Single-shot Block Research Articles

Factors associated with the use of regional anesthesia for calcaneal osteotomy in pediatric patients: A single-center, retrospective cohort study.

Despite known disparities in pediatric perioperative outcomes, few studies have examined factors associated with the use of regional anesthesia for pediatric orthopedic surgery. This investigation aimed to determine if minority and developmental disability status were associated with the allocation of peripheral nerve blocks in calcaneal osteotomy. We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of records of patients <18 years who underwent calcaneal osteotomy from 2013 to 2022. Regional technique was classified into three groups: popliteal-sciatic single-shot block, popliteal-sciatic catheter, and no block. Patients were classified as either nonminority (white, non-Hispanic) or minority. Developmental disability status was defined based on medical history and classified as binary. Anesthesiologists were classified as "regional" or "nonregional" based on clinical expertise. A Bayesian hierarchical multinomial model with random intercepts for patients and surgeons was used to investigate the association of minority status, developmental disability, and anesthesiologist expertise with block selection. We analyzed 287 cases in 225 patients; of these, 55% occurred in minority patients and 28% occurred in patients with developmental disability. Catheters were placed in 45% of cases, single shot blocks in 41%, and no block in 14%. Minority and nonminority patients had a similar likelihood of receiving of any block. Patients with developmental disability had a -22% absolute difference of receiving any block (95% credible interval [-38%, -7%]) compared to those without developmental disability (55% vs. 77%), an effect primarily driven by a lower rate of catheter placement in these children. Regional anesthesiologists were more likely to place catheters (23% absolute increase; 36% vs. 13%) and more likely to perform any block in children with developmental disability (30% absolute increase; 67% vs. 37%) than nonregional anesthesiologists. Decision-making surrounding the placement of regional anesthesia techniques is complex. In this study, developmental disability status and anesthesiologist experience were associated with a difference in the use of regional anesthesia in patients undergoing calcaneal osteotomy.

Different peripheral nerve blocks for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To comprehensively compare the effect of different peripheral nerve blocks for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched. The outcomes included postoperative pain, postoperative function, adverse events, oral morphine equivalent (OME), and perioperative indicators. Network plots, forest plots, league tables and rank probabilities were drawn for all outcomes. Totally 30 studies were included. For postoperative pain, continuous adductor canal block (cACB) + genicular nerve block (GNB) was most likely to be the most effective block regarding rest pain score at 24h; cACB + GNB was most likely to result in the lowest rest pain score at 48h; patients undergoing cACB + infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the knee (IPACK) + GNB was most likely to have the lowest motion pain score at 24h; patients undergoing cACB + GNB was most likely to have the lowest motion pain score at 48h. For postoperative function, patients undergoing cACB + IPACK + GNB had the highest likelihood to exhibit the shortest time in Timed Up and Go test (TUG); cACB + tibial nerve block (TNB) was most likely to be the most effective block in terms of range of motion (ROM); cACB + IPACK was most likely to be the optimal block concerning the ambulation distance. cACB combined with IPACK/GNB may be the most favorable block after TKA, continuous blocks may be better than single-shot blocks, and combined blocks may be better than separate blocks.

Association Between Single-Injection Regional Analgesia and Postoperative Pain in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Effective pain control after cardiac surgery may facilitate recovery. This study aimed to assess the use and association of ultrasound-guided single-injection chest wall blocks with liposomal bupivacaine on postoperative pain scores and short-term opioid requirements after cardiothoracic surgery at a single institution. Retrospective cohort study. Midwestern academic hospital. Adult patients who underwent cardiothoracic surgery between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. Ultrasound-guided single-injection chest wall block with liposomal bupivacaine. Of the 1,038 patients included in this study, 301 (29%) received a perioperative nerve block for postoperative sternotomy pain, and 737 (71%) did not. Most of the single-shot blocks were bilateral parasternal intercostal plane blocks (n = 294 [98%]) performed after induction and before surgical incision (n = 280 [93%]). After adjusting for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, select comorbidities, and surgical procedure type, mean postoperative pain scores were not significantly different between groups in the immediate postoperative period at all time points assessed (12 ± 2 hours, 24 ± 4 hours, 48 ± 8 hours, and 72 ± 12 hours). Similarly, there was no difference in mean opioid requirements (milligram morphine equivalents) at 72 hours between groups (68.6 [95% confidence interval, 56.3-83.4] vs 62.9 [95% confidence interval, 52.8-74.9], p = 0.195). In this retrospective study, the implementation of single-shot chest wall nerve blocks with liposomal bupivacaine was not associated with decreased postoperative pain scores or opioid consumption at 72 hours in select cardiac surgical patients at one institution.

