Paravertebral block's effect on analgesia and inflammation in advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation

BACKGROUND Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with microwave ablation(MWA)is an effective treatment strategy for patients with advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis.However,it may cause severe postoperative pain and inflammatory responses.The paravertebral block(PVB)is a regional anesthetic technique that provides analgesia to the thoracic and abdominal regions.AIM To evaluate the effect of PVB on postoperative analgesia and inflammatory response in patients undergoing TACE combined with MWA for advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis.METHODS Sixty patients were randomly divided into PVB and control groups.The PVB group received ultrasound-guided PVB with 0.375%ropivacaine preoperatively,whereas the control group received intravenous analgesia with sufentanil.The primary outcome was the visual analog scale(VAS)score for pain at 6 h,12 h,24 h,and 48 h after the procedure.Secondary outcomes were the dose of sufentanil used,incidence of adverse events,and levels of inflammatory markers(white blood cell count,neutrophil percentage,C-reactive protein,and procalcitonin)before and after the procedure.RESULTS The PVB group had significantly lower VAS scores at 6 h,12 h,24 h,and 48 h after the procedure compared with the control group(P<0.05).The PVB group also had a significantly lower consumption of sufentanil and a lower incidence of nausea,vomiting,and respiratory depression than did the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the PVB group had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers 24 h and 48 h after the procedure(P<0.05).CONCLUSION PVB can effectively reduce postoperative pain and inflammatory responses and improve postoperative comfort and recovery in patients with advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis treated with TACE combined with MWA.

Impact of thoracic paravertebral block and sufentanil on outcomes and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery

BACKGROUND Postoperative pain management and cognitive function preservation are crucial for patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer(LC).This is achieved using either a thoracic paravertebral block(TPVB)or sufentanil(SUF)-based multimodal analgesia.However,the efficacy and impact of their combined use on postoperative pain and postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)remain unclear.AIM To explore the analgesic effect and the influence on POCD of TPVB combined with SUF-based multimodal analgesia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical resection for LC to help optimize postoperative pain management and improve patient outcomes.METHODS This retrospective analysis included 107 patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical resection for LC at The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital between May 2021 and January 2023.Patients receiving SUF-based multimodal analgesia(n=50)and patients receiving TPVB+SUF-based multimodal analgesia(n=57)were assigned to the control group and TPVB group,respectively.We compared the Ramsay Sedation Scale and visual analog scale(VAS)scores at rest and with cough between the two groups at 2,12,and 24 h after surgery.Serum levels of epinephrine(E),angio-tensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),norepinephrine(NE),superoxide dismutase(SOD),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and S-100 calcium-binding proteinβ(S-100β)were measured before and 24 h after surgery.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)was administered 1 day before surgery and at 3 and 5 days after surgery,and the occurrence of POCD was monitored for 5 days after surgery.Adverse reactions were also recorded.RESULTS There were no significant time point,between-group,and interaction effects in Ramsay sedation scores between the two groups(P>0.05).Significantly,there were notable time point effects,between-group differences,and interaction effects observed in VAS scores both at rest and with cough(P<0.05).The VAS scores at rest and with cough at 12 and 24 h after surgery were lower than those at 2 h after surgery and gradually decreased as postoperative time increased(P<0.05).The TPVB group had lower VAS scores than the control group at 2,12,and 24 h after surgery(P<0.05).The MMSE scores at postoperative days 1 and 3 were markedly higher in the TPVB group than in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of POCD was significantly lower in the TPVB group than in the control group within 5 days after surgery(P<0.05).Both groups had elevated serum E,Ang Ⅱ,and NE and decreased serum SOD levels at 24 h after surgery compared with the preoperative levels,with better indices in the TPVB group(P<0.05).Marked elevations in serum levels of VEGF,TGF-β1,TNF-α,and S-100β were observed in both groups at 24 h after surgery,with lower levels in the TPVB group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION TPVB combined with SUF-based multimodal analgesia further relieves pain in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical surgery for LC,enhances analgesic effects,reduces postoperative stress response,and inhibits postoperative increases in serum VEGF,TGF-β1,TNF-α,and S-100β levels.This scheme also reduced POCD and had a high safety profile.

