Comparison of two pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models of rocuronium bromide during profound neuromuscular block: analysis of estimated and measured post-tetanic count effect.

BACKGROUND: Profound neuromuscular block (NMB) is important in surgeries where complete immobility is considered essential to improve tracheal intubation and surgical conditions. Rocuronium bromide is a commonly used NMB agent. This work describes a noninvasive approach for estimation of post-tetanic count (PTC) based on two pharmacokinetic (PK) models, the Saldien and the De Haes models. The aim was to investigate the rocuronium bromide PK-pharmacodynamic (PD) relationship in estimating the PTC effect during profound NMB. METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomised, observational study, an induction bolus of rocuronium bromide was administered followed by continuous infusion for maintenance of a PTC of 1-2. measured every 3 min. Measurements were analysed as discrete categorical data and by applying the nonlinear mixed-effect modelling approach. Performance of the selected models was evaluated through simulation model-based diagnostics, further assessing the precision of the parameter estimates and the performance of the models at the individual level. RESULTS: Data from 30 adult patients undergoing elective abdominal or neurosurgical procedures were included. Post-tetanic count response profiles during rocuronium bromide infusion were successfully characterised using the population PD analysis. The models showed a good performance for all PTC categories, albeit with a moderate over-prediction of PTC >6. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that using plasma concentrations of rocuronium bromide estimated with either of the two models, combined with a PD model, provides equal model performance when predicting PTC. These promising results may provide an important advance in guiding rocuronium bromide administration when profound NMB in routine clinical practice is desired.

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to ropivacaine in bilateral dual-transversus abdominis plane blocks in patients with ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the postoperative control of pain and recovery in patients with ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery by adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in bilateral dual-transversus abdominis plane (Bd-TAP) blocks. METHODS: We enrolled 90 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to III undergoing open abdominal cytoreductive surgery in this study. Patients were randomized and assigned into three groups (TAP-R, TAP-DR, or CON) of 30 participants each. All of the patients received standardized general anesthesia, and postoperative Bd-TAP blocks were performed. The TAP-R, TAP-DR, and CON groups received Bd-TAP blocks with 0.3% ropivacaine, 0.3% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine, and 0.9% normal saline, respectively. All of the patients received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) (formula, 100 µg of sufentanil and 16 mg of ondansetron diluted with normal saline to 100 mL). Flurbiprofen axetil was used as a rescue drug if the visual analog scale (VAS) score was more than four points. The first request time for PCA bolus; the VAS scores at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after operation; and the cumulative sufentanil consumption within 24 and 48 h, respectively, were compared. Pulmonary function was evaluated preoperatively and at 24 h after the operation. The use of the rescue drug was recorded. Postoperative functional recovery, including time to stand, time to walk, time to return of bowel function, time to readiness for discharge, and postoperative complications, were recorded. RESULTS: Median values of the first request time for PCA of the TAP-R group was significantly prolonged compared to that of the CON group (median [interquartile range], 7.3 [6.5-8.0] hours vs. 3.0 [2.3-3.5] hours) (P < .001), while the TAP-DR group has the longest request time among the three groups (median [interquartile range], 13.5 [12.4-14.5] hours) (P < .001). The VAS scores at rest and upon coughing of the TAP-R group in the first 12 h were significantly lower than those of the CON group (P < 0.05), but showed no significant difference compared to those of the TAP-DR group. The VAS scores at rest and upon coughing were lower in the TAP-DR group at each time point compared to those of the CON group (P < .05). The cumulative sufentanil consumption in the TAP-DR group was significantly lower at 48 h (P = .04) after surgery than in the CON group, while there was no significant difference compared to that in the TAP-R group (P > .05). Less rescue analgesic was required by patients in the TAP-DR group than in the CON group (P < .05). Postoperative mean measured forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity values in the TAP-DR group were significantly higher than those of the CON group (P = .009), while there was no significant difference compared to those of the TAP-R group (P = .10). There was no significantly difference in postoperative functional recovery between TAP-DR and CON group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TAP blocks can provide effective pain relief up to 12 h postoperatively without a significant improvement in postoperative pulmonary function. The addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine for Bd-TAP block prolonged the first bolus time of PCA when compared to that in the TAP-R group and decreased sufentanil consumption and the need of rescue analgesia relative to in the CON group at 48 h postoperative. The procedure provided better postoperative analgesia and improved postoperative pulmonary function relative to the CON group. Our results indicate that dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant of Bd-TAP can provide effective pain relief up to 48 h.

The role of neuronal excitation and inhibition in the pre-Bötzinger complex on the cough reflex in the cat.

