Comparison of postoperative analgesic effect of intrathecal magnesium and fentanyl added to bupivacaine in patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgery

ObjectiveTo compare the analgesic efficacy and side effects of magnesium and fentanyl as an additive to intrathecal bupivacaine.MethodsNinety adult patients scheduled for femur surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to one of the following three groups to receive intrathecally: bupivacaine 15 mg combined with 0.5 mL magnesium 10%; bupivacaine 15 mg combined with 0.5 mL fentanyl; or bupivacaine 15 mg combined with 0.5 mL distilled water (control). The time to first analgesic request, sensory and motor blockade onset time, duration of sensory and motor blockade, analgesic requirement in the first 12 hours after surgery, and the incidences of hypotension, bradycardia, hypoxemia and ephedrine were recorded.ResultsMagnesium caused a significant delay in the onset of both sensory and motor blockade compared with the fentanyl (95% CI 3 to 4; p < 0.001) and control (95% CI 3.5–5; p < 0.001) groups. The duration of spinal analgesia in group F (fentanyl) was significantly greater than in group C (control) (95% CI 365–513; p < 0.001) and group M (magnesium) (95% CI 385–523; p < 0.001). The total amount of methadone consumption over 12 hours was significantly lower in the magnesium and fentanyl groups than in the control group (5 mg vs. 5.666 ± 1.728 mg; p = 0.04).ConclusionAddition of intrathecal magnesium sulfate to spinal anesthesia induced by bupivacaine significantly prolonged the onset of both sensory and motor blockade compared with fentanyl. Although magnesium failed to prolong the time to first analgesic requirement as seen with fentanyl, it reduced the total consumption of opioids in the first 12 hours postoperatively compared with the control group.     

Intra-articular morphine and/or bupivacaine in the management of pain after total knee arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to determine if intra-articular injection of morphine or bupivacaine significantly decreased postoperative pain as well as the use of intravenous narcotics for pain relief in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In a prospective, double-blind, randomized fashion, 105 patients undergoing TKA were divided into the following 4 groups defined by the intra-articular injection they received: group 1 (n = 27) received saline solution, group 2 (n = 26) received morphine sulfate (5 mg), group 3 (n = 24) received bupivacaine (50 mg), and group 4 (n = 28) received a combination of morphine sulfate and bupivacaine. The injections were administered immediately after wound closure by the Hemovac drainage tubing that remained clamped for 45 minutes after surgery to allow for absorption. Before surgery and at 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 hours after surgery, pain intensity was recorded using a visual analog scale. Postoperative supplemental intravenous morphine and/or meperidine was administered via a patient-controlled analgesia device, and 24-hour drug usage was tabulated. Results were suggestive of a modest short-term reduction in pain scores in the morphine and bupivacaine treatment groups compared with placebo (saline); however, results were statistically significant only at 4 hours because of the great variability in the pain score data. The total amount of postoperative pain medication used in the first 24 hours after surgery was not statistically significant between the 4 treatment groups. Thus, the results put into question the benefit of postoperative intraarticular administration of morphine or bupivacaine in patients undergoing TKA.     

Intra-articular tenoxicam relieves post-arthroscopy pain

Background : Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been documented to be effective in the treatment of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of local intra-articular injection of tenoxicam compared with intravenous injection on postoperative pain after arthroscopy. Methods : After day-case arthroscopy, 60 patients were randomized to receive either tenoxicam 20 mg in 20 ml of normal saline intra-articularly and 2 ml of normal saline i.v., or 20 ml of normal saline intra-articularly and 2 ml tenoxicam 20 mg i.v. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale and measuring analgesic requirements. Results : Pain scores were significantly lower in the intra-articular group at rest and during active flexion of the knee at 1,2 and 4 hours postoperatively and during walking at 6 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05). Significantly more patients in the intravenous group required supplemental opioid analgesia within the first 4 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05). Conclusion : Intra-articular tenoxicam 20 mg provided better analgesia and decreased the requirements for postoperative analgesic compared with i.v. tenoxicam 20 mg.     

