Latest Advances in Regional Anaesthesia

Training and expertise in regional anaesthesia have increased significantly in tandem with increased interest over the past two decades. This review outlines the most recent advances in regional anaesthesia and focuses on novel areas of interest including fascial plane blocks. Pharmacological advances in the form of the prolongation of drug duration with liposomal bupivacaine are considered. Neuromodulation in the context of regional anaesthesia is outlined as a potential future direction. The growing use of regional anaesthesia outside of the theatre environment and current thinking on managing the rebound plane after regional block regression are also discussed. Recent relevant evidence is summarised, unanswered questions are outlined, and priorities for ongoing investigation are suggested.

Erector spinae plane block did not improve postoperative pain-related outcomes and recovery after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery : a randomised controlled double-blinded multi-center trial

INTRODUCTION

There is a sizable niche for a minimally invasive analgesic technique that could facilitate ambulatory video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Our study aimed to determine the analgesic potential of a single-shot erector spinae plane (ESP) block for VATS. The primary objective was the total hydromorphone consumption with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) 24 h after surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, controlled, double-blind study with patients scheduled for VATS in two major university-affiliated hospital centres. We randomized 52 patients into two groups: a single-shot ESP block using bupivacaine or an ESP block with normal saline (control). We administered a preoperative and postoperative (24 h) quality of recovery (QoR-15) questionnaire and assessed postoperative pain using a verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) score. We evaluated the total standardized intraoperative fentanyl administration, total postoperative hydromorphone consumption (PCA; primary endpoint), and the incidence of adverse effects.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the primary objective, hydromorphone consumption at 24 h (7.6 (4.4) mg for the Bupivacaine group versus 8.1 (4.2) mg for the Control group). Secondary objectives and incidence of adverse events were not different between the two groups at any time during the first 24 h following surgery.

CONCLUSION

Our multi-centre randomized, controlled, double-blinded study found no advantage of an ESP block over placebo for VATS for opioid consumption, pain, or QoR-15 scores. Further studies are ongoing to establish the benefits of using a denser block (single-shot paravertebral with a continuous ESP block), which may provide a better quality of analgesia.

Fascial plane blocks for cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the limitations and risks associated with the overreliance on opioids in various surgical procedures, including cardiothoracic surgery.This shift on pain management toward reducing reliance on opioids, together with need to improve patient outcomes, alleviate suffering, gain early mobilization after surgery, reduce hospital stay, and improve patient satisfaction and functional recovery, has led to the development and widespread implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols.In this context, fascial plane blocks are emerging as part of a multimodal analgesic in cardiac surgery and as alternatives to conventional neuraxial blocks for thoracic surgery, and there is a growing body of evidence suggesting their effectiveness and safety in providing pain relief for these procedures. In this review, we discuss the most common fascial plane block techniques used in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, offering a comprehensive overview of regional anesthesia techniques and presenting the latest evidence on the use of chest wall plane blocks specifically in this surgical setting.

