Analgesic Efficiency Research Articles

Analgesic Efficiency of Transdermal Patches of Fentanyl and Diclofenac in Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery - A Comparative Study

Analgesic Efficiency of Transdermal Patches of Fentanyl and Diclofenac in Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery - A Comparative Study

Ion Current Rectification Activity Induced by Boron Hydride Nanosheets to Enhance Magnesium Analgesia.

The limited analgesic efficiency of magnesium restricts its application in pain management. Here, we report boron hydride (BH) with ion currents rectification activity that can enhance the analgesic efficiency of magnesium without the risks of drug tolerance or addiction. We synthesize MgB2, comprising hexagonal boron sheets alternating with Mg2+. In pathological environment, Mg2+ is exchanged by H+, forming two-dimensional borophene-analogue BH sheets. BH interacts with the charged cations via cation-pi interaction, leading to dynamic modulation of sodium and potassium ion currents around neurons. Additionally, released Mg2+ competes Ca2+ to inhibit its influx and neuronal excitation. In vitro cultured dorsal root neurons show a remarkable increase in threshold potential from the normal -35.9 mV to -5.9 mV after the addition of MgB2, indicating potent analgesic effect. In three typical pain models, including CFA-induced inflammatory pain, CINP- or CCI-induced neuropathic pain, MgB2 exhibits analgesic efficiency approximately 2.23, 3.20, and 2.0 times higher than clinical MgSO4, respectively, and even about 1.04, 1.66, and 1.95 times higher than morphine, respectively. The development of magnesium based intermetallic compounds holds promise in addressing the non-opioid medical need for pain relief.

Ion Current Rectification Activity Induced by Boron Hydride Nanosheets to Enhance Magnesium Analgesia

AbstractThe limited analgesic efficiency of magnesium restricts its application in pain management. Here, we report boron hydride (BH) with ion currents rectification activity that can enhance the analgesic efficiency of magnesium without the risks of drug tolerance or addiction. We synthesize MgB2, comprising hexagonal boron sheets alternating with Mg2+. In pathological environment, Mg2+ is exchanged by H+, forming two‐dimensional borophene‐analogue BH sheets. BH interacts with the charged cations via cation‐pi interaction, leading to dynamic modulation of sodium and potassium ion currents around neurons. Additionally, released Mg2+ competes Ca2+ to inhibit its influx and neuronal excitation. In vitro cultured dorsal root neurons show a remarkable increase in threshold potential from the normal −35.9 mV to −5.9 mV after the addition of MgB2, indicating potent analgesic effect. In three typical pain models, including CFA‐induced inflammatory pain, CINP‐ or CCI‐induced neuropathic pain, MgB2 exhibits analgesic efficiency approximately 2.23, 3.20, and 2.0 times higher than clinical MgSO4, respectively, and even about 1.04, 1.66, and 1.95 times higher than morphine, respectively. The development of magnesium based intermetallic compounds holds promise in addressing the non‐opioid medical need for pain relief.

Comparative Study between Modified Pectoral Nerve Block versus Serratus Block for Analgesia For Modified Radical Mastectomy

Abstract Background One of the main objectives of anesthesia is to alleviate the patient’s pain and agony, by ensuring the performance of surgical procedures without any discomfort. Elimination of postoperative pain is indispensable due to the central, peripheral and immunological stress response to tissue injury. So there is a need for extended analgesia without any side effects to achieve this goal. Objective To assess the analgesic efficiency and safety of both Modified Pectoral Nerve Block versus Serratus Block in cases of modified radical mastectomy (MRM). The duration of analgesia and effect on hemodynamic parameters were evaluated. Moreover, undesirable side effects were studied. Patients and Methods The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of both PECS II block versus and Serratus anterior block in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy surgery. The duration of analgesia and effect on hemodynamics parameters were evaluated. Moreover, undesirable side effects were studied. forty patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups (20 patients): group (A) and group (B). Group (A): received a PECSII block with 30 mL of bupivacaine 0.25%. Group(B): received a serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) using the same volume of 30 ml bupivacaine 0.25%. Results This study demonstrated that PECSII and serratus blocks have comparable analgesic properties in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy. Both blocks were associated with reduced postoperative pain intensity and morphine consumption, intraoperative fentanyl requirement, and prolonged analgesia. The two blocks were associated with hemodynamic stability and absence of major complications characterizes both blocks. Conclusion This study confirms that PECSII and serratus blocks provide similarly adequate analgesia following modified radical mastectomy.

