Post-cesarean Section Analgesia Research Articles

Comparison of patient-controlled epidural analgesia and epidural morphine for post-cesarean section analgesia: experience from a tertiary center in China.

To compare patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) and epidural morphine (EM) for post-cesarean section analgesia in real-world experience from China. Parturients receiving one dose of EM (1-2mg), PCEA, or both EM and PCEA from Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively recruited. Logistic models were used to identify risk factors. Of 1079 parturients enrolled, 919 (85.2%) parturients received only EM, 105 (9.7%) parturients received PCEA, and 55 (5.1%) parturients received both EM and PCEA. Significantly more parturients from EM group requested supplementary analgesia than those from PCEA and PCEA + EM group (583, 63.4% vs 52, 49.5% vs 25, 45.5%, P = 0.001) with more times of supplementary analgesia (1, IQR: 0-2 vs 0, IQR: 0-1 vs 0, IQR: 0-1 times, P < 0.001) and larger amounts of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (50, IQR: 0-100mg vs 0, IQR: 0-50mg vs 0, IQR: 0-50mg, P < 0.001). In multivariable Logistic regression for the supplementary analgesia risk, the application of PCEA (OR: 0.557, 95%CI 0.396-0.783, P = 0.001) and the use of NSAIDs intraoperatively (OR: 2.996, 95%CI 1.811-4.957, P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors. A total of 1040 (96.4%) patients received prophylactic antiemetic therapy during surgery. Only 13 (1.2%) and 7 (0.6%) patients in our cohort requested antiemetic and antipruritic drugs, respectively. The use of PCEA was an independent protective factor for supplementary analgesia during the post-cesarean section. Prophylactic antiemetic therapy may reduce the side effects of post-cesarean analgesia.

Regional Analgesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Narrative Review Toward Enhancing Outcomes in Parturients.

With the current surge on peripheral nerve blocks in post-cesarean pain management and the historical lack of unequivocal evidence supporting its universal use, this review intended to re-examine the extended scope of literature on regional anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in low-transverse cesarean section. A literature search was conducted up to April 2023 using PubMed to identify articles relevant to our search words "cesarean section", "neuraxial morphine", "post-cesarean analgesia", as well as the name of each individual nerve block. The literature search was ultimately narrowed to systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials published between 2012 and 2023. We define, describe, and discuss the evidence surrounding each individual regional anesthetic technique in the presence and absence of intrathecal morphine, which is used as the gold standard when appropriate. In the absence of neuraxial morphine, all regional anesthetic techniques have some level of analgesic benefit in the post-cesarean analgesia. Transversus Abdominis Plane blocks continue to have the most studies in their use. Newer fascia plane blocks including the anterior Quadratus Lumborum, and Erector Spinae Plane blocks provide significant analgesia. In addition, direct comparison among peripheral nerve blocks consistently favors the more proximal, centralized techniques. Conversely, in the presence of neuraxial morphine, no peripheral anesthetic technique has reliably and reproducibly demonstrated an added analgesic benefit regardless of the peripheral nerve block technique or location of local anesthetic injection in the post-cesarean population. Neuraxial morphine continues to be the gold standard for post-cesarean section analgesia, the benefit of additional single injection regional anesthetic is currently not evidence supported. In cases where neuraxial opioids have not or cannot be given, there is overwhelming evidence that regional anesthetic techniques improve post-cesarean section analgesia and decrease post-operative opioid consumption. Even though there is no consensus on the optimal peripheral nerve block, emerging evidence suggests more centralized abdominal fascia plane block trends towards better analgesia.

Research hotspots and trends on post-cesarean section analgesia: A scientometric analysis from 2001 to 2021.

