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Albaum JM, Abdallah FW, Ahmed MM, Siddiqui U, Brull R. What Is the Risk of Postoperative Neurologic Symptoms After Regional Anesthesia in Upper Extremity Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2022; 480:2374-2389. [PMID: 36083846 PMCID: PMC10538904 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of neurologic symptoms after regional anesthesia in orthopaedic surgery is estimated to approach 3%, with long-term deficits affecting 2 to 4 per 10,000 patients. However, current estimates are derived from large retrospective or observational studies that are subject to important systemic biases. Therefore, to harness the highest quality data and overcome the challenge of small numbers of participants in individual randomized trials, we undertook this systematic review and meta-analysis of contemporary randomized trials. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES In this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials we asked: (1) What is the aggregate pessimistic and optimistic risk of postoperative neurologic symptoms after regional anesthesia in upper extremity surgery? (2) What block locations have the highest and lowest risk of postoperative neurologic symptoms? (3) What is the timing of occurrence of postoperative neurologic symptoms (in days) after surgery? METHODS We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2008 and 2019 that prospectively evaluated postoperative neurologic symptoms after peripheral nerve blocks in operative procedures. Based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidance for using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool, most trials registered a global rating of a low-to-intermediate risk of bias. A total of 12,532 participants in 143 trials were analyzed. Data were pooled and interpreted using two approaches to calculate the aggregate risk of postoperative neurologic symptoms: first according to the occurrence of each neurologic symptom, such that all reported symptoms were considered mutually exclusive (pessimistic estimate), and second according to the occurrence of any neurologic symptom for each participant, such that all reported symptoms were considered mutually inclusive (optimistic estimate). RESULTS At any time postoperatively, the aggregate pessimistic and optimistic risks of postoperative neurologic symptoms were 7% (915 of 12,532 [95% CI 7% to 8%]) and 6% (775 of 12,532 [95% CI 6% to 7%]), respectively. Interscalene block was associated with the highest risk (13% [661 of 5101] [95% CI 12% to 14%]) and axillary block the lowest (3% [88 of 3026] [95% CI 2% to 4%]). Of all symptom occurrences, 73% (724 of 998) were reported between 0 and 7 days, 24% (243 of 998) between 7 and 90 days, and 3% (30 of 998) between 90 and 180 days. Among the 31 occurrences reported at 90 days or beyond, all involved sensory deficits and four involved motor deficits, three of which ultimately resolved. CONCLUSION When assessed prospectively in randomized trials, the aggregate risk of postoperative neurologic symptoms associated with peripheral nerve block in upper extremity surgery was approximately 7%, which is greater than previous estimates described in large retrospective and observational trials. Most occurrences were reported within the first week and were associated with an interscalene block. Few occurrences were reported after 90 days, and they primarily involved sensory deficits. Although these findings cannot inform causation, they can help inform risk discussions and clinical decisions, as well as bolster our understanding of the evolution of postoperative neurologic symptoms after regional anesthesia in upper extremity surgery. Future prospective trials examining the risks of neurologic symptoms should aim to standardize descriptions of symptoms, timing of evaluation, classification of severity, and diagnostic methods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I, therapeutic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M. Albaum
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Faraj W. Abdallah
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women’s College Hospital Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M. Muneeb Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Urooj Siddiqui
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Richard Brull
- Women’s College Hospital Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Women’s College Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mutter T, Logan GS, Neily S, Richardson S, Askin N, Monterola M, Abou-Setta A. Postoperative neurologic symptoms in the operative arm after shoulder surgery with interscalene blockade: a systematic review. Can J Anaesth 2022; 69:736-749. [PMID: 35289378 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-022-02229-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Postoperative neurologic symptoms (PONS) in the operative arm are important complications of shoulder surgery and interscalene blockade (ISB). This systematic review aimed to compare the risk of PONS between ISB and other techniques, and the relative safety of different agents used in ISB. METHODS Our systematic review followed Cochrane review methodology and was registered in PROSPERO. A search of MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and CENTRAL (Wiley) from inception to June 2020 was completed. We included randomized or quasi-randomized trials of patients (> five years old) undergoing shoulder surgery with any ISB technique as an intervention, compared with any other nonregional or regional technique, or ISB of alternate composition or technique. The primary outcome was PONS (study author defined) assessed a minimum of one week after surgery. RESULTS Fifty-five studies totalling 6,236 participants (median, 69; range, 30-910) were included. Another 422 otherwise eligible trials were excluded because PONS was not reported. Heterogeneity in when PONS was assessed (from one week to one year) and the diagnostic criteria used precluded quantitative meta-analysis. The most common PONS definition, consisting of one or more of paresthesia, sensory deficit, or motor deficit, was only used in 16/55 (29%) trials. Risk of bias was low in 5/55 (9%) trials and high in 36/55 (65%) trials, further limiting any inferences. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the need for a standardized PONS outcome definition and follow-up time, along with routine, rigorous measurement of PONS in trials of ISB. STUDY REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42020148496); registered 10 February 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mutter
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Gabrielle S Logan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sam Neily
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Scott Richardson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nicole Askin
- Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Marita Monterola
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ahmed Abou-Setta
