Evaluation of virtual reality combining music and a hypnosis session to reduce anxiety before hand surgery under axillary plexus block: A prospective study.

AIMS: Preoperative anxiety, which can affect postoperative recovery, is often present in patients undergoing surgery under loco-regional anaesthesia (LRA). Minimising preoperative anxiety with premedication can be effective but results in drug-related side effects. Therefore, the use of non-pharmacological techniques should be encouraged. METHODS: We evaluated whether a virtual reality (VR) incorporating music and a hypnosis session, provided during the performance of LRA, can reduce preoperative anxiety. Fifty patients scheduled for elective hand surgery under an axillary plexus block were enrolled (March-June 2019). The primary outcome measure was the change in the Amsterdam Anxiety and Preoperative Information Scale (APAIS) questionnaire 5 min after the VR session as compared to before the VR session. The secondary outcome measures were the visual analog scale (VAS) for anxiety before and 2 h after the surgery and the Evaluation du Vécu de l'ANesthésie-LocoRégionale (EVAN-LR) satisfaction score. RESULTS: Data from 48 patients were analysed. The APAIS score as well as VAS for anxiety were significantly reduced after a VR session (p < .001 for both scores). Patients were very satisfied (EVAN-LR: 92 (88, 94)). CONCLUSIONS: The use of VR incorporating music and a hypnosis session could be an effective tool in the management of a patient's preoperative anxiety during the performance of an axillary plexus block.

Hypnosis Sedation Reduces the Duration of Different Side Effects of Cancer Treatments in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Reducing side effects of cancer treatments is a major challenge for clinicians involved in the management of breast cancer patients. METHODS: We analyzed data from 63 patients (32 in the general anesthesia group and 31 in the hypnosis sedation group) who were included in 1 prospective non-randomized trial evaluating hypnosis sedation in breast cancer treatment. The patients were followed every 3 months for 2 years. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 4 cycles of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by taxanes. Thereafter, patients underwent surgery while on general anesthesia or while on hypnosis sedation. Radiotherapy was administered according to institutional guidelines. Endocrine therapy was prescribed if tumors expressed hormone receptors. Prevalence, intensity and duration of polyneuropathy, musculoskeletal pain, postoperative pain and cancer-related fatigue were assessed at each medical visit. RESULTS: Symptoms duration was statistically reduced for polyneuropathy (p < 0.05), musculoskeletal pain (p < 0.05) postoperative pain and cancer-related fatigue (p < 0.05) in the hypnosis group. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of this study (lack of randomization and small size) we conclude that hypnosis sedation may exert a role on different side effects of breast cancer treatment in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mainly by reducing their duration.

Hypnosis and communication reduce pain and anxiety in peripheral intravenous cannulation: Effect of Language and Confusion on Pain During Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization (KTHYPE), a multicentre randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians traditionally warn patients of pain before peripheral i.v. cannulation (PIVC). However, using words related to pain or undesirable experiences can result in greater pain and anxiety. The use of positive words can improve pain perception and subjective patient experience. We aimed to compare the effects of three types of communication, including hypnotic communication, on pain, comfort, and anxiety in patients during PIVC. METHODS: The Effect of Language and Confusion on Pain During Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization (KTHYPE) trial is a randomised, parallel, single-blind, multicentre study of patients undergoing PIVC on the dorsal face of the hand before surgery. Patients from three hospitals were randomly allocated to one of three groups: PIVC performed with a hypnosis technique (hypnosis group), negative connotation (nocebo group), and neutral connotation (neutral group). The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of pain measured with a 0-10 numerical rating scale just after PIVC. RESULTS: Of the 272 subjects analysed (hypnosis, n=89; nocebo, n=92; neutral, n=91), pain after PIVC was lower in the hypnosis group (mean [standard deviation]; range) (1.5 [1.9]; 0-5) compared with the neutral (3.5 [2.3]; 0-9; P<0.0001) and nocebo groups (3.8 [2.5]; 0-10; P<0.0001). Whilst anxiety was higher and comfort lower before PIVC in the hypnosis group, anxiety decreased and comfort perception increased after PIVC when hypnosis was used. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first well-designed RCTs showing a significant benefit of a hypnosis technique during a routine procedure, such as PIVC. The results could facilitate implementation of hypnosis in daily clinical care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02662322.

