Anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac predict the sensory block level of continuous epidural analgesia during labor

Background The anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac determine the sensory block level of spinal anesthesia; however, whether they show the same predictive value during continuous epidural anesthesia (CEA) remains undetermined. We designed the present study to verify the efficacy of the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac in predicting the sensory block level during labor analgesia. Methods A total of 122 parturients with singleton pregnancies requesting labor analgesia were included in this study. The lumbar dural sac diameter (DSD), lumbar dural sac length (DSL), lumbar dural sac surface area (DSA), and lumbar dural sac volume (DSV) were measured with an ultrasound color Doppler diagnostic apparatus. CEA was performed at the L2-L3 interspace. After epidural cannulation, an electronic infusion pump containing 0.08% ropivacaine and sufentanil 0.4 μg/ml was connected. The sensory block level was determined with alcohol-soaked cotton, a cotton swab, and a pinprick. The analgesic efficacy of CEA was determined with a visual analog scale (VAS). The parturients were divided into two groups, “ideal analgesia” and “nonideal analgesia,” and the groups were compared by t test. Pearson’s correlation was performed to evaluate the association between the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac and sensory block level. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to create a model for predicting the sensory block level. Results In the ideal analgesia group, the height, DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD were significantly smaller, and the body mass index (BMI) was significantly larger (P < 0.05). In addition, the DSL demonstrated the strongest correlation with the peak level of pain block (r = − 0.816, P < 0.0001; Fig. 2A), temperature block (r = − 0.874, P < 0.0001; Fig. 3A) and tactile block (r = − 0.727, P < 0.0001; Fig. 4A). Finally, the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that DSL and BMI contributed to predicting the peak sensory block level. Conclusion In conclusion, our study shows that the sensory block level of CEA is higher when the DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD of puerperae are lower. DSL and BMI can be treated as predictors of the peak sensory block level in CEA during labor analgesia.

Continuous Femoral Nerve Blockade versus Continuous Epidural Analgesia for Postoperative Pain Relief in Knee Surgeries

Background The progression of osteoarthritis is characteristically slow, occurring over several years or decades. Over this period, the patient can become less and less active and thus more susceptible to morbidities related to decreasing physical activity (including potential weight gain). Early in the disease process, the joints may appear normal. However, the patient’s gait may be antalgic if weight-bearing joints are involved. Objective Compare the benefits of continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) with those of continuous epidural analgesia CEPA for postoperative pain management after Knee surgeries. Methods This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in Ain Shams University Hospitals after obtaining approval from the Research Ethical Committee of Ain Shams University during a period of three months. Patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA for osteoarthritis, were recruited at least one day prior to the scheduled surgery, male and female patients. Results There was significant difference in terms of pain scoring between continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) and continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) in the first 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours but non significant difference in incidence of side effects Conclusion Our study showed that CEA had optimal analgesia and pain control than CFNB in management of post operative pain after total knee replacement.

Accelerate postoperative management after scoliosis surgery in healthy and impaired children: intravenous opioid therapy versus epidural therapy

Purpose Postoperative pain is a major concern following scoliosis surgery. CEA (continuous epidural analgesia) is established in postoperative pain therapy as well as intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of both methods. Methods We retrospectively studied 175 children between 8 and 18 years who were subject to posterior scoliosis correction and fusion. Two main cohorts were formed: CEA with local anesthetic and opioids, and IV-PCA with opioids. Both groups further comprised two sub-cohorts: those who were mentally and/or physically healthy (H; n = 93 vs. n = 30) and those who were impaired (I; n = 26 vs. n = 26). The outcome parameters were the demand for pain medication, parameters of mobilization, and the presence of adverse reactions. Results Healthy children who received CEA started mobilization 1 day earlier than children with IV-PCA (p = 0.002). First postsurgical defecation was seen earlier in all children who received CEA in both groups (H; Day 4 vs. Day 5, p = 0.011, I; Day 3 vs. Day 5, p = 0.044). Healthy children who received CEA were discharged from hospital 4 days earlier than their IV-PCA counterparts (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference in postoperative nausea nor in vomiting was identified between groups. Transient neurological irritations were seen in 9.7% of the patients in the CEA group. Conclusions CEA provides appropriate pain management after scoliosis surgery, regardless of the patient’s mental status. It allows earlier postoperative defecation for all patients , as well as shorter hospitalization and an earlier mobilization for healthy patients.

Multimodal analgesia in primary bone tumors

Introduction: A worrying increase in the number of bone tumors that appear at younger ages justifies the efforts aimed at optimizing perioperative management practices in orthopedic tumor surgery. Pain control is critical in the prognosis and postoperative outcome of these procedures. Material and methods: Our study included a group of 11 patients diagnosed with bone malignancies. These patients were hospitalized in the Orthopedic Clinic of the University Emergency Hospital Bucharest. Under our supervision, they underwent surgical treatment of the tumor under combined general anesthesia and epidural anesthesia for the pelvic limb, and general anesthesia only for the upper limb. We performed perioperative pain management with multimodal analgesia (continuous epidural analgesia with ropivacaine 0,2% and fentanyl 2 mcg/ml in association with systemic analgesics). Following this procedure, we measured the intensity of the postoperative pain at intervals of 48 hours and one week after surgery and compared with preoperative pain intensity using the visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Results: Multimodal analgesia (epidural analgesia associated with systemic analgesics – paracetamol, COX2 inhibitor, gabapentinoids) was performed well in the postoperative pain of the tumor prosthesis, with a significant decrease in VAS from a mean value of 7.63 preoperatively to an average of 3 in the first 48 hours postoperatively. After the removal of the epidural catheter, which also coincided with patient mobilization, the level of pain registered a slight increase to a mean value of 3.23. Conclusions: Multimodal analgesia is currently considered the gold standard in perioperative pain management. The use of multimodal analgesia during perioperative period in patients with bone tumors has been shown to decrease the length of hospital stay, improve surgical outcome, reduce the number of systemic complications, and improve the long-term prognosis of the patient. Efficacy of analgesia correlates with tumor site and vascularization.

Anatomical Dimensions of the Lumbar Dural Sac Predict the Sensory Block Level of Continuous Epidural Analgesia during Labor

Background: The anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac determine the sensory block level of spinal anesthesia; however, whether they show the same predictive value during continuous epidural anesthesia (CEA) remains undetermined. We designed the present study to verify the efficacy of the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac in predicting the sensory block level during labor analgesia. Methods: A total of 122 parturients with singleton pregnancies requesting labor analgesia were included in this study. The lumbar dural sac diameter (DSD), lumbar dural sac length (DSL), lumbar dural sac surface area (DSA) , and lumbar dural sac volume (DSV) were measured with an ultrasound color Doppler diagnostic apparatus. CEA was performed at the L2-L3 interspace. After epidural cannulation, an electronic infusion pump containing 0.08% ropivacaine and sufentanil 0.4 µg/ml was connected. The sensory block level was determined with alcohol-soaked cotton, a cotton swab, and a pinprick. The analgesic efficacy of CEA was determined with a visual analog scale (VAS). Divided the parturients into two groups: "ideal analgesia" and "non-ideal analgesia", and compared the groups by t test. Pearson's correlation was performed to evaluate the association between the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac and sensory block level. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to create a model for predicting the sensory block level. Results: In the "ideal analgesia" group, the height, DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD were significantly smaller, and the BMI was significantly larger (P<0.05) (Table 1). In addition, the DSL demonstrated the strongest correlation with the peak level of pain block (r=-0.816, P<0.0001; Figure 2A), temperature block (r=-0.874, P<0.0001; Figure 3A) and tactile block (r=-0.727, P<0.0001; Figure 4A). Finally, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the DSL and BMI contributed to predicting the peak sensory block level. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study shows that the sensory block level of CEA is higher when the DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD of puerpera are lower. The DSL and BMI can be treated as predictors of the peak sensory block level in CEA during labor analgesia.

Two broken pieces make a whole: adductor canal block

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is expounded to intense postoperative pain with a desire for early ambulation and reduce postoperative complications. Adductor canal blockade (ACB) blocks primarily the pain sensation while preserving the quadriceps strength facilitating early rehabilitation after knee surgery. ACB has been gaining popularity over femoral nerve block (FNB), continuous epidural analgesia (CEA), and psoas compartment block (PCB). Studies show that use of ultrasound alone reduced the possibilities of vascular and multiple skin punctures. Though there's emerging evidence proving the efficacy of ACB, there's limited literature on safe use of continuous ACB catheters. We report 2 cases of catheter fracture with USG guided ACB employed in TKA.