Total Meperidine Consumption Research Articles

The Effect of Pneumoperitoneum-induced Hypertension During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Under General Anesthesia on Postoperative Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BackgroundAcute postoperative pain is a significant cause of morbidities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative blood pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia on postoperative pain in patients without underlying disorders.MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, 72 patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A with higher than baseline preoperative blood pressure (MAP allowed to increase up to 20% higher than baseline MAP by inducing pneumoperitoneum) and group B with normal to low blood pressure (MAP deliberately controlled at a tight limit from normal baseline MAP values to 20% less than baseline by titrating TNG infusion). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) after 2, 8, 12, and 24 hours of surgery, and the total dose of meperidine used to manage postoperative pain were recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsThe pain scores in group A were significantly lower than group B (P = 0.001). The postoperative analgesia request time was different between the two groups (P = 0.53). During the first 24 hours, the total meperidine consumption dose in group A was significantly lower than in group B (P = 0.001).ConclusionsHigh intraoperative blood pressure may affect the postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and lead to less postoperative pain score and analgesic requirements.

A Comparative Study between Ultrasound Guided Trans-muscular Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block as postoperative analgesia in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

Abstract Background A variety of unwanted post-operative consequences, including patient suffering, respiratory distress complications, delirium, myocardial ischemia, prolonged hospital stay and an increased likelihood of chronic pain are due to poorly controlled acute pain after laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Aim of the Work is to compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided TQL with TAP block during laparoscopic bariatric surgery and to improve the outcome of the patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery under general anesthesia who suffer from postoperative pain and also in the early postoperative period regarding pain relief, decreasing postoperative opioid requirements, provision of comfort, early mobilization and improved respiratory functions. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 40 randomly chosen patients in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee. They were allocated in two groups of 20 patients each: Group TQL (n = 20): received combined general anesthesia with TQL block. Group TAP (n = 20): received combined general anesthesia with TAP block. Results TQL block has more analgesic efficacy than TAP block. The first call for rescue analgesia (Meperidine), total meperidine consumption and pain scores (visual analog score at rest and movement) indicated the superiority of the analgesic technique TQL block. Conclusion TQL with general anesthesia was more effective technique in providing analgesia after laparoscopic bariatric surgery without associated hemodynamic instability in comparison to TAP block with general anesthesia and also the first call for rescue analgesia (Meperidine), total meperidine consumption and pain scores (visual analog score at rest and movement) indicated the superiority of the analgesic technique TQL block.

WITHDRAWN: Prophylactic use of platelet-rich plasma for post-spinal low back pain following gynecological surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Post-spinal back pain is suggested to occur as a result of a localized inflammatory response that is often associated with some degree of muscle spasm. We aimed to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in reducing the incidence of post-spinal back pain. One hundred patients were randomly enrolled and scheduled for elective gynecological surgery under spinal anesthesia. After the subarachnoid block, group A (placebo) received 2 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% injected into the track of spinal needle during its withdrawal (2 mm after outward withdrawal in muscles and subcutaneous tissues). While patients in group B (PRP); received 2 ml of PRP injected into the track of the spinal needle during its withdrawal. The primary outcome was the number of patients who developed post-spinal low back pain within the first week following the subarachnoid block. Secondary outcomes included the time of the first analgesic request and total meperidine consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. Fifteen patients in the PRP group developed low back pain during the first week following subarachnoid block compared to 26 patients in the placebo group (p = 0.037). There was a significant decrease in the mean meperidine consumption during first 24 h postoperatively in PRP group (174 ± 14 mg) compared to placebo group (210 ± 22 mg) (p < 0.0001). Also, the first analgesic request was significantly delayed in PRP group (243 ± 21 min.) compared to placebo group (185 ± 31 min.) (p < 0.0001). This study demonstrated the positive effects of platelet-rich plasma on the prevention of post-spinal backache.

