Epidural anaesthesia and analgesia for liver resection

Effects of ultrasound-guided external oblique intercostal plane block on the postoperative analgesia after open liver surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Open liver surgery remains a primary surgical approach for complex liver resections and liver transplantation. However, the postoperative pain management is still a major challenge. Ultrasound-guided external oblique intercostal (EOI) plane block is a novel approach of regional anaesthesia and has a great potential to relieve postoperative pain after upper abdominal surgeries. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided EOI plane block in managing postoperative pain after open liver surgery.

METHODS

Seventy-four participants scheduled for open liver surgery will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving an ultrasound-guided EOI plane block with a single dose of 30 ml 0.375% ropivacaine, or the control group, which will not receive this block. All participants will be provided with opioid-based patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) postoperatively. The primary outcome is resting pain score at 3 h postoperatively, assessed using numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes include pain score at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively, perioperative opioid consumption, remedial analgesics within 72 h postoperatively, PCIA usage within postoperative 72 h, postoperative recovery, length of hospital stay, postoperative side effects, block-related complications, and ropivacaine plasma concentration of participants receiving the block.

DISCUSSION

This study is a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided EOI plane block for postoperative analgesia after open liver surgery. As regional anaesthesia plays an important role in the multimodal pain management, EOI plane block may prove to be an effective regional technique for enhancing postoperative pain relief and contributing to enhanced recovery after open liver surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200065745. Registered on November 14, 2022.

Clinical Trial Study Protocol: A Prospective Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial Protocol to Assess the Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia and Recovery Quality in Laparoscopic Donor Hepatectomy

Introduction

Liver transplantation is considered an effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. Laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (LDH) has become a new standard procedure. And it is important to minimize the pain of the donor. Good postoperative analgesia can reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications and promote the early recovery of the donor. Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block can provide effective analgesia for liver donors and reduce postoperative opioid consumption. This study aims to use ultrasound-guided TAP block for LDH to improve postoperative analgesia for donors while reducing opioid consumption and improving patient rehabilitation quality.

Methods/Analysis

This study is a prospective blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial with a concealed allocation of patients (living liver donors) scheduled to receive laparoscopic partial hepatectomy 1:1 to receive local infiltration anesthesia or TAP block. This study will recruit a total of 80 patients. The primary outcome is the dosage of opioids within 24 hours after surgery.

Ethics and Dissemination

This trial has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Beijing Friendship Hospital of China Capital University. This trial study protocol was approved on 8 May 2023. The trial will start recruiting patients after being registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Trial Registration Number

ChiCTR2300071694.

The effectiveness and outcomes of epidural analgesia in patients undergoing open liver resection: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Open liver resection necessitates a substantial upper abdominal inverted-L incision, resulting in severe pain and compromising patient recovery. Despite the efficacy of epidural analgesia in providing adequate postoperative analgesia, the potential epidural-related adverse effects should be carefully considered. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of continuous epidural analgesia and intravenous analgesia in open liver resection.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted, collecting data from patients who underwent open liver resection between 2007 and 2017. Propensity score matching was implemented to mitigate confounding variables, with patients being matched in a 1:1 ratio based on propensity scores. The primary outcome was the comparison of postoperative morphine consumption at 24, 48, and 72 hours between the two groups. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, postoperative outcomes, and epidural-related adverse effects.

RESULTS

A total of 612 patients were included, and after matching, there were 204 patients in each group. Opioid consumption at 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively was statistically lower in the epidural analgesia group compared to the intravenous analgesia group (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in pain scores (p = 0.422). Additionally, perioperative hypotension requiring treatment, as well as nausea and vomiting, were significantly higher in the epidural analgesia group compared to the intravenous analgesia group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural analgesia is superior to intravenous morphine in terms of reducing postoperative opioid consumption within the initial 72 h after open liver resection. Nevertheless, perioperative hypotension, which necessitates management, should be approached with consideration and vigilance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry at www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ , NCT number: NCT06301932.

Efficacy of erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia after liver surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Data on the effectiveness of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for patients undergoing liver surgeries is limited and inconclusive. We hereby aimed to systematically review if ESPB can provide adequate analgesia after liver surgery.

METHODS

PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Embase, and gray literature were examined up to 25th April 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ESPB with control or spinal analgesia.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs were included of which three compared ESPB with spinal analgesia. 24-hour opioid consumption did not differ significantly between ESPB vs. control (MD: -35.25 95% CI: -77.01, 6.52 I2 = 99%) or ESPB vs. spinal analgesia (MD: 2.32 95% CI: -6.12, 10.77 I2 = 91%). Comparing pain scores between ESPB and control, a small but significant effect favoring ESPB was noted at 12 h and 48 h, but not at 6-8 h and 24 h. Pain scores did not differ between ESPB and spinal analgesia. The risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting was also not significantly different between ESPB vs. control or spinal analgesia. GRADE assessment shows moderate certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSION

ESPB may not provide any significant postoperative analgesia in liver surgery patients. There was a tendency of reduced opioid consumption with ESPB. Limited data also showed that ESPB and spinal analgesia had no difference in pain scores and 24-hour analgesic consumption.

Major liver resections, perioperative issues and posthepatectomy liver failure: A comprehensive update for the anesthesiologist

Significant advances in surgical techniques and relevant medium- and long-term outcomes over the past two decades have led to a substantial expansion in the indications for major liver resections. To support these outstanding results and to reduce perioperative complications, anesthesiologists must address and master key perioperative issues (preoperative assessment, proactive intraoperative anesthesia strategies, and implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery approach). Intensive care unit monitoring immediately following liver surgery remains a subject of active and often unresolved debate. Among postoperative complications, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) occurs in different grades of severity (A-C) and frequency (9%-30%), and it is the main cause of 90-d postoperative mortality. PHLF, recently redefined with pragmatic clinical criteria and perioperative scores, can be predicted, prevented, or anticipated. This review highlights: (1) The systemic consequences of surgical manipulations anesthesiologists must respond to or prevent, to positively impact PHLF (a proactive approach); and (2) the maximal intensive treatment of PHLF, including artificial options, mainly based, so far, on Acute Liver Failure treatment(s), to buy time waiting for the recovery of the native liver or, when appropriate and in very selected cases, toward liver transplant. Such a clinical context requires a strong commitment to surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensivists to work together, for a fruitful collaboration in a mandatory clinical continuum.

Epidural Hematoma in Minor Hepatic Metastasectomy

Liver resection poses many challenges for the anesthesiologist, including intraoperative hemodynamic instability, postoperative pain, and risk of coagulopathy. We report a case of epidural hematoma after epidural catheter removal, following a minor liver single metastasectomy. The main purpose of this case report is to bring to light the false security provided by traditional coagulation parameters and whether further investigation should be considered in selected cases, before handling neuraxial catheters. Alterations in coagulation after a partial hepatectomy remain poorly understood; thus, we believe that additional hemostatic values such as viscoelastic testing might be considered to better assess these patients.

The Role of Ultrasound-Guided Multipoint Fascial Plane Block in ElderlyPatients Undergoing Combined Thoracoscopic-Laparoscopic Esophagectomy: A Prospective Randomized Study

INTRODUCTION

We estimated the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided multipoint fascial plane block, including serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and bilateral transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in elderly patients who underwent combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE).

