Postoperative Visual Analogue Score Research Articles

Effect of the addition of clonidine to locally administered bupivacaine on acute and chronic postmastectomy pain

Study ObjectivesTo investigate the analgesic effect of adding clonidine to topical bupivacaine for acute and chronic postmastectomy pain. DesignRandomized, prospective, double-blinded study. SettingCancer institute and university hospital. Patients140 ASA physical status 1 and II women, aged 30 to 50 years, scheduled for modified radical mastectomy with axillary dissection for breast carcinoma. InterventionsPatients were divided into 4 groups of 35 patients each, to receive either saline 0. 9% (control group), plain bupivacaine 0.5% (Bupivacaine group), plain bupivacaine 0.5% and 150 μg of clonidine (Clonidine150 group), or plain bupivacaine 0.5% and 250 μg of clonidine (Clonidine250 group). Study drugs were irrigated into the surgical field before skin closure. Measurements and Main ResultsPain severity, time to first request of rescue analgesia, analgesic consumption, hemodynamics, and side effects were recorded in the first 48 hours postoperatively. The frequency of neuropathic pain was assessed using the Douleur Neuropathique 4-question survey (DN4) in the first and second postoperative months. Mean time to first postoperative analgesic request was significantly prolonged in the Bupivacaine (5.76 ± 0.85 hrs), Clonidine150 (11.6 ± 2.38 hrs), and Clonidine250 (17.4 ± 3.27 hrs) groups compared with the control group (1.86 ± 0.65 hrs). Postoperative tramadol consumption and visual analog scores (VAS) were significantly reduced in the Bupivacaine, Clonidine150, and Clonidine250 groups. Clonidine250 group patients had the lowest VAS scores from 2 to 48 hours postoperatively. Lower mean DN4 scores (P = 0.000) and a significantly reduced frequency of neuropathic pain (P < 0.04) were recorded in the Bupivacaine, Clonidine150, and Clonidine250 groups, with a nonsignificant difference noted among the treatment groups. ConclusionsThe addition of clonidine to topical bupivacaine accentuated its early postoperative analgesic efficacy.

Allograft Reconstruction of Irreparable Peroneal Tendon Tears: A Preliminary Report

ABSTRACT Background Peroneal tendon injuries represent a significant but underappreciated source of lateral ankle pain. Partial thickness tears of the peroneus brevis amenable to direct repair techniques are common. Irreparable tears are uncommon and require more complex surgical decision-making. Intercalary segment allograft reconstruction has been previously described as a treatment option; however, there are no reports of the outcomes of this technique in the literature. We present our results utilizing this technique. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify all patients who underwent intercalary allograft reconstruction of the peroneus brevis. Mechanism of injury, concomitant operative procedures, pertinent radiographic findings, pre- and postoperative physical examination, intercalary graft length, medical history, visual analog scores (VAS) for pain, short form-12 (SF-12) physical health survey, lower extremity functional scores (LEFS), and complications were reviewed. Results Eight patients with eight peroneus brevis tendon ruptures requiring reconstruction were indentified. Mean follow-up was 15 months (range, 10-31). The average length of the intercalary segment reconstructed was 12 cm ± 3.9 (range, 8-20). The average postoperative VAS decreased to 1.0 ± 1.6 from 4.0 ± 2.2 (p = 0.01). No patient had a higher postoperative pain score than preoperative pain score. Average postoperative eversion strength improved from 3.5 ± 1.2 to 4.81 ± 0.37 (p = 0.03). The average SF-12 survey improved from 41.1 ± 12.3 to 50.2 ± 9.31 (p = 0.06). The average LEFS improved from 53.3 ± 17.0 to 95.25 ± 10.0 (p = 0.02). Four patients experienced sensory numbness in the sural nerve distribution, and two of these were transient. There were no postoperative wound healing complications, infections, tendon reruptures or reoperations. No allograft associated complications were encountered. All patients returned to their preoperative activity levels. Conclusion Allograft reconstruction of the peroneus brevis can improve strength, decrease pain, and yield satisfactory patientreported outcomes. Importantly, this can be successfully performed without incurring the deleterious effects associated with tendon transfer procedures. Our results suggest that allograft reconstruction may be a safe and reasonable alternative in the treatment of irreparable peroneal tendon ruptures. Level of evidence Therapeutic level IV. Mook WR, Nunley JA. Allograft Reconstruction of Irreparable Peroneal Tendon Tears: A Preliminary Report. The Duke Orthop J 2013;3(1):1-7. I

