24-hour Opioid Consumption Research Articles

Local Infiltration Analgesia Versus Adductor Canal Block for Managing Pain After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Adductor canal block (ACB) and local infiltration analgesia (LIA) are frequently used to manage pain in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). To compare the difference in pain scores and opioid consumption between ACB and LIA for ancillary pain management in patients after ACLR. Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies that compared pain scores at 2, 6, 12, or 24 hours after ACLR or provided information on 24-hour opioid consumption were included. Of 240 publications initially screened by abstract and title, 4 studies were included, and data related to participant characteristics, anesthetic technique, and pain-related outcomes were extracted. The standardized mean difference (MD) in pain scores and morphine milligram equivalents consumed in 24 hours was compared using a random-effects model. In all studies, ropivacaine was the primary anesthetic used for LIA and ACB, with 1 study also employing bupivacaine as an alternative. The difference in pain scores between LIA and ACB was not significant at 2 hours (MD, 0.04 [95% CI, -0.22 to 0.29]; P = .79), 6 hours (MD, 0.16 [95% CI, -0.20 to 0.52]; P = .39), 12 hours (MD, 0.54 [95% CI, -0.49 to 1.56]; P = .31), or 24 hours (MD, 0.12 [95% CI, -0.10 to 0.34]; P = .28). The difference in morphine milligram equivalents was also not statistically significant (MD, -0.07 [95% CI, -0.25 to 0.11]; P = .68). From this review, the authors suggest considering LIA over ACB because of its potential to offer comparable pain relief and opioid consumption while being less time intensive. However, the study results should be interpreted with caution, given the limited number of studies included.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Rhomboid Intercostal Block for Postoperative Pain Management in Thoracic and Breast Surgical Procedures: A Meta-analysis

Background: The rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) is an emerging regional anesthesia (RA) technique used for pain control following thoracic and breast surgery. However, comprehensive documentation on its effectiveness and safety profile remains limited. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of RIB in thoracic and breast surgical procedures. Methods: A study search was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and ProQuest from 2016 to 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness and safety of RIB in thoracic and breast surgeries. The primary outcome was patient pain scores at rest, recorded at one, six, 12, and 24 hours post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included 24-hour opioid consumption and rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Results: This meta-analysis included five RCTs with a total of 368 patients. Rhomboid intercostal block led to a significant reduction in NRS scores one hour post-surgery (SMD = -1.33; 95% CI = -1.74 to -0.91; P < 0.00001, I² = 18%, P = 0.27), 12 hours post-surgery (SMD = -0.74; 95% CI = -0.99 to -0.48; P < 0.00001, I² = 36%, P = 0.21), and 24 hours post-surgery (SMD = -1.62; 95% CI = -2.56 to -0.69; P = 0.00006, I² = 91%, P < 0.00001). Regarding secondary outcomes, the RIB group showed a significant reduction in 24-hour opioid consumption (SMD = -4.49; 95% CI = -6.09 to -2.90; P < 0.00001, I² = 95%, P < 0.00001) and PONV rates (RR = -0.29; 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.47; P < 0.00001, I² = 0%, P = 0.88). Conclusions: Rhomboid intercostal block provides effective pain reduction and lowers opioid consumption within 24 hours post-surgery, while also minimizing PONV rates.

Pre-Emptive Acetaminophen for Postoperative Pain (PAPP): An Updated Meta-Analysis

