Sudden cardiovascular collapse during the TUL procedure: A case series.

Although ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, there have been reports of some minor and major complications, from self-limited to complicated events such as ureteral avulsion, urosepsis, and even death due to cerebrovascular accidents and deep vein thrombosis. Herein, we aim to report seven patients who presented with cardiovascular collapse during ureteroscopy in a 19-year period from January 2002 to January 2021.

Comparison of the ease of insertion and complications of the classical method of laryngeal mask airway insertion with an alternative method.

Background and Goal: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA), a supraglottic device for airway management and ventilation, is used both in emergencies, out of the operating room, and in the operating room during general anesthesia. This study aims to compare the success rate and complications of the classic insertion method (with a semi-inflated cuff) and another technique using the index and middle fingers of the second hand to prevent retroversion of the mask tip (alternative method). Methods and Materials: In total, 288 patients scheduled for short-time ophthalmologic elective surgeries under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to two groups for LMA placement; group C, classical method (with semi-inflated cuff), and group A, alternative method. Difficulty in placement, insertion duration, and the number of attempts were studied. Assessment of pharyngolaryngeal complications (blinded assessor) was made at the time of LMA removal. Findings: The success rate of LMA insertion in the classic group with first, second, and third attempts were 86.3%, 93.5%, and 94.2%, respectively, whereas in the alternative group these values in the first and second attempts were 98.6% and 100%, respectively, and there was no need for the third attempt. Insertion time was not significantly different. There was no meaningful difference between the rate of the bloody streak on the mask (P = 0.37) and the incidence of sore throat (P = 0.048) in the two groups of the study. Conclusion: This newly introduced technique can be considered as an alternative method when a difficult insertion situation is suspected or the classic technique of insertion has failed.

The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on pain, nausea, as well as vomiting and neurovascular assessment in patients for lower extremity fracture surgery: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and integrative medicine may be effective for postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on pain, nausea, and vomiting and neurovascular assessment in patients for lower extremity fracture surgery. METHODS: This is a randomized clinical trial study. Ninety patients who had undergone lower extremity fracture surgery were randomly assigned to the intervention (lemon aromatherapy) and control groups. Lemon aromatherapy was started in the morning of the surgery and extended at two-hour intervals until the end of the surgery, in the recovery room, and 16 h after surgery. Numerical pain and nausea and vomiting scales, the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching, and the WACHS Neurovascular Observation Chart were used to assess the outcomes before and after the intervention (in the recovery room and 4, 8, 12, and 16 h post-surgery). The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test, ANCOVA, and Repeated Measure ANCOVA. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of the intensity of pain (P < 0.001) and nausea and vomiting (P = 0.001) during the study period. Moreover, a significant difference was found between groups as to the frequency and severity of nausea, vomiting, and retching. The amount and duration of postoperative vomiting and nausea were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. In addition, lemon inhalation aromatherapy decreased the frequency of anti-emetic drug administration in the recovery room (P = 0.04) and 16 h post-surgery (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that aromatherapy reduced pain intensity, postoperative nausea, vomiting, and retching, as well as the incidence of anti-emetic drug administration. Therefore, using lemon inhalation aromatherapy to relieve pain and reduce nausea and vomiting is suggested for lower extremity fracture patients who have undergone surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trail (Number = 57,331, IRCT20130616013690N10, approved 24/07/2021) ( https://www.irct.ir/trial/57331 ).

