Standard Local Anesthetic Research Articles

Ultrasound Guided Pectoralis Nerve Block as a Novel Approach in Pacemaker Implantation

Abstract Background The use of implantable cardiac electronic devices (CEDs), including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronized therapy (CRT), is increasing worldwide for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of PECS I, PECS II blocks as the primary anesthesia technique in patients undergoing subcutaneous pacemaker in comparison to local infiltration anesthesia. Methods This prospective cohort randomized study was carried out on 40 patients between the ages of 21 to 80 years old undergoing pacemaker implantation in Aswan heart center. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group (1): received Pecs block and group (2): control group, received standard local infiltration anesthesia with lidocaine 0.2 (10-15ml).All patients were subjected tolaboratory examinations) Hemoglobin, platelet count international normalized ratio, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time), Echocardiography (ECG), VAS, PCIA and preoperative medications. Results Number of patients required postoperative analgesia was significantly lower in group 1 compared to the group 2 (P value <0.001). Time to first require analgesia was significantly delayed in PECS blocks group compared to the control group and postoperative analgesia was significantly lower in group 1 compared to the group 2 (P value <0.001). The hospital stay was significantly lower in PECS blocks group compared to control group (<0.001). Conclusions Ultrasound guided PECs provided adequate analgesia as shown by reducing the times of start procedure and technique, postoperative pain scores and total opioid usage, delayed the time to first require analgesia and better operator and patient satisfaction in pacemaker implantation as compared to infiltration anesthesia.

Comparative Study between Rocuronium And Magnesium Sulfate as Adjutants to Regional Anesthesia for Ophthalmic Surgeries using Peribulbar Block

Abstract Background Peribulbar anesthesia is frequently used in cataract surgeries. Compared to retrobulbar anesthesia, this approach is associated with less significant consequences. However, it has the disadvantages of a slower onset of orbital akinesia and the frequent requirement for block supplementation. Aim of the Work To evaluate the effect of addition of magnesium sulfate and rocuronium to standard local anesthetics mixture on the time of onset of globe and lid akinesia and corneal anesthesia for peribulbar block in ophthalmic surgeries. Patients and Methods This Prospective Double-blinded Randomized Study was carried out in the ophthalmic surgery unit, Ain Shams university hospital from January 2019 to April 2020. After institutional Ethical Board approval and obtaining written informed patients’ consents, 75 patients from both sexes, ASA physical status I-III, aged 40-80 years and having an Axial globe length less than or equals 26 mm scheduled for cataract surgery under peribulbar block were included in the study. Results Our study found statistically significant more rapid onset of action (mean time to start surgery) in rocuronium group (7.00±1.22) than control group and magnesium sulfate group (9.00±1.47 and 9.00±1.15) respectively, (p < 0.001); Moreover, no statistically significant difference was reported between control group and magnesium sulfate group. In addition, no significant difference was reported regarding duration of surgery between groups Conclusion Adding Rocuronium to local anesthetic mixture in peribulbar block during cataract surgery enhances ocular akinesia and corneal anesthesia and reduces the need for supplementary injections with no side effects and that was significantly better than Magnesium sulfate in term of rapid onset and time needed to achieve adequate condition to begin surgery. However, adding Magnesium sulfate showing good results regarding akinesia, corneal anesthesia and need for supplementary injections but it did not significantly fasten the onset of block and hence the time to start surgery.

Multicenter, randomized, controlled comparative-effectiveness study comparing virtual reality to sedation and standard local anesthetic for pain and anxiety during epidural steroid injections

