Suprascapular nerve block or a piroxicam patch for shoulder tip pain after day case laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The reported incidence of shoulder tip pain following laparoscopic surgery varies from 35 to 63%. This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of either performing a prophylactic suprascapular nerve block with bupivacaine or applying a piroxicam patch to the skin over both shoulders for the relief of shoulder tip pain after laparoscopy. METHODS: Sixty healthy informed female patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (a) a control group (n = 20), no treatment; (b) a suprascapular nerve block group (n = 20) in which a bilateral suprascapular nerve block was performed before induction of anaesthesia with 5 mL 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine; and (c) a piroxicam patch group (n = 20) in which a 48 mg piroxicam patch on the skin of each shoulder was applied before induction of anaesthesia. All patients received a total intravenous anaesthesia technique with propofol, fentanyl and vecuronium. Shoulder tip and wound pain were recorded on a visual analogue pain scale at five time intervals for 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 80% of patients in the control group, 75% in the suprascapular nerve block group and 45% in the piroxicam patch group complained of shoulder tip pain during the recording period (P < 0.05). The scores for shoulder tip pain in the piroxicam patch group were significantly lower compared with the control group at 3, 6 and 12 h, and compared with the suprascapular nerve block group at 6 and 12 h. The need for analgesics was also significantly lower in the piroxicam patch group compared with the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic piroxicam patches are effective and safe for the relief of shoulder tip pain after laparoscopy. Bilateral suprascapular nerve block is not effective in this setting.     

Peri-operative complications in pediatric and adolescent shoulder arthroscopy

Background

Shoulder arthroscopy is not common in the pediatric and adolescent population, but the frequency may be on the rise. The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence of acute complications of arthroscopic shoulder surgery in children and adolescents.

Methods

A retrospective, cross-sectional review was performed identifying patients aged 18 years or less who underwent an arthroscopic shoulder procedure from 1997 to 2009 at Institution 1 and 2007 to 2010 at Institution 2. Exclusion criteria included open procedures and missing records. Demographic and surgical data were collected, including intra-operative and post-operative complications during the first 6 months. The complications were divided into minor (no secondary treatment) and major (secondary treatment rendered).

Results

Two hundred children, mean age 15.9 years, met criteria and 73 % were boys. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia, but 51 % included inter-scalene regional anesthesia. There were 16 (8.0 %) total complications recorded. Major complications occurred in five (2.5 %) patients, including two tendinitis/bursitis requiring injections, one broken pain pump catheter requiring an accessory incision to retrieve, one pain control readmission, and one laceration of the cephalic vein requiring ligation. Minor complications occurred in 11 (5.5 %) patients, including allergic reactions, transient dysesthesias, headaches, bronchitis, syncope, transient hypotension, and uvula swelling.

Conclusion

Although we found no seriously deleterious outcomes, it is important to recognize that an additional service was rendered for 2.5 % of children undergoing shoulder arthroscopy. The events that did occur may be preventable and this study should serve as a baseline to improve quality and safety of shoulder arthroscopy in the pediatric population.     

Age as a predictive factor for in-patient admission following day-case shoulder arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression - a district general hospital audit

INTRODUCTION

Admission following day-case surgery can be problematic for both the patient and the health service. The purpose of this study was to identify any factors predictive of admission following arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression (ASAD) of the shoulder planned as day-case procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A postal questionnaire provided data for 27 patients undergoing ASAD as a day-case procedure between June 2002 and June 2004.

RESULTS

Eighteen (66.7%) questionnaires were returned. Of respondents, 38.9% (mean age, 58 years) felt the procedure required in-patient admission due to postoperative pain. These patients had an older mean age than those (61.1%) content with a day-case procedure (mean age, 49 years; P = 0.04). Of patients 55 years and older, 67% felt that the procedure should have an in-patient admission due to postoperative pain compared to 11% of patients under the age of 55 years (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient age may be useful as a predictor of the likelihood of postoperative admission for pain control following day-case shoulder surgery and should be taken into account when planning day case lists.     

