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Epidural Block vs. Rectus Sheath Block on Postoperative Pulmonary Function

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Abdominal Surgeries
Interventions
Other: Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA)
Other: Rectus sheath catheter block
Registration Number
NCT02660632
Lead Sponsor
Mansoura University
Brief Summary

Pulmonary complications are among the most important postoperative complications after midline incisions, for which different analgesic modalities have been tried.

Epidural analgesia is the recommended technique to relieve pain after major abdominal surgery owing to the proved superior analgesia, reduction of opioid related side effects as nausea, vomiting, pruritis and sedation, earlier recovery of bowel function and earlier ability for postoperative mobility However, it is not without complications.

Rectus sheath block provides several advantages over epidural anesthesia. It lessens the potential risks associated with neuraxial techniques, so it may represent a novel alternative approach for somatic analgesia after major abdominal surgeries. Although patients with rectus sheath block may experience some visceral pain, it is usually minimal by 24 hours after surgery.

Detailed Description

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of thoracic epidural analgesia and rectus sheath blockade on postoperative pulmonary functions, pain scores, duration of analgesia, sedation scores, patients' satisfaction and adverse effects.

FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio will be measured by a bed side spirometer.

* Induction of anesthesia: propofol 1.5-2.5 mg kg-1.

* Muscle Relaxants: rocuronium 0.6 mg kg-1 for induction.

* Maintenance: Sevoflurane 0.7-1.5 MAC vaporized in air-oxygen (40% inspired fraction).

Radial artery catheterization: under complete aseptic conditions 20G cannula will be inserted into the radial artery of non-dominant hand after performing modified Allen's test and local infiltration of 0.5ml xylocaine 2% .

Thoracic epidural catheter will be inserted before induction of general anaesthesia under aseptic insertion conditions and using loss of resistance to air technique with the patient in the sitting position at T9- T11 interspaces.

The Rectus sheath catheters will be inserted bilaterally using ultrasound (SonoSite M-Turbo®, Sonosite , USA) guidance as described by Webster after induction of general anaesthesia.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
100
Inclusion Criteria
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists physical class I to III.
  • Patients scheduled for elective midline laparotomy.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Morbid obese patients.
  • Severe or uncompensated cardiovascular disease.
  • Significant renal disease.
  • Significant hepatic disease.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Lactating.
  • Allergy to the study medications.
  • Psychological disorder.
  • Neurological disorder.
  • Communication barrier.
  • Mental disorders.
  • Epilepsy.
  • FEV1 or FEV1/FVC ratio less than 50%, dyspnea with a New York Heart Association class IV.
  • Drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Contraindications to epidural anaesthesia.
  • Opioid analgesic medication within 24 h before the operation.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA)Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA)Patients who will be subjected for midline laparotomy, will receive epidural analgesia through an inserted thoracic epidural catheter before induction of general anesthesia
Rectus sheath catheter blockRectus sheath catheter blockAfter insertion of bilateral rectus sheath catheters, 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine will be injected on each side, then continuous infusion pumps will be connected to the catheters and set to deliver boluses of 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, with a 4-hour lockout for up to 48 h postoperatively.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)Before and for 72 hours after surgery
Changes in ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC)Before and for 72 hours after surgery
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Cumulative tramadol useFor 48 hours after surgery
Postoperative wound infectionFor 21 days after surgery
Changes in arterial blood gasesBefore and for 72 hours after surgery
Postoperative nausea and vomitingfor 48 hours after surgery

The degree of nausea and vomiting. Nausea will be measured using a numerical rating system (none= 0; mild= 1; moderate= 2; severe= 3). The number of vomiting episodes and the number of anti-emetics received

Time to hospital dischargefor 15 days after surgery

from the end of anesthesia

Intraoperative use of ephedrineFor 5 hours after induction of anesthesia
Sedation scorefor 48 hours after surgery

Sedation scores using a sedation scale (awake and alert= 0; quietly awake= 1; asleep but easily roused= 2; deep sleep= 3.

Return of bowel functionfor 72 hours after surgery

The times to first flatus, defecation, intake of clear liquid and solid food tolerance

Visual analog pain scoresfor 48 hours after surgery

Postoperative pain will be assessed on rest and with cough and during movements for both of visceral and parietal pain

Overall patient's satisfactionFor 48 hours after surgery

Patient overall satisfaction will be assessed before hospital discharge using the visual analog score

Postoperative cardio-respiratory complicationsFor 7 days after surgery

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Mansoura university

🇪🇬

Mansourah, DK, Egypt

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