Continuous femoral blocks improve recovery and outcome of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

This study was designed to determine the effects of continuous femoral infusion (CFI) on total knee arthroplasty recovery. A total of 92 patients were distributed in 3 groups: Patients in group 1 received general anesthesia followed by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine (n = 33), patients in group 2 received 3-in-1 and sciatic blocks followed by CFI (n = 29), and patients in group 3 received epidural analgesia (n = 30). Blocks reduced postoperative morphine requirement by 74% (vs group 1; P<.05) and 35% (vs group 3; P<.05). Blocks provided better recovery than PCA with morphine or an epidural. The use of CFI was associated with a reduction of postoperative bleeding by 72% (vs group 1; P<.05) and allowed better performance on continuous passive motion. CFI was associated with a 90% decrease in serious complications and a 20% decrease in the length of hospitalization. CFI represents a better alternative than PCA or epidural analgesia for postoperative pain management and immediate rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.     

Small-dose ketamine infusion improves postoperative analgesia and rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty

We designed this study to evaluate the effect of small-dose IV ketamine in combination with continuous femoral nerve block on postoperative pain and rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. Continuous femoral nerve block was started with 0.3 mL/kg of 0.75% ropivacaine before surgery and continued in the surgical ward for 48 h with 0.2% ropivacaine at a rate of 0.1 mL . kg(-1) . h(-1). Patients were randomly assigned to receive an initial bolus of 0.5 mg/kg ketamine followed by a continuous infusion of 3 mug . kg(-1) . min(-1) during surgery and 1.5 mug . kg(-1) . min(-1) for 48 h (ketamine group) or an equal volume of saline (control group). Additional postoperative analgesia was provided by patient-controlled IV morphine. Pain scores and morphine consumption were recorded over 48 h. The maximal degree of active knee flexion tolerated was recorded daily until hospital discharge. Follow-up was performed 6 wk and 3 mo after surgery. The ketamine group required significantly less morphine than the control group (45 +/- 20 mg versus 69 +/- 30 mg; P < 0.02). Patients in the ketamine group reached 90 degrees of active knee flexion more rapidly than those in the control group (at 7 [5-11] versus 12 [8-45] days, median [25%-75% interquartile range]; P < 0.03). Outcomes at 6 wk and 3 mo were similar in each group. These results confirm that ketamine is a useful analgesic adjuvant in perioperative multimodal analgesia with a positive impact on early knee mobilization. No patient in either group reported sedation, hallucinations, nightmares, or diplopia, and no differences were noted in the incidence of nausea and vomiting between the two groups.     

连续股神经阻滞联合硬膜外吗啡镇痛在老年患者全膝关节置换术中的应用

目的探讨超声引导下连续股神经阻滞(CFNB)联合单次硬膜外腔吗啡镇痛在老年患者全膝关节置换术(TKA)中的应用。方法 80例行单侧全膝关节置换术的老年患者,男35例,女45例,年龄60~79岁,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,随机均分为两组:CFNB复合硬膜外吗啡组(FNM组)和CFNB组(FN组)。手术缝合切口时,FNM和FN组经硬膜外导管分别注入0.1%吗啡2ml和生理盐水2ml。手术结束后两组均于超声引导下行0.2%罗哌卡因CFNB。分别记录术后24、48、72、96h时静息状态、主动和被动功能锻炼时VAS评分及患肢被动弯曲度;观察两组患者术后第5天的活动情况和满意度。结果术后24hFNM组静息状态时、主动锻炼和被动锻炼时VAS评分明显低于,膝关节弯曲度明显大于FN组(P0.05或P0.01);FNM组患者术后第5天下床活动评分明显高于,术后满意度评分明显低于FN组(P0.05)。结论超声引导下CFNB联合硬膜外吗啡早期镇痛可明显改善老年患者TKA术后镇痛,康复效果佳。     

Comparison of analgesic methods for total knee arthroplasty: metabolic effect of exogenous glucose

