Continuous Epidural Analgesia Research Articles

A Comparative Study between Continuous Epidural Analgesia versus Ultrasound Guided Continuous Femoral Nerve Block (CFNB) versus Ultrasound Guided Continuous Adductor Canal Block (ACB) for Post-Operative Pain Management after Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Abstract Background Total knee replacement (TKR) is considered a prevailing cause of severe postoperative pain and discomfort among orthopedic surgeries, limiting postoperative ambulation that is important for regaining joint function. Despite being the gold standard, epidural analgesia can be accompanied by diverse complications delaying postoperative ambulation and discharge from hospital. Continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) and continuous adductor canal block (ACB) are reliable and efficacious regional anaesthesia techniques allowing better control of postoperative pain. This study purposed to compare epidural analgesia, continuous femoral nerve block & continuous adductor canal block regarding postoperative analgesia & incidence of postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to estimate the efficacy of epidural analgesia, continuous femoral nerve block & continuous adductor canal block regarding postoperative pain control following total knee replacement and the rate of incidence of associated postoperative complications. This is a prospective randomized controlled study where sixty patients were randomized into three equal groups, patients in group A received epidural analgesia, patients in group B received continuous femoral nerve block while patients in group C received continuous adductor canal block with postoperative continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine with fentanyl 2μg/ml in the three groups at a rate of 5 ml/hr. VAS score was assessed for 48 hours post-operatively and complications were recorded. Results Epidural analgesia was superior to CFNB and ACB regarding postoperative pain control using visual analogue scale and postoperative pain control. CFNB and ACB are superior to epidural analgesia regarding postoperative ambulation and postoperative complications. Conclusions Continuous epidural analgesia provides superior analgesia following total knee replacement than femoral nerve block and adductor canal block, with relatively more adverse effects like pruritus, post operative nausea, and vomiting (PONV). Both CFNB and ADB are good alternatives with fewer systemic side effects.

Comparison of Continuous Thoracic Epidural Analgesia (TEA) With Continuous Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block for Perioperative Pain Management in Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Comparison of Continuous Thoracic Epidural Analgesia (TEA) With Continuous Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block for Perioperative Pain Management in Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation or Epidural Analgesia for Multimodal Pain Management after the Nuss Procedure: A Cohort Study.

Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum is a minimally invasive, but painful procedure. Recently, intercostal nerve cryoablation has been introduced as a pain management technique. In this cohort study, we compared the efficacy of multimodal pain management strategies in children undergoing a Nuss procedure. The effectiveness of intercostal nerve cryoablation combined with patient-controlled systemic opioid analgesia (PCA) was compared with continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) combined with PCA. The study was conducted between January 2019 and July 2022. Primary outcome was length of stay (LOS), and secondary outcomes were operation room time, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and gabapentin use. Sixty-six consecutive patients were included, 33 patients in each group. The cryoablation group exhibited lower Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores on postoperative day 1 and 2 (p = 0.002, p = 0.001) and a shorter LOS (3 vs. 6 days (p < 0.001). Cryoablation resulted in less patients requiring opioids at discharge (30.3 vs. 97.0%; p < 0.001) and 1 week after surgery (6.1 vs. 45.4%; p < 0.001)). In the CEA group, gabapentin use was more prevalent (78.8 vs. 18.2%; p < 0.001) and the operation room time was shorter (119.4 vs. 135.0 minutes; p < .010). No neuropathic pain was reported. Intercostal nerve cryoablation is a superior analgesic method compared with CEA, with reduced LOS, opioid use, and NRS pain scores. The prophylactic use of gabapentin is redundant.

