Influence of combined neural blockade, H1- and H2-receptor and serotonin2-receptor blockade, indomethacin and tranexamic acid on leucocyte, temperature and acute-phase protein response to surgery

Body temperature, P-cortisol, P-glucose, P-transferrin, P-orosomucoid, P-IgM, hematocrit and total and differential leucocyte counts were investigated in 16 men undergoing inguinal herniotomy. The patients were randomized to epidural analgesia (n = 8) or epidural analgesia + assumed blockade of prostaglandin synthesis, blockade of receptors for histamine1, histamine2 and serotonin2, and inhibition of fibrinolysis with indomethacin, astemizole, ranitidine, ketanserin and tranexamic acid, respectively (n = 8). The rectal temperature and blood granulocyte counts rose significantly and similarly after surgery in both groups. Acute-phase protein (transferrin and orosomucoid) changes were also similar in both groups, as were P-cortisol and P-glucose, which did not increase in response to the neural blockade. Other factors than neural stimuli, prostaglandins, histamine, serotonin and activation of fibrinolysis are concluded to be effective in releasing postoperative leucocytosis, rise in body temperature and changes in acute-phase proteins.     

两种镇痛方式对胃癌术后患者免疫功能的影响

目的 比较持续硬膜外与持续静脉镇痛对胃癌患者术后镇痛效果及免疫功能的影响。方法 20例择期行胃癌手术的患者，随机分为硬膜外镇痛组(E组)及静脉镇痛组(Ⅰ组)，每组10例，分别于麻醉诱导后、术毕1h、术后第1、3日晨抽血测定白细胞介素6(IL—6)、T细胞亚群CD4^ 和CD8^ ，计算CD4^ ／CD8^ 比值，并观察两组术后镇痛及镇静情况。结果 两种镇痛方法镇痛效果无明显差异，Ⅰ组的镇静程度较E组深，两组术后IL-6均上升，T细胞亚群、CD4^ ／CD8^ 均明显下降，但E组恢复较Ⅰ组早。结论 两种镇痛方式均能获得良好的镇痛效果，与静脉镇痛相比，硬膜外镇痛在一定程度上减轻了免疫抑制，利于患者免疫功能的早期恢复。     

持续硬膜外镇痛对重度子痫前期患者剖宫产术后血儿茶酚胺水平的影响

目的 观察持续硬膜外镇痛对重度子痫前期患者剖宫产术后血儿茶酚胺（CA）水平的影响.方法 40例重度子痫前期剖宫产终止妊娠患者,随机分为观察组（A组,22例）和对照组（B组,18例）.B组术后不作镇痛处理;A组持续术后患者自控硬膜外镇痛（PCEA）,泵内药物为0.75%左旋布比卡因30 ml加芬太尼0.4 mg加昂丹司琼8 mg加生理盐水至200 ml.两组患者在术前、术后24、48、96 h分别采集静脉血.采用竞争性酶免试验法分析血CA浓度.记录术后96 h内产科用药情况.结果 A组术后48 h肾上腺素（E）、三个时段的去甲肾上腺素（NE）、96 h多巴胺（DA）均低于B组（P＜0.05或P＜0.01）.术后96 h内产科用药A组明显减少.结论 重度子痫前期剖宫产患者使用PCEA能有效地降低术后疼痛应激反应.     

Epidural analgesia with 4 mg of morphine after caesarean section: modulating effect of epidural block compared to general anaesthesia

Forty patients had epidural catheters placed for analgesia in active labour. For caesarean section patients in the epidural (EA) group (n = 20) had epidural anaesthesia with 0.5% bupivacaine supplemented if necessary with 2% lidocaine with adrenaline. Patients in the general anaesthesia (GA) group (n = 20) had standardized general anaesthesia for surgery. In both groups 4 mg of morphine in 8 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was given epidurally after delivery of the baby. During the first 3 h of the postoperative period, as long as the epidural block was effective, patients in the EA group experienced significantly less pain. At 6, 12 and 24 h pain estimations were equal in both groups. Patients in the EA group consumed significantly less pain medication during the first 24 h after surgery (P = 0.0002). Itching was less frequent in the GA group (P = 0.011). It is concluded that epidural administration of 4 mg of morphine produces more effective postoperative pain relief when emergency caesarean section is conducted under epidural than when it is conducted under general anaesthesia.     

