Neuraxial anesthesia and bladder dysfunction in the perioperative period: a systematic review

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Post-Operative Urinary Retention Following Surgery for Perineal Tears Among Ugandan Women: A Prospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for post-operative urinary retention (POUR) following surgery for perineal tears, and to determine the time to normal voiding after POUR.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of women who underwent surgery for old (≥ 3 months) obstetric perineal tears from January 2022 to December 2023. The diagnosis of POUR was made in a woman who completely failed to void despite a full bladder or, one who had post-void residual (PVR) > 150 ml within 10 min of voiding. Return to normal voiding was considered if a patient with POUR had two consecutive PVRs of ≤ 150 ml. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine risk factors for POUR.

RESULTS

A total of 153 participants were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 35.9 (SD ± 10.8) years. The incidence of POUR was 19.6% (30/153, 95% CI 14.02-26.7), and the median time to normal voiding for these patients was 42.4 h (range 24-72). Risk factors for POUR included repeat perineal tear surgery (RR = 4.24; 95% CI 1.16-15.52; p = 0.029) and early urinary catheter removal (RR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.09-7.67; p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Post-operative urinary retention following surgery for perineal tears is common. The time to return to normal voiding in patients with POUR is short. Women having repeat perineal tear surgery and those in whom the urinary catheter is removed early were more likely to experience POUR. Delayed urinary catheter removal could be considered, especially in patients undergoing repeat perineal tear surgery.

Analgesia efficacy of erector spinae plane block in laparoscopic Abdominal surgeries: A systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multimodal analgesia is now widely practised to minimise postoperative opioid consumption while optimising pain control. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. This will be determined by perioperative opioid consumption, subjective pain scores and incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

METHODS

We systemically searched electronic databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published up to February 2023 comparing ESPB with other adjuvant analgesic techniques in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Nine randomised controlled trials encompassing 666 subjects were included in our study.

RESULTS

ESPB was shown to reduce postoperative opioid consumption [mean difference (MD) of -5.95mg (95% CI: -8.86 to -3.04; P< 0.0001); I2=89%], intraoperative opioid consumption [mean difference (MD) of -102.4mcg (95% CI: -145.58 to -59.21; P< 0.00001); I2=39%] and incidence of nausea [RR 0.38 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.60; P< 0.0001); I2=0%] and vomiting [RR 0.32 (95% CI: 0.17 to 0.63; P=0.0009); I2=0%] in laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Subgroup analysis on laparoscopic colorectal surgeries further showed reduction in postoperative pain scores [mean difference (MD) of -0.68 (95% CI: -0.94 to -0.41); P< 0.00001; I2=0%].

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes that ESPB is a valuable technique with proven efficacy to potentially promote faster postoperative recovery through optimising pain control while minimising opioid requirements.

Postoperative Urinary Retention

ABSTRACT

This clinical consensus statement on the management of postoperative (<6 weeks) urinary retention (POUR) reflects statements drafted by content experts from the American Urogynecologic Society's POUR writing group. The writing group used a modified Delphi process to evaluate statements developed from a structured literature search and assessed for consensus. After the definition of POUR was established, a total of 37 statements were assessed in the following 6 categories: (1) incidence of POUR, (2) medications, (3) patient factors, (4) surgical factors, (5) urodynamic testing, and (6) voiding trials. Of the 37 original statements, 34 reached consensus and 3 were omitted.

Spinal Anesthesia for Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Comparative Rates of Transient Neurological Symptoms and Urinary Retention using Lidocaine, Mepivacaine, and Bupivacaine

BACKGROUND

Short-acting spinal anesthetics enable rapid recovery hip and knee arthroplasty, however concerns with transient neurological symptoms (TNS) cause some to avoid using lidocaine. Post-operative urinary retention (POUR) is also a concern with spinal anesthesia. We sought to study the comparative rates of TNS and POUR between lidocaine, mepivacaine, and bupivacaine in a high-volume hip and knee arthroplasty setting.

METHODS

Data for 1,217 primary THA, TKA, and UKA cases were reviewed and grouped by spinal anesthetic agent (Lidocaine, Mepivacaine, or Bupivacaine). Of the 1,217 cases, utilization was 523 Lidocaine, 573 Mepivacaine, and 121 Bupivacaine. The incidence of TNS and POUR requiring catheterization was measured both by clinical evaluation as well as a questionnaire sent to patients 14 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

The overall rate of TNS was 8%. With the numbers available, there was no difference in rates of TNS between groups (6.9% Lidocaine, 9.2% Mepivacaine, and 4.1% Bupivacaine; P=0.297). There was no difference in rates of TNS or POUR between THA and TKA/UKA. Bupivacaine had a significantly higher rate of urinary retention (9.1%; P<0.001) than mepivacaine (2.8%) or lidocaine (1.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed no difference in the rate of TNS between the 3 common agents used in spinal anesthesia. Short-acting spinal anesthetics such as lidocaine and mepivacaine can lower the rate of POUR requiring catheterization helping to enable rapid recovery hip and knee arthroplasty.

