The safety of topical anaesthetic and analgesic agents in a gel when used to provide pain relief at split skin donor sites

Systematic literature review of topical local anaesthesia or analgesia to donor site wounds

BACKGROUND

Topical local analgesic and anaesthetic agents have been used both pre- and immediately post-harvest on split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site wounds (DSW). There is no systematic review of their effectiveness in providing post-harvest analgesia, or of the possible toxic effects of systemic absorption. This study is designed to address the question of which agent, if any, is favoured over the others and whether there are any safety data regarding their use.

METHODS

Systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials of topical agents applied to STSG DSWs, with a view to providing analgesia. Studies identified via search of Cochrane and EBSCO databases. No restrictions on language or publication year. Primary outcomes: pain at the time of (awake) STSG, and post-harvest pain (up to first dressing change). Secondary outcome was serum medication levels relative to published data on toxic doses. Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool utilised in assessment of included studies. At least 2 reviewers screened and reviewed included studies. A narrative review is presented.

RESULTS

There were 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Overall methodological quality and patient numbers were low. Topical eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine pre-harvest affords good local anaesthesia in awake STSG harvesting. Topical bupivacaine (5 studies) or lidocaine (1 study) gave significantly better post-harvest anaesthesia/analgesia than placebo. Topical morphine performs no better than placebo. Topical local anaesthetic agents at reported doses were all well below toxic serum levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical local anaesthetics (lidocaine or bupivacaine) provide good analgesia, both during and after STSG harvest, at well below toxic serum levels, but there are no good data determining the best local anaesthetic agent to use. There is no evidence morphine performs better than placebo.

Safety of Deep Sedation in Patients Undergoing Full-Thickness Skin Graft Harvesting and Skin Graft Reconstruction for Limb Salvage An Outcome Analysis

BACKGROUND:

Studies on obtaining donor skin graft using intravenous sedation for patients undergoing major foot surgeries in the same operating room visit have not previously been reported. The objective of this retrospective study is to demonstrate that intravenous sedation in this setting is both adequate and safe in patients undergoing skin graft reconstruction of the lower extremities in which donor skin graft is harvested from the same patient in one operating room visit.

METHODS:

Medical records of 79 patients who underwent skin graft reconstruction of the lower extremities by one surgeon at the Yale New Haven Health System between November 1, 2008, and July 31, 2014, were reviewed. The patients' demographic characteristics, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, comorbid conditions, intraoperative analgesic administration, estimated blood loss, total operating room time, total postanesthesia care unit time, and postoperative complications within the first 72 hours were reviewed.

RESULTS:

This study found minimal blood loss and no postoperative complications, defined as any pulmonary or cardiac events, bleeding, admission to the intensive care unit, or requirement for invasive monitoring, in patients who underwent major foot surgery in conjunction with full-thickness skin graft.

CONCLUSIONS:

We propose that given the short duration and peripheral nature of the procedures, patients can safely undergo skin graft donor harvesting and skin graft reconstruction procedures with intravenous sedation regardless of American Society of Anesthesiologists class in one operating room visit.

Effect of subcutaneous epinephrine/saline/local anesthetic versus saline-only injection on split-thickness skin graft donor site perfusion, healing, and pain

The technique for split-thickness skin graft harvest varies among surgeons. Even though there is scientific evidence that the subcutaneous injection of modified tumescent solution reduces blood loss during burn surgery, the technique has not been unanimously adapted because of, in part, fear of healing retardation. This study prospectively examines the effect of tumescent injection on donor site perfusion, healing, and pain. Ten burn patients in need of grafting with a need for two distinctly different donor sites were included. During the grafting procedure, the two donor areas were randomly assigned to receive either modified tumescent solution or warm sterile saline solution subcutaneously before skin graft harvest with a dermatome. Perfusion, pain, pruritus, and donor site healing were measured, and a follow-up evaluation on scar quality was performed. Baseline perfusion on day 1 was significantly less in the donor site injected with modified tumescent solution (62.26 vs 95.71 perfusion units; P = .031), whereas the response to heat was similar in both sites. The physiologic response to injury (hyperemia) on days 2 and 3 was not suppressed in the modified tumescent group. Pain reported on day 1 was 2.38/10 in the tumescent site and 3.38/10 in the saline site (P = .21). On all other days, measurements showed no difference between the two sites. Donor sites healed in an average of 16.1 days with modified tumescent solution and in 16.4 days with saline. Late follow-up showed no difference in scar quality. The subcutaneous injection of modified tumescent solution before split-thickness donor site harvest has no adverse effect on donor site perfusion past day 1 or donor site healing. The addition of a local anesthetic may decrease pain for 24 hours postoperatively, but the difference in this study group was not significant. This technique should be universally recommended.

