Dolor postoperatorio en pediatría: evaluación y manejo / Postoperative pain in pediatrics: assessment and management

Resumen: El adecuado manejo del dolor postoperatorio en pacientes pediátricos es una parte importante de la práctica en la anestesiología; existen múltiples técnicas y formas de evaluarlo correctamente para brindar el tratamiento más óptimo, entre las cuales existen distintas categorías de fármacos y técnicas no farmacológicas, además de formas más novedosas como los bloqueos regionales guiados por ultrasonido. Algunos ejemplos son el bloqueo de la vaina de los rectos, bloqueo ilioinguinal, bloqueo del erector espinal, bloqueo transverso abdominal, entre otros que pueden ayudar en el manejo adecuado del dolor y así disminuir el uso excesivo de medicamentos, disminuir los días de hospitalización y los costos intrahospitalarios.

Abstract: The adequate management of postoperative pain in pediatric patients is an important part of the practice in anesthesiology; there are multiple techniques and ways to correctly evaluate it as well as give it the most optimal treatment, among which there are different categories of drugs as well as non-invasive techniques. pharmacological, in addition to newer forms such as ultrasound-guided regional blocks, some examples are the rectus sheath block, ilioinguinal block, erector spinae block, transverse abdominal block among others that can help in proper pain management and so on. Reduce the excessive use of medications, reduce hospitalization days and intra-hospital costs.

NRFit connectors in regional anaesthesia: avoiding medication errors.

The continuous development of medicine in most fields requires physicians to apply the latest methods and technology to ensure patients' safety. In the field of anesthesiology we are pioneers in the application of measures that guarantee the security of our patients, making possible the greatest reduction in mortality seen among all other specialties. This objective has been achieved thanks to the introduction of changes such as the one presented in this review article. The specific NRFit® connections for neuraxial and other regional anesthesia applications prevent wrong route medication errors to occur. These medication errors have been related to a high morbidity and mortality rate. This article reviews this new technology based in our own two-year experience at Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid) as well as a literature review using PubMed, UpToDate and ClinicalKey.

Erector spinae plane block as a rescue therapy in following cholecystectomy: a historical cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as a rescue therapy in the recovery room. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center historical cohort study included patients who received either ESPB or intravenous meperidine for pain management in the recovery room. Patients' numeric rating scale (NRS) scores and opoid consumptions were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were included in the statistical analysis. Sixty-two (57%) patients received ESPB postoperatively (pESPB) and 46 (43%) patients were managed with IV meperidine boluses only (IV). The cumulative meperidine doses administered were 0 (0-40) and 30 (10-80) mg for the pESPB and IV groups, respectively (p < 0.001). NRS scores of group pESPB were significantly lower than those of Group IV on T30 and T60. CONCLUSION: ESPB reduces the frequency of opioid administration and the amount of opioids administered in the early post-operative period. When post-operative rescue therapy is required, it should be considered before opioids.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto del bloqueo del plano erector espinal (ESPB) como terapia de rescate en la sala de recuperación. MÉTODO: Este estudio de cohortes histórico de un solo centro incluyó a pacientes que recibieron ESPB o meperidina intravenosa para el tratamiento del dolor en la sala de recuperación. Se evaluaron las puntuaciones de la escala de calificación numérica (NRS) de los pacientes y los consumos de opiáceos. RESULTADOS: En el análisis estadístico se incluyeron 108 pacientes. Recibieron ESPB 62 (57%) pacientes y los otros 46 (43%) fueron manejados solo con bolos de meperidina intravenosa. Las dosis acumuladas de meperidina administradas fueron 0 (0-40) y 30 (10-80) mg para los grupos de ESPB y de meperidina sola, respectivamente (p < 0.001). Las puntuaciones de dolor del grupo ESPB fueron significativamente más bajas que las del grupo de meperidina sola en T30 y T60. CONCLUSIONES: El ESPB reduce la frecuencia de administración de opiáceos y la cantidad de estos administrada en el posoperatorio temprano. Cuando se requiera terapia de rescate posoperatoria, se debe considerar antes que los opiáceos.