General Versus Regional Anesthesia in Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Assessment of a National Database

IMPORTANCE

Sacrospinous ligament fixation is a prolapse repair surgical procedure that can be performed under general or regional anesthesia. Little is known about the impact of anesthesia on postoperative outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to compare 30-day complication rates for patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament fixation by anesthesia type. Secondary objectives were to assess factors associated with type of anesthesia selected.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for the years of 2015 to 2020. Cases were selected based on procedural codes for sacrospinous ligament fixation and diagnostic codes for prolapse. Complications, readmissions, and reoperations were compared between general versus regional anesthesia cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 2,984 cases were included with 2,742 (91.9%) performed under general and 242 (8.1%) performed under regional anesthesia. The regional anesthesia cohort was older (69.2 vs 65.4 years old; P < 0.001) with no differences in medical history variables. Fewer patients in the regional anesthesia cohort were Hispanic (0.4% in regional vs 10.8% in general cohorts, P < 0.001). More superficial surgical site infections (2.5% vs 0.8%, P = 0.026) and cardiac complications (0.8% vs 0.1%, P = 0.035) were noted in the regional anesthesia cohort. However, multivariable regression analysis showed that anesthesia type was not associated with increased rates of minor or major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Mode of anesthesia was not a significant predictor of minor or major complications. Racial and ethnic differences in mode of anesthesia warrant further investigation to reduce racial disparities.

Use and misuse of opioid after gynecologic surgery

Postoperative opioid use following gynecologic surgery may be necessary for effective treatment of pain; however, it can result in significant side effects, adverse reactions, and negative health consequences, including prolonged problematic use. Surgeons and healthcare providers of patients recovering from gynecologic procedures should be aware of effective strategies that can decrease the need for opioid use, while providing high-quality pain management. These include adherence to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols, particularly the use of multimodal analgesia management. When prescribing opioids, providers should adhere to responsible prescribing practices to minimize the risk of inappropriate and/or long-term opioid use.

Impact of eliminating urethral catheterization following ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy

OBJECTIVES

To show that elimination of a urethral catheter in ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy cases is not disadvantageous.

METHODS

We reviewed 164 non-catheterized patients (experimental group) and 656 catheterized patients (control group) with renal or ureteral stones treated at our institution. Inclusion criteria were initial operation, patient age 18 to 75 years, no dysuria, and no preoperative febrile urinary tract infection due to calculi. The primary areas of evaluation were patient background, stone characteristics, perioperative factors, and postoperative evaluation results.

RESULTS

The proportion of women was significantly lower (24.4% vs 37.2%; P = 0.01) and the proportion of multiple stone cases was significantly higher (34.9% vs 19.2%; P < 0.001) in the experimental as compared to the control group, while there were no significant differences for patient background or stone characteristics. The percentages of short-term preoperative stent insertion (72.0% vs 33.0%; P = 0.009) and negative preoperative urine culture cases (58.0% vs 23.0%; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group, with no differences regarding other perioperative factors. There was no significant difference for complete stone clearance rate between the groups (P = 0.339), while only one patient underwent re-catheterization and there were no cases of urinary retention. Interestingly, the rate of postoperative febrile urinary tract infection was significantly lower (P = 0.024) in the experimental (5.7%) than in the control (9.0%) group.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative urethral catheterization can be eliminated in low-risk ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy cases, although additional studies are needed.

Spinal or Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Spinal Anesthesia with Chloroprocaine in Ambulatory Knee Arthroscopies: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial

Purpose

Chloroprocaine provides spinal anesthesia for day-case surgery lasting up to 40 minutes. Intravenous and spinal dexmedetomidine can prolong spinal anesthesia, but no data are available for the combination with chloroprocaine. This double-blind randomized controlled trial compares chloroprocaine with spinal or intravenous dexmedetomidine regarding block characteristics, micturition, and discharge times.

Patients and Methods

After ethical approval and informed consent, 135 patients scheduled for knee arthroscopy were randomized to receive either 40mg spinal chloroprocaine (Chloro-group), 40mg chloroprocaine with 5 mcg spinal dexmedetomidine (Spinal Dex-group) or 40mg chloroprocaine with 0.5 mcg/kg IV dexmedetomidine (IV DEXgroup). Block characteristics, hemodynamic variables and the use of analgesics were registered. Voiding and discharge times were noted. A scoring system was used for micturition problems and sedation. Transient neurological symptoms (TNS) and other late side effects were evaluated after one week.

Results

Demographic data were similar between groups. Block onset times and intensity of motor block were comparable between groups. The time to L2 and Bromage 1 regression was prolonged in the SpinalDEx-group by approximately 30 minutes compared to the other groups (p < 0.01). First voiding as well as discharge from the hospital was prolonged in the Spinal Dex-group by approximately 40 minutes p < 0.01. There was no significant difference between groups regarding treatment of hypotension, sedation, micturition problems or the use of postoperative analgesics (P > 0.8). One patient experienced TNS.

Conclusion

Intrathecal but not intravenous (0.5 mcg/kg) dexmedetomidine can prolong chloroprocaine (40mg) spinal anesthesia when surgery is expected to last over 40 minutes. Despite a similar incidence of adverse effects, this also led to a postponed hospital discharge time.

