Current opinion in anaesthesiology
-
Kratom is used commonly in the United States, usually to mitigate pain, opioid withdrawal, or fatigue. A comprehensive discussion on kratom, tailored to pain management physicians, is needed, given its associated risks and potential interactions. ⋯ The use of kratom as an opioid-sparing alternative as a part of a multimodal pain regimen is not without significant risks. It is of utmost importance for pain physicians to be aware of the risks and adverse effects associated with kratom use.
-
Pharmacokinetics of local anesthetics are one of the main determinants of success and safety of regional anesthesia and comprise local and systemic distribution phases. This review aims to summarize the latest research findings on this topic in the context of various regional blocks performed for different surgeries and patient populations. ⋯ Fascial plane blocks are the regional anesthesia techniques in need of the most pharmacokinetic characterization, not only to better understand their complex mechanisms of action but also to avoid harm from excessive doses of local anesthetics. Further mapping of risk factors for systemic toxicity from administration in different block sites is crucial. Extremes of age and pregnancy are vulnerable patient populations but in whom regional anesthesia, including novel techniques, has been performed with few complications.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewCurrent concepts and targets for preventing the transition of acute to chronic postsurgical pain.
It is estimated that approximately a third of patients undergoing certain surgeries may report some degree of persistent pain postoperatively. Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) reduces quality of life, is challenging to treat, and has significant socio-economic impact. ⋯ A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach with prior identification of risk factors, minimizing the surgical insult and a culture of utilizing multimodal analgesia and continued surveillance beyond the period of hospitalization is an important step towards reducing the development of chronic pain. A transitional pain service model may accomplish many of these goals.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewUpdate on the anesthesia management in adult patients with moyamoya disease.
The anesthetic management of patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) is challenging and continues to evolve. The goal of this review is to provide updated recommendations on the anesthetic management of adult MMD patients based on the relevant existing literature. ⋯ Strategies in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic management of MMD patients should aim to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion to prevent cerebral ischemia.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewAn update on the perioperative management of postcraniotomy pain.
Pain after craniotomy is often severe and undertreated. Providing adequate analgesia while avoiding medication adverse effects and physiological complications of pain remains a perioperative challenge. ⋯ Improving analgesia following craniotomy continues to be a challenge that should be managed with multimodal medications and regional techniques. Additional studies are needed to identify the most effective regimen, balancing efficacy and adverse drug effects.