Addition of preoperative transversus abdominis plane block to multimodal analgesia in open gynecological surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block can provide effective analgesia for abdominal surgery. However, it was questionable whether TAP had additional effect in the context of multimodal analgesia (MMA). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the additional analgesic effect of preoperative TAP block when added to MMA protocol in open gynecological surgery. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized-controlled trial, 64 patients scheduled for open gynecological surgery were randomized to receive preoperative TAP block (Study group, n = 32) or placebo (Control group, n = 32) in addition to MMA protocol comprising dexamethasone, acetaminophen, flurbiprofen and celecoxib, and rescued morphine analgesia. The primary outcome was rescued morphine within 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, adverse effects, quality of recovery measured by 40-item quality of recovery questionnaire score (QoR-40) at 24 h, and quality of life measured with short-form health survey (SF - 36) on postoperative day (POD) 30. RESULTS: The Study group had less rescued morphine than the control group within 24 h [5 (2-9) vs. 8.5 (5-12.8) mg, P = 0.013]. The Study group had lower pain scores at 1 h [3 (2-4) vs. 4 (3-5), P = 0.007], 2 h [3 (2-4) vs. 3.5 (3-5), P = 0.010] and 6 h [3 (2-3) vs. 3 (2.3-4), P = 0.028], lower incidence of nausea at 48 h (25.8% vs. 50%, P = 0.039), and higher satisfaction score [10 (10-10) vs. 10 (8-10), P = 0.041]. The SF-36 bodily pain score on POD 30 was higher in the Study group (59 ± 13 vs. 49 ± 16, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative TAP block had additional analgesic effect for open gynecological surgery when used as part of multimodal analgesia. Rescued morphine within 24 h was significantly reduced and the SF-36 bodily pain dimension at 30 days after surgery was significantly improved. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000040343, on Nov 28 2020).

Adding dexmedetomidine to morphine-based analgesia reduces early postoperative nausea in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgery. We investigated if adding dexmedetomidine to a morphine-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) could decrease the incidence of PONV in this high-risk patient population. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, 122 patients underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgery were assigned into two groups. Patients in the dexmedetomidine group (Group Dex) received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 0.4 µg/kg before the end of surgery, followed by morphine 0.5 mg/ml plus dexmedetomidine 1 µg/ml for postoperative i.v. PCA. Patients in the control group (Group Ctrl) received normal saline before the end of surgery, followed by morphine 0.5 mg/ml alone for postoperative i.v. PCA. PCA pump was programmed as followed: bolus dose 2 ml, lockout interval 8 min and background infusion at a rate of 1 ml/h. The primary outcome was the incidence of nausea and vomiting within the first postoperative 24 h. RESULTS: Although there were no significant differences in regard to the total incidence of PONV (41.0% vs 52.5%, P = 0.204), PONV score, time to first onset of PONV, or the need for rescue antiemetics within the first postoperative 24 h between the two groups, the incidence of nausea and total PONV during the first 2 h period was significantly lower in the Group Dex than in the Group Ctrl (9.8% vs 24.6%, P = 0.031 and 0.031, respectively). More patients in Group Dex were over sedated or had bradycardia during the PACU compared with Group Ctrl (P = 0.040 and 0.036, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our protocol in which dexmedetomidine was administered postoperatively - after a loading dose - to intravenous PCA morphine in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery, had only early antiemetic effects, while no clinically meaningful antiemetic effect could be evidenced within the first 24 h after surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current control trial registered at Chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR1800017172. Date registered: 07/16/2018.

