Low-dose bupivacaine with sufentanil prevents hypotension after spinal anesthesia for hip repair in elderly patients

Preoperative echocardiography as a predictor of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in older patients with mild left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (SAH) frequently occurs in older patients, many of whom have mild left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, often asymptomatic at rest. This study investigated the association between preoperative echocardiographic measurements and SAH in older patients with mild LV diastolic dysfunction.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study using data from electronic medical records. The patients ≥ 65 years old who underwent spinal anesthesia for urologic surgery between January 2016 and December 2017 and whose preoperative echocardiography within 6 months before surgery revealed grade I LV diastolic dysfunction were recruited. SAH was investigated using the anesthesia records. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were analyzed. SAH and significant SAH developed in 55 (33.7%) patients. The mitral inflow E velocity was an independent risk factor for SAH (odds ratio [OR], 0.886; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.845-0.929; P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for mitral inflow E velocity to predict SAH was 0.819 (95% CI, 0.752-0.875; P < 0.001). If mitral inflow E velocity was ≤ 60 cm/s, SAH was predicted with a sensitivity of 83.6% and specificity of 70.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative mitral inflow E velocity demonstrated the greatest predictability of SAH in older patients with mild LV diastolic dysfunction. This may assist in identifying patients at high risk of SAH and guiding preventive strategies in the future.

A retrospective, observational, single-centre, cohort database analysis of the haemodynamic effects of low-dose spinal anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery

Background

Careful administration of either spinal (intrathecal) or general anaesthesia probably has a greater impact on outcomes after hip fracture surgery than which method is used per se. Intraoperative hypotension is associated with poorer outcomes, but appears less prevalent using lower doses of spinal anaesthesia.

Methods

In this observational single-centre study, intraoperative noninvasive blood pressure data were analysed from 280 patients undergoing unilateral hip fracture surgery after the administration of hyperbaric spinal bupivacaine 0.5%, 1.3 ml (0.65 mg).

Results

Mean cohort mean arterial pressure (MAP) remained within 10% of baseline (spinal injection) MAP for 97/98 (99.0%) subsequent aggregated 1-min recording intervals. The prevalences of lowest MAP <70 mm Hg and <55 mm Hg were significantly lower than historical equivalents (Anaesthesia Sprint Audit of Practice 1 and 2) (52.9% and 10.4% vs 71.9% and 23.8%, respectively, both <0.0001). The proportions of 10 551 MAP readings <70 mm Hg and <55 mm Hg were 6.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Forty-five (16.1%) patients had relatively persistent hypotension (MAP ≤70 mm Hg for five or more intraoperative readings), and were statistically more likely to be frail (Nottingham Hip Fracture Score ≥7/10, 37.8% vs 19.6%, P=0.0109) and be taking alpha-/beta-blockers (44.4% vs 24.3%, P=0.0099) than the remaining 'normotensive' cohort. Surgical anaesthesia remained effective for up to 190 min, with only one patient requiring supplemental local anaesthesia during skin closure.

Conclusions

Low doses of hyperbaric spinal 0.5% bupivacaine (1.3 ml, 6.5 mg) are associated with minimal reductions in blood pressure during surgery and provide adequate duration of surgical anaesthesia. Randomised comparisons of lower vs higher/standard doses of spinal anaesthesia are now required to confirm outcome benefits in this vulnerable patient group.

Clinical trial registration

NCT05799300.

Safety and effectiveness of adding fentanyl or sufentanil to spinal anesthesia: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Spinal infusions of either fentanyl or sufentanil have been reported in international reports, articles, and scientific events worldwide. This study aimed to determine whether intrathecal fentanyl or sufentanil offers safety in mortality and perioperative adverse events.

METHODS

MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, CENTRAL (Cochrane library databases), gray literature, hand-searching, and clinicaltrials.gov were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials with no language, data, or status restrictions were included, comparing the effectiveness and safety of adding spinal lipophilic opioid to local anesthetics (LAs). Data were pooled using the random-effects models or fixed-effect models based on heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The initial search retrieved 4469 records; 3241 records were eligible, and 3152 articles were excluded after reading titles and abstracts, with a high agreement rate (98.6%). After reading the full texts, 76 articles remained. Spinal fentanyl and sufentanil significantly reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption, increased analgesia and pruritus. Fentanyl, but not sufentanil, significantly reduced both postoperative nausea and vomiting, and postoperative shivering; compared to LAs alone. The analyzed studies did not report any case of in-hospital mortality related to spinal lipophilic opioids. The rate of respiratory depression was 0.7% and 0.8% when spinal fentanyl or sufentanil was added and when it was not, respectively. Episodes of respiratory depression were rare, uneventful, occurred intraoperatively, and were easily manageable.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate to high quality certainty that there is evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of adding lipophilic opioids to LAs in spinal anesthesia.

Spinal anesthesia and hypotensive events in hip fracture surgical repair in elderly patients: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Spinal anesthesia (SA) is widely used for anesthetic management of patients undergoing hip surgery, and hypotension is the most common cardiovascular side effect of SA. This paper aims to assess the lowest effective dose of SA that reduces the occurrence of intraoperative hypotension in elderly patients scheduled for major lower limb orthopedic surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed in elderly patients scheduled for surgical hip repair and a meta-analysis with meta-regression on the occurrence of hypotensive episodes at different effective doses of anesthetics. We searched PUBMED®, EMBASE®, and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical trials registered.

RESULTS

Our search retrieved 2085 titles, and after screening, 6 were finally included in both the qualitative and quantitative analysis, including 344 patients [15% (10-28) males], with a median (25th to 75th interquartile) age of 82 (80-85). The risk of bias assessment reported "low risk" for 5 (83.3%) and "some concerns" for 1 (16.7%) of the included RCTs. The low dose of SA of [mean 6.5 mg (1.9)] anesthetic was associated with a lower incidence of hypotension [OR = 0.09 (95%CI 0.04-0.21); p = 0.04; I² = 56.9%], as compared to the high-dose of anesthetic [mean 10.5 mg (2.4)].

CONCLUSIONS

In the included studies of this meta-analysis, a mean dose of 6.5 mg of SA was effective in producing intraoperative comfort and motor block and associated with a lower incidence of hypotension as compared to a mean dose of 10.5 mg.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRD42020193627.

Determination of the initial minimum effective dose of 0.5% bupivacaine with 20 μg of fentanyl for an operative fixation of fractured neck of femur: a prospective, observational trial

BACKGROUND

Fractured neck of femur (FNF) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly. Spinal catheter allows fractionation of local anesthetic dose which combined with intrathecal opioid leads to a dose reduction and better hemodynamic stability. The primary objective of this paper was to investigate the initial minimum local anesthetic dose (iMLAD) of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine with 20 μg of fentanyl administered via spinal catheter in order to commence the operative fixation of FNF.

METHODS

A prospective, single-blinded, adaptive clinical trial with patients undergoing dynamic hip screw implantation (DHS) or hemiarthroplasty (HEMI) due to FNF. The Dixon and Massey's up and down method was used to determine the ED50 of intrathecal bupivacaine. This figure was confirmed with Probit analysis, in addition to the ED95.

RESULTS

Using the Dixon and Massey's approach, the iMLADED50 for DHS was 0.29 mL (1.45 mg) and the iMLADED50 for HEMI was 0.33 mL (1.65 mg) of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine. The Probit analyses demonstrated that the iMLADED95 for DHS and HEMI were 0.32 mL (1.6 mg) and 0.34 mL (1.7 mg) respectively. The mean cumulative dose of 0.5% bupivacaine for the whole surgery was 0.67 mL (3.35 mg) and 0.87 mL (4.35 mg) in the DHS and HEMI groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the placement of a spinal catheter allows for careful titration of local anesthetic, enabling a reduction of the initial intrathecal dose of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine below 0.4 mL (2 mg) and leading to a significant reduction of a dose required for the whole surgery when combined with an intrathecal opioid.

Effect of intrathecal lipophilic opioids on the incidence of shivering in women undergoing cesarean delivery after spinal anesthesia: a systematic review and bayesian network meta- analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Shivering is a common side effect in women having cesarean delivery (CD) under spinal anesthesia, which can be bothersome to the patient, and it can also interfere with perioperative monitoring. In several studies, the intrathecal (IT) addition of a lipophilic opioid to local anesthetics has been shown to decrease the incidence of shivering.

