The effectiveness of aerosolized intraperitoneal bupivacaine in reducing postoperative pain in children undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus magnesium sulfate as an adjuvant to intraperitoneal bupivacaine in pediatric laparoscopic surgery: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus magnesium sulfate as an adjuvant to intraperitoneal (IP) bupivacaine in pediatric laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy.

METHODS

Ninety-seven male children, ASA I-II, 1-6 years old, undergoing laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy, were randomized to receive before peritoneal insufflation, IP 2 mg.kg-1 bupivacaine 0.5% combined with either 1 μg.kg-1 of dexmedetomidine (Group D), 30 mg.kg-1 of magnesium sulfate (Group M), or normal saline (Group C). All tested drugs were diluted to the volume of 10 mL with normal saline. FLACC pain scores, need for rescue analgesics, time to flatus and first stool, emetic events, adverse effects, functional recovery, and parents' satisfaction were recorded for the first 48 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

FLACC scores were significantly higher in Group C than in the other two groups at 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 48 hours after surgery with no differences between Groups D and M. Rescue analgesia was significantly higher in Group C with none of the children in Groups D and M requiring rescue analgesia (p = 0.001). Times to first flatus and stool, emetic events, and adverse effects did not differ among groups. Times to return to normal functional activity were comparable in all groups. Parents' satisfaction was greater in Groups D and M than in Group C (p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate added to IP bupivacaine improved the analgesia afforded by bupivacaine in the first two postoperative days in children scheduled for laparoscopic herniorrhaphy.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine Using Manual Bolus Atomization Versus Micropump Nebulization and Morphine Requirements in Young Children

BACKGROUND

Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of local anesthetics is used in adults and children for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic surgery. Population pharmacokinetics (PK) of IP bupivacaine has not been determined in children. Objectives of this study were (1) to develop a population PK model to compare IP bupivacaine administered via manual bolus atomization and micropump nebulization and (2) to assess postoperative morphine requirements after intraoperative administration. We hypothesized similar PK profiles and morphine requirements for both delivery methods.

METHODS

This was a prospective, sequential, observational study. After institutional review board (IRB) approval and written informed parental consent, 67 children 6 months to 6 years of age undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic urological surgery received IP bupivacaine at the beginning of surgery. Children received a total dose of 1.25 mg/kg bupivacaine, either diluted in 30-mL normal saline via manual bolus atomization over 30 seconds or undiluted bupivacaine 0.5% via micropump nebulization into carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation tubing over 10-17.4 minutes. Venous blood samples were obtained at 4 time points between 1 and 120 minutes intraoperatively. Samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. PK parameters were calculated using noncompartmental and compartmental analyses. Nonlinear regression modeling was used to estimate PK parameters (primary outcomes) and Mann-Whitney U test for morphine requirements (secondary outcomes).

RESULTS

Patient characteristics between the 2 delivery methods were comparable. No clinical signs of neurotoxicity or cardiotoxicity were observed. The range of peak plasma concentrations was 0.39-2.44 µg/mL for the manual bolus atomization versus 0.25-1.07 μg/mL for the micropump nebulization. IP bupivacaine PK was described by a 1-compartment model for both delivery methods. Bupivacaine administration by micropump nebulization resulted in a significantly lower Highest Plasma Drug Concentration (Cmax) and shorter time to reach Cmax (Tmax) (P < .001) compared to manual bolus atomization. Lower plasma concentrations with less interpatient variability were observed and predicted by the PK model for the micropump nebulization (P < .001). Adjusting for age, weight, and sex as covariates, Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) were significantly lower with micropump nebulization (P < .001). Regardless of the delivery method, morphine requirements were low at all time points. There were no differences in cumulative postoperative intravenous/oral morphine requirements between manual bolus atomization and micropump nebulization (0.14 vs 0.17 mg/kg; P = .85) measured up to 24 hours postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

IP bupivacaine administration by micropump nebulization demonstrated lower plasma concentrations, less interpatient variability, low risk of toxicity, and similar clinical efficacy compared to manual bolus atomization. This is the first population PK study of IP bupivacaine in children, motivating future randomized controlled trials to determine efficacy.

Robotic-Assisted Urologic Surgery in Infants: Positioning, Trocar Placement, and Physiological Considerations

Pediatric robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures are becoming increasingly common. They have been shown to be safe in younger patients, including infants. Successful adoption of robotic-assisted surgery in infants requires an understanding of the technical factors unique to this patient population. This review will delineate the specific considerations to safely perform robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures in infants, including physiological changes associated with pneumoperitoneum in infants, positioning, trocar placement, and docking.

Intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for postoperative pain management in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy: A prospective randomized trial

Background and Aims:

Intraperitoneal local anesthetic is an effective analgesic approach in laparoscopic appendectomy in adults. The aim of the study was to compare the postoperative pain when intraperitoneal bupivacaine is administered alone versus the addition of dexmedetomidine to it in children undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods:

In this prospective randomized trial, 52 children were randomly allocated to Group B who received intraperitoneal bupivacaine 0.25% (2 mg/kg) or Group BD who received intraperitoneal bupivacaine 0.25% (2 mg/kg) plus dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg) for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Postoperative pethidine consumption at day 1 was recorded and considered the primary outcome of the study. Patients were evaluated for pain scores at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h, time to first request of pethidine, sedation scores at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, length of hospital stay, and parents’ satisfaction. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Student's t-test, and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for analysis.

Results:

Postoperative visual analog scale scores were lower in Group BD at 2, 4, and 6 h (mean = 3, 3, 3, respectively) compared with Group B (mean = 4, 5, 4, respectively) (P < 0.05). Patients in Group BD had more sedation scores at 0, 2, and 4 h (P < 0.05), longer time to first rescue analgesia (P = 0.03), lesser rescue analgesic consumption (P = 0.02), shorter length of hospital stay (P = 0.02), and higher parents’ satisfaction (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Adding dexmedetomidine to intraperitoneal bupivacaine provides adequate postoperative analgesia in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.

Intraperitoneal Local Anesthetic for Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of intraperitoneal local anesthetic (IPLA) on pain after acute laparoscopic appendectomy in children.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND

IPLA reduces pain in adult elective surgery. It has not been well studied in acute peritoneal inflammatory conditions. We hypothesized that IPLA would improve recovery in pediatric acute laparoscopic appendectomy.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial in acute laparoscopic appendectomy recruited children aged 8 to 14 years to receive 20 mL 0.25% or 0.125% bupivacaine (according to weight) atomized onto the peritoneum of the right iliac fossa and pelvis, or 20 mL 0.9% NaCl control. Unrestricted computer-generated randomization was implemented by surgical nurses. Participants, caregivers, and outcome assessors were blinded. The primary outcome was pain score. Analysis was by a linear mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

Of 184 randomized participants (92 to each group), the final analysis included 88 IPLA and 87 control participants. There was no statistically significant difference in overall pain scores (effect estimate 0.004, standard error 0.028, 95% confidence interval -0.052, 0.061), and no difference in right iliac fossa or suprapubic site-specific pain scores, opioid use, recovery parameters, or complications. No child experienced a complication related to the intervention.

CONCLUSION

IPLA imparted no clinical benefit to children undergoing acute laparoscopic appendectomy and cannot be recommended in this setting.

Robot-assisted ureteroureterostomy in pediatric patients: current perspectives

Developments in pediatric robotic surgery have increased the feasibility of minimally invasive surgery for complex urinary tract reconstruction. Ureteroureterostomy is a commonly employed strategy for the management of a duplicated ureteral system with either upper pole obstruction or lower pole vesicoureteral reflux, and this approach minimizes the risk to a healthy ureter as might be seen in a common sheath ureteral reimplant and avoids complex dissection around the renal hilum as with a heminephrectomy. The robotic platform enables optimum instrument manipulation for an end-to-side ureteral anastomosis as well as excellent visualization deep into the pelvis for excision of the distal ureteral stump. In this study, the indications and preoperative evaluation for pediatric robotic ureteroureterostomy (RUU) were described and intraoperative considerations for a successful repair were highlighted. In order to assess the outcomes, a PubMed search was performed to find the articles focusing on RUU in the pediatric population. The institutional experience of the authors was also reviewed. As with an open procedure, both minimizing dissection on the recipient ureter and ensuring a tension-free, watertight anastomosis are key principles to minimize complications. Although port placement is similar to that in robotic pyeloplasty, small adjustments may need to be made to ensure access to the pelvis. An assistant port and/or traction sutures is often used to aid in the dissection and anastomosis. RUU was first described in 2008, and several reports have demonstrated positive short-term results. However, median follow-up times are limited with most series reporting outcomes <1 year postoperatively. A future study is required to establish the long-term efficacy of this procedure and define the optimum patient population for a robotic approach.

Analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal administration of bupivacaine in cats

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal (IP) bupivacaine in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Methods Forty-five cats were included in a randomized, prospective, blinded study after owners' written consent was obtained. The anesthetic protocol included acepromazine-buprenorphine-propofol-isoflurane. A ventral midline incision was made and cats (n = 15/group) were administered either IP saline 0.9% (negative and positive control groups; NG and PG, respectively) or IP bupivacaine (2 mg/kg; bupivacaine group; BG). Cats in the PG received meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg SC). An OVH was performed and postoperative pain was evaluated using a dynamic interactive visual analog scale (DIVAS), the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (MCPS) and mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) for up to 8 h after the end of surgery. Postoperative sedation was evaluated using DIVAS. Rescue analgesia was provided with buprenorphine and/or meloxicam. Repeated measures linear models and a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test were used for statistical analysis ( P <0.05). Results There was a significant effect of treatment on the number of times rescue analgesia was administered ( P = 0.002) (PG, n = 2, 13%; NG, n = 12, 80%; BG, n = 4, 27%) with the number of rescues being higher in the NG group than in the PG ( P = 0.0004) and BG ( P = 0.02) groups. The DIVAS, MCPS and MNT were significantly different when compared with baseline values at different time points; however, data were not significantly different among groups. Conclusions and relevance Treatments PG and BG produced similar analgesia in terms of pain scores, number of times rescue analgesia was administered and MNT. Based on rescue analgesia, IP administration of bupivacaine provides analgesia in cats after OVH.

