Comparing modalities of opioid education in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a randomized pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) experience significant postoperative pain and routinely require opioids, yet they often lack knowledge regarding appropriate use and handling of these medications. Evidence suggests that educational interventions in various formats may help reinforce proper usage and improve postoperative pain control. The aim of this study is to compare the institution standard of care (webinar) with two novel educational interventions-one in-person and the other a video recording-that focus specifically on the use of opioids and pain control. METHODS: This prospective, randomized pilot study included 42 patients undergoing TKA. Patients were randomized into one of three groups: (1) webinar: 50 min virtual session standard of care at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), (2) in-person education, or (3) video education. The primary outcomes of this study were the number of opioid refill requests through postoperative day (POD) 30 and POD 60. The secondary outcomes evaluated Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents (OME), surveys on medication usage and opioid knowledge, reported medication storage and disposal. We hypothesize that the novel educational interventions, presented either in-person or by video, will lead to a decrease in opioid refills within 60 days compared with current education delivered through virtual webinar. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among groups in the number of opioid refill requests, average NRS pain score, or OME consumption at any time point. Opioid refill requests ranged from 0% to 16.7% at POD 30 (Fisher's exact test, p=0.625) and from 0% to 8.3% at POD 60 (p=1.000). The median opioid refill request was zero requests per group from POD 21 to 60 (webinar 0 (0.0, 0.0), in-person 0 (0.0, 0.0), video 0 (0.0, 0.0), Kruskal-Wallis test, p=0.381). Average NRS pain scores were 5 or below for all groups on POD 1, 7 and 14. By POD 7, all groups had an average daily intake OME of 14 or below. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patients in each group did well with postoperative pain management after TKA and had minimal opioid refill requests. There were no statistically significant differences in outcomes of NRS pain scores or opioid usage among groups suggesting that educational interventions were similarly effective. As a pilot trial, study demonstrated successful recruitment and retention of participants, and important feedback was elicited from patients regarding education, as well. Of note, this was a pilot study and was likely underpowered to detect a difference. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05593341.

Postoperative pain management in children: guidance from the Pain Committee of the European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology (ESPA Pain Management Ladder Initiative) Part II.

The ESPA Pain Management Ladder Initiative is a clinical practice advisory based upon expert consensus supported by the current literature to help ensure a basic standard of perioperative pain management for all children. In 2018 the perioperative pain management of six common pediatric surgical procedures was summarised. The current Pain Management Ladder recommendations focus on five more complex pediatric surgical procedures and suggest basic, intermediate, and advanced pain management methods. The aim of this paper is to encourage best possible pain management practice and to support institutions to create their own pain management concepts according to their financial and human resources due to the diversity of clinical settings in Europe. Furthermore, the authors underline that these recommendations are intended for inpatients only.

The Analgesic Mechanism and Recent Clinical Application of Erector Spinae Plane Block: A Narrative Review.

Now, the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is widely used in various thoracolumbar surgeries. It has unique advantages: simple and convenient operation, low safety risks, and reduced opioid use. The ESPB is used in thoracic surgery, abdominal surgery, and spinal surgery. There are also relevant research reports on postoperative analgesia during general anesthesia surgery. This article searches the PubMed and Web of Science databases to find and screen relevant studies on ESPB since 2019 and retrospectively summarizes the current indications of ESPB. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane bias risk tool. The results showed that the current research on ESPB generally provides low-level clinical evidence. The complex anatomy of the erector spinae muscles is both responsible for its unique advantages and restricts its development. Few anatomical studies have clearly and completely demonstrated the diffusion relationship of local anesthetics among the anatomical structures of the erector spinal muscles. The uncontrollability of the diffusion plane prevents ESPB from being applied on a wider scale with a high level of evidence. To further clarify the scope of application of ESPB and achieve the best analgesic effect, in the future, we should focus on the unique anatomical course and distribution of the erector spinal muscles and their fascia and nerves. It is necessary to combine anatomical, imaging, and histological methods to obtain high-quality evidence to guide clinical application.

Use of Loco-regional Anesthesia in Austere Environments: A Review by and for Special Forces Medics.

