Stage does not predict survival after resection of hilar cholangiocarcinomas promoting an aggressive operative approach

Introduction

Staging systems have been developed to predict survival after resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Notably, they have not been validated nor compared for relative predictive ability.

Methods

Forty-two patients underwent resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and have been followed through a prospectively collected database. The tumors were staged using the Bismuth-Corlette, Blumgart, and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) systems, and a significant relationship with survival was sought.

Results

Eleven patients were treated by extrahepatic biliary resection alone, while 31 required extrahepatic biliary resections with in-continuity hepatic resections. All patients underwent adjuvant therapy. To date, 30 patients have died with a mean survival time of 30 months ± 35.0 (SD). Twelve patients are alive with a mean survival of 90 months ± 61.8. By regression analysis, none of the staging systems had a significant relationship with survival (Bismuth: P = .64; Blumgart: P = .66; AJCC: P = .31).

Conclusions

Most patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma require in-continuity hepatic resections. Survival after resection promotes an aggressive approach, with cure in as many as 30%. Staging systems should not impact the decision to operate or postoperative management, as all tumors should be aggressively resected and all patients should receive adjuvant treatment.     

Rectal cancer patients benefit from implementation of a dedicated colorectal cancer center in a Veterans affairs medical center

Background

A dedicated colorectal cancer (CRC) center was created in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center with the intent of improving quality of patient care and multidisciplinary cooperation.

Methods

Retrospective and prospective databases before and after creation of the CRC center, respectively, were created. Patients entered in each database included those requiring surgical intervention for CRC treatment. Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact, chi-square, and unpaired Student t tests as well as analysis of variance.

Results

The overall quality of care of CRC patients has improved as evidenced by a larger percentage of complete, margin-negative resections (P <.05) as well as an increase in the number of lymph nodes excised at surgery (P <.0001). Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach is clearly beneficial as evidenced by the increased number of CRC patients receiving appropriate multidisciplinary therapy (P <.0001).

Conclusions

A dedicated CRC center has significantly improved quality of care for CRC patients.     

Intravenous landiolol, a novel β(1)-adrenergic blocker, reduces the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in women

Study Objective

To investigate the effect of intravenous (IV) landiolol, a novel β₁-adrenergic blocker, on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane in adult women.

Design

Prospective, randomized study.

Setting

University hospital.

Patients

42 ASA physical status 1 and 2 women, aged 24-57 years, who were scheduled to undergo elective abdominal surgery.

Interventions

Anesthesia was induced in all patients by vital capacity rapid inhalation induction of sevoflurane. In the landiolol group, administration of landiolol began when patients took a vital-capacity breath: 0.125 mg/kg/min for one minute and then 0.04 mg/kg/min. Normal saline was administered in the control group.

Measurements

MAC was determined by a technique adapted from the conventional up-down method.

Main Results

The MAC of sevoflurane was 2.2% ± 0.2% in the control group and 1.7% ± 0.2% in the landiolol group, a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0005).

Conclusions

IV landiolol reduces the MAC of sevoflurane in women by approximately 20%.     

Establishment of a minimally invasive program at a Veterans' Affairs Medical Center leads to improved care in colorectal cancer patients

Background

Despite significant advantages to patients, less than 5% of all colorectal surgeries for cancer are performed laparoscopically. A minimally invasive colorectal cancer program was created in our Veterans' Affairs hospital with the intent of increasing access and improving quality of patient care while maintaining patient safety and oncologic standards.

Methods

Sixty consecutive laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections and 60 age-matched open resections were identified. Our prospective database was queried for demographic, clinical outcomes, and oncologic data.

Results

Patients undergoing laparoscopic resections experienced a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return of bowel function. Both groups had similar intraoperative blood loss and surgical times. Laparoscopic resections achieved equivalent lymph node retrieval and resection completeness compared with open resections. Laparoscopic resections resulted in fewer wounds and fewer complications requiring reoperation.

Conclusions

Establishment of a minimally invasive colorectal cancer program in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center leads to increased access to laparoscopic colorectal resections and improved patient care while maintaining patient safety.     

Oncologic outcomes after resection of rectal cancer: Laparoscopic versus open approach

Background

This study examined outcomes of laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery in a community hospital setting.

Methods

A community health care system cancer registry was reviewed retrospectively (2004-2007) for rectal cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment. Primary end points were rates of recurrence and survival.

Results

Both open and laparoscopic resection groups had similar demographic, treatment, and tumor characteristics. Most patients in the open resection and laparoscopic resection populations experienced no recurrence (79% vs 83%, respectively; P = .5). Overall, the groups had similar mean (88% vs 96%, respectively; P = .4) and disease-free (21 and 23 months, respectively; P = .5) survival.

Conclusions

In a community hospital setting, laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer was found to be as safe and effective as open resection in selected patients.     

Radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction: An evaluation of olfactory and respiratory function

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes after radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction (RITR) on objective and subjective nasal function in patients with nasal obstruction caused by turbinate hypertrophy and to evaluate the possible effect on olfactory function.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

ENT division, university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Forty consecutive patients who underwent RITR for allergic or nonallergic chronic rhinitis with inferior turbinate hypertrophy were tested before and two months after the surgical procedure, using the Sniffin' Sticks test battery, anterior rhinomanometry, and the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale.

Results

The total basal nasal resistance at 150 Pa diminished significantly two months after surgery. Preoperative olfactory tests showed anosmia in five percent (n = 2) of the patients, hyposmia in 82 percent (n = 33), and normosmia in 12 percent (n = 5). At two months from the intervention, two percent (n = 1) were diagnosed as anosmic, 12 percent (n = 5) as hyposmic, and 85 percent (n = 34) as normosmic. The means of preoperative odor threshold (T), discrimination (D), identification (I), and the overall TDI score improved significantly postoperatively (P < 0.001). The NOSE score in the two-month follow-up improved in 97.5 percent (n = 39) of patients, with a mean difference in pre- vs. postintervention score of 40.12 (95% confidence interval 35.75-44.25; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

RITR may provide excellent outcomes in terms of improvement in olfactory function and nasal flow in patients affected by turbinate hypertrophy refractory to medical therapy.     

Impact of surgery on immunologic function: comparison between minimally invasive techniques and conventional laparotomy for surgical resection of colorectal tumors

Background

Surgical trauma suppresses host immune function, potentially creating an environment vulnerable to tumor cell growth. This study compared immune function after laparoscopy, minilaparotomy, and conventional colorectal tumor resections.

Methods

Seventy-one patients underwent surgery (20 laparoscopy, 21 minilaparotomy, and 30 conventional). Blood samples were taken before surgery and at 3 hours, 24 hours, and 5 days after surgery. White blood cell constitution was determined using monoclonal antibodies. Levels of TH1 cytokines interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin (IL)-2 and TH2 cytokines IL-10, -4, and -6 were measured in plasma and from supernatants of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

At 5 days after surgery, lymphocyte counts remained low in the conventional and minilaparotomy groups (P = .001 and P = .008) but had resolved in laparoscopic patients. Three-hour postoperative serum IL-6 concentrations were lower in laparoscopic than in conventional patients (P = .028). Production of TH1 cytokines 3 hours after surgery were significantly increased in laparoscopic patients (interferon-γ P = .018, tumor necrosis factor-α P = .011, and IL-2 P = .037).

Conclusions

TH1 lymphocyte function is improved transiently and immune homeostasis restored earlier in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection, which may influence disease recurrence.     

Briefing guide study: preoperative briefing and postoperative debriefing checklists in the Veterans Health Administration medical team training program

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of checklist-driven preoperative briefings and postoperative debriefings during the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical team training program.