布比卡因、罗哌卡因与芬太尼不同配伍用于连续术后硬膜外镇痛安全性探讨

目的探讨布比卡因、罗哌卡因与芬太尼不同配伍用于连续术后硬膜外镇痛的效果、并发症及安全陛。方法1600例行连续术后硬膜外镇痛的患者,按所用镇痛药物配伍不同分为：0．1％布比卡因＋5μg／ml芬太尼组（B组,n=920）和0．2％罗哌卡因＋2μg／ml芬太尼组（R组,n=680）。对两组镇痛效果（视觉模拟评分及患者对镇痛效果的满意度）、并发症和处理措施进行总结分析。结果视觉模拟评分两组无差异（P〉0．05）。患者对镇痛的满意度R组明显高于B组（P〉0．05）。并发症的发生率B组高于R组（P〉0．05）。两组内年龄≥60岁的患者低血压的发生率高于年龄〈60岁者（P〈0．05）;女性患者恶心呕吐的发生率高于男性（P〈0．05）;腰段硬膜外镇痛患者下肢乏力或麻木的发生率明显高于胸段硬膜外镇痛患者（P〈0．05）。结论布比卡因、罗哌卡因与芬太尼不同配伍均可安全有效地用于连续术后硬膜外镇痛,罗哌卡因组并发症较少,并发症的发生与镇痛药物、年龄、性别及硬膜外置管部位有关。     

Comparison of three anesthetic techniques for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: general anesthesia, combined general and high thoracic epidural anesthesia, or high thoracic epidural anesthesia alone

OBJECTIVE: This study compared general anesthesia (GA), combined GA plus thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), and TEA alone in patients scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized clinical study SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety consenting patients undergoing beating-heart coronary artery revascularization with comparable coronary status and left ventricular function. INTERVENTIONS: GA (n=30) was conducted with propofol, remifentanil, and cisatracurium or combined with TEA (GA+TEA, n=30) or TEA as the sole anesthetic with ropivacaine plus sufentanil (TEA, n=30). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Groups were comparable regarding the surgical approaches and the number of anastomoses. Four patients (GA, n=2; GA+TEA, n=2) who required unplanned cardiopulmonary bypass, and 4 patients in the TEA group who underwent unexpected intubation because of pneumothorax (n=2), phrenic nerve palsy, or incomplete analgesia were excluded from further analysis. Intraoperative heart rate decreased significantly with both GA+TEA and TEA. None of the patients with TEA alone was admitted to the intensive care unit, they all were monitored on average for 6 hours postoperatively in the intermediate care unit and allowed to eat and drink as desired on admission. Postoperative pain scores were lower in both groups with TEA. There were no differences among groups in patients overall satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Based on the authors data, all anesthetic techniques were equally safe from the clinicians standpoint. However, GA+TEA appeared to be most comprehensive, allowing for revascularization of any coronary artery, providing good hemodynamic stability and reliable postoperative pain relief. Nonetheless, the actual and potential risks of TEA during cardiac surgery should not be underestimated.     

术后硬膜外镇痛对肺癌根治术病人细胞免疫功能的影响

目的 观察术后硬膜外镇痛对肺癌根治术病人细胞免疫功能的影响.方法 择期行肺癌根治术病人30例,年龄30～64岁,随机分为2组(n=15):术后静脉镇痛组(Ⅰ组)和术后硬膜外镇痛组(E组),术后分别行病人自控静脉镇痛(PCIA)和病人自控硬膜外镇痛(PCEA)72 h.E组麻醉诱导前于T4,5间隙行硬膜外置管.Ⅰ组药物成分为:芬太尼20 μg/ml、咪达唑仑0.1 mg/ml和托烷司琼0.04mg/ml,背景输注速率2 ml/h,PEA剂量1 ml,锁定时间20min;E组硬膜外注射0.25%布比卡因5 ml后行PCEA,药物成分为:0.125%布比卡因、芬太尼2.4μg/ml和咪达唑仑0.05 mg/ml.术后记录VAS评分、Ramsay镇静评分和不良反应的发生情况.分别于麻醉诱导前、术后2 h、1 d、3 d、5 d、7 d时测定皮质醇浓度、CD3+、CD4+、CD8+、CD4+/CD8+、自然杀伤细胞(NK细胞)及细胞因子诱导杀伤细胞(CIK细胞)水平.结果 与Ⅰ组比较,E组VAS评分及恶心呕吐发生率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),Ramsay镇静评分和皮质醇浓度降低,CD3+、CD4+、NK细胞和CIK细胞水平升高(P＜0.05),CD8+、CD4+/CD8+差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 术后硬膜外镇痛可改善肺癌根治术病人细胞免疫功能,其效果优于术后静脉镇痛.     