Risk factors for postoperative urinary retention following elective spine surgery: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Limited studies have investigated risk factors for postoperative urinary retention (POUR) following elective spine surgery. Furthermore, some discrepancies have been found in the results of existing observational studies.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to review the available literature on risk factors associated with POUR following elective spine surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A total of 31,251 patients (POUR=2,858, no POUR=28,393) were included in the meta-analysis.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographics, type of elective spine surgery, country, definition of POUR, and potential risk factors for POUR were evaluated.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Medline electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Binary outcomes were reported as odds ratio (OR). Weighted mean differences (WMD) or standardized mean differences (SMD), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), were used for meta-analysis of continuous outcomes.

RESULTS

Eleven studies (2 prospective and 9 retrospective) were included in the analysis. Patients with POUR were older than those without POUR (WMD, 7.13; 95% CI, 4.50-9.76). Male patients were found to have an increased risk of POUR (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04-1.64). The following variables were also identified as significant risk factors for POUR: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.89-7.62), diabetes mellitus (DM; OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.17-1.93), and previous urinary tract infection (UTI; OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.28-2.24). Moreover, longer operative time (WMD, 19.88; 95% CI, 5.01-34.75) and increased intraoperative fluid support (SMD, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.23-0.52) were observed in patients with POUR. In contrast, spine surgical procedures involving fewer levels (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65-0.86), and ambulation on the same day as surgery (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52-0.81) were associated with a decreased risk of POUR.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our meta-analysis, older age, male gender, BPH, DM, and a history of UTI are risk factors for POUR following elective spine surgery. We also found that longer operative time and increased intravenous fluid support would increase the risk of POUR. Additionally, multi-level spine surgery may have a negative effect on postoperative voiding.

Safety and Effectiveness of Tailored Hemorrhoidectomy in Outpatients Setting

Introduction: Single or double prolapsed pile instead of full muco-hemorrhoidal prolapse is a common finding in patients with symptomatic III or IV degree hemorrhoids. For this selected group of patients, relief of symptoms could be achieved by managing the single/double prolapsed piles instead of performing traditional hemorrhoidectomy. The aim of this single-center study was to evaluate the safety and medium- and long-term effectiveness of an outpatient tailored Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (MMH) performed under local anesthesia (LA).

Material and methods: Clinical records of 202 patients submitted to outpatient tailored MMH, under LA and without anal dilation, treated between 2013 and 2020, were retrospectively reviewed using a prospectively maintained database and completed by a telephone interview or outpatient consultation. Postoperative pain score, the need for painkillers, postoperative complications and symptoms recurrence, return to working activities, and patient grading assessment scale were recorded.

Results: Thirty-five (17%) out of 202 patients recruited were lost to the follow-up. One hundred and fifty-two and 15 patients underwent a single and double pile hemorrhoidectomy, respectively. With regard to postoperative outcomes, visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased from a median value of 4 [interquartile range (IQR) 2–6] on the day of surgery to 1 (IQR 0–4) on the 10th postoperative day (p < 0.001). Sixty-one patients (37%) needed oral painkillers during the 1st week after surgery. There was no mortality or major postoperative complication. Bleeding requiring hospital readmission was reported in seven (4%) patients, and one patient underwent emergency surgery with no need for blood transfusion. No postoperative urinary retention, anal incontinence, or stricture occurred in the series. During the median follow-up of 39 (IQR 12–60) months, 26 patients (16%) reported symptoms of recurrence but only six underwent traditional MMH. Recovery to normal activity occurred within a median period of 6 days (IQR 3–10) and the Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale (CPGAS) at 1 year after surgery was reported to be a “good deal better.”

Conclusions: Tailored MMH performed under LA in an ambulatory setting can be considered a safe and effective technique with high compliance and satisfaction of patients.

Medical and non-medical interventions for post-operative urinary retention prevention: network meta-analysis and risk-benefit analysis

Aims

To assess the efficacy in lowering post-operative urinary retention, urinary tract infection and lower urinary tract symptoms and the incidence of adverse events among 12 interventions and to perform risk-benefit analysis.

Methods

Previous randomized controlled trials were identified from MEDLINE, Scopus and CENTRAL database up to January 2020. The interventions of interest included early ambulation, fluid adjustment, neuromodulation, acupuncture, cholinergic drugs, benzodiazepine, antispasmodic agents, opioid antagonist agents, alpha-adrenergic antagonists, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and combination of any interventions. The comparators were placebo or standard care or any of these interventions. Network meta-analysis was performed. The probability of being the best intervention was estimated and ranked using rankogram and surface under the cumulative ranking curve. Risk-benefit analysis was done. Incremental risk-benefit ratio (IRBR) was calculated and risk-benefit acceptability curve was constructed.

Results

A total of 45 randomized controlled trials with 5387 patients was included in the study. Network meta-analysis showed that early ambulation, acupuncture, alpha-blockers and NSAIDs significantly reduced the post-operative urinary retention. Regarding urinary tract infection and lower urinary tract symptoms, no statistical significance was found among interventions. Regarding the side effects, only alpha-adrenergic antagonists significantly increased the adverse events compared with acupuncture and opioid antagonist agents from the indirect comparison. According to the cluster ranking plot, acupuncture and early ambulation were considered high efficacy with low adverse events, corresponding to the IRBR.

Conclusion

Early ambulation, acupuncture, opioid antagonist agents, alpha-adrenergic antagonists and NSAIDs significantly reduce the incidence of post-operative urinary retention with no difference in adverse events. Regarding the risk-benefit analysis of the medical treatment, alpha-adrenergic antagonists have the highest probability of net benefit at the acceptable threshold of side effect of 15%, followed by opioid antagonist agents, NSAIDs and cholinergic drugs.

