Combined Spinal-epidural Research Articles

Analgesic Effect of Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia and its Effect on TNF-α and CRP Levels in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture During Surgical Treatment

Objective: To observe the analgesic effect of combined spinal and epidural anesthesia on older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Method: One hundred and twenty elderly hip fracture surgery patients treated in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected and randomly divided into two groups, with 60 cases in the experimental group and 60 in the control group. The experimental group was given combined spinal-epidural anesthesia intervention measures, while the control group was given epidural anesthesia intervention measures. The analgesic effect, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and other observation indicators were analyzed after anesthesia intervention. Result: After the intervention, the analgesic effect and the evaluation results of the subjects in the experimental group were better than those in the control group (P < 0.05); the obtained values of TNF-α and CRP levels in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combined spinal- epidural anesthesia intervention demonstrated positive outcomes. The analgesic effect of patients during surgery and their inflammatory factor levels improved, which makes this intervention worthy of clinical application and promotion.

The impact of ultrasound- guided neuraxial blockade on anaesthetic outcomes in morbidly obese parturients: A case report

Obesity being a global epidemic is increasing in parturients nowadays, leading to super morbid obese parturient undergoing caesarean section. Caesarean section in morbidly obese poses many anaesthetic challenges under general anaesthesia a well as neuraxial anaesthesia. We report a case of super-super obese parturient with body mass index (BMI) of 63kg/m who underwent elective caesarean section under combined spinal epidural anaesthesia with ultrasound guidance successfully. We aim to highlight the anaesthetic considerations and implications associated with such patients.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery with central neuraxial blockade versus general anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the article is to assess the impact of retrograde intrarenal surgery under central neuraxial blockade in comparison to general anesthesia (GA). This systematic review was conducted following the guidelines set out by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We conducted a comprehensive search across major electronic databases, including various types of studies such as descriptive studies and full-text literature, all of which were incorporated into the current review from 2018 to 2023. We involved those studies, which included the comparative study of spinal anesthesia (SA), epidural anesthesia (EA), and combined spinal epidural anesthesia with GA. In our meta-analysis of 12 studies, it was found that anesthesia technique significantly affected operation time, with neuraxial anesthesia (NA) showing a mean difference of -2.28 (95% confidence interval (CI): -3.5 to -1.04, P = 0.003) compared to GA. However, there were no significant differences in rates of stone clearance, 24-h pain scores and length of hospital stay among patients administered with NA or GA for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). On the basis of the outcomes of study, NA can serve as a viable alternative to GA for RIRS. Our analysis reveals no significant differences in rates of stone clearance, operation duration, 24-h pain scores, complication rates, and length of hospital stay between NA in addition to GA in the context of RIRS. This suggests that given the potential economic advantages, NA might be a preferable choice over GA, contingent on patient preferences, baseline characteristics, and stone burden.

Comparison of Two Different Volumes of Epidural Normal Saline for Enhancing the Effects of Spinal Anesthesia in Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Lower Limb Surgeries: A Prospective Randomized Study

Background: The combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia technique gives a reliable subarachnoid block as well as the flexible epidural block. One of the modified technique of CSE is epidural volume expansion (EVE) in which normal saline or local anesthetic (LA) is instilled though epidural catheter leading to increase in level of sensory blockade. Aim of the study was to compare two different volumes of normal saline for enhancing the effects of spinal anaesthesia in adult patients undergoing elective lower limb surgeries.
 Methods: 90 patients were randomly divided into two group. Group A - 45 patients who were received intrathecal 2.0ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and epidural 10ml of 0.9% normal saline for EVE using CSE technique. Group B - 45 patients who were received intrathecal 2.0ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and epidural 15ml of 0.9% normal saline for EVE using CSE technique.
 Results: The demographic data were comparable in both groups. Significant difference was seen in total duration of sensory blockade between group A (192.11±9.80) and group B (Mean ± SD 215.33±17.57minutes) (p<0.0001). Total duration of motor blockade was longer in group B (Mean± SD: 181.91± 16.42) as compared to group A (Mean ± SD: 162.48 ± 9.35 minutes) (p<0.0001).
 Conclusion: We conclude that epidural volume expansion (EVE) with 15 ml epidural normal saline was associated with faster onset, higher level and early achieve maximum level of sensory blockade, longer two segment regression time, early onset and longer duration of motor blockade as compared to EVE with 10 ml epidural normal saline.

Strategy to secure the neuraxial route in anaesthesia: Risk mapping and feedback from the application of the ISO 80369-6 standard NRFit® connectors

In anesthesia, a medication error would occur every 20 to 133anesthesia procedures, and 14% is related to a route administration error. To secure neuraxial route, ISO group published a norm in 2016 to develop specific connectors, the "NRFit® connector". The main objective of this work, is to develop a risk mapping related to neuraxial medication errors therefore prepare the NRFit® implementation in anesthesia units in a French Universitary Hospital. Failure modes, effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) methodology was used for our risk mapping which was divided in 3 anesthesia specialities. For each, the analysis was performed for accidental neuraxial administration of intravenous drugs, and its opposite error. Secondly, NRFit® devices were tested for 1month by 3 experimented anesthetists. The majority of reported errors concerns epidural and intrathecal anesthesia, and more frequently in the field of obstetrics. Opioids and tranexamic acid, administered in neuraxial route, are drugs with the highest criticality. The tests were rather conclusive and made it possible to highlight the additional needs in medical devices. Obstetrics is the riskiest area due to the frequency of epidural anesthesia, the administration of critical drugs in intravenous and neuraxial route. This work increased the awareness of our group, improved the measure of this risk and harmonized practices. This work is the first step of the project to prevent administration route error in anesthesia during patient's drug management. The next step will be the NRFit® implementation for epidural and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in our hospital.

Management of sporadic intracranial vascular malformations in pregnancy: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundSporadic intracranial vascular malformations can pose significant risk to parturients, and additional reports of management may inform patient care. Here we describe the peripartum management of parturients with intracranial vascular malformations. MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board approval, we performed a retrospective analysis of parturients with a known sporadic intracranial vascular malformation including cavernous malformation, developmental venous anomaly, or arteriovenous malformation who delivered at our institution between 2007 and 2020. ResultsWe identified 10 parturients (five cavernous malformations, three developmental venous anomalies, and two arteriovenous malformations) with 16 deliveries. Among all deliveries, 13 (81.3%) were cesarean deliveries without trial of labor; 11 of these (84.6%) received a single-shot spinal and two (15.4%) received an epidural for surgical anesthesia. Two deliveries (12.5%) began with attempted trial of labor but ultimately required cesarean delivery for failure to progress; one of these cases received epidural anesthesia and the other received combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. One delivery was via spontaneous vaginal delivery with epidural analgesia. Overall, our study’s cesarean delivery rate was 93.8% and spontaneous vaginal delivery rate was 6.2%.Three of 16 pregnancies were complicated by seizure, obstructive hydrocephalus, or intracranial hemorrhage. There were no intensive care unit admissions or maternal deaths. ConclusionsIn our case series of 16 deliveries, there were no complications directly resulting from neuraxial procedures. It remains unclear whether intracranial developmental venous anomalies or unruptured arteriovenous malformations impart increased risk during pregnancy. Antepartum planning with a multidisciplinary team approach enables risk stratification and optimal management.

