Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion Facilitates Acute Rehabilitation after Laparoscopic Colectomy

Background: Intravenous infusion of lidocaine decreases postoperative pain and speeds the return of bowel function. The authors therefore tested the hypothesis that perioperative lidocaine infusion facilitates acute rehabilitation protocol in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy.

Methods: Forty patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic colectomy were randomly allocated to receive intravenous lidocaine (bolus injection of 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine at induction of anesthesia, then a continuous infusion of 2 mg [middle dot] kg-1 [middle dot] h-1 intraoperatively and 1.33 mg [middle dot] kg-1 [middle dot] h-1 for 24 h postoperatively) or an equal volume of saline. All patients received similar intensive postoperative rehabilitation. Postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and fatigue scores were measured. Times to first flatus, defecation, and hospital discharge were recorded. Postoperative endocrine (cortisol and catecholamines) and metabolic (leukocytes, C-reactive protein, and glucose) responses were measured for 48 h. Data (presented as median [25-75% interquartile range], lidocaine vs. saline groups) were analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Patient demographics were similar in the two groups. Times to first flatus (17 [11-24] vs. 28 [25-33] h; P < 0.001), defecation (28 [24-37] vs. 51 [41-70] h; P = 0.001), and hospital discharge (2 [2-3] vs. 3 [3-4] days; P = 0.001) were significantly shorter in patients who received lidocaine. Lidocaine significantly reduced opioid consumption (8 [5-18] vs. 22 [14-36] mg; P = 0.005) and postoperative pain and fatigue scores. In contrast, endocrine and metabolic responses were similar in the two groups.     

Acute Rehabilitation Program after Laparoscopic Colectomy using Intravenous Lidocaine

Background: The concept of postoperative acute rehabilitation was introduced to accelerate postoperative recovery and improve outcome. We investigated whether intravenous lidocaine infusion, which decreases postoperative pain and speeds the return of bowel function, can be used instead of epidural analgesia in an acute rehabilitation protocol for patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy.

Methods: Twenty eight consecutive patients scheduled for laparoscopic colectomy were prospectively included in this case series study. Segmental colectomy was performed only for benign pathology. Intraoperative opioid use was restricted. After a bolus injection of lidocaine 1.5 mgkg^-1, an infusion (2 mgkg-1h-1, IV) was started before pneu-moperitoneum. Balanced analgesia was used to reduce postoperative opioid consumption. Patients were allowed to drink 6 h postoperatively. The day after surgery, patients were allowed to eat a normal breakfast. Enforced mobilisation and ambulation were required from the patients. Our goal was to discharge patients within 3 days after surgery. Postoperative pain was measured. Time to first flatus, defecation, and hospital discharge were recorded. Results: Mean postoperative pain at rest and mobilisation remained below 30 mm on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Time to first flatus, defecation, and hospital discharge were 29 ± 13 h, 38 ± 13 h, and 3.0 ± 1.0 days, respectively. Conclusion: Acute rehabilitation after laparoscopic colectomy using IV lidocaine gives similar outcomes to those reported using epidural analgesia.     

静注利多卡因对行腹腔镜胆总管探查术患者镇痛和肠蠕动的影响

目的观察静脉输注利多卡因对行腹腔镜胆管探查术患者术后镇痛和肠功能的影响。方法择期腹腔镜胆总管探查术患者80例,年龄23～55岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为治疗组和对照组。治疗组诱导期静注利多卡因1.5mg/kg,术中以2mg·kg-1·h-1持续输注,术后24h内改为1.2mg·kg-1·h-1持续静脉输注。对照组给予等剂量的生理盐水。记录两组患者术中七氟醚总量,术后抽取静脉血检测利多卡因浓度并记录术后2h(T1)、4h(T2)、8h(T3)、12h(T4)、24h(T5)、术后第2天(T6)和第3天(T7)两组VAS评分以及术后首次排气、排便时间,住院天数和恶心呕吐发生率。结果与对照组比较,T1～T5时治疗组VAS评分均明显下降(P<0.05);治疗组术中七氟醚总量降低,术后首次排气时间、排便时间以及住院天数均缩短(P<0.05)。结论小剂量利多卡因静注可促进腹腔镜胆管探查术患者肠蠕动恢复,缩短患者住院时间,有利于术后康复。     

