Classic versus Inguinal Approach for Obturator Nerve Block in Transurethral Resection of Bladder Cancer under Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Single spinal anesthesia in transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) has been reported to be unable to prevent obturator nerve stimulation and adductor muscle contraction, which can cause complications like bladder perforation. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the classic and inguinal approaches for obturator nerve block (ONB ). Seventy patients with cancers of the lateral wall of the bladder, scheduled to undergo TURBT at Imam Reza Hospital (Tabriz, Iran) during a 6-month period as of June 2016, were randomly allocated to groups of inguinal and classic methods (n=35). After the infusion of 500 mL of normal saline, spinal anesthesia was commenced using 3 mL (15 mg) of bupivacaine. Then ONB was performed using 10 mL of 1% lidocaine via the inguinal or classic approach in the inguinal group or the classic group, respectively. The success rate, defined as lack of post-block contraction with stimulation or during surgery, number of puncture attempts, time of block onset, and patient and surgeon satisfaction, was compared between the 2 methods using SPSS, version 19. The success rate of ONB was significantly higher in the inguinal group (97.1% vs. 71.4%; P=0.003). The number of puncture attempts in the classic group was more than that in the inguinal group (3.71±1.10 vs. 1.66±0.68, respectively; P<0.001). The block onset time was shorter in the inguinal group (1.5±0.66 min vs. 2.9±1.18 min; P<0.001). Dissatisfaction of the patient (19 cases vs. 2 cases) and the surgeon (10 cases vs. no case) was higher in the classic group (P<0.001). Compared to the classic approach, the inguinal approach for ONB appeared to be an easily performable, effective block with a high success rate, rapid onset, and good patient and surgeon satisfaction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

IRCT 201608171772N21.

Combination of intracostal sutures with muscle flap to decrease post thoracotomy pain: A single blinded randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of intercostal nerve protection by intercostal muscle (ICM) flap in post-thoracotomy pain improvement compared to intracostal suturing.

METHODS

In a randomized controlled trial, ninety-four patients undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy surgery were divided into two subgroups. Intracostal sutures in isolation and in combination with ICM flap techniques were used for thoracotomy closure in both groups. Numeric Pain Scale and Visual Pain Scale as pain scores were assessed on the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh postoperative days and follow-up visits during the 2^nd week, 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th months after thoracotomy.

RESULTS

Out of 94 patients, 58 were male and 36 were females. While the mean age of patients in intracostal group was 45.3 ± 17.6 years, it was 47.4 ± 16.1 years in intracostal plus ICM flap group. The mean operation time for the first group was 191.0 ± 74.7 minutes, while it was 219.3 ± 68.8 minutes in the second (p>0.05). Numeric rating score and visual pain scale did not demonstrate any significant difference in pain severity on postoperative days and follow-up visits between both groups (p>0.05). Although the trend of pain reduction was significant in each group (p<0.001), the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.001).

CONCLUSION

Intracostal sutures in combination with muscle flap did not reduce postoperative pain in thoracotomy compared with intracostal sutures alone in thoracotomy closure.