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.     

General anesthesia versus epidural and general anesthesia in radical cystectomy

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to compare two different anesthetic techniques in radical cystectomy with regard to blood loss, transfusional requirements, intraoperative complications and the quality of analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 patients scheduled for radical cystectomy were randomized to two groups: group GA - general anesthesia, n = 25 and group CEGA - combined epidural and general anesthesia. The patients were monitored and hemodynamic changes, intraoperative bleeding, transfusional requirements, quality of analgesia and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the demographic characteristics of the two groups. Intraoperative bleeding which was 874.8 +/- 190.7 ml in the CEGA group and 1,248.3 +/- 343.4 ml in the GA group was statistically different (p < 0.05). Significantly more intraoperative blood transfusions in terms of units were required in the GA group. Analgesia was better in the CEGA group, with VAS values at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those observed in the GA group. No significant differences in intraoperative hemodynamic parameters or postoperative complications were noted between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences in intraoperative bleeding were observed between the two groups: CEGA provides lower intraoperative bleeding and a better postoperative analgesia. Major operations such as radical cystectomy, which also is associated with considerable blood loss, a combination of general and epidural anesthesia may allow for less blood loss, with a better postoperative analgesia and without any increase in complications.     

术后镇痛对老年人上腹部手术后肺功能的影响

３２例 ＡＳＡ Ⅱ～Ⅲ级择期行上腹部手术（ＵＡＳ）的老年患者随机分成两组：对照组（ｎ＝１６）和术后每６小时用 ０． １２５％丁听卡因十芬太尼０．０２５ｍｇ １０ｍｌ行硬膜外镇痛（ＰＥＡ）组（ｎ＝１６），分析两组患者术前，拔管时，术后４、８和２４小时的呼吸频率（ＲＲ）、潮气量（ＶＴ）、分钟通气量（ＭＶ）和动脉血ｐＨＰａＯ２、ＰａＣＯ２、ＮＣＯ０－３、ＢＥ－Ｂ、Ｏ２Ｓａｔ。结果表明：虽术后持续鼻导管吸氧，对照组仍出现严重的呼吸抑制和酸碱平衡紊乱，尤以术后８小时内，特别是４小时内最严重；而镇痛组则程度轻微且无明显缺氧、二氧化碳蓄积和酸碱平衡失调。可见用０．１２５％丁哌卡因十芬太尼０．０２５ｍｇ １０ｍｌ行ＰＥＡ能改善老年患者的术后肺功能。但在ＰＥＡ期间仍应继续进行呼吸监测，并常规给予吸氧至少８小时。//     

The effect of thoracic epidural analgesia on postoperative stress and morbidity

A hundred patients scheduled for cholecystectomy were randomized to either thoracic epidural anaesthesia and analgesia for 24 h with bupivacaine intraoperatively about 100 mg and 15 mg/h thereafter (TEA) for postoperative analgesia, TEA combined with general anaesthesia (low dose fentanyl) (TEA + GA) and general anaesthesia (GA) (low dose fentanyl). During TEA and TEA + GA the arterial pressure was significantly decreased as compared with GA. TEA was associated by an intense haemodilution in comparison with GA. Blood glucose and plasma cortisol responses were significantly suppressed by TEA. The decreases in peripheral blood lymphocyte and eosinophilic counts observed after operation under GA was significantly reduced by TEA. The increase in the neutrophil count was inhibited by TEA but the increase in non-filamented neutrophils was significantly augmented by TEA. The postoperative alleviation of the alteration of the above mentioned parameters by TEA was slightly diminished in the TEA + GA group. However, we found no significant reduction in cardiac dysrhythmias (TEA 7%, TEA + GA 7% and GA 10%), ST-segment depression (TEA 17%), TEA + GA 3.3% and GA 12.5%), wound complication (TEA 3%, TEA + GA 0%, GA 0%), pneumonia (TEA 3%, TEA + GA 3% and GA 0%), subphrenic abscess (TEA 6%, TEA + GA 0%, GA 3%), mortality (TEA 0%, TEA + GA 3%, GA 0%), and urinary tract infect (TEA 17%, TEA + GA 7% and GA 2.5%). Since an equal number of patients in each group, about 30%, suffered one or more of the postoperative complications this epidural analgesia was not effective in reducing postoperative morbidity albeit the significant alleviation of the postoperative stress response.     

Cardiopulmonary complications after major surgery: a role for epidural analgesia?

Improvement in postoperative pulmonary mechanics with epidural analgesia has been described. Data on the hemodynamic effects of this technique are absent from the surgical literature. To provide such data we have evaluated two groups of patients undergoing aortic reconstruction: group I (n = 25), general anesthesia and group II (n = 6), general anesthesia with adjunctive epidural analgesia. The groups were comparable preoperatively as judged by the incidence of cardiac history, preoperative ejection fraction, and measured hemodynamic parameters. Postoperatively there were no significant differences in the pressure-related parameters; however, rate-related factors including heart rate and double product were significantly decreased in group II with no reduction in cardiac index. Postoperative increases in total body oxygen consumption were also markedly attenuated by epidural analgesia. Epidural analgesia reduces the hemodynamic demands on the heart after major surgery and is a useful adjunct, especially in patients with coronary artery disease.     

麻醉管理中应用快速康复外科策略对患者免疫功能的影响

目的探讨应用快速康复外科(enhanced recovery after surgery,ERAS)策略进行术中麻醉管理对腹腔镜直肠癌手术患者机体免疫功能的影响。方法前瞻性研究陕西省人民医院2013年1月至2015年1月进行腹腔镜直肠癌根治手术的患者90例,男51例,女39例,年龄48~70岁,ASAⅠ~Ⅲ级。采用随机数字表法,随机分为ERAS组(A组)和常规对照组(B组),每组45例。A组应用硬膜外麻醉联合全身麻醉,加强术中保温,限制术中液体的输入,术中和术后尽量采用短效麻醉药等一系列快速康复外科策略进行麻醉管理。B组采用常规麻醉管理。记录术前1d、术后1、3d的CRP、IL-6浓度以及CD3~+、CD4~+、CD8~+和CD4~+/CD8~+。结果与术前1d比较,术后3d两组患者CRP及IL-6浓度均明显升高(P0.05),术后3d两组患者CD3~+、CD4~+、CD8~+以及CD4~+/CD8~+明显下降(P0.05);术后3dA组CRP及IL-6浓度明显低于B组(P0.05),CD3~+、CD4~+、CD8~+以及CD4~+/CD8~+明显高于B组(P0.05)。结论直肠癌手术术中麻醉管理应用快速康复外科策略可以减轻手术对患者的应激反应,起到免疫保护作用。     

Postoperative Wound Oxygen Tension with Epidural or Intravenous Analgesia: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-blind Clinical Trial

Background: Adequate tissue oxygen tension is an essential requirement for surgical-wound healing. The authors tested the hypothesis that epidural anesthesia and analgesia increases wound tissue oxygen tension compared with intravenous morphine analgesia.

Methods: In a prospective, randomized, blind clinical study, the authors allocated patients having major abdominal surgery (n = 32) to receive combined general and epidural anesthesia with postoperative patient-controlled epidural analgesia (epidural group, n = 16), or general anesthesia alone with postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (intravenous group, n = 16). An oxygen sensor and a temperature sensor were placed subcutaneously in the wound before closure. Wound oxygen tension (Pwo2) and temperature were measured continuously for 24 h. Other variables affecting wound tissue oxygenation and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were also documented.

Results: Despite epidural patients having lower body temperatures at the end of surgery (35.7 +/- 0.3) versus 36.3 +/- 0.5 [degrees]C, P = 0.004), they had significantly higher mean Pwo2 over the 24 h period, compared with the intravenous group (64.4 +/- 14 vs. 50.7 +/- 15) mmHg, mean (SD), 95% CI difference, -22 to -5, P = 0.002). Area under the Pwo2 -24 h time curve was also significantly higher in the epidural group (930 +/- 278 vs. 749 +/- 257) mmHg x h, 95% CI difference -344 to -18, P = 0.03). VAS pain scores at rest and moving were significantly lower in the epidural group at all times.     