Der interskalenäre Plexuskatheter zur Anästhesie und postoperativen Schmerztherapie Erfahrungen mit einer modifizierten Technik

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate a modified technique of interskalene brachial plexus anaesthesia (ISB) and postoperative catheter analgesia for shoulder surgery. The original method described by Winnie bears some rare but life-threatening complications (inadvertent subarachnoid or intra-arterial injection, pneumothorax). Materials and methods: Ninety-one patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis who were scheduled for open or closed shoulder surgery received a modified ISB with catheter insertion. The injection site was more cephalad than that described by Winnie and the cannula was directed towards the junction between the medial and lateral third of the clavicle. Intra- and postoperative management, complications, and patients’ satisfaction were recorded and evaluated. Results: Implementation of ISB was possible in all cases, however, 3% of these presented technical problems. Anaesthesia with 300 mg mepivacaine 1% was successful in 94% of patients without and in 96% with augmentation after an average of 32 min; 10% of the patients suffered a drop in blood pressure after being placed in the beach-chair position for surgery. Postoperatively, all patients received 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% for pain management via the catheter; 11% needed an additional analgesic drug. The catheter was removed after an average of 5 days. Signs of superficial local infection were noticed in 8 cases. Side effects occurred in 13% as Horner′s syndrome, in 6.5% as recurrent laryngeal nerve block, and in 3.3% as phrenic nerve block. The acceptance of this anaesthetic technique among the patients was very high (96.7%). Conclusion: We consider the modified ISB with catheter a safe and effective procedure for anaesthesia and postoperative pain management of open and closed shoulder surgery.     

Pain Management for Unilateral Orchidopexy in Children: An Effective Regimen

Background  The reported high incidence of 30–60% postoperative pain after an elective day surgical orchidopexy is undesirable. We evaluated the efficacy of our analgesic regimen for unilateral orchidopexy in preschool children performed as a day surgical procedure. Methods  Between January 2004 and December 2006, 247 children (mean age: 3.3 ± 1.6 years) underwent a unilateral orchidopexy as a day surgical procedure. They were prospectively analyzed for postoperative pain during a period of 48 h by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After standardized general anesthesia, all children had a 0.25% levo-bupivacaine hydrochloride ilio-inguinal block and a rectal diclofenac sodium suppository. Orchidopexy was performed through transverse inguinal and scrotal incisions. The wounds were infiltrated with 0.25% levo-bupivacaine hydrochloride at the end of the operation. Postoperatively acetaminophen and ibuprofen were given orally at regular intervals for 48 h. Results  On first assessment in the recovery room, 148 out of 247 (60%) patients were pain-free, and 99 of 247 (40%) patients had pain: VAS score ranged from 3 to 10. By 3 h, 27 (11%) had mild-to-moderate pain, with VAS scores between 3 and 7. All children were discharged home at 4 h with no pain. At home, 95% were pain-free at 10 h and 97% by 24 h, with a declining pain score. All children were pain-free at 32, 40, and 48 h. Pain scores were unrelated to the duration of surgery (r _s = 0.54). Conclusion  Clinical effectiveness of our institution analgesic regime justifies the performance of unilateral orchidopexy as a day-case procedure. Study registered with the Audit and Effectiveness Department.     

Ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided interscalene block: 5 mL provides similar analgesia but less phrenic nerve paralysis than 10 mL

Purpose

Interscalene brachial plexus block (interscalene block) complications usually depend on the dose administered. The objective of this study was to determine whether ultrasound-guided interscalene block with a 5-mL dose of 0.75% ropivacaine would have sufficient analgesic efficacy after shoulder arthroscopic surgery when compared with a 10-mL dose.

Methods

Patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery (n = 60) were assigned randomly to one of two groups receiving 5 mL (Group 5) or 10 mL (Group 10) of 0.75% ropivacaine. Ultrasound-guided interscalene block was performed using the in-plane technique, and general anesthesia was administered. Time to first analgesic request was recorded, and the following issues were assessed in the postanesthesia care unit at six, 12, 24, and 48 hr postoperatively: postoperative pain as determined by a visual analogue scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, other block-related complications, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Results

There was no significant difference between groups in time to first analgesic requirement (median [interquartile range] for Group 5: 16 [12-48] hr, Group 10: 18 [12-48] hr; P = 0.907). The postoperative pain VAS score was similar in both groups. The incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis on postoperative chest x-ray was 33% in Group 5 and 60% in Group 10 (P = 0.035). However, the incidences of other block-related complications, PONV, and patient satisfaction were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusion

Interscalene block performed under ultrasound guidance with 0.75% ropivacaine 5 mL showed analgesic efficacy similar to that with 0.75% ropivacaine 10 mL, but with a lower incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis.     

Outpatient inguinal hernia repair under local anaesthesia: feasibility and efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block

Background

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to determine the utility of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to improve the efficacy of conventional local anaesthesia for hernia repair in order to achieve an adequate anaesthesia and to evaluate its post-operative analgesic effectiveness.

Method

Hundred and fifty consecutive male patients undergoing outpatient hernia repair (Lichtenstein technique) were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly allocated to undergo a combined TAP block and local anaesthesia (case group) or single conventional local anaesthesia (control group). The study was designed to obtain a 1:2 case–control ratio. The primary outcome was the evaluation of the proportion of patients achieving an adequate anaesthesia. The secondary outcome was the evaluation of pain on movement, pain at rest, rescue analgesia need, nausea and satisfaction.

Results

An adequate anaesthesia was achieved in 8 % case and in 36 % control subjects (p = 0.001). At the 6 and 12 h post-operative evaluations, patients enrolled in the case group reported significantly less pain (evaluated by VAS score) both at rest and on movement (p always = 0.001). Moreover, the need of rescue analgesia resulted significantly higher in the control group (14 vs. 32 %, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that, as compared with conventional local anaesthesia, the combination of TAP block with local anaesthesia showed a higher efficacy in the obtainment of an adequate anaesthesia and in the post-operative pain control for hernia repair.     

Patient-controlled interscalene analgesia with ropivacaine after major shoulder surgery: PCIA vs PCA

We have compared the efficacy of patient-controlled interscalene analgesia (PCIA) using ropivacaine with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) using nicomorphine in 60 patients (n = 30 in each group), in a prospective, randomized study. In both groups, all patients received interscalene block with 0.75% ropivacaine before induction of anaesthesia. Six hours after interscalene block, patients in group PCIA received continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at a rate of 5 ml h-1 with a bolus dose of 3 or 4 ml and a lockout time of 20 min; patients in group PCA received continuous infusion of nicomorphine 0.5 mg h-1 and a bolus dose of 2 or 3 mg with a lockout time of 20 min. Control of pain was significantly better from 12 to 48 h after operation (except at 42 h) in group PCIA. Nausea and pruritus occurred significantly more frequently in group PCA. Patient satisfaction was greater in group PCIA. We conclude that the use of 0.2% ropivacaine using PCIA was an efficient way of managing pain after major shoulder surgery and compared favourably with PCA nicomorphine in terms of pain relief, side effects and patient satisfaction.      

Laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is feasible as a day-case procedure.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We launched a prospective study to assess the feasibility of day-case laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in March 2003. The specific aims were to assess safety, acceptability and patient satisfaction. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade I-II surgical risk, body mass index < 35, and adult company at home (less than 50 km travel) or at patient hotel (more than 50 km travel). Patients were informed about the surgical procedure, the expected postoperative course, and the possible postoperative problems and complications. Surgery was performed under general anaesthesia with proposal-infusion, fentanyl, rocuronium and sevoflurane with air + oxygen. All patients received parenteral propacetamol, NSAID, local anaesthetics and metoclopramide, as pre-emptive analgesia before awakening. A total 360 degree floppy Nissen fundoplication was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were included. There was one conversion to open surgery. All the other patients were discharged as planned and there were no readmissions. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Postoperative pain, nausea, fatigue and dysphagia were moderate. At interview the morning following the operation three patients reported they would rather have stayed over night at the hospital. However, all patients were ready for a similar procedure as day-case surgery again, if offered. At follow-up 26/28 (< 92.9%) patients were satisfied with the day-case treatment, one patient had no preference. All patients would recommend this operation as day-case surgery for a family member or friend. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic day-case surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease appears to be safe and well tolerated by the patients.     

Unplanned overnight admissions in day-case arthroscopic shoulder surgery

The majority of arthroscopic shoulder procedures can be safely performed as day-case surgery. However, despite better pain control and preoperative assessment; some patients end with unplanned overnight admission. The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons behind unplanned admissions of patients undergoing day-case arthroscopic shoulder surgery. A retrospective review of 242 consecutive cases of arthroscopic shoulder surgery performed by the senior author over a period of two years (2007-2008) was carried out. Twenty cases were planned admissions and were therefore excluded. 222 cases were included, of which 40 (18%) were unplanned overnight admissions. Documented causes for overnight stay included abnormal post-operative observations, pain and wound ooze. The age of patients who stayed overnight was significantly higher (p = 0.006). The difference in ASA grade between both groups was less marked but still statistically significant (p = 0.031). More complex procedures, such as rotator cuff repair, were more likely to result in unplanned overnight admission (p < 0.001). The experience of the anaesthetist and administration of interscalene nerve block were not significantly different between the two groups. However, patients anesthetised by less experienced anaesthetists were less likely to receive an interscalene nerve block (p = 0.016). In conclusion; higher patient age, higher ASA grade and more complex arthroscopic procedures are significant risk factors for unplanned overnight admissions in day-case arthroscopic shoulder surgery.     

Day-case haemorrhoidectomy

BACKGROUND: Ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy is usually performed on an inpatient basis. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of day-case haemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Patients fulfilling criteria for day surgery underwent ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy with the intention of a same-day discharge from hospital. A standardized protocol for anaesthesia, perioperative analgesia and antiemesis was followed. Patients received daily home nursing visits until they felt both comfortable and confident. Staff recorded pain and nausea scores on a visual analogue scale (range 1-10) until the first bowel action. Patient satisfaction was assessed independently after operation. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients underwent planned day-case haemorrhoidectomy. Forty-two (82 per cent) were discharged on the day of surgery. All patients were discharged within 26 h of surgery. Four patients required readmission, two with reactive bleeding, one with urinary retention and one for pain control. Pain and nausea were well controlled. Forty-four patients (86 per cent) were totally or very satisfied with their overall care. CONCLUSION: Ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy can be performed successfully as a day-case procedure.     

Langzeitergebnisse nach offener Rotatorenmanschettenrekonstruktion mittels Flaschenzugnaht

Aim

There are various techniques for the reconstruction of a torn rotator cuff. The reference for any new operation method is the approved open transosseous suture. The following study presents the long-term results of 100 rotator cuff defects, which were treated using this method, regarding the function and the integrity of the tendon. The refixation technique used in this study comes close to the McLaughlin technique, but differs in that the special pulley block suture was used.

Method

From a series of 116 patients of the years 1995 to 1999 who underwent rotator cuff surgery using the above mentioned technique with at least one pulley block suture, the post-operational results of 96 patients (51 m, 45 f, 4 had a defect on both sides, the average age at the date of surgery was 59 years) have been analyzed. Clinical and sonographic examination took place on average 7.5 years after surgery, and the age- and gender-adjusted Constant Murley Score (ACS) was ascertained. These results were compared with the score results documented by the surgeon prior to surgery. The rotator cuff was examined by ultrasound for potential defects.

