Regional Block Anesthesia in Breast Surgery: What Do We Know So Far?

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, and pain following mastectomy is a major post-surgical complication. This paper highlights the risk factors for chronic pain in breast surgery and evaluates various regional block techniques used to reduce post-operative pain, and minimize hospital stays in high-risk patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of novel regional anaesthesia techniques in an enhanced recovery context, and to assess their role in preventing or reducing chronic pain.

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.

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.

Current evidence on artificial intelligence in regional anesthesia

The recent advancement in regional anesthesia(RA)has been largely attributed to ultrasound technology.However,the safety and efficiency of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks depend upon the skill and experience of the performer.Even with adequate training,experience,and knowledge,human-related limitations such as fatigue,failure to recognize the correct anatomical structure,and unintentional needle or probe movement can hinder the overall effectiveness of RA.The amalgamation of artificial intelligence(AI)to RA practice has promised to override these human limitations.Machine learning,an integral part of AI can improve its performance through continuous learning and experience,like the human brain.It enables computers to recognize images and patterns specifically useful in anatomic structure identification during the performance of RA.AI can provide real-time guidance to clinicians by highlighting important anatomical structures on ultrasound images,and it can also assist in needle tracking and accurate deposition of local anesthetics.The future of RA with AI integration appears promising,yet obstacles such as device malfunction,data privacy,regulatory barriers,and cost concerns can deter its clinical implementation.The current mini review deliberates the current application,future direction,and barrier to the application of AI in RA practice.

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.

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

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

Effects of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia on anxiety,labor analgesia and motor blocks in women during natural delivery

BACKGROUND The background of this study was analgesia in natural delivery.The combined spinal-epidural anesthesia has obvious analgesic effect on the parturients in natural labor,and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia has been widely used in anesthesia for various diseases.AIM To study the effects of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia on anxiety,labor analgesia,and motor blocks in parturients during natural delivery.METHODS A total of 120 women who gave birth at Changning District Maternal and Child Health Hospital between December 2021 to December 2022 were included;a random number table approach was employed to divide the women into a control group and a joint group,with each group consisting of 60 women.The control group was given epidural anesthesia,while the joint group was given combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.The visual analog scale(VAS)was used to evaluate the degree of maternal pain.Comparisons were made between the two groups’conditions of childbirth and the duration of labor.Apgar scores were used to evaluate the status of the newborns at birth;Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and General Self-Efficacy Scale(GSES)scores,umbilical artery blood gas analysis indices and stress indices were compared between the two groups;and the frequencies of motor block and postpartum complications were analyzed.RESULTS In comparison to the control group,in the joint group,the VAS scores for the first,second,and third stages of labor were lower(P<0.05).The rates of conversion to cesarean section and postpartum blood loss in the joint group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in the Apgar score,the duration of the first stage of labor,or the total duration of labor between the two groups(P>0.05).The second and third stages of labor in the joint group were shorter than those in the control group(P<0.05).When compared to the control group,the postpartum SAS score of the joint group was lower,while the GSES score was greater(P<0.05).Between the control group and the joint group,the differences observed in pH,arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure,arterial oxygen partial pressure,or arterial hydrogen ion concentration were not significant(P>0.05).Nitric oxide,cortisol,and adrenaline levels were lower in the joint group than in the control group(P<0.05).There were no substantial differences in Bromage grade or rate of complications between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For parturients during natural delivery,combined spinal-epidural anesthesia can reduce anxiety,provide labor analgesia,shorten labor time,and reduce postoperative stress levels but did not result in a motor block.

Regional Geochemical Division—A Tool for Delineating Geochemical Block

Regional geochemical division is a mapping technique to divide an area into slices where the associations between geochemical elements are relatively simple and uniform. The result of division is expressed on a 2 D map. The scheme of regional geochemical division includes non supervised pattern recognition, elementary statistics and factor analysis. A practical example in a gold prospecting area in Jilin, China, and the corresponding explanation are presented. Regional geochemical division is a basic approach to the delineation of the geochemical blocks as well.

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

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

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.

Postoperative Analgesia for Abdominal Laparoscopic Surgery: Tap Block vs Peri-Orificial Infiltrations

Introduction/Purpose: The “transverse abdominal plane block” or TAP block was described by Rafi in 2001. It describes an approach to the neurofascial plane of the transverse abdominal muscle via the Jean-Louis Petit triangle and provides analgesia of the entire homolateral hemi abdomen. The aim of our study was to compare post-operative analgesia and post-operative morphine requirements between transverse abdominal plane block (TAP) and peri-orificial infiltration during laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Material and method: Prospective, randomized study conducted over a 2-year period. The study was conducted in the operating theatre of the Saint Louis Regional Hospital in Senegal. All adult patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery were included. Clinical aspects, pain scales and morphine consumption were analyzed. Results: A total of 60 patients were enrolled: 30 patients in the TAP group and 30 patients in the infiltration group. The average age was 32.9 years. The indications for laparoscopy were acute appendicitis in 50% of cases, gallbladder stones in 16% and inguinal hernia in 8%. For the TAP group, the mean numerical pain scale was 3.9 at 6 hours post-operatively and 2.1 at 24 hours post-operatively. For the infiltration group, the mean numerical pain scale was 4.3 at 6 hours post-op and 3 at 24 hours post-op. Morphine consumption at 6 hours post-op was on average 0.4 mg/patient for the TAP group and 0.9 mg/patient for the infiltration group. Discussion/conclusion: Analgesia provided by ultrasound-guided TAP block for laparoscopic abdominal surgery appears to be identical to periorificial infiltration. However, the simplicity and reproducibility of ultrasound-guided TAP block gives it a definite advantage.

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.

Randomized Trial of the Use of Dexmedetomidine vs. Propofol after Regional Blockade in Shoulder Surgery Patients in Beach Chair Position

Background: Propofol is often the drug of choice for ambulatory orthopedic cases. However, propofol can be associated with apnea or other events requiring airway interventions. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has the unique pharmacologic profile of providing sedation without respiratory depression. This is particularly relevant in patients with morbid obesity and/or challenging airways. The hypotheses were: 1) Propofol would cause more apnea or require more airway manipulations than dexmedetomidine;2) Propofol would have shorter post anesthesia unit recovery times;and 3) Dexmedetomidine would be associated with more bradycardia and hypotension. Methods: After IRB approval, 50 patients were randomized to receive either propofol or Dex for Total Intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) after interscalene brachial plexus block was performed preoperatively under ultrasound guidance. The main end points that we measured where: airway interventions, intra-operative bradycardia, hypotension, and PACU length of stay. Results: There were more airway interventions in the propofol group compared to the Dex group. Additionally, the Dex group had significantly longer PACU stays. Conclusion: We would recommend that Dex should be preferentially considered for patients predisposed to airway obstruction;however, the standard use of Dex over Propofol needed to reconsider since the use of Dex as the agent for TIVA was associated with longer PACU stays.

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.

Joint Inversion of the 3D P Wave Velocity Structure of the Crust and Upper Mantle under the Southeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau Using Regional Earthquake and Teleseismic Data

The special seismic tectonic environment and frequent seismicity in the southeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau show that this area is an ideal location to study the present tectonic movement and background of strong earthquakes in China's Mainland and to predict future strong earthquake risk zones. Studies of the structural environment and physical characteristics of the deep structure in this area are helpful to explore deep dynamic effects and deformation field characteristics, to strengthen our understanding of the roles of anisotropy and tectonic deformation and to study the deep tectonic background of the seismic origin of the block＇s interior. In this paper, the three-dimensional （3D） P-wave velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle under the southeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is obtained via observational data from 224 permanent seismic stations in the regional digital seismic network of Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces and from 356 mobile China seismic arrays in the southern section of the north-south seismic belt using a joint inversion method of the regional earthquake and teleseismic data. The results indicate that the spatial distribution of the P-wave velocity anomalies in the shallow upper crust is closely related to the surface geological structure, terrain and lithology. Baoxing and Kangding, with their basic volcanic rocks and volcanic clastic rocks, present obvious high-velocity anomalies. The Chengdu Basin shows low-velocity anomalies associated with the Quaternary sediments. The Xichang Mesozoic Basin and the Butuo Basin are characterised by low- velocity anomalies related to very thick sedimentary layers. The upper and middle crust beneath the Chuan-Dian and Songpan-Ganzi Blocks has apparent lateral heterogeneities, including low-velocity zones of different sizes. There is a large range of low-velocity layers in the Songpan-Ganzi Block and the sub-block northwest of Sichuan Province, showing that the middle and lower crust is relatively weak. The Sichuan Basin, which is located in the western margin of the Yangtze platform, shows high-velocity characteristics. The results also reveal that there are continuous low-velocity layer distributions in the middle and lower crust of the Daliangshan Block and that the distribution direction of the low-velocity anomaly is nearly SN, which is consistent with the trend of the Daliangshan fault. The existence of the low-velocity layer in the crust also provides a deep source for the deep dynamic deformation and seismic activity of the Daliangshan Block and its boundary faults. The results of the 3D P-wave velocity structure show that an anomalous distribution of high-density, strong-magnetic and high-wave velocity exists inside the crust in the Panxi region. This is likely related to late Paleozoic mantle plume activity that led to a large number of mafic and ultra-mafic intrusions into the crust. In the crustal doming process, the massive intrusion of mantle-derived material enhanced the mechanical strength of the crustal medium. The P-wave velocity structure also revealed that the upper mantle contains a low-velocity layer at a depth of 80-120 km in the Panxi region. The existence of deep faults in the Panxi region, which provide conditions for transporting mantle thermal material into the crust, is the deep tectonic background for the area＇s strong earthquake activity.

Combined lumbar muscle block and perioperative comprehensive patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with butorphanol in gynecological endoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic surgery has become a common surgical approach for the clinical treatment of intra-abdominal lesions in recent years.We hypothesized that lumbar block with postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA)by butorphanol after gynecological surgery under general anesthesia would be more effective than PCIA by butorphanol alone.AIM To investigate the effect of lumbar block with PCIA by butorphanol after gynecological surgery under general anesthesia.METHODS This study assessed 120 women scheduled for laparoscopic surgery at our hospital between May 2017 and May 2020.They were divided using a random number table into a research group(those who received quadratus lumborum block combined with PCIA analgesia by butorphanol)and a control group(those who received only PCIA analgesia by butorphanol),with 60 patients in each group.Demographic factors,visual analog scale scores for pain,serum inflammatory markers,PCIA compressions,Ramsay scores,and adverse events were compared between groups using a t-test,analysis of variance,orχ2 test,as appropriate.RESULTS There were no significant differences in demographic factors between groups(all P>0.05).The visual analog scale scores of the research group in the resting state 12 h and 24 h postoperatively were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Two hours after surgery,there were no significant differences in the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-6,or IL-8 between groups(P>0.05).The serum tumor necrosis factor-αlevels of the research group 24 h postoperatively were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The levels of serum IL-6 and IL-8 in the study group 24 h and 48 h postoperatively were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Lumbar block with PCIA with butorphanol after gynecological surgery under general anesthesia significantly improves the analgesic effect and reduces the degree of inflammation,instances of PCIA compression,and adverse reactions.

Ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Improves Postoperative Analgesia and Early Recovery in Patients Undergoing Retroperitoneoscopic Urologic Surgeries:A Randomized Controlled Double-blinded Trial

Objective To evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane(TAP) block on postoperative analgesia and early recovery in patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic urologic surgeries.Methods This was a randomized,controlled,double-blinded trial.Eligible patients scheduled for retroperitoneoscopic urologic surgeries were randomly assigned to two groups.Group TAP received ultrasound-guided TAP block with 0.5% ropivacaine 20 ml at 30 minutes before surgery,and Group C received TAP sham block with normal saline.All patients received retroperitoneoscopic urologic surgeries under general anesthesia.The primary outcome was the severity of pain after surgery.Secondary outcomes included opioids consumption,analgesics,postoperative nausea and vomiting,time to Foley catheter removal and to passage of flatus,length of post-anesthesia care unit stay and hospital stay.Results Eighty patients completed the study,forty cases in each group.Compared to the Group C,the Group TAP had lower visual analogue scale pain scores within two postoperative days(all P<0.05).They also had less consumption of intraoperative fentanyl(2.0±0.5 vs. 3.8±0.7 μg/kg,P<0.05),reduced incidence of postoperative rescue analgesic usage(12.5% vs. 45.0%,P<0.05),and lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting within postoperative 48 hours(12.5% vs. 25.0%,P<0.05) when compared to the Group C.In addition,Group TAP had a shortened post-anesthesia care unit stay(25±8 vs. 49±12 minutes,P<0.05),and a greater proportion of patients discharged within postoperative three days(57.5% vs. 35.0%,P<0.05).Conclusion Preoperative ultrasound-guided TAP block is an effective technique to improve postoperative analgesia and early recovery in patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic urologic surgeries.

The effect of adjunct caudal block on postoperative analgesia in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A prospective randomized controlled, single blinded pilot study in a tertiary centre

Objective:Caudal block provides satisfactory postoperative pain relief in lower abdominal operations.This pilot study explores its safety and effect on postoperative pain control in patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy(RARP).Methods:From 2013 to 2014,40 consecutive patients were randomized into two groups d one received caudal block using ropivacaine immediately after operation,the other received standard analgesia.Primary outcome measure was pain score based on 11-point Likert scale(0e10)recorded at recovery room,and at 6,12,24,48,and 72 h after operation.All analgesic requirements,opioid-related adverse events and time to passage of flatus were examined.Results:Mean age of the two groups was similar(60.4 vs.62.3 years,p Z 0.33),as was American Society of Anaesthesiologists(ASA)class,body mass index(BMI)and operation times.No significant difference in median pain scores was reported in recovery room(2 vs.3,p Z 0.34),and at 6 h(2 vs.2,p Z 0.94),12 h(0 vs.0,p Z 0.62),24 h(1 vs.0,p Z 0.58),48 h(1 vs.0,p Z 0.36)and 72 h(0 vs.0,p Z 0.78)postoperatively between control and caudal block groups,respectively.There was a higher mean opioid usage in the caudal block group which was not statistically significant.Although this was statistically insignificant while no significant difference in mean paracetamol usage was observed postoperatively.Median time to passage of flatus was similar(2.0 vs.2.0 days,p Z 0.97).There was one case of superficial wound infection and no opioid-related adverse events observed.Hospital stay was similar in both groups(2.5 vs.2.5 days,p Z 0.96).

DISCUSSION ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WESTERN MARGIN OF YANGTZE BLOCK AND SOUTHWESTERN SANJIANG REGION IN PROTEROZOIC

The western margin of Yangtze block and southwestern Sanjiang region absorbed much attention from geologists. It has been proved that there occurred a series of plate subduction, collision, assembly, rifting and breakup processes between them since Palaeozoic and the tectonic evolutionary relationship between them is clear. But in Proterozoic this kind of links between them became unclear. Did they undergo the assembly and breakup processes of the Rodinia super continent? This paper will take a primary discussion on this question on the basis of basement component, structure characteristics and magmatic activities.1\ Basement features\;(1) In western margin of Yangtze block its basement is composed of crystalline basement and folded basement, a so\|called double\|layer structure. The crystalline basement is made up of Kangding group, Pudeng Formation and Dibadu Formation, among them Kangding group is a representative and composed mainly of migmatite, compositing gneiss, hornblende schist and granulitite. The isotopic age of crystalline basement is older than 1900Ma, so its geological time is late Archaean to early Proterozoic. The folded basement is composed of Dahongshan group, Hekou group, Kunyang group, Huili group and Yanbian group. Their rock associations are made up mainly of spilite\|keratophyre formation, carbonate formation, clastic rock and clastic rock formation with some basic volcanic rocks. The folded basement is assigned to be early and middle Proterozoic (1000～1700M a).

Procedural simulation:medical student preference and value of three task trainers for ultrasound guided regional anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound guided regional anesthesia is widely taught using task trainer models. Commercially available models are often used; however, they can be cost prohibitive. Therefore, alternative "homemade" models with similar fidelity are often used. We hypothesize that professional task trainers will be preferred over homemade models. The purpose of this study is to determine realism, durability and cleanliness of three different task trainers for ultrasound guided nerve blocks.METHODS: This was a prospective observational study using a convenience sample of medical student participants in an ultrasound guided nerve block training session on January 24 th, 2015. Participants were asked to perform simulated nerve blocks on three different task trainers including, 1 commercial and 2 homemade. A questionnaire was then given to all participants to rate their experiences both with and without the knowledge on the cost of the simulator device.RESULTS: Data was collected from 25 participants. The Blue Phantom model was found to have the highest fidelity. Initially, 10(40%) of the participants preferred the Blue Phantom model, while 10(40%) preferred the homemade gelatin model and 5(20%) preferred the homemade tofu model. After cost awareness, the majority, 18(72%) preferred the gelatin model.CONCLUSION: The Blue Phantom model was thought to have the highest fidelity, but after cost consideration the homemade gelatin model was preferred.