Quadratus lumborum block (transmuscular approach) versus transversus abdominis plane block (unilateral subcostal approach) for perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing open nephrectomy: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing open nephrectomy surgery experience severe perioperative pain, which is primarily due to incision of several muscles. Abdominal wall blocks are known to reduce pain without causing epidural-associated hypotension. We conducted this study to compare unilateral ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block and posterior transversus abdominis block in combination with general anesthesia alone in terms of intraoperative and postoperative analgesics and hemodynamics and postoperative complications. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial conducted in the operating room. This study included 48 patients aged 20-60 years, with ASA I and II, and a body mass index ≤ 30kg.m-2 who were scheduled for open nephrectomy procedure.The 48 patients scheduled for nephrectomy were randomly allocated into one of the following three groups after induction of general anesthesia: Group A (n=16) received USG transmuscular QLB; Group B (n=16) received unilateral USG posterior transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block; and Group C (n=16; control group) did not receive any blocks. Introperative fentanyl consumption, and hemodynamics (heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP)) were recorded after anesthesia induction, at surgical incision, and every 15min till the end of surgery. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was evaluated immediately at 30min and 1,2,4,6, and 12hours postoperatively. The time of first analgesic request was also recorded. RESULTS: Intraoperative fentanyl consumption (µg) was significantly lower in Groups A and B (164.69±27.35 and 190.31±44.48, respectively) than in Group C (347.50±63.64) (p<0.001). Postoperatively, total pethidine consumption was significantly lower in Groups A and B than in Group C (85.31±6.68, 84.06±4.17mg, and 152.19±43.43mg, respectively) (p<0.001. Time to rescue analgesia was longer in Groups A and B than in Group C (138.75±52.39min, 202.50±72.25min, and 37.50±13.42min, respectively) (p<0.001). VAS score was significantly lower in Groups A and B than in Group C at 30min and 1, 2, 4, and 6hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block and posterior transversus abdominis blocks were effective in providing perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing open nephrectomy. However, quadratus lumborum block provided superior analgesia.

Drain fluid cryo-explant technique for treatment of superior bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in young adults.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the drain fluid cryo-explant (DFCE) technique for the management of uncomplicated superior bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in young adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study that included eyes with uncomplicated superior bullous RRD in patients ⩽40 years old. DFCE technique consists of sequential drainage of subretinal fluid, intravitreal fluid injection, cryotherapy, and placement of a scleral explant(s). The primary outcome measure was anatomical reposition of the retina after a single surgery. Secondary outcome measures included improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and any reported complication related to the procedure. RESULTS: The study included 51 eyes which met the study eligibility criteria. The mean duration of detachment was 19.7 ± 6.4 days. A single retinal break was found in 31 eyes (60.8%), and more than one break were found in 20 eyes (39.2%). The mean number of breaks per eye was 1.72 ± 1.04. The mean detached area per eye was 7.21 ± 3.19 clock hours, and the macula was detached in 22 eyes (43.1%). Flattening of the retina and closure of all retinal breaks was achieved in all eyes after a single surgery. Late recurrence of retinal detachment occurred in two eyes (3.9%) due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). No complicated cataract or iatrogenic retinal breaks were detected in all eyes. CONCLUSION: DFCE technique could be effectively used for treatment of uncomplicated superior bullous RRD in adults ⩽40 years. It is safe and provides good visualization during surgery with no iatrogenic retinal breaks or complicated cataract.

Intravitreal Clindamycin and Dexamethasone Combined with Systemic Oral Antitoxoplasma Therapy versus Intravitreal Therapy Alone in the Management of Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcome of IVCD combined with oral therapy with IVCD alone in patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty eyes were reviewed. Two equal groups were identified (15 eyes each). Clinical outcome measures were resolution of active inflammation, changes in BCVA and CMT, adverse drug reactions, and rate of recurrence. RESULTS: Mean baseline of BCVA 1.08 ± 0.17 and 1.03 ± 0.15 improved to 0.64 ± 0.18 and 0.69 ± 0.17 at the end of follow-up in group I and II, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed. CMT was 392.6 ± 33.16 µm and 397.3 ± 14.6 µm significantly decreased to 314.7 ± 4.43 µm and 319.6 ± 7.8 µm. Resolution of acute inflammation was achieved in all cases in both groups. There were no recurrent cases in group I, and only one out of 15 (6.7%) in group II. No ocular or systemic adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: IVCD is an effective route of treatment for active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis that can be used solely without the need to use systemic medications..

Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling in Traumatic Macular Hole: 14% Perfluoropropane (C3F8) versus Silicone Oil Tamponade.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of 23 G PPV and ILM peeling with 14% C3F8 compared with silicone oil tamponade in cases of TMHs without spontaneous closure. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study included 33 eyes with TMHs; 7 eyes healed spontaneously, and the remaining 26 eyes have been treated with PPV and ILM peeling. Silicone oil was used as a tamponade for children or adults who refused to adopt face-down position (10 cases). In all other cases (16 cases), 14% C3F8 was used. These cases were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: 26 cases (22 males and 4 females) were reviewed, including 10 cases treated with silicone oil and 16 cases treated with 14% C3F8. Patients' age ranged from 9 to 54 years. The success rate was 90% in the silicone-filled (9/10) and 94% in the gas-filled (15/16) eyes. At 6 months, the mean BCVA was 0.3 ± 0.25 in the silicone group and 0.2 ± 0.13 in the gas group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cases of TMHs should be observed for spontaneous closure. PPV with ILM peeling should be conducted for nonclosing cases. Gas and silicone oil tamponades are equally successful in anatomical and visual outcomes. This trial is registered with CTRI/2017/06/008765.