Adjunct For Pain Control Research Articles

Skeletal muscle relaxants as adjunctive pain control following cardiothoracic surgery: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionMultimodal pain control following cardiothoracic surgery remains a focus in international guidelines. We hypothesise that non-depolarising skeletal muscle relaxants can prove to be a useful adjunct for this population.Methods/analysisThis systematic...

Impact of Acetazolamide on Perioperative Pain Control in Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

To evaluate the efficacy of peri-operative acetazolamide for pain control in robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Prior studies have demonstrated that preoperative acetazolamide decreased postoperative referred pain in the postsurgical period for laparoscopic procedures. The proposed mechanism is acetazolamide mediated inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, thereby preventing formation of carbonic acid and subsequent peritoneal acidosis with referred pain. This has yet to be demonstrated in the setting of RALP. Patients undergoing RALP were randomized to receive either preoperative saline or acetazolamide prior to the procedure. Overall pain scores were recorded at multiple time points post operatively, as well as total morphine equivalents administered for adjunctive pain control. Thirty-one patients were included in the study: 16 patients (51.6%) received perioperative acetazolamide, and 15 patients (48.4%) received perioperative saline as placebo. Overall pain scores were similar for patients receiving acetazolamide compared to placebo at various time points: first responsive (3.5 ± 3.1 vs 4.1 ± 1.7, P=.28), immediately prior to leaving PACU (2.8 ± 2.9 vs 2.9 ± 2.9, P=.48), at 4 hours post-procedure (3.1 ± 3.0 vs 2.9 ± 1.8, P=.362), or at 24 hours post-procedure (2.3 ± 1.7 vs 2.2 ± 1.6, P=.5). Shoulder tip pain was not present in either cohort. No statistically significant difference was observed for total morphine equivalents delivered between acetazolamide and placebo (17.3 vs 20.5, P= .2, respectively). Acetazolamide does not appear to impact overall pain or shoulder tip pain in the observed cohort of patients undergoing RALP.

A Novel Sacral Erector Spinae Block Reduces Opioid Use After Gender-affirming Vaginoplasty

ABSTRACT Introduction Surgeries that affirm a person's gender identity can be the ultimate end to the distress associated with the discordance between one's gender identity and sex assigned at birth. Gender-affirming vaginoplasty (GAV) is increasingly being performed as a critical component of gender transition for individuals assigned male at birth transitioning to female. As GAV becomes offered at more centers around the United States (US), it is important to understand and consider surgical outcomes that are unique to this operation without losing sight of the larger context of surgical care in the US. In this vain, it is known that post-surgery prescriptions for opioids are a catalyst for opioid addiction in nearly 1 in 16 surgery patients; furthermore, individuals with gender dysphoria are twice as likely to abuse prescription opioids. Regional anesthetic blocks have been adopted in many urologic surgeries to reduce opioid consumption both during and after surgery. The sacral erector spinae plane block (ESP) is a novel block that can block the S2-S4 pain levels in addition to some of the lumbar plexus with benefits over a neuraxial/epidural block including being a superficial block, no significant motor weakness, reduced risk of epidural hematoma, and less risk of intraoperative hemodynamic lability. Objective We sought to review complications and opioid usage after a novel sacral erector spinae plane block as an adjunct for pain control in the perioperative period in patients undergoing robotic-assisted penile inversion vaginoplasty. Methods We reviewed all charts of patients undergoing robotic-assisted penile inversion vaginoplasty or vulvoplasty at our institution. On the morning of surgery, patients were placed in a prone position and administered midazolam and fentanyl for sedation. Median sacral crests and the erector spinae muscle/plane (ESP) were identified using ultrasound guidance, and 0.2% ropivacaine was injected at the S4 and S2 sacral crest. Results A total of 13 patients received the ESP block. There were no complications either in the immediate post-block period or after surgery related to the block. Mean opioid consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery, 24-48hr, 48-72hr, 72-96hr, and 96-120 hours after surgery were 29.1, 50.9, 46.0, 36.5, and 38.7 oral morphine equivalents (OMEs), respectively. There was a significantly reduced amount of OME consumption in the 24 hours after surgery compared to the 24-48 hour period (p=0.017). Conclusions Sacral erector spinae plane block is a safe and efficacious way to reduce opioid consumption in the postoperative period after gender-affirming robotic-assisted penile inversion vaginoplasty or vulvoplasty. Disclosure No

