The effect of erector spinae plane block on fentanyl consumption during open abdominal hysterectomy: a randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative analgesia is very important during an abdominal hysterectomy. Determining the impact of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on patients undergoing an open abdominal hysterectomy while under general anesthesia was our aim. METHODS: In order to create equal groups, 100 patients who underwent elective open abdominal hysterectomies under general anesthesia were enlisted. The preoperative bilateral ESPB with 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% was administered to the ESPB group (n = 50). The same procedure was performed on the control group (n = 50), but they received a 20-ml saline injection instead. The primary outcome is the total amount of fentanyl consumed during surgery. RESULTS: We found that the mean (SD) intraoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the control group (82.9 (27.4) g vs. 148.5 (44.8) g, with a 95% CI = -80.3 to -50.8; p 0.001). Likewise, mean (SD) postoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the control group (442.4 (17.8) g vs. 477.9 (10.4) g, with a 95% CI = -41.3 to -29.7; p 0.001). On the other hand, there is no statistically significant difference between the two study groups regarding sevoflurane consumption (89.2 (19.5) ml vs. 92.4 (15.3) ml, with a 95% CI = -10.1 to 3.8; p 0.4). We documented that during the post-operative period (0-24 h), VAS scores at rest were, on average, 1.03 units lower in the ESPB group (estimate = -1.03, 95% CI = -1.16-(-0.86), t = -14.9, p-value 0.001), and VAS scores during cough were, on average, 1.07 units lower in the ESPB group (estimate = -1.07, 95% CI = -1.21-(-0.93), t = -14.8, p-value 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bilateral ESPB can be utilized as an adjuvant method to reduce intraoperative fentanyl consumption and enhance postoperative pain control in patients undergoing open total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia. It is effective, secure, and little obtrusive. TRIAL REGISTRATION: No protocol revisions or study amendments have been made since the trial's inception, according to the information on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05072184; principal investigator: Mohamed Ahmed Hamed; date of registration: October 28, 2021).

The role of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant for high-thoracic erector spinae plane block for analgesia in shoulder arthroscopy; a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Management of postoperative pain after shoulder arthroscopy is an important issue. Dexmedetomidine, as an adjuvant, improves nerve block efficacy and decreases postoperative consumption of opioids. As a result, we designed this study to determine if adding dexmedetomidine to an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) that is guided by ultrasound (US) is beneficial for treating immediate postoperative pain following shoulder arthroscopy. METHODS: This randomized controlled double-blind trial recruited 60 cases 18-65 years old of both sexes, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy. Random allocation of 60 cases was done equally into two groups according to the solution injected in US-guided ESPB at T2 before general anesthetic induction. Group (ESPB): 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine. Group (ESPB + DEX): 19 ml bupivacaine 0.25% + 1 mL dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg. The primary outcome was The total rescue morphine consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours. RESULTS: The mean intraoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the group (ESPB + DEX) compared to the group (ESPB) (82.86 ± 13.57 versus 100.74 ± 35.07, respectively, P = 0.015). The median (IQR) time of the 1st rescue analgesic request was significantly delayed in the group (ESPB + DEX) compared to group (ESPB) [18.5 (18.25-18.75) versus 12 (12-15.75), P = 0.044]. The number of cases that required morphine was significantly lower in the group (ESPB + DEX) than in the group (ESPB) (P = 0.012). The median (IQR) of total postoperative morphine consumption in 1st 24 h was significantly lower in the group (ESPB + DEX) compared to the group (ESPB) [0 (0-0) versus 0 (0-3), P = 0.021]. CONCLUSION: The dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in ESPB produced adequate analgesia by reducing the intraoperative and postoperative opioid requirements in shoulder arthroscopy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05165836; principal investigator: Mohammad Fouad Algyar; registration date: 21/12/ 2021).

