Effect of Dexmedetomidine Alone for Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia After Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery: A Consort-Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Impact of intravenous dexmedetomidine on postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery: an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a complication that may occur after abdominal or nonabdominal surgery. Intravenous dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been reported to accelerate postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery; however, updated evidence is required to confirm its robustness.

METHODS

To identify randomized controlled trials examining the effects of perioperative intravenous Dex on gastrointestinal function recovery in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched on August 2023. The primary outcome was time to first flatus. Secondary outcomes included time to oral intake and defecation as well as postoperative pain scores, postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV), risk of hemodynamic instability, and length of hospital stay (LOS). To confirm its robustness, subgroup analyses and trial sequential analysis were performed.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials with 2566 patients showed that Dex significantly reduced the time to flatus [mean difference (MD):-7.19 h, P <0.00001), time to oral intake (MD: -6.44 h, P =0.001), time to defecation (MD:-13.84 h, P =0.008), LOS (MD:-1.08 days, P <0.0001), and PONV risk (risk ratio: 0.61, P <0.00001) without differences in hemodynamic stability and pain severity compared with the control group. Trial sequential analysis supported sufficient evidence favoring Dex for accelerating bowel function. Subgroup analyses confirmed the positive impact of Dex on the time to flatus across different surgical categories and sexes. However, this benefit has not been observed in studies conducted in regions outside China.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative intravenous Dex may enhance postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery and reduce LOS, thereby validating its use in patients for whom postoperative ileus is a significant concern.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of dexmedetomidine for postoperative patient controlled intravenous analgesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine (DEX) for postoperative patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). Measurements: Two investigators independently searched Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library and CBM for randomized controlled trials of DEX for PCIA. Main results: Thirty-seven studies with a total of 5,409 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with analgesics alone, DEX for PCIA reduced pain score at 24 h [mean difference (MD) = -0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.85, -0.54; p < 0.00001, I ² = 90%] and 48 h postoperatively (MD = -0.43; 95% CI: -0.52, -0.34; p < 0.00001, I ² = 96%). Moreover, DEX reduced analgesics consumption during the first 24 h [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.25; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.16; p < 0.00001, I ² = 91%] and the number of resuscitation analgesics administered [odds ratio (OR) = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.66; p < 0.00001, I ² = 72%]. Furthermore, DEX improved patient satisfaction (OR = 3.55; 95% CI: 2.36, 5.35; p < 0.00001, I ² = 60%), and reduced incidence of side effects, such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.57; p < 0.00001, I ² = 59%) and pruritus after surgery (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.68; p = 0.0001, I ² = 0%). Besides, DEX attenuates inflammatory cytokine levels, such as IL-6 (MD = -5.73; 95% CI: -8.34, -3.12; p < 0.00001, I ² = 91%) and TNF-α (MD = -0.63; 95% CI: -0.76, -0.50; p < 0.00001, I ² = 89%). Finally, DEX increased the risk of bradycardia (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.45; p = 0.01, I ² = 15%), but the complication of hypotension did not differ between the two groups (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.84, 2.04; p = 0.25, I ² = 0%). Conclusion: DEX is used for postoperative PCIA analgesia, which can significantly improve the analgesic effect, effectively control postoperative inflammatory response, reduce the dosage and adverse reactions of analgesics, and improve postoperative patient satisfaction. Of course, the impact of the immunosuppressive effect of DEX on the prognosis of patients needs further study. Systematic review registration: CRD42022340933, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.

Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Combined with Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia on Postoperative Analgesia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) and PCIA alone on analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 160 patients undergoing LC were randomized into the TAPB group (n = 80) and PCIA group (n = 80). Bilateral ultrasound-guided TAPB was performed with 20 mL 0.5% ropivacaine and the PCIA pump was given after LC in the TAPB group. The PCIA group received the PCIA pump alone as a control group. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

VAS pain (including abdominal wall pain or visceral pain) scores at rest and coughing were significantly lower in the TAPB group at 1, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after LC (P < 0.05). Postoperative additional analgesic needs, analgesic pump compressions, and PCIA analgesic dosages, and total morphine equivalents were significantly reduced in the TAPB group, and postoperative hospital stay, total hospitalization expenses, expenses within 24 h or 48 h (from analgesia and adverse reactions), and patient satisfaction were significantly higher in the TAPB group than the PCIA group (all P < 0.05). No significant between-group differences were observed in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, unplugging the analgesic pump due to adverse reactions, first exhaust time, and postoperative adverse events between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided TAPB combined with PCIA was an effective and safe perioperative analgesic technique for patients undergoing LC compared to PCIA only.

Impact of intravenous dexmedetomidine on gastrointestinal function recovery after laparoscopic hysteromyomectomy: a randomized clinical trial

Postoperative intestinal ileus is common after laparoscopic surgery, the incidence of those after hysterectomy was 9.2%. Anesthesia is one of the independent risk factors of postoperative ileus. Dexmedetomidine has been widely used in perioperative anesthesia and previous reports suggested that intraoperative dexmedetomidine may be associated with the improvement of gastrointestinal function recovery after abdominal surgery. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine could improve gastrointestinal function recovery after laparoscopic hysteromyomectomy. Participants in elective laparoscopic hysteromyomectomy were enrolled with a single dose of 0.5 μg kg⁻¹ dexmedetomidine or the same volume of placebo intravenously administered for 15 min, followed by continuous pumping of 0.2 μg kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ of corresponding drugs until 30 min before the end of surgery. The primary outcome was the time to first flatus. Secondary outcomes were the time to first oral feeding and the first defecation, the occurrence of flatulence, pain score and postoperative nausea and vomiting until 48 h after the surgery. Eventually, 106 participants (54 in dexmedetomidine group and 52 in placebo group) were included for final analysis. The time to first flatus (SD, 25.83 [4.18] vs 27.67 [3.77], P = 0.019), oral feeding time (SD, 27.29 [4.40] vs 28.92 [3.82], P = 0.044), the time to first defecation (SD, 59.82 [10.49] vs 63.89 [7.71], P = 0.025), abdominal distension (n%, 12 (22.2) vs 21 (40.4), P = 0.044), PONV at 24 h (n%, 10 (18.5) vs 19 (36.5), P = 0.037), NRS 6 h (3.15(0.68) vs 3.46 (0.87), P = 0.043) and NRS 12 h (3.43 (0.88) vs 3.85 (0.85), P = 0.014) of dexmedetomidine group were significantly shorter than those of the placebo group. Intraoperative dexmedetomidine reduced the time to first flatus, first oral feeding, and first defecation. These results suggested that this treatment may be a feasible strategy for improving postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysteromyomectomy.

Perioperative parameters to consider for enhanced recovery in surgery (ERS) in gynecology (excluding breast surgery)

The current review explores the Enhanced Rehabilitation in Surgery (ERS) approach in the specific context of gynecological surgery. Implementation of an ERS protocol in gynecological surgery reduces postoperative complications and length of stay without increasing morbidity. An ERS approach is based on maintaining an adequate diet and hydration before the operation, according to the recommended time frame, to reduce the phenomenon of insulin resistance, and to optimize patient comfort. On the other hand, the use of anxiolytic treatment as premedication is not recommended. Systematic preoperative digestive preparation, a source of patient discomfort, is not associated with an improvement in the postoperative functional outcome or with a reduction in the rate of complications. A minimally invasive surgical approach is preferrable in the context of ERS. Prevention of surgical site infection includes measures such as optimized antibiotic prophylaxis, skin disinfection with alcoholic chlorhexidine, reduction in the use of drainage of the surgical site, and prevention of hypothermia. Early removal of the bladder catheter is associated with a reduction in the risk of urinary tract infection and a reduction in the length of hospital stay. Prevention of postoperative ileus is based on early refeeding, and prevention of postoperative nausea-vomiting in a multimodal strategy to be initiated during the intraoperative period. Intraoperative hydration should be aimed at achieving euvolemia. Pain control is based on a multimodal strategy to spare morphine use and may include locoregional analgesia. Medicines should be administered orally during the postoperative period to hasten the resumption of the patient's autonomy. The prevention of thromboembolic risk is based on a strategy combining drug prophylaxis, when indicated, and mechanical restraint, as well as early mobilization. However, the eclectic nature of the implementation of these measures as reported in the literature renders their interpretation difficult. Furthermore, beyond the application of one of these measures in isolation, the best benefit on the postoperative outcome is achieved by a combination of measures which then constitutes a global strategy allowing the objectives of the ERS to be met.

