Roy Kazan

Transversus abdominal plane block for postoperative analgesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

PurposeThe transversus abdominal plane (TAP) block has been described as an effective pain control technique after abdominal surgery. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) to account for the increasing number of TAP block studies appearing in the literature. The primary outcome we examined was the effect of TAP block on the postoperative pain score at six, 12, and 24 hr. The secondary outcome was 24-hr morphine consumption.SourceWe searched the United States National Library of Medicine database, the Excerpta Medica database, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Studies and identified RCTs focusing on the analgesic efficacy of TAP block compared with a control group [i.e., placebo, epidural analgesia, intrathecal morphine (ITM), and ilioinguinal nerve block after abdominal surgery]. Meta-analyses were performed on postoperative pain scores at rest at six, 12, and 24 hr (visual analogue scale, 0-10) and on 24-hr opioid consumption.Principal findingsIn the 51 trials identified, compared with placebo, TAP block reduced the VAS for pain at six hours by 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], −1.9 to −0.8; P < 0.001), at 12 hr by 2.0 (95% CI, −2.7 to −1.4; P < 0.001), and at 24 hr by 1.2 (95% CI, −1.6 to −0.8; P < 0.001). Similarly, compared with placebo, TAP block reduced morphine consumption at 24 hr after surgery (mean difference, −14.7 mg; 95% CI, −18.4 to −11.0; P < 0.001). We observed this reduction in pain scores and morphine consumption in the TAP block group after gynecological surgery, appendectomy, inguinal surgery, bariatric surgery, and urological surgery. Nevertheless, separate analysis of the studies comparing ITM with TAP block revealed that ITM seemed to have a greater analgesic efficacy.ConclusionsThe TAP block can play an important role in the management of pain after abdominal surgery by reducing both pain scores and 24-hr morphine consumption. It may have particular utility when neuraxial techniques or opioids are contraindicated.RésuméObjectifLe bloc dans le plan du muscle transverse de l’abdomen (ou TAP bloc) a été décrit comme une technique efficace de contrôle de la douleur après une chirurgie abdominale. Nous avons réalisé une revue systématique et une méta-analyse des études randomisées contrôlées (ERC) pour faire un état des lieux du nombre croissant d’études sur le TAP bloc qui s’ajoutent à la littérature. Le critère d’évaluation principal était l’effet d’un TAP bloc sur les scores de douleur postopératoire à six, 12 et 24 h. Le critère d’évaluation secondaire était la consommation de morphine à 24 h.SourceNous avons effectué des recherches dans la base de données de la Bibliothèque nationale américaine de médecine (United States National Library of Medicine) ainsi que dans le Registre central Cochrane des études cliniques contrôlées (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Studies). Nous avons ensuite identifié les ERC se concentrant sur l’efficacité analgésique des TAP blocs par rapport à un groupe témoin [c.-à-d. placebo, analgésie péridurale, morphine intrathécale (MIT) et bloc nerveux ilio-inguinal] après une chirurgie abdominale. Des méta-analyses ont été réalisées en examinant les scores de douleur postopératoire au repos à six, 12 et 24 h (échelle visuelle analogique [EVA], 0-10) et la consommation d’opioïdes sur une période de 24 h.Constatations principalesParmi les 51 études identifiées, par rapport à un placebo, le TAP bloc a réduit le score de douleur de 1,4 sur l’EVA après six heures (intervalle de confiance [IC] 95 %, −1,9 à −0,8; P < 0,001), de 2,0 après 12 h (IC 95 %, −2,7 à −1,4; P < 0,001) et de 1,2 après 24 h (IC 95 %, −1,6 à −0,8; P < 0,001). De la même façon, par rapport au placebo, le TAP bloc a réduit la consommation de morphine à 24 h après la chirurgie (différence moyenne, −14,7 mg; IC 95 %, −18,4 à −11,0; P < 0,001). Nous avons observé cette réduction en matière de scores de douleur et de consommation de morphine dans le groupe TAP bloc après des chirurgies gynécologiques, des appendicectomies, des chirurgies inguinales, des chirurgies bariatriques et des chirurgies urologiques. Toutefois, une analyse séparée des études comparant la MIT au TAP bloc a révélé que la MIT semblait avoir une efficacité analgésique plus prononcée.ConclusionLe TAP bloc peut jouer un rôle important dans la prise en charge de la douleur après une chirurgie abdominale en réduisant les scores de douleur et la consommation de morphine à 24 h. Il pourrait être particulièrement utile lorsque l’utilisation de techniques neuraxiales ou les opioïdes sont contre-indiqués.

Clinical Performance and Safety of Closed-Loop Systems: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Automated systems can improve the stability of controlled variables and reduce the workload in clinical practice without increasing the risks to patients. We conducted this review and meta-analysis to assess the clinical performance of closed-loop systems compared with manual control. Our primary outcome was the accuracy of closed-loop systems in comparison with manual control to maintain a given variable in a desired target range. The occurrence of overshoot and undershoot episodes was the secondary outcome. We retrieved randomized controlled trials on accuracy and safety of closed-loop systems versus manual control. Our primary outcome was the percentage of time during which the system was able to maintain a given variable (eg, bispectral index or oxygen saturation) in a desired range or the proportion of the target measurements that was within the required range. Our secondary outcome was the percentage of time or the number of episodes that the controlled variable was above or below the target range. The standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for continuous outcomes, whereas the odds ratio and 95% CI were estimated for dichotomous outcomes. Thirty-six trials were included. Compared with manual control, automated systems allowed better maintenance of the controlled variable in the anesthesia drug delivery setting (95% CI, 11.7%–23.1%; percentage of time, P < 0.0001, number of studies: n = 15), in patients with diabetes mellitus (95% CI, 11.5%–30.9%; percentage of time, P = 0.001, n = 8), and in patients mechanically ventilated (95% CI, 1.5%–23.1%; percentage of time, P = 0.03, n = 8). Heterogeneity among the studies was high (>75%). We observed a significant reduction of episodes of overshooting and undershooting when closed-loop systems were used. The use of automated systems can result in better control of a given target within a selected range. There was a decrease of overshooting or undershooting of a given target with closed-loop systems.

A Novel Mammoplasty Part-task Trainer for Simulation of Breast Augmentation: Description and Evaluation

Introduction Since the introduction of competency-based education and the restriction of residents’ working hours, simulator-aided training has obtained increasing attention for its role in teaching and assessing resident surgical skills. Within plastic surgery training, such simulators would be particularly useful for aesthetic surgery procedures such as augmentation mammoplasty where residents have fewer opportunities for hands-on experience. The aims of this study were to develop a part-task trainer that allows plastic surgery trainees to acquire skills necessary for augmentation mammoplasty and to assess its potential value as a training tool. Methods The mammoplasty part-task trainer (MPT) was designed to have a reusable and rigid thorax base and “soft” disposable layers to mimic the skin and subcutaneous tissues. A mock unilateral subglandular breast augmentation was performed by 4 board-certified plastic surgeons using standard instruments and scored using a 0 to 5 Likert scale where a score of 5 was considered the most satisfactory. Results Four board-certified plastic surgeons participated in the survey. On a scale of 0 to 5, the MPT’s “value” as a training tool, “relevance to practice,” and “physical attributes” scored highest, with mean values of 4.5, 4.3, and 4.1, respectively. “Realism of experience,” “ability to perform tasks,” and “realism of material” scored 3.9, 3.8, and 3.7, respectively. The observed average of the “global assessment” of the MPT was 4.3. The cost of fabrication of the MPT was estimated at approximately Can

The Evolution of Surgical Simulation: The Current State and Future Avenues for Plastic Surgery Education

113. Conclusions This study describes a preliminary novel mammoplasty task trainer that was highly valued by experts as a potential training tool.

NerveGPS: A Novel Decision Support System for Ultrasound Nerve Block Guidance

Summary: Alongside the ongoing evolution of surgical training toward a competency-based paradigm has come the need to reevaluate the role of surgical simulation in residency. Simulators offer the ability for trainees to acquire specific skills and for educators to objectively assess the progressive development of these skills. In this article, the authors discuss the historical evolution of surgical simulation, with a particular focus on its past and present role in plastic surgery education. The authors also discuss the future steps required to further advance plastic surgery simulation in an effort to continue to train highly competent plastic surgery graduates.

Identification of New Tools to Predict Surgical Performance of Novices using a Plastic Surgery Simulator

Peripheral regional nerve blockade (nerve block) is used in anesthesia to administer anesthesia to certain regions of the body. During nerve block the anesthetic is injected directly into or around the area surrounding the nerve. One of the most critical components of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks is the detection of the nerve within the ultrasound image. This study presents a software-based solution for the detection of nerves within the ultrasound feed. The software that was developed used image processing tools to detect the location of the sciatic nerve at the popliteal fossa within an ultrasound feed. For the study, 100 images were obtained from authors. Then, 2 anesthesiologists with experience in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks were asked to identify the contour of the nerve in the obtained images. The study used two criteria for evaluating the software: 1) the location of the software determined nerve center fell within the manually defined contour and 2) the percentage of overlap between the software and manually detected areas. A test was successful if the percentage of overlap between automatic and manual detection was a minimum of 95% for a circle of 0.4cm diameter centered at the software detected nerve center. For the 100 image sample, the nerve was detected within the manually detected area in 99% of the cases, with an overlap of 98% for a 0.4cm diameter circle. Time to detect the nerve ranged from 0.95s to 1.6s. These preliminary results show that the nerve detection software provides a reliable target for needle insertion. Future work will extend the software to different nerves of interest.

Commentary on: Simulation: An Effective Method of Teaching Cosmetic Botulinum Toxin Injection Technique

OBJECTIVE To identify new tools capable of predicting surgical performance of novices on an augmentation mammoplasty simulator. The pace of technical skills acquisition varies between residents and may necessitate more time than that allotted by residency training before reaching competence. Identifying applicants with superior innate technical abilities might shorten learning curves and the time to reach competence. The objective of this study is to identify new tools that could predict surgical performance of novices on a mammoplasty simulator. METHOD We recruited 14 medical students and recorded their performance in 2 skill-games: Mikado and Perplexus Epic, and in 2 video games: Star War Racer (Sony Playstation 3) and Super Monkey Ball 2 (Nintendo Wii). Then, each participant performed an augmentation mammoplasty procedure on a Mammoplasty Part-task Trainer, which allows the simulation of the essential steps of the procedure. RESULTS The average age of participants was 25.4 years. Correlation studies showed significant association between Perplexus Epic, Star Wars Racer, Super Monkey Ball scores and the modified OSATS score with rs = 0.8491 (p < 0.001), rs = -0.6941 (p = 0.005), and rs = 0.7309 (p < 0.003), but not with the Mikado score rs = -0.0255 (p = 0.9). Linear regressions were strongest for Perplexus Epic and Super Monkey Ball scores with coefficients of determination of 0.59 and 0.55, respectively. A combined score (Perplexus/Super-Monkey-Ball) was computed and showed a significant correlation with the modified OSATS score having an rs = 0.8107 (p < 0.001) and R2 = 0.75, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study identified a combination of skill games that correlated to better performance of novices on a surgical simulator. With refinement, such tools could serve to help screen plastic surgery applicants and identify those with higher surgical performance predictors.