Paravertebral Block Group Research Articles

Comparative analysis of the paravertebral block and epidural anesthesia in the complex of anesthetic support for laparoscopic kidney surgery: open randomized clinical study

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic kidney surgery is performed mostly under general anesthesia. Regional techniques, primarily epidural anesthesia / analgesia (EA), help improve the surgical results. However, EA is often accompanied by several complications and side effects. The thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) is considered a reasonable and effective alternative.
 OBJECTIVE: To conduct a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of general anesthesia (GA) + PVB, GA alone, and GA + EA in laparoscopic kidney surgery.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open-label randomized clinical study enrolled 180 patients who underwent laparoscopic kidney surgery. By using an online tool (https//www resource.studyrandomizer.com), the patients were divided into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. Group 1 (n=60) underwent surgery under GA + PVB, group 2 (n=60) under GA, and group 3 under GA + EA. In each group, the intra-, and postoperative need for opioids, pain intensity on a visual analog scale (VAS) 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery, and activation time were assessed. The results of the groups were compared. The frequency and nature of complications when performing and working with PVB were studied.
 RESULTS: The intraoperative need for opioids was greater in the GA group and comparable in the GA + PVB and GA + EA groups (p=0.137). The postoperative pain in the PVB group remained consistently low (VAS score 2 points) during the observation period. In the GA group, it reached 5 points after 1, 6, and 12 h and 4 points 24 h after the surgery; in the EA group, it was 4 points (1, 6, and 12 h) and 3 points 24 h after the surgery. The prolonged PVB in the postoperative period significantly lowered the opioid need (p=0.045) and contributed to earlier activation of the patients (p=0.001). Under ultrasound control, PVB is safe, and effective.
 CONCLUSION: The study showed that PVB in the complex of anesthetic support for kidney surgery provides an effective and safe anesthesia / analgesia and can be used as an alternative to EA.

Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Paravertebral Block after Thoracic Surgery for Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score Study.

The prevention of respiratory complications is a major issue after thoracic surgery for lung cancer, and requires adequate post-operative pain management. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) may decrease post-operative pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of ESPB on pain after video or robot-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS or RATS). The main outcome of this retrospective study with a propensity score analysis (PSA) was to compare the post-operative pain at 24 h at rest and at cough between a group that received ESPB and a group that received paravertebral block (PVB). Post-operative morphine consumption at 24 h and complications were also assessed. One hundred and seven patients were included: 54 in the ESPB group and 53 in the PVB group. The post-operative median pain score at rest and cough was lower in the ESPB group compared to the PVB group at 24 h (respectively, at rest 2 [1; 3.5] vs. 2 [0; 4], p = 0.0181, with PSA; ESPB -0.80 [-1.50; -0.10], p = 0.0255, and at cough (4 [3; 6] vs. 5 [4; 6], p = 0.0261, with PSA; ESPB -1.48 [-2.65; -0.31], p = 0.0135). There were no differences between groups concerning post-operative morphine consumption at 24 h and respiratory complications. Our results suggest that ESPB is associated with less post-operative pain at 24 h than PVB after VATS or RATS for lung cancer. Furthermore, ESPB is an acceptable and safe alternative compared to PVB.

Multimodal evaluation of locoregional anaesthesia efficacy on postoperative pain after robotic pulmonary lobectomy for NSCLC: a pilot study.