Cryoanalgesia is Associated With Decreased Postoperative Opioid Use in Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum

Postoperative pain control is challenging after pectus excavatum repair. We aimed to understand the impact that cryoanalgesia had on opioid utilization and outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients (< 18 y) who underwent MIRPE (2011-2019). Patients receiving cryoanalgesia were compared to those who did not. The primary outcome was total postoperative, inpatient, opioid use, measured as milligrams of oral morphine equivalents per kilogram (OME/kg). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Of 35 patients, 20 received cryoanalgesia (57%). Baseline characteristics were similar. Patients who received cryoanalgesia had a lower opioid requirement: median 2.3 mg OME/kg (IQR 1.2-3.1), versus 4.9 mg OME/kg (IQR 2.9-5.8), P < 0.001. Accounting for receipt of cryoanalgesia, epidural, and/or patient-controlled analgesia, cryoanalgesia was associated with a 3.3 mg OME/kg reduction in opioid use (P < 0.001). Median length of stay (LOS) was shorter in cryoanalgesia patients: 3.1 d (IQR 2.3-3.4), versus 5.1 d (IQR 4.3-5.4), P < 0.001. Complications within 90 d were similar between groups. Cryoanalgesia is an effective adjunctive pain control modality for patients undergoing MIRPE. Use of cryoanalgesia was associated with lower postoperative opioid requirements and shorter LOS, without increased short-term complications, and should be considered for enhanced recovery after MIRPE.

9 Impact of Methadone Initiation in Intubated Burn Patients: A Retrospective Review

Abstract Introduction Methadone can be used to wean opiates and reduce length of mechanical ventilation (MV) in critical care and burn patients. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of methadone use on ventilator-free days and clinical outcomes in burned patients requiring MV. Methods This was a retrospective study of adult patients admitted to a burn center for initial management of burn injuries who required MV for at least 48 hours between September 2013 and November 2019. Patients were excluded from the study if they had prior methadone use, total body surface area (TBSA) of less than 5%, or expired within the first 28 days of admission. The primary endpoint was the difference in ventilator-free days among those who received methadone compared to those who did not. Secondary endpoints include length of stay, mortality, sedative agent and average daily dose, analgesic agent and average daily dose, and incidence of delirium. Baseline demographics were compared using descriptive statistics. Nominal data was compared using Chi-square test. Continuous data was analyzed using student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. Multivariate regression was used to identify variables for possible association with MV duration. Results A total of 83 patients were included in the study; 52 received methadone and 31 were controls. Patients were generally well-matched between groups, however patients receiving methadone were younger (45.3 vs 56.2 years, p = 0.002) and had a larger TBSA (30.4 vs 19.1%, p = 0.001). Patients who received methadone had fewer ventilator free days of the first 28 (9.5 vs 15.0 days, p = 0.009) and a longer ICU stay (57.2 vs 35.8 days, p = 0.025). There was no difference between groups in terms of mortality, reintubations, and incidence of delirium. Patients who received methadone had longer duration of analgesia (20.7 vs 12.0 days, p = 0.011) and sedation (19.0 vs 12.4 days, p = 0.026) while on MV. Conclusions This study found that methadone use contributed to fewer ventilator-free days and longer ICU stays, which was unexpected but worth discussing. There are several limitations to this study. This study occurred during a time period in which the pain management and sedation strategies of this burn unit were evolving, and strategies may not have been consistent between providers. The study included a small sample size and baseline demographics demonstrated significant differences in age and TBSA between the two groups. Additionally, pain scores were not collected as part of this study, which would have provided better insight into the effectiveness of pain management. The use of methadone as an adjunct for pain control remains undetermined.