Methods

A briefing score (1, never started; 2, started then discontinued; 3, maintained on original targeted cases; 4, expanded to other services; 5, briefing all cases, all services) was established at 10.1 ± .3 months after introduction of the checklist. Outcomes included antibiotic and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis compliance rates before and after use of the checklist.

Results

Antibiotic (97.0% ± .1% vs 92.1% ± 1.5%; P = .01) and deep venous thrombosis (95.7% ± .8% vs 85.1% ± 4.6%; P = .05) prophylaxis compliance rates were higher after initiation of a surgical checklist.

Conclusions

Checklist-driven preoperative briefings and postoperative debriefings are associated with improvements in patient safety for surgical patients.     

Enteral granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for the treatment of mild (stage I) necrotizing enterocolitis: a placebo-controlled pilot study

Background/Purpose

The presence of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in human milk and the expression of G-CSF receptors on intestinal villous enterocytes of neonates suggest that G-CSF has a role in the development and integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. We hypothesized that enteral recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF) given to preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in the earlier stages could protect against disease progression and complications.

Methods

Preterm infants with mild (stage I) NEC (n = 18) were assigned to receive enteral rhG-CSF (n = 8) or placebo (n = 10) for 5 days from the first day of the diagnosis. Clinical and gastrointestinal parameters were followed during the whole period of hospitalization.

Results

In the study group, none of the infants with stage I NEC had a clinical progression to stage II or III, whereas in the control group, 5 (50%) infants with stage I NEC had a disease progression to stage II or III (P < .05). In the study group, the time required for the resolution of clinical and radiological findings of NEC and the total duration of systemic therapy and hospitalization were significantly shorter than the control group (P < .001).

Conclusion

Enteral rhG-CSF treatment could prevent the progression of mild (stage I) NEC to further stages and decrease the time required for the resolution of clinical and radiological signs of the disease.     

Can intravenous lidocaine decrease postsurgical ileus and shorten hospital stay in elective bowel surgery? A pilot study and literature review

Background

This study examined whether systemic infusion of lidocaine, a local anesthetic with anti-inflammatory properties, can decrease surgical pain, length of postsurgical ileus, and hospital stay.

Methods

Twenty-two patients at a community hospital were randomized into 2 groups. Subjects were allocated to receive either lidocaine or a placebo infusion for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Results

Patients in the lidocaine group appeared to report less pain as reflected by a decrease in overall visual analogue scale pain scores 24 hours after surgery. The return of flatus after surgery was not considered significant (lidocaine 68.2 ± 9.7 hours vs placebo 86.9 ± 13.6 hours; P = .2802). The return of bowel movement after surgery was considered significant (lidocaine 88.3 ± 6.08 hours vs placebo group 116 ± 10.1 hours; P = .0286). The lidocaine group was discharged by mean day 3.76 ± .24 versus placebo at mean day 4.93 ± .42; P = .0277.

Conclusions

Patients in the lidocaine group had bowel movements >24 hours earlier than those in the placebo group and were discharged earlier.     

Comparison of perioperative outcomes after combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy and open Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy

Background

Thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE) has gained popularity in specialized centers. This study compares the perioperative outcomes of TLE and Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (ILE).

Methods

Forty-four consecutive TLEs were compared with 46 historical ILEs. Outcomes included surgical time and blood loss, hospital length of stay, 30-day mortality rate, and complications.

Results

TLE took longer to perform (543 vs 437 min; P < .01) than ILE, but produced less blood loss (407 vs 780 mL; P < .01). The median length of stay and 30-day mortality did not differ between groups. Cardiovascular (41% for TLE vs 30% for ILE; P = .19) and pulmonary complications (31% TLE vs 30% ILE; P = 1.0) occurred frequently in both groups, but TLE patients had fewer wound complications (4% TLE vs 17% ILE; P = .05).

Conclusions

Despite longer surgical times, TLE produced decreased intraoperative blood loss and wound complications. These findings suggest that with further technical refinement TLE may ameliorate the morbidity seen with ILE.     

A correlation between polyomavirus JC virus quantification and genotypes in renal transplantation

Objective

To determine whether the John Cunningham virus (JCV) viral load and the multigenotypes in viruria are correlated with transplant patients.

Methods

The urine of 60 renal transplant patients and 60 healthy controls were screened. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis to assess viral load and genotype respectively.

Results

The incidence of viruria and viral load were higher in transplant patients with P = .0092 and P = .0094, respectively. The incidence of different genotype in transplant patients versus controls was 8.3% versus 13.3% for single genotype, 26.7% versus 5% for 2 genotypes, and 5% versus 0% for multigenotypes (P = .0004). The incidence of more than 2 genotypes was high in people with a high viral load and closely related with the transplant patients (P = .007).

Conclusions

Not only viral load but also genotypes are important as a screening parameter to understand the immune milieu of the patients to prevent subsequent complications like polyomavirus nephropathy, infection, and malignancy.     

Indirect versus direct laryngoscopy for routine nasotracheal intubation

Study Objective

To compare the effectiveness of the indirect laryngoscopes, Airtraq (A) and GlideScope (G), with the Macintosh (M) laryngoscope in routine nasotracheal intubation.

Design

Randomized, single-blinded study.

Setting

University-affiliated, tertiary-care hospital.

Patients

62 adult, ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients with normal airways requiring nasotracheal intubation for dental or maxillofacial surgery.

Intervention

Patients in Groups A and G underwent nasal intubation with the Airtraq and GlideScope, respectively, while laryngoscopy in Group M was performed with the Macintosh blade.

Measurements

Performance of the intubating tools was judged by the ease [Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS) and numeric rating scale (NRS)] and time to intubation (laryngoscopy and endotracheal tube advancement). In addition, hemodynamic parameters, severity of postoperative sore throat, and posture of the intubator were recorded.

Main Results

IDS score was significantly lower with the Airtraq and GlideScope than with the Macintosh laryngoscope (mean ± SD: A 0.1 ± 0.3, G 0.3 ± 0.6, M 0.8 ± 1.0; P = 0.013). NRS reported by the intubators showed a similar preference for indirect over direct laryngoscopy (A 0.9 ± 0.7, G 1.1 ± 0.6, M 1.9 ± 1.1; P = 0.001). Duration of laryngoscopy and endotracheal tube insertion was similar in all groups. No significant intergroup differences in hemodynamic parameters were recorded. Postoperative sore throat was significantly reduced using the GlideScope compared with the other devices (P = 0.048).

Conclusion

The Airtraq and GlideScope facilitated nasotracheal intubation more so than the Macintosh laryngoscope in adults with apparently normal airways.     

Prompt correction of endotracheal tube positioning after intubation prevents further inappropriate positions

Study Objective

To determine whether the timely correction of endotracheal tube (ETT) positioning prevents further inappropriate positions.

Design

Prospective crossover study.

Setting

University-affiliated hospital.

Patients

44 adult, ASA physical status 1, 2, and 3 patients undergoing open or laparoscopic abdominal procedures.

Interventions

ETT positioning was verified by both auscultation and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB), after intubation, and before extubation. In laparoscopic procedures, two additional measurements were performed: after maximal abdominal gas insufflation and with head-down position. An ETT in the bronchus or at the carina was considered an inappropriate placement. An ETT ≤ one cm from the carina was considered a critical placement.

Measurements

The frequency of inappropriate and critical ETT positioning with both auscultation and FOB and the number of ETTs that remained in an incorrect position despite repositioning.

Main Results

FOB detected 5 inappropriately positioned ETTs, 4 of which were also detected by chest auscultation (P = 0.99). Critical positioning was detected by FOB in 6 patients, three of which were also detected by auscultation (P = 0.24). There were 15 other "out-of-desired range” positions (out of the 3-5 cm range) - one placed too high and 14 placed too low, while 18 were placed within the range of positions. All patients with inappropriate ETT positioning were women (P = 0.005). Age, body mass index, Mallampati grade > 3, thyromental distance < 6 cm, or laryngoscopy grade ≥ 2 were not associated with either inappropriate or critical placement. No episodes of inappropriate or critical positioning were detected by FOB or auscultation at the end of surgery.