Impact of Perioperative Hypnosedation on Postmastectomy Chronic Pain: Preliminary Results.

Objectives: The main aim of this prospective nonrandomized study was to evaluate if mastectomy performed with perioperative hypnosedation led to a lower incidence of chronic pain compared with mastectomy under general anesthesia. Methods: Forty-two breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy either under GA (GA group, n = 21) or HYP (HYP group, n = 21) associated with local and/or regional anesthesia were included. The type of adjuvant therapy as well as the number of reconstructive surgical procedures were well balanced between the 2 groups. The average age of the patients and the type of axillary surgery were also equivalent. Incidence of postmastectomy chronic pain, lymphedema, and shoulder range of motion (ROM) were evaluated after a mean 4-year follow-up. Results: The study shows a statistically significant lower incidence of postmastectomy chronic pain in HYP group (1/21, 1 patient out of 21 experiencing pain) compared with GA group (9/21) with 9 patients out of 21 experiencing pain (P = .008). ROM for shoulder was also less frequently affected in the hypnosedation group, as only 1 patient had decreased ROM, instead of 7 in the other group (P = .04). Conclusions: Our study is the first to hint at the potential benefits of hypnosedation on postmastectomy chronic pain. Despite the limitations of this study (nonrandomized, small sample), preliminary results merit further study of hypnosedation.

Hypnosis in the Perioperative Management of Breast Cancer Surgery: Clinical Benefits and Potential Implications.

The aim of this review is to summarize data published on the use of perioperative hypnosis in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery (BCS). Indeed, the majority of BCS patients experience stress, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and pain. Correct management of the perioperative period and surgical removal of the primary tumor are clearly essential but can affect patients on different levels and hence have a negative impact on oncological outcomes. This review examines the effect of clinical hypnosis performed during the perioperative period. Thanks to its specific properties and techniques allowing it to be used as complementary treatment preoperatively, hypnosis has an impact most notably on distress and postoperative pain. During surgery, hypnosis may be applied to limit immunosuppression, while, in the postoperative period, it can reduce pain, anxiety, and fatigue and improve wound healing. Moreover, hypnosis is inexpensive, an important consideration given current financial concerns in healthcare. Of course, large randomized prospective studies are now needed to confirm the observed advantages of hypnosis in the field of oncology.

Clonidine versus sufentanil as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in patient-controlled epidural labour analgesia: A randomised double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvants to local anaesthetics for epidural labour analgesia are useful if they reduce side-effects or personnel requirements. Epidural clonidine improves analgesia and provides a significant local anaesthetic-sparing effect. OBJECTIVE: To compare the number of rescue doses administered by the anaesthesiologist when clonidine or sufentanil is added to epidural ropivacaine. DESIGN: A randomised double-blind trial. SETTING: Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium, from June 2009 to June 2010. PATIENTS: One hundred and ninety-five women in labour. INTERVENTION: Epidural analgesia initiated with 10 ml ropivacaine 0.1%, women randomised to receive patient-controlled epidural analgesia (5 ml demand bolus, 15 min lockout) with ropivacaine 0.1% and sufentanil 0.25 µg ml⁻¹ (RS group; n = 65), or ropivacaine 0.1% and clonidine 1.5 µg ml⁻¹ (RC1.5 group; n = 65) or ropivacaine 0.1% and clonidine 3 µg ml⁻¹ (RC3 group; n = 65). Rescue analgesia was available as needed ­ 10 ml ropivacaine 0.1% (numerical rating scale <6/10) or ropivacaine 0.2% (numerical rating scale ≥6/10). MAIN OUTCOME: Comparison of the total number of rescue doses. RESULTS: The total number of rescue doses was similar among the groups [median (interquartile range): 1 (0 to 1) in the RC1.5 group, 1 (1 to 2) in the RC3 group and 2 (1 to 2) in the RS group; overall P = 0.056]. However, fewer patients in both the RC1.5 and RC3 groups needed two or more rescue doses (25 and 29% versus 52% in the RS group, P = 0.01). The rate of instrumental delivery was higher in both clonidine groups (13 and 12% versus 0%, P = 0.03). Nausea was significantly less frequent in both the clonidine groups. Satisfaction scores, total ropivacaine consumption, maternal sedation, and hypotension and neonatal outcomes were similar among the groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with sufentanil 0.25 µg ml⁻¹, addition of clonidine (1.5 to 3 µg ml⁻¹) to patient-controlled epidural analgesia with ropivacaine 0.1% provided similar labour analgesia and a similar need for anaesthesiologist-administered rescue doses. Clonidine 3 µg ml⁻¹ did not offer any advantage over clonidine 1.5 µg ml⁻¹. The instrumentation rate was higher in both the clonidine groups.