Is Spinal Dexmedetomidine Aggravating Hypotension after Tourniquet Deflation?

Background and Aims:The addition of dexmedetomidine to spinal anesthesia decreases the incidence of tourniquet pain but may aggravate hypotension after tourniquet deflation.Methods:Fifty patients were included in this prospective, double-blinded, randomized study, randomly divided into two equal groups of 25 patients each. Spinal anesthesia was performed using 2.5 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 0.5 mL of normal saline in control group (Group C) or 2.5 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 0.5 mL (5 μg) of dexmedetomidine in (Group D). Tourniquet pain was treated by 50 mg of meperidine and repeated in a dose of 20 mg, and the total meperidine consumption was calculated. After tourniquet deflation, heart rate and mean blood pressure were measured for 15 min in the operating room and at these times: before induction of anesthesia (baseline), after inflating tourniquet (inflation), 1 min before deflating tourniquet (predeflation), after tourniquet deflation (10 min postdeflation), and maximum blood pressure and heart rate changes. Duration of time that started before the minimum blood pressure and maximum heart rate was changed until recovery was recorded.Results:Pain after torniquet inflation was significantly higher in the Group C compared to the Group D. The maximal change of blood pressure was lower in the dexmedetomidine than in the control group. The mean time between the maximal change in blood pressure reached and started to recover was 135 ± 14 s in the dexmedetomidine group and 80 ± 31 s in the control group (P < 0.01) and maximal heart rate change was lower in dexmedetomidine group than the control group. The time between the maximal heart rate changes until recovery was 113.2 ± 19 s in the dexmedetomidine group and 53.2 ± 11 s in the control group P < 0.01.Conclusion:Adding dexmedetomidine to spinal anesthesia decreases the incidence of tourniquet pain but aggravates the hemodynamic effect of tourniquet deflation.

Comparative Clinical Study between Preoperative Oral Administration of Paracetamol, Celecoxib and Pregabalin on Postoperative Pain in Gynecological Laparoscope

Background: Since the introduction of laparoscopic surgeries, postoperative pain has been generally reduced. However, it can still peak, especially during the early postoperative period and becomes the main cause of overnight hospital stay and prolonged convalescence after this day-case surgical procedure. Thus, optimizing postoperative pain relief, not only to sub-serve reduction of its intensity but to also enhance the recovery and shorten length of stay became the broader target of multimodal pain control regimens nowadays. That is why; searching for a drug that would be effective in reducing pain, safe from major adverse effects and can meanwhile possess an opioid-sparing potentiality would be a merit so as to improve the success rate of ambulatory day-care surgeries. Objective: To study the analgesic effects of preemptive single oral dose of paracetamol, celecoxib and pregabalin in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscope. Method: Preoperative evaluation, preparation and premedication was assessment, and routine laboratory investigations was done. Postoperative pain, Level of Sedation was measured. Results: There was statistical significant difference between the three groups regarding VAS. There was statistical significant difference between the three groups regarding the total pethidine consumption. Regarding postoperative level of sedation, blood glucose there was no statistical significant difference between the three groups. Conclusion: Oral pregabalin in a dose of 150 mg 2 hour before surgery, is significantly attenuating pain intensity and total meperidine consumption during the first 6 hours postoperatively.

Comparison of the Post-Caesarean Analgesic Effect of Adding Dexmedetomidine to Paracetamol and Ketorolac: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BackgroundParacetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ketorolac) can be considered for mild to moderate post-caesarean pain. As a selective α-2 agonist adrenergic receptor, dexmedetomidine has analgesic and sedative effects without causing respiratory depression.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding dexmedetomidine to paracetamol or ketorolac on post-caesarean pain and the associated complications thereof.MethodsSixty pregnant women, who were candidates for caesarean section with spinal anesthesia, were randomly assigned to either of two groups of 30 patients. For post-operative pain management, an intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device was used for 24 hours. Dexmedetomidine (3 µg kg-1) was added to paracetamol (35 mg kg-1) in the group DP and to ketorolac (1 mg kg-1) in the group DK. Visual analog scale (VAS), Ramsay sedation scale, hemodynamic changes, rescue analgesic (meperidine) consumption, patient satisfaction, and possible complications were recorded at 6, 12, and 24, hours after surgery, and compared afterward.ResultsThe pain score was significantly lower in the DK group than in the DP group (P < 0.05). The hemodynamics and sedation scale were similar in both groups. The total meperidine consumption was higher in the DP group, but it was not significantly different. Maternal satisfaction was greater in the DK group (P < 0.05). Concerning complications, the two groups did not show statistically significant differences (P = 0.4).ConclusionsThe addition of dexmedetomidine to ketorolac, compared with its addition to paracetamol, causes further reduction in the post-operative pain score and provides more satisfaction.

Comparison of intraperitoneal versus intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication following laparascopic surgery. This study compared the effect of intraperitoneal versus intravenous dexamethasone for reducing PONV after gynecological laparoscopic surgeries.MethodsEighty adult female patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II, scheduled for gynecological laparoscopic surgery were randomized to receive 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously (IV) (n = 40) or intraperitoneally (IP) (n = 40). The primary outcome was the PONV incidence during the first 24 h after laparoscopy. Secondary outcomes included visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, total rescue analgesic consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively, the need for rescue antiemetic drugs, and the incidence of complications that may accompany these medications.ResultsEleven women (27.5%) in the IV group, versus only 3 (7.5%) women in the IP group, experienced nausea during the first 24 h postlaparoscopy (P = 0.037). However, 5 patients (12.5%) in the IV group, versus only 2 patients (5.0%) in the IP group, experienced vomiting (P = 0.424). No statistically significant differences were seen in the severity of nausea or the need for rescue antiemetics. The IV group had a higher rate of side-effects than the IP group (27.5% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.037). Headache and dizziness were common side effects in the IV dexamethasone group. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean VAS score for pain and total meperidine consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively.ConclusionsIntraperitoneal dexamethasone at a dose of 8 mg at the end of gynecological laparoscopy reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea.

Dexamethasone alone versus in combination with intra-operative super-hydration for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis in female patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundDexamethasone has a prophylactic effect on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and perioperative hydration is believed to play a role in PONV prophylaxis. This study was performed to examine the combined effects of pre-induction dexamethasone plus super-hydration on PONV and pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).MethodsA total of 100 female patients undergoing LC were enrolled and randomized equally into two groups. Group DF received 5 mg dexamethasone (pre-induction) plus 30 ml/kg Ringer's lactate (intraoperative) and group D received 5 mg dexamethasone (pre-induction) alone. Anesthetic and surgical managements were standardized for all patients. The incidence and severity of PONV, and intra and post-operative analgesic and postoperative antiemetic consumption, were assessed during the first 24 h postoperatively. Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay and aggregated 24 h pain scores were calculated.ResultsGroup DF had significantly lower PONV than group D (P = 0.03). The number of patients with the lowest PONV score was significantly increased in group DF (P = 0.03). Ondansetron consumption was significantly lower in group DF (P < 0.0001). The mean accumulated 24 h pain scores were significantly lower in group DF compared to group D (P < 0.0001). The time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in group DF than group D (P < 0.0001). In addition, total meperidine consumption during the first postoperative 24 h was significantly lower in group DF than group D (P = 0.002).ConclusionsIn female patients undergoing LC, pre-induction with 5 mg dexamethasone plus intraoperative 30 ml/kg Ringer's lactate solution decreased PONV and pain during the first 24 h postoperatively compared to 5 mg dexamethasone alone.

