Method Of Postoperative Analgesia Research Articles

Laparoscopy-guided transverse abdominis plane block versus port site infiltration for post-operative pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Post-operative analgesia is an important component of patient satisfaction and early discharge from the hospital. A variety of modalities have been tested and are still evolving. The present study is one such evaluation of a novel technique of laparoscopy-guided transverse abdominis plane (LTAP) block for post-operative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A prospective randomised control trial was conducted to verify the effectiveness of LTAP block over port site local anaesthesia infiltration (PSLAI) for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study was done over a period of 18 months in a tertiary hospital. A total of 84 patients were recruited and were divided equally into two groups (LTAP and PSLAI). There was no statistical difference between the two groups with respect to gender distribution, comorbidities, number of gallstones, duration of symptoms and surgery time. The rescue dose of diclofenac requirement was less for the LTAP group in comparison to the PSLAI group. No difference was observed in the pain score at 1st h. However, LTAP proved efficient later in the post-operative course (6 h, 24 h and at discharge). There was significant a difference in the pain scores between the two groups, favouring the LTAP group. Hospital stay in the LTAP group was less in comparison to the PSLAI group. LTAP block is an effective method of post-operative analgesia. It impacts analgesia to the whole anterior abdominal wall for a prolonged period when compared to the PSLAI without adding any extra procedural time.

A Randomized Controlled Study of Epidural Morphine Sulfate-soaked Gelfoam and Morphine Sulfate Instillation in the Management of Postoperative Pain following Lumbar Spinal Fixation Surgery

Abstract Background: Lumbar spinal fixation surgeries play a pivotal role in addressing pain which can be nociceptive, neuropathic, mixed, and nociplastic; however, these surgeries can also cause significant postoperative pain and discomfort, leading to prolonged hospital stays and delayed return to normal activity. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to provide effective postoperative analgesia and to compare the analgesic efficacy by application of Gelfoam-soaked morphine sulfate placed in the epidural space and direct instillation of morphine sulfate in the epidural space in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fixation surgery under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients planned for Lumbar spinal fixation surgeries were selected and sorted into two groups of 30 each after a computer-based randomization. In Group G, a 5 cm × 1 cm piece of absorbable gelatin sponge soaked in 5 mg of morphine sulfate diluted in 0.9% normal saline up to 5 mL was placed in the epidural space. In Group I, 5 mg of morphine sulfate diluted in 0.9% normal saline 5 mL was instilled over the intact epidural space. Pulse rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were observed hourly for the first 6 h, then at 2 hourly intervals till 12 h, and at 4 hourly intervals till 48 h. Postoperatively, pain intensity is assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for 24 h, and the time of the first analgesic dose is noted. VAS ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain). Preoperative instructions were given to the patients about the use of VAS. Results: In this study, Group G demonstrated lower postoperative VAS scores and delayed need for rescue analgesia compared to Group I (P < 0.05, P < 0.0001, respectively). Group I had a higher total analgesic requirement (P < 0.0001) and consistently higher heart rates (P < 0.0001) compared to Group G. MAPs were lower in Group G compared to Group I (P < 0.0001). RRs, SpO2, sedation scores, and incidence of nausea and pruritus were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Epidural administration of morphine using Gelfoam as a vehicle for sustained release of morphine is a safe and effective method of postoperative analgesia in lumbar spinal fixation surgeries and results in better hemodynamics, prolonged duration of analgesia, and reduced requirement of rescue analgesics, compared to epidural instillation of morphine.

Current methods of perioperative analgesia for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a literature review

Arthroscopic knee joint surgery is becoming routine in modern orthopedics. Its advantages include minimal invasiveness, lower infection risk, and early rehabilitation. Despite the minimized surgical trauma, the postoperative period after some arthroscopic operations involving cruciate ligament surgery occurs with relatively severe pain syndrome. This warrants the search for novel pain relief methods for patients that meet all modern trends. This review presents data from randomized clinical studies and meta-analyses on the use of various anesthesias in arthroscopic cruciate ligament repair and discusses methods of prolonged postoperative analgesia. The limited number of studies on this issue and lack of systematic recommendations require prospective studies.