Erector spinae plane block for postoperative pain

BACKGROUND

Acute and chronic postoperative pain are important healthcare problems, which can be treated with a combination of opioids and regional anaesthesia. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a new regional anaesthesia technique, which might be able to reduce opioid consumption and related side effects.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the analgesic effects and side effect profile of ESPB against no block, placebo block or other regional anaesthetic techniques.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science on 4 January 2021 and updated the search on 3 January 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating adults undergoing surgery with general anaesthesia were included. We included ESPB in comparison with no block, placebo blocks or other regional anaesthesia techniques irrespective of language, publication year, publication status or technique of regional anaesthesia used (ultrasound, landmarks or peripheral nerve stimulator). Quasi-RCTs, cluster-RCTs, cross-over trials and studies investigating co-interventions in either arm were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed all trials for inclusion and exclusion criteria, and risk of bias (RoB), and extracted data. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and we used GRADE to rate the certainty of evidence for the primary outcomes. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain at rest at 24 hours and block-related adverse events. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain at rest (2, 48 hours) and during activity (2, 24 and 48 hours after surgery), chronic pain after three and six months, as well as cumulative oral morphine requirements at 2, 24 and 48 hours after surgery and rates of opioid-related side effects.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 69 RCTs in the first search and included these in the systematic review. We included 64 RCTs (3973 participants) in the meta-analysis. The outcome postoperative pain was reported in 38 out of 64 studies; block-related adverse events were reported in 40 out of 64 studies. We assessed RoB as low in 44 (56%), some concerns in 24 (31%) and high in 10 (13%) of the study results. Overall, 57 studies reported one or both primary outcomes. Only one study reported results on chronic pain after surgery. In the updated literature search on 3 January 2022 we found 37 new studies and categorised these as awaiting classification. ESPB compared to no block There is probably a slight but not clinically relevant reduction in pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery in patients treated with ESPB compared to no block (visual analogue scale (VAS), 0 to 10 points) (mean difference (MD) -0.77 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.08 to -0.46; 17 trials, 958 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be no difference in block-related adverse events between the groups treated with ESPB and those receiving no block (no events in 18 trials reported, 1045 participants, low-certainty evidence). ESPB compared to placebo block ESPB probably has no effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to placebo block (MD -0.14 points, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.00; 8 trials, 499 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be no difference in block-related adverse events between ESPB and placebo blocks (no events in 10 trials reported; 592 participants; low-certainty evidence). ESPB compared to other regional anaesthetic techniques Paravertebral block (PVB) ESPB may not have any additional effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to PVB (MD 0.23 points, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.52; 7 trials, 478 participants; low-certainty evidence). There is probably no difference in block-related adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 0.27, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.95; 7 trials, 522 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) ESPB may not have any additional effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to TAPB (MD -0.16 points, 95% CI -0.46 to 0.14; 3 trials, 160 participants; low-certainty evidence). There may be no difference in block-related adverse events (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.21 to 4.83; 4 trials, 202 participants; low-certainty evidence). Serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) The effect on postoperative pain could not be assessed because no studies reported this outcome. There may be no difference in block-related adverse events (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.59; 2 trials, 110 participants; low-certainty evidence). Pectoralis plane block (PECSB) ESPB may not have any additional effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to PECSB (MD 0.24 points, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.58; 2 trials, 98 participants; low-certainty evidence). The effect on block-related adverse events could not be assessed. Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) Only one study reported on each of the primary outcomes. Intercostal nerve block (ICNB) ESPB may not have any additional effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to ICNB, but this is uncertain (MD -0.33 points, 95% CI -3.02 to 2.35; 2 trials, 131 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There may be no difference in block-related adverse events, but this is uncertain (RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.28; 3 trials, 181 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Epidural analgesia (EA) We are uncertain whether ESPB has an effect on postoperative pain intensity at rest 24 hours after surgery compared to EA (MD 1.20 points, 95% CI -2.52 to 4.93; 2 trials, 81 participants; very low-certainty evidence). A risk ratio for block-related adverse events was not estimable because only one study reported this outcome.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

ESPB in addition to standard care probably does not improve postoperative pain intensity 24 hours after surgery compared to no block. The number of block-related adverse events following ESPB was low. Further research is required to study the possibility of extending the duration of analgesia. We identified 37 new studies in the updated search and there are three ongoing studies, suggesting possible changes to the effect estimates and the certainty of the evidence in the future.