Evaluation of pregabalin as an adjuvant to patient-controlled epidural analgesia during late termination of pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Late termination of pregnancy combines psychological distress with severe physical pain. The present study evaluated the benefit of adding oral pregabalin to epidural analgesia during this procedure. METHODS: Healthy women were randomly allocated to receive either oral pregabalin 150 mg/12 h or prazepam 10 mg/12 h at the induction of the late termination of pregnancy procedure. When they felt abdominal pain (numerical rating scale ranging from 0 [no pain] to 100 [worst pain possible]), patient-controlled epidural analgesia was activated and set to deliver ropivacaine 0.1% with sufentanil 0.25 µg/ml, 5 ml/h with a bolus dose of 5 ml/30 min. Rescue analgesia was available as needed by administration of 10 ml ropivacaine 0.1% (pain score less than 60/100) or 0.2% (at least 60/100). The primary outcome was the consumption of epidural analgesics. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients participated in the study. Demographic and obstetric data were similar. Pregabalin reduced total ropivacaine consumption 11.3 ± 3.2 mg/h (mean ± SD) versus 15.1 ± 4.9 mg/h in the prazepam group (P = 0.005), an effect related to a decrease in the need for rescue analgesia. In the pregabalin group, fewer women asked for rescue dose (75 vs. 96%; P = 0.048), and the number of rescue doses per patient was reduced (1 [0-2] vs. 2 [1-3]); median [interquartile range], P = 0.005), particularly the need for ropivacaine 0.2%. DISCUSSION: This is the first study considering the use of pregabalin for labor pain associated with late termination of pregnancy, showing that pregabalin 150 mg/12 h is a helpful adjuvant to epidural analgesia. Modulation of both visceral sensitization and affective component of pain may contribute to the benefits observed.

An evaluation of the postoperative antihyperalgesic and analgesic effects of intrathecal clonidine administered during elective cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal clonidine improves intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery. Clonidine also possesses antihyperalgesic properties. Hyperalgesia contributes to postoperative pain and may be associated with increased risk of chronic pain after surgery. In this study, we evaluated the postoperative antihyperalgesic effect of intrathecal clonidine after caesarean delivery. METHODS: Ninety-six parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to receive intrathecal bupivacaine-sufentanil (BS group), bupivacaine-sufentanil-clonidine 75 microg (BSC group), or bupivacaine-clonidine 150 microg (BC group). The primary outcome was the extent and the incidence of periincisional punctate mechanical hyperalgesia as assessed by response to application of a von Frey filament at 24 and 48 h after cesarean delivery. Postoperative morphine requirements and pain scores, as well as residual pain at 1, 3, and 6 mo, were also assessed. RESULTS: The BC group had a significantly reduced area of periincisional hyperalgesia at 48 h (median, 25th-75th percentiles): 1.0 (1.0 - 3.3) cm(2) vs 9.5 (5.0-14.0) cm(2) in the BS group vs 5.0 (2.5-12.3) cm(2) in the BSC group (P = 0.02 with the BS group). The incidence of hyperalgesia at 48 h was also lower in the BC group: 16% vs 41% in the BS group vs 34% in the BSC group (P = 0.03 with BS group). Postoperative morphine consumption, pain scores, and incidence and intensity of residual pain did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal clonidine 150 mug combined with bupivacaine had a postoperative antihyperalgesic effect expressed as a significant reduction in the extent and incidence of periincisional punctate mechanical hyperalgesia at 48 h after elective cesarean delivery compared with intrathecal bupivacaine-sufentanil and intrathecal clonidine 75 mug-bupivacaine-sufentanil.

