Anesthetic management by psoas compartment block for adult inguinal herniorrhaphy

Spinal anesthesia has been often used for inguinal herniorrhaphy. With the advancement of surgical technique, tension free inguinal herniorrhaphy is now performed under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia, however, does not always offer sufficient anesthesia. We performed psoas compartment block with 1% lidocaine in a 78-year-old man undergoing tension free inguinal herniorrhaphy. During the operation, the patient felt pain and needed additional local anesthesia once. But the pain was not severe, and he did not feel stressed. Advantages of psoas compartment block for inguinal herniorrhaphy are its easiness to perform, little burden of anesthesia and high efficacy. Demerits are slow onset of block and necessity for prolonged patient monitoring. Further investigations on dose and patient position are required for psoas compartment block to become useful for inguinal herniorrhaphy.     

Continuous psoas compartment block for anesthesia and perioperative analgesia in patients with hip fractures

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The perioperative use of continuous psoas compartment block (CPCB) was compared with traditional pain management for patients with fracture of the femur. The anatomy of CPCB was also tested in cadavers. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients (range, 67-96 years old) were prospectively randomized either to group A (given local anesthetics using a CPCB) or group B (given perioperative analgesia with meperidine). In another part of the study, CPCB was performed in 15 fresh cadavers, and dissection of the lumbar region was performed after dye injection. RESULTS: Continuous psoas compartment block was performed successfully in all patients in group A and was used in the pre- (16-48 hours) and postoperative (72 hours) periods. Visual analog scale score in group A was lower than in group B in 5/7 preoperative and 9/9 postoperative 8 hourly assessments. Differences reached statistical significance (P < .05) in 3 and 5 of the assessments, respectively. Patient satisfaction was higher in group A in the pre- (P < .05) and postoperative periods (P<.03). The block failed to achieve surgical anesthesia in 85% (17/20) of the patients, and additional anesthesia was needed. The anatomic study failed to support the existence of a defined "psoas compartment" previously described, and supported the clinical findings. Injected dye was found in the region of the origin of the sciatic nerve (essential for the production of anesthesia for hip surgery) in only 26% (4/15) of cadavers. CONCLUSIONS: The CPCB seems to be an appropriate technique for efficient and safe perioperative pain control. However, in our dissections, the psoas compartment was not well defined in all patients, thus, using this route for anesthesia may result in only partial success.     

Comparison of the catheter-technique psoas compartment block and the epidural block for analgesia in partial hip replacement surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the intra‐ and postoperative analgesia provided by the catheter‐technique psoas compartment block and the epidural block in hip‐fractured patients. We also compared hemodynamic stability, motor blockade, ease of performing the technique, and complications. Methods: Thirty patients who underwent partial hip replacement surgery were included in this prospective single‐blind study. Subjects were randomly assigned to Group E (n=15; general anesthesia plus epidural block with 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine) or Group P (n=15; general anesthesia plus psoas compartment block with 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine). Hemodynamic parameters were recorded at 10‐min intervals intraoperatively. Regional anesthesia procedure time, number of attempts at block, intraoperative blood loss, and need for supplemental fentanyl and/or ephedrine were noted. Postoperatively, a patient‐controlled analgesia device delivered an infusion and boluses of bupivacaine/fentanyl. Pain, motor blockade, ambulation time, patient satisfaction with analgesia, and complications were recorded postsurgery. Results: The epidural required significantly more attempts than the psoas block, thus procedure time was longer in this group. Group E also showed significantly greater drops in mean arterial blood pressure from baseline at 30, 40 and 50 min after the start of general anesthesia. Significantly more Group E patients required epinephrine supplementation. The groups were similar regarding pain scores (at rest and on movement) and patient satisfaction, but Group E had higher motor blockade scores, longer ambulation time, and significantly more complications. Conclusion: The continuous psoas compartment block provides excellent intraoperative and postoperative analgesia with a low incidence of complications for partial hip replacement surgery     

Intrathecal morphine provides better postoperative analgesia than psoas compartment block after primary hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE: Intrathecal morphine and psoas compartment block represent two accepted techniques to provide postoperative analgesia after hip arthroplasty. We designed a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study to compare these two techniques. METHODS: Patients scheduled for primary hip arthroplasty under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either an intrathecal administration of 0.1 mg morphine (Group I, n = 27) or a psoas compartment block with ropivacaine 0.475% 25 mL (Group II, n = 26). Pain scores, morphine consumption, associated side-effects were assessed for 48 hr postoperatively. In addition, patient's acceptance and satisfaction of the postoperative analgesic technique were also recorded. RESULTS: During the first 24 hr, pain scores (3.3 +/- 9.6 mm vs 22.8 +/- 27.1 at H+6, 3.3 +/- 8.3 mm vs 25 +/- 26.7 mm at H+12, 7 +/- 14.9 mm vs 21.9 +/- 29 mm at H+18) and morphine consumption (0.56 +/- 2.12 mg vs 9.42 +/- 10.13 mg) were lower in Group I than in Group II. Urinary retention was the more frequent side-effect occurring in 37% of cases in Group I vs 11.5% in Group II (P < 0.05). No major complication occurred. Despite better analgesia provided by the use of intrathecal morphine, there was no difference in the satisfaction scores between groups. CONCLUSION: 0.1 mg intrathecal morphine administration provides better postoperative analgesia than single-shot psoas compartment block after primary hip arthroplasty.     

