Articles: nerve-block.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Nov 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe use of a continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block after surgery involving the foot and ankle: does it improve the quality of recovery?
Popliteal sciatic nerve block is a commonly used technique for surgery involving the foot and ankle. However, pain can be difficult to control as the local anesthetic block wears off. Therefore, we hypothesized that extending the block by using a continuous infusion of bupivacaine (0.25%) would provide improved pain management and might facilitate the recovery process after foot or ankle surgery. In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 24 consenting patients undergoing foot or ankle surgery with a standardized general anesthetic technique were studied. Before surgery, a popliteal sciatic nerve block was performed in all patients with an 18-gauge Tuohy epidural needle and a peripheral nerve stimulator. After injection of bupivacaine 0.25% 30 mL and placement of a 20-gauge catheter, patients were randomly assigned to receive either 0.9% saline (control) or bupivacaine 0.25% at a constant rate of 5 mL/h for up to 48 h after surgery. An 11-point verbal rating scale (0 = no pain to 10 = worst pain imaginable) was used to assess the severity of pain. Opioid analgesic use was recorded at specific time intervals after surgery. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 1 week after surgery to assess pain scores, as well as patient satisfaction with their pain management and quality of recovery, by using a 100-point verbal rating scale (1 = highly dissatisfied to 100 = highly satisfied). In the bupivacaine group, there was a statistically significant reduction in the maximal pain scores (>50%) and in opioid use (>60%) during the postoperative period compared with the control group. Patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management (95 +/- 3 versus 77 +/- 13) and quality of recovery (96 +/- 7 versus 83 +/- 14) was significantly improved in the bupivacaine group (versus control). In addition, 40% of the patients in the bupivacaine group (versus none in the control group) were able to be discharged home on the day of surgery (P = 0.087). In conclusion, a continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.25% decreased postoperative pain and the need for opioid analgesic rescue medication after orthopedic surgery involving the foot and ankle, leading to improved patient satisfaction and quality of recovery. ⋯ A continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.25% (versus saline) at the popliteal fossa by using a simple elastomeric pump is an effective method of decreasing postoperative pain, reducing the opioid analgesic requirement, and increasing patient satisfaction with pain management after orthopedic surgery involving the foot and ankle. More importantly, the use of the continuous sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa facilitated an earlier discharge after lower extremity surgery.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Nov 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA preoperative retrobulbar block in patients undergoing scleral buckling reduces pain, endogenous stress response, and improves vigilance.
This study aims to test postoperative analgesia by using retrobulbar block in patients with retinal detachment surgery. ⋯ Because the analgesic effect of the retrobulbar block was considerably longer than pharmacologically expected, the combined retrobulbar and general anesthesia "protects" against postoperative pain and is recommended for patients undergoing scleral buckling.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Perioperative intravenous adenosine infusion to extend postoperative analgesia in brachial plexus block.
Adenosine infusions have been shown to reduce requirements of anaesthetics, to decrease the need for postoperative analgesics and to attenuate hyperaesthesia related to neuropathic pain. We decided to investigate the effects, beneficial or otherwise, of an adenosine infusion administered during surgery. A brachial plexus block was used to produce anaesthesia for the surgery. ⋯ In patients undergoing surgery with an axillary plexus block, a perioperative adenosine infusion prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia to some extent. However, the time to first rescue analgesic, total analgesic requirements and pain scores were unchanged; the risk of potentially serious adverse effects is high. This therapy cannot be recommended.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Nerve-stimulator guided paravertebral blockade vs. general anaesthesia for breast surgery: a prospective randomized trial.
Different anaesthetic techniques are used during breast surgery but are frequently associated with unsatisfactory postoperative analgesia. Paravertebral nerve blockade has recently been proposed as a favourable alternative for this type of surgical procedure, providing excellent pain relief and a reduced incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The aim of the present study was to compare the use of a nerve-stimulator guided paravertebral nerve blockade technique to regular general anaesthesia for breast surgery. ⋯ The use of paravertebral nerve blockade was associated with improved postoperative pain relief, a reduced incidence of nausea and vomiting after operation and a shorter duration of hospital stay compared to general anaesthesia in patients undergoing breast surgery.