上腹部手术中胸段硬膜外麻醉联合全身麻醉对血流动力学的影响

目的 观察胸段硬膜外麻醉联合全身麻醉(TEA+GA)与全凭静脉麻醉(TIVA)这两种麻醉方法在上腹部手术时血流动力学参数的改变.方法 自2007年12月至2008年5月选择44例拟行择期上腹部手术的美国麻醉医师协会(ASA)Ⅱ～Ⅲ级患者,麻醉诱导前行胸段硬膜外穿刺置管.麻醉诱导及气管内插管完成后,持续静脉输注丙泊酚和雷米芬太尼维持静脉麻醉.然后患者被随机双盲分入TEA+GA组(n=22)或TIVA组(n=22).TEA+GA组患者在单次硬膜外腔注入0.25%布比卡因0.2 ml/kg后继以0.2 ml·kg-1·h-1的剂量持续输注;而TIVA组则单次硬膜外腔注入生理盐水后继之持续输注之,其容积和速率与上组相同.监测指标为:心电图、动脉收缩压(SAP)、舒张压(DAP)、平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR)、中心静脉压、心指数(CI)、全身血管阻力(SVR)、脉搏氧饱和度和呼气末CO2水平,间断进行血气分析.两组的观测时间均为90 min.结果 在硬膜外腔应用布比卡因或生理盐水后的观察时点,TEA+GA组SAP、DAP、MAP、HR和SVR呈显著性降低;与TIVA组相比,TEA+GA组SAP、DAP、MAP和SVR的降低均具有统计学意义(P≤0.05).但TEA+GA组CI、SV改变不大,与TIVA组相比差异无统计学意义.结论 TEA+GA麻醉中尽管血压呈一定程度下降,但可能与体循环阻力降低有关,而其心功能并未受到明显抑制.提示TEA+GA麻醉方法具有较好的心血管系统稳定性.     

Caudal epidural anesthesia administered intraoperatively provides for effective postoperative analgesia after total hip arthroplasty

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of caudal epidural anesthesia for postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: 32 (4 men and 28 women) patients, aged 49 to 89 years, scheduled for total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the hip. INTERVENTIONS AND MEASUREMENTS: Patients were allocated to three groups: lumbar epidural anesthesia (EA group; n = 16) or caudal epidural anesthesia (CA group; n = 16) groups, which were case-matched according to patient demographics. Nine patients received general anesthesia only (GA group). We evaluated the level of postoperative pain using a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. MAIN RESULTS: Total requirement of diclofenac sodium suppositories was significantly larger in the GA group than in the EA or CA groups (444 +/- 302 vs 188 +/- 124 and 145 +/- 130 mg). The number of days requiring analgesics was significantly prolonged in the GA group compared with the EA or CA groups (14 +/- 9 vs 4 +/- 3 and 4 +/- 4 days). These items were similar between the EA group and the CA group. All VAS values for pain, rest, and movement in the postsurgical period over 24 hours were significantly higher in the GA group than in either the EA or CA groups. CONCLUSIONS: Caudal epidural anesthesia provides effective postoperative analgesia similar to lumbar epidural anesthesia.     

术前口服罗非昔布对双膝关节置换术后疼痛和全身炎性反应的影响

目的探讨术前环氧化酶2抑制剂罗非昔布是否能增强双膝关节置换术后吗啡的镇痛作用,及其对术后全身炎性反应的影响.方法 30例因关节炎需行双膝关节置换手术患者,通过抓阄方法随机分为罗非昔布加硬膜外镇痛组(RE组)和硬膜外镇痛组(E组),每组15例.RE组在术晨口服罗非昔布25 mg,其余同E组.所有患者均以异氟醚、硬膜外0.75%布比卡因复合维持麻醉.术毕连接患者自控镇痛泵 (1.2 mg/ml布比卡因加0.1 mg/ml吗啡加0.02 mg/ml氟哌利多)镇痛72 h.分别在术前、术毕、及术后2、6、12、24、48 h时抽取股静脉血,检测白细胞总数及分类,以及炎性细胞因子白介素6、8、10和肿瘤坏死因子-α.术后24、48、72 h各进行疼痛评分,记录比较每日吗啡用量、镇痛满意度、镇痛期间副作用以及术中出血量和术后关节引流量.结果复合罗非昔布可明显降低术后24 h静息、48 h静息和活动时疼痛评分.RE组提高术后24 h镇痛满意度为100%,高于E组60%(χ2＝6.71,P<0.01).RE组术后24 h平均吗啡消耗量为6.8 mg明显低于E组8.1 mg,(t=-2.71,P<0.05).RE组血白细胞和嗜中性粒细胞数在12 h和24 h明显低于E组.RE组血浆白介素6含量在术后48 h,白介素8含量在术后24 h明显低于E组.RE组术毕、术后6 h、12 h肿瘤坏死因子-α明显低于E组(t值分别为-2.4、-2.25、-2.41,P值均<0.05).结论术前口服罗非昔布可明显改善双膝置换术后疼痛,增加镇痛满意度,减轻全身炎性反应,减少吗啡用量.     