Analysis of the Application Effect of Painless Delivery Technology in Clinical Obstetrics

Objective: To explore the application effect of painless delivery technology in clinical obstetrics. Methods: Clinical data of 900 women who gave birth were collected and randomly divided into groups A and B, each comprising 450 cases. Group A served as the control group, while Group B acted as the observation group. Group A underwent natural delivery, whereas Group B received combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for painless delivery. The effects of these two delivery techniques were comprehensively evaluated based on maternal pain level, postpartum recovery, postpartum lactation, and other relevant indicators. Results: In Group B, there were more individuals with pain levels of 0 and 1 compared to Group A, and significantly fewer individuals with pain levels of 2 and 3 than in Group A (P < 0.05). This suggests that the pain level in Group B was significantly superior to that in Group A. Additionally, postpartum recovery indicators among mothers in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the time for the onset of colostrum mobilization and adequate breast milk production was significantly longer in Group A compared to Group B (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine + sufentanil demonstrates a positive application effect in painless delivery.

Safety and effcacy of remimazolam tosilate for sedation during combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for orthopedic procedures: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Remimazolam in the context of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for sedation during orthopedic surgery.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial enrolled patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (N = 80), who were randomly allocated to receive either dexmedetomidine (Group-D) or remimazolam (Group-R). The target sedation range aimed for a Ramsay score of 2–5 or a BIS value of 60–80 to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of remimazolam during sedation.ResultsThe time taken to achieve the desired level of sedation was significantly shorter in the remimazolam group compared to the dexmedetomidine group (3.69 ± 0.75 vs. 9.59 ± 1.03; P < 0.0001). Patients in the remimazolam group exhibited quicker recovery, fewer intraoperative adverse events, more consistent vital signs, and greater satisfaction at various time points throughout the surgery.ConclusionThis preliminary study demonstrates that remimazolam tosilate serves as a safe and effective sedative for orthopedic surgery performed under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, in comparison with dexmedetomidine.

Is epidural analgesia non-inferior to intrathecal fentanyl as initiation for neuraxial analgesia in early non-spontaneous labour?

Intrathecal fentanyl, using the combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique, provides rapid analgesia during early labour. Because of the technique's more complex and invasive nature, as its replacement we assessed the use of epidural analgesia in primiparous parturients with induced labour. The study was registered at www. gov (NCT04645823). The aim was to compare the efficacy, duration of analgesia and maternal satisfaction. The primary outcome was the difference in pain visual analogue scale (VAS) between the interventions at 20 min after the analgesia administration. Sixty volunteering parturients were randomly allocated in 1:1 ratio to receive either intrathecal fentanyl 20 μg or epidural analgesia (fentanyl 100 μg and lidocaine 80 mg). Contraction pain and maternal satisfaction were assessed by 0-100 mm VAS for 30 min, respectively. Foetal heart rate abnormalities, the time to first epidural dose and the incidence of pruritus were recorded. Non-inferiority margin for mean (95% CI) VAS after epidural analgesia was set at 20 mm above the VAS value for intrathecal fentanyl at 20 min. The contraction pain VAS fell from (median [interquartile range, IQR]) 82 (14) to 13 (20) mm and 76 (17) to 12 (27) mm in 20 min following the intrathecal fentanyl and epidural analgesia, respectively. The absolute mean difference (epidural-intrathecal fentanyl) in the VAS values was 3.3(-0.06 to 6.66) mm indicating non-inferiority. The median time to reach VAS <30 mm was 10 min in both groups. The duration until request for supplemental analgesia was 82(69-95) and 91(75-106) min after intrathecal fentanyl and epidural analgesia, respectively. The difference for the duration (epidural-intrathecal fentanyl) was 9 (6-12) min and for satisfaction-VAS 0.3 (-3.0 to 3.7) mm. There were no differences between the groups in the incidence of foetal heart rate abnormalities, while pruritus was more common after intrathecal fentanyl. After 20 min, epidural analgesia by lidocaine and fentanyl was within the non-inferior threshold compared with intrathecal fentanyl in efficacy. The duration of action was not shorter than that of intrathecal fentanyl and maternal satisfaction was also similar.

COMPARISON OF EPIDURAL VOLUME EXTENSION USING 2% LIGNOCAINE WITH STANDARD EPIDURAL VOLUME EXTENSION TECHNIQUE FOR HYSTERECTOMY UNDER COMBINED SPINAL EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA

Objectives: We compared epidural volume extension (EVE) using 2% Xylocaine with standard EVE technique and studied characteristics of neuraxial block along with hemodynamic stability and recovery profile in total abdominal hysterectomy surgery under combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia. Methods: 50 patients undergoing hysterectomy were randomly assigned into two groups. Group M (EVE with 2% 10 mL lignocaine) and Group C (EVE with 10 mL NS). Patients were anesthetized using CSE with 0.75% hyperbaric ropivacaine 2.5 mL and EVE, as per drug assigned to group. Anesthesia was maintained with epidural top-up with 2% lignocaine in 6 mL aliquot. Conscious sedation was provided. Perioperative data and recovery profile were recorded. Results: The amount of epidural anesthesia required to maintain block was less in Group M (17.7±4.5 mL in comparison to 26.9±7.3 mL in Group C p&lt;0.001). Time for first epidural top-up required was early in Group C (62.1±26.2 min) than in Group M (83.718±.3 min). Onset of motor blockade was earlier in Group M (8.4±4.8 min). Quality of anesthesia was better in Group M. Pain and recovery from neuraxial block was earlier in Group C (31.02±13 min) in comparison to 49.88±12.01 min in Group M. Safe level of block was achieved without affecting cardiorespiratory function in all patients. Conclusion: CSE with modified EVE is a feasible technique, is associated with early onset of neuraxial block, and had longer time of two-segment regression with the need of less anesthesia drugs.

The 50% effective dose of hydromorphone and morphine for epidural analgesia in the hemorrhoidectomy: a double-blind, sequential dose-finding study

BackgroundAlthough previous studies have showed that epidural morphine can be used as a complement to local anesthetics for analgesia after postcesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia, there is little known about the analgesic dosage of epidural morphine and hydromorphone for hemorrhoidectomy. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the potency ratio of hydromorphone to epidural morphine as well as effective analgesic dose for 50% patients (ED50) undergoing elective hemorrhoidectomy.Methods80 patients under elective hemorrhoidectomy with combined spinal and epidural anesthesia(CSEA) in department of anesthesia, Dongguan Tungwah hospital. To assess the ED50, patients were treated with epidural morphine or epidural hydromorphone randomly using a biased coin method-determined dose with a sequential allocation procedure. Following surgery, standardized multimodal analgesia was administered to all patients. A pain response score of ≤ 3 (on a scale of 0–10) was determined to be the effective dose after 24 h following CSEA. The ED50 in both groups were determined using the probit regression and isotonic regression method. We also measured pain intensity by patient interview using a 10 point verbal numeric rating scale prospectively at 6, 12 and 24 h after CSEA, and adverse effects were also noted.ResultsThe ED50 was 0.350 mg (95% CI, 0.259–0.376 mg) in hydromorphone group and 1.129 mg (95% CI, 0.903–1.187 mg) in morphine group, respectively, estimated by isotonic regression method. Regression analysis with the probit, the ED50 of epidural hydromorphone was 0.366 mg (95% CI, 0.276–0.388 mg) and epidural morphine was 1.138 mg (95% CI, 0.910–1.201 mg). Exploratory findings showed that there was no difference between the most frequent dosages of epidural hydromorphone or epidural morphine in the occurrence of nausea, vomiting and pruritus. When administered with epidural opioids at ED50 doses or higher, 97.5% (39/40) of epidural morphine patients and 97.5% (39/40) epidural hydromorphone of patients were satisfied with their analgesia.ConclusionEffective hemorrhoidectomy analgesia requires a 3:1 ratio of epidural morphine to epidural hydromorphone. Both drugs provide excellent patient satisfaction.

Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia with Isobaric Ropivacaine 0.375% for Inguinal Hernia Surgery in a Heart Failure Patient with Ejection Fraction of 36%

Introduction: Heart failure is a condition caused by myocardial abnormalities that interfere with the fulfillment of the body's metabolism. It is one of the primary causes of high perioperative morbidity and mortality rates, and its management presents a challenge to anesthesiologists. Objective: To demonstrate combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with isobaric ropivacaine 0.375% for inguinal hernia repair surgery in a heart failure patient with an ejection fraction of 36%. Case Report: A 53-year-old man presented with a complaint of a lump on his left groin accompanied by pain with a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score of 3/10 three days before admission. The patient was also known to often complain of shortness of breath and chest palpitations when lying down at night and during strenuous activity. Based on the examination, the patient was then diagnosed with reducible left lateral inguinal hernia and heart failure with LVEF 36%. Subsequently, the patient was scheduled for elective herniotomy-hernioraphy surgery under low-dose combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia was performed with isobaric ropivacaine 0.375% and fentanyl 25 μg in a total volume of 3.5 ml at the L3-L4 intervertebral space. Epidural anesthesia was performed with isobaric ropivacaine 0.375% and fentanyl 25 μg in a total volume of 8 ml at the L2-L3 intervertebral space. After 10 minutes, the sensory block reached the T6 level, but the motor block was only partial (Bromage 1). A continuous infusion of isobaric ropivacaine 0.1875% 1 ml/hour was administered through the epidural catheter to control postoperative pain. During surgery and hospitalization, the patient's hemodynamic condition remained stable. Conclusion: Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with isobaric ropivacaine 0.375% can provide adequate anesthesia with relatively stable hemodynamics, thus making it safe for inguinal hernia repair surgery in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Perinatal outcome of emergency cesarean section under neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia: a seven-year retrospective analysis

ObjectiveAn emergency cesarean section (CS), which is extremely life-threatening to the mother or fetus, seems to be performed within an adequate time horizon to avoid negative fetal-maternal denouement. An effective and vigilant technique for anesthesia remains vital for emergency cesarean delivery. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the impact of various anesthesia tactics on maternal and neonatal outcomes.MethodThis was a retrospective cohort study of parturient patients who were selected for emergency CS with the assistance of general or neuraxial anesthesia between January 2015 and July 2021 at our institution. The 5-min Apgar score was documented as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes, including the 1 min Apgar score, decision-to-delivery interval (DDI), onset of anesthesia to incision interval (OAII), decision to incision interval (DII), duration of operation, length of hospitalization, height and weight of the newborn, use of vasopressors, blood loss, neonatal resuscitation rate, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), duration of NICU and complications, were also measured.ResultsOf the 539 patients included in the analysis, 337 CSs were performed under general anesthesia (GA), 137 under epidural anesthesia (EA) and 65 under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA). The Apgar scores at 1 min and 5 min in newborns receiving GA were lower than those receiving intraspinal anesthesia, and no difference was found between those receiving EA and those receiving CSEA. The DDI of parturients under GA, EA, and CSE were 7[6,7], 6[6,7], and 14[11.5,20.5], respectively. The DDI and DII of GA and EA were shorter than those of CSE, and the DDI and DII were similar between GA and EA. Compared to that in the GA group, the OAII in the intraspinal anesthesia group was significantly greater. GA administration correlated with more frequent resuscitative interventions, increased admission rates to NICU, and a greater incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Nevertheless, the duration of NICU stay and the incidence rates of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and pneumonia did not significantly differ based on the type of anesthesia performed.ConclusionCompared with general anesthesia, epidural anesthesia may not be associated with a negative impact on neonatal or maternal outcomes and could be utilized as an alternative to general anesthesia in our selected patient population following emergency cesarean section; In addition, a comparably short DDI was achieved for emergency cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia when compared to general anesthesia in our study. However, the possibility that selection bias related to the retrospective study design may have influenced the results cannot be excluded.