Brainstem respiratory neuronal network significantly contributes to cough motor pattern generation. Neuronal populations in the pre-Bötzinger complex (PreBötC) represent a substantial component for respiratory rhythmogenesis. We studied the role of PreBötC neuronal excitation and inhibition on mechanically induced tracheobronchial cough in 15 spontaneously breathing, pentobarbital anesthetized adult cats (35 mg/kg, iv initially). Neuronal excitation by unilateral microinjection of glutamate analog d,l-homocysteic acid resulted in mild reduction of cough abdominal electromyogram (EMG) amplitudes and very limited temporal changes of cough compared with effects on breathing (very high respiratory rate, high amplitude inspiratory bursts with a short inspiratory phase, and tonic inspiratory motor component). Mean arterial blood pressure temporarily decreased. Blocking glutamate-related neuronal excitation by bilateral microinjections of nonspecific glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid reduced cough inspiratory and expiratory EMG amplitude and shortened most cough temporal characteristics similarly to breathing temporal characteristics. Respiratory rate decreased and blood pressure temporarily increased. Limiting active neuronal inhibition by unilateral and bilateral microinjections of GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine resulted in lower cough number, reduced expiratory cough efforts, and prolongation of cough temporal features and breathing phases (with lower respiratory rate). The PreBötC is important for cough motor pattern generation. Excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission in the PreBötC is involved in control of cough intensity and patterning. GABAA receptor-related inhibition in the PreBötC strongly affects breathing and coughing phase durations in the same manner, as well as cough expiratory efforts. In conclusion, differences in effects on cough and breathing are consistent with separate control of these behaviors.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to explore the role of the inspiratory rhythm and pattern generator, the pre-Bötzinger complex (PreBötC), in cough motor pattern formation. In the PreBötC, excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission affects cough intensity and patterning but not rhythm, and GABAA receptor-related inhibition affects coughing and breathing phase durations similarly to each other. Our data show that the PreBötC is important for cough motor pattern generation, but cough rhythmogenesis appears to be controlled elsewhere.

Modulation of Adhesion Molecules Expression by Different Metalloproteases Isolated from Bothrops Snakes.

Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP) are involved in local inflammatory reactions observed after snakebites. Based on domain composition, they are classified as PI (pro-domain + proteolytic domain), PII (PI + disintegrin-like domains), or PIII (PII + cysteine-rich domains). Here, we studied the role of different SVMPs domains in inducing the expression of adhesion molecules at the microcirculation of the cremaster muscle of mice. We used Jararhagin (Jar)-a PIII SVMP with intense hemorrhagic activity, and Jar-C-a Jar devoid of the catalytic domain, with no hemorrhagic activity, both isolated from B. jararaca venom and BnP-1-a weakly hemorrhagic P1 SVMP from B. neuwiedi venom. Toxins (0.5 µg) or PBS (100 µL) were injected into the scrotum of mice, and 2, 4, or 24 h later, the protein and gene expression of CD54 and CD31 in the endothelium, and integrins (CD11a and CD11b), expressed in leukocytes were evaluated. Toxins induced significant increases in CD54, CD11a, and CD11b at the initial time and a time-related increase in CD31 expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that, despite differences in hemorrhagic activities and domain composition of the SVMPs used in this study, they behave similarly to the induction of expression of adhesion molecules that promote leukocyte recruitment.

Improving Pain Management After Cesarean Birth Using Transversus Abdominis Plane Block With Liposomal Bupivacaine as Part of a Multimodal Regimen.

As educators, advocates, and champions for women's health, nurses play pivotal roles throughout a woman's pregnancy and childbirth journey. Most women experience postsurgical pain after cesarean birth and are prescribed opioids. Caution around opioid use warrants opioid-reducing strategies, particularly because exposure to opioids exacerbates risk for developing persistent postsurgical opioid use. Multimodal approaches can help address this concern. Regional anesthesia using transversus abdominis plane blocks with aqueous formulations of local anesthetics can reduce opioid consumption and pain but has a short duration of action. Liposomal formulation of bupivacaine prolongs its release, overcoming this obstacle. Transversus abdominis plane blocks with liposomal bupivacaine can reduce opioid use and pain after cesarean birth, improving recovery. These findings represent numerous implications for nursing practice to improve postcesarean pain management.

Quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia after cesarean section: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis.

