The Shining Star of the Last Decade in Regional Anesthesia Part-II: Interfascial Plane Blocks for Cardiac, Abdominal, and Spine Surgery.

The sine qua non of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols designed to improve the perioperative experiences and outcomes of patients is to determine the most appropriate analgesia management. Although many regional techniques have been tried over the years in this purpose, interfacial plane blocks have become more popular with the introduction of ultrasound technology into daily practice and they have great potential to support effective postoperative pain management in many surgeries. The current article focuses on the benefits, techniques, indications, and complications of interfascial plane blocks applied in cardiac, abdominal, and spine surgeries.

Efficacy of transversalis fascia plane block as a novel indication for varicocelectomy surgery: prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Varicocele occurs as a result of dilatation of the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic veins. In this study, our primary aim was to evaluate the effect of Transversalis Fascia Plane Block (TFPB) on pain scores in the postoperative period in patients undergoing varicocelectomy surgery, and our secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of TFPB on analgesic consumption. METHODS: The study was initiated following local ethics committee approval, and sixty ASA I-II patients > 18y scheduled to undergo varicocelectomy and who consented to participation were enrolled. Before the procedure, the patients were randomly assigned two groups: Transversalis Fascia Plan block group (Group TFPB) or surgical incision site infiltration group (Group I).All surgeries were carried out under general anesthesia, and microsurgery using the subinguinal approach. After surgical suturing, TFPB and local infiltration blocks were applied prior to termination of anesthesia.For each block, 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was utilized. Patients' demographic information, passive and active VAS ratings after surgery, usage of non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and rescue analgesia, and the requirement for rescue analgesia, were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. In terms of demographic data, there was no difference between the groups. At all hours, there was a statistically significant decrease in favor of Group TFPB in terms of active and passive VAS scores (p < 0.001), non steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic use (p < 0.05), and tramadol requirement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that TFPB can provide a more effective analgesia when compared to surgical site infiltration.

Ultrasound Guidance Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation of the Medial Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve for Palliation of Chronic Pain after Burn Injury: A Case Report.

Chronic burn pain persists for 6 months or longer after the wound has healed, affecting the patient's quality of life and daily activities. Pharmacological treatments are essential in the treatment of chronic pain after burns, but interventional methods come to the fore in cases where there is no response to pharmacological treatments. Radiofrequency ablation is known as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for patients with intractable chronic pain. Various pain syndromes can be successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation however, there is no publication of chronic pain management associated with burn injury. Here, we first describe the successful management of chronic burn pain using radiofrequency ablation of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve.

High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation in Patients with COVID-19: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus 2019 disease presents in a spectrum that can range from mild viral infection to pneu- monia. Common symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia include cough, sputum, and shortness of breath. High-frequency chest wall oscillation is a pulmonary rehabilitation method used for the recovery of pulmonary functions and removal of secretions in the lungs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of high-frequency chest wall oscillation on patients with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 100 patients, between 18 and 70 years old, with a positive polymerase chain reaction result for coronavirus disease 2019, were included. Standard medical treatment was applied to all patients. In group rehabilitation, high-frequency chest wall oscillation treatment was applied twice a day for 20 minutes for 5 days. No additional intervention was made to the control group. Pulmonary function tests and oxygenation were evaluated on the first and fifth days. Patients' high-flow oxygen, non-invasive mechani- cal ventilation, and invasive mechanical ventilation needs were evaluated and recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow rates were statistically higher in the rehabilitation group on the fifth day (P < .05). On evaluating the oxygenation of patients, the fifth day to first-day oxygen saturation difference was signifi- cantly higher in rehabilitation group than in control group (P < .05). Furthermore, the number of patients who needed non-invasive mechanical ventilation was lower in the rehabilitation group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that pulmonary rehabilitation applied with the high-frequency chest wall oscillation device in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in the early period contributed to the improvement of oxygenation by providing significant improvement as observed in the pulmonary function tests of the patients.

The Shining Star of the Last Decade in Regional Anesthesia Part-I: Interfascial Plane Blocks for Breast, Thoracic, and Orthopedic Surgery.

Regional anesthesia has benefits beyond just treating acute postoperative pain. Interfascial plane blocks, which have been very popular with ultrasound in recent years, function primarily by administering a high volume of a local anesthetic to the fascial plane. Contrary to traditional peripheral nerve blocks, the targeted nerve or structure in interfacial plane blocks is not fully defined, and the indications have not been fully revealed yet. Anatomical, cadaveric, and radiological studies show how effective the interfascial plane blocks play a role. This review focuses on the benefits, techniques, indications, and complications of interfascial plane blocks in the context of breast, thoracic, and orthopedic surgery.

The Effect of Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block on Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB) on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methodology A total of 40 patients aged between 18 and 60 who were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists status I-II and scheduled for unilateral PCNL were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in Group QLB (n = 20) received a single-shot QLB with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine in the preoperative period. No intervention was performed in the control group (Group C, n = 20). Dermatomes affected by the block procedure were evaluated in the preoperative period in the group of patients who were administered the block procedure. General anesthesia was administered to all patients in both groups. In the postoperative period, opioid consumption, pain scores, side effects related to opioid consumption, and additional analgesic requirements were recorded. Results Opioid consumption was significantly lower in Group QLB compared to Group C at all times (p < 0.05). Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores during the movement were significantly lower in Group QLB compared to Group C at all times (p < 0.05). VAS scores at rest were reported to be significantly lower in Group QLB compared to Group C, except for the eighth and twelfth hours (p < 0.05). The requirement for additional analgesic agents was significantly lower in Group QLB compared to Group C (p < 0.05). Conclusions QLB reduced postoperative opioid consumption and VAS scores by providing more effective analgesia compared to the control group in patients who underwent PCNL.

Comparison of the lateral sagittal and costoclavicular approaches for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block in pediatric patients: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The lateral sagittal brachial plexus block is the most used method for pediatric upper extremity surgery, whereas the applications of costoclavicular brachial plexus block are limited. This study aimed to compare the lateral sagittal and costoclavicular approaches for the ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block in pediatric patients. METHODS: Sixty pediatric patients aged 5-15 years undergoing hand or forearm surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Group LS (n = 30) received ultrasound-guided lateral sagittal block, and Group CC (n = 30) received ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block. The block performing time, needling time, imaging time, needle visibility, number of passes, sensorial/motor block time, and postoperative pain scores were evaluated. RESULTS: The needling time (82.90 ± 28.17 seconds vs. 64.77 ± 28.11 seconds respectively, p = 0.004) and total block performance time (109.53 ± 29.75 seconds vs. 89.70 ± 29.98 seconds respectively, p = 0.005) were significantly longer in Group LS than in Group CC. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in imaging time, needle visibility, number of passes, sensorial/motor block time, and postoperative pain scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Costoclavicular and lateral sagittal brachial plexus blocks resulted in similar anesthetics effects. Moreover, the costoclavicular method can be a better alternative to lateral sagittal as it has a shorter block performance time.

A randomized comparison between ultrasound-guided costoclavicular and infraclavicular block for upper extremity surgery

Background/aim: This study compared ultrasound guided costoclavicular (CC) and lateral sagittal infraclavicular (LS) brachial plexus block in patients undergoing upper extremity surgery. Materials and methods: A total of 80 patients undergoing upper extremity surgery were randomly classified into two groups: Group CC (costoclavicular (n = 40)) and Group LS (lateral sagittal infraclavicular (n = 40)). Both groups received a 25 mL containing a mixture of 1% lidocaine and 0.25% bupivacaine. A blinded observer recorded the block onset time and decided which patients who were admitted to the operation room needed general anesthesia or rescue block or without any iv. narcotics for the surgical procedure. Results: The sensorimotor onset time was found to be faster in the CC group [(15.95 2.97) min] compared to the LS group [(17.72 4.15) min]. There was a statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of sensorimotor onset time (p = 0.031). There was no difference between two groups in terms of the block performance times and post-block motor block dissolution times. Conclusion: The CC approach provides faster onset of sensorimotor blockade than LS approach when the 4 major terminal nerves of the brachial plexus were evaluated.