This study aims to demonstrate current research priorities and predict future trends of post-cesarean section analgesia by scientometric analysis. We collected nearly 20 years (2002-2021) of publications related to post-cesarean section analgesia in the web of science database. Citespace was applied to evaluate the knowledge mapping. There are 2735 manuscripts about the post-cesarean section in total. The country, institution, and author posted the most separately are the USA, Univ Calif Irvine, and BRENDAN CARVALHO. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA (21) publishes the most articles of this type, and ANESTHESIOLOGY has the greatest impact (1496 co-citations). In addition, the most key cited reference is McDonnell, J.G (43). Post-cesarean section analgesia research, including spinal anesthesia, postoperative pain, and epidural analgesia, has been a research hotspot in recent years. Through scientometric analysis of the past 20 years, we know the TAP blocks and drug selection in patient-controlled analgesia are the focus of future research. The USA, China, and Turkey have become the main research forces in this field, with high publication rates and centrality. This is important for accurately and quickly locating trends in this field.

Analgesic efficacy of bupivacaine with or without magnesium adjunct in bilateral ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks following cesarean section under subarachnoid block: A randomized controlled trial.

Pain relief is a basic aspect of anesthesia care. Optimal post-cesarean section analgesia should minimize postoperative complications, facilitate infant care, and prevent postoperative morbidity. Bilateral ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric (IIIH) nerve block has been considered as a part of the multimodal approach. This study was designed to explore the efficacy of adding magnesium sulfate as an adjunct to bupivacaine to provide analgesia following cesarean delivery, using bilateral IIIH nerve block. Seventy-two parturients who were scheduled for elective cesarean section were randomized into two groups of 36 patients each. Group MB patients were given bilateral IIIH nerve block with 250 mg of magnesium sulfate and 95 mg of 0.25% plain bupivacaine. Group B patients were given bilateral IIIH nerve block with 0.9% normal saline and 95 mg of 0.25% plain bupivacaine. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h, both at rest and with activity were measured. Rescue doses of opioid (intravenous [IV] tramadol 50 mg) at each time point of assessment, total tramadol consumption, time to patients' first request for rescue analgesic agent, and patients' satisfaction score were recorded. The demographic and social parameters of patients in both the groups were comparable. The mean postoperative VAS pain score in group MB was significantly lesser both at rest and with movement than in group B at 12 and 24 h after surgery (P < 0.05). Total postoperative tramadol consumed over 24 h was significantly lesser in the magnesium group than in the control group (125.55 ± 20.76 vs. 160.24 ± 25.82 mg), with a P value of 0.026. The time to patient's first analgesic request was significantly prolonged in group MB compared to group B (505.2 ± 41.4 vs. 372.6 ± 88.8 min, respectively), with a P value of 0.040. However, patients in both groups expressed good satisfaction scores. Magnesium sulfate as an adjunct to bupivacaine in bilateral IIIH nerve block reduced VAS pain scores, total tramadol consumption, and prolonged post-cesarean section analgesia.

Effects of opioids administered via intravenous or epidural patient-controlled analgesia after caesarean section: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Post-caesarean section analgesia is important physiologically and psychologically for both mothers and infants. Patient-controlled analgesia is a well-established method of administering opioids for postoperative pain. However, to date, no study has systematically investigated the effects of opioids administered through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) or patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) in parturients who have undergone caesarean section. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the analgesic and adverse effects of opioids administered via IVPCA or PCEA in parturients who have undergone a caesarean section. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception through 02 10, 2022 for relevant records. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared opioids administered via IVPCA or PCEA and reported outcomes of interest were included. Studies were excluded if the solution for patient-controlled analgesia contained antiemetics and/or other analgesics in addition to opioids. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Summary data were extracted from each eligible study. The primary outcome was pain intensity, and the secondary outcomes were opioid-related adverse effects. Frequentist network meta-analyses were performed using a contrast-based random-effects model. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021254040. Twenty-three studies with 2589 parturients were included. Compared with IVPCA morphine as a reference treatment, PCEA fentanyl had better analgesic effects at 4h (mean difference [MD] in the visual analogue scale score,-0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.16,-0.34]) and 8h (MD,-0.93; 95% CI [-1.57,-0.28]) and yielded lower odds of developing nausea/vomiting (odds ratio [OR], 0.27; 95% CI [0.09, 0.80]) and sedation/drowsiness (OR, 0.22; 95% CI [0.11, 0.45]). However, PCEA fentanyl may be more likely to cause pruritus than IVPCA treatments. Considering the analgesic efficacy; opioid-induced nausea, vomiting, and sedation; and the well-being of breastfed infants, PCEA fentanyl may be the treatment of choice for post-caesarean section analgesia. The Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation (TCRD-TPE-111-27).