METHODS

The authors enrolled 80 patients in this prospective study after patient selection using the inclusion and exclusion criteria who were scheduled for elective TLE from May 2020 to May 2021. Patients were randomly assigned to the treated group (group N) or the control group (group C) (n = 40 per group) using the sealed-envelope method. Multipoint fascial plane blocks, including serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and bilateral TAPB, were performed on patients undergoing TLE using a solution of 60 mL 0.375% ropivacaine plus 2.5 mg dexamethasone by 3 injections of 20 mL each (group N) or no interventions (group C).

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) at T incision and 30 min after T incision were significantly higher in group C than in group N, and also significantly higher than at baseline (P < 0.01). Blood glucose at 60 min, 2 h after T incision, was significantly higher in group C than in group N and significantly higher than at baseline (P < 0.01). Compared to group N, the dosages of propofol and remifentanil used during surgery in group C were more than those in group N (P < 0.01). The time to first rescue analgesic in group C was earlier than in group N. The total postoperative use of sufentanil, and the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics in group C, were more than in group N (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that applying the multipoint fascia pane block technique in TLE for elderly patients could significantly reduce postoperative pain, decrease the dosages of drugs used in general anesthesia, improve the quality of the awakening, and have no obvious adverse reactions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-2000033617).

Efficacy of prolonged intravenous lidocaine infusion for postoperative movement-evoked pain following hepatectomy: a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine varies with the duration of lidocaine infusion and surgery type. We tested the hypothesis that prolonged lidocaine infusion alleviates postoperative pain in patients recovering from hepatectomy over the first 3 postoperative days.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective hepatectomy were randomly assigned to receive prolonged i.v. lidocaine treatment or placebo. The primary outcome was incidence of moderate-to-severe movement-evoked pain at 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included incidence of moderate-to-severe pain during movement and at rest throughout the first 3 postoperative days, postoperative opioid consumption, and pulmonary complications. Plasma lidocaine concentration was also monitored.

RESULTS

We enrolled 260 subjects. Intravenous lidocaine lowered the incidence of moderate-to-severe movement-evoked pain at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively (47.7% vs 67.7%, P=0.001; 38.5% vs 58.5%, P=0.001) and reduced movement-evoked pain scores (3.7 [1.7] vs 4.2 [1.6]; mean difference 0.5 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.1-0.9]; P=0.018) and morphine equivalent consumption (47.2 [16.7] mg vs 52.6 [19.2] mg; mean difference 5.4 mg [95% CI: 1.0-9.8]; P=0.016) at 24 h postoperatively. Lidocaine also lowered the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (23.1% vs 38.5%; P=0.007). Median plasma lidocaine concentrations were 1.5, 1.9, and 1.1 μg ml^-1 (inter-quartile ranges: 1.1-2.1, 1.4-2.6, and 0.8-1.6, respectively) after bolus injection, at the end of the surgery, and 24 h postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged intravenous lidocaine infusion reduced the incidence of moderate-to-severe movement-evoked pain for 48 h after hepatectomy. However, the reduction in pain scores and opioid consumption by lidocaine was below the minimal clinically important difference.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04295330.

Effect of thoracic epidural anesthesia on postoperative outcome in major liver surgery: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Postoperative complications after major liver surgery are common. Thoracic epidural anesthesia may provide beneficial effects on postoperative outcome. We strove to compare postoperative outcomes in major liver surgery patients with and without thoracic epidural anesthesia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study in a single university medical center. Patients undergoing elective major liver surgery between April 2012 and December 2016 were eligible for inclusion. We divided patients into two groups according to whether or not they had thoracic epidural anesthesia for major liver surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative hospital length of stay, i.e., from day of surgery until hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative mortality and major postoperative complications. Additionally, we investigated the effect of thoracic epidural anesthesia on perioperative analgesia doses and the safety of thoracic epidural anesthesia.

RESULTS

Of 328 patients included in this study, 177 (54.3%) received thoracic epidural anesthesia. There were no clinically important differences in postoperative hospital length of stay (11.0 [7.00-17.0] vs. 9.00 [7.00-14.0] days, p = 0.316, primary outcome), death (0.0 vs. 2.7%, p = 0.995), or the incidence of postoperative renal failure (0.6 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.99), sepsis (0.0 vs. 1.3%, p = 0.21), or pulmonary embolism (0.6 vs. 1.4%, p = 0.59) between patients with or without thoracic epidural anesthesia. Perioperative analgesia doses - including the intraoperative sufentanil dose (0.228 [0.170-0.332] vs. 0.405 [0.315-0.565] μg·kg-1·h-1, p < 0.0001) - were lower in patients with thoracic epidural anesthesia. No major thoracic epidural anesthesia-associated infections or bleedings occurred.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis suggests that thoracic epidural anesthesia does not reduce postoperative hospital length of stay in patients undergoing major liver surgery - but it may reduce perioperative analgesia doses. Thoracic epidural anesthesia was safe in this cohort of patients undergoing major liver surgery. These findings need to be confirmed in robust clinical trials.

Erector spinae plane block versus subcostal transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing open liver resection surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in relation to subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in patients undergoing open liver resection surgery.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, we included adult patients undergoing open liver resection surgery. After induction of general anaesthesia, the included patients were randomized to receive either ESPB (n = 30) or subcostal TAPB (n = 30). Postoperative pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS) at rest and during cough. Intravenous morphine boluses were used for management of breakthrough pain intra- and postoperatively. The study's primary outcome was morphine consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative morphine consumption, time to first postoperative morphine requirement, incidence of complications, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included and were available for the final analysis in this study. The intra-and postoperative morphine consumption were less in the ESPB group than the subcostal TAPB group (median [quartiles] morphine dose: 0 [0-0] vs 2 [0-5] mg, p = 0.007 and 20 [15-20] vs 25 [20-30] mg, p = 0.006, respectively). The time to first morphine requirement was longer in the ESPB group (median [quartiles]: 6.5 [5.5-6.5] h) than the subcostal TAPB group (median [quartiles]: 4.3 [1.0-6.5] h), P = 0.013. Patients in the ESPB group had lower incidence of sedation and higher level of satisfaction than the subcostal TAPB group.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing open liver resection surgery, ESPB provided superior analgesic properties than subcostal TAPB.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05253079, Principal investigator: Maha Mostafa, Date of registration: February 23, 2022. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05253079.

Security and efficacy of intravenous injection of lidocaine in major hepatic resection

Objective. To determine in dynamics the blood lidocaine concentration in the patients while performing major hepatic resection with its epidural and intravenous injection for intra– and postoperative anesthesia and to estimate the toxicity potential. Materials and methods. Into the investigation 27 patients were included, to whom hepatic resection with preservation of 30 – 60% of parenchyma was done. In all the patients multicomponent intraoperative anesthesia was applied. Depending on adjuvant used, the patients were divided into two groups: the first – 7 patients, in whom intravenous lidocaine injection was applied, and the second – 20 patients, in whom multicomponent anesthesia was added by thoracic epidural anesthesia. Results. In 2 h postoperatively a tendency towards enhanced blood concentration of lidocaine was observed by 28.8% after its epidural injection, comparing with intravenous injection – 2.37 and 1.84 mcg/ml (р=0.29) accordingly without principal difference in 14 h after the operation – 2.85 and 2.62 mcg/ml (р=0.76) accordingly. In no one patient toxic life–threatening reactions were registered. Conclusion. The adjuvant application of lidocaine for intra– and postoperative anesthesia, using intravenous and epidural introduction in major hepatic resection performance, do not lead to raising of the medicinal compound concentration in the blood higher than conventional toxic content. The blood concentration of the preparation while its epidural introduction may be higher, than in intravenous introduction, witnessing in favor of secureness of intravenous application of lidocaine and at the same time a statistically significant difference between indices of its concentration in various ways of introduction was not observed.

Perioperative coagulation profile in major liver resection for cancer: a prospective observational study

Hepatectomy induced coagulation disturbances have been well studied over the past decade. Cumulative evidence supports the superiority of global coagulation analysis compared to conventional coagulation tests (i.e. PT or aPTT) for clinical decision making. Cancer, however, represents an acquired prothrombotic state and liver resection for cancer deserves a more thorough investigation. This prospective observational study was conducted to assess the perioperative coagulation status of patients undergoing major hepatectomies for primary or metastatic hepatic malignancy. Patients were followed up to the 10th postoperative day by serial measurements of conventional coagulation tests, plasma levels of coagulation factors and thrombin generation assay parameters. An abnormal coagulation profile was detected at presentation and included elevated FVIII levels, decreased levels of antithrombin and lag time prolongation in thrombin generation. Serial hematological data demonstrated increased vWF, FVIII, D-dimer, fibrinogen and decreased levels of natural anticoagulant proteins in the early postoperative period predisposing to a hypercoagulable state. The ratio of the anticoagulant protein C to the procoagulant FVIII was low at baseline and further declined postoperatively, indicating a prothrombotic state. Though no bleeding complications were reported, one patient experienced pulmonary embolism while under thromboprophylaxis. Overall, patients with hepatic carcinoma presenting for elective major hepatectomy may have baseline malignancy associated coagulation disturbances, aggravating the hypercoagulable state documented in the early postoperative period.

Comparison of Continuous Thoracic Epidural With Erector Spinae Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Adult Living Donor Hepatectomy

Background: Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is commonly used for pain management in donor hepatectomy. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a newer ultrasound-guided block described for the management of thoracic and abdominal pain. There is limited literature available comparing the two techniques. The objective of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of continuous ESPB to continuous TEA in donor hepatectomy.

Methodology: The randomized controlled trial (RCT) was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04151511). A total of 82 patients undergoing donor hepatectomy between January 2020 and December 2020 were recruited, of whom 41 received TEA and 41 received ESPB. Randomization was done by the sealed opaque envelope method.

Results: The mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores in donors who received TEA and ESPB in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (2.7 + 0.9 vs. 2.4 + 0.5; P = 0.02) at one hour (2.7 + 0.9 vs. 2.2 + 0.6; P = 0.008), six hours (1.8 + 0.9 vs. 0.8 + 0.5; P < 0.001), 12 hours (0.9 + 0.7 vs. 0.2 + 0.7; P < 0.001), and 24 hours (0.48 + 0.5 vs. 0.08 + 0.3; P < 0.001) were significantly different. Mean opioid consumption was 3.38 ± 6.24 mg in the ESPB group and 10.75 ± 9.64 mg in the TEA group (P < 0.001). Mean lung volume (MLV) at 24 hours in the TEA group and ESPB group was 1543 ml and 1815 ml (P < 0.001). MLV was 2545 ml in the TEA group and 2820 ml in the ESPB group at 48 hours (P < 0.001). Mean nausea and vomiting score at six hours was 0.1 vs. 0.03 (P = 0.02).

Conclusion: ESPB improves pain control after donor hepatectomy with an enhanced safety profile and reduced opioid consumption.

Investigation of the effect of ultrasonography-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block on postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores in patients undergoing hepatectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

BACKGROUND

There is still a debate about what constitutes effective and safe postoperative analgesia in hepatectomy surgery. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block may be an important part of multimodal analgesia application in hepatectomy surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block combined with intravenous (iv) patient-controlled analgesia (iv PCA), in comparison with iv PCA alone, in hepatectomy surgery.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS

Randomized prospective single-blinded study in a tertiary university hospital.

METHODS

Fifty patients scheduled for elective hepatectomy surgery were included in the study. Patients were randomized into the ESP group or the control group. In the ESP group, bilateral ESP block was performed preoperatively and iv PCA was used. In the control group, only iv PCA was used. Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and coughing, analgesic requirements and occurrences of nausea and vomiting were recorded.

RESULTS

Intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, rescue analgesia requirement and resting and dynamic NRS scores were significantly lower in the ESP group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of the presence of dynamic pain after the first postoperative hour. While all patients in the control group had nausea and vomiting, 24% of the patients in the ESP group did not have nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that ESP block can be used as a part of multimodal analgesia, with the benefit of reducing opioid consumption and postoperative nausea and vomiting in hepatectomy surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12620000466943.

Recent advances in the surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing, despite effective antiviral treatment for hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus infection and the application of preventive measures such as vaccination at birth against HBV infection. This is mainly due to the increase in metabolic syndrome and its hepatic components, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis. Liver resection and transplantation are the main treatment options, offering long-term survival and potential cure. In this review, the recent advances in the surgical management of HCC are presented. More specifically, the role of liver resection in the intermediate and advanced stages, according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification, is analyzed. In addition, the roles of minimally invasive surgery and of living-related liver transplantation in the management of patients with HCC are discussed. Finally, recent data on the role of molecular markers in the early diagnosis and recurrence of HCC are presented. The management of HCC is complex, as there are several options for each stage of the disease. In order for, each patient to get the maximum benefit, an individualized approach is suggested, in specialized liver units, where cases are discussed in multidisciplinary tumor boards.

Perioperative Management of Complex Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases: The Alliance between the Surgeon and the Anesthetist

Simple Summary

Major high-risk surgery (HRS) exposes patients to potential perioperative adverse events. Hepatic resection of colorectal metastases can surely be included into the HRS class of operations. Limiting such risks is the main target of the perioperative medicine. In this context the collaboration between the anesthetist and the surgeon and the sharing of management protocols is of utmost importance and represents the key issue for a successful outcome. In our institution, we have been adopting consolidated protocols for patients undergoing this type of surgery for decades; this made our mixed team (surgeons and anesthetists) capable of achieving a safe outcome for the majority of our surgical population. In this narrative review, we report the most recent state of the art of perioperative management of hepatic resection of colorectal metastases along with our experience in this field, trying to point out the main issues.

Abstract

Hepatic resection has been widely accepted as the first choice for the treatment of colorectal metastases. Liver surgery has been recognized as a major abdominal procedure; it exposes patients to a high risk of perioperative adverse events. Decision sharing and the multimodal approach to the patients’ management are the two key items for a safe outcome, even in such a high-risk surgery. This review aims at addressing the main perioperative issues (preoperative evaluation; general anesthesia and intraoperative fluid management and hemodynamic monitoring; intraoperative metabolism; administration policy for blood-derivative products; postoperative pain control; postoperative complications), in particular, from the anesthetist’s point of view; however, only an alliance with the surgery team may be successful in case of adverse events to accomplish a good final outcome.

Pain management after open liver resection: Procedure-Specific Postoperative Pain Management (PROSPECT) recommendations

Background and objectives

Effective pain control improves postoperative rehabilitation and enhances recovery. The aim of this review was to evaluate the available evidence and to develop recommendations for optimal pain management after open liver resection using Procedure-Specific Postoperative Pain Management (PROSPECT) methodology.

Strategy and selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the English language from January 2010 to October 2019 assessing pain after liver resection using analgesic, anesthetic or surgical interventions were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases.

Results

Of 121 eligible studies identified, 31 RCTs and 3 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative and intraoperative interventions that improved postoperative pain relief were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, continuous thoracic epidural analgesia, and subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks. Limited procedure-specific evidence was found for intravenous dexmedetomidine, intravenous magnesium, intrathecal morphine, quadratus lumborum blocks, paravertebral nerve blocks, continuous local anesthetic wound infiltration and postoperative interpleural local anesthesia. No evidence was found for intravenous lidocaine, ketamine, dexamethasone and gabapentinoids.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this review, we suggest an analgesic strategy for open liver resection, including acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, combined with thoracic epidural analgesia or bilateral oblique subcostal TAP blocks. Systemic opioids should be considered as rescue analgesics. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm and clarify the efficacy of the recommended analgesic regimen in the context of an enhanced recovery program.

Epidural anesthesia may be associated with increased postoperative complications in the elderly population undergoing radical cystectomy: an analysis from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database

BACKGROUND

Epidural anesthesia has been associated with a decrease in cardiopulmonary complications and a decrease in blood loss in orthopedic procedures. Its influence on the outcomes of patients receiving radical cystectomies is unknown. We aim to use the large national database from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) to examine whether postoperative complications may be affected by the use of epidural anesthesia during radical cystectomy.

METHODS

Data were collected from the 2014-2016 participant user files of the NSQIP database. Patients receiving radical cystectomy were identified by CPT code and further stratified by anesthesia type. Demographics, length of stay, and 30-day complications including death were collected and analyzed using univariable and multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 6448 patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Between 2014 and 2016, 5064 patients received general anesthesia only (GA) and 1384 patients received general and epidural anesthesia (GEA). Statistical analysis showed an overall increase in major complications (17.8% vs 18.5%) in the GEA group (p = 0.0046). Subgroup analysis showed major complications to be more likely in patients older than 75 years receiving GEA instead of GA (p = 0.0301).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients (age > 75) undergoing radical cystectomy may experience more major complications with the use of epidural anesthesia. This may be due to end-organ effects from the hemodynamic changes of epidural anesthesia which are poorly tolerated in the elderly population. Further single intervention epidural studies need to be performed to isolate the effects of epidural anesthesia on individual surgical procedures.

Comparison study between open and laparoscopic liver resection in a Saudi tertiary center

Objectives:

To compare King Saud University Medical City experience in laparoscopic liver resection with our previously established database for open resections.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All adult patients who underwent liver resection from 2006 to 2017 were included. Patients who had their procedure converted to open were excluded.

Results:

Among the 111 liver resections included, 22 (19.8%) were performed laparoscopically and 89 (80.1%) were performed using the open technique. Malignancy was the most common indication in both groups (78.5%). The mean operative time was 275 min (SD 92.2) in the laparoscopic group versus 315 min (SD 104.3) in the open group. Intraoperative blood transfusion was required in the laparoscopic (9%) and open groups (31.4%). The morbidity rate was 13.6% in the laparoscopic group and 31.4% in the open group, and the mortality rate was 0% in the laparoscopic group and 5.6% in the open group.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic liver resection appears to be a safe technique and can be performed in various benign and malignant cases.

Regional analgesia techniques for pain management in patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Controlling pain should be a priority in the clinical practice of intensive care units (ICUs). Monomodal analgesic approaches, such as the administration of opioids, are widely employed; however, the widespread use of opioids has catastrophic consequences, given their multiple side effects and the development of dependence. Regional analgesia (RA), with single or continuous dosing using neuraxial and peripheral catheters, can play an important role in multimodal analgesia for management of pain in critical care patients. RA provides superior pain control, as compared to systemic treatments, and is associated with a lower rate of side effects. Nevertheless, RA remains underused in ICUs. Many critically ill, post-surgical or traumatically injured patients would benefit from these techniques. For these reasons, we aim to establish a set of potential indications integrating the use of RA in analgesia protocols routinely used in ICUs. We performed a review of literature sources with contrasted evidence levels to present RA techniques and their potential applications in ICU patients.

Enhanced recovery after surgery in liver resection: current concepts and controversies

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) attenuates the stress response to surgery in the perioperative period and hastens recovery. Liver resection is a complex surgical procedure where the enhanced recovery program has been shown to be safe and effective in terms of postoperative outcomes. ERAS programs have been shown to be associated with lower morbidity, shortened postoperative stay, and reduced cost with no difference in mortality and readmission rates. However, there are challenges that are unique to hepatic resection such as safety after epidural catheterization and postoperative coagulopathy, intraoperative fluids and postoperative organ dysfunction, need for low central venous pressure to reduce blood loss, and non-lactate containing intravenous fluids. This narrative review briefly discusses these concerns and controversies and suggests revisiting some of the strong recommendations made by the ERAS society in light of the recent evidence.

A 96-hour continuous wound infiltration with ropivacaine reduces analgesic consumption after liver resection: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Continuous wound infiltration (CWI) with local anesthetics to reduce morphine consumption in postoperative pain management after open liver resection in patients with cancer.

METHODS

This single-center randomized double-blind study allocated patients requiring resection of liver metastases to receive a 3.75 mg/mL ropivacaine (ROP) infiltration, followed by a 2 mg/mL ROP CWI, or placebo (P) for 96 hours. Postoperative analgesia included acetaminophen and patient-controlled analgesia morphine pump. The primary endpoint was to investigate the reduction of total morphine consumption (mg/kg) over the first 96 postoperative hours.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients were recruited, and randomized (ROP: 42, P: 43) between 2009 and 2014. The median morphine consumption significantly decreased in the ROP arm in the first 96 postoperative hours (ROP: 1.0, P: 1.5 mg/kg; P = 0.026). Twenty-three (27%) patients had grade 3 adverse events (ROP: 14, P: 9) and four experienced grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (ROP: mental confusion [n = 1], hallucinations [n = 2], P: hematoma [n = 1]). Two (5%) patients showed a wound inflammation (ROP: 1, P: 1). Nine (11%) patients experienced at least one serious adverse event (ROP: 6, P: 3); none related to treatment.

CONCLUSION

Preperitoneal CWI of 2 mg/mL ROP significantly reduces intravenous morphine consumption during the 96 postoperative hours resulting in an absolute reduction of 0.5 mg/kg.

Comparison of Perioperative Renal Function Between Epidural and Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia After Living-Donor Hepatectomy: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Sympathetic blockade associated with epidural analgesia was reported to be a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI) following liver resection. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of AKI after living-donor hepatectomies according to the type of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).

METHODS

A total of 316 patients after living-donor hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed; 148 patients in the epidural PCA group and 168 patients in the intravenous (IV) PCA group were evaluated. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL, ie, 1.5-fold from the baseline, or a reduction in the urine output in the first 48 hours after surgery, based on the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for AKI after living-donor hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups except the age. Volumes of fluids and colloids administered intraoperatively were greater in the epidural PCA group (P < .001 and P = .006, respectively). The incidence of AKI did not show significant differences between the 2 groups (8.1% vs 7.1%; P = .747). In multivariate analysis, preoperative serum alanine transaminase level ≥50 U/L was identified as a risk factor for postoperative AKI. However, epidural PCA failed to be a risk factor for postoperative AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of PCA did not affect the incidence of postoperative AKI after living-donor hepatectomy. Despite significant differences in the postoperative hemodynamics, the incidence of AKI was similar between 2 groups.

Enhanced Recovery via Peripheral Nerve Block for Open Hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are now commonplace in many fields of surgery, but only limited data exists for their use in hepatobiliary surgery. We implemented standardized ERAS protocols for all open hepatectomies and replaced thoracic epidurals with a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing open hepatectomy during the 14 months before and 19 months after implementation of an ERAS protocol at our institution (January 2014-September 2016). Trained abstractors reviewed charts for patient demographics, perioperative details, and healthcare utilization. All nursing-reported visual analog scale pain scores were sampled to identify patients with uncontrolled pain (daily mean score > 5). Outcomes included length of stay (LOS), costs, and 30-day readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 127 patients (mean age 54.6 ± 13.0 years, 44% female) underwent open liver resection (69 [54%] after ERAS implementation). ERAS protocols were associated with significantly lower rates of ICU admission (47 vs. 13%, p < 0.001), shorter LOS (median 5.3 vs. 4.3 days, p = 0.007), and lower median costs ($3566 less, p = 0.03). Readmission remained low throughout the study period (5% pre-ERAS, 4% during ERAS, p = 0.83). Rates of uncontrolled pain were either the same or better after ERAS implementation through post-operative day #3 (41% pre-ERAS, 23% during ERAS, p = 0.03).

DISCUSSION

The use of TAP block for hepatectomy as part of an ERAS protocol is associated with improved quality and cost of care. Surgeons performing liver resections should consider standardization of evidence-based best practices in all patients.

Thoracic epidural analgesia in donor hepatectomy: An analysis

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether supplementation of general anesthesia (GA) with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) for right lobe donor hepatectomy is a safe modality of pain relief in terms of changes in postoperative coagulation profile, incidence of epidural catheter-related complications, and timing of removal of epidural catheter. Retrospective analysis of the record of 104 patients who received TEA for right lobe donor hepatectomy was done. Platelet count, international normalized ratio, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were recorded postoperatively until the removal of the epidural catheter. The day of removal of the epidural catheter and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were also recorded. Any complication encountered was documented. Intraoperatively, central venous pressure (CVP), hemodynamic variables, and volume of intravenous fluids infused were also noted. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS statistical package, version 17.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL). Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation. A total of 90% of patients had mean VAS scores between 1 and 4 in the postoperative period between days 1 and 5. None of the patients had a VAS score above 5. Although changes in coagulation status were encountered in all patients in the postoperative period, these changes were transient and did not persist beyond postoperative day (POD) 5. There was no delay in removal of the epidural catheter, and the majority of patients had the catheter removed by POD 4. There was no incidence of epidural hematoma. Aside from good intraoperative and postoperative analgesia, TEA in combination with balanced GA and fluid restriction enabled maintenance of low CVP and prevention of hepatic congestion. In conclusion, vigilant use of TEA appears to be safe during donor hepatectomy. Living liver donors should not be denied efficient analgesia for the fear of complications. Liver Transplantation 24 214-221 2018 AASLD.

The NAPRESSIM trial: the use of low-dose, prophylactic naloxone infusion to prevent respiratory depression with intrathecally administered morphine in elective hepatobiliary surgery: a study protocol and statistical analysis plan for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Intrathecally administered morphine is effective as part of a postoperative analgesia regimen following major hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery. However, the potential for postoperative respiratory depression at the doses required for effective analgesia currently limits its clinical use. The use of a low-dose, prophylactic naloxone infusion following intrathecally administered morphine may significantly reduce postoperative respiratory depression. The NAPRESSIM trial aims to answer this question.

METHODS/DESIGN

'The use of low-dose, prophylactic naloxone infusion to prevent respiratory depression with intrathecally administered morphine' trial is an investigator-led, single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-arm comparator study. The trial will recruit 96 patients aged > 18 years, undergoing major open hepatopancreaticobiliary resections, who are receiving intrathecally administered morphine as part of a standard anaesthetic regimen. It aims to investigate whether the prophylactic administration of naloxone via intravenous infusion compared to placebo will reduce the proportion of episodes of respiratory depression in this cohort of patients. Trial patients will receive an infusion of naloxone or placebo, commenced within 1 h of postoperative extubation continued until the first postoperative morning. The primary outcome is the rate of respiratory depression in the intervention group as compared to the placebo group. Secondary outcomes include pain scores, rates of nausea and vomiting, pruritus, sedation scores and adverse outcomes. We will also employ a novel, non-invasive, respiratory minute volume monitor (ExSpiron 1Xi, Respiratory Motion, Inc., 411 Waverley Oaks Road, Building 1, Suite 150, Waltham, MA, USA) to assess the monitor's accuracy for detecting respiratory depression.

DISCUSSION

The trial aims to provide a clear management plan to prevent respiratory depression after the intrathecal administration of morphine, and thereby improve patient safety.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02885948 . Registered retrospectively on 4 July 2016. Protocol Version 2.0, 3 April 2017. Protocol identification (code or reference number): UCDCRC/15/006 EudraCT registration number: 2015-003504-22. Registered on 5 August 2015.

Effect of different anesthetic methods on cellular immune functioning and the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer undergoing oophorectomy

The present study aimed to explore the effects of different anesthetic methods on cellular immune function and prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer (OC) undergoing oophorectomy. A total of 167 patients who received general anesthesia (GA) treatment (GA group) and 154 patients who received combined general/epidural anesthesia (GEA) treatment (GEA group) were collected retrospectively. Each group selected 124 patients that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for further study. ELISA and radioimmunoassay were employed to detect levels of IL-2, TNF-α, and CA-125. The rates of tumor-red cell rosette (RTRR), red cell immune complex rosette (RRICR), and red cell C3b receptor rosette (RRCR) were also measured. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were determined by hemodynamics. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-2 decreased at 1 h intraoperation (T2), but increased 24-h post surgery (T3). The levels of TNF-α and IL-2 were recovered faster in the GEA group than in the GA group. The GA group exhibited greater levels of CA-125 expression than in the GEA group. The levels of RTRR, RRICR, and RRCR; ratios of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺, CD16⁺, and CD56⁺ at 30 min after anesthesia (T1), T2, T3 and 48 h after the operation (T4) and levels of SBP, DBP, and HR at T1, T2, and T3 displayed increased levels in the GEA group than in the GA group. At 72-h post surgery (T5), the 5-year survival rate significantly increased in the GEA group compared with the GA group. GEA to be more suitable than GA for surgery on OC patients.

Analgesia with continuous wound infusion of local anesthetic versus saline: Double-blind randomized, controlled trial in hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgical wound is source of pain in hepatectomy with laparotomy. Continuous wound infusion of ropivacaine may provide effective analgesia.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized trial, patients scheduled for hepatectomy received a 48-h preperitoneal continuous wound infusion of either 0.23% ropivacaine or 0.9% saline at 5 ml/h. Primary endpoint was 48 h morphine consumption.

RESULTS

53 patients included in the ropivacaine group and 46 in the saline group. Morphine consumption was 24.63 mg in the ropivacaine group, and 26.78 mg (p = 0.669) in the saline group. Pain was comparable between groups and there were no differences in solid food intake, ambulation, or length of hospital stay. No local or systemic complications were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous wound infusion with ropivacaine is safe, but it neither reduced morphine consumption nor enhanced recovery in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Success of enhanced recovery in hepatectomy is not influenced by the analgesic regimen if pain is well controlled.

