Comparative efficacy of continuous infusion of bupivacaine/fentanyl and ropivacaine/fentanyl for paediatric pain control after the Ravitch procedure and thoracotomy. A prospective randomized study

Thoracotomy in Children: Review from a Low-Income Country

Background

Thoracotomy is indicated for several congenital and acquired disorders in children. It is among the surgical procedures which require a well-trained and dedicated surgical, anesthesia and critical care team which can be difficult to assemble in a low-income country setup. As the pattern and outcome of thoracotomy in children remained unreported from such setting, this study aims to shed light on this matter.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional review was conducted. Children who have undergone thoracotomy for non-cardiac pathologies were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data were collected by chart review. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe categorical variables while mean, median, standard deviation and interquartile range were calculated for continuous variables.

Results

A total of 68 patients were operated on in the study period, out of which 44 (64.7%) were males. The mean ages of the children at the time of diagnosis and procedure were 4.05 ± 3.9 years and 4.14 ± 4.03 years, respectively. The most common indication for thoracotomy was pulmonary hydatid cyst (17; 25%) followed by congenital lobar emphysema (11; 16.2%). Muscle sparing posterolateral thoracotomy was the most common approach in 66 (97.1%) patients. The analgesic medications that were used in the post-operative period were paracetamol, diclofenac, ibuprofen, tramadol and morphine. Combined analgesics were administered in two-thirds of the patients while a single analgesic was used in the rest of the children. No regional blocks were administered post operatively as pediatric size catheters were not available. The morbidity and mortality rates were found to be 11.8% and 8.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

The most common indication for thoracotomy in this study was pulmonary hydatid cyst. The provision of post-thoracotomy analgesia in our institution is suboptimal as evidenced by no use of regional blocks and poor practice of administering multimodal analgesia. Thoracotomy was associated with fairly high morbidity and mortality.

Intravenous Morphine Infusion versus Thoracic Epidural Infusion of Ropivacaine with Fentanyl after the Ravitch Procedure-A Single-Center Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of analgesia with intravenous infusion of morphine and thoracic epidural infusion of ropivacaine with fentanyl in pediatric patients after the Ravitch procedure.

METHODS

Postoperative analgesia was achieved by intravenous morphine infusion with a dose of 0.02-0.06 mg/kg per hour (intravenous group, n = 56) or thoracic epidural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine and fentanyl 5 µg/mL with a flow rate of 0.1 mL/kg per hour (epidural group, n = 40). Furthermore, the multimodal pain management protocol included paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and metamizole as a rescue drug. The primary outcomes included pain scores (according to the Numerical Rating Scale, range 0-10), while the secondary outcomes included consumption of the rescue drug, anxiety, postoperative side effects, and patient satisfaction. The observation period lasted from postoperative day 0 to postoperative day 3.

RESULTS

Median average and maximal pain scores at rest, during deep breathing, and coughing were significantly lower in the intravenous group compared to the epidural group (p < 0.05). The effect size was medium (Cohen's d ranged from 0.5 to 0.7). Patients receiving morphine required significantly lower numbers of metamizole doses than in the epidural group (median 1 vs. 3; p = 0.003; Cohen's d = 0.6). Anxiety, postoperative side effects, and patient satisfaction were similar in both groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

An intravenous infusion of morphine may offer better postoperative analgesia than a thoracic epidural infusion of ropivacaine with fentanyl.

The Effects of Gabapentin on Post-Operative Pain and Anxiety, Morphine Consumption and Patient Satisfaction in Paediatric Patients Following the Ravitch Procedure-A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 4 Trial

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the use of pre- and postoperative gabapentin can decrease postoperative pain, morphine consumption, anxiety and side effects, as well as improve patient satisfaction. A total of 56 patients, 9−17 years of age, undergoing a modified Ravitch procedure, were randomised (allocation ratio 1:1) to receive multiple perioperative doses of gabapentin (preoperatively 15 mg/kg, postoperatively 7.5 mg/kg, two times per day for three days) or a placebo. All the patients received intravenous infusion of morphine, paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Metamizole was given as a “rescue drug”. The observation period included the day of surgery and three postoperative days. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain intensity (at rest, during deep breathing and coughing). Additional outcomes included the consumption of morphine, the total number of doses of metamizole, anxiety, postoperative side effects and patient satisfaction. Median average and maximal pain scores (on the day of surgery and on the second postoperative day) were significantly lower only in the gabapentin group at rest (p < 0.05). Compared to the placebo group, gabapentin treatment reduced the demand for morphine on the first postoperative day (median 0.016 vs. 0.019 mg/kg/h; p = 0.03) and the total number of metamizole doses (median 1 vs. 2 p = 0.04). Patient satisfaction was significantly greater in the gabapentin group (median 10 vs. 9; p = 0.018). Anxiety and postoperative side effects were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Pre- and postoperative gabapentin administration as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen may decrease postoperative pain, opioid consumption and demand for a “rescue drug”, as well as improve patient satisfaction.

Predictors of maximal postoperative pain at rest in adult patients undergoing elective surgery - A multicenter observational study

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the maximum intensity of postoperative pain at rest in 620 adults after an elective surgery as well as to determine demographic and clinical predictors of pain. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate the preoperative mental condition of the patient. Preoperative and postoperative pain were assessed at rest based on the Numeric Rating Scale (range: 0-10). The total median maximum intensity of pain was 3 (interquartile range: 1-5). The linear regression model for the maximum intensity of postoperative pain was statistically significant and very well fitted - the coefficient of determination was 62%. Preoperative anxiety, pain, cancer, a medical history of thyroid (vs abdominal) surgery, and an operation resulting in major (vs moderate) tissue injury have a positive impact on the maximum intensity of postoperative pain. Eye surgery and lower limb operations gave lower scores than abdominal surgery. The early identification of these predictors in patients at risk for postoperative pain will help in preparing an individual pain management plan.

Perioperative Gabapentin in Pediatric Thoracic Surgery Patients-Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 4 Trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the use of perioperative gabapentin reduces postoperative pain and anxiety, decreases ropivacaine consumption and side effects, and improves patient satisfaction.

DESIGN

Randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 4 trial.

BLINDING

Participants, care providers, investigators, data analysts.

SETTING

Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Rabka Zdrój Branch, Poland.

SUBJECTS

Forty patients undergoing the Ravitch procedure.

METHODS

Patients aged nine to 17 years were randomized into a gabapentin (preoperative 15 mg/kg, treatment) or placebo group. Postoperative analgesia included gabapentin (7.5 mg/kg) or placebo two times per day for three days, epidural ropivacaine + fentanyl, paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and metamizol as a "rescue drug." Pain, anxiety, analgesic consumption, side effects, and patient satisfaction were recorded.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in median pain scores (numerical rating scale < 1/10) or incidence of adverse side effects between the gabapentin group (N = 20) and the placebo group (N = 20). Postoperative anxiety scores were significantly lower than before surgery in the gabapentin group (6 [4-8] vs 7 [6-8.5], P < 0.01) and remained unchanged in the placebo group (6 [5-6.5] vs 6 [5-7], P = 0.07). Gabapentin-treated patients received a lower number of doses of ondansetron when compared with the placebo group (6 [5-6] vs 7 [6-9], P = 0.02). A significant negative association was found between patient satisfaction and postoperative state anxiety in the gabapentin group (R = -0.51, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative administration of gabapentin resulted in a decrease of postoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing the Ravitch procedure.

Long-term results after the modified Ravitch procedure performed in children and adolescents - a one-time procedure without the need to use additional support of the sternum. A retrospective study

Introduction

Pectus excavatum is a depression of the sternum. Pectus carinatum, in contrast, is the convexity of the sternum. The mixed form is an intermediate condition. Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice. The techniques most commonly used include the Ravitch and the Nuss procedures.

Aim

To assess the immediate and long-term results of the original modification of the surgical treatment for anterior chest wall deformation.

Material and methods

The modification is based on the Ravitch procedure. The difference is that the ends of the resected cartilages are shaped like a blade in order to be inserted into the previously prepared wedge-shaped hollows located on both edges of the sternum. The result is long lasting without the need to use additional brackets.

Results

The follow-up examinations performed in 72 patients, including 57 boys and 15 girls, were the basis to produce long-term results. As for the type of deformity, out of 57 patients operated on due to pectus excavatum, 43 expressed satisfaction with the very good result. Similar satisfaction was reported in 7 out of 11 patients operated on due to pectus carinatum. There were 4 cases with the mixed form who had very good long-term results. Wound dehiscence was observed in 13 subjects, with one documented recurrence.

Conclusions

The alternative treatment we propose is a one-time procedure without the need to use additional support of the sternum. Good long-term results make the procedure suitable to be used more frequently in all types of deformities.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Ethiopian Nursing Staff Regarding Post-Operative Pain Management: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Pain management is one part of management in the postoperative period. The prevalence of moderate to severe postoperative pain and its functional interference is high in Ethiopian patients. In this study we aimed (1) to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding post-operative pain management; (2) to identify the factors of nurses' knowledge and attitudes.

METHOD

A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted. All nurses working in Amhara region referral hospitals were involved in the study. The Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (NKASRP) was used to measure the nurses' pain management knowledge and attitudes. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude.

RESULTS

A total of 433 nurses were included. Of the total respondents, 90.6% of them had a bachelor's degree with work experience of between 1 to 5 years (58.5%). Only 76 (19.2%) participants got access to read journals and 66 (16.7%) had taken training regarding postoperative pain management. The results showed that 56.5% [95% CI= (51.6-61.3)] respondents had adequate knowledge and 8.9% [95% CI= (6.1-11.6)] of them had positive attitudes towards POP management. Higher level of education [AOR=8.2; CI= (2.51-26.83)], getting access to read journals [AOR =1.83; CI= (1.01-3.30)], and taking POP management training [AOR=8.63; CI= (3.67-20.28)] were statistically associated with adequate knowledge. Similarly, positive attitude towards postoperative pain management was associated with taking POP management training, available of pain management course in the curriculum, and getting access to read.

CONCLUSION

Although more than half of nurses in the study area had adequate knowledge towards POP management, only a small number had a positive attitude. Taking POP management training and getting access to read journals were significantly associated with good knowledge and attitude towards POP management; therefore, regular in-service training and getting accessing reading materials (such as journals or articles) are recommended to enhance quality service to patients.