Ultrasound-guided truncal blocks: A new frontier in regional anaesthesia

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided rhomboid intercostal and sub-serratus block for perioperative analgesia in male patients undergoing combined power-assisted liposuction with pull-through excision of the gland for breast definition and reshaping

BACKGROUND

The newly introduced ultrasound guided interfacial rhomboid intercostal and sub-serratus (RISS) block technique demonstrated promising efficacy in managing perioperative pain among patients undergoing abdominal and thoracic procedures. Thus, this study investigated the efficiency of bilateral ultrasound-guided RISS (US-RISS) as a perioperative pain control technique in male subjects receiving gynecomastia surgery.

METHODS

This prospective randomized study involved sixty patients who underwent gynecomastia surgery. Individuals were randomly divided into two groups: the RISS group (N.=30) and the control group (N.=30). After anesthesia induction, the patients received bilateral US-RISS using 40 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine, or conventional intravenous analgesia with no intervention, respectively. The primary outcome was the overall morphine consumption in 24 hours, and the secondary endpoints involved the time elapsed till rescue analgesia was requested, the quality of recovery after 24 hours and side effects' incidence.

RESULTS

Morphine consumption was noticeably decreased in the RISS group compared to the control group, with 14.07±4.91 mg and 35.83±1.70 mg mean values, respectively (P<0.001). Furthermore, in the RISS group, the initial rescue analgesia request occurred significantly later than in the control group, with mean values of 15.58±1.41 hours and 0.96±0.63 hours, respectively (P<0.001). Additionally, within the RISS group, there was a high quality of recovery observed, with a low incidence of opioid-related adverse events in comparison to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral US-RISS block is a beneficial intervention in gynecomastia surgery for pain management and improves the quality of recovery.

Analgesic Effect of Quadratus Lumborum Block Type III and Type II Versus Lateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial

Background

Appropriate pain management promotes immediate mobilization and allows the parturient to adequately care for her neonate after cesarean section (CS).

Objectives

This trial objective was to compare the type III and type II quadratus lumborum block (QLB) to transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) regarding postoperative analgesic effect in CS.

Methods

This randomized, controlled, single-blind trial involved 60 women presenting for CS under spinal anesthesia. The patients were assigned randomly to either the QLB type III, QLB type II, or lateral TAPB group. All blocks were performed using 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% bilaterally at the end of the operation with ultrasound guidance. Pain was assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS) score at the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 hours. The level of patient satisfaction was graded on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

Numerical rating scale measurements at 6, 8, and 12 hours and total consumed meperidine in the 1st 24 hours after the operation were reduced significantly in QLB III than in QLB II and TAPB groups (P < 0.05) with an insignificant difference between the QLB II and TAPB groups (P > 0.05). The onset of the first request for analgesia was delayed significantly in QLB III, compared to QLB II and TAPB groups (P < 0.05), without a significant difference between the QLB II and TAPB groups (P > 0.05). Patient satisfaction and adverse events (e.g., postoperative nausea and vomiting, bradycardia, and hypotension) exhibited insignificant differences among the three groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The QLB type III ensured better analgesia as evidenced by significantly lower pain measurements and amount of meperidine in the first 24 hours after the operation with delayed time of the first rescue analgesia in comparison to QLB II and TAPB; however, QLB II and TAPB were similar.

Investigation into the clinical performance of rectus sheath block in reducing postoperative pain following surgical intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background and Aims

Rectus sheath block (RSB) is an effective postoperative pain control technique in abdominal surgical procedures. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and outcome data of patients undergoing RSB compared to the standard of care in both laparoscopic and open surgical procedures.

Methods

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022372596). The search was restricted to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RSB effectiveness on postoperative pain to any standard general anaesthesia technique (control). We systematically explored PubMed, Medline, Central, Scopus and Web of Science for RCTs from inception to September 2023. The primary outcome was the evaluation of pain scores at rest 0-2, 10-12 and 12-24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcome was the analysis of postoperative intravenous (IV) morphine equivalent consumption at 24-h. A risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (ROB 2.0, Cochrane, Copenhagen, Denmark) assessment and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE, Cochrane, Copenhagen, Denmark) analysis was conducted to evaluate the quality of the RCTs.

Results

Twenty RCTs involving 708 participants who received RSB intervention and 713 who received alternative analgesic care were included. RSB pain scores were significantly lower than control at 0-2 h (P < 0.001) and 10-12 h (P < 0.001) postoperatively. No significant effect was observed at 24 h (P = 0.11). RSB performance compared to control in 24-h IV morphine equivalency in milligrams was significantly lower (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

RSB implementation was associated with reduced postoperative pain scores and decreased opioid consumption in IV morphine equivalency up to 24 h following surgical intervention.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided transversalis fascia and posterior transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia following caesarean delivery: A double-blinded randomised controlled trial

Background and Aims

Posterior-transversus abdominus plane (TAP) block and transversalis fascia plane (TFP) block have been used for postoperative analgesia following caesarean delivery. We compared the analgesic efficacy of the TAP vs TFP plane blocks in patients undergoing elective caesarean delivery.

Methods

We randomised 90 women undergoing caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia to receive either a posterior-TAP (Group-TAP), TFP (Group-TFP) or no block (Group-C) postoperatively. The primary objective was the postoperative analgesic requirements. Secondary objectives were duration of analgesia, pain scores and infra-umbilical sensory loss, which were recorded at specific intervals for 24 h. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0 software.

Results

The patients requiring one, two or nil rescue analgesics were comparable between the interventions and the control (P = 0.32). The duration of analgesia was longer in Group-TAP when compared to Group-C, 4.76 (1.2) vs. 6.89 (2.4); P < 0.001, whereas Group-TFP, 5.64 (2.1) h, was not significantly different from Group-C. The static pain score in Group-TAP was significantly less than that in Group-C at 4 h and beyond 12 h (P < 0.001), whereas Group-TFP was comparable with Group-C at all time points except at 4 h and 24 h (P = 0.002). Only Group-TAP demonstrated midline infraumbilical sensory loss.

Conclusion

TAP and TFP blocks did not decrease the rescue analgesic requirement compared with the control group. The posterior-TAP block prolonged the duration of analgesia by 2 h, maintained the median static pain score at 0 beyond 12 h, and demonstrated sensory loss at the infraumbilical dermatomes.

Utilization of Truncal Fascial Plane Nerve Blocks for Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nerve blocks constitute an integral portion in the management of chronic pain. The widespread use of ultrasound imaging opened the door to a flood of newer blocks especially truncal plane nerve blocks. We reviewed the current medical literature for studies and case reports utilizing the two most common truncal plane nerve blocks, transversus abdominis plane and erector spinae plane blocks, to manage chronic pain.

RECENT FINDINGS

We found some evidence, mostly in case reports and retrospective observational studies, that supports the use of transversus abdominis plane and erector spinae plane nerve blocks, usually with steroids, as a safe and valuable part of interdisciplinary management of chronic abdominal and chest walls pain. Ultrasound-guided truncal fascial plane nerve blocks are safe, easy to learn, and proven to help with post-operative acute pain management. Although limited, our current review provides evidence from the current medical literature regarding the utility of these blocks to manage some of the challenging chronic and cancer-related pain conditions of the trunk region.

An Expert Review of Chest Wall Fascial Plane Blocks for Cardiac Surgery

The recent integration of regional anesthesia techniques into the cardiac surgical patient population has become a component of enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery pathways. Fascial planes of the chest wall enable single-injection or catheter-based infusions to spread local anesthetic over multiple levels of innervation. Although median sternotomy remains a common approach to cardiac surgery, minimally invasive techniques have integrated additional methods of performing cardiac surgery. Understanding the surgical approach and chest wall innervation is crucial to success in choosing the appropriate chest wall block. Parasternal intercostal plane techniques (previously termed "pectointercostal fascial plane" and "transversus thoracic muscle plane") provide anterior chest and ipsilateral sternal coverage. Anterolateral chest wall coverage is feasible with the interpectoral plane and pectoserratus plane blocks (previously termed "pectoralis") and superficial and deep serratus anterior plane blocks. The erector spinae plane block provides extensive coverage of the ipsilateral chest wall. Any of these techniques has the potential to provide bilateral chest wall analgesia. The relative novelty of these techniques requires ongoing research to be strategic, thoughtful, and focused on clinically meaningful outcomes to enable widespread evidence-based implementation. This review article discusses the key perspectives for performing and assessing chest wall blocks in a cardiac surgical population.

Effect of Subcostal Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block vs. Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block after Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided subcostal anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy surgery.

METHODS

Patients (aged 20-65 years, ASA I - II, and weighing 40-75 kg) scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were enrolled in the current study. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to two groups by computer-generated randomization codes: an ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) group (group T, n=30) or an ultrasound-guided subcostal anterior QLB group (group Q, n=30). In both groups, bilateral ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAPB and subcostal anterior QLB were performed before general anesthesia with 0.25% ropivacaine 0.5 mL/kg. For postoperative management, all patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with nalbuphine and sufentanil after surgery, maintaining visual analogue scale (VAS) scores ≤4 within 48 h. The intraoperative consumption of remifentanil, the requirement for sufentanil as a rescue analgesic, and the VAS scores at rest and coughing were recorded at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The recovery (extubation time after surgery, first ambulation time, first flatus time and length of postoperative hospital stay) and the adverse events (nausea and vomiting, skin pruritus, respiratory depression and nerve-block related complications) were observed and recorded. The primary outcome was the perioperative consumption of opioids.

RESULTS

Compared with group T, the intraoperative consumption of remifentanil, requirement for sufentanil and the frequency of PCIA were reduced in group Q. Meanwhile, VAS scores at all points of observation were significantly lower in group Q than in group T. Patients in group Q were also associated with shorter time to first out-of-bed activity and flatus, and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay than group T (P<0.05). There were no skin pruritus, respiratory depression or nerve-block related complications in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared with ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAPB, ultrasound-guided subcostal anterior QLB provided greater opioid-sparing effect, lower visual analogue scores, and shorter postoperative hospital stay for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

Ultrasound-Guided Intercostal Nerve Block and Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Posted for Open Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:

Effective postoperative analgesia leads to early mobilization, fewer pulmonary complications, and shorter hospital stay.

Aims:

We compared the analgesic effects of ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve (ICN) blocks, subcostal transversus abdominis plane (SCTAP) block, and a control group in open cholecystectomy.

Settings and Design:

This was a prospective, randomized controlled, double-blind, multi-arm and parallel study.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted on patients of American Society of Anaesthesiology Physical Status Classes I and II, either sex, 18–60 years of age, and body mass index 18–30 kg.m⁻². Exclusion criteria were infection at the injection site, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, and allergy to the drugs used. Group I (n = 41) received ICN blocks, Group T (n = 41) SCTAP block, and Group C (n = 41) no postoperative block. The duration of analgesia was the primary outcome, and the analgesic consumption, the pain intensity, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were the secondary outcomes.

Statistical Analysis:

For the continuous data, analysis of variance was used for multiple group comparison and intergroup data were analyzed by Student's t-test. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied for ordinal data. P = 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly longer in the ICN (mean = 441.6 min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 407.71, 475.49) and SCTAP block (mean = 417.6 min; 95% CI, 390.94, 444.26) as compared to control (mean = 33.98 min; 95% CI, 26.64, 41.32) (P = 0.00) with no significant intergroup difference between the two intervention groups (P = 0.278). The cumulative analgesic consumption was not significantly different between the intervention groups but was significantly reduced in the study groups when compared with the control group (P < 0.001). No notable adverse events were observed. Patients with both the techniques were very satisfied in comparison with the control group (P = 0.00).

Conclusion:

Both the ICN and SCTAP blocks have similar results in terms of analgesia and patient satisfaction for cholecystectomy.

