Additional Analgesic Use Research Articles

Comparison of deep and combined serratus anterior plane block after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery; a prospective randomized trial

Aim: Ultrasound-guided plane blocks have been employed frequently in Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of deep and combined serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) after VATS.Material and Method: The patients, in the age range of 18 to 65 years, with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status of I-III, and body mass index (BMI) of 18-30 kg/m2, and undergoing lung resection with VATS were included in the study. Patients were informed about the study, and their written consent was obtained. Patients were divided into Deep SAPB (DSAPB) (Group 1) and combined SAPB (CSAPB) (Group 2) groups according to the analgesia protocol.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics and surgical features (p>0.05). When the groups were evaluated in terms of the block performance time, it was found to be statistically significantly longer in the CSAPB group than in the DSAPB group (p<0.001). When the groups were evaluated in terms of VAS resting scores, the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 16th, 24th, and 48th-hour VAS resting results were found to be statistically significantly higher in the DSAPB group than the CSAPB group (p<0.05). VAS cough scores were statistically significantly higher in the DSAPB group at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 16th, 24th, and 48th-hour (p<0.05). When the groups were evaluated in terms of the side effects, additional analgesic use, and morphine consumption, they were found to be statistically significantly higher in the DSAPB group than in the CSAPB group (p: 0.026, p: 0.020, p<0.001, respectively).Conclusion: CSAPB provided effective analgesia after VATS for 48 hours. In addition, morphine consumption and the need for additional analgesics were low in CSAPB. However, the duration of the block procedure was longer in the CSAPB application.

Robotic single-site cholecystectomy is better in reducing postoperative pain than single-incision and conventional multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

To compare the short-term outcomes of robotic single-site cholecystectomy (RSSC) with single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) and conventional multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CMLC), focusing on postoperative pain outcomes. This single-center retrospective study included consecutive patients with benign gallbladder disease who underwent cholecystectomy by a single surgeon between June 2019 and December 2021. Exclusion criteria were acute cholecystitis (AC) and other combined surgeries. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed between the RSSC and SILC or CMLC. Of the 157 patients included, 39 (24.8%) underwent RSSC, 32 (20.4%) underwent SILC, and 86 (54.8%) underwent CMLC. In a propensity score-matched cohort between RSSC and SILC (32 patients in each group), the number of additional analgesic injections was significantly lower in the RSSC group than in the SILC group (0.7 vs. 1.3, p = 0.002), and postoperative pain scores were also significantly lower at 6h (2.8 vs. 3.6, p = 0.004) and 24h (2.6 vs. 3.3, p = 0.021) after surgery in the RSSC group than in the SILC group. In a propensity score-matched cohort between RSSC and CMLC (23 patients in each group), the number of additional analgesic injections was significantly lower in the RSSC group than in the CMLC group (0.7 vs. 1.3, p = 0.005), and postoperative pain scores were also significantly lower at 6h after surgery (2.9 vs. 3.7, p = 0.025) in the RSSC group than in the CMLC group. This study demonstrated that RSSC is helpful in reducing postoperative pain and the use of additional analgesics compared to both SILC and CMLC.

Comparison of the effects of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block and erector spinae plane block on postoperative acute and chronic pain in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of ultrasound (US)-guided Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) on postoperative acute and chronic pain. Material and Method: Patients aged range of 18 to 80 years and underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) were included in a single-blinded randomized trial. All patients were informed about the study and their written consent was obtained. The primary outcome was determined as acute postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and secondary outcomes were postoperative morphine consumption and the incidence of chronic pain. US-guided ESPB and TPVB were performed to all patients and they were assigned randomly to ESPB (Group 1) and TPVB (Group 2) groups according to the analgesia protocol. Results: Visual analog scale (VAS) resting and VAS cough scores at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 16th hours were found to be statistically significantly higher in the TPVB group than in the ESPB group (p<0.05) Morphine consumption (p:0.042) and additional analgesic (p:0.037) use were found to be statistically significantly higher in the TPVB group compared to the ESPB group. As complications, only nausea and vomiting were observed with no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of postoperative 30th and 90th day pain characteristics between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: ESPB was superior to TPVB in terms of acute postoperative pain management, morphine consumption, and side effects, but the incidence of chronic pain in the first and third months after surgery was similar in both groups.

