Comparisons of surgical conditions of deep and moderate neuromuscular blockade through multiple assessments and the quality of postoperative recovery in upper abdominal laparoscopic surgery

Intrathecal Morphine and Ropivacaine for Quality of Recovery After Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

Intrathecal morphine is increasingly used for pain management in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. While ropivacaine shows advantages of reduced cardiotoxicity and faster motor recovery compared to bupivacaine, the impact of intrathecal morphine-ropivacaine combination on postoperative recovery quality remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate this combination's effect on recovery outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Patients and Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 78 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery received either preservative-free intrathecal morphine 250 μg with ropivacaine 15 mg (Intrathecal group) or a sham subcutaneous saline injection (Control group). The primary outcome was the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, opioid consumption, and adverse effects.

Results

The intrathecal group showed significantly higher QoR-15 scores 24 hours postoperatively compared to the control group (median [IQR]: 121 [109-128] vs 111 [102-116], p < 0.001), with improvements in pain management (p < 0.001), physical comfort (p = 0.001), and physical independence (p = 0.002). The intrathecal group had lower pain scores at rest (area under the curve 0-48 h: 66 [59-90] vs 107 [89-126], p < 0.001) and during coughing (152 [137-172] vs 191 [166-213], p < 0.001), particularly from 0.5 to 24 hours. They also required less postoperative morphine (0-48 h: 10 [6-20] vs 26 [22-36] mg, p < 0.001). While hypotension (43.6% vs 17.9%, p = 0.014) and pruritus (35.9% vs 2.6%, p < 0.001) were more frequent in the intrathecal group, but no respiratory depression occurred in either group.

Conclusion

Intrathecal morphine-ropivacaine administration improves 24-hour postoperative recovery quality and provides superior pain relief after laparoscopic colorectal surgery, despite increased but manageable side effects. Further research should focus on dose optimization and comparative studies of different intrathecal local anesthetic combinations.

Trial Registration

The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100052337.

Comparison of early postoperative recovery in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery before and after ERAS® implementation-a single center three-armed cohort study

PURPOSE

This study examines the impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) on patient recovery after elective colorectal surgery. The innovative PostopQRS™ tool was used for the analysis of patient recovery.

METHODS

This single-center study compares three cohorts: two retrospective cohorts before (A) and after (B) ERAS® implementation and a prospective cohort post-ERAS® implementation (C) using PostopQRS™. The present study was prospectively registered in the German Register of Clinical Trials (DRKS00026903).

RESULTS

A total of 153 patients were included from June 2020 to February 2022. Significant differences were observed in bowel function, oral food intake, opioid use, and PONV (postoperative nausea and vomiting) occurrence. By the day of discharge, 98% in cohorts B and C had bowel movements or stoma output, compared to 66% in cohort A (p < 0.001). Solid food intake on POD1 was higher in cohorts B and C (p = 0.025), while opioid use was lower (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001). Cohort C showed 90% recovery on discharge.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates improved early mobility, reduced need for opioids, a higher rate of patients with solid food intake on POD1, and earlier bowel movement as well as excellent recovery following the colorectal ERAS® implementation.

Surgical conditions in experimental laparoscopy: effects of pressure, neuromuscular blockade, and pre-stretching on workspace volume

BACKGROUND

Establishing a pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopy is common surgical practice, with the goal to create an optimal surgical workspace within the abdominal cavity while minimizing insufflation pressure. Individualized strategies, based on neuromuscular blockade (NMB), pre-stretching routines, and personalized intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) to enhance surgical conditions are strategies to improve surgical workspace. However, the specific impact of each factor remains uncertain. This study explores the effects and side-effects of modifying intra-abdominal volume (IAV) through moderate and complete NMB in a porcine laparoscopy model.

METHODS

Thirty female Landrace pigs were randomly assigned to groups with complete NMB, regular NMB and a control group. Varying IAP levels were applied, and IAV was measured using CT scans. The study evaluated the maximum attainable IAV (Vmax), the pressure at which the cavity opens (p0), and the ease of expansion (λexp). Cardiorespiratory parameters, including peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and cardiac output (CO), were continuously recorded to evaluate side-effects.

RESULTS

There were no significant weight differences between NMB groups (median 21.1 kg). Observed volumes ranged from 0 to 4.7 L, with a mean Vmax of 3.82 L, mean p0 of 1.23 mmHg, and mean λexp of 0.13 hPa-1. NMB depth did not significantly affect these parameters. HR was significantly increased in the complete NMB group, while PIP, MAP, and CO remained unaffected. Repeated insufflation positively impacted Vmax; ease of opening; and expanding the cavity.

CONCLUSION

In this porcine model, the depth of NMB does not alter abdominal mechanics or increase the surgical workspace. Cardiorespiratory changes are more related to insufflation pressure and frequency rather than NMB depth. Future studies should compensate for the positive effect of repeated insufflation on abdominal mechanics and surgical conditions.

