Nuevos bloqueos capsulares ecoguiados para cirugía de cadera: una revisión narrativa

Surgery on the hip joint is very common. Improving pain management has been and is one of the fundamental pillars to optimize the functional recovery of patients. To do this, we must design a multimodal anesthetic-analgesic plan that covers the entire perioperative period.Peripheral nerve blocks and fascial blocks are an important component of multimodal analgesic strategies. Traditional blocks have moderate efficacy, prolonged motor impairment, and increased risk of falls. As an alternative, capsular blocks («ileopsoas plane block» or «IPB» and pericapsular nerve group block or «PENG block») have recently been described that aim to avoid motor impairment while maintaining optimal analgesic efficacy.The objective of this review is to describe the new capsular blocks and to analyze whether they allow to improve postoperative analgesia and promote functional recovery with fewer complications, based on the innervation of the hip. To do this, a bibliographic review was carried out in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from January 2018 to June 2020.     

Fundamentals and innovations in regional anaesthesia for infants and children

Regional anaesthesia in children has evolved rapidly in the last decade. Although it previously consisted of primarily neuraxial techniques, the practice now incorporates advanced peripheral nerve blocks, which were only recently described in adults. These novel blocks provide new avenues for providing opioid-sparing analgesia while minimising invasiveness, and perhaps risk, associated with older techniques. At the same time, established methods, such as infant spinal anaesthesia, under-utilised in the last 20 years, are experiencing a revival. The impetus has been the concern regarding the potential long-term neurocognitive effects of general anaesthesia in the young child. These techniques have expanded from single shot spinal anaesthesia to combined spinal/epidural techniques, which can now effectively provide surgical anaesthesia for procedures below the umbilicus for a prolonged period of time, thereby avoiding the need for general anaesthesia. Continuous 2-chloroprocaine infusions, previously only described for intra-operative regional anaesthesia, have gained popularity as a means of providing prolonged postoperative analgesia in epidural and continuous nerve block techniques. The rapid, liver-independent metabolism of 2-chloroprocaine makes it ideal for prolonged local anaesthetic infusions in neonates and small infants, obviating the increased risk of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity that occurs with amide local anaesthetics. Debate continues over certain practices in paediatric regional anaesthesia. While the rarity of complications makes comparative analyses difficult, data from large prospective registries indicate that providing regional anaesthesia to children while under general anaesthesia appears to be at least as safe as in the sedated or awake patient. In addition, the estimated frequency of serious adverse events demonstrates that regional blocks in children under general anaesthesia are no less safe than in awake adults. In infants, the techniques of direct thoracic epidural placement or caudal placement with cephalad threading each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. As the data cannot support the safety of one technique over the other, the site of epidural insertion remains largely a matter of anaesthetist discretion.     

An introduction to femoral nerve and associated lumbar plexus nerve blocks under ultrasonic guidance

Anesthesiologists need approaches to peripheral nerve blocks that will work in all patients. Because we take care of many patients with morbid obesity at UCSF, we have utilized ultrasound guidance to improve our block success rates with femoral neuroblockade. However, rather than reserve its use for procedures and patients in which we expect difficult placement of the nerve block, we have broadened our scope of practice to integrate the use of ultrasound into most routine peripheral nerve blocks to gain proficiency with this important technique. With experience we have been able to establish another important principle: one only needs to establish the correct needle tip to fascial plane relationship before the injection of local anesthetic solution. It is unnecessary to make direct contact between the block needle and the nerve to ensure block success. We believe the ultrasonic guided needle approaches that we have described in the previous paragraphs will play a crucial role in the future practice of regional anesthesia.     