Analgesic efficacy and safety of erector spinae versus serratus anterior plane block in thoracic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) are regional anesthesia techniques that have shown favorable results in pain management following thoracic surgeries; however, their relative superiority is unclear. This review (PROSPERO: CRD42023443018) aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of ESPB and SAPB in patients undergoing thoracic surgeries through the pooled analysis of co-primary outcomes: postoperative oral-morphine-equivalent (mg) consumption in 24 h and pain scores (static) at 24 h.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to May 2023, comparing ESPB and SAPB in thoracic surgeries. Statistical pooling was done using Review Manager 5.4.1. Bias assessment employed the Cochrane Collaboration Risk-of-Bias 2.0 tool. The strength of evidence was assessed using the guidelines from the GRADE working group.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs (485 patients) were included in the study. Postoperative pain scores (static) at 24 h (mean difference (MD) =  - 0.31 [- 0.57, 0.05], p = 0.02) and postoperative oral-morphine-equivalent (mg) consumption in 24 h (MD =  - 19.73 [- 25.65, - 13.80], p < 0.00001) were significantly lower in the ESBP group. However, the MDs did not exceed the set threshold for clinical importance. No significant differences were observed in the opioid-related adverse effects and block-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Our statistically significant results imply that ESPB has superior analgesic efficacy compared to SAPB; however, this difference is clinically unimportant. The safety profile of the two blocks is comparable; hence, current evidence cannot define the relative superiority of one block over the other. Our findings warrant further research with standardized methodologies and a longer duration of analgesic efficacy assessment to yield robust evidence for better clinical applications.

Comparison of erector spinae plane block and serratus anterior plane block for postoperative analgesia in uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain remains a significant concern following uniportal thoracoscopic surgery. The analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) in terms of postoperative opioid consumption in uniportal thoracoscopic surgery still needs further studies.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling 150 patients who underwent uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy. The patients were randomly allocated to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: the ESPB group (administered 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine), the SAPB group (administered 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine), and the standard care (control) group. The primary endpoint was the consumption of sufentanil during the first 24 h following surgery. Secondary endpoints assessed the area under the curve (AUC) of pain numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, occurrence of moderate to severe pain, time to initial sufentanil request, and postoperative adverse events.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed in the consumption of sufentanil during the first 24 h following surgery between the ESPB and SAPB groups (adjusted difference, 1.53 [95% CI, -5.15 to 2.08]). However, in comparison to the control group, both intervention groups demonstrated a significant decrease in sufentanil consumption, with adjusted differences of -9.97 [95% CI, -13.10 to -6.84] for the ESPB group and -12.55 [95% CI, -15.63 to -9.47] for the SAPB group. There were no significant differences in AUC of NRS scores during rest and movement between the ESPB and SAPB groups, with adjusted differences of -7.10 [95% CI, 1.33 to -15.55] for the rest condition and 5.61 [95% CI, -13.23 to 2.01] for the movement condition. At 6 h postoperatively, there were fewer patients with moderate to severe pain in the ESPB group compared with those in the SAPB group (adjusted difference, -1.37% [95% CI, -2.29% to -0.45%]. The time to first sufentanil request significantly differed among the three groups (ESPB vs Control P < 0.01, SAPB vs Control P < 0.01, ESPB vs SAPB P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy, although the differences between the two groups are not statistically significant, both the ESPB and SAPB demonstrate effective reduction in postoperative opioid consumption and the need for rescue analgesics compared to the control group. Moreover, the ESPB group experienced a significantly lower incidence of moderate to severe pain at 6 h postoperatively compared to the SAPB group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration No: ChiCTR1900021695, Date of registration: March 5th, 2019).

The effect of body mass index on thoracic paravertebral block analgesia after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery; a prospective interventional study

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) on intensity postoperative pain in patients who underwent thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) for postoperative analgesia after video-assissted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

METHODS

Patients aged 18-80 years, ASA I-III, and BMI 18-40 kg/m2 who underwent elective VATS were included in the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their BMI levels. TPVB was performed under ultrasound-guidance at the fifth thoracic vertebrae, and 30 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected. The patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was performed by using morphine and multimodal analgesia was performed. As a rescue analgesic agent, 0.5 mg/kg tramadol was given to patients intravenously when a score of visual analog scale (VAS) at rest was ≥ 4. The primary outcome was determined as VAS scores at rest and cough. Secondary outcomes were determined as postoperative morphine consumption, additional analgesic requirement, and side effects.