Indwelling catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infection in total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess whether a urinary catheter is necessary for all patients in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). All RCTs were compared with receive either an indwelling urinary catheter or no urinary catheter in TKA. Primary outcomes were urinary retention and urinary tract infection. Secondary outcomes were the length of stay, duration of the surgery, and the first urination time.

RESULTS

A total of 6 RCTs involving 1334 patients were included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference between the 2 groups was found in urinary retention (P = .52), length of stay (P = .38), duration of the surgery (P = .55). However, patients with an indwelling catheter were associated with a higher risk of urinary tract infections and longer time for the first urination than patients without indwelling catheters (P = .009 and P = .004).

CONCLUSION

The available evidence indicates that patients without using the indwelling catheters could reduce urinary tract infections and the time for the first urination, without increase in the incidence of urinary retention in primary TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Epidural analgesia for hepatopancreatobiliary operations and postoperative urinary tract infections: an unrecognized association of "best-practices" and adverse outcomes

BACKGROUND

Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is considered "best-practices" for pain-control following HPB operations. It is unknown if TEA increases the risk of UTI. We sought to examine the association of TEA and UTI following HPB operations.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective HPB operations was performed (ACS-NSQIP [2014-2016]). Patients were categorized by TEA utilization. The primary outcome was UTI. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to examine the association of TEA with UTI; including sensitivity and interaction analyses for age and gender.

RESULTS

Among 28,571 patients included, 5764 (20.2%) had TEA. UTI occurred more frequently with TEA (3.5% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.01). After multivariable analysis, TEA was associated with increased risk of UTI (1.59 [1.34-1.89]); when stratified by age and gender, the association persisted with an incremental increased risk observed in males over 70 years (1.91 [1.41-2.59]). UTI was associated with increased risk of sepsis (16.8% vs. 5.6%, P < 0.001), LOS (9 versus 6 days, P < 0.001) and readmission rates (21.4% vs. 12.3%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Despite TEA recommended as a best-practice standard for HPB operations, the increased risk of UTI calls for evaluation of current practices and consideration of alternative strategies for high-risk vulnerable populations - elderly males.

Establishing a patient centered, outpatient total joint home recovery program within an integrated healthcare system

Outpatient total joint home recovery (HR) is a rapidly growing initiative being developed and employed at high volume orthopedic centers. Minimally invasive surgery, improved pain control and home health services have made HR possible. Multidisciplinary teams with members ranging from surgeons and anesthesiologists to hospital administrators, physical therapists, nurses and research analysts are necessary for success. Eligibility criteria for outpatient total joint arthroplasty will vary between medical centers. Surgeon preference in addition to medical comorbidities, social support, preoperative patient mobility and safety of the HR location are all factors to consider when selecting patients for outpatient total joint HR. As additional knowledge is gained, the next steps will be to establish 'best practices' and speciality society-endorsed guidelines for patients undergoing outpatient total joint arthroplasty.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Bladder Volumes in Children Undergoing Penile Surgery: Does the Type of Anesthesia Matter?

BACKGROUND

There are scant data reporting postoperative ultrasonographically measured bladder volumes in children undergoing penile surgery.

STUDY QUESTION

We studied the effect of various anesthesia techniques on return of micturition after penile surgery in children, using ultrasonographically measured bladder volumes.

DATA SOURCES

Ultrasonographically measured postvoiding residual bladder volumes indexed to age-appropriate capacity, and time elapsed between the end of surgery and spontaneous voiding after pediatric circumcision, distal hypospadias repair, or repair of urethrocutaneous fistula, were studied.

STUDY DESIGN

Children between 4 months and 12 years were randomized to caudal block, intravenous (IV) fentanyl or penile block, in association with inhaled general anesthesia. Bladder volumes were measured before surgery and immediately after voiding for the first time. Time to first postsurgery void was also recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-one children completed all assessments; 12 underwent caudal block, 9 IV fentanyl anesthesia, and 7 were given penile block. The mean first postvoid bladder residual volumes were highest in the caudal and lowest in the penile block children (27.5 vs. 17.3 mL, P = 0.003). The time elapsing between the end of surgery and first voiding was the longest in the fentanyl group compared with caudal and penile blocks (232, 178, 150 minutes, respectively, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

None of the anesthetic techniques provoked postoperative urinary retention after minor penile surgery in children. The penile block appears superior to caudal block or to IV fentanyl-based anesthesia with regard to postoperative recovery of normal micturition.

Effectiveness of intramuscular neostigmine to accelerate bladder emptying after spinal anesthesia

Purpose

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is one of the most common complications following spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia may influence urinary bladder function due to interruption of the micturition reflex. Urinary catheterization is the standard treatment of POUR. Urinary catheter insertion is an invasive procedure, which is associated with catheter-related infections, urethral trauma, and patient discomfort. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of intramuscular (IM) neostigmine to accelerate bladder emptying after spinal anesthesia.