Comparison of the ultrasound-guided single-injection femoral triangle block versus adductor canal block for analgesia following total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to compare the femoral triangle (FT) and adductor canal (AC) blocks in terms of the analgesic efficacy and ambulatory outcomes in the context of multimodal analgesia following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Patients presenting for TKA were assigned to a preoperative ultrasound-guided single-injection FT or AC block. Combined spinal and epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine was administered for TKA. Perioperatively a multimodal analgesic regimen was applied up to 48 h after surgery. The primary outcome was the average pain score during movement in the first 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included pain scores at rest and during movement at postoperative predetermined time points, cumulative opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents, functional mobility measured by the timed "Up and Go" (TUG) test and muscle strength in the lower extremity. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients completed the study. Patients in the FT group had lower median pain scores during movement in the first 24 h postoperatively than those in the AC group (1.3 [1.0-3.3] vs. 3.0 [1.7-4.3]; median difference: - 1.0, adjusted 95% CI from - 1.7 to - 0.3, P = 0.010). There were significant differences in the pain scores at rest and during movement at 12 and 24 h postoperatively between the two groups (P = 0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Cumulative oral morphine equivalent consumption in the first and second 24 h postoperatively, Functional mobility reflected by the TUG test and muscle strength in the lower extremity showed no significantly statistically differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative FT block provided improved analgesic outcomes without compromising functional mobility in the context of multimodal analgesia following TKA compared with the AC block. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://www.chictr.org.cn . Identifier: ChiCTR-INR-17012716.

Intra-operative dexmedetomidine reduces early postoperative nausea but not vomiting in adult patients after gynaecological laparoscopic surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the use of dexmedetomidine in patients with a high risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the intra-operative use of dexmedetomidine could reduce the incidence of PONV in this patient population. DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: A tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. PATIENTS: 130 adult patients scheduled for gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the dexmedetomidine group (Dex group, n = 65) received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg kg over 10 min) before induction of anaesthesia, followed by a continuous infusion (0.1 µg kg h) until the end of surgery. Patients in the control group (Ctrl group, n = 65) received volume-matched normal saline. Propofol and remifentanil were used for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with morphine was provided after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of 24-h PONV. RESULTS: The incidence of nausea within the first 2 postoperative hours was lower in the Dex group than in the Ctrl group [0% (0/65) vs. 9% (6/65), P = 0.037]. The overall incidence of PONV within the first 2 postoperative hours was slightly lower in the Dex group than in the Ctrl group, but the difference was not statistically significant [5% (3/65) vs. 14% (9/65), P = 0.069]. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the incidence of 24-h PONV. CONCLUSION: For adult patients undergoing gynaecological laparoscopic surgery, supplemental use of dexmedetomidine during general anaesthesia reduced the incidence of early postoperative nausea but not vomiting within the 24 h after surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-15006914.

[Effect of multimodal-antiemetic therapy on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy: a randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of multimodal-antiemetic therapy on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy. METHODS: 129 patients scheduled for gynecological laparoscopy were randomly allocated to a multimodal-antiemetic group (group M, with 65 cases) or an ondansetron control group (group C, with 64 cases). In group M patients received a target-controlled infusion of propofol and remifentanil, prophylactic dexamethasone 10 mg and tropisetron 4 mg were given and parecoxib sodium 40 mg was used 30 minutes before the end of surgery. In group C patients received sevoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide. Prophylactic ondansetron 4 mg was given to patients 30 min before the end of surgery. The incidence of nausea and vomiting, use of rescue antiemetic drugs were recorded for 24 h. RESULTS: 24 h after surgery, the incidence of patients who suffered PONV was significantly lower in Group M compared with Group C (29% vs 70%, P < 0.05). At 0 - 2 h, 2 - 6 h, 6 - 24 h after surgery, the incidences of PONV were 8%, 6% and 25% for group M respectively, significantly lower than those for group C, which were 33%, 30% and 66% respectively(P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal-antiemetic therapy; a regimen including total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil, prophylactic antiemetic (dexamethasone at induction and tropisetron at end of surgery), and multimodal analgesia with parecoxib sodium could significantly reduce the incidence of PONV after gynecological laparoscopy.

[Role of target controlled infusion of remifentanil for the prevention of etomidate induced myoclonus during general anesthesia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the preventive effect of etomidate-induced myoclonus by different concentrations of target-controlled infusion of remifentanil. METHODS: A total of 120 cases undergoing general anesthesia were randomly divided into 4 groups according to different concentrations of target controlled infusion of remifentanil using plasma target controlled infusion ( Minto model) , in which the target concentration was set as 1 f.Lg/L ( group A) , 2 f.Lg/L ( group B) , 3 f.Lg/L ( group C) , and 4 f.Lg/L ( group D) . Five minutes after the balance of effect compartment, induction with etomidate 0. 3 mglkg was conducted intravenously. The intensity and duration of myoclonus was recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of etomidate-induced myoclonus was 70.9%, 33.3%, 26.7%, and 0 in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Along with the increase of the remifentanil concentration, the incidence of severe myoclonus gradually reduced, which was significantly lower in group B and C than in group A ( P < 0. 05). When the concentration reached 4 f.Lg/L, bradycardia and apnea appeared. CONCLUSION: Myoclonus induced by etomidate under general anesthesia can be prevented by target controlled infusion of remifentanil, with 2-3 f.Lg/L being the optimal concentration.