Assessing the Impact of General Anesthesia and Bronchial Intubation in Conjunction with Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Block on Cellular Immunity and Surgical Management in Tuberculous Pyothorax Patients

Objective:This study aims to investigate the impact of combining general anesthesia with bronchial intubation and thoracic paravertebral nerve block during surgery for patients with tuberculous pyothorax.Methods:Eighty patients diagnosed with tuberculous pyothorax,admitted to the hospital between January 2023 and September 2023,were randomly selected for this study.The patients were divided into control and study groups using a numerical table method.The control group underwent general anesthesia with bronchial intubation,while the study group received general anesthesia with bronchial intubation in conjunction with thoracic paravertebral nerve block.Subsequently,the patients were monitored to assess mean arterial pressure,heart rate variations,and adverse reactions to anesthesia.Results:The study group exhibited significantly lower mean arterial pressure and heart rate levels during the post-surgical incision,immediate end of surgery,and immediate extubation periods compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the Ricker and Ramsay scores in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combined use of general anesthesia via bronchial intubation and thoracic paravertebral nerve block has been found to stabilize mean arterial pressure and heart rate while providing effective sedation for surgical treatment in patients with tuberculous septic thorax.

Ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia on the stress response and hemodynamics among lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND Thoracic surgery for radical resection of lung tumor requires deep anesthesia which can lead to an adverse inflammatory response,loss of hemodynamic stability,and decreased immune function.Herein,we evaluated the feasibility and benefits of ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia,in combination with general anesthesia,for thoracic surgery for lung cancer.The block was performed by diffusion of anesthetic drugs along the paravertebral space to achieve unilateral multi-segment intercostal nerve and dorsal branch nerve block.AIM To evaluate the application of ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia for lung cancer surgery to inform practice.METHODS The analysis was based on 140 patients who underwent thoracic surgery for lung cancer at our hospital between January 2018 and May 2020.Patients were randomly allocated to the peripheral+general anesthesia(observation)group(n=74)or to the general anesthesia(control)group(n=66).Patients in the observation group received ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia combined with general anesthesia,with those in the control group receiving an epidural block combined with general anesthesia.Measured outcomes included the operative and anesthesia times,as well as the mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),and blood oxygen saturation(SpO;)measured before surgery,15 min after anesthesia(T1),after intubation,5 min after skin incision,and before extubation(T4).RESULTS The dose of intra-operative use of remifentanil and propofol and the postoperative use of sufentanil was lower in the observation group(1.48±0.43 mg,760.50±92.28 mg,and 72.50±16.62 mg,respectively)than control group(P<0.05).At the four time points of measurement(T1 through T4),MAP and HR values were higher in the observation than control group(MAP,90.20±9.15 mmHg,85.50±7.22 mmHg,88.59±8.15 mmHg,and 90.02±10.02 mmHg,respectively;and HR,72.39±8.22 beats/min,69.03±9.03 beats/min,70.12±8.11 beats/min,and 71.24±9.01 beats/min,respectively;P<0.05).There was no difference in SpO;between the two groups(P>0.05).Postoperative levels of epinephrine,norepinephrine,and dopamine used were significantly lower in the observation than control group(210.20±40.41 pg/mL,230.30±65.58 pg/mL,and 54.49±13.32 pg/mL,respectively;P<0.05).Similarly,the postoperative tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin-6 levels were lower in the observation(2.43±0.44 pg/mL and 170.03±35.54 pg/mL,respectively)than control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block anesthesia improved the stress and hemodynamic response in patients undergoing thoracic surgery for lung cancer,with no increase in the rate of adverse events.

Ultrasound-Guided Continuous Thoracic Paravertebral Block Improves Patientʼs Quality of Recovery After Open Hepatectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background Ultrasound-guided continuous thoracic paravertebral block can provide pain-relieving and opioid-sparing effects in patients receiving open hepatectomy.We hypothesize that these effects may improve the quality of recovery(QoR)after open hepatectomy.Methods Seventy-six patients undergoing open hepatectomy were randomized to receive a continuous thoracic paravertebral block with ropivacaine(CTPVB group)or normal saline(control group).All patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with morphine postoperatively for 48 hours.The primary outcome was the global Chinese 15-item Quality of Recovery score on postoperative day 7,which was statistically analyzed using Student’s t-test.Results Thirty-six patients in the CTPVB group and 37 in the control group completed the study.Compared to the control group,the CTPVB group had significantly increased global Chinese 15-item Quality of Recovery scores(133.14±12.97 vs.122.62±14.89,P=0.002)on postoperative day 7.Postoperative pain scores and cumulative morphine consumption were significantly lower for up to 8 and 48 hours(P<0.05;P=0.002),respectively,in the CTPVB group.Conclusion Perioperative CTPVB markably promotes patient’s QoR after open hepatectomy with a profound analgesic effect in the early postoperative period.