Containment and contouring (CoCoon) technique: a biologically adequate approach to less invasive autogenous preimplant augmentation of bone

We have analysed retrospectively whether the less invasive zygomatic buttress graft is able to meet the dimensional and biological requirements of preimplant augmentation of bone. A total of 273 patients were treated by zygomatic buttress graft, of whom 42 (12 men and 30 women) met the criteria for inclusion. Intensity of pain was judged by a visual analogue score (VAS). Complications of grafting were evaluated, and dental implants were studied on clinical and radiographic examinations. The Schneiderian membrane was perforated in 13 cases (28%). The mean (SD) postoperative VAS was 3.1 (0.9) at the donor site. The mean (SD) follow-up after implant was 17(8)months. Two grafts were lost, one from initial dehiscence and later infection, and the other from infection. The mean (SD) marginal resorption of bone graft was 0.5 (0.7)mm. No implant was lost during the observation period. The zygomatic buttress graft meets the biological and dimensional requirements of augmentation of bone before implant that allows the dental implants to survive with satisfactory prosthetic rehabilitation.

Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are common in the elderly population and often involve the thoracolumbar vertebrae. Clinical symptoms of OVCFs include severe pain, loss of vertebral height, progressive kyphosis and increased mortality. Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty is a recently developed OVCFs treatment modality, with few systematic studies present in the literature. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty for treating thoracolumbar OVCFs. Sixteen elderly patients (55-85years) with solitary thoracolumbar OVCFs were treated with this procedure and followed-up (10-27months). The amount of injected bone cement and operative time, preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scores, anterior and middle vertebral body heights, local kyphosis angle, and complications was analysed. The results showed that the method provided long-term pain relief and restoration of the vertebral body height and spinal alignment. No serious complications occurred, but two patients experienced recompression of the vertebral body, and one patient experienced cement leakage into a disc. In conclusion, Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for treatment of OVCFs.

Transpedicular closing wedge osteotomy in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar kyphotic deformity with different etiologies

Transpedicular closing wedge osteotomy (CWO) has become popular in correcting thoracic and lumbar kyphotic deformity (TLKD). Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of CWO in treating TLKD of different etiologies. CWO was performed on 25 patients with thoracic and lumbar kyphosis, of whom 10 had ankylosing spondylitis, 10 had post-traumatic thoracolumbar fractures, and 5 had tuberculosis. Mean follow-up period was 24 months. Pre- and postoperative kyphotic Cobb angles and the horizontal distance between C7 and S1 in the lateral view were measured. Back pain and disability were assessed by visual analog score (VAS) and oswestry disability index (ODI). Postoperative complications were also recorded. Kyphotic deformity was successfully corrected, and 100% osteotomic site fusion was obtained in all cases. Average operative duration was 255.6 min and blood loss was 1,675.6 ml. Average correction angels were 37.6°. The horizontal distance between C7 and S1 was 88.28 mm before the operation and 20.84 mm after the operation. Pre- and postoperative mean VAS of back pain in all cases was 7.6 and 2.6 respectively. Pre- and postoperative mean ODI was 61.8 and 27.32 receptively. Six complications were registered in six patients. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy is an effective and safe surgical method to correct thoracic and lumbar kyphosis of different etiologies.

Efficacy of unilateral combined (superficial and deep) cervical plexus block as a preemptive analgesia for unilateral neck dissection surgery

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were designed to evaluate the intra- and postoperative analgesic efficacy of unilateral superficial and deep cervical plexus block for unilateral neck dissection surgery.Patients and methodsTwenty eight patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either saline (control group) or bupivacaine (study group), hemodynamic monitoring. Bispectral index (BIS) monitor and MAC of isoflurane were recorded. Postoperative visual analogue score were recorded, operative time and postoperative first time to take analgesic were recorded.ResultsCompared to the control group, patients received bupivacaine for unilateral superficial and deep cervical plexus block showed lower intraoperative isoflurane concentration and bispectral index, decreased postoperative visual analogue score, longer duration of analgesia, decreased plasma cortisol level. No patients developed adverse effects.ConclusionUnilateral combined superficial and deep cervical plexus block is an effective technique to reduce intraoperative anesthetics and reduce postoperative analgesic requirements in patients undergoing unilateral block neck dissection surgery without any adverse effects.

Robotic Parathyroidectomy: A Prospective Case Control Study

Objective: 1) To assess the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the robotic approach compared with conventional targeted minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. 2) To evaluate whether the absence of a neck scar associated with the robotic approach offers any advantage(s) over conventional targeted minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. 3) To compare patient satisfaction between the 2 techniques. Method: Prospective case control study of 30 patients that underwent targeted parathyroidectomy over 4 years (May 2009-February 2012) in a tertiary referral endocrine center. Fifteen patients had a robotic and 15 an endoscopic approach. Outcomes assessed included operative time, blood loss, biochemistry, pain, scar cosmesis, voice, quality of life, and complications. Results: In all cases the parathyroid adenoma was successfully removed. There was 1 robotic conversion. Mean robotic operative time was approximately double that of the conventional approach. There were no significant differences in mean blood loss. Initial normalization of PTH and adjusted serum calcium levels occurred in 29 cases. The mean visual analogue score (VAS) for scar cosmesis was superior in the robotic cohort from 2 weeks (84% vs 65%, P &lt; .01) to 1 year (94% vs 62%, P &lt; .01). Postoperative VAS pain scores were similar in both groups ( P &lt; .05). All EQ5 HD quality of life parameters significantly improved in both cohorts ( P &lt; .05). Conclusion: The robotic approach is a feasible “scar-less in the neck” alternative to conventional targeted minimally invasive parathyroidectomy with a superior cosmetic outcome. However, this novel approach is not suitable for all patients and appropriate patient selection is vital. Finally, the high cost of robotic parathyroidectomy currently hinders its more widespread use.

The effect of magnesium added to levobupivacaine for femoral nerve block on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction

The aim of this prospective randomised double-blind study is to investigate the effect of magnesium added to local anaesthetics on postoperative VAS scores, total opioid consumption, time to first mobilisation, patient satisfaction and rescue analgesic requirements in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgery. A total of 107 American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status grade I and II patients between 18 and 65 years of age who were scheduled to undergo elective anterior crucial ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring autografts were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly allocated to Groups L (n = 51) and LM (n = 56) using the closed-envelope method. Group LM was administered 19 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine and 1 ml of 15% magnesium sulphate, while Group L was administered 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine for femoral blockade. General anaesthesia was administered using laryngeal airway masks following neural blockade in both groups. The patients were evaluated for heart rate and mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, visual analogue score (VAS), verbal rating scale (VRS), rescue analgesic requirements, total opioid consumption, side effects and time to first mobilisation at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th and 24th hours postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of demographic data, mean arterial pressure, heart rate or oxygen saturation between groups. The area under the curve VAS and VRS scores were lower at 4, 6, 12 and 24 h in Group LM (p = 0.001, p = 0.016, respectively). The rescue analgesic requirement and the total opioid consumption were significantly lower in Group LM (p = 0.015, p = 0.019, respectively). The time to first mobilisation and the Likert score (completely comfortable; quite comfortable; slight discomfort; painful; very painful) were higher, and the block onset time was lower in Group LM (p = 0.014 and p = 0.012, respectively). There was no difference in terms of side effects. The addition of magnesium to levobupivacaine prolongs the sensory and motor block duration without increasing side effects, enhances the quality of postoperative analgesia and increases patient satisfaction; however, the addition of magnesium delays the time to first mobilisation and decreases rescue analgesic requirements.

Discectomy for Primary and Recurrent Prolapse of Lumbar Intervertebral Discs

To reviewed 416 patients who underwent discectomy for primary or recurrent prolapse of lumbar intervertebral discs (PLID). Records of 296 men and 102 women aged 19 to 60 (mean, 39) years who underwent discectomy for a primary PLID, and 14 men and 4 women aged 28 to 50 (mean, 40) years who underwent revision discectomy for a recurrent ipsilateral (n=14) or contralateral (n=4) PLID at L4-5 (n=14), L5-S1 (n=3), or L3-4 (n=1) were reviewed. The pain-free interval, side and degree of herniation, operating time, length of hospital stay, and pre- and post-operative visual analogue score (VAS) for pain were recorded. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Macnab criteria and the Oswestry Disability Index. Patients were followed up for one to 4 years. The mean operating time was significantly longer in revision discectomy (65 vs. 141 minutes, p<0.001, unpaired t-test). There was no significant difference between revision and primary discectomy in terms of length of hospital stay or clinical improvement rates. Age, gender, smoking, profession, level and extent of herniation, and pain-free interval did not affect clinical outcomes. In the 18 revision cases, the mean pain-free interval until recurrence was 31 (range, 1-42) months. At the one-year follow-up, results were excellent in 8, good in 6, fair in 3, and poor in one. Three of the patients had persistent pain despite taking analgesics. 14 of the patients had returned to their normal daily activities. Complications included foot drop (n=1), dural tear (n=3), and superficial wound infection (n=1). Discectomy achieved satisfactory results for both primary and recurrent PLIDs.

Partial stapled hemorrhoidopexy versus circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy for grade III–IV prolapsing hemorrhoids: a two-year prospective controlled study

Circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy (CSH) is an effective technique for treating prolapsing hemorrhoids; but urgency and anal stenosis are common postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and postoperative outcomes of partial stapled hemorrhoidopexy (PSH), compared with CSH. Seventy-two consecutive patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were divided in a non-randomized manner to undergo either PSH (n=34) or CSH (n=38). Intraoperative and postoperative parameters in both groups were collected and compared. The postoperative visual analog score for pain at first defecation was significantly lower in the PSH group than that in the CSH group (P=0.001). Fewer patients in the PSH group experienced postoperative urgency, compared with those in the CSH group at 12h, 1day, and 7days after surgery (P=0.025, P=0.019, and P=0.043, respectively). Gas incontinence occurred in 3 patients (7.9%) in the CSH group, but in none of patients in the PSH group (P=0.242). Postoperative anal stenosis developed in one patient (2.6%) in the CSH group, but in none of the patients in the PSH group (P=1.0). The 2-year recurrence rate was 2.9 and 5.3%, respectively, in the PSH and CSH groups (P=1.0). The 2-year recurrence rate is similar in patients with grade III-IV hemorrhoids treated with PSH or CSH. However, PSH is associated with less postoperative pain, fewer episodes of urgency, and no anal incontinence or anal stenosis.

High-grade spondylolisthesis: gradual reduction using Magerl’s external fixator followed by circumferential fusion technique and long-term results

To report the results of a cohort of patients treated with this technique high lighting radiological and functional outcomes, discussing also benefits arising from a gradual reduction procedure compared with other techniques. We evaluated nine patients who have undergone high-grade listhesis reduction and circumferential fusion at our institution from 1988 to 2006. Average length of follow-up was 11 years (5-19). Functional outcomes and radiological measurements were recorded and reported. Slip magnitude was reduced by an average of 2.9 grades (Meyerding classification). Slip angle improved by an average of 66% (p = 0.0001), lumbosacral angle by 47% (p = 0.0002), sacral rotation by 51% (p = 0.0068) and sacral inclination by 47% (p = 0.0055). At the latest follow-up 88.9% had achieved solid fusion. Post-operative 10-point Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for back pain had improved by 70% (p < 0.001) and that for leg pain by 76% (p < 0.001) compared with pre-operative score. Average postoperative Oswestry Disability Index for all patients was 8% (range 0-16%) and that for Low Back Outcome Scores was 56.6 (range 44-70). All components of Short Form 36 Health Survey were greater than 80%. Overall patients' expectations were met in 100%. This is an effective and safe technique which addresses the lumbosacral kyphosis and cosmetic deformity without the neurological complications which accompany other reduction and fusion techniques for high-grade spondylolisthesis.

