Surgical Outcomes and Complications of Myomectomy: A Prospective Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate postoperative surgical and non-surgical complications that occur within 30 days following myomectomy procedures, whether laparoscopic or via open surgery. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study SETTING: Del Ponte Women's and Children's Hospital, Varese, Italy. PATIENTS: Women undergoing myomectomy either with laparoscopic or open surgery from July 2020 to June 2023 INTERVENTIONS: Data of consecutive patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy procedures, either via laparoscopy or open abdominal surgery were collected. The study examined patient characteristics, size and location of fibroids, surgical data, and complications. Univariate and multivariable analyses were employed to identify factors contributing to postoperative Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ II complications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Overall 383 patients were included in the study. The univariate analysis showed intramural fibroid type (p = .0009), large fibroid size (p = .03), and extended operative times (p = .05) were associated with postoperative complications. Open surgical approach (p <.001) and uterine cavity opening (p = .02) also contributed to complications. Postoperative anemia emerged as the most prevalent complication. In the multivariable analysis, the open surgical approach emerged as the only independent factor associated with an increased risk of grade ≥ II complications (odds ratio 7.37; p <.0001). CONCLUSION: In this study we found an increased likelihood of complications in case of open myomectomy. While the presence of potential selection bias may have impacted this finding, it could provide valuable insights for clinicians and surgical teams in the strategic planning of myomectomy procedures.

Oncological outcomes of unexpected uterine leiomyosarcoma: A single-center retrospective analysis of 5528 consecutive hysterectomies.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Uterine leiomyosarcomas (uLMS) are rare malignant tumors, often incidentally discovered, with an estimated annual incidence of five cases per one million women in the United States. This study aimed to compare the oncological outcomes of two groups of patients: those with uLMS incidentally found during surgery and those who underwent surgery due to suspected or confirmed uLMS before the procedure. The study assessed patients who had undergone hysterectomy and were diagnosed with stage I uLMS at a tertiary gynecologic oncology referral center in Italy between January 2000 and December 2019. Data on patients' baseline characteristics, surgical procedures, and oncological outcomes were collected. The patients were classified into two groups based on whether uLMS was unexpectedly discovered or suspected before the surgery. Survival rates and factors influencing recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 36 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, with 12 having preoperatively suspected or proven uLMS and 24 having incidentally discovered uLMS. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding disease-free survival (23.7 vs. 27.3 months, log rank = 0.28), disease-specific survival (median not reached, log rank = 0.78), or sites of relapse. Notably, among patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy (compared to open surgery), a significantly higher rate of locoregional recurrence was found (78% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.04). Nevertheless, no significant differences in survival were observed based on the surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative suspicion for uLMS did not seem to impact survival outcomes or the pattern of recurrence. Furthermore, although patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy showed a higher rate of locoregional relapse, this did not affect their overall survival.

Safety and effectiveness of prilocaine for spinal anesthesia in day surgery setting: a retrospective study on a sample of 3291 patients.

Spinal anesthesia is considered safe and reliable for most surgical procedures involving the lower part of the body, but its use in the ambulatory setting requires drugs with rapid onset and regression of the motor and sensory block-like prilocaine.The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze data from 3291 procedures recorded in our institutional database, to better define the safety profile of spinal prilocaine and the incidence of complications and side effects.All clinical data, prospectively collected from 2011 to 2019 in an Italian tertiary hospital, of patients treated with spinal anesthesia performed with 40 mg of hyperbaric 2% prilocaine, according to our internal protocol of day surgery, were analyzed.Surgical procedures included saphenectomy (28.5%, n = 937), knee arthroscopy (26.8%, n = 882), proctologic surgery (15.16%, n = 499), and inguinal canal surgery (14.9%, n = 491).Anesthesia-related complication was represented by urinary retention (1.09%, n = 36), lipotimia (0.75%, n = 25), and postoperative nausea (0.33%, n = 11); arrhythmic events were uncommon (0.18%, n = 6). One case of persistent hypotension and 2 cases of persistent hypertension were reported.Persistent motor or sensory block (lasting more than 5 h) was experienced by 7 patients. One patient (0.03%), who underwent knee arthroscopy, experienced pelvic pain lasting for 6 h, compatible with a transient neurological symptom.Proctologic surgery was a factor associated with unplanned admission due to anesthesia-related complications (OR = 4.9; 95% CI: 2-14%).The number of complications related to the method was low as well as the need for hospitalization. This drug is valid and safe for the most performed day surgery procedures; however, further trials are needed to investigate the incidence of complications in the days following the procedure.

