Lidocaine versus ropivacaine for continuous interscalene brachial plexus block after open shoulder surgery

BACKGROUND: This study compared the postoperative infusion of 1% lidocaine and 0.2% ropivacaine for continuous interscalene analgesia in patients undergoing open shoulder surgery. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing open shoulder surgery received an interscalene brachial plexus block with 30 ml of either 1.5% lidocaine (n = 20) or 0.5% ropivacaine (n = 20), followed by a continuous patient-controlled interscalene analgesia with 1% lidocaine or 0.2% ropivacaine, respectively. A blinded observer recorded the quality of analgesia and recovery of motor function during the first 24 h of infusion. RESULTS: Onset of the block occurred after 7.5 (5-40) min with lidocaine and 30 (10-60) min with ropivacaine (P = 0.0005). Postoperative pain intensity was higher with lidocaine than ropivacaine for the first 8 h of infusion. The ratio between boluses given and demanded from the pump was 0.5 (0.13-0.7) with lidocaine and 0.7 (0.4-1.0) with ropivacaine (P = 0.005). Rescue IV tramadol was required during the first 24 h of infusion by 16 patients of the lidocaine group (84%) and eight patients of the ropivacaine group (46%) (P = 0.05). At the 16 h and 24 h observation times a larger proportion of patients receiving ropivacaine had complete regression of motor block (70% and 95%) than patients receiving lidocaine (50% and 55%) (P = 0.05 and P = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although 1% lidocaine can be effectively used for postoperative patient-controlled interscalene analgesia, 0.2% ropivacaine provides better pain relief and motor function.     

罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼在连续臂丛神经阻滞术后镇痛中的应用

目的 观察罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼在连续臂从神经阻滞术后镇痛效果及不良反应.方法 上肢手术患者80例,采用套管针行改良肌间沟法连续臂从神经阻滞,并保留套管针术后接患者自控镇痛泵.将患者随机均分成两组:s组为50 μg舒芬太尼加0.225%罗哌卡因镇痛;R组为术毕仪用0.225%罗哌卡因镇痛.两组背景剂最均为4 ml/h,自控药量每次3 ml,锁定时间20 min.观察术后镇痛效果,记录镇痛泵使用情况及不良反应.结果 S组在术后4、8及16 h镇痛效果优于R组(P＜0.05);恶心、呕吐、嗜睡、皮肤瘙痒及呼吸抑制两组差异无统计学意义.结论 罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼用于连续臂丛神经阻滞术后镇痛效果优于单用罗哌卡因.     

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia following shoulder surgery

BACKGROUND: Severe postoperative pain is a well-known problem following shoulder surgery. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of continuous interscalene brachial plexus block, patient-controlled analgesia, and morphine (i.v. and i.m.) for postoperative analgesia in this setting. METHODS: Thirty patients, scheduled for acromioplasty during general anesthesia, were randomly allocated to one of three different postoperative pain management groups. Group MO received morphine (5 mg i.m. and 2 mg i.v.) when visual analogue pain score (VAS) > 3, group PL received a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block with bupivacaine (1.25 mg kg-1 + 0.25 mg kg-1 h-1) and group PCA received patient-controlled analgesia with morphine (bolus 1 mg). Postoperative pain relief was assessed (24 h) by VAS, circulatory and respiratory stress parameters (heart rate, systemic arterial pressure and respiratory rate) and stress metabolites (glucose, lactate, glycerol by abdominal subcutaneous microdialysis). RESULTS: Pain relief in the PL group was effective (VAS < 3) and significantly more potent than in groups MO and PCA, except at 16 and 20 h. Lactate was significantly increased in the PL group, glucose was significantly increased in all groups, while glycerol showed a variable pattern. There were no significant stress metabolite differences among groups. VAS showed no statistical correlation with microdialysate, respiratory or circulatory data. CONCLUSION: Successful continuous interscalene brachial plexus block provides very good pain relief following shoulder surgery and is superior to the other methods studied. However, we were unable to demonstrate a correlation between VAS pain scores and stress indicators in metabolic, circulatory and respiratory parameters.     

