BackgroundRegional anesthesia could affect the homeostatic system functions resulting frequently in perioperative hypothermia and consequently shivering. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine and ondansetron to reduce the incidence and severity of shivering after intrathecal blocks.MethodsThis randomized placebo-controlled trial included 120 patients allocated equally in three groups. All patients were anesthetized by standard intrathecal blocks for surgical procedure at lower half of the body and received one of the study drugs intravenously (IV) according to the group assignments. Group S patients (placebo) were administered saline, Group O (ondansetron) were given 8 mg ondansetron, and Group D (dexmedetomidine) were given 1 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine. Shivering incidence and scores, sedation scores, core body temperature, hemodynamic variables, and incidence of complications (nausea, vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, over-sedation, and desaturation) were recorded.ResultsThe incidence and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of shivering in group S 57.5% (42.18–72.82%) was significantly higher than that of both group O 17.5% (5.73–29.27%), P < 0.001 and group D 27.5% (13.66–41.34%), P = 0.012. However, the difference in the incidence of shivering between group O and group D was comparable, P = 0.425. The sedation scores were significantly higher in group D than those of both group S and group O, P < 0.001. Sedation scores between group S and group O were comparable, P = 0.19. Incidences of adverse effects were comparable between the three groups.ConclusionProphylactic administrations of dexmedetomidine or ondansetron efficiently decrease the incidence and severity of shivering after spinal anesthesia as compared to placebo without significant difference between their efficacies when compared to each other.Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR) under trial number (PACTR201710002706318). 18-10-2017. ‘retrospectively registered’.

Background: The quadratus lumborum (QL) block, also known as the abdominal truncal block, was developed to provide visceral and somatic analgesia during abdominal procedures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess pain alleviation, the incidence of complications in lower abdominal procedures, and hemodynamic stability between the caudal block and ultrasound-guided QL block. Methods: Fifty-two patients aged 1 to 7 years old from both genders scheduled for unilateral lower abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to 2 study groups: group QL, unilateral QL block (n = 26), and group C, caudal block (n = 26). In group C, children received caudal block. In group QL, an ultrasound-guided QL block was performed. The time to first rescue analgesia was evaluated as a primary outcome. The quality of analgesia was determined using the face, legs, activity, cry, consolability scale (FLACC scale), hemodynamic parameters, and incidence of complications because hemodynamic instability was recorded under ultrasound guidance. Signs of local anesthetics toxicity and the parents’ satisfaction were secondary outcomes. Results: The time until the first demand for analgesia postoperatively was statistically longer in group QL compared to group C. A non-significant difference was observed between the 2 groups (P > 0.05) regarding age, weight, gender, duration of surgery, type of surgery, FLACC scale, and hemodynamics (SBP, systolic blood pressure), except at 30 minutes, which was significant in QL block. Also, a non-significant difference was observed in the severity of postoperative pain up to 1 day postoperatively. Group QL showed more satisfaction than group C. No intraoperative complications were detected. Conclusions: Compared to caudal block, QL block produced sustained and adequate analgesia time postoperatively, with higher satisfaction.

Background. Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is crippling and often requires an arthroscopic outpatient surgery. Nevertheless, many patients experience severe pain during the first day after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The adductor canal block (ACB) has yielded conflicting results for post-ACLR pain relief. This research investigated the effect of a supplemental popliteal plexus block on postoperative pain outcomes compared to a sole ACB. Methods. Following a randomized design, 60 cases scheduled for knee arthroscopy with ACLR using an ipsilateral hamstring graft were separated into two categories. Subjects in group A (n = 30) received an ACB only, while subjects in group B (n = 30) received combined ACB and popliteal plexus block (PPB). Results. We found significant differences between the two groups. The time of the first analgesic request (TFR) was later for the combined ACB and PPB (median 8 h) compared to the ACB only group (median 0.5 h). Morphine consumption was lower for patients who received combined ACB and PPB (median 12 mg) compared to ACB only (median 30 mg). The number of the requested doses was lower for the combined ACB and PPB group (median 3 doses) compared to the ACB only group (median 7 doses). Conclusions. The addition of PPB to ACB was associated with improved analgesia and a reduced need for opioid-based sedatives following ACLR with an ipsilateral hamstring graft (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04020133).

Background: Gastric ultrasound is an emerging tool for preoperative evaluation of gastric content and volume. Objectives: To assess gastric residual volume in normal-weight and obese patients scheduled for elective surgery. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 100 patients assigned to two groups of 50 patients each. The obese group included patients with body mass index (BMI) of 30 - 40 and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade II and those with BMI > 40 and ASA III without other comorbidities; the normal-weight group included patients with normal BMI and ASA I. Gastric volume was predicted in each group using sonographic measurement of antral cross-sectional area (CSA) in semi-sitting and right lateral positions (RLP); the two groups were compared to assess the risk of aspiration for each group preoperatively. Results: Despite intergroup differences in antral CSA, the sonographically predicted gastric volume was < 1.5 mL/kg in both groups in both positions. Both groups were at a low risk for aspiration, and 98% of the patients showed grade 0 or 1 in antrum assessments, corresponding to an empty antrum and minimal fluid only in the RLP, respectively. Only 2% of the patients in both groups showed a distended antrum in both positions. Conclusions: Despite the differences in CSA between obese and normal-weight participants in both positions (obese > normal-weight), both groups showed a low predicted gastric residual volume < 1.5 mL/kg and were at low risk for aspiration, provided that fasting was initiated at least 8 hours before elective surgery.

Background: Ketofol's effect on hemodynamics and the airway response during inducing general anesthesia has been studied previously. However, ketofol's effect on the smoothness of extubation has not been studied yet. Objectives: We aimed to assess ketofol’s effect on the smoothness of extubation and compare it with propofol for inducing general anesthesia. Methods: This double-blind, randomized, and controlled study was conducted on 106 class I and II female patients with the “American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASAPS),” aged 18 - 40 years, scheduled for laparoscopic drilling for polycystic ovary disease under general anesthesia. The patients were assigned to two groups of 53 patients each: Group KP = ketofol and Group P = propofol. Results: There was an excellent sedation score during suction and extubation in the ketofol group. The airway response and smoothness of extubation were better in the ketofol group than in the propofol group. Conclusions: Ketofol as an induction anesthetic agent more effectively attenuated the airway response during extubation than only propofol.