Comparison of two different doses of dexmedetomidine for continuous epidural analgesia for lower limb surgeries: A randomized double-blind study

Abstract Background and Aims: Bolus epidural dexmedetomidine provides potent analgesia but the incidence of hemodynamic instability is high. There are only a few studies that have evaluated the efficacy of epidural dexmedetomidine infusion but none of them compared different doses to find the optimum safe dose. We compared the analgesic efficacy and safety of two different doses of dexmedetomidine in continuous epidural for postoperative analgesia. Material and Methods: Patients undergoing lower limb surgeries were divided randomly into two groups: Group I (n = 36) received an epidural infusion of 0.1% ropivacaine + 0.5 μg/kg/24 h of dexmedetomidine and Group II (n = 36) received epidural infusion 0.1% ropivacaine + 1 μg/kg/24 h of dexmedetomidine. Both groups received epidural infusion at the rate of 5 ml/h over 48 h postoperatively. Pain scores, demand for rescue analgesics, hemodynamic parameters, and sedation scores were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was done using an independent t-test and Chi-square test. Results: 1 μg/kg group (Group II) had a significantly reduced pain score at all time intervals and less demand for rescue analgesia (P = 0.03). The severity of pain was more in the 0.5 μg/kg group (Group I), at all times (P = 0.000). Incidence hypotension was higher in Group II. Bradycardia was seen in two patients in Group II and none in Group I. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine in a dose of 1 μg/kg/24 h with 5 ml of 0.1% ropivacaine through epidural infusion provides better analgesia with a safe hemodynamic profile. Key message: Epidural dexmedetomidine can cause profound hypotension. The optimum, safe dose of dexmedetomidine is not known. In our study, we observed that continuous epidural infusion of 1 μg/kg/24 h dexmedetomidine provides better analgesia with acceptable hemodynamic variations.

Ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in open nephrectomy for renal malignancy: a randomized controlled study

Background &amp; objective: Pain during nephrectomy has been reported to be extremely intense and may trigger complex biochemical and physiological stress response if managed inadequately. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) both have been advocated for pain management in adult patients undergoing open nephrectomy under general anesthesia. We compared the efficacy and the dynamics of both of these procedures.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial involving 54 patients were undergoing open nephrectomy for malignant kidney tumors. All patients were ASA class II, had a BMI 20-40 kg/m2, and were between the ages of 18-65 y. Through random assignment, people were divided into two identical, equivalent groups: Group A (n = 27) received TEA, whereas Group B (n = 27) received US-guided continuous ESPB. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intraoperative heart rate (HR) were recorded before and after incision, and at 30 min, 1 h, and 1.5 h. Postoperative HR, MAP were recorded at 6 h and 12 h, both at rest and when moving. Numerical rating scale (NRS) score was used to compare the intensity of postoperative pain.&#x0D; Results: Postoperative HR, MAP, at 6 h and 12 h, at rest and when moving, were substantially reduced in the TEA group than those in the ESPB group. The NRS score of the ESPB group was substantially greater than that of the TEA group. In contrast to the TEA group, much more total amount of morphine was consumed in the ESPB group. The time to first rescue analgesia was substantially shorter in ESPB group than that of the TEA group.&#x0D; Conclusions: The results of our study prove that US guided erector spinae plane block is effective in providing postoperative analgesia, decreasing use of intraoperative and postoperative opioids in patients having open nephrectomy. However, it is still inferior to thoracic epidural analgesia in terms of pain control after 6 h postoperatively. Otherwise, erector spinae plane block has fewer side effects compared to thoracic epidural analgesia. So, it may be used as an alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia.&#x0D; Key words: Erector Spinae Plane Block; Epidural Analgesia; Open Nephrectomy; Pain, Postoperative; Ultrasound&#x0D; Citation: Wadood MA, Abdelrahman MA, Mostafe MM, Abdelghafar EM. Ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in open nephrectomy for renal malignancy: a randomized controlled study, Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(1):26-32; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i1.2377&#x0D; Received July 24, 2023; Revised: September 08, 2023; Accepted: October 03, 2023

Continuous erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a prospective randomized open-label non-inferiority trial

Background and objectivesThe evolving surgical techniques in thoracoscopic surgery necessitate the exploration of anesthesiological techniques. This study aimed to investigate whether incorporating a continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block into...

