Journal of anesthesia
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2018
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyThe role of sciatic nerve block to complement femoral nerve block in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Femoral nerve block (FNB) appears to have higher postoperative analgesic benefits compared with the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the role of sciatic nerve block (SNB) as a complement to FNB remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis assessing the benefits of the SNB as a complement to FNB, as well as comparing the efficacy of single-injection versus continuous SNB in TKA. ⋯ This meta-analysis provides evidence-based supports to the benefits of SNB as a complement to FNB in TKA. The combination sciatic-femoral nerve block appears to be the optimal choice for patients in high risk of postoperative opioids consumption or acute pain after TKA.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialLocal infiltration analgesia combined with a standardized multimodal approach including an adductor canal block in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial.
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain. This study evaluates the technique of local infiltration analgesia (LIA), by comparing it to saline injections in addition to a standardized multimodal regimen including an adductor canal block. ⋯ Performing LIA in addition to a standardized multimodal analgesia regimen results in superior pain control, demonstrated as reduced opioid needs and lower resting and dynamic pain intensity scores on the first postoperative day after TKA. Further studies are needed to establish an LIA protocol that could maximize postoperative pain control.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2018
Review Practice GuidelineExecutive summary of the Clinical Guidelines of Pharmacotherapy for Neuropathic Pain: second edition by the Japanese Society of Pain Clinicians.
Neuropathic pain has a substantial effect on quality of life (QOL). The Japanese Society of Pain Clinicians (JSPC) has developed clinical guidelines of pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain. These guidelines offer clarity on recommendations based on both the most recent scientific evidence and expert opinions. ⋯ When prescribing opioid analgesics, proposed as the third-line drugs, for neuropathic pain, the guidelines recommend physicians continue evaluations on either abuse or addiction. The guidelines do not recommend concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen because of lack of clinical evidence of their efficacy. If patients do not respond well to pharmacotherapy, which is prescribed in a step-wise manner, other treatment strategies should be considered to improve patients' activities of daily living and QOL.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2018
ReviewThe role of simulation training in anesthesiology resident education.
An increasing number of reports indicate the efficacy of simulation training in anesthesiology resident education. Simulation education helps learners to acquire clinical skills in a safe learning environment without putting real patients at risk. This useful tool allows anesthesiology residents to obtain medical knowledge and both technical and non-technical skills. ⋯ However, it is still unclear what types of simulators should be used or how to incorporate simulation education effectively into education curriculums. Whether simulation training improves patient outcomes has not been fully determined. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the status of simulation in anesthesiology resident education, encourage more anesthesiologists to get involved in simulation education to propagate its influence, and stimulate future research directed toward improving resident education and patient outcomes.
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New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is the most common perioperative complication of heart surgery, typically occurring in the perioperative period. NOAF commonly occurs in patients who are elderly, or have left atrial enlargement, or left ventricular hypertrophy. Various factors have been identified as being involved in the development of NOAF, and numerous approaches have been proposed for its prevention and treatment. ⋯ When using warfarin as an anticoagulant, its dose should be adjusted based on PT-INR. PT-INR should be controlled between 2.0 and 3.0 in patients aged < 70 years and between 1.6 and 2.6 in those aged ≥ 70 years. Rate control combined with antithrombotic therapies for NOAF is expected to contribute to further advances in treatment and improvement of survival.