Comparison of Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Nerve Block and Epidural Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Periacetabular Osteotomy.

Adequate pain control and early mobilization are critical in the postoperative period after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Regional anesthesia can reduce postoperative pain, but certain techniques can increase the risk of postoperative motor block and delayed functional recovery. Continuous lumbar epidurals can provide excellent analgesia but also create challenges with early ambulation. Recently, suprainguinal fascia iliaca (SIFI) single-shot blocks have been shown to provide effective analgesia in PAO patients. The goal of this study was to compare opioid use, time to achieve inpatient physical therapy (PT) goals, and length of stay (LOS) between a cohort of patients receiving SIFI blocks and a cohort of patients receiving epidural analgesia (EA). This retrospective single-surgeon comparative cohort study included all patients who underwent a PAO between 2012 and 2022. Regional anesthetic technique (SIFI vs EA), length of hospital stay, intraoperative and postoperative opioid use, pain scores, and time to achievement of PT milestones before discharge were recorded. Patients were excluded if they had any preexisting neuromuscular syndrome or neurosensory deficit. All opioid use was converted to morphine-milligram equivalents using standard conversions. Two hundred four surgeries were done over the study period; 164 patients received EA, and 40 received a SIFI block. The average age of our cohort was 19.5 years (±6 yrs). The SIFI cohort had a significantly shorter mean LOS than the EA cohort (2.9 vs 4.1 days, P < 0.001). Patients in the SIFI cohort achieved all PT ambulation goals significantly sooner than the lumbar epidural group (P < 0.001), with lower total opioid use on each postoperative day. No notable differences were observed in sex, race, BMI, or pain scores at inpatient PT visits before discharge. After PAO surgery, the SIFI block is associated with shorter hospital LOS, reduced postoperative opioid use, and earlier mobilization when compared with those who were managed with an epidural.

Perioperative Regional Anesthesia Pain Outcomes in Children: A Retrospective Study of 3160 Regional Anesthetics in Routine Practice.

Randomized controlled trials indicate regional anesthesia (RA) improves postoperative outcomes with reduced pain and opioid consumption. Therefore, we hypothesized children who received RA, regardless of technique, would have reduced pain/opioid use in routine practice. Using a retrospective cohort, we assessed the association of RA with perioperative outcomes in everyday practice at our academic pediatric hospital. Patients 18 years or below undergoing orthopedic, urologic, or general surgeries with and without RA from May 2014 to September 2021 were categorized as single shot, catheter based, or no block. Outcomes included intraoperative opioid exposure and dose, preincision anesthesia time, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) opioid exposure and dose, PACU antiemetic/antipruritic administration, PACU/inpatient pain scores, PACU/inpatient lengths of stay, and cumulative opioid exposure. Regression models estimated the adjusted association of RA with outcomes, controlling for multiple variables. A total of 11,292 procedures with 3160 RAs were included. Compared with no-block group, single-shot and catheter-based blocks were associated with opioid-free intraoperative anesthesia and opioid-free PACU stays. Post-PACU (ie, while inpatient), single-shot blocks were not associated with improved pain scores or reduced opioid use. Catheter-based blocks were associated with reduced PACU and inpatient opioid use until 24 hours postop, no difference in opioid use from 24 to 36 hours, and a higher probability of use from 36 to 72 hours. RA was not associated with reduced cumulative opioid consumption. Despite adjustment for confounders, the association of RA with pediatric pain/opioid use outcomes was mixed. Further investigation is necessary to maximize the benefits of RA.

Erector spinae plane blocks for analgesia after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A pathway to reduce opioids.

Despite its minimally invasive nature, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be associated with significant pain. Challenges in pain control may prevent timely discharge (and expose patients to adverse effects of opioid use). We sought to evaluate whether our patients who underwent erector spinae plane (ESP) regional blocks experienced improved postoperative pain control and decreased opioid use after PCNL (compared with those who did not receive blocks). We retrospectively reviewed consecutive PCNL cases on patients admitted for greater than 24 hours without pre-existing opioid regimens for chronic pain. Cases were completed by a single high-volume surgeon. Patients who accepted an ESP block were compared to those who did not receive a block. Patients received either a single injection or a disposable pump delivering intermittent boluses of ropivacaine 0.2%. Demographic and perioperative data were analyzed. The primary outcomes were opioid use measured in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) and patient-reported pain scores during the first 24 hours of hospitalization. From March 2019 to August 2021, 44 patients were identified meeting criteria - 28 of which received an ESP block (including 14 continuous blocks). The patients who received blocks had significantly decreased opioid use (18.3 vs. 81.3 MME, p=0.004) and a longer mean time to first non-zero pain score (p=0.004). Continuous blocks had similar opioid use to single shot blocks (21.0 vs. 15.6 MME, p=0.952). ESP regional blocks appear to offer an effective adjunct method for pain control after PCNL and may reduce post-PCNL opioid use while maintaining adequate patient analgesia.

ERECTOR SPINAE PLANE BLOCK CATHETER: A GOAL STANDARD FOR THORACIC ANAESTHESIA?

<h3>Background</h3> Recent advances in Enhanced Recovery post Thoracic surgery has introduced various fascial plane blocking techniques that block dorsal, lateral, and anterior cutaneous nerves of the thorax and abdomen. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a relatively novel truncal nerve plane block increasing used in thoracic analgesia. Blockage of dorsal and ventral rami of the thoracic nerves allows for effective pain management post open thoracotomies and video assisted thoracic surgery. Due to limitation by duration of action of single shot nerve blocks,(paravertebral and ESP block), continuous pain relief using catheters have been widely used with good patient outcome. <h3>Method</h3> Patients undergoing elective and urgent thoracic surgeries under general anaesthesia in a single thoracic and trauma unit in the United Kingdom were appropriately selected based on comorbidities, performance status, and indication plus duration of thoracic surgery. Retrospective data on single shot nerve block injections and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) use was collected for fifty patients. Prospectively, ESP catheter was inserted in fifty patients by consultant anaesthetist or thoracic surgeon pre procedure and post routine intraoperative anaesthesia care and multimodal analgesia. We compared total opioid consumption, postoperative pain scores (visual analog scale), mobility with physiotherapy, complications, and length of stay. <h3>Results</h3> Forty patients were included in both groups. Five cases were removed due to incomplete data. Total opioid consumption over 24 hours and 48 hours was measured. Total opiod consumption was significantly low in patients receiving continuous ESP catheters. Pain score was lower in the recovery and post operative ward in patients with ESP catheters. Pain nurse review in ESP catheter group day 1 postoperatively allowed for better optimisation of analgesia, improved adherence to documentation of acute pain observation chart. ESP catheter did not affect physiotherapy care and patients completed 100m in less than 48 hours. There was no statistically significant difference in adverse effects between single shot vs catheter patients, however, increased PCA use in single shot blocks contributed to post operative drowsiness and nausea in five patients. <h3>Conclusion</h3> ESP catheter has shown to provide safe and effective analgesia post thoracic surgery while decreasing opioid consumption. We could demonstrate a significant improvement in patient outcome, with the ESP catheters when compared to single shot blocks. Early physiotherapy and good analgesics provided early mobilization and less days in hospital stay and reduced complications. On account of technical ease and low procedural risk of ESP block under ultrasound guidance, it is favorable for use in thoracic surgery compared to more invasive nerve blocks. More education, compliance and multimodal care is required to utilize ESP catheter for successful postoperative pain management.

Surgeon-Placed Erector Spinae Plane Catheters for Multilevel Lumbar Spine Fusion: Technique and Outcomes Compared With Single-Shot Blocks.

Postoperative pain management of multilevel lumbar fusion remains challenging. There are few reports of opioid-sparing regional analgesia for spine surgery. We present a novel method for surgeon-placed erector spinae plane (ESP) catheters for multilevel lumbar spine fusion and compare pain- and opioid-related outcomes in a matched cohort who received anesthesiologist-placed ESP blocks. A retrospective matched pilot study of 18 patients: 6 received intraoperative, bilateral ESP catheters. Tunneled catheters were placed under the intact ESP at the proximal end of the incision. Continuous infusions of ropivacaine (0.2%) were started in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after emergence from anesthesia and maintained for 48 hours. Catheter patients were matched 1:2 with 12 patients who received preincision single-shot ESP blocks administered by an anesthesiologist, according to age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, body mass index, and number of spinal levels fused. All patients were provided opioid intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). Numeric rating scale pain scores (NRS, 0-10), length of stay (LOS), opioid consumption (oral morphine equivalents, mg), opioid side effects, and complications (motor weakness, local anesthetic toxicity, infection, technical issues, and failure), were compared in the PACU and on the nursing floor. Only 1/6 patients with ESP catheter used opioid IV-PCA, compared with 11/12 who received ESP blocks. There were no differences in total opioid consumption (catheters: 135 ± 141 mg; blocks: 183 ± 112 mg; P = 0.448) or median (interquartile range) LOS (catheters: 73 [50,107] hours; blocks: 90 [72,116] hours, P = 0.708). NRS pain was significantly higher in the PACU after ESP catheters (5.9 ± 1.7) vs ESP blocks (3.3 ± 2.4; P = 0.036), but no differences were found at later timepoints (5.0 ± 1.6 vs 4.3 ± 1.1, respectively; P = 0.383). No catheter-related complications were found. Surgeon-placed ESP catheters represent a simple technique to provide regional analgesia, particularly in centers lacking regional anesthesiology services. Risks, benefits, and efficacy compared to other techniques require prospective study.

Safety profile and outcome after ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca catheters for hip fracture: a single-centre propensity-matched historical cohort study.

Peripheral nerve blocks improve analgesia following hip fracture; however, there are little published data on safety and outcomes of continuous regional anesthetic techniques. Our institution offers pre- and perioperative, anesthesiologist-delivered ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca catheters (FICs) to patients with hip fracture. We aimed to document the safety profile of this technique and establish whether there are any significant clinical benefits in outcomes measured by the UK National Hip Fracture Database. We performed a single-centre historical cohort study of 2,187 patients admitted to our institution with hip fracture over a 5.75-year period. Of these, 915 were treated with FIC and 1,272 received standard care (single-shot block). To control for baseline differences between these two cohorts, we used propensity score matching and exact matching, resulting in two well-matched groups of 728 patients treated with an FIC and standard care. No serious complications were observed as a result of an FIC. Unplanned removal occurred in 146/852 (17.1%) patients with documented data. No differences in 30-day mortality, pressure ulcer rates, or hospital length of stay were observed between the matched groups. The percentage of patients who were discharged to their usual residence was 79.3% in the FIC cohort vs 75.1% in the standard care cohort (difference, 4.2%; 95% confidence interval, -0.1 to 8.4; P = 0.06). Our single-centre propensity-matched historical cohort study suggests that ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca catheterization is a safe technique for patients with hip fracture and that our service is deliverable and sustainable within the UK's National Health Service. This study did not show statistically significant differences in outcomes between patients treated with FIC and standard care. An adequately powered multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing these approaches is warranted.

Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE) technique plus ketamine in research laparotomies with vertical incision: Case report

The combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique, a comparatively new anesthetic choice, includes an initial subarachnoid injection followed by epidural catheter placement and subsequent administration of epidural medications. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the CSE technique provides excellent surgical conditions as quickly as with single-shot subarachnoid block conditions that are better than with epidural block alone. A 72-year-old man with pelvic tumor undergoing laparotomy surgery underwent combined regional anesthesia (Th12 - O1) plus small doses of Ketamine via intravenus infusion. The combined spinal-epidural technique along with intravenous Ketamine offers a better analgesic and hemodynamic result.