静脉输注利多卡因对腹部手术患者术后镇痛效果及肠道功能恢复的影响

目的 研究静脉输注利多卡因对开腹手术患者术后镇痛效果及肠功能恢复的影响.方法 选择60名ASA Ⅰ～Ⅲ级择期行腹部手术的患者,应用随机数字表法进行完全随机化分组分为3组,每组20人:L1组、L2组、S组.采用双盲法,诱导时,L1组诱导时静注1.5 mg/kg利多卡因后按2 mg·kg-1·h-1的速度维持至术毕,术后以...     

Lack of Impact of Intravenous Lidocaine on Analgesia, Functional Recovery, and Nociceptive Pain Threshold after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background: The analgesic effect of perioperative low doses of intravenous lidocaine has been demonstrated after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to evaluate whether a continuous intravenous low-dose lidocaine infusion reduced postoperative pain and modified nociceptive pain threshold after total hip arthroplasty.

Methods: Sixty patients participated in this randomized double-blinded study. Patients received lidocaine 1% (lidocaine group) with a 1.5 mg/kg-1 intravenous bolus in 10 min followed by a 1.5 mg [middle dot] kg-1 [middle dot] h-1 intravenous infusion or saline (control group). These regimens were started 30 min before surgical incision and stopped 1h after skin closure. Lidocaine blood concentrations were measured at the end of administration. In both groups, postoperative analgesia was provided exclusively by patient-controlled intravenous morphine. Pain scores, morphine consumption, and operative hip flexion were recorded over 48 h. In addition, pressure pain thresholds and the extent of hyperalgesia around surgical incision were systematically measured at 24 and 48 h.

Results: In comparison with the placebo, lidocaine did not induce any opioid-sparing effect during the first 24 h (median [25-75% interquartile range]; 17 mg [9-28] vs. 15 mg [8-23]; P = 0.54). There was no significant difference regarding the effects of lidocaine and placebo on pain score, pressure pain thresholds, extent in the area of hyperalgesia, and maximal degree of active hip flexion tolerated. Mean plasma lidocaine concentration was 2.1 +/- 0.4 [mu]g/ml.     

Does dexamethasone improve the quality of intravenous regional anesthesia and analgesia? A randomized, controlled clinical study

We investigated the anesthetic and analgesic effectiveness of adding dexamethasone to lidocaine for IV regional anesthesia (IVRA). Seventy-five patients undergoing ambulatory hand surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups: group L received 3 mg/kg lidocaine, group LD received 3 mg/kg lidocaine + 8 mg dexamethasone, and group LDc received 3 mg/kg lidocaine for IVRA and 8 mg dexamethasone IV to the nonsurgical arm. IVRA was established using 40 mL of a solution. Visual analog scale and verbal pain scores were recorded intraoperatively and for 2 h postoperatively. Postoperative pain was treated with oral acetaminophen 500 mg every 4 h when visual analog scale score was more than 3. Time to request for the first analgesic and the total dose in the first 24 h were noted. Times to onset of complete sensory and motor block were similar in the 3 groups. The times to recovery of motor block (L = 8 [5.91-10.08] min, LD = 13 [6.76-20.19] min, LDc = 6 [4.44-8.43] min) and sensory block (L = 7 [5.21-10.30] min, LD = 12 [6.11-19.40] min and LDc = 6 [4.2-8.11] min) were longer in group LD (P < 0.05). Patients in group LD reported significantly lower pain scores and required less acetaminophen in the first 24 h after surgery. In conclusion, the addition of 8 mg dexamethasone to lidocaine for IVRA in patients undergoing hand surgery improves postoperative analgesia during the first postoperative day.     