The aim of this study was to assess the analgesic efficacy of QLB versus controls in women undergoing cesarean section (CS). We systematically searched Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, VIP, WANFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Trials were eligible if parturients received QLB during CS. GRADE system was used to assess the certainty of evidence and Trial sequential analyses (TSA) were performed to determine whether the results are supported by sufficient data. Thirteen studies involving 1269 patients were included. Compared to controls, QLB significantly reduced the cumulative postoperative intravenous opioid consumption (in milligram morphine equivalents) at 24 h (MD, - 11.51 mg; 95% CI - 17.05 to - 5.96) and 48 h (MD, - 15.87 mg; 95% CI - 26.36 to - 5.38), supported by sufficient data confirmed by TSA. The postoperative pain scores were significantly reduced by QLB at 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h postoperatively by QLB compared with control. Moreover, the time to first request for rescue analgesic and the incidence of PONV were also significantly reduced by QLB. The quality of evidence of most results were low and moderate assessed by GRADE.

A Prospective Randomized Trial of Surgeon-Administered Intraoperative Transversus Abdominis Plane Block With Bupivacaine Against Liposomal Bupivacaine: The TINGLE Trial.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane blocks are increasingly used to achieve opioid-sparing analgesia after colorectal surgery. Traditionally, bupivacaine was the long-acting analgesic of choice, but the addition of dexamethasone and/or epinephrine to bupivacaine may extend block duration. Liposomal bupivacaine has also been suggested to achieve an extended analgesia duration of 72 hours but is significantly more expensive. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare pain control between laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane blocks using liposomal bupivacaine versus bupivacaine with epinephrine and dexamethasone. DESIGN: This was a parallel-group, single-institution, randomized clinical trial. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a single tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients between October 2018 to October 2019, ages 18 to 90 years, undergoing minimally invasive colorectal surgery with multimodal analgesia were included. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive a laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine or bupivacaine with epinephrine and dexamethasone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was total oral morphine equivalents administered in the first 48 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, time to ambulation and solid diet, hospital length of stay, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients (50 men) with a median age of 42 years (interquartile range, 29-60 y) consented and were randomly assigned. The primary end point, total oral morphine equivalents administered in the first 48 hours, was not significantly different between the liposomal bupivacaine group (median = 69 mg) and the bupivacaine with epinephrine and dexamethasone group (median = 47 mg; difference in medians = 22 mg, (95% CI, -17 to 49 mg); p = 0.60). There were no significant differences in pain scores, time to ambulation, time to diet tolerance, time to bowel movement, length of stay, overall complications, or readmission rate between groups. There were no treatment-related adverse outcomes. LIMITATIONS: This study was not placebo controlled or blinded. CONCLUSIONS: This first randomized trial comparing laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine or bupivacaine with epinephrine and dexamethasone showed that a liposomal bupivacaine block does not provide superior or extended analgesia in the era of standardized multimodal analgesia protocols.See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B533. ESTUDIO PROSPECTIVO Y RANDOMIZADO DE BLOQUEO DEL PLANO MUSCULAR TRANSVERSO DEL ABDOMEN REALIZADO POR EL CIRUJANO CON BUPIVACANA VERSUS BUPIVACANA LIPOSOMAL ESTUDIO TINGLE: ANTECEDENTES:El bloqueo anestésico del plano muscular transverso del abdomen se utiliza cada vez más para lograr una analgesia con menos consumo de opioides después de cirugía colorrectal. Tradicionalmente, la Bupivacaína era el analgésico de acción prolongada de elección, pero al agregarse Dexametasona y/o Adrenalina a la Bupivacaína se puede prolongar la duración del bloqueo. También se ha propuesto que la Bupivacaína liposomal logra una duración prolongada de la analgesia de 72 horas, pero es significativamente más cara.OBJETIVO:Comparar el control del dolor entre bloqueo laparoscópico del plano de los transversos del abdomen usando Bupivacaína liposomal versus Bupivacaína con Adrenalina y Dexametasona.DISEÑO:Estudio clínico prospectivo y randomizado de una sola institución en grupos paralelos.AJUSTE:Centro médico terciario único.PACIENTES:Todos aquellos pacientes entre 18 y 90 años sometidos a cirugía colorrectal mínimamente invasiva con analgesia multimodal, entre octubre de 2018 a octubre de 2019 incluidos de manera consecutiva.INTERVENCIONES:Los pacientes fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente 1:1 para recibir un bloqueo laparoscópico del plano de los transversos del abdomen con Bupivacaína liposomal o Bupivacaína con Adrenalina y Dexametasona.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario fue el total de equivalentes de morfina oral administradas en las primeras 48 horas después de la operación. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron puntuaciones de dolor, inicio de dieta sólida, tiempo de inicio a la deambulación, la estadía hospitalaria y las complicaciones.RESULTADOS:Un total de 102 pacientes (50 hombres) con una mediana de edad de 42 años (IQR 29-60) fueron incluidos aleatoriamente. El criterio de valoración principal, equivalentes de morfina oral total administrada en las primeras 48 horas, no fue significativamente diferente entre el grupo de Bupivacaína liposomal (mediana = 69 mg) y el grupo de Bupivacaína con Adrenalina y Dexametasona (mediana = 47 mg; diferencia en medianas = 22 mg, IC del 95% [-17] - 49 mg, p = 0,60). No hubo diferencias significativas en las puntuaciones de dolor, tiempo de inicio a la deambulación, el tiempo de tolerancia a la dieta sólida, el tiempo hasta el primer evacuado intestinal, la duración de la estadía hospitalaria, las complicaciones generales o la tasa de readmisión entre los grupos. No hubo resultados adversos relacionados con el tratamiento.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio no fue controlado con placebo ni de manera cegada.CONCLUSIONES:Este primer estudio prospectivo y randomizado que comparó el bloqueo del plano de los músculos transversos del abdomen por vía laparoscópica, utilizando Bupivacaína liposomal o Bupivacaína con Adrenalina y Dexametasona, demostró que el bloqueo de Bupivacaína liposomal no proporciona ni mejor analgesia ni un efecto mas prolongado.Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B533.

Phlorizin attenuates visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome.

Visceral hypersensitivity and impaired gut barrier are crucial contributors to the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and those are mediated via corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-Toll like receptor 4-pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling. Phlorizin is an inhibitor of sodium-linked glucose transporters (SGLTs), and known to have anti-cytokine properties. Thus, we hypothesized that phlorizin may improve these gastrointestinal changes in IBS, and tested this hypothesis in rat IBS models, i.e., lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or CRF-induced visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability. The visceral pain threshold in response to colonic balloon distention was estimated by abdominal muscle contractions by electromyogram, and colonic permeability was measured by quantifying the absorbed Evans blue in colonic tissue. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of phlorizin inhibited visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability induced by LPS in a dose-dependent manner. Phlorizin also blocked CRF-induced these gastrointestinal changes. Phlorizin is known to inhibit both SGLT1 and SGLT2, but intragastric administration of phlorizin may only inhibit SGLT1 because gut mainly expresses SGLT1. We found that intragastric phlorizin did not display any effects, but ipragliflozin, an orally active and selective SGLT2 inhibitor improved the gastrointestinal changes in the LPS model. Compound C, an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor and naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist reversed the effects of phlorizin. In conclusions, phlorizin improved visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability in IBS models. These effects may result from inhibition of SGLT2, and were mediated via AMPK, NO and opioid pathways. Phlorizin may be effective for the treatment of IBS.

