Advances in epidural labor analgesia:Effectiveness and treatment strategies of butorphanol

In this editorial,we provide a critical review of the article by Tang et al published in the World J Clin Cases,focusing on the utilization of butorphanol for epidural analgesia during labor.Our discussion encompasses recent research developments in epidural labor analgesia,specifically highlighting the current status of clinical applications of butorphanol and associated treatment approaches.Epidural analgesia is widely acknowledged as the primary method for pain management during labor,offering effective and prolonged pain relief while allowing mothers to remain alert and actively participate in the delivery process.Among the various drugs utilized for epidural labor analgesia,butorphanol has received increasing attention due to its potential efficacy and distinctive pharmacological properties.As a synthetic opioid analgesic,butorphanol exhibits both agonistic and antagonistic activity on opioid receptors,striking a balance between analgesia and minimizing side effects.Nevertheless,the safety and efficacy of butorphanol in epidural labor analgesia remains controversial.While certain studies have reported positive outcomes with butorphanol,including effective pain relief and a reduced incidence of side effects,others have raised concerns about its safety and efficacy compared to traditional opioids or alternative analgesics.In addition,the optimal dosing strategy and regimen of butorphanol as an adjuvant in epidural labor analgesia still need to be verified.Through comprehensive synthesis and analysis of existing literature,we aim to evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of butorphanol for epidural labor analgesia,delineate areas of consensus and controversy,and propose future avenues for research and clinical practice in this domain.

Safety and effectiveness of butorphanol in epidural labor analgesia:A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Epidural analgesia is the most effective analgesic method during labor.Butorphanol administered epidurally has been shown to be a successful analgesic method during labor.However,no comprehensive study has examined the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.AIM To assess butorphanol's safety and efficacy for epidural labor analgesia.METHODS The PubMed,Cochrane Library,EMBASE,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and Google Scholar databases will be searched from inception.Other types of literature,such as conference abstracts and references to pertinent reviews,will also be reviewed.We will include randomized controlled trials comparing butorphanol with other opioids combined with local anesthetics for epidural analgesia during labor.There will be no language restrictions.The primary outcomes will include the visual analog scale score for the first stage of labor,fetal effects,and Apgar score.Two independent reviewers will evaluate the full texts,extract data,and assess the risk of bias.Publication bias will be evaluated using Egger's or Begg's tests as well as visual analysis of a funnel plot,and heterogeneity will be evaluated using the Cochran Q test,P values,and I2 values.Meta-analysis,subgroup analysis,and sensitivity analysis will be performed using RevMan software version 5.4.This protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)Protocols statement,and the PRISMA statement will be used for the systematic review.RESULTS This study provides reliable information regarding the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.CONCLUSION To support clinical practice and development,this study provides evidence-based findings regarding the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.

Effect of intraoperative injection of esketamine on postoperative analgesia and postoperative rehabilitation after cesarean section

BACKGROUND Following cesarean section,a significant number of women encounter moderate to severe pain.Inadequate management of acute pain post-cesarean section can have far-reaching implications,adversely impacting maternal emotional wellbeing,daily activities,breastfeeding,and neonatal care.It may also impede maternal organ function recovery,leading to escalated opioid usage,heightened risk of postpartum depression,and the development of chronic postoperative pain.Both the Chinese Enhanced Recovery After Surgery(ERAS)guidelines and the American ERAS Society guidelines consistently advocate for the adoption of multimodal analgesia protocols in post-cesarean section pain management.Esketamine,functioning as an antagonist of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor,has been validated for pain management in surgical patients and has exhibited effectiveness in depression treatment.Research has suggested that incorporating esketamine into postoperative pain management via pain pumps can lead to improvements in short-term depression and pain outcomes.This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of administering a single dose of esketamine during cesarean section.AIM To investigate the effect of intraoperative injection of esketamine on postoperative analgesia and postoperative rehabilitation after cesarean section.METHODS A total of 315 women undergoing elective cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia were randomized into three groups:low-dose esketamine(0.15 mg/kg),high-dose esketamine(0.25 mg/kg),and control(saline).Postoperative Visual Analog Scale(VAS)scores were recorded at 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours,and 48 hours.Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale(EPDS)scores were noted on 2 days,7 days and 42 days.Ramsay sedation scores were assessed at specified intervals post-injection.Postoperative adverse reactions were also recorded.RESULTS Low-dose group and high-dose group compared to control group,had significantly lower postoperative VAS pain scores at 6 hours 12 hours,and 24 hours(P<0.05),with reduced analgesic usage(P<0.05).EPDS scores and postpartum depression rates were significantly lower on 2 days and 7 days(P<0.05).No significant differences in first exhaust and defecation times were observed(P>0.05),but ambulation times were shorter(P<0.05).Ramsay scores were higher at 5 minutes,15 minutes,and upon room exit(P<0.05).Low-dose group and high-dose group had higher incidences of hallucination,lethargy,and diplopia within 2 hours(P<0.05),and with low-dose group had lower incidences of hallucination,lethargy,and diplopia than high-dose group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Esketamine enhances analgesia and postpartum recovery;a 0.15 mg/kg dose is optimal for cesarean sections,balancing efficacy with minimized adverse effects.

Butorphanol in epidural:Could this be the breakthrough solution for safe and effective labor analgesia that we've been waiting for?

The authors have conducted a comprehensive investigation into the safety and effectiveness of butorphanol for epidural analgesia during labor.Their critical analysis of the paper and discussion of the technique's advantages and disadvantages provide a thorough understanding of the topic.

Effect of different anesthetic modalities with multimodal analgesia on postoperative pain level in colorectal tumor patients

BACKGROUND According to clinical data,a significant percentage of patients experience pain after surgery,highlighting the importance of alleviating postoperative pain.The current approach involves intravenous self-control analgesia,often utilizing opioid analgesics such as morphine,sufentanil,and fentanyl.Surgery for colo-rectal cancer typically involves general anesthesia.Therefore,optimizing anes-thetic management and postoperative analgesic programs can effectively reduce perioperative stress and enhance postoperative recovery.The study aims to analyze the impact of different anesthesia modalities with multimodal analgesia on patients'postoperative pain.AIM To explore the effects of different anesthesia methods coupled with multi-mode analgesia on postoperative pain in patients with colorectal cancer.METHODS Following the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria,a total of 126 patients with colorectal cancer admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were included,of which 63 received general anesthesia coupled with multi-mode labor pain and were set as the control group,and 63 received general anesthesia associated with epidural anesthesia coupled with multi-mode labor pain and were set as the research group.After data collection,the effects of postoperative analgesia,sedation,and recovery were compared.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the research group had shorter recovery times for orientation,extubation,eye-opening,and spontaneous respiration(P<0.05).The research group also showed lower Visual analog scale scores at 24 h and 48 h,higher Ramany scores at 6 h and 12 h,and improved cognitive function at 24 h,48 h,and 72 h(P<0.05).Additionally,interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels were significantly reduced at various time points in the research group compared to the control group(P<0.05).Levels of CD3+,CD4+,and CD4+/CD8+were also lower in the research group at multiple time points(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For patients with colorectal cancer,general anesthesia coupled with epidural anesthesia and multi-mode analgesia can achieve better postoperative analgesia and sedation effects,promote postoperative rehabilitation of patients,improve inflammatory stress and immune status,and have higher safety.

Spinal Analgesia with Intrathecal Morphine versus Conventional Analgesia after Laparoscopic Colectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: Postoperative pain (POP) following abdominal surgery can vary from a few hours to several days. This acute, unrelieved pain can become chronic, requiring patients to take analgesics on an almost daily basis for comfort. Analgesia using general opioids has many side effects and intrathecal morphine is a good alternative. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal morphine (ITM) versus conventional analgesia in the management of postoperative pain in colectomy performed by laparoscopic surgery. Methods: Cohort study conducted at the Hôpital Nord in Marseille, from 01 January to 31 July 2021 in patients aged at least 18 years undergoing anaesthesia for scheduled colectomy by laparoscopic surgery. The primary endpoint was postoperative pain intensity and the secondary endpoints were morphine consumption, treatment side effects and length of hospital stay. Statistical analysis was performed using XLSTAT software. Results: We included 193 patients: 131 in the control group (conventional analgesia) and 62 in the ITM group. We observed: a significant decrease in pain (assessed by numerical scale) in favour of the ITM group in the post-anaesthetic care room, i.e. 3 (±4) vs 1 (±2), p 0 and H2: 2 (±2) vs. 1 (±2);p Conclusion: These results suggest that intrathecal morphine (ITM) in laparoscopic colectomy provides effective postoperative analgesia with low morphine consumption, and a reduction in morphine side-effects compared with conventional analgesia.

Postoperative Analgesia and Cesarean Section under General Anesthesia: Multicenter Study

Background: Neuraxial anesthesia with intrathecal morphine is the reference technique in cesarean section anesthesia for the management of postoperative analgesia. If there is a contraindication to this, general anesthesia is required. The objective of the study was to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of 4 analgesic techniques performed during cesarean section under general anesthesia in two centers with different anesthetic practices (North Franche Comté Hospital and Omar Bongo Ondimba Army Training Hospital). Method: This is a retrospective and descriptive study over 2 years, from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. It involved evaluating the analgesic effectiveness and tolerance of morphine in the epidural catheter, wound infiltration, intravenous analgesia and Transversus Abdominous Plane block (TAP block) from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) until the 4th post-operative day. Results: Of the 354 cesarean sections performed, 84 (11.14%) received general anesthesia. The average age was 32.27 years. Acute fetal distress was the first indication for cesarean section (45.2%), followed by hemorrhagic placenta previa (10.7%) and prolapse of the cord (8.33%). Morphine in the epidural catheter was the most used (47.6%) followed by parietal infiltration (36.9%), intravenous analgesia (13.1%) and TAP block (2.38%). The analgesic effectiveness was comparable between the techniques from postoperative day 0 to day 4. No difference in side effects. Postoperative morphine consumption was significantly reduced (p = 0.011) in the infiltration (9 mg) and TAP block (9mg) groups compared to the epidural catheter (16 mg) and intravenous analgesia (17 mg). No difference in 02 rehabilitation criteria (ambulation, first bowel movement). No difference in the occurrence of chronic pain. Conclusion: In the event of a cesarean section under general anesthesia, there are effective and well-tolerated alternatives to neuraxial anesthesia, particularly regional anesthesia techniques (nerve blocks), particularly in countries with low availability of morphine.

Application of dezocine patient-controlled epidural analgesia in postoperative analgesia in patients with total myomectomy

BACKGROUND Uterine fibroids are common benign gynecological conditions.Patients who experience excessive menstruation,anemia,and pressure symptoms should be administered medication,and severe cases require a total hysterectomy.This procedure is invasive and causes severe postoperative pain,which can affect the patient’s postoperative sleep quality and,thus,the recovery process.AIM To evaluate use of dezocine in patient-controlled epidural analgesia(PCEA)for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing total myomectomy.METHODS We selected 100 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy for uterine fibroids and randomized them into two groups:A control group receiving 0.2%ropivacaine plus 0.06 mg/mL of morphine and an observation group receiving 0.2%ropivacaine plus 0.3 mg/mL of diazoxide in their PCEA.Outcomes assessed included pain levels,sedation,recovery indices,PCEA usage,stress factors,and sleep quality.RESULTS The observation group showed lower visual analog scale scores,shorter postoperative recovery indices,fewer mean PCEA compressions,lower cortisol and blood glucose levels,and better polysomnographic parameters compared to the control group(P<0.05).The cumulative incidence of adverse reactions was lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Dezocine PCEA can effectively control the pain associated with total myomectomy,reduce the negative impact of stress factors,and have less impact on patients’sleep,consequently resulting in fewer adverse effects.

Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block enhances postoperative analgesia and recovery in thoracoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND The serratus anterior muscle,located in the lateral aspect of the thorax,plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability.Thoracoscopic surgery,while minimally invasive,often results in significant postoperative pain,complicating patient recovery and potentially extending hospital stays.Traditional anesthesia methods may not adequately address this pain,leading to increased complications such as agitation due to inadequate pain management.AIM To evaluate the application value of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block(SAPB)in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery,focusing on its effects on postoperative analgesia and rehabilitation.METHODS Eighty patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery between August 2021 and December 2022 were randomly divided into two groups:An observation group receiving ultrasound-guided SAPB and a control group receiving standard care without SAPB.Both groups underwent general anesthesia and were monitored for blood pressure,heart rate(HR),oxygen saturation,and pulse.The primary outcomes measured included mean arterial pressure(MAP),HR,postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS)scores for pain,supplemental analgesic use,and incidence of agitation.RESULTS The observation group showed significantly lower cortisol and glucose concentrations at various time points post-operation compared to the control group,indicating reduced stress responses.Moreover,MAP and HR levels were lower in the observation group during and after surgery.VAS scores were significantly lower in the observation group at 1 h,4 h,6 h,and 12 h post-surgery,and the rates of analgesic supplementation and agitation were significantly reduced compared to the control group.CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided SAPB significantly improves postoperative analgesia and reduces agitation in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.This technique stabilizes perioperative vital signs,decreases the need for supplemental analgesics,and minimizes postoperative pain and stress responses,underscoring its high application value in enhancing patient recovery and rehabilitation post-thoracoscopy.

Ultrasound-guided sphenopalatine ganglion block for effective analgesia during awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation: A case report

BACKGROUND Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation(AFNI)is the preferred airway ma-nagement strategy for patients with difficult airways.However,this procedure can cause significant physical and psychological distress.This case report explores the application of a sphenopalatine ganglion(SPG)block as an alternative anal-gesic modality to mitigate the discomfort associated with AFNI.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old female with a history of right maxillary osteosarcoma underwent craniotomy for a suspected malignant brain lesion.The patient’s medical history included prior surgery,chemotherapy,and radiation therapy,resulting in signi-ficant jaw impairment and limited neck mobility.Considering the anticipated air-way challenges,AFNI was planned.A SPG block was performed under real-time ultrasound guidance,providing effective analgesia during nasotracheal intuba-tion.CONCLUSION The SPG block represents a promising analgesic approach in AFNI,offering po-tential benefits in alleviating pain involving the nasal and nasopharyngeal regions as well as improving patient cooperation.

Midpoint transverse process to pleura block for postoperative analgesia following laparoscopic renal cyst decortication:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The midpoint transverse process to pleura(MTP)block,a novel technique for thoracic paravertebral block(TPVB),was first employed in laparoscopic renal cyst decortication.CASE SUMMARY Thoracic paravertebral nerve block is frequently employed for perioperative analgesia during laparoscopic cyst decortication.To address safety concerns associated with TPVBs,we administered MTP blocks in two patients prior to administering general anesthesia for laparoscopic cyst decortication.The MTP block was performed at the T9 level under ultrasound guidance,with 20 mL of 0.5%ropivacaine injected.Reduced sensation to cold and pinprick was observed from the T8 to T11 dermatome levels.Immediately postoperative Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores were 0/10 at rest and on movement,with none exceeding a mean 24 h numeric rating scale>3.CONCLUSION MTP block was effective technique for providing postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing laparoscopic renal cyst decortication.

Pattern of Referral of Obstetric Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: Health challenges that are difficult to manage at primary health centres should be referred to secondary health facilities, and if untreated, to the tertiary hospitals. A good referral should include the patient’s biography, such as age, gender, tribe, religion, occupation, medical history, the reason for the referral, treatments received, and clinical diagnosis. Objectives: To evaluate the referral patterns, indications for referrals, and feto-maternal outcomes for obstetric patients who were referred to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of patients admitted to the Obstetric unit from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. Data was collected from patients while on admission or clinic visits and recorded in an excel spread sheet. Data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: Of the 3469 patients were admitted to the obstetric unit, 1476 and 1993 were admitted in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Most (70.35%) of the patients were in the 20-34 years age group, parity 1-4 was the most frequent (66.49%), while 85.39% of patients were booked. 10.46% of the booked patients were referred from other facilities, whereas 89.54% of patients were booked at our facility from the onset. Most common indications of referrals were previous caesarean section (CS) at term (40.09%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (17.59%). The outcome for 2021 indicated 17 maternal deaths, 132 fetal deaths and 1010 live births, giving maternal mortality ratio (MMR) as 1810.44 per 100,000 live births and perinatal mortality ratio (PMR) of 130.7 per 1000 births respectively. In 2022, there were 17 maternal deaths, 130 fetal deaths and 1297 deliveries, giving a MMR of 1399 per 100,000 live births and a PMR of 100.2 per 1000 births. Conclusion: The pattern of referral among obstetric patients in this study shows that a lot of the patients do not get adequate care at the lower cadre of the referral system, hence adequate facilities should be made available in primary and secondary health centres to tackle obstetric emergencies.

Disparities across the CREOG Districts —Variations of Wellness and Inclusivity Efforts in Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Websites between Two Consecutive Years

Background: Few studies have focused on the geographic and chronologic assessment of inclusivity and wellness in Obstetrics and Gynecology residency websites across the US. Objective: To identify variations in wellness and inclusivity website depictions across CREOG districts over the past two years. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the websites of ACGME-accredited OB/GYN residency programs across the United States between April 2022 and April 2023. The assessment was based on a compilation of 22 attributes devised and piloted by 49 medical students. A racially, geographically, and gender-diverse cohort of 11 students performed data collection. Results: A total of 560 websites were analyzed over two years. Wellness efforts remained unchanged in both years (website content, dedicated support personnel, and group activities). In 2023, a reduction in referencing of wellness (22%) and inclusivity (30%) occurred in leadership messaging. However, a 7% increase in the use of inclusive pronouns was noted. A reduction in gender diversity was identified (9% in faculty, 5% in residents), with programs favoring female-only teams. Similarly, a 7% reduction in the number of underrepresented in medicine faculty and residents was noted. A 15% reduction was noted in curricula referencing inclusivity in their mission statement and inclusivity focused research. Conclusions: This study suggests the variations across websites relative to inclusivity and wellness over the past two years. Updated websites may provide an accurate reflection of the offerings of programs and their investment in wellness and inclusivity across the nation.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Exploring Its Impact on Obstetrical Outcomes

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) disrupts ovulation leading to both infertility and miscarriage;yet, its impact on obstetrical outcomes remains largely uncertain due to conflicting findings. We analyzed data from the CDC Pregnancy Risk Assessment of Monitoring System, specifically Standard Core and Phase 8 responses, with 9549 respondents across the United States through SPSS 28 software in this cross-sectional study. Two variables assessed PCOS status in respondents: history of PCOS and PCOS during pregnancy. With a history of PCOS, there were significantly increased odds of diabetic (OR 1.665, p < 0.001), hypertensive disorders (OR 1.589, p < 0.001) during pregnancy, neonatal mortality (OR 1.550, p < 0.001), cesarean section (C/S) (OR 1.489, p < 0.001), and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) (OR 2.081, p < 0.001). With PCOS diagnosed during pregnancy, there were significantly greater odds of diabetes (OR 3.278, p < 0.001), hypertensive disorders (OR 2.935, p < 0.001) during pregnancy, and significantly decreased risk for small for gestational age (2 standard deviations) (OR 0.337, p = 0.024). PCOS is a significant risk factor that contributes to maternal morbidity. Our results support the hypothesis that PCOS’ impact extends well into a woman’s obstetrical journey, with varying degrees of associated adverse maternal and fetal risks. Preliminary pathophysiologic explanations associated with PCOS gestational diabetes include pre-existing insulin resistance. Meanwhile, altered placentation and endovascular changes associated with PCOS secondary to a baseline deranged metabolic environment predispose patients to developing hypertensive disorders, PPROM, and preterm delivery. Associations between neonatal mortality and C/S can be attributed to elevated maternal body mass index. The pathophysiologic link between PCOS and the above obstetrical outcomes still remains unknown, necessitating further investigation;however, this study identifies the outcomes that require the most attention at this time.

The Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancies in a Developed Cosmopolitan Middle Eastern Country: A Retrospective Pearl-Peristat Registry

Background: Early marriage is prevalent in Middle Eastern culture. The objective of this study was to investigate the pregnancy outcomes of married pregnant adolescents in a prosperous and highly developed Middle Eastern society, when they receive sufficient prenatal care and social assistance. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the Peristat-based Maternal-Newborn registry utilizing hospital data acquired from four main governmental hospitals in Qatar. The study analyzed the pregnancy outcomes of young adults [ages 20 - 24) who experienced their first pregnancy and compared them to the pregnancy outcomes of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. Results: The study comprised a cohort of 3152 pregnant married women. This cohort included 2674 women between the ages of 20 and 24, as well as 478 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. In comparison to the young adult group, the non-Qatari population in the adolescent group was significantly higher (78.6% (376/478) vs. 71.5% (1914/2674), p-value = 0.003). Other Arab nationalities accounted for more than half of the adolescent population. All the mothers were married, did not use alcohol, and were nonsmokers. There were no documented mothers under the age of 15. Attending antenatal clinics was significantly higher in the adolescent group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean gestational age at birth between adolescents and young adults (38.5 ± 2.3 weeks vs. 38.7 ± 2.1 weeks, p = 0.06). Furthermore, adolescent mothers had a higher rate of low birth weight (13.6% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.001) than young mothers. There was a non-statistically significant rise in pre-eclampsia incidence. Other unfavorable pregnancy outcomes were less common among them, such as diabetes, operative vaginal delivery, caesarean section, stillbirth, NICU hospitalization, and an Apgar score of less than 7 at five minutes. There were no maternal deaths;however, there was a comparable rate of neonatal in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Pregnancy during adolescence may not relate to significant problems in a well-tolerant culture that ensures dedicated antenatal and social support.

Risk Stratification in Obstetrics: An Integrated Approach to Maternal Health

Introduction: Prenatal care is crucial for maternal and fetal health, highlighting the importance of obstetric risk stratification. This enables personalized care, avoiding unnecessary interventions and reducing costs. Conditions such as first trimester bleeding, spontaneous abortion, gestational trophoblastic disease, and ectopic pregnancy require specific approaches. Early identification of these complications is vital, especially in urgent and emergency obstetric cases, which demand immediate hospital attention. Objective: Comprehensive review of first trimester pathologies and gestational hypertension, focusing on obstetric risks and personalized prenatal management. Methods: Literature review on bleeding and gestational hypertension. Results: The study provides a detailed analysis of pathologies associated with first trimester uterine bleeding and hypertensive disorders, focusing on obstetric risk stratification. The main causes of maternal and fetal mortality are hypertensive disorders, hemorrhages, infections, childbirth complications, and abortion. Spontaneous abortion is common, with different classifications, ranging from threatened to missed abortion. Infected abortion is a severe complication. Brazil has restrictive abortion laws, but many unsafe abortions occur, resulting in high public health costs. Pharmacological treatment with misoprostol is a safe option. Other pathologies include gestational trophoblastic disease, ectopic pregnancy, and placenta previa. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are severe conditions requiring immediate treatment to avoid complications. Conclusion: Early identification and management of obstetric risk factors, such as uterine bleeding, are essential for positive maternal and fetal outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Nursing Staff towards Obstetric Fistula at the Abeche University Hospital, Chad

Introduction: Prevention of obstetric fistula (OF) remains a challenge in Chad where its incidence is 464 cases/year. The present study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of nursing staff towards obstetric fistula. Patients and Method: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study including nursing staff at the Abéché University Hospital. The survey took place from March to May 2023 and the sampling was exhaustive. Data collection was done using a form including a questionnaire on sociodemographic parameters, knowledge and attitudes. Participation in the study was voluntary and individual. Results: Participation in the study was 76.11%. Emergency department staff were the most represented, followed by gynecology-obstetrics staff with 34.4% and 20.91% of cases respectively. Nurses represented 53.17% of participants followed by doctors (23.52%). An exact definition of obstetric fistula was reported by 7.84% of participants and it was partial in 80.39%. The level of knowledge of risk factors was considered good in 12.41%. Exact knowledge of clinical signs was reported by 74.5% of cases. Among the participants, 1.96% reported that the treatment of obstetric fistula is traditional. Knowledge about means of prevention was considered good by 13.72% (n = 21), and attitudes by 26.79%? Obstetric fistula knowledge was influenced by profession (doctor, p = 0.011) and attitudes by service (p = 0.004) and profession (doctor, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Obstetric fistula is a curable disease whose prevention remains possible and requires good knowledge of the disease and the promotion of safe motherhood. This study should serve as a basis for the establishment of the obstetric fistula module in the curriculum of healthcare personnel and the promotion of continuing training for its eradication.

Evaluation of The Effectiveness of Abdominal and Vaginal B-Ultrasound in The Diagnosis of Acute Abdomen in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of the combined application of abdominal and vaginal B-ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute abdomen in obstetrics and gynecology. Methods: Eighty patients admitted to our hospital from March 2023 to March 2024 were selected, all of whom were acute abdomen patients admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In this study, the patients were divided into two groups. One group of 40 patients was given a simple abdominal B-ultrasound diagnosis (control group). The other group of 40 patients was given both abdominal and vaginal B-ultrasound examinations (experimental group). The diagnostic accuracy between the two groups was compared. Results: Patients in the experimental group had higher consistency rates with pathological diagnosis results in ectopic pregnancy rupture, embryonic arrest, acute pelvic inflammation, corpus luteum rupture, and intrauterine adhesions as compared to the control group. At the same time, the inspection accuracy rate of the experimental group (92.50%) was higher than that of the control group (70.00%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combined application of abdominal and vaginal B-ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute abdomen was of great significance in improving the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and guiding doctors to provide effective treatment.

A systematic Review of the Safety and Effectiveness of Epidural Analgesia for Labor Analgesia

Objective To re-evaluate the systematic review of the safety and effectiveness of epidural analgesia(EA)for labor analgesia.Methods The Cochrane database,PubMed,EMBASE,EBSCO,Web of Science,ScienceDirect,China Biomedical Literature database,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP databases were searched,and the search time was limited to August 2020.Two researchers screened the literature and extracted data according to the inclusion criteria.AMSTAR was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies.Pain intensity and pain relief satisfaction were used as the main indicators for re-evaluation of the effectiveness.Midwifery rate,cesarean section rate,back pain,fever,nausea and vomiting,umbilical artery pH value,and newborn Apgar score were used as the main indicators to re-evaluate the safety.Results and Conclusion A total of 9 meta-analyses were included.The safety and effectiveness of EA and opioid intravenous analgesia,acupuncture stimulation,inhalation analgesia,no analgesia,and continuous delivery were evaluated separately.The included systematic reviews showed that EA could increase the rate of device-assisted delivery,causing maternal fever,and prolonging the first and second stages of labor.But the incidence of back pain,nausea,and vomiting was lower.Therefore,analgesia had a good effect with better satisfactory degree.Current evidence shows that EA is safe and effective for labor analgesia,but the quality of the reports of current studies is not high.

Efficacy of patient-controlled hydromorphone analgesia in those undergoing uterine fibroid artery embolization via the right radial artery

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of patient-controlled analgesia(PCA) with hydromorphone as perioperative analgesia during uterine artery embolization(UAE) via the right radial artery.Patients and methods: A total of 33 patients with uterine fibroids, who underwent UAE at the authors’ hospital between June 2021 and March 2022, were selected. Hydromorphone(10 mg) was dispensed into a 100 ml PCA pump with normal saline. Pump administration was initiated 15 min before the start of the procedure, and the intraoperative dose was adjusted according to patient pain level. A numerical rating scale was used to evaluate pain immediately after embolization, 5 min after embolization, at the end of the procedure, and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after the procedure. Side effects were also observed.Results: Thirty-three patients underwent uterine artery embolization via the right radial artery. Patient pain was well controlled at all time points surveyed, and patients reported satisfaction with analgesia. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days. There were 7 cases of adverse reactions, but no serious side effects were observed.Conclusion: Patients reported positive experiences with arterial embolization of uterine fibroids via the right radial artery. Hydromorphone PCA effectively controlled pain. The PCA pump is easy to operate, has a low incidence of adverse reactions, and offers economic benefits at the patient and institutional levels.