Impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative quality of recovery in video-assisted thoracic surgery: A prospective,randomized, controlled trial

Study objectiveRegional anesthesia improves postoperative analgesia and enhances the quality of recovery (QoR) after surgery. We examine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on QoR after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).DesignProspective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.SettingSingle institution, tertiary university hospital.PatientsAdult patients who scheduled for VATS under general anesthesia were enrolled in the study.InterventionsWe randomly allocated patients to receive preoperative ultrasound-guided ESPB with 25 ml of either 0.5% ropivacaine (ESPB group) or normal saline (Control group).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was QoR as measured by the 40-item QoR questionnaire (QoR-40) score at postoperative day 1. Secondary results were post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge time, acute postoperative pain, cumulative opioid consumption, the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting (PONV), and patient satisfaction.Main resultsThe global QoR-40 score at postoperative day 1 (median, interquartile range) was significantly higher in the ESPB group (174, 170 to 177) than the control group (161.5, 160 to 165), estimated median difference 11 (95% CI 9 to 13, P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, single-injection of ESPB reduced PACU discharge time, acute postoperative pain, and cumulative opioid consumption. Correspondingly, the median patient satisfaction scores were higher in the ESPB group than the control group (9 versus 7, P < 0.001).ConclusionPreoperative single-injection thoracic ESPB with ropivacaine improves QoR, postoperative analgesia, and patient satisfaction after VATS.     

Efficacy of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine for postoperative analgesia following bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

BackgroundThe impact of intravenous lidocaine in adults undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgeries (LBS) remains unclear.ObjectivesThis study aimed at investigating the effect of intravenous lidocaine on postoperative opioid consumption and recovery following LBS.SettingMeta-analysis.MethodsWe searched databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the use of intravenous lidocaine compared to placebo only prior to May 2021. The primary outcome was 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption, while secondary outcomes included pain score, quality of recovery (QOR)-40 score, length of hospital stay (LOS), and postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV).ResultsSeven trials (496 participants) were included. Intraoperative intravenous lidocaine significantly reduced 24-hour equivalent morphine consumption (mean difference [MD]: ?11.97 mg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: ?23.12 to ?.83), pain score at 1 to 3 hours (MD: ?.77; 95% CI: ?1.5 to ?.04), and LOS (MD: ?8.93 hr; 95% CI: ?13.41 to ?4.44) without positive impact on 24-hour pain score and PONV. There was also an increase in time to first opioid requirement (MD: 20.23 min; 95% CI: 11.76–28.7) and QOR-40 score (MD: 24.38; 95% CI: 5.57–43.18). However, sensitivity analysis demonstrated evidence supporting the beneficial effect of lidocaine only for time to first opioid requirement and QOR-40. The associations of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine with reductions in morphine consumption, pain score at 1 to 3 hours, and LOS after LBS were also weak.ConclusionIntraoperative intravenous lidocaine during LBS prolonged time to first opioid requirement and improved quality of recovery postoperatively without 24-hour pain or nausea/vomiting benefits. Due to the small number of trials, larger studies are warranted to verify our findings.     

Multimodal analgesia after thyroid or parathyroid surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe opioid epidemic prompted reevaluation of surgeons’ opioid prescribing practices. This study aimed to demonstrate noninferiority of a staged analgesic regimen after endocrine surgery.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing analgesic regimens after thyroidectomy and/or parathyroidectomy. Adult patients (≥18 years) were randomized to study arm (A) as-needed acetaminophen + codeine or (B) scheduled acetaminophen/as-needed tramadol. Patients recorded pain scores and analgesics consumed in a study log. Clinical variables were collected from the medical record.ResultsTarget enrollment was achieved (n = 126), and randomization was even (A: 44.5%, B: 55.6%). There was no difference between enrolled patients and those who returned the study log (52.4%) by sex (P = .667), age (P = .513), final pathology (P = .137), procedure (P = .667), or randomization arm (P = .795). Most patients (50.8%) reported moderate pain scores (4–6) with no difference between study arms (P = .451). There was no difference in average consumption by morphine milligram equivalents (A: 11.5 ± 12.1 vs B: 12.49 ± 18.07; P = .792) nor total analgesic doses (A: 7.29 ± 7.48 vs B: 8.5 ± 5.36; P = .445). However, a significant difference in average percentage of opioid doses was noted (A: 79.71 ± 33.31 vs B: 27.38 ± 31.88; P < .001).ConclusionPatients reported moderate pain scores with low requirements for analgesics after endocrine surgery. The staged analgesic regimen is noninferior to combination opioids and led to reduced overall consumption.     

Pre-emptive local anesthesia for needlescopic video-assisted thoracic surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Studies in other surgical specialties have suggested that pre-emptive wound infiltration using a local anesthetic may reduce post-operative pain. We report the first randomized trial to assess the use of pre-emptive local anesthesia in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). METHOD: Thirty-one consecutive patients undergoing bilateral needlescopic VATS sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis were studied prospectively. Each patient acted as their own control. For each patient, one side was randomized to receive 10ml 0.5% bupivicaine injected to the port sites before incision, and the contralateral control side to receive 10ml saline. Pain severity on a visual analog scale (VAS) was recorded for each chest side at 4h, 1 day and 7 days following surgery. All patients were blinded to the results of randomization throughout the study. RESULTS: Follow up was complete for all patients. At 7 days after surgery, wound pain was significantly reduced by pre-emptive local anesthesia, with 10 (62.5%) of the 16 patients having residual pain reporting less pain on the pre-treated side (p=0.039). There was a trend for reduced pain on the pre-treated side at the other time points. Pain reduction by pre-emptive local anesthesia was not correlated with any demographic or clinical variable. Chest wall paresthesia distinct from localized wound pain was noted by six patients (19.4%), but was not reduced by pre-emptive local anesthesia. Overall, the post-operative discomforts felt by the patients after needlescopic VATS were mild, and did not cause significant functional disturbances. CONCLUSION: Pre-emptive wound infiltration with a local anesthetic may reduce post-operative wound pain in needlescopic VATS procedures.     

Remifentanil compared with morphine for postoperative patient-controlled analgesia after major abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This randomized, double-blinded clinical study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of remifentanil and morphine administered using intravenous (i.v.) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for postoperative analgesia after major abdominal surgery during the first 24 postoperative hours. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were randomly allocated into two groups, each receiving remifentanil or morphine. The first group received i.v. remifentanil PCA with a loading dose of 45 microg, a maintenance dose of 1 microg min(-1), a bolus dose of 15 microg and a lockout interval of 10 min during the first 24 postoperative hours. The second group received i.v. morphine PCA with a loading dose of 5 mg, a maintenance dose of 0.3 mg h(-1), a bolus dose of 1 mg and a lockout interval of 15 min. Age, weight, sex, history of general anaesthesia, duration of surgery and time spent in the post-anaesthesia care unit were recorded. Preoperative pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP), respiration rate and arterial blood gases were collected. Pulmonary function was tested before induction of anaesthesia, as well as at 4 and 26 h after operation. Pulse rate, systolic and diastolic BP, respiration rate, arterial blood gases, sedation and visual analogue scores, and presence of side-effects in the recovery room and on the ward for 24 h were recorded at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h after operation. Total drug use, number of boluses delivered, number of boluses demanded and delivery/demand ratio were collected. RESULTS: Sixty patients were evaluated. The groups did not differ in age, weight, sex, history of general anaesthesia, duration of surgery or time spent in the recovery unit. There were also no clinically relevant differences between the groups with regard to haemodynamic and respiratory parameters as well as sedation and visual analogue scores (P > 0.05). More bolus doses were demanded and delivered and the delivery/demand ratio was significantly higher in the remifentanil group (P < 0.05). There was no finding suggesting acute opioid tolerance during remifentanil or morphine PCA. CONCLUSION: The i.v. remifentanil PCA with the chosen dosage regimen after abdominal surgery produces postoperative analgesia and has cardiovascular side-effects similar to those achieved with i.v. morphine. Special attention must be given to respiratory depression during establishment of PCA with remifentanil.     

Thoracic epidural versus intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial on length of hospital stay and patient-perceived quality of recovery

BACKGROUND: Perioperative thoracic epidural analgesia reduces stress response and pain scores and may improve outcome after cardiac surgery. This prospective, randomized trial was designed to compare the effectiveness of patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia with patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine on postoperative hospital length of stay and patients' perception of their quality of recovery after cardiac surgery. METHODS: One hundred thirteen patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to receive either combined thoracic epidural analgesia and general anesthesia followed by patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia or general anesthesia followed by to patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine. Postoperative length of stay, time to eligibility for hospital discharge, pain and sedation scores, degree of ambulation, lung volumes, and organ morbidities were evaluated. A validated quality of recovery score was used to measure postoperative health status. RESULTS: Length of stay and time to eligibility for hospital discharge were similar between the groups. Study groups differed neither in postoperative global quality of recovery score nor in five dimensions of quality of recovery score. Time to extubation was shorter (P < 0.001) and consumption of anesthetics was lower in the patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia group. Pain relief, degree of sedation, ambulation, and lung volumes were similar between the study groups. There was a trend for lower incidences of pneumonia (P = 0.085) and confusion (P = 0.10) in the patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia group, whereas cardiac, renal, and neurologic outcomes were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In elective cardiac surgery, thoracic epidural analgesia combined with general anesthesia followed by patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia offers no major advantage with respect to hospital length of stay, quality of recovery, or morbidity when compared with general anesthesia alone followed by to patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine.     

超声引导下持续肋间神经阻滞对双孔胸腔镜手术患者术后早期恢复的影响

目的 探讨超声引导下持续肋间神经阻滞对双孔胸腔镜手术患者术后早期恢复的影响。
方法 选择择期在全麻下行双孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术患者60例,男33例,女27例,年龄18～64岁,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级。采用随机数字表法将患者随机分为两组：持续肋间神经阻滞组（CB组）和单次肋间神经阻滞联合口服镇痛组（SB组）,每组30例。CB组由麻醉科医师于关胸后在胸腔引流管切口处实施超声引导下肋间神经置管,术后接受PCA持续阻滞（0.2%罗哌卡因、舒芬太尼0.5 μg/ml加生理盐水稀释至200 ml,背景剂量4 ml/h,PCA剂量4 ml,锁定时间15 min）;SB组于关胸前由外科医师在胸腔镜直视下在切口及其相邻上下两个肋间实施单次肋间神经阻滞（0.5%罗哌卡因,每肋间3 ml）,术后口服氨酚曲马多片。记录入PACU后30 min、术后6、12、24、48 h静息和活动时NRS评分。记录术后48 h内补救镇痛例数。记录胸闷、低氧血症、气胸、切口感染、局麻药毒性反应、恶心呕吐、皮肤瘙痒等术后不良反应的发生情况。记录术后住院时间。
结果 与SB组比较,CB组入PACU后30 min、术后6、12、48 h静息和活动时NRS评分明显降低（P<0.05）。与SB组比较,CB组术后补救镇痛率明显降低（P＜0.05）。两组术后胸闷、低氧血症、气胸、皮肤瘙痒差异无统计学意义。两组无一例切口感染和局麻药毒性反应。两组术后住院时间差异无统计学意义。
结论 超声引导下肋间神经持续阻滞可为双孔胸腔镜手术患者提供满意的术后镇痛,较单次阻滞效果确切,不良反应更少。     

Intraoperative systemic infusion of lidocaine reduces postoperative pain after lumbar surgery: a double-blinded,randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background contextAnalgesic effect of lidocaine infusion on postoperative pain.PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of lidocaine infusion on postoperative pain after lumbar microdiscectomy.Study designThis study used a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.Patient sampleFifty-one patients participated in this randomized, double-blinded study.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) (0–100 mm) pain score at 4 hours after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the VAS pain score at 2, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery, the frequency with which patients pushed the button (FPB) of the patient-controlled analgesia system, and the fentanyl consumption at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Other outcomes were satisfaction scores regarding pain control and the overall recovery process, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and length of hospital stay (HS).MethodsPreoperatively and throughout the surgery, Group L received intravenous lidocaine infusion (a 1.5-mg/kg bolus followed by a 2-mg/kg/h infusion until the end of the surgical procedure) and Group C received normal saline infusion as a placebo.ResultsThe VAS scores and fentanyl consumption were significantly lower in Group L compared with Group C except at 48 h after surgery (p<.05). Total fentanyl consumption, total FPB, length of HS, and satisfaction scores were also significantly lower in Group L compared with Group C (p<.05).ConclusionsIntraoperative systemic infusion of lidocaine decreases pain perception during microdiscectomy, thus reducing the consumption of opioid and the severity of postoperative pain. This effect contributes to reduce the length of HS.     