Results

A rerupture was confirmed by ultrasound in 7 cases. The ACS improved in 5 cases despite rupture. There was one case where the ACS deteriorated and in one other case no comparison was possible. All of the reruptures occurred, when the lesion was at least 3 cm or when at least two tendons were involved. There was a significant improvement of the ACS from an average 43.5% before surgery to an average 98.2% after surgery. The female collective achieved a significantly better outcome than the male collective (female average after surgery: 103.5%; male average after surgery: 92.9%, without considerable differences with respect to age). Regarding the ACS, no significant difference between the operated shoulder and the contralateral shoulder could be ascertained (100.8%, p =0.21). Within all of the individual categories of the Constant Murley Score (CMS), significant improvement (p<0.001) was achieved by surgery (e.g., pain from 2.7 to 14 points after surgery, abduction 2.7 to 8.9 points, force 3.9 to 8.8 points). The postoperative comparison of the operated and the contralateral shoulder did not establish any significant differences.

Conclusion

The open reconstruction of the rotator cuff with a transosseous suture via pulley block proves to be a method with excellent long-term results after surgery and a low rate of rerupture even in the case of large lesions. It is, therefore, justified to apply this technique as a standard method of surgery especially with large rotator cuff defects.     

Patient-controlled interscalene analgesia with ropivacaine 0.2% versus patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after major shoulder surgery: effects on diaphragmatic and respiratory function

BACKGROUND: The authors compared the effects of patient-controlled interscalene analgesia (PCIA) with ropivacaine 0.2% and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIVA) with opioids on hemidiaphragmatic excursion and respiratory function after major shoulder surgery. METHODS: Thirty-five patients scheduled for elective major shoulder surgery were prospectively randomized to receive either PCIA or PCIVA. All patients received an interscalene block before surgery. In the PCIA group, a catheter was introduced between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. Six hours after the initial block, patients received for 48 h either a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine through the interscalene catheter at a rate of 5 ml/h plus a bolus dose of 3 or 4 ml with a lockout time of 20 min (PCIA group) or a continuous intravenous infusion of nicomorphine at a rate or 0.5 mg/h plus a bolus dose of 2 or 3 mg with a lockout time of 20 min (PCIVA group). Hemidiaphragmatic excursion and respiratory function were assessed with the patient in a 45 degrees semirecumbent position the day before the operation and 20 min (in the operating room), 24 h, and 48 h after the initial block by means of ultrasonography and spirometry, respectively. Pain relief was regularly assessed, side effects were noted, and patient satisfaction was rated 6 h after the end of the study. RESULTS: Hemidiaphragmatic excursion was similar in the two groups 20 min after interscalene block. Hemidiaphragmatic excursion was increased in the PCIA group on the nonoperated side 24 and 48 h after the interscalene block (P < 0.05). Pulmonary function was similar in the two groups at each time. Pain was better controlled in the PCIA group at 12 and 24 h (P < 0.05). The incidence of nausea and vomiting were 5.5% versus 60% for the PCIA and PCIVA groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was greater in the PCIA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of PCIA or PCIVA techniques to provide analgesia after major shoulder surgery is associated with similar effects on respiratory function. In the PCIA group, hemidiaphragmatic excursion showed a significantly greater amplitude 24 and 48 h after the initial block on the nonoperated side. The PCIA technique provided better pain control, a lower incidence of side effects, and a higher degree of patient satisfaction.     

The management of pain following day-case surgery

The object of this study was to assess patients' experience of pain management following day surgery. One hundred and two patients agreed to take part in a telephone survey, 2 and 4 days following day surgery. The majority of patients (73%) were broadly satisfied with the quality of pain management they received, however, there was room for improvement. Despite modern anaesthesia and surgery, 17% of patients surveyed reported having severe pain immediately following day-case surgery. The majority (82%) of patients left the day-case ward in pain and an even higher proportion (88%) had pain at some time between 2 and 4 days postoperatively. Severe levels of pain following discharge from hospital were a concern for 21% of patients. It was reported that day-case staff did not always ask patients whether they were in pain. Communication with patients is vital in the delivery of optimal care. More support and more information are needed to manage patients' pain effectively, whilst in the day-case wards and also following discharge, at home.     