The Efficacy of Buprenorphine in Preoperative and Postoperative Patients: A Literature Review.

Although research suggests that less than half of individuals who have surgical procedures report effective postoperative pain alleviation, the majority of patients endure acute postoperative discomfort. To lessen and manage postoperative pain, a variety of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative treatments and management methods are available. For several years an opioid called buprenorphine has become an effective tool to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) in patients across many different demographics. It has however endured barriers to its usage which can be seen when treating patients with chronic pain or postoperative pain, who also have an OUD. While buprenorphine may be underutilized within the clinical setting, the significantly low rates of chronic abuse when using the drug allow it to be an attractive treatment option for patients. This paper aims to explore a wide range of studies that examine buprenorphine as an analgesic and how it can be used for preoperative pain and postoperative pain. This paper will give an in-depth analysis of buprenorphine and its use in patients with chronic pain as well as OUD. A systematic literature review was performed by identifying studies through the database PubMed. The data from various publications were gathered with preference being given to publications within the last three years. We reviewed studies that examined the pain level of the patients after having buprenorphine. Despite long-available pharmacologic evidence and clinical research, buprenorphine has maintained a mystique as an analgesic. Its usage in the treatment of OUD was further influenced by its well-known safety benefits and relative lack of psychomimetic side effects compared to other opioids. For patients accustomed to long-term, high-dose opioids who may be experiencing hyperalgesia but have not been informed about this phenomenon by their doctors or the potential for buprenorphine to resolve it, buprenorphine's pronounced antihyperalgesic effect is a compelling pharmacologic characteristic that makes it particularly attractive as an option. When used in pre-, peri-, and postoperative circumstances, buprenorphine provides various pain-management benefits and patients can still benefit from effective pain management from mu-opioid agonists while remaining on buprenorphine. Buprenorphine can be continued at a reduced dose as needed to avoid withdrawal symptoms and to improve the analgesic efficiency of mu-opioid agonists used in combination with acute postoperative pain in light of the evidence at hand. Buprenorphine administration needs a patient-centered, multidisciplinary strategy that considers the benefits and drawbacks of the many perioperative therapy options to have the best chance of success.

Analgesic efficiency of dexketoprofen trometamol in third molar surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of dexketoprofen trometamol (DT) with other analgesic drugs for pain relief after third molar surgery. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials comparing DT with other analgesics for third molar surgery. The outcome measures were the sum of pain intensity differences (SPID), total pain relief (TOTPAR) at the 6th and 8th postoperative hours, time to rescue medication, and tolerability. In total, four studies met our inclusion criteria. A total of 660 third molar surgeries were performed: 365 in the DT group and 295 in the active control group. Compared to other analgesics, DT produced significantly better pain relief at the 6th postoperative hour: SPID (MD, 0.33; P = 0.01) and TOTPAR (MD, 0.41; P = 0.02). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the efficiency of pain relief at the 8th postoperative hour, time to rescue medication, or tolerability. Overall, a 25 mg dose produced the best results for pain relief. In conclusion, DT (25 mg) is a viable alternative to contemporary analgesics for pain relief after third molar surgery, particularly during the early postoperative period.

Evaluation of the analgesic efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthesia in quadratus lumborum block after cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background Effective analgesia following surgery promotes the delivery mother’s rapid recovery, improves early ambulation, promotes nursing, and lowers the risk of postoperative thromboembolism. The purpose of this work was to assess the postoperative analgesic efficiency of mixing local anesthetic with dexmedetomidine (DEX) in quadratus lumborum block (QLB) after a cesarean section (CS). Methods 50 patients who underwent a cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia with an average body mass index (BMI) ranging from 18.5 to 34.9 Kg/m2 participated in this double-blinded randomized-controlled study. Two equally sized groups of patients were formed: Group B got QLB with 20 ml of 0. 25% bupivacaine on both sides in addition to DEX 0.5 μg/kg, while group A received QLB with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine in each side alone. Results The total amount of morphine used in the initial 24 hours after surgery and the number of patients who require morphine at 8, twelve, and 24 hours later were substantially decreased in group B than in group A. There was a significant decrease in time to first ambulation and in the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) after four hours postoperatively in group B than in group A. In group B, three individuals experienced bradycardia, and two patients experienced hypotension as DEX-related side effects. Conclusions The period of postoperative analgesia is prolonged, and the administration of opiates after surgery is decreased when DEX is added to local anesthetics in QLB.

