Is Ginger Effective in Reducing Post-tonsillectomy Morbidity? A Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial.

Objective To evaluate the application of adding ondansetron in morphine intravenous analgesia pump for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)in women. Methods Data of surgical female inpatients who received general anesthesia and postoperative intravenous analgesia with morphine in our center from January 1st,2013 to December 31st,2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on whether ondansetron was added,patients were divided into the observation group(n=834) and the control group(n=856). Outcome variables including morphine consumption,visual analogue scale(VAS) score,nausea score,and total times of vomiting within 48 hours after surgery were collected and compared. Results Age(t=0.432,P=0.665),morphine consumption during the first post-operative day(t=0.599,P=0.548) and during the second post-operative day(t=0.236,P=0.813),maximum VAS score of postoperative pain during movement during the first post-operative day [3(2,4) vs. 3(2,5);Z=1.850,P=0.064] and at rest during the second post-operative day [0(0,1) vs. 0(0,1);Z=1.511,P=0.131] were not significantly different between two groups. While the maximum VAS score of postoperative pain at rest during the first post-operative day [0(0,2) vs.0(0,2);Z=2.435,P=0.015] and during movement during the second post-operative day [3(1,3)vs.3(2,4);Z=3.445,P=0.001] were significantly different between two groups. The maximum score of postoperative nausea(χ2=9.810,P=0.020) and cumulative frequency of postoperative vomiting(Z=3.726,P=0.002)in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group during the first post-operative day;however,there was no significant difference during the second post-operative day(χ2=5.017,P=0.170;Z=0.000,P=1.000). Logistic regression analysis showed that adding ondansetron in morphine intravenous analgesia pump was an independent influencing factor of reduced postoperative nausea. The probability of nausea during the first post-operative day was 0.781 time(P=0.015)of that in the control group and 0.736 time(P=0.030)during the second post-operative day. Conclusion Adding ondansetron in morphine intravenous analgesia pump may reduce PONV in women.

BackgroundSymptomatic gallstone disease is one of the most common problem attended by a general surgeon. The application of minimally invasive surgical techniques for the removal of gallbladder is now an accepted and preferred method for treating this condition. The avoidance of a subcostal incision and minimal bowel handling leads to decreased postoperative pain, early returning to function and overall shorter duration of hospital stay. Nevertheless, patients do have significant postoperative pain, and newer techniques to further reduce this pain are the subject of many ongoing studies. Many intraoperative techniques for reducing postoperative pain have been described. The current practice at many institutions, including ours, is to discharge the patient on the first postoperative day on oral analgesics. Better control of postoperative pain may help establishing laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a day care procedure in selected patients. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of 0.5 % bupivacaine soaked oxidized regenerated cellulose surgical versus normal saline soaked surgical applied at the gallbladder bed on postoperative mean pain score after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones.Patients and methodsPatients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in the study after meeting the inclusion criteria. Relevant history was taken and clinical examination was done. Necessary investigations were carried out. All patients were divided to receive either 0.5 % bupivacaine soaked surgicel or normal saline soaked surgicel after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with each group having equal number of patients. The pain score was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 4, 12 and 24 h after the procedure in both groups. All data was recorded on performa and SPSS-19 was used for analysis.ResultsThe demographic characteristic of the two groups has shown that studied patients were matched as regarding gender, age, weight, ASA status and duration of surgery. Post-operative abdominal pain was significantly lower in bupivacaine Group than Saline group. This difference was reported from 4 h till 12 h post-operatively. Bradycardia, Hypotension and Urinary retention were the most common perioperative symptoms reported, with an incidence of 28.3 % in the saline Group and 15 % in the bupivacaine group with no significant differences. Evaluation of postoperative details such as oral intake, time to walk and length of hospital stay revealed that bupivacaine group reported better outcomes as compared to saline group.ConclusionPlacing bupivacaine soaked surgicel has been shown to decrease the mean postoperative pain score in patients. No significant complication was noticed with the use of surgicel. Because adequate pain control requires intravenous medications, additional methods for pain control need to be studied before laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be routinely performed as a day care case.

