Modern labor epidural analgesia: implications for labor outcomes and maternal-fetal health.

Epidural analgesia is an important means of pain control during labor throughout the world. Over its historic development, it has been implicated in several undesirable outcomes, including prolongation of labor and increased need for operative delivery. These effects have emerged in some retrospective and observational studies, but such methods of investigation are highly prone to bias and are particularly ill-suited for the study of labor analgesia. In high-quality studies, including Cochrane reviews and meta-analyses, epidural analgesia has been suggested to extend the first stage of labor by 30 minutes and the second stage by 15 minutes, when compared with alternative forms of analgesia. Although this may be a reproducible effect, it may be argued that it is clinically negligible. With respect to mode of delivery, similar high-quality studies have consistently shown no increased risk of cesarean delivery associated with epidural analgesia. Some forms of epidural analgesia were associated with higher risk of assisted vaginal delivery, but the use of newer modalities has been shown to abolish this effect. Specific advancements have centered on reducing total anesthetic consumption, given that local anesthetic-induced motor block is theorized to interfere with maternal expulsive efforts in the second stage of labor. These measures include the use of low-concentration local anesthetic solutions equivalent to ≤0.1% bupivacaine, shown in meta-analyses to lead to no higher risk of assisted vaginal delivery relative to nonepidural analgesia. Additional advancements in the maintenance of analgesia include programmed intermittent epidural bolus and patient-controlled epidural analgesia, the combination of which has been shown to reduce the risk of assisted vaginal delivery, also likely mediated by reduction in local anesthetic dose. These techniques have gained popularity in the past two decades, such that studies published since 2005 show no higher risk of assisted vaginal delivery with epidural than with opioid analgesia (as reported in a Cochrane review). Labor epidural analgesia has implications for maternal and fetal health perinatally. It is known to result in transient maternal hypotension (particularly with initiation), which may progress to the level of necessitating fluid or vasopressor therapy. This is not clearly associated with any adverse outcomes. There is also a consistently higher incidence of fever in parturients receiving neuraxial anesthesia, likely of noninfectious origin, which has similarly not been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. Finally, neonates of parturients who receive epidural analgesia have been shown to have no worse Apgar scores and more favorable acid-base status than their counterparts. These observations should serve to reassure providers that modern labor analgesia, as currently understood, is not consistently associated with any significant adverse outcomes for the parturient or fetus. In this review, we describe variations of modern labor epidural analgesia, conduct an in-depth review of current literature on its use, and explore the most up-to-date evidence on its implications for the progression and outcomes of labor, including the pertinent maternal and fetal side effects.

Development of obstetric anesthesia core competencies for USA residency programs through a Delphi process.

PURPOSE: The standard for anesthesia residency training in the USA mainly relies on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Outcome Project, a framework that lacks specific directives for subspecialties including obstetric anesthesia. We aimed to identify core competencies in obstetric anesthesiology that can be adapted to different residency training programs to help improve the quality of training and accountability of the institutions within the USA. METHODS: We identified a preliminary list of competencies from review of existing competency-based obstetric anesthesia training curricula and practice guidelines. We used a modified Delphi methodology to achieve expert consensus among members of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology education committee. The panellists were asked to evaluate the importance of each competency using a five-point Likert scale, with consensus after two rounds defined at 80% agreement. The responders were also asked at which level of training each competency should be attained. RESULTS: The Delphi rounds had 75% response rate and derived 94 competencies that were categorized under the six ACGME domains: patient care (38), medical knowledge (45), system-based practice (two), practice-based learning and improvement (five), interpersonal communication skills (two), and professionalism (two). CONCLUSION: We generated a residency training competency list for obstetric anesthesiology through expert consensus. This list can be used by residency training programs to develop a structured competency-based curriculum with tangible milestones, thereby reducing heterogeneity in the standard of training.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La norme pour la formation en résidence en anesthésie aux États-Unis repose principalement sur le Projet de résultats (Outcome Project) de l'Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), un cadre qui ne dispose pas de directives spécifiques pour les surspécialités, notamment pour l'anesthésie obstétricale. Notre objectif était d'identifier les compétences de base en anesthésiologie obstétricale qui pourraient être adaptées aux différents programmes de formation en résidence afin d'améliorer la qualité de la formation et la responsabilisation des établissements aux États-Unis. MéTHODE: Nous avons dressé une liste préliminaire de compétences en passant en revue les programmes de formation axés sur les compétences et les lignes directrices de pratique existants en anesthésie obstétricale. Nous avons utilisé une méthodologie Delphi modifiée pour parvenir à un consensus d'expert·es parmi les membres du comité d'éducation de la Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology. Les panélistes ont été invité·es à évaluer l'importance de chaque compétence à l'aide d'une échelle de Likert à cinq points, le consensus étant défini à 80 % d'accord après deux tours. On a également demandé aux répondant·es à quel niveau de formation chaque compétence devrait être atteinte. RéSULTATS: Les étapes du processus Delphi ont eu un taux de réponse de 75 % et ont permis de déterminer 94 compétences qui ont été classées dans les six domaines ACGME : soins aux patient·es (38), connaissances médicales (45), pratique systémique (deux), apprentissage et amélioration basés sur la pratique (cinq), compétences en communication interpersonnelle (deux) et professionnalisme (deux). CONCLUSION: Nous avons généré une liste de compétences pour la formation de résidence en anesthésiologie obstétricale grâce à un consensus d'expert·es. Cette liste peut être utilisée par les programmes de formation en résidence pour élaborer un programme structuré axé sur les compétences avec des jalons tangibles, réduisant ainsi l'hétérogénéité dans la norme de formation.

