Randomized Prospective Trial of Epidural Analgesia after Open Hepatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) improves postoperative pain during ambulation following elective open hepatectomy. BACKGROUND: Strategies to alleviate postoperative pain are a critical element of recovery after surgery. However, the optimal postoperative pain management strategy following open hepatectomy remains unclear. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, nonblinded, randomized comparison of PCEA (intervention) versus intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA; control) for postoperative pain following elective open hepatectomy. The primary end point was pain during ambulation on postoperative day (POD) 2. The study was powered to detect a clinically significant 2-point difference on the pain numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary end points included pain at rest, morbidity, time to return of bowel function, and length of stay. RESULTS: From 2015 to 2020, 231 patients were randomized (116 patients in the PCEA arm and 115 in the IV PCA arm). The incidence of epidural failure was 3% (n=4/116), with no epidural-related complications. Patients in the PCEA arm had a <2-point difference in NRS pain scores during ambulation on POD 2 vs. IV PCA (median 4.0 vs. 5.0, P <0.001). There was no difference in overall complications between the PCEA and IV PCA arms (33% vs. 40%, P =0.276). Secondary outcomes, including pain scores at rest, were similar between the study arms. CONCLUSIONS: PCEA was safe following open hepatectomy and was associated with a small difference in pain with activity on POD 2 that did not reach our pre-specified definition of clinical significance.

Effectiveness of Liposomal Bupivacaine With Bupivacaine Hydrochloride vs Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Alone as a Local Anesthetic for Children Undergoing Ambulatory Urologic Surgery: The Baby ORIOLES Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine if the addition of liposomal bupivacaine to bupivacaine hydrochloride improves opioid-free rate and postoperative pain scores among children undergoing ambulatory urologic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, phase 3, single-blinded, single-center randomized trial with superiority design was conducted in children 6 to 18 years undergoing ambulatory urologic procedures between October 2021 and April 2023. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive dorsal penile nerve block (penile procedures) or incisional infiltration with spermatic cord block (inguinal/scrotal procedures) with weight-based liposomal bupivacaine plus bupivacaine hydrochloride or bupivacaine hydrochloride alone. The primary outcome was opioid-free rate at 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included parents' postoperative pain measure scores, numerical pain scale scores, and weight-based opioid utilization at 48 hours and 10 to 14 days. RESULTS: We randomized 104 participants, with > 98% (102/104) with complete follow-up data at 48 hours and 10 to 14 days. At interim analysis, there was no significant difference in opioid-free rate at 48 hours between arms (60% in the intervention vs 62% in the control group; estimated difference in proportion -1.9% [95% CI, -20%-16%]; P = .8). We observed no increased odds of patients being opioid-free at 48 hours with the intervention compared to the control group (OR 0.96 [95% CI 0.41-2.3]; P = .9). The trial met the predetermined futility threshold for early stopping. There was no difference in parents' postoperative pain measure scores, numerical pain scale scores, or opioid utilization at 48 hours or 10 to 14 days. No difference in adverse events was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of liposomal bupivacaine to bupivacaine hydrochloride did not significantly improve opioid-sparing effect or postoperative pain compared with bupivacaine hydrochloride alone among children ≥ 6 years undergoing ambulatory urologic surgery.

Gabapentin for Postoperative Pain Control and Opioid Reduction in Scrotal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of gabapentin in reducing postoperative pain among patients undergoing scrotal surgery for male infertility by conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy men undergoing scrotal surgery with a single surgeon were randomized to receive either (1) gabapentin 600 mg given 2 hours preoperatively and 300 mg taken 3 times a day postoperatively for 3 days, or (2) inactive placebo. The primary outcome measure was difference in postoperative pain scores. Secondary outcomes included differences in opioid usage, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. RESULTS: Of 97 patients screened, 74 enrolled and underwent randomization. Of these, 4 men were lost to follow-up, and 70 were included in the final analysis (35 gabapentin, 35 placebo). Both differences in initial postoperative mean pain score (-1.14, 95% CI -2.21 to -0.08, P = .035) and final mean pain score differences (-1.27, 95% CI -2.23 to -0.32, P = .0097) indicated lower gabapentin pain compared to placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in opioid usage, patient satisfaction, or adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that perioperative gabapentin results in a statistically and clinically significant decrease in pain following scrotal surgery. While there was no evidence of an impact on opioid usage or patient satisfaction, given the low risk of adverse events, it may be considered as part of a multimodal pain management strategy.

Preoperative Oxybutynin Reduces Postoperative Opioid Use Following Common Pediatric Urology Surgeries.

