Postoperative pain management in obstetric anesthesia–new challenges and solutions

Transversus abdominis plane block improves postoperative recovery following cesarean delivery under general anesthesia: A propensity score matched retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on postoperative recovery 24 h after cesarean delivery under general anesthesia.

METHODS

A propensity-score-matched, retrospective cohort study was used. A total of 173 pregnancies resulting in elective cesarean delivery under general anesthesia between March 2021 and March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients receiving TAP block were compared with those receiving only intravenous analgesia. The Quality of Recovery 15 (QoR-15) score, assessed 24 h postoperatively using a 15-item questionnaire, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included time to first ambulation, time to first flatus postoperatively, ability to tolerate ambulation, visual analog scale (VAS) score, hospitalization cost, and postoperative nausea and/or vomiting.

RESULTS

The total QoR-15 score 24 h postoperatively in the TAP group was significantly higher than in the Control group (P < 0.001). Patients in the TAP group had higher Bruggemann comfort scale scores (P < 0.001), could better tolerate early postoperative ambulation (P < 0.001), and had shorter time to first ambulation (P < 0.001) and flatus (P < 0.001). Correlation analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between the cumulative VAS pain scores, time to first postoperative ambulation, time to first flatus, and total QoR-15 score 24 h postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Following cesarean delivery under general anesthesia, TAP block combined with intravenous analgesia can improve postoperative recovery and shorten the time to postoperative ambulation and recovery of intestinal function.

Programmed intermittent epidural bolus for post-cesarean delivery analgesia: a randomized controlled double-blind trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) in postoperative pain management compared with continuous epidural infusion (CEI) after cesarean delivery.

METHODS

A total of 58 participants were randomly allocated to receive PIEB (3 mL bolus every 60 min) or CEI (3 mL/h) for postoperative analgesia after undergoing elective cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. Both groups had the same epidural solution containing ropivacaine 0.2% plus fentanyl 2 µg/mL. The primary outcome was postoperative pain score at rest and mobilization at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. The secondary outcomes were the total amount of ropivacaine used in the 48 h study period and the time to the first PCEA bolus.

RESULTS

Data from 58 women were analyzed. There was a reduction in pain verbal numerical rating scores at 12 h in patients receiving PIEB compared with CEI at rest [2 (1.75-3) vs. 3 (2-4), p = 0.011]; and on movement [4 (3-5) vs. 5 (4-6), p = 0.038]. No differences were found in pain scores at any other time-point up to 48 h. Total ropivacaine consumption at 48 h was less in the PIEB group compared with the CEI group [316 mg (304-321) vs. 336 mg (319-344), p = 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Postoperative epidural analgesia for patients who underwent cesarean delivery with PIEB compared with CEI resulted in less ropivacaine usage while providing comparable analgesia.

Intrathecal morphine versus transversus abdominis plane block for caesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The number of caesarean deliveries has been increasing. Although intrathecal morphine (ITM) can relieve pain and is widely applied in caesarean deliveries, it is associated with many side effects. Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB), a new analgesic technology, has also began playing a certain role after caesarean delivery, with fewer adverse effects. This study mainly compares the analgesic and adverse effects of ITM and TAPB in caesarean delivery.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published before 9 October, 2020 to compare the effects of ITM and TAPB. Primary outcome of the study was the pain score at rest 24 h after caesarean delivery, whereas the secondary outcomes were the pain score at movement 24 h after operation, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), itching, and morphine consumption. For the outcome assessment, we conducted a sensitivity analysis.

RESULT

Six RCTs involving 563 patients and meeting the study inclusion criteria were included in this study. Results indicated no significant difference in the pain score between ITM and TAPB at 24 h of rest or movement. The sensitivity analysis results indicated that the resting pain score (95% CI = - 1.27 to - 0.28; P = 0.002) and 24-h moving pain score (95% CI = - 1.8 to - 0.07; P = 0.03) of the ITM group were lower than those of the TAPB group. The consumption of morphine in the ITM group was lower than in the TAPB group (95% CI = 1.92 to 4.87; P < 0.00001); however, in terms of adverse reactions, the incidence of pruritus (95% CI = 1.17 to 8.26; P = 0.02) and PONV (95% CI = 1.92 to 4.87, P < 0.00001) in the ITM group was higher than in the TAPB group.

CONCLUSION

Parturients in the ITM and TAPB groups exhibited similar analgesic effects. However, in the sensitivity analysis performed by eliminating the studies causing heterogeneity, the ITM group was found to have superior analgesic effects compared with the TAPB group, with less morphine consumption. Differently, the TAPB group displayed less side effects such as PONV. Therefore, TAPB is still a valuable analgesia option for patients who cannot use ITM for analgesia after caesarean delivery or those having a high risk of PONV.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registration number: Registered on Prospero with the registration number of CRD42020210135 .

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block after cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The meta-analysis is aimed to further access the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (USG-TAP) block after cesarean section (CS).

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for eligible studies. Primary objectives were pain-related outcomes. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs), as well as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were used to calculate estimates. Subgroup analyses were done based on whether USG-TAP blocks were performed with long-acting intrathecal opioids (ITO).

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies were included. When compared with control groups (placebo or no blocks), USG-TAP block resulted in lower cumulative opioid consumption at 6 h (WMD: -8.32; 95% CI: -14.86, -1.79), 12 h (WMD: -10.75; 95% CI: -20.93, -0.57), and 24 h (WMD: -12.71, 95% CI: -21.28, -4.14). No significant differences were demonstrated among dynamic or resting pain scores. Patients in USG-TAP groups needed longer time to request first analgesic (WMD: 3.56; 95% CI: 1.43, 5.68) and showed a lower requirement of opioid rescue analgesia for breakthrough severe pain during 24 h (RR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.86). Subgroup analyses showed USG-TAP blocks did not afford additional benefit in the presence of intrathecal morphine. Also, reduced need for antiemetics after CS and higher maternal satisfaction were provided by USG-TAP blocks.

CONCLUSION

USG-TAP block can provide significantly effective analgesia for patients who underwent CS in the absence of long-acting ITO and therefore are worth promoting in the setting of long-acting ITO being unfeasible.

The efficacy of abdominal binders in reducing postoperative pain and distress after cesarean delivery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of abdominal binders in reducing postoperative pain, patient distress and surgical postoperative sequelae after cesarean delivery (CD).

METHODS

A comprehensive search in electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central) was performed up to February 2021. Selection criteria included randomized clinical trials investigating the application or not of abdominal binder after CD. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. Secondary outcomes were divided into short- and long-term postoperative outcomes, including patient distress, need for additional pain medications, time to mobilization, return to normal daily activities, surgical site infection, fascial dehiscence or incisional hernia, and rectus abdominis diastasis. The summary measures were reported as mean difference with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) using the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird. An I² (Higgins I²) value of greater than 0% was used to identify heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Four RCTs involving 601 women were included for meta-analysis: 310 (51.6 %) were randomized to the abdominal binder and 291 (48.4 %) to no abdominal binder group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for VAS score either at 24 h (MD -0.97, 95 % CI -2.23 to 0.30; p = 0.13) and at 48 h (MD -0.30, 95 % CI -0.71 to 0.11; p = 0.15). Conversely, there was a significant reduction in postoperative distress (SDS) both at 24 h (MD -2.23, 95 % CI -3.77 to -0.70; p = 0.004) and 48 h (MD -2.37, 95 % CI -3.86 to -0.87; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis shows that the use of abdominal binders after CD significantly reduces patient distress.