The Impact of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol on Length of Stay.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal, narcotic-sparing analgesic strategies are an important part of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. Within such protocols, regional anesthetics have proven to be superior to narcotics. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the transversus abdominis plane block within an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on length of stay. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent colorectal surgery in 2015 to 2016 was completed. The primary end points for this analysis were total length of stay and total narcotics consumed during hospitalization. Length of stay and total narcotic use were compared for patients who received a transversus abdominis plane block versus those that did not. DATA SOURCE: The data were obtained from the data warehouse of a university teaching hospital. SETTINGS: This study took place at a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: The patients were 18 years or older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were length of stay and the total narcotics used. RESULTS: A total of 347 patients underwent colorectal procedures under the enhanced recovery protocol. Among these, 186 (54%) received a transversus abdominis plane block. Overall, the mean length of stay was 5.8 days (SD ±5.6), and median length of stay was 4 days. These values compare to a mean length of stay of 9.6 days and median length of stay of 7 days before implementing the enhanced recovery protocol. Patients who received a transversus abdominis plane block had a mean length of stay of 5.1 days compared to 6.6 days for those who did not receive one (p < 0.01). Patients who received a transversus abdominis plane block consumed 736.5 morphine milligram equivalents of opioids compared to 1150.3 morphine milligram equivalents of opioid consumed by those without a transversus abdominis plane block (p < 0.05), a 36% decrease in opioid use. When comparing patients who had a mean length of stay of 4 days with those whose length of stay was >4 days, there was an 80% decrease in opioid use. The readmission rate was 7.8%. LIMITATIONS: The lack of randomization of patients was a limitation of this study. CONCLUSION: The use of transversus abdominis plane block in the setting of a well-structured enhanced recovery protocol was associated with a statistically significant decrease in length of stay by 1.5 days and a 36% decrease in narcotic use. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B432. IMPACTO DE LA ANESTESIA DEL PLANO MUSCULAR DE LOS TRANSVERSOS ABDOMINALES EN LA ESTADA DENTRO UN PROTOCOLO ERAS: ANTECEDENTES:La estrategia analgésica multimodal que consume poco medicamento de tipo narcótico es parte importante en los protocolos de recuperación mejorada postoperatoria. Dentro de dichos protocolos, los anestésicos regionales han demostrado ser superiores a la administración de medicamentos narcóticos.OBJETIVO:Estudiar el impacto del bloqueo del plano muscular de los transversos del abdomen sobre la duración de la estadía dentro de un protocolo de recuperación mejorada postoperatoria.DISEÑO:Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de los pacientes que se sometieron a cirugía colorrectal entre 2015-2016. Los criterios principales de valoración en el presente análisis fueron la duración total de la estadía y el total de medicamentos narcóticos consumidos durante la hospitalización. Se comparó la duración de la estadía y el uso total de narcóticos en los pacientes que recibieron un bloqueo anestésico del plano muscular de los transversos del abdomen con los que no lo recibieron.FUENTE DE DATOS:Banco de datos de un hospital universitario docente.AMBIENTE:Hospital Universitario Docente.PACIENTES:Adultos desde los 18 años o mayores.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Duración de la estadía, cantidad total de medicamentos narcóticos administrados.RESULTADOS:Un total de 347 pacientes se sometieron a procedimientos colorrectales bajo el protocolo ERAS. Entre ellos, 186 (54%) recibieron un bloqueo del plano muscular de los transversos del abdomen. En la globalidad, la duración media de la estadía fué de 5,8 días (DE ± 5,6) y la duración media de la estadía fué de 4 días. Estos resultados fueron comparados con la estadía media de 9,6 días y una estadía media de 7 días antes de implementar el protocolo ERAS. Los pacientes que recibieron un bloqueo del plano muscular de los transversos del abdomen tuvieron una estadía media de 5,1 días en comparación con los 6,6 días de los que no recibieron el mencionado bloqueo (p <0,01). Los pacientes que recibieron el bloqueo del plano muscular consumieron 736,5 miligramos de morfina o su equivalente en opioides, comparados con los 1150,3 de aquellos sin bloqueo del plano muscular (p <0,05) lo que significó una disminución del 36% en la administración de opioides. Al comparar los pacientes que tuvieron una estadía media de 4 días con aquellos cuya estadía fue mayor a 4 días, se evidenció una disminución en el 80% de la administración de opioides. La tasa de reingreso fue del 7,8%.LIMITACIONES:Estudio sin sin aleatorización de pacientes.CONCLUSIÓN:El bloqueo anestésico del plano muscular de los transversos del abdomen dentro un contexto protocolar tipo ERAS o de recuperación mejorada bien estructurada, se asoció con la disminución estadísticamente significativa de la duración de la estadía en 1,5 días y una disminución del 36% en la administración de medicamentos narcóticos. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B432.

Different Concentrations of Ropivacaine under Ultrasound Guidance on Quadratus Lumbar Muscle Nerve Block in Elderly Patients with Hip Replacement.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of ropivacaine in different concentrations under ultrasound guidance on lumbar muscle nerve blocking in elderly patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. METHODS: 60 elderly patients underwent hip replacement in our hospital over a period of April to December of 2019 were equally randomized into control and observation groups, with 30 each. Patients in the control group and observation group received 0.5% and 0.25% ropivacaine to block psoas muscle nerve, respectively. The anesthetic effect of ropivacaine at different concentrations was evaluated by time of sensory block onset and recovery and time of motor block onset and regression, blood pressure, heart rate, visual analogy scale, and postoperative nerve blocking degree. RESULTS: The onset time of sensory and motor block in the observation group was dramatically higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05), while the recovery time of sensory and motor was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The heart rate in the observation group was notably lower than that in the control group, while the average blood pressure was remarkably higher (P < 0.05). After surgery, the degree of nerve block in the observation group was much lower compared with the control group (P < 0.05), while no marked difference in the visual analogue scale in the control group before and after surgical intervention was observed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 0.25% ropivacaine method has distinctive advantages over 0.50% ropivacaine psoas nerve anesthesia in hip replacement surgery in elderly patients.

Efficacy and Safety of a Surgeon-Performed Laparoscopic-Guided, 4-point Transversus Abdominis Plane Block: A retrospective review.

