The Use of Pectoralis Blocks in Breast Surgery: A Practice Advisory and Narrative Review from the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA).

Although pectoralis (PECS) blocks are commonly used for breast surgery, recommendations regarding the efficacy of these blocks have thus far not been developed by any professional anesthesia society. Given the potential impact of PECS blocks on analgesia after outpatient breast surgery, The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) convened a task force to develop a practice advisory on the use of this analgesic technique. In this practice advisory, we compare the efficacy of PECS blocks with systemic analgesia, local infiltration anesthesia, and paravertebral blockade. Our objectives were to advise on two clinical questions. (1) Does PECS-1 and/or -2 blockade provide more effective analgesia for breast-conserving surgery than either systemic analgesics or surgeon-provided local infiltration anesthesia? (2) Does PECS-1 and/or -2 blockade provide equivalent analgesia for mastectomy compared with a paravertebral block (PVB)? Among patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery, PECS blocks moderately reduce postoperative opioid use, prolong time to analgesic rescue, and decrease postoperative pain scores when compared with systemic analgesics. SAMBA recommends the use of a PECS-1 or -2 blockade in the absence of systemic analgesia (Strength of Recommendation A). No evidence currently exists that strongly favors the use of PECS blocks over surgeon-performed local infiltration in this surgical population. SAMBA cannot recommend PECS blocks over surgical infiltration (Strength of Recommendation C). For patients undergoing a mastectomy, a PECS block may provide an opioid-sparing effect similar to that achieved with PVB; SAMBA recommends the use of a PECS block if a patient is unable to receive a PVB (Strength of Recommendation A).

Nonopioid Analgesics for the Perioperative Geriatric Patient: A Narrative Review.

Management of acute perioperative pain in the geriatric patient can be challenging as the physiologic and pharmacokinetic changes associated with aging may predispose older patients to opioid-related side effects. Furthermore, elderly adults are more susceptible to postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction, which may be exacerbated by both poorly controlled postoperative pain and commonly used pain medications. This narrative review summarizes the literature published in the past 10 years for several nonopioid analgesics commonly prescribed to the geriatric patient in the perioperative period. Nonopioid analgesics are broken down as follows: medications prescribed throughout the perioperative period (acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), medications limited to the acute perioperative setting ( N -methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, dexmedetomidine, dexamethasone, and local anesthetics), and medications to be used with caution in the geriatric patient population (gabapentinoids and muscle relaxants). Our search identified 1757 citations, but only 33 specifically focused on geriatric analgesia. Of these, only 21 were randomized clinical trials' and 1 was a systematic review. While guidance in tailoring pain regimens that focus on the use of nonopioid medications in the geriatric patient is lacking, we summarize the current literature and highlight that some nonopioid medications may extend benefits to the geriatric patient beyond analgesia.

Preoperative Quadratus Lumborum Block Reduces Opioid Requirements in the Immediate Postoperative Period Following Hip Arthroscopy: A Randomized, Blinded Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To examine acute postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy and randomized to either receive a preoperative lateral quadratus lumborum block or sham injection. METHODS: This trial randomized 46 subjects undergoing hip arthroscopy with a single surgeon to receive a preoperative lateral quadratus lumborum block (40 mL, ropivacaine 0.25%) or sham injection. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption in patients with and without a block. All opioid medications were converted to morphine milligram equivalents for comparisons. Categorical data were compared with χ2 tests and Fisher exact tests where appropriate. Continuous data were compared with 2-sided t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: Forty-six subjects scheduled for elective hip arthroscopy were successfully consented and randomized. Demographic and clinical characteristics did not differ. Postoperative opioid consumption decreased 28.3% in patients who received a preoperative lateral quadratus lumborum block (P = .04). Total perioperative opioid consumption (intraoperative and postoperative combined) was reduced 20% in the block group; however, this did not achieve statistical significance (P = .05). Three subjects in the sham group (12.5%) required unblinding for a rescue block in the postoperative anesthetic care unit (PACU) for uncontrolled pain despite systemic analgesics. While cold sensation was decreased postoperatively over the abdomen (P < .001) and anterior thigh (P = .03) in the block group, other PACU variables did not differ, including VAS pain scores, motor function, side effects, PACU duration, and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Opioid consumption was reduced in patients who received a preoperative lateral quadratus lumborum block combined with a standardized, multimodal protocol as compared with patients who did not receive a block. Our findings support the growing evidence that quadratus lumborum blocks are an effective component of multimodal analgesia options for patients undergoing elective hip arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Preoperative Quadratus Lumborum Block Reduces Initial Postoperative Opioid Consumption Following Hip Arthroscopy: A Retrospective Analysis.

Compare postoperative opioid consumption following hip arthroscopy in patients who received a preoperative, lateral quadratus lumborum block versus those who did not. Patients were retrospectively identified. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption (IV morphine milligram equivalents) in patients with and without a block. Comparisons between groups were conducted with Chi-square tests and Fisher Exact Tests where appropriate. Continuous data were compared with two-sided t-tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Data were collected on 100 patients. Mean (95% confidence interval) postoperative opioid consumption was reduced in patients with a quadratus lumborum block compared to those without a block (6.6 [5.2 - 8.1] vs 11.8 [10.2 - 13.4]; p < 0.0001; respectively). Eleven percent of patients with a preoperative quadratus lumborum block did not consume any opioids in the post anesthesia care unit. Opioid consumption in the immediate postoperative period was significantly reduced in patients that received a preoperative quadratus lumborum block. Level of Evidence: Level III - Retrospective Cohort Study. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(1):017-021, 2022).

Intravenous vs Oral Acetaminophen for Analgesia After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Examination of postoperative analgesia with intravenous and oral acetaminophen. DESIGN: Prospective, three-arm, nonblinded, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: A single academic medical center. SUBJECTS: Parturients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery. METHODS: This trial randomized 141 parturients to receive intravenous acetaminophen (1 g every eight hours, three doses), oral acetaminophen (1 g every eight hours, three doses), or no acetaminophen. All patients received a standardized neuraxial anesthetic with intrathecal opioids and scheduled postoperative ketorolac. The primary outcome, 24-hour opioid consumption, was evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallace test and Tukey-Kramer adjustment for multiple comparisons. Secondary outcomes included 48-hour opioid consumption, first opioid rescue, pain scores, patient satisfaction, times to ambulation and discharge, and side effects. RESULTS: Over 18 months, 141 parturients with similar demographic variables completed the study. Median (interquartile range) opioid consumption in intravenous morphine milligram equivalents at 24 hours was 0 (5), 0 (7), and 5 (7) for the intravenous, oral, and no groups, respectively, and differed between groups (global P = 0.017). Opioid consumption and other secondary outcomes did not differ between the intravenous vs oral or oral vs no groups. Opioid consumption was reduced at 24 hours with intravenous vs no acetaminophen (P = 0.015). Patients receiving no acetaminophen had 5.8 times the odds of consuming opioids (P = 0.036), consumed 40% more opioids controlling for time (P = 0.041), and had higher pain scores with ambulation (P = 0.004) compared with the intravenous group. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous acetaminophen did not reduce 24-hour opioid consumption or other outcomes compared with oral acetaminophen. Intravenous acetaminophen did decrease opioid consumption and pain scores compared with no acetaminophen.

A Retrospective Study Evaluating the Effect of Low Doses of Perineural Dexamethasone on Ropivacaine Brachial Plexus Peripheral Nerve Block Analgesic Duration.