Incidence of and Risk Factors for 30-Day Readmission Following Elective Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: Analysis From the ACS-NSQIP

Recently, the government has moved towards public reporting of 30-day readmission rates after elective primary total knee (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). We identified 11,814 and 8105 patients who underwent primary TKA and THA from the 2011 ACS NSQIP. Overall readmission rates within 30-days of surgery were 4.6% for TKA and 4.2% for THA. Complications associated with readmission were predominantly wound infections, sepsis, thromboembolic, cardiac, and respiratory related. In TKA, multivariate analysis identified age (P = 0.002), male gender (P = 0.03), cancer history (P = 0.008), elevated BUN (P = 0.002), a bleeding disorder (P < 0.001) and high ASA class (P < 0.001) as predictors of readmission. In THA, obesity (P = 0.008), steroid use (P = 0.037), a bleeding disorder (P = 0.002), dependent functional status (P = 0.022), and high ASA class (P < 0.001) predicted readmission. Understanding characteristics associated with readmission will be essential for equitable patient risk stratification.     

EFFECT OF ADRENALINE ON PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF BUPIVACAINE FOLLOWING INTRA-ARTICULAR INJECTION OF BUPIVACAINE FOR KNEE ARTHROSCOPY

We administered 0.5% bupivacaine 30 ml either with or withoutadrenaline 5 ug ml^–1 randomly to 16 healthy outpatients,to determine the efficacy of local and intra-articular localanaesthesia for knee arthroscopy and whether or not adrenalineshould be added to intra-articular bupivacaine. Bupivacaineconcentrations were measured in plasma obtained 15, 30, 45 and60 min after intra-articular injection. Patients receiving bupivacainewith adrenaline had significantly smaller plasma concentrationsof bupivacaine at all times than did patients receiving plainbupivacaine. The maximal concentrations of bupivacaine in theplain group (median 515 ng ml^–1, range 46–875 ngml^–1) were greater than those in the adrenaline group(median 33 ng ml^–1, range 7–125 ng ml^–1) (P= 0.001). All patients found the anaesthetic satisfactory. Weconclude that intra-articular/local anaesthesia is satisfactoryfor outpatient arthroscopic surgery, and that adrenaline shouldprobably be added to bupivacaine before intra-articular injection.     

Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections Less Than 6 Months Before Total Hip Arthroplasty: Is It Safe? A Retrospective Cohort Study in 565 Patients

BackgroundIntra-articular hyaluronic acid (IAHA) can be injected into an osteoarthritic hip joint to reduce pain and to improve functionality. Several studies report IAHA to be safe, with minor adverse effects that normally disappear spontaneously within a week. However, intra-articular corticosteroids prior to total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been associated with increased infection rates. This association has never been investigated for IAHA and THA. We aimed to assess the influence of IAHA on the outcome of THA, with an emphasis on periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).MethodsAt a mean follow-up of 52 months (±18), we compared complication rates, including superficial and deep PJIs, of THA in patients who received an IAHA injection ≤6 months prior to surgery (injection group) with that of patients undergoing THA without any previous injection in the ipsilateral hip (control group). One hundred thirteen patients (118 hips) could be retrospectively included in the injection group, and 452 patients (495 hips) in the control group.ResultsNo differences in baseline characteristics nor risk factors for PJI between the 2 groups were found. The clinical outcomes in terms of VAS pain scores (1.4 vs 1.7 points, P = .11), modified Harris Hip Scores (77 vs 75 points, P = .09), and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (79 vs 76 points, P = .24) did not differ between the injection group and the control group. Also, complications in terms of persistent wound leakage (0% vs 1.2%, P = .60), thromboembolic events (0% vs 0.6%, P = 1.00), periprosthetic fractures (1.7% vs 1.2%, P = .65), and dislocations (0% vs 0.4%, P = 1.00) did not differ. However, in the injection group there was a higher rate of PJIs (4% vs 0%, P < .001) and postoperative wound infections (9% vs 3%, P = .01), compared to the control group.ConclusionOur findings suggest that IAHA performed 6 months or less prior to THA may pose a risk for increased rates of PJI. We recommend refraining from performing THA within 6 months after IAHA administration.     

