The Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Adult Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Evaluation of the Adjuvant Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Ropivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Trial

Background and goal of study: The aim of this double-blind randomized study was to investigate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to the local anesthetic in transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for unilateral inguinal hernioplasty. Materials and Methods: Eighty eligible patients were randomly allocated into ultrasound-guided TAP block with either dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg diluted to a volume of 2 mL and ropivacaine 0.5% 25 mL (DR group) or ropivacaine 0.5% 25 mL and normal saline 2 mL (R group). The primary endpoint of this study was the numeric rating scale (NRS) score during coughing 24 h postoperatively. Secondary parameters were also evaluated. Results: Patients in the RD group demonstrated significantly less pain at rest three, six and 12 h postoperatively as compared to patients in the R group (p = 0.002, 0.032 and 0.049, respectively). Significant differences between the two groups were also demonstrated for NRS scores during coughing at 3, 6 and 12 h postoperatively (p = 0.013, 0.035 and 0.042, respectively). Additionally, the RD group demonstrated lower intraoperative remifentanil consumption (p < 0.001), lower PACU morphine requirement (p = 0.012) and lower overall PCA morphine requirement postoperatively (p < 0.001). Sedation scores, the incidence of hypotension, bradycardia and the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were no different between the two groups. Finally, the incidence of chronic pain at 6 months was significantly lower in the RD group compared to the R group (5.55% vs. 25%, p = 0.049). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine reduces postoperative pain scores, has opioid-sparing effects and is associated with a favorable effect on chronic pain without side effects in patients subjected to TAP block for inguinal hernia repair.

Regional Anesthesia and Postoperative Opioid Use in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Nerve and fascial plane blocks are common components of early recovery after surgery protocols for autologous breast reconstruction, but there is mixed data regarding their efficacy. This study evaluated the association between regional anesthesia and postoperative opioid use, patient-reported pain, length of stay (LOS), and duration of surgery.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of articles on regional anesthesia in autologous breast reconstruction and a dual extraction of outcomes. Data of interest included total, 24-hour, and 48-hour opioid use (intravenous [IV] morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs]), patient-reported pain, and length of surgery and stay. We performed meta-analyses with random effects models for mean difference (MD).

Results

We included 21 studies for analysis. Total opioid use was reduced among patients who received regional anesthesia (MD = -10.28 IV MMEs, ~3 oxycodone 5-mg equivalents, P < 0.05), as was opioid use at 24 (MD = -21.65 IV MMEs, P < 0.05) and 48 hours (MD = -24.42, P < 0.05). However, total opioid use was not significantly different when considering only data from randomized trials. There was no significant reduction in patient-reported pain at 48 hours (standardized MD = -0.28), nor was there a significant reduction in the length of surgery (MD = -0.26 h). Regional anesthesia was associated with an average 0.73-day reduced LOS.

Conclusions

Regional anesthesia was associated with a statistically but not clinically significant reduction in total postoperative opioid use and LOS following autologous breast reconstruction. Total opioid use was not significantly different when considering only randomized controlled trial data.

Comparison of erector spinae plane block and transverse abdominis plane block in postoperative recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients experience significant postoperative pain after laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer. Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) provides effective analgesia, and recent studies have also shown that erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can be used for postoperative analgesia in abdominal surgery. However, there is a lack of comparison between the two methods regarding recovery quality following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Sixty patients scheduled for laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to receive either a ESPB with TAPB (n = 30). Both groups received a single injection of 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine bilaterally. The primary outcome was the quality of recovery (QoR) at 24 h postoperatively, using the quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) scale. Secondary outcomes included the QoR at 48 h postoperatively, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores during the first 48 h postoperatively in both resting and active states, requirements for rescue analgesia, cumulative postoperative opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), time to first flatus and ambulation, the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) score, and postoperative hospital stay.

RESULTS

At 24 h postoperatively, the QoR-15 score (mean ± standard deviation) was significantly higher in the ESPB group (109.2 ± 8.7) compared to the TAPB group (101 ± 10.1) (p = 0.001). Similarly, at 48 h postoperatively, the QoR-15 score remained higher in the ESPB group (118.5 ± 8.8) than in the TAPB group (113.8 ± 8.1) (p = 0.035). Patients in the ESPB group reported lower visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores during the first 24 h postoperatively (all p < 0.05) compared to those in the TAPB group. The sufentanil consumption median (interquartile range) in the ESPB group at 24 h postoperatively was lower (62, 61-65 μg) compared to the TAPB group (66, 63-70 μg) (p < 0.001). Hospital stay median was 7 (6-9) days for the ESPB group and 8 (7-10) days for the TAPB group (p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received ESPB showed better recovery quality, improved analgesic effects, and higher postoperative satisfaction compared to those who underwent preoperative TAPB.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2400081157); date of registration: February 24, 2024. The first participant was enrolled on February 27, 2024.

Effects of pericapsular nerve group block on early postoperative cognitive function in older people undergoing hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block has emerged as a reliable analgesia technique for hip arthroplasty (HA). However, the effects of PENG block on perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) after HA has not yet been assessed. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PENG block on early postoperative cognitive function in older people undergoing hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

Sixty older patients undergoing HA under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to group P (n = 30) receiving PENG block with ropivacaine and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) pump with sufentanil after surgery or group C (n = 30) only receiving PCIA pump with sufentanil after surgery. The primary outcome was the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score at 7 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes consisted of the incidence of PND 7 days postoperatively, the static VAS pain scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively; cumulative sufentanil consumption and the requirement of rescue analgesia during the 0-24 h period after surgery; quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) scale scores at 24 h postoperatively; and the plasma levels of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) preoperatively and 1 day after surgery, and adverse events.

RESULTS

After surgery, the PENG block group had higher MMSE score than the control group at 7 days postoperatively (27.0 ± 1.8 vs. 26.1 ± 1.7, P = 0.048), with a mean difference of 0.9 (95%CI, 0.1-0.9). The incidence of PND at 7 days postoperatively was 6.7% in group P, lower than that of 30% in group C (P = 0.044). In group P, the static VAS scores at 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively were significantly lower than those in group C (all P < 0.05). Compared with group C, the cumulative sufentanil consumption and the number of patients required rescue analgesia during the 0-24 h period after surgery were significantly lower in group P (all P < 0.05). The scores of QoR-15 scale were higher in group P at 24 h postoperatively than those in group C (P < 0.05). Patients in group P showed lower plasma levels of HMGB1 than group C at 1 day after surgery (P < 0.05), and the rate of complications didn't differ between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Older people undergoing HA receiving a PENG block for perioperative analgesia experience improved early postoperative cognitive function, reduced postoperative pain, higher quality of recovery, and less postoperative inflammatory response.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chictr.org.cn identifier ChiCTR2200061055 (Date of registry: 15/06/2022, prospectively registered).

Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block as an Effective Path to Reduce Opioid Consumption After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Effective postoperative pain management is essential to the patient's recovery. The use of opioids as the primary line of pain treatment has been known to increase rates of length of stay, pulmonary complications, paralytic ileus, and nausea and vomiting. Therefore, guidelines strongly recommend alternative paths to reduce opioid consumption through multimodal analgesia, and the transversus abdominis plane block(USG-TAP) has been considered to be one of these optimistic alternatives. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in four databases until April 2024. We only considered for this analysis randomized controlled trials that assessed the USG-TAP as part of multimodal anesthesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Eleven studies comprising 789 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Our results showed a significant decrease in opioid consumption after the first 24 h of surgery (MD - 32.02 mg; 95% IC - 51.33, - 12.71; p < 0.01) and fewer patients required extra-dose of opioid (OR 0.20; 95% IC 0.07, 0.62; p < 0.01). The pain score showed to be also improved with the TAP block (MD - 0.69; 95% IC - 1.32, - 0.07; p = 0.03). No difference concerning time to deambulate, nausea and vomiting, and time of surgery was observed among the studies. This study reinforces the benefits of the use of USG-TAP block as part of multimodal analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Opioid-free anesthesia for minimally invasive abdominal surgery: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis

PURPOSE

Opioid anesthesia is commonly employed in minimally invasive surgeries but is associated with adverse effects, including postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Opioid-free anesthesia aims to mitigate these issues. We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis (TSA) comparing opioid and opioid-free anesthesia in minimally invasive abdominal surgeries.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Embase for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing these approaches. Our primary outcomes were adverse effects (PONV, bradycardia), while secondary outcomes were pain, opioid consumption, and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay (LOS). We performed a TSA to investigate the conclusiveness of the results.

RESULTS

We included 26 RCTs encompassing 2,025 patients, with 1,009 (49%) in the opioid-free anesthesia group. Opioid-free anesthesia reduced PONV significantly (risk ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40 to 0.74; P < 0.001), but we found no significant differences in bradycardia rates. We found nonclinically relevant higher pain scores for opioid anesthesia (mean difference [MD], -0.9; 95% CI, -1.7 to -0.2; P = 0.01) and opioid consumption at 2 hr post surgery (MD, -5.4 mg oral morphine equivalents; 95% CI, -9.1 to -1.8; P = 0.004). We also noted a reduced time to first analgesia (MD, 88 min; 95% CI, 18 to 159; P = 0.01). We found no differences in PACU LOS. The TSA confirmed the sample size's adequacy in showing PONV reduction with opioid-free anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Opioid-free anesthesia showed a significant reduction in PONV and a decrease in opioid consumption during the first 2 hr postoperatively, suggesting it can be an alternative to opioid anesthesia in minimally invasive abdominal surgeries.

STUDY REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ( CRD42023492385 ); first submitted 18 December 2023.

Add dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block in elderly patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair: Could it make a difference? A randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Transversus abdominis plane block is becoming more common as part of multimodal analgesia for post-abdominal operation pain relief. This study compared the analgesic effects of adding dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine (transversus abdominis plane) block in elderly patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery to adding fentanyl.

METHODS

Overall, 90 elderly patients with a simple inguinal hernia repair were randomly assigned to one of three groups. After spinal anaesthesia, an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block was performed. Transversus abdominis plane block was accomplished with 0.25% levobupivacaine + 0.9% normal saline in Group L (n = 30) (20mL). Transversus abdominis plane block was accomplished with 0.25% levobupivacaine + 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine in Group D (n = 30) (20mL). Transversus abdominis plane block was obtained with 0.25% levobupivacaine + 1 µg/kg fentanyl in Group F (n = 30) (20mL). The primary outcome was the first analgesic request, and the secondary outcomes were the visual analog scale, postoperative analgesic requirements, sedation, hemodynamic stability, and related complications 24 hours postoperatively. 1gm paracetamol intravenously was provided as rescue analgesia.

RESULTS

The time to first analgesic request in the dexmedetomidine group was substantially more prolonged than in the fentanyl and control groups (516.5±27.8, 451.2±11.1, and 403.9±10.5min, respectively; p < 0.05). Postoperative analgesic requirements were significantly decreased in dexmedetomidine 1(1-2) than control 2(1-3) and fentanyl 1.5(1-2) respectively (P<0.01). VAS was significantly lower in Group D and Group F than in Group L postoperatively. No significant difference in side effects was noted between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The transversus abdominis plane block is the best multimodal analgesia choice for inguinal hernia repair in older patients. Combining dexmedetomidine with levobupivacaine in the transversus abdominis plane block can improve the quality of postoperative analgesia while avoiding significant side effects.

Drugs used for pain management in gastrointestinal surgery and their implications

Pain is the predominant symptom troubling patients. Pain management is one of the most important aspects in the management of surgical patients leading to early recovery from surgical procedures or in patients with chronic diseases or malignancy. Various groups of drugs are used for dealing with this; however, they have their own implications in the form of adverse effects and dependence. In this article, we review the concerns of different pain-relieving medicines used postoperatively in gastrointestinal surgery and for malignant and chronic diseases.

Perioperative pain management with regional analgesia techniques for visceral cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Regional analgesia following visceral cancer surgery might provide an advantage but evidence for best treatment options related to risk-benefit is unclear.

DESIGN

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) with meta-analysis and GRADE assessment.

SETTING

Postoperative pain treatment.

PATIENTS

Adult patients undergoing visceral cancer surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Any kind of peripheral (PRA) or epidural analgesia (EA) with/without systemic analgesia (SA) was compared to SA with or without placebo treatment or any other regional anaesthetic techniques.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome measures were postoperative acute pain intensity at rest and during activity 24 h after surgery, the number of patients with block-related adverse events and postoperative paralytic ileus.

MAIN RESULTS

59 RCTs (4345 participants) were included. EA may reduce pain intensity at rest (mean difference (MD) -1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.35 to -0.75, low certainty evidence) and during activity 24 h after surgery (MD -1.83; 95% CI: -2.34 to -1.33, very low certainty evidence). PRA likely results in little difference in pain intensity at rest (MD -0.75; 95% CI: -1.20 to -0.31, moderate certainty evidence) and pain during activity (MD -0.93; 95% CI: -1.34 to -0.53, moderate certainty evidence) 24 h after surgery compared to SA. There may be no difference in block-related adverse events (very low certainty evidence) and development of paralytic ileus (very low certainty of evidence) between EA, respectively PRA and SA.

CONCLUSIONS

Following visceral cancer surgery EA may reduce pain intensity. In contrast, PRA had only limited effects on pain intensity at rest and during activity. However, we are uncertain regarding the effect of both techniques on block-related adverse events and paralytic ileus. Further research is required focusing on regional analgesia techniques especially following laparoscopic visceral cancer surgery.

Oblique subcostal transverse abdominis plane block for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing open sublay mesh hernia repair: a prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

A bilateral oblique subcostal transverse abdominis plane block may help provide perioperative analgesia and reduce opioid use in patients undergoing sublay mesh hernia repair, but its clinical value is unclear.

METHODS

In a single-centre, prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, patients scheduled for sublay mesh hernia repair were randomized to receive oblique subcostal transverse abdominis plane blocks with either 60 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine (n=19) or isotonic saline (placebo, n=17). The primary outcome was patient-controlled total morphine consumption at 8:00 p.m. on the second postoperative day (POD), while secondary outcomes included the total morphine consumption during the post-anesthesia care unit stay and the occurrence of adverse events.

RESULTS

Total morphine consumption at 8:00 p.m. on the second POD was higher in patients receiving ropivacaine (39 mg, IQR 22, 62) compared with placebo (24 mg, IQR 7, 39), p value = 0.04. In contrast, the ropivacaine group received 2 mg less morphine during the post-anesthesia care unit stay (4 mg, IQR: 4, 9 mg vs 2 mg, IQR: 2,6 mg, p = 0.04). Patients receiving ropivacaine used more morphine (8:00 p.m. on the first POD until 8:00 a.m. on the second POD: 8 mg, IQR: 4, 18 mg vs 2 mg, IQR: 0, 9 mg, p = 0.01) and reported higher maximum pain scores since the last assessment (8:00 a.m. on the second POD: 5, IQR: 4, 7 vs 4, IQR: 3, 5, p = 0.03). There were no differences in adverse events between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral oblique subcostal transverse abdominis plane blocks in patients undergoing sublay mesh hernia repair were not associated with a prolonged reduction in patient-controlled total morphine consumption in the evening of the second POD in this study. Rebound pain might explain the additional excess opioid required by the ropivacaine group.

Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block in Rabbit Cadavers: Anatomical Description and Measurements of Injectate Spread Using One- and Two-Point Approaches

The aim of this study was to describe one-point (preiliac approach) and two-point (preiliac and retrocostal approach) blocks of the Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) on a cadaveric model. For this purpose, ultrasound-guided infiltration of the plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles was performed and, after dissection of tissues, the areas and percentage of nerve fibers involved were analyzed. Injection into the TAP plexus of a 1 mL/kg solution of 2% lidocaine and 1% methylene blue (1:1) was performed in 30 rabbit cadavers. In fifteen rabbits (group S), the solution was inoculated at the preiliac level. In the other 15 rabbits (group D), the solution was divided into two inoculations (0.5 mL/kg at the retrocostal level and 0.5 mL/kg at the preiliac level). All cadavers were then dissected and stained spinal nerve branches were measured. Moreover, the percentage of length, height and the total area of the stained tissue were calculated. In the S group, T10, T11 and T12 nerve eminences were successfully stained in 18%, 52% and 75% of cases, respectively. Furthermore, L1, L2, L3 and L4 were stained in 95%, 100%, 60% and 40% of cases, respectively. In group D, the ventromedial eminence of T10, T11 and T12 were stained in 68.1%, 100% and 98% of cases, respectively, and L1, L2, L3 and L4 were stained in 88%, 100%, 62% and 31% of cases, respectively. In conclusion, a two-point TAP block is more effective in covering the nerve eminences of the cranial abdomen than the preiliac approach alone.

Combined rectus sheath block with transverse abdominis plane block by one puncture for analgesia after laparoscopic upper abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled prospective study

BACKGROUND

Rectus sheath block (RSB) and transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) have been shown to reduce opioid consumption and decrease postoperative pain scores in abdominal surgeries. However, there are no reports about the one-puncture technique of RSB combined with TAPB for perioperative pain management during laparoscopic upper abdominal surgery.

METHODS

A total of 58 patients were randomly assigned to the control group (C), the TAP group (T), and the one-puncture technique of RSB combined with TAPB group (RT). The patients in group C did not receive any regional block. The patients in group T received ultrasound-guided subcostal TAPB with 30 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine on each side. The patients in the RT group received a combination of RSB and TAPB with 15 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine in each plane by one puncture technique. All patients received postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after surgeries. The range of blocks was recorded 20 min after the completion of the regional block. The postoperative opioid consumption, pain scores, and recovery data were recorded, including the incidence of emergence agitation (EA), the times of first exhaust and off-bed activity, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, dizziness.

RESULTS

The range of the one-puncture technique in group RT covered all areas of surgical incisions. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the RT group is significantly lower at rest and during coughing compared to groups T and C at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery, respectively (P < 0.05). The consumption of sufentanil and the number of postoperative compressions of the analgesic pumps at 24 and 48 h in the RT group are significantly lower than those in groups T and C (P < 0.05). The incidence of EA in the RT group is significantly lower than that in groups T and C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The one-puncture technique of RSB combined with TAPB provides effective postoperative analgesia for laparoscopic upper abdominal surgery, reduces the incidence of EA during PACU, and promotes early recovery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2300067271. Registered 3 Jan 2023, http://www.chictr.org.cn .

Perioperative Regional Anesthesia Pain Outcomes in Children: A Retrospective Study of 3160 Regional Anesthetics in Routine Practice

OBJECTIVE

Randomized controlled trials indicate regional anesthesia (RA) improves postoperative outcomes with reduced pain and opioid consumption. Therefore, we hypothesized children who received RA, regardless of technique, would have reduced pain/opioid use in routine practice.

METHODS

Using a retrospective cohort, we assessed the association of RA with perioperative outcomes in everyday practice at our academic pediatric hospital. Patients 18 years or below undergoing orthopedic, urologic, or general surgeries with and without RA from May 2014 to September 2021 were categorized as single shot, catheter based, or no block. Outcomes included intraoperative opioid exposure and dose, preincision anesthesia time, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) opioid exposure and dose, PACU antiemetic/antipruritic administration, PACU/inpatient pain scores, PACU/inpatient lengths of stay, and cumulative opioid exposure. Regression models estimated the adjusted association of RA with outcomes, controlling for multiple variables.

RESULTS

A total of 11,292 procedures with 3160 RAs were included. Compared with no-block group, single-shot and catheter-based blocks were associated with opioid-free intraoperative anesthesia and opioid-free PACU stays. Post-PACU (ie, while inpatient), single-shot blocks were not associated with improved pain scores or reduced opioid use. Catheter-based blocks were associated with reduced PACU and inpatient opioid use until 24 hours postop, no difference in opioid use from 24 to 36 hours, and a higher probability of use from 36 to 72 hours. RA was not associated with reduced cumulative opioid consumption.

DISCUSSION

Despite adjustment for confounders, the association of RA with pediatric pain/opioid use outcomes was mixed. Further investigation is necessary to maximize the benefits of RA.

Efficacy and Safety of Bilateral Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to assess efficacy and safety of bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for postoperative analgesia in patients receiving spine surgery.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched by 2 reviewers independently to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of ultrasound-guided ESPB for pain management in patients undergoing spine surgery. For meta-analysis, mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were selected for continuous data, and risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI were selected for dichotomous variables.

RESULTS

A total of 25 randomized controlled trials including 1917 patients (873 in ESPB group and 874 in control group) were eligible for inclusion. At rest, ESPB was associated with significantly lower pain intensity at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours compared with the control group. During movement, ESPB was associated with significantly lower pain intensity at 0, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours compared with the control group. Significantly reduced opioid consumption (MD = -6.29, 95% CI [-8.16, 4.41], P < 0.001), prolonged time for first rescue analgesia (MD = 7.51, 95% CI [3.47, 11.54], P < 0.001), fewer patients needing rescue analgesia (RR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.28, 0.43], P < 0.0001), improved patient satisfaction (MD = 1.34, 95% CI [0.88, 1.80], P < 0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (MD = -0.38, [95% CI -0.50, -0.26], P < 0.001) were demonstrated after use of ESPB. Additionally, ESPB was associated with decreased risks of any adverse event (RR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.43, 0.60], P < 0.001) and postoperative nausea and vomiting events (RR = 0.39, 95% CI [0.31, 0.49], P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided ESPB is an effective adjunctive technique with good tolerability for multimodal analgesia in management of pain in patients undergoing spine surgery.

Effects of anterior approach to quadratus lumborum block on postoperative cognitive function following hip surgery in older people: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nerve block, including the quadratus lumborum block (QLB), has been used for postoperative analgesia in hip surgery. However, the effects of QLB on cognitive function after hip surgery remain unknown. This study aimed to assess the effects of the anterior approach to QLB on postoperative cognitive function in older people undergoing hip surgery.

METHODS

Sixty older people who underwent hip surgery from May 2021 to May 2022 were randomly divided into the QLB (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score (mean ± SD) was measured one day preoperatively and seven and 30 days postoperatively. The frequency (%) of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) was examined seven and 30 days postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest and Bruggrmann comfort scale (BCS) scores [Median (IQR)] 6 h (t1), 12 h (t2), 24 h (t3), and 48 h (t4) after surgery were assessed. The plasma high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) and levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (mean ± SD) were evaluated 1 h preoperatively (baseline) and 24 h postoperatively (day 1). The requirement for rescue analgesia [Median (IQR)], time to first off-bed activity (mean ± SD), and adverse effects after surgery were also recorded.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the frequency of POCD was significantly lower in the QLB group seven days postoperatively (10.7% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.033), but no difference at 30 days postoperatively (3.6% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.319). There was no significant difference in MoCA scores between the two groups at one day preoperatively and 30 days postoperatively. However, the MoCA scores at seven days postoperatively were higher in the QLB group than in the control group (27.4 ± 1.81 vs. 26.4 ± 1.83, P = 0.043). In the QLB group, the VAS scores at t1, t2, and t3 were lower [3(2-4) vs. 4(3-4), P = 0.028; 3(2-3) vs. 4(3-5), P = 0.009; 2(1-3) vs. 2(2-3), P = 0.025], and the BCS scores at t1, t2, and t3 were higher than those in the control group [3(1-3) vs. 1(1-2), P = 0.006; 3(2-3) vs. 2(1-3), P = 0.011; 3(2-4) vs. 2(2-3), P = 0.041]. The patients in the QLB group reported significantly fewer requirements for rescue analgesia [0(0-1) vs. 1(0-2), P = 0.014]. The plasma levels of HMGB1 and IL-6 at 24 h postoperatively in the QLB group were significantly lower than in the control group (749.0 ± 185.7 vs. 842.1 ± 157.9, P = 0.046; 24.8 ± 8.1 vs. 31.9 ± 5.5, P < 0.001). The time to first off-bed activity from the end of surgery was shorter in the QLB group (25.3 ± 5.3 vs. 29.7 ± 6.9, P = 0.009). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior QLB given to older people undergoing hip surgery could promote early postoperative cognitive function recovery, provide adequate postoperative analgesia, and inhibit the release of inflammatory factors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chictr.org.cn identifier ChiCTR2000040724 (Date of registry: 08/12/2020, prospectively registered).

Erector spinae plane block for radiofrequency ablation of hepatic focal lesions: Randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the opioid sparing and pain relief effect of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic focal lesions under conscious sedation.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Tanta University Hospitals.

PATIENTS

Fifty patients aged 30-60 years old and eligible for RFA of hepatic focal lesions were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients randomized to receive either local anesthetic infiltration (group I) or ESPB (group II). Both groups received sedation by propofol infusion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The primary outcome was total fentanyl consumption. Secondary outcomes were nonverbal pain score (NVPS), time to first analgesic request post-procedure, radiologist's satisfaction, and complications.

RESULTS

In group I, NVPS was significantly increased at 10, 15, 25, and 30 minutes during RFA compared to group II (p = 0.008, <0.001, 0.018, and 0.001, respectively) with no significant differences on arrival to post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and after 1 hour. Total fentanyl consumption during the procedure was significantly increased in group I compared to group II (160.9 ± 38.2 and 76 ± 21 µg, respectively; p < 0.001) with prolonged time to first analgesia request post-procedure in group II compared to group I (392.7 ± 38.8 and 101.1 ± 13.6 minutes, respectively; p < 0.001). The level of radiologist's satisfaction was significantly increased in the group II (p = 0.010). Three patients in group I and one patient in group II needed general anesthesia. Lower incidence of complications in group II occurred with statistical insignificance.

CONCLUSIONS

The ESPB provided adequate analgesia and reduced opioids consumption during the hepatic RFA, with high radiologist's satisfaction.

Research hotspots and trends on post-cesarean section analgesia: A scientometric analysis from 2001 to 2021

This study aims to demonstrate current research priorities and predict future trends of post-cesarean section analgesia by scientometric analysis. We collected nearly 20 years (2002-2021) of publications related to post-cesarean section analgesia in the web of science database. Citespace was applied to evaluate the knowledge mapping. There are 2735 manuscripts about the post-cesarean section in total. The country, institution, and author posted the most separately are the USA, Univ Calif Irvine, and BRENDAN CARVALHO. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA (21) publishes the most articles of this type, and ANESTHESIOLOGY has the greatest impact (1496 co-citations). In addition, the most key cited reference is McDonnell, J.G (43). Post-cesarean section analgesia research, including spinal anesthesia, postoperative pain, and epidural analgesia, has been a research hotspot in recent years. Through scientometric analysis of the past 20 years, we know the TAP blocks and drug selection in patient-controlled analgesia are the focus of future research. The USA, China, and Turkey have become the main research forces in this field, with high publication rates and centrality. This is important for accurately and quickly locating trends in this field.

Pre-operative erector spinae plane block should be considered a viable option for laparoscopic colectomies

BACKGROUND

The Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block is a recent development in the field of regional anaesthesia and has been increasingly explored for abdominal surgeries to reduce opioid use and improve pain control. Colorectal cancer is the commonest cancer in multi-ethnic Singapore and requires surgery for curative treatment. ESP is a promising alternative in colorectal surgeries, but few studies have evaluated its efficacy in such surgeries. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the use of ESP blocks in laparoscopic colorectal surgeries to establish its safety and efficacy in this field.

METHODS

A prospective two-armed interventional cohort study comparing T8-T10 ESP blocks with conventional multimodal intravenous analgesia for laparoscopic colectomies was conducted in a single institution in Singapore. The decision for doing an ESP block versus conventional multimodal intravenous analgesia was made by a consensus between the attending surgeon and anesthesiologist. Outcomes measured were total intra-operative opioid consumption, post-operative pain control and patient outcome. Post-operative pain control was measured by pain score, analgesia use, and amount of opioids consumed. Patient outcome was determined by presence of ileus.

RESULTS

A total of 146 patients were included, of which 30 patients received an ESP block. Overall, the ESP group had a significantly lower median opioid usage both intra-operatively and post-operatively (p = 0.031). Fewer patients required patient-controlled analgesia and rescue analgesia post-operatively for pain control (p < 0.001) amongst the ESP group. Pain scores were similar and post-operative ileus was absent in both groups. Multivariate analysis found that the ESP block had an independent effect on reducing intra-opioid consumption (p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis of post-operative opioid use and pain scores did not yield statistically significant results.

CONCLUSIONS

The ESP block was an effective alternative regional anaesthesia for colorectal surgery that reduced intra-operative and post-operative opioid use while attaining satisfactory pain control.

Laparoscopic versus ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in colorectal surgery: a non-inferiority, multicentric randomized double-blinded clinical trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess if laparoscopic-assisted transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block (L-TAPB) is as efficient as ultrasound-guided TAP block (U-TAPB) in postoperative pain control.

METHOD

In all, 112 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic colon resection from February 2018 to December 2021 at two Swiss hospitals were included and randomized in a 1:1 ratio before surgery with either L-TAPB or U-TAPB. The primary end-point was the non-inferiority of the L-TAPB compared to U-TAPB with regard to the total opioid consumption within the first 24 h after surgery. Data regarding patients' characteristics, opioid consumption, pain on the visual analogue scale, operative and anaesthesia induction time, complications and length of stay were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were allocated to the L-TAPB and fifty-seven to the U-TAPB. No significant difference was found in the overall dose of opioids within 24 h, and the non-inferiority of the L-TAPB was confirmed. There were almost twice as many patients in the L-TAPB group requesting opioid reserves compared to the U-TAPB group (54.5% vs. 29.8%, P = 0.008). The anaesthesia induction time was significantly longer in the U-TAPB group (17 ± 11 min vs. 23 ± 12 min, P = 0.014). For all other variables (pain on the visual analogue scale, opioid consumption, need of epidural analgesia, operating time, postoperative complications and hospital stay) no statistically significant difference between the L-TAPB and the U-TAPB groups was noted.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed the non-inferiority of the laparoscopic delivery compared to ultrasound-guided administration of the TAP block, with the advantage of not affecting anaesthesia times.

STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER

2017-02017 CE 3294, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04575233.

Transversus abdominis plane block versus caudal block with bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine for unilateral inguinal hernia repair in pediatric patients: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study compared the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine to the same mixture in the caudal block in delivering postoperative analgesia in children after unilateral inguinal hernia surgery.

METHODS

The current study included 80 children aged two to eight years who were scheduled for unilateral inguinal hernia surgery under general anesthesia. A caudal block (1 mL/kg 0.25% bupivacaine and one µg /kg dexmedetomidine) or a TAP block (1 mL/kg 0.25% bupivacaine and one µg /kg dexmedetomidine) was given to each participant at random. The time it took to request analgesia for the first time, the postoperative pain score, total analgesic use, sedation, family satisfaction, and side effects were all measured. The primary outcome was time to first analgesic request.

RESULTS

The caudal block group had a considerably shorter time to first analgesic request than the TAP block group. The caudal block group received more rescue analgesia doses within 24 hours than the TAP block group. The mean total dose of intravenous paracetamol within the first 24 hours postoperatively was greater in the caudal block group. The caudal block group had much higher family satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The TAP block and caudal block provide good postoperative analgesia in children undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair. Adding dexmedetomidine to the TAP block was superior to the caudal block in terms of extending the length of the initial analgesic request, lowering analgesic requirement, and lowering pain scores without causing substantial adverse effects.

Consensus Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Emergency Laparotomy Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations Part 2-Emergency Laparotomy: Intra- and Postoperative Care

BACKGROUND

This is Part 2 of the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy (EL) using an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach. This paper addresses intra- and postoperative aspects of care.

METHODS

Experts in aspects of management of high-risk and emergency general surgical patients were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline database searches were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies on each item were selected with particular attention to randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large cohort studies and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on elective patients when appropriate. A modified Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. Some ERAS® components covered in other guideline papers are outlined only briefly, with the bulk of the text focusing on key areas pertaining specifically to EL.

RESULTS

Twenty-three components of intraoperative and postoperative care were defined. Consensus was reached after three rounds of a modified Delphi Process.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are based on best available evidence for an ERAS® approach to patients undergoing EL. These guidelines are not exhaustive but pull together evidence on important components of care for this high-risk patient population. As much of the evidence is extrapolated from elective surgery or emergency general surgery (not specifically laparotomy), many of the components need further evaluation in future studies.

Erector spinae plane block in laparoscopic colorectal surgery for reducing opioid requirement and facilitating early ambulation: a double-blind, randomized trial

Various techniques have been formulated to reduce pain and ensure early recovery after surgery, as these are major concerns among surgeons, anesthesiologists, and patients. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB), the injection of local anesthetic into the fascial plane, is a simple and novel analgesia technique widely used due to its minimal risk of complications. ESPB has been tried in various surgeries; however, no study has reported its use in colorectal surgery. This study investigated whether ESPB could promote early recovery following laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) by reducing opioid consumption and pain intensity. After randomization into the ESPB or control groups, an ultrasound-guided ESPB was performed at the thoracic 10^th-11th level with 40 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine or normal saline. The ESPB group used less fentanyl during the initial 24 h after surgery (P = 0.004) and experienced less pain (P < 0.05 at all-time points) than the control group. The time to the first ambulation and the length of hospital stay were shorter in the ESPB group than in the control group (P = 0.015 and P = 0.008, respectively). In conclusion, ESPB could promote early recovery by reducing opioid consumption and pain intensity in patients receiving LCS.

Analgesic effects of combined transversus abdominis plane block and intramuscular electrical stimulation in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of a four-quadrant transversus abdominis plane (4QTAP) block and a combination of 4QTAP block with needle electrical twitch and intramuscular electrical stimulation (NETOIMS) in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-one patients who underwent CRS followed by HIPEC were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: group 1 (intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, control group), group 2 (preoperative 4QTAP block), and group 3 (preoperative 4QTAP block and postoperative NETOIMS). The primary study endpoint was the pain score assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS: 0, no pain; 10, worst imaginable pain) on postoperative day (POD) 1.

RESULTS

The VAS pain score on POD 1 was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (6.0±1.7 and 7.6±1.9, P =0.004), whereas that in group 3 was significantly lower than that in groups 1 and 2 ( P <0.001 and P =0.004, respectively). Opioid consumption and nausea and vomiting incidence during POD 7 were significantly lower in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2. Gait speed and peak cough flow on POD 4 and 7, as well as the quality of recovery (QoR)-40 score on POD 4, were significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a 4QTAP block with NETOIMS provided more effective analgesia than a 4QTAP block alone after CRS, followed by HIPEC, and enhanced functional restoration and quality of recovery.

A double-blinded, randomized trial comparing surgeon-administered transversus abdominis plane block with placebo after midline laparotomy in gynecologic oncology surgery

BACKGROUND

Surgeon-administered transversus abdominis plane block is a contemporary approach to providing postoperative analgesia, and this approach is performed by transperitoneally administering local anesthetic in the plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles to target the sensory nerves of the anterolateral abdominal wall. Although this technique is used in many centers, it has not been studied prospectively in patients undergoing a midline laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate whether surgeon-administered transversus abdominis plane block reduces postoperative opioid requirements and improves clinical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients with a suspected or proven gynecologic malignancy undergoing surgery through a midline laparotomy at 1 Canadian tertiary academic center were randomized to either the bupivacaine group (surgeon-administered transversus abdominis plane blocks with 40 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine) or the placebo group (surgeon-administered transversus abdominis plane blocks with 40 mL of normal saline solution) before fascial closure. The primary outcome was the total dose of opioids (in morphine milligram equivalents) received in the first 24 hours after surgery. The secondary outcomes included opioid doses between 24 and 48 hours, pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, incidence of clinical ileus, time to flatus, and hospital length of stay. The exclusion criteria included contraindications to study medication, history of chronic opioid use, significant adhesions on the anterior abdominal wall preventing access to the injection site, concurrent nonabdominal surgical procedure, and the planned use of neuraxial anesthesia or analgesia. To detect a 20% decrease in opioid requirements with a 2-sided type 1 error of 5% and power of 80%, a sample size of 36 patients per group was calculated.

RESULTS

From October 2020 to November 2021, 38 patients were randomized to the bupivacaine arm, and 41 patients were randomized to the placebo arm. The mean age was 60 years, and the mean body mass index was 29.3. A supraumbilical incision was used in 30 of 79 cases (38.0%), and bowel resection was performed in 10 of 79 cases (12.7%). Patient and surgical characteristics were evenly distributed. The patients in the bupivacaine group required 98.0±59.2 morphine milligram equivalents in the first 24 hours after surgery, whereas the patients in the placebo group required 100.8±44.0 morphine milligram equivalents (P=.85). The mean pain score at 4 hours after surgery was 3.1±2.4 (0-10 scale) in the intervention group vs 3.1±2.0 in the placebo group (P=.93). Clinically significant nausea or vomiting was reported in 1 of 38 patients (2.6%) in the intervention group vs 1 of 41 patients (2.4%) in the placebo group (P=.95). Time to first flatus, rates of clinical ileus, and length of stay were similar between groups. Subgroup analysis of patients with a body mass index of <25 and patients who received an infraumbilical incision showed similarly comparable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Surgeon-administered transversus abdominis plane block with bupivacaine was not found to be superior to the placebo intervention in reducing postoperative opioid requirements or improving other postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing a midline laparotomy. These results differed from previous reports evaluating the ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block approach. Surgeon-administered transversus abdominis plane block should not be considered standard of care in postoperative multimodal analgesia.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research Studies on Postoperative Pain Management of Cesarean Section

Purpose

Cesarean section (C-section) is associated with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain. Many studies on pain management after C-section have been published in recent decades, many of which focused on new regional techniques. The purpose of this study is to outline the connections within the dynamic evolution of postcesarean delivery analgesia research publications using retrospective bibliometric analysis.

Patients and Methods

Published studies on postoperative pain management of C-section were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) of Web of Science (WOS) Core collection database. All papers published from 1978 to October 22, 2022 were searched. The research progress and growing trend were quantitatively analyzed by total publications, research institutions, journal impact factors, and author's contribution. Total citations frequency, average citations per item and h-index were used for evaluating literature quantity. Top 20 journals with the highest number of publications were charted. The keywords co-occurrence overlay map was visualized by the VOSviewer software.

Results

From 1978 to 2022, a total of 1032 articles in postcesarean delivery analgesia research field were published, with 23,813 times cited, average citations of 23.07 per item, and an h-index of 68. The most high-yield publication year, countries, journals, authors, institutions were 2020 (n=79), the United States (n=288), Anesthesia and Analgesia (n=108), Carvalho B (n=25), and Stanford University (n=33), respectively. The United States had the most cited papers. The future research interest might be "prescription", "quadratus lumborum block", "postnatal depression", "persistent pain", "dexmedetomidine", "enhanced recovery", and "multimodal analgesia".

Conclusion

By employing the online bibliometric tool and VOSviewer software, we found that studies on postcesarean analgesia had grown markedly. The focus had evolved to nerve block, postnatal depression, persistent pain, and enhanced recovery.

Successful Use of Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Blocks in a Patient With Variant Angina After Large Ventral Hernia Repair

Coronary artery spasm constitutes the primary underlying pathology of variant angina. Because provocation of coronary artery spasm may occur with both excess sympathetic and excess parasympathetic stimulation, patients with this disorder have extremely limited options for perioperative pain control. This is especially true for procedures involving extensive abdominal incision/manipulation. Whereas neuraxial analgesia might otherwise be appropriate in these cases, several studies have demonstrated that coronary artery spasm can occur as a result of epidural placement, and therefore, that this may not be an optimal choice for patients with variant angina. This report discusses the case of a patient with a preexisting diagnosis of variant angina who underwent an exploratory laparotomy with large ventral hernia repair and for whom continuous erector spinae plane blocks were successfully used as analgesic adjuncts without triggering coronary artery spasm.

Effect of transversus abdominis plane block on the quality of recovery in laparoscopic nephrectomy: A prospective double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Poorly controlled acute postoperative pain after laparoscopic nephrectomy may adversely affect surgical outcomes and increase morbidity rates. In addition, excessive use of opioids during surgery may slow postoperative endocrine and metabolic responses and cause opioid-related side effects and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on the postoperative quality of recovery and intraoperative remifentanil requirement in laparoscopic nephrectomy.

METHODS

Sixty patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy were randomly divided into 2 groups: TAP and Control groups. After induction of anesthesia and before awakening from anesthesia, the TAP group was administered 40 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and the Control group was administered 40 mL of normal saline to deliver ultrasound-guided TAP block using 20 mL of each of the above drugs. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of the TAP block on quality of recovery using the Quality of Recovery 40 (QoR-40) questionnaire and assessments of intraoperative remifentanil requirement. In addition, to evaluate the postoperative analgesic effect of the TAP block, the total usage time for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and the number of PCA bolus buttons used in both groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The QoR-40 score, measured when visiting the ward on the third day after surgery, was significantly higher in the TAP group (171.9 ± 23.1) than in the Control group (151.9 ± 28.1) (P = .006). The intraoperative remifentanil requirement was not significantly different between the groups (P = .439). In the TAP group, the frequency of bolus dose accumulation at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery was low enough to show a significant difference, and the total usage time for PCA was long enough to show a significant difference.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we determined that ultrasound-guided TAP block during laparoscopic nephrectomy improves the quality of postoperative recovery and is effective for postoperative pain control but does not affect the amount of remifentanil required for adequate anesthesia during surgery.

Transversus abdominus plane blocks do not reduce rates of postoperative prolonged opioid use following abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction: a nationwide longitudinal analysis

Background

The transversus abdominus plane (TAP) block reduces postoperative donor site pain in patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction with an abdominally based flap. This study aimed to determine the effect of TAP blocks on rates of conversion to chronic opioid use.

Methods

The Clinformatics Data Mart was queried from 2003 to 2019, extracting adult encounters for abdominally based free and pedicled flaps based on common procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Patients were excluded if they had filled a narcotic prescription 1 year to 30 days prior to surgery. The exposure variable-TAP block-was identified by CPT codes. Outcomes were evaluated using morphine milligram equivalents (MME) from prescriptions filled between 30 days prior to and 30 days after surgery. Chronic opioid use (COU) was defined as receiving 4 unique prescriptions or a 60-day supply between 30 and 180 days after surgery.

Results

Of the 4091 patients, (mean age 51.2 ± 9.0 years), 181 (4.4%) had a TAP block placed. Perioperative MMEs/day, postoperative COU, and length of stay did not differ in patients who received a TAP block (p = 0.142; p = 0.271). Significant predictors of risk of conversion to COU included younger age, pedicled abdominal flap, Elixhauser comorbidity index score > 3, filling a psychiatric medication prescription, and filling a benzodiazepine prescription.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction with abdominally based flap reconstruction, TAP blocks do not decrease perioperative MME/day, conversion to chronic opioid use, or length of stay. These data suggest that intraoperative TAP block placement may be a low-yield opioid-reduction strategy.Level of evidence: Level III, risk/prognostic study.

Impact of Opioid-Free Anesthesia on Analgesia and Recovery Following Bariatric Surgery: a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

This meta-analysis aimed at exploring the impact of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) on pain score and opioid consumption in patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS). Literature search identified eight eligible trials. Forest plot revealed a significantly lower pain score (mean difference (MD) =  - 0.96, p = 0.0002; 318 patients), but not morphine consumption (MD =  - 5.85 mg, p = 0.1; 318 patients) at postoperative 24 h in patients with OFA than in those without. Pooled analysis also showed a lower pain score (p = 0.002), morphine consumption (p = 0.0003) in the postanesthetic care unit, and risk of postoperative nausea/vomiting (p = 0.0003) in the OFA group compared to the controls. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated that opioid-free anesthesia improved pain outcomes immediately and at 24 h after surgery without a beneficial impact on opioid consumption at postoperative 24 h. KEY POINTS: • Roles of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) in bariatric surgery (BS) were investigated. • Outcomes included postoperative pain score, opioid use, and nausea/vomiting risk. • OFA was associated with lower 24-h pain score but not opioid consumption. • Lower pain score and opioid consumption were noted in the postanesthetic care unit. • OFA correlated with a lower risk of postoperative nausea/vomiting.

The analgesic efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block vs. wound infiltration after inguinal and infra-umbilical hernia repairs: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Both transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and wound infiltration with local anaesthetic have been used to relieve pain after inguinal or infra-umbilical hernia repair.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether TAP block or local anaesthetic infiltration is the best analgesic option after inguinal or infra-umbilical hernia repair.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Web of Science, up to June, 2020.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We retrieved randomised controlled trials comparing TAP block with wound infiltration after inguinal or infra-umbilical hernia repair. Primary outcome was rest pain score (analogue scale 0 to 10) at 2 postoperative hours. Secondary pain-related outcomes included rest pain score at 12 and 24 h, and intravenous morphine consumption at 2, 12 and 24 h. Other secondary outcomes sought were block-related complications such as rates of postoperative infection, haematoma, visceral injury and systemic toxicity of local anaesthetic.

RESULTS

Seven trials including 420 patients were identified. There was a significant difference in rest pain score at 2 postoperative hours in favour of TAP block compared with wound infiltration, with a mean (95% confidence interval) difference of -0.8 (-1.3 to -0.2); I2  = 85%; P   =  0.01. Most secondary pain-related outcomes were also significantly improved following TAP block. No complication was reported. The overall quality of evidence was moderate.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate level evidence that TAP block provides superior analgesia compared with wound infiltration following inguinal or infra-umbilical hernia repair.

TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42020208053.

Efficacy of different analgesia treatments for abdominal surgery: A network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of analgesia and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) of several widely used clinical treatments for postoperative analgesia following abdominal surgery through network meta-analysis (NMA) based on published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

This NMA was registered on PROSPERO as CRD 42020169606. Primary outcomes were pain scores (visual analog scale) and accumulative opioid consumption, and secondary outcomes assessed the incidence of PONV at 24 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 215 RCTs and 15,114 patients were identified in this NMA. In comparison with placebo, use of a preoperative paravertebral block (mean: -12.63, 95% CI: -21.12 to -4.13), continuous wound infiltration (mean: -9.68, 95%CI: -13.15 to -6.22) and postoperative wound infiltration (mean: -6.34, 95%CI: -10.59 to -2.08) had significantly lower pain scores, less opioid consumption (mean: -2.00, 95%CI: -3.52 to -0.48; mean: -1.34, 95%CI: -1.87 to -0.81; mean: -1.41, 95%CI: -2.07 to -0.74, respectively) and lower incidence of PONV (OR: 0.30, 95%CI: 0.13 to 0.67; OR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.24 to 0.98; OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.34 to 0.89, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from our work provide evidence that preoperative paravertebral block was superior to continuous or postoperative wound infiltration to provide postoperative analgesia, nausea and vomiting after abdominal surgery.

Opioid-Sparing Perioperative Analgesia Within Enhanced Recovery Programs

Opioid-based analgesia in the perioperative period can provide excellent pain control, but this approach exposes the patient to avoidable side effects and possible harm. Optimal analgesia, an approach that targets the fastest functional recovery with adequate pain control while minimizing side effects, can be achieved with opioid minimization. Many different options for nonopioid multimodal analgesia exist and have been shown to be efficacious, with certain modalities being more beneficial for specific surgeries. This review will present the evidence and practical tips for these management strategies.

Transversus abdominis plane block versus local anaesthetic wound infiltration for analgesia after caesarean section: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and local anaesthetic wound infiltration are used to relieve pain after caesarean section.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether TAP block or local anaesthetic wound infiltration is the better analgesic option after caesarean section.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Web of Science up to June 2020.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We retrieved randomised controlled trials comparing TAP block with wound infiltration after caesarean section. Primary outcome was pain score during rest (analogue scale, 0 to 10) at 2 h postoperatively, analysed according to the TAP block technique (ultrasound-guided/landmark-guided), anaesthetic strategy (spinal/general), intrathecal fentanyl (yes/no) and multimodal analgesia (yes/no). Secondary pain-related outcomes included pain scores during rest at 12 and 24 h, and total intravenous morphine consumption at 2, 12 and 24 h. We sought rates of block complications, including postoperative infection, haematoma, visceral injury and local anaesthetic systemic toxicity.

RESULTS

Seven trials, totalling 475 patients, were identified. There was no difference in pain score during rest at 2 h between groups. Subgroup analyses revealed no differences related to TAP block technique (P = 0.64), anaesthetic strategy (P = 0.53), administration of intrathecal fentanyl (P = 0.59) or presence of multimodal analgesia (P = 0.57). Pain score during rest at 12 h and intravenous morphine consumption at 2 and 12 h were identical in both groups. Data were insufficient to compare block complications. Overall quality of evidence was moderate.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate level evidence that TAP block and wound infiltration provide similar postoperative analgesia after caesarean section.

TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42020208046.

Comparison of epidural analgesia with ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block in aorto-femoral arterial bypass surgery

Objective:

Thoracic Epidural Analgesia (TEA) was compared with ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) block in aorto-femoral arterial bypass surgery for analgesic efficacy, hemodynamic effects, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Design:

Prospective randomized.

Setting:

Tertiary care centre.

Participants:

Adult patients, who were scheduled for elective aorto-femoral arterial bypass surgery.

Interventions:

It was a prospective pilot study enrolling 20 adult patients who were randomized to group A (ESP block = 10) and group B (TEA = 10). Monitoring of heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pain assessment at rest and deep breathing using visual analog scale (VAS) were done till 48-h post-extubation. Rescue analgesic requirement, Incentive spirometry, oxygenation, duration of ventilation and stay in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were reported as outcome measures. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired Student T-test or Mann-Whitney U test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

HR was lower in group B than group A at 1 and 2 h post- surgery and at 0.5, 16, 20, and 32 h post-extubation (P < 0.05). MAP were lower in group B than A at 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270 minutes and at 0 hour post-surgery and at 4 hours, every 4 hours till 32 hours post-extubation (P < 0.05). Intraoperative midazolam and fentanyl consumption, ventilatory hours, VAS at rest, incentive spirometry, oxygenation, and ICU stay were comparable between the two groups. VAS during deep breathing was more in group A than B at 0.5, 4 hours and every 4 hours till 44 hours post-extubation. The time to receive the first rescue analgesia was shorter in group A than B (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Both ESP block and TEA provided comparable analgesia at rest. Further studies with larger sample size are required to evaluate whether ESP block could be an alternative to TEA in aorto-femoral arterial bypass surgery.

Transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine versus continuous epidural analgesia for major abdominal surgery: The EXPLANE randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

Compare transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks with liposomal bupivacaine were to epidural analgesia for pain at rest and opioid consumption in patients recovering from abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND

ERAS pathways suggest TAP blocks in preference to epidural analgesia for abdominal surgery. However, the relative efficacies of TAP blocks and epidural analgesia remains unknown.

METHODS

Patients having major abdominal surgery were enrolled at six sites and randomly assigned 1:1 to thoracic epidural analgesia or bilateral/4-quadrant TAP blocks with liposomal bupivacaine. Intravenous opioids were used as needed. Non-inferiority margins were a priori set at 1 point on an 11-point pain numeric rating scale for pain at rest and at a 25% increase in postoperative opioid consumption.

RESULTS

Enrollment was stopped per protocol at 3rd interim analysis after crossing an a priori futility boundary. 498 patients were analyzed (255 had TAP blocks and 243 had epidurals). Pain scores at rest in patients assigned to TAP blocks were significantly non-inferior to those given epidurals, with an estimated difference of 0.09 points (CI: -0.12, 0.30; noninferiority P < 0.001). Opioid consumption during the initial 3 postoperative days in TAP patients was not non-inferior to epidurals, with an estimated ratio of geometric means of 1.37 (CI: 1.05, 1.79; non-inferiority P = 0.754). However, the absolute difference was only 21 mg morphine equivalents over the 3 days. Patients with epidurals were more likely to experience mean arterial pressures <65 mmHg than those given TAP blocks: 48% versus 31%, P = 0.006.

CONCLUSION

Pain scores at rest during the initial three days after major abdominal surgery were similar. Patients assigned to TAP blocks required more opioid then epidural patients but had less hypotension. Clinicians should reconsider epidural analgesia in patients at risk from hypotension.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02996227.

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.

Randomized trial of transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine after cesarean delivery with or without intrathecal morphine

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate efficacy and safety of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with or without intrathecal morphine (ITM) compared with ITM alone for postsurgical analgesia after cesarean delivery (CD).

DESIGN

Multicenter, open-label, randomized trial (NCT03853694).

SETTING

Operating room.

PATIENTS

Women with term pregnancy of 37 to 42 weeks scheduled for elective CD under spinal anesthesia.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to LB 266 mg TAP block alone (LB group), ITM 50 μg followed by LB 266 mg TAP block (LB + ITM group), or ITM 150 μg alone (ITM group). All groups received the same postsurgical multimodal analgesic regimen.

MEASUREMENTS

The LB and LB + ITM groups were compared with the ITM group for all efficacy outcomes. Postsurgical opioid consumption in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) through 72 h was compared by assessing noninferiority before testing superiority. Postsurgical pruritus severity was assessed on an 11-point numerical rating scale.

MAIN RESULTS

Between March 4, 2019, and January 10, 2020, 153 patients (LB, n = 52; LB + ITM, n = 48; ITM, n = 53) were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups. The LB group had statistically noninferior postsurgical opioid consumption through 72 h compared with the ITM group (least squares mean [LSM], 19.2 vs 16.4 MMEs; LSM treatment ratio, 1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74-1.86]; noninferiority P < 0.0034) as did the LB + ITM group (LSM, 14.6 vs 16.4 MMEs; LSM treatment ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.55-1.44]; noninferiority P < 0.0001). The LB and LB + ITM groups had significantly reduced pruritus severity scores through 12, 24, 48, and 72 h compared with the ITM group (P ≤ 0.0121). Adverse events occurred in 58%, 85%, and 81% of the LB, LB + ITM, and ITM groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LB TAP block with or without ITM resulted in statistically noninferior postsurgical opioid consumption through 72 h, reduced pruritus, and favorable safety compared with ITM in women undergoing CD.

Improving Pain Management After Cesarean Birth Using Transversus Abdominis Plane Block With Liposomal Bupivacaine as Part of a Multimodal Regimen

As educators, advocates, and champions for women's health, nurses play pivotal roles throughout a woman's pregnancy and childbirth journey. Most women experience postsurgical pain after cesarean birth and are prescribed opioids. Caution around opioid use warrants opioid-reducing strategies, particularly because exposure to opioids exacerbates risk for developing persistent postsurgical opioid use. Multimodal approaches can help address this concern. Regional anesthesia using transversus abdominis plane blocks with aqueous formulations of local anesthetics can reduce opioid consumption and pain but has a short duration of action. Liposomal formulation of bupivacaine prolongs its release, overcoming this obstacle. Transversus abdominis plane blocks with liposomal bupivacaine can reduce opioid use and pain after cesarean birth, improving recovery. These findings represent numerous implications for nursing practice to improve postcesarean pain management.

Effectiveness of Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Subcutaneous Onlay Laparoscopic Approach (SCOLA) Surgery: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative analgesia in SCOLA (subcutaneous onlay laparoscopic approach) surgery is traditionally based on intravenous opioids. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral subcostal transversus abdominis plane (SCTAP) block on postoperative pain relief in the first 48 postoperative hours following SCOLA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 2017 to December 2019, 163 patients were eligible for the analysis. Postoperative analgesia was managed either with an intravenous tramadol continuous infusion (opioid group) or a multimodal opioid-sparing strategy based on bilateral SCTAP block (SCTAP group), according to the anesthesiologist's postoperative plan. After data collection, 103 patients were assigned post hoc to the SCTAP group and 60 patients to the opioid group. The primary outcome was the evaluation of postoperative pain, considering both the Numeric Rating Scale score and the percentage of patients with uncontrolled pain at 6, 12, 24, or 48 hours. Secondary outcomes were differences in the administration of ketorolac rescue analgesia and incidence of mild adverse effects.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in median Numeric Rating Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours and ketorolac rescue dose consumption in both groups. Five patients (4.85% of a total of 103 patients) referred postoperative nausea and vomiting in the SCTAP group versus 10 patients (16.67% of a total of 60 patients) in the opioid group (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Analgesia with SCTAP block seems to represent a feasible and efficient strategy for pain management in patients undergoing SCOLA surgery, allowing good quality analgesia, low opioids requirements, and reduced incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Mechanisms of action of fascial plane blocks: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Fascial plane blocks (FPBs) target the space between two fasciae, rather than discrete peripheral nerves. Despite their popularity, their mechanisms of action remain controversial, particularly for erector spinae plane and quadratus lumborum blocks.

OBJECTIVES

This narrative review describes the scientific evidence underpinning proposed mechanisms of action, highlights existing knowledge gaps, and discusses implications for clinical practice and research.

FINDINGS

There are currently two plausible mechanisms of analgesia. The first is a local effect on nociceptors and neurons within the plane itself or within adjacent muscle and tissue compartments. Dispersion of local anesthetic occurs through bulk flow and diffusion, and the resulting conduction block is dictated by the mass of local anesthetic reaching these targets. The extent of spread, analgesia, and cutaneous sensory loss is variable and imperfectly correlated. Explanations include anatomical variation, factors governing fluid dispersion, and local anesthetic pharmacodynamics. The second is vascular absorption of local anesthetic and a systemic analgesic effect at distant sites. Direct evidence is presently lacking but preliminary data indicate that FPBs can produce transient elevations in plasma concentrations similar to intravenous lidocaine infusion. The relative contributions of these local and systemic effects remain uncertain.

CONCLUSION

Our current understanding of FPB mechanisms supports their demonstrated analgesic efficacy, but also highlights the unpredictability and variability that result from myriad factors at play. Potential strategies to improve efficacy include accurate deposition close to targets of interest, injections of sufficient volume to encourage physical spread by bulk flow, and manipulation of concentration to promote diffusion.

Fascial plane blocks: a narrative review of the literature

Fascial plane blocks (FPBs) are increasingly numerous and are often touted as effective solutions to many perioperative challenges facing anesthesiologists. As 'new' FPBs are being described, questions regarding their effectiveness remain unanswered as appropriate studies are lacking and publications are often limited to case discussions or technical reports. It is often unclear if newly named FPBs truly represent a novel intervention with new indications, or if these new publications describe mere ultrasound facilitated modifications of existing techniques. Here, we present broad concepts and potential mechanisms of FPB. In addition, we discuss major FPBs of (1) the extremities (2) the posterior torso and (3) the anterior torso. The characteristics, indications and a brief summary of the literature on these blocks is included. Finally, we provide an estimate of the overall level of evidence currently supporting individual approaches as FPBs continue to rapidly evolve.

Erector spinae plane block at lower thoracic level for analgesia in lumbar spine surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery usually suffer severe pain in the postoperative period. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB), first published in 2016, can anesthetize the ventral and dorsal rami of thoracic nerves and produce an extensive multi-dermatomal sensory block.

AIM

To assess whether bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB at a lower thoracic level could improve pain control and quality of recovery in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients aged 18-80 years scheduled to undergo lumbar spine surgery with general anesthesia were randomly assigned to two groups: ESPB group (preoperative bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB at T10 vertebral level) and control group (no preoperative ESPB). Both groups received standard general anesthesia. The main indicator was the duration to the first patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) bolus.

RESULTS

In the ESPB group, the duration to the first PCIA bolus was significantly longer than that in the control group (h) [8.0 (4.5, 17.0) vs 1.0 (0.5, 6), P < 0.01], and resting and coughing numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at 48 h post operation were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding resting and coughing NRS scores at 24 h post operation. Sufentanil consumption during the operation was significantly lower in the ESPB group than in the control group (P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding morphine consumption at 24 or 48 h post operation. In the ESPB group, Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score within 20 min after extubation was higher and duration in the post-anesthesia care unit was shorter than those in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery, ultrasound-guided ESPB at a lower thoracic level improves the analgesic effect, reduces opioid consumption, and improves postoperative recovery.

Transversus abdominis plane block versus local anesthetic wound infiltration for optimal analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Both transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and local anesthetic wound infiltration have been used to relieve pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We undertook this systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis to determine the best analgesic technique.

METHODS

We systematically searched the literature for trials comparing TAP block with wound infiltration after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary outcome was pain score during rest (analogue scale, 0-10) at 2 postoperative hours. Secondary pain-related outcomes included pain scores during rest at 12 and 24 h, pain scores during movement and intravenous morphine consumption at 2, 12 and 24 h, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Other secondary outcomes sought were block-related complications such as rates of postoperative infection, hematoma, visceral injury and local anesthetic systemic toxicity.

RESULTS

Ten trials including 668 patients were identified. There was a significant difference in pain score during rest at 2 postoperative hours in favour of TAP block when compared with wound infiltration (mean difference [95%CI]: -0.7 [-1.2, -0.2]; I2 = 71%; p = 0.008). Pain scores during rest at 12 and 24 h and pain scores during movement at 24 h were also significantly lower with TAP block than wound infiltration. Postoperative morphine consumption and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were significantly lower in patients who received a TAP block. Data were insufficient to compare block-related complications. The overall quality of evidence was moderate-to-high.

CONCLUSIONS

There is moderate-to-high level evidence that the TAP block provides superior analgesia when compared with wound infiltration in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Trial registry number: PROSPERO CRD42020208057.

Mid-axillary transversus abdominis plane block and stress response after abdominal hysterectomy: A randomised controlled placebo trial

BACKGROUND

The hormonal response to surgical trauma can have detrimental effects on patients. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, which can improve analgesia after total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) might attenuate the peri-operative stress response.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of the TAP block to reduce stress response, opioid consumption and pain following TAH and multimodal analgesia.

DESIGN

Randomised, placebo-controlled double-blind study.

SETTING

The current study was conducted at a university hospital from July 2016 to September 2017.

PATIENTS

Fifty patients scheduled for TAH were included. Anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia were standardised.

INTERVENTION

After induction of anaesthesia, patients were allocated into two groups: ultrasound-guided bilateral mid-axillary TAP block with 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% (Group T) or 0.9% saline (Group C).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Levels of free serum cortisol, metanephrine and normetanephrine at 60 min and 6, 12 and 24 h after surgical incision. Pain scores and opioid consumption during the first 24 h after surgery.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the median [IQR] peri-operative levels of stress hormones and pain scores between groups. Compared with baseline value 9.90 [4.2 to 23.1], free serum median cortisol levels were significantly high at 6 h in Group T, 23.6 [10.1 to 42.9] P = 0.015 and Group C 23.6 [9.9 to 46.3] P = 0.014. Only Group C showed significant elevation from the baseline median levels of plasma metanephrine at 60 min, 52.8 [33.4 to 193.2] P = 0.001, 6 h, 92.70 [2.4 to 202.6] P = 0.005 and normetanephrine at 60 min 83.44 [28.98 to 114.86] P = 0.004, 6 h 78.62 [36.6 to 162.31] P = 0.0005 and 24 h 80.96 [8.6 to 110.5] P = 0.025. Mean ± SD opioid consumption was similar in both groups: 39.60 ± 14.87 in Group T vs. 43.68 ± 14.93 in Group C (P = 0.338).

CONCLUSION

Mid-axillary TAP block does not improve stress response and analgesia in patients undergoing TAH receiving multimodal analgesia.

TRAIL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT03443271.

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block after cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The meta-analysis is aimed to further access the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (USG-TAP) block after cesarean section (CS).

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for eligible studies. Primary objectives were pain-related outcomes. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs), as well as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were used to calculate estimates. Subgroup analyses were done based on whether USG-TAP blocks were performed with long-acting intrathecal opioids (ITO).

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies were included. When compared with control groups (placebo or no blocks), USG-TAP block resulted in lower cumulative opioid consumption at 6 h (WMD: -8.32; 95% CI: -14.86, -1.79), 12 h (WMD: -10.75; 95% CI: -20.93, -0.57), and 24 h (WMD: -12.71, 95% CI: -21.28, -4.14). No significant differences were demonstrated among dynamic or resting pain scores. Patients in USG-TAP groups needed longer time to request first analgesic (WMD: 3.56; 95% CI: 1.43, 5.68) and showed a lower requirement of opioid rescue analgesia for breakthrough severe pain during 24 h (RR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.86). Subgroup analyses showed USG-TAP blocks did not afford additional benefit in the presence of intrathecal morphine. Also, reduced need for antiemetics after CS and higher maternal satisfaction were provided by USG-TAP blocks.

CONCLUSION

USG-TAP block can provide significantly effective analgesia for patients who underwent CS in the absence of long-acting ITO and therefore are worth promoting in the setting of long-acting ITO being unfeasible.