Comparison of Ultrasonography and Conventional Fluoroscopy Guided Caudal Epidural Injection in Chronic Low Back Pain.

AIM: To compare the efficacies of fluoroscopy- and ultrasound (US)-guided caudal epidural steroid injections (CESIs) in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included patients with chronic LBP who underwent US- (Group U; n = 90) or fluoroscopyguided (Group F; n = 90) CESI. The procedure time, successful injection rate on the first attempt, complication rate, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score before CESI and after 3 weeks and 3 months of CESI were analyzed. RESULTS: NRS and ODI scores improved at 3 weeks (p < 0.001) and 3 months (p < 0.001) after CESIs. No significant differences were noted between the two groups for the NRS (p=0.22 and p=0.47) and ODI (p=0.58, p=0.22) scores. Moreover, the CESI procedure time was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) and the successful injection rate on the first attempt was significantly higher (p=0.002) in Group U than in Group F. The complication rate difference was statistically insignificant between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Outcomes of US-guided CESI were superior than those of fluoroscopy-guided CESI considering the successful injection rate on the first attempt and procedure time. In addition, US-guided CESI was as effective as fluoroscopy-guided CESI and did not expose patients and practitioners to radiation.

Effectiveness of Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block for Pain Control Compared to Epidural Anesthesia in Women Requiring Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids - A Retrospective Evaluation.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of pain management with superior hypogastric plexus block (SHPB) compared to epidural anesthesia (EDA) in women requiring uterine artery embolization (UAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center, non-randomized trial we included 79 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who were scheduled for percutaneous, transcatheter UAE. According to their informed decision, the women were assigned to two different approaches of pain management including either SHPB or EDA. The effectiveness outcome measure was patient reported pain using a numeric rating scale ranging from 1 to 10. The pain score was assessed at UAE, 2 hours thereafter, and at subsequent intervals of 6 hours up to 36 hours after intervention. RESULTS: Treatment groups did not differ significantly regarding age, pain score for regular menstrual cramps, uterine fibroid size, location, and symptoms of uterine fibroids. During UAE and up to 6 hours thereafter, women who received SHPB experienced stronger pain than those who received EDA (mean pain score during UAE: 3.3 vs. 1.5, p < 0.001; at 2 hours: 4.4 vs. 2.8, p = 0.012; at 6 hours: 4.4 vs. 2.6, p = 0.021). The maximum pain level was 5.8 ±â€Š2.9 with SHPB and 4.5 ±â€Š2.9 with EDA (p = 0.086). Women with a history of severe menorrhagia tended to experience worse pain than those without (regression coefficient 2.5 [95 % confidence interval -0.3 to 5.3], p = 0.076). CONCLUSION: Among women who underwent UAE, pain management including SHPB resulted in stronger pain during and after the procedure than pain treatment including EDA. KEY POINTS: · Pain control with superior hypogastric plexus block was worse than epidural anesthesia.. · Peak of pain was at 12 hours after uterine artery embolization.. · Maximum pain was independent from uterine fibroid size or location.. CITATION FORMAT: · Malouhi A, Aschenbach R, Erbe A et al. Effectiveness of Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block for Pain Control Compared to Epidural Anesthesia in Women Requiring Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids - A Retrospective Evaluation. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 289 - 297.

Anestesia peridural continua con bomba de infusión elastomérica en mamoplastia de aumento / Continuous epidural anesthesia with elastomeric infusion pump in augmentation mammoplasty

Introducción: La anestesia y analgesia peridural continua, además de proporcionar un adecuado control del dolor posoperatorio, aportan beneficios como la disminución del riesgo de trombosis y de sangrado intraoperatorio. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento y los resultados de la aplicación de la anestesia peridural continua mediante bomba de infusión elastomérica en pacientes intervenidas de mamoplastia de aumento. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, longitudinal en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras, entre febrero 2014 y febrero 2016. Resultados: 72,8 fueron las pacientes entre 20 y 29 años, 57,6 por ciento era ASA I y 78,3 por ciento normopeso. El 50 por ciento fueron operadas por hipoplasia mamaria. La frecuencia cardiaca, la tensión arterial sistólica y diastólica disminuyeron a los 5 min después de aplicarse la técnica. La media del dolor fue menor de 3 en todos los momentos evaluados. Las complicaciones inmediatas fueron escasas y leves. El 85,9 por ciento calificó la técnica como buena. Conclusiones: El comportamiento y los resultados de la aplicación de la anestesia peridural continua mediante bomba de infusión elastomérica en la mamoplastia de aumento fue estable y segura. Existieron diferencias significativas en el comportamiento de las variables hemodinámicas intraoperatorias y de la intensidad de dolor, la cual fue leve en todas sus mediciones. Las complicaciones mediatas fueron escasas y no complejas. Más de las tres cuartas partes de las pacientes evaluaron de acuerdo al grado de satisfacción de buena la efectividad de la técnica anestésica para este tipo de procedimiento quirúrgico(AU)