The effects of intravenous lidocaine on wound pain and gastrointestinal function recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery

To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine in relieving postoperative pain and promoting rehabilitation in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, we conducted this meta‐analysis. The systematic search strategy was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese databases, and Cochrane Library before September 2019. As a result, 10 randomised clinical trials were included in this meta‐analysis (n = 527 patients). Intravenous lidocaine significantly reduced pain scores at 2, 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours on movement and 2, 4, and 12 hours on resting‐state and reduced opioid requirement in first 24 hours postoperatively (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −5.02 [−9.34, −0.70]; P = .02). It also decreased the first flatus time (WMD: −10.15 [−11.20, −9.10]; P < .00001), first defecation time (WMD: −10.27 [−17.62, −2.92]; P = .006), length of hospital stay (WMD: −1.05 [−1.89, −0.21]; P = .01), and reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk ratio: 0.53 [0.30, 0.93]; P = .03) when compared with control group. However, it had no effect on pain scores at 24 and 48 hours at rest, the normal dietary time, and the level of serum C‐reactive protein. In summary, perioperative intravenous lidocaine could alleviate acute pain, reduce postoperative analgesic requirements, and accelerate recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.     

Intraoperative intravenous lidocaine reduces hospital length of stay following open gastrectomy for stomach cancer in men

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate whether intraoperative low-dose lidocaine infusion decreases postoperative analgesic consumption, ileus, and duration of hospital stay.DesignProspective, randomized, double-blinded trial.SettingOperating room in a university hospital.Patients48 ASA physical status 1 and 2 men scheduled for subtotal gastrectomy.InterventionsPatients were randomly allocated to two groups to receive either intravenous (IV) lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg 20 minutes before incision followed by a continuous lidocaine infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/hr until the end of surgery (lidocaine group) or saline in a similar manner (control group).MeasurementsOutcomes such as pain intensity, postoperative analgesic consumption, duration of ileus, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were recorded.Main ResultsThere were no differences in total consumption of IV patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) or pain scores at 24, 48, or 72 hours postoperatively. However, lidocaine group patients had significantly decreased average supplemental pethidine requirement per patient for pain control until 72 hours postoperatively [150 (75-200) mg vs 50 (50-150) mg, P = 0.039] and hospital LOS (9.5 ± 3 d vs 8.7 ± 1 d, P = 0.006, 95% CI: - 0.3 - 1.9 d) than control group patients. However, no differences were noted between the groups in pain intensity or duration of ileus.ConclusionsIntraoperative IV low-dose lidocaine infusion decreased opioid consumption and hospital LOS after gastrectomy.     

Perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion for postoperative pain control: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

Various strategies have been proposed for postoperative pain control. Among those, intravenous lidocaine infusion (IVLI) has gained in interest. However, its clinical benefit remains unclear. This systematic review is an evaluation of the analgesic efficacy and safety of IVLI during general anesthesia.

Methods

A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases, likewise, grey literature. The review included all randomized controlled trials that used a placebo or any comparator and evaluated IVLI during general anesthesia for any type of surgery. Primary outcomes were pain control and opioid requirement. Secondary outcomes were mortality, length of stay, ileus recovery time, nausea/vomiting, and adverse events. Random effects models were used and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² index.

Results

From 5,472 citations retrieved, 29 studies involving a total of 1,754 patients met eligibility. At six hours postoperatively, intravenous lidocaine infusion reduced pain at rest (weighted mean difference [WMD] ?8.70, 95% confidence intervals [CI] ?16.19 to ?1.21), during cough (WMD ?11.19, 95% CI ?17.73 to ?4.65), and during movement (WMD ?9.56, 95% CI ?17.31 to ?1.80). Intravenous lidocaine infusion also reduced opioid requirement (morphine) (WMD ?8.44 mg, 95% CI ?11.32 to ?5.56), time to first flatus (WMD ?7.62 hr, 95% CI ?10.78 to ?4.45), time to first feces (WMD ?10.71 hr, 95% CI ?16.14 to ?5.28), nausea/vomiting (risk ratios = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57-0.90), and hospital length of stay (WMD ?0.17 days, 95% CI ?0.41 to 0.07). Abdominal surgery was strongly associated with benefit. For the 12 studies that systematically screened adverse events, the incidence of cardiac and neurologic adverse events was comparable. Eight studies observed toxic plasma levels.

Discussion

Perioperative IVLI reduced postoperative pain and opioid requirement, as well as ileus recovery time, hospital length of stay, and nausea/vomiting. Intravenous lidocaine infusion was effective mainly in abdominal surgery populations. Considering that toxic levels were detected and that adverse events were not systematically screened for in most studies, dose and safety of IVLI should be established before recommending its use.     