PurposePostoperative pain is a common consequence of surgery. Pre-emptive analgesia involves the initiation of analgesics prior to surgical incision. This has been proposed as a simple method to help reduce postoperative pain, which may be more effective in higher-risk populations such as cervical spine surgery. A previous meta-analysis has demonstrated that pre-emptive acetaminophen may be effective in reducing postoperative pain although the certainty of evidence was limited. This present paper is an updated meta-analysis comparing pre-emptive acetaminophen versus postincision acetaminophen in adult patients undergoing surgery. DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis with the inclusion of an unpublished randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. MethodsAn updated meta-analysis was conducted which searched electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials with the same interventions. FindingsWe included 845 participants and 12 studies in the updated meta-analysis. The meta-analysis (including our trial) found reduced 24-hour morphine consumption in the pre-emptive group (mean difference −2.42 mg; 95% confidence interval −4.26 to −0.59 mg), as well as reduced postoperative vomiting (risk ratio 0.56; 95% confidence interval 0.36 to 0.88). There was no difference between pre-emptive acetaminophen and control groups for time to analgesic request, pain scores at 6 and 24 hours or pruritis. For all outcomes assessed, there was very low certainty of evidence. ConclusionsThis meta-analysis found pre-emptive acetaminophen reduced 24-hour opioid consumption and postoperative vomiting.

Association of patient characteristics with postoperative opioid consumption following cesarean delivery: a single center retrospective study

Background The primary aim of our study was to determine which patient characteristics were associated with opioid consumption following cesarean delivery. Methods The Baylor Scott & White Research Institute institutional review board approved this study (024-178). Patients who underwent cesarean delivery at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple with single injection or combined spinal epidural anesthesia in 2023 were eligible for inclusion. We examined the medical records of 300 patients, calculated the 24-hour opioid consumption for each, and compared the top third to the low group in a bivariate analysis and then performed a multivariate logistic regression. Results One hundred thirty-one patients had no opioid consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours, and 100 patients had a morphine milligram consumption of 30 to 117.5 mg. A multivariate logistic regression determined that patients in the higher opioid consumption cohort were more likely to have received combined spinal epidural anesthesia (odds ratio 2.079; 95% confidence interval 1.149, 3.762; P = 0.02) and administration of intravenous dexmedetomidine in the intraoperative period (odds ratio 2.542; 95% confidence interval 1.038, 6.224; P = 0.04). Conclusion Intraoperative administration of intravenous dexmedetomidine and combined spinal epidural anesthesia was associated with increased postoperative opioid consumption following cesarean delivery.

Effects of popliteal plexus block after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial

Background and objectivesMotor-sparing peripheral nerve blocks enhance multimodal opioid-sparing strategies after total knee arthroplasty. We hypothesized that adding a popliteal plexus block to a femoral triangle block could reduce 24-hour...

Effect of Dexmedetomidine Addition in Erector Spinae Plane Block on Opioid Consumption after Lumbar Spine Surgery.

To investigate the efficacy of adding 0.5 micrograms/kg of dexmedetomidine to 0.2% ropivacaine in erector spinae plane block in terms of 24-hour opioid consumption after lumbar spine surgeries. A randomised controlled trial. Place and Duration of the Study: The Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 30th November 2022 to 30th March 2023. Patients aged between 18-70 years, ASA 1-3 who were booked to undergo lumbar spine surgeries under general anaesthesia were inducted. Patients in the intervention group received erector spinae plane block (ESPB). Exclusion criteria were patient refusal, inability to give consent, patients with contraindications to regional anaesthesia, known allergy to study medications, inability to use patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), psychiatric disorders or patients using any psychiatric medications. The primary outcome measure of the study was 24-hour opioid consumption. The numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores were significantly decreased in the ESPB-D group at 30 minutes (p = 0.042), at 1 hour (p = 0.018), at 2 hours (p = 0.044), at 12 hours (p = 0.039), at 18 hours (p = 0.011), and at 24 hours (p = 0.020). Intraoperative use of remifentanil was also significantly lower in the ESPB-D group (p <0.01). ESPB using dexmedetomidine also reduced opioid consumption over a period of 24 hours (p <0.01). Median patient satisfaction score and median ease of mobility were also significantly better in the ESPB-D group. Addition of dexmedetomidine in erector spinae plane block reduced pain scores and intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption after lumbar spine surgery. Dexmedetomidine, Erector spinae plane block, Lumbar spine surgery, Opioid consumption, Pain control.