Postoperative analgesic effects of continuous wound infiltration with diclofenac after elective cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain mostly results from sensitization of afferent fibers at injury sites driving central sensitization. Recently, peripheral processes have gained attention as mechanisms of hyperalgesia, and prostaglandins are among highly sensitizing agents. To date, perioperative administration of a single local dose of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs has shown inconclusive efficacy. Rather than a single bolus, the current study evaluates the postoperative analgesic effect of diclofenac continuous intrawound infusion after elective cesarean delivery. METHODS: Ninety-two parturients were randomly allocated to receive a 48-h continuous intrawound infusion with 240 ml containing 300 mg diclofenac, 0.2% ropivacaine, or saline. In the ropivacaine and saline groups, patients also received 75 mg intravenous diclofenac every 12 h for 48 h. Postoperative evaluation included intravenous morphine consumption by patient-controlled analgesia and visual analog pain scores. Punctate mechanical hyperalgesia surrounding the wound and presence of residual pain after 1 and 6 months were also assessed. RESULTS: Continuous diclofenac infusion significantly reduced postoperative morphine consumption (18 mg; 95% confidence interval, 12.7-22.2) in comparison with saline infusion and systemic diclofenac (38 mg; 95% confidence interval, 28.8-43.7) (P=0.0009) without unique adverse effects. Postoperative analgesia produced by local diclofenac infusion was as effective as local ropivacaine infusion with systemic diclofenac. CONCLUSIONS: After elective cesarean delivery, continuous intrawound infusion of diclofenac demonstrates a greater opioid-sparing effect and better postoperative analgesia than the same dose administered as an intermittent intravenous bolus.

The effect of a lidocaine test dose on analgesia and mobility after an epidural combination of neostigmine and sufentanil in early labor.

We previously demonstrated the effectiveness of epidural sufentanil and the cholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine, to initiate selective labor analgesia. Because the traditional lidocaine plus epinephrine test dose (TD) may alter the effect of subsequent epidural drugs, we undertook this investigation to evaluate the impact of a lidocaine TD on analgesia from a combination of epidural neostigmine plus sufentanil administered in early labor. Eighty healthy parturients were randomly allocated to two groups to receive a 3 mL-TD, either lidocaine 2%-epinephrine (1:200,000) or saline-epinephrine (1:200,000), followed 3 min later by epidural neostigmine 500 microg plus sufentanil 10 microg. Pain scores were recorded for 30 min after injection, as was the time elapsed from initial bolus until request for supplemental analgesia. Thirty minutes after injection, adequacy of motor function was evaluated by the parturient's ability to sit, stand up, bend her knees, and walk. Lidocaine TD hastened the onset (5 min vs 15 min) and increased duration (122 +/- 53 min vs 98 +/- 54 min; P = 0.02) of analgesia from epidural neostigmine plus sufentanil bolus. In contrast, the TD did not significantly impair the ability to sit, stand up, or bend the knees. The ability to ambulate, however, was reduced (57% vs 82%; P = 0.04). In conclusion, a traditional lidocaine TD significantly enhances the analgesic effect from the epidural neostigmine plus sufentanil combination, but affects ambulation in early labor.

