Percutaneous sciatic nerve block with tramadol induces analgesia and motor blockade in two animal pain models

Local anesthetic efficacy of tramadol has been reported following intradermal application. Our aim was to investigate the effect of perineural tramadol as the sole analgesic in two pain models. Male Wistar rats (280-380 g; N = 5/group) were used in these experiments. A neurostimulation-guided sciatic nerve block was performed and 2% lidocaine or tramadol (1.25 and 5 mg) was perineurally injected in two different animal pain models. In the flinching behavior test, the number of flinches was evaluated and in the plantar incision model, mechanical and heat thresholds were measured. Motor effects of lidocaine and tramadol were quantified and a motor block score elaborated. Tramadol, 1.25 mg, completely blocked the first and reduced the second phase of the flinching behavior test. In the plantar incision model, tramadol (1.25 mg) increased both paw withdrawal latency in response to radiant heat (8.3 ± 1.1, 12.7 ± 1.8, 8.4 ± 0.8, and 11.1 ± 3.3 s) and mechanical threshold in response to von Frey filaments (459 ± 82.8, 447.5 ± 91.7, 320.1 ± 120, 126.43 ± 92.8 mN) at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min, respectively. Sham block or contralateral sciatic nerve block did not differ from perineural saline injection throughout the study in either model. The effect of tramadol was not antagonized by intraperitoneal naloxone. High dose tramadol (5 mg) blocked motor function as well as 2% lidocaine. In conclusion, tramadol blocks nociception and motor function in vivo similar to local anesthetics

Comparative study between hydrocortisone and mannitol in treatment of postdural puncture headache: A randomized double-blind study

Background: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication after lumbar puncture. Anesthesiologists are the most likely to be consulted for the treatment. PDPH may be debilitating for a patient and can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Methods: Fifty patients of both sexes, aged 18–50 years and ASA I and II undergoing elective lower abdominal and pelvic surgery under spinal anesthesia were included in this randomized double-blind study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups 25 each: hydrocortisone group received intravenous hydrocortisone 100 mg every 8 h for 48 h and mannitol group received intravenous infusion of mannitol 20% 100 ml over 30 min followed by 100 ml every 12hours. Mean (±SD) of headache intensity at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after beginning of treatment was assessed using visual analogue scale. Results: There was no significant difference regarding headache intensity between two groups before beginning of treatment. The VAS was significantly reduced in hydrocortisone group than in mannitol group at 6, 12, 24 h with P-value 0.030, 0.007, 0.004 respectively. At 48 h, both groups had nearly the same VAS of headache intensity, with P-value 0.305. Conclusion: Both intravenous hydrocortisone and mannitol intravenous infusion were efficient in reducing postdural puncture headache within 48 h. Hydrocortisone showed earlier and significant relief of headache

Ventilation and outcomes following robotic-assisted abdominal surgery : an international, multicentre observational study

Background: International data on the epidemiology, ventilation practice, and outcomes in patients undergoing abdominal robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) are lacking. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and to describe ventilator management after abdominal RAS. Methods: This was an international, multicentre, prospective study in 34 centres in nine countries. Patients >= 18 yr of age undergoing abdominal RAS were enrolled between April 2017 and March 2019. The Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) score was used to stratify for higher risk of PPCs (>= 26). The primary outcome was the incidence of PPCs. Secondary endpoints included the preoperative risk for PPCs and ventilator management. Results: Of 1167 subjects screened, 905 abdominal RAS patients were included. Overall, 590 (65.2%) patients were at increased risk for PPCs. Meanwhile, 172 (19%) patients sustained PPCs, which occurred more frequently in 132 (22.4%) patients at increased risk, compared with 40 (12.7%) patients at lower risk of PPCs (absolute risk difference: 12.2% [95% confidence intervals (CI), 6.8-17.6%]; P<0.001). Plateau and driving pressures were higher in patients at increased risk, compared with patients at low risk of PPCs, but no ventilatory variables were independently associated with increased occurrence of PPCs. Development of PPCs was associated with a longer hospital stay. Conclusions: One in five patients developed one or more PPCs (chiefly unplanned oxygen requirement), which was associated with a longer hospital stay. No ventilatory variables were independently associated with PPCs