The Analgesic Effect of Different Concentrations of Epidural Ropivacaine Alone or Combined With Sufentanil in Patients After Cesarean Section

Background: Patients experience moderate-high intensity postoperative pain after cesarean section (CS). The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal concentrations of ropivacaine and sufentanil for use in controlling pain after CS. Methods: One hundred and seventy-four women undergoing elective CS were randomly allocated to four groups. Epidural analgesia was administered with 0.1% ropivacaine in the R₁ group, 0.15% ropivacaine in the R₂ group, a combination of 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 μg/ml of sufentanil in the R₁S group, and a combination of 0.15% ropivacaine and 0.5 μg/ml of sufentanil in the R₂S group (at a basal rate of 4 ml/h, bolus dose of 4 ml/20 min as needed). Pain scores (numerical rating scale [NRS]: 0-10 cm) at rest (NRS-R), during movement (NRS-M), and when massaging the uterus (NRS-U) were documented at 6 and 24 h. We also recorded patient satisfaction scores, time to first flatus, motor deficits, and adverse drug reactions. Results: NRS (NRS-R, NRS-M, NRS-U) scores in the R₂S group (2 [1-3], 4 [3-5], 6 [5-6], respectively) were lower than in the R₁ group (3 [3-4], 5 [4-6], 7 [6-8], respectively) (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively) at 6 h; and patient satisfaction (9 [8-10]) was improved compared to the R₁ group (8 [6-8]) (p < 0.01). The time to first flatus (18.7 ± 11.8 h) was reduced relative to the R₁ group (25.9 ± 12.0 h) (p < 0.05). The time to first ambulation was not delayed (p > 0.05). However, the incidence of pruritus (4 [9.3%]) was increased compared to the R₂ group (0 [0]) (p < 0.05) at 6 h, and the incidence of numbness (23 [53.5%], 23 [53.5%]) was increased compared to the R₁ group (10 [23.3%], 10 [23.3%]) (all p < 0.01) at both 6 and 24 h. Conclusions: Although we observed a higher incidence of pruritus and numbness, co-administration of 0.15% ropivacaine and 0.5 μg/ml of sufentanil administered epidurally optimized pain relief after CS, with treated subjects exhibiting lower NRS scores, shorter time to first flatus, and higher patient-satisfaction scores.

Analgesic Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block Compared with Intrathecal Morphine After Elective Cesarean Section: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Background

We aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) compared to intrathecal morphine (ITM) for analgesia after elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.

Methods

In total, 140 parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The ESPB-group received 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally through spinal anesthesia, followed by an ESPB at the ninth thoracic transverse process with 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine immediately after the operation. The ITM-group received 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine with 100 mcg morphine intrathecally through spinal anesthesia, followed by a sham block at the end of the surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain at several postoperative time points, total opioid consumption, and time to the first analgesic request were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with the independent t-test and linear mixed-effects models. The Kaplan–Meier estimator and the log-rank test were used to compare the primary and secondary outcomes of the groups.

Results

No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding patient characteristics; in the post-operative period (0–24 hrs), VAS scores (at rest) were, on average, 0.25 units higher in the ITM group. The total tramadol consumption in the first 24 hrs was significantly higher in the ITM group than in the ESPB group (101.71 ± 25.67 mg vs 44 ± 16.71 mg, respectively). The time to the first analgesic request was 4.93±0.82 hrs in the ITM group and 12±2.81 hrs in the ESPB group. Patient satisfaction did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

ESPB has a successful postoperative analgesic effect and may limit opioid consumption in parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery.

Evaluate the Feasibility of Surgical Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Cesarean Section

Background

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a fascial plane block providing postoperative analgesia after lower abdominal surgeries including Cesarean section. Conventionally, it is administered under ultrasound guidance or by blind technique. We studied a novel transperitoneal surgical TAP block for providing safe and effective analgesia after Cesarean section through transverse incision.

Methods

A hundred patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study after obtaining informed written consent. They were randomized in two groups: Group A with surgical TAP block and Group B without TAP block as control. Surgical TAP block was administered by transperitoneal route before the closure of peritoneum with 0.25% bupivacaine (dose adjusted with weight of the patient), and visual analogue score was assessed by a blind assessor. Time for rescue analgesia was noted and analyzed with the 'two independent sample t test.'

Results

The duration of postoperative analgesia in hours was significantly longer in the TAP block group compared with the control group (5.14 ± 1.63 vs 2.61 ± 0.89, p < 0.001). There was no reported complication of the surgical technique or any adverse effect of the used drug.

Conclusion

Surgical TAP block via the transperitoneal route is a safe, easy and effective mode of providing postoperative analgesia after Cesarean section. This technique does not need any costly specialist equipment, overcomes the technical limitations of ultrasound-guided TAP block and can be used in obese patients also. It has almost no side effects, and the technique can be easily mastered.

The efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block for post-operative analgesia after the cesarean section performed under general anesthesia

OBJECTIVE:

Several methods are used to control the pain after cesarean operations. Recently, the transverse abdominis plane block (TAP) has been proposed to compensate for the problems developed by preexisting methods. In the present study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of the TAP block after caesarean section in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial.

METHODS:

In this study, thirty patients undergoing cesarean sections under general anesthesia were divided into two groups. Patients in Group T (n=15) on whom TAP Block with USG guidance was performed using 0.25% bupivacaine totally 60 ml. The patients in Group C were administered (n=15), 0.9% NaCl totally 60 ml (30 ml at each side) with USG guidance. Post-operative demand of meperidine using a patient-controlled analgesia device was recorded.

RESULTS:

First time on the need for analgesia were significantly higher in the control group (Group C). The total dose of meperidine, tenoxicam, paracetamol used for analgesia was significantly higher in the Group C. The outset times of breastfeeding and mobilization did not change between the groups.

CONCLUSION:

The USG-TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine 60 ml (30 ml on each side) significantly reduced post-operative pain in patients undergoing the cesarean section. We think that TAP block is a comfortable and feasible method which reduces post-operative analgesia need and does not lead any serious complications.

Dexmedetomidine Added to Sufentanil Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia Relieves the Postoperative Pain after Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Multicenter Study

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after cesarean delivery. This multicenter study enrolled 208 subjects who were scheduled for selective cesarean delivery from 9 research centers. Patients received 0.5 ug/kg dexmedetomidine (study group) or normal saline (control group) after delivery and an intravenous PCA pump after surgery (100 μg sufentanil +300 μg dexmedetomidine for the study group, 100 μg sufentanil for the control group, background infusion: 1 ml/h, bolus dose: 2 ml and lock time: 8 min). The sufentanil consumption, pain scores, rescue analgesia, sedation scores, analgesic satisfaction, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and the first passage of flatus were recorded within 24 h after surgery. The sufentanil consumption in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.004). Compared with the control group, the study group had lower pain scores (p < 0.01), higher analgesic satisfaction degree [p < 0.001, odd ratio 4.28 and 95% CI (2.46, 7.46)], less requirement of rescue analgesia (p = 0.003), lower incidence of PONV (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively), and shorter time to first passage of flatus (p = 0.007). Dexmedetomidine added to sufentanil intravenous PCA significantly enhanced the analgesic effects, improved analgesic satisfaction, and had the potential benefits of reducing PONV and the recovery of intestinal functions after cesarean section.

Intravenous Magnesium Sulphate for Analgesia after Caesarean Section: A Systematic Review

Objective

To summarise the evidence for use of intravenous magnesium for analgesic effect in caesarean section patients.

Background

Postcaesarean pain requires effective analgesia. Magnesium, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and calcium-channel blocker, has previously been investigated for its analgesic properties.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted of PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases for randomised-control trials comparing intravenous magnesium to placebo with analgesic outcomes in caesarean patients.

