Hemodynamic instability following intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion for sedation under brachial plexus block: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Dexmedetomidine(DMED)is frequently used as a sedative in several medical fields.The benefits of DMED include enhanced quality of regional anesthesia,prolonged analgesia,and postoperative opioid-sparing when administered intravenously or perineurally in combination with regional anesthesia.Severe hemodynamic complications,such as profound bradycardia and hypotension,can occur after DMED administration in critically ill patients or overdosage;however,there are few reports of complications with DMED administration following brachial plexus block(BPB).CASE SUMMARY We present two cases of hemodynamic instability that occurred following the initial loading of DMED under supraclavicular BPB.A healthy 29-year-old man without any medical history showed profound bradycardia after receiving a loading dose of DMED 0.9μg/kg for 9 min.DMED administration was promptly stopped,and after receiving a second dose of atropine,the heart rate recovered.A 62-year-old woman with a history of cardiomyopathy became hypotensive abruptly,requiring the administration of inotrope and vasopressors after receiving a reduced loading dose of 0.5μg/kg for 10 min.Half of the recommended loading dose of DMED was administered due to the underlying heart dysfunction.Decrea-sed blood pressure was maintained despite the intravenous administration of ephedrine.With continuous infusion of dopamine and norepinephrine,the vital signs were maintained within normal ranges.Inotropic and vasopressor support was required for over 6 h after the initial loading dose of DMED.CONCLUSION DMED administration following BPB could trigger hemodynamic instability in patients with decreased cardiac function as well as in healthy individuals.

Lumbar-Sacral Plexus Block Anesthesia versus General Anesthesia for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Case Control Study

Background: Peripheral block techniques for total hip arthroplasty have been used as an analgesic strategy, only a few studies described it as an anesthetic technique, so the perioperative performance and safety are poorly studied. Methods: 78 total hip arthroplasties were prospectively observed in our hospital. Divided into 2 groups: 1) General anesthesia;and 2) Lumbar sacral plexus block anesthesia. Variables measured in both groups were: demographics, conversion to general anesthesia, total opioid doses, surgical time, blood loss, postoperative pain, use and total dose of vasopressors drugs, transfusion and ICU transfer needs, postoperative ambulation time, and length of hospital stay. T student and chi-square tests were used upon the case. A significant difference was considered when a value of p < 0.05 was obtained. Descriptive statistics were performed in frequency, percentages, variance and standard deviation. Results: 3 patients (7.3%) anesthetized with combined lumbar sacral plexus block were converted to general anesthesia. When comparing peripheral nerve block and general anesthesia, less intraoperative (p = 0.000) and postoperative (p = 0.002) opioid consumption were noted, less postoperative pain in PACU (p = 0.002) and in the first 24 hours (p = 0.005), as well as earlier onset of ambulation (p = 0.008) and shorter hospital stay (p = 0.031). Conclusions: In our study, the lumbar and sacral plexus block anesthesia technique provided anesthetic conditions to perform hip joint arthroplasty and it was proved to be advantageous in comparison to general anesthesia.

Ultrasound Guidance and Nerve Stimulation Combined Versus Nerve Stimulation alone for Lumbar Plexus Block:A Randomized Controlled Trial

A nerve stimulation-guided lumbar plexus block is a well-established technique.It is not clear whether ultrasound guidance has additional value for this deep block technique.This study aimed to examine whether ultrasound guidance using a paramedian transverse scan through the intertransverse space(PMTS-ITS)approach in combination with nerve stimulation reduces the onset time of a complete sensory block.Forty-four patients who were scheduled to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery with an ultrasound visibility score(UVS)of≥10 for the lumbar plexus were enrolled and randomly allocated to the ultrasound guidance with nerve stimulation group(group U-N)or nerve stimulation group(group N)in this prospective,randomized,parallel-group,active-controlled study.The primary outcome was the onset time of a complete sensory block.The results showed that the onset time of a complete sensory block to pinprick and cold was 10(10–40)min and 10(10–40)min in group U-N,respectively,and 30(10–40)min and 20(10–40)min in group N(P=0.005,P=0.004),respectively.The performance time was 658±87 s in group U-N and 528±97 s in group N(P<0.001).There was no(0%)patient who required 5 or more needle passes in group U-N and 6(27.3%)in group N(P=0.028).The block failure rate was 9.1%in group U-N and 31.8%in group N(P>0.05).In conclusion,ultrasound guidance using the PMTS-ITS approach in combination with nerve stimulation led to a faster onset of a complete sensory block than nerve stimulation alone for a lumbar plexus block in patients with a UVS≥10.Ultrasound guidance with nerve stimulation significantly decreased the number of patients who required 5 or more needle passes.