Special Forces increasingly operate in austere environments, which are known to have limited medical support and prolonged evacuation times. On the battlefield, pain remains the first complaint of casualties and can impact direct autonomic stability, recovery, and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder. Although medical education has been improving, medical providers still encounter difficulties, such as lack of human and material resources, while trying to achieve pain management. This article summarizes a survey sent to 35 Special Operations medical providers and suggests possible strategies to address challenges to pain management on the battlefield. Potential solutions have been gathered through medical texts, medical/NATO documents, and medical expertise. Nerves blocks have been identified as valuable tools for pain management in the current battlefield environment, where prolonged evacuation and limited freedom of movement are the norm. The survey showed that, although the vast majority of providers had already received lectures on regional anesthesia, 83% were not trained in it, and 54% had never been made aware of multimodal analgesia. This lack of familiarity highlights knowledge and training gaps in nerve block techniques. Diffusion blocks are a very low-risk, useful, and safe pain management technique, which requires less skill sustainment and resources than more complex techniques. The use of epinephrine as adjunct can be useful for decreasing local anesthetic toxicity and increasing long-term pain management. The need for both education on and training in the use of nerve blocks has been identified by the Special Operations health provider community.

Evolving Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine fellowship application process: a program director survey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Most Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine (RAAPM) fellowship programs transitioned to virtual interviews in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, the RAAPM fellowship match started in 2023 in order to make the application process more equitable. In this study, we surveyed RAAPM fellowship program directors (PDs) to determine how such major events of the early 2020s shaped the fellowship application process. METHODS: A 16-question survey was distributed to US RAAPM program directors. The survey aimed to assess whether PDs prefer the fellowship match over the previous rolling application format and to gauge PDs' confidence in using virtual interviews to evaluate applicants. RESULTS: 56 (71%) RAAPM program directors completed the survey. 79% of respondents participated in the inaugural match. 59% of PDs preferred the fellowship match over the rolling application format. The interview was rated the most important selection criterion. Of the 93% of PDs who switched to virtual interviews during the pandemic, only 4 PDs (7%) resumed in-person interviews in some capacity. Majority of PDs believed that virtual interviews were not inferior to in-person interviews for assessing applicants; 48% of respondents preferred virtual interviews over in-person interviews. CONCLUSIONS: Most RAAPM programs continued to conduct virtual interviews exclusively. Majority of program directors preferred the fellowship match. PDs ranked the interview as the most important selection factor. Most PDs thought virtual interviews were not inferior to in-person interviews, but they remained divided on which format they prefer.

Role of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine With Hyperbaric Ropivacaine in Subarachnoid Block: A Comprehensive Review.

Subarachnoid block (SAB), a fundamental technique in regional anesthesia, offers efficient anesthesia for various surgical procedures with advantages including rapid onset, reliable anesthesia, and reduced systemic effects compared to general anesthesia. Hyperbaric ropivacaine, a long-acting local anesthetic, has gained popularity due to its favorable pharmacokinetic profile and safety profile. However, to extend the duration and enhance the quality of anesthesia provided by hyperbaric ropivacaine, adjuvants such as dexmedetomidine and clonidine are frequently employed. This comprehensive review explores the roles of dexmedetomidine and clonidine as adjuvants to hyperbaric ropivacaine in SAB. It examines their pharmacological mechanisms, clinical efficacy, safety profiles, and comparative effectiveness in prolonging analgesia and enhancing anesthesia. The review synthesizes evidence from clinical studies to delineate the synergistic effects of these adjuvants, their impact on patient outcomes, and their potential advantages over traditional anesthesia techniques. Through a detailed analysis of current literature and clinical practices, this review aims to provide insights into optimizing the use of dexmedetomidine and clonidine in SAB protocols. It discusses clinical implications, offers recommendations for practice, and identifies future research directions to further enhance the efficacy and safety of SAB using these adjuvants.

Unilateral Spinal Anesthesia in Hip Fracture Surgery for Geriatric Patients With High Cardiovascular Risk due to Aortic Stenosis is Safe and Effective.