Predicting fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing parturients undergoing caesarean section via carotid artery blood flow and velocity time integral measured by carotid ultrasound: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundPresent evidence suggests that the Doppler ultrasonographic indices, such as carotid artery blood flow (CABF) and velocity time integral (VTI), had the ability to predict fluid responsiveness in non-obstetric patients. The purpose of this study was to assess their capacity to predict fluid responsiveness in spontaneous breathing parturients undergoing caesarean section and to determine the effect of detecting and management of hypovolemia (fluid responsiveness) on the incidence of hypotension after anaesthesia.MethodsA total of 72 full term singleton parturients undergoing elective caesarean section were enrolled in this study. CABF, VTI, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded before and after fluid challenge and assessed by carotid artery ultrasonography. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in stroke volume index (SVI) of 15% or more after the fluid challenge.ResultsThirty-one (43%) patients were fluid responders. The area under the ROC curve to predict fluid responsiveness for CABF and VTI were 0.803 (95% CI, 0.701–0.905) and 0.821 (95% CI, 0.720–0.922). The optimal cut-off values of CABF and VTI for fluid responsiveness was 175.9 ml/min (sensitivity of 74.0%; specificity of 78.0%) and 8.7 cm/s (sensitivity of 67.0%; specificity of 90.0%). The grey zone for CABF and VTI were 114.2-175.9 ml/min and 6.8–8.7 cm/s. The incidence of hypotension after the combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia (CSEA) was significantly higher in the Responders group 25.8% (8/31) than in the Non-Responders group 17.1(7/41) (P < 0.001). The total incidence of hypotension after CSEA of the two groups was 20.8% (15/72).ConclusionsUltrasound evaluation of CABF and VTI seem to be the feasible parameters to predict fluid responsiveness in parturients undergoing elective caesarean section and detecting and management of hypovolemia (fluid responsiveness) could significantly decrease incidence of hypotension after anaesthesia.Trial registrationThe trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) (www.chictr.org), registration number was ChiCTR1900022327 (The website link: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=37271 ) and the date of trial registration was in April 5, 2019. This study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (20,180,120).

Comparison of Epidural, Combined Spinal Epidural, and Dural Puncture Epidural Techniques for Labor Analgesia

Background: Lumbar epidural analgesia is a safe, effective, and beneficial technique for both the parturient and the fetus. Dural puncture epidural has been claimed to be better than combined spinal epidural and epidural techniques by many. We undertook this study to compare the three techniques regarding duration, quality of analgesia, and side effects. Debate regarding the best neuraxial technique for labor analgesia continues. Materials and Methods: The parturients of ASA grade I and II of age group 20–35 years were randomly divided into three groups of 20 each. Group E (epidural group) received 15 ml of 0.125% isobaric levobupivacaine with 30 µg fentanyl in the epidural space. Group CSE (combined spinal epidural group) received 2.5 mg of intrathecal isobaric levobupivacaine with 25 µg fentanyl and epidural top up of 15 ml of 0.125% levobupivacaine with 30 µg fentanyl. Group DPE (dural puncture epidural group) received 15 ml of 0.125% isobaric levobupivacaine with 30 µg fentanyl in epidural space; intrathecal medication was withheld. Epidural top-up doses were given as per Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Analgesic efficacy, extent of sensory and motor block, maternal and fetal outcome, duration of analgesia, and maternal satisfaction score were compared among three groups and analyzed statistically. Results: The onset and symmetry of sensory blockade and VAS score were better in CSE group. DPE group had better sacral coverage and less asymmetric blockade. Groups CSE and DPE had superior maternal and surgeon satisfaction scores in comparison to group E. Both groups E and DPE provided analgesia with minimal motor blockade and ambulation.

Ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca block to position the patient for neuraxial anaesthesia in acetabular surgery - a randomized controlled pilot study.

