The Effect of Granisetron, Ondansetron, and Meperidine in Preventing Postoperative Shivering: Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Recently, use of HT35 receptor antagonists to prevent postoperative shivering has attracted a great deal of attention. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of granisetron as an HT35 antagonist when compared with ondansetron and meperidine in preventing postoperative shivering. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this triple blind random clinical trial study, 90 patients 18-50 years of age with ASA Class I and II undergoing general anesthesia were randomly assigned into one of the three drug groups: O (4-mg ondansetron), G (40 µg/kg of granisetron), and P (25 mg meperidine), immediately before induction of anesthesia. After anesthesia induction, at the end of the surgery, after the entrance and after leaving the recovery state, central temperature, peripheral temperature, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and shivering were measured and documented. Two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In the meperidine, ondansetron, and granisetron groups, 4 (13.3%), 3 (10%), and 10 (33.3%) of patients experienced shivering during recovery, where the difference between the ondansetron and granisetron groups was significant (p-value=0.02). The variations in the mean arterial pressure during the investigation stages only in the ondansetron group were not significant (p>0.05). At the beginning of recovery, the reduction of peripheral temperature significantly was lower in the ondansetron group (p<0.05), while reduction of the central temperature was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the granisetron group. By the end of the recovery, the variations in the peripheral temperature across the three groups were consistent with the changes at the beginning of recovery, but variations of the central temperature across the three groups was not significantly diverse. CONCLUSION: Granisetron was not found to be much effective in preventing postoperative shivering. Ondansetron and meperidine were equally effective in preventing postoperative shivering. Ondansetron also causes less hemodynamic changes compared to other drugs, while granisetron is more effective in terms of preventing nausea and vomiting.

Examining the efficacy of intravenous ibuprofen and meperidine for preventing post-operative shivering after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with general anesthesia.

Postoperative shivering is a common complication that can lead to increased postoperative complications. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of intravenous ibuprofen and meperidine in preventing shivering following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A total of 120 patients, aged 20-70 and classified as ASA I-II, were enrolled in this triple-blind clinical trial. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: ibuprofen (800mg IV), meperidine (30 mg), or placebo (normal saline 2 ml), administered 30 minutes before the end of surgery. The occurrence of postoperative shivering was assessed and recorded at regular intervals (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after surgery). Additionally, postoperative pain levels were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), sedation levels were evaluated using the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS), and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was documented. The prevalence and severity of postoperative shivering were not statistically significant between groups. The VAS was significantly lower in the meperidine group than the ibuprofen group throughout the study (p <0.001). The VAS was significantly lower in the ibuprofen group than the placebo group at 0 and 15 minutes after surgery. Although the incidence of nausea was slightly higher in the meperidine group, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.75). Sedation scores were consistently lower in the ibuprofen group and higher in the meperidine group compared to the other groups (p<0.0001) The meperidine group had a significantly higher sedation score indicative of deep sleepiness (score of 4) than the other groups. Intravenous ibuprofen demonstrated comparable efficacy to meperidine in controlling shivering. Additionally, the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness was lower in the intravenous ibuprofen group, suggesting it is a potential alternative to meperidine.

Evaluating Caudal Block Enhancements in Pediatric Circumcision: Do Additional Analgesics Make a Difference?

BACKGROUND Caudal block is widely regarded as the top choice for multimodal analgesia in children undergoing urological surgeries, particularly circumcision. This study investigates the efficacy of caudal block and the necessity of rescue analgesia in circumcision surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective, single-blind study was conducted at Ordu University Training and Research Hospital from December 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023. The study randomly divided ASA class I-II children aged 1-12 years into 3 groups for circumcision surgery. Group C received only caudal block. Group CP received caudal block with 10 mg/kg intravenous paracetamol. Group CM received caudal block with 1 mg/kg intravenous meperidine. In each case, a caudal block was administered using 0.5 ml/kg of 0.125% bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome of the study was total analgesic consumption; the secondary outcomes were pain scores and time to first analgesic administration. Pain severity was evaluated using FLACC and Wong-Baker scores at 0, 1, 4, and 24 h. RESULTS A total of 120 patients, 40 patients in each group, were included in the study. A significant difference was detected among all 3 groups in the Wong-Baker pain score (24th hour) (P<0.001). The FLACC and Wong-Baker pain scores did not differ significantly in the other time frames. The time of the first rescue analgesia and the total amount of analgesic taken in the first 24 h were the same for both groups (P=0.408 and P=0.238). CONCLUSIONS The addition of paracetamol or meperidine to caudal block does not enhance the quality of analgesia.

