Effect of mandibular nerve block on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing oropharyngeal carcinoma surgery under general anaesthesia

BACKGROUND: Postoperative analgesia after oropharyngeal carcinoma surgery remains poorly studied. This study investigates the effects of mandibular nerve block (MNB) with ropivacaine 10 mg ml(-1) in conjunction with general anaesthesia (GA) on postoperative analgesia after partial glossectomy or transmandibular lateral pharyngectomy. METHODS: In a randomized double-blind study, 42 patients (21 in each group) received an MNB by the lateral extra-oral approach (MNB group) or a deep s.c. injection of normal saline (control group). Both groups received a standardized general anaesthetic. Postoperative analgesia included fixed dose of i.v. acetaminophen and morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia device. Consumption of morphine and supplemental analgesics and pain scores at rest were measured. RESULTS: The mean cumulative morphine consumption was reduced by 56 and 45% at 12 and 24 h after operation in the MNB group. The administration of analgesic rescue medications was delayed in the MNB group. The visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were comparable in the two groups during the first 24 h. Adequate analgesia (mean VAS < or = 3) was observed throughout the study period in the MNB group, but only from 4 h after operation onwards in the control group. The number of patients who experienced severe pain (VAS > 7) during the first postoperative day was lower in the MNB group than in the control group (3 vs 10. respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, MNB performed before GA for oropharyngeal carcinoma surgery improved postoperative analgesia, resulting in reduced morphine consumption at 24 h and severe pain in fewer patients.     

硫酸镁对术中瑞芬太尼用量及术后镇痛的影响

目的 观察全凭静脉麻醉时硫酸镁对瑞芬太尼用苣及术后镇痛的影响.方法 80例ASA I或Ⅱ级,行腹腔镜手术患者随机均分为两组:硫酸镁组(A组)和生理盐水组(B组).比较两组术中瑞芬太尼平均每小时用量及术后视觉模拟(VAS)疼痛评分、舒适度(BCS)评分及首次使用镇痛药时间.结果 与B组比较,A组瑞芬太尼用量减少(P<0.01),术后VAS疼痛评分降低(P<0.05),BCS评分增高(P<0.01),首次使用镇痛药时间延长(P-C0.01).结论 全凭静脉麻醉术中使用硫酸镁能减少瑞芬太尼用量.并缓解术后疼痛.     

Absence of memory for intraoperative information during surgery under adequate general anaesthesia

Using the isolated forearm technique (IFT), we wished to determine if patients known to be unresponsive to commands during general anaesthesia with nitrous oxide, halothane and neuromuscular blocking agents had any evidence of explicit or implicit recall. Two groups of women, studied in a single-blind sequential block design, heard different tapes, either a command and information tape (n = 34) or radio static (n = 34), throughout surgery. Four women (two radio static, two command) had unequivocal evidence of explicit recall for a period near the beginning or end of the procedure, at a time when the IFT was not being used. With or without hypnosis, category generation, serial position of category exemplars and word association tests did not reveal evidence of priming. We conclude that during light general anaesthesia with nitrous oxide, halothane and atracurium, patients had neither explicit nor implicit memory for information presented during a period when they are known to be unresponsive to commands.      

Per- and postoperative changes in the concentration of serum thyreotropin under general anaesthesia, compared to general anaesthesia with epidural analgesia

In 18 patients scheduled for lower intraabdominal surgery (hysterectomy), changes in thyreotropin (TSH) thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) binding of thyroid hormones to plasma proteins (T3-uptake) and glucose in serum were evaluated. In eight patients afferent neurogenic impulses from the surgical area were blocked (Th4-S5) with bupivacaine 0.5% infused continuously into the epidural space from the start of the operation until 6 h postoperatively. All patients received general anaesthesia with thiopentone, pethidine, pancuronium and nitrous-oxide plus oxygen. The patients receiving epidural analgesia had no increase in plasma-TSH, compared to the other group, which had a significant (P less than 0.05) increase peroperatively. The patients receiving epidural analgesia were pain-free and the normal stress-induced increase in plasma-glucose was abolished. Concerning T3 we found a significant decrease in both groups and a steady level of T4- and T3-uptake without significant fluctuations. Thus it can be concluded that the effects of surgical trauma on plasma-TSH concentration are markedly similar to the effects of other anterior pituitary hormones, i.e. HGH, prolactin and ACTH.     