Outcomes of a Standardized Pain Pathway for Transgender Patients Undergoing Vaginoplasty and Vulvoplasty

OBJECTIVETo establish and evaluate a multimodal, opioid-minimizing pathway for gender affirming vaginoplasty (GAVa) and vulvoplasty (GAVu) in treating postoperative pain. METHODSA standardized pain pathway including opioids, non-opioid analgesics, and patient counseling was implemented at a single academic institution with a center for transgender care. Postoperative pain levels, analgesia methods, and opioid use for 84 GAVa and 64 GAVu patients were prospectively gathered during inpatient postoperative days 2-4 and outpatient follow up at 2 weeks. Pertinent patient, operative, and medication administration data were extracted from patient charts and outpatient pain was measured with the Brief Pain Inventory short form (BPI-sf). RESULTSOn average, GAVa patients used 89.3 MME and GAVu patients used 41.8 MME during inpatient stay. MME decreased daily for both groups. There was no difference in MME between open and robotic GAVa. 49% of GAVa patients and 54% of GAVu patients used ketorolac with decreasing daily inpatient use. Postoperative pain levels were similar between GAVa and GAVu patients. 50% of respondents denied postoperative pain in the 24 hours preceding the survey. 44% of GAVa and of GAVu patients did not use any opioid medications in the outpatient setting, while 81% of GAVa and 83% of GAVu patients used fewer than 20 of 30 prescribed opioid tablets. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen were rated the most effective outpatient analgesics among GAVa and GAVu patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONThe multimodal pathway demonstrated effective postoperative pain control for GAVa and GAVu patients while minimizing opioid use and has changed institutional prescribing practice.

Epidural versus intravenous analgesia for pain control in kidney donors, a retrospective cohort study. Is there a kinship relationship?

Aims: Best care must be provided for live kidney donors, including postoperative pain control. Treatment options include iv intermittent analgesics, iv or epidural patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). In this study we aimed to compare these modalities with respect to their analgesic efficacy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of fifty-eight live donor nephrectomy patients operated in a 7-year-period in a university hospital performed. Investigational Review Board approval has been obtained. Data of the patients’ postoperative analgesia methods, degree of kinship with the recipient, postoperative pain scores, and rescue analgesic and antiemetic use were obtained. Correlation of postoperative pain scores with the analgesia technique was investigated, as well as with the degree of kinship of the donor and recipient. Results: Patient-controlled analgesia provided better postoperative pain control, with the epidural PCA being the best. Moderate to severe pain at 6th postoperative hour in the iv intermittent, iv PCA, and epidural PCA groups was 76, 37, and 14%, respectively. Rescue analgesic use on the day of operation was 32% and 5% in the iv intermittent and iv PCA groups respectively, with no rescue analgesic use in the epidural PCA group. Postoperative antiemetic consumption was also less with the epidural PCA (P=0.024 and P=0.027 for postoperative days 1 and 2, respectively). No correlation was detected between the pain and the degree of kinship. Conclusion: Epidural patient-controlled analgesia provides better postoperative pain control after live donor nephrectomy, compared with intravenous intermittent or patient-controlled analgesia. Postoperative pain scores were not related to the degree of kinship.

Liposomal bupivacaine in transversus abdominis plane blocks for lower abdominal surgery.