Intra-articular remifentanil on postoperative pain in knee arthroscopic surgery; a double blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the efficacy of intra-articular remifentanil in relieving postoperative pain after knee arthroscopy. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial study on 60 patients. Patients were divided into two equal groups. The control group received 25 ml of intra-articular normal saline, and the intervention group received 200 µg of remifentanil dissolved in 25 ml of saline. We evaluated at rest postoperative pain at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after the surgery using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients with VAS scores of 4 or more received meperidine (pethidine). The first time meperidine was requested and the total amount of meperidine consumed was recorded. RESULTS: Out of 60 patients, 49 were male (81.6%), and the mean age of participants was 32.71 (7.02) years. An hour after the surgery, the control group showed a mean VAS score of 8.66 (1.26), and decreased to 2.53 (1.67) at the end of 24 h. The intervention group started with a mean VAS score of 2.23 (1.81) and ended at 0.10 (0.305). All patients in the control group and 11 (36.7%) patients in the intervention group asked for analgesics during follow-up. The mean total meperidine dose in the control and intervention groups was 108.33 (23.97) mg and 13.33 (19.40) mg, respectively (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval of the difference 83.72 to 106.27). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular remifentanil may decrease postoperative pain and analgesic requirements in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy.

Inter-semispinal plane (ISP) block for postoperative analgesia following cervical spine surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the perioperative analgesic effects of the inter-semispinal plane (ISP) block in patients undergoing posterior cervical spine surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial. SETTING: Operating room and surgical ward. PATIENTS: 60 patients aged 18-60 years of either gender, ASA I-II, undergoing elective posterior cervical spine surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned into a control group (general anesthesia only), ISP group received bilateral ultrasound guided ISP block at the level of C5 using 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% on each side. MEASUREMENTS: Visual analog scale (VAS), intraoperative fentanyl and 24 h postoperative pethidine consumptions and time to first rescue analgesic request were documented. MAIN RESULTS: The median (quartiles) of 24 h postoperative rescue pethidine consumption was significantly lower in the ISP group [0 (0-46.25) mg] compared to that of the control group [143 (116.75-169.00) mg]; P < 0.001). VAS was significantly lower in the ISP group at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h,4 h, 6 h, 8 h and 12 h postoperative compared to control group (P < 0.05). At 18 and 24 h, VAS was not significantly different between groups. The median (quartiles) of intraoperative fentanyl consumption in the ISP group [0 (0-40.75) µg] was significantly lower compared to that of the control group [63.5 (39.5-90.25) µg]; P < 0.001]. The time to first rescue analgesic administration was significantly longer in the ISP group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bilateral ultrasound-guided ISP block can provide decreased 24 h postoperative analgesic consumption as well as lower pain scores in the first 12 postoperative hours in patients undergoing posterior cervical spine surgery.

Efficacy of a local anesthetic gel infusion kit for pain relief after minimally invasive colorectal surgery: an open-label, randomized clinical trial.

Continuous wound infusion with local anesthesia is an effective method for reducing postoperative pain after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. However, most subcutaneous local anesthesia is delivered through continuous injection, which can be inconvenient for patients. This study compared the effectiveness of postoperative pain relief from the application of a local poloxamer 407-based ropivacaine hydrogel (Gel) to the incision site with continuous infusion-type ropivacaine administration (On-Q) in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This prospective, randomized, non-inferiority study included 61 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with an incision length of 3-6 cm. All 61 patients were randomly assigned to the Gel group (poloxamer 407-based 0.75% ropivacaine, 22.5 mg) or the On-Q group (0.2% ropivacaine, 4 mg/hour for two days). Postoperative analgesia was induced in all patients with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). The outcome measures, which were assessed for 72 h after surgery, included the total amount of fentanyl consumed via IV-PCA (primary endpoint), and the amount of rescue analgesia (pethidine) and postoperative pain intensity assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS) [secondary endpoints]. The Gel was administered to 31 patients and On-Q was used for 30 patients. There was no significant difference in the total usage of fentanyl between the two groups (Gel group, 1623.98 mcg; On-Q group, 1595.12 mcg; P = 0.806). There was also no significant difference in the frequency of analgesic rescue medication use (P = 0.213) or NRS scores (postoperative 6 h, P = 0.860; 24 h, P = 0.333; 48 h, P = 0.168; and 72 h, P = 0.655) between the two groups. The Gel, which continuously delivers a local anesthetic to operative sites, can thus be considered an effective device for analgesia and pain relief for midline incisions in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Comparison of analgesic consumption of hemophilic and non-hemophilic patients in knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia is a rare hereditary bleeding disorder that develops as a result of factor VIII or IX deficiency. Long-term complications of hemophilia such as arthropathy, synovitis, and arthritis can lead to the development of recurrent chronic pain. Pain is therefore a critical aspect of hemophilia. The gold standard treatment for end-stage hemophilic knee arthropathy is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The hypothesis of this study was that after knee replacement surgeries that cause severe post-operative pain, hemophilia patients with chronic analgesic consumption may experience higher levels of pain than non-hemophilic patients, and use more opioid and non-opioid drugs. METHODS: This retrospective study included 82 patients who were hemophilic and non-hemophilic TKA patients operated under general anesthesia. Seventy-three patients were evaluated and divided into two groups according to the diagnosis of hemophilia: 36 patients were investigated in the hemophilic group and 37 patients in the non-hemophilic group. RESULTS: Post-operative tramadol consumption (p=0.002) and pethidine consumption (p=0.003) were significantly higher in the group hemophilia. The length of stay in the hospital was also significantly longer in the hemophilic group (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the light of these informations, we think that acute post-operative pain management of hemophilia patients should be planned as personalized, multimodal preventive, and pre-emptive analgesia.

Evaluation of ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block efficacy on post operative pain in lumbar spine surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Patients suffer notable levels of pain after lumbar spine surgery. The primary objective of this randomized clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on 24-h post-operative pain score of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Cumulative opioid consumption and intraoperative bleeding were assessed as well. METHODS: Adult patient candidates for elective lumbar spine surgery were randomly assigned to case (ESPB) and control (no ESPB) groups. The block was performed under ultrasound guidance in prone position after induction of general anesthesia. Both groups received the same anesthesia medication and technique. Post-operative pain score, number of patients requiring rescue analgesia (meperidine), total amount of post-operative rescue analgesic demand in the first 24 h, and intraoperative bleeding were recorded. To compare pain score variable in time span, the ANOVA repeated measure test was used. All the statistical tests were two tailed and p<0.05 considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: In all time intervals, pain score in case group was significantly lower than control group. In case group, eight patients demanded rescue analgesic (40%) which was significantly lower than that in control group (15 patients [75%]) (p=0.025). Total amount of meperidine consumption was 57.50±45.95 in control group and 22.50±32.34 in case group (p=0.01) which was higher in control group and statistically significant. CONCLUSION: ESPB reduces post-operative pain score and opioid consumption, while it does not affect intraoperative bleeding in lumbar spine surgery.

Prevalence of opioid prescriptions in Taiwan (2008-2018).

BACKGROUND: Opioids are effective for severe pain; however, the safety issue is also a primary concern. To better understand the opioid use in Taiwan, we conducted this study. METHODS: Data on patients with opioid prescriptions, including morphine, fentanyl, pethidine, codeine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and buprenorphine were collected using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (NHID). RESULTS: Our analysis of opioid prescriptions from 2008 to 2018 in Taiwan indicated that (1) A slow increase in prevalence of opioid prescription was found during the study period. Among the drugs studied, morphine accounted for the majority of the prescriptions written, with a gradual increase annually. Pethidine prescriptions showed a significant and rapid decline over the years; (2) medical centers prescribed the largest number of opioids, followed by regional hospitals, local hospitals, and clinics; (3) the number of prescriptions per year per capita in cancer group was much higher than that in noncancer group. In noncancer group, most of the prescriptions were used in acute pain service (98.7%); and (4) use of opioids increased with age in both cancer and noncancer patients. CONCLUSION: The total number of opioid prescriptions in Taiwan gradually increased annually, among which morphine was the most commonly used opioid. Cancer patients consumed more opioid prescriptions than noncancer patients and most of the prescriptions in noncancer patients were used in acute pain service. The number of prescriptions increased with the age of the patients in both cancer and noncancer patients. The low prescription rate of opioids in chronic pain in Taiwan is not similar as those in high opioid-consuming countries, such as United States.

Comparison of dexmedetomidine and meperidine for the prevention of shivering following coronary artery bypass graft: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Shivering is a common complication in the postoperative period. The incidence of shivering has been reported to range from 5% to 65% under general anaesthesia and as 33% during epidural anaesthesia. Shivering can increase perioperative risk in patients. Both dexmedetomidine and meperidine are effective agents for the prevention of postanaesthetic shivering. However, few studies have compared the anti-shivering effects of different agents following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This study aims to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and meperidine on the incidence of shivering in patients undergoing CABG. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A total of 180 patients aged 18-75 years, with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade of II-IV, undergoing elective CABG will be enrolled and randomly assigned to the dexmedetomidine, meperidine and control groups (placebo) in an intended 1:1:1 allocation ratio. The patients will be followed up for 7 days after surgery. The primary outcome is the incidence of shivering within 24 hours postoperatively. The secondary outcomes are the number of remedial drugs used after surgery, the incidence of postoperative hypotension and bradycardia, sedation scores, endotracheal extubation time, intensive care unit length of stay, incidence of postoperative delirium within 7 days after surgery, incidence of postoperative arrhythmias, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, average hospital length of stay and mortality rate 30 days after surgery. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University on 20 January 2021 (YXLL-KY-2021(002)) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The results of this study will be presented at national and international scientific meetings and conferences. We plan to publish the data in peer-reviewed international scientific journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04735965.

Comparison of Intravenous Ketamine with Intrathecal Meperidine in Prevention of Post-anesthetic Shivering after Spinal Anesthesia for Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgeries: A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Post-anesthetic shivering is one of the most common complications after anesthesia. Ketamine has been considered to be an effective treatment for post-anesthetic shivering, but the evidence for its therapeutic benefit after spinal anesthesia is limited. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intravenous ketamine with intrathecal meperidine in the prevention of post-anesthetic shivering after spinal anesthesia for lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Methods: In a double-blind randomized parallel-group clinical trial, a total of 150 patients scheduled for lower limb orthopedic surgeries under spinal anesthesia were selected and randomly divided into three equally sized groups of intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg/kg), intrathecal meperidine (0.2mg/kg) or intravenous normal saline (as placebo). The intensity of shivering in patients were evaluated during surgery and after transfer into the post anesthesia care unit. Also, changes in patients' drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2) during surgery and until the end of anesthesia were evaluated. Results: In all times of evaluation (20, 60, 80, 100 and 120 minutes after onset of spinal anesthesia) patients in control group showed a greater intensity of shivering compared to other groups. However, patients who received intrathecal meperidine experienced significantly lower intensity of post anesthetic shivering (p<0.05). The results showed a significant mean arterial pressure and heart rates differences between the three groups, only on 20 and 60 minutes after initiation of spinal anesthesia. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and pruritus was not significantly different in all three groups, although all patients who received ketamine experienced drowsiness after surgery (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that, although both intrathecal meperidine and intravenous ketamine could effectively prevent postoperative shivering after spinal anesthesia in lower limb orthopedic surgeries, intrathecal meperidine was associated with more efficacy benefits and a lower frequency of side effects such as post-anesthesia drowsiness.

Effects of oral premedication with tramadol, pregabalin or clonidine on shivering after spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing hysteroscopic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Shivering is a common complication of neuraxial anaesthesia. We compared the efficacy of tramadol, clonidine and pregabalin in preventing post-spinal anaes-thesia shivering in hysteroscopic procedures. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, triple-blind, controlled clinical trial involving 120 ASA I-II women, aged 18-60 years. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either oral clonidine 0.2 mg (group C), tramadol 100 mg (group T), pregabalin 150 mg (group P) or placebo (group O) 90 minutes before spinal anaesthesia. The body tempe-rature was monitored at the forehead and tympanic membrane. The primary outcome was the occurrence of perioperative shivering. The secondary outcomes were the side effects and meperidine requirements to treat shivering. RESULTS: All groups had comparable demographic data. Group C showed the lowest incidence, severity and number of intraoperative and postoperative shivering attacks. The time to the first shivering attack was significantly longer in group C than the other groups and in group T than groups P and O. The severity of shivering attacks was comparable among groups C, T and P while being significantly lower than group O. Meperidine requirements were significantly lower in group C. Groups C, T and P had a significantly higher sedation score than group O. The incidences of dizziness, nausea and vomiting were highest in group T. CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol, pregabalin and clonidine seem to be effective oral premedications to reduce the incidence, frequency and severity of post-spinal shivering but clonidine proved to be more effective and tolerable.

Anestesia espinal con meperidina en paciente con hipersensibilidad a anestésicos locales / Spinal cord anesthesia with meperidine in a patient with hypersensitivity to local anesthesia

Introducción: La meperidina (o petidina) es un opioide sintético que tiene propiedades anestésicas locales bien conocidas, y ha sido utilizada por vía intratecal en cirugía general, urológica y obstétrica de forma segura. Este puede ser usado en anestesia espinal en paciente con hipersensibilidad a los anestésicos locales. Objetivo: Describir el manejo anestésico en una paciente con hipersensibilidad a los anestésicos locales con uso de meperidina intratecal. Presentación del caso: Se presenta una paciente femenina de 54 años de edad con historia previa de hipersensibilidad a los anestésicos locales, programada para colporrafia anterior, a la cual se le realiza una técnica regional, administrando meperidina intratecal. Para la analgesia posoperatoria se suministró diclofenaco de sodio en dosis única de 75 mg, por vía IV previo a la incisión. Conclusiones: Con la técnica descrita se logra un bloqueo sensitivo y motor adecuado, estabilidad de los signos vitales intraoperatoria y recuperación óptima en el posoperatorio inmediato. Es una alternativa más en el manejo de los pacientes con hipersensibilidad a los anestésicos locales(AU)

