Ropivacaine for Intercostal Nerve Block Improves Early Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients Following Thoracotomy for Esophageal Cancer

Integrative analysis of circRNA networks in postoperative cognitive dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

In the quest to decipher the molecular intricacies of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD), this study focused on circular RNA (circRNA) and their regulatory networks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analyzing the Gene Expression Omnibus Series (GSE) 147277 dataset, we pinpointed 10 differentially expressed circRNAs linked to POCD.

RESULTS

The ensuing competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, featuring pivotal players like Homo sapiens(hsa)_circ_0003424 and hsa-miR-193b-5p, provided a comprehensive understanding of the molecular players at play in POCD.

CONCLUSION

Additionally, the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network spotlighted 10 core Hub genes, including phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), shedding light on potential therapeutic targets.

Probiotics as a possible novel therapeutic option to mitigate perioperative neurocognitive disorders: A review exploring the latest research findings

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) refer to a constellation of symptoms that primarily affect the elderly and typically manifest as common complications after exposure to surgery and anesthesia. PND is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and progression to neurodegenerative diseases, thus exerting significant financial strains on families as well as the healthcare system. Given that an ageing global population is an inevitable trend and, with the latest advances in the healthcare system, an ever-growing number of elderly people present for surgery and anesthesia, PND is of prominent concern. The two-way communication between the intestinal flora and the brain, also known as the microbiota-gut-brain axis, plays an important role in central nervous system development, and multiple studies have highlighted the influence exerted by gut microbiome in both health and disease. Pertinent studies have corroborated the fact that anesthesia and surgery disrupt the harmony of the gut ecology, which sets off a cascade of events that initiate neuroinflammation, eventually leading to PND. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that promote the host's health, have been shown as a viable option to restore or minimise the disruption of gut flora. Evidence exists that probiotics exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory benefits. Given the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing neuroinflammation, research has also focused on their impact on the development of PND. This review aims to compile the data from relevant clinical trials focusing on the influence of probiotics on PND to determine whether the derived findings might be applied for the prevention and treatment of PND.

The Role of Cytokines in Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders: A Review in the Context of Anesthetic Care

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs), including postoperative delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and long-term postoperative neurocognitive disorders, present significant challenges for older patients undergoing surgery. Inflammation is a protective mechanism triggered in response to external pathogens or cellular damage. Historically, the central nervous system (CNS) was considered immunoprivileged due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which serves as a physical barrier preventing systemic inflammatory changes from influencing the CNS. However, aseptic surgical trauma is now recognized to induce localized inflammation at the surgical site, further exacerbated by the release of peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can compromise BBB integrity. This breakdown of the BBB facilitates the activation of microglia, initiating a cascade of neuroinflammatory responses that may contribute to the onset of PNDs. This review explores the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of PNDs.

Phrenic nerve infiltration: A good practice to combine pulmonary expansion and pain control in patients with high risk of prolonged air leak

OBJECTIVE

Prolonged air leak due to residual air space after lung resection is a main challenge. To date, few surgical options have been described to prevent this complication. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and the efficacy of intraoperative phrenic nerve infiltration with long-acting anesthetics in producing transient hemidiaphragm paralysis in patients at high risk for prolonged air leak, thus improving pulmonary expansion after surgery and reducing air leaks, while controlling postoperative pain.

METHODS

Between January 2021 and 2023, 65 consecutive patients at risk for prolonged air leak (defined in accordance with "2019 Society of Thoracic Surgery score criteria of prolonged air leak") who underwent lung resection (lobectomy or anatomic segmentectomy) for malignancy were prospectively included in the study. They were randomly (1:2 ratio) assigned to receive (group A, 22 patients) intraoperative phrenic nerve infiltration with ropivacaine 10 mg/mL in the peri-neurotic fat on the pericardium or not to receive intraoperative phrenic nerve infiltration (group B, 43 patients). Five patients in group B were excluded because they did not undergo anatomic resection. Data on pulmonary reexpansion, prolonged air leaks, pain at 24 and 72 hours postsurgery, referred shoulder pain, length of hospital stay, and length of chest tube permanence were collected and compared.

RESULTS

Hemidiaphragm elevation (P = .006) and pulmonary expansion (P = .000) were significantly higher in group A. Patients in group A showed lower pain at 24 and 72 hours compared with group B (P = .004). Shoulder pain (0.001) and prolonged air leak (0.000) were higher in group B. Length of chest tube was longer in group B. No difference in hospital stay length was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to investigate 2 combined effects of phrenic nerve anesthetic infiltration (hemidiaphragm elevation and pain control), with potential enhancement of a patient's recovery after surgery. Intraoperative phrenic nerve infiltration in patients with a risk for prolonged air leak appears to be a safe and effective clinical practice to improve pulmonary expansion in this set of patients, reducing postoperative air leak. This result is associated with an additional improvement in pain control, especially for shoulder pain.

