Analgesic effects of ultrasound-guided preoperative posterior Quadratus Lumborum block in laparoscopic hepatectomy: A prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine if single-injection bilateral posterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) with ropivacaine would improve postoperative analgesia in the first 24 h after laparoscopic hepatectomy, compared with 0.9% saline. DESIGN: Prospective, double blinded, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A single tertiary care center from November 2021 and January 2023. PATIENTS: A total of 94 patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic hepatectomy due to hepatocellular carcinoma. INTERVENTIONS: Ninety-four patients were randomized into a QLB group (receiving 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine on each side, 150 mg in total) or a control group (receiving 20 mL of 0.9% saline on each side). MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the cumulative opioid consumption during the initial 24-h post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores and intraoperative and recovery parameters. MAIN RESULTS: The mean cumulative opioid consumption during the initial 24-h post-surgery was 30.8 ± 22.4 mg in the QLB group (n = 46) and 34.0 ± 19.4 mg in the control group (n = 46, mean differences: -3.3 mg, 95% confidence interval, -11.9 to 5.4, p = 0.457). The mean resting pain score at 1 h post-surgery was significantly lower in the QLB group than in the control group (5 [4-6.25] vs. 7 [4.75-8], p = 0.035). No significant intergroup differences were observed in the resting or coughing pain scores at other time points or in other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative bilateral posterior QLB did not reduce cumulative opioid consumption during the first 24 h after laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Effect of high-dose intravenous iron injection on hepatic function in a rat model of cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hepatic effects of high-dose intravenous (IV) iron, including those on liver function and the degree of fibrosis, in a rat model of cirrhosis. METHODS: We evenly allocated 25 Sprague-Dawley rats into five groups: normal rats (control group), cirrhotic rats receiving IV normal saline (liver cirrhosis [LC] group), and cirrhotic rats receiving 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg IV ferric carboxymaltose (LC-iron20, LC-iron40, and LC-iron80 group, respectively). Biochemical parameters were compared at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The degrees of hepatic fibrosis and iron deposition were evaluated. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were also compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the 28-day serum alanine aminotransferase levels among the LC-iron20, LC-iron40, and LC-iron80 groups (69 ± 7, 1003 ± 127, 1064 ± 309, 919 ± 346, and 820 ± 195 IU/L in the control, LC, LC-iron20, LC-iron40, and LC-iron80 groups, respectively). Hepatic iron accumulation increased in a dose-dependent manner, but the degree of hepatic fibrosis was comparable among the groups. The inflammatory and oxidative stress marker levels did not differ significantly according to the IV iron dose. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of IV iron at various high doses appears safe in our rat model of cirrhosis.

Comparison of analgesic effects between programmed intermittent epidural boluses and continuous epidural infusion after cesarean section: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) and continuous epidural infusion (CEI) for postoperative analgesia after elective cesarean section (CS). METHODS: Seventy-four women who underwent elective CS were randomized to receive either PIEB or CEI. The PIEB group received 4 ml-intermittent boluses of 0.11% ropivacaine every hour at a rate of 120 ml/h. The CEI group received a constant rate of 4 ml/h of 0.11% ropivacaine. The primary outcome was the pain score at rest at 36 h after CS. Secondary outcomes included the pain scores during mobilization, time-weighted pain scores, the incidence of motor blockade, and complications-related epidural analgesia during 36 h after CS. RESULTS: The pain score at rest at 36 h after CS was significantly lower in the PIEB group compared with that in the CEI group (3.0 vs. 0.0; median difference: 2, 95% CI [1, 2], P < 0.001). The mean time-weighted pain scores at rest and during mobilizations were also significantly lower in the PIEB group than in the CEI group (pain at rest; mean difference [MD]: 37.5, 95% CI [24.6, 50.4], P < 0.001/pain during mobilization; MD: 56.6, 95% CI [39.8, 73.5], P < 0.001). The incidence of motor blockade was significantly reduced in the PIEB group compared with that in the CEI group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PIEB provides superior analgesia with less motor blockade than CEI in postpartum women after CS, without any apparent adverse events.