Preoperative Fascia Iliaca Block Does Not Improve Analgesia after Arthroscopic Hip Surgery, but Causes Quadriceps Muscles Weakness: A Randomized, Double-blind Trial.

WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC: WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: Ambulatory hip arthroscopy is associated with postoperative pain routinely requiring opioid analgesia. The potential role of peripheral nerve blocks for pain control after hip arthroscopy is controversial. This trial investigated whether a preoperative fascia iliaca block improves postoperative analgesia. METHODS: In a prospective, double-blinded trial, 80 patients scheduled for hip arthroscopy were randomized to receive a preoperative fascia iliaca block with 40 ml ropivacaine 0.2% or saline. Patients also received an intraarticular injection of 10-ml ropivacaine 0.2% at procedure end. Primary study endpoint was highest pain score reported in the recovery room; other study endpoints were pain scores and opioid use 24 h after surgery. Additionally, quadriceps strength was measured to identify leg weakness. RESULTS: The analysis included 78 patients. Highest pain scores in the recovery room were similar in the block group (6 ± 2) versus placebo group (7 ± 2), difference: -0.2 (95% CI, -1.1 to 0.7), as was opioid use (intravenous morphine equivalent dose: 15 ± 7mg [block] vs. 16 ± 9 mg [placebo]). Once discharged home, patients experienced similar pain and opioid use (13 ± 7 mg [block] vs. 12 ± 8 mg [placebo]) in the 24 h after surgery. The fascia iliaca block resulted in noticeable quadriceps weakness. There were four postoperative falls in the block group versus one fall in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative fascia iliaca blockade in addition to intraarticular local anesthetic injection did not improve pain control after hip arthroscopy but did result in quadriceps weakness, which may contribute to an increased fall risk. Routine use of this block cannot be recommended in this patient population.

Improved analgesia and reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting after implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for total mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways have been shown in multiple surgical disciplines to improve outcomes, including reduced opioid consumption, length of stay, and post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, very few studies describe the application of ERAS to breast surgery and even fewer describe ERAS for outpatient surgery. We describe the implementation and efficacy of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway for total skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in an outpatient setting. METHODS: We implemented an evidence-based, multimodal ERAS pathway for all patients undergoing total skin-sparing mastectomy surgery with immediate reconstruction at a single 23-h stay surgery center. Highlights of the ERAS pathway included: preoperative acetaminophen, gabapentin, and scopolamine; regional anesthesia for the breast (Pectoral blocks type 1 and 2 or paravertebral block); and intraoperative dexamethasone and ondansetron. This retrospective study included all American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Class 1-3 patients undergoing total skin-sparing mastectomy surgery with immediate reconstruction between July 2013 and April 2016. We compared 96 patients who were in the ERAS pathway (ERAS group) to a retrospective cohort of 276 patients (Pre group). The primary outcome was total perioperative opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes were highest postoperative pain scores, incidence of PONV, and length of stay. RESULTS: Patients in the ERAS group had significantly lower total perioperative opioid consumption compared to the Pre group (mean (SD): 111.4 mg (46.0) vs. 163.8 mg (73.2) oral morphine equivalents, p < 0.001). Patients in the ERAS group also had a lower incidence of PONV (28% vs. 50%, p < 0.001). Patients in the ERAS group reported less pain in the recovery room, with a two-point decrease in highest pain score (median [interquartile range (IQR)]: 4 [2,6] in ERAS group vs. 6 [4,7] in Pre group, p < 0.001). There was no clinically significant difference in length of stay (median [IQR]: 1144 min [992, 1259] in ERAS group vs. 1188 [1058, 1344] in Pre group, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Implementation of an ERAS pathway for total skin-sparing mastectomy with reconstruction that incorporates regional anesthesia is feasible in a 23-h-stay hospital. Patients in the ERAS pathway had improved post-operative analgesia and reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting.

Multimodal analgesia decreases opioid consumption after shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on perioperative pain control in shoulder arthroplasty focus on regional anesthesia, with little research on other approaches. Perioperative multimodal analgesia regimens decrease opioid intake and opioid-related side effects in lower-extremity arthroplasty. In this study we compare pain scores, opioid consumption, length of stay, and readmission rates in postoperative shoulder arthroplasty patients treated with a standard or multimodal analgesia regimen. METHODS: A prospective cohort analysis was performed at a single institution. Patients undergoing elective shoulder arthroplasty were treated with either a standard opioid-based regimen or a multimodal analgesia regimen perioperatively. Outcome measures included inpatient pain scores, opioid use, length of stay, and 30- and 90-day emergency department visits and readmission rates. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were included in each cohort. Patients treated with the multimodal analgesia regimen had lower postoperative day 0 pain scores (mean, 1.5 vs 2.2; P = .027). Opioid use in the multimodal cohort was lower on all days: 47% lower on postoperative day 0, 37% on day 1, and 44% on day 2 (all P < .01). The length of inpatient stay was significantly shorter for multimodal patients than for patients treated with the standard regimen (1.44 days vs 1.91 days, P < .01). There was no difference in the rate of 30- or 90-day emergency department visits or readmission. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty have decreased postoperative pain and opioid consumption and shorter hospital stays when given a multimodal analgesia regimen. There is no increase in short-term complications or unplanned readmissions, indicating that this is a safe and effective means to control postoperative pain.

Does Intrathecal Morphine in Spinal Anesthesia Have a Role in Modern Multimodal Analgesia for Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal morphine (ITM) combined with bupivacaine spinal anesthesia can improve postoperative pain, but has potential side effects of postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV) and pruritus. With the use of multimodal analgesia and regional anesthetic techniques, postoperative pain control has improved significantly to a point where ITM may be avoided in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of primary TJA patients who underwent a standardized multimodal recovery pathway and received bupivacaine neuraxial anesthesia with ITM vs bupivacaine neuraxial anesthesia alone (control). RESULTS: In total, 598 patients were identified (131 controls, 467 ITMs) with similar demographics. On postoperative day 0 (POD 0), ITM patients had significantly lower mean visual analog scale scores (1.5 ± 1.6 vs 2.5 ± 1.9, P < .001) and consumed less oral morphine equivalents (10.5 ± 25.4 vs 16.8 ± 27.2, P = .013). ITM patients walked further compared to controls by POD 1 (133.6 ± 159.6 vs 97.3 ± 141 m, P = .028) and were less likely to develop PONV during their entire hospital stay (38.5% vs 48.6%, P = .043). No significant differences were seen for total morphine equivalents consumption, rate of discharge to care facility, length of stay, and 90-day readmission rates. CONCLUSION: ITM was associated with improved POD 0 pain scores and less initial oral/intravenous opioid consumption, which likely contributes to the subsequent improved mobilization and lower rates of PONV. In the setting of a modern regional anesthesia and multimodal analgesia recovery plan for TJA, ITM can still be considered for its benefits.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous injection of methylene blue to identify nerve pathology and guide surgery.

OBJECT The objective of this study was to provide a technique that could be used in the preoperative period to facilitate the surgical exploration of peripheral nerve pathology. METHODS The authors describe a technique in which 1) ultrasonography is used in the immediate preoperative period to identify target peripheral nerves, 2) an ultrasound-guided needle electrode is used to stimulate peripheral nerves to confirm their position, and then 3) a methylene blue (MB) injection is performed to mark the peripheral nerve pathology to facilitate surgical exploration. RESULTS A cohort of 13 patients with varying indications for peripheral nerve surgery is presented in which ultrasound guidance, stimulation, and MB were used to localize and create a road map for surgeries. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative ultrasound-guided MB administration is a promising technique that peripheral nerve surgeons could use to plan and execute surgery.

Extraplexus versus intraplexus ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block for ambulatory arthroscopic shoulder surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized study compared the efficacy and safety of extraplexus and intraplexus injection of local anesthetic for interscalene brachial plexus block. METHODS: 208 ASA I-II patients scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia and ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block were randomly allocated to receive an injection of 25mL ropivacaine 0.5% either between C5-C6 nerve roots (intraplexus), or anterior and posterior to the brachial plexus into the plane between the perineural sheath and scalene muscles (extraplexus). The primary outcome was time to loss of shoulder abduction. Secondary outcomes included block duration, perioperative opioid consumption, pain scores, block performance time, number of needle passes, onset of sensory blockade, paresthesia, recovery room length of stay, patient satisfaction, incidence of Horner's syndrome, dyspnea, hoarseness, and post-operative nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: Time to loss of shoulder abduction was faster in the intraplexus group (log-rank p-value<0.0005; median [interquartile range]: 4 min [2-6] vs. 6 min [4-10]; p-value <0.0005). Although the intraplexus group required fewer needle passes (2 vs. 3, p<0.0005), it resulted in more transient paresthesia (35.9% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.0004) with no difference in any other secondary outcome. CONCLUSION: The intraplexus approach to the interscalene brachial plexus block results in a faster onset of motor block, as well as sensory block. Both intraplexus and extraplexus approaches to interscalene brachial plexus block provide effective analgesia. Given the increased incidence of paresthesia with an intraplexus approach, an extraplexus approach to interscalene brachial plexus block is likely a more appropriate choice.

Comparison of programmed intermittent epidural bolus and continuous epidural infusion for post-operative analgesia after major abdominal surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Few studies have compared continuous epidural infusion (CEI) against programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) epidural analgesia after major abdominal surgery. It has not been established whether the modality of epidural medication administration affects postoperative pain and other patient outcomes. The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of PIEB against CEI in postoperative pain management after a broad range of surgeries with abdominal incisions, all managed in the context of an established enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Postoperative acute care. PATIENTS: 120 patients scheduled for major surgery involving abdominal incisions with planned postoperative epidural analgesia were enrolled as study participants. INTERVENTIONS: All subjects received a standardized epidural solution containing ropivacaine 0.0625% and fentanyl 2 µg/ml. The CEI group received this solution as a continuous infusion, while the PIEB group received this solution as programmed intermittent boluses. MEASUREMENTS: The primary study outcome was the total local anesthetic used over the first 24 h post-operatively. Secondary outcomes included pain severity, pain interference, total opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively. MAIN RESULTS: There was no difference in the primary outcome of total amount of local anesthetic administered in the first 24-hour postoperative period (PIEB: 123 mg [Interquartile Range (IQR): 114-136]; CEI: 126 mg [IQR: 120-134]). There were also no differences in average pain severity, total opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, number of PCEA requests and incidence of adverse events at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that within the context of an established ERAS program, PIEB and CEI modes of epidural analgesia can be equally efficacious and safe in providing postoperative analgesia after major abdominal surgery.

Obstetric hemorrhage during an EXIT procedure for severe fetal airway obstruction.

PURPOSE: To report a case of massive obstetric hemorrhage occurring during Cesarean delivery for an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure. Methods to optimize the anesthetic, obstetric, and perinatal management are discussed. CLINICAL FEATURES: A healthy parturient underwent an urgent EXIT procedure at 32 weeks gestation for a giant fetal neck mass. During the intraoperative period, severe intraoperative hemorrhage occurred from the site of the uterine incision. No evidence of placental bleeding, premature placental separation, or inadequate uterine relaxation was observed during the perioperative period. Placement of a uterine stapling device was unsuccessful in achieving adequate surgical hemostasis. Initial attempts with laryngoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy to secure the fetal airway on placental support were unsuccessful, and early termination of placental support was deemed necessary due to the severity of maternal blood loss. After full delivery of the neonate and termination of placental support, neonatal ventilation with bag-mask ventilation was achieved and successful endotracheal intubation occurred during repeat bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of obstetric hemorrhage due to uterine relaxation and inadequate surgical hemostasis in patients undergoing EXIT procedures is poorly reported. To reduce adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, the premature termination of placental support during EXIT procedures may be required in the setting of severe obstetric hemorrhage.

Airway management in Nager Syndrome.

Nager acrofacial dysostosis is a rare congenital syndrome characterized by malformed mandibulofacial structures and pre-axial upper limbs. Trismus and glossoptosis from mandibular abnormalities predisposes infants to life-threatening respiratory distress. A case of a Nager Syndrome mother delivering a similarly afflicted fetus is presented, with approaches to maintaining both tenuous airways described. Distinguishing this condition from similar syndromes is critical for care and prognosis.

Combined preoperative femoral and sciatic nerve blockade improves analgesia after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare preoperative femoral (FNB) with combined femoral and sciatic nerve block (CFSNB) in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Ambulatory surgery center affiliated with an academic medical center. PATIENTS: Sixty-eight American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I and II patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects randomized to the CFSNB group received combined femoral and sciatic nerve blocks preoperatively, whereas patients randomized to the FNB group only received femoral nerve block preoperatively. Both groups then received a standardized general anesthetic with a propofol induction followed by sevoflurane or desflurane maintenance. Intraoperative pain was treated with fentanyl. Pain in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was treated with ketorolac and opiates. Patients with significant pain despite ketorolac and opiates could receive a rescue nerve block. MEASUREMENTS: Our primary outcome variable was highest Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score in PACU. NRS pain scores, opioid consumption, opioid adverse effects, and patient satisfaction were assessed perioperatively until postoperative day 3. MAIN RESULTS: The highest PACU NRS pain score was significantly higher in the FNB group compared with the CFSNB group (7 [3-10] vs 5 [0-10], P=.002). The FNB group required significantly larger doses of opioids perioperatively (31.8 vs 19.8mg intravenous morphine equivalents, P<.001). PACU length of stay was significantly longer in the FNB group (128.2 vs 103.1minutes, P=.006). There was no significant difference in opioid consumption, pain scores, or patient satisfaction on postoperative days 1-3 between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CFSNB for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction improves analgesia, decreases opioid consumption perioperatively, and decreases PACU length of stay when compared with FNB alone.

Effect of a preemptive femoral nerve block on cytokine release and hyperalgesia in experimentally inflamed skin of human volunteers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tissue injury is associated with the local release of inflammatory and nociceptive mediators and the development of hyperalgesia. It is unclear whether interrupting neuronal signaling using regional anesthetic techniques at the time of the injury modifies local nociceptive and inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to determine whether a peripheral nerve block at the time of tissue injury could modify the development of wound hyperalgesia and the local release of inflammatory and nociceptive mediators. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers participated in this controlled, crossover, randomized study. A femoral nerve block or a sham block was established before inducing an experimental UVB burn on the thigh. Twenty-four hours later, the interstitial wound fluid was sampled, and mechanical and heat pain thresholds were assessed. Wound fluid concentrations of an array of cytokines, chemokines, nerve growth factor, prostaglandin E2, and substance P were determined. RESULTS: Skin inflammation was associated with the release of inflammatory and nociceptive mediators and resulted in significant tissue hyperalgesia (P < 0.001). However, the presence of a fully established peripheral nerve block at the time of tissue injury did not alter the development of hyperalgesia after regression of the block. Similarly, the presence of a peripheral nerve block did not modify the release of inflammatory or nociceptive mediators. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a preemptive, single-shot peripheral nerve block minimally affects wound hyperalgesia and inflammation. Continuous nerve block techniques may be better suited to alter nociceptive and inflammatory events in wounds beyond the duration of the block.