Patient-controlled Analgesia Device Research Articles

The effect of an ultrasound-guided sacral erector spinae plane block on the postoperative pain of lumbar discectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Pain management is essential after discectomy, the surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation. This study evaluated the effect of sacral erector spinae plane block (SESPB) versus standard analgesic methods on postoperative analgesia and opioid consumption in lumbar discectomy operations. Over 18 years of age, ASA 1-3 group, 54 patients undergoing elective lumbar discectomy were included in the prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, study. They were randomly divided into groups, SESPB and non-block (control). Both groups completed surgery under general anesthesia. At the end of the surgery, group SESPB received a bilateral 20 cc block with 0.25% bupivacaine at the level of the second sacral vertebra. Both groups received tramadol via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. Primer outcome was total opioid consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery. Pain assessment by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), rescue analgesic requirements, time to first rescue analgesic requirement and adverse effects were recorded 24 hours postoperatively. Total tramadol consumption was 168.8±143 mg (P<0.04) higher in the control group. The first six-hour VAS scores and the number of rescue analgesic users were lower in the SESPB group (P<0.01). The first rescue analgesic use time was 440±140.3 minutes in SESPB group and 47.5±116.1 minutes in control group (P<0.01). Nausea-vomiting was more frequent in the control group (P<0.01) and patient satisfaction was higher in the SESPB group (P<0.01). In lumbar discectomy surgery, ultrasound-guided SESPB provided adequate analgesia by reducing opioid consumption and pain scores without complications.

Comparative evaluation of continuous infusion versus programmed intermittent bolus techniques in erector spinae plane block in modified radical mastectomy - A preliminary randomised controlled trial.

Single-shot erector spinae plane block (ESPB) provides excellent analgesia in mastectomy in the immediate post-operative period but is not sufficient to maintain for prolonged duration. This study compares the efficacy of programmed intermittent bolus (PIB) versus continuous infusion (CI) techniques after ESPB by placing a catheter for mastectomy. After ethical approval and patient consent, ESPB was performed at the T4 level in 50 patients with an initial bolus of 20 mL 0.375% ropivacaine and a catheter placed 30 min before surgery. In the postoperative period, they were randomised to Group I - intermittent bolus of 20 mL 0.2% ropivacaine every 4 h for 24 h and Group C - continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 5 mL/h for 24 h. The primary outcome was the 24-h fentanyl consumption by patient-controlled analgesia device. Data was analysed using Stata 14.0. Group I patients had reduced post-operative fentanyl consumption {mean [standard deviation (SD)]: 166 (139.17) µg vs 332 (247.96) µg, P = 0.002} and lower median NRS scores (1 h: 3 vs 5), (2 h: 3 vs 5), (4 h: 3 vs 5), (6 h: 4 vs 5) with a higher mean (SD) Quality of Recovery-15 score {134.4 (8.53) vs 127 (12.89), P = 0.020} compared to Group C, respectively. The 24-h dermatomal sensory coverage was more comprehensive in Group I compared to Group C. The PIB technique after ESPB provides decreased postoperative opioid consumption, better post-operative analgesia and quality of recovery compared to the CI technique in patients undergoing mastectomy.

Comparison of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine in continuous axillary brachial plexus block

Aims: This study compares bupivacaine – lidocaine and levobupivacaine – lidocaine administrations in terms of initiation and duration of motor and sensorial blockage, total number of additional analgesic applications, analgesic amount consumed in 24 hours, side-effects and hemodynamic effects in continuous axillary brachial pleksus block in hand and forearm surgery. Methods: Thirty ASA I &amp; II physical status patients, scheduled hand or forearm surgery were enrolled for of the two groups in a randomized study. Axillary catheter duly placed in both group with appropriate guided techniques. Patients in group B received 0. 5% bupivacaine 20 ml + 2% lidocaine 20 ml and group L received 0. 5% levobupivacaine 20 ml + 2% lidocaine 20 ml through the axillary catheter. Initiation and duration of motor and sensorial block, total number of additional analgesic applications and analgesic amount consumed in postoperative 24 hours were recorded. Pre-block, peri-operative and post-operative blood pressures and heart beat rates were also recorded. Block application duration, operation duration, tourniquet duration and demographic data of patients (age, sex, weight, and length) were recorded. Demanded and applied analgesic doses by the patient controlled analgesia devices, side effects and complications were also recorded. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of initiation and duration of motor and sensorial block, amount of analgesic consumed in 24 hours, demanded and applied analgesic doses by the patient controlled analgesia devices and hemodynamic data (p&gt;0. 05). There is a mild and positive relation between block application duration and patient weight. (p=0. 014; r=0. 444) Conclusion: Both bupivacaine+lidocaine and levobupivacaine+lidocaine combinations can safely be used in axillary continuous brachial plexus block without any difference in terms of initiation and duration of block, total analgesic amount consumed. Their duration of action and effect on hemodynamic responses are similar.

A novel comparison of erector spinae plane block and paravertebral block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Erector spinae plane block is an updated method than paravertebral block, possessing a lower risk of complications. This study aimed to compare erector spinae plane and paravertebral blocks to safely reach the most efficacious analgesia procedure in laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases. The study included 90 cases, aged 18-70 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, who underwent an laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. They were randomly separated into three groups, namely, Control, erector spinae plane, and paravertebral block. No block procedure was applied to Control, and a patient-controlled analgesia device was prepared containing tramadol at a 10 mg bolus dose and a 10-min locked period. The pain scores were recorded with a visual analog scale for 24 h postoperatively. The visual analog scale values at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 60 min at rest and 60 min coughing were found to be significantly higher in Control than in paravertebral block. A significant difference was revealed between Control vs. paravertebral block and paravertebral block vs. erector spinae plane in terms of total tramadol consumption (p=0.006). Total tramadol consumption in the first postoperative 24 h was significantly reduced in the paravertebral block compared with the Control and erector spinae plane groups. Sonography-guided-paravertebral block provides sufficient postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. Erector spinae plane seems to attenuate total tramadol consumption.

Effect of magnesium sulfate perioperative infusion on postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort in male patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer: a prospective, randomized and controlled study

BackgroundLaparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer is associated with a high incidence of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). Studies on the benefits of magnesium sulfate intravenous infusion during the perioperative period post-laparoscopic surgery are yet lacking.MethodsA total of 88 gastrointestinal cancer male patients scheduled for laparoscopic radical resection were randomly divided into two groups: normal saline (control) and magnesium. In the magnesium group, a 40 mg/kg loading dose of intravenous magnesium sulfate was administered for 10 min just after the induction of anesthesia, followed by continuous intravenous infusion of 15 mg/kg/h magnesium sulfate until the end of the surgery; the control group was administered the same dose of normal saline. Subsequently, 2 μg/kg sufentanil was continuously infused intravenously by a postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) device. The primary outcome was the incidence of CRBD at 0 h after the surgery. The secondary outcomes included incidence of CRBD at 1, 2, and 6 h postsurgery, the severity of CRBD at 0, 1, 2, and 6 h postsurgery. Remifentanil requirement during surgery, sufentanil requirement within 24 h postsurgery, the postoperative numerical rating scale (NRS) score at 48 h after the surgery, magnesium-related side effects and rescue medication (morphine) requirement were also assessed.ResultsThe incidence of CRBD at 0, 1, 2, and 6 h postoperatively was lower in the magnesium group than the control group (0 h: P = 0.01; 1 h: P = 0.003; 2 h: P = 0.001; 6 h: P = 0.006). The incidence of moderate to severe CRBD was higher in the control group at postoperative 0 and 1 h (0 h: P = 0.002; 1 h: P = 0.028), remifentanil requirement during surgery were significantly lower in the magnesium group than the control group. Sufentanil requirements during the 24 h postoperative period were significantly lower in the magnesium group than the control group. The NRS score was reduced in the magnesium group compared to the control group in the early postoperative period. Magnesium-related side effects and rescue medication (morphine) did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsIntravenous magnesium sulfate administration reduces the incidence and severity of CRBD and remifentanil requirement in male patients undergoing radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer. Also, no significant side effects were observed.Trial registrationChictr.org.cn ChiCTR2100053073. The study was registered on 10/11/2021.

Posterior Quadratus Lumborum Block or Thoracolumbar Interfascial Plane Block and Postoperative Analgesia after Spinal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: The management of postoperative pain following lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery is crucial for the quality of recovery. The effectiveness of multimodal analgesia plans increases when interfascial plane blocks are included. This study sought to compare the analgesic efficacy of preoperative ultrasound-guided TLIP (thoracolumbar interfascial plane) blocks and posterior QLBs (quadratus lumborum blocks) in patients undergoing LDH surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing elective LDH surgery under general anesthesia were randomized into two groups: thoracolumbar interfascial plane block (Group T) and posterior quadratus lumborum block (Group Q). Block applications were performed 30 min before anesthesia induction. In the postoperative period, analgesia control was provided with a patient-controlled analgesia device. The patients’ 24 h cumulative opioid consumption was examined. Pain scores were evaluated in the 0th, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and 24th hours. Results: The mean 24 h cumulative morphine consumption for patients was statistically insignificant when Groups T and Q were compared (9.14 ± 7.03 mg vs. 8.66 ± 6.58 mg, p = 0.788). Pain scores at rest and during movement as well as morphine consumption were similar between groups in the 0th, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and 24th hours (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The study determined that the utilization of TLIP blocks and posterior QLBs prior to anesthesia induction yielded comparable outcomes in terms of reducing postoperative analgesic consumption and enhancing the efficacy of multimodal analgesia in individuals undergoing single-distance lumbosacral spine surgery under general anesthesia.

Comparison of Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block and Thoracic Epidural Analgesia in Open Heart Surgery

Objective: In our study, it was aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of bilateral USG-guided erector spinae plane block (ESP) block and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in patients who underwent open heart surgery.&#x0D; Methods: No interventional multimodal analgesia technique was applied to the patients in the control group, only iv patient-controlled analgesia (iv PCA) device was inserted at the end of the operation. The duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation (MV), the amount of opioid consumed in the first 24 hours, and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores during postoperative 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 24th hours while resting/coughing were recorded.&#x0D; Results: There was a notable difference there among the groups in terms of the amount of postoperative opioid consumption (p=0.001). There was a notable difference there among the groups in the resting VAS scores at the postoperative 1st, 2nd, 4th, 12th, and 24th hours (p

Does Adding an IPACK Block to the Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Block Improve the Quality of Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroplasty under Spinal Anesthesia? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a commonly performed orthopedic procedure, and is often accompanied by significant postoperative pain. The supra-inguinal fascia iliaca block (SIFIB), similar to an anterior lumbar plexus block, is frequently used in hip surgeries. The interspace between the popliteal artery and capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) block is a regional anesthesia technique that targets the posterior innervation of the knee capsule. This retrospective study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of SIFIB and SIFIB + IPACK on patients undergoing TKA under spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study revealed the data collected from a tertiary hospital. Patient data were gathered for individuals who underwent unilateral TKA under spinal anesthesia during the period between 1 January 2023 and 1 September 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised patients falling within ASA class I-III, those following a standardized perioperative analgesia regimen, and individuals receiving opioids via a patient-controlled analgesia device (PCA) as part of their postoperative pain management strategy. Patients were grouped as SIFIB and SIFIB + IPACK according to the performed regional anesthesia technique. Results: In the study, the data of 88 patients in total, 61 in the SIFIB group and 27 in the IPACK group, were analyzed. The 24 h cumulative morphine consumption was similar in the SIFIB and SIFIB + IPACK groups (10.62 ± 6.58 mg vs. 12.55 ± 8.84 mg, respectively; p: 0.258). The NRS scores of the groups were similar in all time frames. Conclusions: Our study reveals that combining IPACK with SIFIB in the multimodal analgesia plan does not provide additional benefits in terms of postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores in patients undergoing unilateral THA under spinal anesthesia.

Prediction model of postoperative pain exacerbation using an intravenous patient-controlled analgesia device and a wearable electrocardiogram sensor.

There is a need to develop objective and real-time postoperative pain assessment methods in perioperative medicine. Few studies have evaluated the relationship between pain severity and temporal changes of physiological signals in actual postoperative patients. In this study, we developed a machine learning model which was trained from intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) records and electrocardiogram (ECG) of postoperative patients to predict pain exacerbation. A self-attentive autoencoder (SA-AE) model achieved 54% of sensitivity and a 1.76 times/h of false positive rate.Clinical relevance- We proposed a novel method for evaluating postoperative pain in real time and demonstrated the possibility of predicting pain exacerbation. The proposed method would realize the automatic administration of analgesics and the optimization of opioid doses.

Effect of Educational Tools on the use of Patient-Controlled Analgesia Devices.

In the literature, there are confusing data about educational tools and device use. Therefore, it is not clear which method is superior to the other. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of educational tools on patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) usage in patients undergoing hysterectomy. Ninety-six patients undergoing hysterectomy were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to a group (verbal, brochure, or video) consisting of 32 patients each using the closed envelope method. After operations, all patients were sent to the ward and evaluated with numerical rating scale score for pain at 15th min., 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 18th, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th hours. Given dose, the number of button presses, presence of nausea and vomiting, and static and dynamic pain scores were recorded. During visits, patients who had a pain score ≥4 were administered paracetamol 1 g IV. Ondansetron 8 mg IV was injected into patients who had nausea and vomiting. No significant differences were determined in resting and dynamic pain scores, number of button presses, and given doses between groups at 15th min., 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th hours. In this study, education type did not affect PCA device use. We believe that whatever method the infrastructure of hospitals is suitable for, should be used for PCA device education.

The effect of ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block on postoperative analgesia in thoracoscopic surgery: a randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial

BackgroundIntercostal nerve block (ICNB) is a very effective analgesic method. We aimed to explore the effect of preemptive analgesia with ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block on postoperative analgesia in thoracoscopic surgery.Methods126 patients, aged 18–70 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II and scheduled for thoracoscopic pulmonary resection were enrolled in this study. 119 patients were left for final analysis. Patients were randomly allocated to group ICNB and group CONTROL. Patients in CONTROL group were administered sufentanil with patient-controlled analgesia device after operation In group ICNB, patients received ropivacaine ICNB prior to surgery and patient-controlled analgesia device after operation. The primary outcome is visual analog scale pain score (VAS) at rest at 0,4, 8,16,24,48,72 and 168 h postoperatively and they were compared. Surgical outcomes and rescue analgesia requirement were also recorded.ResultsVAS scores were statistically significantly lower for ICNB group compared to control group at 0, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 h postoperatively. The duration of insertion of chest tube in ICBN group was shorter than that in control group, and the difference was statistically significant (4.69 ± 2.14 vs. 5.67 ± 2.86, P = 0.036). The postoperative hospital stay, incidence of nausea and vomiting and postoperative pulmonary infection rate in ICBN group were all lower than those in the control group, but there were no statistical differences. The frequency of rescue analgesia during 48 postoperative hours was different between the two groups (ICNB vs. Control; 9.83% vs. 31.03%, P = 0.004).ConclusionsFor patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery, ultrasound-guided ICNB is simple, safe, and effective for providing acute postoperative pain management during the early postoperative stage.Trial registrationChinese clinical trials: chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900021017. Registred on 25/01/2019.

Efficacy of Intravenous Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen on Postoperative Pain and Tramadol Consumption in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Prospective, Randomized, Double-blinded Clinical Trial

Background: Many techniques, including multimodal analgesia, have been used to manage postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Although the number of studies using intravenous ibuprofen (IV) is still limited, ibuprofen has been shown to have a potential role in managing postoperative pain. The primary outcome of this study is to evaluate and compare the impact of IV forms of ibuprofen and acetaminophen on 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption and pain management in patients undergoing LC. The second outcome of the study is to evaluate the impact of ibuprofen and acetaminophen on opioid-related adverse events (ORAE).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Following ethical committee approval, 70 patients aged 18 to 65, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score I- II, and those scheduled for LC were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=35) received 800 mg IV ibuprofen (group I) in 100 mL saline during surgery, while the acetaminophen group (n=35) received 1000 mg (group A). In the postoperative period, all patients received a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device with tramadol. The PCA device was set to a bolus dose of 10 mg and had a lockout time of 15 minutes. A blinded pain nurse assessed postoperative analgesia at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours using a numerical rating scale (NRS). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), total tramadol consumption, and the need for additional analgesics during the 24-hour postoperative period were recorded.&#x0D; Results: Seventy patients who underwent LC participated in this study. The use of analgesic medications was statistically lower in group I than in the other group A. NRS scores between the IV ibuprofen and acetaminophen groups were statistically similar at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively (P&gt;0.05). 24-hour opioid consumption was statistically significantly higher in group A than in group I (P0.05). PONV rates were similar in the ibuprofen and acetaminophen groups (P&gt;0.05). ORAEs were similar between groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Ibuprofen as part of tramadol-based multimodal analgesia reduced tramadol consumption compared to acetaminophen during the first 24 hours postoperatively following elective LC surgery. The IV ibuprofen-tramadol combination appeared superior to an acetaminophen-tramadol combination. ORAEs were similar in both groups.

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Rectus Sheath Block for Postoperative Pain After Caesarean Delivery: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Postoperative analgesia in caesarean deliveries is becoming increasingly important, since early bonding between mother and infant can be established with effective postoperative analgesia while preventing the unpleasant effects of pain. Additionally, inadequate postoperative analgesia is associated with chronic pain and postpartum depression. The primary objective of this study was to compare the analgesic effects of transversus abdominis plane block and rectus sheath block in patients undergoing elective caesarean delivery. A total of 90 parturients with American Society of Anesthesia status I-II, aged 18-45 years, at >37 gestational weeks, and scheduled for elective caesarean delivery were included in the study. All patients received spinal anaesthesia. Parturients were randomised into 3 groups. Bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block was performed on the transversus abdominis plane group, bilateral ultrasoundguided rectus sheath block on the rectus sheath group, and no block on the control group. All patients were given intravenous morphine through a patient-controlled analgesia device. A pain nurse, blinded to the study, recorded the cumulative morphine consumption and pain scores during resting and coughing using a numerical rating scale at postoperative hours 1, 6, 12, and 24. Numerical rating scale values recorded during rest and coughing were lower in the transversus abdominis plane group at postoperative hours 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 (P < .05). Morphine consumption was lower in the transversus abdominis plane group at postoperative hours 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 (P < .05). Transversus abdominis plane block provides effective postoperative analgesia in parturients. However, rectus sheath block provides inadequate postoperative analgesia in parturients who undergo caesarean delivery.

Effect of a continuous perineural levobupivacaine infusion on pain after major lower limb amputation: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

ObjectivesRandomised controlled trial of the effect of a perineural infusion of levobupivacaine on moderate/severe phantom limb pain 6 months after major lower limb amputation.SettingSingle-centre, UK university hospital.ParticipantsNinety patients undergoing above-knee...

Effects of catheter orifice configuration (triple-hole versus end-hole) in continuous infraclavicular brachial plexus block on analgesia after upper limb surgery.

The configuration of a nerve block catheter may affect the local anesthetic spread in epidural analgesia and continuous peripheral nerve blocks. This prospective and randomized study aims to compare the multi-orifice nerve block catheter with an end-hole catheter in ultrasound-guided continuous infraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB) in terms of providing postoperative analgesia for the orthopedic upper limb surgery below the shoulder. The primary outcome measure was mean pain scores. Secondary outcome measures were the consumption of rescue analgesic and the amount of local anesthetics delivered by a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) device. A total of 58 adult patients who underwent orthopedic upper limb surgery below the shoulder were randomly assigned into two groups: group end-hole catheter (EHC) (n=31) and group multi-orifice catheter (MOC) (n=27). All patients received a single-shot infraclavicular BPB using 100 mg lidocaine 2% and 75 mg bupivacaine 0.5% administrated through a Tuohy needle. Then, a multi-orifice (triple-hole) nerve catheter was placed in the group MOC and an end-hole (one-hole) catheter in the group EHC at the same location. Bupivacaine 0.125% was infused through the catheters via PCA (infusion rate: 2 mlh-1, automated regular bolus: 5 mlh-1, patient-controlled bolus: 3 ml, lock-out time: 1 hour, 4 hours limit: 40 ml). Pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Mean VAS scores were higher in group EHC than group MOC in the first postoperative day (p=0.001). Mean rescue analgesic consumption, the number of bolus demand on PCA, PCA bolus demand dose, and total PCA dose were higher in group EHC than group MOC during the first postoperative day (p<0.05). It is concluded that the use of MHC is more effective than EHC for continuous infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks in providing postoperative pain relief during the first 24 hours.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation to reduce opioid consumption in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in the postoperative treatment of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair compared with sham and no treatment group.MethodsThis study is a protocol for a three-armed, single-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial. Ninety participants scheduled for inguinal hernia repair will be randomly assigned to the TEAS group (n = 30), sham group (n = 30), and control group (n = 30). The TEAS group will receive treatment using four portable coin-sized electro-stimulators at both local and distal acupuncture points. The sham group will receive sham treatment with mock electrostimulation. The treatment groups will receive mixed frequency stimulation (alternating at 2 and 100 Hz every 3 s) in continuous mode for 30 min at intervals of 2 h for 24 h postoperatively. The control group will receive postoperative pain control using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. The primary outcome is the total morphine dose received in the postoperative period (mg) using PCA 24 h after surgery. The number of PCA demands (i.e., times the button will be pressed) and delivered bolus doses, score on the Visual Analogue Scale, opioid-related side effects, the requirement for supplemental medications, score on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and blood levels of stress hormones cortisol and prolactin.DiscussionThe results of this trial will determine whether TEAS with intensified stimulation protocol is a safe and effective option for reducing analgesic consumption and postoperative pain.Trial registrationISRCTN76428396. Registered on 05 October 2020. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN76428396

Effect of perioperative intravenous magnesium sulfate on postoperative pain after iliac venous stenting

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of perioperative intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MS) on low back pain (LBP) severity after iliac venous stent implantation. MethodsThe present study was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 97 patients who had undergone iliac venous stenting for post-thrombotic syndrome between January 1, 2019 and January 11, 2021 were considered for inclusion in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had received perioperative MS infusions (group M) and those who had not (control group; group C). Group M was given an IV bolus of 20 mg/kg before anesthesia induction and an IV MS infusion of 20 mg/kg/h during the procedure. Postoperative LBP severity was evaluated using the numerical rating scale at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the procedure. The total tramadol consumption within 24 hours was measured with the help of a patient-controlled analgesia device. Moreover, additional analgesic needs and complaints of nausea and vomiting were evaluated. ResultsA total of 97 patients were considered for inclusion in the present study. Of the 97 patients, 29 were excluded because of a lack of follow-up data, leaving 68 patients for the final analysis (group M, n = 36; group C, n = 32). The demographic data, body mass index, sedation time, procedure time, and stented side data were similar between the two groups (P > .05). The rates of atropine and ephedrine use during the procedure were similar between the two groups (P > .05). The numerical rating scale scores were significantly lower for group M at all follow-up periods (P < .001). The total tramadol consumption at 24 hours postoperatively was 191.94 ± 68.194 mg for group M and 378.75 ± 31.367 mg for group C (P < .001). Additional analgesics were used by 8 patients (22.2%) in group M and 17 patients (53.1%) in group C. Additional analgesic needs were significantly lower for group M (P = .008). Nausea and vomiting were observed in six (19.4%) and four (11.1%) patients in group M and eight (32%) and five (15.6%) patients in group C, respectively (P > .05). ConclusionsFor patients undergoing iliac venous stenting, perioperative MS infusion was an effective and safe treatment option that reduced LBP severity, opioid consumption, and the need for additional analgesics in the acute postoperative period.

Comparison between two methods of intravenous titration of morphine: Optimizing BI mode of patient-controlled analgesia versus conventional method.

204 Background: The titration of opioids to the optimal dose without side effects is an important and essential gateway in cancer pain management. However, sufficient pain control may not be achievable until the titration is complete because the change in the dose of opioids is calculated based on the opioid demand over the previous 24 hours. A recent patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device could perform in an optimizing B.I. mode in which the background infusion rate was adjustable in accordance with the patient’s use of a bolus button. Therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the conventional method and the optimizing B.I. method of PCA in the titration of intravenous morphine in patients with cancer pain. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, active-controlled study. After randomization, the previously administered opioids were switched to intravenous morphine and dose titration was initiated. In the conventional group, the dosage of continuous infusion morphine over the next day was adjusted based on the total amount of morphine administered during the previous 24 hours. In the PCA group, morphine titration was performed by increasing or decreasing the background infusion rate immediately in accordance with the frequency and interval of pressing the bolus button. The patients received pain management in this manner for at least three days and we compared the two groups by collecting their pain-related outcomes via medical records and questionnaires. Results: A total of 39 patients were enrolled, of whom 20 were assigned to the conventional group and 19 to the PCA group. The number of breakthrough pain complaints (NRS ≥ 4) by patients to the medical staff decreased in the PCA group, showing a difference from the conventional group within 24 hours (p = 0.012). The total daily dose of morphine was increased significantly at 0–24 hours in the PCA group (p &lt; 0.001) and then slightly increased until 72 hours. The patient-reported pain reduction rate increased at 24–48 hours (p = 0.022) and was maintained until 72 hours in the PCA group. There was no statistically significant change in the conventional group during the study period for the above items. The conversion rate to oral or transdermal opioids after 72 hours was higher in the PCA group (p = 0.010). There were no uncontrolled side effects due to morphine titration in either group. Conclusions: Patients using the PCA with optimizing B.I. mode showed faster intravenous morphine titration and higher morphine consumption than the conventional method and achieved tolerable and rapid pain relief. This study revealed that early active opioid titration is necessary for patients admitted for pain control. It also suggested that the patient's actual opioid demands for pain control may be greater than the amount of opioid used through conventional titration methods. Clinical trial information: KCT0004008.

Does laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block have an effect on postoperative pain and recovery after sleeve gastrectomy?

Postoperative pain management is thought to have an effect on patient comfort, morbidity, and mortality after bariatric surgery. Local anesthetic agents are frequently used for this purpose. Local anesthetics can be used in many different ways. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on postoperative pain by laparoscopic method. A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed. While TAP block was applied to one group with bupivacaine, no action was taken for the other group. Postoperative analgesia was given to both patient groups with the "patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)" device. Demographic, operational, and postoperative clinical and pain data of the patients were recorded. TAP block and non-TAP block groups consisted of 30 patients each. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores of the patients at 6, 12, and 24 hours were lower in the TAP group compared to the non-TAP group (p=0.015, 0.018, 0.04, respectively). According to the PCA device data, the analgesic requirement was lower in the TAP group at 6, 12, and 24 hours (p <0.001). Rescue analgesia was required more in the non-TAP group (p=0.04). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gas discharge time (p=0.102), stool discharge occurred earlier in the TAP group (p=0.02). Oral intake times (p=0.554) and length of stay hospital (p=0.551) were similar. Laparoscopic TAP block using bupivacaine can be safely administered in morbidly obese patients and reduces postoperative analgesic requirements. Thus, side effects that may develop secondary to the use of analgesics are avoided.

The Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Paravertebral Block and Mid-Point Transverse Process Pleura Block in Mastectomy Surgeries: A Randomized Study

Purpose/Aim of the study The purpose of this triple-blind randomized study is to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of Mid-Point Transverse Process Pleura Block (MTP) and Paravertebral Block (PVB) in patients undergoing breast surgery. Materials and Methods The study was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 05332028). A total of 64 patients undergoing unilateral simple mastectomy operation due to breast cancer were included in the study. Before the anesthesia procedure, participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group 1: Participants undergoing PVB or Group 2: Participants undergoing MTP block. All block applications were performed using 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine. Routine general anesthesia protocol was performed on all patients. In the postanesthetic care unit, fentanyl infusion was given to all patients postoperatively via a patient-controlled analgesia device. Postoperative fentanyl consumption, time to the first request for analgesia, VAS score values at rest and in motion, and blocked dermatome areas were recorded. Results Postoperative total opioid consumption, the number of patients given rescue analgesia, the time requiring postoperative supplemental analgesia, postoperative pain scores at rest and in motion, and blocked dermatome areas at both anterior and posterior lower and upper limits were not different between groups (p > 0.05, for all). Conclusions It was concluded that ultrasound-guided PVB and MTP blocks have similar postoperative analgesic efficacy in patients undergoing breast surgery. The MTP block may be preferred as an alternative to PVB for breast surgeries with less risk of complications.