Introduction: Aortic stenosis is a cause of mortality or morbidity. It complicates the selection and management of anesthetic procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, hemodynamic effects and postoperative outcome of unilateral spinal anesthesia in geriatric patients with hip fractures with moderate or severe aortic stenosis. Material and Method: A retrospective observational study was conducted on geriatric high-risk patients with cardiac conditions who underwent surgery for hip fractures under unilateral spinal anesthesia with low-dose hyperbaric bupivacaine. The study period spanned from January 2018 to December 2021. The inclusion criteria were individuals with moderate to severe aortic stenosis, as defined by the American Heart Association Criteria. Data on demographic information, cardiac pathologies, hemodynamic data, data on motor and sensory block, perioperative complications, and mortality rates at 30th and 180th days were collected. Results: Mortality rates at the 30th day and 180th day were 8.9% (n:4) and 24.4% (n:11), respectively. T6 level was predominantly obtained level of anesthesia (44.4%). Motor and sensory block formation times averaged 7.6 and 4.8 minutes, respectively. Surgical procedures were performed mostly within 1 hour (66.7%), and complications were rare (11.1% hypotension). Initial analgesic effect showed a rapid resolution, with 64.4% of patients requiring analgesic within the first hour postoperatively. Conclusion: In elderly patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis scheduled for hip fracture surgery, we posit that unilateral spinal anesthesia with ultra-low dose is safe and effective option.

Simulation tools in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia: developing a simple, inexpensive erector spinae plane (ESP) block teaching model.

The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an increasingly utilized regional block in the emergency department, representing one effective alternative or adjunct to opioid analgesia in patients presenting with rib fractures. While there is growing interest, its widespread adoption faces hurdles, such as a lack of appropriate training resources. Gelatin-based phantoms to simulate human anatomy have been widely used to facilitate ultrasound-guided procedures, although no such model for the ESP block has yet been defined in the literature. To address this gap, we sought to design and assemble an inexpensive, simple to build, reusable phantom to simulate the sonographic anatomy of the posterior thoracic wall and serve as a task trainer for an ultrasound-guided ESP block. This novel phantom model reproduces an ultrasonographic fascial plane using a gelatin medium and 3D-printed thoracic spine with ribs allowing for needle guidance and hydrodissection.

RéSUMé: Le bloc plan érecteur-épine (ESP) est un bloc régional de plus en plus utilisé dans les services d'urgence, représentant une alternative efficace ou un complément à l'analgésie opioïde chez les patients présentant des fractures des côtes. Bien que l'intérêt grandisse, son adoption généralisée se heurte à des obstacles, tels que le manque de ressources de formation appropriées. Les fantômes à base de gélatine pour simuler l'anatomie humaine ont été largement utilisés pour faciliter les procédures guidées par ultrasons, bien qu'aucun modèle de ce type pour le bloc ESP n'ait encore été défini dans la littérature. Pour combler cette lacune, nous avons cherché à concevoir et assembler un fantôme peu coûteux, simple à construire et réutilisable pour simuler l'anatomie échographique de la paroi thoracique postérieure et servir d'entraîneur-tâche pour un bloc ESP guidé par ultrasons. Ce modèle fantôme reproduit un plan fascial échosonographique utilisant un milieu gélatineux et une colonne thoracique imprimée en 3D avec des nervures permettant le guidage de l'aiguille et l'hydrodissection.

Pediatric Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and peripheral nerve blocks: a retrospective cohort study of 25 patients.

