Acta clinica Croatica
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The aim of this review article is to introduce a newer approach to multimodal anesthesia. In addition to the usual combination of epidural catheter and general anesthesia as standard techniques in surgical procedures accompanied by intense postoperative pain, we want to encourage reflection on the application of various regional techniques in equally complex surgical conditions. By simply modifying the standard neuraxial technique with a higher thoracic approach, excellent abdominal surgery can be performed to awake the patient. ⋯ It has been confirmed that PVB, ESPB, RLB blocks act on visceral and somatic pain. Therefore, their ultrasound-guided use in laparoscopic and other abdominal surgeries may be useful. With a well-designed fusion of regional techniques in operations of the upper and lower abdomen, it is possible to achieve hemodynamically and respiratory stable anesthesia in an awake patient with reduced postoperative pain.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Sep 2022
ReviewPRO AND CONTRA ON ADJUVANTS TO NEUROAXIAL ANESTHESIA AND PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCKS.
Modern approach in surgical treatment and in managing acute and chronic pain is nowadays more and more based on the implementation of all possible techniques of regional anesthesia (RA). Local anesthetics (LA) are needed to achieve standard regional anesthesia. Local anesthetics are primarily characterized by time constraints and duration of action, and depending on the amount applied, adverse effects on the cardiac and central nervous system may occur. ⋯ So, their usage is still under a special control. Due to the positive effects shown by drugs from non-opioid adjuvants group (e.g. adrenaline, alpha adrenergic agonists, steroids, magnesium, midazolam, ketamine etc.), indications for their administration broadened. However, there are still some restrains in clinical practice based on the fact that neurotoxicity and demonstration of neurological complications in regional anesthesia haven't been properly researched yet.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Sep 2022
ReviewPERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCKS IN PATIENTS ON ANTITHROMBOTIC DRUGS - A RESCUE OR AN UNNECESSARY RISK?
Bleeding complications after peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) in patients treated with an antiplatelet agent and/or an anticoagulant drug are rare, with estimated incidence of 0.67% (0.51-0.83%). However, they can result in significant patient morbidity and may require follow-up investigations and interventions. The evidence for bleeding risks and complications after PNB is very low or nonexistent, therefore, recommendations and guidelines are based on retrospective analyses, case reports, expert opinions and expert panel consensus. ⋯ A bleeding risk should be minimized with the optimization of patient's coagulation: appropriate antithrombotic drug timing before PNB, dose of antithrombotic drug, indication for the drug and risk factors that may influence drug pharmacokinetics (bodyweight, age, renal and hepatic function). Superficial PNBs may be performed in the presence of antithrombotic drug. For deep PNBs, a recommendations for neuraxial procedures should be considered.
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Trigeminal neuralgia causes severe to excruciating pain that often cannot be successfully reduced with current forms of treatment. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines trigeminal neuralgia as a sudden, usually unilateral, powerful, short, stabbing, recurrent episode of pain in the distribution of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Trigeminal neuralgia can be caused by vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve or a tumor process. ⋯ After diagnosing trigeminal neuralgia, magnetic resonance imaging should be performed to rule out multiple sclerosis, a tumor process that can secondarily cause trigeminal neuralgia. The drug of choice for treating trigeminal neuralgia is still carbamazepine. If pharmacological treatment fails, invasive surgical microvascular decompression, stereotactic radiation therapy (gamma knife), percutaneous balloon micro compression, percutaneous glycerol rhizolysis, and percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) may be used.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Sep 2022
ReviewPERIOPERATIVE PREPARATION OF CARDIAC PATIENTS IN REGIONAL ANESTHESIA.
Preoperative cardiovascular management is an essential component of overall perioperative cardiovascular care. It involves preoperative detection and management of cardiovascular disease and prediction of both short-term and long-term cardiovascular risk. ⋯ This requires individualized management. Careful preoperative preparation at least a week before surgery, rational decisions regarding necessary tests and examinations, good cooperation with the cardiologist and surgeon and careful planning of early postoperative treatment are key for better outcome after surgery and reduction of postoperative complications.