Postoperative Analgesia (postoperative + analgesia)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Wound infiltration with magnesium sulphate and ropivacaine mixture reduces postoperative tramadol requirements after radical prostatectomy

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2009
P. TAUZIN-FIN
Purpose: This prospective, randomized, double-dummy study was undertaken to compare the effects of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) administered by the intravenous vs. the infiltration route on postoperative pain and analgesic requirements. Methods: Forty ASA I or II men scheduled for radical retropubic prostatectomy under general anaesthesia were randomized into two groups (n=20 each). Two medication sets A and B were prepared at the pharmacy. Each set contained a minibag of 50 ml solution for IV infusion and a syringe of 45 ml for wound infiltration. Group MgSO4.IV patients received set A with 50 mg/kg MgSO4 in the minibag and 190 mg of ropivacaine in the syringe. Group MgSO4/L received set B with isotonic saline in the minibag and 190 mg of ropivacaine +750 mg of MgSO4 in the syringe. The IV infusion was performed over 30 min at induction of anaesthesia and the surgical wound infiltration was performed during closure. Pain was assessed every 4 h, using a 100-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Postoperative analgesia was standardized using IV paracetamol (1 g/6 h) and tramadol was administered via a patient-controlled analgesia system. The follow-up period was 24 h. Results: The total cumulative tramadol consumption was 221 ± 64.1 mg in group MgSO4.IV and 134 ± 74.9 mg in group MgSO4.L (P<0.01). VAS pain scores were equivalent in the two groups throughout the study. No side-effects, due to systemic or local MgSO4 administration, were observed. Conclusion: Co-administration of MgSO4 with ropivacaine for postoperative infiltration analgesia after radical retropubic prostatectomy produces a significant reduction in tramadol requirements. [source]


A comparison of single dose caudal tramadol, tramadol plus bupivacaine and bupivacaine administration for postoperative analgesia in children

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 3 2001
M Gunduz
Background:,Our aim was to compare the effect of single dose caudal tramadol, tramadol plus bupivacaine and bupivacaine on the management of postoperative pain in children. Methods:,Sixty-three children in ASA groups I,II, between the ages of 1 and 5 were evaluated for postoperative pain randomly divided into three groups as follows: In group T, only tramadol was given caudally; in group TB, tramadol,bupivacaine was given caudally; in group B, bupivacaine was given alone. Pain was evaluated by using the paediatric objective pain scale (POPS). Sedation was evaluated with a 5-point test. There were no differences with age, weight, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters between groups. Results:,For 24 h postoperatively, the POPS value showed no statistically significant difference among groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative analgesia was maintained for 24 h. Nausea and vomiting was found to be higher in the tramadol group than in the bupivacaine group and tramadol,bupivacaine group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion:,Tramadol used caudally is as effective as bupivacaine in the management of postoperative pain in children and the addition of tramadol to bupivacaine, when both drugs were administered caudally, did not prolong the duration of action of bupivacaine and is a safe agent in children. [source]


Postoperative analgesia following shoulder surgery

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2010
F. Subash
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


Postoperative analgesia for shoulder surgery: a critical appraisal and review of current techniques

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2010
M. J. Fredrickson
Summary Shoulder surgery is well recognised as having the potential to cause severe postoperative pain. The aim of this review is to assess critically the evidence relating to the effectiveness of regional anaesthesia techniques commonly used for postoperative analgesia following shoulder surgery. Subacromial/intra-articular local anaesthetic infiltration appears to perform only marginally better than placebo, and because the technique has been associated with catastrophic chondrolysis, it can no longer be recommended. All single injection nerve blocks are limited by a short effective duration. Suprascapular nerve block reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption following arthroscopic surgery, but provides inferior analgesia compared with single injection interscalene block. Continuous interscalene block incorporating a basal local anaesthetic infusion and patient controlled boluses is the most effective analgesic technique following both major and minor shoulder surgery. However, interscalene nerve block is an invasive procedure with potentially serious complications and should therefore only be performed by practitioners with appropriate experience. [source]


