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Objective To assess the value of a morphine Patient Controlled Intravenous Analgesia (PCIA) after Tonsillectomies (TE). Methods 30 adult patients were treated with oral analgesics (protocol group) and compared to 30 patients treated with a morphine PCIA for the first 3 Postoperative Days (PODs) after TE. Average and maximum pain severities (Numeric Rating Scale – NRS: 0–10) on PODs 1–3, analgesic score, quality of life, patient satisfaction and side effects were defined as outcome measures. Results Average pain severities of the protocol and the PCIA group were of similar magnitude (NRS) (POD1: 4.48 vs. 4.71 [p = 0.68], POD2: 4.75 vs. 4.22 [p = 0.32] and POD3: 4.44 vs. 4.25 [p = 0.71]). Maximum pain intensities on POD1 (p = 0.92), POD2 (p = 0.51) and POD3 (p = 0.36) were also comparable between both groups. Patients with a PCIA consumed significantly more opioids (p = 0.001) without significant more side-effects. Conclusion The PCIA did not provide a superior pain control compared to oral analgesics. In view of the considerable effort and the high opioid consumption, it cannot be recommended as a standardized application for pain control after TE.

Background Use of popliteal nerve blocks (PNBs) as an alternative or adjunctive therapy to traditional methods of pain control (e.g., systemic or spinal anesthesia and opioids) is increasingly popular in foot and ankle surgery. Methods We reviewed online databases for literature on PNBs in foot and ankle surgery to analyze the various techniques and positioning used, the influence of drugs on their efficacy, and possible complications associated with their use. Thirty articles were identified with a predefined search criteria, followed by a review process for relevance. Results Patient demographics, procedure specifics, and block techniques, such as anesthetic used, can impact the duration and success of a PNB. Administration with ultrasound guidance proved superior to nerve stimulation, and preoperative administration was superior to postoperative administration. Conclusions PNBs are an effective method to control postoperative pain with minimal complications, leading to decreased analgesic use, earlier discharge, and higher patient satisfaction. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study

Background Given the national opioid crisis, postoperative analgesia at discharge must be thoughtfully prescribed. Data specifically related to thoracic procedures remain scarce. This study assessed adequacy of pain control with standardized and limited opioids after thoracic procedures. Methods A standardized prescription comprised 15 hydromorphone tabs, 7 days of acetaminophen, and 3 days of ibuprofen was provided on discharge to elective thoracic surgery patients. On the first postoperative visit, patients completed a questionnaire regarding the number of hydromorphones used, use of additional opioids, pain-related limitation to function, and adequacy of pain control. Results A total of 122 patients undergoing thoracic surgery procedures were surveyed. Twelve underwent open procedures and were excluded. An additional 6 patients who used opioids chronically preoperatively were also excluded. The remaining 104 patients were included in the study. Median age was 66 years (age range, 17-90 years) and median length of stay was 2 days (range, 1-15 days). Seventeen (16%) patients used all prescribed hydromorphone and 56 (54%) used none, 18 (17%) asked for additional or other opioid, and 14 (13%) felt that their pain significantly limited their function. Nine (9%) felt that that their pain was inadequately controlled. Conclusions Pain after thoracic procedures, especially video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, is adequately controlled with minimal opioid doses (combined with adjuncts), with less than 1 in 5 patients requiring additional prescriptions and very few patients complaining of pain that significantly limited their function. This study shows that a standardized limited opioid prescription is safe, is adequate, and can easily be implemented for the majority of thoracic surgery patients.

Nerve block showed some potential in alleviating pain after mammaplasty. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the efficacy of nerve block for pain control after mammaplasty.The databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for collecting the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the impact of nerve block on pain intensity after mammaplasty.This meta-analysis included 4 RCTs. Compared with control group after mammaplasty, nerve block resulted in remarkably reduced pain scores at 1 hour (mean difference [MD] = -1.84; 95% CI = -2.49 to -1.20;Nerve block was associated with substantially reduced pain intensity after mammaplasty.Le bloc nerveux a un certain potentiel pour soulager la douleur après la mammoplastie. La présente analyse systématique et méta-analyse a été réalisée pour examiner l’efficacité du bloc nerveux afin de contrôler la douleur après une mammoplastie.Les chercheurs ont fouillé systématiquement les bases de données PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, EBSCO et de la Bibliothèque Cochrane pour en extraire les essais aléatoires et contrôlés (EAC) sur les effets du bloc nerveux sur l’intensité de la douleur après la mammoplastie.La présente méta-analyse comprenait quatre EAC. Par rapport au groupe témoin après la mammoplastie, le bloc nerveux favorisait une diminution remarquable des scores de douleur au bout d’une heure (différence moyenne [DM]=-1,84; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %=-2,49 à -1,20; p0,00001), de trois heures (DM=-1,04; IC à 95 %=-1,47 à -0,62; p0,00001), de six heures (DM=-0,96; IC à 95 %=-1,48 à -0,43; p=0,0004) et la consommation d’analgésiques (différence moyenne type=-1,27; IC à 95 % =-1,73 à -0,82; p0,00001), mais n’avait pas d’effets significatifs sur les scores de douleur au bout de 24 heures (DM=-0,31; IC à 95 %=-1,05 à 0,43; p=0,41).Le bloc nerveux est associé à une diminution substantielle de l’intensité de la douleur une mammoplastie.

Analgesic options for surgical abortion (also called procedural abortion) beyond local anesthesia and minimal sedation include moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia. These clinical recommendations review the effectiveness of various moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia regimens for pain control during abortion; medication regimens used to induce analgesia and anesthesia; patient factors affecting anesthesia safety; preoperative and intraoperative protocols to reduce anesthesia risks; personnel qualifications for administration; recommended patient monitoring protocols; and general risks of anesthesia in the context of abortion care. The scope of these recommendations is based on limited available evidence and considerably relies on existing professional society guidelines and recommendations developed by content experts and reviewers. Further research to compare the efficacy and safety of different regimens is needed.

Bilateral erector spinae fascial plane blocks (ESPB) offers a novel, alternative method of regional post-operative pain control to thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). The aim of this study was to compare rates of postoperative hypotension, and other standard enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) endpoints, in patients receiving ESPB versus TEA for open hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery.This retrospective analysis compared historical controls of ERAS patients undergoing open HPB surgery with TEA versus ESPB. The incidence of postoperative hypotension and clinical outcomes, including opioid requirements, were compared.Forty patients receiving TEA were compared to 27 ESPB patients. Return of bowel function and length of stay (mean 7.2 versus7.4 days; P = 0.83) were similar. ESPB patients received less intraoperative colloid (142cc versus 340cc; P = 0.01) and had less postoperative hypotension versus TEA (22% versus 55%; P = 0.03). No ESPB patient required patient-controlled analgesia (versus 32.5% TEA; P0.001). ESPB MME requirements decreased over time, while TEA MME requirements increased over 72 hours (P = 0.019).ESPB is a novel method that shows promising outcomes in improving enhanced recovery parameters and minimizing opioid administration in open HPB surgery.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is one of the non-pharmacological methods of pain relief that has been able to reduce pain by 70 to 90% in postoperative pain control. This study aimed to determine the effect of TENS on pain control after cesarean section and its effect on PNMT gene expression. For this purpose, a double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 70 Chinese patients with elective cesarean section. Patients were divided into case and control groups. In the case group, TENS and analgesic drugs were used to relieve pain, and in the control group, the only analgesic drug was used. Then the severity of pain, recurrence of pain attacks, the number of analgesic drugs used and the amount of analgesic drug used in the first 24 hours after surgery were evaluated and compared. Blood samples were also taken from patients to evaluate PNMT gene expression. The semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to study changes in gene expression. The results showed that the group treated with TENS had less pain intensity and less recurrence of pain attacks than the group that received only analgesic medication. Also, the frequency of analgesic drug use and its dose in the TENS group were significantly lower than in the control group. TENS, on the other hand, has been able to greatly reduce the expression of the PNMT gene, which is produced during times of stress. Therefore, it is recommended that TENS be used as a non-invasive and non-pharmacological adjuvant effective in reducing pain after cesarean section.

Intra-articular injections with hyaluronic acid are recommended in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis; however, hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy has been reported as effective and safe. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy for pain reduction and improvement of function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis in comparison with hyaluronic acid by meta-analysis. The search was performed in electronic databases. Six studies were included (395 participants). No statistically significant differences were found between prolotherapy and hyaluronic acid in pain control in the short-term; however, in the subanalysis that included only the studies that used intra-articular injection within the prolotherapy scheme, an effect was found in favor of the prolotherapy groups ( d = -1.33; 95% confidence interval, -2.50 to -0.16; P ( z ) = 0.03). Also, an effect was found in favor of the prolotherapy group in the improvement in function ( d = -1.05; 95% confidence interval, -2.03 to -0.08; P ( z ) = 0.03). No major adverse reactions or side effects were reported in any of the studies. Hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy seems to be an effective intervention to decrease pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis, with efficacy similar to intra-articular injections with hyaluronic acid in the short-term follow-up. Nonetheless, better-quality clinical trials are necessary.

OBJECTIVE To prospectively analyze pain and pain medication use following otologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study with patient reported pain logs and medication use logs. SETTING Tertiary academic hospital.Patients: Sixty adults who underwent outpatient otologic surgeries. INTERVENTIONS Surveys detailing postoperative pain levels, nonopioid analgesic (NOA) use, and opioid analgesic use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported pain scores, use of NOA, and use of opioid medications normalized as milligrams morphine equivalents (MME). RESULTS Thirty-two patients had surgery via a transcanal (TC) approach, and 28 patients had surgery via a postauricular (PA) approach. TC surgery had significantly lower reported pain scores than PA surgery on both postoperative day (POD) 1 (median pain score 2.2, IQR 0-5 vs. median pain score 4.8, IQR 3.4-6.3, respectively; p = 0.0013) and at POD5 (median pain score 0, IQR 0-0 vs. median pain score 2.0, IQR 0-3, respectively; p = 0.0002). Patients also used significantly fewer opioid medications with TC approach than patients who underwent PA approach at POD1 (median total MME 0, IQR 0-5 vs. median total MME 5.0, IQR 0-15, respectively; p = 0.03) and at POD5 (median total MME 0, IQR 0-0 vs. median total MME 0, IQR 0-5, respectively; p = 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS Surgery with a postauricular approach is associated with higher pain and opioid use following otologic surgery. Patient- and approach-specific opioid prescribing is feasible following otologic surgery.

Rib fractures represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. The erector spinae plane block has come to the forefront as a potential safe and effective option for analgesia in painful conditions of the thorax over multiple dermatomal levels. Given the high morbidity associated with rib fractures, the inadequacy of opioid analgesia and the strong safety profile of the erector spinae plane block, this pilot study sought to address whether this block can be used to safely and effectively provide analgesia in emergency department (ED) patients with acute rib fractures.A total of nine patients underwent the procedure successfully. Patients were found to have a significant reduction in their pain score pre- and post-block. The reduction in mean pre- and post-block pain scores was 9.89 vs 3.56 which was statistically significant (p 0.0001).In a pilot sampling of emergency department patients with acute fractures who failed traditional analgesic therapy, the erector spinae plane block performed by emergency physicians provided safe and effective pain control. Further research is needed to fully establish the clinical benefit and safety of this procedure.RéSUMé: OBJECTIFS: Les fractures des côtes représentent une cause importante de morbidité et de mortalité chez les patients traumatisés. Le bloc du plan des muscles érecteurs du rachis est apparu comme une option potentiellement sûre et efficace pour l’analgésie dans les états douloureux du thorax sur plusieurs niveaux dermatomiques. Compte tenu de la morbidité élevée associée aux fractures des côtes, de l’insuffisance de l’analgésie opiacée et du profil d’innocuité solide d'un bloc du plan des muscles érecteurs du rachis, cette étude pilote visait à déterminer si ce bloc peut être utilisé pour fournir une analgésie sûre et efficace aux patients des urgences présentant des fractures aiguës des côtes. MéTHODES: Au total, neuf patients ont subi l’intervention avec succès. On a constaté que les patients avaient une réduction significative de leur score de douleur avant et après le blocage. La réduction des scores moyens de la douleur avant et après le blocage était de 9.89 contre 3.56, ce qui était statistiquement significatif (p 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Dans le cadre d’un projet pilote d’échantillonnage de patients des services d’urgence ayant subi des fractures aiguës et ayant échoué à la thérapie analgésique traditionnelle, le bloc du plan des muscles érecteurs du rachis effectué par les médecins urgentistes a permis de contrôler efficacement et en toute sécurité la douleur. Des recherches supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour établir pleinement les avantages cliniques et la sécurité de cette procédure.

An abuse-deterrent, microsphere-in-capsule extended-release formulation of oxycodone myristate (Xtampza® ER, Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc, Canton, Massachusetts), was approved by the FDA in 2016 for the management of pain. The advantage of this formulation of oxycodone is that the microspheres can be administered via enteral tubes without compromising the long-acting formulation. This case series characterizes the experiences of five head and neck cancer patients initiated on oxycodone myristate through enteral tube administration for control of cancer-related pain. The primary outcome of patient reported subjective improvement in pain within one week occurred in all five patients. The median time to pain control was 4 days. The safety profile of oxycodone myristate was consistent with the package insert with no new findings reported. Oxycodone myristate can be an appropriate long-acting opioid analgesic option for patients requiring enteral tube administration of medications to achieve adequate cancer-related pain control.