The primary objectives of the study were to analyse the robotic approach and ultrasound-guided paravertebral block compared to thoracoscopic intercostal nerve block after robotic pulmonary lobectomy on postoperative pain and opioids use. The secondary objectives were to analyse and compare patients' necessity of additional antalgic drugs and patients' performance during respiratory therapy, following robotic surgery and in the two groups. Consecutively, 52 patients undergoing robotic pulmonary lobectomies were treated either with ropivacaine-based intercostal nerve block or paravertebral block from February 2022 to October 2022. When necessary, morphine was administered at day 1. Acetaminophen was administered as an additional antalgic drug on demand up to 3 g per day. Pain was measured 1 h after the end of the surgical procedure and daily through the pain numeric rating scale (NRS). Morphine administration rate and per day and total additional administrations of acetaminophen were recorded. Pain and opioids administration was measured 1 month after the procedure. Data were analysed in the overall population and in the intercostal nerve block group VS paravertebral block group. Overall, 34.6% of the patients required morphine administration and 51.7% of the patients required at least daily acetaminophen administration up to discharge. At 1 month postoperatively, four patients presented with chronic pain and one still was under opioid medication. At intergroup analysis, the paravertebral block group demonstrated lower NRS at fixed time points (p < 0.0001) and lower morphine consumption (45.7%VS11.8%; p = 0.02). Acetaminophen rescue administration at fixed time points was lower in the paravertebral block group (p < 0.0001) and mobility and dynamic pain resulted in better results (p = 0.03; p = 0.04). At 1 month, no differences were found between study groups. Similarly to other minimally invasive techniques, postoperative pain may arise after robotic pulmonary lobectomy. Paravertebral bloc can help to reduce postoperative pain as well as morphine and antalgic drugs administration and improve early mobilization.

Pectoral Fascial Plane Versus Paravertebral Blocks for Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Analgesia

This study examined the postoperative analgesic efficacy of single-injection pectoral fascial plane (PECS) II blocks compared to paravertebral blocks for elective robotic mitral valve surgery. A single-center retrospective study that reported patient and procedural characteristics, postoperative pain scores, and postoperative opioid use for patients undergoing robotic mitral valve surgery. This investigation was performed at a large quaternary referral center. Adult patients (age ≥18) admitted to the authors' hospital from January 1, 2016, to August 14, 2020, for elective robotic mitral valve repair who received either a paravertebral or PECS II block for postoperative analgesia. Patients received an ultrasound-guided, unilateral paravertebral or PECS II nerve block. One hundred twenty-three patients received a PECS II block, and 190 patients received a paravertebral block during the study period. The primary outcome measures were average postoperative pain scores and cumulative opioid use. Secondary outcomes included hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay, need for reoperation, need for antiemetics, surgical wound infection, and atrial fibrillation incidence. Patients receiving the PECS II block required significantly fewer opioids in the immediate postoperative period than the paravertebral block group, and had comparable postoperative pain scores. No increase in adverse outcomes was noted for either group. The PECS II block is a safe and highly effective option for regional analgesia for robotic mitral valve surgery, with demonstrated efficacy comparable to the paravertebral block.

Intraoperative changes in upper extremity perfusion index after thoracic paravertebral and intertransverse process block in patients undergoing lung resection surgery.

Perfusion index (PI) has been used as a surrogate marker of sympathetic blockade. This study evaluated changes in PI of bilateral upper extremity after thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) and intertransverse process block (ITPB). This pilot study included three groups of patients undergoing elective unilateral pulmonary resection under general anesthesia with PVB (n=11) or ITPB (n=10), or urologic procedures with general anesthesia (control group, n=10). Blockades were performed using 10 mL aliquots of 0.5% ropivacaine administered at T3-4, T5-6, and T7-8 intercostal levels immediately after general anesthesia induction. The PI value of the operating side (PI-O) was divided by the contralateral side (PI-CL), and the relative change to baseline was assessed (relative PI-O/PI-CL), with a 50% increase considered meaningful. In all cases within the PVB and ITPB groups, a significant increase in PI was observed following the blockades. The median (1Q, 3Q) intraoperative relative PI-O/PI-CL values were 0.9 (0.8, 1.4), 2.1 (1.4, 2.5), and 1.4 (0.9, 1.9) in the control, PVB, and ITPB groups (P=0.01), respectively. Pairwise comparison revealed a significant difference only between the control and PVB groups (adjusted P=0.01). While the relative PI-O/PI-CL value in the control group generally remained close to 1, occasional fluctuations exceeding 1.5 were noted. PVB induced a noticeable unilateral increase in upper extremity PI, whereas ITPB tended to result in an inconsistent and lesser degree of increase. Monitoring PI values can serve as an indicator of upper extremity sympathetic blockade, but consideration of potential confounders impacting these observations during surgery is essential. Further research is needed to validate these findings.

Comparitive research between ultrasound guided thoracic para vertebral block, serratus anterior plane block and thoracic erector spinae plane block for post-operative pain relief after thoracotomy

Background: Many analgesic modalities have been suggested for management of thoracotomy pain such as peripheral nerve blocks. The purpose of this work was to compare between the post-operative analgesic effect of thoracic paravertebral block (PVB), serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in cases undergoing thoracotomy.Methods: This prospective randomized research was done on 75 adult cases aged 21-60 years scheduled for thoracotomy. Cases were categorized into three equal groups regarding the block had before general anesthesia; PVB group: had ultrasound guided thoracic PVB. SAPB group: had ultrasound guided SAPB. ESPB group: had ultrasound guided ESPB. All cases were monitored for heart rate, mean arterial pressure and pulse oximetry. The following parameters were recorded: postoperative visual analogue score (VAS), quantity of postoperative morphine used after the first dose of emergency analgesic, serum cortisol level and postoperative complications.Results: A significant rise in VAS in group II versus I and III with insignificant difference between I and III. While first time of rescue analgesia was longer in I and III than II with insignificant difference in postoperative complications observed throughout the postoperative period.Conclusions: In cases planned for thoracotomy, the ultrasound-guided technique of performing TPVB and ESPB provide effective intraoperative and prolonged postoperative analgesia versus SAPB as observed by stable hemodynamics and delayed first time of rescue analgesia. Results showed less postoperative morphine dose with superiority toward ESPB regarding simplicity and shorter duration, so it is an effective and safe alternative to TPVB.

Transversus abdominis plane block versus paravertebral block for post-operative pain following open renal surgeries: A randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background : Open renal surgeries are usually associated with significant pain which may increase morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Several methods are used to control pain after these surgeries including opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and regional anesthetic techniques. This study aimed at comparing the thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) versus transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) in patients undergoing open renal surgeries. Methods : Between November 2017 and November 2018 at Assiut University Hospital, urology department 60 patients undergone open renal surgeries had been randomly allocated into two groups; group (PVB) (n = 30) who received (PVB), and group (TAP) (n = 30) who received TAP block. The regional anesthetic technique was performed in each patient after induction of general anesthesia and before performing the surgery. The primary outcome was the total analgesic consumption in the first 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the time to the first analgesic request and the Visual Analogue Scale score (VAS) during the first 24 h postoperatively. Results : Total analgesic consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively was significantly lower in PVB group compared to TAP group. The VAS scores were significantly lower in PVB group compared to TAP group during the first 12 h postoperatively. However, the time to first analgesic request was non-significant between both groups. Conclusions : The TAP block was effective, safe and comparable to PVB for pain control following open renal surgeries. However, the paravertebral block was more potent. Trial Registry : ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04697420

Comparison between ultrasound-guided multi-injection intertransverse process and thoracic paravertebral blocks for major breast cancer surgery: a randomized non-inferiority trial

BackgroundThis study investigated whether a novel multi-injection intertransverse process block could provide non-inferior analgesia and recovery quality following major breast cancer surgery compared with the multi-injection thoracic paravertebral block.MethodsEighty-eight females...

Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block versus paravertebral block on postoperation analgesia and safety following the video-assisted thoracic surgery: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded non-inferiority clinical trial