Impact of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum and deep neuromuscular blockade on surgeon satisfaction and patient outcomes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients: A prospective randomised controlled study

INTRODUCTION

The impact of laparoscopic surgery on homeostatic systems necessitates careful consideration of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) management. This study investigated the effects of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) on surgeon satisfaction, haemodynamics and post-operative outcomes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study design involves prospective randomised control. Ninety patients were assigned to low (7-10 mmHg, n = 45) or normal (12-16 mmHg, n = 45) IAP groups. Deep NMB, guided by train-of-four monitoring, was administered. This study evaluated surgical rating scale scores, haemodynamics and post-operative outcomes through a literature review. A computer programme (IBM, SPSS) was used for statistical analysis. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyse patients' IAP levels, additional NMB requirements, surgical rating scale scores and numerical rating scales. Patient demographics and other intraoperative and post-operative variables were analysed with Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Values of P < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

No significant demographic differences were observed. The low-pressure group exhibited lower post-operative pain (P < 0.01) and reduced analgesia requirements (P = 0.00). On analysis of the surgeon rating scale, no disparities were evident between the groups. NMB usage correlated with height and weight (P < 0.01). Heart rate showed no intergroup differences. The MAP measured after 15 min was lower in Group L, and the difference was significant (P = 0.023). The SAP measured after 30 min was lower in Group L, and the difference was significant (P = 0.017). Blood gas values and surgical field visibility were unaffected by the IAP. The positive correlations between NMB, height and weight aligned with previous research.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy under low IAP, deep NMB and favourable post-operative outcomes. Despite these limitations, the findings contribute to optimising laparoscopic surgical approaches.

Effect of deep neuromuscular block on the quality of early recovery after sleeve gastrectomy in obese patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Deep neuromuscular block (NMB) has been shown to improve surgical conditions and alleviate post-operative pain in bariatric surgery compared with moderate NMB. We hypothesized that deep NMB could also improve the quality of early recovery after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

METHODS

Eighty patients were randomized to receive either deep (post-tetanic count 1-3) or moderate (train-of-four count 1-3) NMB. The QoR-15 questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of early recovery at 1 day before surgery (T0), 24 and 48 h after surgery (T2, T3). Additionally, we recorded diaphragm excursion (DE), postoperative pain, surgical condition, cumulative dose of analgesics, time of first flatus and ambulation, post-operative nausea and vomiting, time of tracheal tube removal and hospitalization time.

MAIN RESULTS

The quality of recovery was significantly better 24 h after surgery in patients who received a deep versus moderate block (114.4 ± 12.9 versus 102.1 ± 18.1). Diaphragm excursion was significantly greater in the deep NMB group when patients performed maximal inspiration at T2 and T3 (P < 0.05). Patients who underwent deep NMB reported lower visceral pain scores 40 min after surgery; additionally, these patients experienced lower pain during movement at T3 (P < 0.05). Optimal surgical conditions were rated in 87.5% and 64.6% of all measurements during deep and moderate NMB respectively (P < 0.001). The time to tracheal tube removal was significantly longer in the deep NMB group (P = 0.001). There were no differences in other outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In obese patients receiving deep NMB during LSG, we observed improved QoR-15 scores, greater diaphragmatic excursions, improved surgical conditions, and visceral pain scores were lower. More evidence is needed to determine the effects of deep NMB on these outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200065919. Date of retrospectively registered: 18/11/2022.

The effect of sugammadex on patient morbidity and quality of recovery after general anaesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Residual neuromuscular block is associated with increased patient morbidity. Therefore prevention of residual neuromuscular block is an important component of general anaesthesia where neuromuscular blocking agents are used. Whereas sugammadex improves reversal based on neuromuscular twitch monitoring parameters, there have been no prospective, adequately powered definitive studies demonstrating that sugammadex is also associated with less patient morbidity.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of randomised trials comparing sugammadex with anticholinesterase-based reversal or placebo reversal that reported important patient outcomes beyond the postanaesthesia care unit.

RESULTS

We identified 43 articles, including 5839 trial participants. Only one trial reported days alive and out of hospital to 30 days (DAOH-30), which showed that the number of DAOH-30 was similar in those allocated to sugammadex compared with neostigmine-based reversal (25 days [19-27] vs 24 days [21-27], median difference 0.00 [-2.15 to 2.15]). Pooled analyses of data from 16 trials showed an estimated odds ratio (OR) for postoperative pulmonary complications of 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.47-0.95) with sugammadex use. Pooled analysis showed that pneumonia (eight trials OR 0.51 [0.24-1.01] with sugammadex use), hospital length of stay (23 trials, mean difference -0.31 [-0.84 to 0.22] with sugammadex use), and patient-reported quality of recovery (11 trials, varied depending on metric used) are similar in those allocated to sugammadex vs control. The difference seen in mortality (11 trials, OR 0.39 [0.15-1.01] with sugammadex use) would be considered to be clinically significant and warrants further investigation, however, the rarity of these events precludes drawing definitive conclusions.

CONCLUSION

Although few trials reported on DAOH-30 or important patient outcomes, sugammadex is associated with a reduction in postoperative pulmonary complications, however, this might not translate to a difference in hospital length of stay, patient-reported quality of recovery, or mortality.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO database (CRD42022325858).

The impact of moderate versus deep neuromuscular blockade on the recovery characteristics following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A randomized double blind clinical trial

Background

Anesthesia with deep neuromuscular block for laparoscopic surgery may result in less postoperative pain with lower intra-abdominal pressure. However, the results in the existing literature are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of deep versus moderate neuromuscular block (NMB) on the postoperative recovery characteristics after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for weight loss surgery.

Methods

This is parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. The study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Patients undergoing LSG were included. Patients were randomly assigned to either deep (post-tetanic count 1-2) or moderate (train-of-four 1-2) NMB group. The primary outcomes were numeric rating scale scores of the postoperative pain at rest and postoperative shoulder pain. The secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay (LOS) and postoperative complications. The statistics were performed using StatsDirect statistical software (Version 2.7.9).

Results

Two groups were identified: Group D (deep NMB), 29 patients, and Group M (moderate NMB), 28 patients. The BMI mean values for groups D and M were 44 and 45 kg/m2 respectively (P > 0.05). The mean durations of surgery for were 46.7 min and 44.1 min for groups M and D, respectively (P > 0.05). The mean train-of-four (TOF) counts were 0.3 and 0 for groups M and D, respectively (P < 0.05). The mean times from giving reversal agent to tracheal extubation (minutes) were 6.5 and 6.58 min for groups M and D, respectively (P > 0.05). In the recovery room, the means of pain scores were 3 and 4 for groups M and D, respectively (P > 0.05). Upon admission to the surgical ward, the median values of the pain score were non-significant (P > 0.05) (95% CI: 0.4-0.7). The opioid consumption in the recovery room was non-significant between both groups (P > 0.05) (95% CI: 0.3-0.6). Postoperative shoulder pain was non-significant between both groups (P > 0.05) (95% CI: 0.4-0.7). The median values of surgeon opinion of both groups were non-significant (P > 0.05). Regarding the LOS, the mean values of groups D and M were 1.20 and 1.21 days, respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference between moderate and deep NMB techniques in terms of duration of the surgical procedure, postoperative pain, shoulder pain, and length of hospital stay. Further studies on a larger sample size are required to investigate the long-term recovery characteristics of patients with obesity undergoing LSG.

Postoperative recurarization after sugammadex administration in two patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy: case reports and literature review

BACKGROUND

Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy plays a critical role in multidisciplinary therapy for a variety of malignant tumours. Although oncologists consider myocardial injury to be the most concerning side effect of chemotherapy, unique chemotherapy-mediated skeletal muscular damage has received attention recently.

CLINICAL FEATURES

We report two unusual cases of postoperative delayed respiratory failure following administration of the recommended sugammadex dosage for patients undergoing lengthy operations with deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Based on clinical outcomes, especially the comparison of muscle imaging results in patients at different treatment time points, we concluded that NMB recurrence had a possible correlation with neoadjuvant chemotherapy-induced muscular damage.

CONCLUSION

The early identification of neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic side effects on NMB could be instrumental for clinical safety, especially in cases of major surgery requiring deep NMB. Thus, the timing of NMB antagonism and the recommended dosage of sugammadex warrant special consideration in these patients. In addition to neuromuscular monitoring during the operation, a more extended and closer observation period in the postanesthesia care unit is warranted.

Does deep neuromuscular blockade provide improved perioperative outcomes in adult patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Deep neuromuscular blockade provides better surgical workspace conditions in laparoscopic surgery, but it is still not clear whether it improves perioperative outcomes, not to mention its role in other types of surgeries. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate whether deep neuromuscular blockade versus other more superficial levels of neuromuscular blockade provides improved perioperative outcomes in adult patients in all types of surgeries. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to June 25, 2022. Forty studies (3271 participants) were included. Deep neuromuscular blockade was associated with an increased rate of acceptable surgical condition (relative risk [RR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.11, 1.27]), increased surgical condition score (MD: 0.52, 95% CI: [0.37, 0.67]), decreased rate of intraoperative movement (RR: 0.19, 95% CI: [0.10, 0.33]), fewer additional measures to improve the surgical condition (RR: 0.63, 95% CI: [0.43, 0.94]), and decreased pain score at 24 h (MD: -0.42, 95% CI: [-0.74, -0.10]). There was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss (MD: -22.80, 95% CI: [-48.83, 3.24]), duration of surgery (MD: -0.05, 95% CI: [-2.05, 1.95]), pain score at 48 h (MD: -0.49, 95% CI: [-1.03, 0.05]), or length of stay (MD: -0.05, 95% CI: [-0.19, 0.08]). These indicate that deep neuromuscular blockade improves surgical conditions and prevents intraoperative movement, and there is no sufficient evidence that deep neuromuscular blockade is associated with intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, complications, postoperative pain, and length of stay. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed, and more attention should be given to complications and the physiological mechanism behind deep neuromuscular blockade and postoperative outcomes.