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Shinn HK, Kim BG, Jung JK, Kwon HU, Yang C, Won J. Prolonged hemidiaphragmatic paresis following continuous interscalene brachial plexus block: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e3891. [PMID: 27310984 PMCID: PMC4998470 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000003891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Interscalene brachial plexus block provides effective anesthesia and analgesia for shoulder surgery. One of the disadvantages of this technique is the risk of hemidiaphragmatic paresis, which can occur as a result of phrenic nerve block and can cause a decrease in the pulmonary function, limiting the use of the block in patients with reduced functional residual capacity or a preexisting pulmonary disease. However, it is generally transient and is resolved over the duration of the local anesthetic's action.We present a case of a patient who experienced prolonged hemidiaphragmatic paresis following a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block for the postoperative pain management of shoulder surgery, and suggest a mechanism that may have led to this adverse effect.Nerve injuries associated with peripheral nerve blocks may be caused by several mechanisms. Our findings suggest that perioperative nerve injuries can occur as a result of combined mechanical and chemical injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Ki Shinn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon
| | - Byung-Gun Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon
| | - Jong Kwon Jung
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon
| | - Hee Uk Kwon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konyang University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chunwoo Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon
| | - Jonghun Won
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon
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Kim JY, Song KS, Kim WJ, Park YH, Kang H, Woo YC, Shin HY. Analgesic efficacy of two interscalene blocks and one cervical epidural block in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2016; 24:931-9. [PMID: 26063452 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-015-3667-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite its effectiveness in other surgeries, studies on continuous epidural block in upper-extremity surgery are rare because of technical difficulties and potential complications. This study compared postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided continuous interscalene brachial plexus block (UCISB) and fluoroscopy-guided targeted continuous cervical epidural block (FCCEB) in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). METHODS Seventy-five patients were randomly and equally assigned to groups FCCEB (0.2%), UCISB75 (0.75%), and UCISB20 (0.2%) according to the initial ropivacaine dose (8 ml). The background infusion (0.2% ropivacaine at 5 ml/h), bolus (3 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine), and lockout time (20 min) were consistent. Respiratory effects [respiratory discomfort (modified Borg scale), ventilatory function, and hemidiaphragmatic excursion (ultrasound)], analgesic quality [pain severity at rest and motion attempt (VAS-R and -M), number of boluses, analgesic supplements, and sleep disturbance], neurologic effects, procedural discomfort, satisfaction, and adverse effects were evaluated preprocedurally and up to 72 h postoperatively. RESULTS FCCEB caused less respiratory depression and sensorimotor block, but had less analgesic efficacy than UCISBs (P < 0.05). FCCEB caused nausea, vomiting, and dizziness more frequently (P < 0.05) and had lower patient satisfaction than UCISBs (P < 0.05). UCISB75 can cause severe respiratory distress in patients with lung disorders. Other variables were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS UCISB20 may provide superior postoperative analgesia and is the most recommendable postoperative analgesic method in ARCR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Randomized controlled trials, Therapeutic study, Level I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Yoon Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chung-Ang University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 224-1 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Sup Song
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chung-Ang University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 224-1 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Joong Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 224-1 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 224-1 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 224-1 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Cheol Woo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 224-1 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Yong Shin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 224-1 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Byeon GJ, Shin SW, Yoon JU, Kim EJ, Baek SH, Ri HS. Infusion Methods for Continuous Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block for Postoperative Pain Control after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. Korean J Pain 2015; 28:210-6. [PMID: 26175882 PMCID: PMC4500786 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.2015.28.3.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infusion methods during regional analgesia using perineural catheters may influence the quality of postoperative analgesia. This study was conducted to compare the effects of combined or bolus-only infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine on the postoperative analgesia in interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) with perineural catheterization. Methods Patients scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were divided into two groups, one that would receive a combined infusion (group C, n = 32), and one that would receive intermittent infusion (group I, n = 32). A perineural catheter was inserted into the interscalene brachial plexus (ISBP) using ultrasound (US) and nerve stimulation, and 10 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered. After the operation, group C received a continuous infusion of 4 ml/h, and a 4 ml bolus with a lockout interval of 60 min. Group I received only a 4 ml bolus, and the lockout interval was 30 min. Postoperative pain by the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the forearm muscle tone by the manual muscle test (MMT) were checked and evaluated at the following timepoints: preoperative, and postoperative 1, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Supplemental opioid requirements, total consumed dose of local anesthetic, and adverse effects were compared between the two groups. Results Sixty-four patients completed the study and the postoperative values such as operation time, time to discharge, and operation site were comparable. There were no differences in NRS scores and supplemental opioid requirements between the two groups. The MMT scores of group I at 4 and 12 h after surgery were significantly higher than those of group C (P < 0.05). The total consumed dose of local anesthetic was significantly lower in group I than in group C (P < 0.05). The adverse effects were not different between the groups. Conclusions The bolus-only administration of 0.2% ropivacaine provided a similar analgesic effect with a lower total volume of local anesthetic and decreased motor weakness compared to combined infusion. Therefore, bolus-only administration is an effective postoperative analgesic method in ISBPB with perineural catheterization after rotator cuff repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyeong Jo Byeon
