A prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing ultrasound versus nerve stimulator guidance for interscalene block for ambulatory shoulder surgery for postoperative neurological symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Visualization with ultrasound during regional anesthesia may reduce the risk of intraneural injection and subsequent neurological symptoms but has not been formally assessed. Thus, we performed this randomized clinical trial comparing ultrasound versus nerve stimulator-guided interscalene blocks for shoulder arthroscopy to determine whether ultrasound could reduce the incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms. METHODS: Two hundred thirty patients were randomized to a standardized interscalene block with either ultrasound or nerve stimulator with a 5 cm, 22 g Stimuplex insulated needle with 1.5% mepivacaine with 1:300,000 epinephrine and NaCO3 (1 meq/10 mL). A standardized neurological assessment tool (questionnaire and physical examination) designed by a neurologist was administered before surgery (both components), at approximately 1 wk after surgery (questionnaire), and at approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery (both components). Diagnosis of postoperative neurological symptoms was determined by a neurologist blinded to block technique. RESULTS: Two hundred nineteen patients were evaluated. Use of ultrasound decreased the number of needle passes for block performance (1 vs 3, median, P < 0.001), enhanced motor block at the 5-min assessment (P = 0.04) but did not decrease block performance time (5 min for both). No patient required conversion to general anesthesia for failed block, and patient satisfaction was similar in both groups (96% nerve stimulator and 92% ultrasound). The incidence of postoperative neurological symptoms was similar at 1 wk follow-up with 11% (95% CI of 5%-17%) for nerve stimulator and 8% (95% CI of 3%-13%) for ultrasound and was similar at late follow-up with 7% (95% CI of 3%-12%) for nerve stimulator and 6% (95% CI of 2%-11%) for ultrasound. The severity of postoperative neurological symptoms was similar between groups with a median patient rating of moderate. Symptoms were primarily sensory and consisted of pain, tingling, or paresthesias. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound reduced the number of needle passes needed to perform interscalene block and enhanced motor block at the 5 min assessment; however, we did not observe significant differences in block failures, patient satisfaction or incidence, and severity of postoperative neurological symptoms.

Postoperative hypoxemia in orthopedic patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Criteria to determine which patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) require intensive postoperative monitoring are lacking. Our postoperative OSA patients are all intensively monitored in the PACU and can provide such data. Thus, we reviewed patient records to determine incidence and risk factors for postoperative hypoxemia in OSA patients and subsequent association with postoperative complications. Five hundred twenty-seven charts of patients with OSA based on preoperative ICD-9 codes were reviewed for outcomes including episodes of hypoxemia and hypercarbia. Univariate analysis, logistic regression, and propensity analysis were performed to determine independent risk factors for hypoxemia and association with adverse outcomes. Thirty-three and 11 percent of these patients developed hypoxemia or hypercarbia. Risk factors for hypoxemia were hypercarbia, home bronchodilator use, BMI ≥35, and estimated blood loss ≥250 ml. Patients with hypoxemia had significantly more respiratory interventions and increased intensity of care. Patients with hypoxemia had significantly increased length of stay and risk of wound infections. Severe hypoxemia was associated with significantly more interventions than mild hypoxemia. Propensity analysis confirmed significant association of hypoxemia with adverse outcomes after adjustment for pre-existing risk factors. We conclude that postoperative hypoxemia in OSA patients is associated with adverse outcomes. Risk factors for hypoxemia were identified to guide allocation of monitoring resources to high-risk patients.

Evidence basis for ultrasound-guided block characteristics: onset, quality, and duration.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This systematic review summarizes existing evidence for superior onset, quality, and duration of block for ultrasound (US) guidance versus other techniques for nerve localization. METHODS: MEDLINE was systematically searched from 1966 to September 2009 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing US guidance to another technique for peripheral nerve blocks. RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs were identified for upper-extremity peripheral nerve blocks and 8 for lower extremity. Jadad scores for quality of RCT ranged from 1 to 5, with a median of 2. For upper-extremity blocks, 9 (60%) of 15 RCTs reported faster onset of block, 4 (25%) of 16 reported better quality of block, and 1 (17%) of 6 reported longer duration of block with US. Only 1 RCT reported that US was inferior in any outcome. For lower-extremity blocks, 5 (71%) of 7 RCTs reported faster onset, 5 (63%) of 8 reported better quality, and none of 3 RCTs reported longer duration of blocks. No RCTs reported that US was inferior in any outcome. CONCLUSIONS: There is level 1b evidence to make a grade A recommendation that US guidance provides a modest improvement in block onset and quality of peripheral nerve blocks. Ultrasound is rarely inferior to other techniques.

Risk of postoperative hypoxemia in ambulatory orthopedic surgery patients with diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear when it is safe to discharge patients with a diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) after ambulatory surgical procedures due to concern for postoperative respiratory compromise and hypoxemia. Our OSA patients undergoing ambulatory-type orthopedic procedures are monitored overnight in the PACU, thus we reviewed patient records to determine incidence of complications. METHODS: Two hundred and six charts of patients with preoperative diagnosis of OSA based on ICD-9 codes were reviewed for outcomes including episodes of hypoxemia. Univariate analysis followed by logistic regression and propensity analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors for hypoxemia and association with adverse outcomes. RESULTS: The majority of patients had regional anesthesia (95%). Thirty four percent of patients had hypoxemia in the PACU. Initial risk factors for hypoxemia identified by univariate analysis were BMI >/= 35, increased age, history of COPD, upper extremity procedure, and use of peripheral nerve block. Independent risk factors identified by logistic regression were history of COPD (OR 3.64 with 95% CI 1.03-12.88) and upper extremity procedure (2.53, 1.36-4.68). After adjustment with propensity scores, adverse events were rare, and unplanned hospital admission after PACU stay was not increased with hypoxemia (11% vs 16%) CONCLUSIONS: Episodes of postoperative hypoxemia in OSA patients undergoing ambulatory surgery with regional anesthesia are not associated with increased adverse outcomes or unplanned hospital admission.

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia and analgesia: a qualitative systematic review.

Ultrasound guidance has become popular for performance of regional anesthesia and analgesia. This systematic review summarizes existing evidence for superior risk to benefit profiles for ultrasound versus other techniques. Medline was systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ultrasound to another technique, and for large (n > 100) prospective case series describing experience with ultrasound-guided blocks. Fourteen RCTs and 2 case series were identified for peripheral nerve blocks. No RCTs or case series were identified for perineural catheters. Six RCTs and 1 case series were identified for epidural anesthesia. Overall, the RCTs and case series reported that use of ultrasound significantly reduced time or number of attempts to perform blocks and in some cases significantly improved the quality of sensory block. The included studies reported high incidence of efficacy of blocks with ultrasound (95%-100%) that was not significantly different than most other techniques. No serious complications were reported in included studies. Current evidence does not suggest that use of ultrasound improves success of regional anesthesia versus most other techniques. However, ultrasound was not inferior for efficacy, did not increase risk, and offers other potential patient-oriented benefits. All RCTs are rather small, thus completion of large RCTs and case series are encouraged to confirm findings.