PURPOSE: Urologic surgery involving placement of an indwelling ureteral and/or urethral drain can be associated with significant catheter-related bladder discomfort causing increased postoperative morbidity and opioid medication use. We sought to assess if a single dose of oxybutynin given preoperatively reduces immediate postoperative opioid use in common pediatric urology surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-institution retrospective study identified pediatric patients who underwent surgery on the urinary tract with concomitant placement of a urethral and/or ureteral drain. Patients were given a single weight-based dose of oral oxybutynin in the preoperative area prior to surgery. The primary outcome was receipt of postoperative opioid medication. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess variables associated with postoperative opioid use. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients were included in our final study population with 42 receiving oxybutynin and 92 who did not. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of age, procedure type, anesthesia block, postoperative drain, or intraoperative morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram. Patients who received oxybutynin preoperatively had a decrease in postoperative opioid use (19%) compared to those who did not receive oxybutynin (47%). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, preoperative oxybutynin was associated with a 77% reduced risk of receiving postoperative opioid (odds ratio 0.23, [95% CI 0.09-0.56], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: For pediatric patients with an indwelling urinary drain after urologic surgery, a single preoperative dose of oxybutynin was significantly associated with lower postoperative utilization of opioids. This relatively low-risk intervention can be easily implemented.

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries.

BACKGROUND: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures. METHODS: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge. RESULTS: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P < 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (ß coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not. CONCLUSION: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely.

Brief Assessment of Patient Phenotype to Explain Variability in Postsurgical Pain and Opioid Consumption after Cesarean Delivery: Performance of a Novel Brief Questionnaire Compared to Long Questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Understanding factors that explain why some women experience greater postoperative pain and consume more opioids after cesarean delivery is crucial to building an evidence base for personalized prevention. Comprehensive psychosocial assessment with validated questionnaires in the preoperative period can be time-consuming. A three-item questionnaire has shown promise as a simpler tool to be integrated into clinical practice, but its brevity may limit the ability to explain heterogeneity in psychosocial pain modulators among individuals. This study compared the explanatory ability of three models: (1) the 3-item questionnaire, (2) a 58-item questionnaire (long) including validated questionnaires (e.g., Brief Pain Inventory, Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System [PROMIS]) plus the 3-item questionnaire, and (3) a novel 19-item questionnaire (brief) assessing several psychosocial factors plus the 3-item questionnaire. Additionally, this study explored the utility of adding a pragmatic quantitative sensory test to models. METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, 545 women undergoing cesarean delivery completed questionnaires presurgery. Pain during local anesthetic skin wheal before spinal placement served as a pragmatic quantitative sensory test. Postoperatively, pain and opioid consumption were assessed. Linear regression analysis assessed model fit and the association of model items with pain and opioid consumption during the 48 h after surgery. RESULTS: A modest amount of variability was explained by each of the three models for postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Both the brief and long questionnaire models performed better than the three-item questionnaire but were themselves statistically indistinguishable. Items that were independently associated with pain and opioid consumption included anticipated postsurgical pain medication requirement, surgical anxiety, poor sleep, pre-existing pain, and catastrophic thinking about pain. The quantitative sensory test was itself independently associated with pain across models but only modestly improved models for postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: The brief questionnaire may be more clinically feasible than longer validated questionnaires, while still performing better and integrating a more comprehensive psychosocial assessment than the three-item questionnaire.

Plantar Compartment Block Improves Enhanced Recovery after Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Randomized, Comparative, Double-blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Walking ability is a key factor in enhanced recovery after foot ambulatory surgery. Plantar compartment block offers an analgesic alternative to popliteal sciatic nerve block (PSNB) for hallux valgus surgery. The objective of this study was to compare these two regional anesthesia strategies on patients' ability to recover a painless unaided walk. METHODS: This prospective double-blinded (patient; observing anesthesiologist) randomized study compared patients scheduled for hallux valgus surgery receiving PSNB with 1% mepivacaine, then combined plantar and peroneal nerve blocks (plantar compartment block [PCB] group) with ropivacaine 0.5% and dexamethasone, or PSNB with ropivacaine 0.5% and dexamethasone (control group). The primary outcome was the patient's ability to walk unaided 6 h after PSNB. The test was performed on a GAITRite, spatio-temporal gait analysis mat. For 3 days, the number of patient steps, pain levels, rescue analgesics, patient's experience, and adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included and 59 were analyzed. The number of patients walking unaided on the GAITRite mat was significantly higher in the PCB group (21 of 30, 70%) than in the control group (4 of 29, 13.8%; P < 0.001). Gait quality using the Functional Ambulation Profile score was 63 ± 13.6 in the PCB group and 49.5 ± 4.7 in the control group (P < 0.001). Median time to free ambulation at home was significantly lower in the PCB group (9 h [8.2 to 11.8]) than in the control group (33.5 h [24 to 47]; P < 0.001). Postoperative pain did not differ between the groups (ß = -0.41 [-1.78 to 0.95]; P = 0.548). The number of steps on day 3, the time of first rescue analgesic, the number of patients using rescue analgesia, consumption of morphine, and patient's experience did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: PCB decreased the time to return to unaided walking, with improved gait, compared with PSNB, improving effective analgesia and low consumption of rescue analgesics. This innovative regional anesthesia strategy enhanced recovery after surgery.

Addition of Liposomal Bupivacaine to Standard Bupivacaine versus Standard Bupivacaine Alone in the Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The analgesic effect of adding liposomal bupivacaine to standard bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block is not known. The authors hypothesized that addition of liposomal bupivacaine would reduce acute postoperative pain compared to standard bupivacaine alone. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded. Eighty patients undergoing distal radial fracture fixation during regional anesthesia with supraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomized into two groups. The liposomal bupivacaine group received 10 ml 0.5% plain bupivacaine immediately followed by 10 ml 1.33% liposomal bupivacaine (n = 40). The standard bupivacaine group received 20 ml 0.5% plain bupivacaine (n = 40). The primary outcome was weighted area under curve (AUC) numerical rating scale pain score at rest during the first 48 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included weighted AUC scores for pain with movement, overall benefit with analgesia score, and other functional scores. RESULTS: For the primary outcome, the liposomal bupivacaine group was associated with statistically significantly lower weighted AUC pain score at rest (0.6 vs. 1.4; P < 0.001) in the first 48 h. Of the secondary outcomes, no difference between treatment groups reached statistical significance with the exception of weighted AUC score for pain with movement (2.3 vs. 3.7; adjusted P < 0.001) and overall benefit with analgesia score (1.1 vs. 1.7; adjusted P = 0.020) in the first 48 h, as well as numerical rating scale pain score at rest (0.5 vs. 1.9; adjusted P < 0.001) and with movement (2.7 vs. 4.9; adjusted P < 0.001) on postoperative day 1. Differences in numerical rating scale pain scores on postoperative days 2, 3, and 4 did not reach the level of statistical significance. There were no statistically significant differences in sensory function. CONCLUSIONS: Liposomal bupivacaine given via supraclavicular brachial plexus block reduced pain at rest in the early postoperative period.

Combined Dexamethasone and Dexmedetomidine as Adjuncts to Popliteal and Saphenous Nerve Blocks in Patients Undergoing Surgery of the Foot or Ankle: A Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Both dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine increase the duration of analgesia of peripheral nerve blocks. The authors hypothesized that combined intravenous dexamethasone and intravenous dexmedetomidine would result in a greater duration of analgesia when compared with intravenous dexamethasone alone and placebo. METHODS: The authors randomly allocated participants undergoing surgery of the foot or ankle under general anesthesia and with a combined popliteal (sciatic) and saphenous nerve block to a combination of 12 mg dexamethasone and 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine, 12 mg dexamethasone, or placebo (saline). The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia measured as the time from block performance until the first sensation of pain in the surgical area as reported by the participant. The authors predefined a 33% difference in the duration of analgesia as clinically relevant. RESULTS: A total of 120 participants from two centers were randomized and 119 analyzed for the primary outcome. The median [interquartile range] duration of analgesia was 1,572 min [1,259 to 1,715] with combined dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine, 1,400 min [1,133 to 1,750] with dexamethasone alone, and 870 min [748 to 1,138] with placebo. Compared with placebo, the duration was greater with combined dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine (difference, 564 min; 98.33% CI, 301 to 794; P < 0.001) and with dexamethasone (difference, 489 min; 98.33% CI, 265 to 706; P < 0.001). The prolongations exceeded the authors' predefined clinically relevant difference. The duration was similar when combined dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine was compared with dexamethasone alone (difference, 61 min; 98.33% CI, -222 to 331; P = 0.614). CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone with or without dexmedetomidine increased the duration of analgesia in patients undergoing surgery of the foot or ankle with a popliteal (sciatic) and saphenous nerve block. Combined dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine did not increase the duration of analgesia when compared with dexamethasone.

Increased Postoperative Opioid Consumption in the Presence of Coadministration of 5-Hydroxytryptamine Type 3 Antagonists with Acetaminophen: A Hospital Registry Study.