Introduction: Meperidine (or pethidine) is a synthetic opioid with well-known local anesthetic properties. It has been safely used intrathecally in general, urological and obstetric surgery. This can be used in spinal anesthesia in patients with hypersensitivity to local anesthetics. Objective: To describe anesthetic management of a patient with hypersensitivity to local anesthetics with the use of intrathecal meperidine. Case presentation: The case is presented of a 54-year-old female patient with a previous history of hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, scheduled for anterior colporrhaphy, who is performed regional technique, administering intrathecal meperidine. For post-operative analgesia, diclofenac sodium was administered intravenously in a single dose of 75 mg before the incision. Conclusions: The described technique allowed to achieve adequate sensory and motor block, stability of intraoperative vital signs, and optimal recovery in the immediate postoperative period. It is another alternative in the management of patients with hypersensitivity to local anesthetics(AU)

Efficacy of Sedation by Midazolam in Association With Meperidine or Fentanyl and Role of Patient Distress During Elective Colonoscopy.

Meperidine and fentanyl are opioids currently used in addition to midazolam for sedation and analgesia during colonoscopy in Italy. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of patients' psychological state before elective colonoscopy on the efficacy of the sedation regimens. Eighty outpatients who underwent an elective colonoscopy were included in our study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire was self-administered to evaluate basal anxiety and depression state. The rate of baseline discomfort was evaluated by a standard 100-mm visual analog scale. Sedation was obtained alternatively with a midazolam-meperidine or midazolam-fentanyl combination. There were no statistically significant differences between the fentanyl and meperidine groups on body mass index, age, and gender composition. Patients in the meperidine group reported less pain during colonoscopy than patients in the fentanyl group. There were statistically significant positive correlations in the meperidine group with the distress, anxiety, and depression. Our study has pointed out greater effectiveness of the midazolam plus meperidine regimen, equal recovery times, and no significant differences in the duration of the endoscopic examinations. The evaluation of patients' psychological status seems to predict the efficacy of sedation when the nociceptive component of pain is well controlled.

Analgesia subaracnoidea en el trabajo de parto: bupivacaína/fentanilo vs. petidina / Subarachnoid analgesia in labor: bupivacaine/fentanyl vs pethidine

Introducción: La analgesia subaracnoidea es una alternativa para el trabajo de parto por su seguridad y adecuada relación riesgo/beneficio. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la analgesia durante el trabajo de parto con la comparación de dos métodos analgésicos. Método: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, longitudinal y prospectivo en 92 gestantes que se atendieron en el Hospital General Docente Abel Santamaría Cuadrado durante el período entre enero de 2014 y enero de 2017. Las pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos de 46 cada uno, al azar, por orden de llegada a la unidad quirúrgica. El grupo A, bupivacaína al 0,5 por ciento, en dosis de 2 mg y fentanilo en dosis de 25 mcg; y grupo B en el que se utilizó petidina en dosis de 25 mg, en todos los casos por vía intratecal. Las variables analizadas fueron: tensión arterial media, frecuencia cardíaca media, saturación parcial de oxígeno, tiempo de inicio de la analgesia, calidad analgésica, efectos adversos y nivel de satisfacción de las pacientes. Se empleó el análisis descriptivo y la diferencia de proporciones. Resultados: El grupo A mantuvo una TAM entre 84 y 88 mmHg, (Z= 6,0 significativa); FC media entre 80 y 88 lat/min, (Z= 1,94 no significativa); SpO2 con una media de 99,2 por ciento. En 46,74 por ciento (43 casos) el tiempo de inicio de la analgesia fue corto (Z= 8,47), siendo Buena en 100 por ciento de los casos (Z= 6,89 significativa), con recién nacido vigoroso en 100 por ciento (Z= 10,25 significativa). La evolución fue satisfactoria en 48,19 por ciento de las pacientes. Presentaron prurito 8,69 por ciento. En el grupo B hubo hipertensión arterial en 2,17 por ciento de los casos, con menos estabilidad de la FC, tiempos mayores de inicio de trabajo de parto en 12,96 por ciento y fue Buena en 40,22 por ciento. Estas pacientes mostraron menos satisfacción (41,30 por ciento). Conclusiones: La administración subaracnoidea de fentanilo/bupivacaína fue más efectiva que la petidina para la analgesia durante el trabajo de parto(AU)