Perioperative ischaemia in aortic surgery: combined epidural/ general anaesthesia and epidural analgesia vs general anaesthesia andiv analgesia

Purpose

The goal of this randomized study was to determine whether combined general and epidural anaesthesia with postoperative epidural analgesia, compared with general anaesthesia and postoperative intravenous analgesia, reduced the incidence of perioperative myocardial ischaemia in patients undergoing elective aortic surgery.

Method

Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group (EPI, n = 48) received combined general and epidural anaesthesia and postoperative epidural analgesia for 48 hrs. The other group (GA, n = 51) received general anaesthesia followed by postoperative intravenous analgesia. Anaesthetic goals were to maintain haemodynamic stability (± 20% of preoperative values), and a stroke volume > 1 ml · kg^?1. A Holter monitor was attached to each patient the day before surgery. Leads 11, V₂, and V₅ were monitored. Myocardial ischaemia was defined as ST segment depression > 1 mm measured at 80 millisec beyond the J point or an elevation of 2 mm 60 millisec beyond the J point which lasted > 60 sec. An event that lasted > 60 sec but returned to the baseline for > 60 sec and then recurred, was counted as two separate events. The Holter tapes were reviewed by a cardiologist blind to the patient’s group.

Results

There were no demographic differences between the two groups. Myocardial ischaemia was common; it occurred in 55% of patients. In hospital, preoperative ischaemia was uncommon (CA = 3, EP1 = 8). Intraoperative ischaemia was common (GA = 18, EP1 = 25). Mesenteric traction produced the largest number of ischaemic (GA = 11, EP1 =11) events. Postoperative ischaemia was most common on the day of surgery. Termination of epidural analgesia produced a burst of ischaemia (60 events in 9 patients)

Conclusion

Combined general and epidural anaesthesia and postoperative epidural analgesia do not reduce the incidence of myocardial ischaemia or morbidity compared with general anaesthesia and postoperative intravenous analgesia.     

Levobupivacaine for epidural anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia in hip surgery

Background and objectives

The aim of this randomized, single blind phase IIIb study was to evaluate the efficacy of 0.5% levobupivacaine versus 0.5% bupivacaine and 0.75% ropivacaine administered as epidural anesthesia and 0.125% levobupivacaine versus 0.125% bupivacaine and 0.2% ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia. The study was designed to test the equivalence of the overall profile of levobupivacaine against bupivacaine and ropivacaine. In addition, parameters of clinical safety were assessed.

Methods

A total of 88 patients undergoing hip surgery at 12 German academic hospitals were randomly assigned to 3 different treatment groups. Criteria for drug evaluation were the required epidural volume and time until onset and offset of sensory and motor block, the quality of postoperative analgesia using a pain visual analogue scale and verbal rating scale, as well as the need for rescue medication based on statistical non-inferiority testing.

Results

With respect to onset and offset of sensory and motor blockade, 0.5% levobupivacaine, 0.5% bupivacaine and 0.75% ropivacaine showed clinically significant equivalent profiles for all primary study endpoints. However, the levobupivacaine group showed a higher demand for intraoperative anesthesia. Postoperative analgesia request and pain scales did not differ significantly between groups, but comparatively lower total drug volumes were required in the bupivacaine group. No relevant differences between the trial groups concerning safety parameters were observed.

Conclusions

The efficacy of epidural levobupivacaine for hip surgery and postoperative analgesia is equivalent and shows a comparable clinical profile to bupivacaine and 50–60% higher concentrated ropivacaine. The results of this equivalence study confirm suggestions derived from previous comparative studies.     