The Analgesic Effects of Incisional Levobupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine after Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the analgesic efficacy of dexmedetomidine added levobupivacaine applied into the wound site by infiltration in total abdominal hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: We studied 50 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II patients scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy. The patients were randomized into two groups: infiltration of the surgical area with 0.25% levobupi- vacaine (40 mL) (Group L) or 0.25% levobupivacaine plus 2 mcg kg −1 dexmedetomidine (40 mL) (Group DL) 5 min before skin incision. After anesthesia induction, 5 min before surgical incision, 20 mL of the trial preparation (0.25% levobupivacaine or 0.25% levobupivacaine plus 2 mcg.kg−1 dexmedetomidine) was injected in the subcutaneus tissue along the marked line of skin incision. Another 20 mL of the same trial preparation was then infiltrated preperitoneally along the line of the planned incision of the peritoneum. Results: Total meperidine consumption was significantly lower in Group DL (p=0.003). The visual analog scale (VAS) values at resting were significantly lower at 0, 2, and 4 h (p=0.001, 0.001, and 0.003, respectively) in Group DL in the postoperative period. VAS values at coughing were lower in Group DL at postoperative 0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 h (p=0.001; 001; 0.003; 0.006; 0.008 respectively). The need for rescue analgesic was significantly high in Group L (p<0.001). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine added to local anesthetic agent applied to the wound site reduced the analgesic consumption and improved the pain scores in total abdominal hysterectomy surgery.

Does perioperative opioid infusion increase postoperative opioid requirement?

Opioids are the cornerstone therapy for the optimal pain management. Perioperative opioid infusion is accused of causing acute opioid tolerance, especially as the postoperative opioid requirement increases in time to provide efficient analgesia. It is debatable whether there is a difference between opioid agents regarding tolerance development. We aim to compare the effects of morphine, remifentanil and alfentanil when infused intravenously during the perioperative period. Sixty patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery were randomized into four groups. The four groups obtained the following treatments: saline 5 cc iv bolus and 10 cc/h infusion for induction and maintenance in Group C, remifentanil infusion 0.25 µg/kg/min following 1 µg/kg iv bolus in Group R, alfentanil infusion 0.50 µg/kg/min following 10 µg/kg iv bolus in Group A, and morphine infusion 0.02 mg/kg/h after 0.1 mg/kg iv bolus in Group M. Meperidine 10 mg/cc iv patient-controlled analgesia was used postoperatively, and total meperidine consumptions were recorded. VAS scores and side effects were recorded during postoperative 48 hours. VAS scores in Group M were found to be significantly lower than in Group C at the 1st postoperative hour. Twenty-four hour total meperidine consumption in Group R and Group M were significantly lower than in Group C. No statistical difference was found between groups regarding the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Our study indicated that infusions of morphine, alfentanil and remifentanil administered to patients undergoing major abdominal surgery did not cause acute opioid tolerance. In contrast, infusion of morphine and remifentanil reduced postoperative opioid requirement.

A comparative study between the addition of MgSO4against dexamethasone to bupivacaine in the prolongation of ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block for shoulder arthroscopy

Background Local anesthetic adjuvants have been studied previously to prolong the duration of analgesia after peripheral nerve block and thus reduce postoperative adverse reactions associated with excessive systemic analgesic intake. The aim of this study was to compare the addition of MgSO 4 against dexamethasone to bupivacaine in the prolongation of ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block (ISPB) for shoulder arthroscopy. Patients and methods A total of 63 patients, ASA I and II grades, undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were enrolled in this study. The ISPB was performed with 0.5% bupivacaine 20 ml plus either 5 ml of 10% MgSO 4 (group M) or 5 ml of normal saline containing dexamethasone 8 mg (group D) or 5 ml of 0.9% NaCl (group C). The following data were collected: the onset of sensory block, the analgesic duration (time of the first call for analgesics), the occurrence of satisfactory motor block, the motor block duration, and postoperative analgesic consumption. Results The magnesium sulfate group and the dexamethasone group patients showed significantly higher analgesic duration values and significantly lower total meperidine consumption values than control group patients. Conclusion The addition of either magnesium sulfate or dexamethasone to bupivacaine in ISPB prolongs the analgesic duration significantly and also decreases the postoperative analgesic consumption.