Ultrasound-guided subcostal approach of transversus abdominis plane block compared with wound infiltration for postoperative analgesia following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a commonly performed operation under ambulatory setting, significant postoperative pain is still a major concern. The ultrasound-guided subcostal approach of transversus abdominis plane (sTAP) blocks and wound infiltration (WI) are both widely practiced techniques to reduce postoperative pain in patients undergoing LC. Although these methods have been shown to relieve postoperative pain effectively, the relative analgesic efficacy between ultrasound-guided sTAP blocks and WI is not well known. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ultrasound-guided sTAP block versus WI for postoperative pain control in adult patients undergone LC. The search was performed until May 2023. Primary outcome was defined as 24-hour cumulative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain scores and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Finally, 6 RCTs were included, and data from 314 participants were retrieved. Postoperative 24-hour opioid consumption was significantly lower in ultrasound-guided sTAP group than in the WI group with a mean difference of -6.67 (95% confidence interval: -9.39 to - 3.95). The ultrasound-guided sTAP group also showed significantly lower pain scores. Incidence of PONV did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. We conclude that there is low to moderate evidence to advocate that ultrasound-guided sTAP block has better analgesic effects than WI in patients undergoing LC. Further trials are needed with robust methodology and clearly defined outcomes.

Insignificant influence of the intertransverse process block for major breast cancer surgery: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

IntroductionThe intertransverse process (ITP) block mimics the thoracic paravertebral block and allegedly ameliorates hemithoracic postoperative pain. However, concerning major reconstructive breast cancer surgery the modality has never been tested against...

Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block for early pain management of elderly patients with hip fracture: a single-center double-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) is a novel technique that blocks the articular branches of the hip joint. This study aimed to compare its effectiveness to a sham block...

Efficacy of erector spinae nerve block for pain control after lumbar spinal surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The review aimed to examine the evidence on the efficacy of erector spinae nerve block (ESPB) for pain control after lumbar spinal surgeries. PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, and Web of Science were examined for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing ESPB with control for lumbar spinal surgery patients. The primary review outcome was 24-hour total opioid consumption in morphine equivalents. The secondary review outcomes were pain at rest at 4-6 hours, 8-12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours, first rescue analgesic timing, needing rescue analgesics number, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). 16 trials were eligible. Total opioid consumption was significantly lower with ESPB as compared to controls (MD: -12.68 95% CI: -18.09, -7.28 I2=99% p<0.00001). Pain scores at 4-6 hours (MD: -1.37 95% CI: -1.98, -0.76 I2=95% p<0.0001), 8-12 hours (MD: -1.18 95% CI:-1.84, -0.52 I2=98% p=0.0004), 24 hours (MD: -0.53 95% CI:-1.03, -0.04 I2=96% p=0.04) and 48 hours (MD: -0.36 95% CI:-0.84, 0.13 I2=88% p=0.15) were significantly lower in the ESPB group. The meta-analysis found that the ESPB group required a significantly longer time for the first analgesic request (MD: 5.26 95% CI: 2.53, 7.99 I2=100% p=0.002), had lower demand for rescue analgesics (OR: 0.12 95% CI: 0.07, 0.21 I2=2% p<0.00001) and fewer incidence of PONV (OR: 0.27 95% CI: 0.15, 0.49 I2=51% p<0.0001). ESPB can be highly efficacious for postoperative analgesia in lumbar surgery patients. The block has the capability of reducing opioid consumption in the first 24 hours and pain scores up to 48 hours along with a significant reduction in the need for rescue analgesics and PONV.