Objective: Examination of the effectiveness of perineural dexamethasone administered in very low and low doses on ropivacaine brachial plexus block duration. Design: Retrospective evaluation of brachial plexus block duration in a large cohort of patients receiving peripheral nerve blocks with and without perineural dexamethasone in a prospectively collected quality assurance database. Setting: A single academic medical center. Methods: A total of 1,942 brachial plexus blocks placed over a 16-month period were reviewed. Demographics, nerve block location, and perineural dexamethasone utilization and dose were examined in relation to block duration. Perineural dexamethasone was examined as none (0 mg), very low dose (2 mg or less), and low dose (greater than 2 mg to 4 mg). Continuous catheter techniques, local anesthetics other than ropivacaine, and block locations with fewer than 15 subjects were excluded. Associations between block duration and predictors of interest were examined using multivariable regression models. A subgroup analysis of the impact of receiving dexamethasone on block duration within each block type was also conducted using a univariate linear regression approach. Results: A total of 1,027 subjects were evaluated. More than 90% of brachial plexus blocks contained perineural dexamethasone (≤4 mg), with a median dose of 2 mg. Increased block duration was associated with receiving any dose of perineural dexamethasone (P < 0.0001), female gender (P = 0.022), increased age (P = 0.048), and increased local anesthetic dose (P = 0.01). In a multivariable model, block duration did not differ with very low- or low-dose perineural dexamethasone after controlling for other factors (P = 0.420). Conclusion: Perineural dexamethasone prolonged block duration compared with ropivacaine alone; however, duration was not greater with low-dose compared with very low-dose perineural dexamethasone.

Labor Analgesia Onset With Dural Puncture Epidural Versus Traditional Epidural Using a 26-Gauge Whitacre Needle and 0.125% Bupivacaine Bolus: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar epidurals (LEs) provide excellent analgesia. Combined spinal epidural and dural puncture epidural (DPE) are 2 techniques to expedite neuraxial analgesia onset. In DPE, dura is punctured but medication is not administered in the cerebrospinal fluid. Expedited analgesia onset has been demonstrated with DPE, using 0.25% bupivacaine; however, this concentration may impede an unassisted vaginal birth and is not currently used for induction and maintenance of labor analgesia. The primary goal of this study was to compare the percentage of patients who achieved adequate labor analgesia following DPE or LE with an epidural bolus of 0.125% bupivacaine. Adequate labor analgesia was defined as Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measurement ≤ 10 mm on a 100-mm scale during active contractions, measured 10 minutes after epidural bolus initiation. METHODS: Laboring patients were randomly assigned to receive LE or DPE. Immediately before epidural placement, subjects marked a VAS score during an active contraction and parturients with VAS < 50 mm were excluded. The epidural space was identified by a loss of resistance technique to saline (17G Tuohy needle [Arrow International, Inc, Redding, PA]). In the DPE group, dura was punctured with a 26G Whitacre needle (Arrow International, Inc). In all participants, a 19G epidural catheter (Arrow International, Inc) was inserted. An epidural bolus was then administered over 3 minutes (12 mL, 0.125% bupivacaine, 50 µg fentanyl) followed by infusion (0.1% bupivacaine, 2 µg/mL fentanyl). After initiation of epidural bolus (time zero), VAS measurements were collected at 2-minute intervals for up to 20 minutes. Median time to achieve adequate analgesia by treatment group was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Time to achieving adequate analgesia was evaluated using a Cox regression model. All analyses were conducted in SAS version 9.4. (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) RESULTS:: Data were analyzed from 80 participants (40 per group). Adequate analgesia at 10 minutes did not differ by neuraxial technique (DPE = 55.3% vs LE = 44.7%; P= .256). However, parturients receiving DPE had shorter median times to adequate analgesia (median [95% confidence interval], 8 minutes [6-10] vs 10 minutes [8-14]) and a 67% increase in the relative risk of achieving adequate analgesia compared to LE (relative risk = 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.64; P= .042). CONCLUSIONS: Although the percentage of parturients achieving adequate labor analgesia at 10 minutes after epidural bolus did not differ by technique, DPE was associated with faster time to VAS ≤ 10 mm compared with LE.