Mepivacaine vs Bupivacaine Spinal Anesthesia in Total Hip Arthroplasty at an Ambulatory Surgery Center

BackgroundMepivacaine spinal anesthetic may facilitate more rapid postoperative recovery in joint arthroplasty than bupivacaine. This study compared recovery, pain, and complications between the 2 anesthetics in anterior-approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a free-standing ambulatory surgery center (ASC).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study of 282 consecutive patients with mean age 55.7 ± 8.8 years and body mass index 30.6 ± 5.3 who underwent THA at an ASC from November 2018 to July 2020 compares mepivacaine (n = 141) vs bupivacaine (n = 141) spinal anesthesia, a transition made in March 2019. The main outcomes were length of stay in the postoperative unit (post acute care unit) prior to same-day discharge (SDD), time to controlled void, and ambulation. Secondarily, postoperative pain scores (0-10) with morphine equivalents were required and any postoperative complications were compared.ResultsMepivacaine decreased mean post acute care unit stay (4.0 vs 5.7 hours, P < .001), time to void (3.1 vs 4.9 hours, P < .001), and ambulation (3.2 vs 4.5 hours, P < .001). No patients needed urinary catheterization or overnight stay. Two patients in the bupivacaine group had transient neurologic symptoms, consisting of foot drop and spinal headache, compared to none with mepivacaine (P = .498). Mepivacaine patients had increased postoperative pain at 2 hours (1.7 vs 0.9, P < .001), at discharge (1.1 vs 0.5, P = .004), and morphine equivalent doses received (7.8 vs 3.7 mg, P < .001).ConclusionMepivacaine spinal anesthesia for anterior-approach THA safely facilitated more rapid SDD from the ASC through decreased times to controlled void and ambulation with only minor increase in pain when compared to bupivacaine.Level of EvidenceLevel III – Retrospective comparative cohort study.     

Effect of intraperitoneal bupivacaine on postoperative pain in laparoscopic bariatric surgeries

BackgroundPostoperative pain has many adverse effects and, if not properly controlled, it may lead to a wide range of complications. Opioids, as frequently used drugs for pain control, have some serious respiratory and gastrointestinal complications, especially in obese patients.ObjectivesIn this study, we planned to evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal bupivacaine lavage on postoperative pain in laparoscopic bariatric surgeries.SettingThe study was conducted in Firoozgar Hospital (affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences), Tehran, Iran.MethodsIn this clinical trial, 106 patients scheduled for laparoscopic bariatric surgery, randomly assigned to receive either intraperitoneal lavage with 50 mL of .2% bupivacaine or the same volume of normal saline during the operation. One-gram intravenous paracetamol was infused for all patients at the end of surgery, and all patients received intravenous paracetamol infusion for 1 day after surgery. Pain level, assessed by visual analog scale, was recorded at 1, 4, 8, and 24 hours after surgery. Total additive analgesics administered during the first day after surgery was also recorded.ResultsThe pain score during the first 24 hours after surgery decreased significantly in both groups, but comparing the groups showed that pain level at 1, 4, 8, and 24 hours after surgery in the bupivacaine group was significantly lower than the normal saline group (P < .05). Also, opioid consumption during 24 hours was significantly lower in the bupivacaine group (P < .001).ConclusionsIntraperitoneal lavage with bupivacaine is an effective approach to control postoperative pain in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.     