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study was set up to assess whether postoperative suppression of gluconeogenesis by dextrose infusion would be influenced by continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) with local anesthetics, in comparison with epidural and with intravenous analgesia. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients, undergoing elective primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, were randomly allocated to one of the three groups of 9 patients each: patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with i.v. morphine, epidural with bupivacaine 0.1% and fentanyl 3mug/ml, or continuous femoral and sciatic blocks with ropivacaine 0.2%. Endogenous glucose production, an index of gluconeogenesis, and glucose clearance, an index of whole body glucose uptake, were assessed on the second postoperative day by measuring [6,6-(2)H(2)]glucose kinetics after an overnight fast (fasted state), and during a 3-h period infusion of dextrose at 4 mg/kg/min (fed state). Visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and at knee flexion, use of morphine, mobilization, nutritional intake, and bowel function were also collected. RESULTS: Endogenous glucose production was totally suppressed by 3 h of dextrose infusion in all 3 groups (P < .001) while glucose clearance was unchanged. Blood glucose and insulin increased (P < .001), while glucagon decreased, with the greatest change in the epidural group (P < .05). VAS at rest and at knee flexion was significantly lower in patients receiving epidural and CPNB compared to i.v. morphine (P < .05). Restoration of bowel function, assessed as return of bowel movements, was faster in the CPNB group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Excellent analgesia was achieved in the epidural and continuous nerve block groups. Postoperative gluconeogenesis was totally suppressed by dextrose infusion independent of the analgesia technique with no change in glucose utilization.     

Epidural levobupivacaine 0.1% or ropivacaine 0.1% combined with morphine provides comparable analgesia after abdominal surgery

Ropivacaine appears attractive for epidural analgesia because it produces less motor block than racemic bupivacaine. The potential benefits of levobupivacaine with regard to motor blockade require further investigations. In this study, we compared the efficacy, dose requirements, side effects, and motor block observed with epidural levobupivacaine and ropivacaine when given in combination with small-dose morphine for 60 h after major abdominal surgery. Postoperatively, 50 patients were randomly allocated, in a double-blinded manner, to patient-controlled epidural analgesia with the same settings and without basal infusion, using 0.1% levobupivacaine or 0.1% ropivacaine. Both were combined with an epidural infusion of 0.1 mg/h morphine. Pain scores, side effects, motor block, and local anesthetic consumption were measured for 60 h. Pain scores measured on a 100-mm visual analog scale were approximately 20 mm at rest and 40 mm during mobilization in both groups. Bromage scores were 1 for all patients after the fourth postoperative hour. Consumption of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine were similar: 344 +/- 178 mg levobupivacaine versus 347 +/- 199 mg ropivacaine 48 h postoperatively. On postoperative day 2, 19 patients in the ropivacaine group versus 12 in the levobupivacaine group were able to ambulate (P < 0.05). No difference was noted concerning incidence of side effects. We conclude that when used as patient-controlled epidural analgesia and combined with small-dose epidural morphine, 0.1% levobupivacaine and 0.1% ropivacaine produce comparable postoperative analgesia with a similar incidence of side effects. IMPLICATIONS: Small concentrations (0.1%) of epidural levobupivacaine and ropivacaine combined with morphine (0.1 mg/h) produce comparable analgesia and have similar side effects for similar dose requirements.     

连续收肌管阻滞和连续股神经阻滞对膝关节置换术患者术后镇痛和早期功能康复的影响

目的 比较连续收肌管阻滞(adductor canal block,ACB)和连续股神经阻滞(femoral nerve block,FNB)在膝关节置换术(total knee arthroplasty,TKA)患者术后镇痛的效果和对早期功能康复的影响.方法 择期拟行单侧TKA患者60例,采用随机数字表法分为两组(每组30例):连续ACB组(A组)和连续FNB组(F组).术中采用全凭静脉麻醉.两组在麻醉诱导前分别行超声引导下ACB和FNB,并放置神经周围导管.术毕经神经周围导管予0.2％罗哌卡因实施患者自控周围神经阻滞镇痛.记录术后4、8、12、24、48 h静息和运动(膝关节被动屈曲45°)疼痛数字评分(numeric rating scale,NRS)、患肢股四头肌肌力Lovett评分和患肢运动阻滞改良Bromage评分.记录:术后1、2、3、14 d膝关节最大主动/被动活动度,术后14 d美国纽约特种外科医院(hospital for special surgery,HSS)膝关节功能评分,术后第1次下床活动时间和术后膝关节主动屈膝90°时间.记录术后48 h内镇痛泵有效按压次数和补救镇痛率.结果 两组术后静息和运动NRS评分、镇痛泵有效按压次数和补救镇痛率等比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).A组术后12 h内患肢股四头肌肌力Lovett评分明显高于F组(P＜0.05)、息肢运动阻滞改良Bromage评分明显低于F组(P＜0.05).A组术后1、2、3d膝关节最大主动活动度明显大于F组(P＜0.05),但膝关节最大被动活动度、术后14 d膝关节最大主动活动度、术后14 d膝关节HSS评分以及术后第1次下床活动时间和术后膝关节主动屈曲90°时间两组间比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 连续ACB和连续FNB可为TKA患者提供等同的术后镇痛效果,而且对早期功能康复具有相似的效果.     