RESULTS

The post-hoc test revealed that the VAS resting scores at the 4th hour (p: 0.007), 12th hour (p: 0.014), and 48th hour (p: 0.002) were statistically significantly lower in Group I compared to Group II. Additionally, VAS resting scores were also statistically significantly lower in Group I compared to Group III at all time points (p < 0.05). Similarly, the post-hoc test indicated that the VAS coughing scores at the 4th hour (p: 0.023), 12th hour (p: 0.011), and 48th hour (p: 0.019) were statistically significantly lower in Group I compared to Group II. Moreover, VAS coughing scores were statistically significantly lower in Group I compared to Group III at all time points (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences in terms of additional analgesic use between the groups (p: 0.001). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of morphine consumption via PCA and morphine milligram equivalent consumption between the groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher postoperative VAS scores with TPVB applied in obese patients and the consequent increase in additional analgesics and complications require more specific postoperative management in this patient group.

The effect of peripheral regional analgesia in thoracic surgery: a systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Several peripheral regional anaesthesia (RA) techniques are commonly used in thoracic surgery even in the absence of precise indications regarding their effectiveness on postoperative pain management.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to describe and evaluate the relative effectiveness of different peripheral regional blocks and systemic analgesia in the context of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or thoracotomy.

DESIGN

Systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with meta-analyses.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed and Embase for all RCTs comparing the 24 hour morphine equivalents (MMEs) consumption following peripheral regional blocks and systemic analgesia (SA).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We selected only RCTs including adult participants undergoing thoracic surgery, including esophagectomy and reporting on postoperative pain outcomes including 24 hour MMEs consumption.

RESULTS

Among the 28 randomized studies including adult participants undergoing thoracic surgery and reporting on 24 hour opioid consumption, 11 reporting a comparison of individual blocks with systemic analgesia were meta-analyzed. RA was effective for almost all peripheral blocks. Regarding intercostal block, its antalgic effect was not well evaluated SMD -1.57 (CI -3.88, 0.73). RA in VATS was more effective in reducing MMEs than thoracotomy SMD -1.10 (CI -1.78, -0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

RA is a useful choice in thoracic surgery. However, it is still not possible to determine the most appropriate block in the individual surgical settings to be performed due to RCTs paucity.

Effectiveness of Thoracic Wall Blocks in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, a Network Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and thoracic paravertebral blocks (PVB) are well-established techniques for pain management in thoracotomy. Here, we examine the efficacy of various thoracic fascial plane blocks vs TEA and PVB for intraoperative and postoperative analgesia for video assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) with network meta-analysis.

Methods

A search for prospective randomized control studies using adult patients undergoing VATS with general anesthesia. The interventions of interest were any regional anesthesia techniques used for postoperative pain control after VATS. Primary outcomes of interest were 24-hour opioid requirement and 24-hour pain scores. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

We identified 42 studies that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. For patients who underwent VATS, TEA (MD = -27MME, 95% CI = -46.2 to -9MME), ESP (MD = -20MME, 95% CI -33 to -7.9MME), PVB (MD = -15MME, 95% CI = -26 to -4.5MME) demonstrated significant opioid sparing efficacy, as well as reduction in cumulative 24-hour static pain scores. However, exclusion of one study due to high risk of bias revealed that TEA did not significantly reduce opioid consumption, nor did it reduce the incidence of PONV, pulmonary complications, or LOS when compared to ESP, SAP, PVB, ICN, or PECS blocks.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that TEA did not provide superior pain relief compared to ESP, SAP, PVB, ICN, or PECS blocks following VATS. Therefore, we propose ESP as a suitable intervention for the prevention of postoperative pain after VATS.

A comparison of regional anesthesia techniques in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain control remains challenging in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study aimed to investigate the relative efficacy of different regional anesthesia interventions for VATS using a Network Meta analysis (NMA).

METHODS

A literature search was conducted for NMA using Pubmed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Web of Science databases to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the analgesic effects of different regional analgesia techniques from inception to February 2022. The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were morphine consumption at 48 h postoperatively, pain intensity, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and hospital length of stay. Pain scores at two different intervals from different regional analgesia techniques were measured and investigated in this NMA.

RESULTS

A total of 38 RCTs (2224 patients) were included. Two studies compared three arm interventions of intercostal nerve block (ICNB) vs. thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) vs. erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in intravenous morphine consumption at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively, and showed patients who received TPVB had less demand for morphine than ICNB and ESPB (P = 0.001, P = 0.001). For resting pain scores at 24 h postoperatively, ESPB was superior to serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) (P = 0.01), and TPVB provided effective analgesia compared to ICNB, retrolaminar block (RLB), and ESPB (P = 0.05, P = 0.01, P = 0.03). Similarly, pain scores at rest at 48 h, SAPB and TPVB showed the best results (P = 0.04, P = 0.001, P = 0.01) compared with local infiltration analgesia (LIA), ICNB, RLB, and ESPB. Additionally, pain scores at coughing at 24 h and 48 h, TPVB showed superior results compared with RLB,ESPB(P = 0.02, P = 0.02, P = 0.03). SAPB was superior to LIA in reducing the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

In regional anaesthesia, TPVB is a better option than other analgesic methods, and its combination with other methods can be beneficial. However, our findings can only provide objective evidence. Clinicians should choose the treatment course based on the individual patient's condition and clinical situation.

Is continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) better than continuous Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) for mitral valve surgery via mini-thoracotomy? Results from a prospective observational study

Aims

Chest wall blocks are effective alternatives for postoperative pain control in mitral valve surgery in right mini-thoracotomy (mini-MVS). We compared the efficacy of Serratus Anterior plane block (SAPB) and Erector Spinae plane block (ESPB) on postoperative pain relief after mini-MVS.

Settings and Design

It is a prospective, observational study.

Material and Methods

A total of 85 consecutive patients undergoing continuous SAPB and continuous ESPB for mini-MVS from March 2019 to October 2020 were included. The primary outcome was the assessment of postoperative pain evaluated as absolute value of NRS at 12, 24 and 48 h. Secondary outcomes were assessment of salvage analgesia (both opioids and NSAIDs), incidence of mild adverse effects (i.e. nausea, vomiting, and incorrect catheter placement) and timing of postoperative course (ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, ventilator-free days).

Results

The median NRS was 0.00 (0.00-3.00) at 12 h and 0.00 (0.00-2.00) at 24 and 48 h. No significant differences were observed between groups. Postoperative morphine consumption in the first 24 h was similar in both groups (P = 0.76), whereas between 24 and 48 h was significantly less in the ESPB group compared with SAPB group, P = 0.013. NSAIDs median consumption and Metoclopramide consumption were significantly lower in the ESPB group compared to SAPB group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.048, respectively).

Conclusions

ESPB, even more than SAPB, appears to be a feasible and effective strategy for the management of postoperative pain, allowing good quality analgesia with low consumption of opioids, NSAIDs and antiemetic drugs.

Erector Spinae Plane Block: A Novel Anesthetic Approach for Pleuroscopy

BACKGROUND

Anesthesia and analgesia for thoracic procedures, specifically pleuroscopy, present unique challenges given the spectrum of underlying pulmonary disease and susceptibility to respiratory complications. This study describes efforts to reduce postoperative pain and minimize opioid analgesia after thoracoscopic procedures through the use of erector spinae plane block (ESPB).