Results

Ten trials met inclusion criteria. Seven were qualitatively compared after exclusion of three for unclear bias risk. Four trials were conducted with general anaesthesia, while three utilised neuraxial anaesthesia. Five of seven trials resulted in decreased analgesic requirement postoperatively and four of seven resulted in lower serial visual analogue scale scores.

Conclusions

Adjunct analgesic agents are utilised to improve analgesic outcomes and minimise opioid side effects. Preoperative intravenous magnesium may decrease total postcaesarean rescue analgesia consumption with few side effects; however, small sample size and heterogeneity of methodology in included trials restricts the ability to draw strong conclusions. Therefore, given the apparent safety and efficacy of magnesium, its role as an adjunct analgesic in caesarean section patients should be further investigated with the most current anaesthetic techniques.

Quantification of piritramide in human colostrum

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

In our university hospital (UZBrussel), one of the options to control post-operative pain after a Caesarean section under general anaesthesia is to administer piritramide by patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). As no information is available about the possible transfer of this synthetic narcotic analgesic into breastmilk, women are frequently advised not to breastfeed their newborn. A sensitive liquid chromatographic (LC) method coupled with UV detection will therefore be developed and validated for the quantification of piritramide in colostrum samples to evaluate the presence of the analgesic in the first milk.

METHODS

The method included the isolation and concentration of piritramide from colostrum using protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction (SPE) using a mixed-mode cation exchange sorbent. Subsequently, the extracted samples were analysed on a microbore C₁₈ column (1 mm id) and a mobile phase consisting of 15 mm ammonium hydroxide in methanol/tetrahydrofuran/water 50 : 10 : 40 V/V/V.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

As colostrum contains a high amount of proteins, mixed-mode cation exchange SPE was preceded by a 1 : 2 dilution and protein precipitation with phosphoric acid followed by double centrifugation of the samples. The reversed-phase LC-UV method used a mobile phase at alkaline pH to obtain a selective method for piritramide and the internal standard pipamperone. After investigating the validation characteristics (linearity, accuracy, precision and stability), samples from ten patients who had received piritramide via PCIA during the first 48 h post-partum were analysed.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method described for the quantification of the synthetic narcotic analgesic piritramide in colostrum samples. The obtained results suggest that after the administration of this opioid by PCIA to nursing mothers low concentrations of piritramide can be found in the first milk, but are mostly below the limit of quantification of 30 ng/mL.

Effect of Ketofol on Pain and Complication after Caesarean Delivery under Spinal Anaesthesia: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Pain is the key concern of women after caesarean delivery that may interfere with breastfeeding.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess effect of ketofol (ketamine/propofol combination) on pain and complication after caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 92 parturient scheduled for elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia were included. The simple random sampling method was used to place subjects in four groups of ketamine (0.25 mg/kg), propofol (0.25 mg/kg), ketofol (25 mg ketamine plus 25 mg propofol) and placebo (saline). The drugs were administered intravenously immediately after clamping the umbilical cord. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to determine the intensity of pain. Complications after surgery including shivering, nausea and vomiting as well as onset of breastfeeding were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean score of pain, morphine consumption and time of breastfeeding in the ketofol group were significantly lower than other groups at various intervals (p<0.05, p<0.001). The frequencies of shivering, nausea, vomiting, retention and pruritus in the ketofol group were significantly lower than other groups (p<0.001, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The effective role of ketofol on reducing pain and complication after caesarean delivery indicated that it can be considered as a safe and alternative drug in these patients.

Fixed time interval compared with on-demand oral analgesia protocols for post-caesarean pain: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy, safety and satisfaction from two modes of oral analgesia administration for the treatment of post-caesarean pain in the first 48 h following surgery: on-demand versus fixed time interval administration.

DESIGN

Open label parallel-group, randomised-controlled trial from February to December 2013.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital in Israel.

