Complicaciones asociadas a tres técnicas de bloqueo del plexo braquial: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

BackgroundBrachial plexus block has become one of the most widely-used anaesthetic techniques in the world for upper limb anaesthesia. There are three different brachial blocks techniques: supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillary block. However, its execution is not exempt from possible clinical complications, and it is not clear which of these is associated with a lower complication rate and greater anaesthetic success.Materials and methodsSystematic review and meta-analysis following the Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify controlled clinical trials reporting the three techniques. The main outcome was the incidence of anaesthetic complications, and the secondary ones were an anaesthetic success, time of performance and anaesthetic latency.Results25 controlled clinical trials, with 2012 patient, were included. The methodological quality of the included studies is moderate to high. For the main outcome, the main complication reported was a vascular puncture, followed by transient neurological injury, symptomatic diaphragmatic paralysis and pneumothorax. No differences were found in complications associated with the three anaesthetic techniques. Additionally, no differences were found regarding anaesthetic success.ConclusionsAnesthetic complications associated with the three brachial block techniques are low, with no medium and long-term sequelae; however, none of the three techniques seems to be superior among them to reduce these complications. All three techniques are highly successful when performed using ultrasound imaging.     

Axillary block in children: single or multiple injection?

The goal of this double-blind prospective study was to compare the effect of a single injection versus multiple fractionated doses on the onset time and quality of motor and sensory block, obtained in 70 children anaesthetized with axillary block alone. The brachial plexus was identified with a peripheral nerve stimulator, and blocked with 0.5 ml.kg-1 of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline. In Group S (single injection), the total volume was injected after location of one nerve. In Group M (multiple fractionated doses), two nerves were located, including necessarily one nerve implicated in the surgical territory. Motor and sensory blocks were assessed according to Lanz's scale before surgery by a blinded observer. A block was considered complete if there was no feeling in at least three nerve territories at 30 min. No difference was found between groups for motor and sensory block quality. However the onset time of the block was faster after multiple fractionated doses (Group M, 25+/-7 min vs Group S, 29+/-4 min) and was faster in younger children (5-9 years: M=23+/-7 min vs S=28+/-5 min, 10-15 years: no difference). There was a significant difference in the quality of the sensory blockade of the musculocutaneous nerve: 18 versus 8 complete blocks, 10 versus 14 incomplete blocks, respectively for Group M versus Group S. No adverse effect was observed and analgesia was prolonged for more than 4 h. We can conclude that, unlike adults, fractionated doses in chilren bring no benefit to the quality of sensory and motor block. Selective block of the musculocutaneous nerve is recommended when a surgical procedure takes place in this territory.     

超声引导下三点阻滞与椎旁阻滞用于剖腹肝胆手术术后镇痛的比较

目的观察术前给予超声引导下三点法阻滞(低位前锯肌阻滞、肋缘下腹横肌平面阻滞和腹直肌后鞘阻滞)或单侧胸椎旁阻滞对肝胆手术患者术后镇痛及相关围术期转归的影响。方法选择择期右上腹部切口行肝胆手术的患者95例,男69例,女26例,年龄18～65岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。随机分为三点组(n=48)和椎旁组(n=47)。三点组患者入室后采用0.375%罗哌卡因行超声引导下低位前锯肌阻滞(10 ml)、肋缘下腹横肌平面阻滞(15 ml)复合腹直肌后鞘阻滞(15 ml),椎旁组采用0.375%罗哌卡因20 ml行超声引导下T_(7-9)椎旁阻滞。记录术后24 h舒芬太尼用量;记录切皮前、切皮后1和5 min时HR和SBP的变化、麻醉后恢复室内和术后24 h VAS疼痛评分,以及患者过敏、局麻药中毒、穿刺损伤等不良反应发生情况。结果两组患者术后24 h内舒芬太尼用量差异无统计学意义[(0.98±0.33)μg/kg vs (0.95±0.28)μg/kg]。患者麻醉后恢复室内和术后24 h VAS疼痛评分差异无统计学意义。椎旁组术中低血压发生率31例(66.0%) vs 11例(22.9%)和去甲肾上腺素用量[(3.5±1.6)μg/kg vs (1.2±0.4)μg/kg]明显高于三点组(P0.01)。两组患者均未见过敏、局麻药中毒、穿刺损伤等不良反应。结论低位前锯肌阻滞、肋缘下腹横肌平面阻滞、腹直肌后鞘阻滞三点阻滞复合可以产生与单侧椎旁阻滞相当的术中和术后镇痛作用,而且前者的低血压发生率明显低于椎旁阻滞,是一种可供临床选择的上腹部神经阻滞方式。     

