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.

Bilateral pericapsular end nerve blocks for steroid-induced avascular necrosis following COVID-19 infection requiring bilateral total hip replacement

BACKGROUND Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis(AVN)of the hip was one of the dreaded complications of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),which emerged in patients who received steroid therapy.Corticosteroids have been a mainstay in the treatment protocol of COVID-19 patients.Popular corticosteroid drugs used in patients suffering from COVID-19 were intravenous(IV)or oral dexamethasone,methylprednisolone or hydrocortisone.The use of such high doses of corticost-eroids has shown very positive results and has been lifesaving in many cases.Still,long-term consequences were drug-induced diabetes,osteoporosis,Cushing syndrome,muscle wasting,peripheral fat mobilization,AVN,hirsutism,sleep disturbances and poor wound healing.A significant number of young patients were admitted for bilateral total hip replacements(THR)secondary to AVN following steroid use for COVID-19 treatment.AIM To assess the efficacy of bilateral pericapsular end nerve group(PENG)blocks in patients posted for bilateral THR post-steroid therapy after COVID-19 infection and assess the time taken to first ambulate after surgery.METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted between January 2023 and August 2023 at Care Hospitals,Hyderabad,India.Twenty young patients 30-35 years of age who underwent bilateral THR were studied after due consent over 8 months.All the patients received spinal anaesthesia for surgery and bilateral PENG blocks for postoperative analgesia.RESULTS The duration of surgery was 2.5 h on average.Seventeen out of twenty patients(85%)had a Visual Analog Score(VAS)of less than 2 and did not require any supplementation.One patient was removed from the study,as he required re-exploration.The remaining two patients had a VAS of more than 8 and received IV morphine post-operatively as a rescue analgesic drug.Fifteen out of seventeen patients(88.2%)could be mobilized 12 h after the procedure.CONCLUSION Osteonecrosis or AVN of the hip was one of the dreaded complications of COVID-19,which surfaced in patients who received steroid therapy requiring surgical intervention.Bilateral PENG block is an effective technique to provide post-operative analgesia resulting in early mobilization and enhanced recovery after surgery.

Combinations of nerve blocks in surgery for post COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae patient:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Regional anesthesia is a promising method in patients with post coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pulmonary sequelae for preserving pulmonary function and preventing postoperative pulmonary complications,compared with general anesthesia.CASE SUMMARY We provided surgical anesthesia and analgesia suitable for breast surgery by performing pectoral nerve block type II(PECS-II),parasternal,and intercostobrachial nerve blocks with intravenous dexmedetomidine administration in a 61-year-old female patient with severe pulmonary sequelae after COVID-19infection.CONCLUSION Sufficient analgesia for 7 h was provided via PECS-II,parasternal,and intercostobrachial blocks perioperatively.

Artificial intelligence technology and ultrasound-guided nerve block for analgesia in total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Knee diseases are more common in middle-aged and elderly people,so artificial knee replacement is also more used in middle-aged and elderly people.Although the patient’s pain can be reduced through surgery,often accompanied by moderate pain after surgery and neutralization,which not only increases the psychological burden of the patient,but also greatly reduces the postoperative recovery effect,and may also lead to the occurrence of postoperative adverse events in severe cases.AIM To investigate the analgesic effect of artificial intelligence(AI)and ultrasoundguided nerve block in total knee arthroplasty(TKA).METHODS A total of 92 patients with TKA admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were opted and divided into two groups according to the treatment regimen.The control group received combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.The research group received AI technique combined with ultrasound-guided nerve block anesthesia.The sensory block time,motor block time,visual analogue scale(VAS)at different time points and complications were contrasted between the two groups.RESULTS The time of sensory block onset and sensory block perfection in the research group was shorter than those in the control group,but the results had no significant difference(P>0.05).Duration of sensory block in the research group was significantly longer than those in the control group(P<0.05).The time of motor block onset and motor block perfection in the research group was shorter than those in the control group,but the results had no significant difference(P>0.05).Duration of motor block in the research group was significantly longer than those in the control group.The VAS scales of the research group were significantly lower than that of the control group at different time points(P<0.05).The postoperative hip flexion and abduction range of motion in the research group were significantly better than those in the control group at different time points(P<0.05).The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the research group than in the control group(P=0.049).CONCLUSION In TKA,the combination of AI technology and ultrasound-guided nerve block has a significantly effect,with fewer postoperative complications and significantly analgesic effect,which is worthy of application.

