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Z Gamulin

Publications and source records attributed to Z Gamulin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Partial sensory and motor deficit of ipsilateral lower limb after continuous interscalene brachial plexus block.

We describe a partial sensory and motor block of the ipsilateral lower limb after interscalene infusion. After and injection of 20 mL of ropivacaine through the needle, the catheter was advanced 5 cm, and an infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% 5 mL/h commenced. Six hours later, the patient reported a left sensory and motor hemisyndrome, which resolved after the infusion was discontinued. Cervical computed tomography showed the tip of the catheter close to the intervertebral foramen at the C7-T1 level and several intravertebral paramedullar air bubbles. We conclude that the neurological symptoms were caused by an injection of local anesthetic via an interscalene catheter placed in proximity to the epidural space. To avoid this complication, we recommend advancing the catheter no more than 2-3 cm and performing frequent neurological evaluation of patients.

Adult↗

Posterior labat vs. lateral popliteal sciatic block: posterior sciatic block has quicker onset and shorter duration of anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: During foot and ankle surgery, a combination of a sciatic and femoral nerve block is a well-recognized technique for providing anaesthesia and post-operative analgesia. Our hypothesis is that the posterior gluteal sciatic block (PSB) is more efficient than the lateral popliteal sciatic block (LPSB), and this study compared the anaesthetic characteristics between these two techniques performed for elective ankle and foot surgery. METHODS: This retrospective database analysis reviewed the onset, duration of action, success rate and complications among 287 patients who were operated upon using sciatic block. PSB was performed in 149 patients and LPSB in 138 patients, all with the use of 30 ml of 5 mg/ml ropivacaine (150 mg). RESULTS: In the PSB group, the time to perform the block was shorter than in the LPSB group (2.5 +/- 1 vs. 4.5 +/- 4 min, P < 0.001), as was the time to complete sensory block (13 +/- 13 vs. 23 +/- 26 min, respectively; P < 0.001). However, the duration of sensory block was longer in the LPSB group (1130 +/- 470 vs. 960 +/- 310 min, respectively; P < 0.006). CONCLUSION: PSB is easier to perform, and has a quicker onset of sensory blockade whereas LPSB has a longer duration of analgesia.

Aged↗

Epinephrine and clonidine do not improve intrathecal sufentanil analgesia after total hip replacement.

BACKGROUND: We compared analgesia after intrathecal sufentanil alone, sufentanil with epinephrine 200 microg and sufentanil with clonidine 30 microg in patients after total hip replacement, the endpoints being onset and duration of action. METHODS: We performed a randomized double-blind study of 45 patients for elective total hip arthroplasty using continuous spinal anaesthesia. As soon as a pain score higher than 3 on a 10 cm visual analogue scale was reported, sufentanil 7.5 microg alone, sufentanil 7.5 microg + epinephrine 200 microg or sufentanil 7.5 microg + clonidine 30 micro g in 2 ml normal saline was given intrathecally. Pain scores, rescue analgesia (diclofenac and morphine) and adverse effects (respiratory depression, postoperative nausea and vomiting, itching) were observed for 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: Time to a pain score of <3 [6 (SD 1) vs 6 (1) vs 5 (1) min], time to the lowest pain score [7 (2) vs 8 (2) vs 8 (2) min] and time to the first dose of systemic analgesic for a pain score >3 [281 (36) vs 288 (23) vs 305 (30) min] were similar in all three groups. Adverse effects and analgesic requirements during the first 24 h were also similar. CONCLUSION: After total hip replacement, all three analgesic regimens gave good analgesia with comparable onset and duration of action, and minor adverse effects.

Aged↗

Clonidine combined with a long acting local anesthetic does not prolong postoperative analgesia after brachial plexus block but does induce hemodynamic changes.