Analgesics in rheumatic diseases – a necessary component of therapy aimed at improving the quality of life

Control of chronic pain is one of the main elements of the complex therapy of rheumatic diseases (RD). The use of analgesics is of fundamental importance for the management of patients with osteoarthritis (OA), since a unified system of pathogenetic therapy has not yet been developed for this disease. In immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs), such as rheumatoid arthritis, effective pathogenetic therapy can successfully control inflammatory activity. However, in many cases, in patients with IRDs, unpleasant symptoms (pain, fatigue, poor general well-being, etc.) persist even during remission and low inflammatory activity. This is associated with persistent structural changes, “secondary” OA, central sensitization, and concomitant fibromyalgia. Therefore, approximately 50% of patients with IRDs receiving modern pathogenetic therapy require additional use of analgesics. Therapy for musculoskeletal pain in RD should be complex, include drugs with different mechanisms of action and non-drug methods. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first line therapy, they have good analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. The choice of a specific NSAID should be based on an individual assessment of the clinical situation and the presence of risk factors for possible complications. Among NSAIDs, aceclofenac should be singled out – an effective drug with a favorable safety profile, which is confirmed by a large number of clinical studies and real clinical practice.

Scalp block for postoperative pain after craniotomy: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

BackgroundPostoperative pain after craniotomy is an important clinical concern because it might lead to brain hyperemia and elevated intracranial pressure. Considering the side effects of opioid, several studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of local anesthetics, especially the scalp block, on postoperative pain. However, the strength of evidence supporting this practice for postoperative pain after craniotomy was unclear and the best occasion of scalp block was also not identified. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and the best occasion of scalp block for postoperative pain after craniotomy.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases from database inception to October 10, 2021 were searched for all randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of scalp block on postoperative pain after craniotomy. Data were assessed by StataMP 16 software.ResultsA total of 12 studies were included. A random-effect model was used to analyze all data. Patients under scalp block earned fewer scores than the non-scalp block group in visual analogue scale at the very early period (MD = −1.97, 95% CI = −3.07 to −0.88), early period (MD = −1.84, 95% CI = −2.95 to −0.73) and intermediate period (MD = −1.16, 95% CI = −1.84 to −0.49). Scalp block could also significantly prolong the time of the first request of rescue analgesia and reduce the use of additional analgesics without a significant difference in the incidence of complications. Subgroup analysis showed there was no significant difference in analgesia effect between pre-incision scalp block and post-incision scalp block in all periods.ConclusionScalp block could lead to lower pain intensity scores, more time of the first request of rescue analgesia, and fewer analgesic drugs applied in the first 12 h after craniotomy. There was no significant difference between pre-incision and post-incision scalp block in the occurrence and severity of postoperative pain.

Analgesic effect of auricular point acupressure for acute pain in patients with dementia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCommon and frequent as acute pain is, it is often underestimated and undertreated in older people with dementia in nursing homes and inadequate pain management remains an issue.MethodsThe study is designed to be a randomized, sham-controlled trial and is underway in nursing homes located in China. A total of 206 dementia patients are being recruited from nursing homes in Yinchuan, China. They are randomly allocated to an intervention or a controlled group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will be treated with true APP therapy, while the other group will receive APP at sham point stimulation therapy. The patients will be assessed at baseline (T0), at 5 min during performing the intervention (T1), and at 5 min after completion of the intervention (T2). The primary outcome is the level of pain relief at T1 and T2. Physiological parameters, side effects and additional use of analgesics during the procedure, satisfaction from caregivers, and acceptance of patients are evaluated as secondary outcomes.DiscussionThe results of this study are expected to verify the analgesic effect of APP for acute pain in patients with mild dementia in nursing homes. It has the potential to prompt APP therapy to be implemented widely in dementia patients with acute pain in nursing homes.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100047932. Registered on 27 June 2021. Currently, patient recruitment is ongoing. Recruitment is expected to take place from December 2020 to December 2021.

Natural orifice versus transabdominal specimen extraction in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: meta-analysis.

BackgroundNatural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) is a technique that involves collecting a specimen for extraction through a natural opening avoiding a mini-laparotomy incision. The aim of this study was to compare NOSE and transabdominal specimen extraction in laparoscopic (LAP) colorectal cancer surgery for postoperative outcomes and oncological safety.MethodA systematic search was conducted in five electronic databases from inception till October 2020. Articles were selected based on the inclusion criteria (studies comparing LAP and NOSE colorectal surgeries reporting at least one of the outcomes) and analysed. Primary outcomes included postoperative complications, pathological results (resection margins and lymph node collection), and oncological outcomes. Secondary outcomes included operating time, blood losses, use of analgesics, functional recovery, duration of hospital stay, and cosmetic results. Fixed and random-effect models were used to measure the pooled estimates.ResultsNineteen studies involving a total of 3432 participants were analysed (3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 16 retrospective non-randomized studies). Pooled results showed significantly reduced postoperative complications (OR 0.54; 95 per cent c.i. 0.44 to 0.67; P < 0.00001). Pathological outcomes of NOSE were comparable to LAP with no significant difference noted in terms of resection margins (P > 0.05) and lymph node collection (weighted mean difference (WMD) −0.47; 95 per cent c.i. −0.94 to 0; P = 0.05). Pooled analysis demonstrated comparable long-term outcomes in terms of cancer recurrence (OR 0.94; 95 per cent c.i. 0.63 to 1.39; P = 0.75), 5-year disease-free survival (HR 0.97; 95 per cent c.i. 0.73 to 1.29; P = 0.83), and overall survival (HR 0.93, 95 per cent c.i. 0.58 to −1.51; P = 0.78). Finally, the NOSE group had decreased use of additional analgesia after surgery and earlier resumption of oral intake when compared with LAP (respectively OR 0.28; 95 per cent c.i. 0.20 to 0.37; P < 0.00001 and WMD −0.35; 95 per cent c.i. −0.54 to −0.15; P = 0.0005).ConclusionThis meta-analysis showed that in comparison with LAP, NOSE decreases severe postoperative morbidity while improving postoperative recovery without compromising oncological safety, but it is limited by the small number of RCTs performed in this field.

Effect of Auricular Acupressure on Acute Pain in Nursing Home Residents with Mild Dementia: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study.

Introduction Acute pain is a prevalent problem for dementia residents in nursing homes. A variety of intervention strategies have been applied to address this problem. However, there remains an issue of inadequate pain control. This study aims to explore the analgesic efficacy of auricular acupressure (AA) for dementia residents with acute pain in nursing homes. Methods A multicenter, single-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled clinical trial was performed in three nursing homes in Yinchuan, China. All of the 206 eligible patients with acute pain were randomly divided into two groups for real AA therapy or sham AA (at sham point stimulation) therapy. The primary outcome was measured with a face pain scale revised (FPS-R) score before the procedure, 5 min after the start of the intervention, and 5 min after finishing the procedure. Secondary outcomes covered three physiological parameters, adverse reactions observed, satisfaction level of caregivers, acceptance of patients, and additional use of analgesics. Results There was a significant difference in pain scores based on FPS-R between the two groups (p < 0.01). Pain score in the true AA group was 1.84 ± 0.23, compared with 2.22 ± 0.81 in the sham AA group. No adverse events were found during the whole procedure for all patients. The satisfaction level of caregivers and acceptance of patients in the real AA group were significantly higher than those in the sham AA group. Conclusion This study shows that real AA was an alternative analgesic modality in reducing acute pain in patients with mild dementia.