Background: Tumor Necrosis Factor -a (TNF-a) and Interleukin-113 (IL-113) are among the cytokines released secondary to the surgical stress response. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block on postoperative pain and its immunomodulatory activity through proinflammatory cytokines. Methods: TAP (study group; n = 40) or p-TAP (placebo group; n = 40). Patients in the TAP group underwent an Ultrasound (US) guided unilateral TAP block using 20-cc 0.5% bupivacaine solution. Patients in the p-TAP group underwent a sham block using 20-cc isotonic solution. The TNF-a and IL-113 levels were measured three times at preoperative hour-0 and postoperative hours 4 and 24. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were recorded at 0-hours, 30-minutes, 4-hours, and 24-hours. Analgesic use within the first 24-hours following surgery was monitored. Results: The postoperative VAS score was decreased in the TAP group at all time points (0, 4, and 24 hours), and the differences between groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). In the TAP group, the TNF-a and IL-113 levels at 4 and 24 hours post operation were significantly lower than the preoperative levels (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusion: The TAP block for pre-emptive analgesia enabled effective hemodynamic control during the intraoperative period, provided effective pain control in the postoperative period, and decreased inflammation and surgical stress due to the decreased levels of the proinflamma-tory cytokines TNF-ec and IL-1 beta in the first postoperative 24 hours, indicating immunomodulatory effect. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. on behalf of Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Background Satisfaction measures such as Press Ganey (PG) scores are increasingly used to determine reimbursement. Purpose To investigate the relationship between PG satisfaction scores and perioperative opioid use in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods Patients undergoing ACLR were retrospectively identified. Perioperative opioid prescription data were collected using the electronic medical record. Results Positive correlations existed between immediate preoperative total morphine equivalents (TMEs) and PG scores. There was a negative correlation between “Pain Control” and preoperative TMEs. Conclusion PG scores were correlated with preoperative and intraoperative opioid administration but not postoperative opioid administration.

PURPOSE: This study examined the influence of treadmill exercise with initial pain control using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on induced pain of knee osteoarthritis in rats. METHODS: Thirty adult male Sprague - Dawley rats were divided randomly into the TENS Group (TG, n = 10), Treadmill Exercise Group (TEG, n = 10), and Treadmill with TENS Group (TTG, n = 10). In the TG, TENS was performed for 20 min per day for two weeks with a TENS program at the knee joint. The TEG performed treadmill exercise 15 m/min for 20 min per day for two weeks. The TTG performed initial pain control by TENS program during the 1st ~ 3rd days, and treadmill exercise was performed using the TEG methods from the 4th day. The lumbar spine was extracted and processed using western blot analysis to evaluate pain (c-fos expression). RESULTS: The results showed that c-fos expression was decreased significantly in all groups after each intervention (p < .05). In particular, TTG produced the most significant decrease compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that treadmill exercise with initial pain control using TENS is a suitable method for relieving pain in knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND Removal of a chest tube is a painful procedure for infants. Medications, including narcotics, are used to control pain, but nonpharmacologic interventions are also effective in reducing pain during this procedure and are not associated with adverse effects. PURPOSE To evaluate the additive effect of facilitated tucking to the use of morphine on infant pain associated at the time of chest tube removal. METHODS This was a prospective, randomized control study. Sixty infants were randomized into 2 equal groups utilizing a coin flip. All infants received 0.05-mg/kg morphine 20 minutes before chest tube removal. The intervention group received facilitated tucking and the control group received standard care. Infant pain was measured using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Pain was assessed at 3 time points by 2 independent evaluators: 5 minutes before, during, and 5 minutes after removal of the chest tube. Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact (Chi-square) tests were used to compare the intervention and control groups. RESULTS Pain scores were increased during chest tube removal for both the intervention and the control groups. Compared with the control group, pain scores for infants in the intervention group were less before, during, and after chest tube removal. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Facilitated tucking combined with morphine administration can be an effective additive intervention for pain control in infants during chest tube removal. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Evaluate the effect of the facilitated tucking on pain induced by chest tube removal in preterm infants. Preterm infants may respond differently to pain.

Background A two-step irradiance schedule has been found to be useful for pain control during photodynamic therapy (PDT) on nonmelanotic skin cancer and condyloma acuminatum. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of a new three-step irradiance schedule derived from the psychological "peak-end rule" and two-step irradiance schedule in relieving pain during 5-aminolevulinic acid PDT (ALA-PDT) on acne. Methods A total of 90 moderate to severe acne patients were enrolled in our study and randomly divided into two groups with a ratio of 1:1. They were treated by a light-emitting diode light source of 633 ± 10 nm after being incubated with 5% ALA for an hour using a two-step or three-step irradiance schedule, respectively. The total irradiance intensity was 84 J/cm2 of each session and the treatment interval was 2 weeks. Pain was recorded 30 min after each PDT using a visual analog scale (VAS). Follow-up was done at baseline and 2 weeks after each treatment. The numbers of lesions were counted after the third treatment through the pictures taken before and all the side effects were recorded at each follow-up visit. Results Eighty-seven subjects completed the total three treatments (44 cases in Group A and 43 cases in Group B). The average VAS of Group B (1.61 ± 0.67) was significantly lower than that of Group A (3.14 ± 0.67), with a difference of 1.52 ± 0.08 (p 0.05). Conclusions The new three-step irradiance method could relieve pain during ALA-PDT more significantly than the two-step schedule with a similar effective rate.

Burn injury and reconstructive operations often result in severe pain, particularly at skin graft donor sites. Traditional local anesthetics administered intraoperatively control pain at donor sites, but the duration of action is short. Liposomal bupivacaine, a novel local anesthetic, can provide sustained-release analgesia for 72h. The primary aim of this study was to describe the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine for postoperative donor site pain control for patients undergoing skin graft procedures.A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who received a donor site liposomal bupivacaine field block and was compared to a matched control. Patients rated donor site pain on post-operative day 0 and 1, and stated whether the donor or graft site was more painful.Fifty-eight patients were included. Twenty-nine patients received liposomal bupivacaine. Eighty-six percent of patients in the treatment group rated donor site pain as three or less on postoperative day 0 and 1, compared to 3.4% in the control (p0.0001). Also, 76% of patients in the treatment group stated donor site pain was less than graft site pain, compared to 3.4% in the control (p0.0001).Patients who received liposomal bupivacaine reported less postoperative donor site pain and found the donor site to be less bothersome without major complications. Liposomal bupivacaine may be a safe and promising agent for prolonging postoperative analgesia and minimizing donor site pain.

This case report demonstrates using buprenorphine 32 mg to achieve adequate pain control after a total knee replacement. The patient stopped buprenorphine 48 hours before surgery. He was prescribed 150 tablets of oxycodone 5 mg. After finishing oxycodone, he experienced significant pain that was relieved by 32 mg of buprenorphine daily. Urine drug screens were negative perioperatively. Patients with opioid use disorder require careful discharge planning to avoid opioid relapses or misuses of pain medications. Buprenorphine offers many unique advantages in acute pain control, including lower risk of respiratory depression, abuse potential, and lower risk of nephrotoxicity.

We report a case in which sublingual buprenorphine was used to help transition a patient off intravenous (IV) opioid analgesics medications post-multiple abdominal procedures. Intravenous opioids are commonly used in inpatient surgical pain management for patients with severe pain who are unable to take oral medications. Typically, a short course of IV analgesics is used, followed by transition to oral analgesic regimen. However, in patients with poor gastrointestinal absorption, pain control can be challenging. We present this case to highlight how sublingual buprenorphine can be a useful agent for acute pain management, especially when conventional strategies provide suboptimal responses.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to estimate the amount of oxycodone tablets required for pain control in the 2-week postoperative period after laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and vaginal hysterectomy (VH) for benign disease. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study of English-speaking women 18 years or older undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications. Participants completed a pain survey at baseline and daily for 2 weeks postoperatively. In addition, they recorded the number of oxycodone tablets and other pain medications taken daily for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the median number of oxycodone tablets (5 mg) consumed after LH or VH during 2 weeks postoperative. RESULTS Eighty-one women underwent VH and 82 underwent LH. Women who underwent VH were older (mean ± SD, 64.2 ± 10.3 years vs 47.5 ± 7.7 years), more parous (2 [interquartile range (IQR), 2-3] vs 2 [IQR, 1-2]), and less likely to be sexually active (51.9% vs 79.3%, P < 0.02). Women in the VH group also had significantly lower baseline pain levels (0 [IQR, 0-1] vs 1 [IQR, 0-4], P < 0.001). All VH participants had surgery for prolapse, whereas only 12.2% in the LH group had surgery for this indication (P < 0.001). Most in the LH group had surgery for fibroids (61%) or abnormal uterine bleeding (15.9%). Women in the VH group consumed significantly less oxycodone tablets postoperatively (median, 4.5 [IQR, 1-9] vs 7 [IQR, 2-18]; P = 0.047) and took oxycodone for less days after discharge (median, 1 [IQR, 0-3] vs 3 [IQR, 1-6]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Women consume less oxycodone after minimally invasive hysterectomy than previously thought. Those who undergo VH may consume less oxycodone than those who undergo LH.

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are used in an attempt to decrease narcotic use and its subsequent consequences. The primary goal of this study was to see if TAP blocks decreased narcotic use in patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal surgery.A randomized pilot study was conducted. The amount of narcotic used examined in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) was collected for the first 4 post-operative days (PODs). Demographic data, length of stay (LOS), readmission rate, and 90-day mortality was also examined. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with a p 0.05 determined to be significant.Eighty-eight patients were included. Forty-seven were randomized to the TAP group and 41 to the no TAP group. There was no difference in age, race, gender, indication for operation, or Charlson Comorbidity Index (p 0.05). The median MME for each POD was similar for POD 1 (22.5 vs 37.5; p = 0.054), POD 3 (15 vs 22.5; p = 0.48), and POD 4 (22.5 vs 10.5; p = 0.42) on bivariate analysis. On POD 2, the TAP group had significantly less narcotic intake than the no TAP group (17.5 vs 30; p = 0.047). However, on multivariate analysis when controlling for other variables, there was no statistical difference between the groups. Median LOS was 3 days for both groups. Readmissions, post-operative complications, and mortality were also similar between the two groups (p 0.05).Our findings indicate that continuous TAP blocks do not decrease the amount of MME used during the first 4 post-operative days compared to patient receiving traditional pain control measures.

Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) are commonly required in reconstructive surgery but may cause significant pain. The goal of this investigator-initiated trial is to evaluate the effect of liposomal bupivacaine on donor site pain and opioid consumption. A parallel, randomized, controlled trial of adult acute burn patients with

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols incorporate evidence-based practices of pre-, intra- and post-operative care to achieve the most optimal surgical outcome, safe on-time discharge, and surgical cost efficiency. Such protocols have been adapted for specialty-specific needs and are implemented by a variety of surgical disciplines including general thoracic surgery. This study aims to evaluate the impact of our enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) protocol on postoperative outcomes, pain, and opioid utilization following thoracotomy. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing elective resection of intrathoracic neoplasms via posterolateral thoracotomy between 1/1/2016 and 3/1/2020. Our enhanced recovery protocol, with a focus on multimodal pain management (opioid-sparing analgesics, infiltration of local anesthetics into intercostal spaces and surgical wounds, and elimination of thoracic epidural analgesia) was initiated on 2/1/2018. Demographics, clinicopathology data, subjective pain levels, peri-operative outcomes, in-hospital and post-discharge opioid utilization were obtained from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients (43 pre- and 55 post-protocol implementation) were included in this study. There was no difference in perioperative outcomes or percentage of opioid utilization between the two cohorts. The enhanced recovery group had significantly less acute pain. A significant reduction of in-hospital potent schedule II opioid use was noted following ERATS implementation [average MME: 10.5 (3.5–16.5) (ERATS) vs. 19.5 (12.6–36.0) (pre-ERATS), P

Objective: Because of the pain they cause, injection applications can constitute a negative experience for both the patients and the nurses performing the application. This study was planned to compare the effectiveness of local ice and manual pressure applications in decreasing the injection pain experienced by patients. Methods:This study performed a university hospital in Turkey. Onehundred and five patients,45 in the lokal ıce group, 45 in the manuel pressure group and 45 in the control group, met the inclusion criteria and completed the study. The local ice group received cold ice application to the injection area before injection. The manual pressure group was received 10 seconds of pressure applied by the researcher to the injection area before injection. The control group received routine injection. Study data was collected using The Wong‐Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and The Visual Analog Pain Scale. Results: A statistically significant difference among the groups with regard to mean WBS and VAS scores was found as a result of the study. The control group received a higher score compared to the groups which underwent manuel pressure and local ice applications. Conclusions: It was concluded that local ice and manuel pressure applications before IM injections were effective in decreasing the injection pains of patients.

Objective: In this study, we compared postoperative outcomes of patients submitted to varicocele correction under general or local anesthesia at a single center. Methods: All patients underwent varicocele surgical treatment with the Colpi-modified Marmar subinguinal technique. They were managed with either general (Group A) or local with ileo-inguinal and ileo-hypogastric nerves block (Group B) anesthesia. The two groups were compared in terms of timing of discharge and post-operative pain as assessed with the numeric rating scale (NRS) at both rest and movement (NRSm). §Results: Overall, 63 patients were included with a mean (SD) age of 25 years ± 5 yrs. The NRS mean score was significantly lower for Group B during the first 4 days after surgery at both rest and movement (all p < 0.05). Patients receiving local anesthesia showed a faster time to first urination (210 vs. 240 min; p = 0.02), although the time to discharge was comparable between the two groups (250 vs. 250 min). Conclusions: These results suggest that local anetshesia for varicocele surgical treatment is feasible and provide better pain control and faster recovery after surgery.

Aim:Traumatic rib fractures are a common injury in the trauma population and may cause severe pain in cases of both isolated rib fractures and chest injuries. The aim of our study was to compare the early pain control of intercostal block with that of intravenous analgesia + intercostal nerve block in patients with rib fractures admitted to the emergency department due to blunt thoracic trauma.Materials and Methods:Patients admitted to the emergency department due to blunt thoracic trauma in a tertiary medical facility were evaluated retrospectively. Forty-eight patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: on in which only intercostal nerve block was performed and another in which intravenous analgesia + intercostal block were performed concurrently.Results:Nine patients (18.7%) were given only intercostal block, while 39 patients (81.3%) were given intravenous analgesia + intercostal nerve block. Considering the early pain results of group A (intercostal nerve block) and group B (intravenous analgesia + intercostal nerve block), significant improvement was observed in group B in terms of pain results after the first 15 minutes.Conclusion:We conclude that the combination of intravenous nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioid derivatives and intercostal nerve block would be an effective combination in pain control in patients with rib fractures. In addition, intercostal nerve block would be beneficial in pain control and increase respiratory efficiency in patients with rib fractures, since it is both easy to apply and accelerates healing by providing effective analgesia. Due to these positive effects, we believe that it reduces the duration of hospital stay and would offer great advantages in terms of efficiency and cost.

Systemic buprenorphine and topical antiseptics such as chlorhexidine are frequently used in research animals to aid in pain control and to reduce infection, respectively. These therapeutics are controversial, especially when used in wound healing studies, due to conflicting data suggesting that they delay wound healing. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to aid in wound healing without exerting the systemic effects of therapies such as buprenorphine. We conducted 2 studies to investigate the effects of these common treatment modalities on the rate of wound healing in mice. The first study used models of punch biopsy and dermal abrasion to assess whether buprenorphine HCl or 0.12% chlorhexidine delayed wound healing. The second study investigated the effects of sustained-released buprenorphine, 0.05% chlorhexidine, and LLLT on excisional wound healing. The rate of wound healing was assessed by obtaining photographs on days 0, 2, 4, 7, and 9 for the punch biopsy model in study 1, days 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, and 13 for the dermal abrasion model in study 1, and days 0, 3, 6, and 10 for the mice in study 2. Image J software was used to analyze the photographed wounds to determine the wound area. When comparing the wound area on the above days to the original wound area, no significant differences in healing were observed for any of the treatment groups at any time period for either study. Given the results of these studies, we believe that systemic buprenorphine, topical chlorhexidine, and LLLT can be used without impairing or delaying wound healing in mice.

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of bupivacaine and lidocaine local anesthesia on the intra-surgical and post-surgical pain control in patients undergoing periodontal flap surgery. Materials and Methods A randomized, single-blind, split-mouth design was employed in patients who are scheduled for periodontal flap surgery for at least two similar sextants with similar anesthetic techniques. Fifty patients (age range 16-65 years, 32 males and 28 females) enrolled in the present study. On one-site, the flap surgery was performed using 2% lidocaine with 1:200000 epinephrine and on the other with 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200000 epinephrine. Base line clinical parameters, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level were recorded. Pain during intra operative period, at the time of loss of numbness and for three consecutive days was measured using visual analog scale (VAS). Results Significant differences were observed between the two groups in the intra operative pain scores (p=0.0045) and pain scores at the time of loss of numbness (p=0.0005) but not at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day after the surgery. Conclusion Bupivacaine was markedy more effective than the lidocaine. Thus the usage of bupivacaine can be substantiated for periodontal surgeries for the control of pain in the intra operative and immediate post-operative period to increase patients’ comfort.

Study Design: Retrospective review. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks at improving perioperative pain control and function following lumbar spine fusions. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing < 3 level posterolateral lumbar fusions. Data was stratified into a control group and a block group. We collected postop MED (morphine equivalent dosages), physical therapy ambulation, and length of stay. PROMIS pain interference (PI) and physical function (PF) scores, ODI, and VAS were collected preop and at the first postop visit. Chi-square and student’s t-test ( P = .05) were used for analysis. We also validated a novel fluoroscopic technique for ESP block delivery. Results: There were 37 in the block group and 39 in the control group. There was no difference in preoperative opioid use ( P = .22). On postop day 1, MED was reduced in the block group (32 vs 51, P < .05), and more patients in the block group did not utilize any opioids (22% vs 5%, P < .05). The block group ambulated further on postop day 1 (312 ft vs 204 ft, P < .05), and had reduced length of stay (2.4 vs 3.2 days, P < .05). The block group showed better PROMIS PI scores postoperatively (58 vs 63, P < .05). The novel delivery technique was validated and successful in targeting the correct level and plane. Conclusions: ESP blocks significantly reduced postop opioid use following lumbar fusion. Block patients ambulated further with PT, had reduced length of stay, and had improved PROMIS PI postoperatively. Validation of the block demonstrated the effectiveness of a novel fluoroscopic delivery technique. ESP blocks represent an underutilized method of reducing opioid consumption, improving postoperative mobilization and reducing length of stay following lumbar spine fusion.

Management of traumatic extremity injuries in the emergency department is typically time consuming, often requiring multiple resources including pain control and procedural sedation. A hematoma block is a safe and effective alternative treatment of pain and may eliminate the need for procedural sedation. The hematoma block requires fewer emergency department resources and may decrease time and costs that are associated with procedural sedation and analgesia. This technique is easily performed by the emergency nurse practitioner, and complications are rare. This article presents the appropriate technique required to perform a hematoma block for pain control and fracture reduction in patients with closed traumatic injuries.

Background and objective Dental patients often experience the fear of pain induced by injectable anesthesia. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hypnosis on relieving the pain of injected dental infiltration anesthesia. Materials and methods This single‐blind clinical trial was conducted on 32 healthy volunteers to assess the pain perception in mucosal injection. The visual analog scale was applied for the measurement of one‐sided pain intensity in the maxilla without hypnosis. When hypnosis was implemented, the same procedure was performed on the other side of the maxilla reversely within one session. Results Hypnosis implementation significantly decreased the intensity of the perceived pain before anesthesia injection (p = 0.05). Conclusion Hypnosis before the injection of dental infiltration anesthesia could decrease the pain intensity caused by the injection. Therefore, hypnosis therapy is recommended as an effective approach to pain control for anesthesia injection.

Objective: It is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of non-pharmacological pain control methods such as massage application with menthol cream on postoperative pain after third molar surgery.Material and Methods : 100 healthy individuals who were 18-48 years old with impacted third molars were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n: 50) to which routine treatment group and the group of massage application with menthol cream after the operation. Postoperative pain evaluation was carried out by helping patients mark the degree of pain on the 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on the postoperative 2nd, 6th, 8th, 12th, 24th and 48th hours and also on 3rd, 5th and 7th days.Results: No statistically significant difference exists between the mean ages and gender distributions of the cases in the groups (p>0.05). There is a statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to VAS levels (p

Ye Zhang,1,* Bin He,1 Jinqiu Zhao,2,* Muzi Zhang,1 Qinsong Ren,1 Wei Zhang,1 Shuai Xu,1 Zhengxue Quan,1 Yunsheng Ou1 1Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Bin He Email binheing@163.comBackground: Serious pain commonly occurs after posterior spinal surgery. This study aims to evaluate the effect of preemptive and multimodal analgesia using celebrex, pregabalin and ropivacaine on pain control after this surgery.Methods: Ninety-three patients undergoing posterior spinal surgery were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. All patients were treated with patient- controlled analgesia (PCA, intravenous tramadol hydrochloride and flurbiprofen) as required. They were randomized to combination analgesia intervention (oral celebrex, pregabalin and subcutaneous infiltration of ropivacaine), ropivacaine intervention (only subcutaneous infiltration of ropivacaine), and control intervention (placebo). We compared postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores and PCA dose among the three groups.Results: The VAS scores were significantly lower in the combination analgesia group than in the control group at 0 h, 2 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d and 14 d after posterior spinal surgery, while combination analgesia was also superior to ropivacaine in terms of VAS scores at 24 h and 14 d postoperatively. The combination analgesia group was also associated with significantly reduced PCA consumption compared with the control group, but there was no statistical difference in PCA consumption between the ropivacaine group and control group.Conclusion: Combination analgesia using celebrex, pregabalin and ropivacaine is effective and safe to alleviate pain after posterior spinal surgery.Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No. ChiCTR2000031236.Keywords: preemptive analgesia, multimodal analgesia, pain control, posterior spinal surgery, randomized trial

Summary Objective Routine male infant circumcision (RMIC) is a common procedure that inadvertently causes significant but preventable pain. In this best evidence review, we examine the available pain management options and their effectiveness for RMIC. Material and methods The Medline (OVID) and Cochrane library were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating pain control for RMIC. Only trials that included newborns younger than 45 days of age were included. The articles generated in the initial search were screened independently by two of the authors. A third reviewer settled any discrepancies about the inclusion. Then, trials were categorized based on the type of intervention: topical anesthetics, oral sucrose, oral acetaminophen, nerve blocks, caudal blocks, circumcision device, non-pharmacological adjuncts, and multiple combinations. Results Twenty-nine randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were found to address pain preventative measures in RMIC. As single agent, nerve blocks outperformed topical anesthetics and oral sucrose, as the latter two proved to be insufficient for proper pain control. Additionally, dorsal penile nerve block and ring blocks have a reasonable safety profile. The use of caudal blocks in RMIC was uncommon. Oral sucrose in association with swaddling or music are helpful and can be easily combined with other methods of pain management. Moreover, oral acetaminophen given perioperatively helps the patient recover. Ultimately, pain control should rely on a combination of anesthetics, analgesics, and kinesthetic methods to be administered before, during, and after the procedure for optimal outcome. Conclusion RMIC is a painful procedure in need of proper pain control. Different interventions and agents have various abilities in controlling pain; however, developing a protocol centered around multimodal pain control proves to be the most effective.

Background Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic commonly utilized for pain control after several types of surgical procedures. Methods This scoping primary literature review provides recommendations for intravenous (IV) acetaminophen use based on type of surgery. Results Intravenous acetaminophen has been widely studied for postoperative pain control and has been compared to other agents such as NSAIDs, opioids, oral/rectal acetaminophen, and placebo. Some of the procedures studied include abdominal, gynecologic, orthopedic, neurosurgical, cardiac, renal, and genitourinary surgeries. Results of these studies have been conflicting and largely have not shown consistent clinical benefit. Conclusion Overall, findings from this review did not support the notion that IV acetaminophen has significant efficacy for postoperative analgesia. Given the limited clinical benefit of IV acetaminophen, especially when compared to the oral or rectal formulations, use is generally not justifiable.