Port Site Local Anesthetic Infiltration Vs Single-dose Intrathecal Opioid Injection to Control Perioperative Pain in Children Undergoing Minimal Invasive Surgery: A Comparative Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of the intrathecal opiate vs wound site local anesthetic infiltration for perioperative pain control during and after surgery in patients undergoing minimally invasive pediatric urologic procedures.

METHODS

Using an Institutional Review Board-approved registry database, we identified patients who underwent minimally invasive urologic procedures at our institution between 2009 and 2013. We collected all relevant preoperative variables and postoperative outcomes. Patients in intrathecal injection of opioids (ITO) group were matched with patients who received local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) based on age, diagnosis, and procedure. Perioperative analgesic requirements were converted to morphine equivalents standardized to body weight. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and parametric comparisons were completed to determine difference in morphine equivalents between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty children (78 girls and 52 boys) were included in our study. Sixty-six patients underwent ITO and 66 received LAI. Sixty-six patients underwent ureteral reimplantation, 60 underwent pyeloplasty, and 4 underwent nephrectomy. Ages ranged from 0.5 to 19.9 years. There was no significant difference in cumulative morphine equivalents or weight administered between the ITO and LAI groups for the total period of hospitalization (0.76 units vs 0.79 units, P > .05). Multivariate regression analysis predicted that older age corresponds to higher analgesic requirements.

CONCLUSION

ITO does not impact total analgesic requirements during the hospital stay compared to LAI following minimally invasive surgery. Considering the potential complications of ITO, LAI may be the preferred modality for pain management for minimally invasive surgery in children.

Post-Operative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Robotic Urological Surgery

Robotic urological surgery is being increasingly performed worldwide. The main focus currently is on the operative technique but post operative patient care is an essential part of the process to make this technique safe and successful. We present a review on multiple analgesic techniques available to prevent and treat pain specifically caused after by urological robotic surgery; this article will explain the mechanism of pain pathways involved in laparoscopic procedures and review current evidence pertaining to systemic and regional analgesia methods.

How to successfully implement a robotic pediatric surgery program: lessons learned after 96 procedures

BACKGROUND

Both our teams were the first to implement pediatric robotic surgery in France. The aim of this study was to define the key points we brought to light so other pediatric teams that want to set up a robotic surgery program will benefit.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all children who underwent robotic surgery between Nov 2007 and June 2011 in both departments, including patient data, installation and changes, operative time, hospital stay, intraoperative complications, and postoperative outcome. The department's internal organization, the organization within the hospital complex, and cost were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 96 procedures were evaluated. There were 38 girls and 56 boys with average age at surgery of 7.6 years (range, 0.7-18 years) and average weight of 26 kg (range, 6-77 kg). Thirty-six patients had general surgery, 57 patients urologic surgery, and 1 thoracic surgery. Overall average operative time was 189 min (range, 70-550 min), and average hospital stay was 6.4 days (range, 2-24 days). The procedures of 3 patients were converted. Median follow-up was 18 months (range, 0.5-43 months). Robotic surgical procedure had an extra cost of <euro>1934 compared to conventional open surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience was similar to the findings described in the literature for feasibility, security, and patient outcomes; we had an overall operative success rate of 97 %. Three main actors are concerned in the implementation of a robotic pediatric surgery program: surgeons and anesthetists, nurses, and the administration. The surgeon is at the starting point with motivation for minimally invasive surgery without laparoscopic constraints. We found that it was possible to implement a long-lasting robotic surgery program with comparable quality of care.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in Pediatric Urology: An Update

Laparoscopic procedures for urological diseases in children, such as nephrectomy, pyeloplasty and orchiopexy, have proven to be safe and effective with outcome comparable to the open procedure. However, main drawback has been the relatively steep learning curve for this procedure because of technical difficulties of suturing and anastomosis. More recently, robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RAS) has gained enormous popularity in adult urology and is increasingly being adopted around the world; however, few pediatric urology series have been reported. RAS has several advantages over conventional laparoscopic surgery, with the main advantage being simplification and precision of exposure and suturing because of allowing movements of the robotic arm in real time with increased degree of freedom and magnified 3-dimentional view. These features render RAS ideal for complex reconstructive surgery in a pediatric urological population. This review discusses the role of RAS in pediatric urology, and provides some technical aspects of RAS and a critical summary of current knowledge on its indications and out-come. Almost all operations that are classically performed as open or conventional laparoscopic reconstructive surgery for children with urological anomalies could be replaced by RAS, which may be established as an alternative minimally invasive surgery in the future.