Cerebral mechanism of opposing needling for managing acute pain after unilateral total knee arthroplasty: study protocol for a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundOpposing needling is a unique method used in acupuncture therapy to relieve pain, acting on the side contralateral to the pain. Although opposing needling has been used to treat pain in various diseases, it is not clear how opposing needling affects the activity of the central nervous system to relieve acute pain. We herein present the protocol for a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial aiming to explore the cerebral mechanism of opposing needling for managing acute pain after unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsThis is a randomized sham-controlled single-blind clinical trial. Patients will be allocated randomly to two parallel groups (A: opposing electroacupuncture group; B: sham opposing electroacupuncture group). The Yinlingquan (SP9), Yanglingquan (GB34), Futu (ST32), and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints will be used as the opposing needling sites in both groups. In group A, the healthy lower limbs will receive electroacupuncture, while in group B, the healthy lower limbs will receive sham electroacupuncture. At 72 h after unilateral TKA, patients in both groups will begin treatment once per day for 3 days. Functional magnetic resonance imaging will be performed on all patients before the intervention, after unilateral TKA, and at the end of the intervention to detect changes in brain activity. Changes in pressure pain thresholds will be used as the main outcome for the improvement of knee joint pain. Secondary outcome indicators will include the visual analogue scale (including pain during rest and activity) and a 4-m walking test. Surface electromyography, additional analgesia use, the self-rating anxiety scale, and the self-rating depression scale will be used as additional outcome indices.DiscussionThe results will reveal the influence of opposing needling on cerebral activity in patients with acute pain after unilateral TKA and the possible relationship between cerebral activity changes and improvement of clinical variables, which may indicate the central mechanism of opposing needling in managing acute pain after unilateral TKA.Trial registrationStudy on the brain central mechanism of opposing needling analgesia after total kneearthroplasty based on multimodal MRI ChiCTR2100042429. Registered on January 21, 2021

The Effect of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Combined Deep and Superficial Serratus Anterior Plane Block on Acute Pain After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

The study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and a combination of the deep and superficial serratus anterior plane block (C-SAPB) methods in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). A prospective, randomized study. At a single-center, high-volume, tertiary thoracic surgery center. Adult patients undergoing VATS. Ultrasound-guided ESPB and C-SAPB. Patients were assigned to ESPB (group 1) or C-SAPB (group 2) groups according to the analgesia protocol. All interventions were performed with single-needle insertion. Multimodal analgesia was achieved via paracetamol, dexketoprofen, and intravenous morphine for both study groups. Pain scores were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS). Morphine consumption, rescue analgesic requirements, and side effects were recorded postoperatively for 24 hours. The primary outcome was determined as VAS scores at rest and coughing. The secondary outcomes of this study were postoperative morphine consumption and the requirement of rescue analgesics. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of VAS scores (p > 0.05). The groups also were similar in terms of demographic characteristics, side effects, morphine consumption, additional analgesic use, and duration of block procedures (p > 0.05). There also were comparable results in terms of hemodynamic variables (p > 0.05). Patients who underwent VATS receiving ESPB or C-SAPB had similar pain scores, opioid consumption, and side effects during the first postoperative 24 hours. At the same time, the fact that the duration of the block procedure was similar in both groups showed that multisite serratus anterior plane block can be an effective alternative method in analgesic treatment after VATS, considering that it easily can be applied. The authors here think that C-SAPB can be a good alternative to ESPB because the outcomes of both applications are similar, and C-SAPB easily can be seen and applied with ultrasound.

An analysis on the adjuvant efficacy of intravenous or perineural administered dexamethasone in erector spina plane block applied to patients who had thoracotomy: a prospective randomized double-blind study