Effects of modified multimodal analgesia on postoperative pain, sedation, and prognosis of gynecological patients

Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia is one of the most common pain relief methods in  the postoperative period, but its adverse reactions remain high. This study aimed to explore the role of improved combined analgesia methods in pain, sedation, postoperative nausea, and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing gynecological surgeries. This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study. A study population of 72 patients undergoing gynecological surgery were randomly assigned to either the TAPB + S group or the TAPB + N group. All patients in both groups underwent a transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) after induction of anesthesia. The TAPB + S group received a continuous intravenous infusion (2 ml/h) of sufentanil (1 μg/kg) plus metoclopramide (30 mg) through 100 ml elastomeric pumps postoperatively. The TAPB + N group received a continuous intravenous infusion (2 ml/h) of nalbuphine hydrochloride (1 mg/kg) plus metoclopramide (30 mg) postoperatively. The main outcome measures were as follows: postoperative pain intensity, Ramsay sedation score (RSS) after surgery, PONV occurrence rate, and rescue analgesics. The RSS of the TAPB + S group was significantly higher than that of the TAPB + N group at 2, 4, and 6 h after the operation. However, the visual analog scale score of the TAPB + S group was much higher than that of the TAPB + N group. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of consumption of opioids and other narcotic drugs at 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h after the operation. No statistically significant differences were found with respect to PONV and other adverse events in both groups. Taken together, our data indicate that the TAPB + N program can provide better postoperative analgesia and also reduce the use of strong opioids. The more optimized scheme of perioperative analgesia still needs to be researched further.

The effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative bowel function recovery in adult patients receiving general anaesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Dexmedetomidine has opioid sparing actions but its effect on bowel recovery is controversial. Primary aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative bowel recovery. Secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on hospital discharge.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Randomised controlled trials in English language reporting any or all of the following parameters of bowel recovery; time to first bowel sounds, first flatus, first faeces, or time to oral diet were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Twelve hundred and thirty-five patients from 13 studies were analysed. There were insufficient studies evaluating bowel sounds. Perioperative dexmedetomidine usage significantly reduced the time to first flatus [MD -5.61 hours (95% CI -8.61 to -2.60); P = 0.0003; I2 = 95%], first faeces [MD -12.70 hours (95% CI -19.11 to -6.29); P = 0.0001; I2 = 76%] and the composite outcome of bowel recovery (flatus, faeces, oral diet) [MD -7.44 hours (95% CI -10.31 to -4.57); P < 0.00001; I2 = 96%]. No difference was seen in the time to oral diet [MD -6.29 hours (95% CI -13.48 to 0.91); P = 0.09; I2 = 88%] or hospital discharge [MD -0.47 days (95% CI -1.27 to 0.33); P = 0.25; I2 = 86%].

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative dexmedetomidine usage significantly shortens the time to first flatus, faeces and composite bowel recovery but does not result in a shorter time to oral diet or earlier hospital discharge in adult patients receiving general anaesthesia. Strength of evidence is however very low for the effect of dexmedetomidine on bowel recovery.

Effect of Nefopam-Based Patient-Controlled Analgesia with and without Fentanyl on Postoperative Pain Intensity in Patients Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Non-Inferiority Trial

Background and Objectives: We investigated the non-inferiority of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), using either nefopam alone or combined nefopam-fentanyl for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, 78 patients were allocated to receive nefopam 240 mg (Group N240) or nefopam 120 mg with fentanyl 600 μg (Group NF), equivalent to fentanyl 1200 μg, with a total PCA volume of 120 mL. Patients were given a loading dose (0.1 mL/kg) from the PCA device along with ramosetron (0.3 mg) and connected to a PCA device with a background infusion rate of 2 mL/h, bolus dose amount set at 2 mL, and lockout interval set at 15 min. Pain scores were obtained using the numeric rating scale (NRS) at 30 min after recovery room (RR) admission, as well as 8 and 24 h postoperatively. The primary outcome was analgesic efficacy evaluated using NRS-rated 8 h postoperatively. Other evaluated outcomes included the incidence rate of bolus demand, rescue analgesic and antiemetic requirements, and postoperative adverse effects. Results: NRS scores were not significantly different between the groups throughout the postoperative period (p = 0.539). NRS scores of group N240 were not inferior to those of group NF at 30 min after RR admission, or at 8 and 24 h postoperatively (mean difference [95% CI], -0.05 [-0.73 to 0.63], 0.10 [-0.29 to 0.50], and 0.28 [-0.06 to 0.62], respectively). Postoperative adverse effects were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 1.000) and other outcomes were also not significantly different between the two groups (p ≥ 0.225). Conclusions: PCA using nefopam alone has a non-inferior and effective analgesic efficacy and produces a lower incidence of postoperative adverse effects compared to a combination of fentanyl and nefopam after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Dexmedetomidine in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols for Postoperative Pain

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Effective acute pain management has evolved considerably in recent years and is a primary area of focus in attempts to defend against the opioid epidemic. Persistent postsurgical pain (PPP) has an incidence of up to 30-50% and has negative outcome of quality of life and negative burden on individuals, family, and society. The 2016 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) guidelines states that enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) forms an integral part of Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) and is now recommended to use a multimodal opioid-sparing approach for management of postoperative pain. As such, dexmedetomidine is now being used as part of ERAS protocols along with regional nerve blocks and other medications, to create a satisfactory postoperative outcome with reduced opioid consumption in the Post anesthesia care unit (PACU).

RECENT FINDINGS

Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha2 agonist, possesses analgesic effects and has a different mechanism of action when compared with opioids. When dexmedetomidine is initiated at the end of a procedure, it has a better hemodynamic stability and pain response than ropivacaine. Dexmedetomidine can be used as an adjuvant in epidurals with local anesthetic sparing effects. Its use during nerve blocks results in reduced postoperative pain. Also, local infiltration of IV dexmedetomidine is associated with earlier discharge from PACU. Perioperative use of dexmedetomidine has significantly improved postoperative outcomes when used as part of ERAS protocols. An in-depth review of the use of dexmedetomidine in ERAS protocols is presented for clinical anesthesiologists.

Adding dexmedetomidine to morphine-based analgesia reduces early postoperative nausea in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgery. We investigated if adding dexmedetomidine to a morphine-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) could decrease the incidence of PONV in this high-risk patient population.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, 122 patients underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgery were assigned into two groups. Patients in the dexmedetomidine group (Group Dex) received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 0.4 μg/kg before the end of surgery, followed by morphine 0.5 mg/ml plus dexmedetomidine 1 μg/ml for postoperative i.v. PCA. Patients in the control group (Group Ctrl) received normal saline before the end of surgery, followed by morphine 0.5 mg/ml alone for postoperative i.v. PCA. PCA pump was programmed as followed: bolus dose 2 ml, lockout interval 8 min and background infusion at a rate of 1 ml/h. The primary outcome was the incidence of nausea and vomiting within the first postoperative 24 h.

RESULTS

Although there were no significant differences in regard to the total incidence of PONV (41.0% vs 52.5%, P = 0.204), PONV score, time to first onset of PONV, or the need for rescue antiemetics within the first postoperative 24 h between the two groups, the incidence of nausea and total PONV during the first 2 h period was significantly lower in the Group Dex than in the Group Ctrl (9.8% vs 24.6%, P = 0.031 and 0.031, respectively). More patients in Group Dex were over sedated or had bradycardia during the PACU compared with Group Ctrl (P = 0.040 and 0.036, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our protocol in which dexmedetomidine was administered postoperatively - after a loading dose - to intravenous PCA morphine in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery, had only early antiemetic effects, while no clinically meaningful antiemetic effect could be evidenced within the first 24 h after surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current control trial registered at Chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR1800017172. Date registered: 07/16/2018.

Comparison of Sufentanil- and Fentanyl-based Intravenous Patient-controlled Analgesia on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized-controlled Trial

Background: The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains high. The effects of sufentanil for PONV is not firmly confirmed. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of sufentanil- and fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) on the incidence of PONV after laparoscopic nephrectomy. Methods: Eighty-six patients were randomly allocated to receive either the sufentanil (n =43) or fentanyl (n =43). IV-PCA was prepared using either sufentanil 3 µg/kg or fentanyl 20 µg/kg, ramosetron 0.3 mg, and ketorolac 120 mg. The primary outcome of was the incidence of PONV during 24 h after post anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge. The secondary outcomes were the modified Rhodes index and patient satisfaction scores at 24 h after PACU discharge, need for rescue antiemetics, pain score, need for additional analgesics, and cumulative consumption of IV-PCA Results: The incidence of PONV was comparable between the sufentanil and fentanyl groups (64.3% vs. 65%, p = 0.946; respectively). The number of patients who required antiemetics (p = 0.946) and the modified Rhodes index at 24 h after post-anesthesia care unit discharge (p = 0.668) were also comparable in both groups. No significant differences were found in the secondary outcomes, including the analgesic profiles and adverse events between the groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, sufentanil- and fentanyl-based IV-PCA showed similar incidence of PONV with comparable analgesic effects after laparoscopic nephrectomy. Based on these results, we suggest that sufentanil and fentanyl may provide comparable effects for IV-PCA after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Protective effect of dexmedetomidine on kidney injury of parturients with preeclampsia undergoing cesarean section: a randomized controlled study

The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of dexmedetomidine on kidney injury of parturients with preeclampsia (PE) undergoing cesarean section. Total 134 cesarean delivery women with PE were randomly divided into intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). Both groups underwent combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSEA), the IG was treated with 0.4 μg/(kg·min) dexmedetomidine for 10 min before surgery. The CG was treated with equivalent saline. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure, oxygen saturation (SpO₂) of the two groups were measured at different time point after administration. Level of inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Visual analogue score (VAS), Ramsay sedation score (RSS), and kidney injury related indexes were evaluated at different time points. The plasma-drug concentration of patients was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. Compared with CG, HR, PE, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed lower level while SpO₂ showed higher level in IG. Furthermore, expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 in IG was decreased after drug administration, the contents of β2-MG, KIM-1 and urine protein were also decreased in contrast to the CG (all P<0.05). Besides, VAS score was decreased but Ramsay score was increased in the IG (both P<0.05). The results of HPLC showed that the half life of dexmedetomidine was about 20 min and it is speculated that the drug can be quickly metabolized within 24 h. Dexmedetomidine exerted protective effects on kidney injury of parturients with PE undergoing cesarean section.

Dexmedetomidine versus Midazolam-Fentanyl in Procedural Analgesia Sedation for Reduction of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Shoulder joint dislocation is the most common dislocation of joints in the body. To reduce the anterior shoulder dislocation, it is necessary to have analgesia and sedation.

METHODS

In this randomized clinical trial, patients were divided into two equal groups. Group I received midazolam-fentanyl (0.05 mg/kg fentanyl at a dose of 1 µg/kg) for 10 minutes and group II received dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg in the initial dose and then 0.2 µg/kg/h) for 10 minutes. The levels of analgesia according to VAS criteria and the time to reach desired sedation were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients participated in this study. The time to reach the desired sedation was 8.60 ± 2.3 minutes in the dexmedetomidine group and 11.27 ± 3.57 minutes in the midazolamfentanyl group (p= 0.001). Also, the VAS score in both midazolam-fentanyl and dexmedetomidine groups was 3.3 ± 1.24 and 2.57 ± 0.9, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (p=0.015). There was significant relationship between the time to reach desired sedation and the level of analgesia. Moreover, there was no significant difference between patient age and the time to reach the desired level of analgesia. During this study, no side effect was observed.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study show that dexmedetomidine provides a higher level of analgesia than midazolam-fentanyl. Moreover, it was also shown that dexmedetomidine causes quicker procedural sedation than midazolam-fentanyl.

New Advances in Acute Postoperative Pain Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Postoperative pain remains one of the most common challenges following inpatient and outpatient surgeries. With our advances in modern medicine, pain following surgical procedures still remains a challenge, though significant accomplishments have been made over the past few decades. This article highlights some of the promising new advances and approaches in postoperative pain management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the last decade, Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways and protocols are becoming the benchmark standards for enhancing postoperative recovery. Multimodal analgesia (MMA) is an essential component of such care. Further, in the wake of serious and persistent concern on the opioid epidemic in the USA, there has been a recent renewal of interest in non-opioid alternatives or adjuncts in controlling postoperative pain, often in the context of MMA. Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), magnesium, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, liposomal bupivacaine, and newer neuraxial and peripheral regional techniques as well as patient-controlled modalities are gaining importance. Gabapentinoids have become popular but recent meta-analytic reviews have cast doubt on their routine use in perioperative settings. Among opioids, sublingual sufentanil, IV oxycodone, and iontophoretic transdermal fentanyl hold promise. Acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be useful as adjuncts in MMA packages. Genetic testing, derivatives of herbal preparations, and an extended role of acute pain services may emerge as potential areas of importance in the future. There are, however, critical gaps in good quality evidence in many of the practice guideline recommendations. In the era of opioid epidemic, several lines of evidence have emerged to support non-opioid-based drugs and approaches along with a few newer opioid formulations for postoperative pain management, although more research is needed to find the right balance of efficacy and safety.

Effect of dexmedetomidine infusion for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia on the quality of recovery after laparotomy surgery

Background

The Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) is a patient-centered questionnaire to evaluate the recovery after surgery and anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine has sedative, analgesic, antiinflammatory and inhibitory sympathetic effects, which may contribute to early recovery. We hypothesized dexmedetomidine added to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) could enhance the quality of recovery (QoR) in patients undergoing laparotomy surgery.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, controlled study, 100 patients undergoing laparotomy surgery were randomly allocated into two groups: Dexmedetomidine (group D) and control (group S). Patients in the group D (n = 46) received dexmedetomidine 0.04 ug/(kg·h) plus sufentanil 0.02 ug/(kg·h) for 48 h after laparotomy surgery, and in the group S (n = 47) received sufentanil 0.04 ug/(kg·h) only. The QoR-15 scores, postoperative pain, rescue analgesia, recovery of gastrointestinal function, patient satisfaction and adverse effects were recorded.

Results

The QoR-15 scores were significantly higher in the group D than in the group S on postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, 3 and 5 (P < 0.05). The visual analog scale (VAS) scores were significantly lower in the group D compared with group S within 48 h after surgery (P < 0.05). The pressing times of analgesic pump and rescue tramadol were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of nausea was significantly lower in the Group D. No hypotension, bradycardia, or respiratory depression was observed.

Conclusions

The addition of dexmedetomidine to PCA enhanced patient-centered recovery, reduced pain and adverse effect, and improved patient satisfaction after laparotomy surgery.

Effect of dexmedetomidine in the prophylactic endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for oesophageal varices: a study protocol for prospective interventional study

Background

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a novel, highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist that elicits sedative, amnestic, sympatholytic and analgesic effects in patients. Several Japanese investigators have reported the clinical usefulness of DEX for sedation in endoscopic therapies for gastrointestinal malignancies; however, there have been limited data regarding the usefulness and safety of DEX for sedation during endoscopic procedures for oesophageal varices (OVs), such as endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS). In this prospective, single-arm interventional study, we aimed to elucidate these issues.

Methods

Patients who require two or more sessions of prophylactic EIS for the treatment of OVs will be enrolled in this prospective interventional study. EIS procedures include two methods: (1) sedation during endoscopic procedures will be performed using conventional methods (pentazocine (PNZ) and midazolam (MDZ)), and (2) sedation during endoscopic procedures will be performed using PNZ, low-dose MDZ and DEX. These two methods were randomly assigned in the first and second EIS. The effect and safety of these two procedures with respect to patient sedation are to be compared with the degree of sedation evaluated using the Bispectral Index monitoring system (Aspect Medical Systems, Norwood, Massachusetts, USA).

Ethics and dissemination

This study received approval from the Institutional Review Board at Hyogo College of Medicine (approval no. 2324). The authors are committed to publishing the study results as widely as possible in peer-reviewed journals, and to ensuring that appropriate recognition is provided to everyone who is working on this study.

Trial registration number

UMIN000026688; Pre-results.

Clinical effects of dexmedetomidine versus sufentanil for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

AIM

To observe the clinical effects of dexmedetomidine for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

From June 2015 to May 2016, 50 patients undergoing LC were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: D (n = 25) and S (n = 25). In group D, the patients were given dexmedetomidine diluted to 100 mL in 0.9% saline at 0.2 μg/(kg•h) via a controlled intravenous analgesia pump. In group S, the patients were given sufentanil diluted to 100 mL in 0.9% saline at 1.5 μg/kg. The pain score on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Ramsay sedation score were recorded at 4, 6, 8, 24, and 48 h after the operation. The incidence rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, and dizziness, and the time to recovery of gastrointestinal function (time to first passage of flatus) were also recorded.

RESULTS

No patients received rescue analgesic agents. The VAS scores and Ramsay sedation scores at 4, 6, 8, 24, and 48 h after the operation showed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with group S, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly reduced, and the time to the first passage of flatus was shorter in group D (P < 0.05). The incidence rates of respiratory depression and dizziness were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

During the postoperative analgesia after LC, dexmedetomidine can achieve similar clinical analgesia effects to sufentanil with a lower rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting and shorter time to recovery of gastrointestinal function.