What is it about?
This is a retrospective case control study of the use of a continuous regional nerve block using a system with a tunneled catheter which is connected to an external infusion reservoir containing local anesthetic. This system was used in patients undergoing lower extremity vascular surgery and the treatment group was compared to a matched control group of patients not receiving this treatment. Improvements in postoperative pain scores and a reduction in narcotic/analgesic use was noted in the treatment group.
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Why is it important?
The use of this method for postoperative pain control provides better pain relief after lower extremity vascular surgery and also results in less narcotic use. Given the current opioid epidemic the utility of relying on non-traditional methods for postoperative pain control are more important and this demonstrates the effectiveness of using the approach outlined in the study.
Perspectives
The concept for this study arose out of my personal observation and that of the nursing staff that patients receiving this treatment "did better" after their surgeries compared to others not receiving it. My concern was that there was a placebo affect for the observers and this method did not actually result in measurable differences. Therefore we undertook this investigation to determine if indeed there were differences. After seeing the results of the study I have continued to use the device and have expanded it's use to lower extremity amputations as well with good benefits being witnessed here as well.
William Shutze
The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Postoperative continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic reduces pain scores and narcotic use after lower extremity revascularization, Applied Geographic Studies, September 2017, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1708538117728864.
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