Use of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Blocks for Postoperative Pain Management in a Patient With an Open Abdomen: A Case Report and Review of Literature

In light of the superior analgesia and opioid sparing effects provided by transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, numerous new techniques and applications have evolved. However, TAP blocks are still underutilized in the critical care setting, and PubMed‑listed reports on the relevance of TAP integrity for TAP block efficacy are lacking. Here, we report bilateral TAP blocks delivering quick, potent and durable pain relief to a patient with open abdomen (OA) after prior management with opioids and epidural anesthesia had failed. Extending TAP block application to OA patients even in the post‑operative setting might hence reduce opioid consumption and quicken reconvalescence.

Comparison of the efficacy of erector spinae plane block and peritubal infiltration of levobupivacaine for postoperative analgesia following percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Background and Aims:

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a simple and safe interfascial plane block reported to provide good analgesia after thoracolumbar surgeries. We compared its efficacy with conventional peritubal local anesthetic infiltration following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Material and Methods:

A total of 60 adult patients posted for elective PCNL were randomly allocated into two groups. Postoperatively, Group I received ultrasound (US) guided peritubular infiltration block with 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine and Group II received US guided ESP block with 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine. The two groups were compared for the time to first rescue analgesic (Injection tramadol), number of rescue analgesic demands, total analgesic consumption in first 24 hours, VAS (rest and dynamic) scores and the adverse effects. The data were analyzed by unpaired t-test and Mann Whitney U test.

Results:

The time to first rescue analgesic demand was significantly longer in Group II (6.93 ± 2.15 h vs. 16.21 ± 7.53 h). The VAS scores (rest and dynamic) at eight and twelve hours of measurement were significantly lower in Group II (P < 0.05). The number of analgesic demands were less in group II (2.97 ± 0.49 vs. 1.00 ± 1.05). The total analgesic consumption in first 24 hours was less in Group II (148.33 ± 24.51 mg vs. 51.92 ± 45.78 mg).

Conclusion:

ESP block is a very effective and safe technique to provide prolonged duration of postoperative analgesia following PCNL. Peritubal local anesthetic infiltration is also a reliable technique for postoperative analgesia.

Ultrasound-guided peripheral abdominal wall blocks

The practice of regional anesthesia is in a state of progressive evolution, mainly due to the advent of ultrasound as an anesthesiologist's instrument. Alternative techniques for postoperative analgesia of abdominal surgeries, such as transversus abdominis plane block, oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block, rectus abdominis muscle sheath block, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block, and quadratus lumborum plane block, have proven useful, with good analgesic efficacy, especially when neuroaxial techniques (spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia) are not possible. This review discusses such blockades in detail, including the anatomical principles, indications, techniques, and potential complications.

The Role of Interfascial Plane Blocks in Paediatric Regional Anaesthesia: A Narrative Review of Current Perspectives and Updates

Regional anaesthesia has been increasingly used for analgesia in the perioperative period in paediatric anaesthesia for better pain control and improved patient outcomes. Interfascial plane blocks are considered as a subgroup of peripheral nerve blocks. The advent of ultrasound in modern regional anaesthesia practice has led to the evolution of various interfascial plane blocks. The ease of their performance and the low complication rates, compared with neuraxial anaesthesia, have led to their increased use in the perioperative period. Interfascial plane blocks are often incorporated in the multimodal analgesia regimen in the early recovery and ambulation after surgery protocols for various chest wall and abdominal surgeries. This achieves better pain control and decreases the requirements of opioids in the perioperative period, thereby facilitating early mobilization and discharge. This narrative review focuses on the relevant anatomic considerations, technique for the performance of each block along with its current applications and limitations, and includes a review of the current literature on various interfascial plane blocks in paediatric regional anaesthesia.

Continuous quadratus lumborum block as post-operative strategy for pain control in spinal fusion surgery

Background and Aims

Lumbar spinal fusions have post-operative pain levels that can be difficult to treat. The objective of this study was to determine if using bilateral quadratus lumborum (QL) nerve block catheters for lumbar fusions changes the patient's post-operative recovery experience by reducing opioid consumption, thereby limiting potential risks and side effects and reducing recovery time.

Methods

There were a total of 52 surgical lumbar fusion patients in this single-center, retrospective cohort review. In control Group A, there were 26 patients who received opioid regimens. In control Group B, there were 26 patients who received bilateral QL block catheters with breakthrough opioid regimens. Forty-eight hour post-operative opioid use in oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and length of stay (LOS) from the post-anaesthesia care unit to hospital discharge were examined.

Results

Group A had a mean MME of 307.62 ± 305.37 mg. Group B had a statistically significant lower mean total MME of 133.78 ± 152.66 mg (P = 0.012, α = 0.05). On an average, Group A required 2.3 times the MMEs than Group B. Group A had a mean LOS of 2.34 ± 1.87 days, whereas Group B had a lower mean LOS of 1.98 ± 0.51 days. This difference of 0.36 days was not statistically significant (P = 0.522, α = 0.05).

Conclusion

Surgical lumbar fusion patients who received the QL block catheter had a lower opioid requirement compared to standard opioid regimens. The study was underpowered to detect a difference in LOS.

Regional Anesthetic Blocks in Plastic Surgery Using Portable Ultrasound: A Simplified Approach

BACKGROUND

With the introduction of latest generation ultrasound technology and its easy availability and portability, regional anesthetic blocks, which were formally in the domain of anesthesiologists, have now become available to practicing plastic surgeons. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols for other specialties such as orthopedics and colorectal surgery have incorporated regional anesthetic blocks. These regional blocks have been shown to be effective in improving the patient comfort and experience and decreasing reliance on opioid medications.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for elective plastic surgery received PEC-1, serratus anterior plane, or transversus abdominis plane blocks as indicated for the proposed procedure. All blocks were performed under ultrasound guidance using the Philips Lumify system with the linear array 12-4 probe by the operating surgeon.

RESULTS

A total of 83 patients received regional anesthetic blocks by the senior author. Thirty-three patients undergoing cosmetic breast augmentation or implant-based breast reconstruction received the PEC-1 and the serratus anterior plane blocks after the induction of anesthesia but before the prep and drape. Fifty patients undergoing either abdominoplasty or deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction received intraoperative transversus abdominis plane blocks. Anatomic planes were clearly visualized with this new ultrasound technology. Patients experienced good to excellent analgesia with less reliance on opioid medications and decreased need for refills. For hospitalized patients, length of stay in some cases was decreased up to 1 day, and PCA pumps were eliminated. There were no complications or adverse sequelae observed in any of these patients related to the regional blocks.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporation of these known regional anesthetic techniques in this single-surgeon experience seems to confirm reports of effectiveness in the anesthesia literature and may be of benefit to a wide range of plastic surgery patients.

Analysis of the positional relationship of the long thoracic nerve considering clinical treatment

INTRODUCTION

The long thoracic nerve (LTN) has a risk of being damaged during chest surgery and should be considered when performing anesthesia such as a serratus anterior plane block (SAPB). We analyzed the relationship between landmarks-the fourth to ninth intercostal space (ICS) at the midaxillary line (MAL), through which the distal part of the LTN passes-and the LTN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used 25 specimens from 17 embalmed Korean cadavers. The MAL, level of rib and ICS, and regions 5 cm anteroposterior to the MAL (aMAL/pMAL) were established to measure the position of the LTN crossing the MAL, pathway of the LTN, and entering points of the LTN to the SA.

RESULTS

The LTN crossed the MAL in 76% of the specimens. The LTN crossed the MAL within the fifth to sixth rib level in 70.8%. Seventy-six percent of the branches entered the SA within the fourth to sixth ICS. The fifth rib and ICS were the most frequent regions aMAL; however, several branches were found pMAL. The LTN entered the SA in 92.6% of the specimens within 3 cm anterior and 1 cm posterior to the MAL.

CONCLUSIONS

We set the danger zone as 4 cm near the MAL at the fourth to sixth ICS for thoracotomy. In addition, we proposed the fifth ICS in aMAL at the superficial plane as the alternative injection point for SAPB when blocking the LTN, and the fifth ICS in pMAL at the deep plane to prevent blocking the LTN.

Efficacy of Serratus Anterior Plane Block Using Bupivacaine/ Magnesium Sulfate Versus Bupivacaine/ Nalbuphine for Mastectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Comparative Study

Background

Mastectomy is a common surgical procedure associated with intra and postoperative pain if untreated adequately will lead to chronic pain.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of serratus anterior plane block using bupivacaine/magnesium sulfate versus bupivacaine/ nalbuphine for mastectomy.

Methods

40 ASA I and II female patients age 25 - 60 years underwent breast cancer surgery received the block before induction of general anesthesia were divided into two groups GBM (n = 20): (bupivacaine/magnesium sulphate): received bupivacaine 30 mL 0.25% and 500 mg magnesium sulphate, GBN (n = 20): (bupivacaine/nalbuphine): received bupivacaine 30 mL 0.25% and nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg. The following parameters were recorded: The sensory block, motor block, postoperative heart rate, noninvasive mean blood pressure: at 1, 6, 12, 24 h, postoperative time to first request of analgesics (hours), VAS at rest and movement at 1, 6, 12, 24 h, postoperative analgesic requirements (pethidine mg/24 h).

Results

The sensory block was statistically significantly lower in the GBM group than the GBN group at 24 hours postoperatively. The Medical Research Council scale was statistically significantly lower in the GBN group than the GBM group at 24 hours postoperatively. Postoperative time to first request of analgesics (hours) was statistically significantly longer in the GBN group than the GBM group, VAS at rest was statistically significantly lower in the GBN group than GBM group at 6th and 24th hours, VAS at movement showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Intraoperative fentanyl and postoperative analgesic requirements (pethidine mg/24 h) showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions

Serratus anterior plane block using bupivacaine/nalbuphine provided effective postoperative analgesia, reduced postoperative pain than bupivacaine/magnesium sulfate in a mastectomy.

Chronic pain and substance abuse disorders: Preoperative assessment and optimization strategies

There is an ever-increasing number of opioid users among chronic pain patients and safely managing them can be challenging for surgeons, anesthesiologists, pain experts, and addiction specialists. Healthcare providers must be familiar with phenomena typical of opioid users and abusers, including tolerance, physical dependence, hyperalgesia, and addiction. Insufficient pain management is very common in these patients. Patient-centered preoperative communication is integral to setting realistic expectations for postoperative pain, developing successful nonopioid analgesic regimens, minimizing opioid consumption during the postoperative period, and decreasing the number of opioid pills at the risk of diversion. Preoperative evaluation should identify comorbidities and identify risk factors for substance abuse and withdrawal. Intraoperative and postoperative strategies can ensure safe and effective pain management and minimize the potential for morbidity and mortality in this high-risk patient population.

Effects of transversus abdominis plane block versus quadratus lumborum block on postoperative analgesia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Trunk block technique has been used in postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing surgery, specifically, transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB) have been proved effective. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of TAPB and QLB in postoperative analgesia.

Methods

Online databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library (&Trail), Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and QVIP were applied to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to Dec. 9th, 2019. Twenty-two studies were finally included containing 777 patients in the TAPB group and 783 cases in QLB group. RCTs comparing TAPB and QLB in postoperative analgesia were included in this meta-analysis. The indicators including total analgesia consumption postoperatively, operative time, duration of anesthesia, visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 24 h postoperatively, duration of postoperative analgesia, the number of patients requiring analgesia postoperatively and adverse reactions were analyzed.

Results

our findings showed that morphine consumption (mg) (WMD = 3.893, 95%CI: 2.053 to 5.733, P < 0.001), fentanyl consumption (μg) (WMD = 23.815, 95%CI: 15.521 to 32.109, P < 0.001), VAS score at 24 h postoperatively (WMD = 0.459, 95%CI: 0.118 to 0.801, P = 0.008), the number of patients requiring analgesia postoperatively (WMD = 3.893, 95%CI: 2.053 to 5.733, P < 0.001), and the incidence of dizziness (WMD = 2.691, 95%CI: 1.653 to 4.382, P < 0.001) in TAPB group were higher than in QLB group.

Conclusions

QLB is superior to TAPB in reducing morphine consumption, fentanyl consumption, VAS score at 24 h postoperatively, the number of patients requiring analgesia postoperatively, and the incidence of dizziness.

Rhomboid intercostal and subserratus plane block -a case series

Background

The rhomboid intercostal and subserratus plane (RISS) block is a new interfascial block technique that has shown promising results for abdominal and thoracic surgeries. Our objective was to describe the improved analgesia and dermatomal coverage in patients who received bilateral RISS blocks after a major abdominal surgery.

Case

Twenty-one patients who underwent abdominal surgery received the rhomboid intercostal component of the block at the T5 to T6 levels, and the subserratus component block was performed at the T6 to T9 levels.The RISS blocks provided effective postoperative analgesia. There was a variation in the dermatomal coverage ranging from T3 to T12. Patients reported a high satisfaction rate from pain management.

Conclusions

The RISS block in abdominal surgery seems to have an important role in perioperative pain management, complementing the multimodal analgesic regimen. To determine the efficacy of the RISS block for abdominal surgery, we need further randomized control trials.

Acute postoperative pain management

Background

Acute postoperative pain is common. Nearly 20 per cent of patients experience severe pain in the first 24 h after surgery, a figure that has remained largely unchanged in the past 30 years. This review aims to present key considerations for postoperative pain management.

Methods

A narrative review of postoperative pain strategies was undertaken. Searches of the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were performed using the terms postoperative care, psychological factor, pain management, acute pain service, analgesia, acute pain and pain assessment.

Results

Information on service provision, preoperative planning, pain assessment, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies relevant to acute postoperative pain management in adults is presented, with a focus on enhanced recovery after surgery pathways.

Conclusion

Adequate perioperative pain management is integral to patient care and outcomes. Each of the biological, psychological and social dimensions of the pain experience should be considered and understood in order to provide optimum pain management in the postoperative setting.

Effects of quadratus lumborum block regional anesthesia on postoperative pain after colorectal resection: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative pain following colorectal surgery is associated with a significant use of opioids. Recently, regional anesthesia, such as the posterior quadratus lumborum block (QL2), has been proposed to improve pain relief and reduce opioid use. However, the benefit of the QL2 on postoperative pain control remains controversial.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing colorectal surgery at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval. Patients were randomized to regional QL2 anesthesia with 150 mg of ropivacaine combined with standard analgesia or to QL2 with a sham intervention and standard analgesia. Our primary outcome was postoperative opioid administration at 24 h. Secondary outcomes included opioid administration in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), at 48 h and at hospital discharge, postoperative pain scores, delay in resumption of intestinal transit, nausea and vomiting, and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

A total of 62 patients were enrolled from November 2017 to February 2018. QL2 regional anesthesia compared with a sham intervention was not associated with a reduction in postoperative morphine dose equivalent (100.2 mg, 95% CI 68.9-131.5 versus 88.7 mg, 95% CI 59.3-118.0, p = 0.81, respectively). Compared to QL2 regional anesthesia, postoperative pain scores in the control group were lower although statistical significance was not consistent for all postoperative time points. Other secondary outcomes were comparable between both groups.

CONCLUSION

We did not observe a reduction in postoperative opioid administration at 24 h with a posterior quadratus lumborum block regional anesthesia in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Intercostal Nerve Block Versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Epidural Nerve Block in Patients With Thoracic Herpes Zoster: A Comparative Study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of a conventional fluoroscopy-guided epidural nerve block and an ultrasound (US)-guided intercostal nerve block in patients with thoracic herpes zoster (HZ).

METHODS

This work was a comparative study of 38 patients with thoracic HZ pain and a chest wall herpetic eruption, aged 18 years or older, with pain intensity of 5 or greater on a numeric rating scale (NRS) for less than a 1-month duration. Patients were consecutively enrolled and assigned to 2 groups in which the intervention was either the US-guided intercostal nerve block or the fluoroscopy-guided epidural nerve block approach with the addition of a 5-mL mix of 2.5 mg of dexamethasone plus 0.5% lidocaine. The primary outcome measure was the NRS score reduction for the pain. Secondary outcomes included the duration of treatment, number of repeated injections until the final visit, and proportion of patients with pain relief after the first and final visits.