Comparison of Adding Magnesium Sulphate to Bupivacaine with Plain Bupivacaine in Ultrasound Guided Pectoral Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Modified Radical Mastectomy

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, and its incidence continues to increase. Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is one of the standard treatments for multi-centric disease or tumors with extensive coexistent ductal carcinoma in situ. Aim of the Study To elaborate the analgesic efficiency and safety of pectoral nerve block by adding magnesium sulphate to bupivacaine as an adjuvant versus bupivacaine as a sole agent in cases of modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Patients and Methods This is a Prospective double – blinded randomized controlled study was conducted in the operating theatres of Ain Shams University Hospitals. It included Female patients undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy. Twenty-four patients were enrolled in the study divided into 12 patients in each group. Results There was a statistically significant difference between 2 groups according to post-operative visual analogue scale. It was lower in consumption in group B than in group A. Also a statistically significant difference between group A and group B according to first time of rescue morphine consumption was found, it was longer time to need postoperative morphine consumption in group B than in group A And we found the addition of 300 mg of magnesium sulfate to bupivacaine in an ultrasound-guided Pectoral Nerve Block significantly prolong the duration of the analgesia, and reduce the VAS score without significant side effects after Modified Radical Mastectomy under general anesthesia. Conclusion The addition of 300 mg of magnesium sulfate to bupivacaine in an ultrasound-guided Pectoral Nerve Block significantly prolong the duration of the analgesia, and reduce the VAS score without significant side effects after Modified Radical Mastectomy under general anesthesia

Postoperative Analgesic Efficiency of Quadratus Lumborum Block III versus Peritubal Local Infiltration in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Operation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background The postoperative pain after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) can be managed by many peripheral blocks techniques (e.g., paravertebral and quadrates lumborum block), and local anesthesia infiltration. Therefore, this prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of quadratus lumborum type III versus peritubal local infiltrating on postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing PCNL under general anesthesia. Methods Eligible subjects after exclusion of COVID-19 patients, with renal stones less than 2 cm undergoing PCNL surgery under general anesthesia. Exclusion criteria were: 21<years of age or > 60 years of age; bleeding disorders; allergies to local anesthetics; psychiatric patients; and American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) physical status III and IV. Eighty patients were randomly allocated to 2 equal groups. In the Quadratus group, participant received 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% in the fascial plane between the quadratus lumborum and Psoas muscle; and in the peritubal group, patients received 10 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% around the nephrostomy tube at 6 and 12 o’clock positions (total 20 mL). The quadratus lumborum block and peritubal infiltration were performed by the primary investigator and the urologist, respectively. All patients received standard postoperative analgesia (paracetamol, ketorolac, and morphine via patient-controlled analgesia. Both patients and Data collecting staff were blinded to study group. Primary outcome was the visual analogue score at rest and on coughing or movement at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were 24 hours total morphine consumption, 1st use of morphine pump, incidence of side effects (pruritis and nausea and vomiting) and patient satisfaction. Results Data were analyzed from 78 patients (39 patients in each group). The mean resting VAS score in quadratus group at 6 and 12 hours was (3), while the mean VAS in peritubal group was (5) and (6) at 6 and 12 hours, respectively. Dynamic VAS score in peritubal group at 6 hours was (mean 6) with p<0.0001 when compared to resting value. The 24 hours’ morphine consumption was 8.5-11 mg and 1619 mg, in quadratus and peritubal group, respectively (the difference in mean of 9 at the 95% confidence interval; p<0.0001). patients start to use morphine pump after 121.4 min and 180.2 min in group peritubal and quadratus, respectively. Patients in group quadratus were statistically more satisfied, in both groups incidence of complication was low. Conclusion Quadratus Lumborum block was more effective than Peritubal LA infiltration regarding postoperative VAS score both at rest and during movement with lower postoperative morphine consumption and more satisfaction in patients undergoing PCNL surgery. Trial registration This prospective randomized trial was registered at Clinical Trials.gov in December, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04215705.