Neuraxial anaesthesia is a common choice for most hip and lower limb operations. Pain associated with positioning is often a deterrent, and the vast literature suggests different regional blocks and opioids for these patients. Patients with acetabular fractures may experience increased pain, and thus are more difficult to position for the neuraxial block. We conducted a randomized controlled pilot study to assess and compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca block (SFICB) versus systemic fentanyl to facilitate positioning for combined spinal epidural (CSE) anaesthesia in patients undergoing acetabular fracture surgery. Twenty patients referred for surgical repair of acetabular fractures were randomly assigned to receive either ultrasound-guided SFICB (group B) or intravenous fentanyl (group F). Changes in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in supine and sitting position, improvement in sitting angle (SA), positioning quality, rescue analgesic requirement, total opioid consumption, comfort VAS scores, and complications were noted to compare both groups. The post-intervention VAS score in the sitting position was significantly lower in group B than in group F (5.9 ± 2.1 vs. 3.5 ± 1.5, P = 0.01). Group B also had more significant improvement in SA (27.5° (20.75-36.5°), in comparison to group F (10 (5-18.75), P = 0.006). The positioning quality was better in group B, with 70% of patients achieving an optimal position compared to only 10% in group F ( P = 0.02). Ultrasound-guided SFICB, as compared to systemic fentanyl, provided better analgesia and helped to achieve a better and more comfortable position to perform the neuraxial block.

Administration of combined spinal epidural anesthesia with ultrasound-assisted positioning in obese patients undergoing open hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Administration of combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA) with traditional landmark-guided positioning can be challenging in patients with high body mass index (BMI). The popularization of ultrasound technology may effectively solve these problems. However, reports on the administration of CSEA ultrasound-assisted positioning in obese populations are relatively limited and have made inconsistent conclusions. We aimed to investigate the ability of ultrasound-assisted positioning to improve the success rate of CSEA in obese patients. Methods: Overall, 118 adult women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 who scheduled to undergo open hysterectomy and received CSEA were recruited. Finally, 108 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to 2 groups: the ultrasound-assisted positioning group (group A) and traditional landmark-guided positioning group (group B). Ultrasound-assisted or landmark-guided positioning was employed to locate the puncture interspace before anesthesia. The primary outcomes were the success rate of first attempt and number of attempts. The secondary outcomes were the patient positioning accuracy, positioning time, CSEA operation time, patient-satisfaction scores, anesthesia characteristics, and complications of CSEA. Results: The success rate of patient first puncture attempt in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (78.4% vs 52.9%, P = .007). The total number of punctures was lower in group A than that in groups B (average rank 44.54 vs 58.46, P = .005). Using ultrasound positioning as the gold standard, the accuracy of landmark-guided location was only 67%. Positioning time in croup A was longer in group A than that in group B (P = .004), while CSEA operation time spent in Group A was less than that in Group B (P &lt; .001). Patient satisfaction score in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (P = .002). The successful puncture interspace in group A were more likely at L3-4 than that in group B (P = .02). Conclusion: The success rate of first puncture attempt and positioning accuracy in CSEA with ultrasound-assisted is significantly higher than those based on landmark-guided location in obese patients.

Handheld ultrasound-assisted versus palpation-guided combined spinal-epidural for labor analgesia: a randomized controlled trial