There is currently no universally accepted gold standard for the surgical treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) technique, with or without concomitant mucopexy, on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic grade II to IV hemorrhoidal disease. A retrospective analysis was conducted using a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent DG-HAL ± mucopexy between January 2018 and January 2023 for medically refractory hemorrhoidal disease. Postoperative complications, analgesia type and duration, and time to return to daily activities were recorded. Patients were followed up by a general surgery specialist on postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1, and year 1. Treatment efficacy was evaluated based on changes in symptom severity and hemorrhoid grade across follow-up periods. A total of 94 patients (59 males, 35 females; mean age: 47.8 ± 12.4y) underwent the procedure. Recurrence occurred in 9 patients (9.6%) during follow-up. Recurrence rates were 8.16% (4/49) in grade III and 31.25% (5/16) in grade IV hemorrhoids. Mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pain were 7.43 (postoperative day 1), 1.72 (week 1), and 0.37 (month 1), demonstrating significant improvement (P < 0.001). No postoperative bleeding, necrosis, or urinary retention was reported. One patient experienced early recurrence on the first postoperative day. Overall symptom resolution was achieved in 92.6% of patients, and 90.4% reported high satisfaction with the treatment. DG-HAL with or without mucopexy is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgical option for grade II and III hemorrhoidal disease, with high patient satisfaction, low complication rates, and excellent symptom resolution. However, in patients with grade IV disease, the technique's higher recurrence rate necessitates careful patient selection and individualized surgical planning.

Periarticular liposomal bupivacaine mixture injection vs. single-shot interscalene block for postoperative pain in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

To prospectively investigate the effect of music therapy on patient's anxiety and pain level during retrograde intrarenal surgery under spinal anesthesia. 286 patients aged above 18 years, who underwent Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) under spinal anesthesia for renal or ureteral calculi were evaluated between January 2023 and June 2023 by a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical protocol. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 included patients, who listened to music, and Group 2 was comprised of patients, who were not allowed to listen to music. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) results and pain sensation, anxiety level, together with the results of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), a self-reported anxiety inventory, were captured. The number of patients, who were randomized to the music group (Group 1) and non-music group (Group 2) was 144 and 142, respectively. Mean heart rate in Group 1 and Group 2 was 60 ± 4.19 and 70 ± 8.36, respectively (p = 0.02), indicative of the fact that mean heart rate was significantly lower in the music group. Heart rate measured post-operatively within the first hour subsequent to the procedure was similar in both groups (p < 0.05). The VAS score was significantly lower in Group 1. STAI score in Group 1 and Group 2 was 45.51 ± 2.968 and 49.16 ± 1.88, respectively. Therefore, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Music therapy during the RIRS procedure under spinal anesthesia was associated with a significantly decrease in pain and anxiety scores in patients.

To compare the short-term outcomes of pediatric patients who underwent tonsillectomy alone vs. tonsillectomy plus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in terms of postoperative pain, appetite status, analgesia requirement, and bleeding complications. This study included a total of 80 pediatric tonsillectomy patients (53.8% female, 46.2% male, aged 4-16years), who were randomly allocated into tonsillectomy alone (TA group; n = 40) and tonsillectomy plus PRP therapy (TPRP group, n = 40) groups. Patient demographic data (age, gender) and postoperative data of visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (postoperative 2nd hour, 1-10days), appetite scores (postoperative 1-7days), and analgesia requirement (postoperative 1-10days) and bleeding complications were recorded. A significant gradual decrease was noted in pain scores starting from the 3rd postoperative day reaching 0.0 ± 0.0 and 0.50 ± 0.88 on Day 10 in the TPRP and TA groups, respectively (p < 0.001 for each). Compared to the TA group, the TPRP group was associated with significantly lower pain scores (Day 1 to Day 10), better appetite scores (Day 1 to Day 6), a lower requirement for analgesia (Day1 to Day 10) and fewer common bleeding complications (1 vs. 4 patients) in the postoperative period (p < 0.001 for each). In conclusion, this study of pediatric tonsillectomy patients revealed the superiority of tonsillectomy with PRP over tonsillectomy alone in terms of effectiveness in reducing post-tonsillectomy pain and improving appetite status, together with a lower requirement for analgesia and a reduced risk of post-tonsillectomy bleeding during the first 10 postoperative days.

Efficacy of complex decongestive therapy in managing limb swelling, pain, and enhancing functional recovery after arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.

Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and hip reconstruction are commonly indicated surgeries in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly those functioning at GMFCS levels IV and V. These are large and often painful procedures, and previous literature suggests that hip surgery is more painful than spine surgery in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to investigate pain scores and opioid use following hip and spine surgery in a large cohort of children with CP, including many patients who have undergone both types of surgery. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify children with CP who underwent hip reconstruction and/or PSF at a tertiary children's hospital between 2004 and 2022. Charts were reviewed for demographic data, pain scores, pain medication usage, duration of hospital stay, and complications. Data were collected for 200 patients (101 male, 99 female) who met inclusion criteria. Eighty-seven patients underwent hip reconstruction, 62 spinal fusion, and 51 both hip and spine surgery asynchronously. Median (interquartile range) age at the time of surgery was significantly older for spinal fusion compared with hip surgery [13.1 (4.9) vs. 8.1 (5.7) y, P <0.0001]. Length of stay was significantly longer after PSF, with a median of 6 (4) days compared with 2 (1) days after hip surgery ( P <0.0001). Both maximum and average daily pain scores were similar following hip and spine surgery, with the exception that average pain scores for hip surgery were slightly higher on postoperative day 1, hip=1.73 vs. spine=1.0 ( P <0.0001). The amount of opioids used, expressed as morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/kg were similar in the hip and spine surgery groups; however, it was significantly lower in the hip surgery group on postoperative day 0, hip=0.06 versus spine=0.17 ( P <0.0001). For the 51 patients who underwent both hip and spine surgery, the amount of opioids used mirrored that for the entire group (similar MME/kg, though only statistically significantly less on POD 0 and 3), and pain scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups except in 2 circumstances. The 2 exceptions in these 51 patients both demonstrated lower pain scores in patients after hip surgery, including lower maximum pain scores on POD 1 ( P =0.041), and lower average pain scores on POD3 ( P =0.043). This is the largest series to date comparing postoperative pain in children with CP after hip and spine surgery, including 51 of 200 patients who underwent both types of surgery. The results of this study demonstrate that hip surgery is not more painful than spine surgery in children with CP, and conflict with the traditional belief that hip surgery is more painful. This is important information for health care providers when counseling patients and families regarding these surgeries in children with CP. Level 3.

Patients prescribed anticoagulants, even a seemingly uncomplicated extraction can pose a significant clinical risk of protracted or substantial bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative bleeding, pain scores, and oral healing parameters in patients undergoing tooth extractions while continuing direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy, compared to healthy controls. A prospective, single-blind case-control study was conducted involving 211 patients receiving DOAC therapy (apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban) and 219 healthy control participants without anticoagulant therapy. Postoperative bleeding was assessed using a five-level bleeding grade on day 7, alongside pain evaluation via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and clinical assessment of erythema, edema, suppuration, and bone exposure. The data were analysed using Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests. Significance level was considered as 0.05. Minimal postoperative bleeding was observed in most patients, regardless of anticoagulation status. However, higher bleeding grades were more common in the DOAC group, particularly among rivaroxaban (grade 2–2 in 6.9% and grade 3 in 13.8%) and edoxaban (3.6% and 7.3%, respectively) takers. Pain scores were similar across groups (mean VAS: case group 4.01 ± 2.01, control group 3.95 ± 2.04; p = 0.848). Erythema/edema rates did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.930), whereas bone exposure was more frequent in the DOAC group (p = 0.039). No significant differences in suppuration rates were found (p = 0.548). Continuing DOAC therapy during tooth extractions appears clinically safe when meticulous surgical techniques and local hemostatic measures are employed. Although bleeding severity may vary among different DOACs, overall outcomes remain manageable. These findings support an individualized, risk-based perioperative approach rather than routine anticoagulant discontinuation.

