Relation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with epidural analgesia timing and thoracotomy pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship of the pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to the timing of epidural analgesia administration and post-operative acute and chronic pain in thoracotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 60 patients, with NLR ≥ 2 (Group A) and NLR < 2 (Group B). Each group was divided into subgroups pre-emptive analgesia (Group P) and control group (Group C). Epidural analgesic solution was administered as a bolus before the surgical incision in Group P and at the end of the operation in Group C. NRS was questioned postoperatively at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th h, 1st, and 3rd months and also additional analgesic needs were recorded. RESULTS: In Group A, the pain scores of the patients who received pre-emptive epidural analgesia were lower at the post-operative 2nd, 4th, and 8th h and analgesic consumption was less in the post-operative first 24 h. CONCLUSION: It was observed that pre-emptive epidural analgesia reduced pain levels and additional analgesic consumption in the acute post-operative period in patients with pre-operative NLR ≥ 2.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio investigó la relación de la relación neutrófilos/linfocitos (NLR) preoperatoria con el momento de la administración de la analgesia epidural y el dolor agudo y crónico posoperatorio en la toracotomía. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó en 60 pacientes, como NLR ≥ 2 (Grupo A) y NLR < 2 (Grupo B). Cada grupo se dividió en subgrupos de analgesia preventiva (Grupo P) y grupo control (Grupo C). La solución analgésica epidural se administró en bolo antes de la incisión quirúrgica en el Grupo P y al final de la operación en el Grupo C. La NRS se cuestionó posoperatoriamente a las 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 horas, 1 y 3 meses también adicionales Se registraron las necesidades analgésicas. RESULTADOS: En el Grupo A, los puntajes de dolor de los pacientes que recibieron analgesia epidural preventiva fueron menores a las 2, 4 y 8 horas postoperatorias y el consumo de analgésicos fue menor en las primeras 24 horas postoperatorias. CONCLUSIÓN: Se observó que la analgesia epidural preventiva redujo los niveles de dolor y el consumo adicional de analgésicos en el postoperatorio agudo en pacientes con NLR preoperatorio ≥ 2.

The effects of magnesium sulfate added to epidurally administered local anesthetic on postoperative pain: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the efficacy of epidurally administered magnesium associated with local anesthetics on postoperative pain control. METHODS: The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42021231910. Literature searches were conducted on Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials comparing epidural administration of magnesium added to local anesthetics for postoperative pain in elective surgical adult patients. Primary outcomes were the time to the first Postoperative (PO) Analgesic Request (TFAR), 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at the first six and 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes included Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV), pruritus, and shivering. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE criteria. RESULTS: Seventeen studies comparing epidural were included. Effect estimates are described as weighted Mean Differences (MD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) for the main outcomes: TFAR (MD = 72.4 min; 95% CI = 10.22-134.58 min; p < 0.001; I2 = 99.8%; GRADE: very low); opioid consumption (MD = -7.2 mg (95% CI = -9.30 - -5.09; p < 0.001; I2 = 98%; GRADE: very low). VAS pain scores within the first six PO hours (VAS) (MD = -1.01 cm; 95% CI = -1.40-0.64 cm; p < 0.001; I2 = 88%; GRADE: very low), at 24 hours (MD = -0.56 cm; 95% CI = -1.14-0.01 cm; p = 0.05; I2 = 97%; GRADE: very low). CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium sulfate delayed TFAR and decreased 24-hour opioid consumption and early postoperative pain intensity. However, imprecision and inconsistency pervaded meta-analyses, causing very low certainty of effect estimates.

The effects of magnesium sulfate added to epidurally administered local anesthetic on postoperative pain: a systematic review

Abstract Background This study evaluated the efficacy of epidurally administered magnesium associated with local anesthetics on postoperative pain control. Methods The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42021231910. Literature searches were conducted on Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials comparing epidural administration of magnesium added to local anesthetics for postoperative pain in elective surgical adult patients. Primary outcomes were the time to the first Postoperative (PO) Analgesic Request (TFAR), 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at the first six and 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes included Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV), pruritus, and shivering. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE criteria. Results Seventeen studies comparing epidural were included. Effect estimates are described as weighted Mean Differences (MD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) for the main outcomes: TFAR (MD = 72.4 min; 95% CI = 10.22-134.58 min; p < 0.001; I2= 99.8%; GRADE: very low); opioid consumption (MD = -7.2 mg (95% CI = -9.30 - -5.09; p < 0.001; I2= 98%; GRADE: very low). VAS pain scores within the first six PO hours (VAS) (MD = -1.01 cm; 95% CI = -1.40-0.64 cm; p < 0.001; I2= 88%; GRADE: very low), at 24 hours (MD = -0.56 cm; 95% CI = -1.14-0.01 cm; p= 0.05; I2= 97%; GRADE: very low). Conclusions Magnesium sulfate delayed TFAR and decreased 24-hour opioid consumption and early postoperative pain intensity. However, imprecision and inconsistency pervaded meta-analyses, causing very low certainty of effect estimates.

Anesthetic management in neurological disorders: is combined spinal-epidural a suitable option? Case report / Manejo anestésico en trastornos neurológicos: ¿es la anestesia espinal-epidural una alternativa apropiada? Reporte de caso

Abstract Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a rare disease with multi-systemic involvement, predominantly neurological. Little evidence exists about the anesthetic management of patients with this disorder, particularly in pregnant women. This article discusses a case of a patient with TSC admitted to our hospital for the delivery of a twin gestation. Twenty-four hours after surgery, the patient presented left-side facial-brachial hypoesthesia and headache. A brain CT revealed a right frontal cortical bleeding tumor, which was diagnosed as glioblastoma multiforme. The patient was discharged 15 days after admission and a neurosurgical approach was suggested.

Resumen La esclerosis tuberosa es una enfermedad poco frecuente asociada con compromiso multisistémico, principalmente neurológico. Es poca la evidencia sobre el manejo anestésico de los pacientes con este trastorno, en particular las mujeres embarazadas. En este artículo presentamos el caso de una paciente con esclerosis tuberosa ingresada en nuestro hospital para el parto de una gestación gemelar. Veinticuatro horas después de la cirugía, la paciente presentó hipoestesia facial y braquial izquierda y cefalea. La tomografía cerebral mostró un tumor cortical sangrante en el lóbulo frontal derecho, diagnosticado como glioblastoma multiforme. La paciente fue dada de alta 15 días después de su ingreso y, con recomendación de manejo por neurocirugía.

Esofagectomía minimamente invasiva / Minimally invasive esophagectomy

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive esophagectomy aims to reduce complications compared to open esophagectomy. In this report of the first patient undergoing this procedure at Hospital Pasteur, we highlight the importance of multidisciplinary management, and the main anesthesiological objectives. OBJECTIVE: To present the case report highlighting the anesthetic management, together with the bibliographic review carried out in order to update the anesthetic action protocols, with the main objective of reducing the appearance of perioperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Bibliographic search in PubMed bibliographic databases. Initially, 67 articles were obtained, selecting 20 considered relevant by the authors. CLINICAL CASE: It was a 46-year-old patient coordinated for esophagectomy for squamous neoplasm. Rapid sequence induction, selective endobronchial intubation and anesthetic maintenance with Isoflurane and epidural analgesia were performed. The hydroelectric replacement was restricti- ve. The surgical technique was performed in 3 stages: thoracic time by thoracoscopy; a second laparoscopic abdominal stage and a third stage for left cervicotomy. Extubation was carried out in the operating room with transfer to the ICU where she remained for 6 days to manage analgesia and due to the presence of a mild infectious complication, with good subsequent evolution. CONCLUSION: The use of perioperative multidisciplinary management protocols has fundamental importance as a strategy aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. Advances in surgical technique added to anesthetic management constitute strategies that aim to reduce perioperative complications.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La esofagectomía minimamente invasiva tiene como objetivo disminuir las complicaciones en comparación con la esofagectomía abierta. En este reporte del primer paciente sometido a este procedimiento en el Hospital Pasteur destacamos la importancia del manejo multidisciplinario, y los principales objetivos anestesiológicos. OBJETIVO: Presentar el reporte de caso destacando el manejo anestésico, junto con la revisión bibliográfica realizada en vistas a la actualización de protocolos de actuación anestésica, con objetivo principal de disminuir la aparición de complicaciones perioperatorias. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases bibliográficas PubMed. Inicialmente se obtuvieron 67 artículos, seleccionando 20 considerados relevantes por los autores. CASO CLÍNICO: Se trató de una paciente de 46 años coordinada para esofagectomía por neoplasma epidermoide. Se realizó inducción en secuencia rápida, intubación endobronquial selectiva y mantenimiento anestésico con Isofluorano y analgesia peridural. La reposición hidroelectrolítica fue restrictiva. La técnica quirúrgica se realizó en 3 tiempos: tiempo torácico por toracoscopía; un segundo tiempo abdominal laparoscópico y un tercer tiempo para cervicotomía izquierda. La extubación se realizó en sala de operaciones con traslado a CTI donde permaneció por 6 días para manejo de la analgesia y por presencia de complicación infecciosa leve, con buena evolución posterior. CONCLUSIÓN: Resulta de fundamental importancia el uso de protocolos de manejo multidisciplinario perioperatorio como estrategia destinada a disminuir la morbimortalidad. Los avances en cuanto a la técnica quirúrgica sumado al manejo anestésico constituyen estrategias que apuntan a disminuir las complicaciones perioperatorias.

Meningitis tras técnica combinada raquídea-epidural para analgesia del parto: reporte de un caso / Case report of meningitis after combined spinal-epidural analgesia for labor

La meningitis pospunción es una complicación importante y poco frecuente de la anestesia neuroaxial. Describimos el caso de una paciente que ingresa para inducción del parto. Se realiza técnica espinal-epidural para analgesia del parto. Cursando 48 h de puerperio instala cefalea intensa, fotofobia y fiebre. No focalidad neurológica. Sin rigidez de nuca. Al examen, restos cavitarios que impresionan fétidos. Se plantea endometritis puerperal iniciando tratamiento antibiótico. Dado la persistencia del cuadro clínico se plantea punción lumbar para confirmación diagnóstica mediante análisis de líquido cefalorraquídeo; siendo éste turbio, por lo cual ingresa a cuidados intensivos con diagnóstico de meningitis aguda. Bacterióloga informa a los 10 días que el cultivo desarrolla estreptococo mitis oralis. La importancia esta dada porque la meningitis puede ser potencialmente devastadora si no se realiza un diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos, existiendo medidas que se pueden adoptar para prevenir esta complicación.

Post-puncture meningitis is an important and rare complication of neuraxial anesthesia. We describe case of patient who is admitted for induction of labor. A spinal-epidural technique is performed for labor analgesia. During 48 hours of puerperium, she installed intense headache, photophobia and fever. No neurological focus. No stiff neck. On physical exam, cavitary remains that appear fetid. Puerperal endometritis arises starting antibiotic treatment. Given the persistence of the clinical picture, lumbar puncture is considered for diagnostic confirmation by analysis of cerebrospinal fluid; This being cloudy, for which he was admitted to Intensive Care with a diagnosis of acute meningitis. Bacteriologist reports 10 days later develops streptococcus mitis oralis. The importance is given because meningitis can be potentially devastating if early diagnosis and treatment is not performed, and there are measures that can be taken to prevent this complication.

Recomendaciones en la analgesia para cirugía abdominal abierta / Recommendations in analgesia for open abdominal surgery

Resumen: La analgesia postoperatoria es uno de los componentes básicos en la recuperación funcional tras una intervención quirúrgica. El bloqueo de los estímulos nociceptivos contribuye a disminuir la respuesta al estrés quirúrgico, acelerando la rehabilitación y disminuyendo la incidencia de dolor crónico postoperatorio. Al bloquear las vías de conducción del dolor se limita la respuesta neuroendocrina, metabólica, inflamatoria e inmunitaria al estrés quirúrgico. La analgesia epidural sigue siendo el estándar de referencia en la cirugía abierta abdominal, en cuanto a la calidad de la analgesia dinámica y a la disminución de los tiempos de extubación, de ventilación mecánica y de las complicaciones respiratorias, con el potencial de reducir las tasas de eventos adversos relacionados (dolor no controlado, bloqueo motor y retención urinaria). La analgesia multimodal, basada en un concepto amplio de combinación de analgésicos, fármacos coadyuvantes y técnicas analgésicas, se presenta como una alternativa segura y eficaz (para ver el artículo completo visite http://www.painoutmexico.com).

Abstract: Postoperative analgesia is one of the basic components in functional recovery after surgical intervention. The blocking of nociceptive stimulus contributes to decrease the response to surgical stress, accelerating rehabilitation and decreasing the incidence of chronic postoperative pain. By blocking the pain conduction pathways, the neuroendocrine, metabolic, inflammatory and immune response to surgical stress is limited. Epidural analgesia continues to be the reference standard in open abdominal surgery, in terms of the quality of dynamic analgesia and the reduction of extubation times, mechanical ventilation and respiratory complications, with the potential to reduce the rates of related adverse events (uncontrolled pain, motor blockage and urinary retention). Multimodal analgesia, based on a broad concept of combination of analgesics, adjuvant drugs and analgesic techniques, is presented as a safe and effective alternative (full version visithttp://www.painoutmexico.com ) .

Do we still need central blocks while we have erector spinae plane block? Case of 2. 5 month old infant / Ainda precisamos de bloqueios centrais enquanto temos o bloqueio do eretor da espinha? Caso de criança de 2, 5 meses de idade

Abstract Erector spinae plane block is gaining popularity both for its ease of application and as its comparable effect on postoperative analgesia with central regional techniques like paravertebral block or epidural anesthesia. Its use for many indications has been reported in the literature for pediatric patients. We would like to share our experiences in a 2.5-month infant scheduled for thoracotomy for a giant congenital cyst. Single shot erector spinae plane block was done at T4 level before the start of the surgery for both surgical and postoperative analgesia. No complication was seen during both surgery and follow up period. Erector spinae plane block with the combination of paracetamol was adequate for pain relief.

Resumo O bloqueio do plano do músculo eretor da espinha tem ganhado popularidade, tanto pela facilidade de aplicação quanto pelo efeito comparável em analgesia pós-operatória com técnicas regionais centrais, como o bloqueio paravertebral ou a anestesia peridural. Seu uso tem sido relatado na literatura para muitas indicações em pacientes pediátricos. Gostaríamos de compartilhar nossas experiências no caso de um bebê de 2,5 meses de idade programado para toracotomia para excisão de um cisto congênito gigante. O bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha dorsal com injeção única foi realizado no nível de T4 antes do início da cirurgia para analgesia cirúrgica e pós-operatória. Nenhuma complicação foi observada durante a cirurgia e o período de acompanhamento. O bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha com a combinação de paracetamol foi adequado para o alívio da dor.

[Do we still need central blocks while we have erector spinae plane block? Case of 2.5 month old infant]. / Ainda precisamos de bloqueios centrais enquanto temos o bloqueio do eretor da espinha? Caso de crianc¸a de 2,5 meses de idade.

Erector spinae plane block is gaining popularity both for its ease of application and as its comparable effect on postoperative analgesia with central regional techniques like paravertebral block or epidural anesthesia. Its use for many indications has been reported in the literature for pediatric patients. We would like to share our experiences in a 2.5-month infant scheduled for thoracotomy for a giant congenital cyst. Single shot erector spinae plane block was done at T4 level before the start of the surgery for both surgical and postoperative analgesia. No complication was seen during both surgery and follow up period. Erector spinae plane block with the combination of paracetamol was adequate for pain relief.

Interfascial intercostal nerves block: alternative to epidural analgesia in open gastrectomy? Report on 4 clinical cases / Interfascial intercostal nerves block: alternative to epidural analgesia in open gastrectomy? Report on 4 clinical cases

Abstract The ultrasound-guided intercostal nerves (cutaneous branches) block in the mid-axillary line at the level of the 8th rib (modified BRILMA) is an analgesic technique described back in 2015. Four patients undergoing open gastrectomy (who are not candidates for epidural analgesia) are discussed. The patients underwent the above-mentioned bilateral block, with the administration of 15 mL of levobupivacaine 0.5% into the fascial plane, between the serratus anterior muscle and the external intercostal muscle, with the aim of blocking the intercostal nerves T6 to 11. Postoperative pain control was adequate, with low levels of opioids used. There were no complications associated with the technique.

Resumen El bloqueo ecoguiado de los nervios intercostales (ramas cutáneas) en la línea media axilar a nivel de la 8 costilla (BRILMA modificado) es una técnica analgésica descrita en 2015. Se presentan cuatro pacientes sometidos a gastrectomía abierta (sin posibilidad de administrar la analgesia epidural), a los que se realizó este bloqueo de manera bilateral. Se depositaron 15 ml de levobupivacaína 0,5% en el plano fascial entre el musculo serrato anterior y el intercostal externo, con el objetivo de bloquear los nervios intercostales T6-11. El control postoperatorio del dolor en los pacientes fue adecuado, con escaso consumo de opioides. No hubo complicaciones asociadas a la técnica.

Radicular pain caused by Schmorl's node: a case report / Dor radicular causada por nódulo de Schmorl: relato de caso

Abstract Schmorl's node a focal herniation of intervertebral disc through the end plate into the vertebral body. Most of the established Schmorl's nodes are quiescent. However, disc herniation into the vertebral marrow can cause low back pain by irritating a nociceptive system. Schmorl's node induced radicular pain is a very rare condition. Some cases of Schmorl's node which generated low back pain or radicular pain were treated by surgical methods. In this article, authors reported a rare case of a patient with radicular pain cause by Schmorl's node located at the inferior surface of the 5th lumbar spine. The radicular pain was alleviated by serial 5th lumbar transforaminal epidural blocks. Transforaminal epidural block is suggested as first conservative option to treat radicular pain due to herniation of intervertebral disc. Therefore, non-surgical treatment such as transforaminal epidural block can be considered a first treatment option for radicular pain caused by Schmorl's node.

Resumo O nódulo de Schmörl (NS) é a herniação focal do disco intervertebral através da placa terminal para dentro do corpo vertebral. A maioria dos nódulos de Schmörl já estabelecidos é quiescente. Porém, a hérnia de disco na medula vertebral pode causar dor lombar quando afeta um sistema nociceptivo. A dor radicular induzida por NS é uma condição muito rara. Alguns casos de NS que causaram dor lombar ou radicular foram tratados com procedimentos cirúrgicos. Neste artigo, relatamos o caso raro de um paciente com dor radicular causada por NS localizado na superfície inferior da quinta vértebra lombar (L5). A dor radicular foi atenuada mediante uma série de bloqueios peridurais transforaminais no nível L5. O bloqueio epidural transforaminal (BET) foi sugerido como primeira opção conservadora para tratar a dor radicular devido à herniação do disco intervertebral. Portanto, um tratamento não cirúrgico como o BET pode ser considerado como uma primeira opção de tratamento da dor radicular causada por NS.

[Radicular pain caused by Schmörl's node: a case report]. / Dor radicular causada por nódulo de Schmorl: relato de caso.

Schmörl's node is focal herniation of intervertebral disc through the end plate into the vertebral body. Most of the established Schmörl's nodes are quiescent. However, disc herniation into the vertebral marrow can cause low back pain by irritating a nociceptive system. Schmörl's node induced radicular pain is very rare condition. Some cases of Schmörl's node which generated low back pain or radicular pain were treated by surgical methods. In this article, authors reported a rare case of a patient with radicular pain cause by Schmörl's node located inferior surface of the 5th lumbar spine. The radicular pain was alleviated by serial 5th lumbar transforamnial epidural blocks. Transforamnial epidural block is suggested as first conservative option to treat radicular pain due to herniation of intervertebral disc. Therefore, non-surgical treatment such as transforamnial epidural block can be considered first treatment option of radicular pain caused by Schmörl's node.

Analgesia peridural con anestésicos locales en la implementación del protocolo de recuperación precoz tras la cirugía colorrectal / Peridural analgesia with local anesthetics in the implementations of the early recovery protocol after correctable surgery

Introducción: la implementación de un protocolo de recuperación posoperatoria precoz, garantiza menor morbilidad, estancia posoperatoria corta y satisfacción de los pacientes. Objetivos: evaluar la utilidad de la analgesia epidural dentro de un protocolo de recuperación precoz en cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica. Método: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo y longitudinal con el objetivo de evaluar la utilidad de la analgesia epidural dentro de un protocolo de recuperación precoz en cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica en pacientes intervenidos en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras en el período de mayo 2014-diciembre 2016. La muestra quedó conformada por 97 pacientes intervenidos de cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica con estado físico II-III según la ASA, de cualquier género, programados para cirugía electiva colorrectal laparoscópica incluidos en el protocolo. Resultados: La media de la edad fue de 70 años y predominó el sexo masculino. La analgesia obtenida fue eficaz, se logró ausencia de dolor tanto en reposo como en movimiento en todos los momentos de medición en más del 50 por ciento de los pacientes y cuando apareció el dolor este fue considerado leve. Los requerimientos de analgesia de rescate fueron de 24,7 por ciento. Las complicaciones fueron escasas. Los temblores y la hipotensión aparecieron en 11,3 y 9,3 por ciento, respectivamente. La estadía fue menor de tres días en más de la mitad de los pacientes. Conclusiones: la implementación de un protocolo de recuperación posoperatoria precoz incrementa la eficacia y la eficiencia en la atención perioperatoria(AU)

Introduction: The implementation of an early postoperative recovery protocol guarantees lower morbidity, short postoperative stay, and patient satisfaction. Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of epidural analgesia within an early recovery protocol in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Method: A prospective and longitudinal descriptive and observational study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the usefulness of epidural analgesia within an early recovery protocol in laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients operated at Hermanos Ameijeiras Surgical-Clinical Hospital in the period from May 2014 to December 2016. The sample consisted of 97 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with physical status II-III according to the ASA, of any gender, scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery included in the protocol. Results: The average age was 70 years and the male sex predominated. The analgesia obtained was effective, absence of pain was achieved both at rest and in movement at all measurement times in more than 50 percent of patients and, when pain appeared, it was considered mild. The requirements for rescue analgesia were 24.7 percent. The complications were minimal. Tremors and hypotension appeared in 11.3 percent and 9.3 percent of cases, respectively. Hospital stay was less than three days in more than half of the patients. Conclusions: The implementation of an early postoperative recovery protocol increases the effectiveness and efficiency in perioperative care(AU)

Analgesic efficacy of epidural morphine and clonidinein patients undergoing decompression of the lumbar canal: a prospective randomized trial / Eficácia analgésica de morfina e clonidina epidural em pacientes submetidos à descompressão do canal lombar: estudo prospectivo e randomizado / Eficacia analgésica de la morfina y clonidina epidural en pacientes sometidos a descompresión del canal lumbar: estudio prospectivo aleatorizado

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the postoperative analgesic efficacy in patients undergoing lumbar canal decompression using epidural morphine and clonidine at the Hospital Santa Casa de Vitória - ES, Brazil. Methods: Prospective, randomized study of 60 patients with stenosis of the lumbar canal up to two levels with surgical indication, in which decompression of the canal was performed in association with lumbar arthrodesis. In group 1 we performed conventional postoperative analgesia and in group 2, in addition to conventional analgesia, we associated epidural morphine and clonidine. We used VAS as a means of analyzing pain intensity at 1, 12, and 36 hours after surgery. The statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Office/Excel and the software GraphPad Prism (San Diego, CA, USA). Results: The mean age of patients was 47 years, and 52% were female. The mean VAS in the first hour, 12th, and 36th hours after surgery in the control group was 5.44, 2.13, and 0.55 respectively. In the morphine-clonidine group it was 6.96; 2.21 and 0.60. Comparing one group with another in its absolute values through the Mann-Whitney test, as well as comparing the pain variations between the 1st and 12th hour (1h X 12h) and between the 12th hour and 36th hour (12h x 36h ) through Student's t test it became clear that there was no statistical difference between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of epidural morphine and clonidine to conventional analgesia is not beneficial to reduce postoperative pain in patients undergoing lumbar canal decompression.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia analgésica pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos à descompressão do canal lombar utilizando morfina e clonidina epidural no Hospital da Santa Casa de Vitória - ES. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado de 60 pacientes com de estenose do canal lombar até dois níveis, com indicação cirúrgica, na qual foi realizada descompressão do canal associada à artrodese lombar. No grupo 1, realizamos analgesia pós-operatória convencional e no grupo 2, além da analgesia convencional, associamos morfina e clonidina epidural. Utilizamos a EVA como forma de análise da intensidade da dor nos períodos de 1, 12 e 36 horas depois da cirurgia. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada com Microsoft Office/Excel e o software GraphPad Prism (San Diego, CA, EUA). Resultados: A média da idade dos pacientes foi de 47 anos, sendo que 52% eram do sexo feminino. A média da EVA na 1a, 12a e 36a horas depois da cirurgia no grupo controle foi de 5,44; 2,13 e 0,55, respectivamente. No grupo morfina-clonidina foi de 6,96; 2,21 e 0,60. Comparando um grupo com outro em seus valores absolutos através do teste Mann-Whitney, como também comparando as variações do quadro álgico entre a primeira e a décima segunda hora (1h X 12h) e entre a décima segunda hora e a trigésima sexta hora (12h X 36h) através do teste t de Student, evidenciou-se que não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusões: A adição de morfina e clonidina epidural à analgesia convencional não é benéfica para reduzir o quadro álgico em pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos à descompressão de canal lombar.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia analgésica postoperatoria en pacientes sometidos a la descompresión del canal lumbar utilizando morfina y clonidina epidural en el Hospital Santa Casa de Vitória - ES, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado de 60 pacientes con estenosis del canal lumbar hasta dos niveles, con indicación quirúrgica, en el cual se realizó descompresión del canal asociada a la artrodesis lumbar. En el grupo 1, realizamos analgesia postoperatoria convencional y en el grupo 2, además de la analgesia convencional, asociamos morfina y clonidina epidural. Utilizamos la EVA como forma de análisis de la intensidad del dolor en los períodos de 1, 12 y 36 horas después de la cirugía. El análisis estadístico de los datos se realizó con Microsoft Office/Excel y el software GraphPad Prism (San Diego, CA, EE.UU.). Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 47 años, siendo que el 52% eran del sexo femenino. La media de la EVA en la 1a, 12a y 36a horas después de la intervención en el grupo control fue de 5,44; 2,13 y 0,55, respectivamente. En el grupo morfina-clonidina fue de 6,96; 2,21 y 0,60. La comparación de un grupo con otro en sus valores absolutos a través de la prueba de Mann-Whitney, como también comparando las variaciones del cuadro de dolor entre la primera y la décima segunda hora (1h X 12h) y entre la décima segunda hora y la trigésima sexta hora (12h X 36h) por la prueba t de Student, se evidenció que no hubo diferencia estadística entre los grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: La adición de morfina y clonidina epidural para analgesia convencional no es beneficiosa para reducir el cuadro de dolor en el postoperatorio de pacientes sometidos a la descompresión de canal lumbar.

Bupivacaina y fentanil por vía epidural como alternativa analgésica posoperatoria en pacientes con cirugía oncológica en región abdominal y torácica / Bupivacaine and epidural fentanyl as a postoperative analgesic alternative in patients with oncologic surgery in the abdominal and thoracic regions

Fundamento: el dolor posoperatorio es una de las sensaciones más desagradables para el paciente sometido a cirugía oncológica, pues causa sufrimiento y desencadena numerosos trastornos fisiopatológicos que originan un aumento de la morbimortalidad. Objetivo: valorar la eficacia del uso de la bupivacaína y fentanil por vía epidural como alternativa analgésica posoperatoria en pacientes con cirugía oncológica en región abdominal y torácica. Métodos: estudio de serie de casos, conformado por 70 pacientes anunciados de forma electiva en la Unidad Quirúrgica Central del Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima, de Cienfuegos, para cirugía oncológica abdominal y torácica, entre junio del 2012 y junio del 2013, a los cuales se les colocó catéter peridural para la administración de bupivacaina y fentanil para garantizar analgesia posoperatoria. Se analizó: edad, sexo, clasificación de estado físico, diagnóstico preoperatorio, enfermedades asociadas, método anestésico, tiempo quirúrgico, evaluación del dolor, efectos indeseables. Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino (64,3 %), pacientes en clasificación II según estado físico (80 %). Las enfermedades asociadas fueron fundamentalmente las afecciones cardiovasculares en 55,7 %. El 68, 6 % de los pacientes manifestó ausencia de dolor a las 12 horas y el 81, 4 % a las 24 horas del posoperatorio. Conclusiones: la colocación de un catéter en el espacio epidural y el empleo de bupivacaina y fentanil por esta vía para la analgesia posoperatoria en cirugía oncológica abdominal y torácica permitió la administración intermitente de analgésicos, alargó la duración del bloqueo, propició usar dosis totales menores del anestésico y disminuir las complicaciones hemodinámicas.

Foundation: Postoperative pain is one of the most unpleasant feelings for the patient undergoing oncologic surgery, because it causes suffering and triggers numerous pathophysiological disorders that lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of epidural bupivacaine and fentanyl as a postoperative analgesic alternative in patients with cancer surgery in the abdominal and thoracic regions. Methods: Case series study, consisting of 70 patients electively announced at the Central Surgical Unit of the General University Hospital Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima, Cienfuegos, for abdominal and thoracic oncology surgery between June 2012 and June 2013, which were placed epidural catheter for the administration of bupivacaine and fentanyl to guarantee postoperative analgesia. Results: female gender predominated (64.3%), patients classified according to physical state (80%). The associated diseases were mainly cardiovascular diseases in 55.7%. 68.6% of the patients showed no pain at 12 hours and 81.4% at 24 hours postoperatively. Conclusions: catheter placement in the epidural space and bupivacaine and fentanyl use of in this way for postoperative analgesia in abdominal and thoracic surgery, allowed the intermittent administration of analgesics, extended the blockade duration and decrease hemodynamic complications.

Analgesia obstetrica: Situación actual y alternativas / Obstetric analgesia: Current situation and alternatives

Pain management is part of the comprehensive approach to all patients and results in clear benefits. As such, obstetric analgesia seeks to reduce pain and provide better care during labour. However, its use is sometimes limited due to lack of access to, or availability of, anaesthesia services. Alternative techniques to the epidural analgesic approach are found in the literature, for use by general practitioners or healthcare staff in lower complexity settings. This article discusses general aspects of epidural obstetric analgesia, and other pharmacological and non-pharmacological management options.

El manejo del dolor hace parte del abordaje integral de todos los pacientes y muestra claros beneficios. En este sentido, la analgesia obstétrica busca disminuir el dolor y brindar una mejor atención durante el trabajo de parto. A pesar de ello, su uso se ve limitado en ocasiones por falta de acceso o disponibilidad del servicio de anestesiología. En base a esto, en la literatura se encuentran técnicas alternativas al abordaje peridural para manejo analgesico, las cuales pueden ser empleadas por medicos generales o personal de salud de menor nivel de complejidad. Este artículo abordará aspectos generales sobre la analgesia obstétrica epidural, y otras opciones de manejo farmacológicas y no farmacológicas

Evaluation of facet, sacral and foraminal infiltrations in the treatment of low back pain / Avaliação das infiltrações facetárias, sacrais e foraminais no tratamento das lombalgias / Evaluación de las infiltraciones facetarias, sacrales y foraminales en el tratamiento del dolor lumbar

ABSTRACT Objective: The difficulties of the study and the lumbago approach stem from several factors, among them, the lack of a reliable correlation between the clinical findings and image results and the fact the lumbar segment is innervated by a network of diffuse and intertwined nerves, making it difficult to accurately determine the location of pain origin. The treatment of this disease is mainly based on conservative measures (rest, analgesia, physical therapy) and only in a few cases, the option is surgical measures. Methods: In this study, we conducted an analysis of the results obtained with foraminal, sacral and facet infiltrations of corticoids in the lumbosacral spine in a period of three months in 83 patients with low back pain. Results: The patients showed a statistically significant reduction of pain (mean value) after infiltrations (sacral, foraminal and facet), according to the Visual Analogue Scale of 4 points in the immediate postoperative period, reduction of 3.9 points at 15 days, reduction of 3.5 points at 30 days, a reduction of 3.1 points at 45 days and a reduction of 2.7 points at 90 days. Conclusion: The sacral, foraminal and facet infiltrations of corticoids to control low back pain relieves short-term pain (30 days) and medium and long-term (30-90 days), when the indication is correct.

RESUMO Objetivo: As dificuldades do estudo e da abordagem das lombalgias decorrem de vários fatores, entre eles, inexistência de correlação fidedigna entre os achados clínicos e os de imagem e o fato de o segmento lombar ser inervado por uma rede de nervos difusa e entrelaçada, que torna difícil determinar com precisão o local de origem da dor. O tratamento dessa doença é principalmente baseado em medidas conservadoras (repouso, analgesia, fisioterapia) e em poucos casos, a opção é recorrer a medidas cirúrgicas. Métodos: No presente estudo, realizamos uma análise dos resultados obtidos com infiltrações foraminais, sacrais e facetárias com corticoides na coluna lombossacral em um prazo de 3 meses, em 83 pacientes com lombalgias. Resultados: Os pacientes apresentaram redução estatisticamente significante da dor (valor da média) depois das infiltrações (sacrais, foraminais e facetárias), segundo a Escala Visual Analógica de 4 pontos no pós-operatório imediato, redução de 3,9 pontos aos 15 dias, redução de 3,5 pontos aos 30 dias, redução de 3,1 pontos aos 45 dias e redução de 2,7 pontos aos 90 dias. Conclusão: As infiltrações sacrais, foraminais e facetárias de corticoides para controle das lombalgias alivia a dor a curto (30 dias), médio e longo prazo (30 a 90 dias), quando são indicadas corretamente.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Las dificultades del estudio y del abordaje de la lumbalgia se derivan de varios factores, entre ellos, no hay correlación fiable entre los hallazgos clínicos y los encontrados en las imágenes, además del hecho que el segmento lumbar está inervado por una red de nervios difusos y entrelazados lo que dificulta determinar la ubicación precisa de origen del dolor. El tratamiento de esta enfermedad se basa principalmente en medidas conservadoras (reposo, analgesia, terapia física) y en unos pocos, la opción es quirúrgica. Métodos: En el presente estudio, se realizó un análisis de los resultados obtenidos con infiltraciones foraminales, sacrales y facetarias en la columna lumbosacra, en un período de tres meses en 83 pacientes con dolor lumbar. Resultados: Los pacientes mostraron una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el dolor (valor medio) después de las infiltraciones (sacral, foraminal y facetaria), de acuerdo con la Escala Visual Analógica de 4 puntos en el postoperatorio inmediato, reducción de 3,9 puntos en 15 días, reducción de 3,5 puntos a los 30 días, una reducción de 3,1 puntos en 45 días y una reducción de 2,7 puntos en 90 días. Conclusión: Las infiltraciones sacrales, foraminales y facetarias de corticosteroides para controlar la lumbalgia alivia el dolor a corto (30 días), mediano y largo plazo (30 a 90 días), cuando se hayan indicado correctamente.

The effect of epidurally administered dexamethasone with lignocaine for post-operative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. A dose-response study

Purpose: To evaluate the postoperative analgesic and adverse effects of three doses of dexamethasone, administered epidurally in combination with lignocaine, in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Methods: Twenty-four female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy were pre-medicated with acepromazine and general anaesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol. Animals were randomly allocated into four groups of six. The control group was given lignocaine 2% (LI) and the treatment groups were given lignocaine with either 2 mg dexamethasone (LIDEX2), 4 mg dexamethasone (LIDEX4) or 8 mg dexamethasone (LIDEX8) administered at the lumbosacral epidural space. Duration of postoperative analgesia, first analgesic rescue, motor blockade, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were evaluated. Results: The duration of postoperative analgesia was 19.5 (SD 6) hours for LIDEX8 (p=0.001), 10 (SD 2) hours for LIDEX4 (p=0.002), 4 (SD 2) hours for LIDEX2 (p=0.074) treatments compared with values for the LI control treatment 2.2 (SD 1.6) hours. All treatments had significant cardiovascular and respiratory alterations but they were within acceptable range in these clinically healthy female dogs. Conclusion: Dexamethasone added to epidural lignocaine significantly extends the postoperative analgesia after ovariohysterectomy in female dogs.(AU)