Aim: Thoracic surgery is one of the surgical procedures that necessitates effective pain management both before and after the procedure. Because of the adverse effects of opioids in thoracic surgeries, regional anesthesia has been widely used for postoperative analgesia. One of the most recent techniques used with this indication is erector spina plane block (ESPB). Many studies in regional anesthesia have shown that adding dexamethasone to local anesthetics as an adjuvant agent prolongs the analgesic effect. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of dexamethasone, which is used as a perineural and intravenous adjuvant, on the duration and level of analgesia of ESPB used in thoracic surgeries.&#x0D; Material and Method: This prospective, randomized controlled study included 60 patients who would have a thoracotomy under general anesthesia and ESP for peri-operative analgesia. Patients were divided into three groups: those who received perineural dexamethasone (Group PN), those who received IV dexamethasone (Group IV), and those who did not receive any dexamethasone at all (Group C-Control). Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, rescue analgesic drug use and block times were recorded at the postoperative 2nd, 6th, 12th, 24th and 36th hours.&#x0D; Results: There was no statistically significant (p&gt;0.05) difference in blocking times or additional analgesic use between the three groups. There was no statistically significant (p&gt;0.05) difference in the NRS scores when the patients’ pain levels were measured in all three groups. 36th hour NRS scores and additional analgesic use were higher in the group that did not receive IV or perineural dexamethasone.&#x0D; Conclusion: NRS scores and rescue analgesic use were similar between ESPB groups with intravenous or perineural addition of 4 mg dexamethasone and ESPB group administered without dexamethasone. However, the NRS score average in the group C was greater than 3, particularly in the 36th hour NRS data, whereas the NRS scores in the group PN and group IV were less than 2.

Long-Term Outcomes of Single-Incision Distal Gastrectomy Compared with Conventional Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is gaining more attention due to advancements in surgical devices and techniques. Ten years have passed since the first report of single-incision distal gastrectomy. This study aims to analyze the long-term oncological safety of single-incision distal gastrectomy by comparing it with multiport distal gastrectomy. Patients diagnosed with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy from January 2010 to December 2017 were enrolled. Palliative surgery, history of other malignancy, preoperative chemotherapy, and distant metastasis were excluded. The 5-year overall survival and 5-year disease-free survival were set as coprimary endpoints. Operative time, blood loss, postoperative outcome, and risk factors for survival were secondary endpoints. Propensity score matching of 1:1 ratio was performed to adjust for age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, tumor size, operation history, and clinical stage. A total of 3,097 patients were enrolled. After propensity score matching, 378 patients were allocated to each group. There was no difference in patient demographics after matching. Operation time was faster (170.8 ± 65.3 minutes vs 147.2 ± 44.1 minutes, p < 0.001), with less blood loss in the single-port group (84.1 ± 87.6 mL vs 34.9 ± 49.9 mL, p < 0.001). Administration of additional intravenous analgesics was less frequent in the single-port group (p = 0.043). There was no difference in long-term survival (5-year overall survival: multiport 94.2%, single-port 95.8%, p = 0.43; 5-year disease-free survival: multiport 94.1%, single-port 95.8%, p = 0.32). Single-incision distal gastrectomy is safe and feasible with good long-term outcomes and less use of additional analgesics for patients diagnosed with early gastric cancer.

Postoperative analgesic efficacy of the thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (TAPA) and modified-TAPA for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled study

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures. Even though there is less postoperative pain with laparoscopic cholecystectomy than with open cholecystectomy, severe pain can occur, particularly within the first 24 hours. Evaluation of the efficacy of ultrasound-guided interfascial plane blocks for postoperative analgesia of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has recently come to prominence. The aim of our study was to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (TAPA) and modified-TAPA (m-TAPA) blocks in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The present study included 56 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia and received TAPA or m-TAPA block for perioperative analgesia. Each patient signed a written informed consent form. Block times and numerical rating scale (NRS) scores 1, 2, 3, and 12 hours postoperatively, hourly and total tramadol amount of use via the patient-controlled analgesia device, and additional analgesic drug consumption were all recorded. The TAPA group had significantly longer block application times than the m-TAPA group. At 1 and 12 hours, NRS scores were lower in the TAPA group. However, the mean NRS scores, total tramadol use, and use of additional analgesics were comparable between the groups. TAPA and m-TAPA block methods reduced NRS scores by alleviating pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures, thereby reducing the need for additional analgesics. Block times for TAPA were significantly longer than those for m-TAPA. However, both block applications were completed in a short period, smoothly and safely. The analgesic effect of TAPA block was more distinctive at 1 and 12 hours, and NRS scores were lower. However, we think that both block methods, when used under ultrasound guidance, will provide effective analgesia by supplementing the multimodal analgesia planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and other abdominal operations.

