The Efficacy of Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus for Postoperative Analgesia after Open Gynecological Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blinded Study

Accuracy of infusion flow rates and bolus doses for portable infusion pump

This study aimed to investigate the flow rate accuracy and bolus doses of four portable pumps with different mechanisms. We evaluated two electronic (COOPDECH Amy PCA [Amy] and CADD-Solis) and two elastomeric balloon-type pumps (COOPDECH Balloonjector and Rakurakufuser) under the following conditions: placement with an epidural catheter, operation on a shaking table, warming to 32 °C, and at room temperature (control, 25 °C). Amy maintained consistent flow rates across all conditions. The CADD-Solis also exhibited consistent flow rates, with minor yet statistically significant changes upon epidural catheter placement (- 5.0%, P = 0.005) and motion conditions (4.2%, P = 0.015). The Balloonjector and Rakurakufuser exhibited flow rate variations over time, and temperature increases significantly increased flow rates by 24.3% (P < 0.001) and 20.3% (P < 0.001), respectively. Bolus volume accuracy for the Amy, Balloonjector, and Rakurakufuser was not significantly affected under different conditions. The CADD-Solis showed a slight decrease in bolus volume with an epidural catheter (mean difference, 0.3 mL; P = 0.003). The electronic pumps maintained consistent flow rates across various conditions, whereas elastomeric balloon pumps exhibited variable rates influenced by time and temperature, increasing the risk of medication overdose. Bolus dosing accuracy was clinically satisfactory for all pump mechanisms.

Programmed Intermittent Epidural Boluses of 0.1% Ropivacaine Versus 0.2% Ropivacaine for the Maintenance of Epidural Analgesia in Labor

Objective The gold standard for pain management during labor is epidural analgesia, which can be administered in two different ways to the parturients, either by bolus doses or continuous infusions of local anesthetic solutions with opioids. Recently, programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEBs) via a pump are gaining popularity as a very effective method with minimal side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimum ropivacaine concentration between two different regimens (0.1% or 0.2% both with fentanyl 2 μg/ml) that can provide satisfactory analgesia with the minimum degree of motor blockade, using PIEBs. Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was performed from March 2020 to March 2022. Two different concentrations of ropivacaine 0.1% and 0.2% via PIEBs were equally allocated to two groups of parturients with an additional patient control epidural rescue bolus if needed. Our primary endpoint was motor blockade, as assessed by the modified Bromage scale (MBS). We also recorded visual analog scale (VAS) scores, heart rate, blood pressure, total local anesthetic consumption, labor duration and method of delivery, and APGAR score of the newborns. Results All patients presented Bromage scores equal to 6, and the total consumption of the anesthetic solution was comparable between the two groups. Women in the 0.2% group showed higher pain relief and satisfaction compared to the 0.1% group. Concerning the 0,2% group, diastolic blood pressure and APGAR scores were lower alongside with a lower satisfactory extrusion stage observed by the obstetrician. Conclusion Both ropivacaine regimens provide satisfactory labor epidural analgesia for the expectant mother without any motor blockade.

Comparison of programmed intermittent epidural bolus injection and continuous epidural injection in controlling nighttime pain and improving sleep quality after thoracotomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain after open thoracotomy is known to be very severe and affects sleep quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a programmed intermittent epidural bolus injection versus continuous epidural injection for controlling nighttime pain and improving sleep quality after thoracotomy.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients scheduled for open thoracotomy for lung cancer or other lung diseases were enrolled. The participants were divided into 2 groups. Group A was continuously injected with 0.2% levobupivacaine at 1.1 mL/h, and group B was injected intermittently with 3 mL 0.2% levobupivacaine at 3 hours intervals through a thoracic epidural catheter via a programmed infusion pump. Within 48 hours after surgery, the degree of pain control using visual analog scale and the patients' sleep conditions on postoperative day (POD) 0 and 1 were evaluated, and other adverse events were investigated.

RESULTS

On POD 1 night, the visual analog scale in group B showed lower than group A (P = .009). Comparison of time to fall asleep showed no differences between 2 groups. Total sleep time was no difference on POD 0 but was longer in group B than that in group A on POD 1 (P = .042). Awakening from sleep on POD 0 was lower in group B than that in group A (P = .033), and satisfaction with sleep quality on POD 0 was superior in group B compared to group A (P = .005). Postoperative nausea and vomiting occurred more frequently in group B than in group A (P = .018).

CONCLUSION

The programmed intermittent epidural bolus technique of patient-controlled epidural analgesia reduces postoperative nighttime pain and improves sleep quality in patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung cancer or other lung diseases.

Perioperative parameters to consider for enhanced recovery in surgery (ERS) in gynecology (excluding breast surgery)

The current review explores the Enhanced Rehabilitation in Surgery (ERS) approach in the specific context of gynecological surgery. Implementation of an ERS protocol in gynecological surgery reduces postoperative complications and length of stay without increasing morbidity. An ERS approach is based on maintaining an adequate diet and hydration before the operation, according to the recommended time frame, to reduce the phenomenon of insulin resistance, and to optimize patient comfort. On the other hand, the use of anxiolytic treatment as premedication is not recommended. Systematic preoperative digestive preparation, a source of patient discomfort, is not associated with an improvement in the postoperative functional outcome or with a reduction in the rate of complications. A minimally invasive surgical approach is preferrable in the context of ERS. Prevention of surgical site infection includes measures such as optimized antibiotic prophylaxis, skin disinfection with alcoholic chlorhexidine, reduction in the use of drainage of the surgical site, and prevention of hypothermia. Early removal of the bladder catheter is associated with a reduction in the risk of urinary tract infection and a reduction in the length of hospital stay. Prevention of postoperative ileus is based on early refeeding, and prevention of postoperative nausea-vomiting in a multimodal strategy to be initiated during the intraoperative period. Intraoperative hydration should be aimed at achieving euvolemia. Pain control is based on a multimodal strategy to spare morphine use and may include locoregional analgesia. Medicines should be administered orally during the postoperative period to hasten the resumption of the patient's autonomy. The prevention of thromboembolic risk is based on a strategy combining drug prophylaxis, when indicated, and mechanical restraint, as well as early mobilization. However, the eclectic nature of the implementation of these measures as reported in the literature renders their interpretation difficult. Furthermore, beyond the application of one of these measures in isolation, the best benefit on the postoperative outcome is achieved by a combination of measures which then constitutes a global strategy allowing the objectives of the ERS to be met.

Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus in Comparison with Continuous Epidural Infusion for Uterine Contraction Pain Relief After Cesarean Section: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Purpose

Programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) was reported to provide superior maintenance of labour analgesia with better pain relief and less motor block than continuous epidural infusion (CEI). Whether this is also evident for uterine contraction pain relief after cesarean section remains unknown.

Patients and Methods

Parturients scheduled for cesarean section were recruited for the study. At the end of the surgery, after a similar epidural loading dose given, patients received either PIEB (6 mL·h⁻¹) or CEI (6 mL·h⁻¹) of 0.1% ropivacaine. The primary outcome was the uterine contraction pain assessed with visual analog scale (VAS-U) at the postoperative 36 h. Secondary outcomes included incision pain at the rest (VAS-R) and in the movement-evoked (VAS-P), and lower extremity motor block (defined as Bromage score > 0). The whole profile of VAS scores between groups was analyzed using linear mixed model. When significant differences were found, the pairwise comparison was done with the Mann Whitney U-test followed by Bonferroni correction.

Results

One hundred and twenty parturients were studied (PIEB, 60; CEI, 60). VAS-U at the postoperative 36 h in the PIEB group was lower than in the CEI group (Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.01). The linear mixed model indicated that VAS-U, VAS-R and VAS-P were lower in the PIEB group compared with the CEI group (all P < 0.01). Motor block was higher in the CEI group than in the PIEB group during the study period except 2 h (all P < 0.05). No differences of adverse events such as hypotension and urinary retention were observed between the two groups.

Conclusion

Programmed intermittent epidural bolus provides more effective uterine contraction and incision pain relief and less motor block after cesarean section than continuous epidural infusion without an increased risk of urinary retention and blood pressure instability.

Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients After Laparoscopic Radical Cervical Cancer Surgery

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in patients after laparoscopic radical cervical cancer surgery.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with cervical cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical resection in the hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 were selected and concurrently assigned to either patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) (Control group) or PCIA plus TAPB (Observation group) according to different methods. The visual analogscale (VAS), Bruggemann comfort scale (BCS), immune function indicators, hemodynamics, analgesia indicators, and postoperative recovery time were recorded and compared.

Results

The Observation group had a lower VAS score and a higher BCS postoperatively compared with the Control group, and the difference was statistically significant. After the operation, immune function indexes of patients in the two groups were declined, and the difference was statistically significant. At 76 h after operation, the immune function indexes of the Control group were lower than the Observation group, and the difference was statistically significant. After the operation, the Control group obtained a higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) at extubation, and the difference was statistically significant. The Observation group outperformed the Control group in terms of analgesia indicators and postoperative recovery time, and the difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion

TAPB can enhance the analgesic effect of patients after laparoscopic radical resection of cervical cancer, stabilize their physical signs, has little effect on the patient's immune function, with a high safety profile.

Programmed intermittent epidural bolus for post-cesarean delivery analgesia: a randomized controlled double-blind trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) in postoperative pain management compared with continuous epidural infusion (CEI) after cesarean delivery.