The technique and efficacy of axillary catheter analgesia as an adjunct to distraction elbow arthroplasty: A prospective study

A prospective study was done on 99 consecutive patients who underwent distraction elbow arthroplasty and postoperative continuous passive motion from 1986 to 1992. Postoperative axillary catheter infusion in 73 patients was compared with patient-controlled analgesia-opioid treatment in 26 patients. Group comparisons for analgesia, complications, time to initiation, and tolerance of postoperative continuous passive motion were made. The postoperative axillary catheter infusion group was more comfortable and had better postoperative continuous passive motion compliance than did the patient-controlled analgesia-opioid group. The postoperative axillary catheter infusion group had a 2.7% (2 of 73) incidence of respiratory toxicity. There was an 11.5% (3 of 26) incidence of respiratory depression in the patient-controlled analgesia-opioid group. Final arc range of motion was similar between postoperative axillary catheter infusion and patient-controlled analgesia-opioid groups. The data support the hypothesis that postoperative axillary catheter infusion provides better patient comfort and earlier postoperative continuous passive motion initiation, but they do not show additional improvement in the final arc of motion after distraction elbow arthroplasty as compared with a patient-controlled analgesia-opioid treatment group.     

Continuous lumbar plexus block for acute postoperative pain management after open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of postoperative continuous lumbar plexus blocks for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of an acetabular fracture. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an acetabular fracture. DESIGN/PERSPECTIVE: According to a case-control study design, patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 13) received postoperatively a continuous lumbar plexus block with 0.2% ropivacaine (10 mL/hr for 48 hours), and group 2 (n = 13) received postoperatively patient-controlled analgesia with morphine (1 mg; lock-out time, 10 minutes; total 6 mg/hr). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Postoperative morphine consumption, time to unassisted ambulation, and clinical and radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: No significant differences in demographics, surgical procedure, or duration of surgery were reported between the two groups. The lumbar plexus catheter group showed a lower requirement for morphine in the postanesthesia care unit (6 mg [0-14 mg]) and during the first 2 days (20 mg [6-55 mg] on day 1 and 29 mg [4-56 mg] on day 2) than the control group (51 mg [20-100 mg] on day 1 and 50 mg [10-93 mg] on day 2) (P = 0.001 and P = 0.021). Effective unassisted ambulation was recovered earlier in patients with the lumbar plexus catheter (3 days; range 2-4 days) than in the control group (4 days; range 3-7 days) (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous lumbar plexus block represents an interesting alternative for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of an acetabular fracture.     

Continuous subgluteus sciatic nerve block after orthopedic foot and ankle surgery: comparison of two infusion techniques

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare continuous infusion or a patient-controlled technique for postoperative analgesia after foot surgery, using a new subgluteus approach for continuous sciatic nerve block. METHODS: Fifty healthy patients, undergoing orthopedic foot surgery, received a continuous sciatic nerve block using a new subgluteus approach. All blocks were placed with the aid of a nerve stimulator using a 10-cm, 18-gauge insulated Tuohy needle. After either plantar flexion or dorsiflexion of the operated foot was elicited at < or = 0.5 mA, 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine was injected incrementally using repeated aspiration tests, then followed by the introduction of a 20-gauge epidural catheter. Postoperatively, 0.2% ropivacaine was infused with either a 10 mL/h continuous infusion (group Continuous, n = 25) or with a 5 mL/h basal rate with 5 mL bolus every 60 minutes (group patient-controlled analgesia [PCA], n = 25). Intraoperative analgesic supplementation, as well as postoperative pain relief, morphine consumption, incidence of complication, and patient satisfaction were recorded by an observer unaware of group assignment. RESULTS: The sciatic catheter was successfully placed in all patients. Intravenous fentanyl supplementation (dose range, 50 to 150 microg) was required in 4 patients in each group, but no patient required general anesthesia. Catheter dislocation was reported in 2 patients (4%). The quality of pain relief was good in both groups, and none experienced complications. Nine patients of the Continuous group (37%) and 7 patients of the PCA group (29%) required rescue morphine analgesia because of pain in the femoral dermatomes (P =.76). Ropivacaine consumption was 240 mL in the Continuous group (range, 200 to 240 mL) and 140 mL in the PCA group (range, 120 to 290 mL) (P =.0005). Patient acceptance was good in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous subgluteus sciatic nerve block represents an easy and reliable option for postoperative analgesia after foot surgery; using a patient controlled rather than a continuous infusion technique reduces the consumption of local anesthetic solution without affecting the quality of pain relief.     

The effects of femoral nerve blockade in conjunction with epidural analgesia after total knee arthroplasty

Either epidural analgesia or femoral nerve blockade improves analgesia and rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. No study has evaluated the combination of femoral nerve blockade and epidural analgesia. In this prospective, randomized, blinded study we investigated combining femoral nerve blockade with epidural analgesia. Forty-one patients received a single-injection femoral nerve block with 0.375% bupivacaine and 5 microg/mL epinephrine; 39 patients served as controls. All patients received combined spinal-epidural anesthesia and patient-controlled epidural analgesia with 0.06% bupivacaine and 10 microg/mL hydromorphone. Average duration of epidural analgesia was 2 days. All patients received the same standardized physical therapy intervention. Median visual analog scale (VAS) scores with physical therapy were significantly lower for 2 days among patients who received a femoral nerve block versus controls: 3 versus 4 (day 1), 2.5 versus 4 (day 2); P < 0.05. Median VAS pain scores at rest were 0 in both groups on days 1 and 2. Flexion range of motion was improved on postoperative day 2 (70 degrees versus 63 degrees ; P < 0.05). No peripheral neuropathies occurred. We conclude that the addition of femoral nerve blockade to epidural analgesia significantly improved analgesia for the first 2 days after total knee arthroplasty.     

The efficacy of thoracic epidural neostigmine infusion after thoracotomy

Few anesthesia studies have explored perioperative continuous epidural infusion of neostigmine. We examined such a regimen in thoracotomy patients. Ninety patients were randomized to one of three groups in this double-blind trial. Before anesthesia induction, an epidural catheter was inserted in all patients at T5-8 levels under local anesthesia. Pre-neo patients received bolus 500-microg epidural neostigmine before anesthesia induction followed by infusion of 125 microg/h until the end of surgery. Post-neo patients received epidural saline during the same time periods plus bolus 500-microg epidural neostigmine at end of surgery. Patients in the control group received saline placebo during all three periods. Patients in the neostigmine groups postoperatively received patient-controlled epidural analgesia with morphine 0.02 mg/mL, bupivacaine 0.08 mg/mL, and neostigmine 7 microg/mL. Control patient-controlled epidural analgesia excluded neostigmine. Data were recorded for 6 postoperative days. Daily patient-controlled epidural analgesia consumption (mL) for Pre-neo patients was significantly less than that of post-neo and control group patients for postoperative days 1-6 (at least 10% and 16% less, respectively; P < 0.05). There was a modest decrease in pain intensity on postoperative days 3-6 for pre-neo patients versus other groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that continuous thoracic epidural neostigmine started before anesthesia provided preemptive, preventive analgesia and an analgesic-sparing effect that improved postoperative analgesia for these patients without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.     

Effects of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with morphine, continuous epidural analgesia, and continuous femoral nerve sheath block on rehabilitation after unilateral total-hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Regional analgesic techniques allow better postoperative rehabilitation and shorter hospital stay after major knee surgery. The authors tested the hypothesis that similar results could be obtained after total-hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Forty-five patients scheduled for THA under general anesthesia were randomly divided into 3 groups. Postoperative analgesia was provided during the first 48 hours, with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) induced by morphine (dose, 1.5 mg; lockout interval, 8 min) in group IV, continuous femoral nerve sheath block in group FNB, and continuous epidural analgesia in group EPI. The day after surgery, the 3 groups started identical physical therapy regimens. Pain scores at rest and on movement, supplemental analgesia, side effects, daily degree of maximal hip flexion and abduction, day of first walk, and duration of hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS: Population data, quality of pain relief, postoperative hip rehabilitation, and duration of hospital stay were comparable in the 3 groups. When compared with the two other techniques, continuous FNB was associated with a lower incidence of side effects (no nausea/vomiting, urinary retention, arterial hypotension, or catheter problem during the first 48 hours in 20%, 60%, and 13% of patients in groups IV, FNB, and EPI, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that IV PCA with morphine, continuous FNB, and continuous epidural analgesia provide similar pain relief and allow comparable hip rehabilitation and duration of hospital stay after total-hip arthroplasty (THA). As continuous FNB is associated with less side effects, it appears to offer the best option of the three.     

Modified continuous femoral three-in-one block for postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty.

We prospectively studied the continuous "modified" femoral three-in-one block for postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty. Sixty-two patients undergoing elective knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine (B) and fentanyl were randomized to receive 0.2% B, 0.1% B, or placebo at 10 mL/h for 48 h after an initial bolus of 30 mL of the same solution via the femoral block catheter. The catheters were inserted under the fascia iliaca using a "double pop" technique and a peripheral nerve stimulator and were advanced 15-20 cm cranially. Venous plasma levels of B, desbutylbupivacaine, and 4-hydroxy B were measured daily for 3 days. All patients received patient-controlled analgesia with morphine and indomethacin suppositories for 48 h. Using computed tomography, we evaluated the catheter location for 20 patients. The catheter tips, located superior to the upper third of the sacroiliac joint in the psoas sheath, were labeled as ideally located. The group receiving 0.2% B had a larger block success rate, smaller morphine consumption in the immediate postoperative period (15 vs 22 mg) and during the first postoperative day (9 vs 18 mg), and achieved a greater range of motion in the immediate postoperative period (91 degrees +/- 10 degrees vs 80 degrees + 13 degrees ). Visual analog scores for pain during both rest and activity were low but similar between the groups. Forty percent of the catheters evaluated were ideally located. Ideal location and use of 0.2% B resulted in 100% success of blockade of all three nerves. The S1 root was blocked in up to 76% of patients. The plasma levels of B, 4-hydroxy B, and desbutylbupivacaine were below the toxic range during the infusion. We conclude that continuous fascia iliaca block with 0.2% B results in opioid-sparing and improved range of motion during the immediate postoperative period. Larger doses of bupivacaine may safely be used in the immediate postoperative period if needed. IMPLICATIONS: Continuous fascia iliaca block with 0.2% bupivacaine reduces opioid requirements and improves range of motion in the immediate postoperative period compared with a placebo and 0.1% bupivacaine. Plasma levels are below the toxic range with this dose. Only 40% of the catheters are positioned in the ideal location. With the smaller dose of bupivacaine, the success rate with this block is small.     

Efficacy of the fascia iliaca compartment block vs continuous epidural infusion for analgesia following total knee replacement surgery

Background and objective: Total knee replacement causes moderate to severe postoperative pain. The aim of this trial was to compare postoperative analgesia from a fascia iliaca compartment block to continuous epidural analgesia following knee arthroplasty. Patients and Methods: Clinical trial enrolling patients in American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes 1 to 3 randomized to 2 groups. One group received spinal anesthesia plus a fascia iliaca compartment block with 0.1% bupivacaine at a rate of 10 mL/h. The second group received combined spinal-epidural anesthesia plus epidural analgesia with 0.1% bupivacaine in continuous infusion at a rate of 8 mL/h. Postoperative pain on a visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and on movement was recorded every 3 hours for the first 24 hours. Use of intravenous morphine and the adverse events were also recorded. Results: Forty patients (20 for each group) were enrolled. The distribution of age, weight, body mass index, sex, ASA class, duration of surgery, use of morphine, and the incidence of adverse effects were similar in the 2 groups. Postoperative VAS scores at rest and on movement were also similar. The incidence of arterial hypotension was higher in the epidural analgesia group. Conclusions: The fascia iliaca compartment block and continuous epidural infusion are similarly efficient in providing postoperative analgesia for patients after total knee replacement. The fascia iliaca compartment block is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative hemodynamic complications. Early, safe rehabilitation is facilitated by both analgesic techniques.     

Continuous femoral nerve blockade or epidural analgesia after total knee replacement: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Because postoperative pain after total knee replacement (TKR) can be severe, we compared the analgesic efficacy of continuous femoral nerve blockade (CFNB) and continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) after TKR in this prospective randomized trial. Patients undergoing TKR under spinal anesthesia were randomized to receive either a femoral infusion of bupivacaine 0.2% (median infusion rate 9.3 mL/h) (n = 53) or an epidural infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% with fentanyl 4 microg/mL (median infusion rate 7.6 mL/h) (n = 55). Adjuvant analgesics were oral rofecoxib and oxycodone and IV morphine. Pain, nausea and vomiting, hypotensive episodes, motor block, range of knee movement, and rehabilitation milestones were assessed postoperatively. There were equivalent pain scores, range of movement, and rehabilitation in both groups. There was significantly less nausea and vomiting in the CFNB group (P < 0.002). The CFNB group received more rofecoxib (P < 0.04) and oxycodone (P < 0.005) than the CEA group. The operative limb displayed more motor block than the nonoperative limb in both groups at the level of the hip and knee for up to 48 h (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test), but there was no difference between groups in the nonoperative limb. CFNB is an effective regional component of a multimodal analgesic strategy after TKR.     

全膝关节置换术后应用连续股神经阻滞镇痛和静脉自控镇痛的效果比较

目的比较连续股神经阻滞镇痛（CFNB）和静脉患者自控镇痛（PCIA）在全膝关节置换手术（TKA）围手术期的镇痛效果及术后1年膝关节功能评估的随访结果。方法选取2008年11月至2009年10月因膝关节骨关节炎行TKA的患者60例,数字随机分成2组,每组30例（n=30）。分别给予PCIA和CFNB作为术后镇痛方式。两组患者均采用腰麻联合硬膜外麻醉方式。在围手术期,采用视觉模拟（VAS）评分法观察患者的疼痛评分。记录吗啡累计用量,观察患肢肌力,初次下地时间及镇痛相关并发症等指标。在术后1年随访时,根据膝关节学会评分系统（KSS）对患者膝关节功能进行评估。结果在术后6、12、24、36、48h静息状态下,CFNB组的疼痛评分（VAS评分）均比PCIA组明显低（P〈0.05）。术后24h,48h进行膝关节持续被动活动（CPM）时累计吗啡用量均比PCIA组明显低（P〈0.05）。嗜睡、恶心呕吐等不良反应也低于PCIA组。术后1年,两组在膝关节功能评价方面无显著差异（P〉0.05）。结论 CFNB在TKA术中的初期镇痛效果优于PCIA。与PCIA相比,CFNB患者术后不良反应较少,膝关节功能恢复更好,患者的满意程度更高。为TKA术后镇痛策略中一种安全、实用和有效的方法。术后1年,两组患者在功能评估方面无统计学差异。     

股神经阻滞用于全膝关节置换术患者术后镇痛的Meta分析

目的 采用Meta分析的方法评价股神经阻滞(femoral nerve block,FNB)对全膝关节置换术(total knee arthroplasty,TKA)患者术后镇痛的效果. 方法 检索PubMed、OVID、EMBASE、Cochrane图书馆,检索时间从建库至2014年11月.收集在TKA术后使用FNB与患者自控静脉镇痛(patient-controlled intravenous analgesia,PCIA)或患者自控硬膜外镇痛(patient-controlled epidural analgesia,PCEA)的临床随机对照实验(randomized controlled trial,RCT).采用Cochrane协作网系统评价法评价纳入文献的质量,采用RevMan5.2软件进行Meta分析评价. 结果 共纳入14项研究,包括1 157例患者,其中FNB组616例,PCIA组380例,PCEA组161例.与PCIA组比较,FNB有效减少了患者术后24 h[加权均数差(weighted mean difference,WMD)=-17.93,95％置信区间(confidence interval,CI)=-27.38～-8.49]及48 h(WMD=-25.70,95％CI:-41.67～-9.74)的吗啡累计消耗量,降低患者术后24 h活动时VAS(WMD=-1.99,95％CI:-3.14～-0.85)(P＜0.05);且FNB组患者术后恶心呕吐比值比(odds ratio,OR)(0.31,95％CI:0.22～0.44)、尿潴留(OR=0.24,95％CI:0.13～0.43,P＜0.05)及头晕的发生率(OR=0.27,95％CI:0.14～0.52)都较低(P＜0.05). 结论 比较PCIA及PCEA,FNB可能是TKA患者术后镇痛的一种更好的选择.     

Continuous versus single-injection lumbar plexus blocks: comparison of the effects on morphine use and early recovery after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Continuous lumbar plexus infusion of local anesthetic after total knee arthroplasty has been shown to improve analgesia and early recovery as compared with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine. Any benefit of an infusion over a single-injection lumbar plexus block has not been directly shown however. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 32 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: 0.1% levobupivacaine infusion or saline infusion. Preoperatively, all patients received a lumbar plexus block with 25 mL 0.5% levobupivacaine using a posterior approach with a catheter left in situ, a sciatic nerve block with 15 mL 0.5% levobupivacaine, and a spinal anesthetic. At the end of surgery, 0.1% levobupivacaine or saline was infused into the catheter at 10 mL/h for 48 hours. All patients also received PCA morphine. The primary endpoint was morphine use from the PCA machine. Secondary endpoints included pain scores, day of first postoperative mobilization, and nausea. RESULTS: Patients receiving the levobupivacaine infusion used significantly less morphine than those receiving saline (19 mg [interquartile range (IQR) 8.5-29.5] vs 32 mg [IQR 23.5-53.0], P = .04) and also mobilized earlier postoperatively (day 1 or 2 [levobupivacaine] vs day 2 or 3 [saline], P = .001). Pain scores were similar. CONCLUSION: Postoperative infusion of local anesthetic around the lumbar plexus reduces morphine requirement and improves early recovery after total knee arthroplasty as compared with a single-injection block.     

The posterior lumbar plexus (psoas compartment) block and the three-in-one femoral nerve block provide similar postoperative analgesia after total knee replacement

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of a continuous posterior lumbar plexus (PSOAS) block to a continuous three-in-one femoral nerve (FEM) block in patients undergoing primary total knee replacement (TKR). METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly allocated to receive iv patient-controlled morphine analgesia (PCA), PCA plus a continuous FEM block with 30 mL ropivacaine 0.5% and epinephrine 1:200,000 bolus followed by an infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% at 12 mL.hr(-1) for 48 hr, or PCA plus a continuous PSOAS block with the same bolus and infusion regimen as the FEM group. Postoperative morphine consumption, verbal analogue scale pain scores at rest and during physiotherapy, and evidence of sensory and motor blockades were noted. RESULTS: Both regional techniques significantly reduced 48 hr morphine consumption (FEM 37.3 +/- 34.7 mg, P = 0.0002; PSOAS 36.1 +/- 25.8 mg, P < 0.0001) compared to PCA (72.2 +/- 26.6 mg). Pain scores at rest, six and 24 hr after TKR were lower in the FEM and PSOAS groups compared to the PCA group (P < 0.0001). Although sensory and motor blockades of the obturator nerve were achieved more often in the PSOAS group than in the FEM group (P < 0.0001), morphine consumption and pain scores did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both continuous PSOAS block and continuous three-in-one FEM block provided better analgesia than PCA but no differences were seen between the two regional techniques.     

Epidural Analgesia Enhances the Postoperative Anabolic Effect of Amino Acids in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients Undergoing Colon Surgery

Background: It has been suggested that diabetes mellitus type 2 amplifies the endocrine-metabolic stress response to surgery, and patients become more catabolic during the postoperative period. The aim of this study, conducted in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 scheduled to undergo elective colorectal surgery, was to determine whether the anabolic effects of intravenous amino acids are more pronounced when receiving perioperative epidural analgesia compared with patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine.

Methods: Twelve patients were randomly assigned to receive either epidural analgesia or patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine for perioperative pain control. Protein and glucose kinetics were measured before surgery and on the second postoperative day using L-[1-13C]leucine and [6,62H2]glucose infusion during a fasted and a fed (amino acid infusion) state.

Results: Preoperative parameters for glucose and protein kinetics were comparable in the fasted state for both groups. Postoperative amino acid infusion increased glucose concentration slightly (P = 0.124) and suppressed the endogenous rate of appearance of glucose (P < 0.0001) and glucose clearance (P < 0.0001) regardless of analgesia technique. The rate of appearance of leucine (P = 0.002), leucine oxidation (P < 0.0001), and protein synthesis (P = 0.026) increased, whereas net protein breakdown was decreased (P = 0.002), leading to a positive protein balance (P < 0.0001) in both groups. The increase in protein balance was greater in the epidural group compared with the patient-controlled analgesia group (P = 0.027).