Intravenous Lidocaine for Effective Pain Relief After a Laparoscopic Colectomy: A Prospective,Randomized, Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Study

A perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion has been reported to decrease postoperative pain. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous lidocaine in reducing postoperative pain for laparoscopic colectomy patients. Fifty-five patients scheduled for an elective laparoscopic colectomy were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Group L received an intravenous bolus injection of lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg before intubation, followed by 2 mg/kg/h continuous infusion during the operation. Group C received the same dosage of saline at the same time. Postoperative pain was assessed at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery by using the visual analog scale (VAS). Fentanyl consumption by patient-controlled plus investigator-controlled rescue administration and the total number of button pushes were measured at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. In addition, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were checked on the operation day and postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 5. VAS scores were significantly lower in group L than group C until 24 hours after surgery. Fentanyl consumption was lower in group L than group C until 12 hours after surgery. Moreover, additional fentanyl injections and the total number of button pushes appeared to be lower in group L than group C (P < 0.05). The CRP level tended to be lower in group L than group C, especially on postoperative day1 and 2 and appeared to be statistically significant. The satisfaction score was higher in group L than group C (P = 0.024). Intravenous lidocaine infusion during an operation reduces pain after a laparoscopic colectomy.Key words: Analgesics, Colectomy, Pain, LidocaineBecause of a substantial increase in the incidence of benign and malignant tumors of the colon, the number of laparoscopic colorectal surgeries has increased.¹ Laparoscopic colectomy appears to be less painful, involves less bleeding, and has a faster recovery than an open colectomy.² Further, laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been proven to be beneficial in comparison with robot-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery in many aspects.³ However, postoperative pain because of surgical incision is still an issue that requires resolution. Therefore, various clinical applications such as intrathecal morphine, epidural analgesia, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to control pain after a laparoscopic colectomy.^4,5 However, optimal management has not yet been established. A regional block can have technical difficulties and complications. The epidural failure rate has been reported up to 40%, and other drugs, such as opioids or NSAIDs, have side effects or drug allergies.^5,6Intravenous lidocaine is inexpensive, easy to inject, and a relatively safe drug.⁷ A number of studies showed that intravenous lidocaine has analgesic, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a fast recovery, reducing the hospital stay and the time for bowel function recovery.^8–10 In addition, lidocaine in a nontoxic concentration has been reported to decrease the variant volatile anesthesia requirement in an animal study.¹⁰ Therefore, the authors aimed to determine whether a continuous infusion of intravenous lidocaine would have an adequate postoperative analgesic effect for a laparoscopic colectomy. The hypothesis of this study was that an intravenous lidocaine infusion during an operation could decrease postoperative pain.     

Inhibition of postoperative pain by continuous low-dose intravenous infusion of lidocaine

Intravenous lidocaine has been reported previously to inhibit postoperative pain when given either as single injections or as short infusions in amounts usually causing adverse reactions. To determine the efficacy of a continuous low-dose (2 mg/kg) intravenous infusion of lidocaine, postoperative pain (visual analogue pain scale) and the requirements for postoperative analgesics were measured in a double-blind randomized trial in 20 patients after cholecystectomy. Lidocaine infusion was started 30 min before the operation and continued for 24 hr after surgery (n = 10). Saline was infused in a comparable group of ten patients. The lidocaine-treated patients had significantly lower pain scores during the first day after surgery (P less than 0.001) and required significantly less meperidine during the first (P less than 0.02) and second postoperative days (P less than 0.01). No adverse reactions to lidocaine were observed. Whole blood levels of lidocaine ranged between 1 and 2 micrograms/ml. The results suggest that low-dose continuous infusions of lidocaine decrease the severity of postoperative pain and are devoid of side effects.     