Perioperative Management in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

A successful reverse total shoulder arthroplasty requires careful preoperative planning and perioperative management. Preoperative comorbidity risks, perioperative pain management, and postoperative rehabilitation are all critical components of this arthroplasty. The current review examines available literature to guide the perioperative care of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty patient. One of the most important advances for shoulder arthroplasty in recent years has been heightened awareness of various modalities for perioperative pain management. A number of recent studies have focused on the options for regional blockade as a critical tool for postoperative pain relief and the use of either continuous interscalene blocks or single shot blocks are supported. Additional studies are necessary to define the best local anesthetic agent and delivery mechanism to provide appropriate pain relief with a low side effect profile. Management of the patient throughout the perioperative course is a critical component in achieving better patient outcomes delivering high quality patient care. An orthopedic surgery team focused on perioperative management is better positioned to decrease adverse events and improve patient outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Ultrasound Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block as an Analgesic Technique for Tracheoesophageal Fistula repair : A Case Report

Ultrasound has now become an eye of anaesthesiologist and has encouraged for its pervasive use. Its considerable use in the perioperative period for various invasive purposes has added an extra caution to prevent unforeseen complications over blind blocks. The ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block provides excellent perioperative analgesia following thoracic surgery. It can be given as a single shot or a continuous infusion technique placing a catheter. Here the local anesthetic agent is deposited in the paravertebral space from where the spinal nerve emerges which are devoid of coverings and are sensitive to local anesthetics. Even a single-shot block provides analgesia of 4-6 dermatomal levels. The use of local anesthetics using ultrasound not only adds safety measures to minimize procedural complications but also reduces the perioperative requirement of opioids. It also helps in the reduction of postoperative pulmonary complications and early extubation following thoracic surgery. We report a case series where single-shot ultrasound-guided unilateral paravertebral blocks were used as an analgesic technique for the repair of tracheoesophageal fistula in neonates. After delivering anesthesia and confirming the correct placement of the endotracheal tube the neonate was kept on the left lateral position to undergo right thoracotomy and repair of fistula. Scanning at T4 level with a linear probe was done to identify the transverse process, pleura, costotransverse ligament, intercostal muscle, and the paravertebral space where the local anesthetic agent was deposited under aseptic precautions. Tenting of pleura was the endpoint for the completion of the block. The extensive use of various regional anesthetic technique has significantly improved the postoperative outcome of the patients along with adequate perioperative pain management.

Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block versus Suprainguinal Fascia Iliaca Block for Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy and motor block profile of single-shot transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in comparison with those of suprainguinal fascia iliaca block (FIB) in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty.MethodsThis randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial included adult patients undergoing hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia. Patients were allocated to one of two groups according to the regional block received: FIB group (n=19) or QLB group (n=17). Both study groups were compared with regard to the duration of analgesia (primary outcome), block performance time, pain during positioning for spinal anesthesia, total morphine consumption in the first postoperative 24-h period, quadriceps muscle power, and static and dynamic visual analog scale.ResultsThirty-six patients were included in the final analysis. Both study groups had comparable durations of analgesia. Postoperative visual analog scale (static and dynamic) values were comparable between the two groups in most readings. The block performance time was shorter in the FIB group. The number of patients with pain during positioning for the subarachnoid block was lower in the QLB group. The total morphine requirement during the first 24 h was marginally lower in the FIB group, whereas the quadriceps motor grade was higher in the FIB group than in the QLB group at 4 h and 6 h after surgery.ConclusionBoth single-shot blocks, namely the suprainguinal FIB and transmuscular QLB, provide effective postoperative analgesia after hip arthroplasty. FIB showed slightly lower 24-h morphine consumption, while QLB showed better quadriceps motor power.Clinical Trial RegistrationThe study was registered at clinical trials registry system before enrollment of the first participant (NCT04005326; initial release date, 2 July 2019; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04005326).

Erector Spinae Regional Anesthesia for Robotic Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Is Not Associated With Reduced Postoperative Opioid Use: A Retrospective Observational Study

Regional anesthesia techniques are gaining traction in cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block catheters (ESPBC), serratus anterior plane block catheters (SAPBC), and paravertebral single-shot block (PVB) versus no block after robotic minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB). This was a retrospective observational study of routinely recorded data. The study was performed at a single healthcare system. All patients underwent robotic MIDCAB. Data were analyzed from 346 patients during a 53-month period. The clinical data warehouse was queried for all robotic MIDCAB surgeries. Variables abstracted included type of nerve block, age, sex, use of adjuncts, Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted short length of stay (PSLOS), total opioid consumption during the 72 hours after surgery, and postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS). The primary outcome was total oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME) consumed during the first 72 hours after surgery. The secondary outcome was hospital LOS. In a model adjusting for PSLOS, the authors did not observe an association between ESPBC and the reduction of total administered oral MME within 72 hours after surgery. There was no significant difference in MME when comparing patients who received PVB to patients with ESPBC. Older age and female sex were associated with significantly lower MME. Patients who received ESPBC had a significantly shorter hospital LOS than patients with SAPBC. These findings suggested that postoperative pain after MIDCAB surgery might not be completely covered by ESPBC. Prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the value of this technique for robotic MIDCAB.

Retrospective study of quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy

BackgroundThe postoperative analgesic effect of transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB-TM) in patients following lower abdominal surgeries has been identified; however, the efficacy of QLB using the lateral approach (QLB-L) is still in debate. Therefore, this retrospective study was conducted to investigate the effect of a single-shot block with QLB-L on postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).MethodsThe medical information of the patients undergoing PCNL was retrieved from the electronic charter system (Medisystem, Suzhou, China) in our Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital during the period of Jan/2019 to Jun/2019. Among the total of 57 patients, there are 17, 18, and 22 patients subjected to QLB-L, QLB-TM, or routine treatment, respectively. The primary observational parameter was to assess postoperative pain with visual analog scales (VAS) at rest 30 min after extubation, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery, respectively. The secondary observatory endpoints, including the consumption of intraoperative opioids, the cumulative dose of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the incidence of adverse events related to postoperative analgesia, were evaluated as well.ResultsThe static VAS score at 24 h after surgery and the intraoperative consumption of sufentanil were significantly lower in patients receiving either intervention of QLB-L or QLB-TM as compared with those receiving routine treatment. However, one shot of QLB had no impact on VAS scores at 30 min post-extubation, 48 h after PCNL procedure compared with the patients receiving routine treatment. The percentage of non-ambulatory patients within 24 h post-PCNL was significantly higher in the QLB-TM group compared with the routine treatment group (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomit (PONV), itches, respiratory depression, the time for the first defecation, and the length of hospital stay (LOS) among the three groups.ConclusionsQLB-L procedure may exert as equivalent as QLB-TM in terms of abrogating postoperative pain within 24 h post-surgery and decreasing intraoperative sufentanil consumption in patients undergoing PCNL procedure as well. The caution should be taken to avoid lower extremities weakness in the patients after QLB-TM within the first 24 h post-PCNL procedure.

Continuous Vs Single Shot Block After ACL

Continuous Vs Single Shot Block After ACL

Erector spinae plane vs. paravertebral blockade for rib fracture analgesia

We would like to commend Adhikary et al. for their continued efforts to show benefit from novel regional techniques for chest trauma 1 and agree that patients with rib fracture(s) have significantly improved pain scores after regional analgesia. We would like to invite the authors to reply to a number of comments that we have about their work. Firstly, the authors make several comments about the technically challenging nature of paravertebral blockade. In our institution, ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral blockade is the regional technique of choice in unilateral chest trauma. Data from our experiences reveal an extremely low complication rate, with no significant complications from 314 paravertebral catheters over a 4-year period 1, inserted by consultant and registrar anaesthetists. This is consistent with our experience of thousands of single-shot blocks performed for breast surgery, and with similar experiences in other centres worldwide 2. We recognise that there is, undoubtedly, a learning curve associated with the paravertebral technique, but we believe this is similar in appearance to learning curves for any other new regional anaesthetic technique. Secondly, we note that only 79 patients were administered an erector spinae plane (ESP) block over 19 months. Can we ask whether there were other patients in the authors’ institution that received epidural or paravertebral blockade during this time, and whether comparative analysis has been possible? We are not aware of any published evidence that the ESP block is technically easier, and the results of any such analysis would be useful to know when organising training. Are there novices or non-anaesthetists performing the ESP block at the authors’ institution? Thirdly, the authors question the feasibility of paravertebral blockade in coagulopathy and haemodynamic instability. In our opinion, neither coagulopathy nor anticoagulation is a contra-indication to paravertebral techniques, necessarily. We assess each case individually, in line with the collaborative guideline from on regional anaesthesia techniques in patients with abnormalities of coagulation 3. This guideline classifies paravertebral block as ‘higher risk’ compared with more peripheral or superficial techniques, but provides no quantification of this risk, and does not reference any evidence documenting complications in patients with disorders of coagulation. Furthermore, we can find no case reports of spinal or epidural haematomas following ultrasound-guided paravertebral block performance. The practice of using curled catheters rather than straight in the paravertebral space further reduces the risk of accidental epidural placement. Our experience also reveals no associated haemodynamic instability following paravertebral blockade. Their analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in spirometry values, but such improvement would be expected normally over time, with or without regional anaesthesia. Are the authors confident about ascribing causality between the block and the spirometry improvement, given the 24-h gap between insertion and measurement? In our experience, spirometry improves very soon (within 30 min) after block insertion, and often improves further by the following day. We suggest that paravertebral block overcomes the variability in analgesia observed in the authors’ study, because it places local anaesthetic in close proximity to the target nerves, can be performed by a range of anaesthetist grades, is associated with minimal complications and side-effects, and performance of which is contra-indicated in very few patients. Regardless of the block choice however, we agree with the authors that good analgesia (under the aegis of a comprehensive pain service) remains critical in the successful management of rib fractures.

Continuous adductor canal blockade facilitates increased home discharge and decreased opioid consumption after total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundThere is a growing interest in avoiding discharging patients to rehab to maximize outcome and minimize complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In addition, use of postoperative pain pathways that minimize opioid use is critical amidst the current opioid epidemic. However, the ideal pain regimen after TKA has yet to be determined. MethodsFrom July 1, 2013 to October 1, 2014 two perioperative pathways were used to address surgical pain. These included either a single shot femoral nerve block plus liposomal bupivacaine pericapsular injection (FNB + LB-PAI) or adductor canal catheter plus posterior capsule single shot block (ACC + iPACK), each with an oral analgesic protocol. Little modification occurred with regard to surgical technique, postoperative medications, or postoperative physical therapy (PT). ResultsOverall, 264 unilateral, primary TKA patients (146 FNB + LB-PAI, 118 ACC + iPACK) were included. ACC + iPACK patients had a shorter median length of stay (LOS, 2.0 vs 3.0, p < 0.001), more discharges home (79.7% vs 67.8%, p = 0.002), and less median opioid consumption (IV morphine equivalents, IVME, 20.0 vs 44.1, p < 0.001) than the FNB + LB-PAI group. In multivariable analysis, use of ACC + iPACK remained independently associated with shorter LOS, increased discharge home, and less IVME consumed when controlling for confounding variables. ACC + iPACK patients also had fewer opioid related adverse events (0.8 vs 5.5, p = 0.045) and a lower rate of MUA (0.8% vs 6.2%, p = 0.026). ConclusionsWe recommend ACC + iPACK with a multimodal oral analgesic protocol as the primary postoperative analgesia in enhanced recovery TKA protocols. This resulted in an easier recovery with fewer complications. Level of evidenceLevel III.

Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Hip Fractures: A Cochrane Review.