POPULATION

Two-hundred women who underwent caesarean delivery with regional anaesthesia.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive predetermined combinations of tramadol, paracetamol and diclofenac either following patient demand or at predetermined 6-h intervals for the first 48 h. If the patient requested additional analgesia, Percocet (oxycodone and paracetamol) was given as a rescue treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain intensity and satisfaction were self-evaluated with visual analogue scale of 0 (no pain/least satisfaction) to 10 (worst pain/highest satisfaction). Breastfeeding, need for supplemental formula, and maternal and neonatal adverse effects were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The 'fixed time interval' group, compared with the 'on-demand' group, had lower mean pain score (2.8 ± 0.84 versus 4.1 ± 0.48, respectively; P < 0.0001), higher satisfaction rate (9.1 ± 1.2 versus 8.3 ± 1.5, respectively; P < 0.0001), more breastfeeds (23.7 ± 6.5 versus 19.2 ± 6.2, respectively; P < 0.0001) and less use of supplemental formulas (8.2 ± 5.2 versus 11.9 ± 6.5, respectively; P < 0.0001). The number of times that drugs were given was slightly higher in the 'fixed time interval' group without an increase in maternal adverse effects, which were mild. No adverse effects were reported for the neonates.

CONCLUSION

Administration of oral analgesia in fixed time intervals is superior to drug administration following patient demand without increasing maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Oral analgesia in fixed time intervals is superior to analgesia following demand.

Efficacy of trans abdominis plane block for post cesarean delivery analgesia: A double-blind, randomized trial

Background:

The transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block, a regional block provides effective analgesia after lower abdominal surgeries if used as part of multimodal analgesia. In this prospective, randomized double-blind study, we determined the efficacy of TAP block in patients undergoing cesarean section.

Materials and Methods:

Totally, 62 parturients undergoing cesarean section were randomized in a double-blind manner to receive either bilateral TAP block at the end of surgery with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine or no TAP block, in addition to standard analgesic comprising 75 mg diclofenac 8 hourly and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) tramadol. Each patient was assessed at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after surgery by an independent observer for pain at rest and on movement using numeric rating scale of 0-10, time of 1^st demand for tramadol, total consumption of PCA tramadol, satisfaction with pain management and side effects. Results: Use of tramadol was reduced in patients given TAP block by 50% compared to patients given no block during 48 h after surgery (P < 0.001). Pain scores were lower both on rest and activity at each time point for 24 h in study group (P < 0.001), time of first analgesia was significantly longer, satisfaction was higher, and side effects were less in study group compared to control group.

Conclusion:

Transverse abdominis plane block was effective in providing analgesia with a substantial reduction in tramadol use during 48 h after cesarean section when used as adjunctive to standard analgesia.

Efficacy of single dose epidural morphine versus intermittent low-dose epidural morphine along with bupivacaine for postcaesarean section analgesia

Background:

Obstetric anesthesia presents a challenge to the anesthesiologist. The effective pain management allows the partu-rient adequate degree of comfort and promotes physical reco-very and a sense of well being.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized controlled study was designed to assess the analgesic efficacy and side effects of 1.20 mg single-dose epidural morphine (Group 1) versus intermittent 12 hourly epidural morphine (0.5 mg) with bupivacaine (Group2) for postoperative analgesia in lower segment caesarean section cases.

Results:

Each group consisted of 36 patients. Demographic characteristics of two groups were comparable and differences among them were not statistically significant. Mean duration of analgesia was significantly longer in group one patients (16.5±2.5h) in comparison to group two patients (11.5±1.5h). Mean highest visual analog scales (VAS scale) was significantly lower (3.2±0.9) in group one patients in comparison of group two (6.7±0.8) patients. Only 43% patient in group one required supplementary perenteral analgesic (Paracetamole/Diclofenac) and 71% required epidural morphine/bupivacaine in group two. Mean number of supplementary perenteral analgesic required in group one was 0.7 and it was 1.8 in group two. There was no significant difference in nausea, vomiting, itching, and pruritis in two groups of patients.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that the use of single dose epidural morphine is associated with lower pain scores at rest and movement when compared to intermittent epidural morphine with bupivacaine in postcaesarean section analgesia.

Evaluation of the analgesic effect of subcutaneous methadone after cesarean section

BACKGROUND

Inadequate pain control has a significant role in maternal and neonatal health in early post-partum period which interferes with breastfeeding and has a negative influence on child normal growth. The aim of this study is evaluation of subcutaneous methadone effectiveness on post-operative pain control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Double blind randomized prospective clinical trial involving 60 term pregnancy patients through 2008 to 2009 Undergo cesarean.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Prime gravid candidate of elective cesarean and spinal anesthesia class 1 or 2. Known case of drug allergy and methadone interaction, addiction, uncontrolled medical disease excluded. Case group injected 10 mg of subcutaneous methadone in the site of incision before final suture. Morphine was a pain reliever in follow up examination. Data include mean of pain, nausea and vomiting, MAP, etc., collected and analyzed by independent-T test and Man Whitney test.

RESULTS

Although mean usage of morphine between groups was not significant statistically but the mean pain severity (P value < 0.05) and mean satisfactory (P value = 0.02) was statistically significant between groups. Other parameters were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

We suggest subcutaneous methadone as a safe pain reliever in post cesarean section patients.

A single dose of celecoxib 200 mg improves postoperative analgesia provided via patient-controlled epidural technique after caesarean section

INTRODUCTION

Celecoxib in a dose of 200 mg is safe for the breast feeding mother, as its milk levels are extremely low. We investigated the efficacy of celecoxib in improving postoperative pain management in parturients under patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied 64 healthy parturients undergoing elective caesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. Postoperative analgesia was performed via PCEA with ropivacaine 0.15% and fentanyl 2 µg/ml (4 ml bolus administration, lock-out 15 min). Patients were randomly allocated to receive either only PCEA (n = 32) or PCEA plus celecoxib 200 mg orally (n = 32). Paracetamol 500 mg was given orally as rescue analgesia. We recorded visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain at rest and movement, attempted and given PCEA doses, Bromage scores, level of sensory blockade, rescue doses of paracetamol, maternal side effects during the first 24 h after the PCEA instrumentation, and the overall patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients completed the entire protocol. Patient demographics, duration of surgery, side effects, attempted and given PCEA doses, and motor and sensory blockade did not differ between the groups. Significantly lower VAS scores at rest and movement, fewer paracetamol doses (p = 0.039) and increased patient satisfaction (p = 0.001) were found in the celecoxib group compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of 200 mg of celecoxib effectively improved pain management in parturients with PCEA, limited the need for supplemental analgesics and improved efficacy of analgesia, increasing patient satisfaction.

Randomized comparison of effectiveness of unimodal opioid analgesia with multimodal analgesia in post-cesarean section pain management

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain leads to patient discomfort, decreased level of satisfaction, prolonged recovery, and higher health costs. Acute pain control therefore improves the overall quality of life in patients undergoing cesarean section. Pain relief is a fundamental human right, but there is no gold standard for post-cesarean section pain management.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of pentazocine and tramadol used in unimodal and multimodal (in combination with piroxicam) approach, in the management of post-cesarean section pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study employed a random allocation design to compare the effectiveness of intramuscular pentazocine (60 mg) or tramadol (100 mg) as single analgesic agent and in combination with daily intramuscular piroxicam 20 mg, for the management of post-cesarean section pain during the immediate 12 hours after surgery. The primary outcome measure was control of postoperative pain, while the secondary outcome measures were the analgesic agent onset of action, duration of action, patient satisfaction, and maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. Data obtained were entered into a predesigned sheet and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17. Means ± standard deviation (SD) were calculated for the quantitative variables, and the difference between two independent groups was compared using unpaired Student's t-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients were equally and randomly allocated to four study groups - two that received unimodal analgesia (the pentazocine group and the tramadol group) and two that received multimodal analgesia (the pentazocine-piroxicam group and the tramadol-piroxicam group). Among the unimodal groups, tramadol had a faster onset of action, but pentazocine had a longer duration of action and provided better control of pain. Among the multimodal groups, the combination of pentazocine with piroxicam was superior to the tramadol with piroxicam combination, and it was also more effective than pentazocine alone.