Postarthroscopy analgesia using intraarticular levobupivacaine and intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the efficacy of intraarticular levobupivacaine with and without intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol for postarthroscopy analgesia. Sixty patients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. When the surgical procedure was completed, patients received the following treatments: group I (n = 20) patients received 20 mL intraarticular normal saline and 2 mL intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol (50 mg); group II (n = 20) patients received 20 mL intraarticular 0.5 % levobupivacaine (100 mg) and 2 mL intravenous normal saline; and group III (n = 20) patients received 20 mL intraarticular 0.5 % levobupivacaine (100 mg) and 2 mL intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol (50 mg). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used, and the total analgesic consumption was assessed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h post-operatively. The VAS scores at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h post-operatively were significantly increased in group I and group II compared with group III (p < 0.05). The average VAS score during the first 24 h post-operatively was significantly lower in group III than in group I and group II (p < 0.001). Total meperidine consumption was significantly lower in group III than in groups I and II (p < 0.001). Intraarticular levobupivacaine with adjuvant intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol administration provided better pain relief and less analgesic requirement after arthroscopic knee surgery during the first 24 h than that induced by dexketoprofen alone or levobupivacaine intraarticular alone. II.

Opioid-Sparing Effect of Intravenous Paracetamol After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

To evaluate meperidine-sparing effect of intravenous (IV) paracetamol in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). One hundred patients who underwent PCNL were randomized to paracetamol (n=50) and placebo (n=50) groups. Patients received 100 mL of physiologic saline with or without 1 g IV paracetamol every 8 hours after PCNL up to 24 hours in the paracetamol and placebo groups, respectively. Patients in both groups received intramuscular meperidine in case of unrelieved pain. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain intensity scores in the postoperative period. Total meperidine consumption, mean VAS score in the first 6 and 24 hours, demographic variables, operative variables, and side effects were recorded. The mean VAS pain intensity scores at 6 and 24 hours were 50.22 and 41.32 mm in the paracetamol and 75.29 or 65.5 mm in the placebo group (P<0.001). The mean consumed meperidine dose was 54.40 mg and 77.60 mg in the paracetamol and placebo groups, respectively (P<0.001). In this study, IV paracetamol significantly reduced total meperidine consumption and pain intensity scores compared with placebo. IV paracetamol can be an effective and safe part of multimodal analgesia regimes for postoperative pain management after PCNL.

Effect of Intraoperative Paracetamol on Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

BackgroundThe insertion of urinary catheters during urinary surgical interventions may lead to catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) in the postoperative period. ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the effect of single-dose intravenous paracetamol on CRBD. MethodsIn this randomized, controlled, double-blind study, 64 patients (age >18 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I–II) requiring urinary bladder catheterization for percutaneous nephrolithotomy were assigned to groups that received either intravenous paracetamol (15 mg/kg) (group P) or NaCl 0.9% solution (control group [group C]) 30 minutes before the end of surgery. Patients received patient-controlled analgesia (10-mg bolus of meperidine, without infusion, 20-minute lock out) postoperatively. CRBD and pain status were assessed at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 hours postoperatively. Postoperative meperidine requirement and patient and surgeon satisfaction were assessed. ResultsGroup P had significantly lower CRBD scores at all time points except at 12 hours postoperatively compared with group C (P < 0.05). Total meperidine consumption was significantly higher in group C (P < 0.05). Patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were significantly higher in group P (P < 0.05). ConclusionsIntraoperative single-dose paracetamol was found to be effective in reducing the severity of CRBD and pain in urologic surgery. We suggest that it may be an efficient, reliable, easy-to-apply drug for CRBD. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01652183.