PURPOSE: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is an inherited neurologic disorder characterized by progressive peripheral neuropathies. The use of peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) in patients with CMT disease has been controversial because of concerns about exacerbating existing neurologic impairments and the "double hit" hypothesis. We aimed to assess the use of PNB in pediatric patients with CMT disease undergoing orthopedic surgery to address the limited data available in the literature on this topic. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included all pediatric patients with CMT disease scheduled for orthopedic surgery receiving PNB at our centre. All of the patients had preoperative neurologic exams and received one or more ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques. Data extracted included details of anesthesia technique, surgical procedure, opioid consumption, and pain scores during the first three postoperative days. We also reviewed any complications such as neurologic deficits and local anesthetic toxicity. We used descriptive statistics to summarize the findings. RESULTS: We included 25 patients, 14 of whom (56%) presented with pre-existing neurologic deficits, primarily in the lower extremities. Postoperative assessments revealed no new neurologic impairments in 24/25 (96%) patients, with only one patient experiencing a nerve injury possibly related to the surgical procedure. Opioid consumption was low in the postanesthesia care unit and on the day of surgery. No additional complications were noted in the first 72 hr after surgery. CONCLUSION: Despite concerns, PNB showed favourable outcomes in a pediatric cohort with CMT disease, with low opioid consumption and pain scores and minimal complications during follow-up. These findings match previous reports of adult patients with CMT disease and suggest that the benefits of PNB may outweigh the perceived risks in pediatric patients with CMT disease.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La maladie de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) est une maladie neurologique héréditaire caractérisée par des neuropathies périphériques progressives. L'utilisation de blocs nerveux périphériques (BNP) chez la patientèle atteinte de CMT est controversée en raison des inquiétudes concernant l'exacerbation des déficiences neurologiques existantes et de l'hypothèse d'une « double insulte ¼. Notre objectif était d'évaluer l'utilisation de BNP chez les patient·es pédiatriques atteint·es de CMT bénéficiant d'une chirurgie orthopédique afin de pallier les données limitées disponibles dans la littérature à ce sujet. MéTHODE: Dans cette étude de cohorte rétrospective, nous avons inclus tou·tes les patient·es pédiatriques atteint·es de CMT devant bénéficier d'une chirurgie orthopédique et recevant un BNP dans notre centre. Tou·tes ont bénéficié d'examens neurologiques préopératoires et ont reçu une ou plusieurs techniques d'anesthésie régionale échoguidées. Les données extraites comprenaient des détails sur la technique d'anesthésie, l'intervention chirurgicale, la consommation d'opioïdes et les scores de douleur au cours des trois premiers jours postopératoires. Nous avons également examiné toutes les complications telles que les déficits neurologiques et la toxicité des anesthésiques locaux. Nous avons utilisé des statistiques descriptives pour résumer les résultats. RéSULTATS: Nous avons inclus 25 patient·es, dont 14 (56 %) présentaient des déficits neurologiques préexistants, principalement dans les membres inférieurs. Les évaluations postopératoires n'ont révélé aucune nouvelle déficience neurologique chez 24 patient·es sur 25 (96 %), une seule personne ayant subi une lésion nerveuse possiblement liée à l'intervention chirurgicale. La consommation d'opioïdes était faible en salle de réveil et le jour de l'opération. Aucune complication supplémentaire n'a été notée dans les 72 premières heures après la chirurgie. CONCLUSION: Malgré les inquiétudes, le BNP a montré des résultats favorables dans une cohorte pédiatrique atteinte de CMT, avec une faible consommation d'opioïdes et des scores de douleur et des complications minimes pendant le suivi. Ces résultats correspondent à des comptes rendus antérieurs de patient·es adultes atteint·es de CMT et suggèrent que les avantages des BNP pourraient l'emporter sur les risques perçus chez la patientèle pédiatrique atteinte de CMT.

Operative treatment of clavicle fractures results in more opioids prescribed as compared to non-operative management.

PURPOSE: The operative treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures shows benefit in union rates, return to work, and lower pain scores relative to non-operative treatment. We sought to determine if the surgical treatment of isolated mid-shaft clavicle fractures would result in fewer opioids prescribed as compared to those managed non-operatively. METHODS: All mid-shaft clavicle fractures treated at a Level 1 trauma center were identified from 2012 to 2016. Demographics, fracture characteristics, surgical complications/outcomes, non-operative outcomes, and all narcotics prescribed for 6 months post-injury were collected. Narcotic prescriptions, in morphine equivalents (ME), were obtained through the state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). RESULTS: One hundred and ten operative and 48 non-operative patients were included. Age, gender, previous alcohol, tobacco or drug use, and final range of motion were similar between groups. Pre-treatment fracture shortening (1.8 cm vs. 0.7 cm, p < 0.001) and displacement (150% vs. 70%, p < 0.001) were greater in the operative group. Total ME's (604 vs. 187, p < 0.001) and post-operative ME's (420 vs. 187, p < 0.001) were greater for the operative group. In either group, no other variable influenced ME's prescribed. CONCLUSION: Clavicles treated operatively receive substantially more opiates than those treated non-operatively, despite data suggesting that operative treatment makes clavicle fractures less painful. The total amount of narcotic analgesics obtained by operatively treated patients was over three times that obtained by non-operatively managed patients, which equates to 55 5 mg oxycodone pills or 85 5 mg hydrocodone pills per patient. While there may certainly be advantages to the operative treatment of clavicle fractures, they must be weighed against the risks of a significant increase in opiate prescribing and potential consumption.

Efficacy of Direct Versus Peripheral Adjuvant Dexamethasone on Duration and Rebound Pain in Regional Anesthesia for Outpatient Distal Radius Fracture Fixation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Blinded Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasingly wider use, there remains controversy among anesthesiologists regarding preferred formulations and the role of steroid adjuvants in regional anesthesia. There is also uncertainty in the role of dexamethasone when administered directly versus peripherally. We hypothesize that directly mixing dexamethasone into the regional nerve block rather than peripherally administered intravenous dexamethasone will demonstrate a difference in efficacy concerning duration and rebound pain, decreased postoperative pain scores, or opioid consumption within the short-term postoperative period. METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled blinded study was conducted for patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation with a volar plate technique for distal radius fractures. Patients were randomized for their preoperative anesthesia. One group had ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block with ropivacaine with a direct mix of dexamethasone 4 mg (Direct group), while the other group had ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block with ropivacaine and peripheral intravenous dexamethasone 4 mg (Indirect group). Data was collected pre, intra, and postoperatively. RESULTS: Fifty patients consented and participated in the study, with 27 participants in the direct group and 23 participants in the indirect group. Compared to intravenous administration, directly administered dexamethasone demonstrated a significant difference in the average time for the block to fade, onset of motor and sensory recovery, and block resolution. CONCLUSION: Our findings prove that directly mixing dexamethasone compared to peripherally administered intravenous dexamethasone will demonstrate a difference in efficacy with regards to duration and rebound pain, but do not prove that there will be a difference in decreased postoperative pain scores or opioid consumption within the 24-hour postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis Level I.

Urgent surgical exploration for neonatal torsion under spinal anesthesia.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The repeated or lengthy use of general anesthesia (GA) in children under three years old is cautioned against due to potential neurodevelopment effects. Spinal anesthesia (SA) has emerged as a safe and effective alternative for routine pediatric urologic procedures. In this study, we describe the use of SA in the urgent surgical treatment of neonatal testicular torsion. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SA for urgent scrotal exploration in neonates. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively collected data on neonates younger than 30 days old undergoing SA for the indication of testicular torsion from May 2018 to June 2022. We recorded patient demographics, adjuvant medications use, and time points for start/stop of spinal injection, procedure, and operating room utilization. RESULTS: Six neonates, with an average age of 1.9 days of life and average weight of 3.4 kg, underwent scrotal exploration for testicular torsion using SA. Four patients (67%) required orchiectomy of the nonviable torsed testicle, and all patients underwent orchiopexy of the unaffected testicle. Mean total operative time was 45.3 (SD 11.7) minutes, including Gomco circumcision in five patients. One patient received preoperative intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation. Mean time for SA administration was 6.3 (SD 5.5) minutes, with a mean total time in the operating room of 77.3 (SD 9.8) minutes. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. DISCUSSION: We describe a single institution experience of surgical management of neonatal torsion under SA. In this case series, SA was safely utilized for all neonates involved without the need for conversion to GA or intravenous (IV) sedation. CONCLUSION: The use of SA is safe and efficacious for urgent scrotal exploration for testicular torsion in neonates, even those under 48 h of age. More widespread utilization requires collaboration between pediatric urologists and experienced pediatric anesthesiologists trained in SA.