The role of serratus anterior plane and pectoral nerves blocks in cardiac surgery,thoracic surgery and trauma: a qualitative systematic review

Serratus anterior plane and pectoral nerves blocks are recently described alternatives to established regional anaesthesia techniques in cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery and trauma. We performed a systematic review to establish the current state of evidence for the analgesic role of these fascial plane blocks in these clinical settings. We identified relevant studies by searching multiple databases and trial registries from inception to June 2019. Study heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis and studies were instead qualitatively summarised and stratified by type of surgery and comparator. We identified 51 studies: nine randomised control trials; 13 cohort studies; 19 case series; and 10 case reports. The majority of randomised controlled trials studied the serratus anterior plane block in thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with only two investigating pectoral nerves blocks. The evidence in thoracic trauma comprised only case series and reports. Results indicate that single-injection serratus anterior plane and the pectoral nerves blocks reduce pain scores and opioid consumption compared with systemic analgesia alone in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac-related interventional procedures and chest trauma for approximately 6–12 h. The duration of action appears longer than intercostal nerve blocks but may be shorter than thoracic paravertebral blockade. Block duration may be prolonged by a continuous catheter technique with potentially similar results to thoracic epidural analgesia. There were no reported complications and the risk of haemodynamic instability appears to be low. The current evidence, though limited, supports the efficacy and safety of serratus anterior plane and the pectoral nerves blocks as analgesic options in cardiothoracic surgery.     

Peripheral nerve blocks for cancer pain

Pain is a common symptom in patients with advanced cancer, but in the majority of patients the pain is well controlled with conservative management techniques. In a small proportion of patients (5–10%) more invasive analgesia regimens are required, including the use of peripheral nerve blocks, where pain arises within the territory of a major peripheral nerve or plexus. These blocks may be single-shot injections of long-acting local anaesthetic performed using standard approaches to the nerve. More commonly, perineural or plexus infusions are employed using special nerve sheath catheters through which infusions of local anaesthetic drugs are administered for weeks or even months, according to the severity of the pain and the patient's life expectancy. Placing the catheters and controlling the infusion can be technically demanding and the catheters require careful attention to detail to avoid infection, blockage or accidental removal throughout the duration of the infusion.Despite the difficulties of inserting and maintaining a successful peripheral nerve catheter infusion, the quality of analgesia available from such techniques can result in a major improvement in the quality of life for the patient. These techniques should be considered at an early stage in patients where pain management within the territory of an appropriate nerve or plexus is difficult.     

Surface mapping of peripheral nerves in children with a nerve stimulator

Defining anatomical landmarks may be difficult in the growing child. With the aid of a peripheral nerve stimulator, the path of many superficial peripheral nerves can be 'mapped' prior to skin penetration by stimulating the motor component of the peripheral nerve percutaneously with a 2-3.5 mA output. The required current will vary and is dependent upon the depth of the nerve and the moistness of the overlying skin. This 'nerve mapping technique' has proved particularly useful for brachial plexus, axillary, ulna and median nerve blocks in the upper limb and femoral and popliteal nerve blocks in the lower limb. It is a useful teaching tool and improves the success rate of peripheral nerve blocks in children of all ages.     

Comparison of injectate spread and nerve involvement between retrolaminar and erector spinae plane blocks in the thoracic region: a cadaveric study

Although different injection locations for retrolaminar and erector spinae plane blocks have been described, the two procedures have a similar anatomical basis. In this cadaveric study we compared anatomical spread of dye in the thoracic region following these two procedures. Following randomisation, 10 retrolaminar blocks and 10 erector spinae plane blocks were performed on the left or right sides of 10 unembalmed cadavers. For each block, 20 ml of dye solution was injected at the T5 level. The back regions were dissected and the involvement of the thoracic spinal nerve was also investigated. Twenty blocks were successfully completed. A consistent vertical spread, with deep staining between the posterior surface of the vertebral laminae and the overlaying transversospinalis muscle was observed in all retrolaminar blocks. Moreover, most retrolaminar blocks were predominantly associated with fascial spreading in the intrinsic back muscles. With an erector spinae plane block, dye spread in a more lateral pattern than with retrolaminar block, and fascial spreading in the back muscles was also observed. The number of stained thoracic spinal nerves was greater with erector spinae plane blocks than with retrolaminar blocks; median 2.0 and 3.5, respectively. Regardless of technique, the main route of dye spread was through the superior costotransverse ligament to the ipsilateral paravertebral space. Although erector spinae plane blocks were associated with a slightly larger number of stained thoracic spinal nerves than retrolaminar blocks, both techniques were consistently associated with posterior spread of dye and with limited spread to the paravertebral space.     