RESULTS

All patients within both intervention groups showed significant pain relief on the NRS at the final follow-up point (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the mean value of NRS improvement based on the intervention type. There was also no statistically significant difference in the duration of treatment and the frequency of injection for pain relief.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings showed that both the US-guided intercostal nerve block and the fluoroscopy-guided epidural nerve block were effective in patients with thoracic HZ. Compared data showed no significant differences in the pain reduction, duration of treatment, and frequency of injection. The US-guided intercostal nerve block, which is more accessible than the fluoroscopy-guided epidural nerve block, might be an alternative option for thoracic HZ.

Ultrasound-guided modified serratus anterior plane block for perioperative analgesia in breast oncoplastic surgery: A case series

Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane (SAP) block has been described to provide complete anaesthesia and analgesia to the lateral thoracic wall. Its use has been recently reported in breast reconstruction surgeries. We present a series of 11 patients where ultrasound-guided SAP block was used as part of multimodal analgesia in breast reconstruction surgery using latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap after mastectomies. This resulted in excellent analgesia in the perioperative period and minimal use of intravenous analgesics. The SAP block technique described here is safe and also provides effective analgesia in breast reconstruction surgery with LD flap.

A Review of the Quadratus Lumborum Block and ERAS

The use of truncal nerve blocks has been described since 2001. Since then, there have been many studies trying to understand the ideal clinical scenarios for its use. Since 2001, the transversus abdominis plane block has evolved in many ways including from landmark based technique to ultrasound guided and more recently, into the quadratus lumborum (QL) block. Its anatomical placement, concentration of local anesthetic, volume of local anesthetic, and anatomic placement have all been raised as clinical questions. This article will discuss the literature of the QL block in an effort to understand how it is best used in a variety of clinical scenarios.

Erector spinae plane block: Relatively new block on horizon with a wide spectrum of application - A case series

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an interfascial plane block where a local anaesthetic is injected in a plane preferably below the erector spinae muscle. It is supposed to work at the origin of spinal nerves based on cadaveric and contrast study. It has emerged as an effective and safe analgesic regional technique. It has a wide variety of applications ranging from control of acute postoperative pain to chronic pain. In this series, we report a series of six cases, which include postoperative pain management in breast, thoracic, and abdominal surgeries along with management of two chronic pain cases to illustrate the potential uses of continuous and single-shot ESP block.

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided paravertebral block versus serratus plane block for modified radical mastectomy: A randomised, controlled trial

Background and Aims:

Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) may be associated with severe post-operative pain, leading to chronic pain syndrome. We compared the post-operative analgesic profile of two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks: Paravertebral block (PVB) and serratus plane block (SPB).

Methods:

This double-blind, randomised study was conducted on fifty adult females, scheduled for MRM with axillary dissection. After inducing general anaesthesia with intravenous midazolam 1 mg, fentanyl 1.5 mcg/kg, propofol 1–2 mg/kg and vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg, patients were administered either ultrasound-guided thoracic PVB at T4 (n = 25) or SPB at 5^th rib (n = 25) with 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine, both as a single level injection. Time to first rescue analgesia and morphine consumption in 4, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h by PCA pump, visual analogue scale score and any adverse effects were recorded. Quantitative variables were compared using the unpaired t-test or the Mann–Whitney U test between the two groups. Qualitative variables were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test.

Results:

The duration of analgesia (mean ± Standard deviation [SD]) was significantly longer in the PVB group compared to SPB group (346 ± 57 min vs. 245.6 ± 58 min, P < 0.001). The post-operative 24 h morphine consumption (mean ± SD) was significantly higher in the SPB group (9.7 ± 2.1 mg) compared to PVB group (6.5 ± 1.5 mg) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Ultrasound-guided SPB is an alternative analgesic technique to thoracic PVB for MRM although PVB provides a longer duration of analgesia.