Reverse milling–sputtering technology to develop scalable microneedle patches for analgesia

With the burst of pandemic disease in recent years, the demand of microneedle patches (MNPs) has increased rapidly for patient-friendly therapeutic treatment to alleviate the patient suffering. Traditional fabrication processes are complicated and time-consuming, greatly limiting their biomedical applications. To obtain MNPs with designable types for clinic needs, a reverse milling-sputtering technology (RMST) was developed in this work to fabricate scalable masters with gold sputtering for better demoldability. The RMST simplicity allowed for the encapsulation of the clinical analgesic lidocaine into the cryo-MNP (C-MNP), which delivered the drug through the skin to achieve the analgesic efficiency of 96.3%, implying the great potential for clinic analgesia. In addition, RMST also enables the fabrication of MNPs with well-defined shape (50-μm tip diameter), a large area of 35×35 mm2 and various polymer materials. RMST can be a scalable and cost-effective strategy to develop MNPs with individual design, holding great potential for transdermal therapy.

Comparative study between ultrasound-guided subcostal transversus abdominis plane block and paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract Background Adequate perioperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is important for improving patient outcomes. The subcostal transversus abdominis plane (STAP) block and the thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) are types of regional anesthesia that have been used for postoperative analgesia in upper abdominal surgery. Aim The aim was to compare the analgesic efficiency and safety of STAP block versus PVB for postoperative analgesia in LC. Patients and methods This randomized double-blind study was done on 90 patients, of both sexes, from 18 to 65 years old, with American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II, and scheduled for elective LC. Patients were randomized into three equal groups (n=30): group I received general anesthesia (GA) only, group II received GA and preoperative bilateral ultrasound (US)-guided STAP block, and group III received GA and preoperative bilateral US-guided PVB at T7. Results Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and visual analog scale during rest and during cough showed insignificant differences at 30 min, 12, 18, and 24 h after recovery but were significantly lower at 2, 4, and 6 h in STAP and PVB groups compared with the GA group. Meanwhile, there were insignificant differences between STAP and PVB groups during the whole postoperative period. Moreover, the first request of pethidine was significantly longer and the amount of intraoperative fentanyl and postoperative pethidine were significantly lower in STAP and PVB groups than in the GA group. Conclusion Bilateral US-guided STAP block and bilateral US-guided PVB are effective and safe analgesic techniques for LC, but pneumothorax should be considered while performing PVB.

A comparative study of intravenous fentanyl and ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block for positioning during spinal anaesthesia in femur fracture surgeries

Objective: To assist in the administration of spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing femur fracture procedures, we conducted comparison research to compare the analgesic efficiency of intravenous fentanyl against ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block (FNB). Material and Methods: A group of 112 patients ranging in age from 18 to 70 years old who had ASA Physical Status I and II and were having femur fracture procedures under spinal anaesthesia participated in the randomised, prospective, interventional trial. These individuals were divided into two groups through a random assignment process. Group FENT (n = 56) received Intravenous fentanyl 1 microgram/kilogram (µg/kg) and five minutes before positioning for spinal anaesthetic, group FNB (n = 56) received ultrasound-guided FNB with 20 millilitres (ml), 1.5% lignocaine and adrenaline (1:200,000). Results: Comparison of pain scores during positioning using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) revealed that Group FENT had a score of 1.95 ± 0.585, whereas Group FNB had a score of 0.61 ± 0.562 (p-value 0.001). The FNB group demonstrated superior patient positioning quality. Patient satisfaction was similar in both groups, and no significant side effects were observed. Conclusion: FNB offers enhanced analgesia, improved patient positioning, higher patient satisfaction, reduced reliance on additional analgesia, and fewer side effects compared to intravenous fentanyl for spinal anesthesia.