Patients and methods

A total of 36 patients undergoing lower abdominal (except for pelvic, urologic, anorectal, and hernia surgery) and lower extremity surgery under spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups randomly (n=18), to either neostigmine (N) group or control (C) group. Neostigmine 0.5 mg (N group) or NaCl 0.9% (C group) was administered intramuscularly when Bromage score 0 and sensory level sacral two have been achieved. The time to first voiding after IM injection and the time to first voiding after spinal anesthesia were measured.

Results

The time to first voiding after IM injection was significantly faster (P≤0.05) in the N group than that in the C group, with median time as 40 minutes (20–70 minutes) and 75 minutes (55–135 minutes), respectively. Time to first voiding after spinal anesthesia was also significantly faster (P≤0.05) in the N group than that in the C group (mean of 280.8±66.6 minutes and 364.2±77.3 minutes, respectively).

Conclusion

IM neostigmine effectively accelerates bladder emptying after spinal anesthesia.

Postoperative Urinary Catheterization Thresholds of 500 versus 800 ml after Fast-track Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Open-label, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

No evidence-based threshold exists for postoperative urinary bladder catheterization. The authors hypothesized that a catheterization threshold of 800 ml was superior to 500 ml in reducing postoperative urinary catheterization and urological complications after fast-track total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

This was a randomized, controlled, open-label trial that included patients greater than or equal to 18 yr who underwent THA or TKA in three Danish, fast-track, orthopedic departments. Consenting patients were eligible if they were cooperative and understood Danish. Participants were randomly allocated to a catheterization threshold of 500 or 800 ml, using opaque sealed envelopes. Group assignment was unmasked. Ultrasound bladder scans were performed every second hour until the first voluntary micturition, with subsequent urinary catheterization according to group assignment. The primary outcome was the number of patients catheterized before their first voluntary micturition. Thirty-day telephonic follow-up was on voiding difficulties, urinary tract infections, and readmissions.

RESULTS

Of 800 patients allocated, 721 (90%) were included in a per-protocol analysis (20 did not complete the study and 59 were excluded from the analysis). In the 500-ml group, 32.2% received catheterization (114 of 354) compared to 13.4% (49 of 367) in the 800-ml group (relative risk, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.6; P < 0.0001). The authors found no difference between groups in any secondary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In fast-track THA and TKA, a catheterization threshold of 800 ml significantly reduced the need for postoperative urinary catheterization, without increasing urological complications. This large randomized, controlled trial may serve as a basis for evidence-based guidelines on perioperative urinary bladder management.

Comparison of 2-Chloroprocaine, Bupivacaine, and Lidocaine for Spinal Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroscopy in an Outpatient Setting: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Knee arthroscopy is a well-established procedure in day-case surgery, which is frequently performed under spinal anesthesia. It is, however, controversial whether the choice for a specific local anesthetic translates into relevant outcomes. We hypothesized that the use of 2-chloroprocaine would be associated with a faster recovery from sensorimotor block.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients were included in this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial and randomly allocated to receive either 40 mg 2-chloroprocaine, 40 mg lidocaine, or 7.5 mg bupivacaine. The primary endpoint was the time until complete recovery of sensory block. Secondary endpoints included time to recovery from motor block, failure rates, incidence of hypotension/bradycardia, postoperative pain, first mobilization, voiding and discharge times, and the incidence of transient neurologic symptoms. This clinical trial was registered prior to patient enrollment (EudraCT 2011-003675-11).

RESULTS

Patients in the chloroprocaine group had a significantly shorter time until recovery from sensory block (median, 2.6 hours; interquartile range [IQR], 2.2-2.9 hours) than patients in the lidocaine group (3.1 hours; IQR, 2.7-3.6 hours; P < 0.006) and in the bupivacaine group (6.1 hours; IQR, 5.5 hours to undefined hours; P < 0.0001). Chloroprocaine was associated with a significantly faster recovery from motor block than lidocaine and bupivacaine. Times to first mobilization, voiding, and discharge were significantly shorter for chloroprocaine when compared with bupivacaine, but not with lidocaine. In the bupivacaine group, patients needed significantly less rescue medication for postoperative pain when compared with lidocaine and chloroprocaine. Groups did not differ with respect to patient satisfaction, incidence of bradycardia/hypotension, and transient neurologic symptom rate.

CONCLUSIONS

For spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing ambulatory knee arthroscopy, chloroprocaine has the shortest time to complete recovery of sensory and motor block compared with bupivacaine and lidocaine.

Use of bladder volume measurement assessed with ultrasound to predict postoperative urinary retention

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication after spinal anesthesia. Ultrasound (US) is a simple, non-invasive method to estimate bladder volume before and after surgery. Primary aim of the present study was to investigate utility of bladder volume measured before and after surgery in prediction of POUR risk. Secondary aim was to investigate necessity of urethral catheter use and risk of urethral catheter-related infections.

METHODS

Eighty patients who received spinal anesthesia for arthroscopic knee surgery were included in the study. Level and duration of sensory and motor block; bladder volume measured preoperatively, in post-anesthetic care unit (PACU), and when discharged from PACU; use of urethral catheter; and incidence of urinary tract infection data were recorded.