Erector Spinae Plane Block Combined with Serratus Anterior Plane Block Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Postoperative Analgesia and Recovery After Thoracoscopic Surgery:A Randomized Controlled Non-inferiority Clinical Trial

Objective This study aimed to compare the postoperative analgesia and recovery of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block combined with serratus anterior plane block(ESPB combined with SAPB)versus thoracic paravertebral block(PVB)after thoracoscopic surgery.Methods Ninety-two patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS)were randomly divided into group S(n=46)and group P(n=46).After anesthesia induction,the same anesthesiologist performed ultrasound-guided ESPB at T5 and T7 levels combined with SAPB at the level of the fifth rib in the midaxillary line in group S and ultrasound-guided PVB at T5 and T7 levels in group P.Patients in both groups were given 40 mL of 0.4%ropivacaine.Eighty-six patients completed the study(group S,n=44;group P,n=42).The morphine consumption,visual analogue scale(VAS)scores at rest and coughing,and frequency of remedial analgesia were recorded at 1,2,4,8,and 24 h postoperatively.Pulmonary function parameters were recorded at 1,4,and 24 h postoperatively,and the quality of recovery(QoR)-15 score at 24 h postoperatively.The adverse effects,duration of chest tube drainage and length of stay were also recorded.Results The morphine consumption at postoperative 4 and 8 h and the incidence of ipsilateral shoulder pain(ISP)were significantly lower in group S than in group P.The QoR-15 questionnaire score at postoperative 24 h was significantly lower in group P than in group S(P<0.05).The morphine consumption was lower at 24 h postoperatively in group S than in group P,with no significant difference found yet.The morphine consumption at other observed times,VAS scores,pulmonary function parameters,frequency of remedial analgesia,duration of chest tube drainage,length of stay,and incidence of other adverse events were comparable between group S and group P.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided ESPB combined with SAPB is non-inferior to PVB in terms of morphine consumption at postoperative 24 h and postoperative recovery.But,this approach can significantly reduce morphine consumption in the early postoperative period(0–8 h)after thoracoscopy with lower incidence of ISP.It is a simpler and safer operation.

Extrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma to the paravertebral muscle:A case report

Identification of extrahepatic metastases(EHM) of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) has been paradoxically increasing due to an increase in the survival of HCC patients. However, metastasis of HCC to the skeletal muscle tissue is extremely rare. We describe a unique case of HCC metastasizing to the paravertebral muscle. A 55-year-old man with a history of hepatitis B cirrhosis underwent partial liver resection with complete removal of HCC. Three months later, a computed tomography(CT) scan showed intrahepatic recurrence. The tumors were treated with yttrium-90 microspheres, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, and sorafenib. Six months later, a CT scan showed an enhancing lesion of the left paravertebral muscle that on biopsy were consistent with metastatic HCC. The tumor was treated with stereotactic hypo-fractionated imageguided radiation therapy(SHFRT). A follow-up scan 3 mo post-radiotherapy revealed a stable appearance of the paravertebral muscle metastasis. Because of the progression in the intrahepatic tumors, the patient was treated with capecitabine, which was changed to dasatinib 6 mo later. The patient passed away three years after the primary surgical resection. Management of EHM poses an extreme challenge. This is the first case of HCC with EHM to the paravertebral muscle in which stability of disease was achieved using SHFRT. This case highlights the importance of early detection of hepatitis B viral infection and initiation of anti-viral therapy to decrease recurrence of HCC and prevent EHM.