Dose-ranging effect of systemic diphenhydramine on postoperative quality of recovery after ambulatory laparoscopic surgery: a randomized,placebo-controlled,double-blinded,clinical trial

Study objectiveDiphenhydramine is an antihistamine with previously demonstrated analgesic and antiemetic properties. However, it is unknown if the beneficial perioperative properties of diphenhydramine can translate to a better quality of postsurgical recovery. The main objective of the current investigation was to investigate dose-ranging effects of diphenhydramine on quality of recovery after surgery.SettingTertiary hospital in the United States.DesignA prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.InterventionSaline, diphenhydramine 25 >mg, or diphenhydramine 50 mg given intravenously before induction.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was global Quality of Recovery–40 at 24 hours. Postoperative pain, nausea, opioid consumption, and discharge time were also evaluated.Main resultsNinety subjects were randomized, and 75 completed the study. The median (interquartile range) Quality of Recovery–40 scores were not different among study groups: 164 (151-189), 169 (159-181), and 172 (157-185) for the saline, 25-mg diphenhydramine, and 50-mg diphenhydramine groups, respectively (P = .74). Postoperative nausea was decreased in the 50-mg group, 3 of 24 (12.5%), compared with the saline group, 12 of 27 (44%), P = .01. There was an inverse linear association between postoperative opioid consumption and quality of recovery (R² = 0.37, P < .001).ConclusionsDiphenhydramine does not provide dose-ranging improvements on postoperative quality of recovery after ambulatory laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Our results support a recent concept that not all postoperative nausea and vomiting symptoms are clinically important. Future studies evaluating postoperative nausea and vomiting should include patient-centered outcomes to validate the clinical importance of the examined interventions.     

Epidural fentanyl for postoperative analgesia after lumbar canal decompression: a randomized controlled trial

Background contextPostoperative back pain is common after decompression surgery for lumbar stenosis and often delays discharge from hospital. Achieving regional analgesia by intraoperative delivery of epidural opiates after lumbar canal decompression is a promising approach to reduce postoperative pain and enhance early mobilization. However, there have been concerns about opiate-related complications, such as respiratory depression and urinary retention in what is generally an elderly population of patients.PurposeTo assess the analgesic efficacy of bolus epidural fentanyl administered intraoperatively after lumbar decompression for degenerative canal stenosis.Study design/settingPatient-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at two university neurosurgical centers.Patient sampleAdults (older than 18 years) with neurogenic claudication and/or lower limb radiculopathy and concordant lumbar spinal canal stenosis demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with previous lumbar spinal surgery, a contraindication to fentanyl, or requiring instrumentation were excluded.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was patient-reported Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for pain recorded preoperatively, in recovery, and on the first and second postoperative days if the patient remained in the hospital. Secondary outcomes were duration of surgery, length of stay, and any side effects or complications.MethodsPatients underwent a one to three level lumbar canal decompression as required, via a midline incision, under general anesthesia. Before wound closure either no drug (control) or a 100-μg bolus of fentanyl was administered via an epidural catheter inserted 10 cm rostral to the operated level. Patients were blinded to group allocation, and analysis was by intention to treat. The trial was approved by the National Health Service Research Ethics Service and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. No commercial or other source of funding was received.ResultsSixty patients were randomized, 29 to fentanyl and 31 to control. Demographics, duration of surgery, and preoperative VAS were not significantly different between the groups. VAS in recovery was significantly lower in patients treated with fentanyl (mean [standard deviation]: 2.6 [2.7] vs. 4.7 [2.4]; p=.003). Later VAS and postoperative length of stay were similar between groups. More patients in the fentanyl group required temporary urinary catheterization, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of side effects.ConclusionsBolus epidural fentanyl provides effective short-term postoperative analgesia after lumbar canal decompression and may be a useful adjunct to pain management in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.     

Enhanced recovery after elective craniotomy: A randomized controlled trial

Study objectivesEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been proven to improve outcomes but have not been widely used in neurosurgery. The purpose of this study was to design a multidisciplinary enhanced recovery after elective craniotomy protocol and to evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety after implementation.DesignA prospective randomized controlled trial.SettingThe setting is at an operating room, a post-anesthesia care unit, and a hospital ward.PatientsThis randomized controlled trial (RCT) prospectively analyzed 151 patients who underwent elective craniotomy between January 2019 and June 2020.InterventionsThe neurosurgical ERAS group was cared for with evidence-based systematic optimization approaches, while the control group received routine care.MeasurementsThe primary outcomes were the postoperative length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization costs. The secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission rates, postoperative complications, postoperative pain scores, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of the drainage tube, time to oral intake, time to ambulation, and postoperative functional recovery status.Main resultsAfter ERAS protocol implementation, the median postoperative LOS (4 days to 3 days, difference [95% confidence interval, CI], 2 [[1], [2]], P < 0.0001) and hospitalization costs (6266 USD to 5880 USD, difference [95% CI], 427.0 [234.8 to 633.6], P < 0.0001) decreased. Compared to routine perioperative care, the ERAS protocol reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (28.0% to 9.2%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.7, P = 0.003), shortened urinary catheter removal time by 24 h (64.0% to 83.0%, adjusted OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.5, P = 0.031), improved ambulation on postoperative day 1 (POD 1) (30.7% to 75.0%, adjusted OR 7.5, 95% CI 3.6–15.8, P < 0.0001), shortened the time to oral intake (15 h to 13 h, difference [95% CI], 3 [[1], [2], [3], [4]], P < 0.001), and improved perioperative pain management.ConclusionsImplementation of an enhanced recovery after elective craniotomy protocol had significant benefits over conventional perioperative management. It was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative length of stay, medical cost, and postoperative complications.     

Remote transmission monitoring for postoperative perineural analgesia after major orthopedic surgery: A multicenter,randomized, parallel-group,controlled trial

Study objectiveAfter surgery, patients reported the delay in receiving help as the primary factor for poorly controlled pain. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of patient management through two communication modalities: remote transmission (RT) versus bedside control (BC). We hypothesized that using remote technology for pump programming may provide the best postoperative infusion regimen for the patient's self-assessment of pain and adverse events.DesignA multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial.SettingAnesthesiology department and orthopedic surgery ward at three university hospitals.PatientsEighty patients undergoing orthopedic surgery with postoperative perineural patient-controlled analgesia were included.InterventionsTwo groups (n = 40 for each group) were formed by randomization. In the postoperative period, perineural analgesia was followed up via an RT system or BC for 72 h.MeasurementsA nurse assessed daily pain, sensory and motor blocks and adverse events. Patients completed a questionnaire three times a day and alerted for any problem according to the group (RT system or nurses' follow-up). On the third postoperative day, the nurse removed the catheter, completed the final assessment, and collected the historical data from the pump. A physician's shorter response time to change the patient control analgesia (PCA) program was the primary endpoint.ResultsOf the 80 patients, 71 were analyzed (34 were randomized to the RT group and 37 to the BC group). Fifty-eight pump setting changes were noted. Analysis of repeated evaluations shows that mean time (SD) to change the PCA pump settings was significantly lower in the RT group (20 min (22.3 min)) than in the BC group (55.9 min (71.1 min)); mean difference [95% CI], −35.9 min [−74.3 to 2.4]); β estimation [95% CI], −34 [−63 to −6], p = 0.011). Pain relief, sensory and motor blocks did not differ between the groups: β estimation [95% CI], 0.1 [−0.4 to 0.6], p = 0.753; 0.5 [−0.4 to 1.4], p = 0.255; 0.9 [−0.04 to 1.8], p = 0.687, respectively. β = −34 [−63 to −6], p = 0.011). The consumption of ropivacaine, nurse workload and the cost of the analgesia regimen decreased in the RT group. No differences were noted in satisfaction scores or complication rates.ConclusionsThe response time for the physician to change the PCA program when necessary was shorter for patients using RT and alerts to the physician were more frequent compared with spot checks by nurses. RT helps to decrease nurses' workload, ropivacaine consumption, and costs but did not affect postoperative pain relief, complication rate, or patient-reported satisfaction score.IRB contact informationComité de Protection des Personnes, Sud Méditerranée III, Montpellier-Nîmes, France, registration number EudraCT A01698-35.Clinical trial numberClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT02018068ProtocolThe full trial protocol can be accessed at Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical Research and Statistics Unit, Lapeyronie University Hospital, Avenue Doten G Giraud, Montpellier, France. s-bringuierbranchereau@chu-montpellier.fr     

