Use of Bilateral Rectus Sheath Blocks in Open Umbilical Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the rectus sheath block (RSB) has become increasingly prevalent in laparoscopic surgery. However, there is currently no definitive research on its use in the open repair of umbilical hernias with cirrhotic ascites.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we assessed the safety and clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided (US-guided) bilateral RSBs in open umbilical hernia repair for patients diagnosed with cirrhotic ascites.

STUDY DESIGN

Seventy-two patients diagnosed with umbilical hernias that presented with cirrhotic ascites and who were admitted to our hospital were randomly divided into 2 groups. These categories were labeled the RSB group (Group R) and the local infiltration group (Group L); we used US-guided RSBs in Group R and local infiltration in Group L.

SETTING

The clinical outcomes of the patients in each group were compared to one another. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded at various time points in both groups.

METHODS

Measurements of the patients' outcomes were taken before anesthesia (T0), at the beginning of surgery (T1), at the time of the separation of the hernia sac (T2), at the end of surgery (T3), 6 hours postoperatively (T4), and 24 hours postoperatively (T5). On the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pain scores at rest (T1-T3) and during activity (T4-T5) were recorded, as were the incidence of perioperative remedial analgesia and adverse effects.

RESULTS

Compared to T0, both groups' HR was significantly higher at T1-T3 (P < 0.05). The SBP and DBP were also significantly higher (P < 0.05). At T1-T3, the HR of Group R was significantly slower than that of Group L (P < 0.05), and at T4-T5, the VAS score for activity in Group R was significantly lower than that of Group L (P < 0.05). Group R had a significantly lower incidence of intraoperative remedial analgesia and postoperative nausea and vomiting than did Group L (P < 0.05). Neither group required postoperative remedial analgesia, and no patient experienced adverse reactions during the perioperative period.

LIMITATIONS

This study has limitations in its sample size, lack of blood ammonia levels, and absence of data on patient satisfaction, necessitating future studies to address these issues.

CONCLUSION

US-guided RSBs are an efficient method of anesthesia for open umbilical hernia repair in patients diagnosed with cirrhosis. This technique not only provides precise anesthesia and appropriate analgesia but also results in a low incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

The Median Effective Volume of 0.375% Ropivacaine for Ultrasound-guided Anterior Suprascapular Nerve Block in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

BACKGROUND

The suprascapular nerve (SSN) is an important nerve that contributes to shoulder joint sensation and movement. The anterior suprascapular nerve block (aSSNB) has the potential for noninferior analgesic effect compared with the interscalene block while preserving respiratory function. This study investigated the median effective volume (MEV) of 0.375% ropivacaine in aSSNB for analgesic effect among patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was the MEV. The secondary objectives included the 24 hour sufentanil consumption, 24 hour patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) presses, and incidences of diaphragm impairment.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective registered (ChiCTR2300070129), single-armed, volume-finding study.

SETTING

This study was conducted in a tertiary, single center.

METHODS

There were 23 patients who completed the study. Using an up-and-down process, patients enrolled in the study received different volumes of 0.375% ropivacaine for an aSSNB adjusted based on the success or failure of the previous patient in the study's block by increasing or decreasing the volume by 3 mL. The first patient received 15 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine. The nerve blocks were evaluated by the sensory score of the C5 and C6 dermatomes.

RESULTS

MEV50 (50% of the patients) was 6 mL (95% CI, 5.78 - 6.78 mL), and MEV95 (95% of the patients) was 13.88 mL (95% CI, 13.37 - 14.87 mL). There was no significant difference in the PCA presses, 24 hour sufentanil consumption, and incidences of diaphragm impairments between successful and unsuccessful blocks.

LIMITATIONS

Our study focused on the analgesic effect rather than hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis with 0.375% ropivacaine for an aSSNB. The study also did not test varying ropivacaine concentrations while keeping the volume constant. Further investigation with varying concentrations and a larger sample size is indicated to address the optimal volume and concentration to balance analgesia and diaphragm function.

CONCLUSIONS

To produce effective analgesic effect, the MEV50 is 6 mL, and the MEV95 is 13.88 mL in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery who receive an aSSNB using 0.375% ropivacaine for analgesia.

Pediatric Postoperative Pain Control With Quadratus Lumborum Block and Dexamethasone in Two Routes With Bupivacaine: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided Quadratus Lumborum block (QLB) is a regional analgesia approach that has been reported to provide effective post-operative pain relief for both abdominal and retroperitoneal surgery. Bupivacaine is the most often used and well documented local anesthetic medication in children. Dexamethasone is a systemic glucocorticoid that is often used to minimize postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain to improve recovery quality after surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate postoperative analgesia of QLB in pediatric patients undergoing renal surgeries by the addition of dexamethasone to bupivacaine compared to intravenous administration.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Pediatric surgery unit in a university hospital.

METHODS

One hundred and five patients (6-12 years old) scheduled for renal surgeries were randomly allocated into 3 groups, with 35 patients in each group. Randomization was based on computer-generated codes. The groups were DEX1 (QLB with IV dexamethasone group), DEX2 (QLB dexamethasone group), and QLB CONTROL (QLB alone). The 1st time for rescue analgesia request, total morphine consumption, Pediatric Objective Pain Scale (POPS), and parents' satisfaction score were measured in 24 hours follow-up to evaluate postoperative pain control.

RESULTS

The time to 1st rescue analgesics request (hours), total morphine consumption (mg), and the parents' satisfaction scores were much better in groups DEX1 and DEX2 as compared to group CONTROL with statistical significance. However, group DEX2 was better than DEX1 in the previous outcomes but without statistical significance. In respect, the pediatric objective pain scale was much lower with a significant difference in groups DEX1and DEX2 in comparison with group CONTROL up to 18 hours postoperatively.

LIMITATIONS

Difficult to assess the block as all children were sedated, plus this was a unilateral surgical procedure with limited surgical incision, so the effect of QLB needed to be studied when there is a bilateral surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone may be more effective when added to bupivacaine than when given systemically in analgesic effects without any impact on the other secondary pain-related outcomes. Dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine has a marked hand on prolongation of the postoperative duration of analgesia, less request for rescue analgesia, and fewer side effects as compared to bupivacaine if used as a sole agent in QLB.

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Ultrasound-Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment of the Saphenous Nerve for Refractory Osteoarthritis-Associated Knee Pain

BACKGROUND

While the efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for shoulder pain has been demonstrated, its efficacy on the saphenous nerves for knee osteoarthritis (OA)-associated pain has only been reported in observational studies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare saphenous nerve PRF to placebo for knee OA-associated pain.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients, practitioners, and outcome assessor-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Pain management clinics at 2 hospitals in Japan.

METHODS

Patients were randomly allocated to the PRF (n = 37) or placebo group (n = 33). Patients aged 40-85 years with refractory anteromedial knee pain. PRF in the saphenous nerve under ultrasound guidance. The placebo group underwent the same procedure, but with motor stimulation. The primary endpoint was the average pain intensity measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) at the 12-week post-treatment visit; secondary outcomes included the average VAS at 1 and 4 weeks, and pain intensities at rest, in flexion, at standing, and at walking. Other secondary outcomes were knee pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, knee-related quality of life, mobility, range of motion, and adverse events.

RESULTS

In the PRF group, the mean VAS score was 52.41 ± 26.17 at 12 weeks, while in the sham group, the mean VAS score was 63.06 ± 27.12 (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the secondary outcomes.

LIMITATIONS

Patients with comorbidities were excluded from this study. The follow-up time was limited to 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided saphenous nerve PRF proved to be effective for at least 12 weeks in patients with knee OA and showed no adverse events.