Evaluating the Effect of Intravenous Acetaminophen in Multimodal Analgesia After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPostoperative pain is a significant concern of patients before surgery. Multimodal pain management is an effective method of pain control after major orthopedic surgery. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used analgesic for the management of pain. It was hypothesized that 1000 mg of intravenous acetaminophen (IA) dosed every 6 hours would significantly reduce the postoperative pain score at rest and the opioid consumption volume in patients who would undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) when compared to a control group.MethodsA single-center, prospective, open-label randomized control study was conducted. A total of 97 patients undergoing unilateral primary THA were divided into 2 groups: the study group (IA) (n = 45) and the control group (n = 52). The study group received administered IA after surgery, while the control group received only a standard pain control. Both groups received a preoperative femoral nerve block and postoperative intravenous fentanyl citrate. The primary outcome was the evaluation of the pain score at rest 24 hours after surgery. The pain score was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale. The primary outcome of this study was analyzed using generalized estimating equation.ResultsThe IA group had a significant improvement in Numerical Rating Scale score at rest 24 hours after THA compared to the control group (−0.91, 95% confidence interval −1.56 to −0.26, P = .006), suggesting a positive effect of IA usage for pain relief. The total fentanyl citrate consumption after surgery for 24 hours was significantly lower in the IA group than those of the control group (52.07 ± 7.64 vs 57.83 ± 12.44 mg, P < .001).ConclusionPostoperative administration of IA significantly reduced the postoperative pain score and opioid consumption volume after primary THA. IA was useful as one role of multimodal pain management after THA.Level of Evidence: Level 2.     

Caudal analgesia for perianal surgery

Seventy-three patients undergoing elective perianal surgery were randomly divided into a control group, a group who received a caudal injection of 20 ml bupivacaine 0.5% plain and a group who received diamorphine 2.5 mg in 10 ml normal saline by caudal injection; a comparison was then made of postoperative analgesia requirements. The bupivacaine group had better analgesia than the control group for the first 8 hours, after which there was no difference. The diamorphine group had better analgesia than the control group for the first 24 hours postoperatively. Side effects were less in the diamorphine group than the control, or the bupivacaine group. In particular, 41% of the bupivacaine group complained of some degree of urinary retention and one patient required temporary catheterisation. It is concluded that caudal diamorphine gives good postoperative analgesia for perianal operations, particularly when motor blockade is not wanted by the surgeon.     

Plasma concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and outcome prediction in elderly hip fracture patients

Background

Hip fractures, particularly intertrochanteric fractures, frequently occur in the elderly, and they are associated with a high incidence of complications and mortality. The development of markers is essential to allow for adjustments to treatment strategies in patients, as it remains unclear why some patients endure organ failure and others do not under seemingly similar clinical conditions.

Objective

Our objective was to determine the kinetics of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-a, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 during the hospitalisation of patients and to examine the relationship of these parameters to outcome (mortality and complications) 6 months and 12 months postoperatively.

Methods and subjects

A total of 127 elderly patients, who underwent hip fracture surgery, were prospectively followed up for 12 months, and 60 healthy elderly volunteers were enrolled in the control group to examine the effects of trauma and surgery on the inflammatory response. The epidemiological characteristics, chronic medical conditions and type of operation and anaesthetic were recorded. Cognition was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination, and TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were assessed during admission and preoperatively (post-anaesthesia) as well as 1 h, 1 day, 3 days and 5 days postoperatively. During the follow-up period, serious complications and mortality within 1 year were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 96 patients survived, and 31 died within the 6-month postoperative period; 43 patients died, and 84 survived when examining the 12-month postoperative period. There were significant within-subject effects of time on TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). The above three cytokines were all significantly increased in the hip fracture patients compared with the control group. There were also differences in the kinetic patterns of all three parameters when the patients who died were compared with those who survived during the 6-month and 12-month postoperative periods. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TNF-a at 1 day (odds ratio (OR) = 1.020, P = 0.045) and 3 days (OR = 1.034, P = 0.037) postoperatively and IL-6 at 1 day (OR = 1.048, P = 0.000) postoperatively were independent predictors of mortality at 6 months; IL-6 (OR = 1.019, P = 0.025) and IL-10 (OR = 1.018, P = 0.042) at 1 day postoperatively were independent predictors of mortality at 1 year. The analysis of the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) showed that only IL-6 or IL-10 had the highest values for the area under the curve for mortality at 6 months and 12 months. Of the 84 patients who survived, 23 patients had 32 complications. The most common complication was pneumonia infection (11/84, 13%). TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10 kinetics were found to differ in patients with complications compared to those without complications and in patients with infections compared with patients without complications. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6 (OR = 1.081, P = 0.000) at 1 day postoperatively was an independent outcome predictor.

Conclusion

In elderly hip fracture patients, cytokine concentrations (TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10) represented independent outcome predictors for adverse postoperative outcomes (mortality and complications). The inflammatory response played an important role in postoperative organ dysfunction in elderly hip fracture patients, and further study is needed to define whether decreasing the inflammatory response through cytokine antibodies or damage control strategies would decrease mortality and complication following hip fracture.     

Addition of midazolam to continuous postoperative epidural bupivacaine infusion reduces requirement for rescue analgesia in children undergoing upper abdominal and flank surgery

Study ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of adding midazolam to continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in children.DesignProspective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study.SettingTertiary-care center.Patients44 ASA physical status I and II children in age groups of two to 10 years, undergoing elective upper abdominal and flank surgery.InterventionsAt the end of surgery, patients were randomly allocated to receive epidural infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine alone (Group B) or with 20 μg/kg/hr midazolam (Group BM) for 12 hours at the rate of 0.2 mL/kg/hr.MeasurementsPain, motor block, and sedation were assessed at predetermined times over 24 hours. Intravenous fentanyl was used as rescue analgesic for the first 12 hours, and tramadol for next 12 hours. Patients were followed at one week, one month, and one year for any neurological deficits.Main ResultsThe number of patients requiring rescue analgesia during infusion was significantly lower in Group BM (7 vs. 17 in Group B; P < 0.001). Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group BM compared with Group B (P < 0.001). Frequency of fentanyl (P < 0.001) and tramadol (P = 0.001) administration as rescue analgesia was significantly less in Group BM. Significantly lower median pain scores were obtained in Group BM than Group B at all time intervals (P < 0.05). Greater sedation scores were noted in Group BM at all time intervals postoperatively except at 4 hours (P < 0.05). No motor block was observed in any child during the study. No neurological deficit was reported in any child in the one year of follow-up.ConclusionAddition of 20 μg/kg/hr of midazolam to postoperative continuous epidural infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine reduces the requirement for rescue analgesia in children following upper abdominal and flank surgery.     

Does the Use of an Intra-Articular Local Anesthetic Injection During Total Hip Arthroplasty Reduce Patient Reported Pain Scores or Patient Opioid Consumption?

BackgroundDuring primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), some surgeons use an intra-articular injection (IAI) containing 200 mg ropivacaine to target postoperative pain. There is no clear consensus on the efficacy of an IAI alone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a 200 mg ropivacaine IAI on pain scores, opioid consumption, and mobility for primary THA patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 571 patients who underwent primary THA at a single institution. Patients were grouped according to those who received a 200 mg ropivacaine IAI and those who did not. Primary outcome measures for this study included pain scores, morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) dosed, distance of ambulation achieved, and time to ambulation.ResultsThe intervention group reported higher average pain scores with activity than the control group (P = .024). The intervention group also required higher MMEs. When striated by hour, a statistically significant uptick in pain started at 16 hours (P = .0009) and persisted to 28 hours (P = .032) in patients receiving a 200 mg ropivacaine IAI. This correlated with an increase in MMEs seen at hour 24 through 32 (P = .003 to P = .012). Level of ambulation, time to ambulation, and distance ambulated did not differ between groups. An IAI of 200 mg ropivacaine also appeared to lead to higher pain scores and higher opioid doses in males.ConclusionThe IAI does not appear to reduce postoperative pain scores or MMEs dosed for THA patients. More research is needed to look at the utilization and efficacy of intra-articular ropivacaine, especially focusing on functional outcomes and gender differences.     

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.     