Surgical Outcomes and Complications of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Endometriosis: A Multicentric Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the postoperative morbidity of laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) for endometriosis/adenomyosis in terms of operative outcomes and complications. DESIGN: Retrospective multicentric cohort study. SETTING: Eight European minimally invasive referral centers. PATIENTS: Data from 995 patients with pathologically confirmed endometriosis and/or adenomyosis who underwent LH without concomitant urological and/or gastroenterological procedures from January 2010 to December 2020. INTERVENTIONS: Total LH. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographic patients' characteristics, surgical outcomes, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. We considered major postoperative surgical-related complications, any grade 2 or more events (Clavien-Dindo score) that occurred within 30 days from surgery. Univariate analysis and multivariable models fit with logistic regression were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for major complications. Median age at surgery was 44 years (28-54), and about half of them (505, 50.7%) were on medical treatment (estro-progestins, progestin, or Gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone-analogues) at the time of surgery. In association with LH, posterior adhesiolysis was performed in 387 (38.9%) cases and deep nodule resection in 302 (30.0%). Intraoperative complications occurred in 3% of the patients, and major postoperative complications were registered in 93 (9.3%). The multivariable analysis showed an inverse correlation between the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo >2 complications and age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.99), while previous surgery for endometriosis (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.01-2.60) and intraoperative complications (OR 6.49, 95% CI 2.65-16.87) were found as predictors of major events. Medical treatment at the time of surgery has emerged as a protective factor (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31-0.81). CONCLUSION: LH for endometriosis/adenomyosis is associated with non-negligible morbidity. Knowing the factors associated with higher risks of complications might be used for risk stratification and could help clinicians during preoperative counseling. The administration of estro-progestin or progesterone preoperatively might reduce the risks of postoperative complications following surgery.

Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy followed by in-bag transvaginal corpus uteri morcellation and extraction: A case series.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy (LSH) is a possible treatment for patients with benign uterine disease. Once the hysterectomy has been completed, morcellation and extraction of the corpus uteri is a crucial step of the procedure. We here present a case series to evaluate the feasibility of the in-bag transvaginal specimen retrieval following LSH. STUDY DESIGN: We report a case series of consecutive patients who underwent LSH followed by in-bag transvaginal specimen retrieval. LSH was accomplished in a standard fashion. Once the uterus was detached from the cervix, a 2 cm posterior colpotomy was performed laparoscopically with a monopolar hook under direct view to insert a specimen retrieval bag into the abdomen. The corpus uteri was placed into the bag and transvaginal contained manual morcellation was performed. The colpotomy was then sutured transvaginally. Baseline patients' characteristics and surgical data were collected. Postoperative complications, same-hospital readmissions, and reoperations were registered if occurred within 30 days from surgery. RESULTS: Patients' median age and BMI were 45,5 and 22,7, respectively. Median operative time was 71.5 min (range 34-143) and uterus weight ranged from 60 g to 470 g (median 210 g). The estimated blood loss was 100 mL (median) and no blood transfusion was required. No conversions to open surgery, nor intraoperative complications occurred. Median hospital stay was 2 days (1-3) and no postoperative complications within 30 days from surgery were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: LSH followed by in-bag transvaginal specimen extraction is a promising technique and might be considered a reliable and safe option to further reduce the invasiveness of the procedure.