Whole-course application of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to spinal-epidural anesthesia for cesarean section: A randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundDexmedetomidine is known to prolong the analgesic duration of spinal anesthesia, but it can be challenging to achieve further extension without opioids. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate a novel analgesic strategy using dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to spinal-epidural anesthesia for elective cesarean surgery. MethodsThe study was a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial conducted at a single center. Sixty parturients who underwent elective cesarean were randomly assigned to either group C or group D. Group D received an intrathecal injection of 12.5 mg ropivacaine and 5 μg dexmedetomidine followed by continuous epidural patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) infusion with a total volume of 100 ml, containing 0.2 % ropivacaine and 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine. Group C received an intrathecal injection of 12.5 mg ropivacaine with an equivalent saline placebo followed by a similar PCA infusion, containing 0.2 % ropivacaine and an equivalent saline placebo. ResultsThe primary outcome was visual analog scale score on movement at 24 h after surgery. The results showed that the rest and motion pain scores in group D were significantly lower than those in group C at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after surgery (P < 0.05), with the differences at 24 h were 5.0 (5.0, 5.0)in group D versus 5.0 (5.0, 6.0) in group C (P = 0.04). Additionally, the time to the first PCA in group D was significantly longer than that in group C (P < 0.05), as well as the time of sensory and motor recovery. ConclusionsWhole-course application of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to spinal-epidural anesthesia could effectively extend the analgesic duration of ropivacaine to 24 h following elective cesarean surgery.

Assessment of Continuous Epidural Analgesia Versus Continuous Surgical Transverse Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Gynecological Surgeries.

Background Surgical transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block has been studied in various surgeries. However, its role particularly in the form of continuous infusion in comparison to epidural infusion in open gynecological surgeries remains unknown. Hence, this study was taken up. Methodology Sixty patients were assigned to either of the two groups: continuous epidural (Group E) or continuous infusion in the surgical TAP (Group S). The primary outcomes were visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements. Postoperative complications such as nausea/vomiting, hypotension, and bradycardia were also assessed. Results Mean pain scores were significantly lesser in Group E. However, 80% (24) of Group E and 50% (15) of Group S did not requirerescue analgesia, which was not statistically significant. Adverse effects did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions The efficacy of the continuous surgical TAP block is similar toa continuous epidural. Therefore, it can be considered in settings with limited resources and expertiseor in cases of contraindications for an epidural.

Ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block vs continuous thoracic epidural analgesia for the management of acute and chronic postthoracotomy pain: a randomized, controlled,double-blind trial.

Postthoracotomy pain (PTP) is a severe pain complicating thoracic surgeries and its good management decreases the risk of PTP syndrome (PTPS). This randomized controlled study evaluated the efficacy of ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with or without dexmedetomidine compared with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in managing acute postoperative pain and the possible emergence of PTPS. Ninety patients with chest malignancies planned for thoracotomy were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups. Group 1: TEA (20 mL of levobupivacaine 0.25% bolus, then 0.1 mL/kg/h of levobupivacaine 0.1%), group 2: ESPB (20 mL of levobupivacaine only 0.1% bolus every 6 hours), and group 3: ESPB (20 mL of levobupivacaine 0.25% and 0.5 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine Hcl bolus every 6 hours). Resting and dynamic visual analog scales were higher in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3 at 6, 24, and 36 hours and at 8 and 12 weeks. Postthoracotomy pain syndrome incidence was higher in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3 at 8 and 12 weeks, whereas it was indifferent between groups 1 and 3. The grading system for neuropathic pain score was higher in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3 at 8 and 12 weeks, whereas it was indifferent between groups 1 and 3. Itching, pruritis, and urine retention were higher in group 1 than in ESPB groups. Ultrasound-guided ESPB with dexmedetomidine is as potent as TEA in relieving acute PTP and reducing the possible emergence of chronic PTPS. However, the 2 techniques were superior to ESPB without dexmedetomidine. Erector spinae plane block has fewer side effects compared with TEA.

The efficacy and safety of continuous epidural analgesia in kidney transplant recipients: a propensity score matching analysis

The efficacy and safety of continuous epidural analgesia in kidney transplant recipients: a propensity score matching analysis

Perioperative Ultrasound-Guided Continuous Caudal Epidural Analgesia in Newborns: A Case Series in a Tertiary Medical Center.