Effects of adding low-dose ketamine to etomidate on serum cortisol levels in critically ill cardiac patients: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Etomidate was associated with an inhibition of adrenal steroid synthesis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding low-dose ketamine to etomidate to minimize the decrease in serum cortisol level in critically ill cardiac patients. METHODS: Sixty adult cardiac patients, ≥ 18 years, who underwent upper endoscopy and Colonoscopy to manage acute anemia in the cardiac intensive care units were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: (group (E): n = 30) received etomidate 0.2 mg/kg IV followed by etomidate 0.05 mg/kg IV, and (group (KE): n = 30) received ketamine 0.5 mg/kg IV, then etomidate 0.1 mg/kg IV, followed by etomidate 0.05 mg/kg IV. The primary outcome was Serum cortisol level at 6 h after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean postoperative cortisol level was significantly lower in group E (295.60 ± 49.218 nmol/L) versus group KE (461.00 ± 67.946 nmol/L), with 95% CI = 351.94 to 404.66; p = 0.000. In addition, the estimated serum cortisol reduction level was also significant between groups; In group E, the estimated cortisol level decreased nearly 53% from 632.40 ± 35.066 nmol/L to 295.60 ± 49.218 nmol/L 6 hours postoperative. While in group KE, the estimated cortisol level decreased only 27% from 639.13 ± 43.035 nmol/L to 461.00 ± 67.946 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) was helpful to decrease the total dose of etomidate and hence decreased the percentage of serum cortisol level in such critically ill patients with preservation of patient satisfaction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04857450 ; principal investigator: Mostafa Mohammed Elsaid Elhamamsy; registration date: 23/04/ 2021).

Lateral Quadratus Lumborum Block versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Laparoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: After laparoscopic abdominal surgery, we aim to evaluate the analgesic efficiency of US-directed bilateral transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB). Methods: 50 patients aged 18-60 years listed for elective laparoscopic abdomen operation were registered in this study. Cases were randomly allocated into two similar groups: TAPB and QLB groups. The first outcome was the growing morphine consumption on the 1st day postoperatively. The second outcome involved VAS score, first analgesic necessities, and any postoperative complications. Statistical analysis was done with the 2-sample t-test, and Mann-Whitney U testing was utilized to compare medians for skewed end points. Qualitative data were introduced as numbers and percentages, and chi-squared testing was utilized to determine the significance. Results: The median cumulative morphine consumptions on the 1st day were high significantly in the TAPB group than in the QLB group (6 mg [6, 9] vs. 3 mg [3, 6], p value ≤0.0001]). The QLB group showed an increase in the median of the time to the first analgesic request in comparison with the TAPB group (17 hours [12, 24] vs. 8 hours [6, 24], p ≤ 0.001). In addition, on the 1st day, the mean VAS scoring at rest was lower in the QLB group. Conclusion: In comparison to the TAPB, the QL block delivers more successful pain relief, has an extended period of analgesic actions, extends interval to the 1st analgesic necessity, is accompanied with lesser morphine consumptions, and may be utilized in multimodal analgesia and opioid-sparing regimens after that laparoscopic operation. This trial is registered with NCT04553991.

The Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Transversus Thoracic Muscle Plane Block After Open-Heart Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus thoracic muscle plane block after open-heart surgeries. Methods: Seventy patients aged above 18 years and scheduled for valve replacement or adult congenital via median sternotomy were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, randomized by computer-generated random numbers: the block group, which had the ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus thoracic muscle plane block, and the control group, which had a sham block. The primary outcome was total fentanyl consumption in the first 24-hours. The secondary outcomes were pain score, time to the first analgesic request, time to extubation, ICU stays, and hospital stay. Results: The total fentanyl consumption in the first 24 hours was significantly lower in the block group, with a mean difference of -158.286 (95% CI = (-179.271 to -137.300; p =<0.0001)). The time to the first analgesic request was statistically significantly shorter in the non-block group (median 3 hours) than the block group (median 14 hours). During the postoperative period (0.5-24 hours), at-rest pain scores were 1.86 units lower in the block group (the estimate was -1.80, 95% CI = -2.14 to -1.45, t = -10.323 with p < 0.0001). Likewise, pain scores with cough were 3.29 units lower in the block group (the estimate was -3.29, 95% CI = -3.80 to -2.77, t = -12.703, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Bilateral transversus thoracic muscle plane block is a promising and effective technique in reducing opioid consumption and controlling post-sternotomy pain after open-heart surgery via median sternotomy.

Comparison of Analgesic Effect Between Erector Spinae Plane Block and Transversus Abdominis Plane Block After Elective Cesarean Section: A Prospective Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the analgesic efficacy of a bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) block with that of a bilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after elective cesarean delivery. METHODS: Sixty mothers scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive either ESP block or TAP block. The ESP group received ESP block at the level of the ninth thoracic transverse process with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of surgery. The TAP group received an ultrasound-guided TAP block with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine on completion of delivery. The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia achieved by each block. Secondary outcome measures were the postoperative pain severity, total tramadol consumption, patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) duration of block was longer in the ESP group than in the TAP group (12 hours [10, 14] vs 8 hours [8, 8], p<0.0001). In the first 24 hours, the mean visual analog pain score at rest was lower by 0.32 units in the ESP group. The median tramadol consumption in the first 24 hours was significantly higher in the TAP group than in the ESP group (125 mg [100, 150] vs 100 mg [75, 100, p=0.003]). CONCLUSION: Compared with the TAP block, the ESP block provides more effective pain relief, has a longer duration of analgesic action, prolongs time to first analgesic requirement, is associated with less tramadol consumption, and can be used in multimodal analgesia and opioid-sparing regimens after cesarean section.