Introduction: Subarachnoid analgesia is an alternative for labor due to its safety and suitable risk-benefit relationship. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of analgesia during labor with the comparison of two analgesic methods. Method: A quasiexperimental, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in 92 pregnant women who attended Abel Santamaría Cuadrado General Teaching Hospital during the period between January 2014 and January 2017. The patients were divided into two groups of 46 each, randomly assigned, in order of arrival to the surgical unit. Group A was treated with intrathecal administration of bupivacaine 0.5 percent, in a dose of 2 mg, and fentanyl in a dose of 25 mcg; and group B was treated with intrathecal administration of pethidine, in a dose of 25 mg. The variables analyzed were mean arterial blood pressure, mean heart rate, partial oxygen saturation, time of onset of analgesia, analgesic quality, adverse effects and level of patient satisfaction. The descriptive analysis and the difference in proportions were used. Results: Group A maintained a mean arterial blood pressure between 84 and 88 mmHg, (Z=6.0 significant); heart rate averages between 80 and 88 beats per minute, (Z=1.94 not significant); partial oxygen saturation with an average of 99.2 percent. In 46.74 percent (43 cases) the time of onset of analgesia was short (Z=8.47), being good in 100 percent of the cases (Z=6.89 significant), with vigorous newborn in 100 percent (Z=10.25 significant). The evolution was satisfactory in 48.19 percent of the patients. They presented pruritus 8.69 percent. In group B, there was arterial hypertension in 2.17 percent of the cases, with less stability of the heart rate, greater times of labor beginning in 12.96 percent and it was good in 40.22 percent. These patients showed less satisfaction (41.30 percent). Conclusions: Subarachnoid administration of fentanyl/bupivacaine was more effective than pethidine for analgesia during labor(AU)

Preemptive meloxicam achieves a better effect on postoperative pain control and similar tolerance compared with postoperative meloxicam in patients receiving arthroscopic knee surgery.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of very early preemptive meloxicam, early preemptive meloxicam, and postoperative meloxicam administration for postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery (AKS). Three hundred and six patients about to receive AKS were consecutively enrolled in this randomized, controlled study and randomly allocated into three groups: very early analgesia (VEA) group, early analgesia (EA) group, and postoperative analgesia (PA) group. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) score at rest and at flexion, patient global assessment (PGA) score, consumption of rescue pethidine, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Pain VAS score and severity at rest/flexion were all decreased in the VEA group compared with EA group and PA group at 4 h post-operation and were also reduced in the VEA and EA groups compared with the PA group at 8 h and 12 h post-operation. PGA score was lower in the VEA group compared with the EA group and PA group at 4 h post-operation, and was attenuated in the VEA group and the EA group compared with the PA group at 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h post-operation as well. Consumption of rescue pethidine was less in the VEA group than that in the PA group. In addition, no difference in the incidence of AEs was found among the VEA, EA, and PA groups. In conclusion, preemptive meloxicam is more effective in postoperative pain control and equally tolerated compared with postoperative meloxicam in patients receiving AKS.

Comparison of Effects of Hemostatic Gelatin Sponge Impregnated with Ropivacaine versus Normal Saline Applied on the Transverse Process of the Operated Vertebrae on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Spinal Instrumentation Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Protocols for effective postoperative pain control in patients undergoing spinal surgery are not standardized. In our study, we compared the effects of hemostatic absorbable gelatin sponge impregnated with ropivacaine versus normal saline when applied to the transverse process of the operated vertebrae on the postoperative pain following instrumentation spine surgery. METHODS: A prospective double-blind randomized study was conducted on 30 patients undergoing spine surgery. At the end of surgery, the hemostatic gelatin sponge was applied by the surgeon on the transverse process of the operated vertebra containing either ropivacaine 0.5% or normal saline NaCl 0.9. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) every 4 hours for 48 hours postoperatively in the 2 groups (ropivacaine vs. normal saline). The total amount of postoperative opioid use was also recorded. RESULTS: The VAS score was significantly lower in patients receiving hemostatic gelatin sponge impregnated with local anesthetics as compared with patients receiving gelatin sponge impregnated with normal saline 48 hours postoperatively; the mean total dose of meperidine given in the first 48 hours postoperatively was significantly lower (53.5 ± 51.0 mg) in patients receiving gelatin sponge impregnated with local anesthetics as compared with patients receiving hemostatic gelatin sponge impregnated with normal saline (140.5 ± 102 mg). CONCLUSIONS: Use of intraoperative hemostatic gelatin sponge impregnated with ropivacaine applied on the transverse process of the operated vertebrae intraoperatively resulted in decreasing the postoperative pain in patients undergoing lumbar instrumentation surgery as manifested by the decrease in the VAS score and the total dose of opioids.

Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Open Epigastric Hernia Repair: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Hernia repair is associated with considerable postoperative pain. We studied the analgesic efficacy of bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing open midline epigastric hernia repair (T6-T9). METHODS: Sixty patients 18-65 years of age were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Patients in the erector spinae plane block group received bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block at the level of T7 transverse process using 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% on each side, while the control group received bilateral sham erector spinae plane block using 1 mL of normal saline. All patients underwent general anesthesia for surgery. Pain severity (visual analog scale), consumption of intraoperative fentanyl, time to first request of rescue analgesia, and postoperative pethidine consumption were recorded over the first 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: At 2 hours postoperatively, the visual analog scale pain score was significantly lower in the erector spinae plane block group compared to the control group (estimated main effect of 2.53; P < .001; 95% CI, 1.8-3.2) and remained lower until 12 hours postoperatively (P < .001 from postanesthesia care unit admission to 4 hours postoperatively, .001 at 6 hours, .025 at 8 hours, and .043 at 12 hours). At 18 and 24 hours, visual analog scale pain scores were not significantly different between both groups (P = .634 and .432, respectively). Four patients in the erector spinae plane block group required intraoperative fentanyl compared to 27 patients in control group. The median (quartiles) of intraoperative fentanyl consumption in the erector spinae plane block group was significantly lower (0 µg [0-0 µg]) compared to that of the control group (94 µg [74-130 µg]). Ten patients in the erector spinae plane block group required postoperative rescue pethidine compared to 25 patients in control group. The median [quartiles] of postoperative rescue pethidine consumption was significantly lower in the erector spinae plane block group (0 mg [0-33 mg]) compared to that of the control group (83 mg [64-109 mg]). Time to first rescue analgesic request was significantly prolonged in the erector spinae plane block group compared to control group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block provided lower postoperative visual analog scale pain scores and decreased consumption of both intraoperative fentanyl and postoperative rescue analgesia for patients undergoing open epigastric hernia repair.

Interventions to reduce shoulder pain following gynaecological laparoscopic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is a common procedure used to diagnose and treat various gynaecological conditions. Shoulder-tip pain (STP) as a result of the laparoscopy occurs in up to 80% of women, with potential for significant morbidity, delayed discharge and readmission. Interventions at the time of gynaecological laparoscopy have been developed in an attempt to reduce the incidence and severity of STP. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and safety of methods for reducing the incidence and severity of shoulder-tip pain (STP) following gynaecological laparoscopy. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases: Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Studies Online (CRSO), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL from inception to 8 August 2018. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and registers of ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions used during or immediately after gynaecological laparoscopy to reduce the incidence or severity of STP. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Primary outcomes: incidence or severity of STP and adverse events of the interventions; secondary outcomes: analgesia usage, delay in discharge, readmission rates, quality-of-life scores and healthcare costs. MAIN RESULTS: We included 32 studies (3284 women). Laparoscopic procedures in these studies varied from diagnostic procedures to complex operations. The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate. The main limitations were risk of bias, imprecision and inconsistency.Specific technique versus "standard" technique for releasing the pneumoperitoneumUse of a specific technique of releasing the pneumoperitoneum (pulmonary recruitment manoeuvre, extended assisted ventilation or actively aspirating intra-abdominal gas) reduced the severity of STP at 24 hours (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.82 to -0.50; 5 RCTs; 670 participants; I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence) and reduced analgesia usage (SMD -0.53, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.35; 4 RCTs; 570 participants; I2 = 91%, low-quality evidence). There appeared to be little or no difference in the incidence of STP at 24 hours (odds ratio (OR) 0.87, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.82; 1 RCT; 118 participants; low-quality evidence).No adverse events occurred in the only study assessing this outcome.Fluid instillation versus no fluid instillationFluid instillation is probably associated with a reduction in STP incidence (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.66; 2 RCTs; 220 participants; I2 = 0%, moderate-quality evidence) and severity (mean difference (MD) (0 to 10 visual analogue scale (VAS) scale) -2.27, 95% CI -3.06 to -1.48; 2 RCTs; 220 participants; I2 = 29%, moderate-quality evidence) at 24 hours, and may reduce analgesia usage (MD -12.02, 95% CI -23.97 to -0.06; 2 RCTs; 205 participants, low-quality evidence).No study measured adverse events.Intraperitoneal drain versus no intraperitoneal drainUsing an intraperitoneal drain may reduce the incidence of STP at 24 hours (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.46; 3 RCTs; 417 participants; I2 = 90%, low-quality evidence) and may reduce analgesia use within 48 hours post-operatively (SMD -1.84, 95% CI -2.14 to -1.54; 2 RCTs; 253 participants; I2 = 90%). We are uncertain whether it reduces the severity of STP at 24 hours, as the evidence was very low quality (MD (0 to 10 VAS scale) -1.85, 95% CI -2.15 to -1.55; 3 RCTs; 320 participants; I2 = 70%).No study measured adverse events.Subdiaphragmatic intraperitoneal local anaesthetic versus control (no fluid instillation, normal saline or Ringer's lactate)There is probably little or no difference between the groups in incidence of STP (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.23; 4 RCTs; 336 participants; I2 = 0%; moderate-quality evidence) and there may be no difference in STP severity (MD -1.13, 95% CI -2.52 to 0.26; 1 RCT; 50 participants; low-quality evidence), both measured at 24 hours. However, the intervention may reduce post-operative analgesia use (SMD-0.57, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.21; 2 RCTs; 129 participants; I2 = 51%, low-quality evidence).No adverse events occurred in any study.Local anaesthetic into peritoneal cavity (not subdiaphragmatic) versus normal salineLocal anaesthetic into the peritoneal cavity may reduce the incidence of STP at 4 to 8 hours post-operatively (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.93; 2 RCTs; 157 participants; I2 = 56%; low-quality evidence). Our other outcomes of interest were not assessed.Warmed, or warmed and humidified CO2 versus unwarmed and unhumidified CO2There may be no difference between these interventions in incidence of STP at 24 to 48 hours (OR 0.81 95% CI 0.45 to 1.49; 2 RCTs; 194 participants; I2 = 12%; low-quality evidence) or in analgesia usage within 48 hours (MD -4.97 mg morphine, 95% CI -11.25 to 1.31; 1 RCT; 95 participants; low-quality evidence); there is probably little or no difference in STP severity at 24 hours (MD (0 to 10 VAS scale) 0.11, 95% CI -0.75 to 0.97; 2 RCTs; 157 participants; I2 = 50%; moderate-quality evidence).No study measured adverse events.Gasless laparoscopy versus CO2 insufflationGasless laparoscopy may be associated with increased severity of STP within 72 hours post-operatively when compared with standard treatment (MD 3.8 (0 to 30 VAS scale), 95% CI 0.76 to 6.84; 1 RCT; 54 participants, low-quality evidence), and there may be no difference in the risk of adverse events (OR 2.56, 95% CI 0.25 to 26.28; 1 RCT; 54 participants; low-quality evidence).No study measured the incidence of STP. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is low to moderate-quality evidence that the following interventions are associated with a reduction in the incidence or severity, or both, of STP, or a reduction in analgesia requirements for women undergoing gynaecological laparoscopy: a specific technique for releasing the pneumoperitoneum; intraperitoneal fluid instillation; an intraperitoneal drain; and local anaesthetic applied to the peritoneal cavity (not subdiaphragmatic).There is low to moderate-quality evidence that subdiaphragmatic intraperitoneal local anaesthetic and warmed and humidified insufflating gas may not make a difference to the incidence or severity of STP.There is low-quality evidence that gasless laparoscopy may increase the severity of STP, compared with standard treatment.Few studies reported data on adverse events. Some potentially useful interventions have not been studied by RCTs of gynaecological laparoscopy.

Effect of Topical Lidocaine Patch on Postoperative Pain Management in Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate pain control is a major concern in the immediate postoperative period. In multiple strategies for postoperative pain management, topical analgesics have significant advantages of minimizing severe side effects caused by oral and parenteral administration and drug-drug interactions. Therefore, we studied the effect of lidocaine patch on postoperative pain control in laparoscopic appendectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized double-blind prospective controlled study enrolled 40 acute appendicitis cases that were treated by laparoscopic appendectomy and randomly divided into two groups. Lidocaine patches containing lidocaine 175 mg was applied to the umbilical trocar site of each patient, and pain intensity was assessed with the visual analog scale every 6 hours up to 48 hours after laparoscopic appendectomy. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, the American society of anesthesiologists score, comorbidity, or underlying disease between the lidocaine patch and control groups. The postoperative pain scores were lower in the lidocaine patch group than in the control group, but statistical significance was not noted at the trocar site or the right lower quadrant of the abdomen (P = .320 and P = .903, respectively). The mean amounts of pethidine used after surgery were significantly smaller in the lidocaine patch group than in the control group (0.10 ± 0.31 mg versus 0.25 ± 0.79 mg, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that lidocaine patch application to the trocar site after laparoscopic appendectomy may have a positive effect on the management of postoperative pain and can eliminate the need to inject additional analgesics for further postoperative pain control.