Effect of postoperative analgesia with tramadol on serum levels of interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 in patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective To investigate the effects of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA)with tramadol on the postoperative visual analogue score(VAS),Ramsay score and serum levels of interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 in the patients underwentlaparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods Forty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients aged 20 y-60 y undergoing selective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into 2 groups(n=20):fentanyl group(group Ⅰ)and tramadol group(group Ⅱ).The analgesic effect was assessed by VAS score,Ramsay sedation score,the number of effective button-pressing and side-effects such as nausea and vomiting were observed.Blood samples were taken immediately before induction,postoperative 2,4 and 24 h for determination of serum levels of IL-2 and IL-6 using enzyme-linked immunsorbent assay(ELISA).Results There were no significant difference in sex,age,body weight and duration of operation between the two groups(P＞0.05).The postoperative analgesia was satisfactory in both groups,and there was no significant difference in VAS score,Ramsay score and the number of effective button-pressing between the two groups(P＞0.05).No vomiting and respiratory depression were observed in both groups.The serum level of IL-2(group Ⅰ 12.4±2.0,group Ⅱ 12.1 ±2.1)increased significantly at 2 h(group Ⅰ 16.8±2.4,group Ⅱ 17.4±2.6)after surgery and kept uprising till postoperative 24 h in Ⅰ and Ⅱ group(group Ⅰ 16.9±3.0,group Ⅱ 17.5±2.8,P＜0.05),which presented no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).The serum level of IL-6 showed no intra-(P＞0.05)or intergroup(P＞0.05)difference at above time points.Conclusions PCIA with tramadol after laparoscopic cholecystectomy can provide adequate analgesia,improve the immune function,and inhibit the stress response. Key words: Tramadol; Fentanyl; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-6

A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial Comparing Continuous Thoracic Epidural Bupivacaine With and Without Opioid in Contrast to a Continuous Paravertebral Infusion of Bupivacaine for Post-thoracotomy Pain

To compare the results of continuous epidural bupivacaine analgesia with and without hydromorphone to continuous paravertebral analgesia with bupivcaine in patients with post-thoracotomy pain. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial. A teaching hospital. Patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital undergoing throracotomy for lung cancer. Subjects were assigned randomly to receive a continuous thoracic epidural or paravertebral infusion. Patients in the epidural group were randomized to receive either bupivacaine alone or in combination with hydromorphone. Visual analog scores as well as incentive spirometery results were obtained before and after thoracotomy. Seventy-five consecutive patients presenting for thoracotomy were enrolled in this institutional review board-approved study. On the morning of surgery, subjects were randomized to either an epidural group receiving bupvicaine with and without hydromorphone or a paravertebral catheter-infused bupvicaine. Postoperative visual analog scores and incentive spirometry data were measured in the postanesthesia care unit, the evening of the first operative day, and daily thereafter until postoperative day 4. Analgesia on all postoperative days was superior in the thoracic epidural group receiving bupivacaine plus hydromorphone. Analgesia was similar in the epidural and continuous paravertebral groups receiving bupivacaine alone. No significant improvement was noted by combining the continuous infusion of bupivacaine via the paravertebral and epidural routes. Incentive spirometry goals were best achieved in the epidural bupivacaine and hydromorphone group and equal in the group receiving bupivacaine alone either via epidural or continuous paravertebral infusion. The current study provided data that fill gaps in the current literature in 3 important areas. First, this study found that thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) with bupivacaine and a hydrophilic opioid, hydromorphone, may provide enhanced analgesia over TEA or continuous paravertebral infusion (CPI) with bupivacaine alone. Second, in the bupivacaine-alone group, the increased basal rates required to achieve analgesia resulted in hypotension more frequently than in the bupivacaine/hydromorphone combination group, underscoring the benefit of the synergistic activity. Finally, in agreement with previous retrospective studies, the current data suggest that CPI of local anesthetic appears to provide acceptable analgesia for post-thoracotomy pain.

Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with bupivacaine HCL using a temporary epidural catheter and pain pump: Preliminary study

Objectives Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a rare form of neuropathic facial pain characterised by severe paroxysmal pain in the face. The treatment for trigeminal neuropathic pain disorder continues to be a major therapeutic challenge, as relief provided by medical therapy generally decreases over time. When medical therapy fails either due to poor or diminishing responses to drugs or to unacceptable side effects, peripheral intervention or surgical management of TN should be considered. Study design Fourteen patients (eight men and six women) who were not responsive to further medical treatment and who were diagnosed with TN previously at other health centres were selected for treatment. For this purpose, the affected nerve was infused with 60 mL (1 mL h −1) of 0.5% bupivacaine HCl with a pain pump via an temporary epidural catheter. Patient’s visual analogue scores (VAS) were recorded on the fifth preoperative day and on postoperative day 5, 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. Results There was a significant difference between mean preoperative and postoperative VAS value at day 5, 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and at the end of 9 months ((68.85 ± 1.43) (13.57 ± 6.68) (11.43 ± 6.70) (14.29 ± 6.52) (20.71 ± 6.41) (20.71 ± 6.41) and (21.43 ± 6.10) respectively; ∗ P < 0.05). Two of 14 patients did not show any pain relief. Conclusions Continuous administration of 60 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine HCl at 1 mL h −1 with a pain pump and epidural catheter can be used as a transition treatment for patients with side effects from high-dose antiepileptic drugs and for patients awaiting neurosurgery or individuals who refuse cranial surgery. It should not be considered as an alternative treatment of neurosurgical approaches, such as MVD, which has a definite long-lasting results.