Factors determining length of stay of surgical day-case patients

BACKGROUND: AND OBJECTIVE: Factors which lead to prolonged stay in the day-care unit and unplanned admission after day-case surgery are poorly understood. METHODS: Data sets of 3152 day-case patients were collected with a computerized online record keeping system (NarkoData). Predictors of prolonged postoperative stay including unanticipated admission were identified using univariate analysis. Charts of patients, who needed admission, were reviewed. RESULTS: 13.2% of day-case patients had a postoperative stay < or = 3 h, 55.3% 3-6 h and 26.2% > or = 6 h. The rate of unanticipated admission was 5.4%. Intraoperative haemoglobin concentration and blood loss were the best predictors of a prolonged postoperative stay. Other significant predictors were female gender, advanced age, longer duration of surgery, larger volume of infusions, intubation, spinal anaesthesia, intraoperative use of opioids and non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, high pain score, nausea and vomiting and prolonged preoperative waiting time. Chart review of patients admitted to hospital confirmed the validity of the statistically significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: In day-case surgery, the predictors of prolonged stay in the day-care unit and unplanned Hospital admission are mainly related to the surgical procedure.     

Effect of submucosal application of tramadol on postoperative pain after third molar surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of submucosal application of tramadol, for acute postoperative facial pain, following the extraction of impacted third molar teeth. This prospective, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled study included 60 ASA I-II patients undergoing impacted third molar surgery under local anaesthesia. Following the surgical procedure, patients were randomly divided into two groups; group T (1 mg/kg tramadol) and group S (2-mL saline). Treatments were applied submucosally after surgery. Pain after extraction was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. The time at which the first analgesic drug was taken, the total analgesic dose used, and adverse tissue reactions were also evaluated. In group T, postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower compared to that in group S (p?<?0.05). This study demonstrated that post-operative submucosal application of tramadol is an effective method for reducing acute post-operative facial pain after impacted third molar surgery.     

Treatment of multiple osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures by percutaneous cement augmentation

Purpose

Vertebral compression fractures cause significant pain and some patients are debilitated by the pain due to the fracture. Conventional surgery carries a high risk and has a poor outcome. Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, which in vertebral fractures restores stability and diminishes pain. The aim of the study was to analyse the effectiveness and safety of vertebroplasty in multiple vertebral compression fractures with a 24-month follow-up.

Methods

Vertebroplasty was performed in 160 patients with multiple osteoporotic compression fractures under local anaesthesia, using a unilateral transpedicular approach. The level of pain was assessed according to a 10-cm visual analogue scale. The patients were observed for 24 months after surgery.

Results

Vertebroplasty significantly diminished the level of pain in 90 % of patients, and half of them were free of pain within 12 hours after surgery. Only 4 % of the patients did not benefit from this type of treatment. During the 24-month follow-up these results changed only slightly, and after two years almost 80 % still benefited, while the number of unsatisfactory results changed from 6 to 9 %. No serious clinical complications were noted; in three patients new fractures appeared during the two year observation period.

Conclusions

Vertebroplasty should be seriously taken into account as a primary method of treatment in patients with multiple osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.     

Postoperative analgesia with “3-in-1” femoral nerve block after prosthetic hip surgery

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of a single shot “3-in-1” femoral nerve block for prosthetic hip surgery in association with general anaesthesia on post-operative analgesia.

