Effect of Perioperative Intravenous Lidocaine Administration on Pain, Opioid Consumption, and Quality of Life after Complex Spine Surgery

Opioid-Obviating Analgesia for Adolescent Multilevel Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Problem-Based Learning Discussion

A female teenager with a history of polysubstance use, including a recent overdose, is scheduled for multilevel posterior spinal fusion surgery due to idiopathic scoliosis and has asked to avoid the use of opioids in the context of her upcoming surgery. This problem-based learning discussion (PBLD) focuses on the examination of the care of a spinal fusion patient that allowed for the successful provision of opioid-obviating care.

Effects of intravenous single-bolus lidocaine infusion versus intravenous single-bolus magnesium sulfate infusion on postoperative pain, emotional status, and quality of life in patients undergoing spine fusion surgery: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

We assessed the efficiency of intravenous adjuvants in decreasing opioid intake and pain scores after spine fusion surgery.

METHODS

This study included 120 patients aged 18-60 listed for spine fusion surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to four groups: Group (Lidocaine): received IV lidocaine 4 mg/kg in 50 mL volume over 30 min. Group (Magnesium): received IV magnesium sulfate 30mg/kg in 50 mL volume over 30 min. Group (combined Lidocaine and Magnesium): received IV lidocaine 4 mg/kg in 50 mL volume over 30 min.+IV magnesium sulfate 30mg/kg in 50 mL volume over 30 min. Group (Control): received IV saline 50 mL. The time to the first request analgesia, the postoperative pain score, total analgesic use, patient satisfaction, anxiety, depression, mental state, quality of life, and side effects were measured.

RESULTS

The combined group had more extended time for the first analgesic request and fewer rescue analgesia doses than the other groups. NRS scores at rest or movement were statistically significantly lower in the lidocaine group and the combined group compared to the control group (P1, P3<0.05) at almost all times. This combination reduces anxiety and depression and improves overall health up to three months after a single infusion. The combined group had higher patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

A synergistic effect of a combination of lidocaine and magnesium sulfate on perioperative pain was found. It reduces analgesic consumption, depression, and anxiety and improves overall health up to three months after a single infusion dose.

Analgesic Effects of Preoperative Combination of Oral Pregabalin and Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Posterolateral Spinal Fusion Surgery: A 4-arm, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Multimodal perioperative pain management including nonopioid analgesia is a major pillar of enhanced recovery after surgery programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic efficacy of the preoperative combination of 2 nonopioid drugs, oral pregabalin and intravenous magnesium sulfate, in patients undergoing posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion.

METHODS

This 4-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 104 patients randomly allocated to receive: magnesium sulfate and pregabalin (MP), magnesium sulfate and oral placebo (M), 0.9% saline and oral pregabalin (P), and 0.9% saline and oral placebo (C). The study drugs were administered 1 hour preoperatively. The primary outcome was the cumulative morphine consumption on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes included visual analog scale scores for leg pain at rest and with movement, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in the first 48 hours after surgery.

RESULTS

Cumulative morphine consumption on postoperative day 1 was lower in group MP (19.6±8.0 mg) compared with group M (32.6±9.5 mg; P <0.001), group P (28.9±9.4 mg; P =0.001), or group C (38.8±10.3 mg; P <0.001). Multiple linear regression demonstrated a significant association between group MP and cumulative morphine consumption (B=-5.4 [95% CI, -7.1, -3.7], P <0.001). Visual analog scale scores for leg pain at rest and with movement were lower in group MP compared with other groups ( P =0.006 and <0.001). The incidence of PONV was also lowest in group MP ( P =0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative administration of oral pregabalin and intravenous magnesium sulfate resulted in reduced morphine consumption and greater analgesic effect than the use of each drug individually or placebo in patients undergoing posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion.

Intravenous lidocaine on postoperative pain and opioid consumption during gynecological surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the role of intravenous lidocaine as a adjuvant anesthetics in patients undergoing gynecological surgery.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from PubMed/Medline, Embase and clinic trails.gov involving the use of intravenous lidocaine in gynecological surgery. We used a more comprehensive search strategy to adequately screen for randomized controlled trials involving intravenous lidocaine infusion in gynecological surgery. First outcomes were postoperative pain scores. And secondary outcomes included 24 h postoperative opioids consumption, time to first flatus, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 6 RCTs comprising 375 patients were included in the meta-analysis. There were statistically significant between postoperative pain scores. The consumption of opioids and anesthetics during surgery and 24 hours after surgery was statistically significant when compared with the control group. Postoperative pain scores were similar at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 hours between groups. No statistical differences were found in postoperative complications including nausea, vomiting and restoration of the intestinal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that the current literature supports the perioperative use of intravenous lidocaine as part of multimodal analgesia and beneficial to patients in early postoperative analgesia, reduced opioid consumption.

The Role of Cytokines in Acute and Chronic Postsurgical Pain in Pediatric Patients after Major Musculoskeletal Surgeries

Study Objective

To determine if baseline cytokines and their changes over postoperative days 0-2 (POD0-2) predict acute and chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after major surgery.

Design

Prospective, observational, longitudinal nested study.

Setting

University-affiliated quaternary children's hospital.

Patients

Subjects (≥8 years old) with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing spine fusion or pectus excavatum undergoing Nuss procedure.

Measurements

Demographics, surgical, psychosocial measures, pain scores, and opioid use over POD0-2 were collected. Cytokine concentrations were analyzed in serial blood samples collected before and after (up to two weeks) surgery, using Luminex bead arrays. After data preparation, relationships between pre- and post-surgical cytokine concentrations with acute (% time in moderate-severe pain over POD0-2) and chronic (pain score>3/10 beyond 3 months post-surgery) pain were analyzed. After adjusting for covariates, univariate/multivariate regression analyses were conducted to associate baseline cytokine concentrations with postoperative pain, and mixed effects models were used to associate longitudinal cytokine concentrations with pain outcomes.

Main Results

Analyses included 3,164 measures of 16 cytokines from 112 subjects (median age 15.3, IQR 13.5-17.0, 54.5% female, 59.8% pectus). Acute postsurgical pain was associated with higher baseline concentrations of GM-CSF (β=0.95, SE 0.31; p=.003), IL-1β (β=0.84, SE 0.36; p=.02), IL-2 (β=0.78, SE 0.34; p=.03), and IL-12 p70 (β=0.88, SE 0.40; p=.03) and longitudinal postoperative elevations in GM-CSF (β=1.38, SE 0.57; p=.03), IFNγ (β=1.36, SE 0.6; p=.03), IL-1β (β=1.25, SE 0.59; p=.03), IL-7 (β=1.65, SE 0.7, p=.02), and IL-12 p70 (β=1.17, SE 0.58; p=.04). In contrast, CPSP was associated with lower baseline concentration of IL-8 (β= -0.39, SE 0.17; p=.02), and the risk of developing CPSP was elevated in patients with lower longitudinal postoperative concentrations of IL-6 (β= -0.57, SE 0.26; p=.03), IL-8 (β= -0.68, SE 0.24; p=.006), and IL-13 (β= -0.48, SE 0.22; p=.03). Furthermore, higher odds for CPSP were found for females (vs. males) for IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNFα, and for pectus (vs. spine) surgery for IL-8 and IL-10.

Conclusion

We identified pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with increased acute postoperative pain and anti-inflammatory cytokines associated with lower CPSP risk, with potential to serve as predictive and prognostic biomarkers.

Postoperative use and early discontinuation of intravenous lidocaine in spine patients

PURPOSE

Our institution employs a multimodal approach to manage postoperative pain after spine surgery. It involves continuous intravenous (IV) lidocaine until the morning of postoperative day two. This study aimed to determine the rate and reasons for early discontinuation of IV lidocaine in our spine patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review and included pediatric patients who underwent ≥ 3-level spine surgery and received postoperative IV lidocaine from November 2019 to September 2022. For each case, we recorded the side effects of IV lidocaine, adverse events, time to discontinuation, and discontinuation rate. Subsequently, we used the same methodology to generate an adult cohort for comparison.

RESULTS

We included 52 pediatric (18M:34F) and 50 (21M:29F) adult patients. The pediatric cohort's mean age was 14 years (8-18), and BMI 23.9 kg/m2 (13.0-42.8). The adult cohort's mean age was 61 years (29-82), and BMI 28.8 kg/m2 (17.2-44.1). IV lidocaine was discontinued prematurely in 21/52 (40.4%) of the pediatric cases and 26/50 (52.0%) of the adult cases (RR = 0.78, p = 0.2428). The side effects noted in the pediatric cases vary, including numbness, visual disturbance, and obtundation, but no seizures. The most common adverse events were fever and motor dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The early discontinuation rate of IV lidocaine use after spine surgery for children in our institution does not differ significantly from that of adults. The nature of the side effects and the reasons for discontinuation between the groups were similar. Thus, the safety profile of IV lidocaine for pediatric spine patients is comparable to adults.

Development and Internal Validation of the Postoperative Analgesic Intake Needs Score: A Predictive Model for Post-Operative Narcotic Requirement after Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a clinical tool to pre-operatively risk-stratify patients undergoing spine surgery based on their likelihood to have high postoperative analgesic requirements.