A Repeat Dose of Perioperative Dexamethasone Can Effectively Reduce Pain,Opioid Requirement,Time to Ambulation,and In-Hospital Stay After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe ideal dose of intravenous glucocorticoids to control pain in total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. This randomized controlled trial compared postoperative pain and tramadol requirement in patients undergoing unilateral primary THA who received one versus two perioperative doses of dexamethasone.MethodsPatients consented to undergo blinded, simple randomization to either one (at anesthetic induction [1D-group]: 54 patients) or two (with an additional dose 8 hours after surgery [2D-group]: 61 patients) perioperative doses of 8-mg intravenous dexamethasone. Pain was evaluated with visual analog scale at 8, 16, and 24 hours postoperatively and with tramadol requirement. The secondary outcomes included postoperative nausea and vomiting, time to ambulation, and length of stay.ResultsAge (mean, 66 ± 13 years), body mass index (mean, 29 ± 5), gender (60% female), and history of diabetes were similar between groups (P >.05). Pain was higher at 16 (4 [interquartile range {IQR} 3-5] vs 2 [IQR 1-3]; P <.001) and 24 (2.5 [IQR 2-3] vs 1 [IQR 0-1] P <.001) hours postoperatively in the 1D-group patients. 1D-group patients had significantly more tramadol consumption (50 [IQR 50-100] vs 0 [IQR 0-50]; P = .01), as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting (18 [33.3%] vs 5 [8.2%]; P = .001). Fifty-five (90%) patients in the 2D-group and 32 (59%) in the 1D-group ambulated on postoperative day 0 (P = .0002). Fifty-eight (95%) patients in the 2D-group and 37 (68%) in the 1D-group were discharged on postoperative day 1 (P = .0002).ConclusionAn additional dose of dexamethasone at 8 hours postoperatively significantly reduced pain, tramadol consumption, time to ambulation, and length of stay after primary THA.     

Evaluation of the analgesic effect of ketamine as an additive to intrathecal bupivacaine in patients undergoing cesarean section

ObjectiveNowadays, conventional analgesic agents, which are widely used for pain relief after cesarean section, provide suboptimal analgesia with occasional serious side effects. We designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal ketamine added to bupivacaine after cesarean section.MethodsSixty patients scheduled for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to one of the two groups to receive either bupivacaine 10 mg combined with 0.1 mg/kg ketamine, or bupivacaine 10 mg combined with 0.5 mL distilled water intrathecally. The time to the first analgesic request, analgesic requirement in the first 24 hours after surgery, onset times of sensory and motor blockades, the durations of sensory and motor blockades, and the incidences of adverse effects such as hypotension, ephedrine requirement, bradycardia, and hypoxemia, were recorded.ResultsPatients who received ketamine had a significantly prolonged duration of anesthesia compared with those who did not in the control group [95% confidence intervals (CI) 195–217; p = 0.001]. The mean time to the first analgesic request was also significantly longer in ketamine group (95% CI 252.5–275; p < 0.001). The total analgesic consumption in the 24 hours following surgery significantly lessened in the ketamine group compared with that of the control group (95% CI 2–2.5; p < 0.001). The two groups did not differ significantly in intraoperative and postoperative side effects.ConclusionIntrathecal ketamine 0.1 mg/kg co-administered with spinal bupivacaine elongated the time to the first analgesic request and lessened the total analgesic consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours in comparison with bupivacaine alone in the control group following elective cesarean delivery.     

Adding intrathecal morphine to unilateral spinal anesthesia results in better pain relief following knee arthroscopy

Purpose  Intrathecal morphine is administered to provide profound and prolonged analgesia, and to treat acute postoperative pain. We compared the effectiveness of hyperbaric bupivacaine alone and in combination with morphine for unilateral spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. Methods  Sixty patients were randomly allocated to two groups to receive either 1.2 ml (6 mg) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (group B; n = 30) or 1.2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine containing 0.16 mg of morphine (group BM; n = 30). Spinal block was assessed by pinprick and a modified Bromage scale and compared between the operated and nonoperated sides. Visual analog scale (VAS) values, duration of analgesia, and total analgesic requirement of patients were recorded. Results  Patients in group BM had significantly lower VAS values on movement at 30 min and at 2, 4, 6, and 12 h postoperatively (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.05, respectively). The total analgesic requirement in the first 24 h after surgery was significantly higher in group B (P < 0.001). Patients in group BM had a significantly longer duration of analgesia in the first 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.001). Motor blockade of the operated limb in group BM was similar to that in group B (P > 0.05), and motor blockade of the nonoperated limb in group BM was also similar to that in group B (P > 0.05). Conclusion  We conclude that unilateral spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 0.16 mg morphine is preferable to hyperbaric bupivacaine alone with respect to analgesic requirement, duration of analgesia, and VAS values.     