Background Caudal epidural anesthesia technique is a relevant method for postoperative analgesia in newborns, allowing for the reduction of drug-induced respiratory depression. The threading of a catheter is, however, uncommon in clinical practice. Our main purpose was to describe our experience regarding caudally inserted epidural catheters in neonates undergoing major abdominal surgery. Methods We included every full-term neonate undergoing surgery under combined caudal epidural-general anesthesia from 2017 to 2022 in our institution. After induction of general anesthesia, an ultrasound-guided caudal epidural injection was performed, and an epidural catheter was inserted for perioperative analgesia. An epidural bolus of ropivacaine was administered to every patient before the surgical incision, and an epidural infusion of ropivacaine 0.05% was administered for 24 hours. Results Retrospectively obtained data included six full-term neonates with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II to IV. Intraoperatively, good analgesia was achieved without hemodynamic instability or need for additional systemic opioids after induction. At the end of surgery, five of the six neonates were extubated without adverse respiratory events. Postoperatively, effective analgesia was achieved in four cases with an epidural infusion of ropivacaine 0.05%, at a rate between 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg/h, and intravenous paracetamol. Epidural pain control was not successful in one neonate, and thus an intravenous fentanyl infusion was added. The sixth neonate remained intubated for prolonged mechanical ventilation due to surgical complications, and thus an intravenous fentanyl infusion was introduced for sedation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), not allowing to evaluate the effectiveness of the epidural infusion alone. No other complications related to the epidural catheters were reported. Conclusion Continuous caudal epidural analgesia may be a valuable technique with a low risk of complications, decreasing the incidence of respiratory adverse events in this patient population. Although more cases are needed for a stronger conclusion, it has become a useful analgesic strategy for major abdominal surgery in neonates in our institution.

Ultrasound Guided Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block versus Three in One Block for Post Operative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeries

Abstract Background Patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty experience substantial and sustained postoperative pain. Inadequate analgesia may impede physical therapy and rehabilitative efforts and delay hospital dismissal. Peripheral nerve blockade of the lumbosacral plexus has emerged as an analgesic approach. In several studies, unilateral peripheral block provided quality of analgesia and functional outcomes similar to those of continuous epidural analgesia and superior to those of systemic analgesia, but with fewer side effects because of their opioid-sparing properties. Peripheral nerve block techniques may be the optimal analgesic method following total joint arthroplasty. Aim of the Work To compare postoperative analgesia between ultrasound-guided FICB and three in one nerve block. Study design a prospective randomized double-blinded study. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 80 randomly chosen patients from 21 to 65 years old in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, each group consisted of 40 patients group I and group II. After preoperative assessment and obtaining baseline vital data, all patients received spinal anesthesia. Patients in the group I received FICB (35-40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine). Patients in group II received three in one bock (35-40 mL of bupivacaine 0.25%). Results Both FICB and three in one block provided good quality of postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction as evidenced by low VAS and low postoperative rescue analgesic requirements. Both techniques provided equal sensory blockage of femoral nerve, obturator nerve, and genitofemoral nerve, but sensory blockage of LFC nerve was demonstrated in 92.5% patients in FICB and 62.5% of patients in three in one block, which was significantly lower (p-value &amp;lt;0.001 HS). VAS at 12 hours after surgery during movement of 3.68 ± 2.77 in the FICB group and 4.90 ±0.18 in the 3 in 1 group were statistically significant (P value = 0.007). Conclusion The FICB provides a high degree of sensory blockade of the LFC nerve and improves analgesia when continuous passive motion is initiated in the early postoperative period; also, it is easy to perform, reliable and does not threaten any vital organ. Thus, FICB can be recommended as an alternative to three in one block for the treatment of pain after hip and knee arthroplasty.