METHODS

A total of 1199 consecutive patients undergoing elective spine surgery over a 2-year period at a single center were included. Patients not requiring inpatient admission, those who received epidural analgesia, those who had two surgeries at separate sites under one anesthesia event, and those with a length of stay greater than 10 days were excluded. The remaining 860 patients were divided into a derivation and validation cohort. Pre-operative factors were collected by review of the electronic medical record. Total postoperative inpatient opioid intake requirements were converted into morphine milligram equivalents to standardize postoperative analgesic requirements.

RESULTS

The postoperative analgesic intake needs (PAIN) score was developed after the following predictor variables were identified: age, race, history of depression/anxiety, smoking status, active pre-operative benzodiazepine use and pre-operative opioid use, and surgical type. Patients were risk-stratified based on their score with the high-risk group being more likely to have high opioid consumption postoperatively compared to the moderate and low-risk groups in both the derivation and validation cohorts.

CONCLUSION

The PAIN Score is a pre-operative clinical tool for patients undergoing spine surgery to risk stratify them based on their likelihood for high analgesic requirements. The information can be used to individualize a multi-modal analgesic regimen rather than utilizing a "one-size fits all" approach.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-Like Episodes Syndrome During Extensive Spinal Surgery With Both Motor Evoked Potentials and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials: A Case Report

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a complex and infrequently encountered mitochondrial cytopathy. Patients with MELAS often present with multi-systemic manifestations, making their anesthetic management particularly challenging. In this case report, we describe in detail our anesthetic approach for a 19-year-old male with confirmed MELAS linked to an m.3243A>G mutation. The patient had been diagnosed with MELAS at age 12 following a stroke-like episode and presented with progressive spinal deformities. He exhibited a 70° thoracic spine curvature and an 80° kyphosis, requiring a T1-L2 posterior spinal fusion. The surgical plan included neuromonitoring with both somatosensory and motor evoked potentials. Intravenous anesthetics such as propofol are typically preferred in this context due to their reduced interference with neuromonitoring compared to volatile anesthetics. Anticipating a surgical duration of six to seven hours, however, we hesitated to rely on propofol for this extended period due to its potential risks of lactic acidosis in the context of MELAS. Given that propofol infusion for extended periods (>48 hours) or at high doses (≥5 mg·kg-1·hour-1) is known to induce propofol-related infusion syndrome, and coupled with our concerns about the risk of lactic acidosis in this patient, we were compelled to design an anesthetic plan that avoided propofol altogether without excessive use of volatile anesthetics. This proactive approach ensured the maintenance of consistent neuromonitoring signals and the patient's safety, especially given his underlying mitochondrial dysfunction. Our primary rationale in presenting this case report is to highlight the challenges posed by MELAS in the setting of extended surgery, with a focus on anesthetic considerations during neuromonitoring. For prolonged surgeries that typically rely heavily on intravenous anesthetics, which interfere less with neuromonitoring than volatile anesthetics, the use of propofol should be approached with caution in MELAS contexts due to its associated risk of lactic acidosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that described the anesthetic management of a patient with MELAS undergoing a procedure of such duration, requiring both somatosensory and motor evoked potential neuromonitoring. We believe our experiences will serve as a reference for anesthesiologists and perioperative teams faced with similar challenging clinical situations.

Multimodal Analgesia for Paediatric Patients Undergoing Lower Limb Reconstruction with External Fixators: A Prospective Case Series of Post-operative Pain and Functional Goals

Aim

Limb reconstruction with external fixators requires appropriate pain management to promote effective analgesia and healing while minimising adverse events of the analgesic technique used. The objective of this prospective case series was to evaluate a multimodal analgesia regimen designed to reduce opioid requirements and hence reduce the opioid-related side effect profile.

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort of patients undergoing lower limb reconstruction surgery (LRS) were managed through an evidence-informed multimodal analgesia guideline (MMAG), including acetaminophen, pregabalin, dexmedetomidine, IV lidocaine, and opioids. Outcome measures included intraoperative and post-operative opioid administration, post-operative pain scores, time to achieve mobilisation milestones, and post-operative complications. Surveys were conducted to obtain patient reported experiences.

Results

26 patients were included in this prospective case series. 110.59 (84.29, 162.13) (median, interquartile range) µg/kg/hr intraoperative IV morphine equivalent opioids were administered. In the first 48 hours post-operatively, patients received 11.49 (6.41, 19.35) µg/kg/hr of IV morphine equivalent dose. Median level of pain (0-10) in the first 48 post-operative hours was 2 (1, 2). Patients achieved mobilisation. And 19/20 patients surveyed reported 'yes' to having effective pain management; 17/20 patients had no unwanted side effects associated with analgesia medications. There were no cases of compartment syndrome.

Conclusion

This multimodal analgesia regime applied to patients undergoing lower LRS with external fixators demonstrates the feasibility of this analgesic regimen which revealed effective pain control, early mobilisation, with minimal side effects, but warrants further study.

Clinical significance

This study provides valuable evidence that this standardised multimodal anaesthesia and analgesia regimen is feasible, offers adequate post-operative comfort and encourages early mobilization while minimising opioid use and adverse events in a paediatric LRS population at our institution.

How to cite this article

Wang AWT, Chhina H, Cooper A. Multimodal Analgesia for Paediatric Patients Undergoing Lower Limb Reconstruction with External Fixators: A Prospective Case Series of Post-operative Pain and Functional Goals. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2023;18(3):140-147.

Perioperative opioid-minimization approach as a useful protocol in the management of patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-hypermobility type, craniocervical instability and severe chronic pain who are to undergo occipito-cervical fixation

Patients suffering from connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type/joint hypermobility syndrome (EDS-HT/JHS) may be affected by craniocervical instability (CCI). These patients experience myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue, depression, extreme occipital-cervical pain, and severe widespread pain that is difficult to relieve with opioids. This complex and painful condition can be explained by the development of chronic neuroinflammation, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and central sensitization. Given the challenges in treating such severe physical pain, we evaluated all the analgesic methods previously used in the perioperative setting, and updated information was presented. It covers important physiopathological aspects for the perioperative care of patients with EDS-HT/JHS and CCI undergoing occipital-cervical/thoracic fixation/fusion. Moreover, a change of paradigm from the current opioid-based management of anesthesia/analgesia in these patients to the perioperative opioid minimization strategies used by the authors was analyzed and proposed as follow-up considerations from our previous case series. These strategies are based on total-intravenous opioid-free anesthesia, multimodal analgesia, and a postoperative combination of anti-hyperalgesic coadjuvants (lidocaine, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine) with an opioid-sparing effect.

Intravenous lidocaine simultaneously infused with sufentanil to accelerate gastrointestinal function recovery in patients after thoracolumbar surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study

PURPOSE

Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction is one of the common complications of surgery, especially after surgery for a thoracolumbar spinal fracture. Intravenous lidocaine is a potential method to improve postoperative gastrointestinal function in surgical patients, reduce opioid use and shorten hospital stays. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of intravenous lidocaine on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients after thoracolumbar surgery.

METHODS

In this study, 48 eligible patients undergoing elective thoracolumbar spine fractures resection and internal fixation surgery were enrolled to receive intravenous injections of lidocaine in different concentrations during the perioperative period. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: control group (group A), low concentration of lidocaine group (group B) and high concentration of lidocaine group (group C), 16 patients in each group. First postoperative exhaust time, numbers of bowel sound at preoperative and postoperative 3, 6, 12, 24 h, pain scores at postoperative 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 h, total sufentanil use in PACU and perioperative periods, postoperative hospital stay and analgesic remedy within postoperative 48 h were recorded and compared. The primary endpoints include: the time of first flatus passage after the operation, the number of bowel sounds per minute counted with stethoscope at 30 min before anesthesia induction and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h postoperative. The secondary endpoints included: the pain scores at PACU (after entering into PACU), 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperative, the amount of sufentanil administrated by intravenous push during operation and the numbers of patients needed rescuing sufentanil in PACU, and the numbers of patients needed administration of gastric motility drugs or non-steroidal analgesics at ward within 48 h postoperation, length of hospital stay (from the first day after surgery to discharge from hospital) and the incidence of adverse reactions.

RESULTS

Compared with group A, the first postoperative exhaust time in group B and C occurred much earlier (23.3 ± 11.0 h vs. 16.0 ± 6.6 h, 16.6 ± 5.1 h, P < 0.05). Compared with preoperation, the numbers of bowel sound significantly increased at 24 h postoperatively in group B, while group B at 6 h and group C at 6 and 24 h postoperatively had significantly more active bowel sounds compared to group A (P < 0.05). There were no remarkable differences in VAS scores within 12 h postoperatively among three groups, and however, significantly lower VAS scores were found at 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively in group C when comparing to Group A (p < 0.05). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of postoperative flatulence and nausea and vomiting, the number of patients needed rescuing sufentanil in PACU, the length of postoperative hospital stay and the number of patients requiring non-steroidal analgesics at ward within 48 h postoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous lidocaine infusion together with patient-controlled analgesia of sufentanil expedited the early recovery of gastrointestinal function and improved analgesic quality of sefentanyl in patients undergoing thoracolumbar surgeries.

Designer self-assembling peptide nanofibers induce biomineralization of lidocaine for slow-release and prolonged analgesia

The burst release of small molecular water-soluble drugs is a major problem when pursuing their long-acting formulations. Although various types of carrier materials have been developed for tackling this problem, it is still a big challenge to prevent water-soluble small molecules from fast release and diffusion. In this study, a biomineralization strategy based upon a self-assembling peptide is proposed for the slow release of lidocaine, a classic anesthetic with high solubility and a very small molecular weight. A bolaamphiphilic peptide was designed to self-assemble and produce negatively charged nanofibers, which were used as the template to absorb positively charged lidocaine molecules through an electrostatic interaction. The biomineralization of lidocaine was then induced by adjusting the pH, which lead to the formation of lidocaine microcrystals with a homogenous size. The microcrystals were incorporated into a hyaluronic acid hydrogel to form an injectable formulation. This formulation slowly released lidocaine and generate a prolonged anesthetic and analgesic effect in rodent models. Due to the constrained local and plasma lidocaine concentration, as well as the biocompatibility and biodegradability of the peptide materials, this formulation also showed considerable safety. These results suggest that nanofiber assisted biomineralization can provide a potential strategy for the fabrication of long-acting formulations for small molecular water-soluble drugs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Long-acting formulations are highly pursued to achieve stronger therapeutic effect, or to avoid repeated administration of drugs, especially through painful injection. Using carrier materials to slow down the release of bioactive molecules is a common strategy to reach this goal. However, for many water-soluble small molecular drugs currently used in clinic, it is notoriously difficult to slow down their release and diffusion. This study proposes a novel strategy based on a controllable mineralization process using self-assembling peptide nanofibers as the template. Taking lidocaine as an example, we showed how peptide-drug microcrystals with well-controlled size and shape could be obtained, which exhibit significantly prolonged anesthetic and analgesic effect. As a proof-of-concept study, this work proposes a promising strategy to control the release of water-soluble small molecular drugs.

Can the Full-Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy in Day Surgery Mode Achieve Better Outcomes Following Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol? A Retrospective Comparative Study

Background

Full-percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (F-PELD) is a popular operation for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Some studies have reported that F-PELD in day surgery mode produced favorable outcomes for LDH. At the same time, minimally invasive spinal surgery following enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) presents a rising trend in recent years, but few studies reported whether F-PELD will produce better outcomes in the day surgery (DS) mode combined with ERAS.

Objective

To analyze whether F-PELD in day surgery mode following ERAS can produce better clinical outcomes than in traditional surgery mode.

Methods

The patients who underwent F-PELD between January 2019 and October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients who met the inclusive criteria were followed up. The patients were divided into day surgery (DS) group (n = 152) that combined with ERAS and traditional surgery (TS) group (n = 123) without ERAS. The length of hospital stays (LOS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) of two groups were compared before surgery, immediately after surgery, one month after surgery, and one year after surgery.

Results

A total of 298 patients who underwent F-PELD were reviewed. 290 patients were included in the study and followed up, and 275 patients who had completed the follow-up were available for analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, preoperative VAS, and ODI. There were significant statistical differences in the VAS and ODI immediately after surgery (VAS for back pain: DS group 1.4 ± 1.1, TS group 2.0 ± 1.2, p &lt; 0.001; VAS for leg pain: DS group 0.8 ± 0.8, TS group 1.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.010; ODI: DS group 5.8 ± 4.3, TS group 7.6 ± 7.4, p = 0.010) and one month after surgery (VAS for back pain: DS group 0.8 ± 0.9, TS group 1.1 ± 1.0, p = 0.035; ODI: DS group 3.2 ± 3.5, TS group 4.5 ± 6.5, p = 0.036). At one year after surgery, the VAS (back pain: DS group 0.3 ± 0.6, TS group 0.3 ± 0.7, p = 0.798; leg pain: DS group 0.2 ± 0.4, TS group 0.1 ± 0.4, p = 0.485) and ODI (DS group 0.8 ± 1.2, TS group 0.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.729) were further improved, but no statistically significant difference was observed between two groups. LOS of DS group (1.38 ± 0.49 days) was significantly shorter than the TS group (5.83 ± 2.24 days, p &lt; 0.001), and some postoperative complications occurred in the TS group, including throat discomfort (n = 5, 4.1%), discomfort after catheterization (n = 7, 5.7%), abdominal distention (n = 3, 2.4%), and nausea (n = 5, 4.1%). None of the above complications resulted in serious consequences.

Conclusion

The F-PELD in day surgery mode following ERAS produced a better short-term clinical effect and reduced the LOS, which is worthy of promotion.

Management of Postoperative Pain in Patients Following Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review

Perioperative pain management is a unique challenge in patients undergoing spine surgery due to the increased incidence of both pre-existing chronic pain conditions and chronic postsurgical pain. Peri-operative planning and counseling in spine surgery should involve an interdisciplinary approach that includes consideration of patient-level risk factors, as well as pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management techniques. Consideration of psychological factors and patient focused education as an adjunct to these measures is paramount in developing a personalized perioperative pain management plan. Understanding the currently available body of knowledge surrounding perioperative opioid management, management of opioid use disorder, regional/neuraxial anesthetic techniques, ketamine/lidocaine infusions, non-opioid oral analgesics, and behavioral interventions can be useful in developing a comprehensive, multi-modal treatment plan among patients undergoing spine surgery. Although many of these techniques have proved efficacious in the immediate postoperative period, long-term follow-up is needed to define the impact of such approaches on persistent pain and opioid use. Future techniques involving the use of precision medicine may help identify phenotypic and physiologic characteristics that can identify patients that are most at risk of developing persistent postoperative pain after spine surgery.

Enhanced Antitumor Activity of Lidocaine Nanoparticles Encapsulated by a Self-Assembling Peptide

Although local anesthetics (LAs) such as lidocaine have been traditionally used for pain relief, their antitumor activity has attracted more and more attentions in recent years. However, since nearly all LAs used in clinic are in their hydrochloride forms with small molecular weight and high water-solubility, their fast absorption and clearance greatly limit their antitumor activity in vivo. To better exploit the antitumor activity of LAs, lidocaine nanoparticles (LNPs) are prepared by using a self-assembling peptide to encapsulate the hydrophobic base form of lidocaine. In cultured A375 human melanoma cells, the LNPs show much higher cellular uptake level than the clinic formulation of lidocaine hydrochloride, which leads to enhanced efficacy in inhibiting the proliferation, migration and invasion of the cells, as well as in inducing cell apoptosis. Compared with lidocaine hydrochloride, LNPs can also significantly slow down the release rate of lidocaine. In nude mice, LNPs can effectively inhibit the development of solid tumors from seeded A375 cells and prevent the recurrence of tumors after surgical excision. These results indicate that by using self-assembling peptide to fabricate nanoparticle formulations of local anesthetics, their antitumor activity can be significantly enhanced, suggesting a potential postoperative treatment to prevent tumor recurrence after surgical excision.

Perioperative Pain Management for Elective Spine Surgery: Opioid Use and Multimodal Strategies

In recent years, physicians and institutions have come to recognize the increasing opioid epidemic in the United States, thus prompting a dramatic shift in opioid prescribing patterns. The lack of well-studied alternative treatment regimens has led to a substantial burden of opioid addiction in the United States. These forces have led to a huge economic burden on the country. The spine surgery population is particularly high risk for uncontrolled perioperative pain, because most patients experience chronic pain preoperatively and many patients continue to experience pain postoperatively. Overall, there is a large incentive to better understand comprehensive multimodal pain management regimens, particularly in the spine surgery patient population. The goal of this review is to explore trends in pain symptoms in spine surgery patients, overview the best practices in pain medications and management, and provide a concise multimodal and behavioral treatment algorithm for pain management, which has since been adopted by a high-volume tertiary academic medical center.

Pain and Opioid Consumption and Mobilization after Surgery: Post Hoc Analysis of Two Randomized Trials

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization is incorporated into many enhanced recovery pathways. Inadequate analgesia or excessive opioids may restrict postoperative mobilization. The authors tested the hypotheses that in adults recovering from abdominal surgery, postoperative pain and opioid consumption are inversely related to postoperative mobilization, and that postoperative mobilization is associated with fewer potentially related complications.

METHODS

The authors conducted a subanalysis of two trials that enrolled adults recovering from abdominal surgery. Posture and movement were continuously monitored for 48 postoperative hours using noninvasive untethered monitors. Mobilization was defined as the fraction of monitored time spent sitting or standing.

RESULTS

A total of 673 patients spent a median [interquartile range] of 7% [3 to 13%] of monitored time sitting or standing. Mobilization time was 1.9 [1.0 to 3.6] h/day for patients with average pain scores 3 or lower, but only 1.2 [0.5 to 2.6] h/day in those with average scores 6 or greater. Each unit increase in average pain score was associated with a decrease in mobilization time of 0.12 (97.5% CI, 0.02 to 0.24; P = 0.009) h/day. In contrast, there was no association between postoperative opioid consumption and mobilization time. The incidence of the composite of postoperative complications was 6.0% (10 of 168) in the lower mobilization quartile, 4.2% (7 of 168) in the second quartile, and 0% among 337 patients in the highest two quartiles (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients recovering from abdominal surgery spent only 7% of their time mobilized, which is considerably less than recommended. Lower pain scores are associated with increased mobility, independently of opioid consumption. Complications were more common in patients who mobilized poorly.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Multimodal analgesia in neurosurgery: a narrative review

Pain following brain surgery can compromise the result of surgery. Several pharmacological interventions have been used to prevent postoperative pain in adults undergoing brain surgery. Pain following craniotomy is considered to be moderate to severe during the first two post-operative days. Opioids have been historically the mainstay and are the current prominent strategy for pain treatment. They produce analgesia but may alter respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neuroendocrine functions. All these side effects may affect the normal postoperative course of craniotomy by affecting neurological function and increasing intracranial pressure. Therefore, their use in neurosurgery is limited, and opioids are used in case of strict necessity or as rescue medication. In addition to opioids, drugs with differing mechanisms of actions target pain pathways, resulting in additive and/or synergistic effects. Some of these agents include acetaminophen/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alpha-2 agonists, NMDA receptor antagonists, gabapentinoids, and local anesthesia techniques. Multimodal analgesia should be a balance between adequate analgesia and less drug-induced sedation, respiratory depression, hypercapnia, nausea, and vomiting, which may increase intracranial pressure. Non-opioid analgesics can be an useful pharmacological alternative in multimodal regimes to manage post-craniotomy pain. This narrative review aims to outline the current clinical evidence of multimodal analgesia for post craniotomy pain control.

Impact of Opioid-Free Anesthesia after video-assisted thoracic surgery: a propensity score study

BACKGROUND

Adequate postoperative morphine consumption and pain management after thoracic surgery are major issues in the prevention of respiratory complications. Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) may decrease morphine consumption and postoperative pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of OFA on the consumption of morphine and pain after video or robot-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS or RATS).

METHODS

The main objective of this retrospective study with propensity score analysis (PSA) was to compare the cumulative postoperative morphine consumption at 48 hours between a group receiving dexmedetomidine, lidocaine, ketamine (OFA group), and a group receiving remifentanil plus morphine (opioid anesthesia-group (OA)). Postoperative pain at 24 and 48 hours and respiratory and hemodynamics complications were also assessed.

RESULTS

81 patients were included: 48 in the OFA group and 33 in the OA group. The cumulative postoperative morphine consumption at 48 hours was lower in the OFA group than in the OA group (28.50 [0-62.25] mg vs. 55 [34-79.50] mg, P=0.002, with PSA; OFA: -27.67 [-46;-11.50 ] mg, P=0.002). The postoperative pain score was significantly lower in the OFA group compared to the OA group at 24 hours (2 [0-4] vs. 3 [2-5], P=0.064, with PSA; OFA: -1.40 [-2.47;-0.33], P=0.0088) and 48 hours (0 [0-3] vs. 2.5 [0-5], P=0.034, with PSA; OFA:-1.87 [-3.45;-0.28], P=0.021). There were no differences between groups concerning respiratory or hemodynamic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that OFA after VATS or RATS is safe and is associated with less postoperative morphine cumulative consumption and pain at 48 hours.

Perioperative Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion on Postoperative Recovery in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Under General Anesthesia - A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is known to cause severe postoperative pain which may interfere with recovery. Intravenous (IV) lidocaine has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperalgesic effects, and is being used in various types of surgeries. However, the effect of IV lidocaine in ARCR is not well known.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety patients undergoing ARCR were randomly allocated to receive IV lidocaine (1.5▒mg/kg bolus of 1% lidocaine after anesthesia induction followed by a continuous infusion of 2▒mg/kg/h up to 1▒h after surgery) or an equal volume of saline. In both groups, an IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device was used which contained fentanyl 10▒µg/mL, infused at 1▒mL/h with a 1▒mL bolus dose. The primary outcome was fentanyl requirements given via IV PCA during the first 24 hours after surgery. Perioperative pain scores and functional recovery were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The amount of fentanyl administered via IV PCA up to 24 hours after surgery was significantly lower in the Lidocaine group compared to the Control group (329 [256.2-428.3] vs. 394.5 [287.0-473.0], P=0.037) The number of PCA bolus attempts were lower in the Lidocaine group without statistical significance. There were no differences in postoperative pain scores or functional shoulder scores between the two groups.

DISCUSSION

IV lidocaine appears to be helpful in reducing opioid requirements during the acute postoperative period in patients undergoing ARCR. IV lidocaine may be a viable option as a component of multimodal analgesia in ARCR when regional analgesia is not possible.

Perioperative Care of Patients Undergoing Major Complex Spinal Instrumentation Surgery: Clinical Practice Guidelines From the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care

Evidence-based standardization of the perioperative management of patients undergoing complex spine surgery can improve outcomes such as enhanced patient satisfaction, reduced intensive care and hospital length of stay, and reduced costs. The Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC) tasked an expert group to review existing evidence and generate recommendations for the perioperative management of patients undergoing complex spine surgery, defined as surgery on 2 or more thoracic and/or lumbar spine levels. Institutional clinical management protocols can be constructed based on the elements included in these clinical practice guidelines, and the evidence presented.

Intravenous lidocaine in spine surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Evaluating the Safety of Continuous Infusion Lidocaine for Postoperative Pain

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to evaluate the safety of intravenous lidocaine for postoperative pain and the impact on opioid requirements and pain scores.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective, single-arm analysis of adult patients who received intravenous lidocaine for postoperative pain from January 2016 to December 2019. Patients were excluded if they received lidocaine for any indication other than pain or if lidocaine was only given intraoperatively. The primary outcome of this analysis was to determine the incidence of adverse effects (AEs) and the reason for discontinuation of lidocaine. Secondary outcomes included median daily pain scores (visual analog scale and Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool) and opioid consumption (daily morphine milligram equivalents) 24 hours before infusion and during day 1.

RESULTS

A total of 452 patients were evaluated of which 298 (65.9%) patients met inclusion criteria. Of the 154 patients excluded, 153 did not receive lidocaine postoperatively. The median duration of infusion was 34 [20:48] hours with a median initial and maintenance rate of 1 mg/kg/h dosed on ideal body weight. In our analysis, 174 (58.4%) patients had a documented AE during infusion and 38 (12.8%) had lidocaine discontinued because of an AE. The most common AE was nausea in 62 (20.8%) patients and the most common reason for discontinuation was confusion in 8 (2.7%) patients. Daily morphine milligram equivalents (P<0.001) and visual analog scale (P<0.001) significantly decreased when comparing 24 hours before infusion and day 1.

CONCLUSION

Although a majority of patients receiving lidocaine for postoperative pain experienced an AE, this did not result in discontinuation in most patients.

Pain management after complex spine surgery: A systematic review and procedure-specific postoperative pain management recommendations

BACKGROUND

Complex spinal procedures are associated with intense pain in the postoperative period. Adequate peri-operative pain management has been shown to correlate with improved outcomes including early ambulation and early discharge.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after complex spine surgery.

DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES

A systematic review using the PROcedure SPECific postoperative pain managemenT methodology was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published in the English language from January 2008 to April 2020 assessing postoperative pain after complex spine surgery using analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases.

RESULTS

Out of 111 eligible studies identified, 31 randomised controlled trials and four systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Pre-operative and intra-operative interventions that improved postoperative pain were paracetamol, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 specific-inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intravenous ketamine infusion and regional analgesia techniques including epidural analgesia using local anaesthetics with or without opioids. Limited evidence was found for local wound infiltration, intrathecal and epidural opioids, erector spinae plane block, thoracolumbar interfascial plane block, intravenous lidocaine, dexmedetomidine and gabapentin.

CONCLUSIONS

The analgesic regimen for complex spine surgery should include pre-operative or intra-operative paracetamol and COX-2 specific inhibitors or NSAIDs, continued postoperatively with opioids used as rescue analgesics. Other recommendations are intra-operative ketamine and epidural analgesia using local anaesthetics with or without opioids. Although there is procedure-specific evidence in favour of intra-operative methadone, it is not recommended as it was compared with shorter-acting opioids and due to its limited safety profile. Furthermore, the methadone studies did not use non-opioid analgesics, which should be the primary analgesics to ultimately reduce overall opioid requirements, including methadone. Further qualitative randomised controlled trials are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of these recommended analgesics on postoperative pain relief.

Consensus statement for perioperative care in lumbar spinal fusion: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) evidence-based protocols for perioperative care have led to improvements in outcomes in numerous surgical areas, through multimodal optimization of patient pathway, reduction of complications, improved patient experience and reduction in the length of stay. ERAS represent a relatively new paradigm in spine surgery.

PURPOSE

This multidisciplinary consensus review summarizes the literature and proposes recommendations for the perioperative care of patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery with an ERAS program.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a review article.

METHODS

Under the impetus of the ERAS® society, a multidisciplinary guideline development group was constituted by bringing together international experts involved in the practice of ERAS and spine surgery. This group identified 22 ERAS items for lumbar fusion. A systematic search in the English language was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies were included, and the evidence was graded according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Consensus recommendation was reached by the group after a critical appraisal of the literature.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-six articles were included to develop the consensus statements for 22 ERAS items; one ERAS item (prehabilitation) was excluded from the final summary due to very poor quality and conflicting evidence in lumbar spinal fusion. From these remaining 21 ERAS items, 28 recommendations were included. All recommendations on ERAS protocol items are based on the best available evidence. These included nine preoperative, eleven intraoperative, and six postoperative recommendations. They span topics from preoperative patient education and nutritional evaluation, intraoperative anesthetic and surgical techniques, and postoperative multimodal analgesic strategies. The level of evidence for the use of each recommendation is presented.

CONCLUSION

Based on the best evidence available for each ERAS item within the multidisciplinary perioperative care pathways, the ERAS® Society presents this comprehensive consensus review for perioperative care in lumbar fusion.

Opioid-free anesthesia for patients with joint hypermobility syndrome undergoing craneo-cervical fixation: a case-series study focused on anti-hyperalgesic approach

Background

Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility Type (EDS-HT/JHS) and Craneo-Cervical Instability frequently suffer from severe widespread pain which is difficult to control. Chronic neuroinflammation, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and central sensitization may explain this painful condition. The aim of this study was to determine if opioid-free anesthesia plus the postoperative administration of lidocaine, ketamine and dexmedetomidine can reduce postoperative pain and the need of methadone rescues in comparison with opioid-based management in these patients undergoing Craneo-Cervical Fixation (CCF). The secondary aim was to assess the needs of opioids at hospital-discharge, incidence of gastrointestinal complications and the requirement of anxiolytic.

Methods

A retrospective, consecutive case series study was designed. 42 patients with EDS-HT/JHS undergoing CCF were enrolled in two groups: an OFA-plus Group that received opioid-free anesthesia with propofol, lidocaine, ketamine and dexmedetomidine, and OP Group, opioid-based anesthesia-analgesia. The main variables: Preoperative Visual Analogue Score (VAS), postoperative VAS on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th days, sufentanil or morphine requirements, need for methadone rescue, and VAS at hospital-discharge. Data was presented by mean ± SD, percentage, median or interquartile range. Chi-squared or Fisher’s test. 95% C.I and P values < 0.05.

Results

Nineteen patients in OFA-plus, and 23 patients in OP group. VAS was lower in OFA-plus on the postoperative days evaluated (p < 0.001).VAS at hospital-discharge was lower in OFA-plus: 4.96 (4.54–5.37) vs. OP 6.39 (6.07–6.71) (p < 0.001). Methadone requirement was lower in the OFA-plus (p < 0.001). 78% of patients in OFA-plus didn’t need methadone rescue. 95% in OP group needed methadone rescues at high doses(> 15 mg/day). No differences regarding equivalent doses of sufentanil or morphine consumption on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th postoperative days were found. OFA-plus decreased ileus, nausea and vomiting (p < 0.001). 60.9% in OFA-plus group decreased opioid requirements at hospital-discharge compared with preoperative values. A 77% reduction of anxiolytics requirements was shown.

Conclusion

OFA-plus management for patients undergoing CCF with EDS-HT/JHS shows significant reduction in postoperative pain and at hospital-discharge compared with opioid-based anesthesia. OFA-plus management decreases the total doses of methadone rescues, reduces anxiolytic requirements and gastrointestinal side-effects, except for constipation. OFA-plus management is a feasible option to improve postoperative pain control, reducing the opioids’ use and their postoperative side-effects in patients undergoing CCF with EDS-HT/JHS.

The effect of systemic lidocaine on post-operative opioid consumption in ambulatory surgical patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Ambulatory surgical procedures continue to grow in relevance to perioperative medicine. Clinical studies have examined the use of systemic lidocaine as a component of multimodal analgesia in various surgeries with mixed results. A quantitative review of the opioid-sparing effects of systemic lidocaine in ambulatory surgery has not been investigated. The primary objective of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness of systemic lidocaine on postoperative analgesic outcomes in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery.

Methods

We performed a quantitative systematic review of randomized controlled trials in electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar) from their inception through February 2019. Included trials investigated the effects of intraoperative systemic lidocaine on postoperative analgesic outcomes, time to hospital discharge, and adverse events. Methodological quality was evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and the level of evidence was assessed using GRADE criteria. Data was combined in a meta-analysis using random-effects models.

Results

Five trials evaluating 297 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled effect of systemic lidocaine on postoperative opioid consumption at post-anesthesia care unit revealed a significant effect, weighted mean difference (95% CI) of − 4.23 (− 7.3 to 1.2, P = 0.007), and, at 24 h, weighted mean difference (95% CI) of − 1.91 (− 3.80 to − 0.03, P = 0.04) mg intravenous morphine equivalents. Postoperative pain control during both time intervals, postoperative nausea and vomiting reported at post anesthesia care unit, and time to hospital discharge were not different between groups. The incidence rate of self-limiting adverse events of the included studies is 0.007 (2/297).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that intraoperative systemic lidocaine as treatment for postoperative pain has a moderate opioid-sparing effect in post anesthesia care unit with limited effect at 24 h after ambulatory surgery. Moreover, the opioid-sparing effect did not impact the analgesia or the presence of nausea and vomiting immediately or 24 h after surgery. Clinical trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to further confirm the short-term analgesic benefit of systemic lidocaine following ambulatory surgery.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (CRD42019142229)

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13741-021-00181-9.

Pathway for enhanced recovery after spinal surgery-a systematic review of evidence for use of individual components

Background

Enhanced recovery in spinal surgery (ERSS) has shown promising improvements in clinical and economical outcomes. We have proposed an ERSS pathway based on available evidence. We aimed to delineate the clinical efficacy of individual pathway components in ERSS through a systematic narrative review.

Methods

We included systematic reviews and meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled studies, and observational studies in adults and pediatric patients evaluating any one of the 22 pre-defined components. Our primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, morbidity outcomes (e.g., pulmonary, cardiac, renal, surgical complications), patient-reported outcomes and experiences (e.g., pain, quality of care experience), and health services outcomes (e.g., length of stay and costs). Following databases (1990 onwards) were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and CENTRAL). Two authors screened the citations, full-text articles, and extracted data. A narrative synthesis was provided. We constructed Evidence Profile (EP) tables for each component of the pathway, where appropriate information was available. Due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity, we did not conduct a meta-analyses. GRADE system was used to classify confidence in cumulative evidence for each component of the pathway.

Results

We identified 5423 relevant studies excluding duplicates as relating to the 22 pre-defined components of enhanced recovery in spinal surgery. We included 664 studies in the systematic review. We identified specific evidence within the context of spinal surgery for 14/22 proposed components. Evidence was summarized in EP tables where suitable. We performed thematic synthesis without EP for 6/22 elements. We identified appropriate societal guidelines for the remainder of the components.

Conclusions

We identified the following components with high quality of evidence as per GRADE system: pre-emptive analgesia, peri-operative blood conservation (antifibrinolytic use), surgical site preparation and antibiotic prophylaxis. There was moderate level of evidence for implementation of prehabilitation, minimally invasive surgery, multimodal perioperative analgesia, intravenous lignocaine and ketamine use as well as early mobilization. This review allows for the first formalized evidence-based unified protocol in the field of ERSS.

Further studies validating the multimodal ERSS framework are essential to guide the future evolution of care in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-021-01281-1.

Effect of intravenous lidocaine on short-term pain after hysteroscopy: a randomized clinical trial

Background

The role of intravenous lidocaine infusion in endoscopic surgery has been previously evaluated for pain relief and recovery. Recently, it has been shown to reduce postoperative pain and opioid in patients undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection. Similar to endoscopic submucosal dissection, operative hysteroscopy is also an endoscopic surgical procedure within natural lumens. The present study was a randomized clinical trial in which we evaluated whether intravenous lidocaine infusion would reduce postoperative pain in patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery.

Objective

To evaluate whether intravenous lidocaine infusion could reduce postoperative pain in patients undergoing operative hysteroscopy.

Methods

Eighty-five patients scheduled to undergo elective hysteroscopy were randomized to receive either an intravenous bolus of lidocaine 1.5 mg.kg^-1 over 3 minutes, followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 2 mg.kg^-1. h^-1 during surgery, or 0.9% normal saline solution at the same rate. The primary outcome was to evaluate postoperative pain by Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included remifentanil and propofol consumption.

Results

In the lidocaine group, the VAS was significantly lower at 0.5 hour (p = 0.008) and 4 hours (p = 0.020). Patients in the lidocaine group required less remifentanil than patients in the control group (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference between the two groups in the propofol consumption. The incidence of throat pain was significantly lower in the lidocaine group (p = 0.019). No adverse events associated with lidocaine infusion were discovered.

Conclusion

Intravenous lidocaine infusion as an adjuvant reduces short-term postoperative pain in patients undergoing operative hysteroscopy.

Intravenous Infusion of Lidocaine Can Accelerate Postoperative Early Recovery in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined by intermittent and recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Intermittent and recurrent hypoxia/reoxygenation is the main pathophysiological mechanism of OSA. Its consequences include systemic inflammation, activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and release of oxygen free radicals. Infusion of intravenous (IV) lidocaine has anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic, and analgesic properties, supporting its use as an anesthetic adjuvant. Lidocaine can reduce nociception and/or cardiovascular responses to surgical stress, as well as postoperative pain and/or analgesic requirements. Because of the high prevalence of OSA in obese patients, the use of opioids to manage postoperative pain in that population is often accompanied by the development of adverse respiratory events, such as hypoventilation and hypoxemia. IV infusion of lidocaine has been shown to enhance the quality of early recovery after laparoscopic bariatric and upper airway surgery. However, limited evidence exists regarding its use in patients undergoing surgery for OSA. In addition, whether IV infusion of lidocaine can improve postoperative early recovery in patients undergoing surgery for OSA remains unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that IV infusion of lidocaine can improve postoperative early recovery in patients undergoing surgery for OSA. Perioperative infusion also may be a promising analgesic adjunct to enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols.

Perioperative and Anesthetic Considerations for Patients with Degenerative Spine Disease

The demand for spine surgery has dramatically increased over the last 2 decades. As the population ages and surgical and anesthetic techniques advance, the perioperative care of spine surgery patients poses challenges to anesthesiologists. Perioperative outcomes in terms of a decrease in complication rates and total health care expenditures have directed perioperative care to focus on enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, which many institutions have adopted. The role of anesthesiologists in the care of patients undergoing spine surgery is expanding beyond intraoperative care; consequently, a multidisciplinary approach is the best direction for optimal patient care.

Outpatient Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion Using Multimodal Analgesic Management in the Ambulatory Surgery Setting

BACKGROUND

The transition of minimally invasive (MIS) spine surgery from the inpatient to outpatient setting has been aided by advances in multimodal analgesic (MMA) protocols. This clinical case series of patients demonstrates the feasibility of ambulatory MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) procedures while using an enhanced MMA protocol.

METHODS

Consecutive MIS TLIF or LLIF procedures with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation and direct decompression in the ambulatory setting were reviewed. The procedures were performed using an MMA protocol. The ambulatory surgery center (ASC) did not allow for observation of patients for periods of time greater than 23 hours. We recorded patient demographics, perioperative, and postoperative characteristics.

RESULTS

Fifty consecutive patients were identified from September 2016 to July 2019. Forty-one patients (82%) underwent MIS TLIF, and 9 patients underwent MIS LLIF (18.0%). All patients were discharged on the same day of surgery. The mean length of stay was 4.5 hours and 3.8 hours for the TLIF and LLIF cohorts, respectively. Our review of medical records revealed no postoperative complications following either the TLIF or the LLIF procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study of 50 consecutive patients is the largest clinical series of ASC patients undergoing lumbar fusion procedures in a stand-alone facility with no extended postoperative observation capability. While using MMA protocol within the ASC, no postoperative complications were observed for either MIS TLIF or LLIF procedures. All patients were discharged from the ambulatory surgical center on the day of surgery with well-controlled postoperative pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The MMA protocol is an essential aspect in transitioning minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery to the ASC. Our findings indicate that MIS lumbar fusion spine surgery with an enhanced MMA protocol can lead to safe and timely ASC discharge while minimizing hospital admission.

The analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine versus intrawound or epidural bupivacaine for postoperative opioid reduction in spine surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pain management following spine surgery remains a challenge. The significant use of opioids may lead to opioid-related adverse events. These complications can increase perioperative morbidity and rapidly expend health care resources by developing chronic pain. Although intraoperative pain control for surgery has been studied in the literature, a thorough assessment of the effect in spine surgery is rarely reported. The objective of the present study was to examine the outcomes of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine and intrawound or epidural bupivacaine use in spine surgery.

METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted for studies on the use of lidocaine and bupivacaine in spine surgery for all years available. Only articles in English language were included. Postoperative opioid consumption, VAS score, nausea/vomiting, and length of hospital stay comprised the outcomes of interest. Pooled descriptive statistics with Risk Ratios (RR), Mean Differences (MD) and 95 % confidence interval were used to synthesize the outcomes for each medication.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies (n = 579) were included in the analysis. Comparison of the opioid consumption revealed a significant mean difference between lidocaine and bupivacaine (MD: -12.25, and MD: -0.4, respectively, p = 0.01), favoring lidocaine. With regard to postoperative VAS, the pooled effect of both groups decreased postoperative pain (MD: -0.61 (95 % CI: -1.14, -0.08)), with a more significant effect in the lidocaine group (MD: -0.84, (95 % CI: -1.21, -0.48)). There was no significant effect in length of stay, and postoperative nausea/vomiting.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present meta-analysis indicate that lidocaine and bupivacaine use may decrease postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Lidocaine had a stronger effect on the reduction of opioid consumption compared to bupivacaine.

Multi-modal pain control regimen for anterior lumbar fusion drastically reduces in-hospital opioid consumption

Background

The opioid epidemic is at epic proportions currently in the United States. Exposure to opioids for surgery and subsequent postoperative pain management is a known risk factor for opioid dependence. In addition, opioids can have a negative impact on multiple aspects including clinical outcomes, length of hospital stay, and overall cost of care. Thus, the greatest effort to reduce perioperative opioid use is necessary and a multimodal pain control (MMPC) has been gaining popularity. However, its efficacy in spine surgery is not well known. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a MMPC protocol in patients undergoing lumbar single-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

Methods

This is a retrospective comparative study. From a prospective, single-surgeon, surgical database, consecutive patients undergoing single-level ALIF with or without subsequent posterior fusion for degenerative lumbar conditions were identified before and after initiation of the MMPC protocol. The MMPC protocol consisted of a preoperative oral regimen of cyclobenzaprine (10 mg), gabapentin (600 mg), acetaminophen (1 g), and methadone (10 mg). Postoperatively they received a bilateral transverse abdominis plane block with 0.5% Ropivacaine prior to extubation. We compared in-hospital opioid consumption between the MMPC and non-MMPC cohorts as well as baseline demographic, the length of hospital stay, cost, and rate of postoperative ileus. Opioid consumption was calculated and normalized to the morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs).

Results

In total, 68 patients in the MMPC cohort and 39 in the non-MMPC cohort were identified. There was no difference in baseline demographics including sex, body mass index, smoking status, or preoperative opioid use between the two groups. Although there was no difference in the MMEs on the day of surgery (58.5 vs. 66.9, P=0.387), cumulative MMEs each day after surgery was significantly lower in the MMPC cohort, with final cumulative MMEs being reduced by 62% (120.2 vs. 314.8, P<0.001). There was no difference in postoperative ileus, length of stay, and hospital costs.

Conclusions

The use of a MMPC protocol in patients undergoing single-level ALIF for degenerative conditions reduced opioid consumption starting on the first day after surgery, resulting in a cumulative reduction of 62%.

Effect of perioperative intravenous lidocaine for patients undergoing spine surgery: A meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Perioperative intravenous lidocaine has been reported to have analgesic and opioid-sparing effects in many kinds of surgery. Several studies have evaluated its use in the settings of spine surgery. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of intravenous lidocaine in patients undergoing spine surgery.

METHODS

We performed a quantitative systematic review. Databases of PubMed, Medline, Embase database and Cochrane library were investigated for eligible literatures from their establishments to June, 2019. Articles of randomized controlled trials that compared intravenous lidocaine to a control group in patients undergoing spine surgery were included. The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included postoperative opioid consumption and the length of hospital stay.

RESULT

Four randomized controlled trials with 275 patients were included in the study. postoperative pain compared with control was reduced at 6 hours after surgery (WMD -0.50, 95%CI, -0.76 to -0.25, P < .001), at 24 hours after surgery (WMD -0.50, 95%CI, -0.70 to -0.29, P < .001) and at 48 hours after surgery (WMD -0.57, 95%CI, -0.96 to -0.17, P = .005). The effect of intravenous lidocaine on postoperative opioid consumption compared with control revealed a significant effect (WMD -15.36, 95%CI, -21.40 to -9.33 mg intravenous morphine equivalents, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

This quantitative analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated that the perioperative intravenous lidocaine was effective for reducing postoperative opioid consumption and pain in patients undergoing spine surgery. The intravenous lidocaine should be considered as an effective adjunct to improve analgesic outcomes in patients undergoing spine surgery. However, the quantity of the studies was very low, more research is needed.

Intravenous, Perioperatively Administered Lidocaine Regulates Serum Pain Modulators’ Concentrations in Children Undergoing Spinal Surgery

Objectives

We analyzed the influence of perioperative, intravenous (i.v.) lidocaine infusion as a part of multimodal anesthesia on concentrations of selected pain modulators.

Design

An observational study.

Setting

University Children’s Hospital in Cracow, Poland, from May 2015 to May 2018.

Subjects

Forty-four children undergoing extensive spinal surgery, divided into two groups after surgery: the study group (N = 23), anesthetized generally with lidocaine as a co-analgesic, and the control group (N = 22), anesthetized generally without lidocaine.

Methods

We assessed proinflammatory mediators like neuron growth factor (NGF), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and FOS protein before, immediately after, six hours and 12–15 hours after surgery. We evaluated pain intensity at corresponding time points using a 10-point numerical/graphical scale.

Results

We observed that children in the lidocaine group had reduced pain intensity in the resting state and during movement until six hours after surgery when compared with controls. We found lower NGF concentrations in the lidocaine group vs controls only at six hours after surgery. Mean HMGB1 concentrations during the postoperative period in the study group were relatively stable, whereas we observed significant increases at six hours after surgery and a slight decrease at 12–15 hours after surgery in the control group. IL-6 concentrations at six hours were lower in lidocaine patients when compared with controls. We noted a negative correlation between HMGB1, NGF, Il-6, and lidocaine concentrations after surgery. We did not find any differences in FOS protein concentrations between the groups.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that intraoperative and postoperative i.v. lidocaine administration as a part of multimodal anesthesia may reduce inflammatory-dependent postoperative pain intensity.

Opioid Alternatives in Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review

Adequate analgesia is known to improve outcomes after spine surgery. Despite recent attention highlighting the negative effects of narcotics and their addiction potential, opioids have been the mainstay of management for providing analgesia following spine surgeries. However, side effects including hyperalgesia, tolerance, and subsequent dependence restrict the generous usage of opioids. Multimodal analgesia regimens acting through different mechanisms offer significant opioid sparing and minimize the side effects of individual drugs. Hence, they are being increasingly incorporated into enhanced recovery protocols. Multimodal analgesia includes drugs such as N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and membrane-stabilizing agents, neuraxial opioids, local anesthetic infiltration, and fascial compartment blocks. Analgesia started before the painful stimulus, termed preemptive analgesia, facilitates subsequent pain management. Both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and neuraxial analgesia have been conclusively shown to reduce opioid requirements after spine surgery, and there is a resurgence of interest in the use of low-dose ketamine or methadone. Neuraxial narcotics offer enhanced analgesia for a longer duration with lower dosage and side effect profiles compared with systemic opioid administration. Fascial compartment blocks are increasingly used as they provide effective analgesia with fewer adverse effects. In this narrative review, we will discuss multimodality analgesic regimens incorporating opioid-sparing adjuvants to manage pain after spine surgery.

Impact of Intravenous, Perioperative-Administrated Lidocaine on Postoperative Serum Levels of Endogenous Opioids in Children

BACKGROUND

Endogenous opioids are neuropeptides involved in pain-relieving processes. In the periphery, they are synthesised and stored in cells of the immune system.

OBJECTIVE

In the current study, we describe the influence of perioperative, intravenous (i.v.) lidocaine infusion in children on postoperative, serum endogenous opioid concentrations in children.

METHODS

Forty-four children undergoing major spinal surgery were enrolled in the cohort study. They were divided into two groups: group A (n = 21) generally anesthetised with fentanyl, propofol, rocuronium, a mixture of oxygen/air/sevoflurane and with analgetics and co-analgetics: morphine, acetaminophen, metamizole, gabapentin, dexamethason and group B (n = 23) where, in addition to the above-described general anesthesia, patients were given i.v. lidocaine as a co-analgesic. We also recruited 20 healthy age- and gender-matched children (group C). We measured endogenous opioid levels in serum using immunoenzymatic methods. We evaluated postoperative pain intensity using a numerical or visual pain scale and demand for morphine.

RESULTS

The levels of measured endogenous opioids were similar in the control and in the studied groups before surgery. We noted that group B patients had lower pain intensity when compared to group A subjects. In group B, the elevated serum concentrations of β-endorphin, enkephalin and dynorphin in the postoperative period were reported. We also observed that the levels of endogenous opioids negatively correlated with morphine requirements and positively correlated with lidocaine concentration.

CONCLUSION

Multidrug pain management including lidocaine seems to be more efficient than models without lidocaine. The endogenous opioid system should be considered as a novel target for pain relief therapy in children.

Impact of a perioperative oral opioid substitution protocol during the nationwide intravenous opioid shortage: A single center, interrupted time series with segmented regression analysis

INTRODUCTION

To mitigate the recent nationwide shortage of intravenous opioids, we developed a standardized perioperative oral opioid guideline anchored with appropriate use of nonopioid analgesia, neuraxial and loco-regional techniques. We hypothesize that adoption of this new guideline was associated with: 1) equivalent patient reported pain scores in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU); and 2) equivalent total opioid use (oral and parenteral) during the perioperative period.

METHODS

Cases performed from July 1, 2017 to May 31, 2019 were screened. All opioids administered were converted to intravenous morphine milligram equivalents. Segmented regression analyses of interrupted time series were performed examining the change in opioid use, PACU pain scores and number of non-opioid analgesic medications used before and after the protocol implementation in April 2018.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 29, 621 cases were included in the analysis. No significant differences in demographic, ASA status, case length and surgical procedure type were present in the pre and post-intervention period. A significant decrease in total (Estimate: -39.9 mg, SE: 6.9 mg, p < 0.001) and parenteral (Estimate: -51.6 mg, SE: 7.1 mg, p < 0.001) opioid use with a significant increase in oral opioid use (Estimate: 9.4 mg, SE: 1.1 mg, p < 0.001) was noted after the intervention. Pain scores were not significantly different between the pre- and post-intervention period (Estimate: 0.05, SE: 0.13, p = 0.69).

CONCLUSION

We report our experience with a primary perioperative oral based opioid regimen that is associated with decreased total opioid consumption and equivalent patient reported pain scores.

Multimodal Analgesic Regimen for Spine Surgery

Background

Various multimodal analgesic approaches have been proposed for spine surgery. The authors evaluated the effect of using a combination of four nonopioid analgesics versus placebo on Quality of Recovery, postoperative opioid consumption, and pain scores.

Methods

Adults having multilevel spine surgery who were at high risk for postoperative pain were double-blind randomized to placebos or the combination of single preoperative oral doses of acetaminophen 1,000 mg and gabapentin 600 mg, an infusion of ketamine 5 µg/kg/min throughout surgery, and an infusion of lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg/h intraoperatively and during the initial hour of recovery. Postoperative analgesia included acetaminophen, gabapentin, and opioids. The primary outcome was the Quality of Recovery 15-questionnaire (0 to 150 points, with 15% considered to be a clinically important difference) assessed on the third postoperative day. Secondary outcomes were opioid use in morphine equivalents (with 20% considered to be a clinically important change) and verbal-response pain scores (0 to 10, with a 1-point change considered important) over the initial postoperative 48 h.

Results

The trial was stopped early for futility per a priori guidelines. The average duration ± SD of surgery was 5.4 ± 2.1 h. The mean ± SD Quality of Recovery score was 109 ± 25 in the pathway patients (n = 150) versus 109 ± 23 in the placebo group (n = 149); estimated difference in means was 0 (95% CI, –6 to 6, P = 0.920). Pain management within the initial 48 postoperative hours was not superior in analgesic pathway group: 48-h opioid consumption median (Q1, Q3) was 72 (48, 113) mg in the analgesic pathway group and 75 (50, 152) mg in the placebo group, with the difference in medians being –9 (97.5% CI, –23 to 5, P = 0.175) mg. Mean 48-h pain scores were 4.8 ± 1.8 in the analgesic pathway group versus 5.2 ± 1.9 in the placebo group, with the difference in means being –0.4 (97.5% CI; –0.8, 0.1, P = 0.094).

Conclusions

An analgesic pathway based on preoperative acetaminophen and gabapentin, combined with intraoperative infusions of lidocaine and ketamine, did not improve recovery in patients who had multilevel spine surgery.

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Characterizing the risk and outcome profiles of lumbar fusion procedures in patients with opioid use disorders: a step toward improving enhanced recovery protocols for a unique patient population

OBJECTIVEThe authors set out to conduct the first national-level study assessing the risks and outcomes for different lumbar fusion procedures in patients with opioid use disorders (OUDs) to help guide the future development of targeted enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for this unique population.METHODSData for patients with or without OUDs who underwent an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), or lateral transverse lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) were collected from the 2013-2014 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample database. Multivariable logistic regression was implemented to analyze how OUD status impacted in-hospital complications, length of hospital stay, discharge disposition, and total charges by procedure type.RESULTSA total of 139,995 patients with LDD were identified, with 1280 patients (0.91%) also having a concurrent OUD diagnosis. Overall complication rates were higher in OUD patients (48.44% vs 31.01%, p < 0.0001). OUD patients had higher odds of pulmonary (p = 0.0006), infectious (p < 0.0001), and hematological (p = 0.0009) complications. Multivariate regression modeling of outcomes by procedure type showed that after ALIF, OUD patients had higher odds of nonhome discharge (p = 0.0007), extended hospitalization (p = 0.0002), and greater total charges (p = 0.0054). This analysis also revealed that OUD patients faced higher odds of complication (p = 0.0149 and p = 0.0471), extended hospitalization (p = 0.0439 and p = 0.0001), and higher total charges (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001) after PLIF and LLIF procedures, respectively.CONCLUSIONSObtaining a better understanding of the risks and outcomes that OUD patients face perioperatively is a necessary step toward developing more effective ERAS protocols for this vulnerable population. This study, which sought to characterize the outcome profiles for lumbar fusion procedures in OUD patients on a national level, found that this population tended to experience increased odds of complications, extended hospitalization, nonhome discharge, and higher total costs. Results from this study warrant future prospective studies to better the understanding of these associations and to further the development of better ERAS programs that may improve patient care and reduce cost burden.

Lidocaine as an element of multimodal analgesic therapy in major spine surgical procedures in children: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

Background

Introducing the principles of multimodal analgesic therapy is necessary to provide appropriate comfort for the patient after surgery. The main objective of the study was evaluating the influence of perioperative intravenous (i.v.) lidocaine infusion on postoperative morphine requirements during the first 48 h postoperatively in children undergoing major spine surgery.

Materials and methods

Prospective, randomized, double-blind study: 41 children, qualified to multilevel spine surgery, were randomly divided into two treatment groups: lidocaine and placebo (control). The lidocaine group received lidocaine as a bolus of 1.5 mg/kg over 30 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion at 1 mg/kg/h to 6 hours after surgery. The protocol of perioperative management was identical for all patients. Measurements: morphine demand, intensity of postoperative pain (the Numerical Rating Scale), oral feeding initiation time, first attempts at assuming erect position, postoperative quality of life (the Acute Short-form /SF-12/ health survey).

Results

Patient data did not differ demographically. Compared to the control group, lidocaine treatment reduced the demand for morphine during the first 24h [95% CI 0.13 (0.11-0.28) mg/kg, p = 0.0122], 48h [95% CI 0.46 (0.22-0.52) mg/kg, p = 0.0299] after surgery and entire hospitalization [95% CI 0.58 (0.19-0.78) mg/kg, p = 0.04]; postoperative pain intensity; nutritional withdrawal period [introduction of liquid diet (p = 0.024) and solid diet (p = 0.012)], and accelerated the adoption of an upright position [sitting (p = 0.048); walking (p = 0.049)]. The SF-12 generic health survey did not differ between groups before operation, 2 months and 4 years after surgery.

Conclusions

Perioperative lidocaine administration, as a part of the applied analgesic therapy regimen, may decrease postoperative opioid demand and accelerates convalescence of children undergoing major surgery.

The efficacy of intravenous lidocaine and its side effects in comparison with intravenous morphine sulfate in patients admitted to the ED with right upper abdominal pain suspected of biliary colic

BACKGROUND

Intravenous (IV) Lidocaine can be used as analgesic in acute pain management in the emergency department (ED).

OBJECTIVE

Efficacy of IV Lidocaine in comparison with IV morphine in acute pain management in the ED.

METHOD

This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial on adult (18-64 year) patients with right upper abdominal pain suspected of biliary colic who needed pain management. Participants randomly received IV lidocaine (5 cc = 100 mg) or morphine sulfate (5 cc = 5 mg). In both groups, patients' pain scores were recorded and assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60 and 120 min after drug administration. Adverse side effects of lidocaine and morphine sulfate and changes in vital signs were also recorded and compared.

RESULTS

A total number of 104 patients were enrolled in the study, including 49 men and 55 women. IV lidocaine reduced pain in less time in comparison with morphine sulfate. Mean (±SD) basic pain score was 8.23 (±1.76) in the lidocaine group and 8.73 (±0.96) in the morphine group. Patients' mean (±SD) pain score in both groups had no significant difference during the study except that of NRS2 (10 min after drug administration), which was 5.05 (±2.69) in lidocaine group compared with 6.39 (±2.06) in the morphine group and NRS4 (30 min after drug administration), which was significantly lower (P-value = 0.01) in the morphine group [3.84(±1.73) vs 4.41(±2.82)]. Only 9 patients had adverse effects in either group.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that IV lidocaine can be a good choice in pain management in biliary colic and can reduce pain in less time than morphine sulfate (in 10 min) without adding significant side effects; however, our primary outcome was the comparison of these two drugs after 60 min of drug administration in pain reduction which showed no significant difference between two groups.

[Risk factors for nausea and vomiting after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To explore risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) that requires intervention with medications during adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery.

METHODS

We analyzed the data of 986 patients with AIS (including 156 male and 830 female patients) undergoing scoliosis surgery through a posterior approach between December, 2012 and January, 2016 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The data were collected from the patients including ASA grade, body mass index (BMI), Cobb angle, preoperative respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, operation time, type of anesthesia, quantity of intraoperative liquid infusion, blood loss, urine volume, the lowest MAP and CVP, intraoperative fentanyl consumption, and intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine, dexamethasone, ondansetran and droperidol. The incidence of PONV in 48 h following the surgery, hemoglobin variation after operation (ΔHb), postoperative analgesia, times of use and types of antiemetic drugs, and postoperative hospital stay were recorded for all the patients. The potential risk factors of PONV within 48 h were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 986 patients analyzed, 151 (15.3%) experienced PONV within 48 h following surgeries for AIS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that an high intraoperative fentanyl dose (> 0.65 mg; OR=9.303, 95% CI: 2.373-8.622, P < 0.001), an obvious ΔHb (> 28.5 g/L; OR=1.107, 95% CI: 1.060-1.157, P < 0.001), and postoperative analgesia with fentanyl (OR=11.671, 95% CI: 2.381-11.284, P < 0.001) were risk factors for PONV. Intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine (OR=0.027, 95% CI: 0.006-0.123, P=0.002) and dexamethasone combined with ondansetron (OR=0.241, 95%CI: 0.066-0.886, P=0.032) were protective factors against PONV.

CONCLUSIONS

A high-dose intraoperative fentanyl consumption, a marked ΔHb, and postoperative analgesia with fentanyl are risk factors for PONV while intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone combined with ondansetron are protective factors against PONV following surgeries for AIS.

Lidocaine Reduces Sevoflurane Consumption and Improves Recovery Profile in Children Undergoing Major Spine Surgery

Background

Intravenous lidocaine administered during surgery improves postoperative outcomes; however, few studies have evaluated the relationship between intravenous lidocaine and volatile anesthetics requirements. This study assessed the effects of lidocaine treatment on sevoflurane consumption and postoperative consciousness disorders in children undergoing major spine surgery.

Material/Methods

Patients were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups: lidocaine and placebo (control). The lidocaine group received lidocaine as a bolus of 1.5 mg/kg over 30 min, followed by a continuous infusion at 1 mg/kg/h to 6 h after surgery. The following data were assessed: end-tidal sevoflurane concentration required to maintain a bispectral index BIS between 40 and 60, intraoperative blood pressure, heart rate, demand for fentanyl, and consciousness level assessed after surgery using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale. Any treatment-related adverse events were recorded.

Results

Compared to the control group, lidocaine treatment reduced by 15% the end-tidal sevoflurane concentration required to maintain the intraoperative hemodynamic stability and appropriate level of anesthesia (P=0.0003). There were no intergroup differences in total dose of fentanyl used, average mean arterial pressure, or heart rate measured intraoperatively. The postoperative level of patient consciousness did not differ during the first 6 h between groups. After 9 h, more patients in the control group were still sleepy (P=0.032), and there were fewer perioperative complications in the lidocaine group.

Conclusions

Lidocaine treatment decreases sevoflurane consumption and improves recovery profiles in children undergoing major spine surgery.

Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion on Postoperative Early Recovery Quality in Upper Airway Surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Systemic infusions of lidocaine have been widely used as perioperative analgesic adjuvants. The aim of this randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial was to investigate the effect of perioperative lidocaine infusion on postoperative early recovery quality in upper airway surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

METHODS

A total of 99 patients were randomly assigned to the lidocaine group (group L) or the control group (group C). The patients received 2 mg/kg lidocaine completed within 10 minutes before the induction of anesthesia followed by continuous infusions of 2 mg/kg/hr lidocaine (group L) or the same volume of 0.9% normal saline (group C) intravenously during anesthesia. The Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) survey was administered on the preoperative day (Pre) and postoperative days 1 (POD1) and 2 (POD2). The primary endpoint was QoR-40 score on POD1 and POD2.

RESULTS

Compared with Pre, global QoR-40 scores on POD1 and POD2 were significantly lower (P < .05). Compared with group C, global QoR-40 scores were significantly higher in group L on POD1 and POD2 (P < .05). Among the five dimensions of QoR-40, the scores for physical comfort, emotional state, and pain were superior in group L compared to group C (P < .05). Compared with group C, the consumption of remifentanil and diclofenac as well as the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postoperative 48-hour numeric rating scale (NRS) scores in group L were significantly lower (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic lidocaine infusion can improve QoR-40 scores in patients with upper airway surgery, reduce the dosage of intraoperative opioids, decrease the incidence of PONV and NRS scores 2 days after surgery, thus improving postoperative early recovery quality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1b Laryngoscope, 131:E63-E69, 2021.

The identification of risk factors for increased postoperative pain following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

PURPOSE

To evaluate specific demographic and perioperative variables associated with higher inpatient pain scores following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF).

METHODS

Patients who underwent a single-level, primary MIS TLIF were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative outcomes were collected, and postoperative inpatient VAS pain scores were measured. Both bivariate and stepwise multivariate Poisson regressions with robust error variance were used to assess risk factors for average inpatient pain score ≥ 5.0. A final backward stepwise regression model was created using age, gender, smoking status, diabetes status, insurance status, BMI, comorbidity burden, pedicle screw laterality, operative time, and estimated blood loss.

RESULTS

A total of 255 patients undergoing primary, single-level MIS TLIF were included. Age less than 50 years, workers' compensation insurance, preoperative VAS pain score ≥ 7, and operative duration ≥ 110 min were associated with greater postoperative pain. However, other variables such as gender, BMI, smoking status, comorbidity burden, diabetes status, and pedicle screw laterality were not associated with increased postoperative pain.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that younger age, workers' compensation, elevated preoperative pain scores, and longer operative times are independently associated with greater inpatient pain following TLIF. Surgeons can use this information to better assess which patients may require additional pain control following TLIF. Patient expectations of postoperative outcomes in regard to pain and recovery may also be better managed. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material. (paragraph). Then process the ppt slide as graphical image.

Anesthetic management of complex spine surgery in adult patients: a review based on outcome evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to review the evidence regarding the anesthetic management of blood loss, pain control, and position-related complications of adult patients undergoing complex spine procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

The most recent evidence of the anesthetic management of complex spine surgery was identified with a systematic search and graded. In our review, prophylactic tranexamic acid and optimal prone positioning were shown to be effective blood conservation strategies with minimal risks to the patients. Cell saver was cost-effective in complex surgeries with expected blood loss of greater than 500 ml. As for pain control, most interventions only produced mild analgesic effects, suggesting a multimodal approach is necessary to achieve optimal pain control after spine surgery. Regional techniques and NSAIDs were effective but because of their risks, their usage should be discussed with the surgical team. Further studies are required to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and risks associated with combined uses of different analgesic interventions. On the basis of the available evidence, we recommend a combined use of gabapentinoids, ketamine, and opioids to achieve optimal analgesia. Lastly, literature for position-related injuries is heavily relied on case reports and the Anesthesia Closed Claim Study because of their rarity. Therefore, we advocate for a structured team-based approach with checklists to minimize position-related complications.

SUMMARY

As the number and complexity of spine procedures are being performed worldwide is increasing, we suggested to bundle the aforementioned effective interventions as part of an ERAS spine protocol to improve the patient outcome of spine surgery.