Achieving Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma, and Anesthesia (SOTA) care for all in South Asia.

South Asia is a demographically crucial, economically aspiring, and socio-culturally diverse region in the world. The region contributes to a large burden of surgically-treatable disease conditions. A large number of people in South Asia cannot access safe and affordable surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anesthesia (SOTA) care when in need. Yet, attention to the region in Global Surgery and Global Health is limited. Here, we assess the status of SOTA care in South Asia. We summarize the evidence on SOTA care indicators and planning. Region-wide, as well as country-specific challenges are highlighted. We also discuss potential directions-initiatives and innovations-toward addressing these challenges. Local partnerships, sustained research and advocacy efforts, and politics can be aligned with evidence-based policymaking and health planning to achieve equitable SOTA care access in the South Asian region under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery: A randomized controlled study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in major gynecologic surgery, expressed as cumulative opioid consumption 24 h after surgery. DESIGN: A single-center, patient-assessor blinded, randomized controlled study. SETTING: Samsung medical center (tertiary university hospital), between February 2022 to January 2023. PATIENTS: Eighty-eight females undergoing major surgery with long midline incision for gynecologic malignancy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive standard systemic analgesia (Control group) or ESPB (ESPB group). ESPB was performed bilaterally at the level of the 9th thoracic vertebra with a mixture of 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine and 100 µg of epinephrine. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption and pain severity during the 72 h after surgery. The variables regarding postoperative recovery and patient-centered outcomes were compared. MAIN RESULTS: The mean cumulative opioid consumption 24 h after surgery was 35.8 mg in the ESPB group, which was not significantly different from 41.4 mg in the control group (mean difference, 5.5 mg; 95% CI -1.7 to 12.8 mg; P = 0.128). However, patient satisfaction regarding analgesia was significantly higher in the ESPB group compared with the control group at 24 h postoperative (median difference, -1; 95% CI -3 to 0; P = 0.038). There were no significant differences in the variables associated with postoperative recovery. CONCLUSION: ESPB did not reduce opioid consumption during the 24 h postoperative but attenuated pain intensity during the early period after surgery.

The utility of the perfusion index as an indicator of anesthetic depth for repeated propofol sedation in children: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Children receiving proton therapy require repeated sedation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the utility of the perfusion index (PI) for evaluating consciousness level during repeated propofol sedation. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, children aged from birth to 19 years old scheduled for proton therapy under repeated propofol sedation were enrolled. The primary outcome was the equivalence of PI values 5 min after anesthesia induction on consecutive sedation. Total consumption of propofol during sedation, time to reach the University of Michigan sedation scale (UMSS) score 1 after end of proton therapy, and duration of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay were recorded. RESULTS: The PI values measured 5 min after induction of anesthesia were not equivalent to each other in consecutive sedation except for the second versus third (1st vs. 2nd: 97.5% CI: -1.34, 0.91; p = 0.206, 0.034; 2nd vs. 3rd: 97.5% CI: -0.87, 0.94; p = 0.023, 0.036 3rd vs. 4th: 97.5% CI: -2.08, -0.26; p < 0.99, <0.001; 4th vs. 5th: 97.5% CI: 0.21, 2.28; p < 0.001, >0.99; respectively). In consecutive sedation, there was not a significantly different difference in the time to reach UMSS score 1 (p > 0.99, all) for total consumption of propofol, time to reach UMSS score 1 after the end of proton therapy, and duration of PACU stay. CONCLUSIONS: During repeated propofol sedation in children, PI was insufficient to be used as an indicator of consciousness level assessment. However, we suggest that the information related to repeated sedation provided by this study may be helpful in clinical practice.

