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M J Paech

Publications and source records attributed to M J Paech.

54 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Prospective clinical evaluation of two combined spinal-epidural kits.

One hundred combined spinal epidural kits (Portex, n = 51, Mallinckrodt, n = 49) were evaluated clinically by twelve anaesthetists with respect to performance of the loss-of-resistance syringe, epidural needle and spinal needle, and success in establishing single-segment combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section. Similar components included a plastic loss-of-resistance device, a Tuohy epidural needle, 26 or 27 gauge pencil-point spinal needle and closed end, three-lateral-eye epidural catheter. The Mallinckrodt kit incorporated a "back-eye" design for exit of the spinal needle from the epidural needle. The epidural and the subarachnoid spaces were satisfactorily identified on 98 occasions. Most anaesthetists preferred the Mallinckrodt kit packaging and the Portex loss-of-resistance syringe, although the latter may have been biased by familiarity with this device. The portex spinal needle was more likely to be felt penetrating the dura (P = 0.02) and aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid was more frequently described as easy (P = 0.01). The most common criticisms of both kits were difficulty controlling the spinal needle position after entry into the subarachnoid space and subjectively, a high degree of resistance to injection through the spinal needle.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Meperidine for patient-controlled analgesia after cesarean section. Intravenous versus epidural administration.

BACKGROUND: Although meperidine has been used for patient-controlled analgesia both intravenously (PCIA) and epidurally (PCEA), these routes have not been compared, and many studies have suggested that there is no advantage to the epidural route for administration of lipophilic opioids. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted for 24 h after cesarean section to compare the analgesic efficacy, side effects, patient satisfaction, drug use, and plasma drug concentrations with meperidine administered either as PCIA or as PCEA. Two groups, stratified for time of cesarean section during epidural anesthesia, postoperatively received either PCEA (group 1) or PCIA (group 2) with identical variables for 12 h before crossing to the other route for an additional 12 h. RESULTS: Results from 45 patients showed a similar speed of analgesic onset but, subsequently, significantly lower pain scores both at rest and with coughing in those receiving PCEA (P = 0.0001). Nausea and pruritus scores did not differ between the groups in the first 12 h postoperatively, but sedation scores were significantly higher with PCIA (P = 0.0001). Patient satisfaction scores and preference significantly favored PCEA (P = 0.0001), with almost 90% of participants preferring the epidural route. Meperidine use was reduced approximately 50% with PCEA (P = 0.0001), and plasma meperidine and normeperidine concentrations were significantly lower (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that after cesarean section, PCEA with meperidine produces high-quality pain relief with few side effects and has significant advantages over PCIA meperidine. With the caveat that neonatal effects in breast-feeding mothers have yet to be evaluated, it can be highly recommended in this population.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Postoperative epidural fentanyl infusion--is the addition of 0.1% bupivacaine of benefit?

A randomised, double-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted in 90 women scheduled for major abdominal gynaecological oncology surgery to determine the effect of adding 0.1% plain bupivacaine to a thoracic epidural fentanyl infusion. Following combined epidural and general anaesthesia, patients were randomised to receive epidural fentanyl 10 micrograms/ml, with (group FB) or without (group F) bupivacaine. After an initial 50 micrograms bolus of fentanyl, infusion rate was adjusted according to need between 2 and 10 ml/hr for 48 hours. The two groups (n = 40) were similar with regard to age, weight and preoperative status. Analgesia both at rest and with movement were significantly better in group FB (P < 0.0001) during the first 24 hours postoperatively, the greatest difference occurring in the 4 to 16 hour period. There was no significant difference between groups from 24 to 48 hours postoperatively. Fentanyl utilisation was significantly lower in group FB (median 41 versus 53 micrograms/hr, P < 0.001), although clinically the fentanyl dose-sparing effect of bupivacaine was small and did not reduce opioid-induced side-effects. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to side-effects or lower limb weakness, although fewer patients in group FB could be mobilised on the morning of the first postoperative day (P < 0.01). Nevertheless, all study patients were ambulant by the same afternoon. We concluded that, in this patient population, the addition of 0.1% bupivacaine to a thoracic epidural fentanyl infusion was beneficial in the early postoperative period.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1993

Patient controlled epidural analgesia during labour: choice of solution.

Epidural characteristics, when using different solutions for patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA), were compared in a randomised, blinded study in labour. Women in group 1 (n=23) self-administered 0.25% plain bupivacaine, in group 2 (n=23) 0.125% plain bupivacaine plus fentanyl 3 microg/ml and in group 3 (n=20) 0.0625% bupivacaine with adrenaline 1:250,000 plus fentanyl 3 microg/ml. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to the quality of obstetric pain relief or maternal satisfaction, the requirement for supplementary boluses of staff-administered solution or the incidence of side effects. There was more intense motor block after 3 hours of PCEA (odds ratio 3.33 for score 0 versus 1, 2 or 3) and a significantly higher ratio of demands received to demands made (P<0.03) in group 1 compared groups 2 and 3. The rate of bupivacaine utilisation was significantly higher in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3 and lower in group 3 compared to 1 and 2 (median+interquartile range: 16+11-21 vs 9+6-11 vs 4+3-8 mg/hr, P<0.0002). Although all solutions provided effective pain relief for PCEA during labour, the use of a low-dose bupivacaine-fentanyl combination offers clinical advantages and further evaluation of such solutions is warranted.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1993

The influence of adrenaline on postoperative analgesia after subarachnoid morphine.

A randomised, double-blind study was conducted to investigate the postoperative effects of subarachnoid morphine, with or without adrenaline, after major gynaecological surgery. Seventy-five women having spinal anaesthesia combined with either sedation or general anaesthesia were randomised to receive subarachnoid morphine 0.25 mg with (group MA) or without (group M) adrenaline 200 micrograms; or normal saline (group C). Groups M (n = 22) and MA (n = 25) differed significantly from control (n = 23) with respect to the quality and duration of postoperative analgesia (P < 0.0002) and to a higher incidence of pruritus (P < 0.02). Groups were similar with respect to the incidence of other postoperative side-effects and respiratory data, although the latter showed a trend to less hypoxaemia in the control group. There was no significant difference in any outcome between groups MA and M. It was concluded that, under the study conditions in a post-gynaecological surgery population, the addition of adrenaline to subarachnoid morphine was of no benefit.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia in labour--is a continuous infusion of benefit?

A randomised, single-blind study was conducted among 52 gravida in active labour, to investigate two variants of patient-controlled epidural analgesia--bolus only versus bolus plus infusion. Patient-controlled analgesia variables, using an epidural solution of 0.125% bupivacaine plus fentanyl 3 mcg per ml, were a 4 ml incremental bolus with 15 minute lockout, plus or minus a 4 ml per hour infusion. Up to three additional staff-administered supplements of 0.5% bupivacaine 4 ml (20 mg) were allowed. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to pain relief, supplementary boluses required, satisfaction, side-effects or details of patient-controlled epidural analgesia, with the exception of greater fentanyl usage in the bolus plus infusion group (P less than 0.003). Both groups had high quality analgesia, low rates of bupivacaine usage and were highly satisfied. However, under the conditions of the study, the addition of a continuous background infusion to self-administration conferred no benefit.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Epidural analgesia in labour: constant infusion plus patient-controlled boluses.

A randomised, single-blind study to investigate patient-controlled epidural analgesia during labour was conducted using a solution of low-dose bupivacaine-fentanyl. Two groups (n = 25 in each) received a constant infusion supplemented by patient demand boluses, and midwife-administered boluses if required, the size of the infusion and patient increments varying between groups. The quality of analgesia, as assessed by pain scores and patient ratings, was high and participant acceptability very high in both groups. Fourteen per cent of participants were withdrawn due to cephalad extension of block to T5 or supplementary bolus requirements outside the study protocol. Epidural side-effects were not troublesome and drug dose utilisation was low. Significantly greater pain relief (P less than 0.04) three hours after commencing patient-controlled epidural analgesia and a trend to fewer women requiring more than two supplementary midwife-administered boluses (P = 0.11) was seen in the group receiving a higher infusion rate. This group used significantly more bupivacaine (P less than 0.04) and fentanyl (P less than 0.001), but this did not appear to be clinically important with respect to degree of motor block or side-effects. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia appears to be an effective and well accepted method of obstetric analgesia and warrants further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

A survey of epidural analgesia practice in Western Australian obstetric units.

A survey of epidural practices in all obstetric units in this state was conducted to obtain information regarding epidural analgesia services, epidural conduct and management, management of complications and staff education. The survey revealed a diversity of practice and in some instances standards of care. While reflecting the regionalisation of services in this geographically vast state, the problems identified appear universal and are likely to be relevant on a broader and national scale. Practices are discussed and recommendations made with respect to improvement of management and continuing education.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗
PubMed1991

The King Edward Memorial Hospital 1,000 mother survey of methods of pain relief in labour.

A survey of one thousand women having a vaginal delivery in an obstetric teaching hospital was conducted in order to ascertain maternal opinions of various methods of pain relief in labour. Women were questioned on the day following delivery as to their pain experience, the degree of analgesia obtained, their satisfaction with and criticisms of the analgesic method or methods used, and their overall satisfaction with their childbirth experience. More pain than expected was reported significantly more often by primiparous women (P less than 0.001) and those having induced or augmented labour (P less than 0.04). Epidural analgesia was significantly more effective and resulted in greater satisfaction than other methods alone, or when used in combination (P less than 0.0001). 'Inadequate analgesia' was also reported less frequently by women using non-pharmacological methods alone (P less than 0.0001). Dissatisfaction with their experience was reported by 5% of women and was most frequently related to inadequate pain relief. Although uncommonly cited as a reason, instrumental delivery was statistically associated with dissatisfaction (P less than 0.003). The incidence of dissatisfaction did not significantly differ with respect to the analgesic method or methods used.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1990

A double-blind comparison of epidural bupivacaine and bupivacaine-fentanyl for caesarean section.

The effect of adding fentanyl 100 mcg to bupivacaine 0.5% plain to establish epidural anaesthesia for elective caesarean section was investigated in a randomised, double-blind study of sixty healthy women. The quality of intraoperative analgesia as assessed by both patients and anaesthetists was significantly improved with fentanyl. The onset and duration of sensory anaesthesia, degree and duration of motor block, and other characteristics of epidural anaesthesia were unaltered. No adverse maternal side-effects (except mild pruritus) were noted and neonatal outcome was unaffected. The pharmacokinetics of epidural fentanyl administration were investigated by plasma fentanyl assays from maternal and cord blood taken at delivery. Epidural bupivacaine-fentanyl combination is a valuable therapeutic approach to the conduct of epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section in healthy women and foetuses. Further neonatal evaluation of the premature or compromised foetus is suggested before the universal application of this technique.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Epidural pethidine or fentanyl during caesarean section: a double-blind comparison.

The onset, quality and duration of analgesia and side-effects of a single bolus dose of either epidural pethidine 50 mg or fentanyl 100 mcg, administered immediately post-delivery, were compared in a randomised, double-blind study of fifty-five women undergoing epidural caesarean section. The onset of effect was more rapid with fentanyl, a significantly larger number of women achieving complete pain relief fifteen minutes post-administration (P less than 0.05). The quality of analgesia was good in both groups and the quality and duration of effective analgesia not significantly different. The incidence and severity of side-effects were low, with no significant difference between groups. One patient in the pethidine group experienced early onset respiratory depression; however, she did not require active treatment. Epidural fentanyl 100 mcg appears to offer a small clinical advantage over pethidine 50 mg for intraoperative use during caesarean section.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section: a comparison of 0.5% bupivacaine and 2% lignocaine both with adrenaline.

Thirty-eight women having caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia received either lignocaine 2% or bupivacaine 0.5% both with adrenaline 1:200,000 in a double-blind, randomised study. The time to establish satisfactory surgical anaesthesia, the volume required and the quality of analgesia as assessed by the anaesthetist, patient pain and discomfort scales and patient approval, were not significantly different. Motor block assessed by the Bromage and RAM-test was greater in the lignocaine group but surgical opinion of abdominal wall relaxation was not significantly different between groups. The bupivacaine group had significantly longer durations of sensory and motor block while the lignocaine group had a higher incidence of maternal shivering, other complication rates being similar. Neonatal outcomes were uniformly good. Both local anaesthetics provided satisfactory epidural anaesthesia and neither proved to have a distinct advantage in the clinical setting of this study.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia in labor: the addition of clonidine to bupivacaine-fentanyl.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidural clonidine has not been evaluated as a component of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) solutions during labor. A randomized, double-blind trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy and side effects of PCEA using bupivacaine and fentanyl, with or without clonidine. METHODS: Seventy-five healthy parturients in active labor were assigned to a PCEA solution of 0.0625% bupivacaine and fentanyl 2 microg/mL (4 mL demand bolus, 15 min lockout), with or without clonidine 4.5 microg/mL. The primary outcome measure was parturient rating of analgesia; others assessments included pain scores, drug utilization, supplementation and side effects. RESULTS: Thirty-one parturients received clonidine (group BFC) and 38 received control solution (group BF). Eight (6 group BF, 2 group BFC, P = .28) failed to achieve satisfactory epidural analgesia. There was a trend for parturient ratings of pain relief to be higher in group BFC, with significantly more reporting excellent first-stage analgesia (81% v. 57%, P<.05). Pain scores were similar. Clonidine (median dose, 28 microg/h) reduced total bupivacaine and fentanyl use (P<.01), and reduced supplementation (P<.01). Maternal blood pressure (BP) and recordings of systolic BP below 100 mm Hg did not differ. Group BFC had higher sedation scores (P<.01), but no one appeared oversedated. Shivering was reduced in group BFC (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of clonidine to epidural bupivacaine and fentanyl for PCEA in labor improved analgesia, reduced the supplementation rate, and reduced shivering. Increased sedation and lower BP were not clinically important.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Unexplained neurologic deficit after uneventful combined spinal and epidural anesthesia for cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neurologic deficits after spinal and epidural anesthesia are uncommon and have a variety of pathophysiologic mechanisms. Local anesthetic neurotoxicity may occur, although subarachnoid bupivacaine has an unblemished clinical record. METHODS: A healthy parturient underwent uneventful combined spinal and epidural anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery. Intraspinal drugs administered included hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% and fentanyl (subarachnoid) and 2% lidocaine with epinepherine 1:200,000 and meperidine (epidural). RESULTS: On the third postpartum day the patient reported buttock numbness. An area of hypoesthesia in the distribution of the lower sacral nerves was present, without systemic or other neurologic symptoms and signs. The deficit persisted, and imaging of the lower spinal canal revealed no significant abnormality. Full recovery of sensation occurred after 7 months. CONCLUSION: Drug-induced neurotoxicity is a possible explanation, although the exact etiology is uncertain.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of wound infiltration with bupivacaine in women undergoing day-case gynecological laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of local anesthetic wound infiltration for treatment of postoperative pain appears to be variable and partly dependent on the surgical procedure. Although evidence was lacking, it was common practice at our institution to infiltrate the trocar wound of patients undergoing day-case laparoscopic procedures with long acting local anesthetic agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic efficacy, and the influence of the timing, of local anesthetic infiltration into surgical wounds for day-case diagnostic gynecological laparoscopy. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized trial was conducted on 100 women having general anesthesia for day-case gynecological laparoscopy. Ninety-two patients who had been randomized to 1 of 4 groups for trocar wound infiltration with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine or saline either before or after surgery completed the study. Incisional pain, pain on pressing the umbilicus, severity of nausea, and patient satisfaction with anesthetic technique were all assessed postoperatively until discharge and on the following day through a telephone interview. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in the mean pain scores or analgesic requirements for incisional pain, pain on pressing firmly on the umbilicus, or for patient satisfaction. There was a trend for those patients who had received bupivacaine to use less postoperative morphine (P =.079). CONCLUSIONS: Wound infiltration with local anaesthetic did not significantly reduce pain or opioid requirement after gynecological laparoscopy.

Adult↗