Objective

We performed this network meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of intrathecal lipophilic opioids in preventing the incidence of shivering in patients undergoing CD.

Methods

This review was planned according to the PRISMA for Network Meta-Analysis (PRISMA-NMA) guidelines. An English literature search of multiple electronic databases was conducted. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported on the incidence of shivering, with study groups receiving either IT fentanyl, sufentanil, or meperidine in women undergoing CD under spinal anesthesia. Quality of the studies was assessed using the modified Oxford scoring system. Using random-effects modeling, dichotomous data were extracted and summarized using odds ratio (OR) with a 95% credible interval (CrI). Statistical analysis was conducted using R studio version 1.0.153 - Inc.

Results

Twenty-one studies consisting of 1433 patients (Control group: 590 patients in twenty-one studies; Fentanyl group:199 patients in seven studies; Sufentanil group: 156 patients in five studies; Meperidine group: 488 patients in ten studies) met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review investigating the effect of intrathecal lipophilic opioids in preventing the incidence of shivering in women undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Methodological validity scores ranged from 3 to 7. The Bayesian mixed network estimate showed the incidence of shivering was significantly lower with IT fentanyl (pooled odds ratio (OR): 0.13; 95% credible interval (CrI): 0.04 to 0.35; P = 0.0004) and IT meperidine (OR: 0.12; 95% CrI: 0.05 to 0.29; P < 0.00001), but not with IT sufentanil (OR: 0.37; 95% CrI: 0.11 to 1.22; P = 0.23). The IT fentanyl group had a significantly lower incidence of intraoperative discomfort [Risk Ratio (RR): 0.19; 95% CI: 0.10–0.35; P < 0.00001], the IT sufentanil group had a significantly higher incidence of pruritus (RR: 6.18; 95% CI: 1.18–32.46; P = 0.03) The IT meperidine group had a significantly lower incidence of intraoperative discomfort (2.7% vs. 13.6%; RR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.09–0.55; P = 0.001), but there was a significant increase in nausea and vomiting (IT meperidine group vs. Control group: 42.7% vs. 19.4%; RR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.14–5.75; P = 0.02). Meta-regression analysis based on the opioid dose and quality of the study did not impact the final inference of our result.

Conclusion

IT fentanyl significantly decreased the incidence of shivering in women undergoing CD under spinal anesthesia without increasing maternal adverse events, confirming that routine use in this patient population is a good choice. IT sufentanil did not decrease the incidence of shivering. IT meperidine decreased the incidence and severity of shivering, but its use was also associated with significant nausea and vomiting.

Predictors of post-spinal hypotension in elderly patients; a prospective observational study in the Durban Metropole

Aims and objective: To evaluate the pre-spinal risk factors for hypotension associated with spinal anaesthesia in elderly surgical patients. Summary of background data: Hypotension is associated with morbidity and mortality following noncardiac surgery. Reducing the incidence of hypotension associated with spinal anaesthesia may be associated with improved postoperative outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study, using convenience sampling. All patients over 55 years of age scheduled to receive spinal anaesthesia for lower limb surgery were eligible. Exclusion criteria included the need for resuscitation and/or the need for vasopressors prior to anaesthesia and surgery, and patients who declined spinal anaesthesia. The dosage of spinal anaesthesia and the use of intraoperative sedation were left to the attending anaesthesiologist. The primary outcome was hypotension, which was defined as a decrease in the systolic blood pressure by 25% from the baseline, or a systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg. The following pre-spinal risk factors were assessed in a multivariable logistic regression for their association with spinal hypotension: age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists-Physical September 2019 Status, sex, dose of local anaesthetic, isobaric bupivacaine or bupivacaine with dextrose, baseline blood pressure, baseline heart rate and fluid preloading prior to spinal anaesthesia. Results: Three hundred and eighty-nine patients were recruited. The primary outcome of spinal hypotension was independently associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–3.28), increasing dosage of bupivacaine (OR 1.14, CI 1.01–1.29), and the use of isobaric bupivacaine (OR 1.50, CI 0.95–2.36). Conclusion: Spinal hypotension was associated with female sex, increasing dosage of bupivacaine, and the use of isobaric bupivacaine.

Neuraxial Anesthesia in the Geriatric Patient

Neuraxial anesthesia is recommended as a well-accepted option to minimize the perioperative side effects in the geriatric patients. The available data from the current researches have shifted the focus from the conventional approach to spinal anesthesia to the concept of low dose local anesthetic combined with opioids. What remains clear from all these studies is that hemodynamic stability is much better in patients who received low-doses of intrathecal bupivacaine in combination with opioids, which is possibly result of a potent synergistic nociceptive analgesic effect and their minimal potential effects on sympathetic pathways thus minimizing spinal hypotension. Spinal anesthesia with 5–10 mg of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine, fentanyl 20 mcg and 100 mcg of long-acting morphine added to the perioperative plan decreased the incidence of spinal hypotension and improved perioperative outcomes in the geriatric patients undergoing (low segment) surgical procedures. These findings may be of interest in the gynecologic geriatric surgery also in which area there are very few studies concerning the use of low-dose concept.

Determination of the median effective dose (ED50) of bupivacaine and ropivacaine unilateral spinal anesthesia : Prospective, double blinded, randomized dose-response trial

BACKGROUND

Unilateral spinal anesthesia (USpA) has been reported to potentiate spinal anaesthesia and is used in geriatric patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the median effective dose (ED₅₀) of 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine and 0.5% hypobaric ropivacaine USpA for geriatric patients (age ≥ 70 years) undergoing elective hip replacement surgery.

METHODS

A total of 60 geriatric patients (age ≥ 70 years) undergoing elective hip replacement surgery were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomized into 2 groups to receive either intrathecal 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine USpA (group B) or 0.5% hypobaric ropivacaine USpA (group R). Effective anesthesia was defined as a T10 sensory blockade level maintained for more than 60 min, and a Bromage score of 3 on the operation side within 10 min after injection with no additional epidural anesthetic required during surgery. The ED₅₀ of 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine and 0.5% hypobaric ropivacaine was calculated using the Dixon and Massey formula.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of demographic data. The ED₅₀ of 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine USpA was 4.66 mg (95% confidence interval CI 4.69-4.63 mg) mg and that of 0.5% hypobaric ropivacaine USpA was 6.43 mg (95% CI 6.47-6.39 mg) for geriatric patients undergoing hip replacement surgery.

CONCLUSION

We find the ED₅₀ were lower, and the ED50 of 0.5% hypobaric bupivacaine and ropivacaine was 4.66 mg (95% CI 4.69-4.63 mg) and 6.43 mg (95% CI 6.47-6.39 mg), respectively, for USpA in geriatric patients (age ≥ 70 years) undergoing elective hip replacement surgery.

The Effect of Different Doses of Intrathecal Hyperbaric Bupivacaine Plus Sufentanil in Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Sections

Background

Decreasing side effects and improving the quality of block in caesarean sections by appropriate dosage of local anesthetics and adjuvants could play an important role in the safe management of cesarean section. The present study aimed at comparing the effects of 3 different doses of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine injected with a fixed dose of sufentanil in cesarean sections.

Methods

In a double- blind randomized clinical trial, 105 candidates of elective cesarean section were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 8, 9, and 10 mg of intrathecal bupivacaine plus sufentanil 2.5 µg. The maximum level of sensory block, the intensity of motor block, and vital signs were measured at regular intervals. The incidence of hypotension and bradycardia were also recorded.

Results

No significant difference was found between the maximum level of sensory block and the intensity of motor block in 3 groups. The incidences of hypotension and bradycardia as well as administration of atropine and ephedrine were comparable among the 3 groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

According to similar effects of different doses of bupivacaine, administration of lower doses of bupivacaine (8mg) is more reasonable for spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

Hypobaric Unilateral Spinal Anaesthesia versus General Anaesthesia in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgical Repair: A Prospective Randomised Open Trial

Objective

Intraoperative hypotension during hip fracture surgery is frequent in the elderly. No study has compared the haemodynamic effect of hypobaric unilateral spinal anaesthesia (HUSA) and standardised general anaesthesia (GA) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgical repair.

