ED90 of spinal 2-chloroprocaine 1% in ambulatory knee arthroscopy up to 45 min: a randomized biased-coin- up-and-down sequential allocation trial

BackgroundA short acting spinal anesthetic facilitates smooth flow since quick recovery of motor function will facilitate unassisted ambulation. The aim of this study was to estimate the effective dose (ED90) of intrathecal 2-chloroprocaine 1% in outpatient knee arthroscopy.MethodsTwo cohorts were included in two different hospitals. In cohort I, a randomized biased-coin up-and-down design with 40 patients was used to find the ED90. Four dose-levels of plain 2-chloroprocaine 1% were used: 25, 30, 35 and 40 mg. The identified primary outcome, the ED90, was validated in 50 patients in cohort II with an open label design. Secondary outcomes included time to complete recovery from motor and sensory block with spinal injection as time zero, peak sensory block level, urine retention and time until hospital discharge.ResultsForty patients were included in the final analysis in cohort I. The ED90 was estimated at 27.8 mg, successful spinal anesthesia was obtained in 38 patients (95%). Fifty patients were included in the final analysis in cohort II, 49 patients had successful anesthesia with a fixed round dose of 28 mg. In this Cohort, peak sensory block was T10/T11 (range: (L4–T4)). The median time to full recovery of the motor block was 60 min (45–60) and 90 min (75–105) for the sensory block. The mean time to hospital discharge was 2.9 hours (0.7).ConclusionThe ED90 of 2-chloroprocaine 1% in knee arthroscopy was estimated to be 27.8 mg. In an external population, the ED90 resulted in successful anesthesia in 98% of the patients (95% CI 89% to 100%).Trial registration numberNetherlands Trial Registry (NL6769).

No Difference between Spinal Anesthesia with Hyperbaric Ropivacaine and Intravenous Dexmedetomidine Sedation with and without Intrathecal Fentanyl: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial

To enhance the duration of single-shot spinal anesthesia, intrathecal fentanyl and intravenous dexmedetomidine are widely used as adjuvants to local anesthetics. This noninferiority trial evaluated whether hyperbaric ropivacaine alone can produce a noninferior duration of sensory block in comparison to hyperbaric ropivacaine with intrathecal fentanyl in patients under dexmedetomidine sedation. Methods. Fifty patients scheduled for elective lower limb surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to receive either hyperbaric ropivacaine 15 mg (Group R) or hyperbaric ropivacaine 15 mg with intrathecal fentanyl 20 μg (Group RF). Intravenous dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg for 10 min, followed by 0.5 μg/kg/h) was administered in both groups. The primary outcome of this study was the time to two-dermatomal regression of sensory block. The noninferiority margin for the mean difference was −10 min. Characteristics of the block, intraoperative and postoperative side effects, postoperative pain score, and analgesic consumption were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results. There was no difference in the two-dermatomal regressions of sensory block between the two groups (Group R 70.4 ± 10.2 min, Group RF 71.2 ± 12.4 min, p = 0.804) with a mean difference of 0.8 min (−7.2 to 5.6, 95% confidence interval). Thus, the noninferiority of hyperbaric ropivacaine alone was established. There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions. Under intravenous dexmedetomidine sedation, the duration of spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric ropivacaine alone was noninferior to that of hyperbaric ropivacaine with intrathecal fentanyl. This suggests that addition of intrathecal fentanyl to hyperbaric ropivacaine may not be necessary in patients receiving intravenous dexmedetomidine.

Comparision of dexmedetomidine and clonidine with hyperbaric bupivacain in spinal anaesthesia

Background: Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists used as adjuvant to spinal anaesthesia produce substantial sensory and motor blockade of bupivacaine. This study was planned to compare the sensory and motor blockade characteristics of intrathecal combinations of adjuvants dexmedetomidine and clonidine with hyperbaric bupivacaine in the cases who underwent lower limb surgery under spinal anaesthesia.Methods: This was prospective, randomized, double blind study. 90 patients of age group between 18-60 years, ASA grade I and II were allotted into 3 equal groups. Group B received 15 mg bupivacaine plain, group BD and BC received dexmedetomidine (5mcg) and clonidine (50mcg) as adjuvants to bupivacaine respectively.Results: The duration of 2 dermatome regression time, sensory blockade and motor blockade were longest in dexmedetomidine group (129.37±4.87; 386±58.43; 353±48.87) in compared to clonidine (109.77±5.95; 296.53±57.19; 269.7±51.2) and bupivacaine group (81.03±6.83; 211.1± 30.47;181.03±20.8). Both drugs do not affect the peak level of sensory blockade, sensory block onset and motor block onset time. Dexmedetomidine and clonidine do not cause sedation in intraoperative and postoperative period.Conclusions: We conclude that addition of dexmedetomidine and clonidine in spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine increase the duration of ‘2 dermatome regression’ time, sensory and motor blockade and both are more with dexmedetomidine than with clonidine.