Phenazopyridine does not improve catheter discomfort following gynecologic surgery

We sought to determine if phenazopyridine improves pain in catheterized patients recovering from gynecologic surgery. This trial randomized 240 adult women, who were undergoing gynecologic surgery and requiring an indwelling Foley catheter, to placebo or phenazopyridine hydrochloride. Group assignment was masked by instillation of orange dye in the Foley bag of both groups. The primary outcome was the mean postoperative visual analog score (VAS). Secondary outcomes were pain medicine utilization and blinding efficacy. In all, 219 patients received study medications (112 phenazopyridine and 107 placebo). There was no significant difference in demographics, procedure type, bladder VAS, overall VAS, and pain medication use. Only 25 of the 45 participants who responded guessed their group assignment correctly, suggesting adequate blinding. Postoperative VAS scores and pain medicine usage did not change with using routine phenazopyridine following gynecology surgery. Colored dye adequately masks visual side effects of phenazopyridine.

Factors That Influence Pain Intensity and Fentanyl Requirements After a Gynecologic Laparotomy

The association between pain intensity and its control by intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) with fentanyl after a laparotomy for cystectomy/salphingoophorectomy, myomectomy, or hysterectomy was investigated. IV fentanyl infusion was administered to patients (n = 94) at 3 μg/kg/h to provide intraoperative analgesia after induction of general anesthesia. Postoperative fentanyl requirements were quantified via IV-PCA, and the amounts of rescue fentanyl required both during and after surgery were recorded. Mean values for PCA use as well as the visual analog scores (VAS) for pain were documented for up to 24 hours. The association between postoperative fentanyl requirements and VAS were then analyzed by using Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Patients with lower midline incisions had greater degrees of pain (p < .05) during the first 16 hours after surgery but did not consume more fentanyl compared with patients with Pfannenstiel incisions. Subjects who underwent operations lasting >4 hours required more rescue fentanyl during surgery (p < .05). However, this group consumed less fentanyl during the first 4 hours after surgery (p < .05). The demand at the fourth 4-hour period was lower among subjects undergoing myomectomy compared with cystectomy/salphingoophorectomy or hysterectomy (p = .045). Only a poor correlation was observed between pain intensity and analgesic usage. Postoperative pain intensity is influenced by the type of surgical incision but not the type of gynecologic surgery nor the duration of surgery. The relationship between subjective pain ratings with analgesic consumption is weak. Prolonged intraoperative administration of continuous IV fentanyl infusion may reduce fentanyl requirements in the immediate postoperative period.

Use of a temporary forearm tourniquet for intravenous regional anaesthesia: a randomised controlled trial

To investigate the effect of a temporary, additional mid-forearm tourniquet on the quality of intravenous regional anaesthesia. Fifty patients undergoing hand and wrist surgery under intravenous regional anaesthesia (Bier's block) were randomised to receive a temporary mid-forearm tourniquet for 8 min during and after administration of local anaesthetic or to a control group (no tourniquet). The dose of prilocaine was standardised. Onset of block was assessed by response to pinprick in ulnar, radial and median nerve distributions of the hand. Quality of intraoperative anaesthesia was assessed using response to forceps pinch, visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and requirement for supplemental infiltration anaesthesia. Post-operative pain was assessed using VAS. There was no difference between the groups with respect to intraoperative pain VAS (P = 0.19) or post-operative pain VAS (P = 0.69). More patients in the temporary tourniquet group were numb to pinprick testing in the three nerve distributions of the hand at 4 and 8 min after injection of local anaesthetic (P = 0.038). There was no difference in the requirement for supplemental infiltration of local anaesthetic between the groups. Our results suggest that a temporary mid-forearm tourniquet might speed the onset of intravenous regional anaesthesia. Although the advantage is lost by the time surgery starts, the technique might permit the use of a smaller dose of local anaesthetic and may have safety advantages by more rapid movement of anaesthetic out of the venous bed. The technique merits further investigation.

The efficacy of ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy

Background: Ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blockade has been described recently as providing a wider analgesic blockade than the posterior approach, with the possibility of being suitable for surgery both superior and inferior to the umbilicus. The objective of this study was to report the authors’ experience of intraoperative oblique subcostal TAP blockade during open cholecystectomy. Case report: This is a case series of 10 patients who had bilateral oblique subcostal TAP blockade for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy which was subsequently converted to open cholecystectomy. Intraoperative haemodynamic parameters (pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure) were recorded every five minutes. A rescue bolus of intravenous fentanyl (0.5 μg/kg) was given when any of the above-mentioned parameters were raised more than 15% from the baseline. The postoperative visual analogue score (VAS) was recorded in the recovery room. Intraoperative administration of rescue fentanyl bolus was minimal with a mean postoperative VAS of 2.1 ± 1.60. No complications were noted related to TAP blockade. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAP blockade can be effective as intraoperative analgesia in abdominal surgery. Randomised controlled studies comparing TAP blockade with other modes of analgesia are needed to determine its efficacy for abdominal surgery.

Preliminary safety and efficacy results with robotic high-intensity focused ultrasound : A single center Indian experience

Background:There are no Indian data of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Being an alternative, still experimental modality, reporting short-term safety outcome is paramount.Aims:This study was aimed at to assess the safety and short-term outcome in patients with prostate cancer treated by HIFU.Settings and Design:A retrospective study of case records of 30 patients undergoing HIFU between January 2008 to September 2010 was designed and conducted.Materials and Methods:The procedural safety was analyzed at 3 months. Follow-up consisted of 3 monthly prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and transrectal biopsy if indicated. All the patients had a minimum follow-up of 6 months.Results:A mean prostate volume of 26.9 ± 8.5 cm3 was treated in a mean time of 115 ± 37.4 min. There was no intraoperative complication. The postoperative pain visual analogue score at day 0 was 2.1 ± 1.9 and at day 1 was 0.4 ± 0.8 on a scale of 1-10. Mean duration of perurethral catheter removal was 3.9 days. The complications after treatment were: LUTS in seven patients, stress incontinence in two, stricture in two, and symptomatic urinary tract infection in five. Average follow-up duration was 10.4 months (range, 6-20 months). Mean time to obtain PSA nadir was 6 ± 3 months with a median PSA nadir value of 0.3 ng/ml. Two patients had positive prostatic biopsy in the localized (high risk) group.Conclusions:HIFU was safe in carcinoma prostate patients. The short-term results were efficacious in localized disease. The low complication rates and favorable functional outcome support the planning of further larger studies.

Ulnocarpal Epiphyseal Arthrodesis for Recurrent Deformity After Centralization for Radial Longitudinal Deficiency

To report our results for ulnocarpal epiphyseal arthrodesis for recurrent or late-presenting wrist deformity in patients with radial longitudinal deficiency, using both objective data and long-term subjective follow-up evaluation. A retrospective review of our surgical logs between 1970 and 2007 identified 12 postcentralization patients treated with ulnocarpal epiphyseal arthrodesis, and 1 patient (who had reached skeletal maturity) treated with traditional ulnocarpal arthrodesis. Indications for the arthrodesis included postcentralization recurrence of radial angulation to greater than 45°, an inability to actively extend the wrist to within 25° of neutral (ie, 25° of flexion), or both. We collected objective and radiographic data on all 12 patients by chart review at a mean of 89 months (range, 2-472 mo) after arthrodesis. We collected subjective data from 9 patients at a mean of 160 months (range, 14-602 mo) after arthrodesis. Ulnocarpal union was obtained in 11 wrists at an average of 4 months (range, 2-6 mo); the 1 case of nonunion was treated successfully with revision arthrodesis. The mean radial angulation position was 20° after arthrodesis (range, 0° to 35°), an average improvement of 42°. The mean position of wrist fusion was 11° of flexion (range, 0° to 35° of flexion), an average improvement of 7°. The mean postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 24.5 (SD, 12.3; range, 6.8-36.4). Final postoperative Visual Analog Score rating for function averaged 8 (range, 4-10); for appearance, it averaged 7 (range, 5-10), and for pain, it averaged 1 (range, 0-5). Ulnocarpal and epiphyseal arthrodesis are appropriate surgical procedures to stabilize the carpus in postcentralization patients with recurrent or late-presenting wrist deformity. Therapeutic IV.