Preprocedural ultrasound assistance can enhance the efficacy of neuraxial anesthesia in obstetrics. We investigated whether the use of handheld ultrasound can shorten the procedural time of labor combined spinal-epidural (CSE) analgesia compared with conventional landmark-guided methods. Eighty-four women requesting labor analgesia were randomly assigned to either handheld ultrasound-assisted or palpation-guided CSE analgesia. Primary outcome was procedure time of the CSE analgesia. Secondary outcomes included identification time, performance time, number of needle manipulations required for epidural/spinal success, first-attempt success rate, periprocedural pain scores, the incidence of accidental dural puncture, and patient satisfaction. Total procedure time did not significantly differ between the ultrasound and palpation groups (median [IQR], 191.5 [167–224] vs. 204.5 [163–358] s; P = 0.442). However, the performance time was significantly shorter in the ultrasound group (134.5 [115–177] vs. 183 [129–296] s; P = 0.011), although identification time was longer in the ultrasound group (53 [41–72] vs. 30.5 [21–45] s; P < 0.001). The epidural success rate at first insertion attempt was higher in the ultrasound group (85.7% vs. 59.5%, P = 0.014). Preprocedural handheld ultrasound assistance resulted in equivalent total procedure times but reduced performance times and higher first-attempt success rates. Therefore, clinicians may consider this technique for labor CSE analgesia.Trial registration: NCT04759547.

Tramadol - A Better Alternative to Clonidine as an Additive Agent to Ropivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia in Below Umbilical Surgeries

Abstract Background: Epidural anesthesia is commonly used for providing both postoperative analgesia in infra umbilical surgeries. An adjuvant increases the effectiveness of the local anesthetic drug by prolonging its action and also causes decreased doses of the local anesthetic agent. Aims: The sight and focus of our study are to juxtapose the effect of clonidine and tramadol as an additive to epidural ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia. Materials and Methods: A randomized, concurrent cohort, prospective study was performed on 60 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] Grade I and ASA Grade II) of either gender, those who were planned for chosen elective infraumbilical surgery under combined spinal epidural anesthesia, and divided into two groups. The patients in Group I were administered 15 mL 0.5% ropivacaine + clonidine (2 μg/kg), whereas Group II patients received 15 mL 0.5% ropivacaine + tramadol (2 mg/kg). Postanesthesia vitals, the duration for motor and sensory effects, i.e., block, adverse effects, and time to rescue analgesia, was recorded. Results: A significant decrease in the heart rate was observed in clonidine group patients compared with tramadol group patients after spinal anesthesia. The duration of motor and sensory block in the tramadol group was significantly longer. Time to rescue analgesia was also prolonged significantly in the tramadol group. The incidence of adverse effects was comparable in the two groups. Conclusion: Tramadol, as an additive to epidural ropivacaine, was found to have a better motor and sensory block, prolonged postoperative analgesia, and minimal adverse side effects. A significantly decreased demand for rescue analgesics was seen compared to clonidine.

Association between perioperative neuraxial local anesthetic neurotoxicity and arachnoiditis: a narrative review of published reports.

Arachnoiditis is a rare but devastating disorder caused by various insults, one of which is purported to be local anesthetic neurotoxicity following neuraxial blockade. However, the relationship between local anesthetics administered into the neuraxis and the development of arachnoiditis has not been clearly elucidated. We aimed to summarize the existing complex body of literature and characterize both the essential features and strength of any association between neuraxial local anesthetic neurotoxicity and arachnoiditis with a view toward mitigating risk, enhancing prevention, and refining informed consent discussions. We reviewed all published reports of arachnoiditis attributed to local anesthetic neurotoxicity following perioperative neuraxial anesthesia. This narrative review was based on a systematic search methodology, which included articles published up until December 2022. Thirty-eight articles were included, comprising 130 patients, over one-half of which were published prior to this century and inconsistent with modern practice. Neuraxial techniques included 78 epidurals, 48 spinals, and 5 combined spinal-epidurals, mostly for obstetrics. Reporting of essential procedural data was generally incomplete. Overall, at least 57% of patients experienced complicated needle/catheter insertion, including paresthesia, pain, or multiple attempts, irrespective of technique. The onset of neurological symptoms ranged from immediate to 8 years after neuraxial blockade, while the pathophysiology of arachnoiditis, if described, was heterogeneous. The existing literature attributing arachnoiditis to local anesthetic neurotoxicity is largely outdated, incomplete, and/or confounded by other potential causes, and thus insufficient to characterize the features and strength of any association.