Effectiveness of a topical local anaesthetic spray as analgesia for dressing changes: a double-blinded randomised pilot trial comparing an emulsion with an aqueous lidocaine formulation

BACKGROUND

Partial thickness skin graft wounds are painful. Topically applied lidocaine has been used for analgesia in several clinical trials. This study compared the effectiveness of two different formulations of topical local anaesthetic for dressing changes of partial thickness skin graft donor sites.

METHODS

A double-blind randomised controlled, pilot trial was conducted in 29 patients undergoing split thickness skin graft surgery. Subjects were randomised to either a 3% lidocaine emulsion formulation "Treatment E" (NOPAYNE™) or a 4% aqueous solution "Treatment A" (Xylocaine™). Subjects received one spray per 3 cm(2) of donor site area followed by up to two further spays as required. Endpoints included pain intensity measured by the numerical rating scale (NRS) up to 1h after dressing change commencement, sting sensation, overall satisfaction and lidocaine plasma concentration.

RESULTS

The 60 min pain scores for E and A were 1.3 ± 0.3 (mean ± SEM) and 1.8 ± 0.4 (p=0.98) respectively. Nearly 90% of patients were very satisfied with their treatment. The mean plasma concentrations of lidocaine for A and E were 0.132 mg/l and 0.040 mg/l respectively (p=0.069).

CONCLUSION

The topical local anaesthetic formulations achieved low pain scores during dressing changes. The safety profile was potentially improved with the emulsion formulation of lidocaine.

The effect of topical analgesics on ex vivo skin growth and human keratinocyte and fibroblast behavior

The application of topical analgesics to the donor site of split thickness skin grafts has been proven to be an effective method of pain management but little is known about their effects on wound reepithelialization. This study compares the effect of four analgesics on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts and whole skin explants in vitro to determine whether epithelial cell behavior is affected by topical analgesics. The effect of diclofenac, bupivacaine, lidocaine, and ketorolac was studied at concentrations between 10 mM and 1 nM. The effect on epithelial growth was measured using an ex vivo skin explant model. In addition, cell proliferation, and cytotoxicity were measured in cultured primary human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Epithelial growth from the explant model was most inhibited by diclofenac with a significant reduction at 100 microM (p=>0.001). Diclofenac also exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on cell proliferation especially in keratinocytes. Ketorolac was the most cytotoxic. Bupivacaine showed cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner with only the very highest concentrations having a significant inhibitory effect. Lidocaine showed no evidence of cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested in either the in vitro cell studies or the ex vivo explant model. Topical analgesics alter keratinocyte and fibroblast behavior and such inhibition may affect wound healing.

A randomised controlled trial to test the analgesic efficacy of topical morphine on minor superficial and partial thickness burns in accident and emergency departments

OBJECTIVES

To test the analgesic efficacy of topical morphine on superficial burns within the emergency department by comparing pain scores, comfort ratings and analgesia taken by participants.

METHOD

A placebo-controlled three-treatment randomised controlled trial was undertaken. 59 participants were randomly allocated to receive a dressing containing Intrasite gel and morphine sulphate, Intrasite gel and water or the conventional Jelonet dressing. The study design enabled double-blinding between the two Intrasite gel treatments.