METHODS

This is a single center, retrospective case series of all patients who underwent rigid pleuroscopy with ESPB plus monitored anesthesia care (MAC) from November 2018 through September 2020. The primary outcome measures were postoperative pain scores and analgesic medication requirements.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients underwent pleuroscopy with ESPB plus MAC. Average intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption in oral morphine equivalents were 18.4±15.8 and 11.2±19.6 mg, respectively. There was no significant difference between average preoperative and postoperative subjective numerical pain scores (P=0.221). There were no complications associated with ESPB.

CONCLUSION

This case series demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing single shot ESPB in combination with MAC as the primary anesthetic for thoracoscopic procedures.

Comparison of Rhomboid Intercostal Block, Erector Spinae Plane Block, and Serratus Plane Block on Analgesia for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Thoracic surgery is one of the most painful surgical steps. An important tool for managing postoperative pain is effective postoperative analgesia. This research aimed at comparing the analgesic roles of three new fascial block techniques in the postoperative period after video-helped thoracoscopic operation (VATS).

METHODS

We randomly allocated ninety patients into three teams experiencing ultrasound-directed serratus plane block, erector spinae plane block, and the rhomboid intercostal block, respectively. 0.4% ropivacaine of 20 mL was received by all groups. Outcomes. At 0-12 hours, sufentanil consumption was significantly lower in the RIB (35.2 ± 3.3 mg) and ESP (35.4 ± 2.8 mg) groups than that in the SAB (43.3 ± 2.7 mg) group (P < 0.001), and no obvious diversity in sufentanil consumption was shown between the RIB and ESP groups (P=0.813). At 12-24 hours, sufentanil consumption was greatly lower in the RIB and ESP groups than that in the SAB group (P < 0.001), and no great diversity in sufentanil consumption was found between the RIB and ESP groups (P=0.589). No great diversity in sufentanil consumption was shown between the RIB (50.4 ± 1.4 mg), ESP (50.4 ± 1.5 mg), and SAB (51.0 ± 1.7 mg) groups at 24-48 hours (P=0.192). At 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours, the postoperative dynamic NRS scores were significantly lower in the RIB and ESP groups than in the SAB group ((P < 0.05) for all contrasts). Nevertheless, no great diversity was observed in postoperative pain marks at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hours after the surgery across the three groups. No statistical diversity was found in the postoperative NRS mark between groups RIB and ESP within 48 hours after surgery in case of active patients ((P < 0.05) for all contrasts). At 24 hours after surgery, a significant difference in IL-1β and IL-6 inflammatory factor concentrations was found between RIB and ESP compared with SAB block ((P < 0.05) for all contrasts). However, no great diversities were observed in IL-1β, and IL-6 inflammatory factor concentrations between RIB, ESP, and SAB at 24 hours preoperatively and at 48 hours postoperatively ((P < 0.05) for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

The dosage of sufentanil can be effectively reduced by ultrasound-directed rhomboid intercostal block and erector spinae plane block within 24 hours after VATS surgery, and pain can be relieved effectively within 24 hours by comparing with serratus plane block.

Opioid-sparing effects of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for adult patients undergoing surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a new method of administering analgesics to patients perioperatively. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the opioid-sparing effects of erector spinae plane block in patients during the perioperative period compared to conventional analgesia and identify its role in the development of opioid-free anesthesia.

METHODS

Relevant study articles were retrieved from PubMed, the Web of Science, Medline via Ovid, Embase via Ovid, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on June 11, 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of ESPB with control (no/sham block). The primary outcome was opioid consumption at 24 h after surgery and intraoperative opioid consumption. A random-effects model was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) if there was significant heterogeneity in the data; otherwise, the fixed-effect model was used.