Methods

We performed a prospective, randomised open study, including 40 patients aged over 75 years, comparing the haemodynamic effects of HUSA (5 mg isobaric bupivacaine with 5 μg sufentanil and 1 mL sterile water) and GA (induction with etomidate/remifentanil and maintenance with desflurane/remifentanil). An incidence of severe hypotension, defined by a decrease in systolic blood pressure of >40% from baseline, was the primary endpoint.

Results

The incidence of severe hypotension was lower in the HUSA group compared with that in the GA group (32% vs. 71%, respectively, p=0.03). The median [IQR] ephedrine consumption was lower (p=0.001) in the HUSA group (6 mg, 0-17 mg) compared with that in the GA group (36 mg, 21-57 mg). Intraoperative muscle relaxation and patients' and surgeons' satisfaction were similar between groups. No difference was observed in 5-day complications or 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

This study shows that HUSA provides better haemodynamic stability than GA, with lower consumption of ephedrine and similar operating conditions. This new approach of spinal anaesthesia seems to be safe and effective in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Maternal and anaesthesia-related risk factors and incidence of spinal anaesthesia-induced hypotension in elective caesarean section: A multinomial logistic regression

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although spinal anaesthesia (SA) is nowadays the preferred anaesthesia technique for caesarean section (CS), it is associated with considerable haemodynamic effects, such as maternal hypotension. This study aimed to evaluate a wide range of variables (related to parturient and anaesthesia techniques) associated with the incidence of different degrees of SA-induced hypotension during elective CS.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on 511 mother-infant pairs, in which the mother underwent elective CS under SA. The data were collected through preset proforma containing three parts related to the parturient, anaesthetic techniques and a table for recording maternal blood pressure. It was hypothesized that some maternal (such as age) and anaesthesia-related risk factors (such as block height) were associated with occurance of SA-induced hypotension during elective CS.

RESULTS

The incidence of mild, moderate and severe hypotension was 20%, 35% and 40%, respectively. Eventually, ten risk factors were found to be associated with hypotension, including age >35 years, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, 11-20 kg weight gain, gravidity ≥4, history of hypotension, baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) <120 mmHg and baseline heart rate >100 beats/min in maternal modelling, fluid preloading ≥1000 ml, adding sufentanil to bupivacaine and sensory block height >T4in anaesthesia-related modelling (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Age, body mass index, weight gain, gravidity, history of hypotension, baseline SBP and heart rate, fluid preloading, adding sufentanil to bupivacaine and sensory block hieght were the main risk factors identified in the study for SA-induced hypotension during CS.

Adjuvants to local anesthetics: Current understanding and future trends

Although beneficial in acute and chronic pain management, the use of local anaesthetics is limited by its duration of action and the dose dependent adverse effects on the cardiac and central nervous system. Adjuvants or additives are often used with local anaesthetics for its synergistic effect by prolonging the duration of sensory-motor block and limiting the cumulative dose requirement of local anaesthetics. The armamentarium of local anesthetic adjuvants have evolved over time from classical opioids to a wide array of drugs spanning several groups and varying mechanisms of action. A large array of opioids ranging from morphine, fentanyl and sufentanyl to hydromorphone, buprenorphine and tramadol has been used with varying success. However, their use has been limited by their adverse effect like respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting and pruritus, especially with its neuraxial use. Epinephrine potentiates the local anesthetics by its antinociceptive properties mediated by alpha-2 adrenoreceptor activation along with its vasoconstrictive properties limiting the systemic absorption of local anesthetics. Alpha 2 adrenoreceptor antagonists like clonidine and dexmedetomidine are one of the most widely used class of local anesthetic adjuvants. Other drugs like steroids (dexamethasone), anti-inflammatory agents (parecoxib and lornoxicam), midazolam, ketamine, magnesium sulfate and neostigmine have also been used with mixed success. The concern regarding the safety profile of these adjuvants is due to its potential neurotoxicity and neurological complications which necessitate further research in this direction. Current research is directed towards a search for agents and techniques which would prolong local anaesthetic action without its deleterious effects. This includes novel approaches like use of charged molecules to produce local anaesthetic action (tonicaine and n butyl tetracaine), new age delivery mechanisms for prolonged bioavailability (liposomal, microspheres and cyclodextrin systems) and further studies with other drugs (adenosine, neuromuscular blockers, dextrans).

Comparison of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine with Midazolam in Prolonging Spinal Anaesthesia with Ropivacaine

INTRODUCTION

Midazolam and dexmedetomidine both being sedatives, but the latter with additional analgesic properties is expected to prolong the duration of sensory and motor block obtained with spinal anaesthesia.

AIM

To compare intravenous dexmedetomidine with midazolam and placebo with respect to sensory and motor block duration, analgesia, and sedation in patients undergoing lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries with intrathecal ropivacaine anaesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single blind placebo controlled trial, 60 patients, classified as American Society of Anaesthesiologists' (ASA) physical status I-II, were randomized into three groups (n=20 per group). All patients were administered ropivacaine (15 mg) for spinal anaesthesia. Intravenous dexmedetomidine was administered in Group D (1 μg/kg loading dose over 10 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion (0.5 μg/kg/hr), intravenous midazolam was administered in Group M (0.05 mg/kg) loading dose, followed by a continuous infusion (0.02 mg/kg/hr) and normal saline was infused in Group C. Intraoperative haemodynamic changes, onset, level and duration of sensory block, onset and duration of motor block, level of sedation, postoperative analgesia and side effects were recorded.

RESULTS

Heart rate was seen to fall significantly in Group D patients for the first 15 minutes. Measurements of mean blood pressure revealed significant decrease in Group D after 40 minutes, whereas the fall in Group C occurred after 15 minutes. Duration of sensory block was significantly longer in Group D patients (208±19.358 mins) as compared to Group M and C where the duration was (177±15.252 mins) and (177±17.800 mins) respectively. Higher levels of sedation were achieved in Group D and M where sedation score was 3 (fully asleep but arousable), 90% cases in Group D and 100% cases in Group M. The time at which first analgesic was given to patients (VAS score 4) was (271.50±21.831) in Group D and (202±25.047) in M and (218.50±38.013) in Group C. Dexmedetomidine significantly prolongs duration of analgesia providing pain relief in intraoperative and postoperative period. Injection of diclofenac sodium 75 mg intramuscular was used as rescue analgesic. The VAS score reached a value of 4 earlier in the midazolam and saline group than dexmedetomidine group.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous dexmedetomidine prolonged spinal anaesthesia, though midazolam did not. It also provided sedation and additional analgesia. Therefore, dexmedetomidine is appropriate during spinal anaesthesia, although heart rate needs to be monitored cautiously.

Intrathecal morphine for postoperative pain control after laminoplasty in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

OBJECTIVES

To examine the clinical efficacy of intrathecal morphine as postoperative analgesia for cervical laminoplasty.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Patients who undergo posterior cervical spinal surgery frequently experience significant postoperative pain. Postoperative pain contributes to patient morbidity because of decreasing early voluntary mobilization and delayed rehabilitation. Intrathecal morphine is known to be a simple and effective analgesia. However, the effectiveness of intrathecal morphine for cervical spinal surgery has not yet been reported.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were divided into two groups prospectively, a diclofenac suppository (DS) group who received 50 mg diclofenac suppository at the end of the surgery, and an intrathecal morphine (ITM) group who were preoperatively administered 0.3 mg of morphine chloride, intrathecally, via a lumbar puncture. All patients underwent double-door laminoplasty of C3-6 or C3-7 level. Visual analog scale (VAS) of cervical pain, self-rating pain impression, supplemental analgesic usage, and complication rate were evaluated until the seventh postoperative day.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients in the DS group and 32 patients in the ITM group were finally assessed. No baseline variable differences between the two groups were observed. The VAS was significantly lower in the ITM group at 4 h and 24 h until the seventh postoperative day. Self-rating pain impression was significantly better in the ITM group. No significant difference was observed in complication rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathecal morphine was an effective and safe analgesic method for cervical laminoplasty in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

The Dose-response of Intrathecal Ropivacaine Co-administered with Sufentanil for Cesarean Delivery under Combined Spinal-epidural Anesthesia in Patients with Scarred Uterus

Background:

Spinal anesthesia is considered as a reasonable anesthetic option in lower abdominal and lower limb surgery. This study was to determine the dose-response of intrathecal ropivacaine in patients with scarred uterus undergoing cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.

Methods:

Seventy-five patients with scarred uterus undergoing elective cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blinded, dose-ranging study. Patients received 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 mg intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine with 5 μg sufentanil. Successful spinal anesthesia was defined as a T₄ sensory level achieved with no need for epidural supplementation. The 50% effective dose (ED₅₀) and 95% effective dose (ED₉₅) were calculated with a logistic regression model.

Results:

ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for patients with scarred uterus undergoing cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) were 8.28 mg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28–9.83 mg) and 12.24 mg (95% CI: 10.53–21.88 mg), respectively.

Conclusion:

When a CSEA technique is to use in patients with scarred uterus for an elective cesarean delivery, the ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine along with 5 μg sufentanil were 8.28 mg and 12.24 mg, respectively. In addition, this local anesthetic is unsuitable for emergent cesarean delivery, but it has advantages for ambulatory patients.

Satisfactory spinal anesthesia with a total of 1.5 mg of bupivacaine for transurethral resection of bladder tumor in an elderly patient

Spinal anesthesia is popular for endoscopic urological surgery. Many patients undergoing urological surgery are elderly. It is important to limit the dose to reduce any resultant hemodynamic effect. We present a case in which incremental administration of 0.1 % bupivacaine up to 1.5 mg was sufficient to produce satisfactory spinal anesthesia for transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

Cardiovascular effects of low-dose spinal anaesthesia as a function of age: An observational study using echocardiography

BACKGROUND

Spinal anaesthesia (SA) is a widely used technique of regional anaesthesia but hypotension is an adverse effect commonly observed, especially in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the cardiovascular effects induced by a single injection of a low-dose SA during elective surgery by using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and to compare these effects in patients older and younger than 70 years of age.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Single centre university hospital.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Forty-six patients scheduled for surgery under SA were included in the study (25 patients<70 years and 21 patients ≥ 70 years).

INTERVENTION(S)

A cardiologist, blinded to all clinical parameters, interpreted the TTE.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Two TTEs were performed for each patient: one at baseline before and the second 20 minutes after the placement of the SA.

RESULTS

Sixty-six percent of patients became hypotensive in the ≥ 70 years group whereas no episode of hypotension occurred in the<70 years group (P<0.0001). At baseline (i.e. prior to SA), when compared to younger patients, elderly patients had both a lower E/A ratio (0.8 [0.5-2.1] vs. 1.4 [0.7-1.6], P=0.001) as well as a lower LVEF (50.4% [37.7-72.3] vs. 60.9% [44.8-69.8], P<0.0001). SA in the elderly induced a larger decrease in the cardiac index (CI) (-0.5 L·min(-1)·m(-2) [-0.8 to -0.3] vs. -0.2 L·min(-1)·m(-2) [-0.8-0.1], P<0.0001), LV stroke volume (-8mL [-13-4] vs. -2mL [-14 to -1], P<0.0001) and systemic vascular resistances (SVR) (-2.2 WU [-6.7-0.3] vs. -0.8 WU [-2.3-0.1], P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypotension is more frequent among elderly patients, even after low-dose SA. Known age-related changes in cardiovascular performance, such as impaired myocardial relaxation and decreased systolic function could be responsible for the decrease in cardiac output (CO) and SVR seen in these patients.

ED 50 and ED 95 of intrathecal bupivacaine coadministered with sufentanil for cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural in severely preeclamptic patients

Background:

Spinal anesthesia was considered as a reasonable anesthetic option in severe preeclampsia when cesarean delivery is indicated, and there is no indwelling epidural catheter or contraindication to spinal anesthesia. However, the ideal dose of intrathecal bupivacaine has not been quantified for cesarean delivery for severe preeclamptic patients. This study aimed to determine the ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ of intrathecal bupivacaine for severely preeclamptic patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery.

Methods:

Two hundred severely preeclamptic patients are undergoing elective cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia enrolled in this randomized, double-blinded, dose-ranging study. Patients received 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg, or 10 mg intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine with 2.5 μg sufentanil. Successful spinal anesthesia was defined as a T6 sensory level achieved within 10 minutes after intrathecal drug administration and/or no epidural supplement was required during the cesarean section. The ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ were calculated with a logistic regression model.

Results:

ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ of intrathecal bupivacaine for successful spinal anesthesia were 5.67 mg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.20–6.10 mg) and 8.82 mg (95% CI: 8.14–9.87 mg) respectively. The incidence of hypotension in Group 8 mg and Group 10 mg was higher than that in Group 4 mg and Group 6 mg (P < 0.05). The sensory block was significantly different among groups 10 minutes after intrathecal injection (P < 0.05). The use of lidocaine in Group 4 mg was higher than that in other groups (P < 0.05). The use of phenylephrine in Group 8 mg and Group 10 mg was higher than that in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The lowest systolic blood pressure before the infant delivery of Group 8 mg and Group 10 mg was lower than the other two groups (P < 0.05). The satisfaction of muscle relaxation in Group 4 mg was lower than other groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in patients’ satisfaction and the newborns’ Apgar score and the blood gas analysis of umbilical artery serum (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study showed that the ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ of intrathecal bupivacaine for severely preeclamptic patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were 5.67 mg and 8.82 mg, respectively. In addition, decreasing the dose of intrathecal bupivacaine could reduce the incidence of maternal hypotension.

Effects of Adding Midazolam and Sufentanil to Intrathecal Bupivacaine on Analgesia Quality and Postoperative Complications in Elective Cesarean Section

Background:

Intrathecal adjutants can be used for regional anesthesia (RA) in cesarean section to improve its quality in terms of time and complications. Some previous studies focused on the effects of adding sufentanil and/or midazolam to bupivacaine and compared each with using bupivacaine alone. However, there has been no study to assess the effects of using sufentanil and midazolam in combination with bupivacaine.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare properties (time of achievement/recovery of sensory/motor blocks; and time to request opium), complications (nausea, vomiting, shivering and hypotension), and neonatal first minute Apgar score with and without the addition of midazolam (M) or sufentanil (S) to bupivacaine (B) through intrathecal injection for spinal anesthesia, after the cesarean section.

Patients and Methods:

In this double blind randomized clinical trial participants were randomly allocated to three equal groups: Group B (2.5 cc of bupivacaine 0.5% + 1 cc normal saline 0.9%), Group BM (2.5 cc of bupivacaine + 0.02 mg/kg midazolam) and Group BS (2.5 cc of bupivacaine 0.5% + 0.7 cc normal saline 0.9% + 1.5 µg of sufentanil, 0.3 cc). We used analysis of variance (ANOVA), post hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment, and chi-square test for statistical analysis; the analyses were performed using the SPSS-16 software. Given a significant level of 0.05, overall and pair-wise comparisons were made.

Results:

Seventy-five females participated in the study with no significant age difference (mean ± standard deviation (SD): 28.60 ± 6.06, 28.12 ± 5.29 and 28.76 ± 3.97 year; P = 0.9). Except for “time to motor block recovery” (P = 0.057), the overall differences among the three groups was significant in terms of “time to sensory/motor block” (P < 0.001), “time to sensory block recovery” (P < 0.001), and “time to request opium” (P < 0.001). In all pair-wise comparisons there was no significant difference between the BM and BS group, except for “time to request opium”, which was longer in the BS group (P < 0.001). The occurrence of nausea (P = 0.02), postoperative shivering (P = 0.01) and hypotension (P < 0.001) were significantly different between the groups, unlike vomiting, where the difference was not significant (P = 0.2). All neonates had an Apgar score of nine.

Conclusions:

The findings showed that adding sufentanil or midazolam to bupivacaine shortens the onset of spinal anesthesia and increases the time duration of anesthesia; however it does not change the motor block recovery time. Adding sufentanil delays the first request for narcotic analgesics while adding midazolam leads to a decrease in nausea and hypotension. Adding sufentanil or midazolam does not have any deleterious effect on infants’ Apgar scores. However, increases shivering in patients.

Comparing the Duration of Spinal Anesthesia Induced With Bupivacaine and a Bupivacaince-Lidocaine Combination in Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Background:

Spinal anesthesia is a safe anesthetic mode for transurethral prostate resection (TUPR). There are several studies assessing the effect of bupivacaine, lonely or accompanied by other drugs, on short duration operations. However, there is controversy regarding the exact combination.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine and low dose lidocaine with bupivacaine alone on postoperative pain in those undergoing transurethral resection of prostate (TURP).

Materials and Methods:

This was a randomized clinical trial performed in Shiraz university of medical sciences during one year. Eighty men scheduled for TURP were randomly assigned to receive spinal anesthesia with 1.5 mL bupivacaine 0.6% and 0.6 mL Lidocaine 1% or spinal anesthesia with 1.5 mL bupivacaine 0.5% in combination with 0.6 mL normal saline. The primary endpoint was the time lag between induction of spinal anesthesia and reaching the highest spinal block level. We also recorded the duration of spinal block declining to L1 level, operation duration and the admission duration.

Results:

Both study groups were comparable regarding the baseline characteristics. We did not find any difference between the two study groups regarding the duration of anesthetic block reaching the maximum level (P = 0.433) and duration of decreasing it to L1 (P = 0.189). The course of postoperative recovery and duration of hospital admission were also comparable between the groups (P = 0.661).

Conclusions:

Lidocaine does not have additive effects on duration and quality of spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine in those undergoing TURP.

Sparing effects of sufentanil on epidural ropivacaine in elderly patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate surgery

PURPOSE

This study examined the sparing effect of sufentanil on the median effective concentration (EC₅₀) of epidural ropivacaine in elderly patients undergoing elective transurethral resection of prostate (TURP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective randomized double-blind dose-response study. Fifty eight elderly patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II who were scheduled for TURP surgery under epidural anesthesia were randomly allocated to a group receiving 15 mL of ropivacaine (group R) or a group receiving ropivacaine plus 5 μg of sufentanil (group RS). The concentration of ropivacaine was determined by a Dixon's up-and-down sequential allocation. The first participant received 0.3% of ropivacaine in both groups and subsequent concentrations were determined by the response of the previous patient in the same group. The EC₅₀ of epidural ropivacaine was analyzed using the Dixon and Massey method.

RESULTS

The EC₅₀ of ropivacaine during TURP surgery was 0.186% (95% confidence interval, 0.173-0.200%) in group R, and 0.136% (95% confidence interval, 0.127-0.144%) in group RS (p<0.01). No differences in Bromage scale of motor block examination and the onset time of sensory block were observed.

CONCLUSION

Administration of 5 μg of epidural sufentanil caused a 37% reduction in the EC₅₀ of epidural ropivacaine in elderly patients who underwent TURP surgery. Thus, sufentanil addition during surgery of TURP can decrease the dose of ropivacaine anesthesia required.

Single shot spinal anesthesia with very low hyperbaric bupivacaine dose (3.75 mg) for hip fracture repair surgery in the elderly. A randomized, double blinded study

PURPOSE

Single shot spinal anesthesia is used worldwide for hip fracture repair surgery in the elderly. Arterial hypotension is a frequent adverse effect. We hypothesized that lowering local anesthetics dose could decrease the incidence of arterial hypotension, while maintaining quality of surgical anesthesia.

METHODS

In a randomized double blinded study, 66 patients over the age of 65 years, with hip fracture needing surgical repair, were assigned to B0.5 group 7.5mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 5mg/ml (control group), and B0.25 group 3.75mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5mg/ml (study group). Sensory and motor block level, and hemodynamic parameters including blood presure, heart rate and vasopressor dose administration were registered, along with rescue anesthesia needs, the feasibility of surgery, its duration, and regression time of sensory anesthesia to T12.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 61 patients were included in the final analysis. Arterial hypotension incidence was lower in the B0.25 group (at the 5, 10, and 15min determinations), and a lower amount of vasopressor drugs was needed (mean accumulated ephedrine dose 1.6mg vs. 8.7mg in the B0.5 group, p<0.002). Sensory block regression time to T12 was shorter in the B0.25 group, mean 78.6±23.6 (95% CI 51.7-110.2)min vs. 125.5±37.9 (95% CI 101.7-169.4)min in the B0.5 group, p=0.033. All but one patient in the B0.25 group were operated on under the anesthetic procedure first intended. No rescue anesthesia was needed.

CONCLUSION

Lowering bupivacaine dose for single shot spinal anesthesia for hip fracture repair surgery in elderly patients was effective in decreasing the occurrence of arterial hypotension and vasopressor use, while intraoperative quality remained.

Hemodynamic impact of isobaric levobupivacaine versus hyperbaric bupivacaine for subarachnoid anesthesia in patients aged 65 and older undergoing hip surgery

BACKGROUND

The altered hemodynamics, and therefore the arterial hypotension is the most prevalent adverse effect after subarachnoid anesthesia. The objective of the study was to determine the exact role of local anesthetic selection underlying spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in the elderly patient. We conducted a descriptive, observational pilot study to assess the hemodynamic impact of subarachnoid anesthesia with isobaric levobupivacaine versus hyperbaric bupivacaine for hip fracture surgery.

DESCRIPTION

Hundred twenty ASA status I-IV patients aged 65 and older undergoing hip fracture surgery were enrolled. The primary objective of our study was to compare hemodynamic effects based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and dyastolic blood pressure (DBP) values, heart rate (HR) and hemoglobin (Hb) and respiratory effects based on partial oxygen saturation (SpO2%) values. The secondary objective was to assess potential adverse events with the use of levobupivacaine versus bupivacaine. Assessments were performed preoperatively, at 30 minutes into surgery, at the end of anesthesia and at 48 hours and 6 months after surgery. Among intraoperative events, the incidence of hypotension was statistically significantly higher (p <0.05) in group BUPI (38.3%) compared to group LEVO (13.3%). There was a decrease (p <0.05) in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at 30 minutes intraoperatively (19% in group BUPI versus 17% in group LEVO). SpO2% increased at 30 minutes after anesthesia onset (1% in group BUPI versus 1.5% in group LEVO). Heart rate (HR) decreased at 30 minutes after anesthesia onset (5% in group BUPI versus 9% in group L). Hemoglobin (Hb) decreased from time of operating room (OR) admission to the end of anesthesia (9.3% in group BUPI versus 12.5% in group LEVO). The incidence of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was 13.3% in group BUPI versus 31.7% in group LEVO, this difference was statistically significant. Among postoperative events, the incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) was significantly higher in group BUPI (8,3%). At 6 months after anesthesia, no differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the hemodynamic stability and lower incidence of intraoperative hypotension observed, levobupivacaine could be the agent of choice for subarachnoid anesthesia in elderly patients.

Single shot spinal anaesthesia with hypobaric bupivacaine for hip fracture repair surgery in the elderly. Randomized, double blinded comparison of 3.75 mg vs. 7.5 mg

BACKGROUND

Arterial hypotension is the most frequent adverse effect of subarachnoid anaesthesia in the elderly sustaining a femoral proximal fracture. Decreasing the local anaesthetic dose reduces the incidence of hypotension but shortens sensory block duration that could be insufficient in some surgical procedures. Sensory block duration could be prolonged using hypobaric local anaesthetics. We evaluated whether low hypobaric bupivacaine doses were adequate for this type of surgery while maintaining the haemodynamic stability.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, double blinded study was designed. Patients over 65 years old, sustaining traumatic hip fracture, were assigned to one of two groups: B0.5 group, hypobaric bupivacaine 7.5mg 5mg/ml (control group), and B0.25 group, hypobaric bupivacaine 3.75 mg 2.5mg/ml (study group). After subarachnoid injection, sensory level and motor blockade degree were registered, as were blood pressure, and heart rate at basal time and at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min after injection. The doses of vasopressor needed were registered as well. Surgical conditions and the duration of the surgical procedure-whether rescue analgesia or anaesthesia was needed-and sensory level regression to T12, were registered as well.

RESULTS

Sixty four patients was the calculated sample size. The study was stopped in an interim analysis because an elevated number of patients in the B0.25 group needed iv rescue anaesthesia. In the analyzed cases, blood pressure was significantly lower in the B0.5 group at the 15 and 30 min measurements. Vasopressor drugs needs were similar between groups [ephedrine accumulated mean (SD) doses 11.4 (5.2) mg vs. 9.1 (2.7) mg, p=0.045)]. Sensory block regression to T12 was faster in the B0.25 group, [(mean (SD) 68.2 (29.0) min vs. 112.8 (17.3) min in the B0.5 group, p<0.05]. Five out of 19 patients in the B0.25 group needed intravenous anaesthesia rescue before surgery started.

CONCLUSION

Lowering hypobaric bupivacaine dose to 3.75 mg in subarachnoid anaesthesia for hip fracture repair surgery in elderly patients decrease intraoperative blood pressure, but in an important number of patients intravenous anaesthesia rescue was needed and preclude recommendation.

Successful anesthesia and hip surgery in a 107-year-old patient

PATIENT

Female, 107.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS

Hip fracture.

SYMPTOMS

-.

MEDICATION

-.

CLINICAL PROCEDURE

Hip surgery.

SPECIALTY

Orthopedics and Traumatology.

OBJECTIVE

Rare disease.

BACKGROUND

In modern societies, elderly populations have increased over the last four decades and have become the main clients of medical services. A hip fracture is a significant injury for anyone, but for older people it can be catastrophic.

CASE REPORT

A 107-year-old female was admitted with fracture of the right hip. The patient took a single 200 mL carbohydrate drink orally two hours before surgery. Before induction of spinal anesthesia, routine monitoring was started and an intravenous line was placed. Crystalloids and hydroxyethyl starch in 0.9% sodium chloride solution were administered intravenously during the operation. After sedation with i.v. ketamine and midazolam, spinal puncture was performed with the patient in the sitting position and isobaric bupivacaine were administered. The level of sensory block was observed in T12 and motor blockade (grade 3) of the lower limbs. The surgical procedure lasted 60 minutes without hypotension, bradycardia or decreased oxygen saturation. For safety reason, the patient was transferred to the ICU for monitoring; intravenous hydration was withdrawn and released oral feeding six hours after the end of surgery. The patient was sent to his residence on the morning of the second day.

CONCLUSIONS

This case showed that with suitable techniques and conduits can perform surgery in a patient with 107 years.

Bupivacaine-sufentanil versus bupivacaine-fentanyl in spinal anesthesia of patients undergoing lower extremity surgery

BACKGROUND

The addition of intrathecal opioids to local anesthetics seems to improve the quality of analgesia and prolong the duration of analgesia, when using a subarachnoid block in Iranian patients with their specific pain tolerance.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding fentanyl or sufentanil, to intrathecal bupivacaine, in terms of the onset and duration of; sensory block, motor block, hemodynamic effects and postoperative pain relief.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This randomized clinical trial included 90 patients who underwent orthopedic lower limb surgeries. Subjects were divided into experimental groups; intrathecal fentanyl 25 µg (F), and sufentanil 2.5 µg (S), along with a placebo 0.5 mL normal saline (C) group, which were added to bupivacaine 0.5%, 15 mg. Duration of complete and effective analgesia was recorded (by a visual analogue scale-VAS). The pain scores were assessed postoperatively. Intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate and oxygen saturation (SPO(2)) were recorded. The incidence of side effects such as; nausea, vomiting, pruritus, shivering, bradycardia and hypotension were also recorded.

RESULTS

MAP and heart rate results showed no significant changes at the designated time points among the three groups (P > 0.05). However, SPO2 and VAS showed significant changes at the designated time points among the three groups (P < 0.05). The duration of complete and effective analgesia was also significantly longer in the sufentanil group (P < 0.05). Motor block did not exhibit any significant difference (P = 0.67). Only pruritus as a side effect was significantly higher in the sufentanil group (P < 0.05), while all other evaluated side effects were significantly lower in the sufentanil group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of 2.5-3 mcg sufentanil to 15 mg 0.05% bupivacaine maintained the patient's hemodynamic stability similar to fentanyl. Intrathecal sufentanil added to bupivacaine,when compared with fentanyl, may lead to prolonged duration of analgesia, facilitate the spread of the sensory block, increase mean SPO2 levels, and reduce overall side effects.

Avoiding bladder catheterisation in total knee arthroplasty: patient selection criteria and low-dose spinal anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Bladder catheterisation may be inconvenient for patients, delay mobilisation and risk complications. We hypothesised that by excluding pre-operatively patients at high risk of post-operative urinary retention, the majority of patients could avoid perioperative catheterisation during low-dose spinal anaesthesia.

METHODS

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were assigned if fit for spinal anaesthesia and without severe symptoms of lower urinary tract obstruction, gross incontinence, mobilisation difficulties hindering micturition and > 200 ml residual urine volume. Bladder volume was monitored by ultrasound and temporary catheterisation advised if > 400 ml.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients (men 54%, age 65 ± 9 years, body mass index 31 ± 5, 30% with history of urinary tract problems) were included. Intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine given was 7.8 ± 1.08 mg and always 7.5 μg sufentanil providing sufficient anaesthesia in all cases. Crystalloid given during surgery was 8.5 ± 4.0 ml/kg. Voluntary micturition was reached by 46 patients (88%, confidence interval (CI) 79-97%), but six (12%, CI 3-21%) needed temporary catheterisation once (four men/two women). Larger bladder volumes were found in those catheterised than those with voluntary micturition on the pre-operative (131 ± 76 ml vs. 68 ± 57 ml, P = 0.03) and first post-operative bladder scan (445 ± 169 ml vs. 271 ± 129 ml, P = 0.004). All but two patients (96%) could be mobilised the same day. No patient suffered bladder dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose spinal anaesthesia combined with simple selection criteria allowed for early mobilisation (96%) and avoidance of bladder catheterisation in the vast majority (88%) of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, and the rest (12%) only needed a single temporary catheterisation.

Effects of caudal sufentanil supplemented with levobupivacaine on blocking spermatic cord traction response in pediatric orchidopexy

PURPOSES

Caudal block is one of the most commonly used anesthetic techniques in subumbilical and genitourinary procedures. However, traditional administration of caudal levobupivacaine was inadequate on blocking peritoneal response during spermatic cord traction. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of caudal sufentanil to levobupivacaine provided better analgesia for children undergoing orchidopexy.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients, scheduled for right orchidopexy, received caudal block after induction. Group LS (n = 31) received levobupivacaine 0.25% 1 ml/kg plus sufentanil 0.5 μg/kg, and group L (n = 31) received levobupivacaine 0.25% 1 ml/kg only. HR or MAP fluctuation >20% or entropy increase >15% during spermatic cord traction was defined as inadequate anesthesia and was treated with increasing sevoflurane concentration. The number of children who needed sevoflurane rescue was counted, and postoperative side effects and quality of sleep were also recorded.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, weight, and duration of surgery. Two (6.45%) children in group LS required inspired sevoflurane rescue to block hemodynamic fluctuation during spermatic cord traction, as compared with 12 (38.71%) patients in group L (P < 0.001). At the time of exerting spermatic cord traction, the median HR was, respectively, 134 and 145 (P < 0.001); the corresponding response entropy (RE) and state entropy (SE) was 65 and 54, respectively, in group LS versus 76 and 65 in group L (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In pediatric orchidopexy, the addition of sufentanil to levobupivacaine for caudal blockade offers clinical benefit over levobupivacaine alone in blocking the spermatic cord traction response.

Neuraxial opioids in geriatrics: A dose reduction study of local anesthetic with addition of sufentanil in lower limb surgery for elderly patients

Background and Objectives:

Neuraxial anesthesia in the elderly is associated with exaggerated responses to conventional doses of local anesthetics, thereby increasing the incidence of hemodynamic complications. A double-blind prospective study was carried out in our institute with an aim to compare the hemodynamic stability and quality of the conventional dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine (LA) with low dose of LA and sufentanil in elderly patients scheduled for lower limb surgery, randomized to receive combined spinal epidural anesthesia.

Methods:

A total of 50 elderly patients of ASA grade I and II, divided randomly into groups I and II, of either sex undergoing lower limb surgery under combined spinal epidural anesthesia at our institute attached to a Government Medical College were enrolled for study. Group I received 2.5 ml of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine (LA), while group II received 1.5 ml of intrathecal LA+0.1 ml sufentanil (5 μg). Both initial and postoperative subarachnoid block characteristics, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, duration of analgesia, and side effects were observed and recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square and paired t test.

Results:

Demographic profile was comparable in both groups. Group I had a greater incidence of hypotension and, consequently, higher use of vasopressors (P<0.05). Onset of sensory analgesia, time to achieve peak sensory level, and recovery from motor blockade were significantly earlier in group II (P<0.05). Postoperative consumption of LA through epidural route was significantly higher in group I (P<0.05). The side effect profile was similar, except for a significantly higher incidence of shivering in group I (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

The study established that the dose of a local anesthetic can be safely and significantly lowered by 40%, with addition of low-dose sufentanil, thereby avoiding the hemodynamic fluctuation and providing a stable perioperative and postoperative period in the geriatric population. In addition, duration of sensory analgesia is prolonged and postoperative requirement for the epidural top-up also decreases.

Comparison of bupivacaine alone and in combination with sufentanil in patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery

PURPOSE

One disadvantage of spinal anesthesia using bupivacaine is the relatively short duration of action. Combining it with opioids can increase its analgesic effects. It was aimed to analyze the effectiveness and the side effects of bupivacaine alone and in combination with sufentanil in arthroscopic knee surgery during unilateral spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. Fifty patients undergoing unilateral arthroscopic knee surgery were enrolled in this study. The patients were assigned into two groups to receive either 10 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (Group I) or 5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine combined with 2.5 μg sufentanil (Group II) to obtain unilateral spinal anesthesia.

RESULTS

The time for sensorial block to reach level T10 was 6.3 ± 1.7 min in Group I and 4.8 ± 1.6 min in Group II (P < 0.05). Complete motor block was obtained at the 10th min in 16 patients in Group I (P < 0.005), and the duration of the motor block was lower in Group II (4.9 ± 2.2 h and 2.0 ± 1.1 h, P < 0.001). Bradycardia was encountered in 8 patients in Group I and in 1 patient in Group II (P < 0.05). No differences were encountered regarding other side effects. During the postoperative 24 h, 5 patients in Group I and 3 patients in Group II required analgesic drugs (n.s.). There was not any significant difference between groups with regard to first analgesic request time (8.3 ± 2.4 and 9.0 ± 2.3 h, n.s.).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that combining lower dose bupivacaine with sufentanil provided faster onset of sensorial block and lower risk of motor block in unilateral spinal anesthesia for arthroscopic knee surgery.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy under spinal anesthesia: comparative study between conventional-dose and low-dose hyperbaric bupivacaine

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has the advantages of causing less postoperative pain and requiring a short hospital stay, and therefore is the treatment of choice for cholelithiasis. This study was designed to compare spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine given as a conventional dose by lumbar puncture or as a low-dose by thoracic puncture.

METHODS

A total of 140 patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were randomized to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with low-pressure CO(2) pneumoperitoneum under spinal anesthesia using either conventional lumbar spinal anesthesia (hyperbaric bupivacaine 15 mg and fentanyl 20 mg) or low-dose thoracic spinal anesthesia (hyperbaric bupivacaine 7.5 mg and fentanyl 20 μg). Intraoperative parameters, postoperative pain, complications, recovery time, and patient satisfaction at follow-up were compared between the two treatment groups.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed under spinal anesthesia, with no cases needing conversion to general anesthesia. Values for time for block to reach the T(3) dermatomal level, duration of motor and sensory block, and hypotensive events were significantly lower with low-dose bupivacaine. Postoperative pain was higher for low-dose hyperbaric bupivacaine at 6 and 12 hours. All patients were discharged after 24 hours. Follow-up 1 week postoperatively showed all patients to be satisfied and to be keen advocates of spinal anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed successfully under spinal anesthesia. A small dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine 7.5 mg and 20 μg fentanyl provides adequate spinal anesthesia for laparoscopy and, in comparison with hyperbaric bupivacaine 15% and fentanyl 20 μg, causes markedly less hypotension. The low-dose strategy may have an advantage in ambulatory patients because of the earlier recovery of motor and sensory function and earlier discharge.

Use of local anaesthetics and adjuncts for spinal and epidural anaesthesia and analgesia at German and Austrian University Hospitals: an online survey to assess current standard practice

Background

The present anonymous multicenter online survey was conducted to evaluate the application of regional anaesthesia techniques as well as the used local anaesthetics and adjuncts at German and Austrian university hospitals.

Methods

39 university hospitals were requested to fill in an online questionnaire, to determine the kind of regional anaesthesia and preferred drugs in urology, obstetrics and gynaecology.

Results

33 hospitals responded. No regional anaesthesia is conducted in 47% of the minor gynaecological and 44% of the urological operations; plain bupivacaine 0.5% is used in 38% and 47% respectively. In transurethral resections of the prostate and bladder no regional anaesthesia is used in 3% of the responding hospitals, whereas plain bupivacaine 0.5% is used in more than 90%. Regional anaesthesia is only used in selected major gynaecological and urological operations. On the contrary to the smaller operations, the survey revealed a large variety of used drugs and mixtures. Almost 80% prefer plain bupivacaine or ropivacaine 0.5% in spinal anaesthesia in caesarean section. Similarly to the use of drugs in major urological and gynaecological operations a wide range of drugs and adjuncts is used in epidural anaesthesia in caesarean section and spontaneous delivery.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a certain agreement in short operations in spinal anaesthesia. By contrast, a large variety concerning the anaesthesiological approach in larger operations as well as in epidural analgesia in obstetrics could be revealed, the causes of which are assumed to be primarily rooted in particular departmental structures.

Intrathecal sufentanil decreases the median effective dose (ED50) of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for caesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

The addition of opioid to local anaesthetics has become a well-accepted practice of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery. Successful caesarean delivery anaesthesia has been reported with the use of a low dose of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine coadministered with sufentanil. This prospective, double-blinded study determined the median effective dose (ED50) of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine with and without sufentanil for caesarean delivery, to quantify the sparing effect of sufentanil on the ED50 of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine.

METHODS

Sixty-four parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery with combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia were randomized into two groups: Group R (ropivacaine) and Group RS (ropivacaine plus sufentanil 5 microg). The initial dose of ropivacaine was 13 mg in Group R and 10 mg in Group RS. The effective dose was defined as a T(6) level attained within 10 min and no supplemental epidural anaesthetic required during surgery. Effective or ineffective responses determined, respectively, a 0.3 mg decrease or increase of the dose of ropivacaine for the next patient using an up-down sequential allocation.

RESULTS

The ED50 of intrathecal ropivacaine was 11.2 mg [confidence interval (CI) 95%: 11.0-11.6] in Group R vs. 8.1 mg (CI 95%: 7.8-8.3) in Group RS. Motor block was markedly more intense in Group R than in Group RS, and the incidence of shivering was lower in Group RS than in Group R. There were no differences in the onset time of sensory block or motor block, in the incidence of hypotension, nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSION

Intrathecal sufentanil 5 microg produced a 28% reduction of ED50 of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for caesarean delivery.

Intrathecal sufentanil for intraoperative and postesophagectomy pain relief

OBJECTIVES

The present study compares the analgesic properties of intrathecal (IT group) and intravenous (IV group) sufentanil in postoperative pain relief.

METHODS

This randomized, single blinded study was performed on patients awaiting transhiatal esophagectomy. The patients were randomly allocated to receive sufentanil intrathecally or intravenously. Sufentanil consumption during the operation, pain score following the operation based on visual analog scale (VAS) and the morphine requirement for postoperative analgesia were assessed during the first 24 hours.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were divided in two groups. During the operation, the opioid requirement was higher in the IV group, whereas the morphine requirement during the first 24 hours after the operation was the same in both groups. The duration of effective postoperative analgesia was longer in patients in the IT group. VAS pain scores were significantly lower during the first 2 hours postoperatively in the IT group. The incidence of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and respiratory depression was infrequent in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative IT sufentanil can be used as a booster to achieve rapid and effective analgesia not only during the operation but also during the immediate postoperative period.

Local anaesthetic adjuvants: neuraxial versus peripheral nerve block

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To present a review of the literature on the importance and the clinical characteristics relevant to adjuvants added to local anaesthetics in neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks.

RECENT FINDINGS

In neuraxial anaesthesia, both opioids and alpha-2 receptor agonists have beneficial effects. Intrathecally, fentanyl and sufentanil not only improve the postoperative analgesia but also make it possible to allow a decrease in the local anaesthetic dose. When clonidine or dexmedetomidine was added to intrathecal local anaesthetics, the regression of sensory, motor block increased dose-dependently and postoperative analgesia was prolonged. The potency of intrathecal clonidine: dexmedetomidine seems to be 10: 1. In peripheral nerve block, when opioid was combined with local anaesthetics, no increased improvement in analgesia was reported in comparison with systemic controls in most of the studies, except buprenorphine. Also clonidine is controversial as an analgesic adjuvant. Special factors, such as type of local anaesthetics, block of upper or lower limb, are important for its the beneficial effect. Other adjuvants, except neuraxial low-dose neostigmine, are of minor importance.