RESULTS

POUR was observed in 28.7% of patients. Length of time for sensory block regression was significantly shorter in patients without POUR (p=0.012). Spontaneous urination was not observed in 3 of 23 patients with POUR, although bladder volume was less than 600 mL. Bladder volume over 600 mL without urination was recorded in 20 patients. There was no statistical difference in preoperative bladder volume between patients who did or did not develop POUR. Bladder volume on admission to PACU was higher in patients with POUR (p=0.023). Urgency and dysuria were observed in 5 patients who required urethral catheterization during postoperative period. Urinary tract infection developed in 1 patient. There was no statistical difference in development of urinary tract infection between patient groups who did and did not undergo urethral catheterization.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of patient bladder volume with US before arthroscopic knee surgery may be used to foresee development of POUR. Avoiding elective urinary catheterization may reduce urinary infections.

Local anaesthesia versus spinal anaesthesia in inguinal hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernias are a significant cause of morbidity. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the totality of evidence regarding the effectiveness of local anaesthesia when compared to spinal anaesthesia in individuals undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing spinal and local anaesthesia on clinical and self-reported outcomes, in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repairs. The methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The mode of analysis used was the difference in outcomes between the groups post-surgery and at follow-up time points. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

RESULTS

Ten original RCTs were included, with a total of 1379 patients. There was no significant difference in operative time between the groups [Random Effects Model, MD -0.70 min (95% CI, -5.80 to 4.40 min), p = 0.79, I² = 84%]. Patients in the local anaesthetic group experienced significantly less pain than those in the spinal group [Fixed Effects Model, SMD -0.63 (95% CI, -0.81 to -0.46), p < 0.01, I² = 49%], lower rates of urinary retention [FEM, RR 0.03 (95% CI 0.01-0.08), p < 0.01, I² = 0%], decreased rates of anaesthetic failure [FEM, OR 0.17 (95% CI 0.06-0.45), p < 0.01, I² = 0%], and increased satisfaction with the anaesthetic [FEM, OR 3.40 (95% CI 2.09-5.52), p < 0.01, I² = 0%]. The methodological quality of studies was variable.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the use of local anaesthetic in adult patients undergoing open repair for a primary inguinal hernia.

Regional or general anesthesia for fast-track hip and knee replacement - what is the evidence?

Regional anesthesia for knee and hip arthroplasty may have favorable outcome effects compared with general anesthesia by effectively blocking afferent input, providing initial postoperative analgesia, reducing endocrine metabolic responses, and providing sympathetic blockade with reduced bleeding and less risk of thromboembolic complications but with undesirable effects on lower limb motor and urinary bladder function. Old randomized studies supported the use of regional anesthesia with fewer postoperative pulmonary and thromboembolic complications, and this has been supported by recent large non-randomized epidemiological database cohort studies. In contrast, the data from newer randomized trials are conflicting, and recent studies using modern general anesthetic techniques may potentially support the use of general versus spinal anesthesia. In summary, the lack of properly designed large randomized controlled trials comparing modern general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia for knee and hip arthroplasty prevents final recommendations and calls for prospective detailed studies in this clinically important field.

Intramuscular Administration of Drotaverine Hydrochloride Decreases Both Incidence of Urinary Retention and Time to Micturition in Orthopedic Patients under Spinal Anesthesia: A Single Blinded Randomized Study

Purpose. Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) increases the duration of hospitalization and frequency and risk of urinary bladder catheterization. The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of intramuscularly administered drotaverine hydrochloride in the prevention of POUR in orthopedic patients. Methods. Two hundred and thirty patients 17–40 years of age undergoing lower limb orthopedic procedures under spinal anesthesia were enrolled in the study. The study group received 40 mg of drotaverine hydrochloride intramuscularly; the second group was the control. The main outcome measure was (1) the time to micturition and (2) the incidence of urinary bladder catheterization and time to catheterization. Results. Two hundred and one patients of 230 enrolled participants completed the study. Compared to the control group, the male patients in study group exhibited a shorter time to spontaneous micturition (441 versus 563 minutes, 95% CI of the difference of means between 39 and 205 minutes) and a lower incidence of urinary bladder catheterization (4/75 versus 10/54) (RR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.1–0.87; P = 0.0175). Conclusions. Intramuscular administration of drotaverine hydrochloride decreased the time to spontaneous micturition and decreased the incidence of urinary bladder catheterization in male patients who underwent orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia. This trial is registered with NCT02026427.

Ambulatory haemorrhoidal surgery: systematic literature review and qualitative analysis

PURPOSE

The aims of this study are to review the advantages and drawbacks of the ambulatory management of patients scheduled for haemorrhoidal surgery and to highlight the reasons for unplanned hospital admission and suggest preventive strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the literature from January 1999 to January 2013 using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Manuscripts were specifically analysed for failure and side effects of haemorrhoidal surgery in ambulatory settings.

RESULTS

Fifty relevant studies (6082 patients) were retrieved from the literature review. The rate of ambulatory management failure ranged between 0 and 61%. The main reasons for failure were urinary retention, postoperative haemorrhage and unsatisfactory pain control. Spinal anaesthesia was associated with the highest rates of urinary retention. Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation has less frequent side effects susceptible to impair ambulatory management than haemorrhoidectomy and stapled haemorrhoidopexy. However, the fact that haemorrhoidopexy is less painful than haemorrhoidectomy may allow ambulatory management.

