Spinal anaesthesia for inguinal hernia repair?
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Anesthesia, Spinal↗
Biomedical subjects
J B Dahl
Publications and source records attributed to J B Dahl.
Perioperative medicine - a new sub-speciality, or a multi-disciplinary strategy to improve perioperative management and outcome?
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Anesthesiology↗
Appropriateness of leaving emergency medical service treated hypoglycemic patients at home: a retrospective study.
BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemic patients treated by the emergency medical service (EMS) system are commonly left home. The criteria for leaving hypoglycemic patients at home and the appropriateness of the procedure remains, however, unvalidated. The present retrospective article addresses these questions. METHODS: The Copenhagen physician-based mobile intensive care unit (MICU) responds to emergency calls in a two-tier rendezvous system. Its prehospital data from 1995 to 1998 were retrospectively incorporated into a clinical database and cross-referenced with clinical information from three Danish national registries, enabling identification of criteria for transportation of the patients to the hospital, and a detailed 72-h follow up on patients left at home. RESULTS: The MICU treated 1148 hypoglycemic patients within the period, of which 84% were released at home. Treatment or no treatment before arrival of the MICU and level of consciousness following MICU treatment, were found to be strong predictors of a need for transportation to hospital; although other factors were implicated. Within the 72-h following MICU treatment less than 8% of the patients left at home needed secondary MICU or hospital treatment because of glucose regulatory problems, and less than 5% experienced secondary hypoglycemia. Less than 1% was admitted to hospital beds with recurrent hypoglycemia within 24 h. Poor compliance with the diabetic treatment instructions often appeared to be involved in cases of recurrent hypoglycemia. A delay in admission was not to blame for a serious secondary patient course in any of the cases. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with prehospital hypoglycemia may safely be treated and released at home in a physician-based EMS area.
Age Factors↗
Rectal and parenteral paracetamol, and paracetamol in combination with NSAIDs, for postoperative analgesia.
BACKGROUND: We have reviewed the analgesic efficacies of rectal and parenteral paracetamol and tested the evidence for a possible additive analgesic effect of the combination of paracetamol with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in postoperative pain. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were evaluated. Outcome measures were pain scores and demand for supplementary analgesia. RESULTS: Eight studies compared rectal paracetamol with placebo. One study of single-dose administration of rectal paracetamol 40-60 mg kg(-1) and three studies of repeat dosing with 14-20 mg kg(-1) showed significant analgesic efficacy, while studies of a single dose of 10-20 mg kg(-1) were negative. Ten studies compared parenteral paracetamol with placebo and eight studies showed improved pain relief with paracetamol. Of the nine studies comparing paracetamol with a combination of paracetamol and an NSAID, six studies showed improved pain relief for the combination while only two of the six studies comparing an NSAID with a combination of an NSAID and paracetamol showed improved pain relief for the combination. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the few studies available, evidence was found of a clinically relevant analgesic effect of rectal and parenteral paracetamol. Concurrent use of paracetamol and an NSAID was superior to paracetamol alone but no evidence was found of superior analgesic effect of the combination compared with the NSAID alone.
Acetaminophen↗
Meta-analysis - a valuable but easily misused tool.
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Humans↗
Effect of naloxone on primary and secondary hyperalgesia induced by the human burn injury model.
BACKGROUND: Opioid antagonists may change the responses in models of experimental hyperalgesia. This indicates a possible involvement of the endogenous opioid system in these models. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether activation of the endogenous opioid system could be demonstrated in the human burn injury model of cutaneous hyperalgesia, using an intravenous challenge with the non-selective opioid antagonist naloxone. METHODS: We studied 25 healthy male volunteers aged 20-31 yrs in a randomised, double-blind, triple crossover design. A 25x50 mm rectangular burn injury was produced on the calf on 3 separate days, at least 1 week apart. Subjects received an intravenous bolus dose of naloxone 0.4 mg, 10 mg or placebo 3 h after induction of the burn injury. RESULTS: Primary and secondary hyperalgesia was induced by the burn injury. Naloxone did not affect any of the measured variables: heat pain detection threshold in non-injured or injured tissue, pain produced by short or prolonged noxious heat in non-injured or injured tissue, secondary hyperalgesia elicited by pin prick or stroke, or pain produced by short or prolonged noxious mechanical stimulation in non-injured tissue. No significant adverse effects of naloxone were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of an endogenous opioid response following induction of hyperalgesia in human volunteers by a burn injury could not be demonstrated with an intravenous naloxone challenge. These findings suggest that the endogenous opioid response is not a confounding factor in this model.
Adult↗
Effect of intravenous magnesium on pain and secondary hyperalgesia associated with the heat/capsaicin sensitization model in healthy volunteers.
We investigated the effects of i.v. magnesium on secondary hyperalgesia following heat/capsaicin stimulation in human volunteers. Twenty-five volunteers were included in this double blind, randomized, crossover study. Sensitization was induced in the volunteers, who were then subjected to either i.v. saline or magnesium sulphate. No analgesic or antihyperalgesic effect could be demonstrated in sensitized skin during infusion of magnesium. In contrast, painfulness of thermal stimulation was increased in normal skin. These results suggest that i.v. magnesium has no important analgesic effects in clinically relevant doses.
Adult↗
Effect of peri- and postoperative epidural anaesthesia on pain and gastrointestinal function after abdominal hysterectomy.
In a double blind study we have investigated the effects of epidural local anaesthesia (LA), when added to general anaesthesia (GA) and postoperative paracetamol and NSAID, on postoperative pain and gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing open hysterectomy. Sixty patients were randomized into three study groups: GA, and postoperative paracetamol and NSAID (GA, n=20); GA, paracetamol, NSAID, intraoperative epidural lidocaine and 24-h postoperative epidural saline (Saline, n=20); or GA, paracetamol, NSAID, intraoperative epidural lidocaine and 24-h postoperative epidural bupivacaine (Bupi, n=20). Patients were observed for 72 h postoperatively. Pain at rest, during cough, and mobilization, request for supplementary morphine, and time to first postoperative flatus, was reduced in patients receiving 24-h postoperative epidural anaesthesia, compared with the two other groups. However, these effects of epidural LA, were not sustained beyond the period of infusion, and no differences in PONV, time to first postoperative defecation, mobilization or time to discharge from hospital were observed between groups. A 24 h postoperative epidural infusion with bupivacaine, when added to postoperative paracetamol and NSAID, reduces pain and opioid requirements, but has only limited effects on gastrointestinal function and patient recovery.
Acetaminophen↗
Effect of epidural bupivacaine vs combined epidural bupivacaine and morphine on gastrointestinal function and pain after major gynaecological surgery.
In a double-blind study, we investigated the effects of postoperative epidural local anaesthetic, with or without addition of epidural morphine, on postoperative pain and gastrointestinal function in patients scheduled for radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Forty patients were randomized into two study groups: 48-h postoperative epidural 0.2% bupivacaine 8 ml h(-1) (bupi group) or 48-h postoperative epidural 0.2% bupivacaine/morphine 50 microg at 4 ml h(-1) (bupi/morph group). Patients were observed for at least 96 h after surgery. No differences in pain at rest, during cough or mobilization were observed. Patients in the bupi group requested a significant greater amount of supplementary analgesics, but times to first flatus and defaecation were reduced compared with patients in the bupi/morph group. Itching was a significant problem in patients in the bupi/morph group. No differences in postoperative nausea and vomiting, mobilization or time to discharge from hospital were observed between groups. The addition of morphine to postoperative epidural bupivacaine has only limited effect on pain relief and increases time to normalization of gastrointestinal function.
Adult↗
Effect of remifentanil on pain and secondary hyperalgesia associated with the heat--capsaicin sensitization model in healthy volunteers.
BACKGROUND: The heat--capsaicin sensitization model was developed as a noninvasive and noninjurious human experimental pain model. The sequential application of moderate intensity thermal and topical chemical stimuli produces stable and long-lasting areas of cutaneous secondary hyperalgesia. The aim of the present study was to validate the heat--capsaicin sensitization model as a tool for testing analgesic drug efficacy. Responsivity of model-associated measures was tested with remifentanil, a potent and ultrashort acting mu-opioid agonist. METHODS: Sensitization was induced by heating forearm skin with a thermode at 45 degrees C for 5 min, immediately followed by application of 0.075% capsaicin cream for 30 min. Sensitization was rekindled four times at 40-min intervals with the thermode at 40 degrees C for 5 min. After each rekindling, areas of secondary hyperalgesia were measured, and the painfulness of thermal stimulation in normal skin with 45 degrees C for 1 min (long thermal stimulation [LTS]) was rated. Before and during the second rekindling, remifentanil 0.10 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) or saline-placebo was infused for 35 min. RESULTS: Infusion of remifentanil reduced the areas of secondary hyperalgesia to 29--30% of baseline size compared with 75--83% during placebo. Similarly, remifentanil reduced the painfulness of LTS to 29% of baseline severity compared with 84% during placebo. Areas of secondary hyperalgesia and LTS painfulness returned to baseline levels by the time of the third rekindling, demonstrating rapid disappearance of remifentanil analgesia and possibly transient spontaneous opioid withdrawal hyperalgesia. CONCLUSION: Using the heat-capsaicin sensitization model, opioid analgesia and suppression of secondary hyperalgesia was reliably demonstrated without skin injury.
Adult↗
Epidural local anaesthetics versus opioid-based analgesic regimens on postoperative gastrointestinal paralysis, PONV and pain after abdominal surgery.
BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal paralysis, nausea and vomiting, and pain, are major clinical problems following abdominal surgery. Anaesthetic and analgesic techniques that reduce pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and prevent or reduce postoperative ileus, may reduce postoperative morbidity, duration of hospitalisation and hospital costs. OBJECTIVES: To compare effects of postoperative epidural local anaesthetic with regimens based on systemic or epidural opioids, on postoperative gastrointestinal function, postoperative pain, PONV and surgical/anaesthetic complications. SEARCH STRATEGY: Trials were identified by computerised searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE and by checking the reference lists of trials and review articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of postoperative epidural local anaesthetic with systemic or epidural opioids. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Collected data included treatment in active (local anaesthetic) and control (opioid based) groups, time to first postoperative stool, time to first postoperative flatus, gastric emptying measured by the paracetamol absorption test, duration of the passage of barium sulphate, pain assessments, use of supplementary analgesics, nausea, vomiting and surgical/anaesthetic complications. MAIN RESULTS: Most studies in this review involved a small number of patients. Furthermore half of the studies indicated a poor level of methodology in particular regarding blinding and report of withdrawals. Heterogeneity of included studies was substantial. Results consistently showed reduced time to return of gastrointestinal function in the epidural local anaesthetic group compared with groups receiving systemic or epidural opioid (37 hours and 24 hours, respectively). Postoperative pain was comparable. Two studies compared the effect of epidural local anaesthetic with a combination of epidural local anaesthetic and opioid on gastrointestinal function. One study favoured epidural local anaesthetic and one study was indifferent. A meta analysis of five of eight studies comparing the effect of epidural local anaesthetic with a combination of epidural local anaesthetic and opioid on postoperative pain, yielded a reduction in VAS pain scores (0-100 mm) on the first postoperative day of 15 mm, in favour of the combination. No significant differences in PONV were observed between epidural local anaesthetic and opioid based regimens. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Administration of epidural local anaesthetics to patients undergoing laparotomy reduce gastrointestinal paralysis compared with systemic or epidural opioids, with comparable postoperative pain relief. Addition of opioid to epidural local anaesthetic may provide superior postoperative analgesia compared with epidural local anaesthetics alone. The effect of additional epidural opioid on gastrointestinal function is so far unsettled. Randomized, controlled trials comparing the effect of combinations of epidural local anaesthetic and opioid with epidural local anaesthetic alone on postoperative gastrointestinal function and pain are warranted.
Abdomen↗
Effect of preoperative oral dextromethorphan on immediate and late postoperative pain and hyperalgesia after total abdominal hysterectomy.
Dextromethorphan is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist known to inhibit wind-up and NMDA-mediated nociceptive responses of dorsal horn neurons. Experimental and clinical studies indicate that NMDA-receptor antagonists may potentiate the effect of analgesics such as morphine, local anesthetics and NSAIDs. Results from previous clinical studies of dextromethorphan in postoperative pain are conflicting, possibly related to administration of insufficient doses of the drug. Fifty patients scheduled for non-malignant elective abdominal hysterectomy in general anesthesia were randomized to receive oral dextromethorphan 150 mg, or placebo 1 h before surgery. The patients received patient-controlled analgesia with morphine for 24 h postoperatively as the only analgesic. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine consumption was reduced with 30% from 0-4 h after operation in patients receiving dextromethorphan compared with placebo (P=0.02); no differences were observed from 5-24 h postoperatively. There were no significant differences between groups for visual analogue scale scores at rest, during cough, or during mobilization, pressure pain detection thresholds, von Frey hair pain detection thresholds, or peak flow. At 24 h after operation, hyperalgesia to von Frey hair stimulation proximal to the surgical wound was easily detected in 23 of 25 patients receiving dextromethorphan, and in 22 of 25 patients receiving placebo, with no significant difference between groups. Pooled data from both groups showed a weak but significant correlation between the extent of hyperalgesia at 24 h after operation, and total 24 h postoperative PCA morphine consumption (Rs=0.28, P=0.05). Three months postoperatively, hyperalgesia was still detectable in 18 of 22 examined patients in the dextromethorphan group, and in 16 of 23 patients in the placebo group, without statistical differences between groups. There were no significant differences in side-effects (nausea, vomiting, sedation). In conclusion, oral dextromethorphan 150 mg reduced PCA morphine consumption immediately (0-4 h) after hysterectomy, without prolonged effects on pain or wound hyperalgesia. A positive correlation between the magnitude of wound hyperalgesia at 24 h after operation, and total 24 h postoperative PCA morphine consumption was demonstrated.
Adult↗
Local infiltration with NSAIDs for postoperative analgesia: evidence for a peripheral analgesic action.
BACKGROUND: In order to investigate the evidence for a peripheral analgesic effect of local infiltration with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in postoperative pain, we conducted a systematic review. METHODS: Randomised controlled and double-blind trials were evaluated. Outcome measures were pain scores, the use of supplementary analgesics, and time to first analgesic request. Efficacy was estimated by significant difference (P<0.05) as reported in the original reports and by calculation of the weighted mean difference of pain scores between treatment groups. RESULTS: Sixteen studies with data from 844 patients were considered appropriate for analysis. The NSAIDs were administered as intra-articular injections, as components of intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA), and by wound infiltration and were compared with systemic administration or placebo. In the four studies comparing intra-articular NSAIDs with systemic administration a statistically significant effect in favour of intraarticular NSAIDs was found. Only one study compared IVRA NSAID with systemic administration, showing a significant effect in favour of IVRA administration. No more than two of the five studies comparing intrawound NSAIDs with systemic administration showed significant effect after intrawound administration. Most of the studies comparing local infiltration with placebo showed significant effect in favour of local infiltration. CONCLUSION: There is evidence for a clinically relevant peripheral analgesic action of intra-articular NSAIDs while results of IVRA and wound infiltration with NSAIDs in postoperative pain are inconclusive. Trials without a systemic control group were not considered to provide evidence for a local effect.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
The effect of dextromethorphan, alone or in combination with ibuprofen, on postoperative pain after minor gynaecological surgery.
BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have demonstrated that peripheral tissue injury may lead to hyperexcitability of nociceptive neurones in the dorsal horn, in part mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor mechanisms. Sensitisation of dorsal horn neurones may be an important contributor to postoperative pain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the NMDA-receptor antagonist dextromethorphan on pain after minor gynaecological surgery, and to evaluate a potential additive effect with ibuprofen. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 100 patients scheduled for elective termination of pregnancy were randomised to receive placebo, oral ibuprofen 400 mg, oral dextromethorphan 120 mg, or a combination of ibuprofen 400 mg and dextromethorphan 120 mg, 1 h before surgery. Pain and analgesic requirements were assessed 0.5, 1 and 2 h after operation. RESULTS: We observed no effect of dextromethorphan on visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores or analgesic consumption, and no additive or synergistic analgesic effects between ibuprofen and dextromethorphan. Ibuprofen reduced pain scores compared with placebo, and analgesic consumption compared with both placebo and dextromethorphan. The combination of ibuprofen and dextromethorphan increased preoperative nausea compared with both placebo and ibuprofen, whereas no statistically significant side effects were observed with dextromethorphan alone. CONCLUSION: No analgesic effects of oral dextromethorphan 120 mg on pain after surgical termination of labour, and no additive analgesic effects when combined with ibuprofen 400 mg, were observed. Ibuprofen reduced both VAS pain scores and analgesic consumption compared with placebo.
Adult↗
Subcutaneous infiltration with ammonium sulphate 10% does not prolong the local anaesthetic duration of lidocaine in humans.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a solution of ammonium sulphate and lidocaine had a prolonged duration of action compared with lidocaine alone after subcutaneous infiltration in human volunteers. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial 12 male volunteers had either 4 ml lidocaine 1% (40 mg) or a solution of 4 ml ammonium sulphate 10% and lidocaine 1% (40 mg) subcutaneously infiltrated in corresponding skin areas on the right and left calf. The duration of the local anaesthetic action of the test medications was assessed 1-6 h after the infiltrations using thresholds to mechanical (von Frey hairs) and thermal stimulation (heat detection thresholds: HDT, and heat pain detection thresholds: HPDT), and by calculation of areas under the curve (AUC) for electronic visual analogue scale (VAS) pain ratings (sampled at 2 Hz) during a heat stimulation on the test areas for 30 s with a 45 degrees C warm thermode. RESULTS: At no assessment were thresholds to mechanical or thermal stimulation increased in favour of ammonium sulphate treated legs compared with control legs. On the contrary, HPDT were significantly lower in ammonium sulphate treated legs than control legs at the 3 h and 4 h assessment after infiltration (P<0.02). Similarly, the AUC for the VAS ratings was significantly higher in treatment legs compared with control legs 2 h and 3 h after infiltration (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: No improvement in local anaesthetic duration of ammonium sulphate 10% plus lidocaine 1% compared with lidocaine 1% alone was demonstrated early after subcutaneous infiltration in human volunteers.
Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗
Effect of continuous epidural 0.2% ropivacaine vs 0.2% bupivacaine on postoperative pain, motor block and gastrointestinal function after abdominal hysterectomy.
We have investigated the effect of 24-h postoperative continuous epidural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine or 0.2% bupivacaine 8 ml h-1 on pain, request for supplementary analgesics, motor block and gastrointestinal function, in a double-blind, randomized study in 60 patients undergoing open hysterectomy. There were no significant differences between groups in pain, number of patients requesting supplementary analgesics, motor block, ability to walk or time to first flatus or stool. In the subgroup of patients who received supplementary analgesics, patients in the ropivacaine group received significantly more ketorolac than patients in the bupivacaine group. Time to discharge from hospital was similar with ropivacaine and bupivacaine.
Adolescent↗
Local anesthetic infiltration for postoperative pain relief after laparoscopy: a qualitative and quantitative systematic review of intraperitoneal, port-site infiltration and mesosalpinx block.
UNLABELLED: In a systematic review, we evaluated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of peripheral local anesthetics (LA) compared with placebo or no treatment in the control of postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery. A total of 41 trials with data from 2794 patients were considered appropriate for analysis. Of these 41 RCTs, 13 evaluated intraperitoneal LA after cholecystectomy, four RCTs assessed intraperitoneal LA after other procedures, eight RCTs evaluated port-site infiltration after various procedures, 12 RCTs evaluated mesosalpinx or fallopian tube block after sterilization, and four RCTs considered combined LA regimens. Outcome measures were pain scores, analgesic consumption, and time to first analgesic request. Efficacy was estimated by significant difference (P < 0.05), as reported in the original reports, and by calculation of the weighted mean difference of visual analog scale pain scores between treatment groups. Improved pain relief was observed in seven of the 13 RCTs of intraperitoneal LA after cholecystectomy and in four RCTs of other procedures. A statistically significant weighted mean difference of -13 mm visual analog scale (95% confidence intervals [CI]: -20 to -6) in favor of the treatment groups was observed after cholecystectomy. Three of eight trials of port-site infiltration showed significant differences but questionable clinical importance and validity in two; weighted mean difference was not statistically significant between treatment groups (95% CI -9 to 1). All RCTs of mesosalpinx or fallopian tube block after sterilization showed improved pain relief with a statistically significant weighted mean difference of -19 mm (95% CI -25 to -14) in favor of treatment groups. Data of combined regimens were positive, however, sparse. We conclude that there was evidence for a statistically significant but clinically questionable, important effect of intraperitoneal LA for postoperative pain control. There was evidence for a significant but short-lasting effect of mesosalpinx/fallopian tube block after sterilization, but there was a lack of evidence for any important effect of port-site infiltration. Data from combined regimens were too sparse for conclusions. IMPLICATIONS: A systematic review summarizes, through transparent methodology, available information from randomized, controlled trials to produce the best available evidence-based estimate of a "true" clinical effect of an intervention. This systematic review confirms intraperitoneal and mesosalpinx local anesthetic block, not port-site infiltration, to have some impact on postoperative pain after laparoscopy.
Anesthetics, Local↗
The effect of systemic lidocaine on pain and secondary hyperalgesia associated with the heat/capsaicin sensitization model in healthy volunteers.
UNLABELLED: Although effective in neuropathic pain, the efficacy of systemic lidocaine in non-neuropathic pain remains uncertain. We investigated the analgesic effect of systemic lidocaine on the heat/capsaicin sensitization model of experimental pain in 24 volunteers. Sensitization was produced by heating the skin to 45 degrees C for 5 min, followed by a 30-min application of 0.075% capsaicin cream, and maintained by periodically reheating the sensitized skin. Subjects received IV lidocaine (bolus 2 mg/kg, then infusion 3 mg. kg. h), or saline for 85 min. Areas of secondary hyperalgesia, heat pain detection thresholds, and painfulness of stimulation with 45 degrees C for 1 min (long thermal stimulation) were quantified. Systemic lidocaine reduced the area of secondary hyperalgesia to brush, but not to von Frey hair stimulation. Lidocaine did not alter heat pain detection thresholds or painfulness of long thermal stimulation in normal skin. We conclude that, at infusion rates in the low- to mid-antiarrhythmic range, lidocaine has no effect on acute nociceptive pain but does have a limited and selective effect on secondary hyperalgesia. IMPLICATIONS: The efficacy of systemic lidocaine in nonneuropathic pain remains uncertain. This study investigates the effect of systemic lidocaine on experimental-induced hyperalgesia in 25 volunteers. Hyperalgesia was induced by using an experimental pain model that uses heat and capsaicin in combination. Systemic lidocaine showed a selective effect on secondary hyperalgesia.
Adult↗