Що потрібно змінити для підвищення ефективності знеболювання після кесаревого розтину? Аналіз результатів опитування анестезіологів Вінницької області

Postoperative pain control after cesarean delivery is an important issue for patients and health care providers. The incidence of inadequate рost-cesarean delivery analgesia can be as high as 50%. Pain after caesarean section is often under-treated due to unfounded fears that analgesic drugs or interventions might induce maternal and neonatal side-effects and because the severity of post-caesarean section pain is often underestimated. Purpose - to analyze the compliance of postoperative anesthesia in obstetric hospitals and departments of Vinnytsya and Vinnytsya region with current treatment protocols. Materials and methods. We conducted a multicenter regional survey among 21 medical institutions with the participation of 69 anesthesiologists who provide care to obstetric patients in Vinnytsya and Vinnytsya region. The e-questionnaire included questions about the assessment of pain intensity and choice of analgesic (s) for women who give birth by caesarean section and timing of its conduction. The obtained results reflect the practice of 21/23 (91.3%) obstetric hospitals and departments in the city of Vinnytsya and Vinnytsya region. Data analysis was performed using the statistical package «SPSS 20» (SPSS Inc.) version 21.0.0 for Windows. Results. The results of our study show that the majority (87%) of anesthesiologists in Vinnytsya region evaluate postoperative pain using a description of the intensity of pain by the parturients or the Visual Analog Scale. It was found that among anesthesiologists who provide care to obstetric patients, 81.1% support the principles of multimodal analgesia. The basis of multimodal analgesia is the appointment of acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with or without opioids. Conclusions. The prospect of increase the effectiveness of post-caesarean section analgesia is the development and implementation in Vinnytsya and Vinnytsya region of a clear unified strategy for the treatment of postoperative pain. At the same time, it is necessary to implement the concept of preventive analgesia and the planned administration of non-opioid analgesics at fixed intervals (every 6 hours). The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of all participating institutions. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors. Key words: caesarean section, рost-cesarean delivery analgesia, pain assessment, multimodal analgesia.

Randomised control trial of oral morphine and intramuscular pethidine for post-caesarean section analgesia in South-Western Nigeria

Background: The search for the ideal analgesia following caesarean section remains elusive but opioids provide good postoperative analgesia. Intramuscular opioid induces pain at the site of injection and its repeated administration proved to be more demanding for caregivers. Oral opioids especially morphine have become increasingly accessible in our environment and may be more effective than the conventional parenteral opioids for postcaesarean analgesia. Aim: To compare the efficacy of multiple doses of 10 mg oral morphine with that of 50 mg intramuscular pethidine in treatment of postcaesarean pain among parturients in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Patients, Materials and Methods: The study was a randomised controlled trial among parturients who had elective caesarean section in Abeokuta between November 2019 and August 2020. A total of 136 consenting and eligible pregnant women were randomised into two groups. Group A received multiple doses of 10 mg oral morphine while Group B had multiple doses of 50 mg intramuscular pethidine. The summed pain intensity difference (SPID) of the two groups was calculated and compared using the Chi-square and P < 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of SPID at rest for morphine group and pethidine group was 6.00 ± 76.25 and 8.51 ± 77.60, respectively (t = −0.439 P = 0.662); the mean ± SD of SPID on movement for morphine and pethidine group was 29.13 ± 75.25 and 25.52 ± 28.47 (t = 0.139, P = 0.890). The median maternal satisfaction reported was similar in both groups (χ2 = 2.773, P = 0.4963) and somnolence was experienced in 3.1% of parturients in morphine group. Conclusion: The efficacy and maternal satisfaction of oral morphine in the control of postcaesarean section pain was similar to that of intramuscular pethidine. Hence, oral morphine is an acceptable alternative to intramuscular pethidine in management of pain following Caesarean section.

Comparison between Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Ilioinguinal-Iliohypogastric Nerve Block and Ultrasound-Guided Transverses Abdominus Plane Block with the Usage Bubivacaine and Dexamethasone for Post-Cesarean Section Analgesia: A Pilot Study

Comparison between Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Ilioinguinal-Iliohypogastric Nerve Block and Ultrasound-Guided Transverses Abdominus Plane Block with the Usage Bubivacaine and Dexamethasone for Post-Cesarean Section Analgesia: A Pilot Study

Posteromedial quadratus lumborum block versus wound infiltration after caesarean section: A randomised, double-blind, controlled study.

Reducing pain and minimising the use of opioids after caesarean section are crucial to enhancing maternal recovery and promoting mother-newborn interaction. Various techniques have been implemented to improve analgesia. We compared the analgesic efficacy of posteromedial quadratus lumborum block with that of wound infiltration following elective caesarean section. We hypothesised that within a multimodal analgesia approach, posteromedial quadratus lumborum block would, due to its potential to relieve visceral pain, result in a 15% reduction in 24-h postoperative opioid consumption compared with wound infiltration. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical study. A single-centre study between August 2019 and May 2020. One hundred and sixteen women were randomly allocated into two groups. In the quadratus lumborum group, 20 ml 0.9% saline was injected into the surgical wound followed by bilateral posteromedial quadratus lumborum block using 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine per side. In the wound infiltration group, 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine was injected into the surgical wound followed by a bilateral posteromedial quadratus lumborum injection with 20 ml 0.9% saline per side. The primary outcome was opioid (piritramide) consumption at 24 h. Secondary outcomes were piritramide consumption at 48 h, time-to-first analgesic request, pain scores at rest and with movement, surgery-to-first-ambulation time, surgery-to-breastfeeding time, sedation, pruritus and complications. Piritramide consumption in 24 h was significantly lower with posteromedial quadratus lumborum block (1.5 ± 1.8 mg) than with wound infiltration (2.2 ± 1.7 mg) (P = 0.04), mean difference of -0.7 mg, (95% CI -1.3 to -0.03). In those who required piritramide, time-to-first analgesic request was significantly longer with posteromedial quadratus lumborum block 11 [7 to 14] h, than with wound infiltration 7 [5 to 11] h (P = 0.02). Pain scores were low, with no differences recorded at rest and with movement. There were no differences in time-to-ambulation and time-to-breastfeed between the groups. As a component of multimodal post-caesarean section analgesia, posteromedial quadratus lumborum block was associated with lower 24-h opioid consumption compared with wound infiltration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04000308.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine of Different Concentrations Combined with Butorphanol for Post-Caesarean Section Analgesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PurposeThe present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of intravenous dexmedetomidine of different concentrations and to evaluate its maternal and neonatal safety when combined with butorphanol in parturients undergoing cesarean section.Patients and MethodsA total of 114 parturients between 24 and 43 years of age, with singleton pregnancy who underwent elective cesarean section under epidural anesthesia, were randomly allocated to four groups: group C received 0.9% sodium chloride after delivery, followed by butorphanol (3 μg·kg−1·h−1); patients in groups D1, D2, and D3 received 0.5 μg·kg−1·h−1 dexmedetomidine after delivery, followed by butorphanol (3 μg·kg−1·h−1) combined with dexmedetomidine 0.03, 0.05, and 0.08 μg·kg−1·h−1, respectively. The primary outcome was the visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 6 h after delivery when patients were at rest. Secondary outcome measures included VAS after delivery when patients were on movement and uterine cramping, Ramsay sedation scale (RSS), relative infant dose (RID) of dexmedetomidine, satisfaction with analgesia after surgery and symptoms of CNS depression in neonates.ResultsThere were no significant differences in patient characteristics among the groups (P > 0.05). The VAS at all timepoints after delivery in groups D2 and D3 were significantly lower than in groups C and D1 (P < 0.001). RSS scores were clearly higher in group D3 than in the other three groups at 6 h and 12 h (P < 0.0001). RID in groups D1, D2, and D3 was 0.171%, 0.197%, and 0.370%, respectively. Compared with group D1, RID was higher in group D3 (P = 0.0079). Degree of satisfaction with analgesia was higher in groups D2 and D3 (P < 0.005).ConclusionContinuous intravenous infusion of 0.05 μg·kg−1·h−1 dexmedetomidine combined with 3 μg·kg−1·h−1 butorphanol could be safely applied in healthy parturients with satisfactory analgesia after cesarean section without changes in sedation.

An optimal epidural catheter placement site for post-cesarean section analgesia with double-space technique combined spinal\u2013epidural anesthesia: a retrospective study

BackgroundEpidural anesthesia affects lower extremities, which often prevents early mobilization postoperatively. The incidence of numbness and motor weakness in the lower extremities with respect to epidural catheter placement site in cesarean section (CS) is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the effect of catheter placement site on postoperative lower extremities numbness and motor weakness in patients who received combined spinal–epidural anesthesia (CSEA) for CS including analgesic effects and optimal epidural placement site in CS.MethodsWe retrospectively included 205 patients who underwent CS with CSEA at the University of Tsukuba Hospital between April 2018 and March 2020, and assessed numbness and motor weakness in the lower extremities. We also examined whether differences in the intervertebral space of epidural catheter placement and epidural effect on the lower extremities are related to analgesic effects. ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe incidence of numbness and motor weakness were 67 (33%) and 28 (14%), respectively. All patients with motor weakness had numbness. A more caudal placement was associated with increased incidence of affected lower extremities. There was no significant difference in the analgesic effect depending on the catheter placement site. When the lower extremities were affected, the number of additional analgesics increased (p < 0.001). Patient-controlled epidural analgesia was used for fewer days in patients with motor weakness (p = 0.046).ConclusionIn CS, epidural catheter placement at T10–11 or T11–12 interspace is expected to reduce effect on the lower extremities and improve quality of postoperative analgesia.

Comparison of Tramadol with Combination of Tramadol and Ketorolac for Post Cesarean Section Analgesia

Introduction: Effective post-operative analgesia is mandatory following cesarean section (CS), as parturients need to recover quickly to breast feed and provide care for their newborns. Till date no single drug has been able to achieve this goal. Multimodal analgesia with opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) combination has shown promising results. Aims: To compare the analgesic efficacy, patient satisfaction and maternal adverse effects, between intravenous (IV) tramadol and multimodal analgesia with IV tramadol and IV ketorolac combination for post cesarean section analgesia. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized and single-blinded comparative study, conducted in 60 parturients who underwent Lower Segment Cesarian Section. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (IV Tramadol 50 mg given 8 hourly) and Group 2 (IV Tramadol 50 mg + IV Ketorolac 30 mg given 8 hourly). IV Promethazine was given with each dose of tramadol in both groups. Results: The (Visual analogue scale) VAS scores were significantly low in IV tramadol + IV ketrolac group than with IV tramadol alone group at 2 hours and 12 hours with p value of 0.003 and 0.08 respectively. Rescue analgesia was significantly reduced in group 2 (p value 0.005). Patient satisfaction was good in group 2 and fair in group 1(p value 0.002). No maternal side effects were found. Conclusion: IV tramadol and IV ketorolac combination used for post cesarean section analgesia significantly decreases post-operative pain, need of rescue analgesia and significantly increases patient satisfaction in comparison to IV tramadol alone.

Comparison of intrathecal morphine with continuous patient-controlled epidural anesthesia versus intrathecal morphine alone for post-cesarean section analgesia: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSeveral neuraxial techniques have demonstrated effective post-cesarean section analgesia. According to previous reports, it is likely that patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) without opioids is inferior to intrathecal morphine (IM) alone for post-cesarean section analgesia. However, little is known whether adding PCEA to IM is effective or not. The aim of this study was to compare post-cesarean section analgesia between IM with PCEA and IM alone.MethodsFifty patients undergoing elective cesarean section were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Patients were randomized to one of two groups: IM group and IM + PCEA group. All patients received spinal anesthesia with 12 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, 10 μg of fentanyl, and 150 μg of morphine. Patients in IM + PCEA group received epidural catheterization through Th11–12 or Th12-L1 before spinal anesthesia and PCEA (basal 0.167% levobupivacaine infusion rate of 6 mL/h, bolus dose of 3 mL in lockout interval of 30 min) was commenced at the end of surgery. A numerical rating scale (NRS) at rest and on movement at 4,8,12,24,48 h after the intrathecal administration of morphine were recorded. In addition, we recorded the incidence of delayed ambulation and the number of patients who requested rescue analgesics. We examined NRS using Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test following repeated measures analysis of variance; p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsTwenty-three patients in each group were finally analyzed. Mean NRS at rest was significantly higher in IM group than in IM + PCEA group at 4 (2.7 vs 0.6), 8 (2.2 vs 0.6), and 12 h (2.5 vs 0.7), and NRS during mobilization was significantly higher in IM group than in IM + PCEA group at 4 (4.9 vs 1.5), 8 (4.8 vs 1.9), 12 (4.9 vs 2), and 24 h (5.7 vs 3.5). The number of patients who required rescue analgesics during the first 24 h was significantly higher in IM group compared to IM + PCEA group. No significant difference was observed between the groups in incidence of delayed ambulation.ConclusionsThe combined use of PCEA with IM provided better post-cesarean section analgesia compared to IM alone.Trial registrationUMIN-CTR (Registration No. UMIN000032475). Registered 6 May 2018 – Retrospectively registered.

Comparative study of continuous wound infiltration of bupivacaine at subcutaneous versus preperitoneal plane for post-caesarean section analgesia

Comparative study of continuous wound infiltration of bupivacaine at subcutaneous versus preperitoneal plane for post-caesarean section analgesia

Anterior approach of abdominal field block at linea semilunaris: A surgically assisted novel technique for postoperative analgesia in cesarean section.

Context:Post Caesarean pain is described as moderate to severe. Although advances in the new analgesics techniques, no current standard exists for optimizing and managing. Taking into consideration of acute post Caesarean pain, this novel technique of surgically assisted anterior abdominal field block at linea semilunaris have proved considerable analgesic potential along with multimodal analgesia.Aims:Although advances have been made in the understanding of the pathophysiology and in the development of new analgesics, patients still suffer from moderate-to-severe post-Cesarean pain. Taking into consideration the consequences of pain, this anterior approach to abdominal field block technique was performed to minimize acute pain experienced during post-Cesarean section.Settings and Design:Prospective observational study design.Materials and Methods:In the present study, a total of 120 parturients undergoing cesarean section (CS), after closure of uterine incision were included. We intraoperatively, under all asepsis, performed surgically assisted abdominal field block at linea semilunaris, by bilaterally injecting 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine on each side, in addition to standard analgesic 100 mg diclofenac suppository. Each patient was assessed at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery, by an independent observer for pain using NRS 0–10 and the time of the first demand for analgesic diclofenac paracetamol and its side effects.Statistical Analysis Used:The entire data is statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS ver. 21.0, IBM Corporation, USA) for MS Windows. The categorical variables were compared using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test.Results:Of the total 120 patients, it is worth noting that none of the patients had severe or worst pain. The percentage of patients who did not require analgesia were (96.7%) at 4 h, (81.7%) at 8 h, (77.5%) at 12 h, and (90.8%) at 24 h. The mean analgesic consumption of paracetamol diclofenac on 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 h after CS was significantly less. No patient required opioid supplementation. Patient satisfaction was high and was early ambulated.Conclusions:There is considerable potential for anterior approach abdominal field block, (linea semilunaris block) to comprise an effective component of a multimodal regimen for post-Cesarean section analgesia and is easy to perform within limited resources.

Postoperative Analgesic Effects of Different Doses of Epidural Hydromorphone Coadministered with Ropivacaine after Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose Single dose of epidural hydromorphone has been introduced to serve as an alternative method for postcesarean section analgesia. However, optimal dose of epidural hydromorphone remains unknown. Hence, we evaluated and compared the analgesic and adverse effects of postoperative different doses of epidural hydromorphone coadministered with ropivacaine after cesarean section. Methods Eighty term parturients with elective cesarean section under epidural anesthesia were allocated into four groups. Epidural analgesia was administered with an epidural bolus of either 0 mg (group H0), or 0.2 mg (group H1), or 0.4 mg (group H2), or 0.6 mg (group H3) hydromorphone coadministered with ropivacaine. The primary outcome was the visual analogue pain scores (VAPSs) and rescue opioid consumption (PCIA with sulfentanil) in 24 hours. Adverse effects such as respiratory depression, pruritus, nausea, and vomiting were recorded. Results The VAPSs of group H1 at 2, 4, 6, 12 h and 24 h after surgery was similar to group H0. The VAPSs of group H2 at 4 and 6 h postoperatively were significantly decreased when compared to group H0. But, the VAPSs of group H2 at 2, 12, and 24 h postoperatively were similar to those of group H0. The VAPSs of group H3 at 4, 6, 12 h, and 24 h after surgery were significantly decreased when compared to those of group H0. The total sulfentanil consumption in 24 hours was 90 ± 26 μg in group H0, 75 ± 29 μg in group H1, 54 ± 32 μg in group H2, and 15 ± 16 μg in group H0. Adverse effects were comparable in the four groups. Conclusions Epidural administration of 0.6 mg hydromorphone coadministered with ropivacaine after cesarean section provided satisfactory pain relief with less sulfentanil consumption. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-IPR-16010026.

Comparison of transversus abdominis plane block and quadratus lumborum block for post-caesarean section analgesia: A randomised clinical trial

Background and Aims:Effective post-operative analgesia after caesarean section (CS) is important because it facilitates early amelioration, ambulation and expedites breastfeeding. Quadratus lumborum (QL) block is an interfascial block providing effective visceral and somatic analgesia. We conducted this study to compare the analgesic efficacy of QL block and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after CS.Methods:In this single hospital-based, prospective double-blind study, 60 patients scheduled for an elective CS between December 2018 and January 2019 were randomised to receive ultrasound-guided TAP block (n = 30) or QL block (n = 30) bilaterally with 0.2% ropivacaine postoperatively. The primary objective was to measure the time for rescue analgesic requirement and secondary objectives included the total number of analgesic dose required over a period of 72 hours and severity of post-operative pain assessment via visual analogue scale (VAS) score at rest and with movement. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Data were compared using the Chi-square test and students' t-test.Results:Time for rescue analgesic requirement was higher in the QL group than the TAP group (mean ± SD: 68.77 ± 1.74 h vs. 13.3 ± 1.21 h) (P < 0.001). The QL group had significantly less analgesic demand (P < 0.001) at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h post-CS. The VAS at rest and movement was significantly reduced in the QL group at all times.Conclusion:The QL block provided prolonged and effective analgesia in comparison to TAP block up to 72 hours post-CS.

Pharmacokinetics of Levobupivacaine With Epinephrine in Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Caesarean Section

(Br J Anaesth. 2018;121:469–475) Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a technique that provides postcesarean section analgesia and serves as a reasonable alternative for patients who are unable to receive neuraxial morphine. However, it often requires large volumes of local anesthetic, such as levobupivacaine, which has raised concerns about local anesthetic toxicity. Currently, there is a scarcity of information on levobupivacaine pharmacokinetics (PK) after TAP block in pregnant patients. The authors of the present study thus generated a PK model derived with data from pregnant patients after cesarean section and in healthy volunteers and compared levobupivacaine with epinephrine disposition after TAP block in both populations.

Efficacy of continuous in-wound infusion of levobupivacaine and ketorolac for post-caesarean section analgesia: a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundIn-wound catheters for infusion of local anaesthetic for post-caesarean section analgesia are well tolerated in parturients. Few studies have examined continuous in-wound infusion of a combination of local anaesthetic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for post-caesarean section analgesia. This single centre study evaluated post-operative analgesic efficacy and piritramide-sparing effects of continuous in-wound infusion of either local anaesthetic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or the combination of both, versus saline placebo, when added to systemic analgesia with paracetamol.MethodsAfter National Ethical Board approval, 59 pregnant women scheduled for non-emergency caesarean section were included in this prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The parturients received spinal anaesthesia with levobupivacaine and fentanyl. Post-operative analgesia to 48 h included paracetamol 1000 mg intravenously every 6 h, with the studied agents as in-wound infusions. Rescue analgesia with piritramide was available as needed, titrated to 2 mg intravenously. Four groups were compared, using a subcutaneous multi-holed catheter connected to an elastomeric pump running at 5 mL/h over 48 h. The different in-wound infusions were: levobupivacaine 0.25% alone; ketorolac tromethamine 0.08% alone; levobupivacaine 0.25% plus ketorolac tromethamine 0.08%; or saline placebo. The primary outcome was total rescue piritramide used at 24 h and 48 h post-operatively, under maintained optimal post-caesarean section analgesia.ResultsCompared to placebo in-wound infusions, ketorolac alone and levobupivacaine plus ketorolac in-wound infusions both significantly reduced post-operative piritramide consumption at 24 h (p = 0.003; p < 0.001, respectively) and 48 h (p = 0.001; p < 0.001). Compared to levobupivacaine, levobupivacaine plus ketorolac significantly reduced post-operative piritramide consumption at 24 h (p = 0.015) and 48 h (p = 0.021). For levobupivacaine versus ketorolac, no significant differences were seen for post-operative piritramide consumption at 24 h and 48 h (p = 0.141; p = 0.054).ConclusionContinuous in-wound infusion with levobupivacaine plus ketorolac provides greater opioid-sparing effects than continuous in-wound infusion with levobupivacaine alone.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register: retrospectively registered on 30 July, 2014, DRKS 00006559.

Pharmacokinetics of levobupivacaine with epinephrine in transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia after Caesarean section

BackgroundTransversus abdominis plane block is increasingly used for post-Caesarean section analgesia. Cases of toxicity and the limited pharmacokinetic information during pregnancy motivated this study. The objective of the study was to characterise and compare the pharmacokinetics of levobupivacaine with epinephrine in tranversus abdominis plane block, in post-Caesarean section patients and healthy volunteers. MethodsAfter approval by the Ethics Committee, we collected data from 12 healthy parturients after elective Caesarean section (Study 1) and data from 11 healthy male volunteers from a previous study (Study 2). Transversus abdominus plane block was performed under ultrasound guidance. The following injectates were used: levobupivacaine 0.25%, 20 ml with epinephrine 5 μg ml−1 (Study 1) per side; 20 ml of the same solution (unilateral block) (study 2). The plasma venous concentration of levobupivacaine was measured serially for 90 min. Pharmacokinetic parameters (volume of distribution, clearance, and absorption half-life) were estimated using a non-linear mixed effects model (NONMEM). Simulation in 1000 patients estimated the maximum concentration and the time to reach it after bilateral transversus abdominis plane block. ResultsVenous concentrations were below toxic levels (2.62 mg L−1). Levobupivacaine volume of distribution after Caesarean section was higher than in healthy volunteers [172 L (70 kg)−1 (95% confidence interval: 137–207) vs 94.3 L (70 kg)−1 (95% CI: 62–128); P<0.01]. Clearance and absorption half-life were similar. The simulation showed that maximum levobupivacaine concentration is lower and occurs later in postpartum patients (P<0.01). Postoperative analgesia was effective. ConclusionsPostpartum women reached relatively low plasma concentrations of levobupivacaine after transversus abdominal plane block given a volume of distribution 80% higher than volunteers, which could confer a greater margin of safety. Clinical trial registrationNCT02852720.