Efficacy of Intravenous Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen on Postoperative Pain and Tramadol Consumption in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Prospective, Randomized, Double-blinded Clinical Trial

Background: Many techniques, including multimodal analgesia, have been used to manage postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Although the number of studies using intravenous ibuprofen (IV) is still limited, ibuprofen has been shown to have a potential role in managing postoperative pain. The primary outcome of this study is to evaluate and compare the impact of IV forms of ibuprofen and acetaminophen on 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption and pain management in patients undergoing LC. The second outcome of the study is to evaluate the impact of ibuprofen and acetaminophen on opioid-related adverse events (ORAE).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Following ethical committee approval, 70 patients aged 18 to 65, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score I- II, and those scheduled for LC were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=35) received 800 mg IV ibuprofen (group I) in 100 mL saline during surgery, while the acetaminophen group (n=35) received 1000 mg (group A). In the postoperative period, all patients received a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device with tramadol. The PCA device was set to a bolus dose of 10 mg and had a lockout time of 15 minutes. A blinded pain nurse assessed postoperative analgesia at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours using a numerical rating scale (NRS). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), total tramadol consumption, and the need for additional analgesics during the 24-hour postoperative period were recorded.&#x0D; Results: Seventy patients who underwent LC participated in this study. The use of analgesic medications was statistically lower in group I than in the other group A. NRS scores between the IV ibuprofen and acetaminophen groups were statistically similar at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively (P&gt;0.05). 24-hour opioid consumption was statistically significantly higher in group A than in group I (P0.05). PONV rates were similar in the ibuprofen and acetaminophen groups (P&gt;0.05). ORAEs were similar between groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Ibuprofen as part of tramadol-based multimodal analgesia reduced tramadol consumption compared to acetaminophen during the first 24 hours postoperatively following elective LC surgery. The IV ibuprofen-tramadol combination appeared superior to an acetaminophen-tramadol combination. ORAEs were similar in both groups.

Comparative Efficacy of Adjuvant Nonopioid Analgesia in Adult Cardiac Surgical Patients: A Network Meta-Analysis

To compare the relative efficacy of adjuvant nonopioid analgesic regimens in adult cardiac surgical patients. This frequentist, random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021282913) and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses for Network Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-NMA). The risk of bias (RoB) and confidence of evidence were assessed by RoB 2 and Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis, respectively. Relevant databases were searched from inception to October 9, 2021. A total of 124 (N=26,257) randomized controlled trials were included, of which 110 were analyzed. Trials enrolling adults (≥18 years of age) undergoing cardiac surgery that compared nonopioid analgesics against other nonopioid analgesics, placebo, or no additional treatment, as adjuvants to standard analgesic management, and reported at least 1 of the outcomes of interest. Outcomes of interest included resting postoperative pain scores at 24 hours. Compared with standard care and/or placebo, pain scores were reduced significantly by 10 different regimens, including acetaminophen (N=176; mean difference [MD] -0.66 points, 95% CI -1.16 to -0.15 points; high confidence), magnesium (N=323; -0.05 points, 95% CI -0.07 to -0.02 points; high confidence), gabapentin (N=96; MD -0.40 points, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.09; moderate confidence), and clonidine (N=64; MD v0.38 points, 95% CI -0.73 to v0.04 points; moderate confidence). Indomethacin, diclofenac, magnesium, and gabapentin significantly reduced 24-hour opioid consumption. Four regimens significantly decreased the intensive care unit length of stay. Hydrocortisone, dexmedetomidine, and clonidine significantly decreased the duration of mechanical ventilation. Magnesium decreased, while methylprednisolone significantly increased, the risk of myocardial infarction. Given the increasing emphasis on enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS) protocols and the eventual goal of limiting opiate prescriptions postoperatively, the authors' data suggested far greater use of nonopioid adjuncts to minimize pain and enhance recovery following cardiac surgery.