Conclusions

Early detection and prompt correction of inappropriate ETT positioning after intubation prevented further ETT migration into undesired positions.     

Pain on injection of propofol: a comparison of methylene blue and lidocaine

Study Objective

To investigate whether methylene blue, given before injection of propofol, was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of pain associated with propofol injection.

Design

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical study.

Setting

Operating room of a university hospital.

Patients

90 adult, ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients undergoing elective surgery.

Interventions

Patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups of 30 patients each. Group I received 50 mg of methylene blue, Group II received 40 mg of lidocaine, and Group III, the control group, was given normal saline. All drugs were given as a 2.0 mL bolus 45 seconds before propofol administration.

Measurements

Injection pain using vocal responses, facial grimacing, arm withdrawal, tears, and questioning of the patient were noted. A 4-point scale was used for documenting pain.

Main Results

Pain frequency was 90% in the saline group, whereas the frequencies were significantly lower in the lidocaine and methylene blue groups (26.7% and 40%, respectively).

Conclusions

Intravenous pretreatment with methylene blue appears to be effective in reducing the pain during propofol injection.     

Survival in oral cavity minor salivary gland carcinoma

Objective

To describe the epidemiology and comparative survival for minor salivary gland cancer of the oral cavity.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Cases of minor salivary gland cancer of the oral cavity were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1988-2005) and staged. Kaplan-Meier survivals were compared according to histology as well as T stage and N stage. A Cox proportional hazards model incorporating histology, T stage, N stage, age, and sex was analyzed.

Results

A total of 639 salivary gland cancers of the oral cavity (55% female; mean age, 56 years) were identified with complete staging information, consisting of 318 mucoepidermoid, 169 adenoid cystic, 139 adenocarcinoma, and 14 acinic cell cancers. The hard palate and gums were the most common subsites involved (87.6%), followed by lip (7.2%) and tongue (5.2%). At presentation, T1 and T4 tumors predominated (42.6% and 35.2%, respectively); 93.4 percent were N0. Overall mean survival (months) was 157.9 and was similar across histologic subtypes: mucoepidermoid (172.4), adenoid cystic (141.4), acinic cell (138.7), and adenocarcinoma (147.2). Survival for low- and intermediate-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (171.0 and 182.3, respectively) was better than survival for high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (50.3, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, N stage (P < 0.001) was the most powerful predictor of survival, along with T stage (P = 0.013), age (P < 0.001), and sex (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

T stage and N stage are the most powerful predictors of survival in minor salivary gland carcinoma of the oral cavity. With the exception of high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, survival for these lesions is generally favorable.     

Hyperuricemia after renal transplantation

Background

Hyperuricemia is a common complication after kidney transplantation, and may adversely affect graft survival.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of and predictors for development of hyperuricemia after renal transplantation.

Materials and Methods

Hyperuricemia was defined as a serum uric acid concentration of at least 7.0 mg/dL in men and 6.0 mg/dL in women. From March 2008 to May 2010, uric acid concentration was measured in 12,767 blood samples from 2961 adult renal transplant recipients (64% male and 36% female patients).

Results

Hyperuricemia was observed in 1553 patients (52.4%). The disorder frequently occurred in women (P = .003) and in patients with impaired renal graft function (P = .00). After adjustment for sex, serum creatinine concentration, diabetes mellitus, cyclosporine concentration, and dyslipidemia, only female sex (P = .03) and renal allograft dysfunction (P = .05) were associated with hyperuricemia after kidney transplantation.

Conclusion

Hyperuricemia is a common complication after kidney transplantation, and renal allograft insufficiency predisposes to higher uric acid concentration.     