Paravertebral Block for Post-Operative Analgesia after Breast Cancer Surgery, Effects of Adding Morphine: Double Blind, Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: Thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) block is frequently used in breast cancer surgery for postoperative pain management. Adding opioids to local anaesthetics has been shown to have beneficial effects during epidural analgesia. Our hypothesis was that adding morphine to bupivacaine for PVB would improve analgesia provided by this procedure. Methods: 60 patients (25 - 75 years) undergoing elective surgery for breast cancer were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups received a single injection thoracic paravertebral block;group BAM with 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine, epinephrine and morphine while group BA received identical block except morphine was given subcutaneously. All patients had general anaesthesia. Results: Severity of pain and nausea was low in both groups. Pain scores remained below 20/100 after the first 2 hours throughout the 72 hours of the study. There was no significant difference between the groups in pain scores, consumption of additional morphine or nausea scores. Shoulder mobility was also very good in both groups. Conclusion: Thoracic paravertebral block with bupivacaine and epinephrine was associated with good postoperative analgesic effects and low incidence of nausea and vomiting. The addition of morphine to the local anaesthetic solution in paravertebral block did not have any additional analgesic effects.

Paravertebral fascial massage promotes brain development of neonatal rats via the insulin-like growth factor 1 pathway

Massage in traditional Chinese medicine can promote body and brain development of premature and normal newborn infants. In the present study, neonatal rats （1 day old） underwent paravertebral fascial massage （15 consecutive days）, followed by subcutaneous injection of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor antagonist, JB1 （9 consecutive days）. Paravertebral fascial massage significantly increased insulin-like growth factor 1 expression and cell proliferation in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, JB1 inhibited this increase. Results suggest that paravertebral fascial massage can promote brain development of neonatal rats via the insulin-like growth factor I pathway.

Impact of adding opioids to paravertebral blocks in breast cancer surgery patients:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Several breast cancer studies have reported the use of adjuvant opioids with the paravertebral block(PVB)to improve outcomes.However,there is no level-1 evidence justifying its use.AIM To elucidate if the addition of opioids to PVB improves pain control in breast cancer surgery patients.METHODS We conducted an electronic literature search across PubMed,Embase,Scopus,and Google Scholar databases up to October 20,2020.Only randomized controlled trials(RCTs)comparing the addition of opioids to PVB with placebo for breast cancer surgery patients were included.RESULTS Six RCTs were included.Our meta-analysis indicated significantly reduced 24-h total analgesic consumption with the addition of opioids to PVB as compared to placebo[standardized mean difference(SMD)-1.57,95%confidence interval(CI):-2.93,-0.21,I2=94%].However,on subgroup analysis,the results were nonsignificant for studies using single PVB(SMD:-1.76,95%CI:-3.65,0.13 I2=95.09%)and studies using PVB infusion(SMD:-1.30,95%CI:-4.26,1.65,I2=95.49%).Analysis of single PVB studies indicated no significant difference in the time to first analgesic request between opioid and placebo groups(mean difference-11.28,95%CI:-42.00,19.43,I2=99.39%).Pain scores at 24 h were marginally lower in the opioid group(mean difference-1.10,95%CI:-2.20,0.00,I2=0%).There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting between the two groups.CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests a limited role of adjuvant opioids with PVB for breast cancer surgery patients.Further homogenous RCTs with a large sample size are needed to clarify the beneficial role of opioids with PVB.

Paravertebral block for analgesia following excision of osteochondroma of the scapula:A case report

Scapular surgery has mainly been studied in the setting of fractures;regional anesthesia can be utilized as part of a multimodal analgesia regimen for postoperative pain relief.Previous studies are limited to scapular fracture pain.The available literature supports the use of various types of nerve blocks and even combinations of different blocks,of which the paravertebral nerve block is one such block that has been effective.We present a case of a patient undergoing excision of a scapular osteochondroma who received a single-shot paravertebral nerve block after surgery with an effective analgesia.

Combined thoracic paravertebral block and interscalene brachial plexus block for modified radical mastectomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Modified radical mastectomy(MRM)is the most common surgical treatment for breast cancer.General anesthesia poses a challenge in fragile MRM patients,including cardiovascular instability,insufficient postoperative pain control,nausea and vomiting.Thoracic paravertebral block(TPVB)is adequate for simple mastectomy,but its combination with interscalene brachial plexus block(IBPB)has not yet been proved to be an effective anesthesia method for MRM.CASE SUMMARY We describe our experience of anesthesia and pain management in 10 patients with multiple comorbidities.An ultrasound-guided TPVB was placed at T2-T3 and T5-T6,and combined with IBPB,with administration of 10,15 and 5 mL of 0.5%ropivacaine,respectively.A satisfactory anesthetic effect was proved by the absence of ipsilateral tactile sensation within 30 min.Propofol 3 mg/kg/h and oxygen supplementation via a nasal cannula were administered during surgery.None of the patients required additional narcotics,vasopressors,or conversion to general anesthesia.The maximum pain score was 2 on an 11-point numerical rating scale.Two patients required one dose of celecoxib 8 h postoperatively and none reported nausea or emesis.CONCLUSION This case series demonstrated that combined two-site TPVB and small-volume IBPB with sedation can be used as an alternative anesthetic modality for MRM,providing good postoperative analgesia.

Ultrasound Guidance Is Helpful for Paravertebral Block Performance and Catheter Placement in Patients with Laminectomy after Thoracotomy or Lumbotomy: A Case Series Imaging Study

Today, the ultrasound guidance (USG) in regional anesthesia is gold standard more and more often used for medial or paramedian approaches around to the spine, such as the paravertebral (PV) block. Local anatomical changes may greatly handicap the performance of this type of block. We present clinical, sonographic, and radiological data on successful PV block and catheter placement in four patients with vertebral diseases, targeting thoracotomy or lumbotomy postoperative pain after stabilization of the involved vertebral body and preliminary arthrodesis with laminectomy by the posterior approach. We emphasize the importance of USG in this special context involving local anatomical disturbance.

Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy between Continuous Transversus Abdominis Plane Block, Lumbar Paravertebral and Epidural Blocks after Abdominal Surgeries

Background: The study was done to assess the postoperative analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided continuous transverses abdominis plane block, continuous lumbar paravertebral block and a continuous lumbar epidural block in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries (unilateral inguinal hernia repair). We compared their analgesic efficacy over the first 48 hour postoperative, in a randomized, single-blind study in 120 patients divided into four equal groups, 30 patients in each group. Methods: 120 patients randomly assigned into four equal groups, with 30 patients in each group. Group T received ultrasound-guided transverses abdominis plane block with 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% followed by continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.125% (0.1 ml/kg/hr) and group P received ultrasound-guided continuous lumbar paravertebral block with bupivacaine 0.25% bolus dose 20 ml, followed by continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.125% (0.1 ml/kg/hr). Group E received continuous lumbar epidural infusion of bupivacaine 0.25% bolus dose 20 ml, followed by continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.125% (0.1 ml/kg/hr) and group C received normal saline bolus dose 20 ml, followed by continuous infusion of normal saline (0.1 ml/kg/hr). General anesthesia induced with fentanyl 1 - 2 μg/kg and propofol 1 - 3 mg/kg followed by atracurium 0.5 mg/kg. At the end of the surgical procedure, we activated the regional block with recording of parameters in the postoperative period each patient was assessed for visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and on movement, analgesic consumption, vital signs and presence of complications (nausea, vomiting, sedation), and postoperative patient satisfaction all data collected postoperatively by a blinded investigator at one, two, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Results: Postoperative analgesic efficacy is more in group E than group P and group T, the latter is least effective in pain control. Also in group E the postoperative analgesic consumption is lower than in group P and group T, re-garding complications as nausea and vomiting more recorded in epidural than the other two groups. Conclusion: Regarding postoperative analgesic efficacy, the continuous lumbar epidural block is more effective than continuous paravertebral and continuous transverses abdominis plane block, but regarding complications, there was a higher incidence in epidural group than other two groups.

The Pattern of Contrast Dye through the Thoracic Paravertebral Catheter Does Not Predict Analgesic Efficacy after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose: We examined whether or not the spreading pattern of contrast dye through the catheter into the thoracic paravertebral space (TPVS) was associated with acute post-operative pain relief after breast cancer surgery. Methods: Sixty patients were recruited. After surgery, patients received thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB). The catheter was inserted within the TPVS, and radiographic contrast dye was injected through the catheter. Based on the main spreading patterns of the dye, the patients were divided into a cloud-like (spreading to the posterior compartment of the TPVS) or a longitudinal spread group (spreading to the anterior compartment of the TPVS). The primary endpoint of the study was pain intensity by numeric rating scale (NRS) and additional analgesic requirements within 12 h after surgery. Results: In 22 patients, the spread of contrast dye was not noted in the PVS. Of the 38 eligible patients, 9 patients were assigned to the cloud-like spread group, 28 patients to the longitudinal spread group and 1 patient was excluded. There were no significant differences in the NRS between the two groups both at rest and on moving. No significant differences were found in the frequency of requiring additional analgesics. Conclusions: There is no marked difference in the analgesic efficacy after breast cancer surgery based on the spread of the contrast dye to the posterior or anterior compartment of the TPVS. We should not insert the needle deeply within the TPVS, as the risk of the migration of catheters into the pleural space can be quite high.