UNLABELLED: Clonidine in brachial plexus block prolongs analgesia of local anesthetics of short and intermediate duration. We performed a prospective randomized double-blinded study to determine the efficacy and adverse effects of clonidine mixed with a long-acting local anesthetic on postoperative analgesia. Sixty adult patients underwent elective rotator cuff repair using interscalene brachial plexus block combined with general anesthesia and were randomly divided into one of the following three groups. Placebo (n = 20): interscalene block with 40 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine (1/200000) and 1 mL of 0.9% saline, completed by 1 mL of 0.9% saline IM in the controlateral shoulder; Control (n = 20): interscalene block with 40 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine and 1 mL of 0. 9% saline, completed by 150 microg (=1 mL) of clonidine IM; Clonidine (n = 20): interscalene block with 40 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine and 150 microg (=1 mL) of clonidine, completed by 1 mL of 0.9% saline IM. During anesthesia hemodynamic variables and fractional expired isoflurane concentration (FeISO) were recorded. The following postoperative variables were assessed: duration of interscalene block, quality of pain relief on a visual analog scale, side effects, and consumption of morphine with a patient-controlled analgesia device over 48 h. Patient characteristics were comparable. During anesthesia mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and FeISO were significantly decreased in Clonidine and Control groups compared with Placebo group. Duration of analgesia, defined as the time elapsed from interscalene injection to the first morphine request, was 983 +/- 489 min in the Placebo, 909 +/- 160 min in the Control, and 829 +/- 159 min in the Clonidine groups. Pain scores and consumption of morphine at 24 h and 48 h showed no differences among the three groups. We conclude that adding 150 microg of clonidine in interscalene block does not prolong analgesia induced by 40 mL of bupivacaine 0.5% with epinephrine, but decreases mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. IMPLICATIONS: Clonidine in brachial plexus block does not improve postoperative analgesia when mixed with a long-lasting anesthetic. Nevertheless, with or without clonidine, bupivacaine in interscalene block provides a long-lasting analgesia of approximately 15 h.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Epinephrine does not prolong the analgesia of 20 mL ropivacaine 0.5% or 0.2% in a femoral three-in-one block.

UNLABELLED: We tested the effect of epinephrine added to 20 mL ropivacaine 0.5% and 0.2% on postoperative analgesia via a femoral catheter after total knee replacement. Forty-one patients undergoing total knee replacement under combined peripheral block/general anesthesia were randomly allocated to two groups. After insertion of a femoral catheter, 21 patients in the Ropivacaine-Epinephrine (ROPI-EPI) group received 20 mL ropivacaine 0.5% plus epinephrine 1:200,000, whereas 20 patients in the Ropivacaine group (ROPI) received 20 mL plain ropivacaine 0.5%. Thereafter, a sciatic block with 30 mL bupivacaine 0.5% plus epinephrine 1:200,000 was performed in all patients, followed by general anesthesia. After surgery, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with ropivacaine 0.2% plus epinephrine 1:200,000 for Group ROPI-EPI and plain ropivacaine 0.2% for Group ROPI was available via the femoral catheter (200 mL ropivacaine 0.2% +/- epinephrine, bolus 20 mL, lockout 120 min). The patients were instructed to use PCA when the knee pain score was >3 cm. The interval between the initial ropivacaine injection and the first PCA injection determined the duration of 20 mL ropivacaine 0.5% +/- epinephrine, whereas the interval between the first and second PCA injection determined the duration of 20 mL ropivacaine 0.2% +/- epinephrine. The average duration of ropivacaine 0.5% was 657 +/- 345 min for the ROPI-EPI group and 718 +/- 423 min for the ROPI group (NS), whereas for ropivacaine 0.2%, the average duration was 409 +/- 245 min for the ROPI-EPI group and 419 +/- 339 min for the ROPI group (not significant). We conclude that epinephrine does not influence the duration of analgesia of the ropivacaine concentrations investigated. IMPLICATIONS: We evaluated the effect of epinephrine on the duration of analgesia of 20 mL ropivacaine 0.5% or 0.2% injected in femoral three-in-one block for pain relief after total knee replacement. Our results show that epinephrine does not alter the duration of analgesia of the two solutions investigated.

Acetaminophen↗

Onset and offset of intrathecal morphine versus nalbuphine for postoperative pain relief after total hip replacement.

BACKGROUND: We designed this study to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of intrathecal morphine and nalbuphine, the endpoints being onset and offset of action. METHODS: Geriatric patients scheduled for elective total hip replacement under continuous spinal anaesthesia were randomized to two double-blinded groups in the recovery room as soon as they experienced a pain score higher than 3 cm on the visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10 cm). Either 160 microg morphine or 400 microg nalbuphine in 4 ml normal saline were administered intrathecally. Pain scores on VAS, rescue analgesia (diclofenac and morphine, not allowed during the first 60 min), and the adverse effects (respiratory depression, postoperative nausea and vomiting, itching) were recorded for 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: The study was stopped after inclusion of 2 x 12 patients due to slow onset of analgesia in the morphine patients. In the nalbuphine group, when compared to the morphine group, the time to a pain score <3 cm (8+/-6 vs. 31+/-32 min, P<0.001), the time to the lowest pain score (18+/-11 vs. 66+/-75 min, P<0.001) and the time to the first systemic analgesic intervention for a pain score >3 cm (218+/-256 vs. 1076+/-440 min, P<0.05) were significantly shorter. The analgesic requirements during the first 24 h were significantly lower in the morphine group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that after total hip replacement, administration of intrathecal nalbuphine resulted in a significantly faster onset of pain relief and shorter duration of analgesia than intrathecal morphine.

Aged↗

A comparison of intrathecal analgesia with fentanyl or sufentanil after total hip replacement.

UNLABELLED: We designed this study to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of intrathecal fentanyl and sufentanil, the end points being onset, quality, and duration of action. A total of 42 geriatric patients, scheduled for elective total hip replacement under continuous spinal anesthesia, were randomized in two double-blinded groups as soon as they experienced a pain score higher than 3 of 10 on the visual analog scale in the recovery room. Either 7.5 microg sufentanil or 40 microg fentanyl in 2 mL normal saline were intrathecally administered. Pain scores, rescue analgesia (ketorolac and morphine), and adverse effects (respiratory depression, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and itching) were recorded for 24 h after surgery. In both groups, comparing sufentanil to fentanyl, the time to a pain score <3 (9 +/- 9 vs 11 +/- 8 min), the time to the lowest pain score (18 +/- 6 vs 20 +/- 15 min), and the time to the first systemic analgesic intervention for a pain score >3 (241 +/- 102 vs 214 +/- 120 min) were comparable as were the analgesic requirements during the first 24 h. We conclude that, after total hip replacement, both lipid soluble opioids produce excellent analgesia with comparable onset, duration of action, and low incidence of minor adverse effects. IMPLICATIONS: We compared the postoperative analgesic properties of 40 microg intrathecal fentanyl and 7.5 microg sufentanil after total hip replacement. Both opioids provided satisfactory analgesia, with comparable onset (11 +/- 8 vs 9 +/- 9 min) and duration of action (214 +/- 120 vs 241 +/- 102 min), as well as low incidence of minor side effects.

Aged↗

Extent of hyperbaric spinal anesthesia influences the duration of spinal block.

BACKGROUND: The influence of spread of spinal anesthesia on the duration of spinal blockade has been suggested but never investigated specifically. Because elimination of local anesthetic from subarachnoid space is probably dependent of the surface available for its diffusion and vascular absorption, the current study was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that with a same dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine, a higher anesthetic level would result in a shorter duration of spinal blockade than a lower level. METHODS: Three milliliters (15 mg) of hyperbaric bupivacaine, 0.5%, was injected intrathecally in 40 patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or H scheduled for lower limb surgery during spinal anesthesia. To obtain significantly different anesthetic levels, the patients were positioned randomly either horizontally or with the torso elevated 30. Regression of sensory level and motor blockade, the appearance of pain at the operative site, and hemodynamic changes were evaluated. RESULTS: The maximum cephalad spread of sensory blockade (expressed as the median with ranges in parentheses) was significantly higher in the horizontal group than in the group with 30-degree elevation of the torso, i.e., T3.5 (T1-T9) versus T10 (T6-L1), with respectively significantly faster regression times (mean ¿ SD) by two segments (216 ¿ 46 mm vs. 253 ¿ 64 mm) and to segment L4 (269 ¿ 53 mm i s. 337 ¿ 58 mm), as well as shorter time to complete motor blockade recovery (173 ¿ 34 mm i s. 233 ¿ 58 mm) and faster appearance of pain at the operative site (221 ¿ 68 mm vs. 271 ¿ 56 mm). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that with the same dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine, the duration of spinal blockade is longer in patients with restricted spread.

Anesthesia, Spinal↗

Lumbar plexus block reduces pain and blood loss associated with total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of peripheral nerve blockade in the anesthetic management of hip surgery has not been clearly established. Because sensory afferents from the hip include several branches of the lumbar plexus, the authors hypothesized that a lumbar plexus block could reduce pain from a major hip procedure. METHODS: In a double-blind prospective trial, 60 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive general anesthesia with (plexus group, n = 30) or without (control group, n = 30) a posterior lumbar plexus block. The block was performed after induction using a nerve stimulator, and 0.4 ml/kg bupivacaine, 0.5%, with epinephrine was injected. General anesthesia was standardized, and supplemental fentanyl was administered per hemodynamic guidelines. Postoperative pain and patient-controlled intravenous morphine use were serially assessed for 48 h. RESULTS: The proportion of patients receiving supplemental fentanyl intraoperatively was more than 3 times greater in the control group (20 of 30 vs. 6 of 29, P = 0.001). In the postanesthesia care unit, a greater than fourfold reduction in pain scores was observed in the plexus group (visual analogue scale [VAS] pain score at arrival 1.3 +/- 2 vs. 5.6 +/- 3, P < 0.001), and "rescue" morphine boluses (administered if VAS > 3) were administered 10 times less frequently (in 2 of 28 vs. in 22 of 29 patients, P < 0.0001). Pain scores and morphine consumption remained significantly lower in the plexus group until 6 h after randomization (VAS at 6 h, 1.4 +/- 1.3 vs. 2.4 +/- 1.4, P = 0.007; cumulative morphine at 6 h, 5.6 +/- 4.7 vs. 12.6 +/- 7.5 mg, P < 0.0001). Operative and postoperative (48 h) blood loss was modestly decreased in the treated group. Epidural-like distribution of anesthesia occurred in 3 of 28 plexus group patients, but no other side-effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior lumbar plexus block provides effective analgesia for total hip arthroplasty, reducing intra- and postoperative opioid requirements. Moreover, blood loss during and after the procedure is diminished. Epidural anesthetic distribution should be anticipated in a minority of cases.

Analgesia, Patient-Controlled↗

Efficacy of three test doses to detect epidural catheter misplacement.

PURPOSE: To determine among three currently used epidural test doses which is the most reliable for the detection of accidental intrathecal misplacement of an epidural catheter, and which clinical sign is to be used as a marker. METHODS: Ninety orthopedic patients were allocated to either the continuous epidural or the continuous spinal group according to age, < or > 70 yr. They received, in a randomized, double-blind fashion, one of the three solutions: 60 mg lidocaine 2% (L2%), 7.5 mg bupivacaine 0.25% (B0.25%), or 15 mg bupivacaine 0.5% (B0.5%); all three solutions contained epinephrine. Objective variables studied every two minutes over the first ten minutes after injection included: presence of a sensory level > or = T12, presence of a motor block > or = 1, and anesthesia of segments L1, L2, S2 and S5. Subjective variables studied over the same period included paresthesias, sensation of warmth or cold, and muscle weakness. RESULTS: When using presence of motor block > or = 1 on the Bromage scale, the administration of 60 mg L2% with epinephrine identified all patients having an intrathecal catheter six minutes after injection, whereas none of the patients receiving the same solution through the epidural catheter presented a motor block. This was not the case for the other two solutions studied. CONCLUSION: Lidocaine 2% with epinephrine at a dose of 60 mg is the test dose of choice to detect the intrathecal misplacement of an epidural catheter. The presence of motor block > or = 1 is the only reliable clinical sign.

Aged↗

Influence of sex on cerebrospinal fluid density in adults.

The extent of sensory block during spinal anaesthesia is unpredictable and is influenced by many factors, mainly patient position, site of injection, baricity and the dose of drug injected. Among other factors, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) density has been advocated to affect subarachnoid distribution of local anaesthetics. In this study, we have investigated the influence of patient characteristics such as sex, age, weight and height on variations in the density of CSF in more than 46 consecutive patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia. CSF 2 ml was obtained after spinal puncture and before injection of local anaesthetic. Mean CSF density measured at 37 degrees C was mean 1.00054 (SD 0.00017) g ml-1, with significantly lower CSF densities in women (1.00049 (0.00011) g ml-1) than in men (1.00058 (0.00011) g ml-1) (P = 0.024). In contrast, there was no correlation between age, weight or height, and CSF density. These results suggest that sex significantly influenced CSF density and may therefore modify subarachnoid distribution of local anaesthetics.

Adult↗

[Effect of administration of recombinant human erythropoietin in acute normovolemic hemodilution on transfusion needs during total hip prosthesis implantation].

Acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH) is used to avoid perioperative blood loss and consists of the withdrawal of whole blood just before or just after anaesthesia induction and its simultaneous replacement by synthetic colloids and crystalloid solutions. In an attempt to improve the efficiency of this technique while at the same time avoiding cardiovascular complications, we set up a pilot study to test the association of rHuEpo/ANH during elective surgery for total hip replacement. Five patients (3 males, 2 females) were included in this study. The amount of whole blood drawn was 3 x 450 ml from the men and 2 x 450 ml from the women. Before blood was taken, the mean increase in haemoglobin was 1.2 +/- 0.9 g/dl and mean increase in reticulocytes 106 +/- 34 G/l. No patient received homologous transfusion during the perioperative period; 3 patients received the totality of predonated blood and one patient 2 of the 3 units taken. The mean fall in haemoglobin at day 1 post-surgery was 3.6 g/dl. In conclusion, the stimulation of erythropoiesis by rHuEpo in the pre-surgery phase led on average to a 1 g/dl gain in haemoglobin, permitting an isovolaemic withdrawal of 900 to 1350 ml of blood depending on body weight without the development of severe anaemia. It was thus possible to perform total hip replacement in all the patients without homologous blood support and with a post-surgery haemoglobin value of > 10 g/dl. This protocol should be further tested in a prospective randomised study (rHuEpo versus placebo) in order to assess the real benefit of rHuEpo.

Adult↗

Postoperative analgesia with "3-in-1" femoral nerve block after prosthetic hip surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a single shot "3-in-1" femoral nerve block for prosthetic hip surgery in association with general anaesthesia on post-operative analgesia. METHODS: Forty patients, ASA 1 to 3, received sham block or "3-in-1" femoral nerve block, following Winnie's landmarks with a nerve stimulator, and 40 ml bupivacaine 0.5% with epinephrine were injected after induction of anaesthesia. Vecuronium, 0.1 mg.kg-1, was added after performing the block and anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane, oxygen 40% and nitrous oxide 60%. Fentanyl, 1.5 microgram.kg-1, was administered before incision to all patients. Heart rate, blood pressure, fentanyl requirements and FETiso were measured throughout surgery. During the post-operative period, 75 mg diclofenac i.m. and/or 0.1 mg.kg-1 morphine s.c. were administered when pain score was > 3/10 and repeated when necessary. Pain scores at first analgesic intervention, at 24 hr and 48 hr as well as diclofenac and morphine requirements after surgery were recorded. RESULTS: There was no difference in anaesthetic requirements during surgery. The time from performance of sham or "3-in-1" femoral nerve block to the first analgesic intervention (261 +/- 49 min versus 492 +/- 40 min, P < 0.05) and time from extubation to the first analgesic intervention (61 +/- 44 min vs 298 +/- 39 min, P < 0.05) were prolonged in the study group. However, pain scores and the analgesic requirements in the postoperative periods (24 and 48 hr) were similar. CONCLUSION: There is a short-term benefit during the first few postoperative hours in using a single shot "3-in-1" femoral nerve block to complement general anaesthesia for elective hip surgery.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗

Comparison of clonidine, morphine or placebo mixed with bupivacaine during continuous spinal anaesthesia.

PURPOSE: To compare intraoperative anaesthetic and haemodynamic effects of clonidine-bupivacaine, morphine-bupivacaine and placebo-bupivacaine combinations during continuous spinal anaesthesia. METHODS: Thirty six geriatric patients, undergoing knee replacement using continuous spinal anaesthesia were randomly assigned to: Placebo (n = 12), clonidine (n = 12) and morphine (n = 12), where 1 ml saline, 0.15 mg clonidine or 0.15 mg morphine were mixed with 10 mg bupivacaine 0.5%. Anaesthetic variables studied were maximal sensory level and degree of motor block, duration of surgical analgesia and duration of anaesthesia. Changes in systolic arterial pressure and vasopressor requirements were evaluated. RESULTS: Maximal sensory level and degree of motor block were comparable among the groups. Before surgery two patients in the placebo group, three in the clonidine and one in the morphine group received one additional ml bupivacaine 0.5% because of inadequate anaesthesia and were not considered for determination of duration of surgical analgesia. In the remainder, 1/9 in the clonidine group, 8/10 in placebo and 8/11 in morphine (P < 0.05) received reinjection of bupivacaine for surgical pain. These injections were given about 2 1/2 hr after the initial intrathecal injection, the duration of anaesthesia being about four hours. During the first 30 min after the initial injection the decrease in systolic pressure was greater in the clonidine and morphine than in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Thereafter, vasopressor requirements were higher only in the clonidine group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In elderly patients 0.15 mg clonidine but not 0.15 mg morphine prolonged surgical analgesia when added to 10 mg plain bupivacaine.

Aged↗

Effect on postoperative analgesia of small-dose lysine acetylsalicylate added to prilocaine during intravenous regional anesthesia.

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs act largely peripherally by blocking the local synthesis of prostaglandins. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of a small dose of lysine acetylsalicylate (LA) to the prilocaine used for intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) would improve the quality of postoperative analgesia. Sixty patients undergoing lower extremity IVRA for foot or ankle surgery were randomly assigned to three double-blind groups: LA-IVRA where 90 mg of LA was mixed with prilocaine 0.5% for IVRA and 1 mL of 0.9% NaCl administered intravenously (IV) through the forearm catheter after tourniquet inflation; LA-IV where 1 mL of 0.9% NaCl was mixed with prilocaine and 90 mg of LA administered IV; and placebo where 1 mL of 0.9% NaCl was administered both with prilocaine for the IVRA and IV. Duration of analgesia (time elapsed between tourniquet release and first injection of morphine, expressed as mean +/- SD) was significantly longer (P < 0.05) in LA-IVRA (387 +/- 216 min) when compared with LA-IV (175 +/- 264 min) and placebo (126 +/- 201 min). Analgesic requirements remained significantly lower in LA-IVRA when compared with placebo only during the first six postoperative hours, LA-IV being in an intermediate position. Pain scores were significantly lower in LA-IVRA during the first postoperative hour when compared with LA-IV and during the first 3 postoperative hours when compared with placebo. We conclude that 90 mg of LA (corresponding to 50 mg of acetylsalicylic acid) added to prilocaine 0.5% during IVRA improves the quality of postoperative analgesia in the early postoperative period.

Analgesia↗