BackgroundThe main objective of this study was to determine whether virtual reality (VR) reduces procedure-related pain and other outcomes for epidural steroid injections (ESI). Randomized controlled study was undertaken in academic centers in the U.S. and Thailand where 146 patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy undergoing an ESI were allocated to immersive VR with local anesthetic, sedation with midazolam and fentanyl + local anesthetic, or local anesthetic alone.The primary outcome was procedure-related pain recorded on a 0-10 scale. Other immediate-term outcome measures were pain from a standardized subcutaneous skin wheal, procedure-related anxiety, ability to communicate, satisfaction, and time to discharge. Intermediate-term outcome measures at 4 weeks included back and leg pain scores, function, and success defined as a >2-point decrease in average leg pain coupled with a score >5/7 on a Patient Global Impression of Change scale. FindingsProcedure-related pain scores with both VR (mean 3·7 (SD 2·5)) and sedation (mean 3·2 (SD 3·0)) were lower compared to control (mean 5·2 (SD 3·1); mean differences -1.5 (-2.7, -0.4) and -2.1 (-3.3, -0.9), respectively), but VR and sedation scores did not significantly differ (mean difference 0.5 (-0.6, 1.7)). Among secondary outcomes, communication was decreased in the sedation group (mean 3·7 (SD 0·9)) compared to the VR group (mean 4·1 (SD 0·5); mean difference 0.4 (0.1, 0.6)), but neither VR nor sedation was different than control. The trends favoring sedation and VR over control for procedure-related anxiety and satisfaction were not statistically significant. Post-procedural recovery time was longer for the sedation group compared to both VR and control groups. There were no meaningful intermediate-term differences between groups except that medication reduction was lowest in the control group. InterpretationVR provides comparable benefit to sedation for procedure-related pain, anxiety and satisfaction, but with fewer side effects, superior communication and a shorter recovery period. FundingFunded in part by grants from MIRROR, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, U.S. Dept. of Defense, grant # HU00011920011. Equipment was provided by Harvard MedTech, Las Vegas, NV

Patient Reported Outcomes of Transperineal Prostate Biopsy With Tumescent Local Anesthesia

To report the outcomes of performing transperineal prostate biopsy in the office setting using the novel anesthetic technique of tumescent local anesthesia. We report anxiety, pain, and embarrassment of patients who underwent this procedure compared to patients who underwent a transrectal prostate biopsy using standard local anesthesia. Consecutive patients undergoing either a transperineal prostate biopsy under tumescent local anesthesia or a transrectal prostate biopsy with standard local anesthetic technique were prospectively enrolled. The tumescent technique employed dilute lidocaine solution administered using a self-filling syringe. Patients were asked to rate their pain before, during, and after their procedure using a visual analog scale. Patient anxiety and embarrassment was assessed using the Testing Modalities Index Questionnaire. Between April 2021 and June 2022, 430 patients underwent a transperineal prostate biopsy using tumescent local anesthesia and 65 patients underwent a standard transrectal prostate biopsy. Patients who underwent a transperineal biopsy had acceptable but significantly higher pain scores than those who underwent a transrectal prostate biopsy (3.9 vs 1.6, P-value <.01). These scores fell to almost zero immediately following their procedure. Additionally, transperineal biopsy patients were more likely to experience anxiety (71% vs 45%, P<.01) and embarrassment (32% vs 15%, P<.01). Transperineal biopsy using local tumescent anesthesia is safe and well-tolerated. Despite the benefits, patients undergoing a transperineal prostate biopsy under tumescent anesthesia still experienced worse procedural pain, anxiety, and embarrassment. Additional studies examining other adjunctive interventions to improve patient experience during transperineal prostate biopsy are needed.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of transversus abdominis plane block with compound lidocaine hydrochloride injection on postoperative pain and opioid consumption and gastrointestinal motility in patients undergoing gynecological laparotomy.