BACKGROUND: Acetaminophen and 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists are administered as standard prophylaxes for postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting. Preclinical studies, however, suggest that 5-HT3 antagonists may compromise acetaminophen's analgesic effect. This hospital registry study investigates whether 5-HT3 antagonists mitigate the analgesic effect of prophylactic acetaminophen in a perioperative setting. METHODS: This study included 55,016 adult patients undergoing general anesthesia for ambulatory procedures at a tertiary healthcare center in Massachusetts from 2015 to 2022. Using binary exposure variables and a comprehensive selection of preplanned patient- and procedure-related covariates for confounder control, the authors investigated whether intraoperative 5-HT3 antagonists affected the association between pre- or intraoperative acetaminophen and postoperative opioid consumption, gauged by opioid dose in milligram oral morphine equivalents (OME) administered in the postanesthesia care unit. A multivariable, zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was applied. RESULTS: A total of 3,166 patients (5.8%) received only acetaminophen, 15,438 (28.1%) only 5-HT3 antagonists, 31,850 (57.9%) both drugs, and 4,562 (8.3%) neither drug. The median postanesthesia care unit opioid dose was 7.5 mg OME (interquartile range, 7.5 to 14.3 mg OME) among 16,640 of 55,016 (30.2%) patients who received opioids, and the mean opioid dose was 3.2 mg OME across all patients (maximum cumulative dose, 20.4 mg OME). Acetaminophen administration was associated with a -5.5% (95% CI, -9.6 to -1.4%; P = 0.009; adjusted absolute difference, -0.19 mg OME; 95% CI, -0.33 to -0.05; P = 0.009) reduction in opioid consumption among patients who did not receive a 5-HT3 antagonist, while there was no effect in patients who received a 5-HT3 antagonist (adjusted absolute difference, 0.00 mg OME; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.05; P = 0.93; P for interaction = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: A dose-dependent association of pre- or intraoperative acetaminophen with decreased postoperative opioid consumption was not observed when 5-HT3 antagonists were coadministered, suggesting that physicians might consider reserving 5-HT3 antagonists as rescue medication for postoperative nausea or vomiting when acetaminophen is administered for pain prophylaxis.

Effects of intraoperative low-dose esketamine on postoperative pain after vestibular schwannoma resection: A prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

AIMS: Esketamine may reduce acute postoperative pain in several settings. However, the effects of low-dose esketamine on postoperative pain after vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection with propofol/remifentanil total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) are unclear. The aim of this study is to observe the effects of intraoperative low-dose esketamine on postoperative pain after vestibular schwannoma resection. METHODS: This single-centre, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial included 90 adults undergoing VS resection via the retrosigmoid approach with TIVA. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups: esketamine or control (n = 45 in each group). Patients received low-dose esketamine (0.2 mg/kg) or a similar volume of normal saline after dural closure. The primary outcome was the pain score during movement (gentle head movement) at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included recovery time, bispectral index (BIS) values and haemodynamic profiles during the first 30 min after esketamine administration, and adverse effects. RESULTS: Low-dose esketamine did not reduce pain scores at rest (P > .05) or with movement (P > .05) within the first 24 h after surgery. Esketamine moderately increased BIS values for at least 30 min after administration (P < .0001) but did not affect heart rate (P = .992) or mean arterial blood pressure (P = .994). Esketamine prolonged extubation time (P = .042, 95% confidence interval: 0.08 to 4.42) and decreased the effect-site concentration of remifentanil at extubation (P = .001, 95% confidence interval: -0.53 to -0.15) but did not affect the time to resumption of spatial orientation. Postoperative nausea and vomiting rates did not differ between groups, and no hallucinations or excessive sedation was observed. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative low-dose esketamine did not significantly reduce acute pain after VS resection with propofol/remifentanil TIVA. However, BIS values increased for at least 30 min after esketamine administration.