Methods

Forty patients, ASA 1 to 3, received sham block or “3-in-1” femoral nerve block, following Winnie’s landmarks with a nerve stimulator, and 40 ml bupivacaine 0.5% with epinephrine were injected after induction of anaesthesia. Vecuronium, 0.1 mg· kg^?1, was added after performing the block and anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane, oxygen 40% and nitrous oxide 60%. Fentanyl, 1.5 μg· kg^?1, was administered before incision to all patients. Heart rate, blood pressure, fentanyl requirements and F_ETiso were measured throughout surgery. During the post-operative period, 75 mg diclofenacim and/or 0.1 mg· kg^?1 morphine sc were administered when pain score was > 3/10 and repeated when necessary. Pain scores at first analgesic intervention, at 24 hr and 48 hr as well as diclofenac and morphine requirements after surgery were recorded.

Results

There was no difference in anaesthetic requirements during surgery. The time from performance of sham or “3-in-1” femoral nerve block to the first analgesic intervention (261 ± 49 min versus 492 ± 40 min,P < 0.05) and time from extubation to the first analgesic intervention (61 ± 44 minvs 298 ± 39 min,P < 0.05) were prolonged in the study group. However, pain scores and the analgesic requirements in the postoperative periods (24 and 48 hr) were similar.

Conclusion

There is a short-term benefit during the first few postoperative hours in using a single shot “3-in-1” femoral nerve block to complement general anaesthesia for elective hip surgery.     

Recovery after oral surgery with halothane, enflurane, isoflurane or propofol anaesthesia

We have compared the recovery characteristics of four differenttechniques for maintenance of anaesthesia in 99 day-case patientsadmitted for oral surgery. All patients received propofol forinduction of anaesthesia followed by halothane, enflurane, isofluraneor propofol infusion for maintenance of anaesthesia. Each patientwas subjected to a battery of psychometric tests which includedSpielberger state, trait, mood stress and mood arousal questionnaires,Maddox-Wing test and five-choice serial reaction time. All testswere performed before operation and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 24 and48 h after operation. Performance in the reaction time testdecreased significantly in the immediate postoperative period,returning almost to preoperative values by 4 h. However, onlythose patients who received enflurane or propofol had returnedto their performance level before surgery by 4 h, although allfour groups had achieved this target by 24 h. There was a furtherimprovement in performance at 48 h. Anxiety and stress werehigh before surgery and decreased rapidly in the postoperativeperiod. The Maddox-Wing test demonstrated a significant impairmentin performance in the first 1 h after surgery, which returnedto normal by discharge at 4 h. There were no significant differencesbetween the four groups in these latter tests. (Br. J. Anaesth.1994; 72: 559–566)     

Erector spinae plane block vs. peri-articular injection for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomised controlled trial

Interscalene brachial plexus block is the standard regional analgesic technique for shoulder surgery. Given its adverse effects, alternative techniques have been explored. Reports suggest that the erector spinae plane block may potentially provide effective analgesia following shoulder surgery. However, its analgesic efficacy for shoulder surgery compared with placebo or local anaesthetic infiltration has never been established. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare the analgesic efficacy of pre-operative T2 erector spinae plane block with peri-articular infiltration at the end of surgery. Sixty-two patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder repair were randomly assigned to receive active erector spinae plane block with saline peri-articular injection (n = 31) or active peri-articular injection with saline erector spinae plane block (n = 31) in a blinded double-dummy design. Primary outcome was resting pain score in recovery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores with movement; opioid use; patient satisfaction; adverse effects in hospital; and outcomes at 24 h and 1 month. There was no difference in pain scores in recovery, with a median difference (95%CI) of 0.6 (−1.9–3.1), p = 0.65. Median postoperative oral morphine equivalent utilisation was significantly higher in the erector spinae plane group (21 mg vs. 12 mg; p = 0.028). Itching was observed in 10% of patients who received erector spinae plane block and there was no difference in the incidence of significant nausea and vomiting. Patient satisfaction scores, and pain scores and opioid use at 24 h were similar. At 1 month, six (peri-articular injection) and eight (erector spinae plane block) patients reported persistent pain. Erector spinae plane block was not superior to peri-articular injection for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.