Sedoanalgesia Versus Infraclavicular Block for Closed Reduction of Pediatric Forearm Fracture in Emergency Department: Prospective Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: Procedural sedoanalgesia is commonly used in pediatric patients in the emergency department (ED) for interventional procedures, diagnosis, and treatment. However, this method causes serious systemic complications, such as respiratory and cardiac depression. To minimize these complications, ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia methods have been used in recent years. We aimed to compare the use of procedural sedoanalgesia (PSA) and infraclavicular block (ICB) in the pain management of pediatric patients who underwent closed reductions of forearm fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, clinical study included patients aged 3 to 15 years who presented to the ED with forearm fractures. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the procedural sedoanalgesia group (group PSA, n = 30) and ultrasound-guided ICB group (group ICB, n = 30). Pain scores of the patients were evaluated using the Wong-Baker FACES Scale before and during the procedure. Pain scores and parental and operator satisfaction were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There was no statistical significance in terms of demographic data. The pain scores observed during the procedures were significantly higher in the group PSA than in the group ICB (3.07 ± 1.55 vs 0.47 ± 0.86, respectively; P < 0.001). The parental and operator satisfaction of the ICB group was significantly higher than that of the PSA group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided ICB is a safe and effective method in the management of pain during closed reduction of forearm fracture in pediatric patients in EDs. It can be used safely in emergency rooms and has a high level of both parental and operator satisfaction.

Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Modified-Thoracolumbar Interfascial Plane Block for Lumbar Discectomy Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the ultrasound (US)-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and modified-thoracolumbar interfascial plane (mTLIP) block for postoperative pain management in lumbar discectomy surgery patients. METHODS: A total of 90 patients scheduled for lumbar discectomy were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 30 per group): an ESPB group, an mTLIP group, and a control group. In the ESPB and mTLIP groups, a single-shot US-guided block was administered with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine bilaterally. All patients received intravenous patient-controlled postoperative analgesia with fentanyl, and 1 g intravenous paracetamol every 6 hours. Fentanyl consumption, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, rescue analgesia, block procedure time, and side-effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperative opioid consumption at all time intervals were significantly lower both in ESPB and mTLIP groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed concerning intra- and postoperative opioid consumption between the ESPB and the mTLIP group (P < 0.001). Passive VAS score at the postanesthesia care unit, second, fourth, and eighth hours, and active VAS score at the postanesthesia care unit, second, fourth, eighth, and 16th hours were significantly lower in the ESPB and mTLIP groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The use of rescue analgesia was significantly lower in the ESPB and mTLIP groups than in the control group (9/30, 7/30, and 21/30, respectively, P < 0.001). The block procedure time was similar between groups (P = 0.198). CONCLUSIONS: US-guided ESPB and mTLIP block may provide adequate pain control after discectomy surgery. However, there is a nonsuperiority between ESPB and the mTLIP groups.

A comparison of the ultrasound-guided modified-thoracolumbar interfascial plane block and wound infiltration for postoperative pain management in lumbar spinal surgery patients.