Noninvasive Ventilation for Acute Respiratory Failure in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for acute respiratory failure (ARF) in pediatric patients. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov with a last update on July 31, 2022. STUDY SELECTION: We included RCTs comparing NIV with any comparator (standard oxygen therapy and high-flow nasal cannula [HFNC]) in pediatric patients with ARF. We excluded studies performed on neonates and on chronic respiratory failure patients. DATA EXTRACTION: Baseline characteristics, intubation rate, mortality, and hospital and ICU length of stays were extracted by trained investigators. DATA SYNTHESIS: We identified 15 RCTs (2,679 patients) for the final analyses. The intubation rate was 109 of 945 (11.5%) in the NIV group, and 158 of 1,086 (14.5%) in the control group (risk ratio, 0.791; 95% CI, 0.629-0.996; p = 0.046; I2 = 0%; number needed to treat = 31). Findings were strengthened after removing studies with intervention duration shorter than an hour and after excluding studies with cross-over as rescue treatment. There was no difference in mortality, and ICU and hospital length of stays. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients, NIV applied for ARF might reduce the intubation rate compared with standard oxygen therapy or HFNC. No difference in mortality was observed.

Hysterectomy for Non-Prolapsed Uterus in Elderly Patients: Predictors of Prolonged Hospital Stay.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate surgical outcomes and complications of hysterectomy for benign conditions other than prolapse in elderly patients and to define predictors of prolonged hospitalization. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTING: This study was conducted in an academic research center. PATIENTS: We utilized our institution surgical database to identify patients aged 60 years or more ("elderly") who underwent hysterectomy for benign conditions other than pelvic organ prolapse during a 20-year period (January 2000-December 2019). METHODS: Length of stay (LOS) of more than 2 days (90th percentile of LOS) was defined as prolonged hospitalization. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, and surgical approach (vaginal hysterectomy (VH), laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), and abdominal hysterectomy (AH)) were identified. Patients treated via LH or VH were also grouped as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with prolonged LOS. RESULTS: Overall, 334 patients were included in this study, 262 (78.4%) of whom underwent LH, 42 (12.6%) VH, and 30 (9.0%) AH. Median LOS was 2 days (1-8), and 63 (18.8%) patients required prolonged LOS. Compared to AH, median hospital stay was shorter in MIS group (2 days vs. 3 days, p < 0.001). No admission variables were associated with prolonged LOS. The only independent predictors of prolonged LOS were AH (odds ratio 24.82, 95% CI 4.84-127.16) and operative time (odds ratio for 30 mins increased 11.34, 95% CI 1.63-78.78). Compared to those who underwent VH, patients having LH had a higher rate of concomitant salpingo-oophorectomy (96.6% vs. 61.9%, p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective single-center study design, number of patients with prolonged hospitalization, and the setting (tertiary minimally invasive gynecology referral center), which might have reduced the generalizability of our results are the limitations of this study. CONCLUSIONS: The abdominal route of hysterectomy was found as the main driver of prolonged hospitalization, reinforcing the benefits of MIS for benign hysterectomy in elderly patients with non-prolapsed uteri; the higher chance of performing concomitant salpingo-oophorectomy supports the laparoscopic approach as the first option for these patients.

Inadvertent intra-arterial catheterisation using ultrasound guidance and endocavitary electrocardiography in a paediatric patient.

Venous access in small infants is difficult and central venous catheter placed into the brachiocephalic vein is often the preferred approach. Ultrasound guided vein cannulation is standard practice and endocavitary electrocardiography is a reliable catheter tip location method. We report a not immediately recognised 2 month old case of inadvertent intra-arterial catheterisation with a 3 Fr - 8 cm catheter during right innominate vein cannulation under ultrasound guidance. Endocavitary electrocardiography showed an increased amplitude P wave with a low P/R wave ratio but further insertion of the catheter resulted in a reduction of the P wave amplitude. At ultrasound re-evaluation of the innominate vein, the catheter seemed to be inside the vessel into the proximal part of the vein, but distally appeared to surpass the vein to get into the brachiocephalic artery at the level of the bifurcation of the right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery. Cardiac ultrasound from the suprasternal notch view identified the catheter into the aortic arch. Contrast-enhanced CT scan with 3D reconstruction confirmed the intra-arterial catheterisation and showed that the innominate vein was shifted and partially compressed but not transfixed by the catheter. The catheter was non-surgically removed uneventfully. During innominate vein cannulation the catheter cannot always be visualised into the distal tract of the vein and the maximal P wave may have a low P/R ratio; a chest X-ray can identify intra-arterial but false negative results are possible. We recommend always using a real time ultrasound tip navigation and location protocol, like the Neo-ECHOTIP protocol, to confirm the correct position of the guidewire and the catheter. If the catheter cannot be identified inside the venous system, we suggest systematically visualising the aortic arch from the suprasternal notch view and the aortic root from the parasternal view to identify arterial malposition.