Advances in regional anaesthesia and acute pain management: a narrative review

Regional anaesthesia has undergone several exciting advances in the past few decades. Ultrasound-guided techniques of peripheral nerve blockade have become the gold standard thanks to the associated improvements in efficacy, ease of performance and safety. This has increased the accessibility and utilisation of regional anaesthesia in the anaesthesia community at large and is timely given the mounting evidence for its potential benefits on various patient-centred outcomes, including major morbidity, cancer recurrence and persistent postoperative pain. Ultrasound guidance has also paved the way for refinement of the technical performance of existing blocks concerning simplicity and safety, as well as the development of new regional anaesthesia techniques. In particular, the emergence of fascial plane blocks has further broadened the application of regional anaesthesia in the management of painful conditions of the thorax and abdomen. The preliminary results of investigations into these fascial plane blocks are promising but require further research to establish their true value and role in clinical care. One of the challenges that remains is how best to prolong regional anaesthesia to maximise its benefits while avoiding undue harm. There is ongoing research into optimising continuous catheter techniques and their management, intravenous and perineural pharmacological adjuncts, and sustained-release local anaesthetic molecules. Finally, there is a growing appreciation for the critical role that regional anaesthesia can play in an overall multimodal anaesthetic strategy. This is especially pertinent given the current focus on eliminating unnecessary peri-operative opioid administration.     

Peripheral and local anaesthetic techniques for paediatric surgery

Peripheral nerve blocks provide intraoperative and postoperative analgesia and are usually used as adjuncts to general anaesthesia in paediatric patients. For children in the UK, most of these blocks are performed under general anaesthesia. In older cooperative children, some are performed awake, providing the correct environment and reassurances are available to minimize stress and anxiety. Peripheral nerve blocks provide good-quality analgesia without the adverse effects associated with systemic medications. Good pain management reduces morbidity and aids patient recovery, resulting in better patient and family satisfaction and earlier discharge. These factors are essential for successful and efficient paediatric surgery. Failure to achieve good pain control is obviously unpleasant, but has also been identified in the occurrence of sleep and behavioural disturbances in children following surgery. Delayed recovery and discharge can have significant disruptive and economic effects on the family and hospital. Despite these benefits, peripheral nerve blocks, like all invasive techniques, are associated with complications and adverse effects. They should only be performed after careful analysis of the risk:benefit ratio. This article discusses a general approach to peripheral nerve blocks in children, along with the benefits of a predominately ultrasound-based approach and the role of peripheral catheters.     

Peripheral and local anaesthetic techniques for paediatric surgery

Peripheral nerves blocks provide intraoperative and postoperative analgesia and are usually used as adjuncts to general anaesthesia in paediatric patients. For children in the UK, most of these blocks are performed under general anaesthesia. In older cooperative children, some are performed awake, providing the correct environment and reassurances are available to minimize stress and anxiety. Peripheral nerve blocks provide good quality analgesia without the adverse effects associated with systemic medications. Good pain management reduces morbidity and aids patient recovery, resulting in better patient and family satisfaction and earlier discharge. These factors are essential for successful and efficient paediatric surgery. Failure to achieve good pain control is obviously unpleasant, but has also been identified in the occurrence of sleep and behavioural disturbances in children following surgery. Delayed recovery and discharge can have significant disruptive and economic effects on the family and hospital. Despite these benefits, peripheral nerve blocks, like all invasive techniques, are associated with complications and adverse effects. They should only be performed after careful analysis of the risk:benefit ratio. This article discusses a general approach to common, predominantly, ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks in children and role of peripheral catheters.     