Laparoscopy in the management of closed loop sigmoid volvulus

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 4 2008
T. Cartwright-Terry
Abstract Objective, To investigate the feasibility and surgical outcome of elective laparoscopic surgery for acute closed loop sigmoid volvulus. Method, A prospectively electronic database of colorectal laparoscopic procedures identified nine consecutive patients with sigmoid volvulus managed by colonoscopic decompression followed by same admission laparoscopic recto-sigmoidectomy. Results, Between January 2001 and February 2007, nine patients, ASA I (one), II (four), III (four) with sigmoid volvulus were treated: seven were women. Their age distribution was 37,87 years (median 64). The volvulus was the first episode in one patient, the second episode for four and the third (or more) for the remainder. The median operation time was 115 min (45,145). No anastomosis was de-functioned. Postoperative analgesia was parenteral paracetamol (eight) supplemented by 10 mg oral morphine in one case; a ninth patient received patient controlled parenteral morphine for 36 h. Complications included: ileus (one), myocardial infarct (one) and wound infection (one). There was one death on day 32 from a brainstem infarct. Seven had an uncomplicated recovery. The median postoperative stay was 4 days (2,32). Conclusion, Laparoscopic recto-sigmoidectomy postcolonoscopic decompression is a good option for patients with sigmoid volvulus. Surgical complications are minimal and recovery is quick. [source]


The transversus abdominis plane block: a valuable option for postoperative analgesia?

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010
A topical review
The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a newly described peripheral block involving the nerves of the anterior abdominal wall. The block has been developed for post-operative pain control after gynaecologic and abdominal surgery. The initial technique described the lumbar triangle of Petit as the landmark used to access the TAP in order to facilitate the deposition of local anaesthetic solution in the neurovascular plane. Other techniques include ultrasound-guided access to the neurovascular plane via the mid-axillary line between the iliac crest and the costal margin, and a subcostal access termed the ,oblique subcostal' access. A systematic search of the literature identified a total of seven randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of TAP block on post-operative pain, including a total of 364 patients, of whom 180 received TAP blockade. The surgical procedures included large bowel resection with a midline abdominal incision, caesarean delivery via the Pfannenstiel incision, abdominal hysterectomy via a transverse lower abdominal wall incision, open appendectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Overall, the results are encouraging and most studies have demonstrated clinically significant reductions of post-operative opioid requirements and pain, as well as some effects on opioid-related side effects (sedation and post-operative nausea and vomiting). Further studies are warranted to support the findings of the primary published trials and to establish general recommendations for the use of a TAP block. [source]


A comparison of paracetamol, ibuprofen or their combination for pain relief following extractions in children under general anaesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2007
GIATH GAZAL
Objective., This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of different oral analgesics for relieving pain and distress in children following the extraction of teeth under general anaesthesia (GA). The analgesics included paracetamol alone, ibuprofen alone, and paracetamol and ibuprofen in combination. Methods., Two hundred and one subjects were randomly allocated to one of four groups. Forty-seven children were included in the ibuprofen alone (5 mg kg,1) group, 51 in the paracetamol/ibuprofen combination (15/5 mg kg,1) group, 48 in the high-dose paracetamol (20 mg kg,1) group, and 55 children were included in the usual-dose paracetamol (15 mg kg,1) group (control group). Evaluation of distress for children was made immediately pre-operatively, on recovery from anaesthesia and again after 15 min by using a five-point face scale. Furthermore, each child was observed immediately postoperatively and 15 min postoperatively for signs of pain using the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale. Results., There were significant decreases in the mean pain and distress scores for both the ibuprofen alone and paracetamol/ibuprofen combination groups compared to the control group (usual-dose paracetamol) at 15 min postoperatively. Conclusions., This study provides evidence to support the oral administration of ibuprofen alone or in combination with paracetamol for postoperative analgesia in children who are having teeth extracted under GA. [source]


Acute Pain Teams in England: current provision and their role in postoperative pain management

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 3 2003
Ann Mcdonnell BSc
Summary ,,This survey describes the current provision of multidisciplinary Acute Pain Teams (APTs) in acute English hospitals performing adult in-patient surgery (excluding maternity). Associations between the presence of an APT and a number of organizational and clinical initiatives for the management of postoperative pain are also explored. ,,Postal questionnaires were sent to the Clinical Director of Anaesthetics or head of the APT at every acute English hospital providing separate anaesthetic services. ,,After written and telephone reminders, the response rate was 86% (n = 226). ,,Eighty-four per cent (n = 190) of respondents had an APT in their hospital. The presence of an APT was associated (P,0.05) with higher estimates of patient controlled analgesia and epidural use, regular in-service training for nurses and junior doctors, written guidelines/protocols for management of postoperative pain, routine use of postoperative pain measurement systems and audit/research in relation to postoperative pain issues. ,,Acute Pain Teams, in which nurses play a major role, have a pivotal influence not only in relation to postoperative analgesia but also in wider service development. Since 1995, the number of hospitals offering in-patient surgery that are covered by an APT has risen. However, despite repeated endorsements from professional bodies, some acute hospitals still have no APT and recent evidence indicates that some APTs face financial problems and provide a ,token' service only. Recent policy recommendations may have little impact on the current situation. [source]