A comparison of ropivacaine 0.5% and bupivacaine 0.5% for brachial plexus block

This study compared the effectiveness of 0.5% ropivacaine and 0.5% bupivacaine for brachial plexus block. Forty-eight patients received a subclavian perivascular brachial plexus block for upper-extremity surgery. One group (n = 24) received ropivacaine 0.5% (175 mg) and a second group (n = 24) received bupivacaine 0.5% (175 mg), both without epinephrine. Onset times for analgesia and anesthesia in each of the C5 through T1 brachial plexus dermatomes did not differ significantly between groups. Duration of analgesia and anesthesia was long (mean duration of analgesia, 13-14 h; mean duration of anesthesia, 9-11 h) and also did not differ significantly between groups. Motor block was profound, with shoulder paralysis as well as hand paresis developing in all of the patients in both groups. Two patients in each group required supplemental blocks before surgery. Ropivacaine 0.5% and bupivacaine 0.5% appeared equally effective in providing brachial plexus anesthesia.     

Comparing the effectiveness of ropivacaine 0.5% versus ropivacaine 0.2% for transabdominis plane block in providing postoperative analgesia after appendectomy

ObjectiveThe basis for the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block involves infiltration of a local anesthetic into the neurofascial plane between the internal oblique and the transversus abdominis muscles, causing a regional block that spreads between the L1 and T10 dermatomes. Thus, the TAP block is said to be suitable for lower abdominal surgery. This study was designed to compare the analgesic efficacy of two different concentrations of ropivacaine for TAP block in patients undergoing appendectomy.MethodsFifty-six patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, aged 18 years and above, undergoing appendectomy were recruited in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study. They were divided into two groups: Group A patients who received 0.5 mL/kg of ropivacaine 0.5% and Group B patients who received 0.5 mL/kg of ropivacaine 0.2% via TAP block under ultrasound guidance. Postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analog scale upon arrival at the recovery room in the operating theatre, just prior to being discharged to the ward, and at 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, and 24 hours postoperatively to compare the effectiveness of analgesia.ResultsIntraoperatively, patients in Group B required a significantly greater amount of additional intravenous fentanyl than those in Group A. There were no significant statistical differences in pain scores at rest and on movement at all assessment times as well as in the dose of 24-hour intravenous morphine consumption given via patient-controlled analgesia postoperatively between the two groups.ConclusionThe effectiveness of two different concentrations of ropivacaine (0.5% versus 0.2%) given via TAP block was comparable in providing postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing appendectomy.     

0.75% and 0.5% ropivacaine for axillary brachial plexus block: a clinical comparison with 0.5% bupivacaine

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although ropivacaine has been extensively studied for epidural anesthesia, very few reports exist on brachial plexus block. We therefore decided to investigate the clinical features of axillary brachial plexus anesthesia with two different concentrations of ropivacaine (0.5% and 0.75%) and to compare the results with those obtained with 0.5% bupivacaine. METHODS: Three groups of patients were randomized and prospectively studied. They received, in a double-blind fashion, 32 mL of the local anesthetic solution into the midaxilla, by a nerve-stimulator technique. Onset time in each of the stimulated nerves was recorded both for the sensory and motor block. Peak time (ready to surgery), rate of supplemental blocks, need for intraoperative opioids, duration of sensory and motor block, postoperative analgesic requirements, and patient satisfaction were also recorded. RESULTS: The rate of complete sensory and motor block observed with both ropivacaine groups was higher at 10, 15, and 20 minutes postinjection (P < .001). The mean peak time was shorter with ropivacaine than with bupivacaine (R50 = 16.37 minutes, R75 = 14.7 minutes, B = 22.3 minutes, P < .05). The quality of the anesthesia was higher with ropivacaine, as measured by the intraoperative needs for opioids and the overall patient's satisfaction (P < .05). No significant differences were noted with all the other studied parameters. CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine showed advantages over bupivacaine for axillary brachial plexus block. Because no statistical differences were found between the two ropivacaine groups, we therefore conclude that 0.75% does not add benefit and that 0.5% ropivacaine should be used to perform axillary brachial plexus blocks.     

Improving postoperative analgesia after axillary brachial plexus anesthesia with 0.75% ropivacaine. A double-blind evaluation of adding clonidine

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to evaluate the effects of adding 1 microg/kg clonidine to 20 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% for axillary brachial plexus anesthesia. METHODS: With Ethical Committee approval and written consent, 30 ASA physical status I-II in-patients, undergoing upper extremity orthopedic procedures were randomly allocated to receive axillary brachial plexus block with 20 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine alone (group ropivacaine, n = 15) or 0.75% ropivacaine + 1 microg/kg clonidine (group ropivacaine-clonidine, n = 15). Nerve blocks were placed using a nerve stimulator with the multiple injection technique (stimulation frequency was 2 Hz; stimulation intensity was decreased to < or = 0.5 mA after each muscular twitch; the anesthetic volume was equally divided among arm flexion, arm extension, wrist flexion, and thumb adduction). A blinded observer recorded the time required to achieve surgical block [loss of pinprick sensation in the innervation areas of the hand (C6-C8) with concomitant inability to move the wrist and hand] and first analgesic request. RESULTS: No differences in demography, degree of sedation, peripheral oxygen saturation, and hemodynamic variables were observed between the two groups. Readiness for surgery required 15 min (5-36 min) with 0.75% ropivacaine and 20 min (5-30 min) with the ropivacaine-clonidine mixture. The degree of pain measured at first analgesic request, and consumption of postoperative analgesics were similar in the two groups; while first postoperative analgesic request occurred after 13.8 h (25th-75th percentiles: 9.1-13 h) in the ropivacaine group and 15.2 h (25th-75th percentiles: 10.7-16 h) in the ropivacaine-clonidine group (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Adding 1 microg/kg clonidine to 20 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% for axillary brachial plexus anesthesia provided a 3 h delay in first analgesic request postoperatively, without clinically relevant effects on the degree of sedation and cardiovascular homeostasis.     

Intra-articular injection versus interscalene brachial plexus block for acute-phase postoperative pain management after arthroscopic shoulder surgery

BackgroundThe minimally invasive approach of arthroscopic shoulder surgery is beneficial; however, for optimal outcomes, perioperative pain management is essential. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the analgesic effectiveness of intra-articular injection (IA) versus interscalene brachial plexus block (ISPB) among patients treated with arthroscopic shoulder surgeries.MethodsWe reviewed 100 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery, of whom 50 each underwent IA (February 2019─January 2020; IA group) and ISPB (October 2018─July 2019; ISPB group). The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score measured using a Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale preoperatively and at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. We performed multiple regression analysis to examine whether IA/ISPB selection is associated with acute-phase postoperative pain and adjusted for intra-articular injection, interscalene brachial plexus block, postoperative pain management, arthroscopic shoulder surgery, IA with 10 mg of morphine previously reported prognostic factors for postoperative pain (e.g., surgical procedures, operative time, older age, and preoperative pain). Furthermore, we examined induction time, total pentazocine dosage, and total postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) events.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the IA and ISPB groups in perioperative pain control during the acute-phase periods (p = 0.12, repeated analysis of variance). The difference in anesthesia method was not a prognostic factor for acute-phase postoperative pain (p = 0.11). The IA group (15.06 ± 4.00 min) had a significantly shorter mean anesthesia induction time than the ISPB group (29.23 ± 9.22 min) (p = 0.0001). There was no significant between-group difference in the total pentazocine dosage during the first 7 days (p = 0.3934) postoperatively. PONV was observed in eight (17.0%) and two (4.2%) patients in the IA and ISPB groups, respectively. There was no significant between-group difference in the PONV incidence (p = 0.1582).ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in acute-phase postoperative pain management between the IA and ISPB groups. The induction time was significantly shorter in IA.IRBApproval number: UOEHCRB20-078, IRB approval date: September 9th, 2020; study duration: October 2018 to January 2020.     

A comparison of 1% prilocaine with 0.5% ropivacaine for outpatient-based surgery under axillary brachial plexus block.

We compared the use of 1% prilocaine with 0.5% ropivacaine for axillary brachial plexus anesthesia in a double-blinded manner in day-stay patients to determine the better of the two local anesthetics in terms of onset time and duration of motor block. Sixty patients scheduled for outpatient upper-limb surgery were allocated randomly to receive either prilocaine (28 patients) or ropivacaine (32 patients) at a volume of 0.7 mL/kg. The brachial plexus was located with a plexus needle and nerve stimulator. By 20 min after injection of prilocaine or ropivacaine, there was no difference in analgesic effect. By this time, it was apparent whether or not a block was going to be adequate for surgery. Pain returned after a mean of 278 min (SD 111 min; range, 160-630 min) with prilocaine as compared with 636 min (SD 284 min; range, 210-1440 min) with ropivacaine. Analgesia use was similar in both groups. Duration of motor block with prilocaine was a mean of 254 min (SD 62 min; range, 130-385 min), as compared with 642 min (SD 199 min; range, 350-1080 min) with ropivacaine. We conclude that there is no clinically important difference between 1% prilocaine and 0.5% ropivacaine in time to onset of axillary brachial plexus block when they are injected in equal volumes. There is a significantly longer duration of action with ropivacaine, which may make it less suitable for day-stay upper-limb surgery because of the handicap from reduced muscle power. Implications: This study compares two local anesthetics to determine which is most suitable for day-stay upper-limb surgery under axillary brachial plexus block.Prilocaine 1% is more suitable than ropivacaine 0.5% because of a more prolonged duration of action of ropivacaine, although this could be useful in other circumstances.     

