Continuous Interscalene Block Research Articles

Continuous Interscalene Block Associated with Neck Hematoma and Postoperative Sepsis

Continuous peripheral nerve blockade is often used for the management of postoperative pain, even in ambulatory patients. The reported incidence of infectious complications after continuous nerve blockade is low. We report a case of Staphylococcus aureus sepsis after total shoulder arthroplasty in a patient who presented to her surgeon 8 days postoperatively with lethargy and labored breathing. Preoperatively, the patient had received a continuous interscalene block for analgesia that was associated with a neck hematoma. After readmission, exploratory laparotomy, and extensive hospital stay, the patient was discharged to an extended care facility in good condition.

Comparison Study of Postoperative Pain Control for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Continuous Morphine Infusion and Continuous Interscalene Block

Comparison Study of Postoperative Pain Control for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Continuous Morphine Infusion and Continuous Interscalene Block

Interscalene block for postoperative analgesia using only ultrasound guidance: the outcome in 200 patients

Study Objective To report the results of single and continuous interscalene blocks (ISB) performed using ultrasound (US) guidance only. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Operating room of a university-affiliated orthopaedic hospital. Patients 200 ASA physical status I, II, and III patients undergoing shoulder or elbow surgery. Interventions Single or continuous ISB were placed using US guidance only. All blocks were performed by anesthesiology residents and supervised by faculty anesthesiologists. Measurements Success rate and frequency of untoward events such as needle paresthesia, vessel puncture, infection, and persistent neurologic deficits were prospectively recorded. Main Results 99% of patients reported sensory and motor changes in the distribution of the brachial plexus and postoperative pain scores ≤ 2. The rates of needle paresthesia and vessel puncture were 6% and 1%, respectively. Two patients (1%) reported transient neurologic deficits. No signs or symptoms of infection or intravascular injection were noted. There were also no permanent neurologic deficits. Conclusions In this group of 200 consecutive patients, the success rate for postoperative analgesia using US guidance only was 99%. Untoward events such as needle paresthesia and persistent neurologic deficits were lower than existing data on nerve stimulation and paresthesia techniques. Ultrasound can be successfully used as a “stand alone” method to perform ISB.

Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy between Single Interscalene Block Combined with a Continuous Intra-bursal Infusion of Ropivacaine and Continuous Interscalene Block after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

BackgroundThis study evaluated the effectiveness of a continuous interscalene block (CISB) by comparing it with that of a single interscalene block combined with a continuous intra-bursal infusion of ropivacaine (ISB-IB) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.MethodsPatients who had undergone CISB (CISB group; n = 25) were compared with those who had undergone ISB-IB (ISB-IB group; n = 25) for more than 48 hours after surgery. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, motor and/or sensory deficit, supplementary analgesics and adverse effects were recorded.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the postoperative VAS of the CISB and ISB-IB groups, except at 1 hour after surgery. Their supplementary analgesics of the two groups were similar. Transient motor weakness (52%) and sensory disturbance (40%) of the affected arm were observed in patients in the CISB group. The catheters came out accidentally in 22% of the CISB group but in only 4% of the ISB-IB group.ConclusionsISB-IB provides similar analgesia to CISB. However, the ISB-IB group had a lower incidence of neurological deficits and better catheter retention.

Infectious Risk of Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Infectious Risk of Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Continuous Interscalene Analgesia for Rotator Cuff Repair: A Retrospective Comparison of Effectiveness and Cost in 205 Patients from a Multi-Provider Private Practice Setting

Several barriers exist to the routine use of continuous interscalene block (CISB) for postoperative analgesia following rotator cuff repair There is a perception that the technique is feasible only for single operators exposed to a high volume case load. The aim of this retrospective review was to compare the three commonly employed analgesic techniques following rotator cuff repair in a multi-provider setting. The techniques studied were CISB, combined single injection interscalene block with postoperative intermittent intra-articular local anaesthetic infiltration (SSISB/IA) and intermittent intra-articular only local anaesthetic infiltration (IA). The clinical records of 205 consecutive patients having open rotator cuff repair over an 18-month period in two private care facilities were reviewed. The primary outcome endpoint was total opioid/tramadol consumption during the period of an overnight hospital stay. The median total opioid and tramadol consumption (in intravenous mg equivalents of morphine) from admission to the post anaesthesia care unit until discharge from hospital was 5 mg in the CISB group and 10 mg for the SSISB/IA and IA groups (P < 0.0001). The proportion of subjects requiring more than one antiemetic for the same period was 1.9% in the CISB group, 16.4% for the SSISB/IA group and 36.1% for the IA group (P < 0.0001). Costs related to the analgesic technique were similar in each group. CISB following rotator cuff repair in a multi-provider setting was associated with reduced total opioid/tramadol and antiemetic consumption, and occurred without a significant increase in the monetary cost.

Effects of Local Anesthetic Concentration and Dose on Continuous Interscalene Nerve Blocks: A Dual-Center, Randomized, Observer-Masked, Controlled Study

It is currently unknown if the primary determinant of continuous peripheral nerve block effects is simply total drug dose, or whether local anesthetic concentration and/or volume have an influence. We therefore tested the null hypothesis that providing ropivacaine at different concentrations and rates--but at an equal total basal dose--produces similar effects when used in a continuous interscalene nerve block. Preoperatively, an anterolateral interscalene perineural catheter was inserted using the anterolateral approach in patients undergoing moderately painful shoulder surgery. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive a postoperative perineural infusion of either 0.2% ropivacaine (basal 8 mL/h, bolus 4 mL) or 0.4% ropivacaine (basal 4 mL/h, bolus 2 mL) through the second postoperative day. Our primary endpoint was the incidence of an insensate hand/finger during the 24 hours beginning the morning following surgery. The incidence of an insensate hand/finger did not differ between the treatment groups (n = 50) to a statistically significant degree (0.2% ropivacaine, mean [SD] of 0.8 [1.3] times; 0.4% ropivacaine, mean 0.3 [0.6] times; estimated difference = 0.5 episodes, 95% confidence interval, -0.1 to 1.1 episodes; P = .080). However, this is statistically inconclusive given the confidence interval. In contrast, pain (P = .020) and dissatisfaction (P = .011) were greater in patients given 0.4% ropivacaine. For continuous interscalene nerve blocks, given the statistically inconclusive primary endpoint results and design limitations of the current study, further research on this topic is warranted. In contrast, providing a lower concentration of local anesthetic at a higher basal rate provided superior analgesia.

Acute Neck Cellulitis and Mediastinitis Complicating a Continuous Interscalene Block

We report a case of acute neck cellulitis and mediastinitis complicating a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block. A 61-yr-old man was scheduled for an elective arthroscopic right shoulder rotator cuff repair. A continuous interscalene block was done preoperatively and 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 20 mL of 2% mepivacaine were injected through the catheter. Postoperative analgesia was provided by a continuous infusion of bupivacaine, 0.25% at 5 mL/h for 39 h using a 240-mL elastomeric disposable pump. The day after surgery, the patient complained of neck pain. The analgesic block was not fully effective. He was discharged home. Three days later, the patient was readmitted with neck edema and erythema, fever and fatigue. Neck ultrasonography and computed tomographic scan revealed an abscess of the interscalene and sternocleidomastiod muscles and cellulitis, as well as acute mediastinitis. Two blood cultures and surgical samples were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The infection was treated with surgery, the site was surgically debrided, and a 2-mo course of vancomycin, imipenem, and oxacilline. The technique of drawing local anesthetic from the bottle and filling the elastomeric pump was the most likely cause of infection. This case emphasizes the importance of strict aseptic conditions during puncture, catheter insertion, and management of the local anesthetic infusate.

Whodunnit: The Mysterious Case of Mediastinitis After Continuous Interscalene Block

Whodunnit: The Mysterious Case of Mediastinitis After Continuous Interscalene Block

282. Continuous Interscalene Blocks in Hospital Wards: An Analysis of the Quality of Postoperative Analgesia and Complications in 312 Patients

282. Continuous Interscalene Blocks in Hospital Wards: An Analysis of the Quality of Postoperative Analgesia and Complications in 312 Patients

Continuous Interscalene Blocks in Hospital Wards: An Analysis of the Quality of Postoperative Analgesia and Complications in 312 Patients

Continuous Interscalene Blocks in Hospital Wards: An Analysis of the Quality of Postoperative Analgesia and Complications in 312 Patients

282: Continuous Interscalene Blocks in Hospital Wards: An Analysis of the Quality of Postoperative Analgesia and Complications in 312 Patients

282: Continuous Interscalene Blocks in Hospital Wards: An Analysis of the Quality of Postoperative Analgesia and Complications in 312 Patients

A Novel Approach for Assessing Catheter Position After Ultrasound-Guided Placement of Continuous Interscalene Block

The increasing use of ultrasound has allowed anesthesiologists to perform nerve blocks with a high success rate and without nerve stimulation or eliciting a paresthesia. The ability to visualize peripheral nerve catheters using ultrasound is limited. We present a novel method to confirm the position of an interscalene catheter tip using injection of agitated contrast. The described technique is simple and allows timely assessment of catheter tip position.

Does Patient-Controlled Continuous Interscalene Block Improve Early Functional Rehabilitation After Open Shoulder Surgery?

Early mobilization after shoulder surgery plays a vital role in successful functional rehabilitation. However, postoperative pain often reduces, or even prevents, effective physiotherapy. We investigated the effect of analgesia via patient-controlled interscalene technique on early functional rehabilitation after open shoulder surgery. Eighty-seven patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: patient-controlled continuous interscalene block (PCISB) and patient-controlled i.v. (opioid) analgesia (PCA). Interscalene block was performed preoperatively; otherwise analgesic protocols were started in the postanesthesia care unit and were continued for 72 h. Physiotherapy was performed for 60 min a day on day 2 and 3 after surgery according to a standardized protocol. Maximum mobility was defined as the range of motion that could be achieved with pain as the limiting factor. Efficiency of functional rehabilitation was evaluated 1 day before and 3 days after surgery with the help of a multimodal scoring system (Constant-Score) that evaluates pain, daily life activity, strength and range of motion. Maximum intensity of pain was also monitored via Visual Analog Scales for the first 72 h after surgery and during in-hospital physiotherapy. Constant-Score rates were significantly improved by the interscalene block. However, no significant differences in mobility and strength sub-scores were observed between the groups. Compared with PCA, PCISB proved to be beneficial concerning pain at rest at 6 h (P < 0.001), 24 h (P = 0.044), and 72 h (P = 0.013) and for pain during physiotherapy at 48 h after surgery (P = 0.016). Compared with opioid-based PCA, PCISB improved analgesia, but not function, during early rehabilitation of the shoulder joint.

Successful Continuous Interscalene Analgesia for Ambulatory Shoulder Surgery in a Private Practice Setting

Large prospective studies evaluating continuous interscalene block for shoulder surgery have thus far been limited to inpatient and university teaching practices. Shoulder surgery is increasingly being performed on an outpatient basis. The aim of this case series was to prospectively evaluate a large series of interscalene catheters for ambulatory shoulder surgery in a private practice setting. A single operator placed nonstimulating catheters using a combination of ultrasound and nerve stimulation. Following postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge, opioid-like analgesic adjuvants other than tramadol were avoided unless patients experienced inadequate pain relief. All patients were assessed in the PACU, on the first postoperative morning, and at 3 weeks for catheter effectiveness and for acute and chronic complications. Pain scores and patient satisfaction were assessed in subgroups of 100 consecutive patients. Three hundred patients were studied. The first attempt catheter success rate was 96%. In all but 1 patient, ineffective catheters in the PACU were effectively reinserted. Thirteen patients experienced inadequate pain relief after leaving the PACU. Of these patients, 5 were rescued with additional ropivacaine, 3 had the catheter effectively reinserted, and 5 were managed with oral opioids. One patient required antibiotic treatment for catheter site infection. Neurological sequelae potentially attributable to the catheter were present in 3 patients at 3 weeks, and remained in 1 patient at 4 weeks. This patient's symptoms resolved at 6 months. Continuous interscalene block for ambulatory shoulder surgery in a private practice setting had a high success rate, a low complication rate, and enabled the avoidance of the use of potent opioids in 98% of patients.

Eficacia del bloqueo interescalénico continuo en comparación a la analgesia intra-articular para el tratamiento del dolor postoperatorio en acromioplastias artroscópicas

To compare the utility of intra-articular analgesia (IA) to that of a continuous interscalene block (CIB) by evaluating the quality of postoperative analgesia, a satisfaction index, and the incidence of complications. A randomized controlled trial enrolling patients classified as ASA 1 or 2. The IA group received 25 mL of ropivacaine 0.2% plus 2 mg of morphine. The CIB group received a 7-mL/h infusion of bupivacaine 0.0625% plus 1 microg/mL of sufentanil. Postoperative pain was expressed on a visual analog scale (VAS) at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. Intravenous morphine was used as a rescue analgesic. Morphine use, incidence of adverse effects, and level of patient satisfaction after 48 hours were recorded. Twenty-three patients were randomized to the IA group and 24 to the CIB group. There were no between-group differences in patient characteristics. VAS scores and morphine use were similar in the 2 groups in the first 12 hours but were lower in the CIB group at 24 and 48 hours. The level of patient satisfaction was higher in the CIB group. There was a higher incidence of nausea and/or vomiting in the IA group at 24 and 48 hours. Postoperative pain in the first 12 hours after shoulder surgery can be adequately managed with either IA or CIB. CIB is more effective than IA between 12 and 48 hours after surgery.

13: Postoperative analgesia by continuous interscalene block with 0.2% ropivacaine

13: Postoperative analgesia by continuous interscalene block with 0.2% ropivacaine

Continuous interscalene block at home: why not?

Continuous interscalene block at home: why not?

Postoperative analgesia by continuous interscalene block with 0.2% ropivacaine

Postoperative analgesia by continuous interscalene block with 0.2% ropivacaine

72: Continuous interscalene block at home: why not?

72: Continuous interscalene block at home: why not?