Clinical application of ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block in rapid rehabilitation surgery for hand trauma

BACKGROUND Anesthesia plays an essential role in the successful surgical procedures for hand trauma.Compared with general anesthesia,brachial plexus block shows lots of benefits for the upper extremity.Specifically,ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block may overcome the issues of incomplete block and failure of anesthesia in such circumstances.The present study assessed the efficacy of ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block in clinical practice.AIM To explore the efficacy of ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block in rapid recovery surgery for hand trauma.METHODS A total of 68 patients with traumatic hand injuries treated at our hospital from January 2018 to June 2019 were selected.They were divided into an observation group and a control group with 34 patients in each group.The observation group underwent selective brachial plexus block guided by ultrasound and the control group underwent conventional brachial plexus block.The analgesic efficacy,intraoperative complications,wound healing time,and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups under different anesthesia.RESULTS The percentage of cases with analgesia graded as“excellent or very good”was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the incidence of intraoperative complications was lower and the wound healing time and length of hospital stay were shorter in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block has remarkable analgesic efficacy in patients with traumatic hand injuries.It can reduce the incidence of intraoperative complications,promote wound healing,and shorten the length of hospital stay.

Comparison of Patient Satisfaction between Brachial Plexus Block (Axillary Approach) and General Anesthesia for Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Historical Cohort Study

Background: Distal radius fracture surgery is performed under general (GA) or regional anesthesia with brachial plexus block (NB). Whether anesthesia type affects patient outcomes is unclear. This study retrospectively compared patient satisfaction between GA and NB after surgery. Methods: This was a historical cohort study of 80 (34 GA and 46 NB) patients who underwent volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Propensity score analysis was used to generate a set of matched cases (NB) and controls (GA), yielding 14 matched patient-pairs. The simplified patient satisfaction scale was compared for primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were anesthesia and surgery duration, hospital stay length, adverse events, postoperative analgesic requirement, and wrist range of motion (ROM) 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Results: After propensity score matching, patients in almost all cases in both groups were “Satisfied” (effect size: 0.1, p = 0.572), indicating little significant difference. Significant differences in adverse events and postoperative analgesic use observed before matching disappeared after matching. Anesthesia duration and hospital stay length were significantly shorter in the NB group (effect size: -1.27 and -0.77, p = 0.00074 and p = 0.0388, respectively), as was surgery duration (effect size: -0.84, p = 0.0122) after matching. Similar to before matching, wrist ROM significantly improved in the NB group (effect size: 1.11, p = 0.0279) in the early postoperative period, but the difference disappeared at 3 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Patient satisfaction between distal radius fracture surgery under GA and NB was similar. Nerve block could help shorten hospital stay length and surgery duration and improve postoperative functional recovery.

Bilateral superficial cervical plexus block for parathyroidectomy during pregnancy:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary hyperparathyroidism(PHPT)is the most common cause of pregnancyrelated hypercalcemia.PHPT can cause maternal and fetal complications in pregnant women.General anesthesia for non-obstetric surgery in pregnant women is associated with maternal hazards and concerns regarding long-term neonatal neurocognitive effects.Surgical removal of the lesion in mid-pregnancy is currently the primary treatment option for pregnant patients with PHPT.However,the blood calcium concentration at which surgery should be considered remains under discussion due to the risk of miscarriage.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old nulliparous woman at 11 wk of gestation was admitted to our hospital for parathyroidectomy.The patient had a history of intrauterine fetal death with unknown etiology at 16 wk of gestation 1 year prior.Her blood test results showed that the serum calcium level was elevated to 12.9 mg/dL,and the parathyroid hormone level was elevated to 157 pg/mL.In a neck ultrasound,it revealed a 0.8 cm×1.5 cm sized oval,hypoechoic mass in the upper posterior of the left thyroid gland,which was compatible with parathyroid adenoma.Superficial cervical plexus block(SCPB)for parathyroidectomy was performed.After surgery,the obstetrician checked the status of the fetus,and there were no abnormal signs.Since then her calcium level returned to normal values after one week of surgery and a healthy male neonate of 2910 g was delivered vaginally at 38 wk of gestation.CONCLUSION Our case suggests that SCPB can be an anesthetic option for parathyroidectomy during the first trimester of pregnancy.

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.

Review of Coeliac Plexus Blockade for the Management of Chronic Pancreatitis Pain at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH)

Background: Pain is a major problem for patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis. Unfortunately, medical therapy often fails to adequately control pain. Coeliac plexus block (CPB) is sometimes performed to treat intractable pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Aims: Our primary objective was to determine the effect of CPB for pain management in a cohort of patients with chronic pancreatitis. We also sought to quantify opioid use in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Methods: We reviewed the database of pain referrals for chronic pancreatitis and recorded opioid use for each patient. We interviewed all patients who underwent CPB for chronic pancreatitis at TUH from January 2018-December 2020. Effect of the block, duration of pain relief, analgesia requirements, complications and patient satisfaction were recorded. Results: 62 inpatient referrals were made to the pain service over a 3-year period regarding pain management in chronic pancreatitis. 76% of patients referred for chronic pancreatitis pain management require regular long-term opioids. Mean daily oxycodone requirement in this group was 52 mg. 11 of these patients underwent CPB over a 3-year period. Mean age of patients who underwent CPB was 44 years. Effective reduction in pain scores (>50% improvement) was achieved in 7 of 11 patients. The mean NRS pain score decreased from 9.2 (±0.9) to 4.4 (±3.1). Mean duration of pain relief experienced was 69 days. Transient diarrhoea was reported by 1 patient. 4 patients reported a temporary decrease in oral analgesia requirement, while 3 patients reported a sustained decrease in analgesia requirement post CPB. For those who had further CPBs, the effect of repeated interventions was comparable to the initial procedure. Conclusion: High regular opioid consumption is common in patients with chronic pancreatitis. CPB can provide significant improvement in pain control and quality of life in appropriately selected patients. CPB can assist with opioid reduction and containment. It is not effective in all cases and there is high inter-patient variability. The procedure has a good safety profile.

Cardiopulmonary Stability on a Patient with Hip Fracture and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension, Anesthetized with Lumbar-Sacral Plexus Block and Non-Invasive Ventilation: Case Report

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is defined as a mean arterial pressure in the pulmonary artery exceeding 20 mm Hg at rest, measured by means of right heart catheterization. Patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing surgical procedures such as hemiarthroplasty present a high risk of fatal complications. Nonetheless, there are no widely accepted protocols explaining their perioperative care in great detail. Case presentation: We present a case with an 89-years-old patient, with comorbidities such as GOLD 4D chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, as a consequence of this, severe pulmonary hypertension with signs of right ventricular dysfunction, thus requiring of pulmonary vasodilator, that has suffered a subcapital hip fracture requiring urgent surgery. Surgery is carried out successfully, under regional lumbar-sacral plexus block and sedation assisted by non-invasive ventilation. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary specialized treatment, preoperative optimization, as well as the careful selection of both the surgical and anesthetic techniques to be used, are among the strategies that improve the perioperative outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension with right ventricle systolic dysfunction. Regional lumbar-sacral plexus block plus sedation is a technique that maintains hemodynamic stability;however, these patients require advance measures and postoperative monitoring under intensive care.

Clinical Observation on Brachial Plexus Block with “One Injection Two Points” Method Guiding by Ultrasound

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect of brachial plexus block with "One Injection Two Points" guided under ultrasound and the conventional method guiding by ultrasound. METHODS: 70 patients were randomized evenly into 2 groups, with 35 patients in each group, while the Experiment Group(Group B) received One Injection Two Points" method, the Control Group(Group A) received the conventional method.The nerve block every 5 s, the success rate of anesthesia, the dosage of local anesthetics, second remedial anesthesia, adverse reactions, etc.were recorded. RESULTS: Group B was superior to group A in the success rate of anesthesia; There were 6 patients in group A who required constant pump injection of Remifentanil to remedy, while no patients in Group B needed remedy treatment. There were no serious adverse reactions in both groups.CONCLUSIONS: The clinical effect of brachial plexus block with "One Injection Two Points" method guided under ultrasoundguiding by ultrasound was superior to that of the conventional method.

Ultrasound guidance for brachial plexus block decreases the incidence of complete hemi-diaphragmatic paresis or vascular punctures and improves success rate of brachial plexus nerve block compared with peripheral nerve stimulator in adults

Background The use of traditional techniques （such as landmark techniques, paresthesia and peripheral nerve stimulator） for upper-limb anesthesia has often been restricted to the expert or enthusiast, which was blind. Recently, ultrasound （US） has been applied to differ blood vessel, pleura and nerve, thus may reduce the risk of complications while have a high rate of success. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of ultrasound guidance （vs. peripheral nerve stimulator, （PNS）） decreases risk of vascular puncture, risk of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis and risk of Homer syndrome and improves the success rate of nerve block. Methods A search strategy was developed to identify randomized control trials （RCTs） reporting on complications of US and PNS guidance for upper-extremity peripheral nerve blocks （brachial plexus） in adults available through PubMed databases, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase databases, SinoMed databases and Wanfang data （date up to 2011-12-20）. Two independent reviewers appraised eligible studies and extracted data. Risk ratios （OR） were calculated for each outcome and presented with 95% confidence intervals （CI） with the software of Review Manager 5.1.0 System （Cochrane Library）. Results Sixteen trials involving 1321 adults met our criteria were included for analysis. Blocks performed using US guidance were more likely to be successful （risk ratio （RR） for block success 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.56, P 〈0.00001）, decreased incidence of vascular puncture during block performance （RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.06-0.27, P 〈0.00001）, decreased the risk of complete hemi-diaphragmatic paresis （RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03-0.52, P=-0.0001）. Conclusions US decreases risks of complete hemi-diaphragmatic paresis or vascular puncture and improves success rate of brachial plexus nerve block compared with techniques that utilize PNS for nerve localization. Larger studies are needed to determine whether or not the use of US can decrease risk of neurologic complications.

Combined sevoflurane-dexmedetomidine and nerve blockade on post-surgical serum oxidative stress biomarker levels in thyroid cancer patients

BACKGROUND The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing annually.Clinical routine thyroid surgery can be performed under a cervical plexus block,but cannot mediate the stress response during the surgery.If thyroid surgery is performed under nerve block,an inappropriate level of blockade may occur.Similarly,the stress response caused by surgery is more serious than that caused by conventional anesthesia.Therefore,it is important to combine blockade with more effective anesthesia methods.AIM To investigate the effects of combining sevoflurane-dexmedetomidine inhalation general anesthesia with the cervical plexus nerve block on the post-surgical levels of the serum oxidative stress biomarkers levels in thyroid cancer patients.METHODS We enrolled 96 thyroid cancer patients admitted to the hospital between January 2019 and December 2020.Participants were divided into a control group(n=47)and an experimental group(n=49).The experimental group received a combination of inhaled sevoflurane-dexmedetomidine and cervical plexus block,while the control group received conventional general anesthesia.The groups were compared for serum levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)before and after surgery,and the adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)and norepinephrine(NE)levels at 1 and 12 h postsurgery.The Bispectral index(BIS)and the incidence of anesthesia side effects were also compared.RESULTS Following surgery,MCP-1 was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group,whereas GSH-Px was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.001).The serum ACTH and NE levels were significantly lower in the experimental group than those the control group at 1 and 12 h post-surgery(P<0.001).BIS was significantly lower in the experimental group than that in the control group at 20 minutes into the operation,but the direction of the difference was reversed at eye opening(P<0.001).The incidence of side effects was 10.20%(5/49)and 12.76%(6/47)in the experimental and control groups,respectively,the difference being non-significant.CONCLUSION Sevoflurane-dexmedetomidine inhalation general anesthesia combined with cervical plexus nerve block can reduce the postoperative stress and inflammatory responses in thyroid cancer patients,while maintaining high anesthesia effectiveness and safety.

Structure of the brachial plexus root and adjacent regions displayed by ultrasound imaging

Brachial plexuses of 110 healthy volunteers were examined using high resolution color Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasonic characteristics and anatomic variation in the intervertebral foramen, interscalene, supraclavicular and infraclavicular, as well as the axillary brachial plexus were investigated. Results confirmed that the normal brachial plexus on cross section exhibited round or elliptic hypoechoic texture. Longitudinal section imaging showed many parallel linear hypo-moderate echoes, with hypo-echo. The transverse processes of the seventh cervical vertebra, the scalene space, the subclavian artery and the deep cervical artery are important markers in an examination. The display rates for the interscalene, and supraclavicular and axillary brachial plexuses were 100% each, while that for the infraclavicular brachial plexus was 97%. The region where the normal brachial plexus root traversed the intervertebral foramen exhibited a regular hypo-echo. The display rate for the C5-7 nerve roots was 100%, while those for C8 and T1 were 83% and 68%, respectively. A total of 20 of the 110 subjects underwent cervical CT scan. High-frequency ultrasound can clearly display the outline of the transverse processes of the vertebrae, which were consistent with CT results. These results indicate that high-frequency ultrasound provides a new method for observing the morphology of the brachial plexus. The C~ vertebra is a marker for identifying the position of brachial plexus nerve roots.

Giant tumor resection under ultrasound-guided nerve block in a patient with severe asthma:A case report

BACKGROUND General anesthesia in critically ill patients is associated with increased risk of complications.Nerve block anesthesia is an alternative,but could be challenging in cases with surgical field that involves multiple dermatomes.CASE SUMMARY We report resection of a giant lipoma in the left shoulder and upper back under supraclavicular brachial plexus block plus T3-4 paravertebral block in an older patient with severe asthma.A 70-year-old patient presented with a slow-growing giant mass(25,15 and 5 cm in length,width and depth,respectively)that extended from the lateral side of the left scapula to the axillary midline,and from the T5 thoracic vertebra intercostal to the mid-medial section of the left upper arm.He had sharp intermittent pain over the mass for the past 7 d.The patient also had severe bronchial asthma for the past 8 years.A pulmonary function test revealed only 20%of the predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1,0.49 L).After controlling asthma with glucocorticoid,the tumor was resected under ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block and T3-4 paravertebral block.The surgery was completed without incident.CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided regional nerve block is a viable alternative for patients with poor cardiopulmonary function undergoing shoulder,back and axillary surgery.

Effect of NCPB and VSPL on pain and quality of life in chronic pancreatitis patients

AIM: To compare the effects of neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) and videothoracoscopic splanchnicectomy (VSPL) on pain and quality of life of chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients.METHODS: Forty-eight small duct CP patients were treated invasively with NCPB (n = 30) or VSPL (n = 18) in two non-randomized, prospective, case-controlled protocols due to chronic pain syndrome, and compared to a control group who were treated conservatively (n = 32). Visual analog scales were used to assess pain and opioid consumption rate was evaluated. In addition, the quality of life was measured using QLQ C-30 for NCPB and FACIT for VSPL.Although both questionnaires covered similar problems,they could not be compared directly one with another.Therefore, the studies were compared by meta-analysis methodology.RESULTS: Both procedures resulted in a significant positive effect on pain of CP patients. Opioids were withdrawn totally in 47.0% of NCPB and 36.4% of VSPL patients,and reduced in 53.0% and 45.4% of the respective patient groups. No reduction in opioid usage was observed in the control group. In addition, fatigue and emotional well-being showed improvements. Finally, NCPB demonstrated stronger positive effects on social support, which might possibly be attributed to earlier presentation of patients treated with NCPB.CONCLUSION: Both invasive pain treatment methods are effective in CP patients with chronic pain.

What are the current and potential future roles for endoscopic ultrasound in the treatment of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Due to the aggressive tumor biology and late manifestations of the disease, long-term survival is extremely uncommon and the current 5-year survival rate is 7%. Over the last two decades, endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) has evolved from a diagnostic modality to a minimally invasive therapeutic alternative to radiologic procedures and surgery for pancreatic diseases. EUSguided celiac plexus intervention is a useful adjunct to conventional analgesia for patients with pancreatic cancer. EUS-guided biliary drainage has emerged as a viable option in patients who have failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Recently, the use of lumen-apposing metal stent to create gastrojejunal anastomosis under EUS and fluoroscopic guidance in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction has been reported. On the other hand, anti-tumor therapies delivered by EUS, such as the injection of anti-tumor agents, brachytherapy and ablations are still in the experimental stage without clear survival benefit. In this article, we provide updates on well-established EUS-guided interventions as well as novel techniques relevant to pancreatic cancer.