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma: European multicentre case-series and systematic literature review.

Objective: Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a rare low-grade cancer that was included from the 4th edition of WHO classification of head and neck tumours. The purpose of this study is to analyse clinical behaviour, pattern of recurrences and survival outcomes of this neoplasm. Methods: Retrospective review of patients affected by BSNS who were treated via an endoscopic-assisted approach in 6 European tertiary-care referral hospitals. Cases of BSNS described in literature since 2012 to date were fully reviewed, according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 15 patients were included. Seven patients were treated via an endoscopic endonasal approach, 4 with endoscopic transnasal craniectomy, and 4 via a cranio-endoscopic approach. Adjuvant treatment was delivered in 2 cases. After a mean follow-up of 27.3 months, systemic metastasis was observed in 1 case; the 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 100% and 80 ± 17.9%, respectively. Conclusions: BSNS is a locally aggressive tumour with a low recurrence rate and encouraging survival outcomes if properly treated with surgical resection and free margins followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for selected cases. Endoscopic-assisted surgery is safe and effective as an upfront treatment within a multidisciplinary care protocol.

Continuous Wound Infiltration of Local Anesthetics in Postoperative Pain Management: Safety, Efficacy and Current Perspectives.

Local infiltration and continuous infusion of surgical wound with anesthetics are parts of multimodal analgesia for postoperative pain control. The techniques, given the simplicity of execution that does not increase the timing of the intervention and does not require additional technical skills, are applied in several kinds of surgeries. The continuous wound infiltration can be used for days and a variety of continuous delivery methods can be chosen, including patient-controlled analgesia, continuous infusion or intermittent bolus. The purpose of this narrative review is to analyze the literature, in particular by researching the safety, efficacy and current perspectives of continuous wound infiltration for postoperative pain management in different surgical settings. We have identified 203 articles and 95 of these have been taken into consideration: 17 for the lower limb surgery; 7 for the upper limb surgery, 51 for the laparotomy/laparoscopic surgery of the abdominopelvic area, 13 studies regarding breast surgery and 7 for cardiothoracic surgery. The analysis of these studies reveals that the technique has a variable effectiveness based on the type of structure involved: it is better in structures rich in subcutaneous and connective tissue, while the effectiveness is limited in anatomic districts with a greater variability of innervation. However, regardless the heterogeneity of results, a general reduction in pain intensity and in opioid consumption has been observed with continuous wound infiltration: it is an excellent analgesic technique that can be included in the multimodal treatment of postoperative pain or represents a valid alternative when other options are contraindicated.

Postoperative analgesia and early functional recovery after day-case anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized trial on local anesthetic delivery methods for continuous infusion adductor canal block.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the effects of different local anesthetic delivery techniques for continuous adductor canal block, after arthroscopic day-case anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: We enrolled 80 patients to randomly receive a ropivacaine 0.2% infusion 6 mL per hour through an adductor canal catheter by an electronic pump as follow: intermittent automatic bolus (intermittent group, N.=40) versus continuous infusion (continuous group, N.=40). Patient controlled bolus was 4 mL, lock out 20 minutes. Primary endpoint was postoperative pain by a numerical rating scale (NRS), secondary endpoints were rescue local anesthetic dose, opioid consumption, and physical performance at 72 h. A P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: No difference was found between the groups in NRS, opioid consumption, and physical performance at 72 h. The intermittent group required significantly less local anesthetic than continuous group throughout the postoperative period; the median [IQR (range)] at 24 h was 149 [140-164 (140-227)] mL in the intermittent group versus 165 [147-210 (140-280)] mL in the continuous group (P=0.004). At 48 h it was 295 [284-310 (280-367)] mL in the intermittent group versus 308 [296-367 (284-500)] mL in the continuous group (P=0.002), while at 72 h it was 432 [426-450 (320-528)] mL in the intermittent group and 452 [436-487 (412-671)] mL in the continuous group respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent boluses did not provide superior analgesia over continuous infusion for adductor canal block after outpatient ACLR, but significantly decreased the local anesthetic consumption. Both techniques are suitable for the early functional recovery.

