Current opinion in anaesthesiology
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewOptimizing peripheral regional anaesthesia: strategies for single shot and continuous blocks.
Regional anaesthesia is increasingly prominent within anaesthesia, offering alternative analgesic options amidst concerns over opioid-based analgesia. Since Halsted's initial description, the field has burgeoned, with ultrasound visualization revolutionizing local anaesthetic spread assessment, leading to the development of numerous novel techniques. The benefits of regional anaesthesia have gained increasing evidence to support their application, leading to changes within training curricula. Consequently, regional anaesthesia is at a defining moment, embracing the development of core skills for the general anaesthesiologist, whilst also continuing the advancement of the specialty. ⋯ This review highlights recent scientific advances in optimizing both single-shot and continuous peripheral regional anaesthesia techniques. By synthesizing these developments, this review offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of regional anaesthesia, aiming to improve clinical practice and patient care.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewLumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections with particulate vs. nonparticulate steroid: an evidence-informed review on shifting gear to a personalized medicine paradigm.
To provide an evidence-informed review weighing the pros and cons of particulate vs. nonparticulate steroids for lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI). ⋯ Similar to a paradigm shift in medicine, a personalized approach based on a shared decision model and the consequences of treatment failure, should be utilized in deciding which steroid to utilize. Alternatives to ESI include high-volume injections with nonsteroid solutions, and the use of hypertonic saline, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be superior to isotonic saline in preliminary clinical studies.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewTransitional pain services updates and a novel service for the obstetric population.
This paper is an update of the publications on Transitional Pain Services and explores the viability of a dedicated transitional pain service for women. ⋯ This review highlights the importance establishing transitional pain service models at every institution and in particular in obstetric population as pain is normalized by Society during pregnancy.
-
Neurologic disorders and complications during pregnancy are common, but guidelines and data are sparse. This review aims to give an overview of recent developments in neuroanesthesia and management of neuropathology during pregnancy, with the hope that these may fill the gaps in current guidelines and recommendations, as well as their implications for an anesthetic approach. ⋯ While clinical trials remain sparse, larger population-based studies offer insight into the optimal approach to the parturient with neurologic disease.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2024
ReviewNeuromodulation treatments for migraine: a contemporary update.
Neuromodulation approaches have been a part of a revolution in migraine therapies with multiple devices approved or in development. These devices vary in the nerve(s) being targeted, implantable versus noninvasive form factors as well as their effectiveness for acute pain reduction or migraine prevention. This review will summarize these recent advancements and approaches that are being developed which build upon prior work and improved technology that may help enhance the effectiveness as well as the patient experience. ⋯ Electrical neuromodulation approaches in the treatment of migraine is undergoing a transformation towards improved outcomes with better technologies that may suit various patient needs on a more individualized basis.