METHODS

A total of 58 participants were randomly allocated to receive PIEB (3 mL bolus every 60 min) or CEI (3 mL/h) for postoperative analgesia after undergoing elective cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. Both groups had the same epidural solution containing ropivacaine 0.2% plus fentanyl 2 µg/mL. The primary outcome was postoperative pain score at rest and mobilization at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. The secondary outcomes were the total amount of ropivacaine used in the 48 h study period and the time to the first PCEA bolus.

RESULTS

Data from 58 women were analyzed. There was a reduction in pain verbal numerical rating scores at 12 h in patients receiving PIEB compared with CEI at rest [2 (1.75-3) vs. 3 (2-4), p = 0.011]; and on movement [4 (3-5) vs. 5 (4-6), p = 0.038]. No differences were found in pain scores at any other time-point up to 48 h. Total ropivacaine consumption at 48 h was less in the PIEB group compared with the CEI group [316 mg (304-321) vs. 336 mg (319-344), p = 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Postoperative epidural analgesia for patients who underwent cesarean delivery with PIEB compared with CEI resulted in less ropivacaine usage while providing comparable analgesia.

Comparative analgesic efficacy and safety of intermittent local anaesthetic epidural bolus for labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Continuous epidural infusion (CEI) is commonly used for labour analgesia, but concerns over potential motor block, second-stage labour complications, and ineffective analgesia in late labour have prompted examining intermittent epidural bolus (IEB) as an alternative. However, evidence comparing these modalities is conflicting. The meta-analysis evaluates the analgesic efficacy of CEI vs IEB.

METHODS

Databases were searched for trials comparing CEI to IEB for labour analgesia. The two co-primary outcomes were risk of breakthrough pain and difference in area under the curve (AUC) for pain scores during the first 4 h post-epidural initiation. Local anaesthetic consumption, maternal outcomes (i.e. delivery mode, labour duration, and maternal satisfaction), and side-effects of epidural analgesia were also evaluated. Results were pooled using random-effects modelling. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to evaluate evidence reliability.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies (3133 patients) were analysed. Compared with CEI, IEB decreased risk of breakthrough pain by 38% (risk ratio [95% confidence interval {CI}] of 0.62 [0.48, 0.81]; P=0.0004; I²=47%; 1164 patients) and reduced AUC of pain during the 4 h interval by 32.9% (mean difference [95% CI] of -16.7 mm h^-1 [-18.9, -14.4]; P<0.0001; 1638 patients). Intermittent epidural bolus enhanced maternal satisfaction, shortened labour duration, decreased motor block, and reduced local anaesthetic consumption. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant for epidural side-effects or mode of delivery. The TSA indicated adequate power for reliable inferences.

CONCLUSIONS

Intermittent epidural bolus provides improved labour pain control during the first 4 h after epidural initiation with less breakthrough pain. Moderate- to high-quality evidence of intermittent epidural bolus superiority support its use as a safe and effective continuous epidural infusion alternative for labour analgesia.

Efficacy of programmed intermittent bolus epidural analgesia in thoracic surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Continuous epidural infusion (CEI) has some disadvantages, such as increased local anesthetic consumption and limited area of anesthetic distribution. Programmed intermittent bolus (PIB) is a technique of epidural anesthesia in which boluses of local anesthetic are automatically injected into the epidural space. The usefulness of PIB in thoracic surgery remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacies of PIB epidural analgesia and CEI in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Methods

This randomized prospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. The study included 42 patients, who were divided into CEI (n = 21) and PIB groups (n = 21). In the CEI group, patients received continuous infusion of the local anesthetic at a rate of 5.1 mL/90 min. In the PIB group, a pump delivered the local anesthetic at a dose of 5.1 mL every 90 min. The primary endpoints were the frequency of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and the total dose of local anesthetic until 36 h following surgery. Student’s t-test, the chi-square test, and the Mann–Whitney U test were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The mean number of PCA administrations and total amount of local anesthetic were not significantly different between the two groups up to 24 h following surgery. However, the mean number of PCA administrations and total amount of local anesthetic at 24–36 h after surgery were significantly lower in the PIB group than in the CEI group (median [lower–upper quartiles]: 0 [0–2.5] vs. 2 [0.5–5], P = 0.018 and 41 [41–48.5] vs. 47 [43–56], P = 0.035, respectively). Hypotension was significantly more frequent in the PIB group than in the CEI group at 0–12 h and 12–24 h (3.3% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.018 and 7.9% vs. 0%, P = 0.017, respectively).

Conclusion

PIB can reduce local anesthetic consumption in thoracic surgery. However, it might result in adverse events, such as hypotension.

Trial registration

This randomized prospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB No. 15-9-06) of the Fukuoka University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan, and was registered in the clinical trials database UMIN (ID 000019904) on 24 November 2015. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients.