PENG block associated with dexmedetomidine sedation for intramedullary femoral fixation in high-risk elderly patients: a case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture is a major cause of hospitalization among the elderly population. The standard surgical treatment involves early repair to reduce mortality and morbidity. One type of treatment in the case of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures is intramedullary nailing, as it decreases soft tissue damage and permits early weight bearing. The most common anesthesia technique combines spinal anesthesia with a peripheral block. In cases where spinal anesthesia is contraindicated, general anesthesia is preferred. However, both techniques can lead to significant complications, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities. Pain management after hip surgery, particularly in elderly and frail individuals, poses a challenge. The pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) targets the innervation of the anterior portion of the hip joint and is increasingly used for pain management related to hip surgery.

CASE SERIES

This paper presents a case series of three elderly patients who underwent pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) block combined with dexmedetomidine sedation for intramedullary femoral fixation.

CONCLUSIONS

The PENG block can be effectively used as the sole anesthetic technique for managing elderly patients undergoing intramedullary femoral fixation while on antiplatelet drugs. This procedure effectively controlled pain during both the surgical and postoperative periods. The addition of dexmedetomidine for sedation enables comfortable and safe procedures, minimizing the risk of perioperative neurocognitive dysfunctions and without adverse effects on cardiorespiratory function.

Rethink analgo-sedation in digestive endoscopy: the role of scientific societies in tracing training path

OBJECTIVE

The Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Reanimation and Intensive Care Medicine (SIAARTI) and the Italian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SIED) worked together to produce a joint Good Clinical Practice (GCP) on analgo-sedation in digestive endoscopy and launched a survey to support the document. The aim was to identify and describe the actual clinical practice of sedation in Italian digestive endoscopy units and offer material for a wider and more widespread discussion among anesthetists and endoscopists.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A national survey was planned, in order to support the statements of the GCP. Twelve thousand and five hundred questionnaires were sent to the members of SIAARTI and SIED in June 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 662 forms (5.3%) returned completed. Highly complex procedures are performed according to 70% of respondents; daily anesthesiologist's assistance is guaranteed in 26%, for scheduled sessions in 14.5% and as needed in 8%. 69% of respondents declared not to have a dedicated team of anesthesiologists, while just 5% reported an anesthesiologist in charge. A complete monitoring system was assured by 70% of respondents. Dedicated pathways for COVID-19-positive patients were confirmed in <40% of the answers. With regard to moderate/deep sedation, 90% of respondents stated that an anesthetist decides timing and doses. Propofol was exclusively administered by anesthetists according to 94% of answers, and for 6% of respondents the endoscopist is allowed to administer propofol in presence of a dedicated nurse, but with a readily available anesthetist. Only 32.8% of respondents reported institutional training courses on procedural analgo-sedation.

CONCLUSIONS

The need to provide patients scheduled for endoscopy procedures with an adequate analgo-sedation is becoming an increasing concern, well-known in almost all countries, but many factors compromise the quality of patient care. Results of a national survey would give strength to the need for a shared GCP in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Training and certification of non-anesthetist professionals should be one of the main ways to center the objective.