Effects of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia on the secretion of pain-related mediators after modified radical mastectomy

Objective: To investigate the effects of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia on the secretion of pain-related mediators after modified radical mastectomy. Methods: A total of 108 patients with breast cancer who were treated with modified radical mastectomy in this hospital between July 2015 and February 2017 were divided into the control group (n=54) and paravertebral block group (n=54) by random number table. Control group received routine general anesthesia, and paravertebral block group received ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia. The differences in serum levels of pain mediators, inflammatory factors and stress hormones were compared between the two groups of patients immediately after surgery (T0), 6h after surgery (T1), 12h after surgery (T2) and 24h after surgery (T3). Results: At T0, there was no statistically significant difference in serum levels of pain mediators, inflammatory factors and stress hormones between the two groups. At T1, T2 and T3, serum pain mediators NPY, PGE2 and 5-HT levels of paravertebral block group were lower than those of control group;serum inflammatory factors IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 levels were lower than those of control group;serum stress hormones ACTH, Cor, AngⅠ and AngⅡ levels were lower than those of control group. Conclusion: ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia can effectively reduce the release of pain mediators and relieve the systemic inflammatory stress response after modified radical mastectomy.

Effect of ultrasound-guided pleural paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia on serum monocyte chemokinin-1, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels in patients with early breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy

Objective: To investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided pleural paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia on serum monocyte chemokinin-1 (McP-1), interleukin-6 (il-1) and il-10 levels in patients with early breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy. Methods: A total of 76 patients with early breast cancer from October 2015 to July 2018 were selected from our hospital and divided into study group (n=38) and control group (n=38). The control group received general anesthesia, and the study group received ultrasound-guided paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia. Data of two groups of perioperative situation (PCIA press the number, volume of intraoperative sufentanil and PACU time), preoperative and postoperative 12 h, 24 h serum factor (MCP-1, IL-6, IL-10) level, after 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h when pain (VAS) score, preoperative (T1), 15 min after the anesthesia (T2), 5 min after surgery (T3) hemodynamic state [heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP)], the incidence of adverse reactions were counted. Results: (1) Perioperative status: PCIA presses, intraoperative dose of sufentanil and PACU duration in the study group were less than those in the control group. (2) Serum factors: there was no significant difference in serum McP-1, il-6 and il-10 levels between the two groups before operation. The serum levels of McP-1, il-6 and il-10 in the two groups 12 h after operation were higher than those before operation. The serum levels of McP-1, il-6 and il-10 in the two groups at 24 h after surgery were significantly lower than those at 12 h after surgery, and the serum levels of McP-1, il-6 and il-10 in the group at 12 h and 24 h after surgery were lower than those of the control group. (3) Pain degree: the VAS score of the study group at 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h and 24 h after surgery was lower than that of the control group. (4) Hemodynamics: there was no significant difference in HR and MAP between the two groups during T1, HR and MAP in T2 were lower than those in T1, but the level of each indicator in the study group was higher than that in the control group. (5) Adverse Reactions: the incidence of adverse reactions was lower in the study group (10.53%) than in the control group (28.95%). Conclusion: The application of ultrasound guided early breast cancer modified radical block complex general anesthesia thoracic vertebra, can reduce the dosage of anesthetic drugs, shorten the PACU, residence time, reduce postoperative pain, maintain stable hemodynamic state, inhibiting inflammatory reaction caused by surgical trauma degree, and can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, and has safety.

