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Study Design.: Retrospective controlled cohort. Objective.: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine (LB) through erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on patients with postoperative adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with and without patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Background.: Pain control after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for AIS includes opioids and other modalities. The goal of these modalities is to reduce pain and opioid consumption. Two new modalities for pain control include LB and ESPB. There are scant studies on these modalities tested in concert on patients undergoing PSF for AIS. Patients and Methods.: Seventy-two consecutive patients with AIS who underwent PSF were separated into patients who had a PCA (group A) as part of their postoperative pain management and those who did not (group B). Opioid consumption was measured through morphine milligram equivalents. Pain scores were measured through the visual acuity score (Visual Analog Scale). Patient mobility was measured by steps taken. These were measured by the function of postoperative days from surgery. Results.: Group B had significantly lower morphine milligram equivalents at every point after surgery, most notably throughout the entire hospital stay (99.8 vs. 200.7). Postoperative pain scores in group B were the same if not better than group A. There was no difference in mobility between the cohorts. Group B had lower LOS (3.7 vs. 4.1). Conclusion.: In postoperative PSF for patients with AIS receiving LB through ESPB, those who did not receive a PCA had lower opioid consumption without worse pain scores or mobility and had a lower LOS. Adding LB through ESPB to postoperative pain regimens effectively replaces a PCA by providing the same pain control and reducing overall opioid consumption and LOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess risk of persistent opioid use and emergency department (ED) and office/outpatient visits following post-operative prescriptions of common opioids in patients following artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation using a nationwide claims database. The TriNetX US Collaborative Network, which encompasses over 115 million patients from 66 healthcare organizations was used to identify males who underwent first-time AUS placement between 2010-2024. Patients with history of opioid dependence/abuse, opioid use within 6 months prior to AUS placement, or surgery within 9 months post-operation were excluded. Patients were distributed into 2 cohorts: those who received opioids post-operatively or those that did not. Cohorts were propensity score matched on demographic characteristics, pain, mental health, and substance-related diagnoses. Primary outcome was risk of persistent opioid use 3-9 months post-operatively. Secondary outcomes included risk of ED or office/outpatient visit 30- and 90-days post-operatively. Each cohort contained 1036 patients following application of exclusion criteria and propensity score matching. Post-operative Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, or Codeine had a 3-fold increase in risk of persistent opioid use at 3-9 months (15.15% vs 4.92%, RR = 3.08, 95% CI = [2.27-4.17]). Risk of ED or office visits was not significantly lower in patients receiving these opioids. Opioid prescriptions following AUS placement increase risk of persistent opioid use without lowering the risk of ED or outpatient visits. These findings highlight the necessity for opioid-sparing approaches to post-operative pain control following AUS placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Acute pain in cancer is an important but often overlooked feature of many patients' oncological journey. Cancer-related pain is associated commonly with more persistent pain states caused by both the disease and its treatment, but there are numerous causes of acute pain which can develop in patients with cancer. This pain is frequently severe, can be challenging to manage and its suboptimal control can directly impact on oncological outcomes. This narrative review provides an overview of several causes of acute pain in patients with cancer and management approaches. Methods A focused literature review was conducted to encompass the search terms 'acute pain', 'oncology' and 'cancer' in adult and paediatric populations. Results Acute pain is common in patients with cancer with a number of pain generators identified. Broadly, these are disease- and treatment-related but commonality in pain mechanisms and features are present. Importantly, these pain states do not occur in isolation; a patient may experience multiple acute pain episodes during their oncology journey. Discussion As the oncological treatment landscape shifts and increasing numbers of novel treatments are employed, the number of causes of acute pain in patients with cancer rises. This pain is often managed by non-pain specialists and suboptimal control has a variety of deleterious effects. It is important that awareness of acute pain in the oncological population is increased and treatment approaches, which adopt a biopsychosocial structure, are optimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Current views on oxycodone's effects on immunity are inconsistent. Our objective was to compare the effects of perioperative oxycodone as the sole opioid in a multi-modal analgesia regimen with conventional opioid regimens on immunity in cervical cancer. Methods: In this randomised controlled trial (RCT), patients scheduled for laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer were randomised to receive either oxycodone (Group O) or conventional opioid regimens (Group C). The primary outcome was the CD4+/CD8+ ratios postoperatively at 24 and 48 h. Student's t -test was used for normally distributed variables, the non-parametric Wilcoxon test for non-normally distributed variables, and Chi-square/Fisher's exact test for qualitative variables, with differences significant set at P < 0.05. Results: We included 56 patients in the final analysis. The postoperative CD4+/CD8+ ratios were comparable between groups. However, the mean arterial pressures (MAPs) at extubation and 5 minutes thereafter were lower in Group O than in Group C (both P < 0.001), as were the heart rates (HRs) (P = 0.001 and 0.018, respectively). Within 24 h postoperatively, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for resting and movement-evoked pain were lower in Group O than in Group C (all P < 0.001), and the same was observed at 48 h postoperatively (both P = 0.002), as was the incidence of catheter-related bladder discomfort (P = 0.001). The VASs for postoperative analgesia satisfaction were higher in Group O than in Group C (P = 0.006). Conclusion: In laparoscopic surgery for cervical cancer, perioperative oxycodone as the sole opioid within a multi-modal analgesia framework does not yield anticipated benefits in immunopreservation compared to conventional opioid regimens but improves postoperative pain management and haemodynamic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of effectively managing long-term pain after surgery remains a significant issue in clinical settings. Although local anesthetics are preferred for their effective pain relief and few side effects, their short-lasting effect does not fully meet the pain relief needs after surgery. Articaine, widely used for postoperative pain relief as a local anesthetic, is pharmacologically limited by its short half-life, which reduces the duration of its pain-relieving effects. To overcome this issue, this study presents a new approach using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres for controlled articaine release, aiming to extend its analgesic effect while reducing potential toxicity. The PLGA microspheres were shown to extend the release of articaine for at least 72 h in lab tests, displaying excellent biocompatibility and low toxicity. When used in a rodent model for postoperative pain, the microspheres provided significantly prolonged pain relief, effectively reducing pain for up to 3 days post-surgery, without causing inflammation or tissue damage for over 72 h after being administered. The extended release and high safety profile of these PLGA microspheres highlight their promise as a new method for delivering local anesthetics, opening up new possibilities for pain management in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design.: A single-center, prospective, comparative study. Objective.: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the systemic transdermal diclofenac patch (DP) for immediate postoperative analgesia after lumbar spinal surgery. Summary of Background Data.: Effective wound pain control after spinal surgery has been shown to lead to favorable outcomes. Using multimodal analgesia may decrease opioid use for postoperative pain. Materials and Methods.: Patients who underwent posterior lumbar spinal surgery between August 2022 and January 2023 were divided into 2 groups: patients who underwent surgery on even months and were treated with DP (DP [+] group) and those who underwent surgery on odd months and were not treated with DP (DP [−] group). The demographic data, morphine milligram equivalent (MME) within 24 hours, duration of hospitalization, number of rescue analgesics used, visual analog scale (VAS) scores of wound pain, deterioration in renal function, and other complications were compared. Subgroup analysis consisted of subgroups categorized based on surgical procedure (nonfusion or fusion surgery). Results.: In total, 111 and 113 patients were enrolled in the DP (+) and DP (−) groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the deterioration of renal function in the DP (+) group. Overall comparisons demonstrated a significant difference between the DP (+) and DP (−) groups in the number of rescue analgesics used within 1 hour (P =0.046). In the nonfusion surgery subgroups, the MMEs within 24 hours, the number of rescue analgesics used within 1 and 3 hours, as well as the wound pain VAS at 1 and 3 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in the DP (+) group than in the DP (−) group (P =0.010, 0.015, 0.029, 0.005, and 0.048, respectively). Conclusion.: Systemic transdermal DP may potentially offer safe and effective postoperative analgesia, especially in less invasive procedures, such as nonfusion lumbar spinal surgery. Level of Evidence.: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The cost benefit of intercostal nerve cryoablation during surgical lobectomy for postoperative pain management is unknown. The current study compared hospital economics, resource use, and clinical outcomes during the index stay and accompanying short-term follow-up. Patients who underwent lobectomy with standard of care treatment for postsurgical pain management and cryoablation were compared to those with standard of care treatment only. We hypothesized that cryoablation would reduce narcotic use and index hospital and short-term costs. Methods: A retrospective, propensity matched cohort of surgical patients treated between 2016 and 2022 from a US National All-Payer Database were used. Cost and outcome comparisons were made between groups using chi-square and t tests. Results: From a cohort of 23,138 patients, 266 pairs with a mean age of 69 years were included. Matching variables included age, gender, lobe resected, and prior opioid use. Both groups had significant comorbidity history and prior opioid use; 66% (n = 175 both groups) underwent open lobectomy and 53% (n = 142 vs. 143) had the upper lobe resected. Cryoablation intervention was associated with 1.3 days reduced hospital stay (8.8 vs. 10.1 days, p = 0.31) and no difference in perioperative safety. After 90 days, postsurgery cryoablation patients had lower opioid prescription refills (27.3 vs. 36.9 morphine milligram equivalents, p = 0.03). Cryoablation patient costs trended less than non-cryoablation patients during index ($38,753 vs. $43,974, p = 0.10) and lower through 6 months (total costs, $65,703 vs. $74,304, p = 0.10). There was no difference in postsurgery resource use, but a smaller proportion of cryoablation patients had outpatient hospital visits (83.1%, N = 221 vs. 92.9%, n = 247, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Cryoablation during lobectomy is safe and does not add incremental hospital costs. Clinical meaningful reductions in length of stay and postsurgery opioid use were observed with cryoablation intervention. The addition of cryoablation during surgery to reduce postoperative pain appears to be a cost-effective therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intraoperative analgesia and sedation are closely related to postoperative delirium. Depth of sedation based on bispectral index (BIS) guidance has been shown to reduce the occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD). However, the correlation between intraoperative analgesia levels and POD is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intraoperative analgesic management guided by the nociceptive stimulus index (NOX) on postoperative delirium. Methods: In this prospective single-center randomized controlled study, elderly patients aged 65 and above, who are scheduled to undergo unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA), were allocated into two groups: the routine monitoring group (group R), which solely monitored patient sedation levels using BIS; and the NOX monitoring group (group N), which monitored patient analgesic levels using NOX based on BIS-monitored sedation levels. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative delirium within 3 days after surgery, using the confusion assessment method (CAM). Results: From May 2022 to December 2022, a total of 240 patients were randomized; 12 were excluded because of failure to meet experimental conditions or were lost to follow-up. Patients in group N had a lower incidence rate (%) of POD on the first day compared to those in group R (8 (7%) vs 18 (16%), P = 0.041). The dosage of remifentanil administered in group N was significantly higher than that in group R (927.07 ± 268.09 vs 882.32 ± 187.91 mg, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Appropriate intraoperative analgesia guided by NOX is associated with POD. When sedation levels were consistent, the incidence of POD was significantly reduced in older patients with NOX-guided analgesic management during unilateral TKA surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postoperative pain management is challenging for hip arthroscopy, and the effectiveness and specific protocols of femoral nerve block (FNB) in hip surgeries remain insufficient. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate the analgesic efficacy and optimal drug concentrations of FNB after hip arthroscopy. Methods: A total of 148 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were included and randomly divided into three groups: 0.3% ropivacaine FNB group, 0.4% ropivacaine FNB group, and 0.4% ropivacaine intra-articular injection (IAI) group (positive control). The main outcomes included dynamic and static visual analog scale (VAS) scores at various time points postoperatively, total intraoperative remifentanil consumption, and cumulative consumption of morphine within 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included total intraoperative dexmedetomidine consumption, RASMAY sedation scores, and patients' satisfaction scores postoperatively. Results: Both FNB and IAI anesthesia were shown to be safe for post-hip arthroscopy analgesia. Compared with IAI anesthesia, FNB showed no significant differences in analgesic effect within 12 h postoperatively but had a better analgesic effect after 24 h and lower remifentanil consumption intraoperatively. Group 0.4% ropivacaine showed lower dynamic VAS scores within the first 12 h compared with 0.3% ropivacaine for FNB, however, there were no significant differences in patient satisfaction and sedation, and postoperative ambulation was delayed, indicating that the higher concentration of ropivacaine correlated with a longer time to ambulation. The IAI group had greater intraoperative opioid consumption and more side effects. Conclusions: Compared with IAI anesthesia, FNB can better alleviate post-hip arthroscopy pain and reduce opioid consumption. However, it requires specialized equipment and technical support and carries a certain risk of puncture. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2400091579). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative pain significantly affects many surgical patients. While opioids are crucial for pain management, they come with unwanted side effects. Alternatives like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, and regional anesthesia techniques such as nerve blocks are utilized, but these also have limitations. This underscores the need for complementary non-pharmacological interventions to enhance postoperative pain control and reduce opioid dependence. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on the efficacy of nondrug approaches for managing postoperative pain. The study examined the effects of non-pharmacological interventions such as preoperative patient education, mind–body modalities, and physical therapies. Findings suggest that these approaches can reduce pain intensity, decrease opioid consumption, and enhance recovery outcomes. The study also highlighted the pivotal role of healthcare professionals in implementing these strategies. However, it identified workload constraints and insufficient training as barriers to effective utilization in clinical practice. Integrating non-pharmacological interventions into multimodal pain management regimens can improve postoperative pain control and reduce reliance on opioids. Further research is crucial to definitively establish the efficacy of individual interventions and optimize their combined use in clinical practice. Additionally, enhanced training programs for nurses and initiatives to facilitate the implementation of these strategies are necessary for their successful adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite growing concern regarding over-prescription of narcotic pain medication following ambulatory surgery, little is known about the analgesic prescribing practices following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in obese patients in comparison to non-obese patients. Objective: To compare the rates of opioid versus non-opioid prescriptions, the need for steroids, and post-operative adverse events between obese and non-obese adult patients undergoing ESS. Methods: Using TriNetX Live database, we identified all patients aged ≥18 years who underwent ESS (n = 1303) between 2014 and 2022 across several healthcare institutions across the state of Tennessee. We 1:1 propensity score-matched obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2) cohorts for age, gender, race, and comorbidities including asthma, nicotine dependence, and sleep apnea. Rates of prescriptions and post-operative adverse events between cohorts were analyzed using risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals (CI). Results: A toal of 532 obese patients were compared to 532 propensity score-matched non-obese patients in the first 14 post-operative days following ESS. The obese cohort was significantly more likely to be prescribed analgesics generally (RR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.20-2.47), non-opioid analgesics (RR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.19-2.50), and opioid analgesics (RR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.14-2.36) than non-obese patients. There was no difference in rates of antibiotic or antiemetic prescription, prednisone/methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, ED visits, critical care service, epistaxis, transfusion, anemia, revision sinus surgery, mechanical ventilation, CPAP, or inhalation airway treatments. Conclusion: Obese patients undergoing ESS were significantly more likely to be prescribed non-opioid and opioid analgesia in the first 14 days post-operatively compared to non-obese patients. There were no differences in post-operative adverse events or other prescriptions. Otolaryngologists should be aware that obese patients are at increased risk of opioid induced airway obstruction and steroid induced hyperglycemia, especially in patients with comorbid sleep apnea or diabetes. Emphasis on non-opioid analgesics and multimodal pain management should be advocated for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dexamethasone has shown promising efficacy in alleviating pain and enhancing outcomes undergoing TKA. However, an optimal route of administration, dosage, and treatment duration have not yet been established. This study is to assess the effects of intravenous dexamethasone administration on postoperative pain management and prognosis in patients undergoing TKA. Methods: Data were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to compare the effects of intravenous dexamethasone administration versus non-administration on outcomes following TKA. Primary endpoints included pain scores and morphine consumption. Secondary endpoints comprised walking distance, ROM, patients requiring rescue analgesics and antiemetics, LOS, levels of CRP and IL-6, QoR, and the incidence of adverse events. Results: This meta-analysis included 15 RCTs involving 2,584 patients. The study indicated that intravenous dexamethasone can decrease VAS scores at rest (24 h, 95% CI: -0.71 [-0.86, -0.55], I²=66%, P < 0.00001; 48 h, 95% CI: -0.30 [-0.43, -0.18], I²=46%, P < 0.00001) and movement (24 h, 95% CI: -0.89 [-1.23, -0.55], I²=91%,P < 0.00001; 48 h, 95% CI: -0.42 [-0.62, -0.23], I²=84%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, it can reduce morphine consumption (24 h, 95% CI: -3.06 [-4.82, -1.30], I²=46%, P = 0.0006; 48 h, 95% CI: -5.23 [-8.28, -2.18], I²=76%, P = 0.0008) and increase walking distances on postoperative days 1 to 3, and improve the ROM on postoperative day 1 to 2. Furthermore, intravenous dexamethasone reduced the need for requiring rescue analgesics and antiemetics, shortened LOS, lowered CRP and IL-6 levels, and improved the quality of life after TKA. The incidence of infection, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, wound healing, or deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism did not differ significantly. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences between single-administration and repeat-administration groups, except in the context of rescue antiemetic requirements. Conclusion: Our study revealed that a single intravenous dose of dexamethasone, ranging from 8 to 16 mg administered before or after the induction of anesthesia or one hour prior to surgery, is efficacious in diminishing postoperative pain and cumulative morphine consumption, reducing the necessity for rescue analgesics and antiemetics, and shorten LOS for TKA. Additionally, it contributed to an increase in postoperative walking distance, ROM, and overall quality of postoperative recovery. Trial registration: We conducted literature selection, eligibility criteria evaluation, data extraction and analysis on the research program registered in Prospero (CRD42024521224) in January 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anal fistula surgery often leads to postoperative pain, which can hinder recovery and negatively impact patients' quality of life. This prospective, randomised, controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating postoperative pain and reducing the usage of analgesic medications following anal fistula surgery. Methods: This single-centre, patient-blinded, assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. A total of 66 patients with low simple anal fistula will be randomised at a 1:1 ratio to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture. The primary outcome is the difference in the numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score before and after acupuncture at 6 hours post surgery. The secondary outcomes include postoperative analgesic usage (Day 0 to Day 7), complications (including infection, urinary retention, and bleeding from Day 0 to Day 7, as well as delayed wound healing and recurrence within 3 months post surgery), sleep quality (PSQI from Day 0 to Day 7), psychological state (SDS and SAS on Day 0, Day 1, and Day 7), and overall recovery quality (QoR-15 on Day 1, Day 3, and Day 7). The statistical analysis of this trial will be conducted using SPSS software, validating the normality of data and the homogeneity of variance, and employing t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and repeated measures ANOVA to analyze baseline data, primary and secondary outcome indicators. Discussion: This study aims to contribute to the expanding evidence base regarding the role of acupuncture in postoperative pain management. Through a comprehensive assessment of pain relief, analgesic usage, and other recovery-related outcomes, our findings will establish a foundation for standardizing acupuncture protocols specifically tailored for anal fistula surgery patients. The strengths of this trial are rooted in its rigorous randomised controlled trial (RCT) design, comprehensive outcome measures, and focused examination of a clinically significant issue. Ultimately, the findings of this trial have the potential to offer valuable insights into the utility of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for postoperative pain management among anal fistula patients, thereby informing future clinical practice and research directions. Trial registration: This study was registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry on June 1, 2024, with registration number: ChiCTR2400085178. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with a brain tumor experience high levels of anxiety because of the fear of remaining functional and neuropsychological sequelae. This situation affects the postoperative quality of recovery. This study was conducted to determine the effect of surgical fear and sleep quality on the postoperative quality of recovery and pain. Method: This cross-sectional study was completed with 101 patients who met the inclusion criteria and underwent craniotomy under general anesthesia for a brain tumor between October 2020 and August 2021 in a university hospital. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Surgical Fear Scale, Richard Champell Sleep Scale, Quality of Recovery Questionnaire, and Patient Follow-up Form. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to reveal the determinants of postoperative quality of recovery. Results: The mean fear of surgery score of women was higher than men, and sleep quality and postoperative quality of recovery were lower than men (p = 0.045). A moderate negative correlation between fear of surgery and sleep quality was found (r = -0.377; p = 0.000). There was a weak negative correlation between fear of surgery and postoperative recovery quality (r = -0.252; p = 0.011), and a weak positive correlation between preoperative sleep quality and recovery quality (r = 0.297; p = 0.003). The variables of fear, sleep, duration of hospital stay, pain, and age were found to be statistically the best predictors of postoperative quality of recovery (R2 = 0.295; p = 0.000). Conclusion: As a result, surgical fear, sleep deprivation, and pain during the perioperative period negatively impact recovery quality and prolong the healing process. Psychological preparation by starting from the pre-operative period, providing sleep and rest, evaluation, and management of postoperative pain would contribute to the early recovery and discharge of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Access to adequate pain treatment is a fundamental right, yet international data suggest that a considerable number of children experience acute and persistent pain. Little is known about the occurrence of both acute and persistent pain in children. The incidence of persistent postoperative pain in children is an unexplored area but international studies suggest that many children experience long-term pain after surgery, with a major impact on daily life. In 4P, Persistent Postoperative Pediatric Pain, we want to estimate the incidence of acute and persistent postoperative pediatric pain. The European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology has developed guidelines for perioperative pain management. We aim to examine how well these guidelines are followed and whether adherence to guidelines influences the pain experienced after surgery. Method: 4P is a prospective observational study of children aged 1–17, planned for surgery in southern Sweden 2023–2024. After agreement from all caregivers, data concerning preoperative pain, pre-emptive analgesia, perioperative management and postoperative pain will be collected. Via an electronic management software, pain will be evaluated at home (or in hospital) at 24h, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. We will include 1000 patients. Discussion: 4P will prospectively follow a large number of children after general pediatric surgeries and evaluate the occurrence of postoperative pain, both acute (APOP) and persistent (PPOP). The study will assess pain treatment regimens and identify risk factors associated with the development of acute and persistent pediatric postoperative pain. Trial registration: Prospectively posted at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06035042. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Outcomes following surgery to operatively manage extremity fractures are variable, and up to two-thirds of patients report chronic post-surgical pain. Preliminary evidence suggests that psychotherapy directed at improving coping skills and reducing somatic vigilance may improve outcomes among fracture patients. The objective of this pilot study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized controlled trial comparing an online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program versus usual care in patients with an operatively managed open or closed extremity fracture. Methods: We conducted a single-centre internal pilot study over a 10-month period in patients with at least one operatively managed open or closed fracture of the appendicular skeleton. Participants were randomized to an online CBT program or usual care and followed for 12 months. The goals of our pilot study were to determine an acceptable rate of recruitment, the degree to which participants randomized to CBT were compliant with treatment, the site investigator's ability to adhere to study protocol and data collection procedures, and our ability to achieve high follow-up rates. Feasibility criteria were evaluated using a graded "traffic light" approach, in which "green light" indicates moving forward with the definitive trial, "yellow light" indicates proceeding with modifications to the protocol and trial procedures, and "red light" indicates a definitive trial is not feasible without significant protocol and trial procedure modifications. Results: We enrolled 94 participants over 10 months, which resulted in a "yellow light" for recruitment. Participant compliance with completion of the online CBT program received a "yellow light", with 60% of participants who were randomized to CBT completing all seven modules. However, 40% of participants in the CBT-arm withdrew from the program, resulting in a "red light". Adherence with the study protocol activities at baseline was relatively high (88%) which resulted in a "yellow light". Follow-up was 85% (80 of 94) at 12 months, resulting in a "yellow light". Conclusions: These results suggest feasibility of a definitive, multi-centre trial to compare CBT versus usual care in the management of persistent post-operative pain in fracture patients despite the pilot phase identifying some challenges with enrollment timelines, compliance with the CBT program, and participant follow-up. For the definitive trial, we will expand participant recruitment to additional centres and implement strategies to optimize participant engagement and compliance with the CBT program and follow-up. Trial registration: ClincialTrials.gov (NCT04274530). Registered February 18, 2020, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04274530. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This retrospective cohort study aims to evaluate and compare different postoperative pain management strategies for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), in order to provide scientific evidence for clinical practice and decision-making. Methods: A total of 274 ESCC patients who underwent surgery at the Affiliated Huai'an No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were included in the study. Of these, 127 received conventional nursing decisions for postoperative pain management, and 147 received the "5 + nursing" postoperative pain management strategy. The main observation indicators of both groups included postoperative pain score, analgesic dosage, postoperative analgesic side effects, and length of hospital stays. Results: The "5 + nursing" postoperative pain management group showed significantly lower postoperative pain score and significantly shorter length of hospital stays than the conventional nursing group. There was no significant difference in postoperative analgesic side effects between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the postoperative pain score is an independent risk factor for predicting postoperative arrhythmias in ESCC patients. When the daily average dose of opioids used postoperatively was between 37.5 and 50 mg, the patient's postoperative pain score dropped the fastest. Conclusion: The "5 + nursing" pain management strategy can effectively reduce the degree of postoperative pain and shorten the length of hospital stays, improving patient's quality of life. Our research emphasizes the importance of opioids in postoperative pain management, as well as the need for individualized perioperative pain management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryotherapy is a non-pharmacological option that complements drug therapy to achieve the most comprehensive multimodal analgesia. Various techniques are currently available, including the conventional gel cold pack, the cryo-cuff, and a novel mobile cold compression device (MCCD). This study aimed to evaluate and compare three cryotherapy techniques in terms of efficacy and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This prospective randomized study included 108 patients who were scheduled for primary unilateral TKA. The patients were allocated to 3 groups for postoperative cryotherapy techniques: gel cold pack, cryo-cuff, and MCCD. Scores on the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, morphine consumption, knee range of motion (ROM), knee swelling, length of hospital stay, and patient satisfaction were collected. Results: Postoperative VAS scores showed a significant difference among the groups at 8 and 72 h after surgery (P = 0.002 and 0.026, respectively). At the earliest postoperative time point, post hoc analysis demonstrated that patients in the MCCD group had lower pain scores than those in the gel cold pack (P < 0.001) and the cryo-cuff group (P = 0.030). However, cryo-cuff reduced knee swelling significantly compared to gel cold pack (P = 0.028) and MCCD (P = 0.011) at postoperative 72 h. The total satisfaction score was 86.8, 82.8, and 89.1 with gel cold pack, cryo-cuff, and MCCD, respectively. Conclusions: Cryotherapy is an adjunct to post-TKA pain control at the surgical site. MCCD has shown superior efficacy in pain reduction during the earliest postoperative period, and achieved high patient satisfaction. Trial registration: This study was registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry database (no. TCTR20200517002). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current state of the art for c-section anesthesia includes the use of regional anesthesia techniques because of their effectiveness, safety, and extended postoperative analgesia. This study aimed to analyze the anesthetic techniques employed for c-section and postoperative analgesic regimens and to identify predictive factors for postoperative pain, postoperative complications, and hospitalization time. Study Design: A retrospective, observational study was conducted on pregnant women who underwent c-section between January and December 2021. Demographic data, medical comorbidities, indications for c-section, anesthetic techniques, and postoperative outcomes (pain, complications, and hospitalization time) were registered. Linear and logistic regression were applied for data analysis. Results: Data from 925 women who underwent c-sections were analyzed. Combined spinal–epidural anesthesia was the most used technique for elective c-sections (423 out of 430 women), while general anesthesia was commonly used in emergent procedures (29 out of 39 women). Epidural analgesia was the most commonly used technique for postoperative pain management (83%), and pruritus (8.9%) and headaches (4.1%) were the most frequently registered complications. Risk factors for moderate/severe pain included lower body mass index, conversion to general anesthesia, and the use of systemic analgesia. Preeclampsia and intrathecal morphine increased postoperative complications. General anesthesia and some postoperative complications were predictors for longer hospitalization times. Conclusions: This study suggests that a multimodal analgesic approach with neuraxial morphine and/or local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and acetaminophen is central to achieve an effective postoperative analgesia after a c-section. However, further studies should investigate the optimal neuraxial analgesic combination to minimize side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even with all the advantages that come with having a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, like quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays, there is still a significant rate of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain, which lowers patient satisfaction. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of ondansetron versus intravenous or intraperitoneal dexamethasone in preventing pain, nausea, and vomiting following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: This comparative prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial was conducted at the Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Management Department of Zagazig University Hospitals. The study included 120 Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy randomly allocated into four groups: Group A (control group, n=30) received no ondansetron or dexamethasone; Group B (intravenous Ondansetron group, n=30); Group C (intraperitoneal dexamethasone, n=30); and Group D (intravenous dexamethasone, n=30). Results: Both ondansetron and dexamethasone, either intraperitoneal or intravenous effectively showed comparable effect to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. But regarding postoperative pain, both intraperitoneal and intravenous dexamethasone, offers superior postoperative pain management compared to ondansetron and saline controls. Conclusions: Intraperitoneal dexamethasone may be a promising alternative for preventing postoperative complications and improving patient outcomes following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review examines the evolving role of opioids in managing procedural and surgical pain in pediatric oncology patients. The review evaluates studies on opioid use across various oncological surgeries including thoracic, abdominal, orthopedic, and neurosurgical procedures, as well as for common painful procedures such as bone marrow aspirations and lumbar punctures. While opioids remain important for acute procedural and postoperative pain management in pediatric oncology patients, there is an increasing emphasis on multimodal, opioid-sparing approaches. The evidence presented within this review highlights the growing focus on judicious postoperative opioid prescribing to mitigate risks of adverse effects and persistent use or potential misuse. The review synthesizes findings from studies investigating various analgesic regimens, including the use of regional anesthesia techniques like epidural analgesia and peripheral nerve blocks, which have shown promise in reducing opioid requirements. For procedural pain, the review explores the efficacy of combining opioids with sedatives like midazolam or propofol, as well as the potential of ketamine as an opioid-sparing alternative. Key findings indicate that opioid-sparing techniques can effectively reduce overall opioid consumption without compromising pain control or patient satisfaction. Several studies demonstrated that regional anesthesia techniques and non-opioid adjuncts can significantly lower postoperative opioid requirements across various surgical procedures. For procedural pain, ketamine-based regimens often showed comparable or superior pain control to opioid-based approaches, with some studies reporting better patient satisfaction. This review also addresses the importance of tailored postoperative opioid prescribing, with some studies presenting algorithms to predict outpatient opioid needs more accurately. These approaches aim to ensure adequate pain control while minimizing excess opioid dispensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The development of novel long-acting injectables for local anesthetics is necessary to effectively manage the acute postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to prepare an injectable oil-based formulation of ropivacaine (ROP) prodrug (ropivacaine stearoxil, ROP-ST) and to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics after injectable administration. Methods: A novel N-acyloxymethyl prodrug of ROP, i.e., ROP-ST, was synthesized and its physicochemical properties such as log P, solubility and stability characterized. A soybean oil-based depot of ROP-ST was prepared, and the in-vitro release of ROP-ST was evaluated using an "inverted-cup" method. Pharmacokinetic profiles and tissue retention properties were investigated after intramuscular administration of the formulation in rats. The analgesic efficacy was assessed via a von Frey monofilaments test by measuring the paw withdrawal thresholds. Results: The structure of ROP-ST was ascertained with clear 1H NMR assignment and accurate mass-to-charge ratio. The high Log P value of ROP-ST (9.16) demonstrated extremely low aqueous solubility, but the prodrug is biolabile when in contact with plasma or liver esterase. Intramuscular injection of ROP-ST oil solution in rats provided a significantly higher mean residence time without a very clear plasma peak of ROP. In a postoperative pain model of rats, the injection of ROP-ST oil solution into the vicinity of the sciatic nerve in the right ankle effectively controlled the postoperative pain for at least 72 h. Conclusions: The injectable oil-based depot formulation of N-acyloxymethyl prodrug of ROP may provide a new opportunity of long-acting local analgesia for postoperative pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioids are a challenging class of drugs due to their dual role. They alleviate pain, but also pose a risk of dependency, or trigger constipation, particularly in cancer patients, who require the more potent painkillers in more advanced stages of the disease, closely linked to pain resulting from general inflammation, bone metastases, and primary or secondary tumour outgrowth-related nerve damage. Clinicians' vigilance considering treatment with opioids is necessary, bearing in mind extensive data accumulated over decades that have reported the contribution of opioids to immunosuppression, tumour progression, or impaired tissue regeneration, either following opioid use during surgical tumour resection and post-surgical pain treatment, or as a result of other diseases like diabetes, where chronic wounds healing constitutes a challenge. During last few years, an increasing trend for seeking relationships between opioids and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer research can be observed. Transiently lasting EMT is desirable during wound healing, but in cancer, or vital organ fibrogenesis, EMT appears to be an obstacle to overcome, forcing to adjust treatment strategies that would reduce the risk for worsening of the disease outcome and patient prognosis. The same opioid may demonstrate promoting or inhibitory effect on EMT, dependently on various conditions in particular clinical cases. We have summarized current findings on this issue to uncover some rules that govern opioid-mediated EMT induction or repression; however, many aspects still remain to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opioid crisis is a major public health issue, and postoperative opioids play a unique role. Many institutions have implemented standardized protocols to decrease excess opioids available. The objective of this study was to establish a standardized pain protocol for common surgical procedures and assess postoperative pain control. This is a prospective observational study based on the Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network network guidelines which provides prescription recommendations for surgical procedures. We evaluated all laparoscopic/robotic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and all herniorrhaphies. Patients were prescribed a predetermined number of narcotics by procedure as part of a multimodal pain regimen. A survey was conducted within 14 d postoperatively to assess pain control and narcotic utilization. A total of 442 patients were included from July 1, 2022 to October 28, 2022. Survey response was 40% (178/442) with 56% (249/442) prescribed per protocol. Fewer patients prescribed per protocol required refills, 9.6% (24/249) compared to 18.1% (35/193) (P = 0.007) without protocol. Patients reported taking significantly fewer narcotics with the protocol versus without (median = 5.0 versus 10.0, P < 0.001). The median number of narcotics taken were 5.5 for appendectomy, 7.0 for cholecystectomy, and 9.0 for herniorrhaphy. There was no difference in pain control when comparing patients with and without protocol (91.1% versus 90.5%, P = 1.0). This study demonstrated that postoperative opioid prescriptions can be decreased by implementing a standardized protocol incorporating a multimodal regimen while adequately controlling pain following surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a minimally invasive approach for the surgical treatment of neoplasms in the distal pancreas. This study aimed to compare this approach to the open procedure. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 400 pancreatectomies was performed. The laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy group (LDP) was compared to the open distal pancreatectomy group (ODP). A propensity score matching analysis (PSM) was performed. From 2016 to 2023, 108 distal pancreatectomies were carried out, 19 (17.6%) laparoscopically and 89 (82.4%) openly. The conversion rate was 13.6%. The severe morbidity rates were 28.1% in the ODP group, 47.4% in the LDP group, and 15.8% in the ODP-PSM group. The difference between the latter two was statistically significant (p = 0.034) due to the high rate of Clavien–Dindo grade 3a complications (42.1% versus 10.5%, p = 0.042) in the LDP group. The 90-day mortality rates were 3.3% in the ODP group and 5.3% in the other two groups. The LDP group had a shorter duration of intravenous narcotic analgesia (5 versus 7 days, p = 0.041). There was no difference in the R0 resection or postoperative pancreatic fistula rates. Our attention should be drawn to preventing postoperative complications because the oncological outcomes are already comparable with those of the open procedure, and postoperative pain management is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of regional anesthesia techniques has markedly influenced the management of postoperative pain, particularly in thoracic surgery. As part of a multimodal analgesic approach, fascial plane blocks have gained prominence due to their efficacy in providing targeted analgesia with minimal systemic side effects. Among these, the superficial intercostal plane (SPIP) block and deep parasternal intercostal plane (DPIP) block are of notable interest. The aim of this study was to investigate the dye spread to the anterior chest wall space and its spread pathway through anatomical morphometric analyses on cadavers for single-injection and double-injection SPIP blocks versus DPIP blocks. In both qualitative and quantitative evaluations, the single-injection SPIP block with 10 mL of dye demonstrated a broader and more extensive spread compared to the double-injection SPIP block, which used 5 mL of dye per injection site (p < 0.05), and the DPIP block with 10 mL of dye (p < 0.05). All the blocks had a positive correlation between the distances from the sternum border and the area of dye spread, suggesting that the crucial role of volume in fascial blocks is that it significantly affects the opening of the fascial compartment, enabling optimal spread of the anesthetic. Adequate volume facilitates proper spread and diffusion across the fascial plane, ensuring more comprehensive fascia coverage and thus enhancing the block's effectiveness. Finally, precise volume management is key to maximizing both efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Opioid‐dependent patients with chronic pain conditions present a significant challenge for anesthesiologists when managing acute postsurgical pain. Opioid‐dependent patients can experience tolerance, physical dependence, and hyperalgesia. These patients have an increased risk of poorly managed acute postoperative pain, which can ultimately lead to suffering and potentially an overall increase in length of hospitalization and healthcare cost. However, this is an under‐researched field. This scoping review aims to investigate effective strategies in managing postoperative pain in patients with preexisting opioid dependence. Methods: A scoping review will be conducted on postoperative pain management in patients with preexisting opioid dependence. This review will be prepared according to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR). We will conduct a comprehensive search across multiple databases. Backward citation searching of the final included articles will also be conducted. Data extraction will include trial and participant characteristics, intervention details, and reported outcomes. Results: In the final review the results will be presented as a descriptive summary with supplementary tables, figures, and graphs where applicable. Conclusion: The planned scoping review will map out the current evidence about effective strategies to manage postoperative pain in patients with preexisting opioid dependence. We will aim to identify research gaps that can be used as support in the development of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative pain following video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) remains a significant challenge. While epidural analgesia is still the gold standard, other types of regional analgesia are gaining popularity because of perceived less risk of complications. The efficacy of systemic opioids as an alternative to epidural analgesia has not been thoroughly explored. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of systemic opioids versus epidural analgesia in managing postoperative pain after VATS. Methods: We will conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis Protocols (PRISMA‐P) checklist. A comprehensive search will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library supplemented with Scopus citation searches, search for gray literature using Google Scholar and a search for ongoing studies. We will include studies based on the PICO methodology without restrictions regarding study type. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, extract data, and assess study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. The primary outcomes will be postoperative pain intensity at rest and during activity at 24, 48, and 72 h. Secondary outcomes will include use of "rescue" opioids, hospital length of stay, and adverse events. If feasible, a meta‐analysis will be done, otherwise we will perform a descriptive analysis. Results: The results will provide a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of systemic opioids versus epidural analgesia in managing postoperative pain in VATS patients. Data synthesis will include pooled estimates for pain scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events, possibly with subgroup and sensitivity analyses conducted to explore heterogeneity across studies. Conclusions: This systematic review will offer valuable insights into the optimal pain management strategy for patients undergoing VATS. The findings may guide clinical practice in selecting the most effective and safe analgesic approach, improving postoperative recovery, and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative pain management is a challenge after robot‐assisted cystectomy (RAC). Methadone has a long duration of action, and we therefore hypothesized that a single dose of intraoperative methadone would reduce postoperative opioid requirements and pain intensity in bladder cancer patients undergoing RAC. Methods: We conducted a blinded randomized controlled clinical trial from July 2020 to August 2023. Patients scheduled to undergo RAC because of bladder cancer were randomized to receive intraoperative methadone (0.15 mg/kg−1) or morphine (0.15 mg kg−1) 1 h before endotracheal extubation. The primary outcome was opioid requirements after 24 h. Secondary outcomes were opioid requirements after 3 h, pain intensity at rest and during coughing, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), sedation, hypoxemia, hypoventilation, time spent in the post‐anesthetic care unit, and patient satisfaction. Results: A total of 114 patients were randomized. Data from 99 patients (14 females, 85 males; mean age 69.8 ± 8.9 years) were available for analysis; 52 received methadone and 47 received morphine. Opioid consumption was similar between the methadone group and morphine group at 3 h (median, mg, 45 (IQR 30 to 75) vs. 45 (IQR 15 to 82.5) p =.97) and at 24 h (median, mg, 125 (IQR 75 to 198.5) versus 105 (IQR 72 to 157.5), p =.29). Pain intensity was significantly lower in the morphine group at 48 h compared with the methadone group. Patient satisfaction at 24 h was increased in the methadone group compared with the morphine group (median, (IQR), NRS; 9 (IQR 7 to 10) versus 7 (IQR 4 to 9), p =.020). There were no differences between treatment groups in terms of time spent in the post‐anesthetic care unit and the occurrence of opioid‐related side effects. Conclusion: A single dose of intraoperative methadone does not reduce postoperative opioid requirements compared with a single dose of morphine in bladder cancer patients undergoing RAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the impact of different oxygen targets on pulmonary hemodynamics in comatose patients post-cardiac arrest. Results showed no significant difference in pulmonary vascular resistance between patients with restrictive and liberal oxygen targets. Additionally, the study found that mortality risk increased with higher mean pulmonary artery pressure levels. In another case, a pregnant woman with acute myeloid leukemia and severe thrombocytopenia underwent an emergency cesarean section at 31 weeks to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. The "Finnish Sisu Training" program was effective in enhancing situational awareness and decision-making skills in prehospital personnel, potentially improving patient safety care. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The anterior quadratus lumborum (QL) block may be used for postoperative pain management for intra‐abdominal surgeries, but the evidence is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the benefit and harm of the anterior QL block compared to placebo/no block for intra‐abdominal surgery. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials investigating anterior QL block for postoperative pain management for adult patients undergoing any intra‐abdominal surgery. The two co‐primary outcomes were cumulative 24‐h opioid consumption and serious adverse events. We performed meta‐analysis, trial sequential analysis (TSA), assessed the risk of bias, and present the certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Results: Thirty‐five trials randomizing 2418 patients were included in the meta‐analyses. Anterior QL block may reduce cumulative 24‐h intravenous opioid consumption compared to placebo/no block (MD −10.42 mg, 96.7% CI −14.83 to −6.01, TSA‐adjusted CI −17.03 to −3.82, p <.01). Two trials reported on SAEs. Anterior QL block may have little to no effect on the number of serious adverse events compared to placebo (RR 1.49, 96.7% CI 0.19 to 11.47, p =.68), but the evidence is very uncertain. All trial results were assessed as being high risk of bias. Conclusions: The anterior QL block may reduce cumulative 24‐h opioid consumption. Reported serious adverse events were few and the anterior QL block may have little to no effect on the number of SAEs, but the evidence was very uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects and safety of multidrug cocktail injections for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing lumbar microendoscopic decompression surgery. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 70 patients who underwent lumbar microendoscopic decompression surgery between December 2023 and May 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a multidrug cocktail injection (cocktail group, n = 35) or no cocktail injection (non-cocktail group, n = 35). Primary outcomes included scores of the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain from postoperative days 1 to 7 and the number of analgesics used within the first 3 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes included sex, age, body mass index, preoperative diagnosis, surgical levels, duration of surgery, blood loss, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on postoperative day 1, and drain output. Results: The cocktail group experienced significantly lower pain levels from postoperative days 1 to 7 (p < 0.05) and used fewer analgesics within the first 3 days (p = 0.01) compared with the non-cocktail group. Additionally, the cocktail group had significantly lower CRP levels (p < 0.001) and a shorter hospital stay (p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the duration of surgery, blood loss, or drain output between the groups. Conclusion: Multidrug cocktail injections are effective and safe for postoperative pain management in lumbar microendoscopic decompression surgery, significantly reducing pain, analgesic use, CRP levels, and hospital stay. These findings suggest that incorporating multidrug cocktail injections into postoperative care protocols can enhance patient recovery and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Osseointegration is an innovative procedure to attach an external prosthetic device directly to the skeleton. The technique has been shown to improve physical function and quality of life relative to conventional socket prosthetic devices. While much of the research in osseointegration has focused on functional outcomes, less is known regarding perioperative pain management. The purpose of this study was to describe perioperative and postoperative pain management approaches received by patients undergoing osseointegration procedures at a tertiary medical center. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was determined to be exempt from Institutional Review Board review by the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Department of Research Programs. Perioperative and postoperative pain management approaches received by 41 patients who underwent 76 staged osseointegration procedures from 2016 to 2021 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center were described. Results Pain management approaches included perioperative ketamine (51% stage I, 55% stage II), epidurals (76% stage I, 77% stage II) with a median of 3-4 days across stages, peripheral nerve catheters (27% stage I, 16% stage II), and/or single-shot peripheral nerve block (<10% across stages). The median morphine equivalent dose provided during surgery was 65 mg across both stages, with 56% and 54% of patients also requiring opioid medication in the post-anesthesia care unit. In 11 of 76 (15%) procedures, patients required an increase in the rate or concentration of epidural or peripheral nerve catheter infusion. In six (8%) unique recovery periods, patients experienced a dislodged catheter. In 27 of 76 (36%) unique recovery periods, patients experienced a significant increase in postoperative pain requiring acute pain service intervention in the form of catheter adjustment, intravenous pain medications, and/or the addition of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. Adequate pain control was achieved with minimal epidural or peripheral nerve catheter trouble-shooting and a bolus for 24 patients (89% requiring intervention). Summed 24-hour pain scores (SPI24) did not vary across stages. SPI24 was positively correlated with opioid doses received. Patients with single, relative to multiple, limb amputations had similar SPI24 values (P  > .05). Conclusions Variability in pain management requirements calls forth opportunities to optimize osseointegration analgesia care and future research. As osseointegration becomes more accessible, the need for optimizing pain management through patient-centered research becomes more salient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adductor canal block is a well-known procedure for controlling postoperative pain after medial malleolus fracture surgery. Continuous nerve block is a viable option for blocking pain for a longer period although the literature on this subject is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to compare continuous adductor canal block (cACB) group to single-injection adductor canal block (sACB) group in those with bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures. The procedure was performed in addition to a continuous sciatic nerve block for postoperative pain relief and patient satisfaction. The study included 57 patients who had bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures and underwent open reduction and internal fixation between August 2016 and June 2018. Each patient received a continuous sciatic nerve block and was divided into two groups: those who received cACB and those who received sACB. Each postoperative pain was scored at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. Additionally, the consumption of rescue medications and patient satisfaction were evaluated. The two groups displayed no disparity in medial side ankle pain at 4 h and 8 h after surgery, but significantly higher pain in the sACB group at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. However, there was no difference in the pain at the lateral side of ankle and consumption of rescue medication. In addition, the cACB group showed more satisfaction than the sACB group did. CACB is better than sACB in terms of postoperative pain control and patient satisfaction. cACB can be used for postoperative pain control in ankle fractures involving the medial malleolus. Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial, Level 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In the realm of orthopedics, knee arthroscopy stands as a prevalent outpatient procedure. Despite the application of diverse pain alleviation techniques, the drawbacks frequently eclipse the advantages. Currently, there exists no consensus regarding the standard analgesic regimen following knee arthroscopy. At present, a unanimous agreement regarding the conventional analgesic regimen subsequent to knee arthroscopy remains elusive. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of administering 0.75% ropivacaine intra-articularly upon completion of knee arthroscopy for the management of postoperative pain. Settings and Design: A controlled, triple-blind clinical trial enrolled 70 participants scheduled for knee arthroscopic surgery due to simple acute meniscal tears and chondral injuries. Subjects and Methods: Following randomization, all participants received general anesthesia and a single intra-articular dose (10 mL of either 0.75% or 0.2% ropivacaine) at the conclusion of the surgical procedure. Pain intensity was assessed as "moderate-severe" using a Visual Analog Scale 2 h postropivacaine administration. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were employed for the primary objective. Results: In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, with no loss of subjects, a significant difference was observed in the occurrence of moderate-to-severe pain between groups (Ropivacaine 0.2% [85.3%] vs. Ropivacaine 0.75% [27.8%], P < 0.001). According to the per-protocol analysis, which excluded 19 subjects requiring postsurgery opioids, moderate-to-severe pain was more prevalent in the ropivacaine 0.2% group (Ropivacaine 0.2% [77.3%] vs. Ropivacaine 0.75% [10.3%], P = 0.001). Conclusions: The utilization of intra-articular 0.75% ropivacaine following knee arthroscopy led to a reduced incidence of moderate-to-severe pain. The number needed to treat was 2 subjects, as demonstrated by both ITT and per-protocol analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article from Clinical Otolaryngology discusses the evaluation of asymptomatic unilateral tonsillar enlargement (UTE) to determine if diagnostic surgery can be avoided. The study found no malignancies in 78 patients with asymptomatic UTE who underwent tonsillectomy over a 5-year period. It suggests that clinicians should consider watchful observation rather than immediate diagnostic tonsillectomy for patients with asymptomatic UTE. The study also highlights the variability in tonsil sizes and the importance of accurate clinical assessment in determining the need for surgery. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Living donor nephrectomies (LDN) at our institution transitioned from open access to laparoscopic and, more recently, to a minimally invasive robotic surgical approach between 2019 and 2022. Concurrently, postoperative analgesia transitioned from regional anesthesia to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and eventually to simple analgesics with additional rescue analgesic agents, as needed, in accordance with individual physicians' preferences. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the impact of these changes on surgical practice on the analgesic requirements and effectiveness of postoperative pain management. Methods: Electronic records of all LDN cases operated between January 2019 and March 2022 were accessed, and a comparative analysis of patient demographics, surgical approach, duration of surgery, postoperative pain scores, and the analgesics administered within the first 48 h was performed. Results: LDN (n = 527) was performed via laparoscopic (n = 432, 82%), robotic (n = 87, 17%), and open (n = 8, 2%) approaches. All patients were administered regular paracetamol 1 g 6 hourly. IV PCA was used in 85% of cases, predominantly in the laparoscopic (99%) and open (75%) groups (LG and OG, respectively); in contrast, the robotic group (RG) was mostly treated without PCA (81.7%). A variety of analgesic techniques were employed for the remaining patients, including epidural (25% of OG) and rectus sheath/transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block (2% of LG). Additional rescue analgesics were administered to 98% of the patients; 92% of LG needed 1–3 analgesic agents, whereas all of the OG and 37% of RG needed 1–2 rescue analgesics. No correlation was found between patient demographics and surgery duration on pain scores or analgesic requirements. Conclusions: Robotic surgery was associated with the lowest postoperative pain scores and analgesic demand; laparoscopic resection was the most painful of all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute post-surgical pain is a common concern for patients undergoing living donor hepatectomy (LDH), potentially leading to unfavorable outcomes if not treated adequately. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the transition of surgical techniques from open and laparoscopic to robot-assisted minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach, and the different types of graft resection, including right, left, and left lateral partial lobectomy (LL), on analgesia requirements during the first two postoperative days. Methods: A single-center retrospective electronic chart review of all patients who underwent LDH procedures between 2018 and 2020 was performed. Results: Patients underwent LDH procedure (n = 414) through open (n = 93, 22%), laparoscopic (n = 68, 16%), or robot-assisted MIS (n = 253, 61%) approaches; and had right lobectomy (n = 215, 52%), left lobectomy (n = 121, 29%), or LL (n = 78, 19%). Postoperatively within the first 48 h, the pain reported on a 3-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), was mild 77%, moderate 21%, or severe only 2%. The laparoscopic approach and LL resection were associated with higher pain scores, whereas the robotic approach was the least painful overall. Conclusions: Robot-assisted MIS approach for LDH procedure resulted in lower acute pain scores when compared with other surgical approaches, obviating the need for intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonunion is a rare yet serious complication in pediatric fracture healing that can lead to patient morbidity and economic burden. The administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated with an increased risk of fracture nonunion in adults, but data are lacking in the pediatric population. This study examines the relationship between postoperative ketorolac administration and nonunion in operatively managed pediatric long-bone fractures. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with use of TriNetX, a research network that encompasses data from the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. A total of 462,260 patients from 52 health-care organizations met the inclusion criteria. Patients <18 years old with operatively managed upper or lower-extremity long-bone fractures were included. The exposure of interest was ketorolac administration within 30 days postoperatively between 2003 and 2023. Nonunion was identified and verified with use of the pertinent medical codes. Absolute risks and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for both study groups. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: After propensity score matching, 48,778 patients were identified per group. The incidence of nonunion was 2.19% in the ketorolac group and 0.93% in the non-ketorolac group (HR, 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.46, 3.21; p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated a higher risk of nonunion in patients with lower-extremity fractures (HR, 3.45; 95% CI: 3.14, 3.75; p < 0.0001) than in those with upper-extremity fractures (HR, 2.11; 95% CI: 1.84, 2.32; p < 0.0001). Among the fracture location subgroups, the greatest HR for nonunion was observed in patients with femoral fractures, followed sequentially by those with tibial and/or fibular fractures, humeral fractures, and radial and/or ulnar fractures. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest study to date to explore postoperative ketorolac use and nonunion in the setting of operatively managed pediatric long-bone fractures. Nonunion in children was rare, occurring in <1% of all included patients. Ketorolac administration was associated with a 2 to 3-fold increase in nonunion risks, with pronounced implications for patients with lower-extremity fractures, particularly those with femoral fractures. Clinicians should weigh the therapeutic advantages of non-opiate analgesia with ketorolac against the risk of nonunion in order to optimize postoperative pain management and recovery. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The care of transgender individuals has gained increasing attention in health-care settings, encompassing a wide range of medical specialties. Anesthesia is vital in perioperative care for them despite challenges like health-care access disparities, stigma, and discrimination. As they undergo routine surgeries or specific gender-affirming surgeries, anesthesia providers must be cognizant of anatomical, physiological, and psychosocial considerations that may impact the perioperative experience. Anesthesia for transgender individuals requires gender identity assessment, understanding of surgical needs, hormone therapy impact, preoperative assessments evaluating comorbidities, medication history, and psychosocial factors. Anesthesiologists should modify airway care and pain management techniques to accommodate patients' preferences and gender-affirming surgical goals. They should also take into account any potential differences in the airways of transgender patients and optimize postoperative pain management in accordance with each patient's particular surgical recovery. This article aims to focus on the perioperative care of transgender individuals, highlighting the distinct challenges encountered and potential solutions to address these unique issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental disease is common in captive-managed macropods, including Bennett's wallabies, and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Dental extractions and debridement of diseased tissue is often necessary for those undergoing treatment for severe dental disease. Regional anesthesia of the dentition is considered standard of care for domestic animals undergoing orofacial surgery, however, it is not routinely performed in macropods due to limited information on dental anatomy and block approaches. Regional block descriptions for the infraorbital, maxillary, inferior alveolar, and mental blocks in domestic dogs and cats were evaluated and adapted for use in Bennett's wallabies based on descriptions of their anatomy and examination of 2 skulls. These approaches were then performed on cadaver heads with iohexol and methylene blue dye, and block placement was assessed on computed tomography scans and by gross dissection. All block approaches described in this study resulted in appropriate placement of regional anesthesia of the dentition in Bennett's wallabies. They can thus be used by clinicians to improve the intra and postoperative pain control of patients and provide a high level of veterinary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of two regional anesthesia methods, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and erector spinae plane (ESP) block, for intraoperative and postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy. Methods: Fifty patients aged 18-80 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I-II scheduled for elective laparoscopic nephrectomy were included after ethical approval and informed consent. Patients were randomly assigned to either Group TAP (receiving TAP block) or Group ESP (receiving ESP block). Postoperatively, all patients received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine. We evaluated intraoperative hemodynamics, additional opioid use, resting and coughing pain scores (Visual Analog Scales - VAS), time to first PCA dose, postoperative opioid consumption, rescue analgesic needs, opioid side effects, and patient and surgeon satisfaction. Results: In Group ESP, postoperative VAS scores at 8 hours and during the first mobilization were significantly lower (p=0.019, p=0.004, respectively) compared to Group TAP. Patient satisfaction was notably higher in Group ESP (p=0.014). However, other postoperative parameters were similar between the groups (p>0.05). These findings held true when considering only radical nephrectomies, with no differences in the assessed parameters between simple and partial nephrectomies. Conclusion: In conclusion, both TAP and ESP blocks demonstrated comparable effectiveness in postoperative pain management for laparoscopic nephrectomies. Nevertheless, due to lower VAS scores during mobilization and higher patient satisfaction, the ESP block appears to be more effective for multimodal analgesia. Further research is required to comprehensively assess their efficacy in laparoscopic radical nephrectomies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Breast-conserving surgery is a common breast operation type in the world. Patients may feel severe postoperative pain after the surgery. Several regional anesthesia methods are used for postoperative pain control as a part of multimodal analgesia management after breast surgery. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and rhomboid intercostal plane block (RIB) are commonly used techniques for this purpose. The studies that compare these methods are limited. Therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacy of ESPB and RIB. Methods: This prospective, randomized study included sixty female patients with ASA class I-II physical status in the study. All patients underwent general anesthesia. We performed the blocks at the end of the surgery before extubation. Participants were randomized into two groups between the operation: the Group ESPB (n=30) and the Group RIB (n=30). We performed 30 ml volume of 0.25% bupivacaine for the blocks. 400 mg ibuprofen 3x1 was ordered postoperatively, and a fentanyl PCA device (2 ml bolus, 0 ml infusion, 20 min lock time, 4 hour limit) was attached intravenously to the participants. If the pain score was ≥4, meperidine (0.5 mg/kg) was performed. Results: There were no differences in terms of demographical data. The postoperative opioid use, pain scores, adverse events, and the need for rescue analgesia were similar between groups. Conclusion: Both RIB and ESPB are effective regional anesthesia techniques following breast surgery. They are simple and safe methods. Anesthesiologists may prefer one or the other based on their clinical experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Kidney transplantation (KT) is an important treatment modality for renal failure. However, moderate-to-severe pain often occurs in KT recipients. Multimodal analgesia using combined analgesic measures has been recommended to enhance postoperative recovery. This retrospective study explored the additional analgesic efficacy of paracetamol and nefopam infusions in living-donor KT recipients who received a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. Materials and Methods: Consecutive living-donor KT recipients at our institute between January 2020 and March 2022 were divided into groups that received a TAP block with paracetamol and nefopam infusions (Group TA) or a TAP block without analgesics (Group T) during surgery. Following propensity-score (PS) matching, 103 patients were included in each group. Postoperative pain intensity assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), opioid consumption via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) devices over 24 h, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: VAS pain intensity at rest was lower in group TA than in group T at 1 and 6 h after surgery [1 h: 29 (15–41) vs. 41 (29–51) mm, p < 0.001; 6 h: 32 (23–43) vs. 40 (32–54) mm, p < 0.001]. The VAS pain intensity during coughing was lower in group TA [1 h: 46 (30–58) vs. 59 (48–69) mm, p < 0.001; 6 h: 51 (40–63) vs. 60 (45–71) mm, p < 0.001]. Moreover, PCA consumptions during the first 6 h and between 6–24 h post-surgery was significantly lower in group TA. Other postoperative outcomes did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions: Multimodal analgesia with intraoperative paracetamol and nefopam infusions improved postoperative pain control in living-donor KT recipients who received a preoperative TAP block. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of paracetamol and nefopam infusions in KT recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound (US)-guided bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) block on postoperative opioid consumption and respiratory recovery in patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods: The study was conducted on 40 patients scheduled for LSG. The patients were randomly allocated into either the ESP block group or the control group. The US-guided bilateral ESP block was performed preoperatively. The control group received no intervention. Results: Postoperative median [IQR] tramadol consumption was significantly lower in the ESP block group [150.0 [100–200] mg vs 450.0 [400–500] mg, p < 0.0001]. Postoperative spirometric variables were significantly impaired in both groups, compared with preoperative variables (p < 0.0001). Intraoperative median [IQR] fentanyl consumption was 200.0 [200–200] µg in the ESP block group, and 350.0 [300–400] µg in the control group (p < 0.0001). Postoperative mean pain scores at rest and during movement were significantly lower in the ESP block group, at all time points (p < 0.05). In terms of mean arterial PH, Horowitz ratio, and PaCO2, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). None of the patients experienced postoperative respiratory adverse events and/or block-related complications. Conclusions: US-guided bilateral ESP block significantly reduced both intraoperative and postoperative analgesic consumptions and provided effective postoperative pain control for patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. Following bariatric surgery, all patients' postoperative pulmonary functions deteriorated. The effect of US-guided bilateral ESP block on postoperative respiratory recovery could not be clearly demonstrated. Randomized controlled studies with a larger patient population are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Results Conclusion This study investigates the effect of locally applied honey on pain intensity, analgesia consumption, pain relief and nighttime awakenings in children following tonsillectomy, addressing conflicting evidence and the lack of differentiation between adult and paediatric populations in previous reviews.A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing pain outcomes in children receiving honey in addition to standard treatments versus those receiving standard treatments alone were included. Pain intensity was measured with the VAS tool. Meta‐analysis was performed using STATA version 14 software. Also, risk of bias and certainty of evidence were evaluated.Out of 537 articles, seven studies (n = 710) with RCT design met the inclusion criteria. The average duration for measuring pain intensity was 7.37 days. Pooled effect size showed a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity in the honey intervention group compared to the control group (WMD: −0.90, 95% CI [−1.32, −0.48], p < 0.001, I2: 92.5%; certainty of evidence: low). Also, the results demonstrated that honey significantly decreased the average time required for pain relief and analgesic consumption in the intervention group compared to the control group. One study was deemed low risk of bias, four studies were of intermediate quality and two studies were evaluated as high.While honey shows promise in reducing post‐tonsillectomy pain, cautious use is advised due to the limited quality of evidence. More robust RCTs are needed to address biases and reinforce confidence in the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the treatment outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis (SA) in progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) patients, to assess the clinical efficacy in PCFD patients after HyProCure removal, and to evaluate safety and effectiveness of SA. Methods: In this retrospective study, 202 cases (213 feet) of PCFD patients treated with SA from June 2015 to December 2022 were selected. General data and surgical information were recorded, and clinical efficacy was evaluated through imaging and clinical indicators. Furthermore, for 36 patients (36 feet) who underwent secondary surgery to remove HyProCure, imaging and clinical evaluation indicators at 1-year post-removal were recorded. Complications were also documented. Results: The main complications were sinus tarsi pain (91.37%), with partial relief or disappearance of symptoms in some patients after conservative treatment. The imaging indicators improved significantly after SA (P < 0.01), and AOFAS score and VAS were significantly improved (P < 0.01), with a 100% excellent rate in patients one year after SA. For patients who removed HyProCure, the imaging indicators exhibited a significant improvement at preoperation and post-SA (P < 0.01), and no statistical difference was observed between post-SA and post-removal (P > 0.05). Regarding clinical indicators, AOFAS score at post-SA was difference compared with preoperation and post-removal separately (P < 0.01). However, the difference in VAS between preoperation and post-SA was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Notably, there was a significant improvement at post-removal compared with post-SA (P < 0.01). Conclusion: PCFD patients showed significant improvement in imaging and clinical evaluations after SA, with no significant flatfoot recurrence in patients who had HyProCure removed. Therefore, the application of HyProCure in SA can be considered a safe and effective surgical treatment for PCFD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Postoperative pain management in cardiac surgeries is challenging due to the limitations of opioidbased analgesia and the risks associated with neuraxial techniques. The Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) is a novel regional analgesia technique offering effective pain relief with a safer profile. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral ESPB in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. Materials and Methods This randomized prospective comparative study was conducted at the Dharma Vira Heart Centre, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, from June 2021 to November 2022. Forty-two patients undergoing elective OPCAB surgeries were randomized into two groups: • Group E (ESPB): Received intermittent boluses of 0.2% ropivacaine hydrochloride (0.2 mL/kg) via an ESP catheter every 6 hours for 48 hours post-extubation. • Group W (Control): Received standard multimodal analgesia without ESPB. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) every 6 hours for 48 hours post-extubation. Total opioid consumption (fentanyl citrate and tramadol hydrochloride) was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0, with p-values <0.05 considered significant. Results Group E demonstrated significantly lower VAS scores compared to Group W at all time points. The mean VAS score in Group E ranged from 3.52 ± 0.98 (0 hours) to 0.38 ± 0.50 (48 hours), while in Group W, it ranged from 5.05 ± 0.67 (0 hours) to 1.29 ± 1.06 (48 hours) (p < 0.05). Opioid consumption was markedly reduced in Group E. The mean fentanyl citrate consumption was 83.33 ± 32.57 mcg in Group E versus 321.43 ± 128.04 mcg in Group W (p = 0.001). Similarly, the mean tramadol hydrochloride consumption was 75.00 ± 50.00 mg in Group E compared to 188.10 ± 77.31 mg in Group W (p = 0.012). No complications related to ESPB were observed. Conclusion Bilateral ESPB significantly reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption in OPCAB surgeries, offering a safer and more effective analgesic option. These findings support the inclusion of ESPB in enhanced recovery protocols for cardiac surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: Caudal block has proven its efficacy in post operative pain management. We have compared ultrasound guided (US)erector spinae block (ESB) with caudal block (CB)for control of postoperative pain in pediatric lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Material and methods: This study was conducted among 44 children posted for lower limb orthopedic surgeries. All the children were divided into two equal groups of 22 each. Both caudal block group and erector spinae plane block group received 0.25% bupivacaine (0.5 ml/Kg) each. Both US guided blocks were given after administration of anesthesia and before surgery. Results: Pain scores at 4h, 6 h and 8 h were significantly less in group ESB compared to CB group. The number of children who required intraoperative paracetamol (as rescue analgesic) was more in CB group compared to ESB group. Group ESB provided prolonged postoperative analgesia compared to CB group. Conclusion: US guided ESB provided better intra and post operative analgesia compared to caudal block in pediatric lower limb orthopedic surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]