A comparative study between single injection (corner pocket approach) and double injection costoclavicular block: A randomized parallel arm, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that ultrasound guided costoclavicular block may require a double shot to provide adequate, rapid sensory and motor blockade. In this trial, we hypothesized that if the corner pocket approach (between axillary artery and median cord) is used instead of the central approach (at the midpoint of the 3 cords) when performing single-shot costoclavicular block, the onset of blockade would be non-inferior to the double-shot technique. METHOD: Ninety patients undergoing upper limb surgery were randomized to 2 groups for ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block (CCB) at a tertiary hospital. One group received ultrasound guided single-shot CCB using the corner pocket approach and other received ultrasound guided double-shot - the first shot at the centre of the 3 cords and the second between the axillary artery and the median cord. An observer blinded to group assignment recorded blockade onset time (defined as the time required to achieve a minimal sensorimotor composite score of 14 out of 16 points). RESULTS: Of the 101 patients assessed for eligibility, 90 were recruited over period of 1 year (February 2022 to January 2023), with 45 in each group. Onset time was 22.1 ±â€¯3.1 min in the single-shot group and 22.4 ±â€¯2.9 min in the double-shot group. This difference was insignificant (P = .3). CONCLUSION: Time to onset of blockade and full anaesthesia are similar in single-shot corner pocket CCB vs double-shot CCB. Further studies are required to determine the minimum effective volume of local anaesthetic required for the described technique.

Dislodgment of continuous suprascapular nerve block catheters after physiotherapy: A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Continuous peripheral nerve blocks are commonly used for pain management. However, the incidence of catheter dislodgement or migration is unclear, and may be underestimated and underreported. Our objective was to assess suprascapular catheter tip positioning before and after routine simulated shoulder physiotherapy manipulation in an anatomical cadaver model. METHOD: Eight ultrasound-guided continuous suprascapular nerve block catheters were placed in cryopreserved fresh cadavers. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the location of the catheter tip after injection of 1 ml of contrast medium. We performed a series of standardized shoulder movements during a simulated shoulder physiotherapy session in cadavers. Following this, we administered 1 ml of methylene blue through the catheters, and then performed anatomical dissections to accurately identify the location of the catheter tips and compare them to their placement prior to the 'physiotherapy'. RESULT: CT imaging confirmed the location of the catheter tips at the suprascapular notch in all cases. However, following physiotherapy, 2 catheters (25%) were found to have migrated - specifically, 1 was located in the supraspinatus muscle, and the other was located in the trapezius muscle. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that catheter dislodgement may occur in approximately 25% of cases following simulated physiotherapy manipulation. However, further research is needed to determine the read incidence of catheter dislodgement in clinical practice.

Continuous PENG block in an oncologic patient with bilateral femoral avascular necrosis.

The PENG block (pericapsular nerve group) is a recently described technique to address the innervation of the hip, one of the most complex anatomical regions to treat at the locoregional level. We present the case of a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia complicated by avascular necrosis of the bilateral femoral head and previous history of severe chronic pain with probable central sensitization to opioids and a severe thrombocytopenia due to myelotoxicity from chemotherapy treatment. Given the need for orthopaedic surgery to manage femoral necrosis and in anticipation of complex perioperative pain management, a multimodal strategy was planned including bilateral ultrasound-guided continuous PENG blocks to achieve proper pain control in the perioperative period and promote early recovery. The operation and initial recovery were uneventful and the patient was discharged to the ward within 24 h and started early rehabilitation as planned. The patient had a successful recovery with good functionality.

Retrospective analysis of regional anaesthesia in hip surgery: A clinical audit.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most frequent surgical interventions in the hospital setting. Nonetheless, the ideal method to manage post-operative pain is still unknown. Multimodal analgesia techniques based on regional anaesthesia are amongst the most promising solutions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty according to whether peripheral nerve block was performed (femoral block, fascia iliaca block and pericapsular nerve group block). Intravenous morphine consumption during the patient's stay in the post-anaesthesia care unit was measured, as well as the number of opioid rescues at 24 and 48 h post intervention. As secondary objectives, the prevalence of nerve injury, prolonged quadricipital block, and morphine consumption were established according to other variables of interest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational retrospective study, data was collected from the electronic medical record of 656 traumatological surgery patients from April 2018 to August 2020, with the following inclusion criteria: over 18 years old, ASA I-III, primary total hip arthroplasty under general anaesthesia or subarachnoid anaesthesia (only with hyperbaric bupivacaine) and use of levobupivacaine for peripheral nerve block. RESULTS: A total of 362 patients were selected. The main surgical indication was coxarthrosis (61.3%), followed by hip fracture (22.6%). Peripheral nerve blocks were performed on 169 patients (66.3% femoral, 27.7% PENG, and 6.0% fascia iliaca). Mean postoperative opioid consumption in PACU was lower in patients in who received a PENG (2.2 mg) or a femoral (3.27 mg) block, compared to those who received neither (6.69 mg). There were no differences in opioid rescues at 24 and 48 h after the procedure. Nerve injury incidence was low (.8%), and not associated with nerve blocks. The incidence of prolonged quadricipital paralysis was also low (1.3%), and was mainly associated with femoral nerve block (75% of cases). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study supports the use of regional blocks as opioid-sparing techniques, highlighting their role in rapid functional recovery with no motor impairment.

Short-term outcomes after selective shunt during carotid endarterectomy: a propensity score matching analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Carotid cross-clamping during carotid endarterectomy might lead to intraoperative neurologic deficits, increasing stroke/death risk. If deficits are detected, carotid shunting has been recommended to reduce the risk of stroke. However, shunting may sustain a specific chance of embolic events and subsequently incurring harm. Current evidence is still questionable regarding its clear benefit. The aim is to determine whether a policy of selective shunt impacts the complication rate following an endarterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2013 to May 2021, all patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy under regional anesthesia with intraoperative neurologic alteration were retrieved. Patients submitted to selective shunt were compared to a non-shunt group. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Differences between the groups and clinical outcomes were calculated, resorting to univariate analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were selected, from which 23 were operated on using a shunt. After PSM, 22 non-shunt patients were compared to 22 matched shunted patients. Concerning demographics and comorbidities, both groups were comparable to pre and post-PSM, except for chronic heart failure, which was more prevalent in shunted patients (26.1%, P=0.036) in pre-PSM analysis. Regarding 30-day stroke and score Clavien-Dindo ≥2, no significant association was found (P=0.730, P=0.635 and P=0.942, P=0.472, correspondingly, for pre and post-PSM). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, resorting to shunting did not demonstrate an advantage regarding 30-day stroke or a Clavien-Dindo ≥ 2 rates. Nevertheless, additional more extensive studies are mandatory to achieve precise results concerning the accurate utility of carotid shunting in this subset of patients under regional anesthesia.

Bloqueo del músculo erector de la espina como rescate analgésico para control de dolor agudo postoperatorio en fractura de escápula: reporte de caso / Erector spinae plane block as an analgesic rescue to acute control postoperative pain in scapula fracture: case report

Resumen: Introducción: el bloqueo en el plano del músculo erector de la espina (ESPB, por sus siglas en inglés) es un procedimiento seguro, en teoría menos exigente que las técnicas convencionales de anestesia regional torácica. Se utiliza para el tratamiento del dolor agudo y crónico. En la revisión de la literatura, no se encontraron informes de su uso como una técnica única en el dolor agudo de fractura de escápula. Presentación de caso: se reporta un caso clínico de ESPB como técnica experimental para el control del dolor postoperatorio agudo en fracturas de la escápula con aplicación a nivel T2. Se llevó a cabo postoperatorio con disminución de dolor después de 10 minutos de realizado, con una calificación de cero en la escala análoga del dolor. En este caso el ESPB fue realizado en el postoperatorio inmediato, con lo que se logró una disminución total del dolor a los 10 minutos, con posterior control de dolor a las 36 horas. Conclusión: este caso muestra la efectividad de ESPB como técnica experimental para control de dolor postoperatorio en fractura de escápula.

Abstract: Introduction: the erector spine plane block (ESPB) is a safe procedure, technically is less demanding than conventional thoracic regional anesthesia techniques. It is used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. In the literature review, no reports of its use as a single technique in the acute pain of scapula fracture were found. Case presentation: ESPB is reported in a case as an experimental technique for controlling acute postoperative pain in scapula fractures with an application at the T2 level. It was performed postoperatively with a decrease in pain after 10 minutes and a score of zero on the analog pain scale. In this case, the ESPB was performed in the immediate postoperative period, achieving a total decrease in pain at 10 minutes, with subsequent pain control at 36 hours. Conclusion: this case shows the effectiveness of ESPB as an experimental technique for postoperative pain control in scapula fractures.

[Evaluation of the quality of anesthetic recovery in postoperative patients]. / Evaluación de la calidad de recuperación anestésica en pacientes postoperados.

Background: Comprehensive health care includes the evaluation of satisfaction in patient care and the quality of medical services. High-precision instruments have been used to assess the quality of recovery after anesthesia (QoR), such as the QoR-15 questionnaire, a validated and accurate assessment tool that considers aspects of emotionality, physical and psychological well-being, pain, and autonomy. Objective: To assess QoR in postoperative patients who underwent anesthesia. Material and methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, carried out from March to August 2022. 80 patients from 18 to 70 years who underwent an anesthetic procedure and to which the anesthetic quality QoR-15 questionnaire was administered 24 hours after surgery were included. Descriptive statistics were performed according to the Shapiro-Wilk test. For quantitative variables it was used Mann-Whitney U, and for qualitative variables chi-squared; it was considered significant a value of p < 0.05. Results: The 80 patients obtained a QoR-15 score of 122.06 (52-147), and their QoR was considered good. Anesthetic recovery quality in patients undergoing regional anesthetic techniques was excellent in 42.5% and 10% had balanced general anesthesia, p = 0.011. Conclusions: QoR was higher with regional anesthetic techniques. Quality assessment through validated tools allows objective evaluation and monitoring of the care process in medical services.

Introducción: la atención sanitaria integral incluye la satisfacción en la atención del paciente y la calidad de servicios médicos. Se han empleado instrumentos con alta precisión para evaluar la calidad de recuperación anestésica (CRA), como el cuestionario validado QoR-15, el cual considera aspectos sobre emocionalidad, bienestar físico y psicológico, dolor y autonomía física. Objetivo: evaluar la CRA en pacientes postoperados sometidos a anestesia. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, realizado de marzo a agosto de 2022. Se incluyeron 80 pacientes de 18 a 70 años sometidos a procedimiento anestésico y a quienes se les aplicó el cuestionario de calidad anestésica QoR-15 a las 24 horas de postoperados. Se empleó estadística descriptiva de acuerdo con la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk. Las variables cuantitativas se analizaron con U de Mann-Whitney y las cualitativas con chi cuadrada; se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0.05. Resultados: los 80 pacientes obtuvieron 122.06 (52-147) puntos en el cuestionario QoR-15 y su CRA se consideró como buena; en los pacientes sometidos a técnicas anestésicas regionales la CRA fue excelente en 42.5% y 10% tuvieron anestesia general balanceada, p = 0.011. Conclusión: la CRA fue mayor con las técnicas anestésicas regionales. La evaluación de la calidad mediante herramientas validadas permite su evaluación objetiva y hacer seguimiento del proceso de atención en los servicios médicos.

Anesthesia management in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome in the ambulatory setting: A case report.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), also known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, is a rare type of vasculitis with multisystemic involvement. Very few authors have described the anaesthesia technique in these patients. We present the first report on ambulatory surgery in a patient with EGPA. This case dispels concerns about the safety of day surgery and reports successful regional anaesthesia management in a patient with EGPA.

Randomized comparison between transversus abdominis and erector spinae blocks in cesarean section

Introduction: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block provides somatic analgesia postoperatively in cesarean sections, however erector spinae plane (ESP) block has shown to provide both somatic and visceral analgesia. Objective: To compare the efficacy of TAP and ESP blocks for pain control after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Methods: In a double-blind superiority trial, pregnant patients undergoing cesarean section were randomized into either bilateral TAP or ESP block groups. Primary outcome was total consumption of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) tramadol in the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included time required for first rescue analgesia, post-surgery visual analog score (VAS) for pain, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects. Results: 50 pregnant patients were randomized into TAP and ESP blocks. There was no difference in the amount of PCA tramadol within the first 24 hours between both groups [100mg (63-125) in TAP group vs 75mg (38-100) ESP group]. Pain score at rest and on movement and patient satisfaction were comparable in both groups, with no difference in adverse effects. There was a slight difference in the median time for first rescue analgesia [210min (135-315) in TAP group and 270min (225-405) ESP group] (p=0.03). Conclusions: TAP and ESP blocks provide similar analgesia with comparable consumption of tramadol in the first 24 hours post-cesarean section and no difference in pain scores at rest/on movement.

Introducción: El bloqueo del plano transverso abdominal (TAP - por sus siglas en inglés), ofrece analgesia somática postoperatoria en cesárea; sin embargo, el bloqueo del plano erector de la espina (ESP - por sus siglas en inglés) ha demostrado proporcionar analgesia tanto somática, como visceral. Objetivo: Comparar la eficacia de los bloqueos TAP y ESP para el control del dolor posterior a la cesárea, bajo anestesia raquídea. Métodos: En un estudio de superioridad doble ciego, las pacientes embarazadas sometidas a cesárea se aleatorizaron bien sea al grupo de bloqueo bilateral TAP o ESP? El desenlace principal fue el consumo total de analgesia controlada por la paciente (PCA - por sus siglas en inglés) con tramadol en las primeras 24 horas. Los desenlaces secundarios incluyeron el tiempo transcurrido para la primera analgesia de rescate, el puntaje en la escala visual analógica (EVA) para dolor, la satisfacción del paciente y los efectos adversos. Resultados: 50 pacientes embarazadas se aleatorizaron entre bloqueo TAP y bloqueo ESP. No hubo diferencia en la cantidad de tramadol de la PCA dentro de las primeras 24 horas entre los dos grupos [100mg (63-125) en el grupo TAP vs 75mg (38-100) en el grupo ESP]. El puntaje de dolor en reposo y en movimiento y la satisfacción de la paciente fueron comparables en ambos grupos, sin diferencia en los efectos adversos. Hubo una ligera diferencia en la media de tiempo hasta la primera analgesia de rescate [210 min (135-315) en el grupo de TAP y 270 min (225-405) en el grupo ESP] (p=0,03). Conclusiones: Los bloqueos TAP y ESP ofrecen una analgesia similar, con un consumo comparable de tramadol en las primeras 24 horas posteriores a la cesárea y no hay diferencia en los puntajes de dolor en reposo, o en movimiento.

Ultrasound-guided sciatic popliteal block performed at the Emergency Department in a patient with a scorpion bite and severe pain.

We report the case of a paediatric patient who presented at the Emergency Department with severe pain in the right lower extremity caused by a scorpion sting. Analgesics were ineffective, so we decided to perform an ultrasound-guided popliteal block, which provided complete analgesia and allowed the patient to be followed up in the outpatient department, with no adverse effects. The sting of the species of scorpion found in Spain is not dangerous to human life; however, it causes self-limiting localised pain that lasts for 24-48h, and can be severe. The first-line treatment is effective analgesia. Regional anaesthesia techniques are useful in the control of acute pain, and are an example of effective collaboration between the Anaesthesiology and Emergency services.

Endarterectomía carotídea en paciente con estenosis aórtica crítica. Importancia de la anestesia regional y del neuromonitoreo / Carotid endarterectomy in a patient with critical aortic stenosis. Importance of regional anesthesia and transoperative neurological monitoring

Resumen: La estenosis carotídea (EC) ocurre en 13% de los pacientes con estenosis valvular aórtica (EVA). El riesgo de evento vascular cerebral (EVC), en los pacientes con EC significativa sometidos a cirugía valvular cardíaca, puede aumentar hasta 11%. Someter a un paciente con EVA crítica y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) disminuida a endarterectomía carotídea es todo un reto anestésico, cuyo principal objetivo es evitar la hipotensión y el bajo gasto cardíaco. La anestesia regional es una opción para estos pacientes. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 70 años con diagnóstico de EC significativa y EVA crítica con disfunción ventricular izquierda, al que se realizó endarterectomía carotídea con bloqueo del plexo cervical superficial por alto riesgo de colapso circulatorio. Dicha estrategia anestésica permitió mantener al paciente despierto durante la cirugía, al valorar continuamente su estado neurológico. Asimismo, se documentaron los cambios transoperatorios en el NIRS (Near-infrared spectroscopy) cerebral y Doppler transcraneal (DTC), los cuales se correlacionaron con el estado clínico del paciente. En un segundo tiempo se hizo cambio valvular aórtico sin complicaciones. En este caso destaca la importancia de la anestesia regional y el monitoreo neurológico con Doppler transcraneal, en pacientes sometidos a endarterectomía carotídea con alto riesgo quirúrgico por EVA crítica.

Abstract: Carotid stenosis occurs in 13% of patients with aortic valve stenosis. The risk of stroke in patients with significant carotid stenosis undergoing heart valve surgery may increase to 11%. Proposing a patient with critical aortic valve stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction to carotid endarterectomy is an anesthetic challenge, where the objective is to avoid hypotension and low cardiac output. Regional anesthesia is an option for these patients. Due to the high incidence of intraoperative stroke during carotid endarterectomy, continuous neurological monitoring is of relevance. We present the case of a 70-year-old man diagnosed with significant carotid stenosis and critical aortic valve stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction who underwent carotid endarterectomy with superficial cervical plexus block due to a high risk of circulatory collapse. In addition, this anesthetic strategy made it possible to keep the patient awake during surgery, and to continuously assess their neurological status. Likewise, transoperative changes in brain NIRS and transcranial Doppler were documented, which correlated with the patient's clinical status. In a second time, aortic valve replacement was performed without complications. This case highlights the importance of regional anesthesia and neurological monitoring in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy with high surgical risk due to critical aortic valve stenosis.

Resistance to local anesthetics: Truth or myth?

The report of anesthetic technique failure is crucial and the etiology of the problem should be determined. We describe a case of locoregional anesthesia failure, in which, after excluding its most common causes, the resistance to local anesthetics was considered as the most probable clinical hypothesis. For this reason, a genetic test was performed, as well as the efficacy of other local anesthetics was evaluated, constituting a different approach in the cases of locoregional anesthesia failure. True resistance to local anesthetics is difficult to diagnose so information about this is scarce in the literature. One of the proposed causes is a mutation of sodium channels where local anesthetics bind. If not recognized, the application of locorregional anesthesia in this patient's condition can lead to unpleasant experiences and unnecessary risks, related to toxic levels of local anesthetics. For this reason, the resistance to local anesthetics should be always precluded in cases of strong clinical suspicion. This approach could be applied in similar cases.

Bloqueo de plexo braquial con ultrasonido: estudio descriptivo de práctica clínica habitual en 283 niños / Brachial plexus block with ultrasound: a descriptive study of routine clinical practice in 283 children

Resumen: Introducción: en años recientes con el renacimiento de la anestesia regional a causa de los avances técnicos en equipamiento como el ultrasonido, estos han permitido llevar a cabo bloqueos de plexo braquial con varias técnicas de abordaje, alta eficacia de éxito y disminución de complicaciones. Objetivo: conocer la eficacia y seguridad del bloqueo de plexo braquial con ultrasonido, en anestesiólogos con especialidad en anestesia regional. Material y métodos: se realizó el estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo de la práctica clínica habitual en 283 pacientes de 0 a 15 años, programados para cirugía electiva de ortopedia y traumatología, de extremidad superior (húmero tercio distal, codo, antebrazo y mano), con manejo anestésico: sedación más bloqueo de plexo braquial con ultrasonido abordaje supraclavicular o infraclavicular. Durante dos años, de enero de 2018 a diciembre de 2019. Resultados: los bloqueos fueron realizados por 11 anestesiólogos con especialidad en anestesia regional. Se evaluó la eficacia con 99.65% de éxito. En cuanto a la seguridad no se registraron complicaciones. Conclusiones: el uso de ultrasonido en bloqueo de plexo braquial con abordaje supraclavicular e infraclavicular es una técnica con éxito alto y sin complicaciones; sin embargo, es necesario tener capacitación y experiencia.

Abstract: Introduction: in recent years with the revival of regional anesthesia due to technical advances in equipment such as ultrasound, have allowed to carry out brachial plexus blocks with several approach techniques with high efficiency of success and reduction of complications. Objective: to know the efficacy and safety of brachial plexus block with ultrasound, in anesthesiologists with a specialty in regional anesthesia. Material and methods: the observational, descriptive, retrospective study of the usual clinical practice was carried out in 283 patients from 0 to 15 years old, scheduled for elective orthopedic surgery and traumatology, of the upper extremity (distal third humerus, elbow, forearm and hand), with anesthetic management: sedation plus brachial plexus block with ultrasound supraclavicular or infraclavicular approach. For two years from January 2018 to December 2019. Results: the blocks were performed by 11 anesthesiologists specializing in regional anesthesia. Efficacy was evaluated with 99.65% success. In terms of safety, there were no complications. Conclusions: the use of ultrasound in brachial plexus block with supraclavicular and infraclavicular approach is a technique with high success and without complications however it is necessary to have training and experience.

Role of adjuvants in regional anesthesia: A systematic review.

The combination of drugs and routes of administration produces a synergistic effect, and one of the most important components of multimodal analgesic strategies are, therefore, nerve blocks for pain management. The effect of a local anaesthetic can be prolonged by administering an adjuvant. In this systematic review, we included studies on adjuvants associated with local anaesthetics in peripheral nerve blocks published in the last 5 years in order to evaluate their effectiveness. The results were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. The 79 studies selected using our criteria showed a clear prevalence of dexamethasone (n=24) and dexmedetomidine (n=33) over other adjuvants. Different meta-analyses comparing adjuvants suggest that dexamethasone administered perineurally achieves superior blockade with fewer side effects than dexmedetomidine. Based on the studies reviewed, we found moderate evidence to recommend the use of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to peripheral regional anaesthesia in surgeries that can cause moderate to severe pain.

Awake videolaryngoscopy: Could it be a safe alternative to awake fiberoptic intubation? / Videolaringoscopia vigil puede ser una alternativa a fibrobroncoscopía vigil?

INTRODUCTION: Awake fiberoptic intubation has for many years been the gold-standard in patients with difficult airway. Videolaryngoscopy has already shown some advantages in patients with a difficult airway and compared to fiberoptic intubation it uses a technically simpler equipment and it is easier and quicker to learn. The aim of this article is to discuss awake videolaryngoscopy as an alternative to awake fibreoptic intubation and some practical aspects regarding regional anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report the successful tracheal intubation of 10 awake patients using the videolaryngoscope C-MAC® D-bladeTM. Administration of atropine and sedation with alfentanil and midazolam was performed. Anesthesia was achieved with spray applied on the surface of the tongue and oropharynges, a bilateral submucous block of the glossopharyngeal nerve and a transtracheal injection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The technique was successful on the first attempt in the 10 cases. Regional anaesthesia and sedation were sufficient, once ventilatory and hemodynamic stability were observed, except in 1 case where tachycardia, hypertension and mild agitation were noted, without however compromising the procedure and with no need for further intervention. Our cases series suggest the hypothesis that videolaryngoscopy can be an alternative to fiberoptic intubation in awake patients. We also suggest it is easier to learn and can be performed with a similar success, security and comfort of patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La intubación con fibroscopia con el paciente vigil ha sido, durante muchos años, el estándar en pacientes con vías aéreas difíciles. La videolaringoscopia ya ha mostrado algunas ventajas en pacientes con vía aérea difícil y, en comparación con la fibroscopia, utiliza un equipo técnicamente más simple y es más fácil y rápido de aprender. El objetivo de este artículo es discutir la videolaringoscopia con el paciente vigil como una alternativa a la fibroscopia y algunos aspectos prácticos relacionados con la anestesia regional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Reportamos la intubación traqueal exitosa de 10 pacientes vigil usando el videolaringoscopio C-MAC® D-bladeTM. Se realizó la administración de atropina y sedación con alfentanilo y midazolam. La anestesia se logró con un aerosol aplicado sobre la superficie de la lengua y orofaringe, un bloqueo submucoso bilateral del nervio glosofaríngeo y una inyección transtraqueal. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: La técnica fue exitosa en el primer intento en los 10 casos. La anestesia regional y la sedación fueron suficientes, una vez que se observó estabilidad ventilatoria y hemodinámica, excepto en 1 caso donde se notaron taquicardia, hipertensión y agitación leve, sin comprometer el procedimiento y sin necesidad de intervención adicional. Nuestra serie de casos respalda la hipótesis de que la videolaringoscopia puede ser una alternativa a la intubación con fibra óptica en pacientes despiertos. Sugerimos que es más fácil de aprender y se puede realizar con un éxito, seguridad y comodidad similares para los pacientes

Erector Spinae Plane Block. A narrative review / Bloqueo del plano del músculo erector de la espina. Revisión narrativa de la literatura

Abstract The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an interfascial block described in 2016 by Forero and collaborators, with wide clinical uses and benefits when it comes to analgesic control in different surgeries. This block consists of the application of local anesthetic (LA) in a deep plane over the transverse process, anterior to the erector spinae muscle in the anatomical site where dorsal and ventral branches of the spinal nerve roots are located. This review will cover its clinical uses according to different surgical models, the existing evidence and complications described to date.

Resumen El bloqueo del plano del músculo erector de la espina (ESP, por sus siglas en inglés) es un bloqueo interfascial descrito en 2016 por Forero y colaboradores, con amplios usos clínicos y beneficios en relación con el control analgésico de diferentes modelos quirúrgicos. Este consiste en la aplicación de anestésico local (AL) en un plano profundo sobre apófisis transversa anterior al músculo erector de la espina, sitio anatómico donde se encuentra la bifurcación de los ramos dorsal y ventral de las raíces nerviosas espinales. En esta revisión, se expondrán los usos clínicos según diferentes modelos quirúrgicos, la evidencia que existe de ellos y las complicaciones descritas hasta la actualidad.

Ultrasound-guided sub-multifidus block for postoperative pain after lumbar spine surgery - a prospective case series.

We describe this series of 15 cases who were scheduled for single level lumbar spine decompression with instrumentation. Here we describe ultrasound (US) guided sub-multifidus block (SMFB). Injections of local anesthetic deep to the multifidus muscle provided reliable block of dorsal rami of spinal nerves at multiple levels in this series. With US the multifidus muscle can be identified both in axial and parasagittal planes. Needle tip is easily visualized beneath the multifidus and medial to transverse process. A good quality analgesia was documented by pain scores. There were no adverse events. This block needs to be compared with routine multimodal analgesia or with the recently describe thoracolumbar interfascial plane block to compare safety and analgesic efficacy.