Fentanyl Consumption Research Articles

Correlation of pain perception and fentanyl consumption after major abdominal surgery with CGRP 4218T/C polymorphism: A prospective interventional study.

Genetic polymorphisms contribute to patients' variability in pain perception and response to opioid treatment. The present study evaluated the association of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) 4218T/C polymorphisms with fentanyl consumption over 24 h postoperatively in patients after major abdominal surgery. Eighty-five patients undergoing major abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia were recruited. For postoperative analgesia, epidural fentanyl and intravenous paracetamol were provided. The CGRP 4218T/C genotype was analysed, and the association between the genotype of the patient and the total consumption of fentanyl in the first 24 h after surgery was assessed. The association between different genotypes, the severity of postoperative pain and the side effects of opioids were also studied. Our study population distribution included 52.9% of the T/T genotype (wild homozygote), 35.3% of the T/C genotype (heterozygote) and 11.8% of the C/C genotype (mutant homozygote). Mean (standard deviation) total fentanyl consumption in the first 24 h was found to be highest in the C/C group (212.0 [7.5] μg), followed by the T/T group (182.8 [9.9] μg) and was the least in the T/C group (159.6 [7.5] μg). The C/C group reported higher pain scores in all the study periods. There was no significant difference in the side effects of opioids, such as nausea, vomiting, sedation among different genotypes of CGRP 4218T/C. The polymorphism of CGRP 4218T/C affects postoperative pain perception and analgesic consumption. Patients with the C/C genotype had higher postoperative fentanyl consumption and pain scores.

The Role of Pupillometry in the Assessment of Pain in Children Under General Anesthesia: A Prospective Single-Blinded Observational Study.

Background and objective The management and treatment of nociception remain one of the major challenges in anesthesiology, and hemodynamic variations may occur due to inadequate analgesia, which at times can be injurious. Pupillometry is a new noninvasive tool to assess nociception during anesthesia. The amount of pupillary reflex dilation (PRD) is directly proportional to the intensity of nociceptive stimuli and inversely proportional to the opioid dosage. This study aimed to assess the use of pupillometry as reflex pupillary dilatation in response to surgical stimulus in children under general anesthesia and to guide intraoperative opioid consumption. Materials and methods After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee and written consent from parents, children with anAmerican Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification of I and II and aged 2-12 years who were undergoing surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective randomized observational study. General anesthesia was standardized with propofol, sevoflurane, and O2 andN2O (50:50%), and fentanyl administration was guided by pupil diameter changes. The primary outcome was to measure pupillary dilatation in response to pain and fentanyl administration guided by it. Results A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The mean pupil diameter significantly increased after surgical stimulus from 1.37 ±0.87to 2.40 ±1.95 mm (p<0.001).The heart rate (116.2 ±12.25to 118.50 ±8.20 beats/minute, p=0.18) and systolic BP (114.60 ±17.73 to 118.50 ±12.25 mmHg, p=0.12)did not change significantly on stimulus. The mean fentanyl consumption was 2.4 ug/kg and the side effects were not remarkable. Conclusion Based on our findings, pain has a significant influence on the pupil dilatation reflex in anesthetized children, and opioid administration based on pupil diameter can be valuable in clinical settings. We recommend the use of pupillometry as a pain index in children undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, and it can be a beneficial tool for assessing intraoperative pain. Newer techniques and developments are required in this field.

Analgesic Effects of Magnesium Sulphate as an Adjuvant to Fentanyl for Monitored Anaesthesia Care During Hysteroscopy.

Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) is conventionally used in the treatment of eclampsia, refractive arrhythmias, asthma, etc. In our study, we aimed to study the analgesic effects of MgSO4 as an adjuvant to fentanyl and reduce the intraoperative opioid requirement to decrease their adverse effects. A total of 122 patients scheduled for hysteroscopy were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the magnesium group (group A) received intravenous MgSO4 50 mg/kg in 100 ml of isotonic saline over 15 minutes before anaesthesia induction and then 15 mg/kg per hour by continuous intravenous infusion. Patients in the control group (group B) received an equal volume of isotonic saline as a placebo. All the patients were induced with fentanyl and propofol. Perioperative haemodynamic monitoring and postoperative assessment of pain were done. Only 18% of the patients in group A required rescue analgesics as compared to 39.3% of patients in group B. The patients receiving MgSO4 displayed lower verbal numeric rating scale scores in the postoperative period. In addition, the intraoperative requirement of fentanyl (101 (21.33) vs. 144 (28.4) µg, mean (SD)) and propofol (121 (13.3) vs. 140 (16.5) mg, mean (SD)) was significantly lower in group A as compared to that in group B. MgSO4, when administered as an adjuvant to opioids, provided effective postoperative analgesia thereby reducing the need for rescue analgesics. It also decreases intraoperative fentanyl consumption and its dose-related side effects.

Pericapsular nerve group block in hip arthroplasty: A prospective randomized trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of the ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block in hip arthroplasty (HA) surgery. A prospective double-blinded, randomized study. Tertiary institutional clinical care. Fifty patients, more than 50 years old of both genders, were chosen according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, with physical status I-III, and scheduled for unilateral HA surgeries. Patients were randomized to receive either a sham PENG block with 20 mL of normal saline (control group) or a PENG block with 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.25 percent (PENG group). From the onset of the first request for rescue opioid analgesia, preoperative pain scores before and after block (at rest and with a raised straight leg), the incidence of quadriceps weakness after the block, intraoperative fentanyl consumption, post-operative pain scores, and morphine consumption, besides the presence and frequency of adverse events, were recorded. The patients undergoing PENG block with bupivacaine had prolonged durations before the first analgesic request, lower perioperative pain scores, less intraoperative rescue fentanyl, and less post-operative morphine consumption than the control group, with nonsignificant motor weakness after the block and similar adverse events. The PENG block provided effective perioperative analgesia for HA with prolonged duration of analgesia, nonsignificant motor effects, reduced perioperative opioids consumption, and no major side effects.

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus port site infiltration for postoperative pain and quality of recovery in adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: An assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial.

Pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is common and results in poor quality of recovery. Our study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of port site local infiltration, novel erector spinae plane (ESP) block, and standard regimen in patients undergoing LC and its impact on functional recovery. After ethical approval and registering the trial, we randomly allocated 105 adult patients undergoing LC to three groups: Group I (n = 35), received multimodal analgesia; Group II (n = 35), received pre-incisional port site infiltration with 20 ml of 0.375% bupivacaine; and Group III (n = 35), preoperative bilateral ESP block with 20 ml of 0.375% bupivacaine bilaterally was administered. Pain severity, fentanyl consumption, and time to first rescue analgesia were recorded over 24 h. Quality of recovery (QoR-15) was assessed at baseline and 24 h postoperatively. Pain in the first 6 h was lowest in the ESP group (P < 0.001). Although static pain in the infiltration group was comparable with that in the ESP group after 6 h (P > 0.05), dynamic pain was better in the ESP group till 20 h postoperatively (P < 0.05). Fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the ESP group (P < 0.001). Global and sub-dimensional QoR-15 scores were significantly higher only in the ESP group at 24 h compared to the other two groups (P < 0.001). The infiltration group did better than the control group in terms of total opioid requirement (P < 0.001) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score after 6 h (P < 0.001). ESP block provided lower postoperative pain scores with opioid-sparing and better quality of recovery in patients undergoing LC.

The Effects of Intraoperative Remifentanil Infusion on Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Patients Who Underwent Total Knee Arthroplasty with Femoral Nerve Block.

(1) Background: Remifentanil is used for intraoperative pain control; however, it has several side effects, such as hypotension and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. We aimed to determine whether an intraoperative remifentanil infusion may increase postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing total knee arthroscopy (TKA) under femoral nerve block (FNB) in addition to general anesthesia. (2) Methods: We randomly assigned 66 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty to the remifentanil (R) and control (C) groups. All patients underwent FNB and popliteal artery and posterior capsule of the knee (iPACK) block in addition to sevoflurane-based general anesthesia. Postoperative pain control was achieved using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) fentanyl. We recorded IV-PCA fentanyl consumption at various postoperative timepoints, numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, intraoperative changes in vital signs and index of nociception (qNOX), ephedrine consumption, postoperative side effects, satisfaction, and sleep quality. (3) Results: The primary outcome (the cumulative IV-PCA fentanyl usage within 48 h postoperatively) was significantly lower in the C group (541.1 ± 294.5 µg) than in the R group (717.5 ± 224.0 µg) (p < 0.001). The secondary outcome (the cumulative IV-PCA fentanyl usage within 12, 24, and 72 h) was lower in the C group than in the R group and the mean arterial pressure was lower in the R group than in the C group from immediately after tourniquet on to immediately after tourniquet off. The heart rate was lower in the R group from immediately after incision to immediately after irrigation. There was no significant between-group difference in the perioperative qNOX and NRS scores at rest and activity except for NRS scores at 72 h postoperatively. Ephedrine use was higher in the R group than in the C group (p = 0.003). There was no significant between-group difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, nor in the postoperative satisfaction and sleep quality. (4) Conclusions: Avoiding intraoperative remifentanil infusion may reduce total opioid consumption in patients undergoing FNB before TKA.

A Comparative Study between Postoperative Pain Relief with Transversus Abdominis Plane Block and Local Field Block at Port Site in Lower Abdominal Laparoscopic Surgeries

Background: In order to provide post-operative analgesia following abdominal incision, blocking the sensory nerve supply to the anterior abdominal wall is a potential strategy. Current methods for blocking these afferent nerves, including abdominal field blocks, have limited therapeutic usefulness, and the level of block that is accomplished is variable. Aim: To compare the postoperative pain relief between ultrasound guided TAP block and local field block at port site in lower abdominal laparoscopic surgeries, the pain being assessed by visual analogue scale scoring. Method and materials: Sixty patients were considered in the study, 30 patients were randomized to undergo TAP blockade and 30 were randomized to undergo local field blockade. Results: Fentanyl consumption as total requirement of fentanyl, number of patients requiring fentanyl and incidence of nausea and vomiting. P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant. ANOVA test for age reveals the P value of 0.643 indicating that there is no significant effect of the variance in the age of patients between the groups. ANOVA for height shows a P value of 0.076, P value for weight of 0.176 and P value for ASA grading of 0.798 shows that there is no significance of the differences in the patient characteristics. Mann Whitney test, t-test, modified t-test were the statistical hypothesis tests used to assess significance of difference in patient characteristics. Conclusion: The TAP block holds considerable promise as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen for post-operative pain management in lower abdominal surgeries.

Postoperative analgesic effectiveness of ultrasound guided combined femoral - sciatic nerve block versus combined adductor canal block – I PACK block in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: A double- blind randomized study

ABSTRACT Background For successful rehabilitation and optimal functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty surgery, patients must have effective pain control. Peripheral nerve blocks offer an excellent solution for perioperative multimodal analgesia and are advocated to reduce postoperative opioid consumption. Objectives The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of combined Femoral-Sciatic nerve block and Adductor- interspace between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) block in terms of total rescue analgesia dosage and ambulation on the first postoperative day. Method This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital. Sixty patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were randomly divided into two equal groups: one group received a Femoral-Sciatic nerve block, and the other received an Adductor-IPACK block. Both ultrasound-guided blocks were performed by injecting 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine immediately after anaesthesia induction. The postoperative opioid requirement in the first 24 hours was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Motor power, intraoperative fentanyl consumption, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, procedure time, surgery duration, tourniquet time, and technique complications were also recorded. Results Femoral-Sciatic group had lower opioid consumption. The Adductor-IPACK group showed a statistically significant higher Modified Bromage score. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the postoperative pain score assessed using the VAS. Conclusion Based on our study, we conclude that Femoral-Sciatic blocks required a lower dose of rescue analgesia compared to the Adductor-IPACK group. The Adductor-IPACK group also experienced lesser postoperative muscle power impairment.

Evaluating the perioperative analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided trigeminal nerve block in adult patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery under general anesthesia: A randomized controlled study

ABSTRACT Background Although ultrasound-guided nerve blocks have lately been used to control pain, there is not much evidence assessing the outcome of trigeminal nerve block (TNB) in maxillofacial surgery. This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of analgesia with an ultrasound-guided trigeminal nerve block (USGTNB) in patients undergoing unilateral maxillofacial surgery under general anesthesia. Methods This single-blinded, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial included 50 adult patients who had American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II and were prepared for elective unilateral maxillofacial procedure under general anesthesia. The patients were randomized into two groups. In the intervention (TNB) group, 25 patients received USGTNB using 5 ml of bupivacaine 0.25%, while in the control group, 25 patients received only general anesthesia. Total intraoperative fentanyl consumption was the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes were the intraoperative hemodynamic parameters besides the postoperative pain, total opioid consumption, complications, and patient satisfaction. Results Compared to general anesthesia, USGTNB significantly reduced the intraoperative fentanyl consumption (2.38 ± 0.62 vs 0.36 ± 0.55, p < 0.001), and the intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure at 1, 2, and 3 h (p < 0.001), the numerical rating score during the 24 postoperative hours (p < 0.001), and the postoperative nalbuphine consumption (11.60 ± 4.72 vs 1.92 ± 3.28, p < 0.001). USGTNB had a better safety profile and showed better patient satisfaction compared to general anesthesia alone (8.04 ± 0.89 vs 5.84 ± 0.90, p < 0.001). Conclusion USGTNB can provide an effective, safe approach for controlling pain in adult patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery.

Rhomboid intercostal block versus serratus block for postoperative analgesia after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAlthough thoracoscopic sympathectomy is made via small incisions, it is associated with severe postoperative pain. Both Rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) and serratus anterior plane block (SABP) are recent techniques used for pain control after such procedures. Herein, we compared RIB and SAPB regarding pain control in patients undergoing thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.Patients and methodsThree groups were enrolled in this prospective randomized study (71 patients in each group); Group S received SAPB, Group R received RIB and Group C as controls. The block procedures were performed after general anesthesia and prior to the skin incision.ResultsThe three groups showed comparable demographics and operative time (P ˃ 0.05). Pain scores showed a significant decline with the two block procedures compared to controls during the first day following surgery (both P ˂ 0.05), but Group R had better scores compared to Group S. Both block techniques were associated with a significant prolongation of the time to first rescue analgesic and less fentanyl consumption compared to controls (both P ˂ 0.05). However, both parameters were improved with RIB rather than SAPB (both P ˂ 0.05). Both blocks led to a significant improvement in patient satisfaction than in the control group (both P ˂ 0.05), but it was comparable between the two approaches (P ˃ 0.05).ConclusionBoth RIB and SAPB are safe and effective in pain reduction after thoracoscopic sympathectomy procedures in patients with hyperhidrosis. Moreover, RIB is superior to SAPB as it is associated with better analgesic outcomes.Trial registrationPan African Trial Registry PACTR202203766891354. https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/Researcher/TrialRegister.aspx?TrialID=21522

Efficacy of Incisional Ropivacaine Infiltration by Presternal Multi-Orifice Catheter for Post-sternotomy Pain Relief in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study

To evaluate the efficacy of incisional ropivacaine infiltration by presternal multi-orifice catheter to manage poststernotomy pain in pediatric cardiac surgery. A prospective, randomized, and double-blind comparative study. At a single-institution tertiary referral cardiac center. The study comprised 200 children undergoing cardiac surgeries through a midline sternotomy. Children were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 groups. Group A (n=65) and group B (n=64) received 0.375% ropivacaine infusion and intermittent bolus, respectively, by presternal multi-orifice catheter, whereas Group C (n=64) did not receive any local anesthetic (LA) drug. Postoperatively, intravenous paracetamol was used for multimodal analgesia, and fentanyl was given as rescue analgesia, respectively. Pain was assessed by a Modified Objective Pain Score (MOPS) for 48 hours postextubation. Group B had significantly lower early MOPS at the first hour, but in the later period, the mean MOPS was lower in group A. The requirement of the first rescue analgesia was 3 ± 1.51, 6.1 ± 2.26, and 2.6 ± 0.87 hours for groups A (n=60), B (n=60), and C (n=60), respectively. The 48-hour fentanyl consumption was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in group A (0.5 ± 0.68 µg/kg) and group B (0.7 ± 0.86 µg/kg) than the control group (3.4 ± 0.68 µg/kg). The length of intensive care unit stay was lower (p < 0.001) in groups A and B than in group C; however, the length of hospital stay was comparable (p=0.07). LA bolus and infusion through presternal multi-orifice catheter provided effective analgesia postoperatively. However, the bolus was more efficacious in the early phase but equivalent in later periods. Therefore, bolus and LA infusion can be used for steady poststernotomy pain relief in children undergoing cardiac surgeries.

Comparison of the Outcomes of Oral Versus Nasal Endotracheal Intubation in Neonates and Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

The choice of oral or nasal endotracheal intubation in children undergoing cardiac surgery is affected by several factors. This study compared the outcomes of oral versus nasal intubation in neonates and infants who underwent open cardiac surgery. A randomized, controlled, open-labeled study. At a university hospital. A total of 220 infants and neonates who underwent cardiac surgery. Patients were allocated randomly to oral or nasal intubation. The primary outcome measure was postoperative fentanyl consumption (µg/kg/h) by intubated patients. Secondary outcome measures were the increase in heart rate (HR) from baseline during intubation, the time consumed for intubation, accidental intraoperative extubation, the occurrence of epistaxis, time to extubation, the onset of full oral feeding, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital lengths of stay, and the incidence of postoperative complications (the need for reintubation, stridor, pneumonia, wound infection). The mean (SD) postoperative fentanyl consumption of intubated patients (the primary outcome) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the nasal intubation group (0.53 ± 0.48) µg/kg/h compared with the oral intubation group (0.82 ± 0.20) µg/kg/h. The median (IQR) time needed for the intubation (31.5, 27-35 v 16, 14.8-18 seconds) was significantly (p < 0.001) longer, and the mean (SD) increase in HR (beats/min) from baseline during intubation (18 ± 5 v 26 ± 7) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the nasal intubation group compared to the oral intubation group. The incidence of inadvertent intraoperative extubation was significantly (p=0.029) higher in the oral (n=6, 6.1%) than in the nasal (n=0, 0%) intubation group. The median (IQR) time to extubation (14, 12.6-17.2 v 20.5, 16.4-25.4 hours) and the ICU length of stay (27, 26-28 v 30, 28-34 hours) were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter in the nasal group compared to the oral group. The median (IQR) time to onset of full oral feeding was significantly (p=0.031) shorter in the nasal intubation group (3, 1-6 days) compared to the oral intubation group (4, 2-7 days). There were no significant differences between the oral and nasal groups in the duration of hospital stay and the indices for reintubation, postintubation stridor, pneumonia, and surgical wound infection. The nasal route for intubation is associated with less postoperative fentanyl consumption, earlier extubation, lower incidence of accidental extubation, and earlier full oral feeding than oral intubation. The nasal route is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative pneumonia or surgical wound infection.

Claustral neurons projecting to frontal cortex restrict opioid consumption.

The synthetic opioid fentanyl is a major contributor to the current opioid addiction crisis. We report that claustral neurons projecting to the frontal cortex limit oral fentanyl self-administration in mice. We found that fentanyl transcriptionally activates frontal-projecting claustrum neurons. These neurons also exhibit a unique suppression of Ca2+ activity upon initiation of bouts of fentanyl consumption. Optogenetic stimulation of frontal-projecting claustral neurons, intervening in this suppression, decreased bouts of fentanyl consumption. In contrast, constitutive inhibition of frontal-projecting claustral neurons in the context of a novel, group-housed self-administration procedure increased fentanyl bout consumption. This same manipulation also sensitized conditioned-place preference for fentanyl and enhanced the representation of fentanyl experience in the frontal cortex. Together, our results indicate that claustrum neurons exert inhibitory control over frontal cortical neurons to restrict oral fentanyl intake. Upregulation of activity in the claustro-frontal projection may be a promising strategy for reducing human opioid addiction.

Effect of preemptive ultrasound-guided TAP block on intraoperative analgesic requirements in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgeries under general anesthesia: A prospective, randomized controlled study

Background: Pain could lead to an increased consumption of opioids intraoperatively as well as postoperatively with subsequent side effects and prolonged post-operative recovery. Transverse abdominus plain (TAP) block is commonly used for post-operative analgesia. We wanted to study the effect of TAP block, when given as pre-emtive analgesia. Aims and Objectives: The study was conducted to ascertain the benefit TAP block when given before surgical incision. The primary objective was to study the intraoperative fentanyl requirement in patients undergoing Laparoscopic gynecological surgeries. The secondary objectives was to analyze the Intra-operative hemodynamic parameters, time needed to extubate the patient, sedation score, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and the time of first rescue analgesia. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two eligible female patients posted for total laproscopic hysterectomy or Laproscopic-assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy coming were divided into two groups. Group A – Standard General Anaesthesia with pre-operative TAP block. Group B- Standard General Anaesthesia. Whenever there was 15% rise in heart rate (HR) or mean blood pressure (MBP) above the baseline, 20 mcg bolus of fentanyl was given. Total intra-operative Fentanyl consumption, intraoperative HR and MBP, time needed to extubate, post-operative sedation, VAS score, and time of first rescue analgesia was noted. Results: There was no difference in the demographic profile between two groups. The mean intraoperative fentanyl required was significantly higher in Group B (140.33±12.17 mcg) than in Group A (101.33±5.07 mcg). HR and MBP were lower in Group A throughout the procedure. The mean time of extubation was 5.4 min and 15.77 min in Group A and B. The mean sedation score observed was significantly higher up to 30 min in Group B. Mean Time of first rescue analgesia in Group A was 452.90±110.46 min and Group B was 240±89.13 min. Conclusion: Pre-operative TAP block given in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries decreases intraoperative fentanyl consumption leading to early extubation and causes less sedation in early post-operative period.

Effect of Ketamine on Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Neurocognitive alterations in the perioperative period might be caused by a wide variety of factors including pain, blood loss, hypotension, hypoxia, micro- and macroemboli, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), reperfusion damage, and surgery itself, and all are risk factors for developing postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ketamine on neurocognitive dysfunction after anesthesia. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ketamine use (experimental group) with placebo (controls). The model favors the control group over the experimental group in terms of frequency of hallucinations (the risk ratio with 95% CI is 1.54 [1.09, 2.19], p-value = 0.02), the number of patients readmitted within 30 days (RR with 95% CI is 0.25 [0.09, 0.70]), and the number of adverse events (overall RR with 95% CI is 1.31 [1.06, 1.62]). In terms of morphine consumption, the model favors the experimental group. There was no statistically significant difference in incidences of postoperative delirium, vasopressor requirement, and fentanyl consumption between the ketamine and control groups. However, hallucinations were more frequently reported in the ketamine group.

Ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block for perioperative opioid sparing analgesia in breast cancer surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block provides postoperative analgesia in breast surgeries but has limited duration of action that restricts its efficacy to early postoperative period. This study aims to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and opioid sparing effect of ultrasound (US)-guided continuous erector spinae plane (CESP) block in perioperative period in breast cancer surgery. Fifty ASA I/II patients aged more than 18 years, scheduled for elective breast cancer surgery were randomized to either Group B (Block group) or Group C (Control group). Patients in group B received US-guided CESP block, whereas patients in group C did not receive the block prior to general anesthesia. The primary outcome of this study was to measure total tramadol consumption in 24 h postsurgery. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption, pain scores, postoperative nausea/vomiting, and patient satisfaction score at discharge were also recorded. Total tramadol consumption was 94.6% lower in the block group as compared to the control group (5.4 ± 18.7 mg in CESP block group as compared to 99.7 ± 49.6 mg in control group). Intraoperative fentanyl requirement and pain scores were significantly lower in CESP group. Postoperative incidence of nausea/vomiting was similar, but satisfaction score was significantly better in block group. US-guided CESP block provides effective and prolonged peri operative analgesia and opioid sparing in breast cancer surgeries.

The effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral single-shot erector spinae plane block on recovery after on-pump coronary bypass graft surgery: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundFast-track and ultra-fast-track anesthesia techniques can be facilitated with opioid requirements’ reduction and multi-modal analgesia techniques that include the regional anesthesia techniques. The study aimed to assess the preoperative effect of single-shot bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on the extubation time and postoperative pain of patients undergoing on-pump CABG surgery.ResultsThe ESPB group was statistically significant decreased regarding the extubation time, ICU length stay, intraoperative fentanyl, and postoperative morphine consumption than the control group (p < 0.0001 for all the previous measurement). The 1st time of rescue analgesia of the ESPB group was longer than the control group (p < 0.0001). The numerical rating score (NRS) after extubation of the ESPB group was lower at 2 and 4 h after extubation (P = ˂ 0.0001 and 0.0006 respectively) than the control group. The number of patients who required rescue analgesia after extubation was significantly decreased in the ESPB group in comparison to the control group, 2 and 4 h after extubation (P = < 0.0001 and 0.004 respectively).ConclusionsThe preoperative single-shot ultrasound-guided ESPB in patients scheduled for on-pump CABG surgery shortened the extubation time and the length of ICU, decreased intraoperative fentanyl and postoperative morphine consumption and postoperative pain scores, and prolonged 1st time of rescue analgesia without significant effect on the incidence of complications, re-intubation, or mortality.Trial registrationApproval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine (approval code of 33702/02/20) registered at February 2, 2020, and written informed consent was obtained from the patients. The trial was registered at 17 March 2020 in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry with a unique identification number for the registry which is PACTR202003822626676.

Efficacy of different local anaesthetic volumes during erector spinae block for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing open nephrectomy operations. A randomized controlled study

ABSTRACT Background Pain control after surgery is of highest priority. Erector spinae plane block [ESPB] was reported to be a successful method to reduce pain scores and consumption of postoperative opioids. However, hardly any investigation has looked at the ideal volume of bupivacaine for ESPB. So, this work tried to fill this gap of literature in patients undergoing simple nephrectomy. Methods In this randomized double blinded control study, 100 cases undergoing simple nephrectomy were randomized into 4 groups with 25 patients per group. Group E1, 2, and 3 received ESPB with 2.5, 3.4, and 6.6 ml/segment of 0.25% bupivacaine, respectively, whereas there was no block given to the control group. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption, heart rate [HR] and the blood pressure [BP], Postoperative morphine consumption, time passed to first analgesic request, numerical rating score [NRS] of pain, the complications, HR and BP were documented for 24 hours after the operation. Results The reduction in intraoperative fentanyl consumption, postoperative morphine consumption and NRS were a significantly different between the block groups and control. Group E3 had significant difference from other groups with the longest time to first analgesia request. A lower HR was shown in block groups but within normal range. BP showed insignificant difference between groups. There were no reported complications in all study groups. Conclusions The volume of 6.6 ml/level was associated with the best pain control, without significant hemodynamic changes or adverse events as compared to other groups. This suggests that this volume may be the optimal for ESPB in patients undergoing simple nephrectomy.

Serratus anterior plane block versus thoracic epidural block in patients undergoing thoracotomy: a randomized double-blind trial

Background &amp; Objective: Standard pain management technique after thoracic surgery is thoracic epidural analgesia, parentral analgesics and nerve blocks. Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) has many known complications, including respiratory depression and urinary retention. Serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is a simple procedure, which provides postoperative pain relief by blocking the lateral cutaneous branches of T2–T9 spinal neurons. We compared the analgesic efficacy of both of these techniques in thoracotomy patients in this randomized trial.&#x0D; Methodology: The study involved 74 cancer patients scheduled for thoracotomy. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in Group SAPB underwent ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plan block (SAPB) with catheter insertion. The second group (Group TEA) underwent TEA with preoperative indwelling catheter insertion. In both groups blocks were activated before induction of routine general anesthesia (GA) by a bupivacaine bolus dose, then continued as bupivacaine infusion in ICU for postoperative analgesia. Hemodynamic monitoring was started. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption, postoperative morphine consumption, and time to first request for analgesic were noted including MAP in the two groups.&#x0D; Results: Both groups were statistically comparable regarding intraoperative fentanyl consumption, postoperative morphine consumption, and time to first request for analgesia in the two groups. Hypotensive episodes were significantly more frequent (P &lt; 0.001) in the TEA group (n = 17; 45.9%) compared to the Group SAPB (n = 2; 5.4%). Ramsey sedation scores (RSS) were comparable in the two groups immediately postoperatively and after 2 h. After 4 h after recovery all patients in both groups had an RSS of 2.&#x0D; Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block is associated with reduced intraoperative and postoperative fentanyl consumption, but the Ramsey sedation scores were equivalent in the two groups after recovery and upto 4h.&#x0D; Abbreviations: GA: General Anesthesia; PTPS: Post-Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome: RSS: Ramsey Sedation Score; SAPB: Serratus Anterior Plane Block; TEA: Thoracic Epidural Analgesia; VATS: Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery&#x0D; Key words: Pain, Postoperative; Serrataus plane block; Thoracotomy; Ultrasound; Thoracic epidural&#x0D; Citation: Gamal RM, Bossily SS, Ali AR, Samy SF, Seif NE, Ahmed HI. Serratus anterior plane block versus thoracic epidural block in patients undergoing thoracotomy: a randomized double-blind trial. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(3):389−395.&#x0D; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i3.2243&#x0D; Received: March 06, 2023; Reviewed: March 31, 2023; Accepted: April 01, 2023

The effect of erector spinae plane block on fentanyl consumption during open abdominal hysterectomy: a randomised controlled study

BackgroundPerioperative analgesia is very important during an abdominal hysterectomy. Determining the impact of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on patients undergoing an open abdominal hysterectomy while under general anesthesia was our aim.MethodsIn order to create equal groups, 100 patients who underwent elective open abdominal hysterectomies under general anesthesia were enlisted. The preoperative bilateral ESPB with 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% was administered to the ESPB group (n = 50). The same procedure was performed on the control group (n = 50), but they received a 20-ml saline injection instead. The primary outcome is the total amount of fentanyl consumed during surgery.ResultsWe found that the mean (SD) intraoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the control group (82.9 (27.4) g vs. 148.5 (44.8) g, with a 95% CI = -80.3 to -50.8; p 0.001). Likewise, mean (SD) postoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the control group (442.4 (17.8) g vs. 477.9 (10.4) g, with a 95% CI = -41.3 to -29.7; p 0.001). On the other hand, there is no statistically significant difference between the two study groups regarding sevoflurane consumption (89.2 (19.5) ml vs. 92.4 (15.3) ml, with a 95% CI = -10.1 to 3.8; p 0.4).We documented that during the post-operative period (0–24 h), VAS scores at rest were, on average, 1.03 units lower in the ESPB group (estimate = -1.03, 95% CI = -1.16-(-0.86), t = -14.9, p-value 0.001), and VAS scores during cough were, on average, 1.07 units lower in the ESPB group (estimate = -1.07, 95% CI = -1.21-(-0.93), t = -14.8, p-value 0.001).ConclusionBilateral ESPB can be utilized as an adjuvant method to reduce intraoperative fentanyl consumption and enhance postoperative pain control in patients undergoing open total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia. It is effective, secure, and little obtrusive.Trial registrationNo protocol revisions or study amendments have been made since the trial's inception, according to the information on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05072184; principal investigator: Mohamed Ahmed Hamed; date of registration: October 28, 2021).