A comparative study of intravenous fentanyl and ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block for positioning during spinal anaesthesia in femur fracture surgeries

Objective: To assist in the administration of spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing femur fracture procedures, we conducted comparison research to compare the analgesic efficiency of intravenous fentanyl against ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block (FNB). Material and Methods: A group of 112 patients ranging in age from 18 to 70 years old who had ASA Physical Status I and II and were having femur fracture procedures under spinal anaesthesia participated in the randomised, prospective, interventional trial. These individuals were divided into two groups through a random assignment process. Group FENT (n = 56) received Intravenous fentanyl 1 microgram/kilogram (µg/kg) and five minutes before positioning for spinal anaesthetic, group FNB (n = 56) received ultrasound-guided FNB with 20 millilitres (ml), 1.5% lignocaine and adrenaline (1:200,000). Results: Comparison of pain scores during positioning using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) revealed that Group FENT had a score of 1.95 ± 0.585, whereas Group FNB had a score of 0.61 ± 0.562 (p-value 0.001). The FNB group demonstrated superior patient positioning quality. Patient satisfaction was similar in both groups, and no significant side effects were observed. Conclusion: FNB offers enhanced analgesia, improved patient positioning, higher patient satisfaction, reduced reliance on additional analgesia, and fewer side effects compared to intravenous fentanyl for spinal anesthesia.

Postoperative Analgesia in Ultrasound-Guided 3-in-1 Block versus Fascia Illiaca Compartment Block in Adult Patients Undergoing Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgeries under General Anaesthesia: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Three-in-one block and Fascia Illiaca Compartment Block (FICB) are two peripheral nerve block techniques that target the femoral nerve, obturator nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in a single injection. Both nerve blocks are used to provide anaesthesia and analgesia to the lower limb for various surgical procedures. The use of ultrasonography in peripheral nerve blocks helps to visualise the nerve, needle, and the distribution of the drug in real-time. It, thus, shortens the time of onset of sensory block, decreases performance time, and lowers the required drug doses, and finally increases chances of a favourable outcome from the nerve block. Aim: To compare the postoperative analgesic efficiency of ultrasound-guided 3-in-1 block with FICB in patients undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgeries under General Anaesthesia (GA). Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. One hundred and fifty patients were randomly allocated to two groups, 3-in-1 block group or FICB. Both groups received the respective blocks after surgery before extubation. Postoperatively, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were evaluated hourly for first 6 hours and 2 hourly thereafter until rescue analgesia was instituted. Time period from giving the block to giving rescue analgesia was noted as duration of analgesia. Injection diclofenac 1.5 mg/kg Intravenous (IV) was given when VAS value reached ≥4. Results: On analysis of 150 patients, divided into 3-in-1 block group (N=75) and FICB Group(N=75); mean age: 53.29±8.69 years; the VAS scores at 2 to 18 hours, 20 hours, and 22 hours after performing the blocks were significantly less in the 3-in-1 block group compared to FICB group. Also, the mean time (hours) for first rescue analgesia in FICB group (3.49±0.53) was earlier compared with 3-in-1 block group (7.35±0.51). Conclusion: A 3-in-1 block provides effective and prolonged postoperative analgesia in comparison to FICB.

Effect of Perineural Dexamethasone with Ropivacaine in Continuous Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.

PurposeThe goal of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficiency of dexamethasone with ropivacaine in continuous serratus anterior plane block (cSAPB) after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).Patients and MethodsSixty-six patients who underwent VATS were randomized into two groups. All patients received cSAPB postoperatively, and patients in Group RD received 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine plus 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone followed by an infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine plus 0.02 mg/kg/hour dexamethasone at a rate of 5 mL/h in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Patients in Group R received 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine with normal saline followed by an infusion of 5 mL/h of 0.2% ropivacaine in PCA pump. Fifty milligrams of tramadol was given as rescue medication when the visual analog scale (VAS) score was ≥4 at rest. The primary outcomes were the sum of pressing number within 48 hours postoperatively and the time to the first patient-controlled bolus. The secondary outcomes were VAS scores, the incidence of rescue analgesia, wound infection and nausea/vomiting.ResultsWithin 48 hours postoperatively, the sum of pressing number was more in Group R (18.33 ± 3.149 vs 16.09 ± 3.292, P = 0.006), and the Log Rank Test showed a significant difference in time to the first patient-controlled bolus (P = 0.006). After the PCA infusion finished, there were significantly lower VAS scores in Group RD at 60 and 72 hours postoperatively (P < 0.001). Additionally, the incidence of rescue analgesia in Group R was significantly more than that in Group RD (P < 0.001). No incision infection was observed in any patient.ConclusionThe cSAPB with ropivacaine plus dexamethasone prolonged the duration of analgesia and motor blockade, reduced pain intensity and rescued analgesia requirements after the end of PCA infusion for patients undergoing VATS, which provide further improvement to continuous perineural block.