Erector Spinae Plane Block Reduces Immediate Postoperative Pain and Opioid Demand After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Matched cohort comparison. To determine perioperative outcomes of ESP block for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). There is a paucity of data on the impact of lumbar erector spinae plane (ESP) block on perioperative outcomes and its safety in MI-TLIF. Patients who underwent 1-level MI-TLIF and received the ESP block (Group E) were included. An age- and gender-matched control group was selected from a historical cohort that received the standard of care (Group NE). The primary outcome of this study was 24-hour opioid consumption in morphine milliequivalents (MME). Secondary outcomes were pain severity measured by numeric rating scale (NRS), opioid related side effects, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Outcomes were compared between the two groups. 98 and 55 patients were included in the E and NE groups respectively. There were no significant differences amongst the two cohorts in patient demographics. Group E had lower 24hr postoperative opioid consumption (P=0.117, not significant), reduced opioid consumption on POD 0 (P=0.016), and lower first pain scores post-surgery (P<0.001). Group E had lower intraoperative opioid requirements (P<0.001), and significantly lower average NRS pain scores on postoperative day 0 (P=0.034). Group E reported fewer opioid related side effects as compared with Group NE, although this was not statistically significant. The average highest postoperative pain score within 3 hours post-procedurally were 6.9 and 7.7 in the E and NE cohorts, respectively (P=0.029). The median LOS was comparable between groups with the majority of patients in both groups being discharged on postoperative day 1. In our retrospective matched cohort, ESP blocks resulted in reduced opioid consumption and decreased pain scores on POD0 in patients undergoing MI-TLIF. III.

The Impact of Peripheral Nerve Block on the Quality of Care After Ankle Fracture Surgery: A Quality Improvement Study.

To increase peripheral nerve block (PNB) administration for ankle fracture surgeries (AFSs) at our institution to above 50% by January 1st, 2021. Longitudinal, single-center quality improvement study conducted at a high-volume tertiary care center. All patients undergoing isolated AFS for unimalleolar, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar ankle fracture from July 2017 to April 2021 were included in this study. Interventions implemented to minimize barriers for PNB administration included recruitment and training of expert anesthesiologists in regional anesthesia, procurement of ultrasound machines, implementation of a dedicated block room, and creation of a pamphlet for patients describing multimodal analgesia. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients receiving PNB for AFS. Secondary outcomes included hospital length-of-stay, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption (mean oral morphine equivalent [OME]), proportion of patients not requiring opioid analgesic in PACU, and PACU and 24-hour postoperative nausea/vomiting requiring antiemetic. The PNB and non-PNB groups included 78 and 157 patients, respectively. PNB administration increased from <5% to 53% after implementation of the improvement bundle. Mean PACU and 24-hour opioid analgesic consumption was lower in the PNB group (PACU OME 38.96 mg vs. 55.42 mg, P = 0.001; 24-hour OME 50.83 mg vs. 65.69 mg, P = 0.008). A greater proportion of patients in the PNB group did not require PACU opioids (62.8% vs. 27.4%, P < 0.001). By performing a root cause analysis and implementing a multidisciplinary, patient-centered improvement bundle, we increased PNB administration for AFSs, resulting in reduced postoperative opioid analgesia consumption. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Safety and Efficacy of Rescue Nerve Blocks