Network Meta-analysis of nerve block combined with Chinese medicine for lumbar disc herniation

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine methods(acupuncture,tui na,acupuncture knife,traditional Chinese medicine,traction)combined with nerve block treatment for lumbar disc herniation using Bayesian mesh Meta-analysis.Methods:Randomized controlled studies of TCM methods combined with nerve block for lumbar disc herniation in CNKI,Wanfang,Vip,China Biomedical Literature Library,Pubmed,Web of science,and The Cochrance Library databases were searched for the period from the establishment of each database to May 2021.2 researchers independently followed the developed nerf criteria to Screening was performed.Bayesian model mesh Meta-analysis was performed using R,RStudio,and addis-1.16.6 software.Results:Twenty-seven papers with a total of 2074 subjects were finally included,involving six interventions,namely nerve block alone,herbal medicine combined with nerve block,acupuncture combined with nerve block,acupuncture combined with nerve block,traction combined with nerve block,and tui na combined with nerve block.The results of the net analysis showed that(1)in terms of efficiency,all interventions were better than simple nerve block except for traction combined nerve block,and acupuncture,acupuncture,tui-na and Chinese medicine combined nerve block were better than traction combined nerve block respectively,and the probability ranked first for acupuncture combined nerve block.(2)On the VAS score,except for traction combined with nerve block,other interventions were superior to simple nerve block,and the combination of herbal medicine,acupuncture,and acupuncture respectively was superior to traction combined with nerve block,and the intervention with the best probability ranking result was herbal medicine combined with nerve block.(3)There was no statistical difference between the two interventions compared in terms of JOA scores,and the probability ranked first for herbal medicine combined nerve block.Conclusion:Chinese medicine combined nerve block was superior to nerve block alone,and Chinese medicine combined nerve block and acupuncture combined nerve block measures were more effective in the treatment of LDH,and traction combined nerve block was less effective.

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.

Clinical effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block and dexmedetomidine anesthesia on lower extremity operative fracture reduction

BACKGROUND Lower extremity fractures are mainly treated by surgical reduction,but this operation is often affected by the patient’s level of agitation and the type of anesthesia used.The main treatment for lower-extremity fractures is operative reduction.However,operations can often be affected by both agitation and the degree of anesthesia.Therefore,it is of great importance to develop an effective anesthesia program to effectively ensure the progress of surgery.AIM To discuss the effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with dexmedetomidine anesthesia in lower extremity fracture surgery.METHODS A total of 120 hospital patients with lower extremity fractures were selected for this retrospective study and divided into an observation group(n=60)and a control group(n=60)according to the anesthesia scheme;the control group received ultrasound-guided nerve block;the observation group was treated with dextromethomidine on the basis of the control group,and the mean arterial pressure,heart rate(HR),and blood oxygen saturation were observed in the two groups.RESULTS The mean arterial pressure of T1,T2 and T3 in the observation group were 94.40±7.10,90.84±7.21 and 91.03±6.84 mmHg,significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The observation group’s HR at T1 was 76.60±7.52 times/min,significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);The observation group’s HR at T2 and T3 was 75.40±8.03 times/min and 76.64±7.11 times/min,significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The observation group’s visual analog score at 2 h,6 h and 12 h after operation was 3.55±0.87,2.84±0.65 and 2.05±0.40.the recovery time was 15.51±4.21 min,significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Six hours post-anesthesia,epinephrine and norepinephrine in the observation group were 81.10±21.19 pg/mL and 510.20±98.27 pg/mL,significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the mini-mental state exam score of the observation group was 25.51±1.15,significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with dexmedetomidine has a good anesthetic effect in the operation of lower limb fractures and has little effect on the hemodynamics of patients.

Efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment nerve block as part of multimodal analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture

BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca compartment nerve block(FICNB) has been an established technique for postoperative analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture. FICNB is technically easy, effective for postoperative pain control after operation for femoral bone fracture and decreases the complications induced by systemic analgesic drugs. The severity of postoperative pain is affected by genetics, cultural and social factors across the world. In this study we assessed the efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment nerve block when it is used as part of multimodal analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture.METHODS: An institution-based case control study was conducted from September, 2013 to May, 2014. All patients who had been operated on under spinal anesthesia for femoral bone fracture were included. The patients divided into a FICNB group(n=20) and a control group(n=20). The FICNB group was given 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the operation. Postoperative pain was assessed within the f irst 24 hours, i.e. at 15 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours using 100 mm visual analogue scale(VAS), total analgesic consumption, and the time for the f irst analgesic request.RESULTS: VAS pain scores were reduced within the f irst 24 hours after operation in the FICNB group compared wtih the control group. VAS scores at 2 hours were taken as median values(IQR) 0.00(0.00) vs.18.00(30.00), P=0.001; at 6 hours 0.00(0.00) vs. 34.00(20.75), P=0.000; at 24 hours 12.50(10.00) vs. 31.50(20.75), P=0.004; and at 12 hours(17.80±12.45) vs.(29.95±12.40), P=0.004, respectively. The total analgesic consumption of diclofenac at 12 and 24 hours was reduced in the FICNB group, and the time for the fi rst analgesic request was signifi cantly prolonged(417.50 vs. 139.25 minutes, P=0.000).CONCLUSIONS: A single injection for FICNB could lead to postoperative pain relief, reduction of total analgesic consumption and prolonged time for the fi rst analgesic request in the FICNB group after surgery for femoral bone fracture. We recommend FICNB for analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture and for patients with femoral bone fracture at the emergency department.

Resolution of herpes zoster-induced small bowel pseudo-obstruction by epidural nerve block:A case report

BACKGROUND When herpes zoster is complicated with paralytic ileus,this mostly involves acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction of Ogilvie’s syndrome manifesting as obvious dilatation of the cecum and right colon;small intestinal obstruction is rare.Here,we present a patient with a very rare case of small bowel pseudo-obstruction.CASE SUMMARY A 76-year-old female patient complained of right upper quadrant pain.Two days later,a blistering,right-sided rash of the thoracoabdominal dermatome(T5-T10) emerged in conjunction with small intestinal dilatation and the inability to defecate.Computed tomography of the abdomen confirmed small bowel pseudoobstruction.Antiviral therapy,gastrointestinal decompression,and enemas proved unproductive.After 4 d of stagnation,an epidural block was performed for pain relief and prompted the passage of gas and stool,resolving the obstructive problem.Three days later,the rash appeared dry and crusted,and the pain diminished.After 5 d,no abnormality was visible by gastroenteroscopy,and the patient was discharged on day 7.CONCLUSION This case shows that herpes zoster may induce small bowel pseudo-obstruction in addition to colonic pseudo-obstruction.Epidural block can not only treat intercostal neuralgia but also resolve small bowel pseudo-obstruction caused by herpes zoster.

The Anatomical Research on the Mental Foramen Related to the Mental Nerve Block

Objective: The aim of this study was to observe and investigate the location of mental foramen, providing scientific and reasonable anatomic basic for clinical mental nerve block. Methods: The shape, orientations, relationship with teeth and number of accessory mental foramina in 50 (100 side) adult mental foramina were observed. The long and short diameters of the mental foramen and the distance between the mental foramen and the peripheral anatomical markers were measured by a vernier caliper, and statistical analysis of the data was performed to obtain the final results. Results: The probability of mental foramen being elliptical in shape accounted for 27%, circular for 73%;10% of the mental foramen openings are outward and 90% are outward and upward;The mental foramina were located under the first premolars in 20%, under the second premolars in 75%, and 5% situated in the bottom of the first molars. The incidence of accessory mental foramina was 1%;the long diameter of the mental foramen was (2.42 ± 0.71) mm, and the short diameter of the mental foramen was (2.15 ± 0.14) mm;the vertical distance from the mental foramen center to the alveolar crest and the lower margin of the mandible were (14.09 ± 3.23) mm and (14.56 ± 1.74) mm;the distance between the midpoints of the vertical line to the center of the mental foramen was (1.26 ± 0.97) mm;the horizontal distance from the center of the mental foramen to the anterior median line was (23.57 ± 1.82) mm. Conclusion: The point of mental nerve block was selected below and behind the second premolars, above the midline of the mandible. The distance from the anterior median line was 2.5 cm, and the mental foramen was explored forward and downward after the insertion.

Greater occipital nerve blocks in the treatment of refractory chronic migraine: An observational report of nine cases

AIM To report the effects of greater occipital nerve(GON) blocks on refractory chronic migraine headache.METHODS Nine patients who were receiving the conventionally accepted preventive therapies underwent treatment with repeated GON block to control chronic migraine resistant to other treatments. GON blocking with lidocaine and normal saline mixture was administered by the same physician at hospital once a month(for three times in total). Patients were assessed before the injection and every month thereafter for pain frequency and severity, number of times analgesics were used and any appearant side effects during a 6 mo follow-up.RESULTS Eight of nine patients reported a marked decrease in frequency and severity of migraine attacks in comparison to their baseline symptoms; one reported no significant change(not more than 50%) from baseline and did not accept the second injection. GON block resulted in considerable reduction in pain frequency and severity and need to use analgesics up to three months after the injection in the present cases. The patients did not report any adverse effects. CONCLUSION Hereby we noticed a remarkable success with refractory chronic migraine patients. We believe that this intervention can result in rapid relief of pain with the effects lasting for perhaps several weeks or even months. Further controlled clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the effect of GON block in the treatment of refractory migraine cases.

TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND GUIDED PROSTATIC NERVE BLOCKADE FOR PAIN CONTROL DURING TRANSRECTAL PROSTATE BIOPSY

Objective： To assess the effect of transrectal ultrasound guided prostatic nerve blockade on the discomfort associated with systematic biopsy of the prostate. Methods： 73 patients receiving systematic 13 cores biopsy of the prostate were randomized into two groups. Group A（37 cases） received an injection of 5 ml 1% lidocaine into the prostatic neurovascular bundles on each side at the base of the prostate under ultrasound guidance and group B（36 cases） received 5 ml saline injection （0.9% sodium chloride） at the same site. Pain during biopsy was assessed by using a 10-point linear visual analog score （VAS） immediately after the biopsy. Results： The mean pain scores during transrectal prostate biopsy were significantly lower in group A than group B（1.1±0.6 versus 5.9±3.1, t=4.81, P〈0.01）. During this study no patient in either group had any adverse effect from the injection. Conclusion： Transcrectal ultrasound guided prostatic nerve blockade is a safe and efficacious method for providing satisfactory anesthesia in transrectal prostate biopsy. We recommend its routine administration in all patients during this procedure.

Effects of Repeated Injection of Local Anesthetic on Sciatic Nerve Blocks Response

In order to examine whether repeated sciatic nerve blocks showed tachyphylaxis and continuity of sciatic nerve with spinal cord affected development of tachyphylaxis when assayed in vivo by duration of depression compound action potentials (CAP), rats were anesthetized with halothane, ventilated, monitored and supported with stable hemodynamics and temperature. Posterior tibial nerve distally and sciatic nerve in thigh were exposed, placed on bipolar silver electrodes for stimulation and recording respectively. Three sequential sciatic nerve blocks were performed between these electrodes using 0.15 ml of 3 % chloroprocaine. Nine rats were chosen to observe the effects of repeated sciatic nerve blocks on CAP. In another 18 rats, a second investigator exposed the sciatic nerve near its origin at spinal cord and randomly performed nerve cut and sham (n=9), and closed the incision blinding the electrophysiologic investigator. The results showed that electrical stimulated tibial nerve induced sciatic nerve Aα/β, Aδ, C fiber mediated CAP waves. CAP amplitudes were remained stable during whole experimental procedure. CAP amplitudes were decreased completely with 3% chloroprocaine blocked sciatic nerve and recovered fully. The duration of CAP depression were reduced with repeated blocks. There were no selective blocked effects on Aα/β, Aδ, C fiber mediated CAP. With sciatic nerve cut proximally, there was no statistical significant tachyphylaxis with 3 % chloroprocaine repeated blocked sciatic nerve, and the duration of first and third blocked Aδ fiber mediated CAP was 108±20 and 92±14 min respectively (P>0.05). In normal rats the duration of first and third blocked Aδ fiber mediated CAP was 110±20 and 75±16 min respectively (P<0.05). It was suggested that tachyphylaxis to local anesthetics can occur in rats repeated blocked sciatic nerve when assayed in vivo by duration of depression CAP. The continuity of sciatic nerve with spinal cord is one of the important factors affecting the development of tachyphylaxis.

Selective nerve block for the treatment of neuralgia in Kummell’s disease:A case report

BACKGROUND Neuralgia is frequently noted in patients with Kummell’s disease,and its mechanism is complex,rendering it challenging to treat.Percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)has been widely used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with satisfactory outcomes.However,it is not optimal for managing severely collapsed vertebrae,as cement injection may not be feasible.This report describes the use of a selective nerve block for the treatment of neuralgia caused by severely collapsed vertebrae in a patient with Kummell’s disease.CASE SUMMARY In our patient,three vertebrae were involved.The collapse of T11 was particularly severe.After managing T8 and T9 using PKP,these two segments were effectively strengthened;consequently,back pain was significantly relieved.However,the structure and strength of T11 could not be effectively restored using a minimally invasive surgical method because there was little room for cement injection.This caused obvious neuralgia according to the postoperative status of the PKP.Thus,we performed selective nerve blocks for the treatment of neuralgia,which resulted in satisfactory outcomes.CONCLUSION Selective nerve block may be a possible therapeutic strategy for neuralgia due to severely collapsed vertebrae in Kummell’s disease.

Preoperative Pain Management of Patients with Hip Fractures: Blind Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Compared to Ultrasound Guided Femoral Nerve Block—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Blind fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) and ultrasound guided femoral nerve block (FNB) are two types of peripheral nerve blocks, commonly used in preoperative pain management in patients with hip fractures in Danish emergency departments. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy in pain management of these two types of peripheral nerve blocks in the preoperative period in patients with hip fractures. Method: We performed a randomized controlled study. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score equal to three or less at rest and after passive leg raise test three hours after block administration. Results: A total of 88 patients were included in the study and 67 patients in the statistical analysis with 33 in the FICB group and 34 in the FNB group. The results showed a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with an NRS score higher than three, three hours after administration of either FICB or FNB compared to at inclusion. There was no significant difference in pain scores between patients receiving FICB versus patients receiving FNB at rest or after passive leg raise (p = 0.25 and p = 0.86, respectively). Conclusion: Blind FICB and ultrasound guided FNB were effective in preoperative pain management in patients with hip fractures. The results showed that the two types of peripheral nerve blocks were equally efficient in providing pain management in the preoperative period.

Peripheral Nerve Block Combined with Epidural Anesthesia for Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia Repair in a Patient with Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Case Report

Background: Invasive mechanical ventilation worsens prognosis in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To avoid complications in these patients, anesthesia should be carefully considered. Case presentation: A 78-year-old man with COPD presented with dyspnea and pain from the epigastric to the umbilical regions. He was diagnosed with left incarcerated inguinal hernia and underwent radical inguinal hernia repair and surgical ileus treatment. To avoid general anesthesia with tracheal intubation, epidural anesthesia was combined with peripheral nerve blocks. An epidural catheter was inserted from T12/L1, and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerve blocks were performed under ultrasound guidance. No post-surgery complications or pain symptoms were noted. Conclusions: General anesthesia would likely have been challenging due to the patient’s COPD;however, management of peritoneal traction pain is difficult using peripheral nerve block alone. By combining epidural anesthesia with peripheral nerve blocks, we safely performed a procedure in a patient with severe COPD while avoiding invasive positive pressure ventilation.

The Patient-Reported Outcome of Intra-Operative Direct Vision Pectoral Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia for Breast Surgery

Background and Aims: Pectoral nerve blocks gained increasing recognition for adequate postoperative pain relief following breast surgery. Traditionally, anaesthetist administered preoperatively under ultrasound guidance, which added significantly to the total procedure time. We studied the effectiveness of intraoperative direct vision pectoral nerve block and reduction of total theatre time. Methods: We provided questionnaires to the eligible patients who underwent a mastectomy and or axillary node clearance from August 2018 to May 2019. All the patients had an intra-operative pectoral 1 and serratus plane (Pecs) block. Participants documented pain score twice daily, episodes of nausea or vomiting and type and dose of analgesia for the first seven postoperative days. We compiled and grouped the results into postoperative days 1 - 2 and 3 - 7 for data analysis. Results: Patients reported generally low levels of pain, with a median pain score of 1.75 out of 10 for postoperative days 1 - 2 (IQR 4). The score decreased to 0.7 for days 3 - 7 postoperatively (IQR 3) suggesting that most patients had generally minimal levels of pain apart from a few outliers. The average injection time for PECs blocks was 5 minutes, significantly less than USS guided techniques of 20 - 30 minutes. Conclusions: Our data suggest that nerve blocks under direct vision offer satisfactory efficacy in postoperative analgesia with minimal nausea and vomiting. This is in addition to substantial benefits in operative efficiency and reduction of total procedure time.

Sciatic Nerve Block with Ropivacaine and Prilocaine in a Patient with Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia(CPEO)

The anesthetic implications of caring for patients with mitochondrial myopathies (MM) are not well defined, and the few case reports that have been published are contradictory. Local anesthetics particularly have the potential to worsen neuromuscular manifestations via direct effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics. Here we describe the anesthetic management of a patient with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) in which a sciatic nerve block with ropivacaine and prilocaine was performed and review the available related literature.

Effect of a Single Shot Sciatic Nerve Block Combined with a Continuous Femoral Block on Pain Scores After Knee Arthroplasty.A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Purpose: Postoperative pain after knee arthroplasty (TKA) is reported as severe in up to 60% of patients. Continuous femoral nerve blocks (CFNB) are a choice for major knee repair, but controversies remain about the need of supplemental sciatic nerve blocks (SNB) for better analgesia. Our aim is to assess the effect of the association of a SNB to a CFNB to reduce postoperative pain after TKA. Methods: A prospective randomized, single blinded, controlled study, on 50 patients undergoing TKA. Control group received a CFNB before general anesthesia;in the intervention group a single shot SNB was added after the CFNB was done. After the end of surgery all patients started a continuous local anesthetic infusion through the femoral catheter in the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit). Pain scores were measured in the PACU and at 12 h and 24 h postoperative using a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: VAS pain scores (mm) were lower and statistically significant for the intervention group up to 12 h postoperative: PACU admission mean VAS = 59.4 vs 30.2, P = 0.001;at 12 h mean VASr = 26.1 vs 9.2, P = 0.006;at 24 h mean VASr = 30.1 vs 32.7, P = 0.723. Conclusions: The association of a single shot SNB with a CFNB significantly reduces postoperative pain scores after TKA up to 12 h. At 24 h there are no differences between groups.

Observation on the Anesthesia Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block for Elderly Patients with Lower Limb Fractures

Objective:To explore the anesthesia effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block in elderly patients with lower limb fractures.Methods:From November 2017 to November 2020,50 elderly patients with lower limb fractures in our hospital were divided into experimental group(25 cases,general anesthesia+femoral nerve and sciatic nerve block)and control group(25 cases,general body anesthesia).Compare the MAP,HR,anesthesia effect,and adverse reactions between the two groups at each time period.Results:Before induction,the difference in MAP and HR between the two groups of patients did not form,p>0.05;the MAP and HR of the experimental group were compared with the control group at the time of skin incision,1 hour during the operation,and removal of the laryngeal mask,P<0.05;the time of extubation in the experimental group(14.28±3.18)min,awake time(5.57±1.32)min,orientation recovery time(11.89±2.23)min,propofol dosage(191.36±22.48)mg,remifentanil dosage(0.23±0.04)mg,Compared with the control group,P<0.05;the adverse reaction rate of the experimental group(8%,2/25)was lower than that of the control group(32%,8/25),P<0.05.Conclusion:The use of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve and sciatic nerve block for elderly patients with lower limb fractures can enhance the effect of anesthesia,effectively reduce the use of anesthetics,and have fewer adverse reactions.It is worthy of promotion.