SUMMARY

Opioids and alpha-2 receptor agonists are important as neuraxial adjuvants to improve the quality of peroperative and postoperative analgesia in high-risk patients and in ambulatory procedures. In peripheral nerve blocks, however, some benefit is found only when clonidine is added to local anaesthetics under certain circumstances.

Skin conductance as a means to predict hypotension following spinal anaesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Hypotension following spinal anaesthesia (SA) is common, especially in the elderly. Elevated sympathetic tone has been shown to correlate with severe hypotension after SA. The aim of this prospective trial was to investigate skin conductance (SC), as a measure of sympathetic tone, to predict hypotension after SA.

METHODS

After ethical approval and written informed consent, 30 patients undergoing SA were included. Baseline measurements of SC [number of fluctuations per second (reflecting the firing rate of skin sympathetic nerves), area under the curve (AUC) A and B (reflecting the magnitude of the sympathetic impulse)], blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. After administration of SA, all parameters were assessed every 2.5 min for a total of 15 min. Baseline readings of SC were compared with the lowest blood pressure within the study period.

RESULTS

Data from 30 subjects [73 (8) years] were analysed. After SA, the mean arterial blood pressure declined an average of 21.3 (11.3) mmHg. A cut-off value of 0.35 microSs for baseline AUC B allowed prediction of more than mild hypotension (>15% from baseline) after SA with a sensitivity of 72.5% and a specificity of 77.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

AUC B, as a parameter of SC, may predict severe arterial hypotension after SA in the elderly.

A randomized, single-blind, increasing dose safety trial of an oxygen-carrying plasma expander (Hemospan) administered to orthopaedic surgery patients with spinal anaesthesia

The objective of this study was to further explore the safety of Hemospan (Sangart Inc., San Diego, CA, USA), an oxygen-carrying plasma expander. The aim of this study was to determine if Hemospan is well tolerated in orthopaedic surgery patients with spinal anaesthesia in doses up to 1 L. Hemospan was previously found to be well tolerated in normal volunteers and orthopaedic surgery patients with spinal anaesthesia in doses up to 500 mL. Five cohorts of six orthopaedic surgery patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II, were studied. In each cohort, four patients received Hemospan in doses ranging from 200 to 1000 mL, and two received Ringer's lactate immediately prior to induction of spinal anaesthesia. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs). Iohexol clearance measured before and 24 h after dosing was unaffected. There were 14 adverse events (AEs) in the 10 control patients (1.4 per patient) and 30 in the 20 patients receiving Hemospan (1.5 per patient). One patient in the group receiving 200 mL Hemospan had elevated mean arterial pressure after dosing, but there were no elevations in any of the other patients. The peak plasma Hemospan concentration in the 1000 mL group was 1.3 g dL(-1), with a dose-dependent clearance (T(1/2)) ranging from 14.1 to 23.0 h. Plasma methaemoglobin levels were independent of dose, reaching a maximum at 40 h after dosing and never exceeded 0.125 g dL(-1). Troponin T was transiently elevated in two patients receiving Hemospan without symptoms or electrocardiographic abnormalities or elevation of myocardial creatinine kinase isoenzyme. Hemospan was well tolerated in this group of patients at doses up to 1000 mL.

Effects of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine and ropivacaine on myocardial relaxation

PURPOSE

Ropivacaine and levobupivacaine were developed to reduce the risk of occasional toxicity reported with bupivacaine. While the effects of long-acting local anesthetics (LAAs) on myocardial contractility (inotropy) are well described, their effects on relaxation (lusitropy) remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to compare the effects of LAAs on rat myocardium.

METHODS

Left ventricular papillary muscles of male Wistar rats were used to compare the inotropic and lusitropic responses of increasing concentrations of LAAs (10(-8) to 10(-3) M) under isometric and isotonic conditions. Data are mean % (SD) of baseline value.

RESULTS

Long-acting local anesthetics induced a significant impairment of relaxation in isotonic and isometric conditions. As compared to ropivacaine, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine induced greater negative lusitropic effects in isotony [at 10(-3) M, maximum unloaded shortening velocity ((max)Vr) = 27 +/- 11 vs 13 +/- 6 and 8 +/- 5%] and isometry (at 10(-3) M, time-to-half-relaxation: 106 +/- 10 vs 127 +/- 17 and 133 +/- 17%). When the comparison was made with equipotent concentrations, the negative lusitropic effects induced with levobupivacaine were significantly greater than those of bupivacaine and ropivacaine in isometric and isotonic conditions (at 10(-3) M, (max)Vr = 7 +/- 4 vs 13 +/- 6 and 17 +/- 4 %). As previously described, LAAs also induced concentration-dependent negative inotropic effects that were greater for levobupivacaine compared to equivalent or equipotent concentrations of bupivacaine and ropivacaine.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-acting local anesthetics induce marked negative inotropic and lusitropic effects. Among LAAs, levobupivacaine exerts the greater depressant effects. Impairment of calcium handling and sarcoplasmic reticulum could explain the differential responses to local anesthetics.

Spinal anesthesia using single injection small-dose bupivacaine versus continuous catheter injection techniques for surgical repair of hip fracture in elderly patients

Aging and disease may make elderly patients particularly susceptible to hypotension during spinal anesthesia. We compared the hemodynamic effect of continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) and small dose single injection spinal anesthesia (SA) regarding the incidence of hypotension. Seventy-four patients aged >75 yr undergoing surgical repair of hip fracture were randomized into 2 groups of 37 patients each. Group CSA received a continuous spinal anesthetic with a titration of 2.5 mg boluses every 15 min of isobaric bupivacaine, while group SA received a single injection spinal anesthetic with 7.5 mg of isobaric bupivacaine. The overall variations in noninvasive automated arterial blood pressure were not statistically significantly different in the 2 groups at baseline and after CSA or SA (not significant). In the SA group, 68% of patients experienced at least one episode of hypotension (decrease in systolic arterial blood pressure greater than 20% of baseline value) versus 31% of patients in the CSA group (P = 0.005). In the SA group, 51% of patients experienced at least one episode of severe hypotension (decrease in systolic arterial blood pressure more than 30% of baseline value) versus 8% of patients in the CSA group (P < 0.0001). In the CSA group, 4.5 +/- 2 mg of ephedrine was injected versus 11 +/- 2 mg in the SA group (P = 0.005). In the CSA group, 5 mg (2.5-10) of anesthetic solution was required versus 7.5 mg in the SA group (P < 0.0001). We conclude that, in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture repair, CSA provides fewer episodes of hypotension and severe hypotension compared with a single intrathecal injection of 7.5 mg bupivacaine.

Outcome after anaesthesia and emergency surgery in patients over 100 years old

BACKGROUND

Deteriorated organ function and reduced stress response in very old patients may cause post-operative morbidity and mortality. We wanted to identify immediate and longer-term outcome after anaesthesia and surgery in the oldest of the old patients.

METHODS

We analysed retrospectively anaesthesia and hospital records of patients who were over 100 years old when undergoing major emergency surgery in our hospital during 1990-2004.

RESULTS

Altogether, 12 patients (median age 101 years) underwent 14 operations (nine for hip fracture, four for lower extremity circulatory problems and one for peritonitis). During anaesthesia, invasive arterial pressure was monitored in eight patients while central venous pressure (CVP) was monitored in only one patient. Spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine was given as a continuous technique in six and as single-shot spinal anaesthesia in five cases. Both spinal (11) and general (3) anaesthesias were characterized by marked drops in arterial pressure. Haemodynamics was managed with intravenous (i.v.) fluids and vasopressors. Five patients had post-operative delirium. Mortality at 30 days, 6 months and 1 year was 25%, 42% and 50%, respectively. Within 15 days of the operation, three patients had died (pneumonia, cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction). Nine patients returned home and six of them lived in their pre-operative mental and physical state for at least a year.

CONCLUSION

Independently of the anaesthetic method, marked drops in blood pressure occurred, requiring pharmacological intervention. We assume that in most of the patients, hypovolaemia explains the intra-operative haemodynamic instability. A 25%, 30-day mortality may be regarded as acceptable and, overall, these very old patients tolerated emergency surgery quite well.