Intravenous paracetamol reduced the use of opioids, extubation time, and opioid-related adverse effects after major surgery in intensive care unit

Background This study assessed the analgesic efficacy, side effects, and time to extubation of intravenous paracetamol when administered as an adjuvant to intravenous meperidine after major surgery in intensive care unit (ICU). Material Patients were randomized postoperatively into 2 groups in ICU. Patients received either 100 mL of serum saline intravenous (IV) every 6 hours and IV meperidine (n = 20 group M) or IV paracetamol 1 g every 6 hours and IV meperidine (n = 20, group MP) into a peripheral vein for 24 hours. Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) is used until extubation, and visual analog score (VAS) is used after extubation. When BPS and VAS values were more than 4, meperidine, 1 mg/kg IV, was administered and noted in 2 groups. Pain scores, total meperidine consumption, time to extubation, sedation scores, and side effects are 24-hour postoperatively noted. Results Behavioral Pain Scale and VAS scores are significantly lower in group paracetamol-meperidine at 24 hours ( P < .05). In group MP, postoperative meperidine consumption (76.75 ± 18.2 mg vs. 198 ± 66.4 mg) and extubation time (64.3 ± 40.6 min vs. 204.5 ± 112.7 min) were lower than in group M ( P < .01). In addition to, postoperative nausea-vomiting and sedation scores were significantly lower in group MP when compared with group M ( P < .05). Conclusion We have demonstrated important clinical benefits by the addition of 4 g/d of paracetamol to meperidine after major surgery. This benefit has been shown in a range of patients under routine clinical conditions and therefore has important practical consequences in ICU. These data suggest that intravenous paracetamol is a useful component of the multimodal analgesia model, especially after major surgery.

Effects of Intravenous Small Dose Ketamine and Midazolam on Postoperative Pain Following Knee Arthroscopy

The aim of this randomized, double blind, controlled study was to assess the effect of intravenous coadministration of small dose midazolam with ketamine on postoperative pain and spinal block level. Sixty patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomized into three groups: Group I (saline control); group II (ketamine 0.15 mg/kg i.v.); and group III (ketamine 0.15 mg/kg + midazolam 0.01 mg/kg i.v.). Sedation scores, visual analogue scores, time to first postoperative analgesic, total meperidine consumption, patient satisfaction, sensory and motor block levels, and two segments regression times were assessed. Sedation scores were significantly lower in group I when compared with groups II and III at 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after administration of the spinal anesthetic (P = 0.001). Sensory block was significantly higher in group III (P = 0.001) in comparison with group II. Two segment regression time was significantly longer in group II than group I, whereas no difference was found between groups II and III. Total meperidine consumption was significantly higher in group I (P = 0.001). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in group III compared with group I (P = 0.001), but no difference was found between groups II and III (P = 0.3). Ketamine improved the postoperative pain patient satisfaction, increased the maximal sensory level, and was associated with lower sedation scores in the first 15 minutes after administration. Group I was also associated with decreased total meperidine consumption and delayed the time to first recue analgesic administration. Coadministration of ketamine and midazolam did not provide any further benefit over ketamine alone.

Subcutaneous Tramadol Infiltration at the Wound Site Versus Intravenous Administration after Pyelolithotomy