Background: The overall incidence of complications following peripheral nerve blocks is very low. Peripheral nerve blocks performed under ultrasound guidance are widely thought to present a lower risk to direct needle trauma than paresthesia and nerve stimulation techniques and have been shown to decrease opioid consumption by providing analgesia directly to the site of injury. Currently, when a nerve block fails altogether or provides inadequate analgesia, pain and opioid consumption increases which in turn decrease patient satisfaction and increases healthcare costs. Concerns remain whether the benefits of opioid reduction outweigh the risk of inadvertent needle trauma and other potential complications when performing a nerve block replacement, or ‘rescue block’. Objective: Examine whether performing a rescue peripheral nerve block provides adequate analgesia to elicit a decrease in opioid consumption. Analyze the incidence of nerve injury following ultrasound-guided ‘rescue’ continuous peripheral nerve blocks. Methods: Data was retrospectively collected from patient electronic medical records from a Level 1 academic Trauma Center at Regional One Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee from March 1, 2019 to May 31 2021. Inclusion criteria was patients over 18-years of age at time of admission who received consecutive continuous peripheral nerve blocks in the same relative location during a time when the peripheral nerves were likely partially or fully anesthetized (a rescue block). The primary outcomes assessed were 24-hour opioid consumption prior to the initial continuous nerve block, just prior to and after the ‘rescue’ block. Adverse outcomes potentially due to performing a ‘rescue’ block were also examined, including direct needle trauma, nerve injury related to extended exposure to local anesthetics, and local anesthetic systemic toxicity. Types of nerve blocks performed, range and median number of catheter days, and reason for rescue block was recorded for all patients. All available electronic healthcare records were reviewed to identify potential injury. Nerve blocks were categorized into low and high-risk for direct needle trauma based on the incidence of needle trauma found in the literature and whether the needle was required to be adjacent to a discrete nerve or nerve bundle in order to perform the procedure. Results: Fifty-five (55) patients were examined. Of the 55 patients, 5 had multiple locations both blocked and rescued, bringing the total rescue procedures examined up to 60. Additionally, 10 patients had their rescue site re-blocked multiple times due to either multiple surgeries, displacements, or duration of analgesia required bringing the total number of rescue blocks performed to 74. Patients that received an initial continuous peripheral nerve block consumed significantly fewer opioids during the 24-hour period following the block than the 24-hour period before the block was performed (p=0.033). Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CNPB) were replaced or ‘rescued’ for two general reasons: Failed or inadequate analgesia (21) and to extend the utilization of adequately functioning infusions (35). Once a rescue nerve block was performed, there was no significant change in opioid consumption than after the original block (p=0.64). Of the 60 rescue blocks that were recorded, there were 0 adverse outcomes that were attributed to the rescue block procedure. Conclusion: Following failed CPNB or when performed to extend the utilization of CPNB infusions, ultrasound-guided ’rescue’ nerve blocks result in reduced opioid consumption to a similar level as the initial peripheral nerve block, and do not result in an increase in the incidence direct needle trauma. Given the relatively low incidence of needle trauma and other nerve block-related complications, larger studies are needed to confirm these initial findings, however, ultrasound provides numerous clinical strategies that can be employed that may reduce the incidence of direct needle trauma compared with traditional nerve localization techniques.

The Efficacy of Different Nerve Blocks on Postoperative Pain and Sequelae in Patients Undergoing Abdominoplasty: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Although abdominoplasty is growing in popularity, it still results in considerable postoperative pain, which prolongs recovery. The aim of this network meta-analysis was to combine evidence about different regional nerve blocks to examine their effectiveness in the management of postoperative pain sequelae and recovery following abdominoplasty. An electronic literature search in the MEDLINE (PubMed; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD), Scopus (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), Cochrane Library (London, UK) and US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register electronic databases (Bethesda, MD) was conducted from inception to July 2022. Inclusion criteria were the presence of intervention and control groups; data derived from controlled studies evaluating nerve blocks after abdominoplasty, in terms of analgesia needs, complications, and patient satisfaction; and publication in peer-reviewed journals. The quality of studies was assessed via Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool. A frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis was conducted for all outcomes of interest. A total of 12 studies, containing 543 patients with no differences in age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities, met the inclusion criteria. Transversus abdominis plane blocks have been found to reduce 24-hour and 48-hour opioid consumption (-3.70 and -5.01 weighted mean difference, respectively). In addition, the nerve blocks reviewed effectively prolonged the time to first rescue analgesia request, were safe in terms of complications, and were associated with high satisfaction rates. Nerve blocks emerge as an effective and safe adjunct for adequate pain management following abdominoplasty. This meta-analysis provides an evidence-based strategy to optimize the current analgesia regimens following abdominoplasty.

The quality of recovery after erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing breast surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe erector spinae plane (ESP) block has recently been shown to effectively alleviate postoperative pain and reduce opioid consumption in breast surgery patients. However, data are still limited concerning the quality of recovery in patients following this procedure.MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) performed in a university hospital. We randomly allocated patients to one of three groups: ESP, SHAM, and control (CON). Procedures in the ESP and SHAM blocks were performed ipsilaterally with 0.375% ropivacaine or 0.9% saline (0.4 mL/kg). Our primary outcome was the assessment of the patient’s improvement with quality-of-recovery 40 (QoR-40) a day after surgery. Other outcome assessments included postoperative pain evaluation on the visual analog scale (VAS), 24-hour opioid consumption with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), time to the first opioid demand, and global satisfaction with perioperative treatment.ResultsOverall, patients in the ESP group had improved QoR-40 compared to the CON group, 186 [177–193] vs. 175 [165–183] (medians and interquartile ranges). Pain severity was significantly higher in the CON group compared to the ESP group at hours 2 (38 [23–53] vs. 20 [7–32]) and 4 (30 [18–51] vs. 19 [7–25]). Moreover, we observed lower oxycodone consumption after 24 hours with the PCA pump between the ESP (4 [2–8] mg) and the CON (9.5 [5–19]) groups. Patients in the CON group used PCA sooner than those in the ESP group. Participants in the ESP group were more satisfied with treatment than those in the CON group. We found no statistical difference between SHAM and the other groups.ConclusionsCompared to the CON group, the ESP block improved the quality of recovery, alleviated pain intensity, and lowered opioid consumption in patients undergoing breast surgery. However, we did not observe this superiority in comparison with the SHAM group.Trial registrationNCT04726878.

Analgesic Outcomes in Opioid Use Disorder Patients Receiving Spinal Anesthesia with or without Intrathecal Clonidine for Cesarean Delivery: A Retrospective Investigation.

BackgroundIntrathecal (IT) clonidine has been observed to reduce 24-hour opioid requirements and time to first analgesic request after cesarean delivery, but has not been specifically studied in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD).MethodsPatients with OUD undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal or combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia at our institution from 2011 to 2020 were identified, and only patients with OUD were included in this study. Subjects that received IT clonidine were compared to a control group that did not receive IT clonidine to observe potential differences in analgesic outcomes (24-hour opioid requirements, pain scores and time to first post-operative pain medication) or side-effects (hypotension, vasopressor dosing and bradycardia).ResultsA total of 160 patients were included (clonidine n = 22, controls n = 138). For the clonidine group, the median IT clonidine dose was 30µg. Clonidine group patients were observed to have greater dose of IT bupivacaine (12 vs 12.75mg; p = 0.01) and IT morphine (100 vs 200µg; p < 0.001). The clonidine group was also observed to have greater incidence of intraoperative hypotension (20% vs 45%; p = 0.01) and maximum phenylephrine dose (50 vs 57.5 µg/min; p < 0.001). The time to first analgesic request (minutes) after surgery was significantly longer for the clonidine group (153.5 vs 207 min; p < 0.001). The average oral oxycodone equivalents taken per 24 hours of hospital admission were significantly less in the clonidine group (82.36 vs 41.67mg; p < 0.001), and the clonidine group also had significantly less oxycodone equivalents taken for each post-operative day.ConclusionIT clonidine was observed to result in reduced 24-hour opioid consumption in patients with OUD and may be useful as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen. The incidence of hypotension and vasopressor doses were greater in patients receiving IT clonidine, and this should be anticipated if IT clonidine is being administered.

Ultrasound-Guided Clavipectoral Block for Postoperative Analgesia of Clavicular Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

BackgroundClavicular fractures are commonly encountered in daily practice, and most cases are operated under general surgery. Until now, there has been a debate about the best approach to manage pain in such cases.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate whether ultrasound-guided clavipectoral block [clavipectoral fascial plane block (CPB)] would be safe and effective in cases with clavicular fractures.MethodsThis prospective randomized study included a total of 40 patients with clavicular fractures; they were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 20 cases who underwent CPB, and group 2 included 20 cases who underwent placebo block. Pain score, duration of analgesia, total analgesic consumption, and procedure-related complications were noted and recorded.ResultsDespite the comparable demographic data between the 2 groups, pain scores were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2, starting from postanesthesia care unit (PACU) admission until 12 hours after the operation. Group 1 showed a significant reduction in 24-hour opioid consumption and significant prolongation of the duration of analgesia compared to the placebo. Patient satisfaction was significantly better in group 1 than in group 2. No block-related adverse events were recorded.ConclusionsCPB is a safe and effective regional technique that should be used for pain management after clavicular fixation surgery.

Safety and Efficacy of Rescue Nerve Blocks

Background: The overall incidence of complications following peripheral nerve blocks is very low. Peripheral nerve blocks performed under ultrasound guidance are widely thought to present a lower risk to direct needle trauma than paresthesia and nerve stimulation techniques and have been shown to decrease opioid consumption by providing analgesia directly to the site of injury. Currently, when a nerve block fails altogether or provides inadequate analgesia, pain and opioid consumption increases which in turn decrease patient satisfaction and increases healthcare costs. Concerns remain whether the benefits of opioid reduction outweigh the risk of inadvertent needle trauma and other potential complications when performing a nerve block replacement, or ‘rescue block’. Objective: Examine whether performing a rescue peripheral nerve block provides adequate analgesia to elicit a decrease in opioid consumption. Analyze the incidence of nerve injury following ultrasound-guided ‘rescue’ continuous peripheral nerve blocks. Methods: Data was retrospectively collected from patient electronic medical records from a Level 1 academic Trauma Center at Regional One Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee from March 1, 2019 to May 31 2021. Inclusion criteria was patients over 18 years of age at time of admission who received consecutive continuous peripheral nerve blocks in the same relative location during a time when the peripheral nerves were likely partially or fully anesthetized (a rescue block). The primary outcomes assessed were 24-hour opioid consumption prior to the initial continuous nerve block, just prior to and after the ‘rescue’ block. Adverse outcomes potentially due to performing a ‘rescue’ block were also examined, including direct needle trauma, nerve injury related to extended exposure to local anesthetics, and local anesthetic systemic toxicity. Types of nerve blocks performed, range and median number of catheter days, and reason for rescue block was recorded for all patients. All available electronic healthcare records were reviewed to identify potential injury. Nerve blocks were categorized into low and high risk for direct needle trauma based on the incidence of needle trauma found in the literature and whether the needle was required to be adjacent to a discrete nerve or nerve bundle in order to perform the procedure. Results: 55 patients were examined. Of the 55 patients, 5 had multiple locations both blocked and rescued, bringing the total rescue procedures examined up to 60. Additionally, 10 patients had their rescue site re-blocked multiple times due to either multiple surgeries, displacements, or duration of analgesia required bringing the total number of rescue blocks performed to 74. Patients that received an initial continuous peripheral nerve block consumed significantly fewer opioids during the 24 hour period following the block than the 24-hour period before the block was performed (P=0.033). Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CNPB) were replaced or ‘rescued’ for two general reasons: Failed or Inadequate Analgesia (21) and to Extend the Utilization of adequately functioning infusions (35). Once a rescue nerve block was performed, there was no significant change in opioid consumption than after the original block (P=0.64). Of the 60 rescue blocks that were recorded, there were 0 adverse outcomes that were attributed to the rescue block procedure. Conclusion: Following failed CPNB or when performed to extend the utilization of CPNB infusions, ultrasound-guided ’rescue’ nerve blocks result in reduced opioid consumption to a similar level as the initial peripheral nerve block, and do not result in an increase in the incidence direct needle trauma. Given the relatively low incidence of needle trauma and other nerve block-related complications, larger studies are needed to confirm these initial findings, however, ultrasound provides numerous clinical strategies that can be employed that may reduce the incidence of direct needle trauma compared with traditional nerve localization techniques.