RESULTS

49 participants were included in the final analysis as 10 were lost to follow-up. No significant differences were observed between the pain scores or comfort ratings of the three treatments. Participants receiving Jelonet and the placebo reduced their pain scores by the greatest amount overall. However, participants receiving morphine were the only group to reduce pain scores by >20 mm on two consecutive time intervals (2 and 6 h). At 12 h the morphine group reported the highest pain scores. Only 4/15 participants receiving topical morphine administered additional analgesia compared with 12/17 receiving the Jelonet dressing and 6/17 receiving Intrasite and water (p = 0.055). However, when all analgesia was taken into account, the morphine group was administered the greatest amount. Overall, the placebo group reported their dressings to be the most comfortable and took the least amount of analgesia. Minor adverse reactions included itching, burning and a rash. No serious adverse reactions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical morphine sulphate does not seem to be as effective when used for the pain associated with superficial burns as when used for the pain associated with chronic inflammatory wounds. (The European Clinical Trials Database number for this study is 2005-003285-42.).

Development and verification of saphenous, tibial and common peroneal nerve block techniques for analgesia below the thigh in the nonchondrodystrophoid dog

OBJECTIVE

To document simple and reliable local, infiltrating nerve blocks for the saphenous, tibial and common peroneal nerves in the dog.

STUDY DESIGN

Laboratory technique development; in vivo blind, controlled, prospective study.

ANIMALS

Twenty canine cadavers and 18 clinically normal, client-owned dogs.

METHODS

A peripheral nerve blockade technique of the tibial, common peroneal, and saphenous nerves was perfected through anatomic dissection. Injections were planned in the caudal thigh for the tibial and common peroneal nerves, and in the medial thigh for the saphenous nerve. Cadaver limbs were injected with methylene blue dye and subsequently dissected to confirm successful dye placement. Clinically normal dogs undergoing general anesthesia for unrelated, elective procedures were randomly assigned to treatment (bupivacaine; n = 8) or control (saline; n = 8) nerve blocks of the nerves under study. Upon recovery from general anesthesia, skin sensation in selected dermatomes was evaluated for 24 hours.

RESULTS

Cadaver tibial, common peroneal, and saphenous perineural infiltrations were successful in nonchondrodystrophoid dogs (100, 100, and 97%, respectively.) Intraneural injection was rare (1%; 1/105; tibial nerve) in cadaver dogs. In the treatment group of normal dogs, duration of loss of cutaneous sensation in some dermatomes (saphenous, superficial and deep peroneal nerve) was significantly different than control dogs; the range of desensitization occurred for 1-20 hours. No clinical morbidity was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique for local blockade of the tibial, common peroneal, and saphenous nerves just proximal to the stifle is easy to perform, requires minimal supplies and results in significant desensitization of the associated dermatomes in clinically normal, nonchondrodystrophoid dogs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This technique may be an effective tool for post-operative analgesia to the femoro-tibial joint and distal pelvic limb. Other applications, using sustained-release drugs or methods, may include anesthesia/analgesia in high-risk patients or as a treatment for chronic pelvic limb pain or self-mutilation.

The Long-Term Analgesic Efficacy of a Single-Shot Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block in Burn Patients Undergoing Skin-Grafting Procedures

In a previous study, we assessed the efficacy of a continuous fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) in reducing the pain at thigh autograft skin donor sites. However, a continuous local anesthetic infusion may cause toxicity or infection. In this prospective, randomized double-blind study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of FICB when given as a single shot vs continuous infusion during the 72-hour postoperative period up to the first dressing change (1dc). After ethical committee approval and informed consent, 81 adults (with 1% to 20% total burn surface area) who were scheduled for split-skin graft harvest procedures of the thigh underwent the FICB procedure before general or spinal anesthesia. Via FICB, patients received a bolus of 40 ml followed by 10 ml/hr consisting of either ropivacaine 0.2% for bolus and infusion (continuous, n = 27), or ropivacaine 0.2% for bolus and saline for infusion (single-shot, n = 27), or saline for both bolus and infusion (control, n = 27) until 1dc. Postoperative analgesia consisted of morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia device. We compared cumulative morphine consumption, static and dynamic pain scores, and side effects related to morphine or ropivacaine during the 72 hours up to 1dc. A single block had the same morphine sparing-effect as the continuous technique. Both techniques were equally effective in diminishing dynamic pain and reducing the side effects normally associated with morphine. However, patients receiving a single block experienced less residual paresia and were more satisfied with their pain-relief treatment than those who received a continuous infusion. A single-shot FICB is an easy, inexpensive, and efficient method for diminishing pain at thigh donor sites during a 72-hour postoperative period and has limited side effects and no residual paresia.

Diminution de la douleur au site donneur d'une greffe de peau mince par infiltration locale de ropivacaïne (Naropeine®) : résultats d'une série prospective de 30 patients

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits and risks of local infiltration in split-thickness skin grafts donnor site with ropivacaine (Naropein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Therefore a prospective study was conducted enrolling 30 patients assessed for split skin grafts to cover muscular flaps, burn areas or primary tumor sites. Donnor site surface ranged from 50 to 200 cm(2). Patients were randomized into two groups: with or without infiltration. Critters of inclusion were age over 18 y.o., donnor site surface below 200 cm(2), no neurological or psychiatic pathology, no contra-indication to ropivacaine. All grafts were performed under general anaesthesia, using Lagrot's razor to take 0.2 to 0.4 mm thickness skin bands. Donnor sites dressings were standardized, associating a corticoid fat dressing (Corticotulle strongly and occlusively contained with an elastic band (Elastoplast. Dressings were removed after three weeks. Immediate and late post-operative pain were evaluated using analogic visual scale (EVA) and need of analgesics during the hospitalisation in our Institution. Side-effects were collected.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled in this prospective study. They were mean aged 37 years old, sex ratio was 1/1. Donor site surface was mean 157 cm(2) and graft thickness 0.35 mm. There was a significant difference in immediate and late post-operative pain between both groups. Ropivacain reduced pain for the same oral analgesics use during 36 to 48 post-operative hours. No difference was noticed after 48 hours. No side-effects were noticed.

CONCLUSION

Infiltration of split skin grafts donnor site with ropivacain improves postoperative pain during 48 hours. This is a safe and efficient method to improve comfort in addition to a standardized occlusive dressing. It has become a standard routine in our Institution.

The Efficacy of Continuous Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block for Pain Management in Burn Patients Undergoing Skin Grafting Procedures

Postoperative pain from split skin donor sites is often more intense than the pain at the grafted site. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study we assessed the efficacy of a continuous fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) in reducing the pain at the thigh donor site. Twenty patients, with a total burn surface area of 16% +/- 13% (mean +/- SD) were randomized 1:1 to receive either ropivacaine 0.2% or saline 0.9%. All patients received a general anesthesic followed by preincision continuous FICB with 40 mL of the randomized solution, then an infusion of 10 mL/h of either ropivacaine or saline until the first dressing change (72 h later). Postoperative analgesia consisted of propacetamol 2g/6h, IV patient-controlled analgesia of morphine chlorhydrate (2 mg/mL), and morphine hydrochlorate 0.5 mg/kg PO once 60 min before first dressing change. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test preoperatively, 24 and 48 h postoperatively, and during the first dressing change. The cumulative morphine consumption was compared with repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by Scheffé's method if indicated. Patients with continuous FICB had significantly reduced postoperative morphine consumption at all time points (23 +/- 20 versus 88 +/- 29 mg after 72 h, study versus control groups, respectively; P < 0.05). In both groups, VAS scores remained low but were only significantly lower for patients with continuous FICB during the first dressing change (3 [1] versus 7 [3]; median [interquartile range]; P < 0.05). We conclude that continuous FICB is an efficient method for diminishing pain at the thigh donor site. (250 words)

IMPLICATIONS

Postoperative pain at the split skin donor sites is often more intense than the pain at the grafted site. This prospective, randomized, double-blind study assessed the efficacy of a continuous fascia iliaca compartment block in reducing the pain at the thigh donor site.

Determination by high-performance liquid chromatography of ketoprofen in vitro in rat skin permeation samples

A direct, simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of ketoprofen with ibuprofen as internal standard. Samples were chromatographed on a 5 microm Kromasil 100 C18 column. The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile-0.01 M KH2PO4 adjusted to pH 1.5 with orthophosphoric acid 85% (60:40, v/v). Detection was at 260 nm and the run time was 10 min. The detector response was found to be linear in the concentration range 0.02 to 40 microg/ml. This HPLC assay has been applied to measure the "in vitro" percutaneous penetration of ketoprofen through rat skin.