Introduction: Continuous epidural anesthesia and analgesia, in addition to providing adequate control of postoperative pain, provide benefits such as decreased risk of thrombosis and intraoperative bleeding. Objective: To describe the behavior and results of the application of continuous epidural anesthesia by means of an elastomeric infusion pump in patients undergoing augmentation mammoplasty. Methods: An observational, descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study was conducted at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital, between February 2014 and February 2016. Results: 72.8 percent were patients 20-29 years old, 57.6 percent were ASA I, and 78.3 percent had normal weight. 50 percent were operated for mammary hypoplasia. Heart rate, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased 5 minutes after the technique was applied. The average pain was less than 3 in all the moments evaluated. The immediate complications were minimal and mild. 85.9 (AU) described the technique as good. Conclusions: The behavior and results of the application of continuous epidural anesthesia using an elastomeric infusion pump in the augmentation mammoplasty was stable and safe. There were significant differences in the behavior of intraoperative hemodynamic variables and pain intensity, which was slight in all its measurements. The mediate complications were scarce and not complex. More than three quarters of the patients evaluated, based on the degree of satisfaction, the effectiveness of the anesthetic technique as good for this type of surgical procedure(AU)

Process Optimization and Digital Quality Improvement to Enhance Timely Initiation of Epidural Infusions and Postoperative Pain Control.

BACKGROUND: Although intraoperative epidural analgesia improves postoperative pain control, a recent quality improvement project demonstrated that only 59% of epidural infusions are started in the operating room before patient arrival in the postanesthesia care unit. We evaluated the combined effect of process and digital quality improvement efforts on provider compliance with starting continuous epidural infusions during surgery. METHODS: In October 2014, we instituted 2 process improvement initiatives: (1) an electronic order queue to assist the operating room pharmacy with infusate preparation; and (2) a designated workspace for the storage of equipment related to epidural catheter placement and drug infusion delivery. In addition, we implemented a digital quality improvement initiative, an Anesthesia Information Management System-mediated clinical decision support, to prompt anesthesia providers to start and document epidural infusions in pertinent patients. We assessed anesthesia provider compliance with epidural infusion initiation in the operating room and postoperative pain-related outcomes before (PRE: October 1, 2012 to September 31, 2014) and after (POST: January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016) implementation of the quality improvement initiatives. RESULTS: Compliance with starting intraoperative epidural infusions was 59% in the PRE group and 85% in the POST group. After adjustment for confounders and preintervention time trends, segmented regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increase in compliance with the intervention in the POST phase (odds ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-4.49; P < .001). In the PRE and POST groups, cumulative postoperative intravenous opioid use (geometric mean) was 62 and 34 mg oral morphine equivalents, respectively. A segmented regression analysis did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference (P = .38) after adjustment for preintervention time trends. CONCLUSIONS: Process workflow optimization along with Anesthesia Information Management System-mediated digital quality improvement efforts increased compliance to intraoperative epidural infusion initiation. Adjusted for preintervention time trends, these findings coincided with a statistically insignificant decrease in postoperative opioid use in the postanesthesia care unit during the POST phase.

Nurse Practitioner-Administered Chloroprocaine in Children with Postoperative Pain.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a complex physical and emotional experience. Therefore, assessment of acute pain requires self-report when possible, observations of emotional and behavioral responses and changes in vital signs. Peripheral nerve and epidural catheters often provide postoperative analgesia in children. Administration of chloroprocaine (a short acting local anesthetic) via a peripheral nerve or epidural catheter allows for a comparison of pain scores, observations of emotional and behavioral responses and changes in vital signs to determine catheter function. AIMS: The aims of this study are to describe the use chloroprocaine injections for testing catheters; patient response; and how changes to pain management are guided by the patient response. METHODS: This study describes the use of chloroprocaine injections to manage pain and assess the function of peripheral nerve or epidural catheters in a pediatric population. We examined 128 surgical patients, (0-25 years old), who received chloroprocaine injections for testing peripheral nerve or epidural catheters. Patient outcomes included: blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate and pain intensity scores. RESULTS: There were no significant adverse events. The injection guided intervention by determining the function of regional analgesia in the majority (98.5%) of patients. DISCUSSION: Chloroprocaine injections appear to be useful to evaluate functionality of peripheral nerve and epidural catheters after surgery in a pediatric population.

Reliability of Waveform Analysis as an Adjunct to Loss of Resistance for Thoracic Epidural Blocks.

BACKGROUND: The epidural space is most commonly identified with loss of resistance (LOR). Although sensitive, LOR lacks specificity, as cysts in interspinous ligaments, gaps in ligamentum flavum, paravertebral muscles, thoracic paravertebral spaces, and intermuscular planes can yield nonepidural LOR. Epidural waveform analysis (EWA) provides a simple confirmatory adjunct for LOR. When the needle is correctly positioned inside the epidural space, measurement of the pressure at its tip results in a pulsatile waveform. In this observational study, we set out to assess the sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values of EWA for thoracic epidural blocks. METHODS: We enrolled a convenience sample of 160 patients undergoing thoracic epidural blocks for thoracic surgery, abdominal surgery, or rib fractures. The choice of patient position (sitting or lateral decubitus), approach (midline or paramedian), and LOR medium (air or normal saline) was left to the operator (attending anesthesiologist, fellow, or resident). After obtaining a satisfactory LOR, the operator injected 5 mL of normal saline through the epidural needle. A sterile tubing, connected to a pressure transducer, was attached to the needle to measure the pressure at the needle tip. A 4-mL bolus of lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 5 µg/mL was then administered and, after 10 minutes, the patient was assessed for sensory blockade to ice. RESULTS: The failure rate (incorrect identification of the epidural space with LOR) was 23.1%. Of these 37 failed epidural blocks, 27 provided no sensory anesthesia at 10 minutes. In 10 subjects, the operator was unable to thread the catheter through the needle. When compared with the ice test, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of EWA were 91.1%, 83.8%, 94.9%, and 73.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural waveform analysis (with pressure transduction through the needle) provides a simple adjunct to LOR for thoracic epidural blocks. Although its use was devoid of complications, further confirmatory studies are required before its routine implementation in clinical practice.

[EPIDURAL ANALGESIA FOR INTRAOPERATIVE AND POSTOPERATIVE CARE IN NEWBORNS].

Anesthesia care in newborns has to be complex, balanced and safe. Nowadays epidural analgesia (EA) in neonates during intra- and postoperative period is widely used in Russia. Modern EA techniques imply the installation of a catheter into epidural space at lumbar or thoracic level as well as different approach to local anesthetics dosage. Newborns have special anatomy, physiology and pharmacodynamics which have to be taken in mind when EA is used. At the present moment Ropivacine (2 mg/ml) is approved for peripheral nerve blocks in newborns.

Neuraxial anesthesia for orthopedic surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Taking the outcome of mortality into consideration, there is controversy about the beneficial effects of neuraxial anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review at Universidade Federal de Alagoas. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 10, 2012), PubMed (1966 to November 2012), Lilacs (1982 to November 2012), SciELO, EMBASE (1974 to November 2012) and reference lists of the studies included. Only randomized controlled trials were included. RESULTS: Out of 5,032 titles and abstracts, 17 studies were included. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality (risk difference, RD: -0.01; 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.04 to 0.01; n = 1903), stroke (RD: 0.02; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.08; n = 259), myocardial infarction (RD: -0.01; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.02; n = 291), length of hospitalization (mean difference, -0.05; 95% CI: -0.69 to 0.58; n = 870), postoperative cognitive dysfunction (RD: 0.00; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.05; n = 479) or pneumonia (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.49; n = 167). CONCLUSION: So far, the evidence available from the studies included is insufficient to prove that neuraxial anesthesia is more effective and safer than general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. However, this systematic review does not rule out clinically important differences with regard to mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, length of hospitalization, postoperative cognitive dysfunction or pneumonia.

Neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for urological surgery: systematic review.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Choosing the best anesthetic technique for urological surgery with the aim of mortality reduction remains controversial. The objective here was to compare the effectiveness and safety of neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for urological surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING Systematic review, Universidade Federal de Alagoas. METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library (Issue 10, 2012), Medline via PubMed (1966 to October 2012), Lilacs (1982 to October 2012), SciELO and EMBASE (1974 to October 2012). The reference lists of the studies included and of one systematic review in the same field were also analyzed. The studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCT) that analyzed neuraxial anesthesia and general anesthesia for urological surgery. RESULTS The titles and abstracts of 2720 articles were analyzed. Among these, 16 studies were identified and 11 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One RCT was published twice. The study validity was: Jadad score > 3 in one RCT; seven RCTs with unclear risk of bias as the most common response; and five RCTs not fulfilling half of the Delphi list items. The frequency of mortality was not significant between study groups in three RCTs. Meta-analysis was not performed. CONCLUSION At the moment, the evidence available cannot prove that neuraxial anesthesia is more effective and safer than general anesthesia for urological surgery. There were insufficient data to pool the results relating to mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, length of hospitalization, quality of life, degree of satisfaction, postoperative cognitive dysfunction and blood transfusion requirements.

Neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for urological surgery: systematic review / Anestesia neuroaxial versus anestesia geral para cirurgias urológicas: revisão sistemática

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Choosing the best anesthetic technique for urological surgery with the aim of mortality reduction remains controversial. The objective here was to compare the effectiveness and safety of neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for urological surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING Systematic review, Universidade Federal de Alagoas. METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library (Issue 10, 2012), Medline via PubMed (1966 to October 2012), Lilacs (1982 to October 2012), SciELO and EMBASE (1974 to October 2012). The reference lists of the studies included and of one systematic review in the same field were also analyzed. The studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCT) that analyzed neuraxial anesthesia and general anesthesia for urological surgery. RESULTS The titles and abstracts of 2720 articles were analyzed. Among these, 16 studies were identified and 11 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One RCT was published twice. The study validity was: Jadad score > 3 in one RCT; seven RCTs with unclear risk of bias as the most common response; and five RCTs not fulfilling half of the Delphi list items. The frequency of mortality was not significant between study groups in three RCTs. Meta-analysis was not performed. CONCLUSION At the moment, the evidence available cannot prove that neuraxial anesthesia is more effective and safer than general anesthesia for urological surgery. There were insufficient data to pool the results relating to mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, length of hospitalization, quality of life, degree of satisfaction, postoperative cognitive dysfunction and blood transfusion requirements. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO A escolha da melhor técnica anestésica para cirurgias urológicas para reduzir mortalidade permanece controversa. O objetivo foi comparar a efetividade e segurança da anestesia neuroaxial versus anestesia geral para cirurgias urológicas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL Revisão sistemática, Universidade Federal de Alagoas. MÉTODO Fizemos a busca em Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials na Cochrane Library (2012, volume 10), Medline via PubMed (1966 até outubro de 2012), Lilacs (1982 até outubro de 2012), SciELO e EMBASE (1974 até outubro de 2012). As listas de referências dos estudos incluídos e de uma revisão sistemática em urologia também foram analisadas. Os estudos incluídos foram ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR) que analisaram as anestesias neuroaxial e geral para cirurgias urológicas. RESULTADOS Os títulos e resumos de 2.720 artigos foram analisados. Entre eles, 16 estudos foram identificados e 11 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Um ECR foi publicado duas vezes. A validade dos estudos foi: escore de Jadad > 3 em um ECR; sete ECRs com indeterminado risco de viés como a resposta mais comum; cinco ECR sem preenchimento da metade dos itens da lista de Delphi. A frequência de mortalidade não foi significante entre os grupos de estudo em três ECR. A metanálise não foi realizada. CONCLUSÃO Até o momento, as evidências disponíveis não puderam provar que a anestesia neuroaxial seja mais efetiva e segura do que a anestesia geral para cirurgias urológicas. Não houve dados suficientes para reunir os resultados de mortalidade, infarto cerebral, infarto do miocárdio, duração de internação hospitalar, qualidade de vida, grau ...

Neuraxial anesthesia for orthopedic surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials / Anestesia neuroaxial para cirurgia ortopedica: revisao sistematica e metanalise de ensaios clinicos randomizados

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Taking the outcome of mortality into consideration, there is controversy about the beneficial effects of neuraxial anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review at Universidade Federal de Alagoas. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 10, 2012), PubMed (1966 to November 2012), Lilacs (1982 to November 2012), SciELO, EMBASE (1974 to November 2012) and reference lists of the studies included. Only randomized controlled trials were included. RESULTS: Out of 5,032 titles and abstracts, 17 studies were included. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality (risk difference, RD: -0.01; 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.04 to 0.01; n = 1903), stroke (RD: 0.02; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.08; n = 259), myocardial infarction (RD: -0.01; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.02; n = 291), length of hospitalization (mean difference, -0.05; 95% CI: -0.69 to 0.58; n = 870), postoperative cognitive dysfunction (RD: 0.00; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.05; n = 479) or pneumonia (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.49; n = 167). CONCLUSION: So far, the evidence available from the studies included is insufficient to prove that neuraxial anesthesia is more effective and safer than general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. However, this systematic review does not rule out clinically important differences with regard to mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, length of hospitalization, postoperative cognitive dysfunction or pneumonia. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Considerando o desfecho de mortalidade, existe controvérsia acerca dos efeitos benéficos da anestesia neuroaxial (AN) para cirurgias ortopédicas. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar efetividade e segurança da AN versus anestesia geral (AG) para cirurgias ortopédicas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Revisão sistemática na Universidade Federal de Alagoas. MÉTODOS: Buscamos em Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2012, volume 10), PubMed (1966 até novembro de 2012), Lilacs (1982 até novembro de 2012), SciELO, EMBASE (1974 até novembro de 2012) e listas de referências dos estudos incluídos. Apenas ensaios clínicos randomizados foram incluídos. RESULTADOS: Dentre 5.032 títulos e resumos, 17 estudos foram incluídos. Não houve diferença estatística em mortalidade (diferença de risco, DR: -0,01; intervalo de confiança de 95%, IC: -0,04 a 0.01; n = 1903), em acidente vascular encefálico (DR: 0,02; IC 95%: -0,04 a 0,08; n = 259, em infarto miocárdico (DR: -0.01; IC 95%: -0,04 a 0.02; n = 291), tempo de hospitalização (diferença média, -0,05; IC 95%: -0,69 a 0,58; n = 870), em disfunção cognitiva pós-operatória (DR: 0,00; IC 95%: -0,04 a 0,05; n = 479) e pneumonia (razão de chances, 0,61; IC 95%: 0,25 a 1,49; n = 167). CONCLUSÃO: Até o momento, as evidências são insuficientes nos estudos incluídos para provar que AN é mais efetiva e segura do que AG para cirurgias ortopédicas. Esta revisão sistemática não descartou diferenças clínicas importantes para mortalidade, acidente vascular encefálico, infarto miocárdico, tempo de internação, disfunção cognitiva pós-operatória e pneumonia. .

Predicting lumbar plexus depth in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar plexus block provides effective analgesia for hip, thigh, and knee surgery. A simple measurement that accurately predicts lumbar plexus depth would be invaluable for clinicians performing this block in children, in whom plexus depth varies with age. METHODS: Surface anatomy measurements were taken on children having lower extremity surgery and lumbar plexus block. All blocks were placed under general anesthesia using peripheral nerve stimulation. The distance from the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) to the intercristal line (ICL), i.e., PSIS-ICL distance, and from midline to the intersection of a perpendicular line drawn from the PSIS and the ICL were measured. Lumbar plexus depth was recorded at the point at which maximum quadriceps stimulation was elicited using the lowest current output. Linear regression was used to explore the least squares line of best fit for each measure. RESULTS: Measurements were made on 350 consecutive patients aged 1 month to 24 years. A very strong linear relationship between lumbar plexus depth and PSIS-ICL distance was noted. The median (interquartile range) absolute difference between observed lumbar plexus depth and that predicted by PSIS-ICL distance was 2 mm (1-5 mm), 95% CI for median = 1.36 to 2.64. Ninety-two percent of patients (95% CI, 88.7%-94.6%) had lumbar plexus depths within ±10 mm of the predicted depth. The strongest correlation to lumbar plexus depth was found with PSIS-ICL distance (R(2) = 0.89, P < 0.0001). Weaker correlations were found for weight, height, body mass index, midline-PSIS line distance, and age. CONCLUSION: PSIS-ICL distance provides an accurate, patient-specific predictor for lumbar plexus depth in children over a wide range of age and body habitus. The strong linear relationship obviates the need for complex calculations. This measurement can be used as a guide for ultrasound location, to choose an appropriate needle length, and may reduce complications associated with this block.

Nordic guidelines for neuraxial blocks in disturbed haemostasis from the Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine.

BACKGROUND: Central neuraxial blocks (CNBs) for surgery and analgesia are an important part of anaesthesia practice in the Nordic countries. More active thromboprophylaxis with potent antihaemostatic drugs has increased the risk of bleeding into the spinal canal. National guidelines for minimizing this risk in patients who benefit from such blocks vary in their recommendations for safe practice. METHODS: The Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (SSAI) appointed a task force of experts to establish a Nordic consensus on recommendations for best clinical practice in providing effective and safe CNBs in patients with an increased risk of bleeding. We performed a literature search and expert evaluation of evidence for (1) the possible benefits of CNBs on the outcome of anaesthesia and surgery, for (2) risks of spinal bleeding from hereditary and acquired bleeding disorders and antihaemostatic drugs used in surgical patients for thromboprophylaxis, for (3) risk evaluation in published case reports, and for (4) recommendations in published national guidelines. Proposals from the taskforce were available for feedback on the SSAI web-page during the summer of 2008. RESULTS: Neuraxial blocks can improve comfort and reduce morbidity (strong evidence) and mortality (moderate evidence) after surgical procedures. Haemostatic disorders, antihaemostatic drugs, anatomical abnormalities of the spine and spinal blood vessels, elderly patients, and renal and hepatic impairment are risk factors for spinal bleeding (strong evidence). Published national guidelines are mainly based on experts' opinions (weak evidence). The task force reached a consensus on Nordic guidelines, mainly based on our experts' opinions, but we acknowledge different practices in heparinization during vascular surgery and peri-operative administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during neuraxial blocks. CONCLUSIONS: Experts from the five Nordic countries offer consensus recommendations for safe clinical practice of neuraxial blocks and how to minimize the risks of serious complications from spinal bleeding. A brief version of the recommendations is available on http://www.ssai.info.

Anestesia peridural lombar ou bloqueio do plexo lombar combinados à anestesia geral: eficácia e efeitos hemodinâmicos na artroplastia total do quadril / Epidural lumbar block or lumbar plexus block combined with general anesthesia: efficacy and hemodynamic effects on total hip arthroplasty / Anestesia epidural lumbar o bloqueo del plexo lumbar combinados con la anestesia general: eficacia y efectos hemodinámicos en la artroplastia total de lacadera

Justificativa e objetivos: A anestesia para artroplastia total do quadril (ATQ) constitui desafio devido à idade avançada e às doenças associadas dos pacientes. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar se o bloqueio do plexo lombar combinado à anestesia geral se equivale à anestesia peridural lombar quanto à eficácia do bloqueio nociceptivo, efeitos hemodinâmicos secundários, dificuldade na sua execução e influência no sangramento operatório...

Background and objectives: Anesthesia for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a challenge due to the advanced age and associated diseases of patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the efficacy of the nociceptive blockade, secondary hemodynamic effects, difficulty to execute the technique, and influence in intraoperative bleeding of lumbar plexus block combined with general anesthesia is equivalent to epidural lumbar...

Justificativa y objetivos: La anestesia para la artroplastia total de la cadera (ATC), constituye un reto a causa de la edad avanzada y de las enfermedades asociadas a los pacientes. El objetivo del estudio, fue evaluar si el bloqueo del plexo lumbar combinado con la anestesia general, equivale a la anestesia epidural lumbar en cuanto a la eficacia del bloqueo nociceptivo, efectos hemodinámicos secundarios, dificultad en su ejecución e influencia en el sangramiento operatorio...

A retrospective review of 34,109 epidural anesthetics for obstetric and gynecologic procedures at a single private hospital in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: We examined the safety of the routine use of epidural anesthesia by an experienced anesthetic team in a select group of obstetric and gynecologic patients. METHODS: All anesthetic records and an obstetric department database from 1993 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed (n = 35,628 cases). Success rate, major complication rates, and mortality rates were the major end-points of the study. RESULTS: We performed 34,109 epidural blocks in obstetric and gynecologic anesthesia. The epidural rate increased from 57% to 96% over a 14-yr period. Permanent neurological sequel, cardiac arrest, or mortality and maternal mortality were not seen during this period. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural anesthesia/analgesia, as performed in a private hospital in Turkey by five experienced anesthesiologists for a select group of patients, was a reliable and safe procedure.

Perioperative epidural anaesthesia and analgesia--an appraisal of its role.

Perioperative epidural anaesthesia and analgesia (PEA) has become controversial because of its doubtful effect on patient outcome and its serious complications. These scientific considerations have been affected by the changing medicolegal climate in Australia and has led to a reappraisal of this technique in our practice of anaesthesia. Many anaesthetists are now uncertain about indications, consent requirements, optimal management and the prevention and early detection of complications of PEA. The aim of this paper is to present a personal perspective of the place and use of PEA in current anaesthetic practise. The primary indication for PEA should be pain relief for open abdominal or thoracic surgery because there is level 1 evidence that it provides better analgesia than parenteral opioids. There is reasonable evidence that outcome is improved but the studies are conflicting. Coagulation status needs to be assessed carefully before the insertion and removal of epidural catheters. Consent issues are difficult in practice, both from the timing and the content of the information. The decrease in the use of PEA may paradoxically result in more complications as loss of expertise becomes an issue. PEA is labour intensive and therefore needs the support of an Acute Pain Service in order to use this technique safely and recognise problems early. Permanent neurological complications are the most feared complication of this technique but early recognition of these problems can improve outcome. These complications need to be balanced against the potentially serious hypoxaemia associated with parenteral opioids used for postoperative pain relief

[Epidural anesthesia: step by step to success]. / Epiduralanästhesie: Schritt für Schritt zum Erfolg.

Besides pain management in obstetric patients epidural anaesthesia plays a major role in the perioperative setting. Especially the technique of thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA) provides better postoperative analgesia when compared with systemic pain therapy. TEA is associated with improved outcome in high-risk patients and patients undergoing extensive surgery. An acute pain management service is required to guarantee high effectiveness and a low complication rate. TEA is an important part of a multimodal perioperative concept, especially in fast-track surgery, which means advantages for patients outcome and hospitals economics.

Clonidina versus fentanilo en anestesia epidural en cesáreas: ventajas e inconvenientes / Clonidina versus fentanilo in epidural in Caesarean: advantages and disadvantages

La búsqueda continua de fármacos más seguros y eficaces para la realización de operación cesárea, con efectos adversos mínimos tanto para la madre como para el niño, mejorando la calidad anestésica, ha llevado a investigar el comportamiento de clonidina como adyuvante del bloqueo peridural con bupivacaina al 0.5 por ciento comparada con fentanilo. Explorar la posible ocurrencia de efectos adversos provocados por la administración epidural de clonidina en mujeres sometidas a operación cesárea y compararlos con los producidos por fentanilo. El bloqueo peridural se realizó a un grupo de 100 embarazadas con bupivacaina al 0.5 por ciento sin epinefrina,1 ml por metámera a bloquear (aprox. 18ml) a un grupo de 50 pacientes con el agregado de 100 ug de fentanilo y al otro restante 150 ug de clonidina, al que se tuvo presente tratar anticipadamente la hipotensión leve esperada (inferior al 10 por ciento de la toma basal) con medidas de soporte tradicional y efedrina; y de esa manera poder estudiar y comparar si la posibilidad de anticiparse a la producción o no de hipotensión es efectiva para la atenuación y aparición de ésta complicación y de otras. cesáreas electivas y de urgencias ASA 1y 2, excluidas emergencias y las pacientes que no aceptaron expresamente el consentimiento informado, ingresar en el estudio. Se monitorizaron signos vitales maternos, TA sistólica, diastólica, cardioscopía, pulsioximetría, latidos cardíacos fetales y escore de Apgar. La hemodinamia se mantuvo estable en los dos grupos, aunque la hipotensión fue la reacción adversa de mayor incidencia en el grupo de clonidina, dentro y coincidente con el tiempo de latencia e instalación del bloqueo (17 min. ± 2), respondiendo efectivamente al tratamiento predeterminado. La media del tiempo quirúrgico fue de 57 ± 3.0 minutos con un nivel máximo sensitivo en dermatoma T5 y nivel motor que varió entre 33 por ciento y el 66 por ciento.

[Continuous epidural anesthesia in patients after surgical treatment for scoliosis].

Analgesia after major spinal orthopedic surgery is a problem to be solved. The authors' original procedure for using continuous epidural anesthesia following scoliosis surgery is an effective mode of upgrading the quality of analgesia within the first 24 hours and diminishing postoperative stress. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate the efficiency of the procedure. The levels of stress hormones (cortisol, T3, and T4) were measured.