CONCLUSION

Day-case haemorrhoidal surgery can be performed whatever the surgical procedure. Postoperative pain deserves special prevention measures after haemorrhoidectomy, especially by using perineal block or infiltrations. Urinary retention is a common issue that can be responsible for failure; it requires a preventive strategy including short duration spinal anaesthesia. Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation is easy to perform in outpatients but deserves more complete evaluation in this setting.

Urinary retention occurring one week after spinal anesthesia: a case of Elsberg syndrome

PURPOSE

We describe a case of urinary retention caused by viral sacral myeloradiculitis (Elsberg syndrome) that occurred one week after spinal anesthesia. The differential diagnosis of urinary retention after spinal anesthesia is discussed.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 76-yr-old male patient presented for operative removal of a right testicular hydrocele under spinal anesthesia. Anesthesia and surgery were uneventful, and he was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. Two days after discharge, he developed intermittent anal pain and voiding difficulty and was readmitted to hospital on the tenth postoperative day. He subsequently developed urinary retention, incontinence of feces, and difficulty in defecation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no epidural hematoma, abscess, or other lesions in the spinal column, cauda equina, or spinal cord. Neurological examination showed dysesthesia in the perineal region and loss of the anal reflex and bulbocavernosus response, which indicated sacral (S4-5) radiculopathy or a lesion of the conus of the spinal cord. A cerebrospinal analysis showed slight elevation of protein without pleocytosis. After neurologic consultation, herpetic sacral myeloradiculitis was suspected and intravenous acyclovir was administered along with large doses of methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin. The symptoms gradually resolved, and the difficulty in voiding resolved 19 days after initiation of the treatment. The patient was discharged 23 days after the start of the treatment without any other complications.

CONCLUSION

This case suggests that Elsberg syndrome is important in the differential diagnosis of urinary retention after spinal anesthesia and should be discriminated from other anesthesia-related complications.

Prevention and management of postoperative urinary retention after urogynecologic surgery

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a frequent consequence of gynecologic surgery, especially with surgical correction of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Estimates of retention rates after pelvic surgery range from 2.5%–43%. While there is no standard definition for POUR, it is characterized by impaired bladder emptying, with an elevation in the volume of retained urine. The key to management of POUR is early identification. All patients undergoing pelvic surgery, especially for the correction of incontinence or prolapse, should have an assessment of voiding function prior to discharge. There are several ways to assess voiding function – the gold standard is by measuring a postvoid residual. Management of POUR is fairly straightforward. The goal is to decompress the bladder to avoid long-term damage to bladder integrity and function. The decision regarding when to discontinue catheter-assisted bladder drainage in the postoperative period can be assessed in an ongoing fashion by measurement of postvoid residual. The rate of prolonged POUR beyond 4 weeks is low, and therefore most retention can be expected to resolve spontaneously within 4–6 weeks. When POUR does not resolve spontaneously, more active management may be required. Techniques include urethral dilation, sling stretching, sling incision, partial sling resection, and urethrolysis. While some risk of POUR is inevitable, there are risk factors that are modifiable. Patients that are at higher risk – either due to the procedures being performed or their clinical risk factors – should be counseled regarding the risks and management options for POUR prior to their surgery. Although POUR is a serious condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated, it is easily diagnosed and typically self-resolves. Clinician awareness of the condition and vigilance in its diagnosis are the key factors to successful care for patients undergoing surgical repair.

[Hemorrhoidal surgery: new trends for day-case surgery]

Despite recommendations and encouragements, day-case hemorrhoidal surgery is incompletely developed. The incidence of postoperative pain, urinary retention and the risk of bleeding vary according to the surgical procedure but they are considered as the main impediments to ambulatory management. Consequently, besides the use of good clinical practice concerning ambulatory surgery, hemorrhoidal surgery requires an effective control of postoperative pain based on the use of pudendal block, an adaptation of the anesthetic technique and a careful postoperative follow-up.

Intrathecal chloroprocaine vs. lidocaine in day-case surgery: recovery, discharge and effect of pre-hydration on micturition

BACKGROUND

This randomised, double blind prospective study compares intrathecal lidocaine with chloroprocaine in day-case surgery and the influence of a 500 ml pre-load intravenously. We tested the hypothesis that chloroprocaine provides faster recovery and discharge in day-case surgery. Secondary we studied the influence of a preload compared with fluid restriction on discharge time and micturition problems.

METHODS

One hundred patients undergoing day-case arthroscopy were randomised to receive either lidocaine (L) 60 mg or chloroprocaine (CP) 40 mg intrathecally and this with (L+, CP+) or without (L−, CP−) a 500 ml pre-load of crystalloid. Block characteristics, micturition and discharge times were registered. Bladder volumes were monitored by ultrasound. Micturition problems received a micturition score.

RESULTS

Onset and quality of the block were comparable between groups. Time to regain Bromage 1 and L2 regression were shorter for the CP group compared with the L group. Voiding (168 ± 44 min) and discharge (178 ± 52 min) were approximately 40 min faster for the CP group compared with the L group. Pre-load provided faster bladder filling but there were no differences in voiding time within the CP or L group. The CP+ group (166 ± 36 min) was discharged faster than both L groups (226 ± 57 min, 227 ± 59 min). More serious micturition problems occurred in the L+ group compared with both CP groups.

CONCLUSION

Chloroprocaine is suitable for day-case surgery because of faster block regression and discharge than lidocaine. A 500 ml pre-load may not affect discharge but did not increase micturition problems for chloroprocaine.

[Postoperative pain management after minimally invasive hysterectomy: thoracic epidural analgesia versus intravenous patient-controlled analgesia]

BACKGROUND

In view of the development of innovative and non-traumatic surgical techniques, postoperative pain management should be carried out depending on the invasiveness of the intervention. In the present study two analgesic strategies were compared in patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy: epidural analgesia (EDA) and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (iv-PCA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For this prospective case controlled study 60 women with benign uterine diseases undergoing vaginal hysterectomy (VH) or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) were enrolled. Patients were divided for analysis into two groups (n=30 each) according to the postoperative analgesic strategy (EDA group versus iv-PCA group). A matched-pair analysis was applied (matching criteria: risk assessment, surgeon and age of patient) to minimize the differences between both groups. Patients were evaluated with respect to the extent of pain determined by a numeric rating scale (NRS 0-10 scale), analgesic consumption, rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), mobilization from bed, oral intake of nutrition, complications, duration of stay in the recovery room as well as hospital stay and health-related quality of life (SF-36 Health Survey; collected before and 6 weeks after surgery).

RESULTS

Laparoscopically assisted removal of the uterus was carried out in 22 women and by vaginal hysterectomy in 38 women. No significant differences between the study groups were seen in the duration of surgery (iv-PCA 58 ± 25 min versus EDA 60 ± 26 min). Demographic data of both groups as well as intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were comparable to a great extent. Compared to the iv-PCA group, women in the EDA group showed lower NRS values (p<0.01): recovery room admission 4.7 ± 2.5 iv-PCA vs. 0.9 ± 1.3 EDA, recovery room discharge 3.8 ± 1.8 iv-PCA vs. 1.0 ± 1.2 EDA, day of surgery at 8 p.m. 5.0 ± 2.1 iv-PCA vs. 1.8 ± 2.3 EDA and first postoperative day at 8 a.m. 3.5 ± 1.7 iv-PCA vs. 1.9 ± 2.2 EDA. In addition, less PONV (iv-PCA 9/30 vs. EDA 1/30, p<0.01), less shivering (iv-PCA 8/30 vs. EDA 2/30, p<0.05), reduced fatigue (iv-PCA 26/30 vs. EDA 9/30, p<0.05) and a lower consumption of analgesics were found. Average postoperative requirement for piritramide in the iv-PCA group was 7 mg (range 0-24 mg) on the day of surgery and 5 mg (0-39 mg) on the first postoperative day. In the EDA group no opiate medication was given postoperatively (p<0.01). Duration of stay in the recovery room was shorter in the EDA group (71 ± 32 min vs. 50 ± 13 min, p<0.05). Hospital stay was 5 days on average in both groups. There were no surgical complications or epidural catheter-related complications. Because of urinary retention catheterization of the bladder had to be made in 3 patients of the iv-PCA group and 13 patients of the EDA group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the possibility to take a shower postoperatively was restricted in the EDA group because the epidural catheter was in place and thereby hygiene concerns. Regarding the early oral nutritional intake as well as postoperative mobilization, no significant differences between groups were found. In comparison with the preoperative status, the results regarding health-related quality of life were significantly better for both groups after a follow-up of 6 weeks (p<0.01); however, this effect was especially pronounced in the EDA group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce the number of patients suffering from postoperative pain a procedure-specific pain management should be developed. The results of this study have shown that even in minimally invasive surgery, such as vaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy there are some advantages for epidural analgesia compared to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. In particular reduced pain intensity, lower need for analgesics and reduced occurrence of PONV can lead to excellent patient comfort, fast recovery as well as positive effects on health-related quality of life. However, there are also some disadvantages such as an increased rate of urinary retention and restriction of mobility.

Low-dose spinal bupivacaine for total knee arthroplasty facilitates recovery room discharge: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Regional anesthesia is the preferred technique for total knee arthroplasty to provide a bridge for early postoperative analgesia, reduce opioid consumption, and improve mobility and rehabilitation. Multiple patient and process factors must be weighed when choosing the appropriate technique to reduce morbidity and facilitate discharge. We hypothesized that a low-dose of intrathecal bupivicaine combined with regional block would facilitate discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and reduce postoperative morbidity.

METHODS

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia received either 5 mg (low-dose group) or 10 mg (standard-dose group) isobaric bupivacaine in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome measure was time to achieve eligibility for PACU discharge. Secondary outcome measures included time to recovery of S2 dermatome sensation, time to voiding, rate of bladder catheterization, and time required for nursing intervention in the PACU and after discharge to the surgical ward.

RESULTS

Forty-five of the 49 recruited patients completed the study. Patients receiving low-dose spinal anesthesia were eligible for PACU discharge earlier than those receiving the standard dose (P = 0.0036). Patients receiving the standard dose had significantly delayed recovery of S2 dermatome sensation (P = 0.0035). There was no difference between groups in the amount of time required for nursing intervention in the PACU, but patients receiving low-dose spinal anesthesia required more time for nursing intervention within the first four hours of their arrival on the ward (P = 0.009). None of the patients required intraoperative analgesic supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, low-dose intrathecal bupivacaine (5 mg) combined with regional block is associated with a reduced time to achieve eligibility for discharge from the PACU.