Recently, the peripheral anesthetic effect of tramadol has been the theme of many studies. The postoperative analgesic effects of subcutaneous wound infiltration with tramadol have not been extensively studied and compared with those of intravenous administration. To compare the therapeutic effects and complications of intravenous versus local wound infiltration of using tramadol following pyelolithotomy. This double-blind study was carried out on 60 patients (age 18-60 y) of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II who were awaiting pyelolithotomy in Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran, during 2006 and 2007. They were randomly assigned to receive intravenous or subcutaneous wound infiltration with tramadol. Vital signs, the intensity of pain (visual analog scale), and the level of consciousness (Ramsey Sedation Scale [RSS]), as well as the frequency of nausea and vomiting were recorded during 30 minutes to 1 hour after the patient entered the recovery room. Vital signs were also recorded every hour until 6 hours postoperatively and then on the day after the patient was transferred to the ward. The RSS was lower in patients who had received subcutaneous infiltration of tramadol (p < 0.001). A significant difference was noted in the severity of pain between the groups; it was higher in the group that received intravenous tramadol. The average time for the first meperidine requirement was 45.2 +/- 8.4 min (mean +/- SD) in the subcutaneous group and 21.6 +/- 12.4 min in the intravenous group. Total meperidine consumption was lower in patients who had received subcutaneous wound infiltration with tramadol compared with those who had received intravenous tramadol (p < 0.001). Nausea and vomiting were more frequent during the first hour of recovery; the complication, however, was less frequent in the subcutaneous group. Subcutaneous wound infiltration with tramadol reduces postoperative opioid consumption and produces less nausea and vomiting than does intravenous administration.

Meperidine Induced Seizure in a Patient With Lyme Borreliosis

A 15 years old child with Lyme borreliosis was treated with meperidine via a patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pump for pain management. He had no history of seizure and had normal hepatic and renal functions. At the 7th hour of meperidine PCA delivery, generalized tonic-clonic seizure was developed and successfully suppressed with antiepileptics and no neurologic sequel was occurred. The total meperidine consumption in the patient was quite lower than the recommended doses with PCA. Although Lyme disease might also cause seizure activities, the timing of the seizures was related with the accumulation of normeperidine which is the main metabolite of meperidine with central nervous system stimulant effect. The meperidine pain management on patients with Lyme syndrome should be reconsidered to avoid undesired effects.Keywords

Parecoxib vs. lornoxicam in the treatment of postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered as an effective treatment of postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. COX-2 inhibitors are newer drugs having less adverse effects. Data supporting their efficacy postoperatively in comparison to older non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are scarce. Our study is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of lornoxicam vs. parecoxib for the management of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We enrolled 76 patients, ASA I and II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were randomized to receive before induction parecoxib 40 mg i.v., lornoxicam 8 mg i.v. or placebo. Pain at rest and on movement was assessed using a visual analogue scale at 0, 6, 12 h postoperatively. Total meperidine consumption and adverse effects were also recorded. At 12 h, visual analogue scale scores at rest and on movement were significantly lower with parecoxib and lornoxicam compared with control ( P = 0.047). The percentage of patients needing meperidine and the average dose of meperidine administered was significantly lower with parecoxib and lornoxicam compared with control (P < 0.001 and P = 0.018). There was no difference between parecoxib and lornoxicam. One patient receiving lornoxicam vomited. Parecoxib 40 mg i.v. and lornoxicam 8 mg i.v. were equianalgesic and both were more efficacious than placebo for the management of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The Interaction Effect of Perioperative Cotreatment with Dextromethorphan and Intravenous Lidocaine on Pain Relief and Recovery of Bowel Function After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Both dextromethorphan (DM) and IV lidocaine improve postoperative pain relief. In the present study, we evaluated the interaction of DM and IV lidocaine on pain management after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). One-hundred ASA physical status I or II patients scheduled for LC were randomized into four equal groups to receive either: (a) chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) intramuscular injection (IM) 20 mg and IV normal saline (N/S) (group C); (b) DM 40 mg IM and IV N/S (group DM); (c) CPM 20 mg IM and IV lidocaine 3 mg . kg(-1) . h(-1) (group L); or (d) DM 40 mg IM and IV lidocaine (group DM+L). All treatments were administered 30 min before skin incision. Analgesic effects were evaluated using visual analog scale pain scores at rest and during coughing, time to meperidine request, total meperidine consumption, and the time to first passage of flatus after surgery. Patients of the DM+L group exhibited the best pain relief and fastest recovery of bowel function among groups. Patients in the DM and L groups had significantly better pain relief than those in the C group. The results showed an additional effect on pain relief and a synergistic effect on recovery of bowel function when DM was combined with IV lidocaine after LC.