Incorporation of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block into multimodal analgesia has been emphasized in Enhanced Recovery protocols (ERPs). However, benefit is limited in clinical practice. A potential explanation is the short duration of analgesia of standard local anesthetics. Herein, this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial evaluated whether TAPB with long-acting compound lidocaine hydrochloride injection reduces postoperative pain. 164 patients undergoing elective gynecological laparotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia randomly received ultrasound-guided TAP block with either saline, or ropivacaine, or compound lidocaine before anesthesia induction. The postoperative pain intensity (primary outcome) was evaluated by pain 11-point numerical rating scale. We also recorded sufentanil consumptions, time to first flatus, side-effects and hospital stay after surgery. We reported that pain scores at rest at postoperative 3h in group 0.375% ropivacaine was lower than that in group saline [mean 2.4 (SD 1.2) vs. 3.0 (1.0), p = 0.036]. Compared with saline, 0.4% and 0.6% compound lidocaine caused lower pain scores at rest at postoperative 12h [2.8 (0.9) vs. 2.1 (0.9) and 2.0 (0.9), p = 0.016 and p = 0.006]. Sufentanil usage for the first postoperative 48h was lower in group 0.6% compound lidocaine than group saline [24.2 (5.4) vs. 45.6 (7.5) µg, p < 0.001]. Time to first flatus and hospital stay after surgery was shortest and the incidence of postoperative nausea was lowest in patients receiving 0.6% compound lidocaine. TAP block with 0.6% compound lidocaine hydrochloride injection attenuates postoperative pain, reduces opioid consumption, accelerates gastrointestinal function recovery, and shortens length of hospital stay in patients after gynecological laparotomy. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04938882.

LBODP095 Radiofrequency Ablation Performed By Endocrinologists Is A Viable Treatment Option For Recurrent Thyroid Cancer In The Outpatient Community Setting In The United States

Abstract Objective To determine if radiofrequency ablation (RFA) performed by endocrinologists for recurrent thyroid cancer in the neck is a treatment option in the outpatient community setting in the USA. Methods A review of 9 patients with 12 recurrent thyroid cancer lesions in the neck who were treated with RFA was conducted (July 2020 to November 2021). Recurrence was defined as biochemical and structural identification of disease. Recurrence was confirmed with ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (US-FNA) cytology and measurement of thyroglobulin (Tg) washout concentration in cases of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and calcitonin washout concentration in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Informed consent was obtained. RFA was done in the outpatient setting with standard aseptic techniques, conscious sedation, and local anesthesia. Real time US imaging was used to perform hydro-dissection and a limited "moving shot" technique with a medial to lateral approach. Node volume in mL (length x depth x width×0.525) and tumor markers were recorded before at 6 to 12 weeks and at 6 months (m) after RFA. The volume reduction percentage (VRP) for each nodule was calculated using the following equation: VRP = {[baseline volume in mL - final volume in mL]/baseline volume in mL}×100 A VRP of more than 50% was considered a significant response, and VRP of 100% was considered complete response. Results A total of 9 patients with 12 nodes were included in the study. 7 patients had nodal recurrence of PTC in the neck. RFA was recommended for 1 patient as palliative treatment while on treatment with chemotherapy. 1 patient had recurrent MTC. There were no serious complications. 6 m data was unavailable for 2 patients. 9 of 10 (90%) nodes for which data is available had a volume decrease of at least 50% at 6 m. The only patient without at least a partial response to therapy was on chemotherapy. 4 of the 10 (40%) metastatic nodes of papillary thyroid cancer had a complete response. Mean volume reduction for all lesions at 6 mos was 0.339 mL, P = 0. 012. Median change in Tg level at 6 months was 0.4 IU/ml with a downward trend in 4/5 (80%) of patients with recurrent papillary thyroid cancer who were not receiving chemotherapy. Discussion Complete response may be expected in about 40% of patients after RFA at 6 m, however, this may potentially be improved with extended follow up time or multiple RFA sessions. Patients who are not surgical candidates, refuse surgery, or require palliative treatment may be potential candidates for this procedure. Therefore, RFA appears to be a viable treatment option in selected patients with recurrent thyroid carcinoma. Presentation: No date and time listed

EFFICACY OF ADDITION OF MAGNESIUM AS AN ADJUVANT TO LOCAL ANAESTHETICS IN PERIBULBAR BLOCK: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY

Introduction: Topical, regional or general anesthesia can be used for ocular surgery. Among regional blocks, Peribulbar block is a good choice as it provides efficient anesthesia with good lid and globe akinesia with low incidence of complications.1 However the time for onset of akinesia with Peribulbar block is much longer in comparison to retro bulbar block,2which may lead to a delay to start the surgery. The incidence of inadequate analgesia is also more frequent with Peribulbar block2 in comparison to retro bulbar block, which may lead to the requirement of supplementary injection before the start of surgery or intraoperatively. Aims And Objectives: To evaluate the effect of addition of magnesium sulphate to standard local anesthetics mixture for peribulbar blocks in ophthalmic surgeries. Material And Methods: 60 patients who underwent ocular surgery under local anesthesia admitted at Malla Reddy Narayana Multispecialty Hospital, Hyderabad from May2018- october2018(6 months) were enrolled in the study.It was Prospective Randomized controlled double blind study.Inclusion criteria was patients between 20-70 years of either sex with ASA group 1-3 with both anterior and posterior chamber surgery under peribulbar block.Exclusion criteria were patient with mental retardation, allergic to local anesthetics, history of bleeding disorder, cardiac and respiratory diseases and ASA group4-5. Results: After studying 60 patients, out of which 30 patients included in control group (Group NS) and 30 patients in study (Group MS) group,a systematic statistical analysis done for Age and All patients were in age group of 20-70 years. Mean age was 59.0667 +- 7.08049 in the control group (Group NS) and 58.1667 +- 5.73605 in study group (Group MS). The p-value 0.591,which is statistically nonsignificant. Discussion:Anaesthesia plays a vital role in ophthalmic surgery.Most ophthalmic surgeries are carried out under local anaesthesia although topical anaesthesia is soon gaining popularity.The goal of anaesthesia in opthalmic surgery is to provide adequate analgesia and akinesia.Peribulbar block has been used widely for ophthalmic surgery as it is safer than a retrobulbar block. The time for onset of akinesia with peribulbar block is much longer in comparison to retrobulbar block2, which may lead to a delay to start the surgery.The incidence of inadequate analgesia is also more frequent with peribulbar block2 in comparison to retrobulbar block, which may lead to the requirement of supplementary injection before the start of surgery or intraoperatively. Conclusions: Faster onset of globe and lid akinesia after addition of Magnesium sulphate to the mixture of local anaesthetics in peribulbar block.The duration of globe and lid akinesia is prolonged but difference is not statistically significant in Group MS as compared to Group NS.

Dexmedetomidine versus magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant to local anesthesia in single-injection percutaneous peribulbar anesthesia for cataract extraction

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of addition of dexmedetomidine or magnesium sulphate to the standard local anesthetics mixture as a primary objective and to compare between both as a secondary objective utilizing the single-injection percutaneous technique for peribulbar block. In this prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial (RCT), sixty patients, both sexes, aged 45 to 75, with an ASA of I to III, were scheduled for cataract extraction operation. They were divided into three equal groups; each received a single injection peribulbar block of a mixture of 0.5% bupivacaine (3 ml) + 2 percent lidocaine (3 ml) + 120 IU hyaluronidase + (control group (C): 0.5 ml of normal saline; group D: 50 μg of dexmedetomidine; group M: 50 mg of magnesium sulphate in 0.5 ml) with a total injected volume of 7 ml each. The duration of sensory, motor block, need for supplementary doses, hemodynamics, and satisfaction of patients and surgeons were assessed.ResultsFor the primary outcome, both the dexmedetomidine and magnesium groups revealed statistically significant differences from the control group with shorter onsets of sensory block and lid akinesia (p value< 0.001 for both), shorter onset of globe akinesia for dexmedetomidine (p value<0.001) and for magnesium sulphate (p value=0.022), prolonged duration of lid and globe akinesia and sensory block (p value<0.001), better patient satisfaction (p value=0.044) but insignificant difference regarding surgeons’ satisfaction (p value= 0.117) and a less frequent, but statistically insignificant need for supplementary injection (p value=0.075). The demographic and clinical hemodynamics and oxygen saturation parameters were comparable between the three groups. For the secondary outcome, dexmedetomidine was superior to magnesium sulphate regarding onset of globe and lid akinesia (p value= 0.047 and 0.003, respectively), and durations of globe akinesia and sensory block (p value= 0.02 and 0.016, respectively). No complications related to the drugs or procedure were recorded.ConclusionsWhen compared to 50 mg magnesium sulphate, dexmedetomidine at a dose of 50 μg is a superior adjunct to local anesthetic combination in peribulbar block for cataract procedures in terms of start and duration of peribulbar block.

