Patellar Denervation Reduces Postoperative Anterior Knee Pain After Patellar Resurfacing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe benefit of patellar denervation (PD) in patellar resurfacing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still debatable. This prospective, randomized controlled trial investigated whether circumferential PD should be performed in patellar resurfacing TKA.MethodsA total of 241 patients who underwent unilateral TKA were randomized into PD or non-PD groups. Incidence, intensity, and presentation time of anterior knee pain (AKP) and clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively.ResultsThe incidence of AKP was significantly lower in the PD group (6.4% vs 16.2%, P = .032). The intensity of AKP and patient satisfaction scores were significantly better in the PD group at 3 months but not after 3 months. The presentation time of AKP mostly occurs at 3 months after surgery. The Knee Society score, range of motion, Oxford score, patellar score, activity of daily living score, and visual analog scale of overall knee pain were not significantly different between the two groups during the follow-up period.ConclusionGiven that PD can improve AKP and patient satisfaction at an early period postoperatively without jeopardizing clinical outcomes at no additional cost, this inexpensive procedure readily available in nearly every operation room is strongly recommended during primary TKA with patellar resurfacing.     

Intra-Articular Bupivacaine Reduces Postoperative Pain and Meperidine Use After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized,Double-Blind Study

One hundred patients receiving unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomized to receive an intra-articular injection of 300 mg bupivacaine or normal saline after completion of surgery. Pain scores of the bupivacaine group were significantly lower than those of the control group the first 12 hours postoperatively (all, P < 0.001). A significantly lower dose of meperidine was used in the study group than in the control group the first 24 hours postoperatively (median, 25 vs. 45 mg, P < 0.001). Nineteen patients in the study group required meperidine the first day after surgery, as compared to 45 patients in the control group. We conclude that intra-articular injection of bupivacaine after THA reduces pain and meperidine use in the first 12 hours after surgery.     

Preperitoneal Bupivacaine Infiltration Reduces Postoperative Opioid Consumption,Acute Pain,and Chronic Postsurgical Pain After Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction

A multimodal pain treatment including local anesthetics is advised for perioperative analgesia in bariatric surgery. Due to obesity, bariatric surgery patients are at risk of respiratory complications. Opioid consumption is an important risk factor for hypoventilation. Furthermore, acute postoperative pain is an important risk factor for chronic postsurgical pain. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether preperitoneal anesthesia with bupivacaine would reduce pain and opioid consumption after bariatric surgery.

Methods

One hundred adults undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery were randomized to receive either preperitoneal bupivacaine 0.5% or normal saline before incision. Postoperative opioid consumption, postoperative pain, and postoperative recovery parameters were assessed for the first 24 h after surgery. One year after surgery, chronic postsurgical pain and influence of pain on daily living were evaluated.

Results

Postoperative opioid consumption during the first hour after surgery was 2.8?±?3.0 mg in the bupivacaine group, whereas in the control group, it was 4.4?±?3.4 mg (p =?0.01). Pain scores were significantly reduced in this first hour at rest and at 6 h during mobilization on the ward. One year after surgery, the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain was 13% in the bupivacaine group versus 40% in the placebo group.

Conclusion

This study shows that preperitoneal local anesthesia with bupivacaine results in a reduction in opioid consumption and postoperative pain and seems to lower the incidence rate of chronic postsurgical pain after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

     

曲马多超前镇痛对妇科腹腔镜手术术后疼痛影响的前瞻性随机对照研究

目的观察曲马多超前镇痛在妇科腹腔镜手术中的有效性及安全性。方法 2010年1月~6月,选择60例ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级全麻下行妇科腹腔镜手术病例,采用随机数字表法分为2组,每组30例。手术切皮前5 min实验组静注曲马多1.5 mg/kg,对照组静注生理盐水2 ml。观察术后苏醒时间,随访24 h VAS疼痛评分及Ram say镇静评分,镇痛药使用情况及不良反应发生情况等。结果 2组麻醉苏醒时间差异无显著性（P〉0.05）。与对照组相比,实验组术后12 h内VAS评分显著降低[术后1 h 1.50±1.76 vs.4.03±2.50,t=4.544,P=0.000;术后2 h 1.77±1.87 vs.4.47±2.67,t=4.532,P=0.000;术后4 h 1.63±1.40 vs.3.20±2.00,t=3.506,P=0.001;术后8 h 1.83±1.76 vs.2.80±1.85,t=2.074,P=0.043;术后12 h1.50±1.25 vs.2.30±1.66,t=2.104,P=0.040],术后镇痛药的应用明显减少（1例vs.7例,2χ=5.192,P=0.023）,副反应中仅头晕的发生例数较多（6例vs.1例,2χ=4.043,P=0.044）。2组Ram say镇静评分均为1~2分。结论妇科腹腔镜全麻术前静注曲马多1.5 mg/kg可有效缓解术后疼痛,减少辅助镇痛药用量,副作用较少,是临床上较好的镇痛方法。     

Micronized Flavonoids in Pain Control After Hemorrhoidectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled study to evaluate the effect of micronized flavonoid fractions (MFF) on pain after hemorrhoidectomy. Methods. The subjects were 112 consecutive patients randomly assigned either to receive MFF (group 1) for 1 week or not to receive MFF, as a control (group 2), after hemorrhoidectomy, The severity of pain and the number of intramuscular analgesic injections required were recorded for the first 3 days, then 1 week after hemorrhoidectomy. The number of days that intramuscular analgesic injections were required, hospital stay, and patient satisfaction were also assessed. Results. On postoperative day (POD) 1, there were no significant differences between the parameters of the two groups, but on PODs 2 and 3, both the pain score (P = 0.033 and P = 0.011, respectively) and the number of patients who required intramuscular analgesic injections were significantly less in group 1 (P = 0.022 and P = 0.007, respectively). Moreover, the hospital stay was shorter and patient satisfaction was superior in group 1 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). After 1 week, the pain score and number of intramuscular analgesic injections given were significantly less in group 1 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.021). Conclusion. Using MFF after hemorrhoidectomy reduced the severity of pain and intramuscular analgesic requirement.     

Intravenous Dexamethasone Injection Reduces Pain From 12 to 21 Hours After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind,Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BackgroundPain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) affects postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction. The analgesic benefits of corticosteroids have not been well studied. We, therefore, investigated the analgesic effects of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone (DEX) in patients undergoing a TKA.MethodsThis was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 0.15 mg/kg of IV DEX vs saline placebo in unilateral TKA. Fifty patients/arm were recruited. Primary outcomes were pain level, determined by a visual analog scale, and the amount of morphine consumption (mg) ≤48 hours post-TKA. Secondary outcomes were rates of nausea and vomiting, C-reactive protein concentrations, and functional outcomes.ResultsThe DEX group had a significantly lower mean visual analog scale score both at rest and during motion at 12, 15, 18, and 21 hours (P < .05). At 21 hours, the mean difference (Δ) in pain at rest was −11 points (95% confidence interval [CI], −21 to −2 points; P = .02) while the mean difference in pain during motion was −15 points (95% CI, −25 to −5 points; P = .004). The DEX group also had lower rates of nausea and vomiting: 29/50 (58%) vs 42/50 (84%) (P = .008) and lower mean C-reactive protein level: 89 vs 167, Δ = −78 mg/L (95% CI, −100 to −58 mg/L, P < .0001). There were no significant differences in mean morphine consumption by 48 hours, modified Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index scores, and range of motion of the knee at 3-month follow-up (P > .05).ConclusionIV DEX relieves postoperative pain between 12 to 21 hours after TKA and may be a useful adjunct for controlling pain in patients undergoing TKA.     

Intraoperative Nefopam Reduces Acute Postoperative Pain after Laparoscopic Gastrectomy: a Prospective,Randomized Study

Background

We assessed whether intraoperative nefopam would reduce opioid consumption and relieve postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Methods

The 60 enrolled patients were randomly assigned to the control (n?=?32) or nefopam (n?=?28) group. All patients were blinded to their group assignment. We administered 100 ml of normal saline only (control group) or 20 mg of nefopam mixed in 100 ml normal saline (nefopam group) after anesthesia induction and at the end of surgery. The cumulative amount of fentanyl via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), incidence of rescue analgesic medication, and numerical rating scale (NRS) for postoperative pain were evaluated along with the total remifentanil consumption.

Results

The mean infusion rate of remifentanil was significantly lower in the nefopam group (0.08?±?0.05 μg/kg/min) than in the control group (0.13?±?0.06 μg/kg/min) (P?<?0.001). Patients in the nefopam group required less fentanyl via intravenous PCA than those in the control group during the first 6 h after surgery (323.8?±?119.3 μg vs. 421.2?±?151.6 μg, P?=?0.009). Additionally, fewer patients in the nefopam group than in the control group received a rescue analgesic during the initial 6 h postoperatively (78.6 vs. 96.9%, P?=?0.028). The NRS measured while patients were in the post-anesthetic care unit was significantly lower in the nefopam group than in the control group (3.8?±?1.1 vs. 4.8?±?1.4, P?=?0.012). The subsequent NRS obtained after patients had been transferred to the general ward was comparable between the two groups during the following postoperative period.

Conclusions

Intraoperative nefopam decreased postoperative pain and opioid consumption in the acute postoperative period after laparoscopic gastrectomy. Hence, nefopam may be considered as a component of multimodal analgesia after laparoscopic gastrectomy.

     

Effect of Single-Dose Preemptive Systemic Dexamethasone on Postoperative Dysphagia and Odynophagia Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Double-Blinded,Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe efficacy of preoperative dexamethasone in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to reduce dysphagia and odynophagia remains controversial. This study evaluated the effect of a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone given as preemptive analgesia in the ACDF procedure.MethodsA total of 64 patients aged 18 years or over were randomized into two groups. The experimental group received dexamethasone 10 mg intravenously before surgery for 60 minutes, and the control group received normal saline. One surgeon operated on all patients. The Bazaz score and visual analog scale (VAS) for odynophagia were measured at 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 2 weeks postoperatively. Prevertebral soft-tissue swelling (PSTS) and the modified Japanese orthopedic association (mJOA) score were measured preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively.ResultsThe Bazaz scores at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after operation were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group than in the placebo group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.004, respectively). The VAS scores of the dexamethasone group were significantly lower than those of the placebo group at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery (all p < 0.001), but there was no significant reduction in the Bazaz score and VAS score at 2 weeks postoperatively. There was no difference in PSTS and mJOA preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively.ConclusionsA single dose of intravenous dexamethasone used preoperatively in single-level and multilevel ACDF can significantly improve symptoms of dysphagia and odynophagia early on postoperatively.     

Combination of Dexamethasone and Tropisetron Before Thyroidectomy to Alleviate Postoperative Nausea,Vomiting, and Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background  

Nausea, vomiting, and pain frequently occur after thyoidectomy. Little evidence exists regarding the effects of administrating a combination of dexamethasone and tropisetron to patients undergoing thyroidectomy. We aimed to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone and tropisetron on thyroidectomy outcomes.     

Repeat Doses of Dexamethasone up to 48 Hours Further Reduce Pain and Inflammation After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe optimal dose regimen of dexamethasone in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is unclear. This study was conducted to compare the effects among 1-dose, 2-dose, and 3-dose dexamethasone in THA.MethodsOne hundred fifty patients were randomized to receive a single preoperative dose of 10-mg dexamethasone (group A, 50 patients), or another dose of 10-mg dexamethasone 24 hours later (group B, 50 patients), or another 2 doses of 10-mg dexamethasone 24 and 48 hours later (group C, 50 patients). The primary outcome was postoperative pain level. The use of analgesic and antiemetic rescue; incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting; C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels; range of motion; and complications were also compared.ResultsThe dynamic pain scores were lower for groups B and C compared to group A on postoperative days 2 and 3. Such difference was also detected between groups B and C on postoperative day 3. C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were lower in groups B and C than in group A at 48 and 72 hours postoperatively. Such difference was also observed between groups B and C at 72 hours postoperatively. Patients in groups B and C had reduced rescue analgesic use, and improved range of motion compared to patients in group A. There were no differences among 3 groups regarding the rescue antiemetic use, postoperative nausea and vomiting occurrence, and complications.ConclusionAdditional administrations of dexamethasone after THA could provide sustained pain relief and inflammatory control. Besides, the 3-dose regimen was more effective than the 2-dose regimen in terms of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.Level of EvidenceI     

Preemptive Analgesia by Intravenous Low-dose Ketamine and Epidural Morphine in Gastrectomy: A Randomized Double-blind Study

Background: Morphine and ketamine may prevent central sensitization during surgery and result in preemptive analgesia. The reliability of preemptive analgesia, however, is controversial.

Methods: Gastrectomy patients were given preemptive analgesia consisting of epidural morphine, intravenous low-dose ketamine, and combinations of these in a randomized, double-blind manner. Postsurgical pain intensity was rated by a visual analog scale, a categoric pain evaluation, and cumulative morphine consumption.

Results: Preemptive analgesia by epidural morphine and by intravenous low-dose ketamine were significantly effective but not definitive. With epidural morphine, a significant reduction in visual analog scale scores at rest was observed at 24 and 48 h, and morphine consumption was significantly lower at 6 and 12 h, compared with control values. With intravenous ketamine, visual analog scale scores at rest and morphine consumption were significantly lower at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h than those in control subjects. The combination of epidural morphine and intravenous ketamine provided definitive preemptive analgesia: Visual analog scale scores at rest and morphine consumption were significantly the lowest at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, and the visual analog scale score during movement and the categoric pain score also were significantly the lowest among the groups.     

Effect of Different Tourniquet Pressure on Postoperative Pain and Complications After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective,Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundTourniquet pressure inflation is commonly selected between 100 and 150 mm Hg above the systolic blood pressure (SBP). Given the lack of evidence to support a given inflation pressure, our study aimed to ascertain the lowest tourniquet pressure that facilitated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and resulted in the least postoperative pain and complications.MethodsIn a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of patients scheduled for unilateral primary TKA, 150 were assigned to use tourniquet pressures of SBP + 75 mm Hg (group I), SBP + 100 mm Hg (group II), and SBP + 150 mm Hg (group III). The quality of the bloodless field, total blood loss, and limb swelling were determined perioperatively. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analog scale for pain at thigh and surgical site, serum creatinine phosphokinase levels, wound complications, range of motion, and Knee Society Score.ResultsVisual analog scale for pain at thigh and surgical site were lowest in group I (P < .01) and highest in group III (P < .01). However, the quality of bloodless field at the tibial cutting surface was significantly better in group III compared to group I/II but not at the femoral cutting surface. The total blood loss and limb swelling showed no difference among 3 groups. Postoperative serum creatinine phosphokinase levels at 24 and 48 hours and wound complications in group III were significantly higher than group I (P < .01) and group II (P < .01). Nevertheless, postoperative knee range of motion and Knee Society Score were not significantly different among 3 groups.ConclusionPost TKA, the lowest tourniquet pressure was associated with significantly less postoperative tourniquet and surgical site pain, muscle damage, and wound complications.