a posterior paravertebral approach have been described. All these techniques are not equivalent in terms of technical facilities or difficulties, efficacy, success or failure rates and postoperative analgesia. The best choice must be done keeping in mind all advantages or disadvantages of each technic.

[The truncal blocks of the foot]. / Les blocs tronculaires du pied.

Among the five branches of principal nerves trunks supplying the ankle and foot, only the tibial nerve is sometimes difficult to block at the ankle, at the border of the medial malleolus. Using new landmarks at the level of the sustentaculum tali overcomes this problem. Blocking these five nerves make possible all surgical procedures on the foot and provide excellent postoperative analgesia. Only tourniquet is a limit for these blocks.

[Truncal and peripheral blocks of the arm]. / Blocs tronculaires et périphériques du membre supérieur.

Blocking the median, the radial, the ulnar and the musculo-cutaneous nerves, alone or all together provide sufficient anaesthesia for hand and forearm surgery. Because of frequent anatomical variations and the possibility of a double nerve supply in some territories, blockade must be extended to the adjacent nerves. Tourniquet over the elbow is the only limit for these blocks, but they are useful to provide per and postoperative analgesia during general anaesthesia, and in some cases to improve the efficiency of brachial plexus block.