Assessment of Analgesic Efficacy of Bilateral Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Pain following Lumbar Laminectomy: A Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a novel approach to minimizing postoperative pain. We investigated the efficacy and side effects of the ultrasonography-guided bilateral ESP block in reducing pain in the first 24 hours after lumbar laminectomy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-blind (statistical analyst and those responsible for recording patient information postoperation were unaware of the study groups) randomized clinical trial on 50 patients aged 18 to 65 with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I or II physical status scheduled for lumbar laminectomy surgery at Shahid Chamran Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Patients were randomly allocated to the ESP block (26 participants) or control (24 participants) group. A bilateral ESP block was administered to patients in the first group before general anesthesia, which was provided identically to both groups. The postoperative time to the first request of analgesia, pain score, total opioid use, side effects, and patient satisfaction were compared between the groups. Results: Compared with the control group, patients in the ESP block group had significantly more postoperative pain relief in the first hour and until 24 hours (P < 0.05). The total opioid consumption was lower in the ESP block group (P < 0.001). However, the ESP block led to a higher rate of urinary retention (P = 0.008). Conclusion: The bilateral ESP block effectively reduces postoperative pain following lumbar laminectomy, minimizing the need for narcotics. Further research is needed to delineate ways to reduce urinary retention as its main complication. This trial is registered with IRCT20100127003213N6.

Effect of continuous intra-incisional bupivacaine on postoperative pain in non-traumatic spinal fixation surgeries: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Continuous injection of local anesthetics by using surgical wound catheters for postoperative pain relief has gained acceptance in recent years. However, whether this method can be alternatively used instead of systemic opioids in different surgical procedures has not yet been elucidated. Objectives The aim was to investigate the effect of continuous injection of bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound on reducing the postoperative pain of lumbar spine fusion surgeries. Methods In this clinical trial, 31 patients undergoing non-traumatic lumbar spine stabilization surgery were randomly assigned to receive (n = 15) or do not receive (n = 16) bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound, postoperatively. Pain intensity (NRS), dose of required morphine, and drug-related complications within 24 hours of intervention were assessed and compared by the Mann-Whitney and independent t-test. Results Mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the case group over the first postoperative hour in the recovery room (p < 0.001), which continued for the first 2 hours after entering the ward. The mean morphine intake was lower in the bupivacaine group during the first postoperative 24 hours (16 ± 0.88 vs. 7.33 ± 0.93 mg, p < 0.001). The two groups were not significantly different regarding drug-related complications. Conclusion Continuous intra-incisional infusion of bupivacaine helped better pain reduction during the early postoperative hours while sparing morphine consumption in the first postoperative day.

Effect of continuous intra-incisional bupivacaine on postoperative pain in non-traumatic spinal fixation surgeries: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Continuous injection of local anesthetics by using surgical wound catheters for postoperative pain relief has gained acceptance in recent years. However, whether this method can be alternatively used instead of systemic opioids in different surgical procedures has not yet been elucidated. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to investigate the effect of continuous injection of bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound on reducing the postoperative pain of lumbar spine fusion surgeries. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 31 patients undergoing non-traumatic lumbar spine stabilization surgery were randomly assigned to receive (n = 15) or do not receive (n = 16) bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound, postoperatively. Pain intensity (NRS), dose of required morphine, and drug-related complications within 24 hours of intervention were assessed and compared by the Mann-Whitney and independent t-test. RESULTS: Mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the case group over the first postoperative hour in the recovery room (p < 0.001), which continued for the first 2 hours after entering the ward. The mean morphine intake was lower in the bupivacaine group during the first postoperative 24 hours (16 ± 0.88 vs. 7.33 ± 0.93 mg, p < 0.001). The two groups were not significantly different regarding drug-related complications. CONCLUSION: Continuous intra-incisional infusion of bupivacaine helped better pain reduction during the early postoperative hours while sparing morphine consumption in the first postoperative day.

The effect of posterior tibial and sural nerve blocks on postoperative pain of patients following open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneal fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pain control and achieving opioid-free anesthesia are major issues for surgically treated patients with calcaneal fractures. We evaluated the potential role of posterior tibial and sural nerve blocks as a part of multimodal pain control techniques in patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of calcaneal fractures via extensile lateral approach. METHODS: Forty-eight patients randomly allocated to receive either posterior tibial and sural nerve blocks with bupivacaine (peripheral nerve block (PNB) group) or normal saline, after induction of general anesthesia. Patients were assessed for pain intensity, Interval from entrance to the recovery room to the first request for analgesic, recovery room and ward morphine consumption, global satisfaction and morphine side effects. RESULTS: PNB group had less pain score compared to sham block (SB) group at each time point measurement during recovery room stay. There was also significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the pain scores after 2, 4 and 6 h of the operation in the ward. Time to the first request for analgesic was significantly prolonged in the PNB group (P < 0.001). The recovery room and ward morphine consumption was significantly lower in the PNB group (P < 0.001). Global satisfaction in PNB group was significantly more than that of SB group. No complication related to the nerve block was detected at the first postoperative visit in the outpatient clinic. CONCLUSION: Peripheral nerve block could result in less postoperative pain especially in the early hours after ORIF of calcaneal fractures and reduce opioid administration within the first 24 h following the surgery.

Comparison of Intravenous Regional Anesthesia with Single-Cuff Forearm Tourniquet and Hematoma Block and Traditional Method in Patients with Distal Radius Fractures; A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intravenous regional anesthesia with single-cuff forearm tourniquet and hematoma block on intraoperative and postoperative pain intensity of patients with distal radial bone fracture. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, a total number of 52 patients with distal radius fractures were randomly assigned to receive either a traditional Bier block with 3 mg.kg-1 lidocaine (D group) or a single-cuff forearm tourniquet intravenous regional anesthesia with 1.5 mg.kg-1 lidocaine and a hematoma block with 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine (S group). Pain intensity score of numerical rating scale (NRS) was measured hourly for 6 hours, then every two hours till 12th hour and every 4 hours until 24th postoperative hour. Total morphine consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery, its side effects and the patients' global satisfaction were assessed in each group. RESULTS: Mean total morphine consumption during the first 24 hours after surgery was 11.68±7.88 mg in group D and 7.12±4.42 mg in group S (p=0.13). Pain intensity score of NRS both during recovery room and surgical ward stay was less in S group compared to D group (0.016 and 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Intravenous regional anesthesia with single cuff forearm tourniquet and hematoma block compared to the traditional Bier block reduced intraoperative and postoperative pain intensity more effectively in patients with distal fracture of the radius bone and also reduced morphine consumption during the first 24 hours after surgery.

The effect of preoperative depression and anxiety on heart rate variability in women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are prevalent in women with breast cancer. These can affect their autonomic nervous system and hemodynamic stability, which are important factors during operation. We aimed to assess the effect of anxiety and depression on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Forty-nine women with breast cancer, scheduled for surgery, were asked to complete depression and anxiety questionnaires and categorized into depressed/non-depressed and anxious/non-anxious groups. Their electrocardiography (EKG) were assessed for 150 s on admission, before, and after induction of anesthesia for the presence, frequency, and range of HRV. Patients' blood pressure (BP) and HR were recorded, and normal unit high frequency (nuHF), normal unit low frequency (nuLF), LF/HF ratio, HRV index, and systolic and diastolic BP were compared between the groups in three intervals. RESULTS: Anxious and depressed groups had a significantly higher systolic, diastolic, and mean BP before and after induction and higher nuLF before induction, while the changes in nuLF, LF/HF ratio, and HRV index were not significant. Both groups with and without mood disorders had increased BP and HR before induction, which decreased after induction (P < 0.001). Decreased mean BP after induction was associated with anxiety (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, patients with depression had less HRV in the operating theater, than the non-depressed group. After induction of anesthesia, the decrease in BP was associated with anxiety, while BP of the depressed group was higher than the non-depressed group at all intervals.

Health Needs in Patients Suffering from Chronic Back Pain: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic back pain is a disease many people suffer from it and they have different problems and needs. OBJECTIVES: Due to the vague nature of these needs and lack of information in this regard, the present research was aimed to identify the needs of the patients suffering from chronic back pain. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis method. Here, 29 participants entered the study using a purposive sampling; they were interviewed one by one, face to face, and in a semi-structural mode. Gathering the data, transcribing the interviews, and analyzing them were performed simultaneously using Graneheim and Lundman method. First, codification and meaning similarities were revised and the subthemes were identified; then, in the second revision, the related subthemes were put in one category. The data were analyzed using the max Q software version 2007. RESULTS: Analyzing the results led to deriving four main themes and nine categories. The main themes were related to the needs of the patients suffering from chronic back pain, including teaching and informing, religious-spiritual dimension, socio-economic dimension, and physical-psychological dimension. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the health-related needs of the patients suffering from chronic back pain in Iran. According to the obtained criteria from this study, identifying the needs, planning for them, and evaluating the measures taken for the patients suffering from chronic back pain will become possible.

Comparison of Perioperative Systemic Lidocaine or Systemic Ketamine in Acute Pain Management of Patients With Opioid Use Disorder After Orthopedic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Patients with opioid use disorder experience great challenges during acute pain management due to opioid tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. Previous studies have recommended the use of adjuvant drugs in these patients. In this study, we compared the effect of intraoperative lidocaine with ketamine in postoperative pain management of these patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 180 patients with opioid use disorder who underwent orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Patients in groups A, B, and C received intravenous lidocaine, ketamine, or normal saline, respectively, during the operation. Then, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirements, patient satisfaction, and patient sleepiness were recorded and compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: Numerical rating scales during the first hour postoperation were significantly lower in the lidocaine group than in the ketamine or control group (P < 0.001). The mean total amount of morphine consumption during the first 24-hour postoperation was 14.49 ±â€Š26.89, 16.59 ±â€Š30.65, and 21.72 ±â€Š43.29 mg in the lidocaine, ketamine, and control group, respectively, being significantly lower in the lidocaine group in comparison with the other groups (P < 0.001). Patients in the lidocaine group were less restless, calmer, and less drowsy than patients in the ketamine and control group (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to these findings, systemic lidocaine is more effective than systemic ketamine to improve the quality of acute pain management without causing any significant complications in patients with opioid use disorder.

Comparison of Magnesium Sulfate and Tramadol as an Adjuvant to Intravenous Regional Anesthesia for Upper Extremity Surgeries.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous Regional Anesthesia (IVRA) is a simple efficient method for providing regional anesthesia of the limbs. However, it has some limitations such as lack of postoperative analgesia. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of magnesium sulfate and tramadol when added to lidocaine used for IVRA in upper limb surgery. METHODS: In this double - blind randomized clinical trial, 69 patients who underwent elective upper limb surgery with IVRA were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Patients in group A, received IVRA with 0.5% lidocaine and tramadol 100 mg, in group B received IVRA with 0.5% lidocaine and magnesium sulfate 1.5 g, while in group C patients received IVRA with 0.5% lidocaine and normal saline. The onset of sensory block and the duration of postoperative analgesia pain intensity were noted in each patient. Furthermore, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, and skin rash were recorded. RESULTS: Duration of postoperative analgesia was more prolong in the tramadol group than other groups (P = 0.01). Also, the total amount of morphine consumption in the group A, group B, and C was 8.91 ± 5.81, 11.95 ± 4.81, 16.72 ± 4.07 mg, respectively, which was significantly lower in the tramadol group in comparison to the other groups (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that adding tramadol as an adjuvant to lidocaine during IVRA in comparison to magnesium sulfate increases duration of postoperative analgesia and decreases analgesic consumption without increasing opioid-related side effects.

The effect of transdermal nitroglycerin on pain control in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Despite high prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy there is no definite treatment for the condition. The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of transdermal nitroglycerin patch in pain control of patients with DPN. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted on 30 patients with symmetric distal peripheral neuropathy and good glycemic control. The patients were randomly assigned to receive nitroglycerin transdermal and placebo patches in two 4-week stages. The severity of pain and other neuropathic sensory symptoms were assessed at the end of each course. RESULTS: Mean reduction of pain severity was more prominent in the NTG group compared to placebo group of the study (p = 0.048) at least during the first phase of the study. Except for mood and sleep, a significant reduction in all Brief Pain Inventory scores was noted in the drug group (all corrected p < 0.05). SF-MPQ also showed the drug patch to be effective in improving different aspects of pain measured using McGill Pain Questionnaire, except for Role-emotional. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that nitroglycerin plasters can effectively help alleviate pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT201308223213N1.