气管内硬膜外联合麻醉下的超前镇痛

目的研究气管内硬膜外联合麻醉下,硬膜外给药时间不同、全麻诱导药物不同对术后镇痛产生的影响。方法开腹行切除肝癌、胃癌的病人120例,随机分为A、B、C、D4组,每组30例。A组:在T8-9经硬膜外注入1%利多卡因和0.25%布比卡因混合液6～8ml,再经硬膜外注入含吗啡2mg、氟哌利多2.5mg的生理盐水10ml;全身麻醉诱导药物为芬太尼3μg·kg-1,异丙酚1～1.5mg·kg-1,琥珀胆碱2mg·kg-1。B组:诱导药物中不使用芬太尼,用利多卡因1～1.5mg·kg-1代替,术中也不使用芬太尼,其余条件同A组。C组:在T8-9行硬膜外穿刺,之后行全身麻醉诱导,诱导药物为芬太尼3μg·kg-1,异丙酚2～2.5mg·kg-1,琥珀胆碱2mg·kg-1,必要时可加芬太尼2～3μg·kg-1。切皮后90min,经硬膜外注入1%利多卡因和0.25%布比卡因6～8ml,再经硬膜外注入含吗啡2mg、氟哌利多2.5mg的生理盐水10ml。D组:诱导药物中不使用芬太尼,用利多卡因1～1.5mg·kg-1代替,术中也不使用芬太尼,其余条件同C组。分别于术毕后4、8、24、48h观测VAS、镇痛药消耗量、恶心、呕吐、骚痒等指标。结果A组的药物消耗量最少、镇痛效果最好;B组和C组次之;D组的药物消耗量最大,镇痛效果最差。结论硬膜外复合气管内麻醉时,硬膜外麻醉与芬太尼同时使用,术后镇痛效果最好。     

气管内硬膜外联合麻醉下的超前镇痛

目的 研究气管内硬膜外联合麻醉下，硬膜外给药时间不同、全麻诱导药物不同对术后镇痛产生的影响。方法 开腹行切除肝癌、胃癌的病人120例，随机分为A、B、C、D4组，每组30例。A组：在T8-9经硬膜外注入1％利多卡因和0．25％布比卡因混合液6～8ml，再经硬膜外注入含吗啡2mg、氟哌利多2．5mg的生理盐水10ml；全身麻醉诱导药物为芬太尼3μg／kg，异丙酚1～1．5mg／kg，琥珀胆碱2mg／kg。B组：诱导药物中不使用芬太尼，用利多卡因1～1．5mg／kg代替，术中也不使用芬太尼，其余条件同A组。C组：在T8-9行硬膜外穿刺，之后行全身麻醉诱导，诱导药物为芬太尼3μg／kg，异丙酚2—2．5mg／kg，琥珀胆碱2mg／kg，必要时可加芬太尼2～3μg／kg。切皮后90min，经硬膜外注入1％利多卡因和0．25％布比卡因6～8ml，再经硬膜外注入含吗啡2mg、氟哌利多2．5mg的生理盐水10ml。D组：诱导药物中不使用芬太尼，用利多卡因1～1．5mg／kg代替，术中也不使用芬太尼，其余条件同C组。分别于术毕后4、8、24、48h观察视觉模拟评分（VAS）、镇痛药消耗量、恶心、呕吐、瘙痒等指标。结果 A组的药物消耗量最少、镇痛效果最好；B组和C组次之；D组的药物消耗量最大，镇痛效果最差。结论 硬膜外复合气管内麻醉时，硬膜外麻醉与芬太尼同时使用，术后镇痛效果最好。     

Remifentanil infusion in association with fentanyl-propofol anaesthesia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: effects on morphine requirement and postoperative analgesia

Background. We have prospectively assessed the effects of remifentanilon morphine requirement in the first hour after emerging fromgeneral anaesthesia after elective coronary artery bypass surgeryand in the first 12 h postoperatively, and pain and agitationscores in the first hour after emerging from general anaesthesia. Methods. Twenty patients undergoing off-pump coronary arterybypass surgery, receiving standardized propofol–fentanyl-basedanaesthesia, randomly received infusions of either remifentanil0.1 µg kg^–1 min^–1 (Group R, n=10) or saline(Group S, n=10), each infused at 0.12 ml kg^–1 h^–1.Propofol and trial drug infusion were continued into the postoperativeperiod until the patients were ready to be woken up. Postoperativeanalgesia was provided with morphine infusion commenced immediatelyafter operation, and was additionally nurse controlled on thebasis of a visual analogue scale (VAS) score (0–10). Agitationscore was recorded using a VAS of 0–3. Results. In the first hour after discontinuing propofol andtrial infusion, morphine requirements were significantly higherin the remifentanil group (8.15 (SD 3.59) mg) compared withthe saline group (3.29 (2.36) mg) (P<0.01). There was nodifference in the total morphine given during the period afterstopping propofol or in the total requirement in the first 12h postoperatively. There was no significant difference in eitherpain scores or agitation scores between the two groups. Conclusion. Use of remifentanil is associated with increasedopioid requirement in the first hour after it has been discontinued.     