持续周围神经阻滞在围手术期疼痛治疗中的应用

背景 近年来持续周围神经阻滞(continuous peripheral nerve blocks,CPNB)在围手术期疼痛治疗中取得了令人鼓舞的效果. 目的 阐述CPNB在围手术期疼痛治疗中的作用机制、优势、技术方法及并发症. 内容 CPNB的镇痛机制在于阻断伤害性冲动向中枢传导,预防脊髓背角突触长时程增强和中枢敏化的形成.CPNB可减少围手术期阿片类药物的用量及与之相关的副作用,避免形成硬膜外血肿的风险.超声引导和神经刺激技术均可用于CPNB导管置入,罗哌卡因、布比卡因是CPNB最常用的局麻药.CPNB可安全用于四肢、躯体手术以及创伤、门诊和居家患者的疼痛治疗.CPNB的常见并发症包括导管堵塞、移位、短暂的神经功能障碍以及感染. 趋向 今后的研究需要进一步优化CPNB的置管技术、用药方案和持续时间,评估其对术后远期效果的影响.     

超声引导下连续髂筋膜间隙阻滞用于老年髋部骨折患者围术期镇痛的研究

目的:研究超声引导下髂筋膜间隙阻滞对老年髋部骨折患者围手术期疼痛控制及术后并发症的影响。方法:选择2021年1月至2021年9月收治的老年髋部骨折手术患者127例,按照镇痛方法不同分为连续髂筋膜间隙阻滞组(F组)和静脉镇痛对照组(C组)。其中F组62例,男19例,女43例;年龄66~95(82.4±7.2)岁;股骨颈骨折25例,股骨转子间骨折37例。C组65例,男18例,女47例;年龄65~94(81.4±8.7)岁;股骨颈骨折29例,股骨转子间骨折36例。观察两组患者围术期不同时间点的疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、简易精神状态评价量表(minimental state examination,MMSE)评分、警觉-镇静评分(observer''s assessment of alertness/sedation,OAA/S)、改良Bromage评分、术后并发症及患者住院期间情况。结果:F组实施阻滞后30 min、麻醉摆放体位时,术后6、24、48 h的静息及运动VAS低于C组(P<0.05)。F组术前12 h,术后1、3 d的MMSE评分及术后3 d的OAA/S评分高于C组(P<0.05)。F组不良反应发生率、需要额外镇痛人数低于C组(P<0.05)。F组围术期镇痛满意度及住院时间均优于C组(P<0.05)。两组患者在各时间点患肢Bromage评分及术后30 d死亡率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:超声引导下连续髂筋膜间隙阻滞可为老年髋部骨折患者提供安全、有效的围术期镇痛效果,改善术后认知功能,减少术后并发症,从而缩短住院时间,提高住院期间生活质量。     

Multimodal pain management for total hip arthroplasty

Multimodal pain management uses a variety of pharmacological agents administered at different perioperative times to target both peripheral and central nerve transduction and the various biochemical pathways, enzymes and receptors that signal painful stimuli and inflammation. This article reviews the role of patient-controlled analgesia, peripheral nerve blocks, local periarticular injections and extended-release epidural morphine injections that can be used in a multidisciplinary approach to analgesia. By decreasing narcotic consumption and improving pain control, multimodal pain management can reduce the numerous adverse effects associated with increased opioid use and improve mobility with physical therapy, both of which can have a direct effect on decreasing length of stay and reducing serious perioperative complications.     

Ultrasound guidance for the psoas compartment block: an imaging study

We conducted this study to develop an ultrasound-guided approach to the psoas compartment and to assess its feasibility and accuracy by means of computed tomography (CT). Two examiners performed ultrasound-guided approaches at three levels (L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5) on 10 embalmed cadavers, which were seated prone. After each needle had been advanced into the psoas compartment under ultrasound guidance, the positions of their tips were computed by using two coordinates (A and B). Subsequently, axial transverse CT scans were made to verify the ultrasound measurements by using the same coordinates. In total, 48 approaches were performed (Examiner 1, n = 20; Examiner 2, n = 28). CT revealed that 47 of 48 ultrasound-guided approaches were performed exactly. In 1 of 48 approaches (L3-4), the tip of the needle was located posterior to the psoas muscle. The median differences between ultrasound and CT coordinates were 0.3 plus minus 0.3 cm for A and 0.2 plus minus 0.3 for B. Kendall's coefficient of concordance was 0.9 (P < 0.001) between ultrasound and CT measurements for both coordinates. These results indicate that ultrasound enables exact needle placement, as proved by CT. We conclude that ultrasound guidance might be a useful adjunct to increase the safety and efficacy of the psoas compartment block at these levels. IMPLICATIONS: We developed an ultrasound-guided approach to the psoas compartment at the levels L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5. Feasibility and accuracy were tested on embalmed cadavers and verified by means of computed tomography. Ultrasound guidance proved to be feasible and accurate for the performance of psoas compartment blocks.     

Fascia-iliaca compartment block vs intra-articular hip injection for preoperative pain management in intracapsular hip fractures: A blind,randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the fascia-iliaca compartment block and the intra-articular hip injection in terms of pain management and the need for additional systemic analgesia in the preoperative phase of intracapsular hip fractures.MethodsPatients >65 years old with an intracapsular hip fracture were randomized in this prospective, blind, controlled, parallel trial in a Level-I trauma center. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either the fascia-iliaca compartment block (cohort FICB) or the intra-articular hip injection (cohort IAHI) upon admission to the emergency department. The primary outcome was pain relief at 20 min, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after the regional anesthesia, both at rest and during internal rotation of the fractured limb. The Numeric Rating Scale was used. Residual pain was managed with the same protocol in all patients. Additional analgesic drug administration during the 48 h from admission was recorded.ResultsA total of 120 patients with comparable baseline characteristics were analyzed in this study: the FICB group consisted of 70 subjects, while the IAHI group consisted of 50 subjects.Pain was significantly lower in the IAHI group during movement of the fractured limb at 20 min (p < 0.05), 12 h (p < 0.05), 24 h (p < 0.05) and 48 h (p < 0.05).In the FICB cohort 72.9% of patients needed to take oxycodone, in contrast to 28.6% of the IAHI cohort (p < 0.05). In the FICB cohort 14.09 ± 11.57 mg of oxycodone was administered, while in the IAHI cohort 4.38 ± 7.63 mg (p < 0.05). No adverse events related to either technique were recorded.ConclusionsIntra-articular hip injection provides better pre-operatory pain management in elder patients with intracapsular hip fractures compared to the fascia-iliaca compartment block. It also reduced the need for supplementary systemic analgesia.Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level I.     

Common nerve blocks in chronic pain management

Anesthesiologists have become increasingly involved with the management of chronic pain patients in the operating room, on the surgical floor, and in the outpatient pain facility setting (often interdisciplinary). Based upon the authors' practice of regional anesthesia, the most specific contribution to chronic pain management arguably remains the practice of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic injections of the neuraxis, peripheral nerves, and the autonomic nervous system.     

Misplacement of a psoas compartment catheter in the subarachnoid space

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This case report describes an unusual cause of misplacement of an indwelling catheter in the subarachnoid space after primary psoas compartment block in a patient undergoing total knee arthroplasty. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old woman presenting for total knee joint replacement received a combination of continuous psoas compartment block and sciatic nerve block. Neurostimulation and additional ultrasound guidance were used for identification of the lumbar plexus. After elicitation of a quadriceps motor response, a negative aspiration test, and an uneventful test dose, 20 mL ropivacaine 0.375% and 20 mL mepivacaine 1% were injected. Despite difficult ultrasound conditions because of intestinal air, local anesthetic spread was observed paravertebrally at the medial border of the psoas muscle as usual. A catheter was then advanced 7 cm through the insulated directional puncture needle. An additional sciatic nerve block was performed by using Labat's approach. Ten minutes after injection unilateral sensory block was noted and surgery was started. After uneventful surgery, bilateral sensory block to the T4 level and complete motor block in both lower limbs was detected. A second aspiration test was negative, and an epidural block was suspected. For verification of the catheter tip location, a computed tomography scan with contrast dye was performed revealing catheter placement in the subarachnoid space. The catheter was removed and showed a kink about 7 cm from the tip. After regression of the neuraxial block, lumbar plexus block persisted for another 2 hours. CONCLUSION: An additional test dose via the catheter is recommended if the indwelling catheter is inserted after injection of the local anesthetics through the puncture needle. If epidural anesthesia occurs, an x-ray of the catheter is advisable because negative aspiration via catheter does not rule out subarachnoid catheter location.