Effect of preemptive and preventive acetaminophen on postoperative pain score: a randomized,double-blind trial of patients undergoing lower extremity surgery

Study ObjectiveTo compare postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic use in patients who received acetaminophen preoperatively or during skin closure versus those who received a placebo.DesignRandomized, double-blind clinical trial.SettingUniversity-based, tertiary-care hospital.Patients75 adult, ASA physical status 1 and 2 undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgery.InterventionsPatients were randomized to three groups. The control group received 100 mL of intravenous (IV) normal saline as a placebo. The preventive acetaminophen group received 100 mL of IV normal saline plus 15 mg/kg of acetaminophen prior to skin closure. The preemptive acetaminophen group received 15 mg/kg of IV acetaminophen combined with 100 mL of normal saline half an hour preoperatively.MeasurementsPain was scored with the verbal rating scale and assessed 5 minutes before spinal anesthesia, and 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after surgery. Total rescue meperidine consumption by each patient during the first 24 hours after surgery was also recorded.Main ResultsPain scores were lower in both preemptive and preventive acetaminophen groups at 6 hours after surgery than in the placebo group (P < 0.001). There were no differences in pain scores after 6 hours between the preemptive and preventive groups. Total analgesic consumption 24 hours after surgery was lowest in the preemptive acetaminophen group (P < 0.01). Average time to initial analgesic requirement was slightly longer in the preemptive and preventive acetaminophen groups than the control group (P < 0.01).ConclusionIn patients undergoing lower extremity surgery with spinal anesthesia, both preventive and preemptive acetaminophen may enhance analgesia and decrease postoperative analgesic consumption.     

Effect of Price Capitation on Implant Selection for Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

While price capitation strategies may help to control total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant costs, its effect on premium implant selection is unclear. Primary THA and TKA cases 6 months before and after capitated pricing implementation were retrospectively identified. After exclusions, 716 THA and 981 TKA from a large academic hospital and 2 midsize private practice community hospitals were reviewed. Academic hospital surgeons increased premium THA implant usage (66.5% to 70.6%; P = 0.28), while community surgeons selected fewer premium implants (36.4%) compared to academic surgeons, with no practice change (P = 0.95). Conversely, premium TKA implant usage significantly increased (73.4% to 89.4%; P < 0.001) for academic surgeons. Community surgeons used premium TKA implants at greater rates in both periods, with all cases having ≥ 1 premium criterion.     

Subacromial and intra-articular morphine versus bupivacaine after shoulder arthroscopy

Purpose: Multiple studies have compared the effects of intra-articular bupivacaine and morphine for postoperative pain control after arthroscopy of the knee. To date, these agents have not been compared in the shoulder. The purpose of this study was to compare intra-articular (IA)/subacromial (SA) morphine, bupivacaine, and placebo after shoulder arthroscopy. Type of Study: Prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Methods: The effectiveness of each drug was measured by comparing the amount of supplemental analgesics required as well as the evaluation of each patient’s level of pain after surgery. A visual analog scale was used to record each patient’s level of pain before surgery and at various time intervals after surgery. The amount of supplemental analgesic was likewise recorded for 24 hours after surgery. Sixty-four patients were randomized into 3 groups and injected with morphine (n = 22), bupivacaine (n = 22), or saline (n = 20) at the conclusion of shoulder arthroscopy. The injection was directed intra-articular as well as subacromial if surgical dissection had been performed in this area. Statistical significance was determined at P <.05. Results: There were no differences between groups before surgery. A statistically significant difference in pain level at 30 and 60 minutes was found. At 30 and 60 minutes, patients who were administered IA/SA bupivacaine reported average pain levels less than those administered morphine or saline. Morphine was not statistically different from saline at reducing postarthroscopy pain at any time interval. Despite differences in pain level, there were no significant differences in the amount of supplemental analgesics requested at any time interval among these 3 groups. Conclusions: IA/SA morphine does not contribute to postoperative pain control after shoulder arthroscopy, whereas IA/SA bupivacaine improves pain control during the first 60 minutes after surgery.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 5 (May-June), 2002: pp 464–468