OBJECTIVES: Pain management is an important issue following lumbar spinal surgery. Wound infiltration is a technique that a local anesthetic solution is infiltrated into the tissues around the surgical area. Previous studies reported that US-guided modified thoracolumbar interfacial plane (mTLIP) block after lumbar spinal surgery provided effective analgesia. In this study, we aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of the US-guided mTLIP block and wound infiltration following lumbar disc surgery. METHODS: 60 patients aged 18-65 years, ASA classification I-II, and scheduled for lumbar disc surgery under general anesthesia were included in the study. US-guided mTLIP block was performed via the lateral approach in group T (n=30), and wound infiltration was performed in group W (n=30). Opioid consumption, postoperative pain scores and adverse effects of opioids, such as allergic reactions, nausea, and vomiting, were recorded. RESULTS: Opioid consumption and the use of rescue analgesia were significantly lower in group T in all the postoperative periods (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h) (p<0.05). The VAS scores for pain during mobility and while at rest were significantly lower in group T than those in group W 8 h after the surgery (p<0.05). The incidences of nausea, vomiting, and itching in group W were higher than the incidences in group T. CONCLUSION: The mTLIP block provides effective analgesia for the first 24 h following lumbar disc surgery, and it may be an alternative to wound infiltration for pain management.

Does the Serratus Plane Block Added to the Interscalene Block Improve the Quality of Anesthesia in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery? A Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) is the gold standard method in shoulder surgery. Serratus plane block (SPB) provides anesthesia in hemithorax, axillary region, and posterior of the shoulder. This randomized controlled study evaluated the effect of SPB added to ISBPB on surgical anesthesia quality in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. All surgeries were performed under regional anesthesia. The Group I (Group Interscalene) (n=30) received ultrasound-guided interscalene block. In the Group IS (Group Interscalene + Serratus) (n=30), ultrasound-guided interscalene block and SPB were performed. Intraoperative anesthetic agent consumption, postoperative opioid consumption, postoperative pain scores, patient satisfaction, and surgeon satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: Intraoperative propofol (60.00 ± 45.49 vs. 24.00 ± 32.97, respectively) and fentanyl (33.33 ± 23.97 vs. 18.33 ± 24.51, respectively) consumption were significantly higher in Group I than in Group IS (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups at any of the times the postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores were evaluated (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SPB added to the ISBPB increases the quality of surgical anesthesia and reduces the need for intraoperative sedoanalgesia for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is widely used for the treatment of urinary tract calculi; however, the vast majority of the patients does not tolerate the procedure without analgesia and sedation. Pain control in ESWL has been crucial for process success and patient comfort. Systemic drugs, such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, alfa-2 agonist and various local and regional anesthesia methods (transversus abdominis plane block, paravertebral block, infiltration) have been applied to control ESWL pain. Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is performed as one of the regional anesthetic techniques for abdominal surgery. This block provides anesthesia and analgesia on the anterior and lateral wall of the abdomen. In this report, we presented the analgesic efficacy of QLB in 15 patients, which included nine renal and six ureter stones for ESWL. The mean of the VAS scores ranged from 0.20±0.41 to 2.73±1.22, and mean fentanyl consumption was 15.00±15.08 mcg during the procedure. No opioid-related side effects were observed in any of the patients. Full fragmentation was obtained in nine of the 15 patients, and partial fragmentation was obtained in five patients.

