Regional anesthesia in pain management

Postsurgical Pain Risk Stratification to Enhance Pain Management Workflow in Adult Patients: Design, Implementation, and Pilot Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Exposure to opioids after surgery is the initial contact for some people who develop chronic opioid use disorder. Hence, effective postoperative pain management, with less reliance on opioids, is critical. The Perioperative Opioid Quality Improvement (POQI) program developed (1) a digital health platform leveraging patient-survey-reported risk factors and (2) a postsurgical pain risk stratification algorithm to personalize perioperative care by integrating several commercially available digital health solutions into a combined platform. Development was reduced in scope by the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aims to assess the screening performance of the risk algorithm, quantify the use of the POQI platform, and evaluate clinicians' and patients' perceptions of its utility and benefit.

METHODS

A POQI platform prototype was implemented in a quality improvement initiative at a Canadian tertiary care center and evaluated from January to September 2022. After surgical booking, a preliminary risk stratification algorithm was applied to health history questionnaire responses. The estimated risk guided the patient assignment to a care pathway based on low or high risk for persistent pain and opioid use. Demographic, procedural, and medication administration data were extracted retrospectively from the electronic medical record. Postoperative inpatient opioid use of >90 morphine milligram equivalents per day was the outcome used to assess algorithm performance. Data were summarized and compared between the low- and high-risk groups. POQI use was assessed by completed surveys on postoperative days 7, 14, 30, 60, 90, and 120. Semistructured patient and clinician interviews provided qualitative feedback on the platform.

RESULTS

Overall, 276 eligible patients were admitted for colorectal procedures. The risk algorithm stratified 203 (73.6%) as the low-risk group and 73 (26.4%) as the high-risk group. Among the 214 (77.5%) patients with available data, high-risk patients were younger than low-risk patients (age: median 53, IQR 40-65 years, vs median 59, IQR 49-69 years, median difference five years, 95% CI 1-9; P=.02) and were more often female patients (45/73, 62% vs 80/203, 39.4%; odds ratio 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.5; P=.002). The risk stratification was reasonably specific (true negative rate=144/200, 72%) but not sensitive (true positive rate=10/31, 32%). Only 39.7% (85/214) patients completed any postoperative quality of recovery questionnaires (only 14, 6.5% patients beyond 60 days after surgery), and 22.9% (49/214) completed a postdischarge medication survey. Interviewed participants welcomed the initiative but noted usability issues and poor platform education.

CONCLUSIONS

An initial POQI platform prototype was deployed operationally; the risk algorithm had reasonable specificity but poor sensitivity. There was a significant loss to follow-up in postdischarge survey completion. Clinicians and patients appreciated the potential impact of preemptively addressing opioid exposure but expressed shortcomings in the platform's design and implementation. Iterative platform redesign with additional features and reevaluation are required before broader implementation.

The challenge of pharmacotherapy for musculoskeletal pain: an overview of unmet needs

Musculoskeletal disorders are characterized by several impairments, including pain, affecting muscles, bones, joints and adjacent connective tissue, resulting in temporary or permanent functional limitations and disability. Musculoskeletal pain is particularly prevalent worldwide and greatly impacts the quality of life, social participation and economic burden. To date, several issues persist about the classification of musculoskeletal pain and its management strategies and resources. The treatment of musculoskeletal pain conditions is complex and often requires a multimodal approach, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy that might be ineffective in many cases, resulting in poor patient satisfaction and controversial expectations about the potential benefits of available interventions. This manuscript provides an overview of unmet needs in managing musculoskeletal pain, particularly focusing on pharmacotherapeutic pitfalls in this context.

The efficacy of ultrasound-guided anterior quadratus lumborum block for pain management following lumbar spinal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a fascial plane block. There is no randomized study on the efficacy of QLB for lumbar surgery. We evaluated the efficacy of QLB for postoperative pain management and patient satisfaction after lumbar disc herniation surgery (LDHS).

METHODS

Sixty patients with ASA score I-II planned for LDHS under general anesthesia were included. We allocated the patients into two groups: the QLB group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). QLB was performed with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine in the QLB group. Paracetamol 1 g IV 3 × 1 was ordered to the patients at the postoperative period. If the NRS score was ≥ 4, 1 mg/ kg tramadol IV was administered as rescue analgesia.

RESULTS

There was a reduction in the median static NRS at 0 h and 2 h with QLB compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the resting NRS at any other time point up to 24 h. The median dynamic NRS was significantly lower at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h in the QLB group (p < 0.05). The need for rescue analgesia was significantly lower in the QLB group. The incidence of nausea was significantly higher in the control group. The postoperative patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the QLB group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We found that the QLB is effective for pain control following LDHS.

Transversus abdominis plane block for laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) on pain management after laparoscopic colorectal surgery (CRS) remains unclear since the only relevant meta-analysis on this topic did not separate laparoscopic CRS from open CRS. The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of TAP with non-TAP in patients undergoing laparoscopic CRS.

METHODS

Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic using relevant keywords. Two authors independently completed evidence selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal. Available data were pooled in the random-effects model, and point estimates with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported for postoperative pain at rest and on coughing, opioid consumption, length of hospital stay, and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 14 RCTs (n = 1216) contributed to the present synthesis. Pooled result showed that patients in the TAP group had lower pain at rest than those in the non-TAP group at postoperative 2-h (mean difference [MD] = -1.42; P < 0.05), 4-h (MD = -0.97; P < 0.05), 12-h (MD = -0.75; P < 0.05), and 24-h (MD = -0.61; P < 0.05). Patients in the TAP group also had lower postoperative pain on coughing than those in the non-TAP group on the first day (MD = -1.02; P < 0.05). Moreover, TAP had lesser postoperative opioid consumption than non-TAP (standardized mean difference, -0.26; P < 0.05; I-square = 20%), and there were non-significant differences in hospital stay and adverse event between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative TAP is a safe and feasible pain management for laparoscopic CRS, particularly it is recommended when patient-controlled analgesia is not delivered. Therefore, laparoscopic TAP block might be a favorable administered strategy.

Comparison of Pericapsular Nerve Group Block with Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block in Adult Patients Undergoing Hip Surgeries: A Double-Blinded Randomized Control Study

Background

Hip fractures are the most common orthopedic condition in elderly patients. In this patient group, efficient preoperative analgesia that reduces the requirement for opioids and their negative side effects is crucial. This study aims for evaluating the efficiency of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) and pericapsular nerve group (PENG) in providing the appropriate analgesia before positioning patients for spinal anesthesia (SA).

Methods

Ninety participants undergoing hip surgeries under SA were selected randomly to receive PENG block (n = 45) using 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine or FICB using 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine. The blinded observer assessed Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at rest, with passive leg raise to 15° before and after 30 min of the block. The blinded observer also recorded hemodynamic parameters including noninvasive blood pressure respiratory rate and heart rate. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Using the appropriate statistical methodology, continuous and categorical data were analyzed, and P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

At rest and with a passive leg raise to 15°, VAS scores in the PENG and FICB groups decreased significantly (P < 0.0001). After 30 minutes of performing the PENG block, the VAS scores at rest and passive leg raise were 2.16±0.67 and 3.29±0.73 respectively, whereas with the fascia iliaca block the VAS scores at rest and passive leg raise were 4.07±0.69 and 5.11±0.71 with the p = 0.001, which is highly significant.

Conclusion

PENG block outperforms fascia iliaca block in providing effective analgesia before positioning patients undergoing hip surgery under SA.

Post-Mastectomy Pain: An Updated Overview on Risk Factors, Predictors, and Markers

After breast surgery, women frequently develop chronic post-mastectomy pain (PMP). PMP refers to the occurrence of pain in and around the area of the mastectomy lasting beyond three months after surgery. The nature of factors leading to PMP is not well known. When PMP is refractory to analgesic treatment, it negatively impacts the lives of patients, increasing emotional stress and disability. For this reason, optimizing the quality of life of patients treated for this pathology has gained more importance. On the basis of the findings and opinions above, we present an overview of risk factors and predictors to be used as potential biomarkers in the personalized management of individual PMP. For this overview, we discuss scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals written in the English language describing risk factors, predictors, and potential biomarkers associated with chronic pain after breast surgery. Our overview confirms that the identification of women at risk for PMP is fundamental to setting up the best treatment to prevent this outcome. Clinical practice can be planned through the interpretation of genotyping data, choosing drugs, and tailoring doses for each patient with the aim to provide safer and more effective individual analgesic treatment.

Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: An Update with Emphasis on Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain is a challenging condition for both patients and physicians. Many adults have experienced one or more episodes of musculoskeletal pain at some time of their lives, regardless of age, gender, or economic status. It affects approximately 47% of the general population. Of those, about 39–45% have long-lasting problems that require medical consultation. Inadequately managed musculoskeletal pain can adversely affect quality of life and impose significant socioeconomic problems. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. It briefly explores the background, classifications, patient assessments, and different tools for management according to the recently available evidence. Multimodal analgesia and multidisciplinary approaches are fundamental elements of effective management of musculoskeletal pain. Both pharmacological, non-pharmacological, as well as interventional pain therapy are important to enhance patient’s recovery, well-being, and improve quality of life. Accordingly, recent guidelines recommend the implementation of preventative strategies and physical tools first to minimize the use of medications. In patients who have had an inadequate response to pharmacotherapy, the proper use of interventional pain therapy and the other alternative techniques are vital for safe and effective management of chronic pain patients.

Entrapping bupivacaine-loaded emulsions in a crosslinked-hydrogel increases anesthetic effect and duration in a rat sciatic nerve block model

The purpose of this research was to evaluate a novel long-acting bupivacaine delivery system for control of postoperative pain. Bupivacaine-loaded lipid emulsion (BLE) droplets were created by high-speed homogenization. The BLE droplets were then entrapped into a crosslinked-hyaluronic acid hydrogel system to create an injectable composite gel formulation (HA-BLE). Dynamic light scattering, rheological, and drug release techniques were used to characterize the formulations. A rat sciatic nerve block with a thermal nociceptive assay was used to evaluate the anesthetic effect in comparison to controls, bupivacaine HCl and liposomal bupivacaine. The BLE droplets had a zeta potential, droplet size, and polydispersity index of -40.8 ± 0.66 mV, 299 ± 1.77 nm, and 0.409 ± 0.037, respectively. The HA-BLE formulation could be injected through 25 g needles and had an elastic modulus of 372 ± 23.7 Pa. Approximately 80% and 100% of bupivacaine was released from the BLE and HA-BLE formulations by 20 and 68 h, respectively. The HA-BLE formulation had a 5-times greater anesthetic area under the curve and an anesthetic duration that was twice as long as controls. Results indicate that incorporating the BLEs into the hydrogel significantly increased anesthetic effect by protecting the BLE droplets from the in vivo environment.

The role of regional analgesia in personalized postoperative pain management

Pain management plays a fundamental role in enhanced recovery after surgery pathways. The concept of multimodal analgesia in providing a balanced and effective approach to perioperative pain management is widely accepted and practiced, with regional anesthesia playing a pivotal role. Nerve block techniques can be utilized to achieve the goals of enhanced recovery, whether it be the resolution of ileus or time to mobilization. However, the recent expansion in the number and types of nerve block approaches can be daunting for general anesthesiologists. Which is the most appropriate regional technique to choose, and what skills and infrastructure are required for its implementation? A multidisciplinary team-based approach for defining the goals is essential, based on each patient's needs, and incorporating patient, surgical, and social factors. This review provides a framework for a personalized approach to postoperative pain management with an emphasis on regional anesthesia techniques.

Erector Spinae Plane Block Decreases Pain and Opioid Consumption in Breast Surgery: Systematic Review

Adequate control of acute postoperative pain is crucial in breast surgeries, as it is a significant factor in the development of persistent chronic pain. Inadequate postoperative pain control increases length of hospital stays and risk of severe complications. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel regional block that has the ability to sufficiently block unilateral multidermatomal sensation from T1 to L3. By reviewing the literature on ESPB, this paper aimed to elucidate its efficacy in breast surgery analgesia and its role in addressing the opioid crisis in North America.

Current Approach to Undifferentiated Headache Management in the Emergency Department

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss pharmacological interventions in the emergency department (ED) setting for the management of acute primary headache.

RECENT FINDINGS

Acute headache treatment in the ED has seen an expansion in terms of possible pharmacological interventions in recent years. After a thorough evaluation ruling out dangerous causes of headache, providers should take the patient's history, comorbidities, and prior therapy into consideration. Antidopaminergics have an established role in the management of acute, severe, headache with manageable side-effect profiles. However, recent studies suggest anesthetic and anti-epileptic drugs may play roles in headache treatment in the ED. Current literature also suggest steroids as a promising tool for emergency department clinicians combating the readmission of patients with recurrent headaches. Emergency medicine providers must be cognizant of these traditional and emerging therapies in order to optimize the care of headache patients.

Fortuitous Diagnosis of Preexisting Neuropathy During Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia Performance: A Case Report

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia requires the anesthesia provider to interpret new information. This article reports on the case of a 38-year-old man scheduled for a fifth metacarpal fracture repair. Ultrasound nerve examination revealed abnormal pathology of the axillary brachial plexus consisting of an increased volume of the terminal nerves of the brachial plexus. Ultrasound scanning initiated the subsequent diagnosis of multifocal motor neuropathy. Regional anesthesia was abandoned in favor of general anesthesia. Ultrasonography training needs to be expanded in the coming years to include awareness of the abnormal pathology, as it might impact the choice of anesthetic procedure and patient outcome.