The Impact of Different Regional Anesthesia Techniques on the Incidence of Chronic Post-surgical Pain in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Network Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) remains a prevalent issue following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), despite advancements in surgical techniques. Various regional anesthesia techniques, including thoracic paravertebral block (PVB), intercostal nerve block (ICNB), serratus anterior plane block (SAPB), erector spinae plane block (ESPB), and thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), have been employed in VATS procedures to mitigate this issue. This study aims to compare the efficacy of these analgesia methods in reducing the incidence of CPSP in VATS patients through a network meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the incidence of CPSP associated with PVB, ICNB, SAPB, ESPB, and TEA. The occurrence of CPSP was evaluated at both 2-3 months and 6 months post-surgery. RESULTS: Six RCTs, involving 652 patients, were included in the analysis of CPSP incidence at 2-3 months, while seven RCTs, involving 715 patients, were included for 6 months analysis. PVB, ICNB, or TEA reduced CPSP incidence compared with control group (without regional anesthesia techniques) at both 2-3 months and 6 months post-surgery. However, SAPB was found less effective in reducing CPSP incidence at 2-3 months post-VATS compared to PVB, ICNB, or TEA. CONCLUSIONS: PVB, ICNB, and TEA exhibit significant effects on reducing CPSP incidence following VATS. Conversely, SAPB is not recommended for reducing CPSP incidence post-VATS. Nonetheless, considering the limitation of a small sample size in this network meta-analysis, additional RCTs are necessary to validate these conclusions and enhance the management of CPSP after VATS.

Analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided extraoral mandibular nerve block compared to intraoral conductive block of the inferior alveolar nerve after lower third molar alveolectomy: a clinical prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The analgesia after lower third molar alveolectomy is based on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that have significant risks, and are contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy. Aiming to reduce NSAIDs use after this surgery, we quantified analgesic effects of ultrasound (US)-guided extraoral mandibular nerve block. METHODS: Thirty-six patients were equally allocated to the experimental or control group, based on their willingness to receive experimental US-guided extraoral mandibular nerve block for postoperative analgesia. The experimental block applied prior to lower third molar alveolectomy, was followed by standard intraoral inferior alveolar nerve block. In the control group, patients received only intraoral block of inferior alveolar nerve. All patients reported pain level (visual analogue scale, VAS) right after the application of blocks. The next day, patients reported duration of pain-free time and the use of analgesic. RESULTS: The US-guided extraoral mandibular nerve block prolonged the pain-free time to 8 h (vs. 4 in control group, P < 0.001) and reduced NSAIDs use (12 patients needed analgesic in experimental vs. 17 patients in control group, P = 0.038). The application of experimental block was less painful (VAS = 2) than the application of intraoral inferior alveolar nerve block (VAS = 4, P = 0.011). In 8/18 patients in the experimental group US-guided extraoral mandibular nerve block solely achieved adequate surgical anesthesia. CONCLUSION: US-guided extraoral mandibular nerve block prolonged pain-free period and reduced the use of NSAIDs after lower third molar alveolectomy, thus proving to be successful analgesia method for this dental surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT06009302 , identification number: NCT06009302, date of registration: 18/08/2023.

Brainstem Anesthesia During Retrobulbar Block: An Eye-Opener Clinical Case.

The use of a retrobulbar anesthetic block for surgery of the posterior chamber is a common, effective, and safe practice, although not without risks. This clinical case aims to describe one of the most feared complications of this ophthalmic block, which demands a high degree of suspicion and agility for proper diagnosis and management. A 91-year-old female patient, physical status ASA III, presents for vitrectomy via pars plana of the left eye due to retinal detachment. Light sedoanalgesia was performed, as well as a left retrobulbar block with 5 mL of local anesthetic. Approximately two minutes after the injection of the local anesthetic, she developed a sudden clinical decline of consciousness, accompanied by bilateral photoplegic mydriasis, sinus tachycardia, and hypertension, followed by central apnea. Orotracheal intubation and connection to a ventilatory prosthesis were performed, maintaining adequate oxygenation, ventilation, and hemodynamic stability. No abnormal findings were found in complementary diagnostic methods. The condition progressively reversed, with a gradual return to the initial state of consciousness, and it was possible to successfully extubate the patient after four hours. The patient remained stable, under surveillance, and was discharged home after 48 hours with no neurological impairment or ophthalmological complications. The clinical findings are compatible with brainstem anesthesia, explained by the dispersion of the local anesthetic into the subarachnoid space, through an inadvertent puncture of the ophthalmic artery or the meninges that involve the optic nerve. Although this event is a rare complication, a low threshold of suspicion should be maintained, given the potential severity of the clinical condition. Early recognition should be followed by a systematic A-B-C-D-E approach, and the outcomes are often favorable. Careful surveillance and monitoring should accompany the performance of ophthalmic surgical procedures, and the presence of an anesthesiologist is essential for the quality of the services provided and patient safety.