Rescue Analgesic Consumption Research Articles

The effect of sacral erector spinae plane block on the quality of recovery after total hip arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter study.

Total hip arthroplasty, commonly performed to alleviate hip pain and enhance functionality in elderly patients, requires effective postoperative pain management to reduce opioid consumption and its associated side effects. A novel regional anaesthesia technique, the sacral erector spinae plane block, has the potential to enhance the quality of postoperative recovery significantly. This prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter study investigated the effects of the sacral erector spinae plane block on recovery quality in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The study comprised 50 patients, divided into Group S (patients receiving patients receiving sacral erector spinae plane block [S-ESPB]) and Group C (patients getting just multimodal analgesia). The primary outcome measured was the Quality of Recovery-15 score 24 hours post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative numerical rating scale scores (A score of 0 indicates no pain, while 10 indicates the most severe pain), total consumption of rescue analgesics, time to first rescue analgesic administration, patient satisfaction, time to first ambulation, the occurrence of complications, and the need for antiemetics. Group S had markedly higher quality of recovery-15 scores compared to Group C (Group S: median 117 percentiles [97-121]; Group C: median 89 percentiles [75-96]; P<0.001). Group S scored higher in postoperative pain, physical comfort, support, emotional state, and general quality of recovery-15 (P<0.001). Nevertheless, the physical independence category ratings were comparable across both groups (P=0.286). Sacral erector spinae plane block is a promising analgesic technique that enhances postoperative recovery and patient comfort in total hip arthroplasty.

A comparative study between dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants to bupivacaine in ultrasound guided interscalene block for arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Background &amp; Objectives: Arthroscopic surgery is a preferred approach for shoulder surgeries due to its documented advantages of early postoperative recovery. However, postoperative pain remains a concern for which different techniques are used. Interscalene block (ISB), using dexmedetomidine (DXM) or dexamethasone (DXA) as adjuvants to local anesthetics (LA), is a common analgesic method. We conducted this comparative study to establish if any one of the adjuvants is better in terms of postoperative analgesia. Methodology: Patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy were assigned randomly to three groups: Group A (LA alone), Group B (ISB with DXM), and Group C (ISB with DXA). Assessment of intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamics, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, time to first rescue analgesic, and rescue analgesic (ketorolac) consumption were recorded. Results: Intraoperative and postoperative heart rate and mean arterial pressure showed no significant differences among the three groups, suggesting comparable hemodynamic control. VAS pain scores were equivalent at 1, 2 and 6 h postoperatively, but at 12, 18 and 24 h, Groups B and C demonstrated significantly lower scores compared to Group A (P &lt; 0.001). Time to first rescue analgesic was prolonged in Groups B and C, indicating improved and longer-lasting analgesia. Groups B and C consumed considerably less ketorolac overall than Group A (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: While all three groups exhibited equivalent intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamic control, the addition of dexmedetomidine or dexamethasone to local anesthetics for interscalene block prolonged postoperative analgesia, reduced pain scores at 12, 18 and 24 h, delayed time to first rescue, and decreased total analgesic consumption. Both adjuvants showed advantages over local anesthetics alone, emphasizing their potential in multimodal analgesia for shoulder arthroscopy. Abbreviations: ISB - Interscalene block; DXM - Dexmedetomidine; DXA - Dexamethasone; HR – Heart Rate; MAP – Mean Arterial Pressure; VAS Visual Analog Scale. Trial registry: PACTR202210507488378 Keywords: Analgesia; Analgesia, postoperative; Dexmedetomidine; Dexamethasone; Interscalene block; Pain, postoperative; Shoulder arthroscopy Citation: Nashaat P, Mohamed O, George S, Mohammed A, Samy E. A comparative study between dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants to bupivacaine in ultrasound guided interscalene block for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):850−858; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2566 Received: June 13, 2024; Reviewed: June 20, 2024; Accepted: July 18, 2024

Abdominal muscles infiltration analgesia for donor-site pain in autologous ear reconstruction: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundCostal cartilage donor-site pain is an adverse effect of autologous ear reconstruction. This study aimed to introduce rectus abdominis and external oblique muscle infiltration analgesia (RAM+EOM-IA) for costal cartilage donor-site pain and evaluate its efficacy and safety. MethodsThe study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomized between intermittent RAM+EOM-IA combined with intravenous patient-controlled anesthesia (IPCA) and IPCA alone. Thirty patients were followed in the RAM+EOM-IA combined with the IPCA group and 30 patients in the IPCA alone group. The primary outcome was the numerical rating score (NRS) of pain recorded during 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the Barthel index (BI) and rescue analgesic consumption. Sensory block areas were tested using a cold stimulus. ResultsNRS was significantly lower with RAM+EOM-IA combined with IPCA than with IPCA alone at 28 h (P < 0.01), 32 h (P < 0.01), 36 h (P < 0.01), 44 h (P < 0.001), and 48 h (P < 0.01) postoperatively. The number of patients who received rescue analgesics (P < 0.01) and consumption (P < 0.01) was significantly higher for IPCA alone. RAM+EOM-IA improved the BI at 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.001), especially for mobility (P < 0.001), using the stairs (P < 0.001) and toilet use domains (P < 0.001). At 10 and 60 min after RAM+EOM-IA, the total sensory block area in the abdomen had not extended proximally beyond the xiphoid, distally beyond the navel, and beyond midaxillary and midsternal lines on either side. ConclusionRAM+EOM-IA effectively and safely prevented costal cartilage donor-site pain by blocking anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of intercostal nerves from T6 to T10 in microtia patients.

Plantar Compartment Block Improves Enhanced Recovery after Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Randomized, Comparative, Double-blind Study.

Walking ability is a key factor in enhanced recovery after foot ambulatory surgery. Plantar compartment block offers an analgesic alternative to popliteal sciatic nerve block (PSNB) for hallux valgus surgery. The objective of this study was to compare these two regional anesthesia strategies on patients' ability to recover a painless unaided walk. This prospective double-blinded (patient; observing anesthesiologist) randomized study compared patients scheduled for hallux valgus surgery receiving PSNB with 1% mepivacaine, then combined plantar and peroneal nerve blocks (plantar compartment block [PCB] group) with ropivacaine 0.5% and dexamethasone, or PSNB with ropivacaine 0.5% and dexamethasone (control group). The primary outcome was the patient's ability to walk unaided 6 h after PSNB. The test was performed on a GAITRite, spatio-temporal gait analysis mat. For 3 days, the number of patient steps, pain levels, rescue analgesics, patient's experience, and adverse events were assessed. Sixty patients were included and 59 were analyzed. The number of patients walking unaided on the GAITRite mat was significantly higher in the PCB group (21 of 30, 70%) than in the control group (4 of 29, 13.8%; P < 0.001). Gait quality using the Functional Ambulation Profile score was 63 ± 13.6 in the PCB group and 49.5 ± 4.7 in the control group (P < 0.001). Median time to free ambulation at home was significantly lower in the PCB group (9 h [8.2 to 11.8]) than in the control group (33.5 h [24 to 47]; P < 0.001). Postoperative pain did not differ between the groups (β = -0.41 [-1.78 to 0.95]; P = 0.548). The number of steps on day 3, the time of first rescue analgesic, the number of patients using rescue analgesia, consumption of morphine, and patient's experience did not differ between the groups. PCB decreased the time to return to unaided walking, with improved gait, compared with PSNB, improving effective analgesia and low consumption of rescue analgesics. This innovative regional anesthesia strategy enhanced recovery after surgery.

Evaluation of ultrasound-guided suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block in functional endoscopic sinus surgery for postoperative pain relief: A randomised controlled trial.

Postoperative pain can impede functional recovery and delay hospital discharge after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The study aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound (USG)-guided suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block (SZMNB) for postoperative pain in FESS. Forty-eight adult patients between 18 and 65 years of age with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II and scheduled to undergo FESS were enroled in this randomised controlled study. Patients were randomly allocated to either receive USG-guided SZMNB with general anaesthesia (n = 24) or general anaesthesia alone (n = 24). The numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score in the immediate postoperative period was recorded as the primary outcome. A total of 24 h postoperative rescue analgesic consumption, surgeon satisfaction score, postoperative haemodynamics, and postoperative complications were noted as secondary outcomes. The median (interquartile range) of the NRS pain score in the immediate postoperative period was 0 (0-0.25)[95% confidence interval (CI): 0, 0.08] in the block group compared to 2 (1.75-3) [95% CI: 1.60, 2.40] in the control group, P < 0.001]. Pain scores were significantly reduced at all time intervals till 24 h after surgery (P < 0.001). None of the patients required rescue analgesia in the block group. In contrast, eight patients required diclofenac 75 mg intravenous as rescue analgesia within 1 h of surgery and ten patients within 1-6 h of surgery in the control group. Other secondary outcomes were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). The USG-guided SZMNB provides excellent postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing FESS without significant side effects.

Efficacy of superficial cervical plexus block in the management of neck pain due to surgical positioning in patients undergoing burr-hole craniotomy for unilateral chronic subdural hematoma under scalp block: A prospective randomized control trial

: Alternatives to general anesthesia technique, pain management of surgical sites have been discussed at length in various studies for burr-hole evacuation in geriatric patients. This is the first study addressing the management of pain that occurs due to extreme contra-lateral side neck rotation to access the surgical site. : This trial was conducted (from January 2021 to January 2022) on 60 patients of age ≥ 18 years with ASA grade I/I/III undergoing unilateral burr hole craniotomy for evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) under scalp block. Group D (n=30) received 5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine by ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB), and group P (n=30) received SCPB with placebo (normal saline). The primary outcome was the numerical rating pain score (NRS) pain score during neck movement in the postoperative period. Secondary objectives were muscle spasm assessed by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), consumption dosage of rescue analgesia, modified Ramsay sedation score (MRSS), and hemodynamic parameters.: NRS scores were significantly lower at 8 hours in the SCPB with drug (D) group compared to the SCPB with placebo group (p-value = 0.019). MAS were higher in group P compared to group D until 12 (&amp;#60;0.001). Consumption of rescue analgesia was higher in group P than group D (&amp;#60;0.001). MRSS was significantly higher in group D compared to group P throughout the intra-operative period (&amp;#60;0.001).: Preoperative superficial cervical plexus block decreases postoperative neck pain and facilitates neck rotation.

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) as an Alternative to General Anesthesia (GA): Prospective Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Study Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine Infusions with Ultrasonography (USG) Guided Pectoral Nerve Block (PECs) for Postoperative Analgesia in Breast Surgery.

PECs blocks are usually combined for breast surgery under general anesthesia (GA) to provide postoperative analgesia rather than primary anesthesia technique. A prospective, interventional, single-center, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, Helsinki protocol-compliant clinical study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching center after obtaining the Ethics Committee's approval and patients' written informed consent. Forty-eight American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II patients aged 18-60 years, undergoing elective unilateral breast surgery were enrolled. Patients were block-randomized (computer-generated) to two equal groups (24 patients each), with one of them receiving Dexmedetomidine and the other one Ketamine. For concealment, sequentially numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes were used. The study was double-blinded for both the anesthesiologist and outcome assessor anesthesiologist. Obese patients (body mass index > 30), those with infection at block site, coagulopathy and known hypersensitivity to local anesthetics or study medications as well as individuals who refused participation in research were all excluded. The Dexmedetomidine group received a bolus of 0.5 mcg/kg over ten minutes, followed by an infusion of 0.3 mcg/kg/hour, while the Ketamine group received a bolus of 0.5 mg/kg over ten minutes, followed by an infusion of 0.3 mg/kg/hour. Postoperative analgesia was compared using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at regular intervals. When VAS exceeded four, 1 mg/kg intravenous Pethidine was administered as a rescue analgesic. Sub-anesthetic low-dose Ketamine was more effective than low-dose Dexmedetomidine in prolonging PECs block analgesia, which was statistically significant (p value < 0.001). The Ketamine group had lower rescue analgesic Pethidine consumption and longer first-rescue analgesia demand time. There was no significant hemodynamic difference between the study groups. Ketamine was more efficient than Dexmedetomidine for postoperative analgesia.

Application of ultrasound-guided single femoral triangle and adductor canal block in arthroscopic knee surgery: a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical study

PurposeTo compare the difference in analgesic effect between femoral triangle block (FTB) and adductor canal block (ACB) during arthroscopic knee surgery.MethodsPatients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery were randomized preoperatively to FTB group or ACB group. For each group, 20 mL of 0.1% ropivacaine was injected. Primary outcomes: The numeric rating score (NRS) at 12 h after surgery at rest and during movement. Secondary outcome: (1) The NRS at post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and 2, 24 h after surgery at rest and during movement; (2) The quadriceps muscle strength at PACU and 2, 12, 24 h after surgery; (3) Consumption of Rescue analgesia; (4) Incidence of adverse reactions.ResultsThe NRS at 12 h after surgery at rest and during movement of ACB group were higher than FTB group. Among secondary outcomes, the NRS at PACU at rest and during movement, 2 h after surgery during movement of FTB group lower than ACB group; the quadriceps muscle strength at 2 h after surgery of FTB group stronger than ACB group. After multiple linear regression model analysis, the data showed additional statistically significant reduction NRS at 24 h after surgery at rest (0.757, p = 0.037) in FTB group. Other outcomes were similar between two groups.ConclusionsThe FTB appears to provide superior pain control after knee arthroscopy than ACB, the FTB is superior to the ACB in quadriceps muscle strength at 2 h after surgery.Trial registrationThe trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300068765). Registration date: 28/02/2023.

Efficacy of Unilateral External Oblique Intercostal Fascial Plane Block Versus Subcostal TAP Block in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Randomized, Prospective Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of unilateral external oblique intercostal nerve block (EOIB) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. After ethics committee approval, ASA I-II patients aged 18-70 who would undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, external oblique intercostal nerve block (Group EOIB) and oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (Group OSTAP). After surgery, EOIB or OSTAP block was administered with 20mL of .25% bupivacaine then routine analgesia protocol was applied with iv paracetamol, and tramadol. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) consumption were monitored 24 hours after the operation. It was administered 25mg pethidine as a rescue analgesic to patients with VAS ≥4. Thirty six patients for Group EOIB and thirty four patients for Group OSTAP were included in the study. Lower VAS scores were observed in all groups. When PCA consumption, side effects, rescue analgesia consumption, and patient satisfaction were evaluated, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P > .05). It was observed that EOIB showed similar analgesic activity to the OSTAP block. EOIB may also be a part of postoperative multimodal analgesia by reducing postoperative opioid consumption in LC.

Evaluation of the effects of pregabalin and dexamethasone coadministration on preemptive multimodal analgesia and anxiety in third molar surgeries: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of pregabalin and dexamethasone coadministration in preemptive analgesia and anxiety control in lower third molar surgery. A triple-blind, split-mouth clinical trial conducted with patients divided into two groups: control group, receiving placebo and dexamethasone, and test group, receiving pregabalin and dexamethasone preoperatively. The evaluated variables were pain, measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), anxiety assessed through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires, hemodynamic parameters [Blood Pressure (BP), Heart Rate (HR), Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)], and sedation assessed by the Ramsay scale. A total of 31 patients were included. The test group exhibited a significant reduction in pain at 2,4,6,8,12,16,24, and 48h after surgery and in the consumption of rescue analgesics. Anxiety, evaluated by STAI and VAS, showed a significant decrease in the test group (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in BP at most of the assessed time points (p < 0.05) and a significant reduction in HR at two different time intervals (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009), indicating a positive effect in the test group. There was no significant difference in SpO2 between the groups. Sedation assessment revealed a significant difference at all time points favoring the test group (p < 0.05). There were no significant postoperative adverse effects. Pregabalin coadministered with dexamethasone demonstrated significant efficacy in controlling postoperative pain and anxiety, as well as a sedative effect. The coadministration of pregabalin with dexamethasone may presents potential advantages in both pain modulation and psychological well-being of individuals undergoing third molar surgeries. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC), No. RBR-378h6t6.

A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study to Assess and Compare the Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Hysterectomy Under General Anaesthesia

Abstract Background and Aims: Multimodal analgesia regimens for optimizing the postoperative pain following abdominal surgeries are a crucial component of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), as it reduces postoperative opioid consumption along with their adverse effects. We compared the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB) versus posterior transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) with respect to duration of analgesia, modified Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) scores for pain, activity, sleep, stress, and mood, respectively, the total amount of rescue analgesic consumption, hemodynamics parameters and side effects, in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: In this study, which was prospective, randomized, and double-blind, 60 patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I and II, aged 18–65 years, undergoing abdominal hysterectomy, were randomized into two groups. Group QLB (n = 30) and Group TAPB (n = 30) received bilateral QLB and TAPB with 40 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine, respectively. The data were compared using standard qualitative and quantitative tests. Results: The duration of pain relief was longer in Group QLB compared to Group TAPB (981.83 ± 138.62 min vs. 637 ± 127.02 min, P &lt; 0.0001). The DVPRS score for pain, activity, sleep, stress, and mood, respectively, were significantly lower in Group QLB (P &lt; 0.05). The total rescue analgesic consumption was significantly lesser in Group QLB (103.33 ± 18.26 mg) compared to Group TAPB (150.00 ± 50.85 mg) (P &lt; 0.0001). No significant hemodynamic changes or side effects were observed (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Bilateral QLB significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia with reduced rescue analgesic requirement compared with bilateral TAPB in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy.

A Randomized Comparative Study of Ultrasound-guided Femoral Nerve Block Versus Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block for Reducing Pain Associated with Positioning for Spinal Anesthesia in Patients with Proximal Femur Fracture

Abstract Context: Peripheral nerve blocks are widely accepted as the gold standard for providing perioperative and postoperative analgesia in lower limb surgeries. Aims: This study aimed to determine which block is better in terms of onset of action among ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block (USG FNB) and ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block (USG FICB) for positioning for spinal anesthesia in patients operated for proximal femur fracture and find the total duration of analgesia, total consumption of rescue analgesics, and complications. Settings and Design: This was a prospective, randomized, comparative, interventional, single-blinded study. Subjects and Methods: Patients in Group A (n = 43) were administered USG FNB with 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine and patients in Group B (n = 43) were administered USG FICB with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine. The primary objective was to find out which nerve block was better in reducing pain associated with a sitting position for spinal anesthesia, and the secondary objective was to find the difference in the mean time of first rescue analgesia. Statistical Analysis: Data analysis was done using the Student’s t-test and Chi-square tests. Results: Before block administration, patients in Group A had a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 7.65 ± 0.75, and patients in Group B had a VAS score of 7.79 ± 0.74 (P = 0.389). The primary objective was to achieve VAS &lt; 3. It was 3 min in Group A and 5 min in Group B (P = 001). The secondary objectives were the duration of postoperative analgesia in Group A was 330.58 ± 28.16 min and in Group B was 482.33 ± 19.89 min (P &lt; 0.001). The mean value of tramadol consumption in 24 h in both the study groups was comparable (P = 1.000). The anesthesiologist satisfaction score, patient satisfaction score, and proportion of side effects in both study groups were comparable. Conclusion: USG FICB is more efficacious. Although the onset of action delays by 2 min, it provides longer postoperative analgesia compared to USG FNB.

Smoking increases chronic postsurgical pain in patients undergoing open abdominal hysterectomy

Objectives: Smoking cause severe postoperative complications. Cotinine is the end product of nicotine in the urine. Our primary hypothesis was that women with high preoperative urinary cotinine levels have more postsurgical chronic/acute pain is tested, and secondarily, that high cotinine levels are associated with more opioid consumption. Method: 158 patients undergoing open abdominal hysterectomy were divided into three groups according to the cotinine level. 1)Low Cotinine group ˂10ng/dl (no exposure), 2) Intermediate Cotinine group =10-500ng/dl (exposure), 3) High Cotinine group ˃500ng/dl (smoker). In postoperative 3 months, postsurgical chronic pain, allodynia score, pain limiting daily activity, Brief Pain Inventory, SF 12 form, Douleur Neuropathique en 4 (DN4) questions test, and Sleep interference test were assessed. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), morphine consumption, rescue analgesic consumption, and complications were recorded during postoperative 48 hours. Results: The postsurgical chronic pain scores at the three months(p˂0,007), the postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption were significantly higher in the high cotinine group. High cotinine group had significantly worst HADS, SF 12 PCS, allodynia, and sleep interference test scores. Conclusion: Smoking and tobacco smoke exposure are associated with high postsurgical chronic pain, and also postoperative acute pain with more opioid consumption.

Efficacy of intratracheal dexmedetomidine on recovery from general anaesthesia in paediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries: A randomised controlled trial.

This study investigated the effectiveness of intratracheal dexmedetomidine in reducing untoward laryngeal responses in paediatrics undergoing lower abdominal surgeries. This trial included 60 patients divided into two groups scheduled for lower abdominal surgeries. Group D were given intratracheal dexmedetomidine at a dosage of 0.5mg/kg, while Group C received intratracheal saline (0.9%). The cough severity score, the Paediatric Objective Pain Scale for pain assessment, awareness, extubation, emergence agitation score, Ramsay sedation score and adverse effects were recorded. There was a significant difference in the incidence of coughing severity between Groups D and C both at extubation and after five minutes of extubation (p < 0.001). The median scores of the Paediatric Objective Pain Scales and the median agitation scales of Group D were significantly lower over the first four hours (p < 0.050). The mean time to first request rescue analgesia was significantly longer in the D group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean total consumption of rescue analgesia in the first 24 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group (p < 0.050). Awareness and extubation times were comparable in both groups, and none of the subjects reported any adverse effects. In the current study, lower abdominal surgery patients who received intratracheal dexmedetomidine at a dose of 0.5mg/kg 30 minutes before the completion of the procedure experienced smooth extubation and balanced anaesthetic recovery.

Celecoxib Decreases the Need for Rescue Analgesics after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of celecoxib after total knee arthroplasty. Keywords in the PubMed and Scopus databases were used to find article abstracts. Each included clinical trial was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool, and we extracted data on postoperative pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at rest, ambulation, and active range of motion, rescue analgesic intake, and adverse effects. Inverse variance tests with mean differences were used to analyze the numerical variables. The Mantel-Haenszel statistical method and the odds ratio were used to evaluate the dichotomous data. According to this qualitative assessment (n = 482), two studies presented conclusions in favor of celecoxib (n = 187), one showed similar results between celecoxib and the placebo (n = 44), and three clinical trials did not draw conclusions as to the effectiveness of celecoxib versus the placebo (n = 251). Moreover, the evaluation of the rescue analgesic intake showed that the patients receiving celecoxib had a lower intake compared to patients receiving a placebo (n = 278, I2 = 82%, p = 0.006, mean difference = -6.89, 95% IC = -11.76 to -2.02). In conclusion, the pooled analysis shows that administration of celecoxib alone results in a decrease in rescue analgesic consumption compared to a placebo after total knee surgery.

Direct anterior approach with conventional instruments versus robotic posterolateral approach in elective total hip replacement for primary osteoarthritis: a case-control study.

The purpose of this study is to compare peri-operative and short-term outcomes in patients who underwent elective total hip replacement (THA) for primary osteoarthritis (OA) with direct anterior approach (DAA) versus a pair-matched cohort of patients who underwent robotic-assisted THA with posterolateral approach. Data from consecutive patients who underwent elective hip replacement from 2021 to 2023 for primary OA were retrospectively retrieved and divided into two groups: the DAA group, who underwent THA with the DAA approach using conventional instruments, and the robotic posterolateral (R-PL group), who underwent robot arm-assisted THA with the posterolateral approach. Comparative assessed outcomes were: operative time, radiographical implant positioning, intake of rescue analgesics, blood loss, transfusion rate, leg length discrepancy and functional outcomes (Harris hip score and forgotten joint score). A total of 100 pair-matched patients were retrieved with a mean age of 66.7 ± 10.7 (range: 32-85) years and a mean follow-up of 12.8 ± 3.6 (range: 7-24) months. No differences in patients' characteristics were detected. Patients in the R-PL group required less rescue tramadol (p > 0.001), ketorolac (p = 0.028) and acetaminophen (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the operative time between (MD = 5.0min; p = 0.071). Patients in the DAA group had significantly lower Hb levels at day 1 (p = 0.002) without significant differences in transfusion rate (p = 0.283). Patients in the R-PL group had shorter length of stay (LOS) with a mean difference of 1.8days [p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-2.3]. No difference in clinical outcomes was found [leg length discrepancy (LLD), p = 0.572; HHS, p = 0.558; forgotten joint score (FJS), p = 0.629]. No radiographical differences were measured in cup inclination (MD = 2.0°, p = 0.069), malpositioning [odd ratio (OR) = 0.2; p = 0.141], stem alignment (OR = 0.3; p = 0.485) and stem sizing (OR = 1.5; p = 1.000). There was no difference in complication rate except for lateral femoral cutaneous nerve damage, which was higher in DAA group (p < 0.001). R-PL and DAA THA had comparable short-term clinical and radiological outcomes along with similar complication rates. The R-PL group showed significantly lower Hb drop, rescue analgesic consumption and shorter LOS. This is a preliminary study and no strong recommendation can be provided. Further prospective randomized trials are requested to further investigate the cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery in THA. Level IV, case-control study.

Comparison of postoperative analgesia and side effects in pediatric laparoscopic surgery with morphine and nalbuphine

There is currently no consensus on the optimal perioperative pain management strategy involving specific opioids. This study aims to compare the postoperative analgesia, the associated side effects between nalbuphine and morphine in children undergoing laparoscopic surgery. One hundred ninety children were randomly assigned to nalbuphine (0.2mg/kg) or morphine (0.2mg/kg). Nalbuphine's analgesic effect was non-inferior to morphine, with similar total rescue analgesic consumption during PACU stay (0.03± 0.05mg vs. 0.04± 0.06mg, p>0.05). Nalbuphine group had a lower incidence of respiratory depression (RR ≤ 10/min) (4.8% vs. 38.6%, p<0.001), PONV (2.4% vs. 18.1%, p= 0.002), and pruritus (0% vs. 16.9%, p<0.001) than morphine. Additionally, nalbuphine showed a shorter laryngeal mask airway removal time (13.9 [12.7, 15.1]) compared with morphine (17.0 [15.1, 18.9], p= 0.011). Nalbuphine provides equipotent analgesia with significantly lower incidences of respiratory depression, PONV, and pruritus compared with morphine in pediatric laparoscopic surgery.

Comparing the Analgesic Effects Between the Pre- and Post-costal Cartilage Harvest Cohorts Using Ultrasound-Guided Deep Serratus Anterior Plane Block in Children with Microtia Undergoing Auricular Reconstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Pain following costal cartilage harvest surgery is the most common complaint of auricular reconstruction (AR). Anesthesiologists are continuously searching for an effective postoperative pain control method. This study was conducted from 10 April 2022 to 10 June 2022. Sixty children undergoing AR using costal cartilage were randomly assigned to either a serratus anterior plane block performed before costal cartilage harvest (SAPB-pre-cohort; n=30) or the SAPB-post-cohort (Post-costal cartilage Harvest Cohort: n=30). The primary endpoint measures were the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores of the chest and ear pain degrees recorded at 1-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 48-h after surgery. Intraoperative anesthetic and analgesic dosages, sufentanil consumption and rescue analgesia consumption during the first 24h post-operation, cough score during extubation, extubation agitation score, length of stay, the extubation time, first ambulatory time, analgesia duration, and opioid-related adverse effects and SAPB-related adverse effects were the secondary endpoints. The rest and coughing NRS scores were significantly reduced in the SAPB-pre-cohort 6 and 12h post-operation in comparison with the SAPB-post-cohort (rest 6h p=0.002, others p<0.001). No significant difference in the NRS ear scores existed between the two cohorts (p>0.05). The use of propofol and remifentanil for general anesthesia during the SAPB-pre-procedure was significantly reduced compared to the SAPB-post-group, with statistical significance (p<0.001). Sufentanil consumption and rescue analgesia consumption were significantly reduced in the SAPB-pre-cohort (p=0.001, p=0.033). The extubation time and first ambulatory time were markedly shorter in the SAPB-pre-cohort (all p<0.001). Analgesia duration was markedly longer in the SAPB-pre-cohort (p<0.001). No significant differences were noted in the cough score during extubation, extubation agitation score, length of stay between the two cohorts (all p>0.05). Opioid-related adverse effects occurred more in the SAPB-post-cohort, while there was no statistical significance (16.7 vs. 36.7%; p=0.082). There were no blockade-related complications observed in either cohort. The analgesic effect of the SAPB-pre-cohort was better than the SAPB-post-cohort suggesting both efficacy and feasibility of preemptive analgesia. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Study objectiveKidney neoplasms have a high incidence, and radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy are the main treatment options. Our study aims to investigate the use of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy surgery. DesignProspective, randomized, double-blind. SettingUniversity hospital. PatientsOur study included 50 patients (ASA I-III) who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy at the hospital of Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University. InterventionsThe patients were divided into two groups: the ESPB group and the control group. In the ESPB group, a mixture of 10 mL of 1% lidocaine, 10 mL of 0.7% ropivacaine, 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine, and 5 mg of dexamethasone was administered. In the control group, 20 mL of 0.9% saline was administered. MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was the total consumption of sufentanil during the intraoperative period. Secondary outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at rest and during coughing at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h postoperatively, intraoperative consumption of remifentanil, frequency of rescue analgesic administration, consumption of rescue analgesia and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting within 48 h. ResultsThe ESPB group exhibited lower intraoperative consumption of sufentanil, lower consumption of rescue analgesia, as well as VAS scores at rest and during coughing within the first 24 h postoperatively, compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in VAS scores at 48 h postoperatively, postoperative nausea and vomiting, or the need for postoperative rescue analgesia. ConclusionsUltrasound-guided ESPB performed in patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy demonstrated a substantial decrease in intraoperative opioid consumption, as well as lower VAS scores at rest and during coughing in the postoperative period.

The effect of addition of ultra-low dose of naloxone to fentanyl-bupivacaine mixture on the incidence of pruritis after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery: Randomized clinical study.

The use of intrathecal opioids is associated with high risk of pruritis and this may be decreased by adding a low dose of naloxone. This study evaluated the effect of the addition of 20 μg of naloxone to fentanyl-bupivacaine mixture on the incidence of pruritis in pregnant females scheduled for cesarean section (CS). Eighty pregnant patients scheduled for CS under spinal anesthesia were randomized to receive either 10 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (2 ml) plus 25 μg fentanyl (group F) or 10 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (2 ml) plus 25 μg fentanyl and 20 μg naloxone (group FN). The incidence, onset, duration, site, and severity of pruritis were measured. Furthermore, the postoperative numerical rating scale (NRS) score, the total tramadol rescue analgesia, and the time for the first request of rescue analgesia were recorded. Compared to the F group, the FN group showed a significant decrease in the incidence of pruritis (P = 0.022), prolongation of the onset of pruritis (P = 0.006), shortening of the duration of pruritis (P = 0.029), and decrease in the severity of pruritis (P = 0.039). Furthermore, the postoperative pain score, the rescue analgesic consumption, and the time for the first request of rescue analgesia were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05). The addition of an ultra-low dose of naloxone (20 μg) to fentanyl-bupivacaine mixture in spinal anesthesia for pregnant females scheduled for CS significantly reduced the incidence of pruritis without having a significant effect on the postoperative analgesia.