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia: a meta-analysis

Study Objective

To determine if the use of ultrasound guidance (vs non-ultrasound techniques) improves the success rate of nerve blocks.

Design

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the published literature.

Setting

University medical center.

Measurements

16 RCTs of patients undergoing elective surgical procedures were studied. Patients underwent ultrasound-guided or non-ultrasound techniques (nerve stimulation, surface landmark) for peripheral nerve blocks. Success rates were measured.

Main Results

Ultrasound guidance (vs all non-ultrasound techniques) was associated with a significant increase in the success rate of nerve blocks [relative risk (RR) = 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 to 1.17, P < 0.0001]). When compared with nerve stimulator techniques only, ultrasound guidance was still associated with an increase in the success rate (RR = 1.11 [95% CI: 1.05 to 1.17, P = 0.0001]). For specific blocks, ultrasound guidance (vs all non-ultrasound) was associated with a significant increase in successful brachial plexus (all) nerve blocks (RR = 1.11 [95% CI: 1.05 to 1.20, P = 0.0001]), sciatic popliteal nerve block (RR = 1.22 [95% CI: 1.08 to 1.39, P = 0.002]) and brachial plexus axillary nerve block (RR = 1.13 [95% CI: 1.00 to 1.26, P = 0.05]) but not brachial plexus infraclavicular nerve block (RR = 1.25 [95% CI: 0.88 to 1.76, P = 0.22]).

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block is associated with an increased overall success rate when compared with nerve stimulation or other methods. Ultrasound-guided techniques also increase the success rate of some specific blocks.     

An assessment of the methodologic quality of medical education research studies published in The American Journal of Surgery

Background

This study examined the methodologic quality of medical education research published in The American Journal of Surgery (AJS) relative to other journals and in AJS itself over time.

Methods

Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) scores were determined for 198 education studies published in 2003 in 13 peer-reviewed journals including AJS and all 38 AJS education studies published in 2007.

Results

In 2003, the mean (standard deviation) MERSQI scores of AJS studies were 11.03 (2.12) compared with 9.83 (2.37) for studies published in the other 12 journals (P = .03). AJS studies received higher scores for response rate (P < .001) and content validity (P = .03) than other journals. The mean MERSQI scores among AJS studies remained constant between 2003 and 2007 (12.03 [2.35] vs 11.03 [2.12], P = .13).

Conclusions

Education studies published in AJS compared favorably with those published in other journals, and this quality was maintained over time. Nonetheless, there is room for improvement with respect to study designs and outcome assessment.     

Addition of epinephrine to epidural bupivacaine infusions following initiation of labor analgesia with epidural fentanyl

Study Objective

To evaluate the analgesic effects of the addition of epinephrine to a bupivacaine epidural infusion in early labor after a fentanyl bolus, following a lidocaine-epinephrine test dose.

Design

Randomized, double-blinded study.

Setting

Labor suite of a tertiary care hospital.

Patients

60 ASA physical status 1 and 2, laboring, nulliparous women.

Interventions

All laboring women received a 3 mL epidural test dose of 1.5% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, followed by a fentanyl 100 μg bolus in 10 mL of diluent volume. Patients were randomized to receive one of two continuous epidural infusions: bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mL at 10 mL/hr (control group) or bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mL with epinephrine 5 μg/mL at 10 mL/hr (epinephrine group).

Measurements

Time to re-dose, pain scores, and side effects were recorded.

Main Results

The mean duration of satisfactory analgesia prior to re-dose was 159 ± 62 min for the control group and 221 ± 111 min for the epinephrine group (P < 0.02). Pain scores were significantly higher in the control group than the epinephrine group at two time periods: 2.5 hours and 4.5 hours (P < 0.04).

Conclusions

The administration of 0.625 mg/mL bupivacaine with epinephrine 5 μg/mL at 10 mL/hr, compared with plain 0.625 mg/mL bupivacaine at 10 mL/hr, provided a longer time to re-dose, decreased pain scores at two time intervals, and had no significant difference in duration of labor or side effects.