Paravertebral Block in Thoracotomy—Comparison between Single-Shot and Catheter Methods

Aim: Thoracic paravertebral block is increasingly used as a method of postoperative analgesia in thoracic surgery. We aimed to compare two different methods of implementation: paravertebral thoracic block with a catheter placed in the epidural space, and a single injection of anesthetic at the end of surgery. Methods: We randomized 60 patients undergoing VATS, in 17 (group A) single-dose paravertebral block, and in another 21 (group B) catheter technique and postoperative infusion of local anesthetic were used, and in the latter, the control group (C) of 22 patients, analgesia was performed according to a standardized protocol with non-steroidal analgesics and opioids as needed. In all patients, in the early postoperative 48 hours, we measured the intensity of pain and opioid consumption. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the collected preoperative data in the three groups of patients. There were no significant differences in subjective pain sensations in the early postoperative period (up to 12 hours). However, the number of opioids used was significantly lower in groups A and B compared to the control group, and in group B (with catheter technique) after the 12th to 48th hour after surgery there was almost no need for strong analgesics. Conclusion: Continuous infusion of local anesthetic in the area of the surgical incision provides much better pain relief than a single paravertebral block in the area of the incision.

Assessment of the muscle injury, inflammatory response and bone metabolism after paravertebral muscle space and minimally invasive percutaneous approach surgeries for thoracolumbar fracture

Objective: To study the muscle injury, inflammatory response and bone metabolism after paravertebral muscle space and minimally invasive percutaneous approach surgeries for thoracolumbar fracture. Methods: A total of 92 patients with thoracolumbar fractures who were treated in Baoji Central Hospital between May 2015 and January 2017 were selected and randomly divided into paravertebral group and minimally invasive percutaneous group who accepted pedicle screw fixation under different approaches. Before operation as well as 1 d and 3 d after operation, serum was collected to determine the contents of creatase, inflammatory reaction molecules and bone metabolism indexes. Results: Serum Myo, CK, LDH, TNF-α, MCP-1, HMGB-1, CRP, IL-1β, OC, OPG, PICP and PINP levels of both groups 1 d and 3 d after operation were significantly higher than those before operation while TRACP5b, RANKL, CTX and NTX levels were significantly lower than those before operation, and serum Myo, CK, LDH, TNF-α, MCP-1, HMGB-1, CRP, IL-1β, TRACP5b, RANKL, CTX and NTX levels of paravertebral group 1 d and 3 d after operation were significantly lower than those of minimally invasive percutaneous group while OC, OPG, PICP and PINP levels were significantly higher than those of minimally invasive percutaneous group. Conclusion:Paravertebral muscle space surgery for thoracolumbar fracture is more effective than minimally invasive percutaneous surgery in reducing muscle injury and inflammatory response, and improving bone metabolism.

Clinical effect of acupuncture along fascia,meridians,and nerves combined with ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia:a randomized parallel-controlled study

OBJECTIVE:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture along fascia,meridians,and nerves combined with ultrasound-guided nerve blockage in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.METHODS:A total of 61 outpatients with post-chest and back herpes zoster neuralgia were recruited in the Department of Pain at the Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from May 2019 to June 2021.They were randomly divided into two groups.Thirty-one patients in the control group were treated with ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral nerve block(PVB)alone,one patient declined to continue during treatment(n=30),and thirty patients in the observation group received the acupuncture along the fascia,meridians,and nerves combined with ultrasound-guided PVB treatment(n=30).Both control and observation group received treatment weekly for 4 weeks.The medical history data such as age,sex,presence or absence of comorbidities and disease course were analyzed.The visual analog scale(VAS)score was used to assess the pain degree of two groups at T0(before treatment),T1(1-time treatment ended),T2(2 times treatment ended),T3(3 times treatment ended),and T4(4 times treatment ended).The sleep state was examined by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)before and after the study.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in general conditions between the control group and the observation group(P>0.05).The VAS score in both control and observation group was decreased in a time-dependent manner after 1-4 weeks of treatment.There were no significant differences in VAS scores between the two groups after 1 or 2 weeks of treatment(P>0.05).After 3 and 4 weeks of treatment,the VAS score was significantly decreased in the observation group compared with that in the control group(P<0.001).In addition,the reduction in VAS score(after treatment-before treatment)between the two groups was statistically significant[D value:-1.53,95%CI(-2.32,0.74),P<0.001].Furthermore,the sleep state of patients in both groups markedly improved and much obvious in the observation group than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:These results suggest that a combination of acupuncture along fascia,meridians,and nerves with ultrasound-guided PVB treatment is more effective than ultrasound-guided PVB treatment alone.