We performed a retrospective chart review from October 2017 to March 2019 to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a surgeon-performed, laparoscopically guided, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for robot-assisted gynecologic procedures. A total of 116 patients who underwent robot-assisted gynecologic surgery, at 1 academic hospital, with administration of a 4-point TAP block were included. A 4-point TAP block was performed under laparoscopic visualization, by the same surgeon, after induction of anesthesia and immediately after placement of the laparoscope. Liposomal bupivacaine (20 mL) and 0.5% bupivacaine (20 mL) mixed with saline were used as the injectant. All information from the surgical admission and the postoperative follow-up were reviewed. Data were presented in our descriptive study. A total of 116 patients were included with a mean age of 40.6 years (19-80 years) and a mean body mass index of 30.6 kg/m2 (17.2-53.3 kg/m2). Of the patients, 70.7% were discharged to home on the day of surgery. Of the 29.3% of patients who were admitted, 20.6% were admitted because of pain control. Those who were admitted for pain control comprised 6.0% of the total of all study participants. There were no adverse events in our cohort and no readmissions because of pain control. A surgeon-performed TAP block, under laparoscopic visualization, is a safe and efficacious intervention to reduce postoperative pain and may add to a multimodal approach for enhanced recovery protocols.

Quadratus lumborum block vs. transversus abdominis plane block for caesarean delivery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Caesarean delivery is the most commonly performed inpatient surgical procedure globally. Pain after caesarean delivery is moderate to severe if not adequately treated, and is a primary anaesthetic concern for patients. Transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks are fascial plane blocks that have the potential to improve analgesia following caesarean delivery. Although proponents of the quadratus lumborum block suggest that this technique may provide better analgesia compared with transversus abdominis plane block, there are limited data directly comparing these two techniques. We, therefore, performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block approaches, seeking randomised controlled trials comparing both techniques to each other, or to control, with or without intrathecal morphine. In all, 31 trials with 2188 patients were included and our primary outcome, the cumulative intravenous morphine equivalent consumption at 24 h, was reported in 12 trials. In the absence of intrathecal morphine, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks were equivalent, and both were superior to control (moderate-quality evidence). In the presence of intrathecal morphine, no differences were found between control, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks (moderate-quality evidence). Similar results were found for resting and active pain scores at 4-6 h, 8-12 h, 24 h and 36 h, although quadratus lumborum block was associated with lower pain scores at 36 h when compared with transversus abdominis plane block (very low-quality evidence). However, transversus abdominis plane block was associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (moderate-quality evidence) and sedation when compared with inactive control following intrathecal morphine administration (low-quality evidence). There are insufficient data to draw definitive conclusions, but transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block appear to be superior to control in the absence of intrathecal morphine, but provide limited additional benefit over inactive control when intrathecal morphine is also used.

Ultrasound-Guided Chemical Component Separation with Botulinum Toxin A prior to Surgical Hernia Repair.

US-guided chemical component separation (CCS) of the abdominal musculature using botulinum toxin A can facilitate the surgical repair of large or complex hernias. Eight patients (2 women and 6 men with median age of 54 years [range, 34-78 years]) underwent preoperative US-guided CCS with hydrodissection before planned surgical repair of large or complex ventral (n = 4), inguinal (n = 2), and flank (n = 2) hernias by 2 interventional radiologists. Technical success rate of US-guided CCS procedures was 100%, and all patients achieved surgical closure a mean 34.1 days (range, 14-48 days) after US-guided CCS.

Transversus abdominis plane block: A new method in renal colic pain management.

In recent decades, regional plane blocks via ultrasonography have become very popular in regional anesthesia and are more commonly used in pain management. The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a procedure where local anesthetics are applied to block the anterior divisions of the tenth thoracic intercostal through the first lumbar nerves (T10-L1) into the anatomic space formed amidst the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles located in the antero-lateral part of the abdomen wall. The most important advantage of this block method is that ultrasonographic identification is easier and its complications are fewer compared with central neuroaxial or paravertebral blocks. Here, we describe three cases where pain management in renal colic was treated with the TAP block.

Imipramine improves visceral sensation and gut barrier in rat models of irritable bowel syndrome.

