Anesthesia and analgesia
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Apr 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe effect of single-injection femoral nerve block versus continuous femoral nerve block after total knee arthroplasty on hospital length of stay and long-term functional recovery within an established clinical pathway.
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may result in severe pain, and single-injection femoral nerve blocks (SFNB) have been demonstrated to have a limited duration of analgesia. Continuous femoral nerve blocks (CFNB) can prolong the analgesic duration of SFNB. We prospectively randomized 36 patients undergoing TKA to CFNB versus SFNB and evaluated the effect on hospital length of stay (LOS) as the primary outcome within a standardized clinical pathway. ⋯ Mean oxycodone consumption was significantly lower among patients who received CFNB versus SFNB: 15 mg versus 40 mg (P = or < 0.0001) on the first day after surgery; 20 mg versus 43 mg (P = 0.0004) on the second day after surgery. There was no difference in hospital LOS (3.8 vs 3.9 days) or long-term functional recovery (117 degrees versus 113 degrees knee flexion at 12 wk) between the two groups. The lack of effect provided by increased duration of analgesia (from CFNB) after TKA may now have minimal impact on hospital LOS and long-term functional recovery in the contemporary healthcare environment within the United States.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Apr 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA comparison of epidural analgesia with combined continuous femoral-sciatic nerve blocks after total knee replacement.
Epidural analgesia remains the "gold standard" of pain relief after total knee replacement. However, peripheral nerve block is gaining popularity because the incidence of side effects may be reduced. Our study tests this postulate. ⋯ Pain on mobilization was well controlled in both groups and there were no differences in the length of hospital stay. Rehabilitation indices were similar. The results demonstrate a reduced incidence of side effects in the femoral/sciatic nerve block group than in the epidural group on the first postoperative day.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Apr 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyPrevention of emergence agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia for pediatric cerebral magnetic resonance imaging by small doses of ketamine or nalbuphine administered just before discontinuing anesthesia.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires long-lasting immobilization that frequently can only be provided by general anesthesia in pediatric patients. Sevoflurane provides adequate anesthesia but many patients experience emergence agitation. Small doses of ketamine and nalbuphine provide moderate sedation but their benefits have subsided at the time of emergence. ⋯ All patients met discharge criteria at 30 min but significantly more children were awake and quiet in the K-group and still more in the N-group. In conclusion, small doses of ketamine or nalbuphine administered at the end of an MRI procedure under sevoflurane anesthesia reduce emergence agitation without delaying discharge. Nalbuphine provided better results than ketamine.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Apr 2006
Comparative StudyA head-to-head comparison of the in vitro coagulation effects of saline-based and balanced electrolyte crystalloid and colloid intravenous fluids.
Both fluid composition (e.g., type of hydroxyethyl starch) and formulation (e.g., saline or balanced salt carrier solution) may alter whole blood coagulation. We therefore enrolled 10 healthy volunteers to test ex vivo, thrombelastograph-based blood coagulation differences of eight crystalloid and colloid solutions at 20%, 40%, and 60% dilutions. Saline and lactated Ringer's solution produced a hypercoagulable state at 20%-40% dilutions. ⋯ The balanced salt solutions caused fewer coagulation abnormalities, especially pentastarch in balanced salt solution. This balanced salt pentastarch preparation produced the least derangement of coagulation of the colloid solutions at all dilutions, causing hypercoagulability at the lower dilutions and minimal coagulation derangement at 60% dilution. These data support the theory that smaller molecular weight hydroxyethyl starches and colloids suspended in balanced salt solutions preserve coagulation better than large molecular weight starches and saline-based colloids, as judged by thrombelastography.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Apr 2006
Case ReportsAccidental epidural administration of succinylcholine.
We report a case of accidental epidural of succinylcholine injection. A prolonged onset and a longer duration of neuromuscular blockade were observed compared with IV administration. No neurological or cardiovascular side effects or other symptoms of local or systemic toxicity were observed.