Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Nov 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effects of continuous epidural anesthesia and analgesia on stress response and immune function in patients undergoing radical esophagectomy.
We investigated whether perioperative extensive epidural block (C3-L) affects postoperative immune response in patients undergoing radical esophagectomy. Patients undergoing radical esophagectomy were randomly assigned to either general anesthesia with continuous epidural infusion via 2 epidural catheters that was continued for postoperative analgesia (group E, n = 15) or intraoperative general anesthesia and postoperative IV morphine analgesia (group G, n = 15). Plasma levels of stress hormones, cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte counts, and distribution of lymphocyte subsets were assessed before and after surgery and on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 3. ⋯ The proportion of lymphocytes decreased from the end of surgery to POD3 (each group P < 0.01). The proportion of B cells was increased on POD1 (each group P < 0.01); that of natural killer cells was decreased at POD1 and POD3 (each group P < 0.01). We conclude that tissue damage and inflammation apparently overcome the effects of extensive epidural block on stress response and immune function in radical esophagectomy.
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One of the most common methods for providing postoperative analgesia is via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Although the typical approach is to administer opioids via a programmable infusion pump, other drugs and other modes of administration are available. This article reviews the history and practice of many aspects of PCA and provides extensive guidelines for the practice of PCA-administered opioids. In addition, potential adverse effects and recommendations for their monitoring and treatment are reviewed.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Nov 2005
Total shoulder arthroplasty as an outpatient procedure using ambulatory perineural local anesthetic infusion: a pilot feasibility study.
We investigated the feasibility of converting total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) into an outpatient procedure using ambulatory interscalene perineural ropivacaine infusion. Of the patients of the first phase (n = 8) who were required to remain hospitalized for at least 1 postoperative night, 5 met discharge criteria in the recovery room. ⋯ These results suggest that TSA may be performed on an outpatient basis using perineural local anesthetic infusion. Additional research is required to define the appropriate subset of patients and assess the incidence of complications associated with this practice before its mainstream use.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Nov 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialAlkalinization of intracuff lidocaine: efficacy and safety.
When alkalinized lidocaine instead of air is used to fill the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff, coughing, and bucking are decreased during extubation when ventilation is controlled with N2O. However, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) used to transform lidocaine hydrochloride (L-HCl) to lidocaine base induces a pH increase that could be irritating for mucosa in the case of cuff rupture. Therefore, we determined, in a randomized controlled study with controlled patient ventilation without N2O, whether the smallest concentrations of NaHCO3 (1.4% versus 8.4%) reduced diffusion (in vitro evaluation) and other secondary clinical benefits. ⋯ This increase in ETT tolerance was confirmed by the analysis of secondary end-points. No laryngospasm, rupture of ETT cuff, or depression of the swallowing reflex were recorded. A decrease in sore throat during the postoperative period was recorded when the cuff was inflated with a small dose of alkalinized lidocaine (i.e., 40 mg of L-HCl and 1.4% of NaHCO3) rather than with air when ventilation was controlled without N2O.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Nov 2005
ReviewThe changing role of non-opioid analgesic techniques in the management of postoperative pain.
Given the expanding role of ambulatory surgery and the need to facilitate an earlier hospital discharge, improving postoperative pain control has become an increasingly important issue for all anesthesiologists. As a result of the shift from inpatient to outpatient surgery, the use of IV patient-controlled analgesia and continuous epidural infusions has steadily declined. ⋯ The opioid-sparing effects of these compounds may lead to reduced nausea, vomiting, constipation, urinary retention, respiratory depression and sedation. Therefore, use of non-opioid analgesic techniques can lead to an improved quality of recovery for surgical patients.