Both the anesthetic efficacy of ultrasound-guided serrate anterior plane block (SAPB) and the ultrasound-guided paravertebral block (PVB) in alleviating postoperative pain have been well concerned. This study primarily aims to evaluate whether the ultrasound-guided SAPB and ultrasound-guided PVB can provide comparable analgesia for video-assisted thoracic surgery. Secondarily, the safety and clinical satisfaction of the two blocks are evaluated. It was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded non-inferiority clinical trial involving 99 patients with lung nodules receiving video-assisted thoracic surgery with ultrasound-guided SAPB or PVB on T4 and T7 vertebra using 0.375% ropivacaine at 3mg/kg. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores at rest and cough at 24h/48h postoperatively and the incidence and severity of chronic pain at 3 and 6 months postoperatively were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the complications and block application time of two kinds of blocks, and consumption of sufentanil as an analgesic rescue. A total of 92 eligible patients were recruited, including 46 in the SAPB group and 46 in the PVB group. No significant differences in VAS scores at rest and cough at first 48h, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively between the SAPB group and PVB group were detected (all P>0.05). The SAPB group had fewer complications and higher patient satisfaction(P＜0.05). The ultrasound-guided SAPB was not inferior to PVB in alleviating postoperative pain following the VATS with fewer complications and higher patient satisfaction.

Paravertebral Blocks in Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction: Propensity-Matched Analysis of Opioid Consumption and Patient Outcomes.

The paravertebral block (PVB) is an adjunctive perioperative pain control method for patients undergoing breast reconstruction that may improve perioperative pain control and reduce narcotic use. This study determined the efficacy of preoperative PVBs for perioperative pain management in patients undergoing tissue expander breast reconstruction. A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent tissue expander breast reconstruction from December of 2017 to September of 2019. Two patients with PVBs were matched using propensity scoring to one no-block patient. Perioperative analgesic use, pain severity scores on days 2 to 10 after discharge, and BREAST-Q Physical Well-Being scores before surgery and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after surgery were compared between the two groups. The propensity-matched cohort consisted of 471 patients (314 PVB and 157 no block). The PVB group used significantly fewer morphine milligram equivalents than the no-block group (53.7 versus 69.8; P < 0.001). Average daily postoperative pain severity scores were comparable, with a maximum difference of 0.3 points on a 0-point to 4-point scale. BREAST-Q Physical Well-Being scores were significantly higher for the PVB group than the no-block group at 6 weeks after surgery (60.6 versus 51.0; P = 0.015) but did not differ significantly at 2 weeks or 3 months after surgery. PVBs may help reduce perioperative opioid requirements but did not reduce pain scores after discharge when used as part of an expander-based reconstruction perioperative pain management protocol. Continued research should examine additional or alternative regional block procedures as well as financial cost and potential long-term impact of PVBs. Therapeutic, III.

Effects of thoracic paravertebral block combined with s-ketamine on postoperative pain and cognitive function after thoracoscopic surgery

ObjectivesTo assess the effects of thoracic paravertebral block and s-ketamine on postoperative pain and perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. MethodsPatients (n = 120) aged 45–65 undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were allocated randomly into the following three groups: patients in the C group received general anaesthesia; patients in the thoracic paravertebral block group, i.e. the TP group, received general anaesthesia and ultrasound-guided paravertebral block; and patients in the s-ketamine combined with ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral nerve block group, i.e. the TS group, received combined anaesthesia, which was administered as follows: general anaesthesia + ultrasound-guided paravertebral block + perioperative s-ketamine (a bolus of 0.3 mg/kg, followed by an infusion of 0.2 mg/kg/h until 30 min before the end of the surgical procedure). ResultsCognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination 1 day preoperatively, 1 day postoperatively, and 3 months postoperatively. Z-score was used to determine the incidence of PND. Postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale at 0.5 and 24 h postoperatively. The use of opioid drugs, intraoperative vital signs, and other secondary outcomes were also recorded. The final analysis included a total of 110 patients. The intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial pressure in the TS and TP groups were lower than that for group C (P＜0.05). After surgery, patients in the TS group exhibited significantly lower pain scores at 0.5 h and 24 h (P＜0.001 and P = 0.004,respectively) as well as significantly lower rates of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pulmonary complications (P＜0.05). The incidence of PND in the TP and TS groups was lower than those who received general anaesthesia. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of PND between the TP and TS groups (P＞0.05). ConclusionsUltrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block combined with s-ketamine decreased acute postoperative pain and improved the quality of recovery. However, perioperative s-ketamine did not improve cognitive function in patients under general anaesthesia with thoracic paravertebral block.

Effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block versus local anesthesia for percutaneous kyphoplasty in patients with osteoporotic compression fracture.

Kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) is a short but painful intervention. Different anesthetic techniques have been proposed to control pain during kyphoplasty; however, all have limitations. To compare the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block with local anesthesia for percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). In this prospective study, non-randomized patients with OVCF undergoing PKP received either ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (group P) or local anesthesia (group L). Perioperative pain, satisfaction with anesthesia, and complications were compared between the groups. Mean intraoperative (T1-T4) perioperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores were significantly lower in group P than in group L (2 [1-3] vs. 3 [2-4], 2 [2-3] vs. 4 [2-4], 2 [2-3] vs. 5 [3-5], and 3 [2-3] vs. 5 [3-5], respectively; P< 0.05). Investigators' satisfaction scores, patients' anesthesia satisfaction scores, and anesthesia re-administration intention rate were significantly higher in group P than in group L (4 [3-5] vs. 3 [2-4], 2 [2-3] vs. 2 [1-3], 90.63% vs. 69.70%; P< 0.05). There was no significant intergroup difference in complications. Ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block has similar safety to and better effectiveness than local anesthesia in PKP.

Effect of the Paravertebral Block on Chronic Postsurgical Pain After Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This study aimed to identify the benefits of thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) by focusing on its role in reducing chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after thoracic surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched to identify studies. Patients undergoing thoracic surgeries. Paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia. A total of 1,028 adult patients from 10 RCTs were included in the final analysis. The incidence of CPSP at 3 months after surgery was not reduced in the PVB group compared with the no-block (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.34-1.04; p=0.07; I2=6.96%) and other-block (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.30-6.42; p=0.67; I2=77.75%) groups. The PVB did not significantly reduce the incidence of CPSP after 6 months from surgery when compared with no block (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.08-2.53; p=0.36; I2=87.53%) and other blocks (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.71-1.95; p=0.93; I2=45.75%). The PVB significantly decreased postoperative pain at 24 and 48 hours at rest compared with the no- block group. The pain score was higher in the PVB group than in the other block groups 48 hours after surgery at rest. Thoracic PVB does not prevent CPSP after thoracic surgery. Further large RCTs are required to confirm and validate the authors' results.

Incidence rate of chronic pain after 1.5-2 years of thoracotomy between paravertebral block versus epidural block: a cohort study.

Paravertebral block and epidural block are frequently employed for post-thoracotomy pain relief. It is not clear which postoperative analgesia method is effective for the chronic pain after the postoperative long term progress. Our hypothesis was that paravertebral block would be more effective than epidural block for chronic pain 1.5-2 years after thoracotomy. A cohort study investigating postoperative pain was performed in lung cancer patients undergoing thoracotomy between the ages of 20-80 year-old, employed for another randomized controlled trial. In previously study, the patients were randomly allocated into either the epidural block or paravertebral block group (n = 36/group). Patients in each group received the respective block placement with continuous 0.2% ropivacaine infusion at 5 ml/h. The patients completed a telephone observational survey using the EQ-5D-5L at 1.5-2 years. Forty-eight patients, 23 in the epidural block group and 25 in the paravertebral block group, were included in the final analysis. Quality of life scores at 1.5-2 postoperative years was similar in both groups. Mean scores ± standard deviation and 95% confidence interval were 0.899 ± 0.081 (0.705-0.938) in the epidural block group and 0.905 ± 0.079 (0.713-0.938) in the paravertebral block group, respectively, p = 0.81. The incidence rate of chronic postsurgical pain was eight patients; four in the epidural block group (17.4%) and four in the paravertebral block group (16.0%). There was no difference in incidence rate of long-term chronic postsurgical pain at 1.5-2 years after thoracotomy between the both groups. Our result will be used for further study protocols.

A randomized double-blind controlled study comparing erector spinae plane block and thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia after breast surgery.

Thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) is an effective regional block for pain control after breast surgery. However, accidentally puncturing adjacent vital structures may cause undesirable complications. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been considered a safer proxy of PVB for beginners. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects of ultrasound-guidance PVB and ESPB after breast surgery. This randomized control trial was conducted in patients who underwent mastectomy. Forty-four females were randomly allocated into PVB group or ESPB group. All patients received a block with 20 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine before general anesthesia. The primary outcome was the 24-h postoperative morphine requirements. The other outcomes of interest were postoperative pain scores, time to first analgesic request, dermatome of sensory blockade, block-related complications, and opioid adverse events. The 24-h morphine requirements were significantly lower in PVB compared to the ESPB group (3.5 ± 3.3 vs. 8.6 ± 3.8 mg, P < 0.001). The overall pain scores were also lower in the PVB group (P < 0.001). Only 14 patients in the PVB group requested additional morphine, whereas all patients in the ESPB group requested it (P = 0.004). The dermatome of sensory blockade was wider in the PVB group (7 vs. 4 levels, P = 0.019). No serious complications occurred in either group. Compared to ESPB, PVB provided lower postoperative opioid requirements, lower pain scores, and wider sensory blockade after mastectomy.

The Analgesic Efficacy of the Single Erector Spinae Plane Block with Intercostal Nerve Block Is Not Inferior to That of the Thoracic Paravertebral Block with Intercostal Nerve Block in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery.

This monocentric, single-blinded, randomized controlled noninferiority trial investigated the analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) combined with intercostal nerve block (ICNB) compared to that of thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) with ICNB in 52 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). The endpoints included the difference in visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain (0–10, where 10 = worst imaginable pain) in the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) and 24 and 48 h postoperatively between the ESPB and PVB groups. The secondary endpoints included patient satisfaction (1–5, where 5 = extremely satisfied) and total analgesic requirement in morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Median VAS scores were not significantly different between the groups (PACU: 2.0 (1.8, 5.3) vs. 2.0 (2.0, 4.0), p = 0.970; 24 h: 2.0 (0.8, 3.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0, 3.5), p = 0.993; 48 h: 1.0 (0.0, 3.5) vs. 1.0 (0.0, 5.0), p = 0.985). The upper limit of the 95% CI for the differences (PACU: 1.428, 24 h: 1.052, 48 h: 1.176) was within the predefined noninferiority margin of 2. Total doses of rescue analgesics (110.24 ± 103.64 vs. 118.40 ± 93.52 MME, p = 0.767) and satisfaction scores (3.5 (3.0, 4.0) vs. 4.0 (3.0, 5.0), p = 0.227) were similar. Thus, the ESPB combined with ICNB may be an efficacious option after VATS.

Effect of bilateral paravertebral nerve block on cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of a bilateral paravertebral block (PVB) on cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.MethodsSixty patients (40 men and 20 women) aged 65–80 undergoing radical gastrectomy surgery under general anaesthesia were included and randomly assigned to either the PVB group or the control group. Patients in the PVB group had before incision a single-shot ultrasound-guided bilateral PVB at the T8 level with 20 mL of ropivacaine 0.375%, while patients in the control group had no block. Patients in both groups had a BIS-guided total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil infusions. Postoperative cognitive function assessed by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and NSE (neuron-specific enolase) was the primary outcome.ResultsThe awareness time in group PVB was shorter than that in the group C, and the propofol and remifentanil dosages were less than that in group C (P<0.001, P = 0.007, respectively). Furthermore, the change of the MMSE score and the NSE concentration was significant from day0 to day1 and day1 to day2. (P<0.001).ConclusionA single-shot bilateral PVB active throughout radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer reduces the needs for general anaesthetic agents and improve postoperative recovery, along with a surrogate evidence for neuroprotective effects.Trial registrationChiCTR2200060088. Registered 18 May 2022.

Comparison between erector spinae plane block and paravertebral block regarding postoperative analgesic consumption following breast surgery: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundPain control following breast surgery is of utmost importance in order to reduce the chance of chronic pain development, and facilitate early rehabilitation. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a recently developed regional anaesthesia procedure successfully used for different types of surgical procedures including thoracic and abdominal surgeries.MethodsA double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 90 patients who were scheduled for modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Patients were randomly categorized into groups I (women who underwent ESPB), II (women who underwent paravertebral block (PVB), and III (women who underwent general anaesthesia).ResultsThe ESPB (4.9 ± 1.2 mg) and PVB (5.8 ± 1.3 mg) groups had significantly lower total morphine consumption than the control group had (16.4 ± 3.1 mg; p < 0.001). Notably, patients in the ESPB group had insignificantly lower morphine consumption than those in the PVB group had (p = 0.076). Moreover, patients in the ESPB and PVB groups had a significantly longer time to first required anaesthesia than those in the control group (7.9 ± 1.2 versus 7.5 ± 0.9 versus 2 ± 1.2 h, respectively; p < 0.001). The postoperative visual analog scale scores were lower in the ESPB and PVB groups than in the control group on the first 24 h after the procedure (p < 0.001).ConclusionESPB and PVB provide effective postoperative analgesia for women undergoing MRM. The ESPB appears to be as effective as the PVB.Trial registrationThe study was registered before the enrolment of the first patient at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) database. Identification number for the registry is (PACTR202008836682092).

COMPARSION OF ANALGESIC EFFICACY OF ULTRASOUND GUIDED PARAVERTEBRAL BLOCK WITH ROPIVACAINE 0.2% WITH/WITHOUT DEXAMETHASONE WITH GENERAL ANAESTHESIA IN MRM

Background: Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) may be associated with severe post-operative pain, leading to chronic pain syndrome. We evaluated whether dexamethasone 0.1ml/kg as an adjuvant to ropivacaine improves analgesic efficacy of Paravertebral block (PVB) in MRM . Method: This double-blind, randomised study was conducted on 60 adult females, scheduled for MRM with axillary dissection. They were allotted into two groups – group R( ropivacaine) (n=30) and group D (ropivacaine + dexamethasone) (n=30) . After inducing general anaesthesia , patients were administered ultrasound-guided thoracic PVB at T4 with 20 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine with and without dexamethasone0.1mg/kg , both as a single level injection. Time to first rescue analgesia, number of rescue analgesia required in 24 hrs and any adverse effects were recorded. Quantitative variables were compared using the unpaired t-test between the two groups. Qualitative variables were compared using the Chi-square test . Results: The duration of analgesia (mean ± Standard deviation [SD]) was significantly longer in the PVB group with dexamethasone (p value- &lt;0.05). Number of rescue analgesic requirement was significantly reduced in dexamethasone group as compare to without dexamethasone.(p value- 0.001) Conculsion:Paravertebral block with ropivacaine and dexamethasone has a longer duration of analgesia than with plain ropivacaine.

Analgesic effects of ultrasound guided paravertebral block versus transversus abdominis plane block in hepatic patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Several analgesic modalities after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were used in hepatic patients but with various complications. Bilateral ultrasound-guided transverse abdominis plane block (TAP) or thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) may provide safer techniques than others. The aim of this study is to delineate the more efficient and safer technique either TAP or PVB in hepatic patients. Methods: The research was conducted on sixty adult hepatic patients, ASA II or III, Child A or B, undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were allocated randomly into one of two equal groups, to attain bilateral ultrasound guided either PVB (Group P) or TAP block (Group T). Group P showed significant postoperative lower pain scores using visual analogue score at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h (P &lt; 0.01) and less intraoperative desflurane and fentanyl consumption (P &lt; 0.001) versus group T. In addition, group P exhibited less total postoperative pethidine requirement (23.3±25.4 mg vs. 38.3±21.5 mg, P = 0.017), fewer number of patients asked for postoperative analgesia (46.7% vs. 76.7%, P value = 0.017), longer duration to first analgesic demand (20.5±5.1 h vs. 15.1±8.4 h, P = 0.021), and compared to group T respectively. Regarding liver functions and haemodynamics, both groups were comparable at different intervals.