Comparison of Ultrasound-guided Single-injection Erector Spinae Plane Block, Retrolaminar Block, and Paravertebral Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Single-incision Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A 3-arm, Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial

OBJECTIVE

Effective postoperative analgesia is critical for thoracic surgery. This study compares the analgesic efficacy of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB), retrolaminar block (RLB), and paravertebral block (TPVB) in single-incision video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (SITS).

METHODS

Seventy-six patients underwent general anesthesia followed by ultrasound-guided nerve blocks with 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine. Primary outcomes included the area under the curve (AUC) of numeric rating scale (NRS) scores during rest and coughing over 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included perioperative opioid use, plasma biomarkers, and postoperative recovery measures.

RESULTS

The AUC for NRS was 107.8±10.53 in the ESPB group, 104.8±8.05 in the RLB group, and 103.6±10.42 in the TPVB group, demonstrating noninferiority for ESPB (difference: 4.2±3.0, 95% CI: -1.82 to 10.22) and RLB (difference: 1.2±2.6, 95% CI: -3.97 to 6.37) compared with TPVB. No statistically significant differences were observed in opioid use, plasma biomarkers, QoR-15 scores, or adverse events.

DISCUSSION

ESPB and RLB provide noninferior analgesia compared with TPVB in SITS patients and are effective alternatives that enhance safety.

Associations between postoperative cognitive dysfunction, serum interleukin-6 and postoperative delirium among patients after coronary artery bypass grafting: A mediation analysis

BACKGROUND

POCD is a common complication among patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), it is linked to loss of independence and reduced quality of life.

AIM

To examine the association between postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), postoperative delirium (POD) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Patients who underwent elective isolated CABG were enrolled. POCD was assessed by a set of cognitive function tools. Delirium was assessed using the CAM-ICU. The logistic regression analyses were used to identify the predictive value of POD or IL-6 on POCD. The path analysis was used to analyse the relationship among POD, IL-6 and POCD.

RESULTS

A total of 212 patients were enrolled, with 25.0% of patients developing POD and 32.5% developing POCD. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with POD had a four-fold increased hazard of POCD (OR = 3.655), and patients with IL-6 ≥ 830.50 pg/mL at the 6th hours after surgery had a 5-fold increased risk of experiencing POCD (OR = 5.042). However, the mediation effect of POD between IL-6 and POCD was not statistically significant (β = 0.059, p = .392).

CONCLUSIONS

POD and IL-6 at the 6th hour after surgery (≥830.50 pg/mL) are two potent predictors for POCD, while POD did not play a mediation effect between IL-6 and POCD.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Early identification of risk factors (e.g., delirium assessment and testing for serum IL-6 levels) by clinical nurses for POCD may contribute to the clinical practice for the targeted prevention nursing strategies.

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.

Effects of different anesthetic regimens on postoperative cognitive function of elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a serious surgical complication. We assessed the different POCD incidences between anesthesia using sevoflurane and sevoflurane combined with dexmedetomidine, with propofol-based sedation in elderly patients who underwent a thoracic surgical procedure.

METHODS

A total of 90 patients aged 65 to 80 years old who underwent a thoracic surgical procedure at our hospital and 15 nonsurgical participants as controls, were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided in a randomized 1:1:1 ratio into 3 groups. All participants were randomized into a trial with three anesthesia groups (P, PS, PSD) or a control group (C) of healthy matches. All trial groups received distinct anesthetic combinations during surgery, while controls mirrored patient criteria.Group P (propofol and remifentanil were maintained during the surgery), Group PS (propofol, remifentanil, and sevoflurane were maintained during the surgery), and Group PSD (propofol, remifentanil, sevoflurane, and dexmedetomidine were maintained during the surgery).All participants were rated using a series of cognitive assessment scales before and three days after surgery. All participants were interviewed over the telephone, 7 days, 30 days, and 90 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

POCD incidences in the PSD (combined anesthetization with propofol, sevoflurane, and dexmedetomidine) group was significantly lower than that in the PS (combined anesthetization with propofol and sevoflurane) group, 1 day post-surgery (10.0% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.008), and the results were consistent at 3 days post-surgery. When the patients were assessed 7 days, 30 days, and 90 days postoperatively, there was no significant difference in POCD incidence among the three groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of POCD one day after surgery showed that education level was negatively correlated with incidence of POCD (P = 0.018) and single lung ventilation time was positively correlated with incidence of POCD (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

For elderly patients who underwent a thoracic surgical procedure, dexmedetomidine sedation shows an obvious advantage on improving short-term POCD incidence, which is caused by sevoflurane.