‘Small blocks’ in paediatric patients

Regional anaesthetic techniques are now extensively used in paediatric anaesthesia. A better understanding and conceptualization of them has led us to define a new category of blocks, termed compartment blocks, in which the structure that has to be identified is a fascial plane, not the nerve to be blocked itself. Some of these compartment blocks, most of which have been described decades ago but fell into disuse, have now been rediscovered as they offer many advantages in terms of safety, efficiency and simplicity. These ‘small blocks’ share the same high benefit/risk ratio and, basically, the same technique of fascial plane localization; this makes them look very similar even though they involve various structures and nerves with no real anatomical link. In this category are included the peri-umbilical, ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric, pudendal, penile, fascia iliaca, saphenous nerve, metacarpal and laryngeal nerve blocks. These small blocks provide adequate analgesia for a number of very common procedures in paediatric patients; they do not require special skills, training, complicated or expensive devices. Their success rate is extremely high and they have no true contraindications or significant adverse effects. They are effective with only small amounts of local anaesthetics and thus, due to their many advantages, should be used extensively in children.     

Pneumocephalus during continuous epidural block

We report a case of pneumocephalus during continuous epidural infusion. A 52-year-old malnourished man with rectal cancer had been treated with continuous epidural block for the relief of pain in the left thigh. Eleven days after catheter insertion, a dull, persistent headache occurred in the frontal region, and it worsened gradually. It was precipitated by any head motion and was not relieved by the supine position. A head computed tomography (CT) scan taken 3 days after the onset of the headache revealed about 15 ml of intracranial air and backward compression of the brain. The catheter was removed and the patient maintained bed-rest. The headache disappeared 2 days later. It is speculated that the air was sucked in through the space along the epidural catheter.     

Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures for cervical pain

Ultrasound is a particularly valuable imaging technique when performing nerve blocks at the cervical level. High-frequency probes provide high-quality resolution and are safe in skilled hands. Typically, interventions performed at the cervical level have been carried out with the help of x-rays, with the corresponding disadvantages such as the exposure to radiation and the inherent inability to observe radiotransparent structures such as blood vessels and nerves. Ultrasound allows us to visualize soft tissues and guide the tip of the needle to our target, without harming particularly delicate structures found in the path of the needle. This is important in nerve root blocks where the identification of periradicular nerves is crucial for the safety of the block itself. Likewise, ultrasound allows us to manipulate the needle with greater precision in the correct location; as is the case in cervical sympathetic nerve block where we can observe the injection of the liquid behind the prevertebral fascia and in front of the fascia of the longus colli muscle. In this article, we describe the most frequent techniques used in the pain clinic to treat headache and cervical pain, with special emphasis on the safety of the procedure.     

The new neuromuscular blocking agents: do they offer any advantages?

