Iniltration vs. instillation of ropivacaine 7.5% in radical mastectomies for postoperative analgesia

Objective: Determining the effectiveness of iniltration versus instillation with 7.5% ropivacaine in reducing the intensity of postoperative pain in patients undergoing a radical mastectomy. Material and methods: Clinical, prospective, and comparative analytical study in a sample of 20 female patients between 20 and 60 years of age, ASA I and II, weight 50-90 kg, who were divided into 2 groups (10 patients each). In Group 1 infiltration with ropivacaine 7.5% (20 ml) was applied prior to closure of the surgical wound, meanwhile in Group 2 ropivacaine 7.5% (20 ml), was instilled into the surgical wound. P ain intensity was assessed by a visual analog scale (V AS) upon extubation. The need for rescue medication and the incidence of nausea and vomiting were measured from 0 to 30 minutes postoperatively and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours. Results: There was no statistical difference between the groups (only the group managed through iniltration required rescue medications), but the iniltration group had a lower perception of pain. Conclusions: This study reported the same eficacy of preventive treatment of postoperative pain in patients who underwent radical mastectomy for instillation and iniltration with 7.5% ropivacaine and little need for rescue medication postoperatively.

Comparison of the eficacy and safety of 4 mg of ondansetron vs. 4 mg of nalbuphine for the treatment of neuraxial morphineinduced pruritus

Objective: To compare the eficacy and safety of 4 mg of ondansetron vs. 4 mg of nalbuphine for the treatment of neuraxial morphine-induced pruritus, in patients at the “Dr. José Eleuterio González” University Hospital from September 2012 to August 2013. Material and methods: A controlled, prospective, randomized study of 28 patients (14 per group) receiving neuraxial morphine analgesia was conducted, which was registered and approved by the ethics Committee of the Institution and patients agreed to participate in the study under informed consent. The results were segmented and contrasted (according to drug) by hypothesis testing; the association was determined by X2 with a 95% conidence interval (CI). Results: Pruritus was effectively resolved in both groups and no signiicant difference was found in the rest of the variables. An increase in the visual analogue scale (eVA) was observed at 6 and 12 hours for the ondansetron group, which was statistically signiicant (p≤0.05), however both groups had an eVA of less than 3. Conclusions: When comparing the eficacy and safety of ondansetron 4 mg vs. nalbuphine 4 mg for the treatment of neuraxial morphine induced pruritus, the only signiicant difference found was the mean eVA at 6 and 12 hours, favoring the ondansetron group. However, both groups scored less than 3 on the eVA. Therefore, we consider that both treatments are effective and safe in the treatment of pruritus caused by neuraxial morphine.