Subfascial versus extrafascial ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block in patients with post-mastectomy sympathetically mediated pain: A randomized clinical trial.

Despite being a well-described intervention, the optimal anatomical approach to perform a stellate ganglion block (SGB) has been disputed. We compared the subfascial and extrafascial ultrasound-guided (USG) SGB. A randomised clinical trial was conducted, consisting of 50 patients in two groups. Group I received SGB via the subfascial approach while Group II received an SGB via the extrafascial approach. The primary endpoint was successful sympathetic blockade (as indicated by a measured temperature rise of ≥2°C). Secondary endpoints included analgesic efficiency (extent of early onset of pain relief as indicated by >50% improvement in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score at 300's post-procedure); occurrence of Horner's syndrome; extent of local anaesthetic distribution; and adverse events. The mean increase in sympathetic blockade was significantly higher in the subfascial group (2.6 ± 0.6°C; p = .003). Analgesic efficacy was also significantly higher in the subfascial group (p < .001). The difference in the average dermatomal spread of local anaesthetic down to T2 and up to C4 between the groups was also statistically significant (p = .021 and p = .019, respectively). The degree of temperature rise, pain relief and occurrence of Horner's syndrome were higher in the subfascial than the extrafascial group. The subfascial approach to SGB, with a limited volume of local anaesthetic agent, is a more reliable technique when compared to the extrafascial approach.

Analgesic and Functional Efficiency of High-Voltage Electrical Stimulation in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis-A Report with a 180-Day Follow-Up.

The available publications describing the beneficial effects of electrostimulation does not unequivocally confirm the clinical utility of high-voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) in the treatment of the lateral epicondylitis (LE). The aim of this study was the estimation of the effect of HVES on pain intensity and functional efficiency, both in the short and long term in patients with LE. The trial was registered by the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621001389897). There were 58 patients allocated into two groups: the HVES group (n = 29, mean age 49.9 ± 11.0 years), treated with HVES (pulse duration: 200μs, frequency: 100 Hz, current amplitude in the range of 18–25 mA, voltage amplitude: 100 V), and the NORM group (n = 29, mean age 48.0 ± 12.6 years), who were healthy and untreated patients. The treatments were performed 5 days a week (from Monday to Friday) for two weeks. Treatment progress was measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) for rest pain, night pain, and pain during activity; the Laitinen Pain Scale (LPS); and hand grip strength (HGS) before and after the treatment, as well as after 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. The reduction of pain (according to the VAS and LPS) and increase in the functional condition (according to the HGS) were observed in all HVES patients in the short- and long-term observation. Therefore, the HVES in treatment of LE was found to be effective and safe.