CONCLUSION

The multimodal approach of combining pentazocine with piroxicam is a safe, effective, and an acceptable mode of analgesia for post-cesarean section pain management, especially in a resource-constrained setting.

Transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia after Caesarean delivery performed under spinal anaesthesia? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a field block that provides postoperative analgesia for abdominal surgery. Its analgesic utility after Caesarean delivery (CD) remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines whether TAP block can reduce i.v. morphine consumption in the first 24 h after CD. The authors retrieved randomized controlled trials comparing TAP block with placebo in CD. Postoperative i.v. morphine consumption during the first 24 h was selected as a primary outcome. Pain scores and both maternal and neonatal opioid-related side-effects were secondary outcomes. Where possible, meta-analytic techniques and random effects modelling were used to combine data. Trials were stratified based on whether or not spinal morphine was used as part of the analgesic regimen. Five trials including 312 patients were identified. TAP block reduced the mean 24 h i.v. morphine consumption by 24 mg [95% confidence interval (CI) -39.65 to -7.78] when spinal morphine was not used. TAP block also reduced visual analogue scale pain scores (10 cm line where 0 cm, no pain, and 10 cm, worst pain) by 0.8 cm (95% CI -1.53 to -0.05, P=0.01), and decreased the incidence of opioid-related side-effects. The differences in primary and secondary outcomes were not significant when spinal morphine was used. TAP block provides superior analgesia compared with placebo and can reduce the first 24 h morphine consumption in the setting of a multimodal analgesic regimen that excludes spinal morphine. TAP block can provide effective analgesia when spinal morphine is contraindicated or not used.

Postoperative pain control in the parturient: new challenges in the new millennium

In the new millennium, the horizons of modern anesthesia practice continue to expand beyond the provision of surgical anesthesia to encompass areas outside of the operating room, including preoperative evaluation, labor analgesia, postanesthesia care, critical care and acute and chronic pain management. Adequate postoperative analgesia following caesarean delivery hastens ambulation, decreases maternal morbidity, improves patient outcome, and facilitates care of the newborn. There is currently no "gold standard" for post-cesarean pain management. The number of options is large and the choice of the method of pain control is determined by drug availability, institutional protocols, individual preferences, available resources, and financial considerations. This article provides an overview of the currently available methods of post-cesarean analgesia.

Management of acute postpartum pain in patients maintained on methadone or buprenorphine during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Empirical evidence is needed to guide adequate postpartum pain relief of methadone and buprenorphine stabilized patients.

OBJECTIVES

To first determine the adequacy of pain control using non-opioid and opioid medication in participants stabilized on buprenorphine or methadone before a vaginal delivery. Second, to compare the amount of non-opioid and opioid medication needed for adequate pain control for buprenorphine-and methadone-maintained patients during the immediate postpartum period.

METHODS

Pain control adequacy and amount of non-opioid and opioid medication needed in buprenorphine- (n = 8) and methadone-maintained (n = 10) patients over the first five days postpartum were examined.

RESULTS

Pain ratings and number of opioid medication doses decreased over time in both medication groups. While the buprenorphine and methadone groups began with similar mean daily ibuprofen (IB) doses, the buprenorphine group decreased its IB use, while the methadone group increased its IB use.

CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

Patients treated daily with either buprenorphine or methadone can have adequate pain control postpartum with opioid medication and IB. Pain control is dependent on the opioid-agonist medication in use at delivery, and must be individualized.