Transversus abdominis plane blocks are an established method of postoperative analgesia for abdominopelvic surgeries. Liposomal bupivacaine is an extended-release formulation of bupivacaine providing up to 72 h of analgesia. This study aims to determine if transversus abdominis plane blocks performed with liposomal bupivacaine are associated with reduced opioid consumption and level of pain intensity compared to conventional bupivacaine in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institution between December 2020 and December 2021. After institutional review board approval, we identified patients who underwent lower abdominopelvic surgery with transversus abdominis plane blocks done with liposomal or conventional bupivacaine and collected demographic, clinical, and procedural information for analysis. We compared total opioid consumption over 72-h postoperatively in milligram morphine equivalents (MME), frequency of opioid utilization, and average level of pain intensity between groups. These outcomes were also evaluated after adjusting for covariates. Data were presented as mean ± SD, median [IQR] or frequency (%), as appropriate; p < 0.05 was accepted as significant. A total of 178 patients met inclusion criteria, with 79 patients receiving an admixture of liposomal bupivacaine and conventional bupivacaine and 99 patients receiving conventional bupivacaine. The liposomal bupivacaine group had a median opioid consumption 72-h postoperatively of 47.5 [18-91.8] MME compared to 88 [43.8-160] MME in the conventional bupivacaine group, p = 0.045. Differences in opioid consumption between the groups did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, p = 0.11. There was no significant difference in frequency of opioid use or average pain intensity. Transversus abdominis plane blocks using an admixture of liposomal bupivacaine conventional bupivacaine are not associated with decreased opioid consumption or reduced pain up to 72 h following elective abdominopelvic surgery.

Long-term postoperative regional analgesia of the lower third of the face in patients with tumors of the oral cavity

Pain has a certain number of physical, psychological and social consequences. Pain is of particular importance in the postoperative period for patients with tumors of the oral cavity and of the oropharynx. The effectiveness of analgesia in the postoperative period is a serious problem in maxillofacial surgery. Postoperative pain is not always removable, sometimes it becomes chronic. Pronounced pain syndrome in the postoperative period is experienced by 40 to 75% of patients, but 50% of patients experience pain of medium and high intensity. The aim of this study was a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of a new alternative method of a long-term postoperative regional analgesia and the use of non-narcotic analgesics in patients with tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx in the postoperative period. The study was conducted in 48 patients (38 men, 10 women, average age 58,05±12,31 years) with tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the method of postoperative analgesia. In the main group (22 patients) pain was suppressed by a long-term postoperative regional analgesia. In the control group (26 patients) analgesia was performed with non-narcotic analgesics. To control the effectiveness of analgesia, a visual analog scale was used, the duration of analgesia and the manifestation of dysphagia on the day 1, 3 and 10 after surgical intervention as well as similar effects were assessed. On the day 10 of using a long-term postoperative regional analgesia, a positive trend towards a reduction in pain syndrome was observed (2.0±0.63), in contrast to drugs of general action (p&lt;0.05). Over the course of a long-term postoperative regional analgesia it was noted that analgesic effect increases from blockade to blockade. In 80% of patients of the main group, stage II-IVa the act of swallowing was nearly restored, only in 2 patients 2 degree of dysphagia was observed (p&lt;0.05). The advantage of the proposed method in the adequacy and duration of analgesia was established (p&lt;0.05), as well as a lower frequency of side effects – 9.1% and 23.3%, and restoration of act of swallowing (p&lt;0.05). The technique of long-term postoperative regional analgesia allows reducing the invasiveness of the manipulation.

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.