Incidence of persistent postoperative pain after hepatectomies with 2 regimes of perioperative analgesia containing ketamine

Studies designed to assess persistent postoperative pain (PPP) incidence after hepatectomies are lacking. Our aim was to assess PPP incidence 6 months after hepatectomies with intravenous (IV) or epidural (EPI) analgesia containing ketamine.Prospective observational comparative study between 2 cohorts of patients submitted to hepatectomy. Patients received 1 of 2 analgesic regimes containing ketamine: EPI group or IV group. Visual analog scale (VAS), Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and quantitative sensorial testing (QST: to determine area of hyperalgesia/allodynia) were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 h, 24 h, 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months. VAS ≥ 1 at 1 and 6 months was considered indicative of PPP and VAS > 3 was considered as not controlled pain. Side effects and complications were registered.Forty-four patients were included: 23 in EPI group and 21 in IV group. Patients in IV group were older and had more comorbidities. No patient presented VAS > 3 at 1 or 6 months. VAS ≥ 1 at 1 and 6 months was 36.4% and 22.7%, respectively. No differences in VAS, NPSI, or PCS were found between groups. Allodynia/hyperalgesia area did not differ between groups and was infrequent and slight. Pain pressure threshold in the wound vertical component was significantly higher in EPI group after 7 days. IV group showed more cognitive side effects.Incidence of PPP at 6 months after open hepatectomies with EPI or IV analgesia containing ketamine was lower than previously reported for other abdominal surgeries.Ketamine influence on low PPP incidence and hyperalgesia cannot be discarded.

Effect of epidural compared to patient-controlled intravenous analgesia on outcomes for patients undergoing liver resection for neoplastic disease

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia is routinely used for postoperative pain control following abdominal surgeries, yet data regarding the safety and efficacy of epidural analgesia is controversial.

METHODS

Pain-related and clinical perioperative data were extracted and correlated with baseline clinicopathologic data and method of analgesia (epidural vs. intravenous patient-controlled analgesia) in patients who underwent hepatectomy from 2012 to 2014. Chronic pain was defined by specific narcotic requirements preoperatively.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients underwent hepatectomy with 60% having epidurals placed for postoperative pain control. Epidural patients underwent more major hepatectomies and open resections. Comparison of pain scores between both groups demonstrated no significant difference (all P > .05). A significantly lower proportion of TEA patients required additional IV pain medications than those with IVPCA (P < 0.001). There was no major effect of epidural analgesia on time to ambulation or complications (all P > 0.05). After adjusting for perioperative factors, and surgical extent and approach, no significant differences in fluids administered or length of stay were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall postoperative outcomes were not significantly different based on method of analgesia after adjusting for type and extent of hepatic resection. Though patients with epidurals underwent more extensive operations they required less additional IV pain medications than IVPCA patients.

Epidural anesthesia and analgesia in liver resection: Safety and effectiveness

OBJECTIVES

Perioperative epidural analgesia in liver resection provides optimal dynamic pain relief. Coagulation disorders occurring in the postoperative period can lead to greater risk of complications during epidural catheter removal. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and complications of epidural analgesia and delayed epidural catheter removal due to postoperative coagulopathy.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 114 patients undergoing open liver resection and epidural analgesia, from March 2012 to February 2015. Postoperative course of pain intensity, coagulation parameters and delayed catheter removal was analyzed RESULTS: Of the 114 operated patients, 73 met the inclusion criteria. 59% of patients received major hepatectomy (resection ≥ 3 segments) and 15% had Child's Class A cirrhosis (11/73). 96% of catheters functioned properly. 89% of patients had controlled pain (numerical rate scale <3) at rest and 8.2% (6 patients) had severe pain (numerical rate scale > 6) with movement. The INR peaked on postoperative day 2, 1.41 [0.99-2.30], and gradually returned to normal values in most patients by postoperative day 4, 1.26 [0.90 - 2.20]. The catheters were left in place 3.6 (± 1.1) days. In 6 patients (8%), catheter removal was postponed due to coagulation disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural analgesia for liver resection was a safe practice, which produced optimal control of postoperative pain. The percentage of delayed catheter removal due to postoperative coagulopathy was low, not requiring transfusion of blood products.

Role of epidural anesthesia in a fast track liver resection protocol for cirrhotic patients - results after three years of practice

AIM

To evaluate the potential benefits and risks of the use of epidural anaesthesia within an enhanced recovery protocol in this specific subpopulation.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted, including all cirrhotic patients who underwent open liver resection between January 2013 and December 2015 at Bologna University Hospital. Patients with an abnormal coagulation profile contraindicating the placement of an epidural catheter were excluded from the analysis. The control group was composed by patients refusing epidural anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Of the 183 cirrhotic patients undergoing open liver resections, 57 had contraindications to the placement of an epidural catheter; of the remaining 126, 86 patients received general anaesthesia and 40 combined anaesthesia. The two groups presented homogeneous characteristics. Intraoperatively the metabolic data did not differ between the two groups, whilst the epidural group had a lower mean arterial pressure (P = 0.041) and received more colloid infusions (P = 0.007). Postoperative liver and kidney function did not differ significantly. Length of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.003) and hospital stay (P = 0.032) were significantly lower in the epidural group. No complications related to the epidural catheter placement or removal was recorded.

CONCLUSION

The use of Epidural Anaesthesia within a fast track protocol for cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resections had a positive impact on the patient’s outcomes and comfort as demonstrated by a significantly lower length of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay in the epidural group. The technique appears to be safely manageable in this fragile population even though these results need confirmation in larger studies.

Anesthetic and operative considerations for laparoscopic liver resection

We enumerate the broad range of anesthetic considerations that affect the outcome of patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection. Key elements for excellent outcomes after laparoscopic liver resection are careful patient selection and risk stratification, appropriate monitoring, techniques to reduce blood loss and transfusion, and active recovery management. Although some of these key elements are the same for open liver operation, there are specific anesthetic considerations of which both the surgical and anesthesia teams must be aware to achieve optimal patient outcomes after laparoscopic liver resection. While unique advantages of laparoscopic liver resection typically include decreased intraoperative bleeding, transfusion requirements, and a lower incidence of postoperative ascites, specific challenges include management of the complicated interplay between low-volume anesthesia and increased intraabdominal pressure due to pneumoperitoneum, with additional considerations regarding circulatory support to treat acute blood loss with need for emergent conversion in some cases. This article will address in detail the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic considerations for patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection that both the surgical and anesthesia team should be aware of to optimize outcomes.

Continuous right thoracic paravertebral block following bolus initiation reduced postoperative pain after right-lobe hepatectomy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background and Objectives

We hypothesized that continuous right thoracic paravertebral block, following bolus initiation, decreases opioid consumption after right-lobe hepatectomy in patients receiving patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with sufentanil.

Methods

Patients undergoing right-lobe hepatectomy with a right thoracic paravertebral catheter placed at T7 30 minutes before surgery were randomly assigned to receive through this catheter either a 10-mL bolus of 0.2% ropivacaine before emergence, followed by a continuous infusion of 6 mL/h for 24 hours (PVB group), or saline at the same scheme of administration (control group). All patients were started on patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with sufentanil in the postanesthesia care unit. The primary outcome measure was total sufentanil consumption during the first 24 postoperative hours. P = 0.05 was considered as significant. For the multiple comparisons of data at 5 different time points, the P value for the 0.05 level of significance was adjusted to 0.01.

Results

Sixty-six patients were assessed for eligibility, and a PVB catheter was successfully placed for 48 patients. Data were analyzed on 22 patients in group PVB and 22 patients in the control group. The cumulative sufentanil consumption in the PVB group (54.3 ± 12.1 μg) at 24 postoperative hours was more than 20% less than that of the control group (68.1 ± 9.9 μg) (P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in pain scores (numerical rating scale) between groups, where the PVB group had lower scores than did the control group at rest and with coughing for the first 24 hours (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Continuous right thoracic paravertebral block, following bolus initiation, has an opioid-sparing effect on sufentanil patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for right-lobe hepatectomy patients and reduces numerical rating scale pain scores at rest and with coughing in the first 24 postoperative hours.

Patient outcomes and provider perceptions following implementation of a standardized perioperative care pathway for open liver resection

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been associated with improved perioperative outcomes following several surgical procedures. Less is known, however, regarding their use following hepatic surgery.

Methods

An evidence-based, standardized perioperative care pathway was developed and implemented prospectively among patients undergoing open liver surgery between 1 January 2014 and 31 July 2015. Perioperative outcomes, including length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and healthcare costs, were compared between groups of patients who had surgery before and after introduction of the ERAS pathway. Provider perceptions regarding the perioperative pathway were assessed using an online questionnaire.

Results

There were no differences in patient or disease characteristics between pre-ERAS (42 patients) and post-ERAS (75) groups. Although mean pain scores were comparable between the two groups, patients treated within the ERAS pathway had a marked reduction in opioid use on the first 3 days after surgery compared with those treated before introduction of the pathway (all P &lt; 0·001). Duration of hospital stay was shorter in the post-ERAS group (median 5 (i.q.r. 4–7) days versus 6 (5–7) days in the pre-ERAS group; P = 0·037) and there was a lower incidence of postoperative complications (1 versus 10 per cent; P = 0·036). Implementation of the ERAS pathway was associated with a 40·7 per cent decrease in laboratory costs (−US $333; −€306, exchange rate 4 January 2016) and a 21·5 per cent reduction in medical supply costs (−US $394; −€362) per patient. Although 91·0 per cent of providers endorsed the ERAS pathway, 33·8 per cent identified provider aversion to a standardized protocol as the greatest hurdle to implementation.

Conclusion

The introduction of a multimodal ERAS programme following open liver surgery was associated with a reduction in opioid use, shorter hospital stay and decreased hospital costs. ERAS was endorsed by an overwhelming majority of providers.

Randomized clinical trial of perioperative nerve block and continuous local anaesthetic infiltration via wound catheter versus epidural analgesia in open liver resection (LIVER 2 trial)

BACKGROUND

Analgesia after liver surgery remains controversial. A previous randomized trial of continuous wound infiltration (CWI) versus thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) after liver surgery (LIVER trial) showed a faster recovery time in the wound infiltration group but better early postoperative pain scores in the TEA group. High-level evidence is, however, limited and opinion remains divided. The aim was to determine whether there is a difference in functional recovery time between patients having CWI plus abdominal nerve blocks versus TEA after liver resection.

METHODS

A randomized unblinded clinical trial of patients undergoing open liver resection was commenced in December 2012, with follow-up to August 2014. Patients were randomized to receive either wound catheter and nerve block (CWI group) or TEA for 48 h after surgery. The primary outcome measure was functional recovery time. Secondary outcomes were pain scores, complication rates, inflammatory response and central venous pressure (CVP) during transection.

RESULTS

Of 50 patients randomized initially to each group, 44 received TEA and 49 CWI. Median (i.q.r.) recovery time was 6·5 (5-9·75) and 5·75 (4-7) days in the TEA and CWI groups respectively (P = 0·036). Pain scores were not significantly different between the two groups, and there were no differences in morbidity, inflammatory response or CVP during transection.

CONCLUSION

Wound infiltration is associated with a reduced time to recovery after open liver resection compared with epidural analgesia. TEA does not offer an advantage over CWI in terms of attenuation of the inflammatory response or pain scores.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01747122 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Fast-Track Programs for Liver Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Plentiful publications have inspected the feasibility of fast-track surgery programs during hepatic surgery, but the potency of these studies has not been discussed profoundly so far. Our goal was to assess the effects of fast-track programs on surgical outcomes compared with traditional surgical plans for liver surgery.

METHODS

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, etc. Studies meeting our inclusion criteria were included. All interrelated data and the methodological quality of included studies were extracted and assessed. We applied risk ratio and weighted mean difference as the estimated effect measures. Sensitivity analysis was performed to perceive the reliability of our findings.

RESULTS

Altogether, 14 studies with 1400 patients were analyzed. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated that implementation of fast-track surgery programs could observably decrease the total length of hospital stay, complication rate, postoperative first flatus time, and hospitalization expense, and did not compromise mortality and readmission rate. The above findings were also in line with the results of case-control studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Fast-track surgery programs are feasible and effective for liver surgery. Future studies should optimize fast-track surgery programs catering to liver surgery.

Single-dose systemic acetaminophen to prevent postoperative pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

The effect of a single-dose systemic acetaminophen to treat postoperative pain has been previously quantified, but the effect of systemic acetaminophen to prevent postoperative pain is currently not well defined. The preventive analgesic effect of acetaminophen has yet to be quantified in a meta-analysis. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of a single preventive dose of systemic acetaminophen on postoperative pain outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A wide search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of a single dose of systemic acetaminophen on pain outcomes in a large variety of surgical procedures. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model.

RESULTS

Eleven randomized clinical trials evaluating 740 patients were included in the analysis. The weighted mean difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) of the combined effects favored acetaminophen over control for early pain at rest (≤4 h, -1.1 (-2.0 to -0.2)) and early pain at movement (24 h, -1.9 (-2.8 to -1.0)) Postoperative opioid consumption was decreased in the systemic acetaminophen group compared with control. Weighted mean difference (95% CI) of -9.7 (-13.0 to -6.4) mg morphine intravenous equivalents systemic acetaminophen also reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with control, odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.25 (0.13 to 0.47), numbers needed to treat (95% CI)=3.3 (2.3 to 5.9).

DISCUSSION

Systemic acetaminophen, when used as a single-dose preventive regimen, is an effective intervention to reduce postoperative pain. It also reduces postoperative nausea and/or vomiting. Doses >1 g were not associated with greater reduction in pain outcomes.

A nationwide analysis of the use and outcomes of perioperative epidural analgesia in patients undergoing hepatic and pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

We sought to define trends in the use of epidural analgesia (EA) for hepatopancreatic procedures, as well as to characterize inpatient outcomes relative to the use of EA.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried to identify all elective hepatopancreatic surgeries between 2000 and 2012. In-hospital outcomes were compared among patients receiving EA vs conventional analgesia using propensity matching.

RESULTS

EA utilization was 7.4% (n = 3,961). The use of EA among minimally invasive procedures increased from 3.8% in 2000 to 9.1% in 2012. The odds of sepsis (odds ratio [OR] .72, 95% confidence interval [CI] .56 to .93), respiratory failure (OR .79, 95% CI .69 to .91), and postoperative pneumonia (OR .77, 95% CI .61 to .98), as well as overall in-hospital mortality (OR .72, 95% CI .56 to .93) were lower in the EA cohort (all P < .05). In contrast, no association was noted between EA and postoperative hemorrhage (OR .81, 95% CI .65 to 1.01, P = .06).

CONCLUSIONS

EA use among patients undergoing hepatopancreatic procedures remains low. After controlling for confounding factors, EA remained associated with a reduction in specific pulmonary-related complications, as well as in-hospital mortality.

Epidural analgesia and perioperative kidney function after major liver resection

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia (EDA) is a common analgesia regimen in liver resection, and is accompanied by sympathicolysis, peripheral vasodilatation and hypotension in the context of deliberate intraoperative low central venous pressure. This associated fall in mean arterial pressure may compromise renal blood pressure autoregulation and lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). This study investigated whether EDA is a risk factor for postoperative AKI after liver surgery.

METHODS

The incidence of AKI was investigated retrospectively in patients who underwent liver resection with or without EDA between 2002 and 2012. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed including recognized preoperative and intraoperative predictors of posthepatectomy renal failure.

RESULTS

A series of 1153 patients was investigated. AKI occurred in 8·2 per cent of patients and was associated with increased morbidity (71 versus 47·3 per cent; P = 0·003) and mortality (21 versus 0·3 per cent; P <  0·001) rates. The incidence of AKI was significantly higher in the EDA group (10·1 versus 3·7 per cent; P = 0·003). Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of AKI between patients undergoing minor hepatectomy with or without EDA (5·2 versus 2·7 per cent; P = 0·421), a substantial difference in AKI rates occurred in patients undergoing major hepatectomy (13·8 versus 5·0 per cent; P = 0·025). In multivariable analysis, EDA remained an independent risk factor for AKI after hepatectomy (P = 0·040).

CONCLUSION

EDA may be a risk factor for postoperative AKI after major hepatectomy.

Open versus laparoscopic liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (the Oslo-CoMet Study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection is used in specialized centers all over the world. However, laparoscopic liver resection has never been compared with open liver resection in a prospective, randomized trial.

METHODS/DESIGN

The Oslo-CoMet Study is a randomized trial into laparoscopic versus open liver resection for the surgical management of hepatic colorectal metastases. The primary outcome is 30-day perioperative morbidity. Secondary outcomes include 5-year survival (overall, disease-free and recurrence-free), resection margins, recurrence pattern, postoperative pain, health-related quality of life, and evaluation of the inflammatory response. A cost-utility analysis of replacing open surgery with laparoscopic surgery will also be performed. The study includes all resections for colorectal liver metastases, except formal hemihepatectomies, resections where reconstruction of vessels/bile ducts is necessary and resections that need to be combined with ablation. All patients will participate in an enhanced recovery after surgery program. A biobank of liver and tumor tissue will be established and molecular analysis will be performed.

DISCUSSION

After 35 months of recruitment, 200 patients have been included in the trial. Molecular and immunology data are being analyzed. Results for primary and secondary outcome measures will be presented following the conclusion of the study (late 2015). The Oslo-CoMet Study will provide the first level 1 evidence on the benefits of laparoscopic liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered in ClinicalTrals.gov (NCT01516710) on 19 January 2012.

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols for open hepatectomy--physiology, immunomodulation, and implementation

There has been recent interest in enhanced-recovery after surgery (ERAS®) or "fast-track" perioperative protocols in the surgical community. The subspecialty field of colorectal surgery has been the leading adopter of ERAS protocols, with less data available regarding its adoption in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. This review focuses on available data pertaining to the application of ERAS to open hepatectomy. We focus on four fundamental variables that impact normal physiology and exacerbate perioperative inflammation: (1) the stress of laparotomy, (2) the use of opioids, (3) blood loss and blood product transfusions, and (4) perioperative fasting. The attenuation of these inflammatory stressors is largely responsible for the improvements in perioperative outcomes due to the implementation of ERAS-based pathways. Collectively, the data suggest that the implementation of ERAS principles should be strongly considered in all patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Anesthesia for hepatobiliary surgery

Hepatobiliary surgery outcomes have significantly improved since the early 1970s. Surgical and anesthetic advances related to patient selection, alternative surgical management options, and reduction of operative blood loss have been important. Postoperative analgesic regimens are being modified to include intrathecal opiates and to embrace enhanced recovery regimens.

Risk factors for coagulopathy after liver resection

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for coagulopathy in patients undergoing liver resection.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Patients who underwent liver resection at a university hospital between April 2010 and May 2011 were evaluated within seven days after surgery.

PATIENTS

One hundred forty-seven patients were assessed for eligibility. Thirty needed to be excluded because of incomplete data (23) or a preexisting coagulopathy (7).

MEASUREMENTS

Coagulopathy was defined as 1 or more of the following events: international normalized ratio ≥1.4, platelet count <80,000/μL, and partial thromboplastin time >38 seconds. Related to the time course and coagulation profile thresholds, 3 different groups could be distinguished: no coagulopathy, temporary coagulopathy, and persistent coagulopathy.

MAIN RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients (65.8%) had no coagulopathy, whereas 33 (28.2%) developed temporary coagulopathy and 7 (6%) developed persistent coagulopathy until day 7. Preoperative international normalized ratio (P = .001), postoperative peak lactate levels (P = .012), and resected liver weight (P = .005) were identified as independent predictors. Preoperative liver transaminases and transfusion volumes of red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma were significantly higher in patients with persistent coagulopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural anesthesia is feasible in patients scheduled for liver resection. Caution should be observed for patients with extended resection (≥3 segments) and increased postoperative lactate. In patients with preexisting liver disease, epidural catheters should be avoided.

Evaluation of epidural analgesia for open major liver resection surgery from a US inpatient sample

The aim of this study was to assess the nationwide use of epidural analgesia (EA) and the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing major liver resections (MLR) with and without EA in the United States. The 2001 to 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried to identify adult patients undergoing MLR. A 1:1 matched cohort of patients having MLR with and without EA was assembled using propensity-score matching techniques. Differences in the rate of postoperative complications were compared between the matched groups. We identified 68,028 MLR. Overall, 5.9% of patients in the database had procedural codes for postoperative EA. A matched cohort of 802 patients per group was derived from the propensity-matching algorithm. Although use of EA was associated with more blood transfusions (relative risk, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.65; P = 0.001) and longer hospital stay (median [interquartile range], 6 [5-8] vs 6 [4-8] days), the use of coagulation factors and the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage/hematomas or other postoperative complications were not higher in patients receiving EA. In conclusion, the use of EA for MLR is low, and EA does not seem to influence the incidence of postoperative complications. EA, however, was associated with an increased use of blood transfusions and a longer hospital stay.

Consensus and controversy in hepatic surgery: a survey of Canadian surgeons

BACKGROUND

Heterogeneity in practice provides an opportunity for further study, as it may [IRT Rev 1] reflect deficiencies in knowledge translation or knowledge gaps. This survey aimed to assess practice patterns for the surgical treatment of malignancies of the liverwith the goal of identifying areas of variability.

METHODS

We created a web-based survey focusing on scope of surgical practice, pre-and post-operative measures and practice patterns for liver and biliary surgery. We piloted the survey for clarity and made changes as needed. All members of the Canadian Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Association (CHPBA) were invited to participate. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results.

RESULTS

The survey was sent to sixty-nine surgeons and thirty-six (52%) completed the survey in its entirety. Areas of agreement include defining the resectability of a tumourand in imaging modalities used to determine resectability. Variability surrounded utlilization of blood conservation strategies, withlow CVP anesthesia frequently used and all other strategies (autologous blood donation, acute normovolemic hemodilution, cell-saver, and tranexamic acid) rarely used. Post-operative analgesic technique was variable with epidural analgesia (50%) and IV-PCA (35.3%) nearly equally preferred.

CONCLUSIONS

There is variability in some techniques and approaches used by hepatobiliary surgeons. Future research focusing on areas of uncertainty including techniques of blood conservation and post-operative analgesia are needed.