Randomized clinical trial comparing epidural anaesthesia and patient-controlled analgesia after laparoscopic segmental colectomy

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial compared the use of thoracic epidural anaesthesia-analgesia (TEA) with morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain relief after laparoscopic colectomy. METHODS: Patients scheduled for segmental laparoscopic colectomy were randomized to receive TEA or PCA. Patients in the TEA group received bupivacaine and fentanyl before incision and after surgery by continuous infusion for 18 h. Patients in the PCA group self-administered morphine using an intravenous pump. The postoperative care plan was otherwise identical for the two groups. Postoperative pain was measured during ambulation using a visual analogue pain score. RESULTS: The study included 38 patients (18 TEA, 20 PCA), 16 of whom underwent right hemicolectomy or ileocolectomy and 22 sigmoid colectomy. Operating times, patient weight and distribution of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade were similar in the two groups. The mean(s.e.m.) total dose of drugs administered was 64(41) mg morphine in the PCA group, and 79(42) mg bupivacaine and 205(140) micro g fentanyl in the TEA group. Postoperative pain scores were significantly better in the TEA group at 6 h (mean(s.e.m.) 2.2(0.4) versus 6.6(0.5) with PCA; P = 0.001) and 18 h (2.2(0.3) versus 4.0(0.4); P = 0.003). Hospital stay was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: TEA significantly improved early analgesia following laparoscopic colectomy but did not affect the length of hospital stay.     

Gum chewing enhances early recovery from postoperative ileus after laparoscopic colectomy

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus limits early hospital discharge for patients who have undergone laparoscopic procedures. Sham feeding has been reported to enhance bowel motility. Here, the effect of gum chewing is evaluated as a convenient method to enhance postoperative recovery from ileus after laparoscopic colectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 19 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer participated in the study. Each patient was randomly assigned to one of two groups: a gum-chewing group (n = 10, mean age 58.6 years, range 50 to 71 years) or a control group (n = 9, mean age 60.6 years, range 45 to 80 years). The patients in the gum-chewing group chewed gum three times a day from the first postoperative AM until oral intake. The times of the first passage of flatus and defecation were recorded precisely. RESULTS: The first passage of flatus was seen, on average, on postoperative day 2.1 in the gum-chewing group and on day 3.2 in the control group (p < 0.01). The first defecation was 2.7 days sooner in the gum-chewing group (postoperative day 3.1) than in the control group (5.8 days; p< 0.01). All patients tolerated gum chewing on the first operative AM. The postoperative hospital stays for the gum-chewing and control groups were 13.5+/-3.0 days and 14.5+/-6.1 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Gum chewing aids early recovery from postoperative ileus and is an inexpensive and physiologic method for stimulating bowel motility. Gum chewing should be added as an adjunct treatment in postoperative care because it might contribute to shorter hospital stays.     

快速康复技术在腹腔镜胆囊切除术围术期的应用

目的探讨快速康复技术（fast-track surgery,FTS）在腹腔镜胆囊切除术（1aparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC）围术期的应用价值。方法选取我院2012年1-12月LC200例,住院号单号为传统组,双号为快速康复组（FTS组）,各100例,比较手术时间、出血量、术后下床活动时间、进半流食时间、肛门排气时间、排便时间及住院时间。结果与传统组比较,FTS组进半流食早[（11．34±2．0）hvs．（50．24±8．7）h,f=-43．976,P=0．000],下床活动早[（6．24±1．5）h vs．（14．34±1．7）h,t=-35．728,P=0．000],排气早[（12．04±4．4）h vs．（24．94±5．4）h,t=-18．519,P=0．000],排便早[（15．84±5．3）h vs．（25．24±4．3）h,t=-13．773,P=0．000],术后住院时间短[（3．24±1．3）d VS．（4．24±2．1）d,t=-4．048,P=0．000]。结论快速康复方法安全可行,有利于患者的术后康复。     