Living liver donor pain management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Optimal pain control in living liver donors undergoing hepatectomy is strongly recommended considering their unique status as healthy individuals willingly undergoing surgery for the benefit of the recipient. This review aims to examine and evaluate different strategies aimed at ensuring effective postoperative pain management in living liver donors. RECENT FINDINGS: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have proven effective in optimizing patient outcomes, including in living liver donor hepatectomy. By implementing these protocols, healthcare professionals can enhance postoperative pain control and accelerate recovery. Multimodal analgesia, which combines different techniques and agents, is crucial in pain management for living liver donors. Regional analgesia techniques, such as spinal anesthesia and various peripheral nerve blocks, have shown efficacy in reducing pain and facilitating early recovery. Systemic nonopioid analgesics, including acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ketamine, lidocaine, and dexmedetomidine act synergistically to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Minimizing the use of opioids is important to avoid adverse effects, and they should be reserved for rescue medication or breakthrough pain. SUMMARY: Applying the principles of ERAS and multimodal analgesia to living liver donors can effectively control pain while promoting early recovery.

Comparison of the analgesic effect of intrathecal morphine between laparoscopic and open living donor hepatectomy: Propensity score matching analysis.

Laparoscopic donor hepatectomy is being increasingly adopted in transplant programs due to its numerous advantages. However, the role of intrathecal morphine (ITM) in laparoscopic donor hepatectomy has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects and safety of ITM between laparoscopic and open donor hepatectomy. This retrospective study included 742 donors who underwent hepatectomy with ITM between April 2007 and June 2019. Among them, 168 and 574 donors underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) and open hepatectomy (OH), respectively. Propensity score matching yielded two comparable groups of 168 donors each. The primary endpoint was the incidence of moderate-to-severe pain (maximum numerical rating scale [NRS] pain score ≥ 4) within 24 postoperative hours. The LH group had a significantly lower incidence of moderate-to-severe pain within 24 postoperative hours than the OH group (16.1% vs 64.3%, P < .001). Moreover, the cumulative rescue intravenous opioids (in morphine-equivalent dose) on postoperative day (POD) 1 was lower in the LH group than in the OH group (3.3 [0-8.3] mg vs 10 [3.3-17.3] mg; P < .001). There were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of respiratory depression (2.4% vs 0.6%; P = .371) and prescriptions for pruritus (14.3% vs 15.5%; P = .878). However, the prescriptions for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was significantly higher in the LH group than in the OH group (64.9% vs 41.7%; P < .001). The predictors of antiemetic agent prescription included the use of laparoscopic procedure (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-3.79; P = .021) and female sex (adjusted OR, 5.63; 95% CI, 3.19-9.92; P < .001). Preoperative ITM administration resulted in a significantly lower incidence of moderate-to-severe pain within 24 postoperative hours after laparoscopic donor hepatectomy than after open donor hepatectomy.

Abrogation of greater graft failure risk of female-to-male liver transplantation with donors older than 40 years or graft macrosteatosis greater than 5.

Greater graft-failure-risk of female-to-male liver transplantation (LT) is thought to be due to acute decrease in hepatic-estrogen-signaling. Our previous research found evidence that female hepatic-estrogen-signaling decreases after 40 years or with macrosteatosis. Thus, we hypothesized that inferiority of female-to-male LT changes according to donor-age and macrosteatosis. We stratified 780 recipients of grafts from living-donors into four subgroups by donor-age and macrosteatosis and compared graft-failure-risk between female-to-male LT and other LTs within each subgroup using Cox model. In recipients with ≤ 40 years non-macrosteatotic donors, graft-failure-risk was significantly greater in female-to-male LT than others (HR 2.03 [1.18-3.49], P = 0.011). Within the subgroup of recipients without hepatocellular carcinoma, the inferiority of female-to-male LT became greater (HR 4.75 [2.02-11.21], P < 0.001). Despite good graft quality, 1y-graft-failure-probability was 37.9% (23.1%-57.9%) in female-to-male LT within this subgroup while such exceptionally high probability was not shown in any other subgroups even with worse graft quality. When donor was > 40 years or macrosteatotic, graft-failure-risk was not significantly different between female-to-male LT and others (P > 0.60). These results were in agreement with the estrogen receptor immunohistochemistry evaluation of donor liver. In conclusion, we found that the inferiority of female-to-male LT was only found when donor was ≤ 40 years and non-macrosteatotic. Abrogation of the inferiority when donor was > 40 years or macrosteatotic suggests the presence of dominant contributors for post-transplant graft-failure other than graft quality/quantity and supports the role of hepatic-estrogen-signaling mismatch on graft-failure after female-to-male LT.