Liposomal bupivacaine-No breakthrough in postoperative pain management

One of the main limitations concerning the use of local anesthetics is due to their restricted duration of action. In recent years, liposomal formulations with prolonged release kinetics have been developed to extend the pharmacological duration of action of the 1‑stage peripheral regional anesthesia (single-shot procedure) and thus bring about alonger duration of action. The focus here is particularly on achieving postoperative freedom from pain for at least 24 h (or even better 48 h) and thus early mobilization of patients using on-demand medication causing (at most) minor local sensory blockade without causing motor impairments (at least that is the ideal). Therefore, methods of utilizing slow-release drugs as seen in liposomal carrier systems have experienced increasing scientific attention in the last few years. Acommon modern pharmacological example with atheoretically significantly longer duration of action is liposomal bupivacaine, an amide local anesthetic. Due to amultivesicular liposome structure, the retarded release of the active component bupivacaine HCl leads to atheoretical pharmacological effectiveness of up to 72 h. Previous studies consistently showed asafety profile comparable to conventional bupivacaine HCl. Liposomal bupivacaine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the trade name Exparel© (Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Parsippany, NJ, USA) since 2011; however, its use is currently limited to local wound infiltration, transverse abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, and interscalene nerve blocks of the brachial plexus. In 2020, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also approved the use of liposomal bupivacaine for blockade of the brachial plexus or the femoral nerve and as afield block or for wound infiltration to treat postoperative pain. So far, studies on the clinical effectiveness of liposomal bupivacaine have been very heterogeneous and there have been no conclusive meta-analyses with sufficient rigor or significance. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, combining the results of clinical studies regarding the analgesic efficiency of liposomal bupivacaine in different fields of application, consistently refuted any benefit of clinical relevance provided by the liposomal formulation. There is currently sufficient evidence to now end the ongoing debate around liposomal bupivacaine. The aim of this work is to give the reader acurrent, evidence-based overview of this substance.

Lateral Quadratus Lumborum Block versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Laparoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background After laparoscopic abdominal surgery, we aim to evaluate the analgesic efficiency of US-directed bilateral transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB). Methods 50 patients aged 18–60 years listed for elective laparoscopic abdomen operation were registered in this study. Cases were randomly allocated into two similar groups: TAPB and QLB groups. The first outcome was the growing morphine consumption on the 1st day postoperatively. The second outcome involved VAS score, first analgesic necessities, and any postoperative complications. Statistical analysis was done with the 2-sample t-test, and Mann–Whitney U testing was utilized to compare medians for skewed end points. Qualitative data were introduced as numbers and percentages, and chi-squared testing was utilized to determine the significance. Results The median cumulative morphine consumptions on the 1st day were high significantly in the TAPB group than in the QLB group (6 mg [6, 9] vs. 3 mg [3, 6], p value ≤0.0001]). The QLB group showed an increase in the median of the time to the first analgesic request in comparison with the TAPB group (17 hours [12, 24] vs. 8 hours [6, 24], p ≤ 0.001). In addition, on the 1st day, the mean VAS scoring at rest was lower in the QLB group. Conclusion In comparison to the TAPB, the QL block delivers more successful pain relief, has an extended period of analgesic actions, extends interval to the 1st analgesic necessity, is accompanied with lesser morphine consumptions, and may be utilized in multimodal analgesia and opioid-sparing regimens after that laparoscopic operation. This trial is registered with NCT04553991.

English

BACKGROUND Regional blocks remain as a widely-accepted essential component of comprehensive anaesthesia care. Peripheral nerve blocks with local anaesthetics provide good operating conditions. However, even with the longest acting local anaesthetics, the duration of analgesia may not be sufficient. So, various drugs are used as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic to enhance analgesic efficiency and the duration of the block. This study was done to determine the analgesic efficacy of nalbuphine with bupivacaine (0.5 %) compared to bupivacaine (0.5 %) alone in supraclavicular brachial plexus block under USG guidance for various elective upper limb surgeries. METHODS This study was carried out in 60 adult patients of ASA grade I/II of either sex, between 18-50 years of age posted for various elective upper limb surgeries. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups; each group containing 30 patients. Group B: received Inj. bupivacaine 0.5 % 20 ml and 1 ml normal saline, Group N: received Inj. bupivacaine 0.5 % 20 ml and Inj. nalbuphine 1 ml (10 mg). Onset and duration of motor and the sensory blocks were accessed. Intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamic monitoring was done. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS Nalbuphine added to bupivacaine for supraclavicular approach of brachial plexus block hastened the onset of sensory and motor block, but it was not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). However, it prolonged the duration of sensory and motor blocks (P &lt; 0.0001). The mean duration of analgesia was significantly longer in Group N (578.73 ± 23.77 min) than in Group B (470.83 ± 11.73 min) (P &lt; 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the addition of nalbuphine to bupivacaine in the ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach of brachial plexus block produces adequate anaesthesia with prolonged duration of sensory and motor blockade and postoperative analgesia. KEY WORDS Bupivacaine, Nalbuphine, Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block.