Effects of postoperative analgesia on postpartum urinary retention in women undergoing cesarean delivery

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 5 2010
Ching-Chung Liang
Abstract Aim:, Various analgesics and administration methods are used to provide women undergoing cesarean delivery pain relief after surgery. We compared three methods of postoperative analgesia regarding the incidence of postpartum urinary retention (PUR) in primiparous women undergoing elective cesarean delivery. Methods:, We estimated post-void residual bladder volume after the first postpartum micturition among 150 parturient women. Risk factors stratified for PUR defined by 150-mL post-void residual bladder volume were analyzed. Obstetric parameters and prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms after surgery were compared among three groups of parturient women given different postoperative analgesia: epidural bolus morphine (EBM), patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with ropivacaine-fentanyl, and intramuscular pethidine. Results:, The incidence of PUR was higher in the group given EBM (33.3%) than the groups receiving ropivacaine-fentanyl by PCEA (15%) or intramuscular pethidine (16.7%) (P = 0.038). Eighteen (12%) parturient women needed bladder catheterization to resolve their urinary retention at 1 day postpartum but all achieved spontaneous micturition prior to hospital discharge. The need for catheterization was also increased in the group with EBM (21.7%) in comparison with the other two groups (6.7% and 3.3%, respectively, P = 0.011). At the 3-month follow up, six women (4%) had obstructive voiding problems and seven women (4.7%) had irritating voiding problems. At the 1-year follow up, only one woman in the EBM group had incomplete emptying and another in the PCEA group had urinary incontinence. Conclusion:, Epidural analgesia with morphine was significantly associated with post-cesarean urinary retention. Nonetheless, it was not detrimental to later urinary function. [source]


Palliative forequarter amputation for metastatic carcinoma to the shoulder girdle region: Indications, preoperative evaluation, surgical technique, and results

JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2001
James C. Wittig MD
Abstract Background and Objectives Uncontrolled metastatic carcinoma of the shoulder girdle is a difficult oncologic problem. This study reviews our experience with palliative forequarter amputation with emphasis on patient selection criteria, preoperative radiologic assessment, surgical technique, epineural postoperative analgesia, and clinical outcome. Methods Eight patients who underwent palliative forequarter amputation for metastatic carcinoma between 1980 and 1999 were analyzed retrospectively. Diagnoses included breast carcinoma (n,=,3), squamous cell carcinoma (n,=,2), hypernephroma (n,=,2), and carcinoma of unknown origin (n,=,1). All patients presented with severe, intractable pain and a useless extremity. Venography demonstrated obliteration of the axillary vein in each of the patients in whom this procedure was performed. Exploration of the brachial plexus confirmed tumor encasement and unresectability in all patients. Epineural catheters for bupivacaine infusion were placed for postoperative pain control. Results All patients experienced dramatic pain relief and improved mobility and overall function. Life-threatening hemorrhage and sepsis were alleviated. There were no instances of phantom limb pain or adverse psychological reactions, and no complications related to epineural analgesia. Conclusions Palliative forequarter amputation is relatively safe and reliable and provides effective pain relief for selected patients with unresectable metastatic carcinoma to the axilla and bony shoulder girdle in whom radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy has not been effective. The triad of pain, motor loss, and an obliterated axillary vein is indicative of brachial plexus infiltration and unresectability. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001; 77:105,113. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


A matched comparison study of medical and psychiatric complications and anesthesia and analgesia requirements in methadone-maintained liver transplant recipients

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2004
Robert M. Weinrieb
Approximately 85% of patients receiving methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) for opiate dependence in the United States are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). MMT is significantly underrepresented in most liver transplant programs, but the number of patients receiving MMT is increasing and few data are available to guide treatment. We evaluated MMT in our program (27 pretransplant and 10 posttransplant cases) for medical and psychiatric complications and anesthesia and analgesia requirements. After transplant, 10 patients receiving MMT were compared with a matched control group of 19 patients who were not receiving MMT and not dependent on opiates. Fewer patients receiving MMT retained a spot on the transplant waiting list (65%) than patients not receiving MMT (80%); 30% of patients receiving MMT pretransplant used heroin, cocaine, or marijuana, and more than 25% were lost to follow-up. Liver disease according to mean Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and transplant waiting times was similar between the 2 groups. Patients receiving MMT required significantly more intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia (mean fentanyl 3,175 ,g/d, SD = 2,832; intravenous morphine 67.86 mg/d, SD = 38.84, respectively) compared with patients not receiving MMT (mean fentanyl 1,324 ,g/d, SD = 1,122; intravenous morphine 12.17 mg/d, SD = 10.24, respectively). More patients receiving MMT had severe recurrent HCV infection (60%) and worse survival (60%) versus patients not receiving MMT (21% and 78.9%, respectively). Follow-up times did not differ between groups (MMT: mean 4.19 years, median 1.15 years, SD = 7.6; non-MMT: mean 2.68 years, median 2.19 years, SD = 1.73). Finally, patients receiving MMT required an average methadone dose increase of 60% from pretransplant to posttransplant. Postoperative analgesia guidelines are described. Posttransplant, 20% of patients receiving MMT used alcohol or illicit drugs. Data do not support withholding the provision of liver transplantation to patients receiving MMT, but larger, well-controlled studies are warranted. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:97,106.) [source]


Ketorolac in the Era of Cyclo-Oxygenase-2 Selective Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: A Systematic Review of Efficacy, Side Effects, and Regulatory Issues

PAIN MEDICINE, Issue 4 2001
Alex Macario MD
Objective., The recent introduction of oral COX-2 selective NSAIDs with potential for perioperative use, and the ongoing development of intravenous formulations, stimulated a systemic review of efficacy, side effects, and regulatory issues related to ketorolac for management of postoperative analgesia. Design.,To examine the opioid dose sparing effect of ketorolac, we compiled published, randomized controlled trials of ketorolac versus placebo, with opioids given for breakthrough pain, published in English-language journals from 1986,2001. Odds ratios were computed to assess whether the use of ketorolac reduced the incidence of opioid side effects or improved the quality of analgesia. Results., Depending on the type of surgery, ketorolac reduced opioid dose by a mean of 36% (range 0% to 73%). Seventy percent of patients in control groups experienced moderate-severe pain 1 hour postoperatively, while 36% of the control patients had moderate to severe pain 24 hours postoperatively. Analgesia was improved in patients receiving ketorolac in combination with opioids. However, we did not find a concomitant reduction in opioid side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting). This may be due to studies having inadequate (to small) sample sizes to detect differences in the incidence of opioid related side effects. The risk for adverse events with ketorolac increases with high doses, with prolonged therapy (>5 days), or invulnerable patients (e.g. the elderly). The incidence of serious adverse events has declined since dosage guidelines were revised. Conclusions., Ketorolac should be administered at the lowest dose necessary. Analgesics that provide effective analgesia with minimal adverse effects are needed. [source]


Double-blind comparison of ropivacaine 7.5 mg mL,1 for sciatic nerve block. (Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom) British J Anesh.

PAIN PRACTICE, Issue 4 2001
2001;26:20
Two groups of 12 patients had a sciatic nerve block performed with 20 mL of either ropivacaine 7.5 mg mL,1 or bupivacaine 5 mg mL,1. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean time to onset of complete anesthesia of the foot or to the first request for postoperative analgesia. The quality of the block was the same in each group. Although there is no statistically significant difference in the mean time to peak plasma concentrations the mean peak concentration of ropivacaine was significantly higher than that of bupivacaine. There were no signs of systemic local anesthetic toxicity in any patient in either group. [source]


Audits of postoperative analgesia: what have we learned and what should we do now?

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 2 2010
RICHARD F. HOWARD BSc
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


Two different doses of caudal neostigmine co-administered with levobupivacaine produces analgesia in children

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 5 2009
KAZIM KARAASLAN MD
Summary Background:, This study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy, duration of analgesia, and side effects of two different doses of caudal neostigmine used with levobupivacaine in children. Methods:, Sixty boys, between 5 months and 5 years, undergoing genito-urinary surgery were allocated randomly to one of three groups (n = 20 each). Group I patients received caudal 0.25% levobupivacaine (1 ml·kg,1) alone. Groups II and III patients received neostigmine (2 and 4 ,g·kg,1 respectively) together with levobupivacaine used in the same dose as Group I. Pain scores were assessed using Children's and Infant's Postoperative Pain Scale (CHIPPS) at 15th (t1) min after arrival to postanesthetic care unit, and 1st (t2), 2nd (t3), 3rd (t4), 4th (t5), 8th (t6), 16th (t7), and 24th (t8) hour postoperatively. Duration of analgesia, amount of additional analgesic (paracetamol), score of motor blockade and complications were recorded for 24 h postoperatively, and compared between groups. Results:, CHIPPS scores were higher during t2, t3, t6, t7 and t8 periods, duration of analgesia was shorter, and total analgesic consumption was higher in Group I compare to neostigmine groups (P < 0.05). Duration of postoperative analgesia and total analgesic consumption were similar in Groups II and III (P > 0.05). Adverse effects were not different between three groups. Conclusions:, Caudal neostigmine in doses of 2 and 4 ,g·kg,1 with levobupivacaine extends the duration of analgesia without increasing the incidence of adverse effects, and 2 ,g·kg,1 seems to be the optimal dose, as higher dose has no further advantages. [source]


A review of pediatric regional anesthesia practice during a 17-year period in a single institution

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 9 2007
ALAIN ROCHETTE MD
Summary Background:, There is anecdotal evidence of changes in pediatric regional anesthesia (RA) practice. We performed a retrospective review of prospective data on pediatric RA over 17 years in our institution. Methods:, Data were collected from an electronic database for every anesthetic performed between 1989 and 2005. Type of RA, if any, and age of the patient were noted. Patients were divided into two groups: ,4 years (younger group) and 5 years or older (older group). Results:, A total of 51 408 anesthetics were performed; 23 609 (46%) in the younger group. A total of 10 929 RA were performed. In the younger group, RA increased from 9.5% to 27.6% (P < 0.001). Neuraxial blocks decreased from 100% to 59.7% of RA. Caudals decreased in the late 1990s from 70% to 22% of RA and epidurals have decreased from 22% to 11% of RA since 2002. Neonatal spinals were introduced in 1990 and now reach 30% of RA. Peripheral blocks have increased up to 37% of RA since 1994. In the older group, RA increased from 9.2% to 23.3% (P < 0.001), less than in the younger (P < 0.01). Neuraxial blocks have decreased from 97% to 24.9% of RA (P < 0.001), more obviously than in the younger group (P < 0.001). Peripheral blocks emerged in 1994, outnumbering neuraxial blocks as early as 1995 and now account for 75% of RA. This increase is significantly more pronounced than in the younger group (P < 0.001). In both groups, peripheral blocks were distributed among plexus blocks (30%) and compartment/peripheral nerve blocks (70%). In the last 5 years, a perineural catheter was placed in 12.9% of peripheral blocks to ensure continuous postoperative analgesia. Conclusions:, In our hospital, there has been a dramatic increase in RA, mainly from 1989 to 1995. The most remarkable events in the last decade were: (i) the change in practice from neuraxial to peripheral blocks and (ii) the emergence of continuous postoperative analgesia via perineural catheters. [source]


The management of a postdural puncture headache in a child

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 6 2003
Andrew Liley FRCA
Summary We present a case of an 11-year old girl who underwent an elective pyeloplasty and had an epidural catheter placed for per- and postoperative analgesia. Postoperatively she developed a postural headache and severe nausea, and a diagnosis of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) was made. Her symptoms failed to respond to conservative management. An epidural blood patch was performed with immediate and complete resolution of her symptoms. We present this case to highlight the occurrence of PDPH in children and to outline the considerations for management. [source]


Comparison of patient-controlled analgesia with and without a background infusion after appendicectomy in children

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 5 2003
Karamehmet Yildiz MD
Summary Background: There have been many studies using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and opioids for postoperative analgesia in children. In this study, we investigated the efficacy, usefulness and analgesic consumption of two different PCA programmes [bolus dose alone (BD) or bolus dose with background infusion (BD + BI)] to evaluate postoperative analgesia for children after emergency appendicectomy. Methods: Forty children, aged between 6 and 15 years and ASA class I or II, undergoing emergency appendicectomy were randomly allocated into two groups. The children were given a loading dose of pethidine 0.3 mg·kg,1 and 150 ,g·kg,1 bolus intravenously in group BD (n = 20) and pethidine 0.3 mg·kg,1 loading dose, 75 ,g·kg,1 bolus and 15 ,g·kg,1·h,1 background infusion in group BD + BI (n = 20). The lockout interval was 20 min in both groups. Results: There were no significant differences in pain, sedation and nausea scores during the 24-h postoperative period between the groups (P > 0.05). Pethidine consumption was significantly lower in group BD + BI than that in group BD for the first 24-h period (P < 0.05). Conclusions: We demonstrated that both these PCA programmes were effective and reliable for postoperative pain relief in children. We believe that giving information about PCA to the children and their parents is useful during the preoperative period. However, the background infusion with lower bolus dose in PCA did not increase pethidine consumption. [source]


A comparison of single dose caudal tramadol, tramadol plus bupivacaine and bupivacaine administration for postoperative analgesia in children

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 3 2001
M Gunduz
Background:,Our aim was to compare the effect of single dose caudal tramadol, tramadol plus bupivacaine and bupivacaine on the management of postoperative pain in children. Methods:,Sixty-three children in ASA groups I,II, between the ages of 1 and 5 were evaluated for postoperative pain randomly divided into three groups as follows: In group T, only tramadol was given caudally; in group TB, tramadol,bupivacaine was given caudally; in group B, bupivacaine was given alone. Pain was evaluated by using the paediatric objective pain scale (POPS). Sedation was evaluated with a 5-point test. There were no differences with age, weight, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters between groups. Results:,For 24 h postoperatively, the POPS value showed no statistically significant difference among groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative analgesia was maintained for 24 h. Nausea and vomiting was found to be higher in the tramadol group than in the bupivacaine group and tramadol,bupivacaine group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion:,Tramadol used caudally is as effective as bupivacaine in the management of postoperative pain in children and the addition of tramadol to bupivacaine, when both drugs were administered caudally, did not prolong the duration of action of bupivacaine and is a safe agent in children. [source]


Postoperative epidural analgesia with bupivacaine and fentanyl: hourly pain assessment in 348 paediatric cases

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 3 2001
Corinne Lejus MD
Background: The objective of this prospective study was the evaluation of the analgesia provided by an epidural infusion of bupivacaine and fentanyl after different types of surgery in children. Methods: Data were collected from 348 epidural analgesia in 87 children below 2 years of age, in 80 children between 2 and 6 years and 181 above 6 years of age, for a median duration of 43 postoperative hours. Bupivacaine (mean concentration 0.185%) and fentanyl (5 ,g·kg,1·day,1) were administered on the surgical ward. Results: Pain control was considered excellent in 86% of the 11 072 pain hourly assessments. Analgesia was found to be better for children older than 2 years, and the overall quality of their night's sleep was better than that of older children. Higher pain scores were noted for Nissen fundoplication surgery and club foot repairs. Early discontinuation rarely occurred, and only because of technical problems with the epidural catheter (4%) or insufficient analgesia (6%). Complications were minor (nausea/vomiting 14%, pruritus 0.6%, urinary retention 17%) and easily reversed. Conclusions: This combination of bupivacaine,fentanyl provides safe analgesia after major surgery in children with frequent clinical monitoring. Regular pain assessments of intensity and duration are useful to improve the quality of postoperative analgesia. [source]


Diclofenac and flurbiprofen with or without clonidine for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing elective ophthalmological surgery

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 6 2000
KAHORU NISHINA MD
We conducted a prospective, randomized study to compare the efficacy of preoperative diclofenac, flurbiprofen, and clonidine, given alone, as well as the combination of diclofenac and clonidine, and flurbiprofen and clonidine in controlling postoperative pain in 125 children. The patients (ASA I, 2,12 years) undergoing elective ophthalmological surgery were allocated to one of five groups: rectal diclofenac 2 mg·kg,1 following oral placebo premedication, i.v. flurbiprofen 1 mg·kg,1 following placebo premedication, oral clonidine premedication, rectal diclofenac 2 mg·kg,1 following clonidine, and i.v. flurbiprofen 1 mg·kg,1 following clonidine. The children received clonidine (4 ,g·kg,1) or placebo 105 min before anaesthesia. Diclofenac or flurbiprofen was given immediately after induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Postoperative pain was assessed by a blinded observer using a modified objective pain scale (OPS). No opioids were administered throughout the study. Rectal diclofenac 2 mg·kg,1 i.v. flurbiprofen 1 mg·kg,1, oral clonidine 4 ,g·kg ,1 provided similar OPS scores and requirement for supplementary analgesics during 12 h after surgery. Combination of oral clonidine and one of these nonsteroidal analgesics minimized postoperative pain. Our findings suggest that this combined regimen may be a promising prophylactic approach to postoperative pain control in children undergoing ophthalmological surgery. [source]


Dermatosurgery Using Subcutaneous Infusion Anesthesia with Prilocaine and Ropivacaine in Children

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2001
Matthias Moehrle MD
Pediatric surgical procedures under local anesthesia have been limited by the pain of injections and, because of low body weight, rapidly reached maximum doses. In subcutaneous infusion anesthesia (SIA) highly diluted local anesthetics are administered by flow- and volume-controlled infusion pumps. This article presents a retrospective review of the use of SIA in children undergoing excision of dermatologic problem lesions. A total of 354 surgical procedures, predominantly excisions of nevi in 271 children (3 months,16 years) were performed in 1999: 67 children were operated on under general anesthesia and 204 children with local anesthesia. For local anesthesia we used SIA with diluted prilocaine and ropivacaine (equivalent mixtures of 0.3%, 0.15%, 0.08%). The 67 children operated on under general anesthesia were younger (mean age 3.05 ± 2.93 years, median age 2.00 years) than the 204 children who had surgery with SIA (mean age 9.00 ± 4.2 years, median age 9.00 years). The sizes of excisions under general anesthesia were larger (maximum 1060 cm2, mean 76 ± 225 cm2, median 7 cm2) than those under SIA (maximum 628 cm2, mean 22 ± 100 cm2, median 3 cm2). No side effects of local anesthesia were observed in these pediatric procedures. The additional use of ropivacaine resulted in prolonged postoperative analgesia. SIA in children is a well-accepted, safe anesthesia that in some cases offers an alternative to general anesthesia. [source]


Prevention of Vomiting After Tonsillectomy in Children: Granisetron Versus Ramosetron

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2001
Yoshitaka Fujii MD
Abstract Objective/Hypothesis Granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, is effective for the prevention of vomiting after tonsillectomy in children. Ramosetron (Nasea; Yamanouchi; Tokyo, Japan), another new antagonist of 5-hydroxytryptamione type 3 receptor, has more potent and longer-acting properties than granisetron (Kytril; Smith Kline Beecham, London, UK) against cisplatin-induced emesis. This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of granisetron and ramosetron for the prevention of vomiting after pediatric tonsillectomy. Study Design Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Methods Ninety pediatric patients, aged 4 to 10 years, received intravenously granisetron 40 ,g/kg or ramosetron 6 ,g/kg (n = 45 each) at the end of surgery. The same standard general anesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia were used throughout. Emetic episodes and safety assessment were performed during the first 24-hour period and the next 24-hour period after anesthesia. Results The rates of patients being emesis-free during the period from 0 to 24 hours after anesthesia were 89% with granisetron and 93% with ramosetron, respectively (P = .357); the corresponding rates during the period from 24 to 48 hours after anesthesia were 71% and 93%, respectively (P = .006). No clinically serious adverse events attributable to the study drugs were observed in any of the groups. Conclusion Ramosetron is a better antiemetic than granisetron for the long-term prevention of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing general anesthesia for tonsillectomy. [source]


Postoperative analgesia for shoulder surgery: a critical appraisal and review of current techniques

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2010
M. J. Fredrickson
Summary Shoulder surgery is well recognised as having the potential to cause severe postoperative pain. The aim of this review is to assess critically the evidence relating to the effectiveness of regional anaesthesia techniques commonly used for postoperative analgesia following shoulder surgery. Subacromial/intra-articular local anaesthetic infiltration appears to perform only marginally better than placebo, and because the technique has been associated with catastrophic chondrolysis, it can no longer be recommended. All single injection nerve blocks are limited by a short effective duration. Suprascapular nerve block reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption following arthroscopic surgery, but provides inferior analgesia compared with single injection interscalene block. Continuous interscalene block incorporating a basal local anaesthetic infusion and patient controlled boluses is the most effective analgesic technique following both major and minor shoulder surgery. However, interscalene nerve block is an invasive procedure with potentially serious complications and should therefore only be performed by practitioners with appropriate experience. [source]


Ultrasound in regional anaesthesia

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 2010
J. Griffin
Summary Ultrasound guidance is rapidly becoming the gold standard for regional anaesthesia. There is an ever growing weight of evidence, matched with improving technology, to show that the use of ultrasound has significant benefits over conventional techniques, such as nerve stimulation and loss of resistance. The improved safety and efficacy that ultrasound brings to regional anaesthesia will help promote its use and realise the benefits that regional anaesthesia has over general anaesthesia, such as decreased morbidity and mortality, superior postoperative analgesia, cost-effectiveness, decreased postoperative complications and an improved postoperative course. In this review we consider the evidence behind the improved safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia, before discussing its use in pain medicine, paediatrics and in the facilitation of neuraxial blockade. The Achilles' heel of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia is that anaesthetists are far more familiar with providing general anaesthesia, which in most cases requires skills that are achieved faster and more reliably. To this ends we go on to provide practical advice on ultrasound-guided techniques and the introduction of ultrasound into a department. [source]


Regional anaesthesia and pain management

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 2010
I. Power
Summary Despite recent advances in analgesia delivery techniques and the availability of new analgesic agents with favourable pharmacokinetic profiles, current evidence suggests that postoperative pain continues to be inadequately managed, with the proportion of patients reporting severe or extreme postoperative pain having changed little over the past decade. Regional techniques are superior to systemic opioid agents with regards to analgesia profile and adverse effects in the context of general, thoracic, gynaecological, orthopaedic and laparoscopic surgery. Outcome studies demonstrate that regional analgesic techniques also reduce multisystem co-morbidity and mortality following major surgery in high risk patients. This review will discuss the efficacy of regional anaesthetic techniques for acute postoperative analgesia, the impact of regional block techniques on physiological outcomes, and the implications of acute peri-operative regional anaesthesia on chronic (persistent) postoperative pain. [source]


The effect on outcome of peribulbar anaesthesia in conjunction with general anesthesia for vitreoretinal surgery

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 3 2010
A. M. Ghali
Summary The purpose of this study was to evaluate peri-operative outcome after vitreoretinal surgery when peribulbar anaesthesia is combined with general anaesthesia. Sixty adult patients undergoing elective primary retinal detachment surgery with scleral buckling or an encircling procedure received either peribulbar anaesthesia in conjunction with general anaesthesia or general anaesthesia alone. For peribulbar anaesthesia a single percutaneous injection of 5,7 ml of local anaesthetic solution (0.75% ropivacaine with hyaluronidase 15 iu.ml,1) was used. The incidence of intra-operative oculocardiac reflex and surgical bleeding interfering with the surgical field, postoperative pain and analgesia requirements, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded. In the block group there was a lower incidence of oculocardiac reflex and surgical bleeding intra-operatively. Patients in the block group also had better postoperative analgesia and a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with the group without a block. The use of peribulbar anaesthesia in conjunction with general anesthesia was superior to general anaesthesia alone for vitreoretinal surgery with scleral buckling. [source]


Risks and side-effects of intrathecal morphine combined with spinal anaesthesia: a meta-analysis

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2009
M. Gehling
Summary Intrathecal morphine is often used for postoperative analgesia after surgery. We performed a meta-analysis to obtain more detailed information on the frequency of side-effects in patients receiving intrathecal morphine in combination with spinal anaesthesia compared with placebo treated patients. We clustered the analysis to patients receiving placebo, less than morphine 0.3 mg (M < 0.3), or equal to or more than morphine 0.3 mg (M , 0.3) and calculated the risk ratios of morphine vs placebo. Twenty-eight studies investigating 46 morphine groups vs placebo were included. A total of 790 patients with intrathecal morphine and 524 patients who received placebo were analysed. Compared with placebo the lower dose of morphine resulted in an increase of nausea (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1,1.7), vomiting (RR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5,6.4) and pruritus (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4,2.2). The higher dose resulted in an increased risk ratio for pruritus (RR 5.0, 95% CI 2.9,8.6), but not nausea (RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9,1.6) or vomiting (RR 1.3, 95% CI 0.9,1.9). Overall, intrathecal morphine did not increase respiratory depression. However, the higher dose of intrathecal morphine was associated with more episodes of respiratory depression (7/80) compared with the lower dose (2/247). Intrathecal morphine is associated with a mild increase in side-effects. With a dose < 0.3 mg we found there were no more episodes of respiratory depression than in placebo patients who received systemic opioid analgesia. [source]


Peri-operative use of paracetamol

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 1 2009
C. D. Oscier
Summary This article is a review of the peri-operative use of paracetamol. It reviews the pharmacology of paracetamol, highlighting new information about the mechanism of action, and examines its therapeutic use in the peri-operative period, focusing on efficacy, route of administration, and the use of a loading dose to improve early postoperative analgesia. [source]


The use of patient-controlled epidural fentanyl in elderly patients,

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 12 2007
T. Ishiyama
Summary We studied whether delivering postoperative analgesia, using a patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) device was effective and safe in elderly patients. We enrolled 40 patients aged >,65 years (elderly group) and 40 patients aged 20,64 years (young group) scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery. PCEA infusion was started following completion of surgery. Mean (SD) fentanyl consumption (10.7 (3.7) compared with 10.5 (2.7) ,g.kg,1, p = 0.76) and number of times patients pressed the bolus switch (32 (36) compared with 44 (38), p = 0.16) during the first 24 h postoperatively were similar in the two groups. Pain scores, which were similar in both groups at rest, were significantly lower in the elderly on coughing (at 24 h, p < 0.05). In addition, average pain scores were similar at the time of PCEA bolus demands in the two groups. Elderly and young adult patients therefore required similar amounts of patient-controlled epidural fentanyl to produce satisfactory pain relief. [source]