The use of neuraxial adjuvant drugs (neostigmine, clonidine) in obstetrics.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neuraxial adjuvant drugs are used to improve analgesia and to decrease complications associated with a high dose of a single drug. Opioids are used in routinely, but alpha2-agonists, such as clonidine or cholinesterase inhibitors (neostigmine), have also been used for labour analgesia or to relieve pain following caesarean section. Both drugs possess a common mechanism of action that can be beneficial. RECENT FINDINGS: Small doses of intrathecal clonidine (30 microg), combined with local anaesthetics and opioids, prolong labour analgesia. Hypotension can occur and must be promptly treated by ephedrine to avoid fetal side effects. Epidural clonidine (60 to 75 microg) produces prolonged analgesia from local anaesthetics and opioids and allows a ropivacaine sparing effect. Intrathecal neostigmine has analgesic properties, but its gastro-intestinal side effects contraindicate its clinical use. Epidural neostigmine, combined with sufentanil or clonidine, initiates labour analgesia (minimum 6 to 7 microg/kg; 500 microg) without side effects, however, and allows a 'mobile epidural'. Epidural and spinal clonidine can be used to improve postcaesarean section analgesia. Epidural neostigmine at the doses studied produces modest analgesia following caesarean section. SUMMARY: Co-administration of neuraxial drugs may enhance analgesia and reduce the side effects of each drug. Clonidine and neostigmine may be used in obstetrics, under some conditions.

Epidural administration of neostigmine and clonidine to induce labor analgesia: evaluation of efficacy and local anesthetic-sparing effect.

BACKGROUND: Epidural clonidine produces analgesia without motor impairment, and is associated with a local anesthetic-sparing effect during labor. The authors have recently demonstrated that epidural neostigmine initiates selective labor analgesia devoid of adverse effects. Both drugs possess common analgesic mechanisms mediated through spinal acetylcholine release. This study evaluates their epidural combination in parturients. METHODS: At the beginning of labor, parturients were randomly allocated to one of five groups to receive one of the following after a test dose: 150 microg epidural clonidine, 750 microg neostigmine, or 75 microg clonidine combined with 250, 500, or 750 microg neostigmine. A pain score (visual analog scale, 0-100) was recorded before administration and at regular intervals until request for a supplemental injection. Subsequent analgesia was provided by continuous epidural infusion of ropivacaine. RESULTS: Parturients did not differ regarding demographic data and initial pain score. Clonidine 150 microg , neostigmine 750 microg , and 75 microg clonidine plus 250 microg neostigmine produced ineffective and short-lasting effects. Clonidine 75 microg plus 500 microg neostigmine and 75 microg clonidine plus 750 microg neostigmine presented comparable durations of 90 +/- 32 and 108 +/- 38 min (mean +/- SD), respectively, and final analgesic efficacies, with 72.2% and 84%, respectively, of the parturients reporting a visual analog scale score of less than 30 out of 100 after 30 min. Ropivacaine use was significantly reduced in all clonidine groups (average, 9.5 mg/h) in comparison with neostigmine alone (17 +/- 3 mg/h). No adverse effects were observed for 75 mug clonidine combined with any dose of neostigmine while maternal sedation (20%) and hypotension (33%) occurred with 150 microg clonidine alone. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural clonidine, 75 microg , with 750 microg neostigmine is an effective combination to initiate selective labor analgesia without adverse effects. Clonidine use further reduces local anesthetic consumption throughout the course of labor.

Epidural neostigmine combined with sufentanil provides balanced and selective analgesia in early labor.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the efficacy of an epidural single dose of neostigmine combined with sufentanil to provide selective and balanced analgesia at the beginning of labor. METHODS: After informed consent, 125 healthy parturients were randomly allocated to receive, after a test dose, a single injection of either epidural sufentanil 20 micrograms (minimal analgesic dose) or 10 micrograms or a combination of sufentanil 10 micrograms with neostigmine 250, 500, or 750 micrograms in a total volume of 12 ml. Pain scores were recorded at regular intervals to determine onset and duration of analgesia. Maternal and fetal vital parameters as well as side effects were closely monitored. RESULTS: Parturients did not differ concerning demographic data. Epidural neostigmine 500 micrograms with sufentanil 10 micrograms produced effective analgesia (visual analog scale <30 mm within 10 min in 72% parturients and within 15 min in 85% parturients; average duration of 119 min, confidence interval 96-142 min) that was as effective as epidural sufentanil 20 micrograms. Epidural combination with neostigmine 250 micrograms was ineffective, whereas 750 micrograms did not produce higher effect than 500 micrograms. No motor block was recorded. Maternal and fetal vital parameters remained stable during labor. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural combination of neostigmine 500 micrograms (e.g., 6-7 micrograms/kg) with sufentanil 10 micrograms provides similar duration of analgesia as epidural sufentanil 20 micrograms and allows effective and selective analgesia devoid of side effects in the first stage of labor.

In children, the addition of epinephrine modifies the pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine injected caudally.

PURPOSE: To describe the modification of the ropivacaine (R) pharmacokinetics produced by the addition of epinephrine (E). METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, 18 ASA I boys received a caudal block (1 mL x kg(-1)) with either plain 0.2% R (Group E-) or with 0.2% R containing E (5 microg x mL(-1); Group E+). Venous blood samples were taken at zero, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 420, 720, 1440 min after caudal injection. Total R concentration in plasma was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. Maximal concentration (C(max)) and time to peak concentration (T(max)) were obtained from the data, terminal half-life (T(1/2z)), clearance (Cl) and volume of distribution (Vd) were estimated by a non-compartmental approach. Subsequently, in order to determine the absorption rate (Ka) and to reduce to number of blood samples, 25 other children, receiving plain R and another group of 25 receiving the E solution were studied using a population approach (NONMEM). A one compartment model with first order absorption was used. The effect of weight, age and E on Cl, Vd and Ka was estimated. RESULTS: C(max) was significantly lower in Group E+ (0.93 mg x L(-1) +/- 0.29 vs 0.61 mg x L(-1) +/- 0.28, P = 0.05) and T(max) occurred later (124 min +/- 53 vs 47 min +/- 16, P = 0.003). Weight was a significant covariate for Cl and Vd while E significantly slowed R Ka [Group I Ka 0.025 min(-1) [coefficient of variation (CV) 21%] vs 0.078 min(-1) (CV 25%) in Group II]. CONCLUSION: The addition of E significantly modifies the pharmacokinetics of R injected caudally.

The effect of epidural neostigmine combined with ropivacaine and sufentanil on neuraxial analgesia during labor.

UNLABELLED: Spinal neostigmine produces analgesia without respiratory depression or hypotension but provokes major gastrointestinal side effects. Epidural injection of this drug, however, appears to induce analgesia devoid of such side effects. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a bolus of epidural neostigmine on the duration and magnitude of analgesia in early labor and assessed its eventual sparing effect on subsequent local anesthetic requirements. Epidural neostigmine methylsulfate (maximal dose 4 microg/kg) was added to 10 mL of ropivacaine 0.1%, with and without sufentanil 10 microg, to initiate analgesia. Twenty minutes after injection, pain score, sensory level, and motor block were assessed. Time until request for supplemental epidural medication was also recorded. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia with ropivacaine 0.1% was used for epidural supplementation. Maternal and fetal side effects were closely recorded. Neostigmine (4 microg/kg), when added to ropivacaine 10 mg, provided equivalent analgesia to ropivacaine 20 mg but was less effective than sufentanil 10 microg for the initiation of labor epidural analgesia. Further, neostigmine did not modify the subsequent patient-controlled epidural analgesia local anesthetic requirements during labor. No hemodynamic instability, additional motor block, or bothersome side effects were recorded. IMPLICATIONS: The combination of epidural neostigmine (4 microg/kg) with the local anesthetic ropivacaine, with or without sufentanil, does not significantly enhance neuraxial analgesia during labor. Such a dose, however, has no bothersome side effects.