The effect of methylnaltrexone on the side effects of intrathecal morphine after orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia.

Methylnaltrexone is a peripheral opioid receptor antagonist that does not cross the blood-brain barrier; so without interference with pain relief, it could reverse the peripheral opioid side effects such as constipation, pruritus, postoperative ileus, and urinary retention. This study has been designed to evaluate the effect of methylnaltrexone on postoperative side effects of intrathecal morphine. In seventy-two 18- to 55-year-old patients scheduled for elective orthopedic operations under spinal anesthesia, neuraxial blockade was achieved using 10 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0.1 mg preservative-free morphine sulfate. The first group (M) received 12 mg methylnaltrexone, while the second group (P) received normal saline, subcutaneously, immediately after spinal block in a randomized, double-blind fashion. There was a significant decrease in the rate of nausea and vomiting in group M, but there was no significant difference in the rate of pruritus or urinary retention between the two groups. Pain score was significantly lower in group M. Respiratory depression or decreased level of consciousness was not reported in any patient. Subcutaneous administration of methylnaltrexone was not effective in decreasing postoperative urinary retention and pruritus, but lowered the rate of nausea and vomiting and pain score after intrathecal bupivacaine and morphine.

Unintended purge during the start-up process of a syringe pump: report of a case presented with vascular collapse.

The case of a 50 year-old woman who developed a sudden decrease in arterial pressure while she was being prepared for surgery for a fractured lumbar spine in the prone position, is reported. She was receiving propofol, remifentanil, and sodium nitroprusside via three syringe pumps through an intravenous cannula at the dorsum of her left hand. The cause of the vascular collapse was the purge of the syringe pumps during the self-check process.

Electro-acupuncture for pain relief after nasal septoplasty: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Electro-acupuncture (EA) can be effective in some pain conditions, but still there have been no randomized controlled studies of EA for treatment of acute postoperative pain in nasal septoplasty. Therefore, we did a study to test whether EA of specific points is superior to sham acupuncture for complementary analgesia after nasal septoplasty. METHODS: Ninety (90) patients with an American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status of I-II scheduled for elective septoplasty were randomly allocated to acupuncture group or control group. Postoperative pain was treated with intravenous meperidine. The time to the first analgesic request, and pain intensity on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS-100) were used to evaluate postoperative pain, and the amount of postoperative meperidine and incidence of analgesia related to side-effects were recorded. RESULTS: Postoperative pain intensity on VAS-100 and respiratory depression were similar in both groups (p > 0.05), but nausea and vomiting were less in the acupuncture group than in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from our study demonstrate that both uses of EA and 0.1 mg/kg IV morphine given intraoperatively resulted in a similar postoperative pain score, and meperidine was not given in any patient in the two groups during postoperative period because the VAS scores of all patients were less than 40 mm.

Comparison of two different methods of limb exsanguination (Esmarch bandage and limb elevation) in intravenous regional anesthesia.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of the Esmarch bandage and limb elevation techniques in quality of painlessness of intravenous (IV) regional anesthesia. DESIGN: Double-blinded, controlled, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Operating room of university hospital. PATIENTS: 70 ASA physical status capital I, Ukrainian and capital PE, Cyrillic patients who were scheduled for repair of upper extremity soft-tissue injuries. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized for exsanguination of their upper extremities either by Esmarch bandage (Esmarch group) or by limb elevation (elevation group) to 90 degrees for about 5 minutes. MEASUREMENTS: Preoperative and intraoperative pain intensities were evaluated by verbal response scale. The intensity of pain and need for IV sedative and analgesic medications were compared in both groups by Fisher's exact and chi2 tests. MAIN RESULTS: There was no significant statistical difference between the pain intensity data of two groups either before or after starting the surgery. The need for IV supplemental drugs for pain relief was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The limb elevation technique, while producing less discomfort for patients, can be as effective as the Esmarch bandage in limb exsanguination during IV regional anesthesia.