Stimulating versus non-stimulating catheter for lumbar plexus continuous infusion after total hip replacement.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to investigate whether stimulating catheters for continuous lumbar plexus block reduce local anesthetic consumption after hip arthroplasty if compared with traditional non-stimulating catheters. METHODS: Seventy-two ASA I-III, 18-82-year-old, undergoing primary hip replacement (THA) for osteoarthritis with spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups: Stim group (stimulating catheter, N.=36) and Nonstim group (non-stimulating catheter, N.=36). After surgery, 15 mL of mepivacaine 1% were administered in both groups through the catheter. An electronic pump was connected to deliver ropivacaine 0.2% (3 mL/h, bolus 3 mL, lock out 15 min) for the first 72 h. Patients were given ketorolac 30 mg IV every 8 h, acetaminophen 1g IV every 8 h and oxycodone 10 mg per os for rescue analgesia. Primary outcome was postoperative local anesthetic consumption. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), complications, both quadriceps and obturator strength measurements, and opioid requirement were also registered. Mixed effect models (random intercept) were built for repeated measures over time. A difference between groups was considered statistically significant if P<0.05. RESULTS: Local anesthetic consumption and NRS were comparable between groups. Patients in the Nonstim group required significant more rescue opioid analgesia compared with the Stim group during the first 36 h (P=0.002). Quadriceps and adductor muscle strength was equally preserved in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed comparable local anesthetic consumption, pain scores and muscle strength preservation between the two groups. The stimulating catheter allowed a significant, although underpowered, reduction in opioid consumption.

Intraneural Ultrasound-guided Sciatic Nerve Block: Minimum Effective Volume and Electrophysiologic Effects.

WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC: WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: Both extra- and intraneural sciatic injection resulted in significant axonal nerve damage. This study aimed to establish the minimum effective volume of intraneural ropivacaine 1% for complete sensory-motor sciatic nerve block in 90% of patients, and related electrophysiologic variations. METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients received an ultrasound-guided popliteal intraneural nerve block following the up-and-down biased coin design. The starting volume was 15 ml. Baseline, 5-week, and 6-month electrophysiologic tests were performed. Amplitude, latency, and velocity were evaluated. A follow-up telephone call at 6 months was also performed. RESULTS: The minimum effective volume of ropivacaine 1% in 90% of patients for complete sensory-motor sciatic nerve block resulted in 6.6 ml (95% CI, 6.4 to 6.7) with an onset time of 19 ± 12 min. Success rate was 98%. Baseline amplitude of action potential (mV) at ankle, fibula, malleolus, and popliteus were 8.4 ± 2.3, 7.1 ± 2.0, 15.4 ± 6.5, and 11.7 ± 5.1 respectively. They were significantly reduced at the fifth week (4.3 ± 2.1, 3.5 ± 1.8, 6.9 ± 3.7, and 5.2 ± 3.0) and at the sixth month (5.9 ± 2.3, 5.1 ± 2.1, 10.3 ± 4.0, and 7.5 ± 2.7) (P < 0.001 in all cases). Latency and velocity did not change from the baseline. No patient reported neurologic symptoms at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The intraneural ultrasound-guided popliteal local anesthetic injection significantly reduces the local anesthetic dose to achieve an effective sensory-motor block, decreasing the risk of systemic toxicity. Persistent electrophysiologic changes suggest possible axonal damage that will require further investigation.

Effects of anaesthesia and analgesia on long-term outcome after total knee replacement: A prospective, observational, multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative regional anaesthesia may protect from persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) and improve outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of regional anaesthesia on PPSP and long-term functional outcome after TKA. DESIGN: A web-based prospective observational registry. SETTING: Five Italian Private and University Hospitals from 2012 to 2015. PATIENTS: Undergoing primary unilateral TKA, aged more than 18 years, informed consent, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classes 1 to 3, no previous knee surgery. INTERVENTION(S): Personal data (age, sex, BMI and ASA class), preoperative pain assessed by numerical rating scale (NRS) score, and risk factors for PPSP were registered preoperatively. Data on anaesthetic and analgesic techniques were collected. Postoperative pain (NRS), analgesic consumption, major complications and patient satisfaction were registered up to the time of discharge. PPSP was assessed by a blinded investigator during a phone call after 1, 3 and 6 months, together with patient satisfaction, quality of life (QOL) and walking ability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Experience of PPSP according to the type of peri-operative analgesia. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-three patients completed the follow-up. At 6 months, 21.6% of patients experienced PPSP, whereas autonomy was improved only in 56.3%; QOL was worsened or unchanged in 30.7% of patients and improved in 69.3%. Patients receiving continuous regional anaesthesia (epidural or peripheral nerve block) showed a lower NRS through the whole peri-operative period up to 1 month compared with both single shot peripheral nerve block and those who did not receive any type of regional anaesthesia. No difference was found between these latter two groups. Differences in PPSP at 3 or 6 months were not significantly affected by the type of anaesthesia or postoperative analgesia. A higher NRS score at 1 month, younger age, history of anxiety or depression, pro-inflammatory status, higher BMI and a lower ASA physical status were associated with a higher incidence of PPSP and worsened QOL at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Continuous regional anaesthesia provides analgesic benefit for up to 1 month after surgery, but did not influence PPSP at 6 months. Better pain control at 1 month was associated with reduced PPSP. Patients with higher expectations from surgery, enhanced basal inflammation and a pessimistic outlook are more prone to develop PPSP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02147730.

Effect of Preoperative Inflammatory Status and Comorbidities on Pain Resolution and Persistent Postsurgical Pain after Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Poor acute pain control and inflammation are important risk factors for Persistent Postsurgical Pain (PPSP). The aim of the study is to investigate, in the context of a prospective cohort of patients undergoing hernia repair, potential risk factors for PPSP. Data about BMI, anxious-depressive disorders, neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio (NLR), proinflammatory medical comorbidities were collected. An analysis for correlation between comorbidities and PPSP was performed in those patients experiencing chronic pain at 3 months after surgery. Tramadol resulted less effective in pain at movement in patients with a proinflammatory status. Preoperative hypertension and NLR > 4 were correlated with PPSP intensity. Regional anesthesia was significantly protective on PPSP when associated with ketorolac. Patients with pain at 1 month were significantly more prone to develop PPSP at 3 months. NSAIDs or weak opioids are equally effective on acute pain and on PPSP development after IHR, but Ketorolac has better profile in patients with inflammatory background or undergoing regional anesthesia. Drug choice should be based on their potential side effects, patient's profile (comorbidities, preoperative inflammation, and hypertension), and type of anesthesia. Close monitoring is necessary to early detect pain conditions more prone to progress to a chronic syndrome.