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea. ; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Sang Wook Shin
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea. ; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ji Uk Yoon
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea. ; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Eun Jung Kim
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University Dental Hospital, Yangsan, Korea. ; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Seung Hoon Baek
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea. ; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Hyun Su Ri
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea. ; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
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Iwata T, Nakahashi K, Inoue S, Furuya H. Low-dose ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block combined with general anesthesia for successful postoperative analgesia: A case series. Saudi J Anaesth 2013; 7:37-9. [PMID: 23717230 PMCID: PMC3657922 DOI: 10.4103/1658-354x.109806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ropivacaine, a long-acting local anesthetic agent, has been used for postoperative analgesia in brachial plexus block (BPB) at high doses. However, use of lower doses would reduce the occurrence of adverse effects. Methods: We applied BPB with low-dose ropivacaine (10 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine) after induction of general anesthesia for surgery of the upper extremities in 62 patients at our hospital. Ropivacaine was administered via a fluoroscopy-guided supraclavicular method. Analgesic effects during surgery, visual analog scale pain scores, skin sensation, muscle strength, and postoperative patient satisfaction indices were evaluated. Results: Fifty-six patients (90.3%) did not require supplemental analgesics during surgery. The remaining six patients were administered fentanyl due to the insufficient analgesic effects of the nerve block. Some adverse effects, including numbness and delayed motor and sensory recovery of the upper extremities, were observed. The mean postoperative patient-evaluated visual satisfaction scale was 94.1. Conclusions: Our results suggest that low-dose ropivacaine is clinically acceptable for BPB under general anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshio Iwata
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nara Prefectural Mimuro Hospital, 1-14-16 Mimuro, Sango-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara 636-0802, Japan
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Yang CW, Jung SM, Kang PS, Kwon HU, Cho CK, Lee Y, Kim CW, Kim SY. A Randomized Comparison of Ropivacaine 0.1% and 0.2% for Continuous Interscalene Block After Shoulder Surgery. Anesth Analg 2013; 116:730-3. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0b013e318280e109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Yun MJ, Oh JH, Yoon JP, Park SH, Hwang JW, Kil HY. Subacromial patient-controlled analgesia with ropivacaine provides effective pain control after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2012; 20:1971-7. [PMID: 22207026 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-011-1841-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the postoperative analgesic effect of subacromial patient-controlled analgesia (SA-PCA) with ropivacaine in comparison with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS Sixty patients were prospectively randomized into one of the two types of analgesics for 48 h after the operation. In the SA-PCA group, patients received 0.5% ropivacaine at a rate of 2 ml/h with a patient-controlled bolus dose of 2 ml. In the IV-PCA group, patients received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. Pain relief was regularly assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) for 48 h, and side effects were noted. RESULTS The postoperative pain VAS at 1 h after the operation was lower for the SA-PCA group (4.3 ± 2.7) than for the IV-PCA group (6.3 ± 2.6, P = 0.009). The frequency of requested bolus doses by patients in the IV-PCA (19 ± 19) was higher than in the SA-PCA (7 ± 10, P = 0.04). Rescue opioid or NSAID requirements were not different. More patients in the IV-PCA (17/30) experienced nausea than in the SA-PCA (7/30, P = 0.03). Patient satisfaction was higher in the SA-PCA than in the IV-PCA [6.7 (3-10) vs. 5.6 (0-8), P = 0.04]. The mean total venous plasma concentration of ropivacaine at 8 and 24 h was below the maximum tolerated venous plasma concentration, and symptoms of systemic toxicity were not noted during 48 h in the SA-PCA. CONCLUSIONS The analgesic effect of subacromial patient-controlled analgesia with ropivacaine was better than intravenous analgesia during the immediate postoperative period with fewer side effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, Level I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ja Yun
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, National Medical Center, 243 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
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Cowlishaw PJ, Scott DM, Barrington MJ. The role of regional anaesthesia techniques in the management of acute pain. Anaesth Intensive Care 2012; 40:33-45. [PMID: 22313062 DOI: 10.1177/0310057x1204000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Regional anaesthesia and analgesia techniques are used to effectively manage acute pain after a variety of surgeries. With the rapid growth of ultrasound-guided procedures, anaesthetists are re-examining regional anaesthesia and analgesia and their roles in pain management. In this evolving field previous published data may not reflect current practice. Therefore, a narrative review of recent literature was undertaken to establish the current utility and efficacy of regional anaesthesia and analgesia for the management of acute pain following surgery. Only prospective randomised controlled trials published between March 2009 and March 2011 with outcome measures of analgesia efficacy were included. Sixty-five randomised controlled trials were identified involving 4841 patients. Regional techniques for the management of knee (26%), abdominal (26%) and shoulder (14%) surgery were most frequently studied. The review provides further evidence that regional anaesthesia and analgesia can offer excellent analgesia with acceptable side-effects for the management of postsurgical pain. In addition, the results of this review support the use of ultrasound guidance when performing regional techniques and continuous catheter techniques to prolong analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J Cowlishaw
- Department of Anaesthesia, Mater Misericordiae Health Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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