Hepatic Hilar and Celiac Plexus Nerve Blocks as Analgesia for Doxorubicin-Eluting Microsphere Chemoembolization Procedures for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Nonblinded Randomized Clinical Trial

PurposeTo investigate whether hepatic hilar and celiac plexus nerve blocks provide safe and effective analgesia to patients undergoing doxorubicin-eluting embolics transarterial chemoembolization (DEE-TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and MethodsIn this prospective, randomized trial, 92 patients undergoing DEE-TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled. The control group received standard intraprocedural local anesthetic, intra-arterial lidocaine, and intravenous analgesia; the study group underwent additional hepatic hilar and celiac plexus nerve blocks. Intra-arterial lidocaine, intravenous and oral narcotic and antiemetic requirements after the procedure, pain, patient satisfaction, adverse events, and hospital stay were compared. ResultsThe nerve block group reported less pain during and after the procedure at days 1 and 7 (P < .001), although differences resolved by week 2. The control group received more intra-arterial lidocaine (P < .001) and required approximately double the amount of narcotic analgesia during and after the procedure, extending to 3 weeks after the procedure (P < .001), as well as less antiemetics (P < .001). No differences in adverse events, hospital stay, and overall patient satisfaction were noted. ConclusionsHepatic hilar and celiac plexus nerve blocks before procedures can result in lower pain during and after procedures in patients undergoing DEE-TACE. Furthermore, nerve blocks result in lower opioid consumption and opioid-related complications for 3 weeks following procedures.

The Safety Profile of Liposomal Bupivacaine Use in Septorhinoplasty.

Objective: To evaluate the safety profile, including adverse drug reactions and operative complications, of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) use for local anesthesia during functional septorhinoplasty. Study Design: Retrospective review. Subject and Methods: A database query was conducted for patients >18 years of age who underwent septorhinoplasty from January 1, 2019, to August 1, 2020. Adverse drug reactions and postoperative outcomes were compared between patients who received locally administered LB and patients who received standard local anesthetic at the completion of the surgery. Results: A total of 95 cases were included in our data analysis. No significant differences were found in adverse reactions overall (6.3% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.51) or complications, including rate of infection (3.2% vs. 3.1%, p = 1), cartilage warping (1.6% vs. 0%, p = 1), graft resorption (0% vs. 0%, p = 1), septal hematoma (0% vs. 0%, p = 1), and need for revision surgery (4.8% vs. 3.1%, p = 1) between LB and control groups. Conclusion: LB demonstrated an acceptable safety profile when compared with standard local anesthetics during septorhinoplasty, with no significant difference in systemic or local adverse drug reactions or postoperative complications.

Dehydrated Human Amnion-Chorion Product as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing inMaintenance Patients: A Pilot Study

Background: Adjunctive therapies are often combined with Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) procedures to limit bacterial recolonization of periodontal pockets and to modulate the wound healing environment. While local delivery antimicrobial therapies are effective, they do not promote soft tissue repair at these sites. BioXclude, a dehydrated human de-epithelialized amnion-chorion membrane product (ddACM) sourced from donated human placental tissue, has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, contain stimulatory growth factors known to activate wound healing processes, and possess critical attachment substrates for cellular adhesion and migration. Given this combination, it was hypothesized that ddACM would be an effective adjunctive therapy for the treatment of periodontal pockets following SRP procedures. Methods: Sixteen non-smoking patients, compliant with a regular periodontal maintenance program, were included in this study. A total of 30 sites showing a ≥ 2 mm increase in periodontal probing depth (PPD), with associated bleeding on probing (BOP), were chosen for treatment. Following standard SRP procedures with local anesthesia, ddACM was placed into the treated area. A six-week periodontal re-evaluation was completed, with the primary outcome variable being PD reduction and secondary outcomes that included resolution of bleeding on probing (BOP). Results: Mean PD reduction was 2.55 mm ± 0.34 mm, with three sites showing ≥ 4 mm ± 0.2 mm reduction in PD. BOP was resolved in 83% of the treated sites. Conclusion: ddACM provides significant benefit as an adjunctive therapy to SRP for the treatment of periodontal pockets in terms of PD reduction and resolution of BOP.