An impaired gut barrier, possibly leading to visceral hypersensitivity has been recently recognized to be one of the pivotal pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We previously showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and repeated water avoidance stress (WAS) induce visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability via pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling (rat IBS models). Although the precise mechanisms of action are unclear, imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, improves IBS symptoms, and also has anticytokine properties. In this study, we hypothesized that imipramine improves the gut barrier to ameliorate IBS symptoms. To test this hypothesis, we determined its effects on visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability in rat IBS models. The visceral pain threshold in response to colonic balloon distention was electrophysiologically estimated by abdominal muscle contractions, and colonic permeability was measured by quantifying the absorbed Evans blue in colonic tissue in vivo. Subcutaneous imipramine injection (7, 20, 50 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability. Imipramine also blocked these gastrointestinal (GI) changes induced by CRF (50 µg/kg, intraperitoneally) or repeated WAS (1 h daily for 3 days). Yohimbine (an α2-adrenoceptors antagonist), sulpiride (a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist), and naloxone hydrochloride (an opioid receptor antagonist) reversed these effects of imipramine in the LPS model. Therefore, imipramine may block GI changes in IBS via α2-adrenoceptors, dopamine D2, and opioid signaling. The improvement in the gut barrier resulting in inhibition of visceral pain is considered a valid mechanism of imipramine to ameliorate IBS symptoms.

Retrospective study of quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: The postoperative analgesic effect of transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB-TM) in patients following lower abdominal surgeries has been identified; however, the efficacy of QLB using the lateral approach (QLB-L) is still in debate. Therefore, this retrospective study was conducted to investigate the effect of a single-shot block with QLB-L on postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: The medical information of the patients undergoing PCNL was retrieved from the electronic charter system (Medisystem, Suzhou, China) in our Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital during the period of Jan/2019 to Jun/2019. Among the total of 57 patients, there are 17, 18, and 22 patients subjected to QLB-L, QLB-TM, or routine treatment, respectively. The primary observational parameter was to assess postoperative pain with visual analog scales (VAS) at rest 30 min after extubation, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery, respectively. The secondary observatory endpoints, including the consumption of intraoperative opioids, the cumulative dose of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the incidence of adverse events related to postoperative analgesia, were evaluated as well. RESULTS: The static VAS score at 24 h after surgery and the intraoperative consumption of sufentanil were significantly lower in patients receiving either intervention of QLB-L or QLB-TM as compared with those receiving routine treatment. However, one shot of QLB had no impact on VAS scores at 30 min post-extubation, 48 h after PCNL procedure compared with the patients receiving routine treatment. The percentage of non-ambulatory patients within 24 h post-PCNL was significantly higher in the QLB-TM group compared with the routine treatment group (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomit (PONV), itches, respiratory depression, the time for the first defecation, and the length of hospital stay (LOS) among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: QLB-L procedure may exert as equivalent as QLB-TM in terms of abrogating postoperative pain within 24 h post-surgery and decreasing intraoperative sufentanil consumption in patients undergoing PCNL procedure as well. The caution should be taken to avoid lower extremities weakness in the patients after QLB-TM within the first 24 h post-PCNL procedure.

The Safety and Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Dual Transversus Abdominis Plane (BD-TAP) Block in ERAS Program of Laparoscopic Hepatectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Blinded, Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative pain management for patients undergoing hepatic resection is still a challenge due to the risk of perioperative liver dysfunction. The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a promising regional analgesic technique. However, the correct guidelines regarding the dose and regimen of local anesthetics in patients undergoing hepatic resection have yet to be established completely. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided BD-TAP block with a large dose of ropivacaine in laparoscopic hepatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, blinded, randomized, controlled study was conducted with 50 patients who were scheduled for selective laparoscopic hepatectomy. Patients who received a BD-TAP block (3 mg/kg of ropivacaine diluted to 60 mL) with general anesthesia were categorized into the BD-TAP block group (n = 25), and those who received general anesthesia were categorized into the control group (n = 25). The primary outcomes were consumption of sufentanil within 48 hours post-operation and plasma ropivacaine concentration. The secondary outcomes were the severity of pain (at rest and upon coughing), nausea and/or vomiting, and quality of recovery. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the patients in BD-TAP block group had a significant reduction of postoperative sufentanil consumption at 2 hours (P = 0.019), 24 hours (P = 0.001), and 48 hours (P = 0.001), and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores on coughing were significantly lower at postoperative 2 hours (P = 0.004). There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative nausea and/or vomiting, flatus, catheter removal, off-bed activity, liver function, or postoperative hospital stay. The mean peak total ropivacaine concentration was 1,067.85 ng/mL, which occurred 1 hour after administering the block, and mean free ropivacaine concentration was 52.32 ng/mL. The highest individual peak plasma concentration was 2,360.90 ng/mL at 45 min postinjection, and the free ropivacaine concentration was 139.29 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided BD-TAP block provides effective postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic hepatectomy. This study also confirms that ultrasound-guided BD-TAP blocks with 3 mg/kg ropivacaine during laparoscopic hepatectomy almost never results in the plasma ropivacaine concentrations associated with neurotoxicity.

