Continuous epidural or intercostal analgesia following thoracotomy: a prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial

Comparative analysis of the analgesic effects of intercostal nerve block, ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block, and epidural block following single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we compared the analgesic effects of intercostal nerve block (ICNB), ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block (PVB), and epidural block (EB) following single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery.

METHOD

A total of 120 patients who underwent single-hole thoracoscopic lung surgery were randomly and equally divided into three groups: ICNB group, the PVB group, and the EB group. ICNB was performed under direct thoracoscopic visualization before the conclusion of the surgery in the ICNB group, while PVB and EB were performed after general anesthesia in the PVB and EB groups, respectively. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) was used following the surgery in all the groups. The following indicators were recorded: Intraoperative sufentanil dosage, anesthesia awakening time, postoperative intubation time, nerve block operation time, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores during resting and coughing at regular intervals of 0, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h, the time until first PCIA, number of effective compressions within 24 h postoperatively, number of rescue analgesia interventions, and the side effects.

RESULTS

In comparison to the ICNB group, the PVB and EB groups had a lower intraoperative sufentanil dosage, significantly shorter anesthesia awakening time, and postoperative intubation time, but longer nerve block operation time, lower VAS scores when resting and coughing within 24 h postoperatively (all p-values less than 0.05). Conversely, there were no statistically significant differences in VAS scores during resting and coughing after 24 h (all p-values greater than 0.05). Time to first PCIA, number of effective compressions and number of rescue analgesia at the 24-hour mark postoperatively were significantly better in the PVB and EB groups than that in the ICNB group (P < 0.05). However, there was a higher incidence of side effects observed in the EB group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The analgesic effect of PVB and EB following single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery is better than that of ICNB. PVB causes fewer side effects and complications and is safer and more effective.

Post-thoracotomy analgesia

Thoracotomy is considered one of the most painful operative procedures. Due to anatomical complexity, post-thoracotomy pain requires multimodal perioperative treatment to adequately manage to ensure proper postoperative recovery. There are several different strategies to control post-thoracotomy pain including interventional techniques, such as neuraxial and regional injections, and conservative treatments including medications, massage therapy, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy. This article describes different strategies and evidence base for their use.

Assessment of Intercostal Nerve Block Analgesia for Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

The use of intercostal nerve block (ICNB) analgesia with local anesthesia is common in thoracic surgery. However, the benefits and safety of ICNB among adult patients undergoing surgery is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the analgesic benefits and safety of ICNB among adults undergoing thoracic surgery.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases using terms for ICNB and thoracic surgery (including thoracic surgery, thoracoscopy, thoracotomy, nerve block, intercostal nerves). The search and results were not limited by date, with the last search conducted on July 24, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Selected studies were experimental or observational and included adult patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery in which ICNB was administered with local anesthesia via single injection, continuous infusion, or a combination of both techniques in at least 1 group of patients. For comparison with ICNB, studies that examined systemic analgesia and different forms of regional analgesia (such as thoracic epidural analgesia [TEA], paravertebral block [PVB], and other techniques) were included. These criteria were applied independently by 2 authors, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. A total of 694 records were selected for screening.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Data including patient characteristics, type of surgery, intervention analgesia, comparison analgesia, and primary and secondary outcomes were extracted independently by 3 authors. Synthesis was performed using a fixed-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The coprimary outcomes were postoperative pain intensity (measured as the worst static or dynamic pain using a validated 10-point scale, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain) and opioid consumption (measured in morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs]) at prespecified intervals (0-6 hours, 7-24 hours, 25-48 hours, 49-72 hours, and >72 hours). Clinically relevant analgesia was defined as a 1-point or greater difference in pain intensity score at any interval. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative complications and pulmonary function.

RESULTS

Of 694 records screened, 608 were excluded based on prespecified exclusion criteria. The remaining 86 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 20 of those articles were excluded. All of the 66 remaining studies (5184 patients; mean [SD] age, 53.9 [10.2] years; approximately 59% men and 41% women) were included in the qualitative analysis, and 59 studies (3325 patients) that provided data for at least 1 outcome were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Experimental studies had a high risk of bias in multiple domains, including allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, and blinding of outcome assessors. Marked differences (eg, crossover studies, timing of the intervention [intraoperative vs postoperative], blinding, and type of control group) were observed in the design and implementation of studies. The use of ICNB vs systemic analgesia was associated with lower static pain (0-6 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.40 points [95% CI, -1.46 to -1.33 points]; 7-24 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.27 points [95% CI, -1.40 to -1.13 points]) and lower dynamic pain (0-6 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.66 points [95% CI, -1.90 to -1.41 points]; 7-24 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.43 points [95% CI, -1.70 to -1.17 points]). Intercostal nerve block analgesia was noninferior to TEA (mean score difference in worst dynamic panic at 7-24 hours after surgery: 0.79 points; 95% CI, 0.28-1.29 points) and marginally inferior to PVB (mean score difference in worst dynamic pain at 7-24 hours after surgery: 1.29 points; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.41 points). The largest opioid-sparing effect of ICNB vs systemic analgesia occurred at 48 hours after surgery (mean difference, -10.97 MMEs; 95% CI, -12.92 to -9.02 MMEs). The use of ICNB was associated with higher MME values compared with TEA (eg, 48 hours after surgery: mean difference, 48.31 MMEs; 95% CI, 36.11-60.52 MMEs) and PVB (eg, 48 hours after surgery: mean difference, 3.87 MMEs; 95% CI, 2.59-5.15 MMEs).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, single-injection ICNB was associated with a reduction in pain during the first 24 hours after thoracic surgery and was clinically noninferior to TEA or PVB. Intercostal nerve block analgesia had opioid-sparing effects; however, TEA and PVB were associated with larger decreases in postoperative MMEs, suggesting that ICNB may be most beneficial for cases in which TEA and PVB are not indicated.

Preemptive Intercostal Nerve Block as an Alternative to Epidural Analgesia

BACKGROUND

The necessity of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) during minimally invasive surgery remains unclear. We investigated TEA efficacy in minimally invasive surgery vs. thoracotomy and the non-inferiority of a preemptive intercostal nerve block (ICNB) to TEA in minimally invasive surgery.

METHODS

We investigated 393 patients who underwent lung resection, with and without TEA, between 2014 and 2019 (242 minimally invasive surgery, 151 thoracotomy) and 93 patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery with ICNB between 2019 and 2020. To address selection bias, 70 TEA and 70 ICNB patients were propensity-score-matched. Endpoints were 1) pain score during hospitalization, 2) postoperative complications, 3) duration of operating room use, 4) analgesia-related adverse effects, and 5) use of supplemental pain medication.

RESULTS

One-third of patients with minimally invasive surgery discontinued TEA on postoperative day 1 or earlier; those with early TEA discontinuation reported worse pain the next day. TEA was associated with lower pain scores compared to non-TEA, regardless of surgical invasiveness, and a lower complication risk in patients with thoracotomy, but not minimally invasive surgery. For minimally invasive surgery, ICNB was associated with equivalent pain score on postoperative day 1, lower average pain score during hospitalization, shorter duration of operation room use, less frequent use of supplemental pain medication, and similar risk of postoperative complication and analgesia-related adverse effects compared to TEA after matching.

CONCLUSIONS

Given early TEA discontinuation after minimally invasive surgery and ICNB's non-inferior pain relief, preemptive ICNB can be an alternative for TEA in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery.

A randomised evaluation of intercostal block as an adjunct to epidural analgesia for post-thoracotomy pain

Background and Aims:

Post-thoracotomy pain can be severe and disabling. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of intercostal nerve block when used as adjunct to thoracic epidural analgesia in patients undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy.

Methods:

This was a parallel-group randomised patient and assessor-blinded study carried out at a tertiary-referral cancer center. We included 60 adult patients undergoing elective lung resection under general anaesthesia with thoracic epidural analgesia. In addition, the intervention arm received single-shot intercostal blocks with 10 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine at the level of and two levels above and below the thoracotomy. We assessed post-operative pain scores at 2 to 4 hours and 18 to 24 hours after surgery, peri-operative fentanyl requirement, percentage of patients who needed fentanyl PCA and maximum volume achieved on bedside spirometry 18 to 24 hours after surgery. Groups were compared using the unpaired t-test for continuous data and the chi square test for categorical data at a 5% level of significance.

Results:

2 to 4 hours post-operatively, mean pain scores at rest were 3.0 in both groups (difference 0.04, 95% CI -1.1 to + 1.1) and on coughing were 4.6 (ICB group) and 4.9 (C group) (difference 0.32, 95% CI -1.0 to + 1.6). There were no differences between the groups for any of the other outcomes.

Conclusion:

Addition of intercostal block to epidural analgesia does not confer any benefit in terms of post-operative pain, fentanyl requirements or volume achieved on spirometry.

Comparative effectiveness analysis of two regional analgesia techniques for the pain management of isolated multiple rib fractures

Background: Catheter-based regional analgesia has been proposed as an alternative to systemic analgesia for patients with multiple rib fractures (MRF). This study sought to compare the efficacy of regional techniques for decreasing pain and improving clinical outcomes. Study design: This was a multi-institutional, retrospective cohort study of adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to four nonacademic trauma centers over two years (from 07/1/2014 to 06/30/2016). Study inclusion was MRF (≥3 fractures) with no other severe injuries. Two primary regional analgesia techniques were utilized and compared: continuous intercostal nerve blocks (CINB) and epidural (EPI) analgesia. The primary outcome, average pain scores on treatment, was examined using a repeated measures, linear regression mixed model. Secondary outcomes included hospital LOS, ICU LOS, ICU admission and hospital readmission, pulmonary complications, and incentive spirometry volumes during treatment, and were examined with univariate statistics. Results: There were 339 patients with isolated MRF; 85 (25%) required regional analgesia (CINB, n=41; EPI, n=44) and the remaining 75% received systemic analgesia only (IV, n=195; PO, n=59). There were demographic and clinical differences between regional analgesia and systemic analgesia groups; on the contrary, there were no demographic or clinical differences between the CINB and EPI groups. Adjusted pain scores were similar for the EPI and CINB groups (4.0 vs 4.4, p=0.49). Secondary outcomes were worse in the EPI group compared to the CINB group: less improvement in incentive spirometry volume (p=0.004), longer ICU LOS (p=0.03), longer hospital LOS (p<0.001), and more ICU admission (p<0.001). Conclusion: In patients requiring regional analgesia, pain management was equivalent with CINB and EPI, but CINB was associated with significantly better clinical outcomes. CINB might offer an efficient alternative for pain control in patients with MRF.

Clonidine as an Analgesic Adjuvant to Continuous Paravertebral Bupivacaine for Post-thoracotomy Pain

We prospectively evaluated the effect of Clonidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for continuous paravertebral intercostal nerve block, measuring pain and sedation scores and pulmonary function tests. Thirty patients scheduled to undergo thoracotomy were randomized to receive either a bolus of 0.125% bupivacaine 2 mg/kg (group BUP) or 0.125% bupivacaine 2 mg/kg with Clonidine 2 μg/kg (group BUP+CLO), followed by an infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine at 0.5 mg/kg/h, or 0.125% bupivacaine at 0.5 mg/kg/h with Clonidine at 2 μg/kg/h, in respective groups, through a paravertebral intercostal catheter. Haemodynamic parameters, pain and sedation scores and pulmonary function tests were recorded at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after arrival in postoperative care unit.

There were significantly lower pain scores at rest and on coughing in group BUP+CLO compared with group BUP (P<0.01). Multiple comparisons revealed a significant reduction in pain score at each time point (P<0.01), except at 12h to 24h, in group BUP+CLO. Sedation scores were significantly higher in group BUP+CLO compared with group BUP at each time point (all P<0.01). There was a linear effect of time on sedation score in group BUP whereas in group BUP+CLO, the effect was quadratic. Patients in the Clonidine group had a higher incidence of hypotension (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in pulmonary function between the groups.

We conclude that using Clonidine as an adjunct to bupivacaine for continuous paravertebral intercostal nerve block improves pain relief after thoracotomy, but hypotension and sedation are adverse effects interfering with its clinical application.

The efficacy of serratus anterior plane block in analgesia for thoracotomy: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

A multimodal analgesic approach is necessary for post-thoracotomy pain, which can be severe. Intravenous access, central and peripheral nerve blocks are frequently used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) in the management of post-thoracotomy pain.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients who underwent thoracotomy between January 2014 and January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: Group M (intravenous patient-controlled analgesia morphine; n = 20) and Group S (intravenous patient-controlled analgesia morphine + SAPB; n = 20). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for pain evaluation at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th and 24th postoperative hours and morphine consumption was evaluated at the 6th, 12th and 24th postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes were additional analgesic requirement, side effects, the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) scores, block onset time and block level.

RESULTS

The VAS scores and the amount of morphine consumed at the 6th, 12th and 24th hours were found to be significantly lower in Group S than in Group M (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in the rate of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, pruritus, respiratory depression, bradycardia and hypotension, and RSS outcomes between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that SAPB is an effective adjuvant treatment option for thoracotomy analgesia.

Comparison between Thoracic Epidural Block and Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Post Thoracotomy Pain Relief

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative pain after thoracotomy is being considered one of the most severe pain and if not treated well, can result in various respiratory and other complications.

AIM

Present study was conducted with the aim to compare continuous thoracic epidural infusion with continuous paravertebral infusion for postoperative pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and four point observer ranking. The secondary outcomes measured were pulmonary functions and any complication like hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention and neurological complications if any.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients of age group 18-60 years posted for anterolateral thoracotomy surgery for lung resection were randomised either to epidural or paravertebral group in this randomised prospective double blind study. In Epidural group 7.5ml bolus of 0.125% Bupivacaine with 50μg Fentanyl and in Paravertebral group 15ml bolus of 0.125% Bupivacaine with 50μg Fentanyl was given 30 minutes before the anticipated end of surgery. Bolus dose was followed by infusion of 0.125% Bupivacaine with 2μg/ml Fentanyl at the rate of 5 ml/hr in both groups. Parameters noted were Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), Heart Rate (HR), Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂), Arterial Blood Gas (PaCO₂, P/F ratio), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Four Point Observer Ranking Scale (FPORS) for pain, number of sensory segments blocked (by checking for pinprick sensation), requirement of infusion top ups and rescue analgesia (Tramadol), pre and postoperative pulmonary function test {(Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV)₁, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV₁/FVC, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)} and complications from start of infusion till 24 hours in the postoperative period.

RESULTS

Both the techniques were effective in relieving pain but pain relief was significantly better with epidural. Postoperatively, HR, SpO₂, P/F ratio and PaCO₂ were comparable between group E and P. There was significant decline in FeV₁, FVC, FeV₁/FVC and PEFR in postoperative period as compared to preoperative value in both the groups. Hypotension and bradycardia were more in group E.

CONCLUSION

Both the techniques, continuous thoracic epidural block and continuous thoracic paravertebral block were effective for post-thoracotomy pain relief; however, epidural block provides better pain relief. The incidence of sympatholytic complications was more in epidural group. The effect on respiratory mechanics was equivalent. Hence, paravertebral block can be used in post thoracotomy pain relief in those patients where thoracic epidural is contraindicated.

Peri- and postoperative management of stage I-III Non Small Cell Lung Cancer: Which quality of care indicators are evidence-based?

Quality of care (QoC) has a central role in our health care system. The aim of this review is to present a set of evidence-based quality indicators for the surgical treatment and postoperative management of lung cancer. A search was performed through PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library database, including English literature, published between 1980 and 2012. Search terms regarding 'lung neoplasms', 'surgical treatment' and 'quality of care' were used. Potential QoC indicators were divided into structure, process or outcome measures and a final selection was made based upon the level of evidence. High hospital volume and surgery performed by a thoracic surgeon, were identified as important structure indicators. Sleeve resection instead of pneumonectomy and the importance of treatment within a clinical care path setting were identified as evidence-based process indicators. A symptom-based follow-up regime was identified as a new QoC indicator. These indicators can be used for registration, benchmarking and ultimately quality improvement in lung cancer surgery.

The effectiveness of preemptive thoracic epidural analgesia in thoracic surgery

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of preemptive thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) comparing conventional postoperative epidural analgesia on thoracotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-four patients were randomized in to two groups (preemptive: Group P, control: Group C). Epidural catheter was inserted in all patients preoperatively. In Group P, epidural analgesic solution was administered as a bolus before the surgical incision and was continued until the end of the surgery. Postoperative patient controlled epidural analgesia infusion pumps were prepared for all patients. Respiratory rates (RR) were recorded. Patient's analgesia was evaluated with visual analog scale at rest (VASr) and coughing (VASc). Number of patient's demands from the pump, pump's delivery, and additional analgesic requirement were also recorded.

RESULTS

RR in Group C was higher than in Group P at postoperative 1st and 2nd hours. Both VASr and VASc scores in Group P were lower than in Group C at postoperative 1st, 2nd, and 4th hours. Patient's demand and pump's delivery count for bolus dose in Group P were lower than in Group C in all measurement times. Total analgesic requirements on postoperative 1st and 24th hours in Group P were lower than in Group C.

CONCLUSION

We consider that preemptive TEA may offer better analgesia after thoracotomy.

Comparison between continuous thoracic epidural and paravertebral blocks for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracotomy: Systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Thoracotomy is a procedure associated with postoperative severe pain. Epidural block (EB) is considered the gold standard for its control. Paravertebral block (PVB) is an option for the management of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate by meta-analyses the effectiveness of continuous thoracic epidural and paravertebral blocks for pain management after thoracotomy and the incidence of adverse effects.

METHOD

The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We analyzed primary (postoperative pain at rest) and secondary outcomes (urinary retention, nausea, vomiting, hypotension). We estimated the weighted mean difference for continuous variables and odds ratios for categorical variables.

RESULTS

We included eight prospective, randomized, controlled studies. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences between the two techniques regarding the outcomes of postoperative pain at rest at four, eight, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, and 48 hours. Incidence of urinary retention was higher in EP group (OR = 7.19, CI95 = 1.87 to 27.7). The occurrence of hypotension was higher in PVB group (OR = 10.28, 95 = 2.95 to 35.77). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the outcome nausea/vomiting (OR = 3.00, CI95 = 0.49 to 18.45).

CONCLUSION

There were no statistically significant differences in pain relief after thoracotomy between EB and PVB. PVB showed a lower incidence of side effects with reduced frequency of urinary retention and hypotension.

Comparison thoracic epidural and intercostal block to improve ventilation parameters and reduce pain in patients with multiple rib fractures

INTRODUCTION

Chest wall blunt trauma causes multiple rib fractures and will often be associated with significant pain and may compromise ventilator mechanics. Analgesia has great roll in rib fracture therapies, opioid are useful, but when used as sole agent may require such high dose that they produce respiratory depression, especially in elderly .the best analgesia for a severe chest wall injury is a continuous epidural infusion of local anesthetic. This provides complete analgesia allowing inspiration and coughing without of the risk of respiratory depression.

METHODS

sixty adult patients who with multiple rib fractures were enrolled in this study. They were divided into Group A or thoracic epidural with bupivacaine 0.125 % +1mg/5ml morphine and group B or intercostal block with 0.25% bupivacaine. The patients were assessed through ICU and hospital stay length, ventilation function tests. Pain score among the patients was measured with verbal rating scale, before and after administration of the analgesia.

RESULTS

We found a significant improvement in ventilatory function tests during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after epidural analgesia compared with the intercostal block (P < 0.004). Changes in the visual Analogue Scale were associated with marked improvement regarding pain at rest and pain caused by coughing and deep breathing in group A compared group B... ICU and hospital stay markedly reduced in Group A.

CONCLUSION

thoracic epidural analgesia is superior to intercostals block regarding pain relief of rib fractures. Patients who received epidural analgesia had significantly lower pain scores at all studied times.

Prospective, randomized, controlled trial of thoracic epidural or patient-controlled opiate analgesia on perioperative quality of life

BACKGROUND

Perioperative epidural analgesia provides continuous pain control and may have advantages over parenteral opiate administration. This study assessed the impact of epidural analgesia on quality of life (QOL) of patients undergoing major surgery.

METHODS

Sixty patients undergoing thoracic or thoraco-abdominal surgery were studied prospectively. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either thoracic epidural analgesia or patient-controlled i.v. opiate analgesia (PCA) after operation. Visual analogue pain and sedation scores were recorded for the period of the study. QOL health surveys at 24 h (SF-8 acute form) and at 1 week (SF-36) were recorded. Results were examined by uni- and multivariate analyses corrected for the effect of multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Mean pain scores were significantly lower in the epidural group at most time points. Physical and mental scores in the epidural group were significantly better than the PCA group for both SF-8 and SF-36 QOL health surveys (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural analgesia with local anaesthetic and opioid improves QOL and delivers better analgesia compared with PCA in patients undergoing major thoraco-abdominal surgery.

A randomized controlled trial of bupivacaine through intracostal catheters for pain management after thoracotomy

BACKGROUND

Optimal management of pain after thoracotomy can be challenging. Continuous infusion of local anesthetic into the incision may help reduce the amount of narcotics required to control postoperative pain. To address this issue, we performed a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of infusion of bupivacaine versus placebo through intercostal and subcutaneous catheters after thoracotomy.

METHODS

From April 2006 to June 2007, 124 patients had intercostal catheters placed at thoracotomy and connected to continuous infusion pain pumps. Each patient had catheters placed in the intercostal space near the head of the rib and subcutaneously beneath the incision; both were connected to an infusion pump through a Y connector. Patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo (normal saline solution) or 0.25% bupivacaine as a 4 cc per hour infusion for 100 hours after thoracotomy. All personnel caring for the patients were blinded to the content of the infusion. Demographic information, visual analog pain scores, and oral morphine equivalent usage was recorded for each patient. In addition to the infusion catheters, all patients had epidural analgesia that remained in place until postoperative day 3.

RESULTS

There were 60 patients in the bupivacaine arm and 64 in the placebo group. Overall mean age was 64.7 years and 65 (52.4%) were men. Mean body mass index was 28.8 kg/m(2). There were no statistical differences in any demographic parameter except that there were more men in the placebo group. Pulmonary resection was performed in 100 patients, an antireflux procedure in 16, and other miscellaneous procedures in 8. There was no statistical difference in the morphine equivalent usage between the two groups. There was also no difference between the average daily pain scores between the two groups. Length of stay was not significantly different between groups: mean (SD) of 6.2 (3.4) and 6.7 (5.0) for placebo and bupivacaine, respectively (p = 0.51). There was no operative mortality, and complications occurred in 28% of patients (placebo group, 25%; bupivacaine group, 32%; p = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial demonstrated that the infusion of local anesthetic into the subcutaneous area and around the rib fracture site in addition to epidural analgesia did not reduce the amount of narcotic usage after a thoracotomy, nor did it affect visual analog pain scores. Pain control with intercostal catheters infusing local anesthetics did not produce a measurable pain relief beyond that provided by epidural analgesia.

A systematic review of randomized trials evaluating regional techniques for postthoracotomy analgesia

BACKGROUND

Thoracotomy induces severe postoperative pain and impairment of pulmonary function, and therefore regional analgesia has been intensively studied in this procedure. Thoracic epidural analgesia is commonly considered the "gold standard" in this setting; however, evaluation of the evidence is needed to assess the comparative benefits of alternative techniques, guide clinical practice and identify areas requiring further research.

METHODS

In this systematic review of randomized trials we evaluated thoracic epidural, paravertebral, intrathecal, intercostal, and interpleural analgesic techniques, compared to each other and to systemic opioid analgesia, in adult thoracotomy. Postoperative pain, analgesic use, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Continuous paravertebral block was as effective as thoracic epidural analgesia with local anesthetic (LA) but was associated with a reduced incidence of hypotension. Paravertebral block reduced the incidence of pulmonary complications compared with systemic analgesia, whereas thoracic epidural analgesia did not. Thoracic epidural analgesia was superior to intrathecal and intercostal techniques, although these were superior to systemic analgesia; interpleural analgesia was inadequate.

CONCLUSIONS

Either thoracic epidural analgesia with LA plus opioid or continuous paravertebral block with LA can be recommended. Where these techniques are not possible, or are contraindicated, intrathecal opioid or intercostal nerve block are recommended despite insufficient duration of analgesia, which requires the use of supplementary systemic analgesia. Quantitative meta-analyses were limited by heterogeneity in study design, and subject numbers were small. Further well designed studies are required to investigate the optimum components of the epidural solution and to rigorously evaluate the risks/benefits of continuous infusion paravertebral and intercostal techniques compared with thoracic epidural analgesia.

Lung function after lobectomy: a randomized, double-blinded trial comparing thoracic epidural ropivacaine/sufentanil and intravenous morphine for patient-controlled analgesia

BACKGROUND

Although thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is considered superior to IV opioids for postoperative analgesia after thoracic surgery, a few studies clearly demonstrate an improvement in pulmonary function attributable to TEA using a local anesthetic in combination with an opioid.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, we compared the effects of TEA with ropivacaine and sufentanil (TEA group) to IV morphine (IV group), as they affected pain and pulmonary function after lobectomy in 68 patients. Pain intensity, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flows, and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure as a marker of inspiratory muscle strength were measured from the first to the fourth postoperative day.

RESULTS

Pain relief was better in the TEA group at rest and on coughing (P < 0.001). The impairment of FVC and FEV1 was less in the TEA group when compared with that in the IV group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, FEV1/FVC ratio, and expiratory flow values decreased similarly in both groups. In-hospital mortality, as well as postoperative pulmonary complications, was not different between groups.

CONCLUSION

After lobectomy, TEA enables a significant increase in pulmonary function concomitant with better pain relief than systemic morphine, although a modest intercostal motor block may occur.

The coiling length of thoracic epidural catheters: the influence of epidural approach angle

BACKGROUND

Thoracic epidural catheters are used for anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia. Usually, epidural catheters are placed without confirmation of their position despite frequent reports of complications as a result of malposition. In this study, we evaluated the threading length of thoracic epidural catheters without coiling and assessed the influence of two different epidural approach angles on the threading length without coiling.

METHODS

Eighty-three patients scheduled for thoracotomy were enrolled and randomly allocated into the acute angle group and the obtuse angle group. In both groups, skin insertion was performed at the T8-9 intervertebra level. Epidural access was performed under fluoroscopy using a paramedian approach at the T7-8 level in the acute angle group and at the T6-7 level in the obtuse angle group, and an end-hole 19-gauge epidural catheter was inserted. Coiling length, defined as the length of the catheter within the epidural space when any part of the catheter just begins to head caudally, was measured in both groups.

RESULTS

The coiling length was 7.4(4.4) cm (95% CI 6.0-8.7 cm) in the obtuse angle group compared with 4.9(3.3) cm (95% CI 3.8-6.0 cm) in the acute angle group (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Approaching the thoracic epidural space with an obtuse approach angle provides longer coiling length. We recommend that an obtuse approach angle should be used to maximize the chance of the catheter reaching the intended level with minimum risk of coiling.

A comparison of the analgesic efficacy and side-effects of paravertebral vs epidural blockade for thoracotomy--a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Epidural analgesia is considered by many to be the best method of pain relief after major surgery. It is used routinely in many thoracic surgery centres. Although effective, side-effects include hypotension, urinary retention, incomplete (or failed) block, and, in rare cases, paraplegia. Paravertebral block (PVB) is an alternative technique that may offer comparable analgesic effectiveness and a better side-effect profile. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of all relevant randomized trials comparing PVB with epidural analgesia in thoracic surgery. Data were abstracted and verified by both authors. Studies were tested for heterogeneity, and meta-analyses were done with random effects or fixed effects models. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was used for numerical outcomes and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes, both with 95% CI. We identified 10 trials that had enrolled 520 thoracic surgery patients. All of the trials were small (n<130) and none were blinded. There was no significant difference between PVB and epidural groups for pain scores at 4-8, 24 or 48 h, WMD 0.37 (95% CI: -0.5, 121), 0.05 (-0.6, 0.7), -0.04 (-0.4, 0.3), respectively. Pulmonary complications occurred less often with PVB, OR 0.36 (0.14, 0.92). Urinary retention, OR 0.23 (0.10, 0.51), nausea and vomiting, OR 0.47 (0.24, 0.53), and hypotension, OR 0.23 (0.11, 0.48), were less common with PVB. Rates of failed block were lower in the PVB group, OR 0.28 (0.2, 0.6). PVB and epidural analgesia provide comparable pain relief after thoracic surgery, but PVB has a better side-effect profile and is associated with a reduction in pulmonary complications. PVB can be recommended for major thoracic surgery.

Effects of Preemptive Epidural Analgesia on Post-thoracotomy Pain

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether preemptive thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) initiated before surgical incision would reduce the severity of acute post-thoracotomy pain and the incidence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain.

METHOD

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and EMBASE were searched from 1966 to December 2004 for prospective RCTs published in all languages using the following MeSH terms: post-thoracotomy pain, epidural analgesia, chronic pain, and preemptive analgesia.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All RCTs that compared thoracic epidural analgesia initiated before surgical incision (preemptive group) versus thoracic epidural analgesia initiated after completion of surgery (control group) in adult patients undergoing unilateral thoracotomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Three authors reviewed all citations and simultaneously extracted data on sample size, patient characteristics, surgical and analgesic interventions, methods of pain assessment, and pain scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 6 months postoperatively. Six studies were included with a total of 458 patients. Pooled analyses indicated that preemptive TEA was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the severity of acute pain on coughing at 24 and 48 hours (weighted mean difference -1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI) -1.50 to -0.83] and -1.08 [95% CI -1.17 to -0.99]), respectively. Acute pain was a good predictor of chronic pain. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of chronic pain at 6 months between the preemptive TEA group (39.6%) and the control group (48.6%).

CONCLUSION

Preemptive TEA appeared to reduce the severity of acute pain but had no effect on the incidence of chronic pain.

Efficacy of Methods of Intercostal Nerve Blockade for Pain Relief After Thoracotomy

Intercostal nerve blockade for postthoracotomy pain relief can be accomplished by continuous infusion of local anesthetics through a catheter in the subpleural space or through an interpleural catheter, by cryoanalgesia, and by a direct intercostal nerve block. A systematic review of randomized studies indicates that an extrapleural infusion is at least as effective as an epidural and significantly better than narcotics alone. The other techniques of intercostal blockade do not offer an advantage over narcotics alone.

Impact of Acute Pain and Its Management for Thoracic Surgical Patients

Perioperative analgesia for thoracotomy has evolved in concert with increasing knowledge of the impact of pain on recovery, the origin of this pain, and new methods for treating it. Thoracic surgery is one of the few areas where there is more general agreement between surgeons and anesthesiologists as to the importance of aggressive pain management, often with an indwelling epidural catheter left in place until after thoracostomy tube removal. The reasons for this agreement is that it has become increasingly clear to both specialties that pain puts patients with decreased pulmonary reserve who undergo thoracotomy at greater risk for morbidity. Future studies need to examine drugs or drug combinations that can lead to further reductions in the often intense pain that patients receiving aggressive epidural analgesia still experience. Studies directed at finding interventions capable of reducing the rate of long-term postthoracotomy pain still need to be performed.

Enquête sur les pratiques d'analgésie après thoracotomie

OBJECTIVE

To estimate qualitatively and quantitatively analgesic methods used after thoracotomy.

METHODS

Postal questionnaire addressed to all French public (34 academic institutions, 37 public hospitals) and private hospitals (60), which routinely perform pulmonary surgery.

RESULTS

Analysis of the questionnaires related only to those coming from academic institutions (rate of response of 85%) and from private hospitals (60%). Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, thoracic epidural analgesia and intrathecal analgesia are the most frequently suggested techniques of analgesia. Thoracic epidural analgesia is more frequently suggested in private hospitals than in academic institutions (77% vs. 55%, NS). There is no significant difference between academic institutions and private hospitals regarding the practised analgesic technique. Analysis of the practices of thoracic epidural analgesia and of intrathecal analgesia in particular showed limited impact of guidelines concerning preoperative administration of anticoagulants in 15-20% of the centres. Only six (in the academic institutions) to 18% (in the private hospitals) of the patients receiving thoracic epidural analgesia were hospitalised in a surgical ward. Thoracic epidural analgesia is continued generally for more than 48 h; there is however a significant difference between centres since epidural analgesia is continued longer in academic institutions than in private hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia and thoracic epidural analgesia are the most commonly analgesic techniques used after thoracotomy for pulmonary surgery. In the latter case, most centres choose to maintain these patients in high dependency units.