Enhancing Patient Experience in Office-Based Laryngology Procedures With Passive Virtual Reality.

ObjectivesVirtual reality (VR) has been used as nonpharmacologic anxiolysis benefiting patients undergoing office-based procedures. There is little research on VR use in laryngology. This study aims to determine the efficacy of VR as anxiolysis for patients undergoing in-office laryngotracheal procedures.Study DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingTertiary care center.MethodsAdult patients undergoing office-based larynx and trachea injections, biopsy, or laser ablation were recruited and randomized to receive standard care with local anesthesia only or local anesthesia with adjunctive VR. Primary end point was procedural anxiety measured by the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS). Subjective pain, measured using a visual analog scale, satisfaction scores, and procedure time, and baseline anxiety, measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were also collected.ResultsEight patients were randomized to the control group and 8 to the VR group. SUDS scores were lower in the VR group than in the control group with mean values of 26.25 and 53.13, respectively (P = .037). Baseline HADS scores did not differ between groups. There were no statistically significant differences in pain, satisfaction, or procedure time. Average satisfaction scores in VR and control groups were 6.44 and 6.25, respectively (P = .770). Average pain scores were 3.53 and 2.64, respectively (P = .434).ConclusionThis pilot study suggests that VR distraction may be used as an adjunctive measure to decrease patient anxiety during office-based laryngology procedures. Procedures performed using standard local anesthesia resulted in low pain scores and high satisfaction scores even without adjunctive VR analgesia.Level of Evidence1

Liposomal Bupivacaine.

Liposomal Bupivacaine.

Clinical Effectiveness of Liposomal Bupivacaine Administered by Infiltration or Peripheral Nerve Block to Treat Postoperative Pain.

The authors provide a comprehensive summary of all randomized, controlled trials (n = 76) involving the clinical administration of liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel; Pacira Pharmaceuticals, USA) to control postoperative pain that are currently published. When infiltrated surgically and compared with unencapsulated bupivacaine or ropivacaine, only 11% of trials (4 of 36) reported a clinically relevant and statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome favoring liposomal bupivacaine. Ninety-two percent of trials (11 of 12) suggested a peripheral nerve block with unencapsulated bupivacaine provides superior analgesia to infiltrated liposomal bupivacaine. Results were mixed for the 16 trials comparing liposomal and unencapsulated bupivacaine, both within peripheral nerve blocks. Overall, of the trials deemed at high risk for bias, 84% (16 of 19) reported statistically significant differences for their primary outcome measure(s) compared with only 14% (4 of 28) of those with a low risk of bias. The preponderance of evidence fails to support the routine use of liposomal bupivacaine over standard local anesthetics.

Local Anesthesia Prior to Ultrasound-Guided Hip Joint Injections: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial of Bacteriostatic Saline versus Buffered Lidocaine.

Ultrasound (US)-guided hip joint injections are commonly performed for patients with suspected or known intra-articular hip pain. Lidocaine is a well-established local anesthetic used prior to hip joint injections, but it is often associated with discomfort during infiltration. Bacteriostatic saline is an alternative local anesthetic that has been shown to be less painful during infiltration for superficial injections. To compare infiltrative pain and anesthetic efficacy of bacteriostatic saline (0.9% benzyl alcohol) with a standard local anesthetic (buffered 1% lidocaine) used for local anesthesia prior to US-guided intra-articular hip corticosteroid injections. Double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Tertiary care medical center. Sixty eight patients age 18-80 (mean 54.8) years referred for US-guided intra-articular hip corticosteroid injections. Patients were randomized to receive a US-guided hip joint corticosteroid injection using either bacteriostatic saline or buffered 1% lidocaine for preinjection local anesthesia. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain (0-100) during local anesthetic infiltration as well as during the intra-articular injection. Adverse events were also recorded. There were no significant differences between bacteriostatic saline and buffered lidocaine with respect to pain during local anesthetic infiltration or during the subsequent intra-articular injection. Pain VAS during local anesthetic infiltration was 13.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.8, 18.5) in the bacteriostatic saline group and 14.0 (95% CI 9.4, 18.5) in the buffered 1% lidocaine group (P = .82). Furthermore, pain VAS during the intra-articular injection was 20.7 (95% CI 14.1, 27.3) in the bacteriostatic saline group and 15.7 (95% CI 10.9, 20.3) in the buffered 1% lidocaine group (P = .57). No adverse events occurred. Bacteriostatic saline is a safe and comparably effective alternative to buffered 1% lidocaine for local anesthesia before US-guided hip joint injections and may be considered for subcutaneous/periarticular anesthesia during similar musculoskeletal procedures.

Extraction of Mandibular Posterior Teeth: Comparison between standard Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block and Local Infiltration anesthesia

Objective: The current study assessed the success of infiltration anesthesia versus inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) anesthesia during (mobile and non-vital) teeth extraction in posterior mandible. Materials and methods: In a prospective study, 120 patients were included to extract one tooth for each patient in the posterior mandible under local anesthesia either by local infiltration = 60 (18 males, 42 females); or IANB = 60 (32 males, 28 females). Comparing anesthetic success rate of the two techniques and time until onset of anesthetic action (min). Results: IANB was successful in 100% of the patients, where infiltration anesthesia succeeded in 85%. In addition, duration until onset of action was found to be equal with p =(0.7) Conclusion: Infiltration technique offers a simpler substitute with less complication compared to IANB in establishing effective anesthesia for mandibular mobile and non-vital posterior teeth during intra-alveolar dental extractions.

United Kingdom pediatric dentistry specialist views on the administration of articaine in children.

BackgroundLidocaine is the gold standard local anesthetic (LA) for UK pediatric dental treatment. Recent reports suggest frequent Articaine use in Europe and Canada, with evidence indicating more profound anesthesia. The aim of this study was to examine pediatric dentistry specialist experiences and practices relating to Articaine administration in the UK.MethodsA literature review was followed by a survey using an anonymous 15-item electronic questionnaire, which was sent to 200 registered British Society of Pediatric Dentistry (BSPD) specialists. Descriptive analyses, Z score, chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's correlation test were performed.ResultsSixty-one (30.5%) participants responded, and 12 (19.7%) indicated Articaine as their first line anesthetic. Articaine was used daily or weekly by 38 (62.3%) respondents, depending on the clinical context. Articaine was commonly used to avoid inferior alveolar nerve blocks and gain more profound anesthesia in abscessed or hypomineralized teeth. Participants reported significantly more adverse effects with lidocaine (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.0001) than with Articaine. Articaine was most often administered in children aged > 4 years via infiltration techniques. Only 15 (24.6%) respondents reported awareness of guidelines for Articaine use in pediatric patients.ConclusionsArticaine use in pediatric dentistry is common; however, evidence supporting its practice is limited. Several specialists follow conventions based on anecdotal evidence. Formulating guidance to aid decision-making when treating pediatric patients under LA would be beneficial.

Bupivacaine Extended-Release Liposomal Injection Versus Bupivacaine HCl for Early Postoperative Pain Control Following Wrist Operations: A Prospective, Randomized Control Trial

This study evaluated pain control after wrist operations using a long-acting local anesthetic, liposomal bupivacaine, compared with the standard local anesthetic, bupivacaine HCl. Patients undergoing elective carpometacarpal joint arthroplasty and proximal row carpectomy were eligible. Those meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled before surgery and were randomized to receive an intraoperative injection of liposomal bupivacaine or bupivacaine HCl. Primary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative opioid requirements and pain levels. On the first 4 postoperative days, phone contact assessed pain level by numeric rating scale, number of opioids taken in each 24-hour period, and efficacy of anesthesia and opioid side effects with overall benefit of analgesia score. Postoperative pain scores for 52 patients measured by numeric rating scale demonstrated that liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine HCl were similar for pain control. Painscores and opioid use were similar during the first 4 postoperative days. Opioid use on day 1 was slightly lower with liposomal bupivacaine. There were no statistically significant differences in any postoperative outcome between groups. Liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine HCl have similar effects in the treatment of early postoperative pain after trapeziometacarpal suspension arthroplasty and proximal row carpectomy. Neither drug demonstrated a clear advantage in this study. Therapeutic II.

Ropivacaine/Fentanyl vs. Bupivacaine/Fentanyl for Pain Control in Children after Thoracic Surgery: A Randomized Study

BackgroundAlthough bupivacaine remains a standard local anesthetic for postoperative epidural infusions in pediatric patients, it is increasingly being replaced with ropivacaine by many anesthesiologists. Ropivacaine is associated with less risk for cardiac and central nervous system toxicity. AimsThe purpose of this study was to compare analgesic efficacy and adverse events of postoperative epidural analgesia with ropivacaine/fentanyl versus bupivacaine/fentanyl in children after the Ravitch procedure and thoracotomy. DesignThis was a prospective randomized controlled study. SettingsThis study was conducted at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Rabka Zdroj, Poland. Participants/Subjects94 patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery. MethodsPatients aged 7-17 years were randomly allocated into a ropivacaine 0.2% (RF, n = 45) or bupivacaine 0.125% (BF, n = 45) group; 1 mL of each analgesic solution contained 5 μg fentanyl. All patients received acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nurses assessed pain intensity and incidence of adverse events over 72 hours after surgery and modified analgesia if patient pain intensity was greater than 2 out of 10. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in median pain scores and incidence of adverse events between the RF group and the BF group. The analgesia was excellent (median pain intensity scores at rest, during deep breathing, and when coughing was less than 1 out of 10 in all patients). Adverse events included incidents of desaturation (64/90), nausea (18/90), vomiting (31/90), pruritus (12/90), urinary retention (2/90), paresthesia (11/90), anisocoria (2/90), and Horner syndrome (2/90). ConclusionsThoracic epidural analgesia using an RF and BF solution resulted in similar pain relief and adverse event profiles.

Evaluation of Intraoperative, Local Site Injections of Liposomal Bupivacaine as an Alternative to Standard Local Anesthetics in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Achieving postsurgical pain control after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a critical factor for successful recovery because inadequately treated pain may lead to a delay in ambulation and hospital discharge and have an adverse impact on a patient's quality of life. Objective: This study compares the effectiveness of immediate-release local anesthetics for pain control in THA vs liposomal bupivacaine (LB) related to patient outcomes and costs of care. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing THA at 3 hospitals from January 2013 to July 2016. The control group received plain bupivacaine or ropivacaine while the study group received LB. Generalized linear models were used controlling for several patient factors. Primary measures included length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs, pain relief, opioid use, and mobility. Secondary outcomes were discharge disposition and 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions. Results: One hundred and ninety-six patients were identified, with 103 as controls, 70 receiving LB, and 23 excluded. The LB group showed a decrease in LOS of 0.5 days (2.5 ± 2.6 vs 3.0 ± 2.1 days, P = .010), increased mobility on the day of surgery (27.6 ± 49.3 vs 12.5 ± 48.5 feet, P = .001) and the first day after surgery (186.8 ± 133.8 vs 155.2 ± 135.6, P = .039), and decreased hospital costs ($10 670 vs $11 351, P = .022). There were no significant differences in pain scores, opioid use, adverse events, discharge disposition, or readmissions. Study limitations include retrospective analysis, unblinded participants, and generalizability of results. Conclusions: LB provides an effective alternative to standard local anesthetics in patients undergoing THA based on improvements of inpatient parameters, LOS, and cost measures.