This review focuses on the use of peripheral nerve blocks as preoperative analgesia, as postoperative analgesia, or as a supplement to general anesthesia for hip fracture surgery and tries to determine if they offer any benefit in terms of pain on movement at 30 minutes after block placement, acute confusional state, myocardial infarction/ischemia, pneumonia, mortality, time to first mobilization, and cost of analgesic. Trials were identified by computerized searches of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2016, Issue 8), MEDLINE (Ovid SP, 1966 to 2016 August week 1), Embase (Ovid SP, 1988 to 2016 August week 1), and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCO, 1982 to 2016 August week 1), trials registers, and reference lists of relevant articles. Randomized controlled trials involving the use of nerve blocks as part of the care for hip fractures in adults aged 16 years and older were included. The quality of the studies was rated according to the Cochrane tool. Two authors independently extracted the data. The quality of evidence was judged according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations Working Group scale. Based on 8 trials with 373 participants, peripheral nerve blocks reduced pain on movement within 30 minutes of block placement: standardized mean difference, -1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.14 to -0.67; equivalent to -3.4 on a scale from 0 to 10; I statistic = 90%; high quality of evidence). The effect size was proportional to the concentration of local anesthetic used (P < .00001). Based on 7 trials with 676 participants, no difference was found in the risk of acute confusional state: risk ratio, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.38-1.27; I statistic = 48%; very low quality of evidence). Based on 3 trials with 131 participants, the risk for pneumonia was decreased: risk ratio, 0.41 (95% CI, 0.19-0.89; I statistic = 3%; number needed-to-treat for additional beneficial outcome, 7 [95% CI, 5-72]; moderate quality of evidence). No difference was found for the risk of myocardial ischemia or death within 6 months but the number of participants included was well below the optimum information size for these 2 outcomes. Based on 2 trials with 155 participants, peripheral nerve blocks also reduced the time to first mobilization after surgery: mean difference, -11.25 hours (95% CI, -14.34 to -8.15 hours; I statistic = 52%; moderate quality of evidence). From 1 trial with 75 participants, the cost of analgesic drugs when used as a single-shot block was lower: standardized mean difference, -3.48 (95% CI, -4.23 to -2.74; moderate quality of evidence). There is high-quality evidence that regional blockade reduces pain on movement within 30 minutes after block placement. There is moderate quality of evidence for a decreased risk of pneumonia, reduced time to first mobilization, and reduced cost of analgesic regimen (single-shot blocks).

Peripheral nerve blocks for hip fractures.

Various nerve blocks with local anaesthetic agents have been used to reduce pain after hip fracture and subsequent surgery. This review was published originally in 1999 and was updated in 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2017. This review focuses on the use of peripheral nerves blocks as preoperative analgesia, as postoperative analgesia or as a supplement to general anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery. We undertook the update to look for new studies and to update the methods to reflect Cochrane standards. For the updated review, we searched the following databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 8), MEDLINE (Ovid SP, 1966 to August week 1 2016), Embase (Ovid SP, 1988 to 2016 August week 1) and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (EBSCO, 1982 to August week 1 2016), as well as trial registers and reference lists of relevant articles. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving use of nerve blocks as part of the care provided for adults aged 16 years and older with hip fracture. Two review authors independently assessed new trials for inclusion, determined trial quality using the Cochrane tool and extracted data. When appropriate, we pooled results of outcome measures. We rated the quality of evidence according to the GRADE Working Group approach. We included 31 trials (1760 participants; 897 randomized to peripheral nerve blocks and 863 to no regional blockade). Results of eight trials with 373 participants show that peripheral nerve blocks reduced pain on movement within 30 minutes of block placement (standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.14 to -0.67; equivalent to -3.4 on a scale from 0 to 10; I2 = 90%; high quality of evidence). Effect size was proportionate to the concentration of local anaesthetic used (P < 0.00001). Based on seven trials with 676 participants, we did not find a difference in the risk of acute confusional state (risk ratio (RR) 0.69, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.27; I2 = 48%; very low quality of evidence). Three trials with 131 participants reported decreased risk for pneumonia (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.89; I2 = 3%; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 7, 95% CI 5 to 72; moderate quality of evidence). We did not find a difference in risk of myocardial ischaemia or death within six months, but the number of participants included was well below the optimal information size for these two outcomes. Two trials with 155 participants reported that peripheral nerve blocks also reduced time to first mobilization after surgery (mean difference -11.25 hours, 95% CI -14.34 to -8.15 hours; I2 = 52%; moderate quality of evidence). One trial with 75 participants indicated that the cost of analgesic drugs was lower when they were given as a single shot block (SMD -3.48, 95% CI -4.23 to -2.74; moderate quality of evidence). High-quality evidence shows that regional blockade reduces pain on movement within 30 minutes after block placement. Moderate-quality evidence shows reduced risk for pneumonia, decreased time to first mobilization and cost reduction of the analgesic regimen (single shot blocks).