Bilateral Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia after Total Abdominal Hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks provide postoperative pain relief after various abdominal surgeries. Recently, erector spinae plane (ESP) block has obtained vast attention due to its simplicity and usage in truncal procedures. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the ultrasound-guided bilateral ESP block versus bilateral TAP block on postoperative analgesia after open total abdominal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. SETTING: Zagazig University Hospitals. METHODS: After ending of surgical procedure and before reversing of the muscle relaxant, 48 women were randomly allocated into 2 equal groups: erector spinae (ES) group received bilateral ultrasound-guided ESP block with 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.375% plus 5 ug/mL adrenaline (1:200000) in each side at the level of T9, and transversus abdominis (TA) group received bilateral ultrasound-guided TAP block with the same volume of bupivacaine plus adrenaline. RESULTS: Visual Analog Scale scores at 30 minutes, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours were statistically significantly lower in the ES group compared with the TA group. The time for requirement of first morphine was highly statistically significantly prolonged in the ES group (14.81 ± 3.52 hours) compared with the TA group (10.58 ± 2.35 hours). The total amount of morphine consumption in 24 hours postoperatively was statistically significantly decreased in the ES group; P = 0.01. Incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was higher but statistically insignificant in the TA group than the ES group. There were statistically significant numbers of unsatisfied patients (4) in the TA group compared with the ES group (no patient). LIMITATIONS: Sensorial evaluation of patients was not performed because both blocks had been done under general anesthesia but did not affect outcome. Therefore we recommend further studies comparing between both blocks. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral ultrasound-guided ESP block provides more potent and longer postoperative analgesia with less morphine consumption than TAP block after open total abdominal hysterectomy. KEY WORDS: Abdominal hysterectomy, transversus abdominis plane block, erector spinae plane block, postoperative analgesia.

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block as a Treatment Modality for Chronic Abdominal Pain.

BACKGROUND: This study describes the use of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks to treat and manage chronic abdominal pain (CAP) in patients who have exhausted other treatment options. Typically, this is a procedure prescribed for treating acute abdominal pain following abdominal surgery. Here we evaluate the use of TAP blocks for longer relief from CAP. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of TAP blocks for pain control in patients with CAP. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective chart review and analysis of TAP blocks performed over 5 years. This project qualified for institutional review board exemption. SETTING: This study was completed at an academic institution. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 92 patients who received TAP blocks for CAP after previous treatment was ineffective. Some patients underwent multiple TAP blocks, with a total of 163 individual procedures identified. For most blocks, a solution of 0.25% bupivacaine and triamcinolone was injected into the TAP. Efficacy of the injection was measured using pain scores, percent improvement, and duration of relief from pain. RESULTS: TAP blocks were associated with a statistically significant (P <= 0.05) improvement in abdominal pain scores in 81.9% of procedures. Improvement was 50.3% ± 39.0% with an average duration of 108 days after procedures with ongoing pain relief at time of follow-up were removed. There was a significant reduction in emergency department visits for abdominal pain before and after the procedure (P <= 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective chart review with lack of a control group. CONCLUSIONS: TAP blocks can be extrapolated for treating abdominal pain beyond acute settings. TAP injections can be considered as a treatment option for patients with somatosensory CAP refractory to other forms of pain management. KEY WORDS: Abdominal pain, transversus abdominis plane block, chronic pain, chronic abdominal pain, pain management, somatosensory pain, transversus abdominis plane, steroid injection.

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Pain: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Review the analgesic effect of the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and its impact on postoperative pain scores and opioid usage for patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies. METHODS: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of TAP block to either placebo or no block on narcotic use (in morphine equivalent units [MEq]) and pain (per visual analog scale) within 24] h after a laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy for benign or malignant indications. Searches were conducted in PubMed and Embase through May 31, 2019. RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials met eligibility criteria; 7 evaluated laparoscopic hysterectomy and 2 robotic hysterectomy. A total of 688 subjects were included (559 laparoscopic hysterectomy, 129 robotic hysterectomy). Opioid consumption was similar in the first 24] h postoperative with or without TAP block (-0.8 MEq; 95% CI, -2.9, 1.3; 8 TAP arms; N] = 395). Pain scores (visual analog scale) were also similar with or without TAP block (-0.01 U; 95% CI, -0.34, 0.32; 10 TAP arms; N] = 636). Neither meta-analysis showed statistical heterogeneity across studies. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence does not support a benefit of TAP block to reduce pain or opioid use for patients receiving laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomies.