Interspace between the Popliteal Artery and the Capsule of the Knee (IPACK) Block for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: A Two Case Series

This case series describes the use of Interspace between the Popliteal Artery and the Capsule of the Knee (IPACK) block to provide motor-sparing analgesia for two consecutive patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) by the same surgeon. Case 1 demonstrates the use of a proximal IPACK block as a post-operative rescue block for a patient who still experienced severe pain despite having received a femoral nerve block and parenteral opioids. Case 2 describes the use of a modified IPACK block as part of a multimodal approach with opioid and motor sparing effects. In both cases, the IPACK block provided satisfactory pain relief in the immediate postoperative period without motor weakness, making it an effective analgesic method for day surgery. With the IPACK block shown to be an effective nerve block for ACLR, we explore other advantages, limitations and further research required to better define the role of this block.

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Open and Laparoscopic Liver Surgery: Two Case Reports

Epidural analgesia has long been regarded as the gold standard in abdominal surgery. However, concerns regarding risks associated with central neuraxial blockade, catheter placement and the presence of coagulopathy in patients undergoing liver resection have limited its use. Bilateral erector spinae plane blocks and catheter placement may mimic the effects of epidural analgesia by blocking both somatic and visceral pain while concomitantly avoiding central neuraxial blockade and catheter placement. We describe our experience in using the erector spinae plane block and catheter placement as part of a multimodal analgesia approach in a patient undergoing laparoscopic and another patient undergoing open liver resection. Our findings concur with previous reports which suggest that erector spinae plane blocks may be more efficacious as somatic rather than visceral analgesia. However, we conclude that further studies on factors affecting its efficacy should be conducted in view of the present lack of researched evidence.

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Mastectomy and Breast Flap Reconstructive Surgery: A Three Case Series

Uncontrolled pain after breast surgery can have early to chronic repercussions. The repertoire of pre-emptive opioid-sparing analgesic options includes regional blocks such as paravertebral blocks to myofascial blocks and more recently the Erector Spinae (ESP) block. Case 1 demonstrates the ESP block as an easy and conveniently performed post-operative rescue block for a patient who still experienced uncontrolled pain despite a combination of myofascial blocks and systemic analgesics. Case 2 and 3 demonstrate the advantage of providing an extensive coverage of surgical field in breast reconstruction surgery covering variable donor sites. It was due to the extent of coverage, that allowed the placement of ESP block catheter distantly without interrupting the surgical site. Post operative prolongation of pain relief was also successful by titrating analgesia via intermittent boluses. In our case series, the ESP block consistently and safely provided satisfactory pain relief for breast reconstruction surgery. It can be a viable option for peri-operative analgesia compared to other more invasive or less extensive alternatives.

A Comparison of Local Infiltration Analgesia and PECS II Block for Analgesia in Mastectomy with Axillary Dissection—A Randomised Equivalence Study

Objective: Various analgesic techniques can be used for a mastectomy with axillary dissection with varying degrees of efficacy. In our institution, local anaesthesia infiltration (LIA) is commonly performed by surgeons. In this study, we hypothesise that the relatively novel PECS II block is equivalent to the analgesic profile of LIA. Methodology: In this single center, prospective, randomised control trial, 40 patients undergoing unilateral mastectomy with axillary dissection were randomly assigned to receive either 30 ml 0.5% ropivacaine before skin via LIA by a specialist breast surgeon during surgery or 30 ml 0.5% ropivacaine via PECS II block, before skin incision. Fentanyl was used as rescue analgesia intraoperatively, and all patients received morphine via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device postoperatively. The primary outcome was the difference in total morphine consumption in 24 hours between the 2 groups after surgery with equivalency set at ±1 mg. Secondary outcomes included time to rescue analgesia after block administration, post-operative pain score over 24 hours, adverse effects encountered, total intraoperative opioid usage, effect on operative time, block performance time as well as block and surgery related complications. Results: Unadjusted mean PCA morphine consumption over 24 hours post-operatively comparing local infiltration analgesia (LIA) to that of PECS II at 95% confidence interval was -1.22 mg (95% CI: -3.77, 1.33). Total IV Fentanyl use comparing LIA to PECS II was 2.53 ± 0.98 mcg/kg and 1.96 ± 0.57 mcg, P = 0.035. There were no other significant differences in the secondary outcome. Conclusion: We conclude there is a lack of equivalence between that of LIA and PECS II block, with the PECS II block providing superior analgesia.