Intraoperative Celiac Plexus Block With Preperitoneal Infusion Reduces Opioid Usage in Major Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery: A Pilot Study

Crosstalk Between Peripheral Innervation and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal malignancy, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive growth, and therapy resistance, leading to a poor overall prognosis. Emerging evidence shows that the peripheral nerve is an important non-tumor component in the tumor microenvironment that regulates tumor growth and immune escape. The crosstalk between the neuronal system and PDAC has become a hot research topic that may provide novel mechanisms underlying tumor progression and further uncover promising therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms of perineural invasion and the role of various types of tumor innervation in the progression of PDAC, summarize the potential signaling pathways modulating the neuronal-cancer interaction, and discuss the current and future therapeutic possibilities for this condition.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Oblique Subcostal Transverse Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Elderly Patients After Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative analgesia in elderly patients is still a thorny problem. Ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal transverse abdominis plane block (TAPB) has been demonstrated to provide postoperative analgesia after abdominal surgeries. However, recent studies have suggested that an alternative method, erector spinae plane block (ESPB), might also be effective. In this study, we compared the postoperative analgesic effects of ESPB and TAPB in elderly patients who had undergone laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Sixty-two elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery with general anesthesia were randomly allocated to two equally sized groups: ESPB group and TAPB group. The ESPB group had a bilateral erector spinae plane block, and the TAPB group had a bilateral oblique subcostal transverse abdominis plane block. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score during the first 24 postoperative hours at resting and active states. The secondary outcomes were postoperative consumption of sufentanil, satisfaction score, the number of patients who required antiemetics, incidence of block-related complications, and other side events.

RESULTS

There were no demographic differences between two groups. Compared to the TAPB group, the ESPB group had lower VAS pain scores and sufentanil consumption during the first 24 postoperative hours. Additionally, ESPB reduced the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, the satisfaction score was higher in the ESPB group. No other complications were reported between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with oblique subcostal TAPB, ESPB more effectively reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Thus, ESPB is suitable for postoperative analgesia in elderly patients who have undergone laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000033236.