Comparison of the time taken for subarachnoid block using ultrasound-guided method versus landmark technique for cesarean section - A randomized controlled study

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided versus landmark-guided neuraxial puncture: a systematic review, network meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Data suggest that preprocedural ultrasound may improve the efficacy of central neuraxial puncture. However, it remains uncertain whether these findings can be extended to various clinical scenarios, including diverse patient populations and the application of real-time ultrasound guidance. Additionally, it is unclear whether ultrasound-guided techniques improve safety and patient-centered outcomes.

METHODS

We searched six databases for randomized trials of adult patients undergoing neuraxial puncture, comparing real-time ultrasound, preprocedural ultrasound, and landmark palpation for efficacy, safety and patient-centered outcomes. Our primary outcome was a failed first-attempt neuraxial puncture. After two-person screening and data extraction, meta-analyses were conducted and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was applied to assess the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Analysis of 71 studies involving 7153 patients, both real-time ultrasound (OR 0.30; 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.15 to 0.58; low certainty) and preprocedural ultrasound (OR 0.33; 95% CrI 0.24 to 0.44; moderate certainty) showed a significant reduction in the risk of a failed first neuraxial puncture. Real-time ultrasound had the best performance for preventing first-attempt failures (low certainty evidence). Although real-time ultrasound was also the leading method for reducing the risk of complete neuraxial puncture failure, the results did not show a statistically significant difference when compared with landmark palpation. Preprocedural ultrasound, however, significantly reduced the odds of complete puncture failure (OR 0.29; 95% CrI 0.11 to 0.61). These ultrasound-guided approaches also contributed to a reduction in certain complications and increased patient satisfaction without any other significant differences in additional outcomes. Trial sequential analysis confirmed that sufficient information was achieved for our primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided neuraxial puncture improves efficacy, reduces puncture attempts and needle redirections, reduces complication risks, and increases patient satisfaction, with low to moderate certainty of evidence. Despite real-time ultrasound's high ranking, a clear superiority over preprocedural ultrasound is not established. These results could prompt anesthesiologists and other clinicians to reassess their neuraxial puncture techniques.

Comparative efficacy of ultrasound guidance or conventional anatomical landmarks for neuraxial puncture in adult patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Preprocedural, real-time, and computer-aided three-dimensional ultrasound has been widely used for neuraxial puncture; however, the optimal guidance is unclear. We examined the comparative efficacy of three ultrasound guidance and anatomical landmarks for neuraxial puncture in adults.

METHODS

We searched for randomised controlled studies comparing the efficacy of ultrasound guidance and anatomical landmarks for neuraxial puncture in adults using electronic databases and unpublished studies. The primary outcomes were first-pass success and patient satisfaction. A random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) was used.

RESULTS

We identified 74 eligible studies (7090 patients). Preprocedural ultrasound and real-time ultrasound-guided neuraxial puncture improved first-pass success compared with anatomical landmarks (risk ratio [RR] 1.6; 95% credible interval [CrI] 1.3-1.9; RR 1.9; 95% CrI 1.3-2.9, respectively, moderate confidence). Computer-aided ultrasound-guided neuraxial puncture also increased first-pass success (RR 1.8; 95% CrI 0.97-3.3, low confidence), although estimates were imprecise. However, real-time ultrasound-guided neuraxial puncture resulted in minimal difference in first-pass success compared with preprocedural ultrasound (RR 1.2; 95% CrI 0.8-1.8, moderate confidence). Preprocedural ultrasound improved patient satisfaction slightly compared with anatomical landmark use (standardised mean differences 0.28; 95% CrI 0.092-0.47, low confidence).

CONCLUSIONS

This NMA provides evidence supporting ultrasound-guided neuraxial puncture compared with use of anatomical landmarks, including indirect comparisons. Among the three ultrasound guidance methods, preprocedural ultrasound appears to be a better adjunctive option.

Ultrasound-based Accuro system versus traditional palpation technique for neuraxial anaesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of Accuro, a handheld ultrasound device, compared to the palpation technique for neuraxial anaesthesia. Accuro provides real-time imaging guidance, potentially improving accuracy and efficiency.

METHODS

A comprehensive search across six electronic databases identified randomised clinical trials comparing Accuro with palpation for neuraxial anaesthesia. Risk ratios or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Bias risk was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

RESULTS

Five studies (n=369) met the inclusion criteria. Accuro showed a favourable risk ratio for first insertion success (1.44 [95% CI [1.01, 2.05], p=0.05]). It significantly reduced needle skin passes (MD -0.63; 95% CI [-1.05, -0.21]; p<0.01), but not needle redirection (MD -1.31; 95% CI [-2.71, 0.11]; p=0.07). Procedure time was shorter in palpation (MD 127.82; 95% CI [8.68, -246.97]; p=0.04). Four studies had a low risk of bias; one had some concerns.

CONCLUSION

Accuro can potentially improve success rates and reduce skin passes in neuraxial anaesthesia. Further trials with larger samples are needed, especially in patients with anticipated difficulties.

Recent advancements in regional anaesthesia

Patient safety, improved quality of care, and better patient satisfaction and functional outcomes are currently the topmost priorities in regional anaesthesia (RA) and all advancements in RA move in this direction. Ultrasonography-guided central neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks, intracluster and intratruncal injections, fascial plane blocks, diaphragm-sparing blocks, use of continuous nerve block techniques, and continuous local anaesthetic wound infiltration catheters are now topics of popular clinical interest. The safety and efficacy of nerve blocks can be improved with the help of injection pressure monitoring and the incorporation of advanced technology in the ultrasound machine and needles. Novel procedure-specific and motor-sparing nerve blocks have come up. The anaesthesiologist of the current era, with a good understanding of the sonoanatomy of the target area and the microarchitecture of nerves, along with the backup of advanced technology, can be very successful in performing RA techniques. RA is rapidly evolving and revolutionising the practice of anaesthesia.

Recent advances in obstetric anaesthesia and critical care

Newer modalities in labour analgesia and anaesthesia for caesarean section including regional anaesthesia techniques and airway management are emerging constantly. Techniques such as point of care ultrasound, especially of the lungs and stomach and point of care tests of coagulation based on viscoelastometry are about to revolutionise perioperative obstetric care. This has improved the quality of care thereby ensuring good perioperative outcomes in the parturient with comorbidities. Critical care for obstetrics is an emerging field that requires a multidisciplinary approach with obstetricians, maternal-foetal medicine experts, intensivists, neonatologists, and anaesthesiologists working together with enhanced preparedness and uniform protocols. Newer techniques and concepts of understanding have thus been established in the traditional speciality of obstetric anaesthesia over the last decade. These have improved maternal safety and neonatal outcomes. This article touches upon some recent advances that have made a significant impact in the field of obstetric anaesthesia and critical care.