Nifedipine for primary dysmenorrhoea.

Dysmenorrhoea (period pain) is a common condition with a substantial impact on the well-being and productivity of women. Primary dysmenorrhoea is defined as recurrent, cramping pelvic pain that occurs with periods, in the presence of a normal uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is thought to be caused by uterine contractions (cramps) associated with a high level of production of local chemicals such as prostaglandins. The muscle of the uterus (the myometrium) responds to these high levels of prostaglandins by contracting forcefully, causing low oxygen levels and consequently pain. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker in widespread clinical use for preterm labour due to its ability to inhibit uterine contractions in that setting. This review addresses whether this effect of nifedipine also helps with relief of the uterine contractions during menstruation OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of nifedipine for primary dysmenorrhoea. We searched for all published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of nifedipine for dysmenorrhoea, without language restriction and in consultation with the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGF) Information Specialist. The following databases were searched to 25 November 2021: the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGF) Specialised Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Also searched were the international trial registers: ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal, the Web of Science, OpenGrey, LILACS database, PubMed and Google Scholar. We checked the reference lists of relevant articles. We included RCTs comparing nifedipine with placebo for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. The primary outcomes to be assessed were pain, and health-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes were adverse effects, satisfaction, and need for additional medication. The two review authors independently assessed the included trials. There were insufficient data to allow meaningful meta-analysis. The evidence assessed was of very low quality overall. We examined three small RCTs, with a total of 106 participants. Data for analysis could be extracted from only two of these trials (with a total of 66 participants); two trials were published in the 1980s, and the third in 1993. Nifedipine may be effective for "any pain relief" compared to placebo in women with primary dysmenorrhoea (odds ratio (OR) 9.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.61 to 31.31; 2 studies, 66 participants; very low-quality evidence). The evidence suggests that if the rate of pain relief using placebo is 40%, the rate using nifedipine would be between 64% and 95%. For the outcome of "good" or "excellent" pain relief, nifedipine may be more effective than placebo; the confidence interval was very wide (OR 43.78, 95% CI 5.34 to 259.01; 2 studies, 66 participants; very low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if the use of nifedipine was associated with less requirement for additional analgesia use than placebo (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.07 to 4.20, 1 study, 42 participants; very low-quality evidence). Participants indicated that they would choose to use nifedipine over their previous analgesic if the option was available. There were similar levels of adverseeffects and menstruation-related symptoms in the placebo and intervention groups (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.08 to 10.90; 1 study, 24 participants; very low-quality evidence); if the chance of adverseeffects with placebo is 80%, the rate using nifedipine would be between 24% and 98%. There were no results regarding formal assessment of health-related quality of life. The evidence is insufficient to confirm whether nifedipine is a possible medical treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea. The trials included in this review had very low numbers and were of low quality. Notably, there was a large imbalance in numbers randomised between placebo and treatment groups in one of the two trials with data available for analysis. While there was no evidence of a difference noted in adverse effects between groups, more data from larger participant numbers are needed for this outcome. Larger, more well-conducted trials are required to elucidate the potential role of nifedipine in the treatment of this common condition, as it could be a useful addition to the therapeutic options available if shown to be well tolerated and effective. The safety of nifedipine in women of reproductive age is well established from trials of its use in preterm labour, and clinicians are accustomed to off-label use for this indication. The drug is inexpensive and readily available. Other options for relief of primary dysmenorrhoea are not suitable for all women; NSAIDs and the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) are contraindicated for some women, and the OCP is not suitable for women who are trying to conceive. In addition, the trials examined suggest there may be a participant preference for nifedipine.

Comparison of Thoracic Epidural Analgesia and Thoracic Paravertebral Block Applications in the Treatment of Acute Pain After Thoracotomy in Geriatric Patients.

BackgroundThoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) are commonly used in geriatric patients for pain management after thoracotomy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of TEA and TPVB on postoperative analgesia in geriatric patients who underwent thoracotomy.MethodologyPostoperative analgesia follow-up files of patients over 65 years of age who underwent thoracotomy were analyzed retrospectively. Patient’s demographic data, diagnosis, type of surgery, postoperative 24-hour mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, static/dynamic visual analog scale (VAS) scores, need for additional analgesics, global pain assessment, and side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression were examined. The patients were divided into two groups: those treated with TEA (Group 1) and those treated with TPVB (Group 2).ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic data (p > 0.05). MAP in the TEA group was statistically significantly lower than in the second and sixth-hour TPVB group (p = 0.008, p < 0.001). VAS static scores in the TEA group were statistically significantly lower at 30 minutes (p = 0.001), and at one, two, six, twelve, and twenty-four hours compared to the TPVB group (p < 0.001, except at 30 minutes). VAS dynamic scores were statistically significantly lower in the TEA group at 30 minutes, and at one, two, six, twelve, and twenty-four hours compared to the TPVB group (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and bradycardia (p > 0.05). The use of additional analgesics in the TEA group was statistically significantly lower than in the TPVB group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsMore effective postoperative analgesia results with stable hemodynamic conditions were observed in geriatric patients who underwent TEA for thoracotomy compared to TPVB. Regarding side effects, although there was a lower incidence in TPVB, this was not statistically significant when compared to TEA. TEA, as a component of the multimodal analgesia approach, can be accepted as a safe and effective method in the elderly patient group who underwent thoracotomy.

POSTOPERATIVE PORT-SITE PAIN AFTER GALL BLADDER RETRIEVAL FROM EPIGASTRIC VS UMBILICAL PORT IN LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective: To determine whether gall bladder (GB) retrieval from umbilical port is associated with more pain at port site as compared to GB retrieval from epigastric port in adult patients undergoing four port elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Adult patients, who were undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy during a six-month period in 2010 at our institute, were randomized to either group A (n = 60, GB retrieval through epigastric port) or group B (n = 60, GB retrieval through umbilical port). VAS for pain was assessed by a registered nurse at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h after surgery. Results: The VAS for pain at umbilical port was less than epigastric port at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h after surgery (5.9 ±1.1 vs. 4.1± 1.5, 4.6± 0.94 vs. 3.5± 1.05, 3.9± 0.85 vs. 2.4± 0.79, 3.05± 0.87 vs. 2.15± 0.87, respectively) and the difference was statistically significant (p-value &lt; 0.001). Multiple linear regression was done for port site pain at 24 h and the VAS at umblical port was less than epigastric port with VAS difference of 0.9 after adjusting for age, sex, duration of surgery and additional analgesia use (r 2 =0.253, p-value &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Gall bladder retrieval from umbilical port is associated with lower port site pain than GB retrieval from epigastric port in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We recommend umbilical port for gall bladder retrieval.

Application of unilateral rhomboid intercostal and subserratus plane block for analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a quasi-experimental study.

BackgroundInterfascial plane block can be used to treat postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided unilateral rhomboid intercostal and subserratus plane (RISS) block after laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the amount of analgesic consumption.Methods Fifty patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in this quasi-experimental study. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analyzed in two groups: RISS group (RISS block with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine + intravenous patient-controlled analgesia [IV-PCA] tramadol [n = 25]); and Control group (IV-PCA tramadol [n = 25]). The primary outcome was the total amount of tramadol used over 24 h. Secondary outcomes included side effects, additional analgesic use, and postoperative pain (at rest and during activity) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h according to numerical rating scale (NRS) scores.Results Postoperative tramadol consumption at 24 h was significantly lower in the RISS group than in the Control group (P < 0.001). Resting NRS scores at 2 h and 6 h were significantly lower in the RISS group. NRS scores during movement in the RISS group were significantly lower at 2, 6, and 12 h postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of side effects and additional analgesic use between the groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions Unilateral RISS block was an effective method for pain management after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and can be used as a part of multimodal analgesia.