Peripheral nerve block and cognitive impairment after thoracic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative cognitive impairment is common in surgical patients, including postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Several studies investigating the association between peripheral nerve block and the risk of cognitive impairment after thoracic surgery showed conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted the current systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effects of peripheral nerve block on postoperative cognitive impairment in thoracic surgical patients.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Eligible randomized controlled trials were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases. The primary outcomes were the incidence of postoperative delirium or cognitive dysfunction and the MMSE scores. Furthermore, VAS scores, levels of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as the duration of hospitalization were analyzed as secondary outcomes.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Ten articles including 1279 participants were selected for this meta-analysis. The results showed that peripheral nerve block could lessen the incidence of postoperative delirium or cognitive dysfunction (OR=0.39, 95% CI [0.27 to 0.56]), the scores of VAS (MD=-1.35 [95% CI: -2.30 to -0.40]), the values of TNF-α (SMD=-1.13 [95% CI: -1.49 to -0.76]) and IL-6 (SMD=-1.65 [95% CI: -1.87 to -1.42]), as well as the length of hospitalization (MD=-0.70 [95% CI: -0.96 to -0.43]). In addition, peripheral nerve block was linked to a significant increase in MMSE scores (MD=2.16 [95% CI: 1.40 to 2.91]).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis revealed positive effects of peripheral nerve block on improving postoperative cognitive impairment in patients following thoracic surgery.

Peripheral regional anaesthesia and outcomes: a narrative review of the literature from 2013 to 2023

The use of peripheral regional anaesthesia continues to increase, yet the evidence supporting its use and impact on relevant outcomes often lacks scientific rigour, especially when considering the use of specific blocks for a particular surgical indication. In this narrative review, we consider the relevant literature in a 10-yr period from 2013. We performed a literature search (MEDLINE and EMBASE) for articles reporting randomised controlled trials and other comparative trials of peripheral regional anaesthetic blocks vs systemic analgesia in adult patients undergoing surgery. We evaluated measures of effective treatment and complications. A total of 128 studies met our inclusion criteria. There remains variability in the technical conduct of blocks and the outcomes used to evaluate them. There is a considerable body of evidence to support the use of interscalene blocks for shoulder surgery. Saphenous nerve (motor-sparing) blocks provide satisfactory analgesia after knee surgery and are preferred to femoral nerve blocks which are associated with falls when patients are mobilised early as part of enhanced recovery programmes. There are additional surgical indications where the efficacy of cervical plexus, intercostal nerve, and ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve blocks have been demonstrated. In the past 10 yr, there has been a consolidation of the evidence indicating benefit of peripheral nerve blocks for specific indications. There remains great scope for rigorous, multicentre, randomised controlled trials of many peripheral nerve blocks. These would benefit from an agreed set of patient-centred outcomes.

Comparison of analgesic effects of percutaneous and transthoracic intercostal nerve block in video-assisted thoracic surgery: a propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of transthoracic intercostal nerve block (TINB) and percutaneous intercostal nerve block (PINB) for video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) using a retrospective analysis.

METHODS

A total of 336 patients who underwent VATS between January 2021 and June 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Of the participants, 194 received TINB and were assigned to the T group, while 142 patients received PINB and were assigned to the P group. Both groups received 25 ml of ropivacaine via TINB or PINB at the end of the surgery. The study measured opioid consumption, pain scores, analgesic satisfaction, and safety. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to minimize selection bias due to nonrandom assignment.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 86 patients from each group were selected for analysis. The P group had significantly lower cumulative opioid consumption than the T group (p < 0.01). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were lower for the P group than the T group at 6 and 12 h post-surgery (p < 0.01); however, there was no significant difference in the scores between the two groups at 3, 24, and 48 h (p > 0.05). The analgesic satisfaction in the P group was higher than in the T group (p < 0.05). The incidence of back pain, nausea or vomiting, pruritus, dizziness, and skin numbness between the two groups was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that PINB provides superior analgesia for patients undergoing thoracic surgery compared to TINB without any extra adverse effects.

Role of supplemental regional blocks on postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction after major non-cardiac surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND/IMPORTANCE

Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PNCD) is a frequent and preventable complication after surgery. The large high-quality evidence for the efficacy of supplemental regional analgesia blocks (RAB) for preventing PNCD is still elusive.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of RAB versus standard anesthesia care on the incidence of PNCD in adult patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Registers of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2017 until June 2022. The primary outcome was the incidence of PNCD within 1 month of surgery. A random-effects model with an inverse variance method was used to pool results, and OR and mean differences were calculated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes. Various exploratory subgroup analyses were performed to explore the possibility of the association between the various patient, technique, and surgery-related factors. Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines were used to determine the certainty of evidence.

FINDINGS

Twenty-six RCTs comprizing 4414 patients were included. The RAB group was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of PNCD with an OR of 0.46 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.59; p<0.00001; I2=28%) compared with the control group (moderate certainty). Subgroup analysis exhibited that the prophylactic efficacy of RAB persisted for both delirium and delayed neurocognitive recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that supplemental RAB are beneficial in preventing PNCD in patients after major non-cardiac surgery.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022338820.

The Impact of Regional Nerve Blocks on Postoperative Delirium or Cognitive Dysfunction following Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Regional nerve blocks (NBs) mitigate the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and postoperative delirium (POD) in adult patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This study aimed to determine the exact effect of NBs on POCD and POD. Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched for studies. The primary outcome was the incidence of POD or POCD. The secondary outcome was pain scores assessed 24 and 48 h postoperatively. We calculated the log odds ratio (LOR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The LOR was converted to an odds ratio (OR). In the analysis of 1010 patients from seven randomized controlled trials, POD and POCD rates were 14.1% and 16.7%, respectively, in the NB group, and higher, at 27.3% and 35.2%, in the control group. NBs reduced the incidence of POD (OR, 0.44; 95%CI 0.30 to 0.64; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.00%) and POCD (OR, 0.43; 95%CI 0.24 to 0.76; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.00%). NBs reduced pain scores at 24 h (SMD, -2.60; 95%CI -3.90 to -1.30, p < 0.001; I2 = 97.68%) and 48 h (SMD, -1.80; 95%CI -3.18 to -0.41, p = 0.01; I2 = 98.14%) postoperatively. NBs mitigated the occurrence of POD and POCD in adult patients after thoracic surgery.

Analgesia in esophagectomy: a narrative review

Background and Objective

Optimal pain management for esophagectomy facilitates prevention of postoperative complications such as pneumonia, but also chronic pain. Historically, multimodal intravenous analgesia was employed. In the last decades, regional anesthesia including epidural and paravertebral analgesia is frequently used. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence for the different analgesia regimens for esophagectomy.

Methods

A search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE database in November 2022. Only reports in English or Dutch were included. Editorials or articles lacking full text were excluded. A review of different analgesia regimens after esophagectomy is provided.

Key Content and Findings

Epidural analgesia (EA) was suggested to reduce postoperative pneumonia and prevent chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) as compared to opioid-based systemic analgesia and was considered the gold standard of pain management for esophagectomy. In the last decades, the side-effects of EA became more evident. Next to mild or moderate side-effects such as hypotension and urinary retention, several reports emphasized the incidence of serious neurologic complications to be much higher than estimated before. In addition, minimally invasive surgery fostered that other regional analgesia (RA) techniques are potential alternatives for EA. Paravertebral catheter placement can be performed under videoscope view during the thoracic phase of esophagectomy, making it a safe and easily placed block. Evidence on the effectiveness of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is limited in this context.

Conclusions

Several analgesia regimens after esophagectomy are described. EA is most common, however paravertebral analgesia is a good alternative. Other techniques are also gaining ground but randomized clinical trials are lacking. Future studies should focus on the efficacy of paravertebral and erector spinae blocks for postoperative pain management for esophagectomy.

Applications of the ultrasound-guided nerve block technique for nonanalgesic effects

The nerve block technique guided by ultrasound has been able to accurately block tiny nerves throughout the body in recent years. It has been increasingly used to treat multisystem diseases or analgesia in surgical patients, but the latter accounted for the vast majority of cases. The nonanalgesic effect of nerve blocks is also in wide demand. After searching ultrasound-guided nerve block works on the PubMed database, we systematically summarized the current clinical application of the nerve block technique and the unique role and related mechanism of nerve block in the prevention and treatment of multi-system diseases or symptoms, including disorders of the circulatory and respiratory systems, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, immune function, posttraumatic stress disorder, and postoperative digestive system, to put forward the potential prospective application in future and serve as a reference for future research of nerve block therapy in these diseases mentioned.

Effect of bilateral paravertebral nerve block on cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of a bilateral paravertebral block (PVB) on cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Sixty patients (40 men and 20 women) aged 65-80 undergoing radical gastrectomy surgery under general anaesthesia were included and randomly assigned to either the PVB group or the control group. Patients in the PVB group had before incision a single-shot ultrasound-guided bilateral PVB at the T8 level with 20 mL of ropivacaine 0.375%, while patients in the control group had no block. Patients in both groups had a BIS-guided total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil infusions. Postoperative cognitive function assessed by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and NSE (neuron-specific enolase) was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

The awareness time in group PVB was shorter than that in the group C, and the propofol and remifentanil dosages were less than that in group C (P<0.001, P = 0.007, respectively). Furthermore, the change of the MMSE score and the NSE concentration was significant from day0 to day1 and day1 to day2. (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

A single-shot bilateral PVB active throughout radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer reduces the needs for general anaesthetic agents and improve postoperative recovery, along with a surrogate evidence for neuroprotective effects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200060088 . Registered 18 May 2022.

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders: A narrative review focusing on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) refer to neurocognitive abnormalities detected during the perioperative periods, including preexisting cognitive impairment, preoperative delirium, delirium occurring up to 7 days after surgery, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and postoperative NCD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐5th edition (DSM‐5) is the golden standard for diagnosing perioperative NCDs. Given the impracticality of using the DSM‐5 by non‐psychiatric practitioners, many diagnostic tools have been developed and validated for different clinical scenarios. The etiology of perioperative NCDs is multifactorial and includes predisposing and precipitating factors. Identifying these risk factors is conducive to preoperative risk stratification and perioperative risk reduction. Prevention for perioperative NCDs should include avoiding possible contributors and implementing nonpharmacologic and pharmacological interventions. The former generally includes avoiding benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, prolonged liquid fasting, deep anesthesia, cerebral oxygen desaturation, and intraoperative hypothermia. Nonpharmacologic measures include preoperative cognitive prehabilitation, comprehensive geriatric assessment, implementing fast‐track surgery, combined use of regional block, and sleep promotion. Pharmacological measures including dexmedetomidine, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and acetaminophen are found to have beneficial effects. Nonpharmacological treatments are the first‐line measures for established perioperative NCDs. Pharmacological treatments are still limited to severely agitated or distressed patients.

Local Anesthetic Ropivacaine Exhibits Therapeutic Effects in Cancers

Despite the significant progress in cancer treatment, new anticancer therapeutics drugs with new structures and/or mechanisms are still in urgent need to tackle many key challenges. Drug repurposing is a feasible strategy in discovering new drugs among the approved drugs by defining new indications. Recently, ropivacaine, a local anesthetic that has been applied in clinical practice for several decades, has been found to possess inhibitory activity and sensitizing effects when combined with conventional chemotherapeutics toward cancer cells. While its full applications and the exact targets remain to be revealed, it has been indicated that its anticancer potency was mediated by multiple mechanisms, such as modulating sodium channel, inducing mitochondria-associated apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibiting autophagy, and/or regulating other key players in cancer cells, which can be termed as multi-targets/functions that require more in-depth studies. In this review, we attempted to summarize the research past decade of using ropivacaine in suppressing cancer growth and sensitizing anticancer drugs both in-vitro and in-vivo, and tried to interpret the underlying action modes. The information gained in these findings may inspire multidisciplinary efforts to develop/discover more novel anticancer agents via drug repurposing.

Comparison of Rhomboid Intercostal Block, Erector Spinae Plane Block, and Serratus Plane Block on Analgesia for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Thoracic surgery is one of the most painful surgical steps. An important tool for managing postoperative pain is effective postoperative analgesia. This research aimed at comparing the analgesic roles of three new fascial block techniques in the postoperative period after video-helped thoracoscopic operation (VATS).

METHODS

We randomly allocated ninety patients into three teams experiencing ultrasound-directed serratus plane block, erector spinae plane block, and the rhomboid intercostal block, respectively. 0.4% ropivacaine of 20 mL was received by all groups. Outcomes. At 0-12 hours, sufentanil consumption was significantly lower in the RIB (35.2 ± 3.3 mg) and ESP (35.4 ± 2.8 mg) groups than that in the SAB (43.3 ± 2.7 mg) group (P < 0.001), and no obvious diversity in sufentanil consumption was shown between the RIB and ESP groups (P=0.813). At 12-24 hours, sufentanil consumption was greatly lower in the RIB and ESP groups than that in the SAB group (P < 0.001), and no great diversity in sufentanil consumption was found between the RIB and ESP groups (P=0.589). No great diversity in sufentanil consumption was shown between the RIB (50.4 ± 1.4 mg), ESP (50.4 ± 1.5 mg), and SAB (51.0 ± 1.7 mg) groups at 24-48 hours (P=0.192). At 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours, the postoperative dynamic NRS scores were significantly lower in the RIB and ESP groups than in the SAB group ((P < 0.05) for all contrasts). Nevertheless, no great diversity was observed in postoperative pain marks at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hours after the surgery across the three groups. No statistical diversity was found in the postoperative NRS mark between groups RIB and ESP within 48 hours after surgery in case of active patients ((P < 0.05) for all contrasts). At 24 hours after surgery, a significant difference in IL-1β and IL-6 inflammatory factor concentrations was found between RIB and ESP compared with SAB block ((P < 0.05) for all contrasts). However, no great diversities were observed in IL-1β, and IL-6 inflammatory factor concentrations between RIB, ESP, and SAB at 24 hours preoperatively and at 48 hours postoperatively ((P < 0.05) for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

The dosage of sufentanil can be effectively reduced by ultrasound-directed rhomboid intercostal block and erector spinae plane block within 24 hours after VATS surgery, and pain can be relieved effectively within 24 hours by comparing with serratus plane block.