Days alive and out of hospital and graft survival after living donor liver transplantation.

Background: Days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) is a simple metric representing the number of days not in hospital within a defined postoperative period. In a case of mortality within the defined period, the DAOH is considered zero. DAOH has been validated in various surgical procedures, but not in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). This study aimed to demonstrate correlation between DAOH and graft failure after LDLT. Methods: In this cohort study, we identified 1,335 adult-to-adult LDLT performed from June 1997 to April 2019 in our institution. We calculated DAOH at 30, 60, and 90 days among survivors and divided the recipients according to the estimated threshold of each defined period. Results: The median duration of hospital stay after LDLT in the entire population was 25 (interquartile 22-41) days. Mean DAOH of survivors at 30, 60, and 90 days were 3.3 (±3.9), 19.7 (±15.9), and 40.3 (±26.3) days, respectively. We estimated the thresholds associated with three-year graft failure for DAOH at 30, 60, and 90 days and they were 1, 12, and 42 days, respectively. The incidence of graft failure was higher in recipients with short DAOH than long DAOH (10.9% vs. 23.6%, 10.3% vs. 24.3%, and 9.3% vs. 22.2% for DAOH at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively). Among survivors at 60 days, recipients with short DAOH showed significantly higher incidence of three-year graft failure [hazard ratio (HR), 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.86-3.34; P<0.001]. Conclusions: Considering clinical situations after LDLT, DAOH at 60 days may be a valid outcome measure.

Comparison of postoperative analgesic effects of erector spinae plane block and quadratus lumborum block in laparoscopic liver resection: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic liver resection is a minimally invasive surgical technique. However, a number of patients experience moderate-to-severe postoperative pain after laparoscopic liver resection. This study aims to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection. METHODS: One hundred and fourteen patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection will be randomly allocated to three groups (control, ESPB, or QLB) in a 1:1:1 ratio. In the control group, participants will receive systemic analgesia consisting of regular NSAIDs and fentanyl-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) according to the institutional postoperative analgesia protocol. In the two experimental groups (ESPB or QLB group), the participants will receive preoperative bilateral ESPB or bilateral QLB in addition to systemic analgesia according to the institutional protocol. ESPB will be performed at the 8th thoracic vertebra level with ultrasound guidance before surgery. QLB will be performed in the supine position on the posterior plane of the quadratus lumborum with ultrasound guidance before surgery. The primary outcome is cumulative opioid consumption 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes are cumulative opioid consumption, pain severity, opioid-related adverse events, and block-related adverse events at predetermined time points (24, 48, and 72 h after surgery). Differences in plasma ropivacaine concentrations in the ESPB and QLB groups would be investigated, and the quality of postoperative recovery among the groups will be compared. DISCUSSION: This study will reveal the usefulness of ESPB and QLB in terms of postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety in patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection. Additionally, the study results will provide information on the analgesic superiority of ESPB versus QLB in the same population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospectively registered with the Clinical Research Information Service on August 3, 2022; KCT0007599.

Comparison of two doses of intrathecal morphine in laparoscopic donor hepatectomy: A randomized double-blinded non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal morphine (ITM) injection is an effective postoperative analgesic strategy in open or laparoscopic donor hepatectomy; however, the optimal dose has not been determined. In this trial, we compared the post-operative analgesic effects of two doses (300 vs. 400 µg) of ITM injections. METHODS: In this prospective randomized non-inferiority trial, 56 donors were divided into either the 300 µg or 400 µg ITM group (n = 28, each). The primary outcome was the resting pain score at 24 h postoperatively. Pain scores, cumulative opioid consumption, and side effects (postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV]) were compared up to 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Fifty-five donors participated in the entire study. The mean resting pain scores at 24 h after surgery were 1.7 ± 1.6 and 1.7 ± 1.1 in the ITM 300 and ITM 400 groups, respectively (mean difference, 0 [95% CI, -.8 to .7], p = .978). The upper limit of the 95% CI was lower than the prespecified non-inferiority margin (δ = 1), indicating that non-inferiority had been established. The incidence of PONV was lower in the ITM 300 group than in the ITM 400 group at 18 (p = .035) and 24 h postoperatively (p = .015). There were no significant differences in the resting and coughing pain scores and cumulative opioid consumption at any time point. CONCLUSION: For laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, preoperative ITM 300 µg exhibited non-inferior postoperative analgesic effects compared to ITM 400 µg, with a lower incidence of PONV.