Analgesic Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block Compared with Intrathecal Morphine After Elective Cesarean Section: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) compared to intrathecal morphine (ITM) for analgesia after elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: In total, 140 parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The ESPB-group received 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally through spinal anesthesia, followed by an ESPB at the ninth thoracic transverse process with 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine immediately after the operation. The ITM-group received 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine with 100 mcg morphine intrathecally through spinal anesthesia, followed by a sham block at the end of the surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain at several postoperative time points, total opioid consumption, and time to the first analgesic request were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with the independent t-test and linear mixed-effects models. The Kaplan-Meier estimator and the log-rank test were used to compare the primary and secondary outcomes of the groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding patient characteristics; in the post-operative period (0-24 hrs), VAS scores (at rest) were, on average, 0.25 units higher in the ITM group. The total tramadol consumption in the first 24 hrs was significantly higher in the ITM group than in the ESPB group (101.71 ± 25.67 mg vs 44 ± 16.71 mg, respectively). The time to the first analgesic request was 4.93±0.82 hrs in the ITM group and 12±2.81 hrs in the ESPB group. Patient satisfaction did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: ESPB has a successful postoperative analgesic effect and may limit opioid consumption in parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery.

Erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized controlled study original study.

Background: Abdominal hysterectomy is associated with marked postoperative pain and morbidity, but effective postoperative analgesia provides early recovery and ambulation. Aim: We intended to assess the efficacy of bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on postoperative analgesia in females undergoing abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia. Settings and Design: The design was a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical study. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classes Ι to ΙΙΙ were scheduled for elective abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia, patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups. ESPB patients received ultrasound-guided ESPB at T9 vertebrae level with 20 ml bupivacaine 0.5%. Control group patients did not receive a block. Total fentanyl consumption in the first 24 h and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain were evaluated postoperatively. Unpaired Student's t-tests, chi-square tests, and Z tests were used to compare groups. Results: No significant differences were recorded between the groups regarding age, weight, ASA physical status, or surgery duration, Total fentanyl consumption in the first 24 h was significantly higher in the control group than the ESPB group (P=0.003; 485±20.39 mcg vs 445±67.49 mcg, respectively), VAS for pain was significantly higher in the control group for the first 12 h postoperatively. Conclusions: Bilateral ESPB provided effective postoperative analgesia and markedly decreased postoperative fentanyl consumption in patients undergoing an abdominal hysterectomy.

Comparative Study between Magnesium Sulfate and Lidocaine for Controlled Hypotension during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative bleeding impairs surgical field visibility during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS); several methods have been used to decrease blood loss and improve surgical field, one of them is usage of hypotensive anesthetic agents. AIM: We intended to compare magnesium sulfate with lidocaine, regarding their efficiency in inducing controlled hypotension and providing a better surgical field exposure during FESS and the influence of their usage on extubation time. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study design was a prospective randomized controlled double-blinded clinical study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty adult patients with patients' physical status ASA Classes I and II, aged 20-50 years scheduled for FESS were randomly divided into two study groups; each group contains 40 patients: Group L received lidocaine 2 mg/kg/h with maximum of 200 mg/h starting at induction of anesthesia and continuing until the end of surgery and Group M received an iv bolus of magnesium sulfate 50mg/kg in a total of 100ml saline over 10 min followed by infusion of 15mg/kg/h until the end of surgery; patients were observed for the quality of the surgical field, blood loss, and extubation time. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney's U, Chi-square, or Fisher's exact tests were used. RESULTS: Group L showed a significant decrease in blood loss (P = 0.01), better surgical field clarity (P = 0.002), and shorter extubation time (P = 0.001) than Group M, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two study groups as regards hemodynamics. CONCLUSION: We concluded that both magnesium sulfate and lidocaine successfully induced controlled hypotension in patients undergoing FEES, but lidocaine provided better surgical field clarity and shorter extubation time.