Multiple Low-Dose Dexamethasone Further Improves Clinical Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

What's New in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

Adequate pain control after total hip arthroplasty is essential for patient satisfaction and surgical outcome. A retrospective study with before and after design was performed in 210 elective total hip arthroplasty patients. The control group (N=132) received spinal anesthesia with periarticular injection (PAI) and the treatment group (N=78) received transmuscular quadratus lumborum block and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block in addition to spinal anesthesia and PAI. The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) pain score on postoperative day (POD) 1, and secondary outcomes included VAS and opioid consumption on each POD, hospitalization cost, length of stay, and discharge acuity. The mean VAS and opioid consumption (MME) were significantly lower in the treatment group than that in the control group on POD 1, with VAS difference -1.10 (95% confidence interval, -1.64 to -0.55), false discover rate corrected (P<0.001), and MME difference -26.19 (95% confidence interval, -39.16 to -13.23, P<0.001). A significant difference was also found for both VAS (P=0.007) and opioid consumption (P=0.018) on POD 2 and for opioid consumption on POD 3 (P=0.008). Length of stay (days) in the control group versus the treatment group was 2.50±1.38 versus 1.36±0.95 (P=0.002), and the total cost of hospitalization was over 20% higher in the control group than that in the treatment group (P=0.002). The addition of transmuscular quadratus lumborum and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block in total hip arthroplasty provides improved analgesia indicated by lower pain scores and opioid reduction and accelerated recovery with shorter hospitalization and decreased hospitalization cost.

What's New in Spine Surgery.

Background Mandibular third molar disimpactions(M3-Disimpactions) is often associated with postoperative sequalae of pain, swelling, trismus and dysphagia1 which disturb patients’ Poor bone drilling efficiency and irrigation of the surgical site during M3-Disimpactions may worsen the postoperative morbidity and delay wound healing due to persistence of debris and devitalized bone fragments in the surgical site. It is therefore necessary to improve cutting efficiency and remove M3-Disimpaction site debris and devitalized tissues via copious irrigation and lavage to prevent worsening of the postoperative inflammatory sequelae. Aim The study aimed to compare the effects of Povidone iodine solution(PI) and normal saline(NS) irrigants on postoperative pain, swelling, trismus, and immediate postoperative bleeding(IPB) in M3-Disimpactionsn at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria(AKTH). Methodology The study was a randomized controlled study conducted among M3-Disimpaction patients who presented to the Oral surgery clinic of AKTH between May to November 2018. A sample size of 76 was calculated and convenience sampling was used to recruit subjects who were randomly assigned into a study group(SG) and a control group(CG). Each group comprised 38 subjects. The disimpaction irrigants were PI(0.5mg/ml solution) and NS in the SG and CG respectively. Immediate postoperative bleeding(IPB) was assessed for all disimpactions. Pain was assessed on postoperative days 1, 2 and 7(POD1, POD2 and POD7) while swelling and trismus were measured on POD2 and POD7. Statistical comparisons of outcome measures were done within and across groups with significance level set at p≤0.05. Results All recruited 38 subjects of each comparative group in the study completed the study. Each group had a similar M:F ratio of 1:1.3. Within-group analyses revealed that both PI and NS had significant effects on control of postoperative pain (PI: p=0.0001, NS: p=0.0001), swelling (PI: p=0.0001, NS: p=0.0001) and trismus (PI: p=0.0001, NS: p=0.001). Intergroup comparisons of outcome measures taken on POD1 ,POD2 and POD7 showed there were no significant differences in the means of postoperative pain scores (POD1: p=0.414, POD2: p=0.079, POD7: p=0.213), swelling measures (POD2: p=0.127, POD7: p=0.333 ) and Trismus values (POD2: p=0.599, POD7: p=0.566) of both groups. Mean IPB of both groups was significantly different (p=0.0001) with lower mean bleeding outcomes in the PI group. ConclusionPI and NS irrigations have similar significant effects on post-operative pain, swelling and trismus in M3-Disimpactions. However, PI has better haemostatic activity than NS. Clinicians should consider PI irrigation in M3-Disimpactions to reduce peri-operative bleeding.

Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive or silk suture for closure of surgical wound following removal of an impacted mandibular third molar: A randomized controlled study