Effect of chewing gum on anxiety in women undergoing elective cesarean section: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is a common problem in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section. We aimed to determine the anxiolytic effects of chewing gum in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Sixty-six women were randomly assigned to either the control group (n=33) or gum group (n=33) in a 1:1 ratio. In the gum group, the participants chewed xylitol gum for at least 10 min/h, regardless of fasting. Gum chewing was started at 5 pm a day before surgery and continued till the participant entered the operation room. In the control group, participants were requested to follow fasting guidelines without further instruction. The primary outcome was preoperative anxiety measured using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) immediately before surgery. RESULTS: The APAIS score immediately before surgery showed no significant difference between the control and the gum group (19.2±5.8 vs. 19.1±4.1, P>0.99). There were no statistically significant differences in the eight items related to anxiety: unfitness, concentration difficulty, hunger, thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, and nausea. However, the pain score during the procedure of combined spinal epidural anesthesia was significantly lower in the chewing gum group [4 (IQR, 3-5.5)] than in the control group [5 (IQR, 3-7), P=0.045]. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative gum chewing did not reduce anxiety levels measured immediately before entering the operating room in the participants undergoing elective cesarean section. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry of Korea: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index.jsp and identifier: KCT0006602; date of registration: September 27, 2021; principal investigator's name: RyungA Kang.

Recent updates on interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery.

Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) provides optimal analgesia for shoulder surgery. However, several limitations still exist, including the short duration of analgesia, rebound pain, a high incidence of unilateral diaphragmatic paresis, and potential risk of nerve damage, prompting the search for alternative techniques. Many alternatives to ISBPB have been studied to alleviate these concerns, and clinicians should choose an appropriate option based on the patient's condition. In this mini-review, we aimed to present recent updates on ISBPB while discussing our clinical experiences in shoulder surgery.

Contribution of Salvaged Blood Red Blood Cell Transfusion During Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of allogeneic blood products can have adverse effects and profoundly influence postoperative liver transplantation outcomes, including graft survival. To minimize allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, salvaged blood can be used during liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of salvaged blood to allogeneic RBC transfusion in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients. METHODS: Data of 311 adult-to-adult LDLT recipients between January 2015 and April 2019 were analyzed. The primary outcome was a change in requirement for allogeneic RBCs due to the use of salvaged blood. Additionally, predictors of intraoperative allogeneic RBC transfusion were investigated. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three (49.2%) recipients required allogeneic RBC transfusion. If recipients did not receive salvaged blood, 253 (81.4%) recipients would have needed allogeneic RBC transfusion. The total volume of salvaged blood transfused into recipients during surgery was 269,165 mL, which corresponded to 993 units of allogeneic RBCs and accounted for 76.1% of total RBC transfusion volume. Multivariate analysis showed that male recipients, model for end-stage liver disease score, preoperative hemoglobin level, and volume of salvaged blood used during surgery were independent predictors of the need for intraoperative allogenic RBC transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative use of salvaged blood significantly reduced allogeneic RBC transfusion in LDLT recipients. It can help transplant teams manage transfusion of allogeneic RBCs during liver transplantation.

Second-generation laryngeal mask airway as an alternative to endotracheal tube in prolonged laparoscopic abdominal surgery: a comparative analysis of intraoperative gas exchanges.

Introduction: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA), which is used in difficult airway maintenance conditions during emergencies, is rarely used in prolonged surgery despite its advantages over endotracheal tube (ETT). In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of intraoperative gas exchanges between second-generation LMA and ETT during prolonged laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Methods: Prolonged surgery was defined as a surgery lasting more than 2 h. In total, 394 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection via either second-generation LMA or ETT were retrospectively analysed. The following parameters were compared between the two groups of patients: end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide (ETCO2), tidal volume (TV), respiratory rate (RR), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), pH and ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fractional inspired oxygen (PFR) during surgery. In addition, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), including pulmonary aspiration, was compared. Results: The values of ETCO2, TV, RR and PIP during pneumoperitoneum were comparable between the two groups. Although PaCO2 at 2 h after induction was higher in patients in the LMA group (40.5 vs. 38.5 mmHg, P < 0.001), the pH and PFR values of the two groups were comparable. The incidence of PPC was similar. Conclusion: During prolonged laparoscopic abdominal surgery, second-generation LMA facilitates adequate intraoperative gas exchange and may serve as an alternative to ETT.

Femoral Pulse Pressure Variation Is Not Interchangeable with Radial Pulse Pressure Variation during Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

The radial artery is commonly used as the site measuring pulse pressure variation (PPV) during surgery. Accurate measurement of circulating blood volume and timely interventions to maintain optimal circulating blood volume is important to deliver sufficient oxygen to tissues and organs. It has not rather than never studied in patients undergoing liver transplantation whether PPV measured at peripheral sites, such as the radial artery, do represent central PPV for evaluating blood volume. In this retrospective study, 51 liver transplant recipients were enrolled. The two PPVs had been automatically recorded every minute in electrical medical records. A total 1878 pairs of the two PPVs were collected. The interchangeability of PPV measured at the radial and the femoral artery was analyzed by using the Bland−Altman plot, four-quadrant plot, Cohen's kappa (k), and receiver operating curve. The bias and limits of agreement of the two PPVs were −1.3% and −8.8% to 6.2%, respectively. The percentage error was 75%. The concordance rate was 65%. The Kappa of PPV-radial determining whether PPV-femoral was >13% or ≤13% was 0.64. We found that PPV-radial is not interchangeable with PPV-femoral during liver transplantation. Additionally, PPV-radial failed to reliably track changes of PPV-femoral. Lastly, the clinical decision regarding blood volume status (depletion or not) is significantly different between the two PPVs. Therefore, PPV-femoral may help maintain blood volume circulating to major organs including the newly transplanted liver graft for liver transplant recipients.

Comparison of postoperative analgesic effects of posterior quadratus lumborum block and intrathecal morphine in laparoscopic donor hepatectomy: a prospective randomized non-inferiority clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Posterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and intrathecal morphine are accepted analgesic strategies in laparoscopic liver resection, but their effects have not been compared after laparoscopic donor hepatectomy. This study was planned to perform this comparison. METHODS: Fifty-six donors were randomized to receive bilateral posterior (QLB2, 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine on each side, 150 mg total) or preoperative injection of 0.4 mg morphine sulfate intrathecally. Primary outcome was resting pain score at 24 hour postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included cumulative opioid consumption and recovery parameters. Serial plasma ropivacaine concentrations were measured in QLB group. Only the outcome assessor was properly blinded. RESULTS: Mean resting pain score at 24-hour postsurgery was 4.19±1.66 in QLB group (n=27) and 3.07±1.41 in intrathecal morphine group (n=27, p=0.04). Mean difference (QLB group-intrathecal morphine group) was 1.11 (95% CI 0.27 to 1.95), and the upper limit of CI was higher than prespecified non-inferiority margin (δ=1), indicating an inferior effect of QLB. Cumulative opioid consumption was significantly higher in QLB group at 24 hours and 48 hours postsurgery. QLB group exhibited lower incidence of postoperative pruritus at all time points, and there were no differences in other recovery outcomes. All measured ropivacaine concentrations were below the threshold for systemic toxicity (4.3 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral posterior QLB elicited higher resting pain scores at 24-hour after laparoscopic donor hepatectomy than intrathecal morphine and did not meet the definition of non-inferiority. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: KCT0005360.