A comparative evaluation of intraperitoneal instillation and periportal infiltration of 0.375% ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine and nalbuphine as adjuvants for post-operative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Intraperitoneal instillation (IPI) of local anesthetic agents into peritoneal cavity has proved to be an effective method of post-operative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The addition of adjuvants such as narcotics or α2-agonists has been proposed to prolong the duration of post-operative analgesia. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to compare post-operative analgesia of IPI and periportal infiltration of ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine with ropivacaine plus nalbuphine in patients undergoing LC. Materials and Methods: This was a comparative, prospective, randomized controlled double-blind study conducted on total of 100 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists class I and II) planned for LC who were randomly divided into two groups of 50 patients: Group Ropivacaine+Dexmedetomidine (RD) received IPI and periportal infiltration of 150 mg of ropivacaine (0.375%) and dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg) diluted with normal saline to 40 mL and Group Ropivacaine+Nalbuphine (RN) received 150 mg of ropivacaine (0.375%) and 10 mg nalbuphine diluted with normal saline to 40 mL. Post-operative pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Score, time to first request of analgesia, and total amount of rescue analgesics given in 24 h and side effects were noted. Data were analyzed by Student’s independent t-test and Chi-square test using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Overall Visual Analog Scale scores (1.38±0.78 vs. 2.59±1.15), time to first request of analgesia (7.3±3.74 vs. 4.2±2.71), and total analgesic consumption (82.4±15.34 vs. 158.5±16.19) were significantly lower in the RD group compared to the RN group. Among post-operative adverse events, the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting was significantly higher in the RN group. Conclusion: The addition of dexmedetomidine appears to be superior to nalbuphine in terms of prolonged post-operative analgesia, lesser requirement of rescue analgesia, and less complications.

Comparison of TAP block and epidural analgesia for postoperative analgesia after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

Pain remains an important problem after radical prostatectomy, leading to discomfort and sometimes prolonged hospital stays. Despite the fact that laparoscopic procedures are less invasive surgical interventions, they can still be challenging in terms of postoperative pain, as both somatic and visceral pain pathways are involved. To alleviate pain and optimize improved recovery after laparoscopic prostatectomy, regional anesthesia techniques have been used to avoid or reduce the need for opioids. The aim of our study was to investigate the postoperative recovery of patients after laparoscopic robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, depending on the method of postoperative analgesia and in the context of the peculiarities of anesthesia in robotic surgery. To achieve this goal, the “Medical Plaza” Medical Center examined 49 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy using a robotic system. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n=25) – combined intraoperative anesthesia with epidural analgesia with 0.125% bupivacaine. Patients in group 2 (n=24) underwent TAP-block with 15 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine immediately after the last suture was placed on the skin both sides of the abdomen. Patients in the groups did not differ in age, height, body weight and physiological status (р&gt;0.05) according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scale. When analyzing the statistical data it was found that the volume of the prostate did not differ in the study groups, as well as the duration of the operation and the amount of blood loss (р&gt;0.05). Blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations were similar between the groups. The amount of muscle relaxants used had no statistical difference in the study groups (р&gt;0.05). The amount of opiates used during anesthesia did not differ (р&gt;0.05). Mobilization of patients in both groups occurred in 8 hours without statistical difference (p=0.094). A direct medium strength significant correlation was found between the method of analgesia and weakness in one of the lower limbs at the time of mobilization (r=0.69; p=0.039), a direct medium strength significant correlation was found between the size of the prostate and the time to tracheal extubation (r=0.39; p=0.041). So, the level of intraoperative blood loss did not depend on the variants of perioperative analgesia. Haemodynamics and heart rate did not decrease with the addition of intraoperative epidural analgesia. Intraoperative initiation of epidural analgesia with a low concentration of local anesthetic does not affect the rate of postoperative mobilization. Pain after robotic radical prostatectomy is moderate, but requires multimodal treatment for faster mobilization of the patient, adaptation to the existing urinary catheter. Both epidural analgesia and TAP block have shown sufficient safety profile and efficacy in postoperative pain management. After radical prostatectomy, the TAP-block is an effective method of analgesia, while not interfering with the timely full mobilization of the patient. Epidural analgesia has a high analgesic profile, but is associated with certain risks of catheter migration and interference with full mobilization of the patient.

Transverse abdominis plane block as a method of anesthesia after caesarean section

Although we have various methods of analgesia, the prevalence of severe pain after caesarean section remains high. Therefore, it is necessary to look for new reliable technologies for optimal postoperative anesthesia.The objective was to compare the efficiency of postoperative wound infiltration with a local anesthetic and transverse abdominis plane block (TAP-block) as a component of multimodal analgesia in the postoperative period after cesarean section.Materials and methods. A prospective randomized study was conducted. It included 91 patients after elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the method of postoperative analgesia. In group 1 (n = 30), we used wound analgesia. In group 2 (n = 32), transverse abdominis plane block was performed. In group 3 (n = 29), intravenous infusion of paracetamol in combination with intramuscular injection of tramadol 0.5 mg/kg were used for postoperative analgesia.Results. Pain syndrome was less severe after wound analgesia and TAP-block for 24 hours compared to analgesia with systemic analgesics. Moreover, during wound analgesia, lower points of the visual analogue scale (VAS) were traced for three days. The minimum consumption of paracetamol was on the background of wound analgesia, while no patient required the introduction of narcotic analgesics. Women in the wound analgesia group were able to earlier activating: they could walk after 5.6±0.2 hours, compared to 6.1± 0.2 hours with TAP-block and 8.8± 0.4 hours with analgesia with systemic analgesics.Conclusion. Continuous analgesia of postoperative wound is a safe and effective method that allows achieving adequate postoperative analgesia, avoiding using narcotic analgesics and reducing the consumption of non-narcotic systemic analgesics.

Differences in Analgesia Methods for Open Gastrointestinal Surgery Are Not Associated With Initial Postoperative Ambulation.

A characteristic of modern medical care is the reduction in the length of hospital stay, and several facilities across Japan are working towards this goal. The presence of postoperative pain is correlated with the number of days to hospital discharge. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between the analgesic methods used in clinical practice and the initial ambulation of postoperative laparotomy patients with severe postoperative worked incisional pain to enable better analgesic management in the future. This retrospective study collected information from the medical records of 117 patients who underwent laparotomy between December 1, 2019, and October 13, 2020, at the Department of Gastroenterology of the International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital. Based on the failure or success of the ambulation process, the patients were divided into the delayed and successful groups, respectively. In the delayed group, patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) was used in 32 patients, intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) was used in two patients, continuous worked incisional infiltration anesthesia was used in one patient, and transvenous acetaminophen was used in one patient for postoperative analgesia. In the successful group, PCEA was used in 66 patients, IV-PCA was used in 11 patients, continuous worked incisional infiltration anesthesia was used in three patients, and acetaminophen administered intravenously at patient's request was used in one patient (P = 0.094). No significant differences were observed between different postoperative analgesia methods, suggesting that there may be no association between postoperative ambulation and the postoperative analgesia method.

Comparison of Analgesia Treatment Methods After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Network Meta-analysis of 42 Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: The optimal method for postoperative analgesia after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is still unclear. Purpose: To compare the efficacy of postoperative analgesic methods after ARCR through network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled trials. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception until April 12, 2022, for randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled trials evaluating neuraxial analgesia, peripheral nerve block, periarticular local anesthetic infiltration, intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, oral analgesia, or any combination of these methods for pain management after ARCR. Outcomes included pain scores at rest, morphine consumption, and complications (nausea and vomiting). Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Network meta-analysis was used to assess the relative efficacy of the methods for postoperative analgesia. The best choice for postoperative analgesia was defined as the one with significant differences in pain scores and morphine consumption compared with placebo, with no significant difference in complications, during the initial 48 hours postoperatively. Results: Included were 42 studies with 3110 patients. Only suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) was significantly superior to placebo in pain scores (mean difference [MD], –0.93 [95% CI, –1.31 to –0.54] at 6 hours; MD, –2.34 [95% CI, –3.49 to –1.19] at 12 hours) and morphine consumption (MD, –17.70 [95% CI, –32.98 to –2.42] at 24 hours) ( P &lt; .05 for all), with no difference in complications (odds ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.21 to 4.32]; P &gt; .05). Pain scores were significantly lower with interscalene nerve block compared with SSNB (MD, –0.69 [95% CI, –1.17 to –0.20] at 6 hours; MD, –1.44 [95% CI, –2.21 to –0.67] at 12 hours) and with SSNB + axillary nerve block compared with SSNB (MD, –3.09 [95% CI, –4.18 to –1.99] at 6 hours; MD, –0.87 [95% CI, –1.71 to –0.03] at 12 hours) ( P &lt; .05 for all). Conclusion: Based on the current evidence, most analgesic methods lowered pain and morphine consumption compared with placebo. There were significant differences in pain scores between interscalene nerve block and SSNB during the first 12 hours postoperatively, and adding axillary nerve block to SSNB enhanced the analgesic effect.

Ultrasound-Guided Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block Provides Effective Postoperative Analgesia for High Ligation of Spermatic Vein

Postoperative pain management after varicocele surgery poses a challenge for pediatric patients. The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a novel regional analgesia technique that entails injecting a local anesthetic around the quadratus lumborum muscle using ultrasound guidance. In this study, we present the utilization of a single transmuscular QLB in two children as an effective postoperative analgesic method for laparoscopic extraperitoneal high ligation of the spermatic vein (LEHLSV).

Comparative analysis of the effectiveness and safety of anesthetic care during neurosurgical interventions on the lumbar spine in patients with high-risk factors

The effectiveness and safety of providing anesthetic care during neurosurgical interventions on the spine in patients with high-risk factors are compared. The prospective comparative study included patients who had a high operational and anesthesiological risk according to the authors decision support system ( 8 points). All patients underwent open dorsal decompressive and stabilizing interventions from 2021 to 2023. Depending on the type of anesthesia and method of postoperative analgesia, three groups of patients were distinguished: in Group 1 (n = 41), intravenous anesthesia based on propofol and fentanyl was used; in Group 2 (n = 40), prolonged epidural analgesia with ropivacaine was additionally performed for 3 days after surgery; and in Group 3 (n = 43), multimodal analgesia was combined with preoperative intramuscular administration of ketoprofen and infiltration of the paraspinal muscles, subcutaneous fat, and skin with ropivacaine before access; intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine; and postoperative administration of paracetamol. Comparative analysis included assessment of perioperative hemodynamic parameters, intensity of postoperative pain, perioperative use of opioids, dynamics of recovery of psychomotor functions, side effects of anesthesia, and postoperative surgical complications. It was found that the patients of Group 3, compared with the patients of Groups 1 and 2, had no significant changes in hemodynamics, obtained better results in the rate of recovery of psychomotor functions, and received a smaller intraoperative amount of opioid drugs. In Groups 2 and 3, a minimum level of postoperative local pain syndrome and a lower need for analgesics were recorded. The number of side effects of anesthesia in Group 1 was 29.3%; in Group 2, 27.5%; and in Group 3, 9.3% (p = 0.01). The number of postoperative surgical complications was comparable: Group 1, 7.3%; Group 2, 7.5%; and Group 3, 4.7% (p = 0.56). Thus, the use of complex perioperative anesthesia, in comparison with traditional anesthesia, including prolonged epidural analgesia, has advantages in the absence of depression of perioperative hemodynamic parameters and fewer side effects of anesthesia and postoperative surgical complications.

Comparison of effects of transversus abdominis plane block and thoracic epidural anesthesia mediated activation of inflammasome on postoperative medication, pain, and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

This work was developed to compare the effects of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) mediated activation of inflammasome on postoperative medication, pain, and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Then, the effects of two anesthesia methods on postoperative analgesia of patients were investigated and compared, aiming to provide reference for the selection of postoperative analgesia methods of laparoscopy. In this work, patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery were rolled into a TAPB group (30 patients) and a TEA group (30 patients). The blood pressure and stress indexes of the patients at different time points were observed and compared, and the doses of anesthetic drugs were recorded. Postoperative pain scores were evaluated, and postoperative recovery of the two groups was compared. Meanwhile, the peripheral venous bloods were extracted from the two groups before and after surgery for the determination of inflammasome proteins, and the detection results were compared. Data showed that the dose of sufentanil in TEA group was notably inferior to that in TAPB group (p<0.05). The blood pressure indexes in the TEA group decreased remarkably (p<0.05), while their changes in the TAPB group were stable. The slower point heart rate (HR), lower mean arterial pressure (MAP), and lower levels of cortisol (Cor) and norepinephrine (NE) in the TEA group were found when compared with the TAPB group during the period from pneumoperitoneum establishment to post-ventilation. After pneumoperitoneum establishment, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the TEA group was lower than that in the TAPB group at the same time point (p<0.05). The postoperative visual analog scales (VAS) score and numerical rating scale (NRS) score in TEA group were lower than those in TAPB group (p<0.05). After surgery, the protein level in TEA group was significantly lower than that in TAPB group (p<0.05). In short, the activation of inflammasome mediated by TEA could reduce the anesthetic agents used after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery and reduce the surgical stress response. In addition, TEA exerted a little effect on early immunity, which was safe and feasible, contributing to postoperative analgesia and recovery. In addition, its application value in laparoscopic postoperative analgesia was higher than TAPB.

The Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block Compared With Intrathecal Morphine in Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Double-blind Prospective Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: Severe postoperative pain is experienced by most patients who undergo spine surgery. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a successful method for postoperative analgesia and has only minor complications. Intrathecal morphine (ITM) demonstrates high efficacy for analgesia up to 24 hours postsurgery. ESPBs and ITM for postoperative analgesia in lumbar spine surgeries have never been compared in prior studies. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of ESPB and ITM in postoperative analgesia after lumbar spine surgeries. STUDY DESIGN: A double-blind prospective comparative study. SETTING: This study was performed at Al Fayoum University Hospital after being confirmed by the local institutional ethical committee (#80) with approval number M520 and retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov number (NCT05123092). METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blinded interventional trial was conducted with 82 patients, 41 in each group. In the ESPB group, a 0.25% bupivacaine injection was used to conduct a bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB. In the ITM group, an injection of 0.3 mg morphine intrathecally was done. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was recorded as the primary outcome. The time to the first analgesic request, intra- and postoperative opioid consumption, hemodynamics, sedation score, and complications were also recorded as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in the intrathecal group throughout the postoperative period at all recorded study time points until 48 hours (P &lt; 0.001). Time to the first rescue analgesia and doses of postoperative analgesic required were significant, with a P value of 0.000. Significant differences were found in postoperative oxygen saturation up to 24 hours (P &lt; 0.001) and the sedation score up to 6 hours (P &lt; 0.01). A higher incidence of complications was recorded in the ITM group (P = 0.000). LIMITATIONS: We did not measure patient preoperative VAS scores to ensure that the 2 groups were matched in pain severity. Also, we did not compare patient satisfaction. Another limitation was the inability to determine the degree of pain relief of ESPB since there was no control group in our study. CONCLUSION: We concluded that ITM 0.3 mg provides more potent analgesia up to 48 hours postoperatively than an ESPB, based upon VAS score, analgesic durations, and postoperative analgesic requirements. KEY WORDS: Intrathecal morphine, erector spinae, spine, Visual Analog Scale

Application of Genicular Nerves Block Combined with iPACK Block in Postoperative Analgesia of Total Knee Arthroplasty

The incidence of moderate to severe pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) ranges from 30-60% [1]. In the context of enhanced recovery after surgery, multimodal analgesia with peripheral nerve block as the core has become the main method of postoperative analgesia after TKA, and good analgesia is conducive to the early recovery of patients. Genicular nerve block (GNB) provides good analgesia anterior to the knee, while infiltration between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee (iPACK) block provides good analgesia posterior to the knee [2]. We report a case of genicular nerve block combined with iPACK block for postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty.

Comparison of Ropivacaine Plus Dexmedetomidine and Ropivacaine Plus Magnesium Sulfate Infiltration for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgeries.

Acute painafter lumbar spine surgery is due to soft tissue and muscle separation at the operation site. Local anesthetic wound infiltration is a safe and effective method for postoperative analgesia following lumbar spine surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate and compare the efficacy of ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine plus magnesium sulfate for postoperative analgesia in lumbar spine surgeries. This prospective randomized study was conducted on 60 patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, either sex,American Society of Anesthesiologists classification I and II patients scheduled for single-level lumbar laminectomy.Patients were randomly allocated into two groups 30 patients each. Twenty to 30 minutes before skin closure and after hemostasis was achieved, the surgeon infiltrated 10 mL of study drugs into paravertebral muscles on each side. Group A received 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine and group B received 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine plus magnesium sulfate. Postoperative pain was assessed by the visual analog scale at 0 minute (immediately after extubation), 30 minutes, 1st hour, 2nd hour, and thereafter at 4th hour, 6th hour, 12th hour, and 24th hour. Time to rescue analgesia, total analgesic consumption, hemodynamic variables,and complications if any were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). The time to first requirement of analgesia in postoperative period was significantly longer in group A (10.05 ± 1.62 hours) than in group B (8.07 ± 1.83 hours)(p < 0.001). Total analgesic consumption was significantly higher in group B (197.50 ± 36.76 mL) compared to group A (142.50 ± 22.88 mL)(p < 0.001). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly lower in group A compared to group B (p < 0.05). Local infiltration of surgical site with ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine provided better pain control than ropivacaine plus magnesium sulphate infiltration and is safe and effective analgesia for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgeries in postoperative period.

Postoperative analgesia following robot-assisted thoracic surgery for mediastinal disease: retrospective comparative study of general anesthesia alone, combined with epidural analgesia, and with ultrasound-guided thoracic paraspinal block.

Recently, robot-assisted thoracic surgery has been increasingly performed for mediastinal disease. However, appropriate postoperative analgesic methods have not been evaluated. We retrospectively studied patients who underwent robot-assisted thoracic surgery for mediastinal disease at a single university hospital between January 2019 and December 2021. Patients were performed either general anesthesia alone, general anesthesia combined with thoracic epidural anesthesia, or general anesthesia combined with ultrasound-guided thoracic block. Patients were divided into three groups [non-block (NB), thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), and thoracic paraspinal block (TB)] according to postoperative analgesic methods, and they compared with terms of postoperative pain scores by using numerical rating scale (NRS) at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h. Additionally, rescue supplemental analgesic within 24 h, side effects of anesthesia such as respiratory depression, hypotension, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus and urinary retention, time to ambulation after surgery, and hospital stay after surgery were also compared among the three groups. Data from 169 patients (Group NB: 25, Group TEA: 102, and Group TB: 42) were progressed to the analysis. Postoperative pain scale at 6 and 12 h was significantly lower in Group TEA than NB (1.2±1.6 vs. 2.4±1.8, P<0.01; and 1.2±1.5 vs. 2.2±1.7, P=0.018, respectively). There were no differences in pain scores between Groups TB and TEA at any point. The incidence of patients using rescue analgesics within 24 h was significantly different between groups [Group NB: 15/25 (60%), Group TEA: 30/102 (29.4%), Group TB: 25/42 (59.5%), P=0.01]. For postoperative side effects, only the number of patients complaining of postoperative nausea and vomiting for 24 h after surgery differed significantly between groups [Group NB: 7/25 (28%), Group TEA: 19/102 (18.6%), Group TB: 1/42 (2.4%), P=0.01]. TEA provided better analgesia after robot-assisted thoracic surgery for mediastinal disease than NB as indicated by lower pain scores and fewer rescue analgesic requirements. However, the frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting was lowest in Group TB of all the groups. Thus, TBs might also provide adequate postoperative analgesia following robot-assisted thoracic surgery for mediastinal disease.