1%甲哌卡因与0.5%罗哌卡因用于肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞锁骨骨折术中的比较

目的观察1%甲哌卡因与0.5%罗哌卡因用于肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞锁骨骨折术中麻醉效果的比较。方法择期行肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞锁骨骨折成年患者30例,ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级,随机分为2组(n=15);1%甲哌卡因组(M组)和0.5%罗哌卡因组(R组)。两组均在神经刺激仪引导下,以肌间沟入路行臂丛神经阻滞,M组和R组分别注入1%甲哌卡因25 mL和0.5%罗哌卡因25 mL。观察两组血流动力学,感觉、运动阻滞起效及恢复时间,术后VAS评分,不良反应及麻醉满意度。结果与R组比较,M组感觉、运动阻滞起效时间缩短,阻滞恢复时间缩短(P0.05),术后6 h、12 h的VAS评分增加(P0.05)。结论 1%甲哌卡因与0.5%罗哌卡因行肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞,均能满足锁骨骨折手术。采用1%甲哌卡因较0.5%罗哌卡因起效更快,且感觉、运动恢复更早,利于早期活动,但术后镇痛效果不如0.5%罗哌卡因。     

The effects of clonidine on ropivacaine 0.75% in axillary perivascular brachial plexus block

INTRODUCTION: The new long-acting local anesthetic ropivacaine is a chemical congener of bupivacaine and mepivacaine. The admixture of clonidine to local anesthetics in peripheral nerve block has been reported to result in a prolonged block. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of clonidine added to ropivacaine on onset, duration and quality of brachial plexus block. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. In group I brachial plexus was performed using 40 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% plus 1 ml of NaCL 0.9%, and in group II brachial plexus was performed using 40 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% plus 1 ml (0.150 mg) of clonidine. Onset of sensory and motor block of radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerve were recorded. Motor block was evaluated by quantification of muscle force, according to a rating scale from 6 (normal contraction force) to 0 (complete paralysis). Sensory block was evaluated by testing response to a pinprick in the associated innervation areas. Finally, the duration of the sensory block was registered. Data were expressed in mean+/-SD. For statistical analysis a Student t-test was used. A P-value of < or = 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The duration of blockade was without significant difference between the groups. Group I: 718+/-90 min; Group II: 727+/-117 min. There was no intergroup difference in sensory and motor onset or in quality of blockade. CONCLUSION: The addition of clonidine to ropivacaine 0.75% does not lead to any advantage of block of the brachial plexus when compared with pure ropivacaine 0.75%.     

Interscalene brachial plexus analgesia after open shoulder surgery: continuous versus patient-controlled infusion.

In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study, we assessed the efficacy of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for continuous interscalene analgesia after open shoulder surgery. Sixty patients were divided into three groups of 20. During a 48-h period, they received, via an interscalene catheter, a continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine with sufentanil 0.1 microg/mL and clonidine 1 microg/mL at 10 mL /h in Group 1; a continuous infusion of the same solution at 5 mL/h plus PCA boluses (2.5 mL/30 min) in Group 2; and only PCA boluses (5 mL/30 min) of the same solution in Group 3. Pain scores, sensory block, supplemental analgesia, bupivacaine consumption, side effects, and satisfaction scores were recorded. At 24 and 48 h, sensory block was more frequent and pain control was significantly better in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (P < 0.001). In Group 3, larger doses of paracetamol were required. Bupivacaine consumption was significantly less in Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (P < 0.001). Satisfaction was significantly higher in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (P < 0.01). Side effects were comparable in the three groups. We conclude that continuous interscalene analgesia requires a background infusion after open shoulder surgery. Because it reduces the local anesthetic consumption and allows the patients to rapidly reinforce the block shortly before physiotherapy, a basal infusion rate of 5 mL/h combined with PCA boluses (2.5 mL/ 30 min) is the recommended technique. IMPLICATIONS: In this study, we demonstrated that continuous interscalene analgesia requires a background infusion to provide efficient pain relief after open shoulder surgery. A basal infusion of 5 mL/h combined with patient-controlled analgesia boluses (2.5 mL/30 min) seems to be the most appropriate technique.     

Intravenous but not perineural clonidine prolongs postoperative analgesia after psoas compartment block with 0.5% levobupivacaine for hip fracture surgery

We evaluated the systemic and local effects of clonidine as an analgesic adjunct to psoas compartment block (PCB) with levobupivacaine. In a randomized, prospective, double-blind trial, 36 patients requiring hip fracture surgery received PCB and general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into three groups. Each patient received PCB with 0.4 mL/kg of levobupivacaine 0.5%. The control group (group L) received IV saline, the systemic clonidine group (group IC) received IV clonidine 1 mug/kg, and the peripheral clonidine group (group C) received IV saline and PCB with clonidine 1 microg/kg. The interval from time of completion of block injection to first supplementary analgesic administration was longer in group IC compared with group L (mean +/- sd, 13.4 +/- 6.1 versus 7.3 +/- 3.6 h; P = 0.03). There was no difference between group C and group L (10.3 +/- 5.9 versus 7.3 +/- 3.6 h; P > 0.05). The groups were similar in terms of 24 h cumulative morphine and acetaminophen consumption. There were no significant differences among groups regarding postoperative adverse effects (bradycardia, hypotension, sedation, and nausea). We conclude that IV but not perineural clonidine (1 microg/kg) prolongs analgesia after PCB without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.     

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block during and after shoulder surgery

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block with a single dose of 0.75% bupivacaine (150-210 mg) with adrenaline, continued with an infusion of plain 0.25% bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg/h, was performed on 20 patients to provide analgesia during shoulder surgery and in the postoperative period. The control group included 20 patients who were given general anaesthesia for surgery after starting a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block; test dose of 0.75% bupivacaine (22.5 mg) with adrenaline, continued with an infusion of 0.25% bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg/h. Surgery was performed successfully under regional anaesthesia in 16/20 patients; 4/16 were given one dose of fentanyl during the surgery, and diazepam or midazolam as supplementary sedation were given in 13/16 cases. For postoperative analgesia 35/40 patients had a fully functioning catheter for 20-26 hours and the need for oxycodone i.m. during that time was 1.5 +/- 0.4 doses after regional anaesthesia (n = 14) and 1.8 +/- 0.4 doses after general anaesthesia (n = 18). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean plasma bupivacaine concentrations between the groups, concentrations in the regional anaesthesia group being higher at 5, 30, 60 min and 3 h (maximum 2.3 micrograms/ml at 60 min), but there was no difference between the values at 24 h. One infusion of local anaesthetic was discontinued because of probable treatment-related side-effects (breathing difficulties, nausea). Mild local anaesthetic toxicity (dizziness, tinnitus) was noticed in four patients.     

Does the addition of morphine to brachial plexus block improve analgesia after shoulder surgery?

We have studied 40 patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery for chronically painful conditions. Patients were allocated randomly to two groups and received interscalene brachial plexus block with 0.5% bupivacaine and adrenaline 1/200,000 40 ml either alone or with the addition of morphine 5 mg. All patients also received a general anaesthetic. The quality of the block, analgesic requirements and any complications or side effects were noted in the intraoperative period and during the 48 h after operation. No significant difference was seen in quality of analgesia or patient satisfaction between the two groups.      

Epidural infusion of clonidine or clonidine plus ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing major abdominal surgery

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the analgesic efficacy and safety of epidural infusion of clonidine in children undergoing major abdominal surgery. DESIGN: Randomized open-label study. SETTING: Postoperative anesthetic unit and pediatric ward of a metropolitan hospital. PATIENTS: Forty children aged 0 to 3 years undergoing major abdominal surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Children were randomly allocated to receive a 24-hour epidural infusion of clonidine 1 microg.mL(-1) at rate of 0.2 mL.kg -1.h -1 preceded by a bolus of 2 microg.kg -1 (CLON group) or a mixture of clonidine 1 microg.mL -1 and ropivacaine 0.1% at rate of 0.2 mL.kg -1.h -1. Both groups received intravenous (IV) ketoprofen 2 mg.kg -1 every 8 hours. Breakthrough pain was treated with IV tramadol 1 mg.kg(-1). MEASUREMENTS: Tramadol requirement, sedation and respiratory and hemodynamic changes were measured. MAIN RESULTS: Approximately 77% and 59.3% of the CLON and CLON+ROPIV groups, respectively, required no tramadol or only one dose over a 24-hour period. Except for those patients who exhibited frequent coughing during the night (4 and 5 patients in the CLON and CLON+ROPIV groups, respectively), no study patients required an analgesic and all had good sleep quality during the first night. Sedation and decreased systolic blood pressure were observed after the clonidine bolus was given. CONCLUSION: For children undergoing major abdominal surgery, the addition of epidural infusion of clonidine or clonidine plus ropivacaine to IV ketoprofen provided good analgesia quality for postoperative rest pain.