RESULTS

A total of 25 randomized controlled trials involving 1461 patients were included. The use of ultrasound-guided ESPB was associated with reduced opioid consumption at 24 h after surgery [SMD: -2.14, 95% CI: -2.61 to -1.67, p < 0.001] and during the intraoperative period [SMD: -2.30, 95% CI: -3.21 to -1.40, p < 0.001]. In addition, it took a longer time to administer the first rescue analgesia in the ESPB group [SMD: 3.60, 95% CI: 2.23-4.97, p < 0.001] and the group was associated with lower incidences of postoperative nausea or vomiting (PONV) [OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34-0.72, p < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided ESPB could provide an opioid-sparing effect and effective analgesia in adults undergoing surgeries with general anesthesia, and then promote opioid-free anesthesia development.

PROSPECT guidelines for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a systematic review and procedure-specific postoperative pain management recommendations

Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery has become increasingly popular due to faster recovery times and reduced postoperative pain compared with thoracotomy. However, analgesic regimens for video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery vary significantly. The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery. A systematic review was undertaken using procedure‐specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) methodology. Randomised controlled trials published in the English language, between January 2010 and January 2021 assessing the effect of analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions were identified. We retrieved 1070 studies of which 69 randomised controlled trials and two reviews met inclusion criteria. We recommend the administration of basic analgesia including paracetamol and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or cyclo‐oxygenase‐2‐specific inhibitors pre‐operatively or intra‐operatively and continued postoperatively. Intra‐operative intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion may be used, specifically when basic analgesia and regional analgesic techniques could not be given. In addition, a paravertebral block or erector spinae plane block is recommended as a first‐choice option. A serratus anterior plane block could also be administered as a second‐choice option. Opioids should be reserved as rescue analgesics in the postoperative period.

The effect of erector spinae block versus serratus plane block on pain scores and diaphragmatic excursion in multiple rib fractures. A prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate whether ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block and serratus anterior plane block would provide effective and safe analgesia in patients with fracture ribs, and to detect their effects on diaphragmatic excursion in such cases.

DESIGN

Prospective double-blind randomized study.

SETTINGS

Tanta University Hospitals.

SUBJECT

Fifty adult patients ASA I, II with fracture ribs.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive either ultrasound guided erector spinae block (Group I) or serratus plane block (Group II) with injection of 19 ml bupivacaine 0.25% plus 1 ml dexamethasone (4 mg). Pain scores, 24 hour total analgesic requirements, diaphragmatic excursion and incidence of adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

At rest and dynamic pain scores were significantly lower in Group I as compared to Group II from 2 hour up to 24 hour post block [median differences (95% CI): -1(-0.9999;0.0002), -1(-0.9999;0.0002), -1(-0.9998;0.0003), -1(-1.000;-0.000) and -1(-2.0000;-1.0000), -1(-0.9998;-0.0001), -1(-1.0001;-1.0002), -1(-2.000;0.000) respectively], with a significant reduction in 24h opioid consumption in Group I in comparison to Group II (P= 0.004*). Diaphragmatic excursion showed a significant improvement in Group I when compared to Group II at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hour after the block (p = 0.024*, 0.038*, 0.027*, 0.042* correspondingly). No adverse events were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Both erector spinae block and serratus plane block provided safe and effective pain relief in traumatic rib fractures. Though the erector spinae group displayed significantly reduced pain scores, decreased analgesic needs and improved diaphragmatic excursion as compared to serratus group, nevertheless, this was of no clinical significance.

Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block for Analgesia in Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can provide an effective analgesia for managing pain after thoracic surgery and compare the efficacy of ESPB with that of other regional analgesic techniques.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

SETTING

PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients undergoing thoracic surgeries.

INTERVENTION

Erector spinae plane block with local anesthetics for postoperative analgesia.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

Seventeen studies, including 1,092 patients, were included in the final analysis. Erector spinae plane block reduced 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption (mean difference [MD] -17.49, 95% CI -26.87 to -8.12), pain score at rest (MD -0.82, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.33), and pain score at movement (MD -0.77, 95% CI -1.20 to -0.3) compared to no block. Compared with other regional blocks, various results have been observed. Although statistical results showed that ESPB is inferior to thoracic paravertebral block and intercostal nerve block and superior to serratus anterior plan block in postoperative analgesia, clinical differences remain unclear. The incidence of hematoma was lower in the ESPB group than in the other groups (odds ratio 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.73).

CONCLUSION

Erector spinae plane block may provide effective analgesia after thoracic surgery. Compared with other techniques, it is a safer method, without clinically important differences, for postoperative pain control. Therefore, ESPB may be considered as a valuable option for postoperative pain management after thoracic surgery.

The Year in Thoracic Anesthesia: Selected Highlights From 2020

Selected highlights in thoracic anesthesia in 2020 include updates in the preoperative assessment and prehabilitation of patients undergoing thoracic surgery; updates in one-lung ventilation (OLV) pertaining to the devices used for OLV; the use of dexmedetomidine for lung protection during OLV and protective ventilation, recommendations for the care of thoracic surgical patients with coronavirus disease 2019; a review of recent meta-analyses comparing truncal blocks with paravertebral and thoracic epidural blocks; and a review of outcomes after initiating the enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines for lung and esophageal surgery.

The Prediction of Acute Postoperative Pain Based on Neural Oscillations Measured before the Surgery

Even with an improved understanding of pain mechanisms and advances in perioperative pain management, inadequately controlled postoperative pain remains. Predicting acute postoperative pain based on presurgery physiological measures could provide valuable insights into individualized, effective analgesic strategies, thus helping improve the analgesic efficacy. Considering the strong correlation between pain perception and neural oscillations, we hypothesize that acute postoperative pain could be predicted by neural oscillations measured shortly before the surgery. Here, we explored the relationship between neural oscillations 2 hours before the thoracoscopic surgery and the subjective intensity of acute postoperative pain. The spectral power density of resting-state beta and gamma band oscillations at the frontocentral region was significantly different between patients with different levels of acute postoperative pain (i.e., low pain vs. moderate/high pain). A positive correlation was also observed between the spectral power density of resting-state beta and gamma band oscillations and subjective reports of postoperative pain. Then, we predicted the level of acute postoperative pain based on features of neural oscillations using machine learning techniques, which achieved a prediction accuracy of 92.54% and a correlation coefficient between the real pain intensities and the predicted pain intensities of 0.84. Altogether, the prediction of acute postoperative pain based on neural oscillations measured before the surgery is feasible and could meet the clinical needs in the future for better control of postoperative pain and other unwanted negative effects. The study was registered on the Clinical Trial Registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03761576?term=NCT03761576&draw=2&rank=1) with the registration number NCT03761576.

Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks of the chest wall: a state-of-the-art review

Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks of the chest wall are increasingly popular alternatives to established techniques such as thoracic epidural or paravertebral blockade, as they are simple to perform and have an appealing safety profile. Many different techniques have been described, which can be broadly categorised into anteromedial, anterolateral and posterior chest wall blocks. Understanding the relevant clinical anatomy is critical not only for block performance, but also to match block techniques appropriately with surgical procedures. The sensory innervation of tissues deep to the skin (e.g. muscles, ligaments and bone) can be overlooked, but is often a significant source of pain. The primary mechanism of action for these blocks is a conduction blockade of sensory afferents travelling in the targeted fascial planes, as well as of peripheral nociceptors in the surrounding tissues. A systemic action of absorbed local anaesthetic is plausible but unlikely to be a major contributor. The current evidence for their clinical applications indicates that certain chest wall techniques provide significant benefit in breast and thoracic surgery, similar to that provided by thoracic paravertebral blockade. Their role in trauma and cardiac surgery is evolving and holds great potential. Further avenues of research into these versatile techniques include: optimal local anaesthetic dosing strategies; high-quality randomised controlled trials focusing on patient-centred outcomes beyond acute pain; and comparative studies to determine which of the myriad blocks currently on offer should be core competencies in anaesthetic practice.