Epidural analgesia followed by epidural hydroxyethyl starch prevented post-dural puncture headache: Twenty case reports and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Accidental dural puncture (ADP) and subsequent post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) remain common complications of epidural procedures for obstetric anesthesia and analgesia. No clear consensus exists on the best way to prevent PDPH after ADP. CASE SUMMARY: We report our findings in twenty parturients who underwent an incorporated strategy of epidural analgesia followed by epidural hydroxyethyl starch (HES) to prevent PDPH after ADP with a 16-gauge Tuohy needle during epidural procedures. ADP with a 16-gauge Tuohy needle occurred in nine parturients undergoing a cesarean section (CS) and in eleven parturients receiving labor analgesia. An epidural catheter was re-sited at the same or adjacent intervertebral space in all patients. After CS, the epidural catheter was used for postoperative pain relief over a 48-h period. After delivery in eleven cases, epidural infusion was maintained for 24 h. Thereafter, 15 mL of 6% HES 130/0.4 was administered via the epidural catheter immediately prior to catheter removal. None of the parturients developed PDPH or neurologic deficits over a follow-up period of at least two months to up to one year postpartum. CONCLUSION: An incorporated strategy of epidural analgesia followed by epidural hydroxyethyl starch may have great efficacy in preventing PDPH after ADP.

Dynamic variables predict fluid responsiveness in pre-school and school children undergoing neurosurgery: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The evidence that plethysmographic variability index (PVI), pulse pressure variation (PPV), FloTrac/Vigileo-derived stroke volume variation (SVV), and Eadyn (dynamic arterial elastance) predict fluid responsiveness in children is limited by conflicting results. We aim to evaluate their accuracy and reliability to predict fluid responsiveness after induction in children aged 4-9 years undergoing major neurosurgery. METHODS: Children aged 4-9 years undergoing intracranial epileptic foci excision were enrolled. After the induction of anesthesia, fluid loading with 10 mL/kg of Ringer's solution over 10 min was administered before surgical incision. PVI, PPV, SVV, and Eadyn were measured before and within 5 min after fluid loading. Respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity (∆Vpeak) >15% at baseline, measured using transthoracic echocardiography, identified fluid "responders". The abilities of dynamic variables to predict an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of >10% following fluid loading were also assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen (31.8%) of forty-four patients were responders defined by a baseline ∆Vpeak >15%. Before fluid loading, only the PVI value was significantly different between R and NR (P=0.017). Baseline PVI showed fair diagnostic accuracy for fluid responsiveness, with an area under the curve (AUROC) of 0.735 and the cutoff value of 13%. The R group showed a significantly greater absolute change in PPV and SVV after fluid loading from baseline compared with the NR group (P=0.021 and 0.040, respectively). The absolute change in the PPV and SVV values from baseline was greater in R than those in NR (P=0.021 and 0.040, respectively). Twenty (45.5%) showed a MAP increase of >10% following fluid loading and were defined as responders. Baseline ∆Vpeak and SVV showed fair predictive values for a MAP increase of >10% (AUROC =0.758 and 0.715, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PVI at baseline showed fair reliability to predict fluid responsiveness after anesthesia induction in mechanically ventilated children aged 4-9 years undergoing neurosurgery. Baseline ∆Vpeak and SVV were fairly predictive for an increase in MAP following fluid loading.

[Epidural analgesia in latent phase of labor: effects on length of labor and mode of delivery].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of ropivacaine plus sufentanil for patient-controlled epidural analgesia between nulliparous women presenting in latent and active labor. METHODS: 360 nulliparous parturients were randomized according to cervix dilation. Latent group (cervix dilation < 3 cm) received 0.1% ropivacaine with 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil and active group (cervix dilation > or = 3 cm) receive 0.15% ropivacaine with 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil, both followed by an infusion of 0.1% ropivacaine with 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil through PCEA. The PCEA pump was programmed to infuse a 6 ml bolus with a lockout interval of 15-20 min. The following were recorded: (1) pain intensity evaluated using VAS (0-10), (2) motor block assessed using modified Bromage scale, (3) onset of analgesia after epidural injection, (4) fetal heart rate, (5) maternal vital signs, (6) apgar score, (7) labor process, (8) mode of delivery and (9) the total amount of analgesic consumed. RESULTS: Both groups provided good analgesia. Early administration of epidural analgesia did not prolong the duration of first and second stage of labor. However, group L had a significant higher caesarean section rate and a significant lower instrumental delivery rate than group A. The reasons of cesarean section in both groups were arrested active phase and fetal distress. The reasons of instrumental delivery in both groups were fetal distress. The neonates had good outcome in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with epidural analgesia in active phase of labor, early administration of epidural analgesia in latent phase did not prolong labor, however, the caesarean section rate was increased and instrumental delivery rate was decreased.

Laryngeal Mask Airway for Cesarean Delivery: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is the most commonly used rescue airway in obstetric anesthesia. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the application of the LMA in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery (CD) for 5 years in our hospital. As a secondary objective, we investigated the incidence of airway-related complication in obstetric general anesthesia (GA). METHODS: We collected electronic data for all obstetric patients who received GA for CD between January 2010 and December 2014 in Peking University First Hospital. Based on the different types of airway device, patients were divided into endotracheal intubation (ET) group and LMA group. The incidences of regurgitation and aspiration, as well as maternal and neonatal postoperative outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: During the 5-year study, GA was performed in 192 cases, which accounted for 2.0% of all CDs. The main indications for GA were contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia or a failed block. Among these, ET tube was used in 124 cases (68.9%) and LMA in 56 cases (31.1%). The percentage of critical patients above the American Society of Anesthesiologists' Grade II was 24/124 in ET group and 4/56 in LMA group (P = 0.036). The emergent delivery rate was 63.7% for ET group and 37.5% for LMA group (P = 0.001). None of the patients had regurgitation or aspiration. There were no significant differences in terms of neonatal Apgar scores, maternal and neonatal postoperative outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that GA was mainly used for contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia or a failed block, and emergent CDs accounted for most cases. The second-generation LMA could be used for obstetric anesthesia, but correct position to achieve a good seal is the key to prevent reflux and aspiration. Whether they could replace the tracheal tube in routine practice needs further large prospective studies.

Minimum effective local anesthetic dose of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine and bupivacaine for cesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal anesthesia is commonly used for cesarean section. Bupivacaine and ropivacaine have all been used as intrathecal drugs. The minimum effective local anesthetic dose (MLAD) of intrathecal ropivacaine for non-obstetric patients has been reported. However, few data are available on the MLAD of hyperbaric ropivacaine for obstetric patients and the relative potency to bupivacaine has not been fully determined. In this study, we sought to determine the MLAD of intrathecal ropivacaine and bupivacaine for elective cesarean section and to define their relative potency ratio. METHODS: We enrolled forty parturients undergoing elective cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia and randomized them to one of two groups to receive intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric ropivacaine or bupivacaine. The initial dose was 10 mg, and was increased in increments of 1 mg, using the technique of up-down sequential allocation. Efficacy was accepted if adequate sensory dermatomal anesthesia to pin prick to T7 or higher was attained within 20 minutes after intrathecal injection, and required no supplementary epidural injection for procedure until at least 50 minutes after the intrathecal injection. RESULTS: The intrathecal MLAD was 9.45 mg (95%confidence interval (CI), 8.45 - 10.56 mg) for ropivacaine and 7.53 mg (95%CI, 7.00 - 8.10 mg) for bupivacaine. The relative potency ratio was 0.80 (95%CI, 0.74 - 0.85) for ropivacaine/bupivacaine when given intrathecally in cesarean section. CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine is 20% less potent than bupivacaine during intrathecal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.