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Background: Patients undergoing general anesthesia are more frequently monitored for depth of anesthesia using processed electroencephalography. Opioid-free anesthesia is nowadays an accepted modality for general anesthesia, however it is unclear how to interpret data from processed electroencephalography when using a mixture of non-opioid anesthetic drugs. Our objective was to describe density spectral array patterns and compare processed encephalographic data indices between opioid-free and routine opioid based anesthesia. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 30 adult patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in a non-tertiary regional hospital. The patients underwent general anesthesia with three different methods and were monitored for anesthesia depth using processed encephalography and density spectral array. Primary outcome is a group-derived mean difference in patient state index and spectral edge frequency. As a secondary outcome a descriptive comparison of the spectral power, derived from the density spectral array, was done between groups. Results: The opioid-free anesthesia group had significantly higher patient state index and spectral edge frequency compared to routine anesthesia. Density spectral array patterns were also different, most notably lacking the high power in alpha frequency spectrum seen in the other routine anesthesia methods. Conclusions: Processed electroencephalography monitoring can be used in opioid-free anesthesia, however clinicians should expect higher values in monitoring indices. The density spectral array pattern using a common protocol for opioid-free anesthesia, with mainly sevoflurane combined with low doses of dexmedetomidine and esketamine, differs from well described opioid and GABA-ergic anesthesia methods. These findings should be further validated using other protocols for opioid-free anesthesia in order to safely monitor anesthesia depth. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT06227143, registration date; 26th of January 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) using dexmedetomidine has gained attention as an alternative to opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) due to its potential to reduce opioid consumption and the associated side effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine-based OSA on postoperative pain intensity, opioid consumption, and recovery outcomes in patients undergoing a minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. Methods: Eighty-four patients undergoing a minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum were randomized to either the OSA group, receiving dexmedetomidine, or the OBA group, receiving remifentanil. The primary outcome was the total amount of analgesics administered within 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included pain intensity and analgesic consumption over 48 h, recovery outcomes, intraoperative hemodynamics, and opioid-related complications. Results: The OFA group reported a significantly reduced total morphine-equivalent dose within 24 h (55.4 ± 31.1 mg vs. 80.2 ± 26.7 mg, p < 0.001) and lower VAS scores at 24 h (3.9 ± 1.5 vs. 5.4 ± 2.1, p < 0.001). Pain intensity was lower, and analgesic consumption was reduced in the OSA group 1–6, 6–24, and 24–48 h after surgery. Recovery times and intraoperative hemodynamics were comparable between the groups, with no significant differences in opioid-related complications. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine-based OSA effectively reduces postoperative pain and opioid use without compromising recovery or hemodynamic stability. These findings support its use as a viable alternative to OBA, particularly in the minimally invasive repair of the pectus excavatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of opioid-sparing and opioid-free strategies in children can provide adequate analgesia while decreasing the risk of adverse events and contributing to the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis. However, every child must be evaluated individually so that a safe and efficacious perioperative pain management plan can be created. A working knowledge of the risks and benefits of opioids, nonopioid adjuncts, and regional anesthesia along with the ethical considerations for balancing stewardship and beneficent care is essential to the success of these strategies. As perioperative practitioners caring for children, we have an obligation to consider opioid-sparing and opioid-free strategies to promote overall best outcomes. We can make a difference, one child at a time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the comparison between opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) for obese patients undergoing upper limb surgery. Topics include postoperative pain levels, with OFA showing lower pain scores; differences in extubation time and vital signs between the two anesthesia methods; and the incidence of postoperative complications, with OFA resulting in fewer adverse effects and shorter hospital stays.

Background: Opioid anesthesia (OA) effectively suppresses surgical stress but has significant limitations, leading to the exploration of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) with dexmedetomidine to avoid opioid-related side effects. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of OFA with dexmedetomidine in controlling intraoperative nociception during laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 58 subjects undergoing abdominal laparoscopic surgery were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned into two groups: the OFA group (n = 29) received a dexmedetomidine bolus of 1 µg/kg, and the OA group (n = 29) received a fentanyl bolus of 2 µg/kg. Both groups received standard balanced anesthesia. Hemodynamic instability events (hypotension, bradycardia, hypertension, and tachycardia), intraoperative fentanyl rescue requirement, ephedrine consumption, and 1-h postoperative pain numeric rating scale (NRS) were documented and analyzed. Results: The two groups showed significant differences in intraoperative rescue fentanyl requirement (2 vs. 29, P < 0.001) with the amount of fentanyl dosages (50 vs 150 µg, P = 0.004), the median post-intubation qNox value (44.1 ± 5.4 vs. 49 ± 9.8, P = 0.002), and NRS scale 1 h post-surgery (1 vs. 2, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of incidences of intraoperative hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, and tachycardia incidence between the two groups. Conclusion: OFA with dexmedetomidine is more effective than OA in inhibiting intraoperative nociception during laparoscopic abdominal surgery as it reduces the rescue fentanyl requirement while providing stable intraoperative hemodynamics.

Background and Aims: Nasotracheal intubation evokes greater hemodynamic responses than oral intubation. We compared the heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses following nasal intubation during opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) using intravenous lignocaine versus standard regimen using morphine in cancer patients undergoing tumor resection. Material and Methods: This randomized, double-blinded study was conducted in 84 adults. Group A received lidocaine bolus 1.5 mg/kg over 10 min followed by infusion of 1 mg/kg/h. Group B received morphine 0.2mg/kg bolus over 10 min followed by infusion of 2mg/h. Protocols for induction and intubation were similar. Results: Mean HR and MAP at preinduction, immediately after induction, and at 1, 3, and 5 min after intubation were comparable in groups A and B. Intragroup comparison of preinduction HR with subsequent values in group A showed that the HR values at 1,3, and 5 min after intubation were significantly higher than the preinduction value. HR after induction was comparable. Intragroup analysis in group B showed that preinduction HR was comparable with HR after induction and at 3 and 5 min after intubation. HR at 1 min was significantly higher. Intragroup analysis in group A showed that the MAP values were significantly lower than the preinduction value after induction and at 1,3, and 5 min after intubation. In group B, MAP was significantly lower than the preinduction value after induction and at 3 and 5 min after intubation, with the value being comparable at 1 min. Conclusion: OFA with lignocaine bolus followed by infusion, as well as morphine did not attenuate the HR responses to nasal intubation in cancer patients. However, both techniques effectively blunted the MAP response.

Background: With growing concerns about opioid-related risks, efforts to reduce opioid use throughout the perioperative period have increased. This study aimed to compare postoperative recovery outcomes between opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) under a multimodal analgesic protocol in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 196 patients undergoing VATS from August 2019 to December 2021. Patients received either dexmedetomidine-based OFA or remifentanil-based OSA. Postoperative recovery was assessed using the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score, opioid consumption, and pain intensity. Additionally, opioid-related complications and intraoperative hemodynamic changes were evaluated. Results: Both groups showed similar QoR-15 scores 24 h postoperatively (124.2 ± 7.0 vs. 123.0 ± 6.9, p = 0.227). Opioid consumption and pain intensity were comparable, and the incidence of opioid-related adverse events did not significantly differ between the groups. Intraoperative hypotension and bradycardia were more frequent in the OFA group, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The study concluded that both OFA and OSA, when used under a multimodal analgesic protocol, provided effective postoperative recovery in patients undergoing VATS with no significant differences in outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite advancements in surgical and anesthesia techniques, acute and persistent postoperative pain are still a common challenge. Postoperative pain has direct effects on individual patient care and outcome, as well as putting strain on limited health care resources. Several prediction methods for postoperative pain have been described. One such method is the assessment of pain during peripheral venous cannulation (VCP). It is not known if different approaches to anesthesia and analgesia, depending on the evaluation of risk for postoperative pain, can improve outcome. The aim of this study is to evaluate if individualized anesthesia and analgesia can affect postoperative pain and recovery after surgery, in patients stratified by VCP. Methods: Adult patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery undergo pain‐sensitivity stratification using VCP on the day of surgery. Patients scoring VCP ≥2.0 on the visual analogue scale (pain‐sensitive) are randomized to multimodal anaesthesia and analgesia with opioids or standard of care. Patients scoring VCP ≤1.9 (pain‐tolerant) are randomized to opioid‐free anaesthesia or standard of care. The primary outcome is acute postoperative pain measured with numeric rating scale in the postoperative care unit. Secondary outcomes include analysis of pain after 24 h, persistent postoperative pain and quality of recovery. Discussion: Individualized perioperative pain management has the potential to improve patient care. This study will examine the impact of different anesthesia and analgesia regimes, in patients with differing pain sensitivity, on postoperative pain. Trial Registration: Prospectively posted at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04751812. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Opioid anesthesia can modulate the impaired immune response and opioid-sparing anesthesia may preserve immune functions. This study was performed to assess the effects of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-based anesthesia (OA) on perioperative macrophages differentiation, cytokine changes, and perioperative complications in locally advanced GC (LAGC) patients. Methods: We used quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire scores and visual analog scale (VAS) scores to compare postoperative quality of recovery and pain level. In addition, the adverse reactions of patients in the two groups were compared. The perioperative serum level of inflammatory cytokines and the ratio of macrophage subtypes were detected. Results: The OFA group had significantly longer extubation time and PACU stay, whereas the OA group had significantly higher rate of hypotension, higher doses of norepinephrine, higher PONV and dizziness rate, and delayed flatus passage time. The QoR-15 score on postoperative 24 h was significantly higher in OFA group than in OA group. At the end of or after the surgery, the OFA group had higher levels of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-1b, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, CD68 +CD163-macrophage rate, but lower levels of IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-b, and CD68+CD163+ macrophage rate, indicating OFA attenuated perioperative immunosuppression by diminishing M2 and promoting M1 macrophage polarization. And the reversal tendency is more obvious in LAGC patients with neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor. Conclusions: The OFA may attenuate perioperative immunosuppression by diminishing M2 and promoting M1 macrophage polarization in LAGC patients with neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Nasotracheal intubation evokes greater hemodynamic responses than oral intubation. We compared the heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses following nasal intubation during opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) using intravenous lignocaine versus standard regimen using morphine in cancer patients undergoing tumor resection. Material and Methods: This randomized, double-blinded study was conducted in 84 adults. Group A received lidocaine bolus 1.5 mg/kg over 10 min followed by infusion of 1 mg/kg/h. Group B received morphine 0.2mg/kg bolus over 10 min followed by infusion of 2mg/h. Protocols for induction and intubation were similar. Results: Mean HR and MAP at preinduction, immediately after induction, and at 1, 3, and 5 min after intubation were comparable in groups A and B. Intragroup comparison of preinduction HR with subsequent values in group A showed that the HR values at 1,3, and 5 min after intubation were significantly higher than the preinduction value. HR after induction was comparable. Intragroup analysis in group B showed that preinduction HR was comparable with HR after induction and at 3 and 5 min after intubation. HR at 1 min was significantly higher. Intragroup analysis in group A showed that the MAP values were significantly lower than the preinduction value after induction and at 1,3, and 5 min after intubation. In group B, MAP was significantly lower than the preinduction value after induction and at 3 and 5 min after intubation, with the value being comparable at 1 min. Conclusion: OFA with lignocaine bolus followed by infusion, as well as morphine did not attenuate the HR responses to nasal intubation in cancer patients. However, both techniques effectively blunted the MAP response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background OFA (Opioid-free anesthesia) has the potential to reduce the occurrence of opioid-related adverse events and enhance postoperative recovery. Our research aimed to investigate whether OFA, combining esketamine and dexmedetomidine, could serve as an alternative protocol to traditional OBA (opioid-based anesthesia) in shoulder arthroscopy, particularly in terms of reducing PONV (postoperative nausea and vomiting). Methods A total of 60 patients treated with shoulder arthroscopy from September 2021 to September 2022 were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to the OBA group (n = 30) and OFA group (n = 30), receiving propofol-remifentanil TIVA (total intravenous anesthesia) and esketamine-dexmedetomidine intravenous anesthesia, respectively. Both groups received ultrasound-guided ISBPB(interscalene brachial plexus block)for postoperative analgesia. Results The incidence of PONV on the first postoperative day in the ward (13.3% vs. 40%, P

Zheping Chen,1,&ast; Zhenxiang Zuo,2,&ast; Xinyu Song,1 Yaqun Zuo,1 Le Zhang,1 Yuyang Ye,1 Yufeng Ma,1 Lili Pan,3 Xin Zhao,1 Yanwu Jin1 1Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xin Zhao; Yanwu Jin, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Bei Yuan Street, Jinan, 250033, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-17660085551 ; +86-17660085535, Email lujnzx@sohu.com; jinyanwu_aa@163.comBackground: Dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist, is extensively used in clinical and animal studies owing to its sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects. The diverse range of research domains associated with dexmedetomidine poses challenges in defining pivotal research directions. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a qualitative and quantitative bibliometric study in the field of dexmedetomidine over the past decade to establish current research trends and emerging frontiers.Methods: Relevant publications in the field of dexmedetomidine between 2014 and 2023 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The bibliometric analysis, incorporating statistical and visual analyses, was conducted using CiteSpace (6.1.R6) and R (4.3.1).Results: The present study encompassed a total of 5,482 publications, exhibiting a consistent upward trend over the past decade. The United States and its institutions had the highest centrality. Ji, Fuhai, and Ebert, Thomas J. were identified as the most productive author and the most cited author, respectively. As anticipated, the most cited journal was Anesthesiology. Moreover, cluster analysis of cited references and co-occurrence of keywords revealed that recent studies were primarily focused on sedation, delirium, and opioid-free anesthesia. Finally, a timeline view of keywords clusters and keywords burst demonstrated that primary research frontiers were stress response, neuroinflammation, delirium, opioid-free anesthesia, peripheral nerve block, and complications.Conclusion: Current research trends and directions are focused on sedation, delirium, and opioid-free anesthesia, as evidenced by our results. The frontier of future research is anticipated to encompass basic investigations into dexmedetomidine, including stress response and neuroinflammation, as well as clinical studies focusing on delirium, opioid-free anesthesia, peripheral nerve block, and associated complications.Keywords: dexmedetomidine, bibliometric analysis, CiteSpace, delirium, opioid-free anesthesia

Background: OFA (Opioid-free anesthesia) has the potential to reduce the occurrence of opioid-related adverse events and enhance postoperative recovery. Our research aimed to investigate whether OFA, combining esketamine and dexmedetomidine, could serve as an alternative protocol to traditional OBA (opioid-based anesthesia) in shoulder arthroscopy, particularly in terms of reducing PONV (postoperative nausea and vomiting). Methods: A total of 60 patients treated with shoulder arthroscopy from September 2021 to September 2022 were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to the OBA group (n = 30) and OFA group (n = 30), receiving propofol-remifentanil TIVA (total intravenous anesthesia) and esketamine-dexmedetomidine intravenous anesthesia, respectively. Both groups received ultrasound-guided ISBPB(interscalene brachial plexus block)for postoperative analgesia. Results: The incidence of PONV on the first postoperative day in the ward (13.3% vs. 40%, P < 0.05) was significantly lower in the OFA group than in the OBA group. Moreover, the severity of PONV was less severe in the OFA group than in the OBA group in PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) (0 [0, 0] vs. 0 [0, 3], P<0.05) and in the ward 24 h postoperatively (0 [0, 0] vs. 0 [0, 2.25], P<0.05). Additionally, the OFA group experienced a significantly shorter length of stay in the PACU compared to the OBA group (39.4 ± 6.76 min vs. 48.7 ± 7.90 min, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Compared to the OBA with propofol-remifentanil, the OFA with esketamine- dexmedetomidine proved to be feasible for shoulder arthroscopy, resulting in a reduced incidence of PONV and a shorter duration of stay in the PACU. Trial registration: The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No: ChiCTR2100047355), 12/06/2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioids effectively manage perioperative pain but have numerous adverse effects. Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) eliminates intraoperative opioid use; however, evidence for its use in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is limited. This study assessed the effect of OFA using ketamine in VATS patients compared to opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA). A total of 91 patients undergoing VATS lobectomy or segmentectomy were randomized to either the OFA group (ketamine) or the OSA group (remifentanil). The primary outcome was the quality of recovery (QoR) on postoperative day (POD) 1, measured with the QoR-40 questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores and adverse events. Both groups had comparable baseline and surgical characteristics. On POD 1, the QoR-40 score was higher in the OFA group than in the OSA group (164.3 ± 10.8 vs. 158.7 ± 10.6; mean difference: 5.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 10.0; p = 0.015), though this did not meet the pre-specified minimal clinically important difference of 6.3. The visual analog scale score was lower in the OFA group as compared to the OSA group at 0–1 h (4.2 ± 2.3 vs. 6.2 ± 2.1; p < 0.001) and 1–4 h after surgery (3.4 ± 1.8 vs. 4.6 ± 1.9; p = 0.003). The OFA group had a lower incidence of PONV (2 [4.4%] vs. 9 [19.6%]; p = 0.049) and postoperative shivering (4 [8.9%] vs. 13 [28.3%]; p = 0.030) than the OSA group at 0–1 h after surgery. Using OFA with ketamine proved feasible, as indicated by the stable intraoperative hemodynamics and absence of intraoperative awareness. Patients undergoing VATS with OFA using ketamine showed a statistically significant, but clinically insignificant, QoR improvement compared to those receiving OSA with remifentanil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of an opioid-free anesthesia protocol and describe the quality of recovery and management of postoperative analgesia in dogs after a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Methods: In total, 20 dogs presented for TPLO were included. After premedication with intravenous (IV) medetomidine (0.005-0.007 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg), the dogs were anesthetized using ketamine (2 mg/kg) and propofol and maintained with isoflurane and ketamine CRI (0.6 mg/kg/h). Sciatic and femoral nerve blocks were performed with bupivacaine 0.5% (0.087 +/- 0.01 and 0.09 +/- 0.02 mL/kg, respectively). Meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg IV) was administered intraoperatively, after osteotomy. Fentanyl (0.002 mg/kg IV) was administered intraoperatively, as rescue analgesia in the case of sustained increase in cardiorespiratory variables. Two pain scores (French 4A-VET and Glasgow short form) were performed at conscious sternal recumbency and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 20 h after extubation and compared to baseline using a Friedman test followed by a Nemenyi post-hoc test. The time taken for the first food intake and urination was reported. Results: Intraoperative opioid-free anesthesia was feasible in 11 dogs, whereas 9 dogs received fentanyl once during arthrotomy. No opioid postoperative rescue analgesia was required. Food intake occurred within 6 h, and all dogs were discharged after 24 h without any complication. Conclusion: Total opioid-free postoperative analgesia was achieved in all dogs, with adequate recoveries. Although opioid-free anesthesia was feasible in 55% of the population, a single dose of fentanyl was necessary in 45% of the dogs during arthrotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) in laparoscopic gastrectomy and identify the psychological factors that could influence the efficacy of OFA. 120 patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy were allocated to either the opioid-based anesthesia group (OA) (n = 60) or the OFA (n = 60) group. Remifentanil was administered to the OA group intraoperatively, whereas dexmedetomidine and lidocaine were administered to the OFA group. The interaction effect of the psychological factors on OFA was analyzed using the aligned rank transform for nonparametric factorial analyses. The opioid requirement for 24 h after surgery was lower in the OFA group than in the OA group (fentanyl equivalent dose 727 vs. 650 μg, p = 0.036). The effect of OFA was influenced by the pain catastrophizing scale (p = 0.041), temporal pain summation (p = 0.046), and pressure pain tolerance (p = 0.034). This indicates that patients with pain catastrophizing or high pain sensitivity significantly benefited from OFA, whereas patients without these characteristics did not. This study demonstrated that OFA with dexmedetomidine and lidocaine effectively reduced the postoperative 24-h opioid requirements following laparoscopic gastrectomy, which was modified by baseline pain catastrophizing and pain sensitivity. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Yonsei University Health System Gangnam Severance Hospital (#3–2021-0295) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05076903). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is a heterogeneous group of general anesthesia techniques in which the intraoperative use of opioids is eliminated. This strategy aims to decrease the risk of complications and improve the patient's safety and comfort. Such potential advantages are particularly beneficial for selected groups of patients, among them obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Opioids have been traditionally used as an element of balanced anesthesia, and replacing them requires using a combination of coanalgesics and various types of local and regional anesthesia, which also have their side effects, limitations, and potential disadvantages. Moreover, despite the growing amount of evidence, the empirical data on the superiority of OFA compared to standard anesthesia with multimodal analgesia are contradictory, and potential benefits in many studies are being questioned. Additionally, little is known about the long-term sequelae of such a strategy. Considering the above-mentioned issues, this study aims to present the potential benefits, risks, and difficulties of implementing OFA in bariatric surgery, considering the current state of knowledge and literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundOpioid anesthesia can modulate the impaired immune response and opioid-sparing anesthesia may preserve immune functions. This study was performed to assess the effects of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-based anesthesia (OA) on perioperative macrophages differentiation, cytokine changes, and perioperative complications in locally advanced GC (LAGC) patients.MethodsWe used quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire scores and visual analog scale (VAS) scores to compare postoperative quality of recovery and pain level. In addition, the adverse reactions of patients in the two groups were compared. The perioperative serum level of inflammatory cytokines and the ratio of macrophage subtypes were detected.ResultsThe OFA group had significantly longer extubation time and PACU stay, whereas the OA group had significantly higher rate of hypotension, higher doses of norepinephrine, higher PONV and dizziness rate, and delayed flatus passage time. The QoR-15 score on postoperative 24 h was significantly higher in OFA group than in OA group. At the end of or after the surgery, the OFA group had higher levels of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, CD68+CD163− macrophage rate, but lower levels of IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and CD68+CD163+ macrophage rate, indicating OFA attenuated perioperative immunosuppression by diminishing M2 and promoting M1 macrophage polarization. And the reversal tendency is more obvious in LAGC patients with neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor.ConclusionsThe OFA may attenuate perioperative immunosuppression by diminishing M2 and promoting M1 macrophage polarization in LAGC patients with neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor.Clinical trial registrationhttp://gcpgl.sysucc.org.cn, identifier 2022-FXY-001.

BackgroundPostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common after general anesthesia and surgery. This study aims to compare the effects of total intravenous opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) with conventional opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) on PONV in patients following treatments for wounds of lower extremities.MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, crossover trial will include a total of 72 adult patients scheduled for at least two separate surgical treatments of lower extremity wounds under general anesthesia. Patients will be randomized to 1 of 2 anesthesia sequences of OFA and OBA. Patients in sequence 1 will receive OFA in the first treatment procedure and OBA in the second procedure, while patients in sequence 2 will receive the two anesthesia regimens in the reverse order. The washout period is at least 5 days. OFA will be delivered with intravenous esketamine, lidocaine, dexmedetomidine, and propofol. OBA will be delivered with intravenous sufentanil and propofol. The primary endpoint is the incidence of PONV within the first 48 h postoperatively. The secondary endpoints are the severity of PONV, antiemetic rescue therapy, postoperative pain scores, the worst pain, need for rescue analgesia, postoperative sedation, hypotension, bradycardia, hypertension, tachycardia, hypoxemia, psychotomimetic or dissociative effects, time to extubation, and length of postanesthesia care unit stay. Patients who complete two surgical procedures with designated anesthesia regimens will be included in the final analyses.DiscussionThis crossover trial will determine whether total intravenous OFA reduces PONV in patients following treatments for lower extremity wounds. The results of this trial will also represent an important step to understand the benefits and possible risks of OFA in surgical patients.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200061511).

Objective To investigate the median effective dose （ED50） of esketamine for inhibiting tracheal intubation response during the induction of dexmedetomidine combined with lidocaine under opioid-free anesthesia （OFA）. Methods Adult patients aged 18-59 years with body mass index （BMI）50 and 95% confidence interval （CI） of esketamine for inhibiting tracheal intubation response during the induction of dexmedetomidine combined with lidocaine OFA were calculated. Results A total of 29 patients were included for statistical analysis. Tracheal intubation reaction was positive in 15 cases （positive group） and negative in 14 cases （negative group）. In the positive group， 3 cases had cough reaction during tracheal intubation. The ED50 of esketamine for inhibiting tracheal intubation response during the induction of dexmedetomidine combined with lidocaine OFA was 0.448 mg/kg， and the corresponding 95%CI was 0.421-0.476 mg/kg. Conclusion In the OFA of esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine and lidocaine， 0.448 mg/kg of esketamine results in 50% of the maximum response intensity for inhibiting tracheal intubation response.

Copyright of Journal of New Medicine is the property of Sun Yat Sen University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Opioids form the basis of perioperative pain management but are associated with multiple side effects. In opioid-free anesthesia (OFA), several non-opioid drugs or neuraxial/regional blocks are used as substitutes for opioids. Ketamine, a N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist, provides intense analgesia. However, there is a shortage of literature on the effects of ketamine-based OFA on hemodynamics (HD) and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracolumbar spine surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial included 60 adult patients. The patients in Group OFA (n = 30) received OFA with ketamine and ketofol (1:5) infusion, and those in Group OBA (n = 30) received opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) with fentanyl and propofol infusion. The postoperative pain-free period, pain scores, rescue analgesia, intraoperative HDs, and postoperative complications were assessed. Results: The mean pain-free period in Group OFA (9.86 ± 1.43 hr) was significantly higher than that in Group OBA (6.93 ± 1.93 hr) (P = 0.002). During the postoperative 48 hours, the total requirement of fentanyl was considerably lower in Group OFA (P < 0.05). There was a significantly higher incidence of hypertension in Group OFA (46%) and hypotension (43%) in Group OBA (43%), respectively. Postoperative nausea vomiting (PONV) was more common in Group OBA at the 2nd and 6th hr (P = 0.046 and P = 0.038) Conclusion: OFA with ketamine and ketofol provided adequate postoperative analgesia with a lower incidence of PONV after spine surgery. However, hypertension in the ketamine group and hypotension in the propofol group required fine titration of the infusion rate of drugs during the intraoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ObjectivesThis study was designed to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of an opioid-free anesthesia protocol and describe the quality of recovery and management of postoperative analgesia in dogs after a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).MethodsIn total, 20 dogs presented for TPLO were included. After premedication with intravenous (IV) medetomidine (0.005–0.007 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg), the dogs were anesthetized using ketamine (2 mg/kg) and propofol and maintained with isoflurane and ketamine CRI (0.6 mg/kg/h). Sciatic and femoral nerve blocks were performed with bupivacaine 0.5% (0.087 +/− 0.01 and 0.09 +/− 0.02 mL/kg, respectively). Meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg IV) was administered intraoperatively, after osteotomy. Fentanyl (0.002 mg/kg IV) was administered intraoperatively, as rescue analgesia in the case of sustained increase in cardiorespiratory variables. Two pain scores (French 4A-VET and Glasgow short form) were performed at conscious sternal recumbency and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 20 h after extubation and compared to baseline using a Friedman test followed by a Nemenyi post-hoc test. The time taken for the first food intake and urination was reported.ResultsIntraoperative opioid-free anesthesia was feasible in 11 dogs, whereas 9 dogs received fentanyl once during arthrotomy. No opioid postoperative rescue analgesia was required. Food intake occurred within 6 h, and all dogs were discharged after 24 h without any complication.ConclusionTotal opioid-free postoperative analgesia was achieved in all dogs, with adequate recoveries. Although opioid-free anesthesia was feasible in 55% of the population, a single dose of fentanyl was necessary in 45% of the dogs during arthrotomy.

Bijia Song, Xiuliang Li, Jiguang Yang, Wenjing Li, Lei Wan Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Lei Wan, Email wanleimz@sina.comIntroduction: Seeking effective multimodal analgesia and anesthetic regimen is the basis for the success of ERAS. Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is a multimodal anesthesia associating hypnotics, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists, local anesthetics, anti-inflammatory drugs and α-2 agonists. Although previous studies have confirmed that OFA is safe and feasible for VATS surgery, there is great heterogeneity in how to select and combine anti-harm drugs to replace opioids. We hypothesized that the reduced opioid use during and after surgery allowed by OFA compared with standard of care will be associated with a reduction of postoperative opioid-related adverse events and an improvement in the quality of rehabilitation of patients after partial VATS lung resection.Methods/Analysis: The TEDOFA Study is a prospective double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial with a concealed allocation of patients scheduled to undergo elective partial VATS pneumonectomy 1:1 to receive either a standard anesthesia protocol or an OFA. A total of 146 patients were recruited in the study. Primary endpoint was the 15-item recovery quality scale (QoR-15) at 24 hours after surgery.Ethics and Dissemination: This trial has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Beijing Friendship Hospital of China Capital University. The TEDOFA trial study protocol was approved on 27 February 2023. The trial started recruiting patients after registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR2300069210; Pre-results.Keywords: opioid-free anesthesia, thoracoscopic surgery, postoperative recovery, chronic pain

ABSTRACTBackground Posterior spinal fusion treatment is one of the most painful options accessible to teenagers with idiopathic scoliosis.Objectives This study evaluated the opioid-sparing anesthesia analgesic effect using a combination of dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocaine versus opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) with fentanyl in adolescent patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.Methods This prospective, double-blinded, randomized study was conducted on 50 patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical state I–II, scheduled for surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis under general anesthesia. Patients were equally categorized into two groups: group I – opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and group II – OBA. Intraoperative magnesium, total postoperative morphine consumption, time to first postoperative rescue analgesia and adverse effects were recorded.Results Total postoperative morphine consumption at 24 h was insignificantly different between groups. The proportion of patients requiring intraoperative magnesium was significantly higher in OBA (P

BackgroundOpioid-free anesthesia (OFA) may improve postoperative outcomes by reducing opioid-related adverse effects. This study aims to evaluate the effects of OFA on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), postoperative pain, and 30-day outcomes after thyroid and parathyroid surgery.MethodsThis two-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial will include 400 adult patients scheduled for thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned, 1:1 and stratified by sex and site, to an OFA group (esketamine, lidocaine, and dexmedetomidine) or a control group (opioid-based anesthesia with sufentanil). All patients will receive propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia and PONV prophylaxis with dexamethasone and ondansetron. The primary outcome is the incidence of PONV (defined as experiencing any event of nausea, retching, or vomiting) during the first 48 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes include the severity of PONV, antiemetic rescue therapy, pain scores at rest and while coughing, need for rescue analgesia, perioperative adverse effects related to anesthetics or analgesics (hypotension, bradycardia, hypertension, tachycardia, desaturation, dizziness, headache, hallucination, and nightmare), time to extubation, length of post-anesthesia care unit stay, length of postoperative hospital stay, patient satisfaction, and a composite of 30-day major adverse events (myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular accident, coma, acute renal failure, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, septic shock, deep neck space infection, reintubation, reoperation, blood transfusion, failure to wean off ventilator, and death). Analyses will be performed in the modified intention-to-treat population.DiscussionWe hypothesize that our OFA regimen reduces PONV after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. We will also investigate whether OFA leads to improvements in postoperative pain and major adverse events. Our results will offer evidence for optimizing anesthesia regimens in patients who undergo thyroid and parathyroid surgical procedures.Clinical trial registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2200059656.

Conghui Hao,1 Hai Xu,1 Jingjing Du,1 Tianyu Zhang,1 Xiaobao Zhang,2 Zhibin Zhao,2 Hengfei Luan2 1Department of Anesthesiology, Graduate Training Base of Lianyungang First People’s Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of anesthesiology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Hengfei Luan, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, No. 6 East Zhenhua Road, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, Email luanhengfei1027@163.comPurpose: Opioid analgesics may delay discharge and affect postoperative quality of recovery because of their significant adverse effects, such as hyperalgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), shivering and urine retention. We aimed to compare the quality of postoperative recovery (QoR) between patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries with opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and those with opioid-based anesthesia (OA).Patients and Methods: 80 adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to an opioid-free anesthesia group (Group OFA) or an opioid-based anesthesia group (Group OA). The primary outcome was the quality of postoperative recovery using QoR-15 scale on postoperative day 1 (POD 1) and 2 (POD 2). The secondary outcomes included the incidence of opioid-related adverse symptoms, perioperative hemodynamic data, duration of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay and duration of extubation, and the incidences of hypotension and bradycardia.Results: A statistically significant difference in total QoR-15 was observed between the two groups on POD 1 and POD 2 (91.00 (90.00, 92.00) vs 113.00 (108.25, 115.00), 106.00 (104.00, 112.00) vs 133.00 (130.00, 135.00), P < 0.001). The incidence of opioid-related symptoms was significantly different between the two groups on POD 1 (P < 0.05). There were between-group differences in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at T3 (P 0.05). There was no difference in heart rate between the two groups at all observed time points, either (P > 0.05).Conclusion: We concluded that the quality of recovery of patients receiving OFA was superior to those receiving OA after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Keywords: opioid-free anesthesia, opioid-based anesthesia, postoperative recovery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Jun-Ma Yu,1,2,&ast; Qing-Yu Tao,2 Yan He,2 Dong Liu,2 Jing-Yi Niu,2 Ye Zhang1,&ast; 1Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Anesthesiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Hefei), Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jun-Ma Yu; Ye Zhang, Email majuny163@163.com; zhangye_hassan@sina.comPurpose: To compare the efficacies of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).Patients and Methods: A total of 150 patients who underwent 3-port LC procedures were randomly divided into an OFA group with esketamine, dexmedetomidine and lidocaine intravenous combined with local anesthetic incision infiltration or an OBA group with remifentanil combined with local anesthetic incision infiltration. The primary outcome was the consumption of rescue analgesics within 24 hrs after surgery. Secondary outcomes included time to LMA removal, time to orientation recovery, time to unassisted walking, sleep quality on the night of surgery, time to first flatus, hemodynamics during induction of general anesthesia, postoperative pain level on the visual analog scale (VAS), incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and global satisfaction score (GSS) within 24 hrs after surgery.Results: Both the consumption of rescue analgesics and the time to first flatus in the OFA group were significantly lower than those in the OBA group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively). However, the time to LMA removal and the time to orientation recovery were significantly longer in the OFA group than in the OBA group (P < 0.001). In addition, the VAS scores at 2 hrs and 8 hrs after surgery and HR at laryngeal mask airway insertion in the OFA group were significantly lower than those in the OBA group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, and P =0.016, respectively).Conclusion: OFA may be beneficial for patients undergoing LC in that it could decrease the dosage of postoperative analgesics and pain intensity and even shorten the time to first flatus after surgery.Keywords: opioid-free anesthesia, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, esketamine, dexmedetomidine

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication, that can reduce patient satisfaction and may lead to serious consequences, such as wound dehiscence. Many strategies have been proposed to prevent PONV; however, it remains common, especially in highrisk surgeries such as gynecological surgery. In recent years, opioid-free anesthesia has been widely studied because it minimizes adverse reactions of opioids, such as nausea, vomiting, and itching; however, conclusions have been inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the effects of opioid-free anesthesia on PONV in patients undergoing gynecological surgery. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, from inception to 28 August 2023, was performed. Keywords and other free terms were used with Boolean operators (OR and, AND) to combine searches. This review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: Six studies involving 514 patients who underwent gynecological surgery were included. The forest plot revealed that the incidence of PONV (risk ratio = 0.52; p < 0.00001) and consumption of postoperative antiemetics use (risk ratio = 0.64; p = 0.03) were significantly lower in the opioid-free anesthesia group. In addition, opioid-free anesthesia improved the quality of recovery (mean difference = 4.69; p < 0.0001). However, there were no significant differences in postoperative pain scores (mean difference = 0.05; p = 0.85), analgesic use (risk ratio = 1.09; p = 0.65), and the time of extubation (mean difference = -0.89; p = 0.09) between the opioid-free anesthesia and control groups. Conclusion: OFA reduces PONV and the use of antiemetic drugs. In addition, it improves the quality of postoperative recovery. However, OFA can not reduce the postoperative pain scores, analgesic use and the time of extubation. Due to the strength of the evidence, we cannot support OFA as an ideal anesthesia method in gynecological surgery, and the implementation of anesthesia strategies should be case-by-case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the context of the current comfort medicine and enhanced recovery after surgery, there is a demand for a new anesthesia method to reduce adverse reactions and accelerate recovery after surgery. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) combined with ultrasound-guided intermediate cervical plexus block (ICPB) and opioid-based anesthesia in patients after thyroid surgery. Methods: In this study, 75 patients scheduled for thyroid surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups. The primary outcome included the incidence of nausea within 24 h after surgery. The main secondary outcomes included the incidence of vomiting and the visual analog score (VAS) scores within 24 h after surgery as well as the quality of recovery 40 questionnaires (QoR-40) scores 24 h after surgery. Results: In the OFA group, the incidence of postoperative nausea was 6.1%, compared to 39.4% in the control group (p = 0.001). No patient presented with postoperative vomiting in the OFA group, while 15.2% of patients suffered from postoperative vomiting in the control group (p = 0.063). The VAS scores of patients in the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) and 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h after surgery were lower in the OFA group, and the difference is statistically significant. Besides, the VAS scores of patients at rest (p = 1.000) and during swallowing (p = 1.000) 24 h after surgery were comparable. Conclusion: Compared with opioid-based anesthesia, the OFA combined with the ultrasound-guided ICPB can better improve patients' postoperative recovery, reduce nausea, and decrease pain scores. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Regisrty, ChiCTR2200056344, https://www.chictr.org.cn [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Posterior spinal fusion treatment is one of the most painful options accessible to teenagers with idiopathic scoliosis. Objectives: This study evaluated the opioid-sparing anesthesia analgesic effect using a combination of dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocaine versus opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) with fentanyl in adolescent patients undergoing scoliosis surgery. Methods: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized study was conducted on 50 patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical state I-II, scheduled for surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis under general anesthesia. Patients were equally categorized into two groups: group I - opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and group II - OBA. Intraoperative magnesium, total postoperative morphine consumption, time to first postoperative rescue analgesia and adverse effects were recorded. Results: Total postoperative morphine consumption at 24 h was insignificantly different between groups. The proportion of patients requiring intraoperative magnesium was significantly higher in OBA (P < 0.001). Visual analog scale was only significant at 1 and 2 h which was significantly higher in group OBA than group OFA (P = 0.012 and < 0.001, respectively). Time to first postoperative rescue analgesia was significantly earlier in OBA than in OFA. Hemodynamic stability was insignificantly different between both groups. Bradycardia, postoperative nausea and vomiting and respiratory depression were insignificantly different between groups. Conclusions: In adolescent patients ASA I-II undergoing scoliosis correction surgery, OFA with a combination of dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocaine could provide adequate intraand postoperative pain management, which can obviate the use of intraoperative opioids minimizing the total postoperative opioid requirements compared to OBA using fentanyl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine if opioid-free anesthesia, opioid-sparing anesthesia, or multimodal analgesia improved outcomes in patients undergoing spinal fusion. A literature review was performed by searching PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. MeSH terms included "opioid free" AND "spine surgery," with alternative terms used including: regional anesthesia, multimodal analgesia, opioid-free anesthesia, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), spinal surgery, spinal fusion, ACDF, cervical fusion, lumbar fusion, etc. Seven studies were deemed appropriate for inclusion with a combined sample size of n = 2,102. All of the seven included articles evaluated total opioid administration and found a reduction in total opioid administered in the research groups versus control groups. Six of the seven included articles evaluated postoperative pain scores with mixed results. Various additional benefits of opioid-free, opioid-sparing, or multimodal analgesia included: decreased hospital length of stay (LOS), decreased post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) LOS, decreased post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and decreased post-operative opioid use through 30 days. For patients undergoing spine surgery, opioid-free, opioid-sparing, and multimodal analgesia will be less likely to experience the adverse effects of opioid analgesics and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes and reduced hospital stays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common after general anesthesia and surgery. This study aims to compare the effects of total intravenous opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) with conventional opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) on PONV in patients following treatments for wounds of lower extremities. Methods This randomized, double-blind, crossover trial will include a total of 72 adult patients scheduled for at least two separate surgical treatments of lower extremity wounds under general anesthesia. Patients will be randomized to 1 of 2 anesthesia sequences of OFA and OBA. Patients in sequence 1 will receive OFA in the first treatment procedure and OBA in the second procedure, while patients in sequence 2 will receive the two anesthesia regimens in the reverse order. The washout period is at least 5 days. OFA will be delivered with intravenous esketamine, lidocaine, dexmedetomidine, and propofol. OBA will be delivered with intravenous sufentanil and propofol. The primary endpoint is the incidence of PONV within the first 48 h postoperatively. The secondary endpoints are the severity of PONV, antiemetic rescue therapy, postoperative pain scores, the worst pain, need for rescue analgesia, postoperative sedation, hypotension, bradycardia, hypertension, tachycardia, hypoxemia, psychotomimetic or dissociative effects, time to extubation, and length of postanesthesia care unit stay. Patients who complete two surgical procedures with designated anesthesia regimens will be included in the final analyses. Discussion This crossover trial will determine whether total intravenous OFA reduces PONV in patients following treatments for lower extremity wounds. The results of this trial will also represent an important step to understand the benefits and possible risks of OFA in surgical patients. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200061511).

Abstract Patients suffering from connective tissue disorders like Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type/joint hypermobility syndrome (EDS-HT/JHS) may be affected by craniocervical instability (CCI). These patients experience myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue, depression, extreme occipital-cervical pain, and severe widespread pain that is difficult to relieve with opioids. This complex and painful condition can be explained by the development of chronic neuroinflammation, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and central sensitization. Given the challenges in treating such severe physical pain, we evaluated all the analgesic methods previously used in the perioperative setting, and updated information was presented. It covers important physiopathological aspects for the perioperative care of patients with EDS-HT/JHS and CCI undergoing occipital-cervical/thoracic fixation/fusion. Moreover, a change of paradigm from the current opioid-based management of anesthesia/analgesia in these patients to the perioperative opioid minimization strategies used by the authors was analyzed and proposed as follow-up considerations from our previous case series. These strategies are based on total-intravenous opioid-free anesthesia, multimodal analgesia, and a postoperative combination of anti-hyperalgesic coadjuvants (lidocaine, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine) with an opioid-sparing effect.

Abstract Background Anesthesia with opioids negatively affects patients’ quality of recovery. Opioid-free anesthesia attempts to avoid these effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of opioid-free anesthesia on the quality of recovery, using lidocaine on patients undergoing hysteroscopy. Methods A parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted in Yichang Central Peoples’ Hospital, Hubei Province, China, from January to April, 2022. We included 90 female patients (age: 18–65 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Class I–II) scheduled for elective hysteroscopy, 45 of whom received lidocaine (Group L), and 45 received sufentanil (Group S). Patients were randomly allocated to receive either lidocaine or sufentanil perioperatively. The primary outcome was the quality of postoperative recovery, which was assessed using the QoR-40 questionnaire (a patient-reported outcome questionnaire measuring the quality of recovery after surgery). Results The two groups were similar in age, American Society of Anesthesiology physical status, height, weight, body mass index, and surgical duration. The QoR scores were significantly higher in Group L than Group S. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as the time to extubation were significantly lower in Group L than Group S. Conclusion Opioid-free anesthesia with lidocaine achieves a better quality of recovery, faster recovery, and a shorter time to extubation than general anesthesia with sufentanil. Trial registration The trial was registered on January 15, 2022 in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=149386 ), registration number ChiCTR2200055623.(15/01/2022).

Abstract Background Cesarean section (CS) is the most frequently performed obstetric procedure globally, and postoperative pain remains a prominent concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the bilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in addressing this issue. Methods We performed a randomized trial in women with term pregnancies who underwent elective CS with spinal anesthesia. The women were randomized (1:1) to receive bilateral TAP or postoperative systemic analgesics (control group). The primary outcome was the effect on postoperative pain assessed using the numeric rating score (NRS) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h in the postoperative period. Results At 2 and 6 h after the surgical procedure, there was a significant reduction in both resting (rNRS p = 0.004) and movement-related pain (dNRS p = 0.0001, p = 0.001 respectively). However, at 12 h, a reduction of dNRS was demonstrated (p = 0.0001), while no benefit was observed at rest. The percentage of women with NRS ≤ 4 was higher after the block at 2 h for both resting and movement-related pain (rNRS p = 0.010; dNRS p = 0.0001); at 6 and 12 h, it was only significant for dNRS (p = 0.002). Rescue doses of analgesics were significantly higher in the control group at 2, 6, and 12 h (p = 0.01, p = 0.0383, p = 0.0003 respectively). No complications with the procedure were recorded. Conclusion Bilateral TAP block has the potential to alleviate postoperative pain and reduce the need for additional analgesics after CS. Trial registration This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number (NCT02801968), registered 28 May 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02801968?term=NCT02801968&draw=2&rank=1

Bai Xue Department of Anesthesiology, Sengkang General Hospital, SingaporeCorrespondence: Bai Xue, Department of Anesthesiology, Sengkang General Hospital, 110 Sengkang E Way, 44886, Singapore, Tel +65-97748254, Email bxue0919@gmail.com

Background: Opioid use is common and associated with side effects and risks. Consequently, analgesic strategies to reduce opioid utilization have been developed. Regional anesthesia and multimodal strategies are central tenets of enhanced recovery pathways and facilitate reduced perioperative opioid use. Opioid‐free anesthesia (OFA) protocols eliminate all intraoperative opioids, reserving opioids for postoperative rescue treatment. Systematic reviews show variable results for OFA. Methods: In a series of Quality Improvement (QI) projects, multidisciplinary teams developed interventions to test and spread OFA first in our ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and then in our hospital. Outcome measures were tracked using statistical process control charts to increase the adoption of OFA. Results: Between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2022, 19 872 of 28 574 ASC patients received OFA, increasing from 30% to 98%. Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) maximum pain score, opioid‐rescue rate, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) treatment all decreased concomitantly. The use of OFA now represents our ambulatory standard practice. Over the same timeframe, the spread of this practice to our hospital led to 21 388 of 64 859 patients undergoing select procedures with OFA, increasing from 15% to 60%. Opioid rescue rate and PONV treatment in PACU decreased while hospital maximum pain scores and length of stay were stable. Two procedural examples with OFA benefits were identified. The use of OFA allowed relaxation of adenotonsillectomy admission criteria, resulting in 52 hospital patient days saved. Transition to OFA for laparoscopic appendectomy occurred concomitantly with a decrease in the mean hospital length of stay from 2.9 to 1.4 days, representing a savings of >500 hospital patient days/year. Conclusions: These QI projects demonstrated that most pediatric ambulatory and select inpatient surgeries are amenable to OFA techniques which may reduce PONV without worsening pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is now widely used in various surgical fields including gynecological laparoscopic surgery, but the advantages of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) in gynecological laparoscopic surgery under ERAS protocol are inexact. Aims This study aims to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of OFA technique versus traditional opioid-based anesthesia (OA) technique in gynecological laparoscopic surgery under ERAS. Methods Adult female patients aged 18 ~ 65 years old undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery were randomly divided into OFA group (Group OFA, n = 39) with esketamine and dexmedetomidine or OA group (Group OA, n = 38) with sufentanil and remifentanil. All patients adopted ERAS protocol. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores (AUCVAS) postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative hemodynamic variables, awakening and orientation recovery times, number of postoperative rescue analgesia required, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) perioperatively. Results AUCVAS was (Group OFA, 16.72 ± 2.50) vs (Group OA, 15.99 ± 2.72) (p = 0.223). No difference was found in the number of rescue analgesia required (p = 0.352). There were no between-group differences in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) (p = 0.211 and 0.659, respectively) except MAP at time of surgical incision immediately [(Group OFA, 84.38 ± 11.08) vs. (Group OA, 79.00 ± 8.92), p = 0.022]. Times of awakening and orientation recovery in group OFA (14.54 ± 4.22 and 20.69 ± 4.92, respectively) were both longer than which in group OA (12.63 ± 3.59 and 18.45 ± 4.08, respectively) (p = 0.036 and 0.033, respectively). The incidence of PONV in group OFA (10.1%) was lower than that in group OA (28.9%) significantly (p = 0.027). The postoperative PSQI was lower than the preoperative one in group OFA (p = 0.013). Conclusion In gynecological laparoscopic surgery under ERAS protocol, OFA technique is non-inferior to OA technique in analgesic effect and intraoperative anesthesia stability. Although awakening and orientation recovery times were prolonged compared to OA, OFA had lower incidence of PONV and improved postoperative sleep quality. Trial registration ChiCTR2100052761, 05/11/2021.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience and is considered the fifth vital sign. Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is a technique where no intraoperative systemic, neuraxial, or intracavitary opioids are administered during the anesthesia. The prescription misuse/overuse has generated an opioid crisis which has led to the need for OFA. In this study, we will investigate the 24-h postsurgical analgesia and analgesic consumption with the use of OFA versus opioid anesthesia (tramadol) in patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. METHODOLOGY: Sixty patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade I-II scheduled for various abdominal surgeries were randomly assigned into two groups, with 30 patients in each group. Group A (opioid-free group): received IV lignocaine (2 mg/kg), IV magnesium sulfate (20 mg/kg), and V paracetamol (15 mg/kg) in 100 ml NS. Group B (opioid group): received IV tramadol (2 mg/kg) in 100 ml NS. Hemodynamic parameters, postoperative analgesic consumption, duration of analgesia, and any adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: A very significant difference was observed between the study groups for mean values of mean arterial pressure at the last stages of surgery, with hemodynamics more stable in the opioid-free group (P < 0.01). In terms of mean values of minimum alveolar concentration throughout the surgery, the opioid group showed more anesthetic-sparing effect (P < 0.05). In terms of postoperative pain scores between the groups, the opioid-free group experienced less pain (P < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups in postoperative analgesic consumption and duration of analgesia. More side effects were noted in the opioid group. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that avoiding opioid use by preemptive administration of intravenous paracetamol, lignocaine, and magnesium sulfate provides safe, effective, and satisfactory analgesia in patients undergoing various abdominal surgeries under general anesthesia.

BackgroundOpioids have been used as pain relievers for thousands of years. However, they may also cause undesirable side effects. We therefore performed this study to compare the effect of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) versus opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) on postoperative pain and patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA)-related events.MethodsThis is a single center randomized clinical trial that was recruited patients aged from 18 to 70 years who received video-assisted lung surgery between October 2021 and February 2022. Participants were 1:1 randomly assigned to OFA or OSA. Patients in the OFA group received propofol, rocuronium, esmolol, lidocaine, and magnesium sulfate intravenously with epidural ropivacaine. Patients in the OSA group received propofol, rocuronium, remifentanil, and sufentanil intravenously with epidural hydromorphone and ropivacaine.ResultsA total number of 124 patients were randomly allocated to the OFA or OSA group. In the OFA group, the severity of pain during coughs on the first postoperative days (PODs; VAS score 1.88 ± 0.88 vs. 2.16 ± 1.1, p = 0.044) was significantly lower than that in the OSA group. The total ratio of PCEA-related adverse events in the OFA group [11 (19.6%) vs. 26 (47.3%), p = 0.003] was significantly lower than in the OSA group.ConclusionOFA in patients who received video-assisted lung surgery led to lower severity of acute postoperative motion-induced pain and fewer PCEA-related adverse events on the first POD than in the patients in the OSA group.Clinical trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT05063396).

Background: Although opioids provide effective analgesia for abdominal surgery, they also present serious unwanted side effects. Ultrasound-guild quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) have been proven to offer long-lasting and efficient analgesia during abdominal surgery. However, the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided QLB and TAPB combined with opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) in abdominal surgery remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of ultrasound-guided QLB and TAPB combined with opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) on the clinical efficacy of abdominal surgery. Methods: A total of 122 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery at People's Hospital of Wanning between March 2021 and April 2022 were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (QLB/TAPB + OFA, 62 patients) and the control group (opioid anesthesia, 60 patients). The clinical efficacy of the QLB/TAPB combined with OFA technique was evaluated by analyzing patients' vital signs, postoperative consciousness recovery time, numeric rating scale (NRS) score, and immune function in both groups. Results: We observed that systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group after induction (p

Patients suffering from connective tissue disorders like Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type/joint hypermobility syndrome (EDS-HT/JHS) may be affected by craniocervical instability (CCI). These patients experience myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue, depression, extreme occipital-cervical pain, and severe widespread pain that is difficult to relieve with opioids. This complex and painful condition can be explained by the development of chronic neuroinflammation, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and central sensitization. Given the challenges in treating such severe physical pain, we evaluated all the analgesic methods previously used in the perioperative setting, and updated information was presented. It covers important physiopathological aspects for the perioperative care of patients with EDS-HT/JHS and CCI undergoing occipital-cervical/thoracic fixation/fusion. Moreover, a change of paradigm from the current opioid-based management of anesthesia/analgesia in these patients to the perioperative opioid minimization strategies used by the authors was analyzed and proposed as follow-up considerations from our previous case series. These strategies are based on total-intravenous opioid-free anesthesia, multimodal analgesia, and a postoperative combination of anti-hyperalgesic coadjuvants (lidocaine, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine) with an opioid-sparing effect.Key points: Chronic neuroinflammation, neuronal damage and central sensitization are common pathways that cause severe widespread pain in patients with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type/joint hypermobility syndrome (EDS-HT/JHS) and craniocervical instability. The use of opioid-free anesthesia with propofol, ketamine, lidocaine, and dexmedetomidine is feasible in patients with EDS-HT/JHS who are to undergo occipital/cervical fixation, and the support of a service specialized in postoperative acute pain is essential for the viability of this management. Opioid-free anesthesia plus perioperative opioid-minimization management may reduce the postoperative pain in patients with EDS-HT/JHS that undergo occipital/cervical/thoracic fixation. Postoperative infusions of anti-hyperalgesic coadjuvants (lidocaine, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine) along with multimodal analgesia provide a significant opioid-sparing effect. However, more studies are needed to justify their use for more than 72 h in this type of patient. The perioperative opioid-minimization approach is a reasonable option for patients with EDS-HT/JHS suffering from gastrointestinal dysfunction, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, central sensitization and severe widespread pain. In the context of the perioperative opioid-minimization approach, methadone is the most suitable opioid for use as a rescue analgesic for severe pain owing to its anti-NMDA effect and its effect of reducing the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is the most frequently performed obstetric procedure globally, and postoperative pain remains a prominent concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the bilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in addressing this issue. Methods: We performed a randomized trial in women with term pregnancies who underwent elective CS with spinal anesthesia. The women were randomized (1:1) to receive bilateral TAP or postoperative systemic analgesics (control group). The primary outcome was the effect on postoperative pain assessed using the numeric rating score (NRS) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h in the postoperative period. Results: At 2 and 6 h after the surgical procedure, there was a significant reduction in both resting (rNRS p = 0.004) and movement-related pain (dNRS p = 0.0001, p = 0.001 respectively). However, at 12 h, a reduction of dNRS was demonstrated (p = 0.0001), while no benefit was observed at rest. The percentage of women with NRS ≤ 4 was higher after the block at 2 h for both resting and movement-related pain (rNRS p = 0.010; dNRS p = 0.0001); at 6 and 12 h, it was only significant for dNRS (p = 0.002). Rescue doses of analgesics were significantly higher in the control group at 2, 6, and 12 h (p = 0.01, p = 0.0383, p = 0.0003 respectively). No complications with the procedure were recorded. Conclusion: Bilateral TAP block has the potential to alleviate postoperative pain and reduce the need for additional analgesics after CS. Trial registration: This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number (NCT02801968), registered 28 May 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02801968?term=NCT02801968&draw=2&rank=1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) provides adequate analgesia and can reduce postoperative opioid consumption, but its efficacy in spontaneous ventilation video-assisted thoracic surgery (SV-VATS) has not been demonstrated. We aimed to investigate the hypothesis that OFA could provide the same perioperative pain control as opioid anesthesia (OA), maintain safe and stable respiration and hemodynamics during surgery, and improve postoperative recovery. Methods: Sixty eligible patients (OFA group: n=30; OA group: n=30) treated between September 15, 2022, and December 15, 2022, at The First Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University were included. They were randomized to receive standard balanced OFA with esketamine or OA with remifentanil combined with sufentanil. The primary outcome was the pain numeric rating score (NRS) at postoperative 24 h, and the secondary outcomes were intraoperative respiratory and hemodynamic data, opioid consumption, vasoactive drug dosage, and recovery in the post-anesthesia care unit and ward. Results: There was no significant difference in the postoperative pain scores and recovery quality between the two groups. The OFA group had a significantly lower dose of phenylephrine (P=0.001) and a lower incidence of hypotension (P=0.004) during surgery. The OFA group resumed spontaneous respiration faster (P<0.001) and had a higher quality of lung collapse (P=0.02). However, the total doses of propofol and dexmetomidine were higher (P=0.03 and P=0.02), and the time to consciousness was longer (P=0.039) in the OFA group. Conclusions: OFA provides the same level of postoperative pain control as OA, but it is more advantageous in maintaining circulatory and respiratory stability and improving the quality of pulmonary collapse in SV-VATS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]