Ultrasound-guided low thoracic paravertebral block versus peritubal infiltration for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective randomized study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of peritubular infiltration and ultrasound-guided low thoracal paravertebral block in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Sixty patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, between the ages of 18 and 65 years undergoing PCNL were randomized into three groups. Group peritubal infiltration (Pi, n = 20) received infiltration along the nephrostomy tube 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, in 6 and 12 o'clock position. Group paravertebral block (Pv, n = 20) received single-shot paravertebral block with 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine at the level of T8-T9. Group control (C, n = 20): no intervention is performed. Postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores, opioid-related side effects, and additional analgesic requirement were recorded. The fentanyl consumption in Group Pv was significantly lower in comparison to Group C in all time intervals (p < 0.05). In the comparison of Group Pv and Group Pi, fentanyl consumptions in the postoperative 0-4th hours (100.00 ± 50.65 and 145.00 ± 61.55, respectively), 4-8th hours (50.00 ± 64.88 and 121.25 ± 56.93 respectively), and in the total of 24 h (197.50 ± 133.74 and 368.75 ± 116.66 respectively) were significantly lower in Group Pv (p < 0.05). The dynamic VAS scores analyzed at the 1st and 2nd hours were significantly lower in Group Pv than Group Pi (p < 0.05). Eight patients in Group C, two patients in Group Pi and 1 patient in Group Pv required additional analgesics and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). Paravertebral block achieved more effective analgesia by reducing postoperative opioid consumption and VAS scores comparison to the control and peritubal infiltration groups in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Preemptive Analgesic Efficacy of the Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Superficial Serratus Plane Block on Postoperative Pain in Breast Reduction Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Breast surgery is an exceedingly common procedure and associated with an increased incidence of acute and chronic pain. Preemptive regional anesthesia techniques may improve postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing breast surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative bilateral serratus plane block on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing breast reduction surgery. METHODS: After ethical board approval, 40 patients undergoing breast reduction surgery were randomized into 2 groups: control group (Group C, n = 20) and serratus plane block group (Group SPB, n = 20). Group C received bilateral ultrasound-guided 2 ml 0.9% saline subcutaneously each block side, Group SPB received ultrasound-guided bilateral SPB with 0.25% bupivacaine 30 ml each side. The groups were administered the routine general anesthesia protocol. All operations were performed with the mediocentral pedicled reduction mammaplasty technique by the same surgeon. Postoperative analgesia was performed intravenously in the 2 groups twice a day with dexketoprofen trometamol 50 mg and patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Fentanyl consumption, additional analgesia requirement and opioid-related side effects were recorded during the first 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: Compared with control, the VAS score was statistically lower in the SPB group during all measurement times (p < 0.05). The 24-h opioid consumption was significantly higher in the control group compared with the SPB group (372.50 ± 39.65 vs. 296.25 ± 58.08 µq, respectively; p < 0.001). In addition, the analgesia requirement was statistically lower in the SPB group (8/20 vs. 2/20, respectively, p < 0.028). Nausea or vomiting was observed more often in the control group than in SPB block (9/20 vs. 2/20, respectively, p = 0.013), whereas other side effects were similar for the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: SPB can be used safely bilaterally in the management of pain for breast reduction surgery as it is easy to perform, provides excellent analgesia, and reduces opioid consumption and opioid sparing effect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

An alternative plane block for multiple rib fractures: Rhomboid Intercostal and Sub-Serratus block (RISS).

Rib fractures are a common injury, which occur after severe blunt chest trauma. Sufficient and early pain control is essential to avoid respiratory complications. In recent years, the serratus plane and the erector spinae plane blocks have been used in ED for pain related to rib fractures. The Rhomboid Intercostal and Sub-Serratus (RISS) block can be utilized for pain control in patients with multiple rib fractures. We report two cases of patients with multiple rib fractures in which pain reduction was achieved with application of the RISS block.

Less painful ESWL with ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block: a prospective randomized controlled study.

Objectives: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has been widely used for the treatment of urinary tract stones and is usually administered as an outpatient procedure, although the vast majority of patients do not tolerate it without sedoanalgesia. The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a newly-defined technique for abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided QLB in ESWL.Materials and methods: Forty patients, aged 18-65, with ASA physical status I-II and scheduled for ESWL were randomly assigned to Group C (control group) and Group QLB (treatment group). Group QLB received single-shot USG-guided transmuscular QLB with 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 10 ml of 2% lidocaine before a 20-min ESWL procedure. No intervention was performed on Group C. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, ESWL and stone details were recorded.Results: VAS scores were significantly lower in Group QLB at all time intervals (p < 0.05). Fentanyl consumption during ESWL was significantly lower in Group QLB than in Group C (p < 0.001). The fragmentation success rate was significantly higher in Group QLB than in Group C (19/20 vs 14/20, respectively, p = 0.046). Patient satisfaction was also higher in Group QLB (p = 0.011).Conclusions: This study shows that QLB provided adequate analgesia for ESWL and that it reduced extra opioid consumption significantly compared to the control group.