Assessment of Intercostal Nerve Block Analgesia for Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

The use of intercostal nerve block (ICNB) analgesia with local anesthesia is common in thoracic surgery. However, the benefits and safety of ICNB among adult patients undergoing surgery is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the analgesic benefits and safety of ICNB among adults undergoing thoracic surgery.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases using terms for ICNB and thoracic surgery (including thoracic surgery, thoracoscopy, thoracotomy, nerve block, intercostal nerves). The search and results were not limited by date, with the last search conducted on July 24, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Selected studies were experimental or observational and included adult patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery in which ICNB was administered with local anesthesia via single injection, continuous infusion, or a combination of both techniques in at least 1 group of patients. For comparison with ICNB, studies that examined systemic analgesia and different forms of regional analgesia (such as thoracic epidural analgesia [TEA], paravertebral block [PVB], and other techniques) were included. These criteria were applied independently by 2 authors, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. A total of 694 records were selected for screening.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Data including patient characteristics, type of surgery, intervention analgesia, comparison analgesia, and primary and secondary outcomes were extracted independently by 3 authors. Synthesis was performed using a fixed-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The coprimary outcomes were postoperative pain intensity (measured as the worst static or dynamic pain using a validated 10-point scale, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain) and opioid consumption (measured in morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs]) at prespecified intervals (0-6 hours, 7-24 hours, 25-48 hours, 49-72 hours, and >72 hours). Clinically relevant analgesia was defined as a 1-point or greater difference in pain intensity score at any interval. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative complications and pulmonary function.

RESULTS

Of 694 records screened, 608 were excluded based on prespecified exclusion criteria. The remaining 86 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 20 of those articles were excluded. All of the 66 remaining studies (5184 patients; mean [SD] age, 53.9 [10.2] years; approximately 59% men and 41% women) were included in the qualitative analysis, and 59 studies (3325 patients) that provided data for at least 1 outcome were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Experimental studies had a high risk of bias in multiple domains, including allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, and blinding of outcome assessors. Marked differences (eg, crossover studies, timing of the intervention [intraoperative vs postoperative], blinding, and type of control group) were observed in the design and implementation of studies. The use of ICNB vs systemic analgesia was associated with lower static pain (0-6 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.40 points [95% CI, -1.46 to -1.33 points]; 7-24 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.27 points [95% CI, -1.40 to -1.13 points]) and lower dynamic pain (0-6 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.66 points [95% CI, -1.90 to -1.41 points]; 7-24 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.43 points [95% CI, -1.70 to -1.17 points]). Intercostal nerve block analgesia was noninferior to TEA (mean score difference in worst dynamic panic at 7-24 hours after surgery: 0.79 points; 95% CI, 0.28-1.29 points) and marginally inferior to PVB (mean score difference in worst dynamic pain at 7-24 hours after surgery: 1.29 points; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.41 points). The largest opioid-sparing effect of ICNB vs systemic analgesia occurred at 48 hours after surgery (mean difference, -10.97 MMEs; 95% CI, -12.92 to -9.02 MMEs). The use of ICNB was associated with higher MME values compared with TEA (eg, 48 hours after surgery: mean difference, 48.31 MMEs; 95% CI, 36.11-60.52 MMEs) and PVB (eg, 48 hours after surgery: mean difference, 3.87 MMEs; 95% CI, 2.59-5.15 MMEs).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, single-injection ICNB was associated with a reduction in pain during the first 24 hours after thoracic surgery and was clinically noninferior to TEA or PVB. Intercostal nerve block analgesia had opioid-sparing effects; however, TEA and PVB were associated with larger decreases in postoperative MMEs, suggesting that ICNB may be most beneficial for cases in which TEA and PVB are not indicated.

The postoperative analgesic effect of intercostal nerve block and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia on patients undergoing lung cancer surgery

OBJECTIVE

This research investigated the combined analgesic effects of intercostal nerve block and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) on patients after lung cancer surgery.

METHODS

95 patients with thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer from April 2017 to July 2020 were enrolled as the research objects, and randomly divided into observation-group (n=50) and control-group (n=45) by random number table. The control-group received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA), and the observation group received combinative treatment of intercostal nerve block and IV-PCA. The changes of VAS scores and Ramsay sedation scores postoperatively, the satisfaction with analgesia of patients, the number of IV-PCA pump compressions and the incidence of postoperative anaesthetic-related adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The VAS score of the observation-group was markedly lower than that of the control-group 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h and 24 h after surgery (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in Ramsay sedation scores between the two groups 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h and 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). The satisfaction score of analgesia and the times of IV-PCA pump compressions of the observation group were obviously less than those of the control group (P<0.05). The incidences of nausea and emesia, bradycardia and somnolence between the two groups of objects were statistically insignificant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combinative treatment of intercostal nerve block and IV-PCA is safe and have obviously postoperative analgesic effect on patients undergoing thoracoscopic resection of lung cancer.