Dexmedetomidine versus magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant to local anesthesia in single-injection percutaneous peribulbar anesthesia for cataract extraction

Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of addition of dexmedetomidine or magnesium sulphate to the standard local anesthetics mixture as a primary objective and to compare between both as a secondary objective utilizing the single-injection percutaneous technique for peribulbar block. In this prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial (RCT), sixty patients, both sexes, aged 45 to 75, with an ASA of I to III, were scheduled for cataract extraction operation. They were divided into three equal groups; each received a single injection peribulbar block of a mixture of 0.5% bupivacaine (3 ml) + 2 percent lidocaine (3 ml) + 120 IU hyaluronidase + (control group (C): 0.5 ml of normal saline; group D: 50 μg of dexmedetomidine; group M: 50 mg of magnesium sulphate in 0.5 ml) with a total injected volume of 7 ml each. The duration of sensory, motor block, need for supplementary doses, hemodynamics, and satisfaction of patients and surgeons were assessed. Results For the primary outcome, both the dexmedetomidine and magnesium groups revealed statistically significant differences from the control group with shorter onsets of sensory block and lid akinesia (p value< 0.001 for both), shorter onset of globe akinesia for dexmedetomidine (p value<0.001) and for magnesium sulphate (p value=0.022), prolonged duration of lid and globe akinesia and sensory block (p value<0.001), better patient satisfaction (p value=0.044) but insignificant difference regarding surgeons’ satisfaction (p value= 0.117) and a less frequent, but statistically insignificant need for supplementary injection (p value=0.075). The demographic and clinical hemodynamics and oxygen saturation parameters were comparable between the three groups. For the secondary outcome, dexmedetomidine was superior to magnesium sulphate regarding onset of globe and lid akinesia (p value= 0.047 and 0.003, respectively), and durations of globe akinesia and sensory block (p value= 0.02 and 0.016, respectively). No complications related to the drugs or procedure were recorded. Conclusions When compared to 50 mg magnesium sulphate, dexmedetomidine at a dose of 50 μg is a superior adjunct to local anesthetic combination in peribulbar block for cataract procedures in terms of start and duration of peribulbar block.

Anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac predict the sensory block level of continuous epidural analgesia during labor

Background The anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac determine the sensory block level of spinal anesthesia; however, whether they show the same predictive value during continuous epidural anesthesia (CEA) remains undetermined. We designed the present study to verify the efficacy of the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac in predicting the sensory block level during labor analgesia. Methods A total of 122 parturients with singleton pregnancies requesting labor analgesia were included in this study. The lumbar dural sac diameter (DSD), lumbar dural sac length (DSL), lumbar dural sac surface area (DSA), and lumbar dural sac volume (DSV) were measured with an ultrasound color Doppler diagnostic apparatus. CEA was performed at the L2-L3 interspace. After epidural cannulation, an electronic infusion pump containing 0.08% ropivacaine and sufentanil 0.4 μg/ml was connected. The sensory block level was determined with alcohol-soaked cotton, a cotton swab, and a pinprick. The analgesic efficacy of CEA was determined with a visual analog scale (VAS). The parturients were divided into two groups, “ideal analgesia” and “nonideal analgesia,” and the groups were compared by t test. Pearson’s correlation was performed to evaluate the association between the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac and sensory block level. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to create a model for predicting the sensory block level. Results In the ideal analgesia group, the height, DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD were significantly smaller, and the body mass index (BMI) was significantly larger (P < 0.05). In addition, the DSL demonstrated the strongest correlation with the peak level of pain block (r = − 0.816, P < 0.0001; Fig. 2A), temperature block (r = − 0.874, P < 0.0001; Fig. 3A) and tactile block (r = − 0.727, P < 0.0001; Fig. 4A). Finally, the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that DSL and BMI contributed to predicting the peak sensory block level. Conclusion In conclusion, our study shows that the sensory block level of CEA is higher when the DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD of puerperae are lower. DSL and BMI can be treated as predictors of the peak sensory block level in CEA during labor analgesia.

Study of duration and efficacy of chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia in infraumbilical surgeries

Background: Spinal anesthesia is a reliable and safe technique for infraumbilical surgeries. Nevertheless, some of its characteristics may limit its use for day care surgery. Use of long-acting anesthetic drugs like bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia may lead to side effects such as delayed ambulation and risk of urinary retention. Chloroprocaine is an amino-ester local anesthetic with a very short half-life now being extensively evaluated in volunteer studies and clinical practice with a favorable safety profile and efficacy, suggesting that it may be a suitable alternative to long-acting local anesthetics like bupivacaine in day care surgeries. Aims and Objective: This study aims at evaluating the duration and efficacy of chloroprocaine in spinal anesthesia for infraumbilical surgeries. The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the duration and efficacy of chloroprocaine 1% in spinal anesthesia for infraumbilical surgeries and the secondary outcome was to find out the incidence of adverse effects if any. Materials and Methods: In this randomized single-blinded clinical evaluation, after institutional ethical committee approval, 30 adult patients (18–70 years, ASA physical Status I-III, BMI < 36 kg/m2) scheduled for infraumbilical surgeries received chloroprocaine 40 mg intrathecally. Patients were evaluated for onset and regression of sensory and motor blockade, peak level of sensory blockade, and time of ambulation postoperatively. Results: The average duration of the surgeries was 46.87±15.24 min. Anesthesia was sufficient for the planned surgery. Only three patients required sedation intraoperatively. The median peak sensory block height was T8. The mean time for peak height sensory block was 6.6±1.673 min and complete motor block was 2±1.05 min. Mean time for complete sensory block regression was 95.37±20.79 min and complete motor block regression was 81.43±20.33 min. Four patients required inj. atropine following bradycardia and three patients required vasopressors following hypotension. Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia with chloroprocaine provides reliable sensory and motor block for short duration infraumbilical surgeries with fewer intraoperative and post-operative complications.

Comparison of Two Different Techniques in Ultrasound Guided Infraclavicular Block: Jedi and Classic Grip

Background: The widespread use of ultrasonography in peripheral nerve blocks requires an assistant. Pappin et al. described the “Jedi grip” technique in which the practitioner works alone by controlling the ultrasound prob with one hand and the needle and injector with the other. In this study, we aimed to compare the block characteristics of the “Jedi grip” technique with the classical technique that performed with an assistant. Methods: 78 patients were included in our study. They were randomly divided into two groups (Group I: Jedi grip and Group II: Classical grip technique). Local anesthetic was applied to both groups from 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine +10 ml of 2% prilocaine mixture. The block characteristics were evaluated and recorded every 5 minutes for the first 30 minutes after each block. When the sensory block score was 7 and the total score was 14 or above, the block was considered successful, and the patient was ready for surgery. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of block characteristics such as block pain, number of attempts, arterial puncture, sensory and motor block onset and regression times, time to be ready for surgery, tourniquet pain, use of additional anesthesia method, use of postoperative analgesia. The duration of block application was 158±47 sec in the Jedi group and 121±83 sec in the control group. Conclusion: The Jedi grip technique has been found to be applicable with the same confidence compared to the classical method in terms of block success and complications.

A prospective randomized clinical study to compare the efficacy of 0.25% bupivacaine with clonidine and 0.25% levobupivacaine with clonidine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries

:Bupivacaine is an amide local anesthetic, available as a racemic mixture of Dextro and Levorotatory Isomers. Due to its rapid onset and longer duration of anesthesia, It is routinely preferred in various regional anesthetic techniques. However, it is associated with serious cardiovascular and neurological toxicity. Its pure S- enantiomer, Levobupivacaine having similar pharmacological profile is known to have lesser cardiovascular and CNS toxicity. Combining adjuvants like clonidine, a centrally acting partial alpha-2-adrenergic agonist to improve quality of anesthesia is common practice. Hence, the aim of our study is to compare efficacy and safety of 0.25% Levobupivacaine and 0.25% Bupivacaine when combined with clonidine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries.Eighty patients aged between 18 to 60 years with ASA physical status I-II, scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries under were randomized into two groups. Peripheral nerve stimulator guided Supraclavicular brachial plexus block was administered. Group BC received 30ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine plus 1µg/kg Clonidine and Group LC 30ml of 0.25% Levobupivacaine plus 1µg/kg Clonidine. The time of onset of sensory and motor block, duration of sensory and motor block, perioperative hemodynamic parameters, postoperative pain for 24hours and adverse effects were studies.Group LC had faster onset of sensory block (p= 0.014) as well as faster onset of motor block (p= 0.012) compared to group BC. However, durations of sensory block and motor block were statistically not significant in both the groups (p&#62;0.05). Perioperative hemodynamic parameters and assessment of pain during 24 hours of post operative period were comparable and statistically not significant.1mcg/kg of clonidine used as an adjuvant to 30ml of 0.25% Levobupivacaine produces faster onset of sensory and motor block compared to 0.25% Bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. However, similar anesthetic efficacy in terms of duration of sensory and motor block, hemodynamics and postoperative analgesia were observed.

Correlation between anthropometric measurements and sensory block level of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section

Background: When performing spinal anesthesia for cesarean section, it is important to determine the appropriate anesthetic dose as well as to predict the level of spinal anesthesia. In this study, it was hypothesized that some anthropometric measurements may be related to maximum sensory block and hemodynamic changes. Objectives: The aim of this study are to find maternal anthropometric values that are correlate with the level of spinal anesthesia. Methods: Maternal anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, supine and standing abdominal circumference (AC), and hip circumference, were recorded before spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. Spinal anesthesia was induced by administering 8 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 20 μg of fentanyl at the L3-L4 interspace. The level of sensory block was determined using pin-prick at 1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes after spinal anesthesia. The sensory block level and hemodynamic adverse events were analyzed in relationship to anthropometric measurements. Results: The supine AC/height ratios significantly correlate with the maximal sensory block level at 5, 10, and 15 minutes after the injection of spinal anesthetic (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Further, there were significant correlations between body mass index (BMI) and sensory block level at every assessment (p = 0.041, p = 0.002, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). When comparing the groups with and without hypotension, BMI, weight, and supine AC/height ratio were found to be significantly higher in the group with hypotension (p = 0.002, p = 0.004 and p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions: We conclude that BMI and AC/height ratio correlate with the sensory block level of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy under Segmental Thoracic Spinal Anesthesia

Introduction: Cholelithiasis or gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in gallbladder. The treatment of gallstones depends upon the stage of disease. Once gallstones become symptomatic, definitive surgical intervention with cholecystectomy is usually indicated (typically, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the first-line therapy). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder and gallstones through several small incisions in the abdomen. This case report aims to discuss the managent of segmental thoracic spinal anesthesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Case: We report on the cases of 2 patients who undego elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Female, 53 years old, will undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy, performed anesthesia with segmental thoracic spinal anesthesiatechnique using the anesthetic agent 3 ml of Levobupivacaine 0,5% + 25 mcg of Fentanyl, requiring a sensory block to at least T10-T11 dermatom. Patients received a 1,2 mcg target control infusion (TCI) propofol intravenous is administered as intermittent boluses to achieve deep sedation. The operation lasts 1 hour, with a bleeding 15 cc and urine output 100 cc, hemodynamically stable. Female, 42 years old, will undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy, performed anesthesia with segmental thoracic spinal anesthesia technique using the anesthetic agent 3 ml of Levobupivacaine 0,5% + 25 mcg of Fentanyl, requiring a sensory block to at least T10-T11 dermatom. Patients received a 3 mg of midazolam intravenous is administered as intermittent boluses to achieve deep sedation. The operation lasts 1 hour, with a bleeding 15 cc and urine output 150 cc, hemodynamically stable. The level and duration of sensory block, intensity and duration of motor block were recorded. A 20 % or more decrease in MAP compared to baseline was considered as hypotension, iv ephedrine 5 mgr bolus administreted. Conclusion: Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that uses minimally invasive surgical techniques (minimally invasive surgery) where the doctor uses a small telescope / camera that is inserted into the stomach and surgical instruments in mini form. This procedure has many advantages because it is not invasive, the amount of bleeding can be reduced, postoperative pain can be minimized. Regional anesthesia procedure in laparoscopic cholecystectomy based on several studies and case reports can be performed and is a safe procedure.