Br J Anaesth 2001; 87: 912–25     

The Efficacy and Safety of Regional Nerve Blocks in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Systematic Review and Direct Meta-Analysis

BackgroundRegional nerve blocks may be used as a component of a multimodal analgesic protocol to manage postoperative pain after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of regional nerve blocks after THA in support of the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published prior to March 24, 2020 on fascia iliaca, lumbar plexus, and quadratus lumborum blocks in primary THA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the regional nerve blocks.ResultsAn initial critical appraisal of 3,382 publications yielded 11 publications representing the best available evidence for an analysis. Fascia iliaca, lumbar plexus, and quadratus lumborum blocks demonstrate the ability to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Among the available comparisons, no difference was noted between a regional nerve block or local periarticular anesthetic infiltration regarding postoperative pain and opioid consumption.ConclusionLocal periarticular anesthetic infiltration should be considered prior to a regional nerve block due to concerns over the safety and cost of regional nerve blocks. If a regional nerve block is used in primary THA, a fascia iliaca block is preferred over other blocks due to the differences in technical demands and risks associated with the alternative regional nerve blocks.     

小剂量骶麻用于肛门直肠手术初探

目的 :探讨小剂量骶麻用于肛门直肠手术的可行性和优越性。方法 :两个阶段肛门直肠手术分别采用常规骶麻方法2 %利多卡因 1 5 2 0mL ,和小剂量骶麻 2 %利多卡因 5 1 0mL。观察麻醉中和术后恢复期并发症。结果 :两组患者均顺利完成手术。小剂量组一过性神经症状 (TNS)发生率为 4 9% ,较常规剂量组 1 6 7%明显降低 (P <0 0 5 )。术后卧床时间小剂量组为 2h ,常规剂量组为 4 6h。尿潴留发生率小剂量组为 7 3% ,常规剂量组为 1 4 4 % (P <0 0 5 )。而术后疼痛无明显差异。结论 :小剂量骶麻用于肛门直肠手术安全、有效 ,简便易行     

腰方肌阻滞临床应用的研究进展

腰方肌阻滞是一种将局麻药物注射至腰方肌周围的躯干神经阻滞技术。近年来,腰方肌阻滞的临床应用已成为研究热点,是广受欢迎的镇痛方式。腰方肌阻滞逐渐被应用于剖宫产手术、胃肠道手术、泌尿手术、下肢手术等围术期多模式镇痛,并且在慢性疼痛治疗中也有报道。全文就腰方肌阻滞的应用解剖、穿刺入路、临床应用及可能的作用机制进行综述,为其临床应用提供参考。     

超声引导下胸肋间筋膜阻滞的研究进展

肋间神经走行于肋间肌之间,在靠近胸骨的位置发出前皮支分布在皮肤表面,支配前胸壁区域的皮肤感觉。超声引导下胸肋间筋膜阻滞（PIFB）是近年来一种新兴的筋膜平面区域阻滞技术,通过将局麻药注射在胸大肌与肋间肌之间,在肋间神经移行途中将其阻断从而实现前胸壁区域的麻醉与镇痛。PIFB以其有效的镇痛效果、操作安全且易于学习的特点应用于乳腺、胸科、心脏等手术领域中,得到了患者和医师的广泛认可。本文通过对PIFB的解剖情况、操作技术、作用特点及临床应用方面进行论述,为PIFB的更多研究提供参考。     

腰丛-坐骨神经联合阻滞用于老年患者下肢手术的临床研究

目的探讨腰丛-坐骨神经联合阻滞在老年患者下肢手术应用的可行性。方法40例60岁以上拟行单侧下肢手术的患者随机均分为两组。A组采用神经刺激器定位技术,正确定位腰丛和坐骨神经后分别给予0.375%罗哌卡因20～25ml和0.5%罗哌卡因15～20ml;B组选择L2～3或L3～4间隙行硬膜外麻醉,给予0.75%罗哌卡因10～15ml。观察两组血流动力学变化、阻滞效果及其不良反应。结果B组麻醉15min后各时点的SBP、DBP均明显低于麻醉前及A组(P<0.05或P<0.01);A组镇痛持续时间长于B组(P<0.05),但运动阻滞持续时间短于B组(P<0.05);B组术中使用麻黄碱的例数及输液量高于A组(P<0.05);B组患者围术期恶心、呕吐、尿潴留等不良反应的发生率明显高于A组(P<0.01)。结论腰丛-坐骨神经联合阻滞对血流动力学影响小,术后镇痛时间长,并发症少,适用于老年患者下肢手术。     

Thoracic paravertebral block versus pectoral nerve block for analgesia after breast surgery

BackgroundPectoral nerve block (Pecs) is a novel interfascial plane block which can provide analgesia after breast surgery while paravertebral block (PVB) is widely used for this purpose. We evaluated the difference between the two techniques in regard to morphine consumption and analgesic efficacy after modified radical mastectomy (MRM).MethodsSixty patients undergoing elective MRM were randomly allocated into either PVB with 15–20 ml of levobupivacaine 0.25% at the level of fourth thoracic vertebra or Pecs block with 10 ml of levobupivacaine 0.25% injected inbetween pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscle and another 20 ml levobubivacaine 0.25% inbetween pectorlis minor and serratus anterior muscle. Primary outcome measure was morphine consumption in the first 24 h while secondary outcome measures included pain scores, intraoperative fentanyl consumption as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).ResultsPostoperative morphine consumed at 24 h was significantly lower in Pecs group [21 (20–25) mg] than in PVB group [28 (22–31) mg], (p = 0.002). Time for first request of morphine was longer in Pecs group [175 (155–220) min] than in PVB group [137.5 (115–165) min], (p < 0.001). Numerical rating score (NRS) at rest was lower in Pecs group compared with PVB group at 1 h, 6 h and 12 h (p < 0.001) but at 18 h and 24 h it was lower in PVB group compared with Pecs group (p = 0.008 and <0.001 respectively). During movement, NRS was significantly lower at 1st hour in Pecs group (p < 0.001) while at 18 h and 24 h it was significantly lower in PVB group (p < 0.001). PONV was comparable between both groups.ConclusionPecs block reduced postoperative morphine consumption in the first 24 and pain scores in the first 12 h in comparison with PVB after mastectomy.     

Infraclavicular brachial plexus block effects on respiratory function and extent of the block

Background and Objectives. Axillary block is devoid of severe respiratory complications. However, incomplete anesthesia of the upper limb is the main disadvantage of the technique. Theoretically, the more proximal infraclavicular approach would produce a more extensive block without the risk of pneumothorax. However, neither its effects on respiratory function nor a detailed characterization of the extent of neural block has been assessed. The goal of this study was to evaluate the possible changes in respiratory function and also the extent of the block after infraclavicular block. Methods. We performed an infraclavicular block with a mixture of 40 mL 1.5% plain mepivacaine and 4 mL 8.4% sodium bicarbonate in 20 patients. Forced expiratory volumes were measured before and 15 minutes after the injection of local anesthetic, and sensory and motor block were evaluated at 10 and 20 minutes. Results. We did not find significant differences from baseline in the forced expiratory volumes in any of the patients. Axillary and musculocutaneous nerve distributions had the lowest rate of sensory block at 20 minutes. Conclusions. Infraclavicular block does not produce a reduction in respiratory function.     

Bloqueo de las ramas terminales del plexo lumbar,una alternativa segura para el implante valvular aórtico transcatéter por vía transfemoral. Caso clínico

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an alternative treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis, it is conventionally performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia plus sedation. We present the first case of trans-femoral, trans-catheter aortic valve implantation, performed in our hospital in a patient with severe aortic stenosis, who was a high surgical risk. Anaesthesia consisted of a combination of bilateral selective blockade of the iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerves with the patient awake without sedation, using an ultrasound-guided approach. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation was successful and passed without incident, the patient remained immobile, calm, did not report pain, and sedation or hypnotics were not necessary during dilation of the vascular accesses with the introducer. Standard monitoring demonstrated haemodynamic stability, without cardiovascular repercussions and did not necessitate vasopressor or inotropic drug support. After the intervention, the patient was sent to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, where he remained asymptomatic and stable. Subsequently, the patient was admitted to the cardiology ward from where he was discharged without complications.