Quadratus lumborum block vs. transversus abdominis plane block for caesarean delivery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis*

Caesarean delivery is the most commonly performed inpatient surgical procedure globally. Pain after caesarean delivery is moderate to severe if not adequately treated, and is a primary anaesthetic concern for patients. Transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks are fascial plane blocks that have the potential to improve analgesia following caesarean delivery. Although proponents of the quadratus lumborum block suggest that this technique may provide better analgesia compared with transversus abdominis plane block, there are limited data directly comparing these two techniques. We, therefore, performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block approaches, seeking randomised controlled trials comparing both techniques to each other, or to control, with or without intrathecal morphine. In all, 31 trials with 2188 patients were included and our primary outcome, the cumulative intravenous morphine equivalent consumption at 24 h, was reported in 12 trials. In the absence of intrathecal morphine, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks were equivalent, and both were superior to control (moderate-quality evidence). In the presence of intrathecal morphine, no differences were found between control, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks (moderate-quality evidence). Similar results were found for resting and active pain scores at 4–6 h, 8–12 h, 24 h and 36 h, although quadratus lumborum block was associated with lower pain scores at 36 h when compared with transversus abdominis plane block (very low-quality evidence). However, transversus abdominis plane block was associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (moderate-quality evidence) and sedation when compared with inactive control following intrathecal morphine administration (low-quality evidence). There are insufficient data to draw definitive conclusions, but transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block appear to be superior to control in the absence of intrathecal morphine, but provide limited additional benefit over inactive control when intrathecal morphine is also used.     

Lower limb blocks for children

Femoral and lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh blocks have been performed in a group of 50 children; the method has not previously been described in paediatric practice. The technique was judged to have been successful in 48 (96%) of the children. There were no early or late complications. It is concluded that these blocks are easy to perform, even in small children and infants, and that they can produce reliable postoperative analgesia for a variety of orthopaedic and plastic procedures.     

Ultrasonography for ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve blocks in children

Background. The ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block isa popular regional anaesthetic technique for children undergoinginguinal surgery. The success rate is only 70–80% andcomplications may occur. A prospective randomized double-blindedstudy was designed to compare the use of ultrasonography withthe conventional ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block technique. Methods. One hundred children (age range, 1 month–8 years)scheduled for inguinal hernia repair, orchidopexy or hydrocelerepair were included in the study. Following induction of generalanaesthesia, the children received an ilioinguinal/iliohypogastricblock performed either under ultrasound guidance using levobupivacaine0.25% until both nerves were surrounded by the local anaestheticor by the conventional ‘fascial click’ method usinglevobupivacaine 0.25% (0.3 ml kg^–1). Additional intra-and postoperative analgesic requirements were recorded. Results. Ultrasonographic visualization of the ilioinguinal/iliohypogastricnerves was possible in all cases. The amount of local anaestheticused in the ultrasound group was significantly lower than inthe ‘fascial click’ group (0.19 (SD 0.05) ml kg^–1vs 0.3 ml kg^–1, P<0.0001). During the intraoperativeperiod 4% of the children in the ultrasound group received additionalanalgesics compared with 26% in the fascial click group (P=0.004).Only three children (6%) in the ultrasound-guided group neededpostoperative rectal acetaminophen compared with 20 children(40%) in the fascial click group (P<0.0001). Conclusions. Ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal/iliohypogastricnerve blocks can be achieved with significantly smaller volumesof local anaesthetics. The intra- and postoperative requirementsfor additional analgesia are significantly lower than with theconventional method.      

Peripheral and local anaesthetic techniques for paediatric surgery

Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) in paediatric patients are usually used as an adjunct to general anaesthesia, providing intra- and postoperative analgesia. These blocks provide good-quality analgesia preventing morbidity related to pain and reducing adverse effects from systemic analgesics. PNBs aid early patient recovery and discharge, which is essential in day-case surgery. Like all invasive techniques, PNBs are associated with complications and adverse effects. They should therefore be performed only after careful analysis of the risk:benefit ratio for each child. This article discusses a general approach to PNBs in children. It covers a small selection of limb and trunk blocks, and discusses the benefit of ultrasound guidance.     

Applications of ultrasound in paediatric anaesthesia

Ultrasound (US) scanning during the placement of major regional nerve blocks or intravascular catheters allows a non-invasive real-time image display of tissue planes, neurovascular structures and needles. Advances in scanner technology have allowed anaesthetists to accurately target needle placement, which enhances the success and safety of these procedures. This review will summarise the use of US for regional blockade and vascular cannulation in paediatric anaesthetic practice.     

Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks of the chest wall: a state-of-the-art review

Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks of the chest wall are increasingly popular alternatives to established techniques such as thoracic epidural or paravertebral blockade, as they are simple to perform and have an appealing safety profile. Many different techniques have been described, which can be broadly categorised into anteromedial, anterolateral and posterior chest wall blocks. Understanding the relevant clinical anatomy is critical not only for block performance, but also to match block techniques appropriately with surgical procedures. The sensory innervation of tissues deep to the skin (e.g. muscles, ligaments and bone) can be overlooked, but is often a significant source of pain. The primary mechanism of action for these blocks is a conduction blockade of sensory afferents travelling in the targeted fascial planes, as well as of peripheral nociceptors in the surrounding tissues. A systemic action of absorbed local anaesthetic is plausible but unlikely to be a major contributor. The current evidence for their clinical applications indicates that certain chest wall techniques provide significant benefit in breast and thoracic surgery, similar to that provided by thoracic paravertebral blockade. Their role in trauma and cardiac surgery is evolving and holds great potential. Further avenues of research into these versatile techniques include: optimal local anaesthetic dosing strategies; high-quality randomised controlled trials focusing on patient-centred outcomes beyond acute pain; and comparative studies to determine which of the myriad blocks currently on offer should be core competencies in anaesthetic practice.     

Efficacy of erector spinae plane block for analgesia in breast surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The erector spinae plane block is a new regional anaesthesia technique that provides truncal anaesthesia for breast surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to determine if the erector spinae plane block is effective at reducing pain scores and opioid consumption after breast surgery. This study also evaluated the outcomes of erector spinae plane blocks compared with other regional blocks. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. We included randomised controlled trials reporting the use of the erector spinae plane block in adult breast surgery. Risk of bias was assessed with the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to assess trial quality. Thirteen randomised controlled trials (861 patients; 418 erector spinae plane block, 215 no blocks, 228 other blocks) were included. Erector spinae plane block reduced postoperative pain compared with no block: at 0-2 hours (mean difference (95% CI) −1.63 (−2.97 to −0.29), 6 studies, 329 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 98%, p = 0.02); at 6 hours (mean difference (95% CI) −0.90 (−1.49 to −0.30), 5 studies, 250 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 91%, p = 0.003); at 12 hours (mean difference (95% CI) −0.46 (−0.67 to −0.25), 5 studies, 250 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 58%, p < 0.0001); and at 24 hours (mean difference (95% CI) −0.50 (−0.70 to −0.30), 6 studies, 329 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 76%, p < 0.00001). Compared with no block, erector spinae plane block also showed significantly lower postoperative oral morphine equivalent requirements (mean difference (95% CI) −21.55mg (−32.57 to −10.52), 7 studies, 429 patients, high-quality evidence, I² = 99%, p = 0.0001). Separate analysis of studies comparing erector spinae plane block with pectoralis nerve block and paravertebral block showed that its analgesic efficacy was inferior to pectoralis nerve block and similar to paravertebral block. The incidence of pneumothorax was 2.6% in the paravertebral block group; there were no reports of complications of the other blocks. This review has shown that the erector spinae plane block is more effective at reducing postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores up to 24 hours compared with general anaesthesia alone. However, it was inferior to the pectoralis nerve block and its efficacy was similar to paravertebral block. Further evidence, preferably from properly blinded trials, is required to confirm these findings.     

Systematic review of the effects of fascia iliaca compartment block on hip fracture patients before operation

Background

Fascia iliaca compartment block is used for hip fractures in order to reduce pain, the need for systemic analgesia, and prevent delirium, on this basis. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the analgesic and adverse effects of fascia iliaca block on hip fracture in adults when applied before operation.

Local anaesthetic dosage of peripheral nerve blocks in children: analysis of 40 121 blocks from the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network database

Background

The knowledge regarding appropriate dosage of local anaesthetics for peripheral nerve blocks in children is very scarce. The main objective of the current investigation was to evaluate dosing patterns of local anaesthetics in children receiving peripheral nerve blocks across multiple paediatric hospitals in the USA. We also sought to estimate the incidence of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity.