Two clinical cases of unintentionally prolonged sciatic nerve block

This study describes two clinical cases of unexpectedly long duration of motor block after anterior sciatic nerve block. In two patients who underwent total knee replacement, the motor block reversion in the area of sciatic nerve innervation did not occur at the expected time. Ultrasound examination revealed the deposition of a local anesthetic near the sciatic nerve. In these two clinical cases, unintentionally prolonged sciatic nerve blockade was caused by combined age-related factors of reduced tissue perfusion and the vasoconstrictor properties of levobupivacaine. Subsequently, the block was successfully resolved in 3638 h without any neurological consequences.

Neuraxial administration of morphine combined with lidocaine induces regional antinociception in inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

OBJECTIVE To assess the antinociceptive efficacy and safety of neuraxial morphine in inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). ANIMALS 10 healthy adult bearded dragons. PROCEDURES Animals were sedated with alfaxalone (15 mg/kg) SC prior to neuraxial injections. In a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design, animals received preservative-free morphine (0.5 mg/kg) combined with lidocaine (2 mg/kg) or lidocaine (2 mg/kg) only (control treatment). For both treatments, saline (0.9% NaCl) solution was used for dilution to a total volume of 0.3 mL/kg. If the initial injection did not result in motor block of the pelvic limbs or cloaca relaxation within 10 minutes, a second injection was performed. Measurements consisted of bilateral mechanical stimulation of the limbs and at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the trunk’s length as well as cloacal tone to assess spread and duration of motor block. Pelvic limb withdrawal latencies in response to a thermal noxious stimulus were measured over a 48-hour period to assess antinociception. RESULTS Success rate following the first injection was 90% (18/20 injections) and increased to 100% following a second injection. Motor block occurred within 5 minutes with both treatments. Pelvic limb withdrawal latencies were significantly prolonged following neuraxial morphine versus control treatment for at least 12 hours after injection. By 24 hours, no effect of morphine on pelvic limb latencies was detectable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results demonstrated that neuraxial administration of morphine results in regional antinociceptive effects for at least 12 hours and has no clinically relevant adverse effects in healthy bearded dragons. This technique has potential for providing regional analgesia in this species.

Different Concentrations of Ropivacaine under Ultrasound Guidance on Quadratus Lumbar Muscle Nerve Block in Elderly Patients with Hip Replacement

Objective. To compare the effect of ropivacaine in different concentrations under ultrasound guidance on lumbar muscle nerve blocking in elderly patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. Methods. 60 elderly patients underwent hip replacement in our hospital over a period of April to December of 2019 were equally randomized into control and observation groups, with 30 each. Patients in the control group and observation group received 0.5% and 0.25% ropivacaine to block psoas muscle nerve, respectively. The anesthetic effect of ropivacaine at different concentrations was evaluated by time of sensory block onset and recovery and time of motor block onset and regression, blood pressure, heart rate, visual analogy scale, and postoperative nerve blocking degree. Results. The onset time of sensory and motor block in the observation group was dramatically higher than that in the control group ( P < 0.05 ), while the recovery time of sensory and motor was significantly shorter than that of the control group ( P < 0.05 ). The heart rate in the observation group was notably lower than that in the control group, while the average blood pressure was remarkably higher ( P < 0.05 ). After surgery, the degree of nerve block in the observation group was much lower compared with the control group ( P < 0.05 ), while no marked difference in the visual analogue scale in the control group before and after surgical intervention was observed ( P > 0.05 ). Conclusion. The 0.25% ropivacaine method has distinctive advantages over 0.50% ropivacaine psoas nerve anesthesia in hip replacement surgery in elderly patients.

Epinephrine and Dexamethasone as Adjuvants in Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Blocks in Pediatric Patients

Introduction: Regional anesthesia in children in recent years has been accepted worldwide. The increased interest in it is partly due to the use of ultrasonography which provides confidence and accuracy to the anesthesiologic team. Adjuvants are used to extend the duration of the sensory and motor blocking, limiting the cumulative dose of local anesthetics. The use of adjuvants in peripheral nerve blocks in the pediatric population is still under research. Aim: To observe the effect of epinephrine and dexamethasone as adjuvants to local anesthetics in peripheral upper extremity nerve blocks in pediatric patients. Materials and methods: The study included 63 patients, aged group 4-14 years, admitted to the University Clinic of Pediatric Surgery for surgical treatment of upper limb fractures in the period of January 2020 until March 2021. Patients were randomized into three groups, and all patients in the groups received analgo-sedation prior to peripheral nerve block. Patients in group 1 (21 patients) received supraclavicular, or interscalene block with 2 ml lidocaine 2% and bupivacaine 0.25% (max 2mg/kg) with a total volume of 0.5ml/kg. In group 2, the patients (21) received 25 μg of epinephrine in 2 ml of 2% solution of lidocaine and 0.25% bupivacaine (max 2 mg/kg) with a total volume of 0.5 ml/kg, and in group 3, the patients (21) received 2% lidocaine 2ml and 0.25% bupivacaine (max 2mg/kg) in combination with 2mg dexamethasone with a total volume of 0.5ml/kg. Results: Results showed that in patients in group 1, the average duration of the sensory block was 7 hours, while the duration of the motor block was 5 hours and 30 minutes. In group 2 (epinephrine), the durations of both sensory and motor block were prolonged for about 30 minutes on average compared to the first group. In group 3 (dexamethasone) the duration of the sensory and motor block was significantly longer compared with the first two groups (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Epinephrine and dexamethasone prolong the duration of action of local anesthetics in peripheral nerve blocks of the upper extremity in pediatric patients and thus reduce the need for analgesics in the postoperative period.

“A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ULTRASOUND GUIDED TECHNIQUE VERSUS PERIPHERAL NERVE STIMULATOR GUIDED TECHNIQUE IN INFRA-CLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK FOR UPPER LIMB SURGERIES.”

Background: Extensive use of ultrasonography for block execution has increased the success of procedure due to direct visualization of anatomical structures. Infra-clavicular brachial plexus block can be an attractive alternative to supraclavicular nerve block for upper limb surgeries. The objective of our study was to assess and compare the efcacy and success rate of USG guided technique versus PNS technique in Infra-clavicular brachial plexus block. Material And Methods: 70 adult patients with age in the range of 18-60 years, weight 50-80 Kg, ASA Grade I & II posted for elective upper limb surgeries of hand, wrist, forearm and distal arm under infra-clavicular brachial plexus block. Group P (PNS)– Nerve stimulator guided Infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Group U (USG)– Ultrasound guided Infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Block execution time, sensory blockade, motor blockade and success rate were assessed. Assessment of sensory blockade was done by Hollmen scale whereas motor block assessment was done by Bromage Scale. Results: There was statistically signicant difference between the groups for block execution time, onset of sensory and motor blockade, time for complete sensory and motor block and success rate(p<0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that, Ultrasound guided infraclavicular nerve block has shorter block execution time, faster sensory and motor block onset, signicantly earlier complete sensory and motor blockade, higher success rate with lesser pricks and minimal complications and should be preferred over PNS technique.

Study of duration and efficacy of chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia in infraumbilical surgeries

Background: Spinal anesthesia is a reliable and safe technique for infraumbilical surgeries. Nevertheless, some of its characteristics may limit its use for day care surgery. Use of long-acting anesthetic drugs like bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia may lead to side effects such as delayed ambulation and risk of urinary retention. Chloroprocaine is an amino-ester local anesthetic with a very short half-life now being extensively evaluated in volunteer studies and clinical practice with a favorable safety profile and efficacy, suggesting that it may be a suitable alternative to long-acting local anesthetics like bupivacaine in day care surgeries. Aims and Objective: This study aims at evaluating the duration and efficacy of chloroprocaine in spinal anesthesia for infraumbilical surgeries. The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the duration and efficacy of chloroprocaine 1% in spinal anesthesia for infraumbilical surgeries and the secondary outcome was to find out the incidence of adverse effects if any. Materials and Methods: In this randomized single-blinded clinical evaluation, after institutional ethical committee approval, 30 adult patients (18–70 years, ASA physical Status I-III, BMI < 36 kg/m2) scheduled for infraumbilical surgeries received chloroprocaine 40 mg intrathecally. Patients were evaluated for onset and regression of sensory and motor blockade, peak level of sensory blockade, and time of ambulation postoperatively. Results: The average duration of the surgeries was 46.87±15.24 min. Anesthesia was sufficient for the planned surgery. Only three patients required sedation intraoperatively. The median peak sensory block height was T8. The mean time for peak height sensory block was 6.6±1.673 min and complete motor block was 2±1.05 min. Mean time for complete sensory block regression was 95.37±20.79 min and complete motor block regression was 81.43±20.33 min. Four patients required inj. atropine following bradycardia and three patients required vasopressors following hypotension. Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia with chloroprocaine provides reliable sensory and motor block for short duration infraumbilical surgeries with fewer intraoperative and post-operative complications.

Comparison of Two Different Techniques in Ultrasound Guided Infraclavicular Block: Jedi and Classic Grip

Background: The widespread use of ultrasonography in peripheral nerve blocks requires an assistant. Pappin et al. described the “Jedi grip” technique in which the practitioner works alone by controlling the ultrasound prob with one hand and the needle and injector with the other. In this study, we aimed to compare the block characteristics of the “Jedi grip” technique with the classical technique that performed with an assistant. Methods: 78 patients were included in our study. They were randomly divided into two groups (Group I: Jedi grip and Group II: Classical grip technique). Local anesthetic was applied to both groups from 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine +10 ml of 2% prilocaine mixture. The block characteristics were evaluated and recorded every 5 minutes for the first 30 minutes after each block. When the sensory block score was 7 and the total score was 14 or above, the block was considered successful, and the patient was ready for surgery. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of block characteristics such as block pain, number of attempts, arterial puncture, sensory and motor block onset and regression times, time to be ready for surgery, tourniquet pain, use of additional anesthesia method, use of postoperative analgesia. The duration of block application was 158±47 sec in the Jedi group and 121±83 sec in the control group. Conclusion: The Jedi grip technique has been found to be applicable with the same confidence compared to the classical method in terms of block success and complications.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INTRATHECAL FENTANYL WITH HYPERBARIC BUPIVACAINE TO IMPROVE PERIOPERATIVE ANALGESIA IN PATIENT UNDERGOING ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Background: Various methods exist for treating post-operative pain which includes systemic narcotics, NSAIDS, patient-controlled analgesia, regional anaesthesia techniques, epidural local anaesthetic – narcotic mixtures, cryoanalgesia, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, psychological methods. Various opioides intrathecally and epidurally have been tried for post-operative analgesia. These include - morphine, pethidine, pentazocine, methadone, tramadol, Fentanyl, sufentanyl. In present study, we tried to find out analgesic effectiveness of intrathecal Fentanyl for post-operative analgesia, combined with 0.5 % Bupivacaine and side effects if any, in patients undergoing lower limb surgeries. Materials and Methods: After approval from the local ethics committee and with written informed consent from patient, a randomized controlled prospective study is carried out in the medical college and hospital.100 patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)classification I &amp; II, aged between 18-60 years, posted for elective lower limb surgeries, were randomly allocated for the study. Group-I: 50 patients received intrathecal 3 ml of 0.5 % hyperbaric Bupivacaine only. Group-II : 50 patients received intrathecal 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine and Fentanyl 25 mcg.The patients studied across the group did not vary much with respect to age,height, weight and sex distribution. Results: The onset of sensory blockade was faster by 1.27 min in Group-BF. The perioperative and postoperative hemodynamic parameters were comparable in both the groups. The sensory analgesia in Group II was significantly prolonged by 159 mins, thus increasing the duration of analgesia. The time of first request of analgesics by the patients in group-II is prolonged compared to group-I thus prolonging the duration of analgesia. Analgesic requirement is also reduced in study group in early post-operative period. The onset of motor block was faster when Fentanyl was added to intrathecal Bupivacaine and it was 1.1 min earlier in study group. The duration of motor block to Bromage III was prolonged by almost 22 min in study group as compare to control group. Visual analogue scores were significantly lower in group-II compared to group-I after two hours of surgery thus reducing the frequency of supplemental postoperative analgesics. Conclusion: With the present study we can summarize that intrathecal Fentanyl potentiates the action of Bupivacaine thereby bringing about better quality and longer duration of analgesia, intense motor block, no hemodynamic disturbance and better postoperative outcome with/ minimum side effects.

A prospective randomized clinical study to compare the efficacy of 0.25% bupivacaine with clonidine and 0.25% levobupivacaine with clonidine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries

:Bupivacaine is an amide local anesthetic, available as a racemic mixture of Dextro and Levorotatory Isomers. Due to its rapid onset and longer duration of anesthesia, It is routinely preferred in various regional anesthetic techniques. However, it is associated with serious cardiovascular and neurological toxicity. Its pure S- enantiomer, Levobupivacaine having similar pharmacological profile is known to have lesser cardiovascular and CNS toxicity. Combining adjuvants like clonidine, a centrally acting partial alpha-2-adrenergic agonist to improve quality of anesthesia is common practice. Hence, the aim of our study is to compare efficacy and safety of 0.25% Levobupivacaine and 0.25% Bupivacaine when combined with clonidine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries.Eighty patients aged between 18 to 60 years with ASA physical status I-II, scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries under were randomized into two groups. Peripheral nerve stimulator guided Supraclavicular brachial plexus block was administered. Group BC received 30ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine plus 1µg/kg Clonidine and Group LC 30ml of 0.25% Levobupivacaine plus 1µg/kg Clonidine. The time of onset of sensory and motor block, duration of sensory and motor block, perioperative hemodynamic parameters, postoperative pain for 24hours and adverse effects were studies.Group LC had faster onset of sensory block (p= 0.014) as well as faster onset of motor block (p= 0.012) compared to group BC. However, durations of sensory block and motor block were statistically not significant in both the groups (p&#62;0.05). Perioperative hemodynamic parameters and assessment of pain during 24 hours of post operative period were comparable and statistically not significant.1mcg/kg of clonidine used as an adjuvant to 30ml of 0.25% Levobupivacaine produces faster onset of sensory and motor block compared to 0.25% Bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. However, similar anesthetic efficacy in terms of duration of sensory and motor block, hemodynamics and postoperative analgesia were observed.