Postoperative wound oxygen tension with epidural or intravenous analgesia: a prospective,randomized, single-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Adequate tissue oxygen tension is an essential requirement for surgical-wound healing. The authors tested the hypothesis that epidural anesthesia and analgesia increases wound tissue oxygen tension compared with intravenous morphine analgesia. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, blind clinical study, the authors allocated patients having major abdominal surgery (n = 32) to receive combined general and epidural anesthesia with postoperative patient-controlled epidural analgesia (epidural group, n = 16), or general anesthesia alone with postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (intravenous group, n = 16). An oxygen sensor and a temperature sensor were placed subcutaneously in the wound before closure. Wound oxygen tension (P(w)O(2)) and temperature were measured continuously for 24 h. Other variables affecting wound tissue oxygenation and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were also documented. RESULTS: Despite epidural patients having lower body temperatures at the end of surgery (35.7 +/- 0.3) versus 36.3 +/- 0.5 degrees C, = 0.004), they had significantly higher mean P(w)O(2) over the 24 h period, compared with the intravenous group (64.4 +/- 14 vs. 50.7 +/- 15) mmHg, mean (SD), 95% CI difference, -22 to -5, = 0.002). Area under the P(w)O(2) -24 h time curve was also significantly higher in the epidural group (930 +/- 278 vs. 749 +/- 257) mmHg x h, 95% CI difference -344 to -18, = 0.03). VAS pain scores at rest and moving were significantly lower in the epidural group at all times. CONCLUSION: Epidural anesthesia and postoperative analgesia for major abdominal surgery increases wound tissue oxygen tension compared with general anesthesia and intravenous morphine analgesia.     

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia with morphine or morphine plus ketamine for post-operative pain relief

Sixty patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group I received epidural morphine 1 mg after surgery and used a patient-controlled analgesia device programmed to deliver morphine 0. 2 mg h-1, 0.2 mg per bolus. Group II received an epidural loading dose of morphine 1 mg plus ketamine 5 mg and used a patient-controlled analgesia device programmed to deliver morphine 0. 2 mg+ketamine 0.5 mg h-1, morphine 0.2 mg+ketamine 0.5 mg per bolus with a lockout time of 10 min. The mean morphine consumption was 8. 6+/-0.7 mg for group I and 6.2+/-0.2 mg for group II. Although group II utilized significantly less morphine (P < 0.05), pain relief was significantly better in group II than in group I (P < 0.05) in the first 3 h. Vomiting occurred more frequently in group I (26%) than in group II (13%). The frequency and severity of pruritus and level of sedation were similar in the two groups. These findings suggest that patient-controlled epidural analgesia with morphine plus ketamine may provide effective analgesia with a lesser dose of morphine and fewer subsequent side effects, compared with patient-controlled epidural analgesia with morphine alone after lower abdominal surgery.     

Clinical evaluation of clonidine added to lidocaine solution for epidural anesthesia

The effects of clonidine added to lidocaine solution used for epidural anesthesia were assessed in 92 women scheduled for surgery and premedicated with diazepam 10 mg po. Patients received 18 ml 2% lidocaine with clonidine 5 micrograms.ml-1 (group C-5, n = 26), with clonidine 10 micrograms.ml-1 (group C-10, n = 20), with epinephrine 5 micrograms.ml-1 (group E, n = 26), or plain (group P, n = 20). No significant difference in the number of segments of analgesia was found at any observation period among the four groups of patients. The decreases in mean blood pressure (BP) observed 20 min after epidural injection in those given clonidine (5 +/- 8% for C-5, 10 +/- 11% for C-10, mean +/- SD) were similar to those given plain lidocaine (7 +/- 12%) but significantly less than those given epinephrine (18 +/- 12%, P less than 0.01 vs. C-5 or P). The response of BP to ephedrine given for restoring BP during anesthesia was not attenuated in patients who received epidural clonidine. Heart rate (HR) decreased significantly in patients given clonidine 10 micrograms.ml-1 (7 +/- 8%, P less than 0.01), but not in those given clonidine 5 micrograms.ml-1, whereas HR increased significantly in those given lidocaine plain or with epinephrine (10 +/- 8% and 28 +/- 14%, respectively, P less than 0.01). The incidence of sinus bradycardia was similar among the four groups of patients. Significant differences were also observed in sedation score between clonidine groups and groups P or E; sedation appeared approximately 10-20 min after epidural injection in both clonidine groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)