Efficacy of Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction in the Posthemorrhoidectomy Period Trial: Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Frequent early postoperative complications of hemorrhoidectomy are thrombosis and edema of mucocutaneous "bridges." OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of micronized purified flavonoid fraction in preventing complications after elective hemorrhoidectomy. DESIGN: Prospective unicentral open-label randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: 2021-2022 at the Clinic of Colorectal and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Sechenov University (Moscow, Russia). PATIENTS: Patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy for grade III and IV hemorrhoids. INTERVENTIONS: After hemorrhoidectomy, patients were randomly assigned either to standard treatment (peroral nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs and local anesthetics, topical steroids, psyllium, warm sitz baths, and nifedipine gel), referred to as the control group, or to standard treatment with micronized purified flavonoid fraction, referred to as the study group, and followed up for 60 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thrombosis or edema of mucocutaneous bridges and pain intensity on a visual analog scale оn postoperative days 1-7, 14, 21, and 30; quality of life and patient-assessed treatment effect оn postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 21, and 30; and perianal skin tags оn postoperative day 60. RESULTS: The data from 50 patients were analyzed (25 in each group). The visual analog scale demonstrated no differences between groups in each follow-up point. Compared to the control group, the patients in the study group had a significantly higher patient-assessed treatment effect оn postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 21, and 30 and a significantly lower rate of thrombosis or edema of mucocutaneous bridges оn postoperative days 1-7 and 14. Patients in the study group had significantly lower rates of perianal skin tags. LIMITATIONS: Unicenter open-label design. CONCLUSIONS: Micronized purified flavonoid fraction in the posthemorrhoidectomy period is an effective adjunct to standard treatment that helps reduce the rate of thrombosis and edema of mucocutaneous bridges, improves patient-assessed treatment effect, and prevents postoperative perianal skin tags formation. Micronized purified flavonoid fraction in the posthemorrhoidectomy period is not associated with additional pain relief in comparison with nonmicronized purified flavonoid fraction standard treatment. See Video Abstract . EFICACIA DE LA FRACCIN DE FLAVONOIDES PURIFICADA MICRONIZADA EN EL PERODO POSTERIOR A LA HEMORROIDECTOMA ENSAYO MOST ENSAYO CONTROLADO, ALEATORIZADO, ABIERTO: ANTECEDENTES:Una complicación postoperatoria temprana frecuente de la hemorroidectomía es la trombosis y el edema de los "puentes" mucocutáneos.OBJETIVO:Investigamos la eficacia de la fracción de flavonoides purificada micronizada en la prevención de complicaciones después de una hemorroidectomía electiva.DISEÑO:Ensayo controlado aleatorio, prospectivo, unicentral, abierto.AJUSTES:2021-2022 Clínica de Cirugía Colorrectal y Mínimamente Invasiva Universidad Sechenov (Moscú, Rusia).PACIENTES:Pacientes después de hemorroidectomía, que se realizó para hemorroides de grado III-IV.INTERVENCIONES:Después de la hemorroidectomía, los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente al tratamiento estándar (antiinflamatorios no esteroides perorales y anestésicos locales, esteroides tópicos, psyllium, baños de asiento tibios, gel de nifedipina) - grupo de control, o al tratamiento estándar con flavonoide purificado micronizado. fracción (grupo de estudio) y seguido durante 60 días.RESULTADOS DE MEDIDAS PRINCIPALES:Trombosis o edema de puentes mucocutáneos e intensidad del dolor en una escala analógica visual entre el 1.º, 7.º, 14.º, 21.º y 30.º día postoperatorio; calidad de vida y efecto del tratamiento evaluado por el paciente el día 1, 3, 7, 21 y 30 del postoperatorio; Marcas cutáneas perianales en el día 60 del postoperatorio.RESULTADOS:Se analizaron los datos de 50 pacientes (25 en cada grupo). La escala analógica visual no demostró diferencias entre grupos en cada punto de seguimiento. En comparación con el grupo de control, los pacientes en el grupo de estudio tuvieron un efecto del tratamiento evaluado por el paciente significativamente mayor en los días 1, 3, 7, 21 y 30 después de la operación, una tasa significativamente menor de trombosis o edema de los puentes mucocutáneos en los días 1, 7 y 14.. Los pacientes del grupo de estudio tuvieron tasas significativamente más bajas de marcas en la piel perianal.LIMITACIONES:Diseño Unicenter de etiqueta abierta.CONCLUSIONES:La fracción de flavonoides purificada micronizada en el período posterior a la hemorroidectomía es un complemento eficaz del tratamiento estándar que ayuda a reducir la tasa de trombosis y edema de los puentes mucocutáneos, mejora el efecto del tratamiento evaluado por el paciente y previene la formación de marcas cutáneas perianales posoperatorias. La fracción de flavonoides purificados micronizados en el período posterior a la hemorroidectomía no se asocia con un alivio adicional del dolor en comparación con el tratamiento estándar con la fracción de flavonoides purificados no micronizados. (Traducción-Yesenia Rojas-Khalil ).

Implementation of a Multimodal Enhanced Recovery Protocol in Ambulatory Anorectal Surgery: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Few studies report outcomes for enhanced recovery pathways in ambulatory anorectal surgery. We hypothesize that an ambulatory anorectal enhanced recovery pathway with multimodal analgesia can reduce postoperative opioid use. OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative opioid use in patients undergoing ambulatory anorectal surgery who receive multimodal analgesia versus standard of care without multimodal analgesia. DESIGN: A prospective randomized trial of patients undergoing elective anal fistula or hemorrhoid surgery from September 2018 to May 2022. SETTING: Urban teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Adults aged 18 to 70 years undergoing elective anal fistula or hemorrhoid surgery from September 2018 to May 2022. INTERVENTION: Multimodal enhanced recovery pathway including preoperative and postoperative nonopioid analgesia with oral acetaminophen, gabapentin, and ketolorac. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary end point was oral opioid use during the first postoperative week. Secondary end points included maximum pain and nausea scores, adverse events, and emergency room or hospital admissions during the first 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 109 enrolled patients, 20 were lost to follow-up. The remaining 89 patients had a median age of 38 years (range, 20-67) and included 41 women (46%). There were no significant differences between the enhanced recovery protocol arm and non-enhanced recovery protocol arm in terms of preoperative and surgical characteristics. The primary end point of this study, that is, oral morphine milligram equivalents use during the first week, was significantly higher among patients in the non-enhanced recovery protocol arm (79 mg; range, 0-600) than patients in the enhanced recovery protocol arm (8 mg; range, 0-390; p = 0.002). On subgroup analysis, both fistula and hemorrhoid surgery patients assigned to the non-enhanced recovery protocol arm took significantly higher oral morphine milligram equivalents in the first week than patients in the enhanced recovery protocol arm. There was no significant difference in secondary end points. LIMITATIONS: Patients and providers were not blinded. Our findings are limited to hemorrhoid and fistula surgery and may not be applicable to other anorectal procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced recovery protocols including multimodal analgesia should be used in elective anal fistula and hemorrhoid surgery to decrease postoperative opioid use. See the Video Abstract . CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03738904. IMPLEMENTACIN DE PROTOCOLO DE RECUPERACIN ACELERADA MULTIMODAL EN CIRUGA ANORRECTAL AMBULATORIA UN ESTUDIO ALEATORIZADO: ANTECEDENTES:Pocos estudios reportan resultados de programas de recuperación acelerada en la cirugía anorrectal ambulatoria. Presumimos que un programa anorrectal ambulatorio de recuperación acelerada con analgesia multimodal puede reducir el uso posoperatorio de opioides.OBJETIVO:Comparar el uso posoperatorio de opioides en pacientes sometidos a cirugía anorrectal ambulatoria que reciben analgesia multimodal versus atención estándar sin analgesia multimodal.DISEÑO:Un estudio prospectivo aleatorizado de pacientes sometidos a cirugía electiva de fístula anal o hemorroides desde septiembre de 2018 hasta mayo de 2022.LUGAR: Hospital universitario urbano.PACIENTES:Adultos de 18 a 70 años sometidos a cirugía electiva de fístula anal o hemorroides desde septiembre de 2018 hasta mayo de 2022.INTERVENCIÓN:Programa de recuperación acelerada multimodal que incluye analgesia no opioide pre y posoperatoria con paracetamol oral, gabapentina y ketoloraco.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado principal fue el uso de opioides orales durante la primera semana postoperatoria. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron puntuaciones máximas de dolor y náuseas, eventos adversos e ingresos a la sala de emergencias o al hospital durante los primeros 30 días después de la operación.RESULTADOS:De los 109 pacientes incluidos, 20 se perdieron durante el seguimiento. Los 89 pacientes restantes tenían una mediana de edad de 38 (rango, 20-67) años e incluían 41 (46%) mujeres. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos del protocolo de recuperación acelerada (Grupo E) y del protocolo de recuperación no acelerada (Grupo NE) en términos de características preoperatorias y quirúrgicas. El resultado principal del estudio, el uso de MME oral durante la primera semana, fue significativamente mayor entre los pacientes del grupo NE (79 mg; rango: 0-600) que los pacientes del grupo E (8 mg; rango: 0-390) ( p = 0,002). En el análisis de subgrupos, los pacientes de cirugía de fístula y hemorroides asignados al grupo NE tomaron MME oral significativamente más alto en la primera semana que los pacientes del grupo E. No hubo diferencias significativas en los resultados secundarios.LIMITACIONES:Los pacientes y proveedores no fueron cegados. Nuestros hallazgos se limitan a la cirugía de hemorroides y fístulas y pueden no ser aplicables a otros procedimientos anorrectales.CONCLUSIONES:Se deben utilizar protocolos de recuperación acelerada que incluyan analgesia multimodal en la cirugía electiva de fístula anal y hemorroides para disminuir el uso posoperatorio de opioides. (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon )CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03738904.

Hospital-Wide Adherence to Postsurgical Opioid Prescribing Guidelines: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Lowering opioid prescription doses and quantity decreases the risk of chronic opioid usage. A tool was inserted into the brief operative note for the surgeon to assess the severity of pain associated with the procedure. We studied surgeon adherence to current opioid-prescribing recommendations. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with 5486 patients were included in the study population. Each patient's prescription was scored yes or no for adherence on total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) and days prescribed with the selection in the brief operative note. The entire study population was tested for an increase from the null-hypothesis "benchmark" value of 75% using a one-sided exact binomial test of a single proportion with P < 0.05. This procedure was repeated for subgroups, with P < 0.01. RESULTS: Adherence to guidelines was higher than the 75% benchmark for "total MMEs prescribed" (79.5%; P < 0.001), but lower for "number of days prescribed" (63.5%; P > 0.999). Surgeries with severe predicted pain showed the highest adherence toward total MMEs prescribed at 87.1%, followed by moderate (80.5%) and mild (74.5%). Severe cases also showed the highest adherence in number of days prescribed (92.4%). Adherence to total MMEs prescribed was highest among attending physicians (88.1%) and lowest among residents/fellows (76.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to current guidelines was 79.5% for MMEs prescribed but only 63.5% for days prescribed. Compliance with guidelines was better for severe procedures than mild or moderate. Differences were seen across surgical departments. While an improvement from previous reports, further improvement is needed to reduce the number of days of opioids prescribed and increase compliance with recommended guidelines.

Intraoperative Music to Promote Patient Outcome (IMPROMPTU): A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Perioperative music can have beneficial effects on postoperative pain, anxiety, opioid requirement, and the physiological stress response to surgery. The aim was to assess the effects of intraoperative music during general anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for esophagogastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The IMPROMPTU study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multicenter trial. Adult patients undergoing surgery for stage II-III esophagogastric cancer were eligible. Exclusion criteria were a hearing impairment, insufficient Dutch language knowledge, corticosteroids use, or objection to hearing unknown music. Patients wore active noise-cancelling headphones intraoperatively with preselected instrumental classical music (intervention) or no music (control). Computerized randomization with centralized allocation, stratified according to surgical procedure using variable block sizes, was employed. Primary endpoint was postoperative pain on the first postoperative day. Secondary endpoints were postoperative pain during the first postoperative week, postoperative opioid requirement, intraoperative medication requirement, the stress response to surgery, postoperative complication rate, length of stay, and mortality, with follow-up lasting 30 d. RESULTS: From November 2018 to September 2020, 145 patients were assessed and 83 randomized. Seventy patients (music n = 31, control n = 39) were analyzed. Median age was 70 [IQR 63-70], and 48 patients (69%) were male. Music did not reduce postoperative pain (numeric rating scale 1.8 (SD0.94) versus 2.0 (1.0), mean difference -0.28 [95% CI -0.76-0.19], P = 0.236). No statistically significant differences were seen in medication requirement, stress response, complication rate, or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative, preselected, classical music during esophagogastric cancer surgery did not significantly improve postoperative outcome and recovery when compared to no music using noise-cancelling headphones.

Cryoablation Reduces Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay After Pulmonary Metastasectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative cryoablation of intercostal thoracic nerves is gaining popularity as a technique that decreases postoperative pain in thoracic surgery. Our study evaluates the efficacy and safety of cryoablation in pain management of pediatric cancer patients undergoing thoracotomy. METHODS: We reviewed cancer patients undergoing thoracotomies for pulmonary metastasis resection at our children's hospital from 2017 to 2023. Patients who received cryoablation were compared to those who did not. Our primary outcomes were self-reported postoperative pain scores (from 0 to 10) and opioid consumption, measured as oral morphine equivalent per kilogram. RESULTS: Thirty eight procedures were performed in 17 patients, of which 11 (64.7%) were males. Cryoablation was used in 14 (32.4%) procedures, while it was not in 24 (67.6%). Median age (17 y in both groups, P = 0.84) and length of surgery (300 cryoablation versus 282 no cryoablation, P = 0.65) were similar between the groups. Patients treated with cryoablation had a shorter hospital stay compared to those who did not (3.0 versus 4.5 d, respectively, P = 0.04) and received a lower total dose of opioids (2.2 oral morphine equivalent per kilogram versus 14.4, P = 0.004). No significant difference was noted in daily pain scores between the two groups (3.8 cryoablation versus 3.9 no cryoablation, P = 0.93). There was no difference in rates of readmissions between the cryoablation and no-cryoablation groups (14.3% versus 8.3%, P = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that cryoablation of the thoracic nerves during a thoracotomy is associated with reduced opiate consumption and shorter hospital stay. Cryoablation appears to be a promising technique for pain management in this patient population.

Perioperative Management of Buprenorphine at an Urban Academic Medical Center.

INTRODUCTION: Buprenorphine is a partial mu opioid receptor agonist with high affinity to its receptor, which raises concerns of blocking or displacing full opioid agonists when used during the perioperative period of surgical patients. However, buprenorphine itself has high analgesic potency and discontinuing buprenorphine may lead to suboptimal pain control and risk for opioid use disorder relapse. There is limited data for the continuation of buprenorphine perioperatively. METHODS: This study is a retrospective cohort study of adult surgical patients taking buprenorphine for opioid use disorder at an urban, teaching, level 1 trauma center. Patients were split into two groups based on whether buprenorphine was continued (n = 46) or held (n = 28) within the first 48 h after surgery. RESULTS: Those who had buprenorphine continued in the first 48 h postoperatively required half the dose of nonbuprenorphine opioids compared to those who had buprenorphine held (113.25 versus 255.75 oral morphine equivalents, P = 0.0040). Both groups had a similar level of analgesia and incidence of adverse events. Nearly all patients who continued buprenorphine in the first 48 h postoperatively were discharged on this agent, while only half of patients who had buprenorphine held were restarted on it at discharge (92.68% versus 56.52%, P = 0.0013). CONCLUSIONS: This present study found lower nonbuprenorphine opioid requirements in patients with continued versus held perioperative buprenorphine use with no difference in degree of analgesia.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery 2.0: Optimizing Pain Management in Nuss Procedure: Cryoablation and Nerve Block Strategies for Reduced Opioid Use.

INTRODUCTION: Our study assesses the association between cryoablation, with and without nerve block supplementation, post-Nuss procedure pain, and opioid use in pectus excavatum (PE) patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single center for PE patients who underwent the Nuss procedure from 2017 to 2022. Outcomes included postoperative opioid use (measured in oral morphine milligram equivalent per kilogram [OME/kg]), average pain score (scale 0-10), and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four patients (146 males and 18 females) were included, with 79 (48.2%) receiving neither cryoablation nor nerve block, 60 (36.6%) receiving intraoperative cryoablation alone, and 25 (15.2%) receiving both cryoablation and nerve block. The median age was 16 y. Nerve block recipients consumed fewer opioids during hospitalization than cryoablation alone and nonintervention groups (1.5 versus 2.3 versus 5.8 OME/kg, respectively, P < 0.0001). Average pain scores over the total LOS were lower in nerve block recipients (3.5 versus 3.8 versus 4.2, P = 0.03), particularly on postoperative day 0 (P = 0.002). Nerve block recipients had a shorter LOS than cryoablation alone and nonintervention groups (43.4 versus 54.7 versus 66.2 h, P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, cryoablation alone resulted in significantly less opioid use compared to no intervention (3.32 OME/kg reduction, 95% confidence interval -4.16 to -2.47, P < 0.0001). Addition of nerve block further reduced opioid use by 1.10 OME/kg (95% confidence interval -2.07 to -0.14, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation with nerve block supplementation is associated with reduced pain, opioid use, and LOS post-Nuss for PE repair compared to cases without cryoablation or with cryoablation only. Cryoablation with regional nerve blocks should be considered for Nuss repair under the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway.

Utility of Quadratus Lumborum Blocks in Patients Who Undergo Liver Transplant: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Regional anesthesia is an alternative to opioids for pain in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Quadratus lumborum blocks may provide appropriate dermatomal coverage with an excellent safety profile. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively on adult patients who underwent liver transplant at an academic medical center from 2019 to 2022 (n = 207). The primary outcome was opioid administration during the 48 h after transplant. RESULTS: Patient demographics did not differ between groups. No association was found between patients who received a block and postoperative opioid administration (p = 0.848). However, among patients extubated in the operating room, patients who received a block reported, on average, a 0.9-unit lower pain score than patients who received no block (p = 0.041). Patients who received a block were also more likely to be extubated in the operating room (87.8% block vs. 44.4% no block; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent liver transplantation had similar postoperative opioid use whether or not they received a quadratus lumborum block. Yet, when evaluating additional factors, such as extubation, pain scores were lower in patients who received a quadratus lumborum block. This important finding supports the idea that quadratus lumborum blocks may be a safe and valuable technique for controlling postoperative pain in adult patients who undergo liver transplantation.

Comparison of epidural infusion versus intrathecal morphine block as part of enhanced recovery after open pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The accepted approach to pain management following open pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) remains controversial, with the most recent enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols recommending epidural anesthesia (EA). Few studies have investigated intrathecal (IT) morphine, combined with transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks. We aim to compare the different approaches to pain management for open PD. METHODS: Patients who underwent open PD at our institution from 2020 to 2022 were included in the study. Patient characteristics, pain management, and postoperative outcomes between EA, IT morphine with TAP blocks, and TAP blocks only were compared using univariate analysis. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study (58% male, median age 66 years [interquartile range, IQR: 58-73]). Most patients received IT morphine (N = 24, 48%) or EA (N = 18, 36%). The TAP block-only group required higher doses of postoperative narcotics while hospitalized (p = 0.004) and at discharge (p = 0.017). The IT morphine patients had a shorter median time to Foley removal (p = 0.007). Postoperative pain scores, non-opioid administration, postoperative bolus requirements, postoperative outcomes, and length of stay were similar between pain modalities. CONCLUSIONS: IT morphine and EA showed comparable efficacy with superior results compared to TAP blocks alone. Integration of IT morphine into PD ERAS protocols should be considered.