Prolonged peridural block for postoperative analgesia in heart surgery patients

Prolonged peridural blockade with trimekain used in 1000 cardiosurgical patients is shown to be an effective prophylactic measure against postoperative complications. This method should not be widely used in patients with blood circulation insufficiency.     

Sub-Tenon's infiltration using bupivacaine 0.5% decreases acute postoperative pain and opioid requirement after posterior segment surgery

Editor—Sub-Tenon’s infiltration is recognized asa safe regional anaesthesia technique for phacoemulsificationof the lens,^{1 2} and other ophthalmic procedures,³ but its analgesiceffect has not been assessed in the postoperative period. After approval by the local ethics committee, and written informed     

The use of intraoperative epidural or spinal analgesia modulates postoperative hyperalgesia and reduces residual pain after major abdominal surgery

INTRODUCTION: The use of intraoperative multimodal analgesia has clearly improved postoperative pain control, mortality and morbidity after major surgical procedures. However, very few clinical trials have studied the longterm impact of intraoperative epidural or spinal analgesia on chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) development. Even less studies have evaluated the modulatory effect of intraoperative neuraxial analgesia on objective changes (i.e. mechanical hyperalgesia) reflecting central sensitization. METHODS: The present work compares general anesthesia alone (GA group) versus general anesthesia combined to either intraoperative epidural analgesia (EPID group: combination of bupicavaine, sufentanil and clonidine 1 microg/kg) or spinal analgesia (IT group: either bupivacaine or clonidine 300 microg) on the development of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia and the incidence of CPSP after major abdominal surgery. Data analyzed in the present work involve adult patients undergoing surgical resection of rectal adenocarcinoma who participated in three previously published randomized trials. RESULTS: Intraoperative epidural and particularly spinal analgesia reduced both incidence (p < 0.05 between GA alone and spinal analgesia) and extent (area) of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia surrounding the wound at 48h and 72 h after surgery. The use of intraoperative epidural and spinal analgesia also reduced CPSP incidence. Postoperative area of mechanical hyperalgesia seems positively correlated with the incidence CPSP. CONCLUSION: An effective intraoperative neuraxial block of nociceptive inputs from the wound using multimodal analgesia--specifically when involving spinal analgesics and antihyperalgesic drugs--contributes to prevent central sensitization and hence reduces CPSP after major abdominal procedures.     

Single-injection paravertebral block compared to general anaesthesia in breast surgery

BACKGROUND: Breast surgery is frequently associated with post-operative nausea, vomiting, pain and painful restricted movement. Paravertebral block may be an alternative to general anaesthesia for this type of surgery. We studied the single-injection paravertebral block at the level of T4 and report a comparison of single-injection paravertebral block to general anaesthesia for breast surgery. METHODS: After written informed consent was obtained, 86 patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Forty-four women were randomly allocated to receive a single-injection paravertebral block at the level of T4, while 42 women received general anaesthesia. The surgical procedures varied from lumpectomy (wide local excision of a tumour) to modified radical mastectomy with axillary dissection. The block was performed according to the guidelines described by Eason and Wyatt using 0.3 ml x kg(-1) (maximum dose 150 mg) of bupivacaine 0.5%. The skin and the underlying tissues were infiltrated with local anaesthetic solution two fingers (about 3 cm) from the anatomical midline and level with the cephalad end of the vertebral spine. RESULTS: Time for performance of blocks lasted from 4 to 9 min. Recovery from anaesthesia or sedation was shortened, while postoperative pain scores (VAS), the incidence of vomiting and the requirement for analgesics were lower in the paravertebral group. Less painful restricted movement was observed in the paravertebral block group. Paravertebral block was inadequate in 6.8% of patients. Epidural spread with paraparaesis and Horner triad was assumed in one patient. CONCLUSION: Single-injection paravertebral block at the level of T4 represents a suitable alternative to general anaesthesia in women undergoing breast surgery.     

Epidural lidocaine with sufentanil and epinephrine for abdominal hysterectomy under general anaesthesia: respiratory depression and postoperative analgesia

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the analgesic actions and side-effects of a 50 micrograms epidural bolus of sufentanil and 50 micrograms epinephrine, with a control group receiving saline and epinephrine. The method employed was a prospective, randomised, double-blind trial involving 40 ASA I or II patients for total abdominal hysterectomy. All received 1.5% lidocaine with 1/200,000 epinephrine epidurally before operation, until a block to T4 was established. Patients were anaesthetised, their tracheas were intubated, and they were allowed to breathe spontaneously before administration of the test drug. Results showed that sufentanil prolonged the duration of local anaesthesia (198 +/- 35 min vs 174 +/- 29 min; P less than 0.05), and of analgesia (288 +/- 85 min vs 188 +/- 42 min; P less than 0.01). There was an increase in somnolence in the sufentanil group (9/20 vs 2/20; P less than 0.05). Glycopyrollate was given to 11/20 patients in the sufentanil group vs 1/20 in the control group (P less than 0.01) following bradycardia and hypotension. Clinical respiratory depression occurred in the sufentanil group; 5/20 patients required controlled ventilation following apnoea greater than 20 sec. It is concluded that epidural sufentanil causes considerable cardiorespiratory depression in the setting of general anaesthesia, and should be used with caution in the spontaneously breathing, anaesthetised patient.     

术中唤醒试验对舒芬太尼镇痛下脊柱侧弯矫形术患者术后谵妄的影响

目的 评价术中唤醒试验对舒芬太尼镇痛下脊柱侧弯矫形术患者术后谵妄的影响.方法 拟行脊柱侧弯矫形术患者60例,年龄12～60岁,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级.采用分层随机法,将患者随机分为2组(n=30):术中不行唤醒试验组(C组)和术中唤醒试验组(W组).麻醉诱导:靶控输注舒芬太尼,Ce 0.5 ng/ml,静脉注射异丙酚1～2 mg/kg、顺苯磺阿曲库铵0.15 mg/kg,气管插管后行机械通气.麻醉维持:靶控吸入七氟醚,呼气末靶浓度0.8%～1.5%,靶控输注舒芬太尼,Ce 0.2～0.3ng/ml,静脉输注顺苯磺阿曲库铵0.1 mg·kg-1·h-1.术中两侧内固定棒安装后,W组行唤醒试验.术后采用舒芬太尼镇痛.术后3 d内维持患者夜间睡眠8 h以上.记录术中知晓和术后谵妄发生情况.结果 两组术中知晓和术后谵妄发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 对舒芬太尼镇痛下脊柱侧弯矫形术患者,术中唤醒试验并非术后谵妄发生的危险因素,可能与舒芬太尼镇痛有效地抑制围术期疼痛及术中知晓有关.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the effect of the intraoperative wake-up test on the postoperative delirium in patients undergoing scoliosis operation under analgesia with sufentanil. Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients , aged 12-60 yr, scheduled for scoliosis surgery, were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n = 30 each) : control group (group C) and intraoperative wake-up test group (group W) . The intraoperative wake-up test was not performed during operation in group C. Anesthesia was induced with target-controlled infusion of sufentanil with the target effect-site concentration set at 0.5 ng/ml and iv injection of propofol 1-2 nig/kg. As soon as the patients lost consciousness, tracheal intubation was facilitated with 0.15 mg/kg cisatracurium besylate. The patients were mechanically ventilated. Anesthesia was maintained with target-controlled inhalation of sevoflurane (target end-tidal concentration 0. 8%-1. 5%), target-controlled infusion of sufentanil (target effect-site concentration 0.2-0.3 ng/ml) and iv infusion of cisatracurium besylate 0.1 mg- kg-1·h-1 . In group W, the patients underwent the intraoperative wake-up test. Postoperative analgesia was provided with sufentanil. The occurrence of intraoperative awareness and postoperative delirium was recorded. Results No significant difference was found in the incidences of intraoperative awareness and postoperative delirium between the two groups. Conclusion The intraoperative wake-up test is not the risk factor for postoperative delirium in patients undergoing scoliosis surgery under analgesia with sufentanil, and inhibition of perioperative pain and intraoperative awareness by analgesia with sufentanil may be involved in the mechanism.