Continuous thoracic epidural versus continuous paravertebral analgesia in patients undergoing open renal surgery: Evaluation of pulmonary function; randomized double-blinded clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background This study aimed to assess pulmonary functions after either continuous thoracic paravertebral block (cTPVB) or thoracic epidural block (cTEB) in open renal surgeries. Methodsː The double-blinded, randomized clinical trial included 40 patients scheduled for open renal surgeries at Urology Hospital-Assiut University, equally assigned into group E (n = 20) and group P (n = 20), both at the level of 7th-8th thoracic vertebra. Initially, 7.5–12 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% was started before the induction of general anesthesia, followed by bupivacaine 0.125% continuously at a rate of 5–15 ml/h. Forced vital capacity (FVC) measured every 6 hours postoperatively within the first 24 hours was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), diaphragmatic excursion (DE), postoperative analgesia, total opioid consumption, total local anesthetic dose, hemodynamics and complications. Resultsː FVC, FEV1 and DE were better preserved in cTPVB where the lowest postoperative readings as a fraction of preoperative control were 0.7 ± 0.11 vs 0.65 ± 0.11 L, 0.74 ± 0.11 vs 0.64 ± 0.10 L and 0.73 ± 0.1 vs 0.58 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. The lowest postoperative PEFR was reported in cTEB (p-value = 0.128). Analysis of numeric rating pain scale, total opioid consumption and time of first rescue analgesic request revealed a statistical nonsignificant difference. The total infused dose of local anesthetic was significantly higher in cTPVB group. Incidence of sympatholytic complications was higher in cTEB. Conclusion cTEB and cTPVB had convergent effect on respiratory function and diaphragmatic motility and equivalent analgesic efficacy after open renal surgeries. Although cTPVB was technically easier and less time-consuming than cTEB, higher dose of local anaesthetic was required in cTPVB.

Severity of spinal degeneration does not affect the pain reduction under continuous epidural analgesia

PurposeTo outline clinical effectiveness of continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) or lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) depending on severity of spinal degeneration.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, all patients with FBSS or LSS who underwent CEA within an inpatient rehabilitation program were evaluated. The pain reduction was measured by VAS on an hourly basis. Substantial pain reduction was defined as a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) > 50%. Severity of spinal degeneration, side effects and patient-specific characteristics were documented.ResultWe included a total of 148 patients with 105 patients suffering from FBSS and 48 with LSS. The average pain reduction was − 37.6 ± 19.2 in FBSS and − 38.1 ± 17.8 in LSS group (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). In the FBSS group, sensory deficits (p = .047) and numbness (p = .002), and in the LSS group, a severe disability measured by ODI (38.2 ± 15.4 vs. 57.3 ± 11.3, p < .001) significantly contributed to a worse outcome. The severity of the spinal degeneration and psychological disorders did not affect the pain reduction in terms of MCID.ConclusionsThis study provides new evidence about CEA in the treatment of FBSS and LSS. CEA provides a significant pain reduction even under intensified physiotherapeutic exercising in patients with severe spinal degeneration and a broad variety of secondary diagnoses. Neurologic deficits in case of FBSS and severe disability in case of LSS may be risk factors for less favorable outcome.

Continuous nerve block versus thoracic epidural analgesia for post-operative pain of pectus excavatum repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Surgery to repair pectus excavatum (PE) is often associated with severe postoperative pain, which can impact the length of hospital stay (LOS). While thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) has traditionally been used for pain management in PE, its placement can sometimes result in severe neurological complications. Recently, paravertebral block (PVB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) have been recommended for many other chest and abdominal surgeries. However, due to the more severe and prolonged pain associated with PE repair, it is still unclear whether continuous administration of these blocks is as effective as TEA. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate the equivalence of continuous PVB and ESPB to TEA.

‘Walking epidural’: comparison of the analgesic efficacy of levobupivacaine 0.0625% + fentanyl 2mcg/mL versus ropivacaine 0.075% + fentanyl 2mcg/mL

IntroductionEpidural infusion with low local anesthetic concentrations with opiates decrease the severity of the motor blockade associated. The present study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy and the motor blockade between two local anesthetic epidural infusions: levobupivacaine 0.0625% + fentanyl 2mcg/mL versus ropivacaine 0.075% + fentanyl 2mcg/mL.Materials and methodsIn a single-blind prospective randomized study, 60 laboring parturient had continuous epidural analgesia as follows: 30 of them received levobupivacaine 0.0625% + fentanyl 2mcg/mL and 30 of them received ropivacaine 0.075% + fentanyl 2mcg/mL and rates of infusion were adjusted to the height. Analgesic, motor blockade and satisfaction records were collected as well as maternal and neonate adverse events.ResultsAfter 2 h of the catheter placement, patients who received levobupivacaine showed a mean VAS of 3.2 [1.8–4.6] versus 1.8 [1.2–2.5] (p = 0.05) in patients who received ropivacaine. In addition, patients who received levobupivacaine showed a punctuation in Bromage scale of 0.0 [0.0–1.0] versus 0.0 [0.0–0.0] (p = 0.04) in patients who received ropivacaine. Finally, the parturient who received levobupivacaine scored a mean satisfaction index of 8.1 [7.3–8.9] versus 9.3 [8.7–9.8] (p = 0.02) in those who received ropivacaine. We did not register maternal nor neonate adverse events.ConclusionBoth infusions (levobupivacaine 0.0625% + fentanyl 2mcg/mL and ropivacaine 0.075% + fentanyl 2mcg/mL) are effective for labor analgesia. However, ropivacaine would present a better pharmacodynamic profile with less motor blockade and decreased need for analgesic rescue hence improving patient’s satisfaction.

Perioperative interventions to improve early mobilisation and physical function after hip fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Perioperative interventions could enhance early mobilisation and physical function after hip fracture surgery. Determine the effectiveness of perioperative interventions on early mobilisation and physical function after hip fracture. Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from January 2000 to March 2022. English language experimental and quasi-experimental studies were included if patients were hospitalised for a fractured proximal femur with a mean age 65years or older and reported measures of early mobilisation and physical function during the acute hospital admission. Data were pooled using a random effect meta-analysis. Twenty-eight studies were included from 1,327 citations. Studies were conducted in 26 countries on 8,192 participants with a mean age of 80years. Pathways and models of care may provide a small increase in early mobilisation (standardised mean difference [SMD]: 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.39, I2= 73%) and physical function (SMD: 0.07, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.15, I2= 0%) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation analgesia may provide a moderate improvement in function (SMD: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.24-1.05, I2= 96%). The benefit of pre-operative mobilisation, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, recumbent cycling and clinical supervision on mobilisation and function remains uncertain. Evidence of no effect on mobilisation or function was identified for pre-emptive analgesia, intraoperative periarticular injections, continuous postoperative epidural infusion analgesia, occupational therapy training or nutritional supplements. Perioperative interventions may improve early mobilisation and physical function after hip fracture surgery. Future studies are needed to model the causal mechanisms of perioperative interventions on mobilisation and function after hip fracture.

Üç Farklı Kateter Sabitleme Tekniğinde Epidural Kateter Migrasyonunun Karşılaştırılması: Prospektif Randomize Bir Çalışma

Objective: We hypothesized that subcutaneous tunnelling will be more efficacious in preventing epidural catheter migration in the postoperative period. To compare three different fixation techniques for migration of epidural catheter in the postoperative period. Methods: Patients undergoing elective surgery with planned postoperative analgesia with lumbar epidural were included. They were divided into 3 groups based on catheter fixation – Group I: transparent adhesive dressing tape, Group II: fixator device (Locklt Plus® ) and Group III: catheter subcutaneously tunnelled vertically. The catheter mark was noted during insertion and on removal at the end of second day. The primary outcome measure was epidural catheter migration; the secondary outcome measures were complications and patient satisfaction scores. Results: Of the 170 patients recruited, 150 patients were included. The Likelihood Ratio (LR) of migration of group I in comparison to group II was 13.28 (p&lt;0.001) while with group III was 7.06 (p=0.007). There was no significant difference between groups II and III (LR 1.12, p=0.29). The satisfaction scores were comparable among Groups II and III. There was no difference in complications among groups. Conclusion: Epidural migration is significantly reduced by both tunnelling and Lockit plus® methods in comparison to a transparent adhesive dressing in patients on continuous lumbar epidural analgesia in the first two postoperative days. The subcutaneous tunnelling method is as safe in terms of migration as the LockIt plus® method of fixation. Keywords: Catheter adverse effects, epidural analgesia, epidural catheter, postoperative pain

Continuous Epidural Analgesia Versus Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block in Unilateral Lower Extremity Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery: A Matched Case Comparison Study.

Introduction Continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) provides effective postoperative pain relief but includes a substantial side effect profile. Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNBs) have fewer side effects and may quicken ambulation. The purpose of this study was to compare the morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), need for analgesic rescue, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, time to ambulation, postoperative blood pressures, length of stay (LOS), and adverse event rates. Methods This was a matched case comparison study of pediatric patients (ages 8-17) undergoing unilateral lower limb surgery (41 CEA and 36 CPNB). Patients with a history of chronic pain, previous lower extremity surgery, and developmental delay were excluded. The Chi-square test and Student's t-test were used, and p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results There were no statistically significant differences in demographics or the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. There were no significant differences in postoperative MMEs, the need for analgesic rescue, or VAS scores on any postoperative day. The CEA group had a longer time to ambulation (2.56 ± 0.93 days versus 1.89 ± 0.69 days, p = 0.004). The CEA group demonstrated a higher number of days of systolic hypotension (0.61 ± 0.97 mmHg versus 0.06 ± 0.23 mmHg, p = 0.0009) and diastolic hypotension (1.90 ± 1.24 mmHg versus 1.00 ± 0.93 mmHg, p = 0.0006). There were no significant differences in the length of stay between the CEA and CPNB groups (5.08 versus 4.24, p = 0.28). There was no statistically significant difference between the rates of pruritus, light-headedness, and altered mental status. The CEA group demonstrated higher rates of nausea (51.2% versus 13.9%, p = 0.001), constipation (36.6% versus8.3%, p = 0.004), urinary retention (9.8% versus0%, p = 0.006), and average number of minor adverse events per patient (1.02 versus0.25, p = 0.002). Conclusions CPNBs and CEAs demonstrate equivalent postoperativeopioid use after unilateral lower extremity surgery in the pediatric population. In our population, a low complication rate and a decreased time to ambulation were seen in the CPNB group. There may be certain select scenarios priorly managed with a CEA that can be appropriately managed with a CPNB. A prospective multicenter study incorporating patient satisfaction data could further facilitate the incorporation of CPNB in pediatric pain management protocols after orthopedic surgery.

Effect of continuous spinal anesthesia on the hemodynamics of labor analgesia in hypertensive pregnant women: a comparative, randomized clinical trial

BackgroundTo observe the changes in hemodynamic, stress and inflammatory responses during labor and their labor outcomes after continuous spinal anesthesia labor analgesia for hypertensive pregnant women, and to evaluate whether the continuous spinal anesthesia had any advantages compared to continuous epidural analgesia for hypertensive pregnant women and their newborns.MethodsA total of 160 hypertensive pregnant women were selected and randomly divided into continuous spinal anesthesia analgesia group (CSA group) and continuous epidural analgesia group (EA group). Participant age, height, weight and gestational week were recorded; MAP, VAS score, CO and SVR were recorded after the onset of regular uterine contractions (T0), 10 min after analgesia (T1), 30 min (T2), 60 min (T3), when the uterine opening was complete (T4) and when the fetus was delivered (T5); the duration of the first stage of labor and the second stage of labor were recorded; the number of cases of treatment with oxytocin and antihypertensive therapy, mode of delivery, eclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage were counted; pregnant women Bromage scores were recorded at T2. We also recorded neonatal weight, Apgar scores at 1, 5 and 10 min after birth; arterial blood gas analysis of the umbilical cord was performed in newborns; finally, TNF-α, IL-6, and cortisol in pregnant women venous blood were measured at T0, T5, and 24 h after delivery (T7). The number of successful compressions and the total drug dosage administered by the analgesic pump were recorded for both groups.ResultsThe first stage of labor in CSA was longer than EA (P < 0.05); the MAP, VAS and SVR value in CSA were lower than EA group at T1, T3 and T4 (P < 0.05); in contrast, the CO in CSA at T3 and T4 was higher than in EA (P < 0.05). The oxytocin was more often used whereas the antihypertensive drugs were less used in CSA as compared to EA. The level of TNF-α, IL-6, Cor in the CSA at T5 was lower than the EA group (P < 0.05), and the level of TNF-α in the CSA group at T7 was lower than the EA group (P < 0.05).ConclusionFor pregnant women with hypertension during pregnancy, continuous spinal anesthesia labor analgesia has no significant effect on the final mode of delivery, but shows precise analgesic effect and stabilizes circulatory system, it is recommended to perform continuous spinal anesthesia early in labor for hypertensive pregnant women, which can effectively reduce the stress reaction.Trial registrationChiCTR-INR-17012659.Date of registration: 13/09/2017.