The Efficacy of Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate versus Intravenous Paracetamol on Children Posttonsillectomy Pain and Analgesic Requirement: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common complications of tonsillectomy is pain, which leading to delayed recovery and later hospital discharge. AIMS: We intended to compare the efficacy of magnesium sulfate versus paracetamol on the posttonsillectomy pain and analgesic requirement. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study design was a prospective randomized controlled double-blinded clinical study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 children with the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classes I and II, aged 3-12 years, scheduled for tonsillectomy were randomly divided into two groups each group contains 30 patients: (Group M): received an initial loading dose of magnesium sulfate 30 mg/kg over 15 min started with induction followed by continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg/h for 1 h regardless of the operation time and (Group P): received paracetamol infusion 10 mg/kg started with induction and continued for 1 h. Postoperatively, a blinded postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse observed the quality of analgesia using the face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability pain scores, bleeding, and sedation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student's t-test and Chi-square test were used for analysis. RESULTS: Regarding postoperative pain, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at the time of admission in PACU (P = 0.025) as children who experienced pain already had taken rescue analgesic to alleviate pain. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the need for analgesics (P = 0.038). There was no statistically significant difference regarding bleeding and sedation scores between the two study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium sulfate provided better postoperative analgesia and reduced need for analgesics after tonsillectomy compared to paracetamol, and regarding the incidence of bleeding and the degree of sedation the outcome in both groups was readily comparable.

Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl as an Adjunct to Bupivacaine 0.5% in Supraclavicular Nerve Block: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus block is gaining popularity day by day for upper limb surgery. The supraclavicular brachial plexus block may be used for surgical anesthesia alone or in conjunction with general anesthesia. AIMS: We intended to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl as adjuvant to bupivacaine on onset and duration of block and postoperative analgesia during ultrasonic guided supraclavicular nerve block for upper limb surgeries. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study design was a prospective randomized controlled double-blinded clinical study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Classes I and II, aged 18-50 years, scheduled for upper limb surgery were randomly divided into three study groups each group contains 20 patients: C Group: receive 0.5 mL/kg up to a maximum of 40 mL volume. The dose of bupivacaine was 1.5 mg/kg. D Group: Bupivacaine as control group + 1 mg/kg dexmedetomidine. F Group: Bupivacaine as control group + 1 mg/kg fentanyl. Patients were observed for onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, duration of analgesia, postoperative pain, and adverse effects. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One-way ANOVA test and Chi-square test were used. RESULTS: The onset time of sensory and motor blockade was shortened. and the duration of the block was significantly prolonged in the D Group (P < 0.001) and F Group (P < 0.001). The duration of postoperative analgesia was also longer in the D Group 13.5 h compared with the F Group 8.3 h and C Group 7.5 h. Hypotension and bradycardia were recorded in 2 patients in D Group, and nausea and vomiting were recorded in F Group. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of dexmedetomidine was better in prolongation of the duration of supraclavicular brachial plexus block and improvement of postoperative analgesia than fentanyl and bupivacaine alone without significant adverse effects in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries.

Comparison of Goal-Directed Hemodynamic Optimization Using Pulmonary Artery Catheter and Autocalibrated Arterial Pressure Waveform Analysis Vigileo-FloTrac™ System in On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Studya.

BACKGROUND: It is a challenge for anesthesiologists to balance between administering intravenous fluid, vasoactive agents, and inotropic drugs to maintain appropriate cardiac output. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment algorithm guided either by pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) or by the fourth generation FloTrac/Vigileo system combined with monitoring of oxygen transport on hemodynamic management and outcome after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study design was a prospective randomized controlled clinical study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients aged 45-65 years, scheduled for CABG surgery for two or more grafts with cardiopulmonary bypass, were randomized into two groups 30 patients in each; (1) (Group P) patients in which PAC was inserted into internal jugular vein and connected to monitor. (2) (Group F) Patients in which arterial pressure catheter was inserted in radial artery and connected to the FloTrac sensor and Vigileo monitor. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used. RESULTS: Central venous pressure rose at the end of surgery in both groups and postoperatively declined transiently. Although the volume of crystalloids administered during surgery did not differ significantly between the groups, Group F received 24% more crystalloids and 3-fold more colloids postoperatively. Duration of postoperative respiratory support increased by 36% in Group P (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Goal-directed therapy based on pulse pressure analysis and oxygen transport increases the volume of fluid therapy, improves hemodynamics, and reduces the duration of respiratory support after CABG surgery.