Effects of methylprednisolone on early postoperative pain and recovery in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Study objectiveEvidence from previous studies indicates that glucocorticoids offer effective postoperative analgesia and improve the quality of recovery (QoR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative methylprednisolone on early postoperative pain and QoR following thoracoscopic lung surgery.DesignA prospective, single-center, three-arm, double-blinded, randomized trial.SettingTertiary university hospital.PatientsAdult patients aged ≥18 years undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery were eligible for participation.InterventionsPatients enrolled in this study were randomized to receive preoperative methylprednisolone (40 mg or 120 mg) or identical volumes of 0.9% saline.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the proportion of moderate-to-severe pain (numerical rating scale [NRS] ≥ 4 when coughing during pulmonary rehabilitation exercises) on the first day postoperatively. The postoperative pain scores, QoR-15 scores and other secondary outcomes were also recorded.Main resultsOf the 180 enrolled patients, 173 patients were included in the primary analysis. The results showed that the proportion of moderate-to-severe pain was not significantly different between the combined methylprednisolone group and the placebo group (51.7% vs. 64.9%; absolute difference, 13.2%; 95% CI, −2.1% to 29.3%; P = 0.10). Patients who received methylprednisolone treatment had lower pain scores at rest and coughing on the first day after surgery than those who received placebo treatment, with mean differences of 0.5 and 0.7, respectively (P < 0.01). QoR-15 scores were higher in patients treated with methylprednisolone at day 1 (mean difference, 6.9; P < 0.001) and day 2 (mean difference, 7.2; P < 0.001) than in patients who received placebo treatment. No side-effects associated with methylprednisolone treatment were observed.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that preoperative methylprednisolone (either high or low dose) has limited impact on early postoperative pain and recovery in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery, with no clinically relevant benefits detected when compared with placebo.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trail Register (identifier: ChiCTR1900021020).     

Inter-semispinal plane (ISP) block for postoperative analgesia following cervical spine surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial

Study objectiveWe evaluated the perioperative analgesic effects of the inter-semispinal plane (ISP) block in patients undergoing posterior cervical spine surgery.DesignProspective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial.SettingOperating room and surgical ward.Patients60 patients aged 18–60 years of either gender, ASA I-II, undergoing elective posterior cervical spine surgery.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned into a control group (general anesthesia only), ISP group received bilateral ultrasound guided ISP block at the level of C5 using 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% on each side.MeasurementsVisual analog scale (VAS), intraoperative fentanyl and 24 h postoperative pethidine consumptions and time to first rescue analgesic request were documented.Main resultsThe median (quartiles) of 24 h postoperative rescue pethidine consumption was significantly lower in the ISP group [0 (0–46.25) mg] compared to that of the control group [143 (116.75–169.00) mg]; P < 0.001). VAS was significantly lower in the ISP group at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h,4 h, 6 h, 8 h and 12 h postoperative compared to control group (P < 0.05). At 18 and 24 h, VAS was not significantly different between groups. The median (quartiles) of intraoperative fentanyl consumption in the ISP group [0 (0–40.75) μg] was significantly lower compared to that of the control group [63.5 (39.5–90.25) μg]; P < 0.001]. The time to first rescue analgesic administration was significantly longer in the ISP group compared to the control group (P < 0.001).ConclusionBilateral ultrasound-guided ISP block can provide decreased 24 h postoperative analgesic consumption as well as lower pain scores in the first 12 postoperative hours in patients undergoing posterior cervical spine surgery.     

超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞和菱形肌-肋间肌阻滞对胸腔镜术后恢复质量的影响

目的 观察超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞(TPVB)和菱形肌-肋间肌阻滞(RIB)对胸腔镜手术患者术后早期疼痛及术后康复质量的影响。
方法 选择全麻下行胸腔镜肺癌根治术患者78例,男51例,女27例,年龄50～70岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。随机分为两组:超声引导下TPVB组(A组)和超声引导下RIB组(B组),每组39例。全麻诱导前,A组、B组分别采用0.33%罗哌卡因25 ml行超声引导下TPVB和RIB。记录阻滞操作时间和阻滞持续时间。记录术后2、6、24静息和活动时VAS疼痛评分。记录术后24 h内舒芬太尼用量和补救镇痛例数。记录开始进食时间、开始下地时间和术后住院时间。记录PACU低氧血症、气胸、穿刺部位出血或血肿、局麻药中毒、术后谵妄、术后肺不张、恶心呕吐等并发症的发生情况。
结果 B组阻滞操作时间明显短于A组(P<0.05)。两组阻滞持续时间、不同时点静息和活动时VAS疼痛评分、术后24 h内舒芬太尼用量、补救镇痛率、开始进食时间、开始下地时间、术后住院时间差异无统计学意义。两组并发症发生率差异无统计学意义。
结论 在胸腔镜肺癌根治术中,行超声引导下菱形肌-肋间肌阻滞的患者术后恢复质量不差于行胸椎旁神经阻滞的患者。