Effect of postoperative analgesia on acute and persistent postherniotomy pain: a randomized study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The study objective is to identify differences in postoperative pain management according to different analgesic treatments, targeting 2 main pathways involved in pain perception. DESIGN: The design is a randomized, parallel groups, open-label study. SETTING: The setting is in an operating room, postoperative recovery area, and surgical ward. PATIENTS: There are 200 patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair (IHR) with tension-free technique (mesh repair). INTERVENTIONS: The intervention is a randomization to receive ketorolac (group K) or tramadol (group T) for 3 days after surgery. MEASUREMENTS: The measurements are differences in analgesic efficacy (numeric rating scale [NRS]) in the postoperative (up to 5 days) period, chronic pain incidence (1 and 3 months), side effects, and complications. MAIN RESULTS: We found no differences in analgesic efficacy (NRS value ≥4 in the first 96 hours: 26% in group K vs 32% in group T, P = .43); the proportion of patients with NRS ≥4 was similar in both groups, and the time trajectories were not significantly different (P for interaction = .24). Side effects were higher (12% vs 6%) in the tramadol group, although not significantly (P = .14), with a case of bleeding in the ketorolac group and higher incidence of constipation in tramadol group. One patient in each group developed chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Ketorolac or weak opioids are equally effective on acute pain and on persistent postsurgical pain development after IHR, and drug choice should be based on their potential side effects and patient's comorbidities. Further studies are needed to standardize the most rational approach to prevent persistent postsurgical pain after IHR.

Periprocedural management of rivaroxaban-treated patients.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing and widespread use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) demands guidelines and experts' consensus for their rational and safe use, especially in certain situations for which there is no evidence-based consensus, such as the periprocedural setting. Rivaroxaban is an oral factor Xa inhibitor approved for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) and for treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in major orthopedic surgery. This article is addressed to all the clinicians involved in the periprocedural approach of patients treated with rivaroxaban, with the aim to give practical recommendations to improve patients' management during and after surgery. AREAS COVERED: This article is based on a consensus of specialists involved in anticoagulant treatment and in periprocedural setting, including experts in thrombosis, cardiologists, internists, clinical pathologists and anesthesiologists. The authors performed a review of the literature and expressed statements based on the results of the review as well as on personal experience. EXPERT OPINION: Rivaroxaban is a safe and effective drug that simplifies management of anticoagulation also in patients undergoing invasive procedures. However, periprocedural management could be challenging and physicians must carefully balance the risk of bleeding and the risk of thrombosis.

Effect of local anesthetic dilution on the onset time and duration of double-injection sciatic nerve block: a prospective, randomized, blinded evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Among the various factors influencing the success rate, onset time, and duration of peripheral nerve blocks, the role of local anesthetics concentration remains uncertain. In this prospective, randomized, single-blinded study, we evaluated whether varying the dilution of a fixed dose of mepivacaine solution influenced onset time and duration of sciatic nerve block. METHODS: Ninety ASA physical status I to II patients scheduled for foot surgery were randomly allocated to receive a double-injection Labat sciatic nerve block with 12 mL mepivacaine 2% (group concentration I = 45 patients) or 24 mL of mepivacaine 1% (group volume II = 45 patients). The nerve stimulator was initially set at 2 Hz, 0.1 millisecond, 1 mA. The total amount of local anesthetic (240 mg) was kept constant and equally divided between the peroneal and tibial nerves. All patients also received an ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve catheter for postoperative analgesia. Times to readiness for surgery, performance, and offset of local anesthetic were recorded. Our primary end point was to determine a possible difference in offset time between groups. Continuous variables were expressed as median (IQR) and compared with the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test; WMWodds are reported together with their 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The overall success rate of sciatic nerve block was 99%. Time of performance was shorter in group I, 120 seconds (90-150 seconds), than that in group II, 150 seconds (120-180 seconds) (P = 0.0048; WMWodds 2.26 [1.35-4.34]). The onset time of sensory and motor sciatic nerve block was 4 minutes (2-9 minutes) in group I and 6 minutes (4-10 minutes) in group II (P = 0.41; WMWodds 1.21 [0.77-1.95]), while the duration of sensory block was 235 minutes (203-250 minutes) in group I, and 240 minutes (218-247 minutes) in group II respectively (P = 0.51; WMWodds 1.20 [0.69-2.16]). CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that varying volume and concentration while maintaining a fixed total dose of mepivacaine alters the onset time and duration of double-injection sciatic nerve block. Considering our WMWodds results, possible differences in onset time and duration comparable to differences in the performance time between groups cannot be excluded.