Pain Management in the Unstable Trauma Patient

Review the current literature regarding the optimal approach to pain control in unstable trauma patients, specifically focusing on the initial management of pain and rapid transition to multi-modal agents. There is a clear benefit to multi-modal analgesia instituted as rapidly as possible in trauma patients. While early management of pain depends upon the use of short-acting IV opioids, the rapid transition to adjunctive pain control strategies is optimal. The benefits include not only improved patient experience but also improved physiologic parameters and lower long-term risk of chronic pain and disability. The initial management of pain in unstable trauma patients is focused on titrating short-acting IV opioids to effect. Rapid institutions of multi-modal pain control, however, can improve short-term pain management while reducing the physiologic load imposed by uncontrolled pain and reduce the risk of long-term chronic pain and opioid misuse.

Opioid prescribing habits of podiatric surgeons following elective foot and ankle surgery

Prescription of opioids following surgery is commonplace in the United States, but with that has come increases in misuse, overdose and death. Evaluating prescribing habits in efforts to reduce the opioid epidemic is becoming more frequent. The purpose of the present study was to examine the self-reported practices of podiatric surgeons regarding their methods of post-operative pain management in adult, sensate patients, as well as assessing the frequency of use of adjunctive pain control modalities. A survey was created and distributed to Podiatric Surgeons electronically, across the United States. Results of this study show that Podiatric Surgeons prescribe hydrocodone/acetaminophen most commonly after surgery, with most prescribing opioids for less than 2 weeks. With regards to adjunctive pain management, two-thirds of respondents use regional anesthesia blocks, with only 13% using post-anesthesia delivery devices (PADD). Interestingly, those using PADDs prescribed significantly more opioids at the first prescription and were more likely to refill the prescription. Podiatric Surgeons are concerned with various negative outcomes for their patients when taking opioids, including addiction, non-adherence, and motor vehicle accidents. Podiatric Surgeons are less concerned about negative outcomes for themselves when prescribing opioids. This study is in agreement with previously published studies in other medical specialties regarding opioid prescribing habits and concerns. However, further research is needed to fully understand the role PADDs and regional anesthesia blocks play in reducing the amount of opioids prescribed following surgery. The Opioid Epidemic in the United States is multi-faceted, but over-prescription by providers is part of it. Continuing to assess and understand how opioids are prescribed will be paramount to curb the epidemic.

The Impact of Bilateral Suprazygomatic Maxillary Nerve Blocks on Postoperative Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery

Aims: The mainstay of analgesia in orthognathic interventions for maxillary hypoplasia is perioperative opioids, however, the side effect profile is broad with the potential for well-described deleterious effects. The suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block has been previously shown to be effective in decreasing pain associated with palatal surgery. To date, there have been no studies detailing the use of maxillary nerve blocks as an adjunctive pain control measure during correction of maxillary hypoplasia. Consequently, we sought to evaluate the efficacy of intra-operative, ultrasound-guided bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blockade in decreasing postoperative narcotic consumption in patients undergoing Le Fort I level surgical orthognathic correction of cleft-related maxillary hypoplasia. Methods: Between January and December 2019, patients underdoing suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blockade for orthognathic correction of maxillary hypoplasia via either Le Fort I advancement or distraction were prospectively collected and compared to controls. Patient demographics, narcotic use (represented as morphine milligram equivalents per kg; MME/kg), self-reported pain scales, operative times, length of stay (LOS), and complication rates were compared. Results: Over the 12-month interval, 40 patients met inclusion criteria (n = 19 Block; n = 21 Control). Mean ages were 15.6 and 15.9 years, respectively. The block group demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative narcotic requirements on POD1 and POD2 when compared to controls (POD1: 0.020 mg/kg vs 0.066 mg/kg, P &lt; .005; POD2: 0.030 mg/kg vs 0.080 mg/kg, P &lt; .016), with a trend toward significance thereafter. Corroboratively, self-reported pain scores in the first 24 hours were significantly decreased in the block compared to control groups with a trend toward significance thereafter (POD1: 1.13 vs 2.72, P &lt; .001; POD2: 1.72 vs 2.56, P &lt; .08; POD3: 1.21 vs 2.07, P &lt; .06). LOS was decreased by an average of 1 day in the block group, operative times were unchanged, and neither group evidenced perioperative complication or return to service within 30 days. Conclusion: Administration of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks in patients undergoing Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy for correction of cleft-related maxillary deficiency demonstrated a significant reduction in post-operative narcotic requirements, self-reported pain scales, and LOS without increased complications, suggesting its utility as a safe and effective analgesic adjunct in this patient population.

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: Continuous catheter infusion provides no additional analgesic benefit over single-injection ropivacaine.

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are useful for adjunctive pain control following laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN). The objective was to determine if TAP catheter provides additional analgesia compared with single-injection TAP block alone for kidney donors. In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, LLDN patients received a single TAP injection of 30mL 0.2% ropivacaine and had a catheter inserted into the TAP space. Postoperatively, either 0.2% ropivacaine (TAP catheter group; TAP-C) or saline (TAP saline group; TAP-S) was infused at 10mL/h. Pain scores, narcotic usage, nausea, and sedation were evaluated at 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60hours. The study population included 70 patients (35 randomly assigned to each group). No differences in pain scores, narcotic usage, nausea, or sedation were observed at any time point (with the exception of lower median pain score for TAP-S at 60hours; 3.2 vs 3.9 for TAP-C; P=.03). The lower pain score for placebo group at 60-hour postoperative is likely clinically insignificant. The TAP catheter infusion provided no benefit over a single-injection TAP block; thus, the added risk and cost are not supported. Liposomal bupivacaine should be evaluated in future studies.

Incidence of bleeding in children undergoing circumcision with ketorolac administration.

Circumcision is the most common surgical procedure performed by pediatric urologists. Ketorolac has been shown to have an efficacy similar to morphine in multimodal analgesic regimens without the commonly associated adverse effects. Concerns with perioperative bleeding limit the use of ketorolac as an adjunct for pain control in surgical patients. As such, we sought to evaluate our institutional outcomes with respect to ketorolac and postoperative bleeding. We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients undergoing circumcision from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 at the Alberta Children's Hospital. Demographics, perioperative analgesic regimens, and return to emergency department or clinic for bleeding were gathered through chart review. A total of 475 patients undergoing circumcisions were studied, including 150 (32%) who received perioperative ketorolac and 325 (68%) who received standard analgesia. Patients receiving ketorolac were more likely to return to the emergency department or clinic for bleeding (ketorolac group 19/150 [13%], non-ketorolac group 16/325 [5.0%]; p=0.005). Patients receiving ketorolac were more likely to have postoperative sanguineous drainage (ketorolac group 96/150 [64%], non-ketorolac group 150/325 [46%]; p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of patients requiring postoperative admission or further medical intervention. Although a promising analgesic, ketorolac requires additional investigation for safe usage in circumcisions due to possible increased risk of bleeding.

Impact of Low-Dose Ketamine on the Usage of Continuous Opioid Infusion for the Treatment of Pain in Adult Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Surgical Intensive Care Units.

Ketamine at subanesthetic doses has been shown to provide analgesic effects without causing respiratory depression and may be a viable option in mechanically ventilated patients to assist with extubation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-dose ketamine on opioid consumption in mechanically ventilated adult surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. A retrospective review of mechanically ventilated adult patients receiving low-dose ketamine continuous infusion (1-5 µcg/kg/min) for adjunctive pain control admitted to surgical ICUs was conducted. Patients were included if they met an ICU safety screen for a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) implying extubation readiness pending SBT results. The primary end point was the slope of change in morphine equivalents (MEs) 12 hours pre- and postketamine infusion. We hypothesized that low-dose ketamine would increase the slope of opioid dose reduction. Forty patients were analyzed. The median dose of ketamine was 5 µg/kg/min (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.5-5) and the treatment duration was 1.89 days (IQR: 0.96-3.06). Prior to ketamine, the majority of patients received volume-controlled or pressure-supported ventilation with a median duration of 2.05 days (IQR: 1.38-3.61). The median time from the initiation of ketamine to extubation was 1.44 days (IQR: 0.58-2.66). For the primary outcome, there was a significant difference in the slope of ME changes from 1 to -0.265 mg/h 12 hours pre- and postketamine initiation (P < .001). For the secondary outcomes, ketamine was associated with a decrease in vasopressor requirements (phenylephrine equivalent 70 vs 40 mg/h; P = .019). Low-dose continuous infusion ketamine in mechanically ventilated adult patients was associated with a significant increase in the rate of opioid dose reduction without adverse effects on hemodynamic stability.

Palliative Management of Nonoperative Femoral Neck Fractures With Continuous Peripheral Pain Catheters

Introduction:To identify the success of pain catheters in the management of pain in nonoperatively treated femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in supplement to current multimodal protocols for end-of-life pain management.Methods:Twenty patients aged older than 50 years with FNFs were selected in a retrospective fashion at a level 1 trauma center. These patients were treated nonoperatively with indwelling continuous peripheral pain catheters to palliate pain. Adjunctive pain control for patients undergoing nonoperative management of FNFs was provided with an indwelling continuous intra-articular/peripheral nerve ropivacaine pain catheters. Pain scores 24 hours before/after continuous pain catheter placement, ambulation status before/after continuous pain catheter placement, mortality at 30 days/1 year, and length of hospital stay were measured.Results:Twenty patients were identified with an average age of 84.55 years. The average length of stay was 4.85 days with a decrease of 4.45 points on the visual analog scale and an improvement of 90% in ambulation status. Thirty-day and one-year mortality were 65% and 95%, respectively.Conclusion:This case series provides orthopedic surgeons with an option for and data on the success of this adjunct to palliate patients who elect to undergo nonoperative management of FNFs. This study also helps define which patients may be candidates for nonoperative management of geriatric hip fractures.

Alveolar Bone Grafting and Cleft Lip and Palate: A Review.

Alveolar bone grafting in the mixed dentition stage is an accepted step in the management of cleft alveoli, providing maxillary arch support for dentition and mastication. Points of contention regarding best practices remain, including specific timing, perioperative orthodontic management, bone harvest and substitutes, pain management, and outcomes evaluations. SCOPUS and MEDLINE were searched for articles about alveolar bone grafting, which were read independently by two authors and selected for inclusion on the basis of relevance and merit. Articles on which recommendations were based were rated using the methodological index for non-randomized studies criteria. Three hundred thirty-three distinct articles were found, of which 64 were found to be suitable and relevant for inclusion. The average methodological index for non-randomized studies score was 10.39, with an interrater weighted kappa of 0.7301. Prospective comparative studies about alveolar bone grafting are rare, but available evidence suggests grafting before canine eruption with targeted preoperative orthopedic interventions, the continued use of iliac crest corticocancellous autologous graft, and adjunctive pain control methods. Greater consensus must be reached about valuable outcome measures for research, including use of imaging and indications for regrafting following graft failure.

Mini-laparotomy with Adjunctive Care versus Laparoscopy for Placement of Gastric Electrical Stimulation

We compared outcomes for two gastric electrical stimulation placement strategies, minilaparotomy with adjunctive care (MLAC) versus laparoscopy without adjunctive care (LAPA). For electrode placement, the peritoneal cavity was accessed with either a single 2.5 to 3.0 cm midline incision (MLAC) or three trocar incisions (LAPA). For both groups, generator was placed subcutaneously over the anterior rectus sheath. For MLAC, adjunctive pain control measures were used for placement of both electrode and generator (transversus abdominus plane block). For LAPA, those that could not be completed by laparoscopy were converted to traditional open approach and kept in the analysis. MLAC (n = 128) resulted in shorter operative times than LAPA (n = 37) (median operative time: 87.5 vs 137.0 minutes, P ≤ 0.01). Hospital length of stay was also shorter for MLAC than for LAPA (median: 2.0 vs 3.0 days, P ≤ 0.01) without any increase in readmission rates to the hospital within 30 days of discharge (11.0 vs 16.2%, P = 0.39). After equalizing learning curves, these differences were even greater (median operative time: 84.5 vs 137.0 minutes, P < 0.01; median length of stay: 1.0 vs 3.0 days; P < 0.01) without increasing 30-day readmission rates (9.1 vs 16.2%, P = 0.25). For implantation of gastric electrical stimulators, minilaparotomy can result in improved outcomes when coupled with adjunctive pain control measures.

Role of ketamine for analgesia in adults and children.

Ketamine an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocking agent and a dissociative anesthetic with neurostimulatory side effects. In recent years, multiple research trials as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest the usefulness of ketamine as a strong analgesic used in subanesthetic intravenous doses, and also as a sedative. In addition, ketamine was noted to possess properties of anti-tolerance, anti-hyperalgesia and anti-allodynia most likely secondary to inhibition of the NMDA receptors. Tolerance, hyperalgesia and allodynia phenomena are the main components of opioid resistance, and pathological pain is often seen in the clinical conditions involving neuropathic pain, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and central sensitization with allodynia or hyperalgesia. All these conditions are challenging to treat. In low doses, ketamine does not have major adverse dysphoric effects and also has the favorable effects of reduced incidence of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting. Therefore, ketamine can be a useful adjunct for pain control after surgery. Additional studies are required to determine the role of ketamine in the immediate postoperative period after surgical interventions known to produce severe pain and in the prevention and treatment of chronic pain.

Perioperative pregabalin for attenuation of postoperative pain after eyelid surgery.

To examine the effect of a 1-time dose of pregabalin (Lyrica) on the perception of pain and analgesic consumption after oculofacial plastic surgery. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients presenting to the oculofacial plastic surgery service at University of Colorado Eye Center for functional eyelid surgery and who met the study criteria were consecutively enrolled between October 2011 and September 2012. Subjects were randomized to either placebo or 150 mg pregabalin administered 15 minutes to an hour prior to the procedure. The procedure was then performed under the usual standard of care. Postoperatively, study subjects recorded pain scores on visual analog scales (range 0-100) at 1 to 2 hours, 2 to 4 hours, 8 to 12 hours, 20 to 28 hours, and 36 to 48 hours and the amount of acetaminophen consumed. Data were analyzed with Statistical Analysis System software using mixed-effects linear models. Fifty-two patients were enrolled. Three patients were excluded due to incomplete follow up (n = 2) and postoperative course requiring early unblinding (n = 1). Twenty-six subjects were men. Average age was 68 years (range, 25-89). Eyelid procedures performed included blepharoplasty (18), canthoplasty (11), ptosis repair (15), eyelid retraction repair (2), pentagonal wedge resection (1), and MOHS reconstruction (2). Twenty-six patients were randomized to receive pregabalin, while the remainder received placebo. There was no significant difference in demographics between the 2 groups. The pregabalin group reported pain scores that were 5.5 points lower on average compared with the placebo group (p = 0.0307). Patients in the pregabalin group also consumed half as much acetaminophen (1.3 g) on average as the placebo group (2.6 g) during the postoperative period. Pregabalin is effective in reducing postoperative pain after oculoplastic procedures when compared with placebo. It may be a useful adjunct for pain control in selected patients.

Adjunctive Pain Control Methods Lower Narcotic Use and Pain Scores for Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion

Study DesignThis was a retrospective review of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF). ObjectivesTo determine whether the use of adjunctive pain medications (bupivacaine pump, dexmedetomidine, and ketorolac) will reduce the need for opioids, reduce postoperative pain, and shorten length of hospital stay in patients with AIS undergoing PSF. Summary of Background DataPosterior spinal fusion and instrumentation for AIS can cause significant postoperative pain. Adjunctive pain control modalities, including the use of ketorolac, dexmedetomidine, and subcutaneous bupivacaine pumps, all can lessen the effects of postoperative pain. MethodsRetrospective review of adolescents aged 10–18 years with AIS receiving PSF surgery over the past 10 years at a tertiary care children's hospital. All patients with AIS undergoing PSF were included in the study. Patients older than 18 or younger than 10 years and those undergoing PSF for other diagnoses, including neuromuscular scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, and kyphosis, were excluded from the study. Patients' pain was managed postoperatively with adjunctive medications in addition to intravenous and oral opioids. Variables of interest were local anesthetic bupivacaine delivered through a subcutaneous pump, sedative/analgesic dexmedetomidine, and ketorolac. Primary outcomes analyzed were normalized opioid requirement after surgery, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and length of stay in the hospital. ResultsA total of 196 children were analyzed with no significant differences in demographics. Univariate analysis showed that all 3 adjunct medications improved outcomes. A multivariate regression model of the outcomes with respect to the 3 medication variables of interest was built, showing that the bupivacaine pump significantly reduced normalized opioid requirement by 0.98 mg/kg (p = .001) and reduced VAS pain scores by 0.67 points (p = .004). Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the average VAS pain scores in the first 24 hours by 0.62 points (p = .005). ConclusionsUse of the bupivacaine pump provided improved analgesia with lower pain scores, lower opioid requirements, and a lower length of stay.

Narcotic Prescribing Habits and Other Methods of Pain Control by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons After Impacted Third Molar Removal

It has been suggested that a source of narcotics used for nonmedical purposes by young adults is the unused opioids prescribed for the management of pain after the removal of impacted third molars. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether oral and maxillofacial surgeons routinely prescribe larger amounts of a narcotic than would generally be needed for adequate postoperative pain control. A secondary goal was to determine whether they use methods other than analgesic drugs to minimize postoperative pain and thereby reduce the amount of narcotic that might be needed. An 8-question survey was sent to 100 randomly selected oral and maxillofacial surgeon members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in each of the 6 association districts. The questions asked were related to whether a narcotic was routinely prescribed for patients who have had impacted teeth removed, the most common drug used, and the dosage and number of tablets prescribed. The participants were also asked whether they had pretreated patients with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or had prescribed one along with the narcotic, had injected a steroid, or had used a long-lasting local anesthetic postoperatively. Only 2 of the 384 respondents stated that they did not prescribe a narcotic for patients who had had impacted teeth removed. Hydrocodone (5 mg) was the most frequently prescribed narcotic. The number of tablets varied from 10 to 40, but the most common number was 20 tablets. However, 80 respondents (22%) prescribed more, with 40 prescribing 30 tablets. Also, 80% of the respondents injected their patients with a steroid, and 62% injected a long-lasting local anesthetic postoperatively. Only 34% pretreated their patients with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, but 66% recommended such use postoperatively. Most oral and maxillofacial surgeons prescribe analgesic drugs of an appropriate type and dosage and use proper adjunctive pain control measures to supplement these drugs. However, our findings also indicated that more than 20% prescribe more tablets than would generally be necessary to control the postoperative pain after the removal of impacted third molars. This could be a source of drug diversion and nonmedical use by young adults and should be avoided.

Multimodal Pain Management After Total Joint Arthroplasty

Adequate postoperative pain control in patients who have undergone total joint arthroplasty allows faster rehabilitation and reduces the rate of postoperative complications. Multimodal pain management involves the introduction of adjunctive pain control methods in an attempt to control pain with less reliance on opioids and fewer side effects. Current research suggests that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the associated cyclooxygenase type-2 (COX-2) inhibitors improve pain control in most cases. Nearly all multimodal pain management modalities have a safe side-effect profile when they are added to existing methods. The exception is the administration of DepoDur (extended-release epidural morphine) to elderly or respiratory-compromised patients because of a potential for hypoxia and cardiopulmonary events.

Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks in elderly patients with hip fractures

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks in elderly patients with hip fractures in the emergency department (ED). The secondary objective was to examine the effectiveness of this technique as an adjunct for pain control in the ED. Methods This prospective observational study enrolled a convenience sample of 13 patients with hip fractures. Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block was performed on all participants. To determine feasibility, time to perform the procedure, number of attempts, and complications were measured. To determine effectiveness of pain control, numerical rating scores were assessed at baseline and at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and hourly after the procedure for 4 hours. Summary statistics were calculated for feasibility measures. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests and Friedman analysis of variance test were used to compare differences in pain scores. Results The median age of the participants was 82 years (range, 67-94 years); 9 were female. The median time to perform the procedure was 8 minutes (range, 7-11 minutes). All procedures required only one attempt; there were no complications. After the procedure, there were 44% and 67% relative decreases in pain scores at 15 minutes ( P ≤ .002) and at 30 minutes ( P ≤ .001), respectively. Pain scores were unchanged from 30 minutes to 4 hours after the procedure ( P ≤ .77). Conclusions Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks are feasible to perform in the ED. Significant and sustained decreases in pain scores were achieved with this technique.