Pterygopalatine fossa block and dexmedetomidine as components of stress-limiting anesthesia in ophthalmic surgery

BACKGROUND: To date, surgical interventions continue to be accompanied by a high proportion of complications and even death. In half of the cases, mortality and serious postoperative complications could have been prevented. After a comprehensive study of the factors affecting the prolongation of hospitalization and rehabilitation (Kehlet H., 1997; Kehlet H., Wilmore D., 2002), surgical stress response was identified as the most significant inducer of dysfunction among various organs and systems. General anesthesia, in its classical sense, is not able to provide patients with complete protection against surgical trauma. Comprehensive protection can be obtained through a combination of general and local anesthesia and stress-protective drugs.&#x0D; OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the proposed scheme of stress-limiting anesthesia in ophthalmic surgery patients with corneal transplantation.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study provides a comparative characterization of the severity of the stress response and pain syndrome in patients operated under the conditions of classical general anesthesia (group K) and those who received the scheme of stress-limiting anesthesia (group DB). Multicomponent anesthesia was administered in both groups. Sibazone was used for sedation in group K, whereas dexmedetomidine was used in group DB. The patients in group DB underwent local anesthesia before surgery. The main criteria for assessing the results were as follows: hemodynamic stability, blood glucose, level of venous blood leukocytes, and severity of pain according to the VAS in the postoperative period.&#x0D; RESULTS: Both schemes helped avoid pronounced fluctuations in hemodynamic and gas exchange parameters at all stages of the study. The analysis of blood glucose and leukocyte counts showed that patients in group K had a more significant deviation for both indicators from the preoperative level than those in group DB. In the study of pain syndrome, group K showed higher levels of pain according to the VAS than group DB.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The scheme of stress-limiting anesthesia enables the control of postoperative pain without the additional use of narcotic analgesics and blockades in the postoperative period.

Rhomboid Intercostal and Serratus Anterior Interfascial Plane Blocks for the Treatment of Post-Operative Pain after Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Retrospective Propensity-Matched Study.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) techniques are commonly used for surgical procedures within the thoracic cavity with smaller incisions. There are very few regional anesthesia methods used to achieve this goal. This study aimed to investigate the effect of two fascial plane block technique rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) administered on pain scores after VATS. A total of 90 patients who underwent VATS were included in this study. Patients were divided in three groups: Group R (intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV. PCA) +RİB with (25 mL 0.25% bupivacaine; n=30), Group S (IV. PCA + SAPB with (25 mL 0.25% bupivacaine; n=30), and Group C (IV. PCA). The primary outcome was determined as a tramadol consumption amount (at hours 6, 12, and 24). Postoperative pain was evaluated using the VAS (at the 30th minute, 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours) scores. Secondary outcomes included the side effect profile and additional analgesic use. VAS scores of the Group R were found to be statistically significantly lower to those of Group S and Group C (p<0.05). A comparison of Groups R and S with Group C in terms of tramadol consumption amounts, at all measurement time points, revealed statistically significantly lower values (p<0.005). As per the results of this study, we believe that RİB and SAPB administration for pain palliation after VATS is an effective analgesia technique.

Preemptive analgesia for endoscopic sinus surgery: a retrospective study.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease, and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is widely performed. However, there is no consensus regarding postoperative pain control after ESS, and postoperative opioid abuse is a problem in many countries. Acetaminophen is reportedly effective for postoperative pain control. Preemptive analgesia has received more attention lately, wherein pain is prevented before it occurs. In this study, we assessed the use of acetaminophen for preemptive analgesia during the perioperative period in ESS. This is a retrospective study of 175 patients who underwent ESS, septoplasty, and bilateral inferior turbinate mucosal resection at our hospital from April 2016 to February 2018. In total, 82 patients received 1,000 mg of acetaminophen during surgery and 4 hours after the first dose, while 93 patients did not receive it routinely. We compared these two groups. The primary outcome was the need to use additional analgesics prescribed by the ward physician and the secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, postoperative bleeding, reoperation, blood pressure, and body temperature. The use of additional oral and intravenous analgesics was significantly reduced in the patients who received acetaminophen perioperatively. Preemptive analgesia during the perioperative period of ESS could lead to satisfactory postoperative pain control.