Impact of edaravone on serum CXC chemokine ligand-13 levels and perioperative neurocognitive disorders in elderly patients with hip replacement

BACKGROUND

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) are a series of severe complications in the perioperative and anesthetic periods with a decline in memory, execution ability, and information processing speed as the primary clinical manifestation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of edaravone (EDA) on PND and peripheral blood C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) levels in elderly patients with hip replacement.

METHODS

A total of 160 elderly patients undergoing hip arthroplasty in Affiliated Dongguan People's Hospital of Southern Medical University (from March 2016 to March 2018) were randomly and double-blindly categorized into an EDA group and a control group (CON). Group EDA was administered intravenously EDA 30 min before surgery, and group CON was administered intravenously saline. The cognitive function of the two groups was evaluated 1-day before the operation and at 1 and 12 months after surgery, and the incidence of post-operative delirium was tested on days 1, 3, and 7 after surgery using the Chinese version of the confusion assessment method. Serum CXCL13 and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations were measured before anesthesia, during surgery (30 min after skin incision), and on days 1, 3, and 7 after surgery. The continuous variables in accordance with normal distribution were tested using the Student's t test, the continuous variables without normal distribution using the Mann-Whitney U test, and categorical variables by the χ2 test or Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

The incidence of post-operative delirium within 7 days after surgery was significantly higher in group CON than that in group EDA (31.3% vs. 15.0%, t = -5.6, P < 0.001). The modified telephone interview for cognitive status and activities of daily life scores were significantly higher in the group EDA than those in the group CON at 1 month (39.63 ± 4.35 vs. 33.63 ± 5.81, t = -2.13, P < 0.05 and 74.3 ± 12.6 vs. 61.2 ± 13.1, t = -1.69, P < 0.05) and 12 months (40.13 ± 5.93 vs. 34.13 ± 5.36, t = -3.37, P < 0.05 and 79.6 ± 11.7 vs. 65.6 ± 16.6, t = -2.08, P < 0.05) after surgery; and the incidence of neurocognitive dysfunction was significantly lower in the group EDA than that in the group CON (P < 0.05). Serum CXCL13 and IL-6 concentrations were significantly lower in the group EDA than those in the group CON during and after surgery (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EDA can significantly reduce the serum concentrations of CXCL13 and IL-6 and improve the PND of patients.

TNF-α - mediated peripheral and central inflammation are associated with increased incidence of PND in acute postoperative pain

Background

Acute postoperative pain plays an important role in the perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). The pathogenesis of PND is still unknown, but it is generally believed that peripheral and central nervous system inflammation play an important role, and acute postoperative pain is also thought to aggravate postoperative inflammatory response. The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of acute postoperative pain on peripheral and central nervous system inflammation and related cognitive impairment behaviour in elderly rats after surgery.

Methods

Rats were assigned into four groups: control, surgery for internal fixation for tibial fracture, surgery with analgesia using intraperitoneal morphine, and morphine without surgery. Pain was assessed by the Subjective Pain Scale. The spatial memory of rats was assessed by the Morris water maze (delayed matching task) from the second day to the seventh day after surgery (POD2-POD7). In part of the rats, the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α in plasma, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and the hippocampus were determined by ELISA on the POD2. The activation of microglia and the expression of c-Fos in the hippocampal CA1 regions and mPFC were detected by the immunohistochemical method on the POD2.

Results

Acute postoperative pain and spatial memory impairment occurred after operation, and postoperative analgesia could significantly improve the both parameters. Additionally, on the POD2, the levels of TNF-α in plasma, hippocampus and mPFC were significantly increased, while the activation of microglia cells and the expression c-Fos in the hippocampal CA1 regions and mPFC were significantly increased. And postoperative analgesia with morphine significantly inhibited the above reactions.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that acute postoperative pain increases the incidence of perioperative neurocognitive disorders. Peripheral and central nervous system inflammation may be involved in this cognitive impairment. And reducing the intensity of acute postoperative pain may be one of the main preventive strategies for PND.

Diagnostic Criteria of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction: A Focused Systematic Review

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) is characterized by a deterioration in cognitive performance after surgery and is increasingly addressed in research studies. However, a uniform definition of POCD seems to be lacking, which is a major threat to clinical research in this area. We performed a focused systematic review to determine the current degree of heterogeneity in how POCD is defined across studies and to identify those diagnostic criteria that are used most commonly. The search identified 173 records, of which 30 were included. Neurocognitive testing was most commonly performed shortly before surgery and at 7 days postoperatively. A variety of neurocognitive tests were used to test a range of cognitive domains, including complex attention, language, executive functioning, perceptual-motor function, and learning and memory. The tests that were used most commonly were the Mini-Mental State Examination, the digit span test, the trail making test part A, and the digit symbol substitution test, but consensus on which test result would be considered “positive” for POCD was sparse. The results of this systematic review suggest the lack of a consistent approach towards defining POCD. However, commonalities were identified which may serve as a common denominator for deriving consensus-based diagnostic guidelines for POCD.

Association Between Intercostal Nerve Block and Postoperative Glycemic Control in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Pulmonary Resection: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

The present study was performed to investigate the possible association between intercostal nerve block (INB) and postoperative glycemic control in patients with diabetes undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SETTING

Single-center tertiary academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with diabetes, ages 18 to 79 years, who had undergone elective video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection (segmentectomy or lobectomy) from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

Postoperative blood glucose levels and insulin dosage were extracted from the record.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients with diabetes who received INB before closure of surgical incisions were compared with those who did not receive INB. The primary outcome was the daily blood glucose (BG) level. Univariate analyses and multivariate regression analysis were performed to explore risk factors of hyperglycemia within 48 hours after the surgery. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Patients who received INB had a lower maximum BG level and amplitude of glycemic excursion from zero-to-24 hours after surgery (p = 0.007 and p = 0.041, respectively) and lower maximum and minimum BG levels from 24-to-48 hours after surgery (p = 0.023 and p = 0.006, respectively). Meanwhile, the daily insulin dose increment during zero-to-24 hours and 24-to-48 hours after surgery decreased (p = 0.010 and p = 0.003, respectively), the white blood cell counts within 48 hours after surgery were lower (p = 0.021), and the length of postoperative stay decreased in the INB group (p = 0.044). Multivariate regression analysis further confirmed that INB was an independent protective factor of postoperative hyperglycemia (Nagelkerke R² value 0.229; odds ratio 0.298; 95% confidence interval 0.099-0.901; p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

INB, performed before closure of surgical incisions, was associated with improved glycemic control in patients with diabetes within 48 hours after video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection.

Effects of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative analgesia and plasma cytokine levels after uniportal VATS: a prospective randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Although uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been widely used, the associated postoperative pain is still severe. Currently, a variety of regional anesthesia methods have been used to relieve postoperative pain. In our study, we wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as a postoperative analgesia after uniportal VATS.

METHODS

Eighty patients scheduled to undergo uniportal VATS were randomly divided into Group ESP and Group C. In Group ESP, the patients underwent ultrasound-guided ESPB under general anesthesia before surgery, while Group C was set as blank control group without ESPB. The primary outcome was the sufentanil dose within 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes mainly included postoperative pain scores at 2, 4, 8, and 24 h evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS), intraoperative opioid dosage, levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the plasma, side effect profile, and length of postoperative hospital stay.

RESULTS

Postoperative sufentanil consumption (32.5 ± 6.3 μg vs. 42.8 ± 7.6 μg, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in Group ESP than in Group C. Intraoperative sufentanil consumption was significantly lower in Group ESP than in Group C (P < 0.001). The postoperative NRS score and levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly lower in Group ESP than in Group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided ESPB decreased the consumption of sufentanil both postoperatively and intraoperatively for patients undergoing uniportal VATS and appeared to be an effective treatment option.

[Comparison of the Clinical Effect of Uniportal Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy and Biportal Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy in the Treatment of Lung Cancer]

背景与目的

近年来单孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术逐渐兴起，作为一种新的手术方式，其可行性及安全性尚未得到普遍认可。本研究拟探讨单孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术在治疗Ⅰ期至部分Ⅲa期肺癌病例中的可行性及安全性。

方法

回顾性分析苏州大学附属第一医院胸外科同一治疗组在2018年5月-2019年3月连续进行的胸腔镜肺癌根治术患者的临床资料。排除部分不符合要求的病例后，根据手术方式分为单孔组（55例）和单操作孔组（87例），共142例。分析两组患者的临床数据，进行统计学分析。

结果

142例患者均行肺叶切除+淋巴结清扫术，术后顺利出院，未有围手术期死亡。单孔组和单操作孔组比较，年龄、肿瘤位置、术后病理类型、肿瘤大小、肿瘤的病理性原发灶-淋巴结-转移（pathological tumor-node-metastasis, pTNM）分期的差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。单孔组手术时间更短[(167.65±43.85) min vs (181.71±51.28) min]，术中出血量更少[(57.45±50.19) mL vs (87.47±132.54) mL]，术后引流管留置时间[(4.82±2.82) d vs (5.84±3.43) d]及术后住院天数[(6.91±3.88) d vs (7.74±3.87) d]更短，但差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。单孔组的术后总引流量显著低于单操作孔组[(1, 064.82±776.38) mL vs (1, 658.71±1, 722.38) mL]，术后24 h及72 h视觉疼痛评分明显更低[（4.73±0.73）分vs（5.25±0.74）分；（2.16±0.71）分vs（2.55±0.86）分]，差异有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。

结论

在Ⅰ期至部分Ⅲa期肺癌病例中，单孔胸腔镜肺癌根治术安全可行。