Examination of intra-operative core temperature in joint arthroplasty: a single-institution prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Peri-operative hypothermia is associated with increased blood loss, delayed wound healing, and surgical site infections. However, it is not known when or how rapidly hypothermia develops during arthroplasty. This study observed patients undergoing lower extremity arthroplasty to identify the times of greatest heat loss or gain. METHODS: This single-institution prospective observational study enrolled 120 patients undergoing elective knee or hip arthroplasty for peri-operative temporal temperature measurements at ten prespecified intervals. Incidence of hypothermia was the primary outcome. A secondary aim was to identify patient and operative factors associated with hypothermia. Descriptive statistics were calculated for fixed time variables. Associations for the occurrence of hypothermia over time were conducted using generalized linear mixed models with a logit link and a random subject effect to account for repeated measures on the same individual over time. RESULTS: Most patients, 72.6%, experienced hypothermia with 20.6% hypothermic for over one hour and 47.1% hypothermic after surgery. In the multivariable model, increased odds of hypothermia were associated with female gender (P = 0.017), knee arthroplasty (P < 0.001), neuraxial anaesthesia (P < 0.001), lower patient pre-operative temperature (P < 0.001), and lower operating room temperature (P = 0.042). A 0.5 °C decrease in patient pre-operative temperature or operating room temperature was associated with a 97 and 11% increase in the odds of hypothermia, respectively, controlling for other factors. CONCLUSION: In our series, peri-operative hypothermia remains common for patients undergoing arthroplasty. Female gender, low pre-operative temperature, knee arthroplasty, and neuraxial anesthesia were associated with hypothermia. Further preventative strategies and studies on interventions to reduce hypothermia are needed.

Comparison of Lumbar Epidurals and Lumbar Plexus Nerve Blocks for Analgesia Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with significant postoperative pain. Both lumbar epidurals and lumbar plexus nerve blocks have been described for postoperative pain control, but it is unclear if one technique is more beneficial. METHODS: Using electronic medical records, a randomly selected, cohort of 58 patients with lumbar epidurals were compared with 58 patients with lumbar plexus nerve blocks following primary THA. The primary end point was 48-hour postoperative opiate consumption. Secondary end points included time of first ambulation, distance ambulated, level of assistance with ambulation, presence of side effects, and time to discharge. Descriptive statistics were calculated to characterize subjects in the different block-type groups. Comparisons in morphine consumption were conducted using linear mixed models. Primary and secondary end points were examined in multivariable models. RESULTS: Patients with lumbar plexus blocks consumed less opiates at 24, 36, and 48 hours relative to patients that received lumbar epidural catheters (P = .047, .002, and .002, respectively). Patients with lumbar plexus blocks ambulated earlier (24.6 ± 2.01 hours vs 31.7 ± 3.01 hours) and farther relative to patients with epidurals (P < .001 for both) and had discharge orders written earlier (58.2 ± 6.68 hours vs 73.6 ± 6.35 hours). CONCLUSION: In comparison to lumbar epidural catheters, lumbar plexus nerve blocks are an effective pathway for postoperative pain control following primary THA. Furthermore, this clinical pathway expedites physical rehabilitation and is more compatible with postoperative prophylactic anticoagulants.

Process Improvement Project Using Tranexamic Acid Is Cost-Effective in Reducing Blood Loss and Transfusions After Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been associated with decreased blood loss and transfusion after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to examine both transfusion utilization and the economic impact of a Process Improvement Project implementing TXA for THA and TKA. METHODS: After standardization of TXA administration in THA and TKA patients, retrospective data were compared from 12 consecutive months before (group A, n = 336 procedures) and after (group B, n = 436 procedures) project initiation. RESULTS: TXA administration increased with project implementation (group A = 3.57%, group B = 86.01%) and was associated with reductions in perioperative hemoglobin decrement (20.2%), patients transfused (45%), and number of units transfused per patient (61.9%). Cost savings were notable per patient ($128) and annually program wide ($55,884) with the primary THA subgroup contributing the most to the savings. No increase in adverse effects was observed. CONCLUSION: Standardized administration of TXA is an effective and economically favorable blood-reduction strategy for patients undergoing elective THA or TKA. Although reduction in transfusions with TXA may be greater after TKA, the economic and clinical impact of transfusion reduction is more substantial in THA patients.

Comparison of analgaesia with lumbar epidurals and lumbar plexus nerve blocks in patients receiving multimodal analgaesics following primary total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Significant post-operative pain occurs after hip arthroplasty. In a prior study, lumbar plexus nerve blocks provided comparable analgaesia to lumbar epidurals; however, multimodal analgaesics were not used consistently. METHODS: This study assessed a randomly selected cohort of 48 patients undergoing primary hip arthroplasty who received a regional anaesthesia technique for post-operative pain. Twenty-four patients with lumbar epidurals and 24 with single-injection lumbar plexus nerve blocks were reviewed using electronic medical records. Post-operative opiate consumption was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were participation in physical therapy, side effects, and time to discharge. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe patients in the different groups. Opiate consumption was compared using linear mixed models. Multivariable models were examined for both primary and secondary endpoints. RESULTS: In comparison with patients receiving lumbar epidural catheters, patients with lumbar plexus blocks consumed less opiates post-operatively at 24-36 and 36-48 hours (P = 0.037 and 0.002, respectively); it did not differ at zero to 12 hours or 12-24 hours post-operatively. Patients with lumbar plexus blocks had earlier times to first ambulation (28.5 ± 3.29 vs 21.9 ± 1.76 h; P = 0.043). However, differences by block type were not observed for ambulation distance, level of assistance to ambulate or time of discharge orders. CONCLUSIONS: Following primary total hip arthroplasty, lumbar plexus nerve blocks provide effective post-operative analgaesia with decreased opiate consumption compared with lumbar epidural catheters. Lumbar plexus blocks also promote earlier post-operative ambulation and are compatible with post-operative prophylactic anticoagulants.

A prospective observational study of ethnic and racial differences in neuraxial labor analgesia request and pain relief.

BACKGROUND: As ethnic and racial diversity increases, it is important that anesthesia providers understand the expectations and concerns of this changing population regarding labor analgesia. Our objective was to evaluate ethnic/racial differences in labor analgesia characteristics with regard to the timing of request for neuraxial analgesia. METHODS: Three hundred ninety-seven parturients were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Term laboring parturients who planned vaginal delivery and requested neuraxial labor analgesia were eligible for inclusion. Data collected included cervical dilation at the time of neuraxial analgesia request, self-identified ethnicity/race, parity, education, insurance status, pain score before and after the initiation of neuraxial analgesia, and mode of delivery. The primary outcome was cervical dilation at the time of neuraxial analgesia request. Ethnicity/race classification was determined by asking the patient, "How would you define your ethnicity?" Patients were categorized into the ethnic/racial groups of non-Hispanic White, African American, Hispanic, or other. Univariate associations between cervical dilation and categorical variables were examined. Multivariate analysis was performed for the primary outcome of cervical dilation at the time of initiation of neuraxial analgesia. RESULTS: At the time of neuraxial analgesia placement, the mean difference in cervical dilation of Hispanic parturients was 0.8 cm compared to non-Hispanic Whites (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1-1.4; P = 0.047). After controlling for education, reason for placement, labor augmentation, and mode of delivery in a multivariate model, Hispanic parturients had 0.5 cm greater cervical dilation compared to non-Hispanic Whites, which was not significant (95% confidence interval, -0.1 to 1.1; P = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that ethnicity/race plays a small role in acceptance and request for neuraxial labor analgesia.

Ropivacaine 0.1% versus 0.2% for continuous lumbar plexus nerve block infusions following total hip arthroplasty: a randomized, double blinded study.

OBJECTIVE: Continuous lumbar plexus blocks provide excellent analgesia for total hip arthroplasty (THA), but their utility has been questioned as they may increase motor weakness. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different concentrations of ropivacaine on both postoperative analgesia and motor function. METHODS: Thirty patients were examined in this prospective, single center, double-blinded, parallel group, comparative, randomized controlled trial in patients undergoing primary THA. Lumbar plexus catheters were inserted preoperatively. After surgery, patients were randomly assigned to receive an infusion of ropivacaine at a concentration of either 0.1% (group 0.1%) or 0.2% (group 0.2%) at a standardized volume of 7 mL per hour for 24 hours. Patients were also given free access to patient-controlled analgesia hydromorphone for 24 hours, supplemental intravenous (IV) opiates, and boluses of their assigned local anesthetic concentration via the lumbar plexus catheter. The primary endpoint was total hydromorphone consumption in 24 hours. Secondary endpoints included pain scores, sensory and motor function, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in hydromorphone consumption in the first 24 hours postoperatively (mean [95% confidence interval]) between group 0.1% (8.02 mg [6.02-10.02]) and group 0.2% (8.21 mg [5.75-10.69], P = 0.90). The volume of local anesthetic received, pain scores, sensory and motor function, and patient satisfaction did not vary between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Following primary THA, lumbar plexus perineural infusion of 0.1% ropivacaine provided similar benefits for postoperative analgesia and functional recovery as 0.2% ropivacaine.

Regional anesthesia in patients with pre-existing neurologic disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Regional anesthesia is controversial in patients with pre-existing neurologic disease. This study reviews the published evidence regarding the utilization and outcomes of regional anesthetics in this population. RECENT FINDINGS: Although publications are sparse, neuraxial and peripheral regional techniques have been successfully described in patients with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre disease, neurofibromatosis, diseases of the neuromuscular junction, and Charcot-Marie Tooth disease without neurologic complications. Ultrasound guidance may aid in reduction in local anesthetic dose, anatomical evaluation and avoidance of needle trauma. SUMMARY: Regional anesthesia can be safely utilized in patients with pre-existing neurological disease and may have benefits over general anesthesia; however, a conservative approach is warranted. In addition, further publications regarding regional techniques in this population are needed.

Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors augment the ability of formoterol to enhance glucocorticoid-dependent gene transcription in human airway epithelial cells: a novel mechanism for the clinical efficacy of roflumilast in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Post-hoc analysis of two phase III clinical studies found that the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, roflumilast, reduced exacerbation frequency in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were taking inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) concomitantly, whereas patients not taking ICS derived no such benefit. In contrast, in two different trials also performed in patients with severe COPD, roflumilast reduced exacerbation rates in the absence of ICS, indicating that PDE4 inhibition alone is sufficient for therapeutic activity to be realized. Given that roflumilast is recommended as an "add-on" medication to patients with severe disease who will inevitably be taking a long-acting ß2-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA)/ICS combination therapy, we tested the hypothesis that roflumilast augments the ability of glucocorticoids to induce genes with anti-inflammatory activity. Using a glucocorticoid response element (GRE) luciferase reporter transfected into human airway epithelial cells [both bronchial epithelium + adenovirus 12 - SV40 hybrid (BEAS-2B) cells and primary cultures], roflumilast enhanced fluticasone propionate-induced GRE-dependent transcription. Roflumilast also produced a sinistral displacement of the concentration-response curves that described the augmentation of GRE-dependent transcription by the LABA formoterol. In BEAS-2B cells and primary airway epithelia, roflumilast interacted with formoterol in a positive cooperative manner to enhance the expression of several glucocorticoid-inducible genes that have anti-inflammatory potential. We suggest that the ability of roflumilast and formoterol to interact in this way supports the concept that these drugs together may impart clinical benefit beyond that achievable by an ICS alone, a PDE4 inhibitor alone, or an ICS/LABA combination therapy. Roflumilast may, therefore, be especially effective in patients with severe COPD.