Lidocaine vs. magnesium: effect on analgesia after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: This double‐blinded study aimed at evaluating and comparing the effects of magnesium and lidocaine on pain, analgesic requirements, bowel function, and quality of sleep in patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: Patients were randomized into three groups (n=40 each). Group M received magnesium sulfate 50 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.), followed by 25 mg/kg/h i.v., group L received lidocaine 2 mg/kg i.v., followed by 2 mg/kg/h i.v., and group P received saline i.v. Bolus doses were given over 15 min before induction of anesthesia, followed by an i.v. infusion through the end of surgery. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption and averaged end‐tidal sevoflurane concentration were recorded. Abdominal and shoulder pain were evaluated up to 24 h using a visual analog scale (VAS). Morphine consumption was recorded at 2 and 24 h, together with quality of sleep and time of first flatus. Results: Lidocaine or magnesium reduced anesthetic requirements (P<0.01), pain scores (P<0.05), and morphine consumption (P<0.001) relative to the control group. Lidocaine resulted in lower morphine consumption at 2 h [4.9 ± 2.3 vs. 6.8 ± 2.8 (P<0.05)] and lower abdominal VAS scores compared with magnesium (1.8 ± 0.8 vs. 3.2 ± 0.9, 2.2 ± 1 vs. 3.6 ± 1.6, and 2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 3.3 ± 1.9) at 2, 6, and 12 h, respectively (P<0.05). Lidocaine was associated with earlier return of bowel function and magnesium was associated with better sleep quality (P<0.05). Conclusion: I.v. lidocaine and magnesium improved post‐operative analgesia and reduced intraoperative and post‐operative opioid requirements in patients undergoing LC. The improvement of quality of recovery might facilitate rapid hospital discharge.     

Effect of intraoperative fluid management on outcome after intraabdominal surgery

BACKGROUND: The debate over the correct perioperative fluid management is unresolved. METHODS: The impact of two intraoperative fluid regimes on postoperative outcome was prospectively evaluated in 152 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I-III who were undergoing elective intraabdominal surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intraoperatively either liberal (liberal protocol group [LPG], n = 75; bolus of 10 ml/kg followed by 12 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1)) or restrictive (restrictive protocol group [RPG], n = 77; 4 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1)) amounts of lactated Ringer's solution. The primary endpoint was the number of patients who died or experienced complications. The secondary endpoints included time to initial passage of flatus and feces, duration of hospital stay, and changes in body weight, hematocrit, and albumin serum concentration in the first 3 postoperative days. RESULTS: The number of patients with complications was lower in the RPG (P = 0.046). Patients in the LPG passed flatus and feces significantly later (flatus, median [range]: 4 [3-7] days in the LPG vs. 3 [2-7] days in the RPG; P < 0.001; feces: 6 [4-9] days in the LPG vs. 4 [3-9] days in the RPG; P < 0.001), and their postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer (9 [7-24] days in the LPG vs. 8 [6-21] days in the RPG; P = 0.01). Significantly larger increases in body weight were observed in the LPG compared with the RPG (P < 0.01). In the first 3 postoperative days, hematocrit and albumin concentrations were significantly higher in the RPG compared with the LPG. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing elective intraabdominal surgery, intraoperative use of restrictive fluid management may be advantageous because it reduces postoperative morbidity and shortens hospital stay.     

Intraoperative systemic lidocaine for pre-emptive analgesics in subtotal gastrectomy: a prospective,randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled study

Background

Pre-emptive intravenous lidocaine infusion is known to improve postoperative pain in abdominal surgery. We assessed the effect of intravenous lidocaine infusion in patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy.

Methods

We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with patients undergoing subtotal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer divided into 2 groups: 1 group received intravenous lidocaine infusion preoperatively and throughout surgery, and the other received normal saline infusion (placebo). We assessed postoperative outcomes, including pain scores on a visual analogue scale (VAS), administration frequency of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and the amount of consumed fentanyl. Postoperative nausea and vomiting, length of hospital stay (LOS), time to return to regular diet and patient satisfaction at discharge were evaluated.

Results

There were 36 patients in our study. Demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. The VAS pain scores and administration frequency of PCA were significantly lower in the lidocaine group until 24 hours after surgery, and fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in this group until 12 hours postoperatively compared with the placebo group. The total amount of consumed fentanyl and the total administration frequency of PCA were significantly lower in the lidocaine than the control group. No significant differences were detected in terms of nausea and vomiting, return to regular diet, LOS and patient satisfaction, and there were no reported side-effects of lidocaine.

Conclusion

Intravenous lidocaine infusion reduces pain during the postoperative period after subtotal gastrectomy.     

Laparoscopic colectomy for Dukes A colon cancer

The use of laparoscopic surgery to treat colon cancer has been well studied; however, the specific use of laparoscopic colectomy for Dukes A colon cancer has not been evaluated. The data of laparoscopic colectomy were compared with those of conventional open colectomy, and the surgical results of patients who underwent surgery for Dukes A colon cancer were evaluated. Between November 1993 and October 1997, 20 patients underwent laparoscopic colectomy for Dukes A colon cancer. Operation time, blood loss, first passage of flatus, day of resumption of oral intake, length of hospital stay after surgery, and number of dissected lymph nodes were compared between 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy and 23 patients who underwent conventional open colectomy for Dukes A colon cancer. In patients with laparoscopic colectomy, when compared with those with conventional open colectomy, mean blood loss was less (103 g vs. 318 g), flatus returned more quickly (3.5 days vs. 4.2 days), oral intake resumed earlier (3.7 days vs. 4.7 days), and postoperative hospital stay was shorter (16.4 days vs. 24.6 days). The mean number of dissected lymph nodes was not different between the two groups (9.2 vs. 9.2 for D2 dissection). No patient had port-site metastasis or recurrence during a follow-up period from 13 to 60 months (median, 38 months). Review of the literature and the authors' findings indicated that none of the 142 reported patients had port-site metastasis after laparoscopic colectomy for Dukes A colon cancer. The results indicate that laparoscopic colectomy is safe and useful when applied to patients with Dukes A colon cancer and performed carefully by trained surgeons.     

Influence of thoracic epidural analgesia on postoperative pain relief and ileus after laparoscopic colorectal resection

Background  Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) provides superior analgesia with a lower incidence of postoperative ileus when compared with systemic opiate analgesia in open colorectal surgery. However, in laparoscopic colorectal surgery the role of TEA is not well defined. This prospective observational study investigates the influence of TEA in laparoscopic colorectal resections. Methods  All patients undergoing colorectal resection between November 2004 and February 2007 were assessed for inclusion into a prospective randomized trial investigating the influence of bisacodyl on postoperative ileus. All patients treated by laparoscopic resection from this collective were eligible for the present study. Primary endpoints were use of analgesics and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores. Secondary endpoint concerned full gastrointestinal recovery, defined as the mean time to the occurrence of the following three events (GI-3): first flatus passed, first defecation, and first solid food tolerated. Results  75 patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection, 39 in the TEA group and 36 in the non-TEA group. Patients with TEA required significantly less analgesics (metamizol median 3.0 g [0–32 g] versus 13.8 g [0–28 g] (p < 0.001); opioids mean 12 mg [±2.8 mg standard error of mean, SEM] versus 103 mg [±18.2 mg SEM] (p < 0.001). VAS scores were significantly lower in the TEA group (overall mean 1.67 [± 0.2 SEM] versus 2.58 [±0.2 SEM]; p = 0.004). Mean time to gastrointestinal recovery (GI-3) was significantly shorter (2.96 [±0.2 SEM] days versus 3.81 [±0.3 SEM] days; p = 0.025). Analysis of the subgroup of patients with laparoscopically completed resections showed corresponding results. Conclusion  TEA provides a significant benefit in terms of less analgesic consumption, better postoperative pain relief, and faster recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection.     

The interaction effect of perioperative cotreatment with dextromethorphan and intravenous lidocaine on pain relief and recovery of bowel function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Both dextromethorphan (DM) and IV lidocaine improve postoperative pain relief. In the present study, we evaluated the interaction of DM and IV lidocaine on pain management after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). One-hundred ASA physical status I or II patients scheduled for LC were randomized into four equal groups to receive either: (a) chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) intramuscular injection (IM) 20 mg and IV normal saline (N/S) (group C); (b) DM 40 mg IM and IV N/S (group DM); (c) CPM 20 mg IM and IV lidocaine 3 mg . kg(-1) . h(-1) (group L); or (d) DM 40 mg IM and IV lidocaine (group DM+L). All treatments were administered 30 min before skin incision. Analgesic effects were evaluated using visual analog scale pain scores at rest and during coughing, time to meperidine request, total meperidine consumption, and the time to first passage of flatus after surgery. Patients of the DM+L group exhibited the best pain relief and fastest recovery of bowel function among groups. Patients in the DM and L groups had significantly better pain relief than those in the C group. The results showed an additional effect on pain relief and a synergistic effect on recovery of bowel function when DM was combined with IV lidocaine after LC.