Objective To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of thoracic epidural analesis (TEA) for postoperative complications after cardiac surgery. Methods Such databases as PubMed, Science Citation Index, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI and CBM were electronically searched from inception to October 2012 for collecting the randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness and safety of thoracic epidural analgesisa for postoperative complications after cardiac surgery. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1 software. Results Totally 14 studies were eligible, involving 1 942 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that, TEA combined with general anesthesia (GA) was superior to GA alone in reducing the incidences of myocardial ischemia/infarction (RR=0.63, 95%CI 0.41 to 0.96, P=0.03), respiratory complications (RR=0.55, 95%CI 0.40 to 0.75, P=0.000 1), supraventricular arrhythmias (RR=0.64, 95%CI 0.47 to 0.88, P=0.005), and duration of mechanical ventilation (MD= –2.15, 95%CI –3.72 to –0.58, P=0.007), with significant differences. Conclusions Current evidence shows that, TEA after surgery is effective in reducing the incidences of myocardial ischemia/infarction, respiratory complications, supraventricular arrhythmias, and duration of mechanical ventilation. There is the lack of data on the adverse events of TEA (mainly referring to epidural hematoma). Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, patients’ conditions should be fully considered before applying TEA in clinical practice.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) combined with general anesthesia (GA) versus GA alone on intrapulmonary shunting during one-lung ventilation (OLV). Methods We searched the Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2009), the specialized trials registered in the Cochrane anesthesia group, PubMed (1966 to Dec. 2009), EMbase (1966 to Dec. 2008), CBM (1978 to Dec. 2009), VIP (1989 to Dec. 2009), CNKI (1915 to Dec. 2009), and handsearched Clinical Anesthesia Journal and Chinese Anesthesia Journal. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the effectiveness of TEA combined with GA versus GA alone on intrapulmonary shunting during OLV were included, The methodological quality of included RCTs was evaluated by two reviewers independently, Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.0 software. Results Ten RCTs involving 506 patients were included. The results of meta-analyses showed that there were no significant differences in intrapulmonary shunting during OLV at different times-points of 5, 15, 20, 30, and 60 minutes after OLV. Conclusion Both TEA combined with GA and GA alone have the same Security during OLV. But owing to the low quality and small sample size of the included studies, further more well-designed, large sample size RCTs are needed.
Objective To explore effective substances and methods for prevention of peridural adhesion. Methods Laminectomy was performed on the 5th lumbar segment in 64 rabbits, which were equally divided into 4 groups. The duramater (12 mm×6 mm) was exposed. The exposed duramater was left uncovered in Group A; the exposed dura mater was covered with sodium hyaluronate jel (high molecular weight, 1 ml) in Group B; the lamina repair was performed with the autologous spinous process in Group C; the lamina repair was performed with the sodium hyaluronate jel filling and the autologous spinousprocess in Group D. The specimens were observed grossly and histologically at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks postoperatively. The computed imaging analysis on the epidural adhesion was also performed at 6 weeks postoperatively. Results ①The gross anatomical evaluation: Severe peridural adhesion was formed in Group A, less adhesion formed in Groups B and C, but no obvious adhesion formed in Group D. ②The area percentage of the epidural scar: The area percentage ofthe epidural scar was 15.89%±1.88% and 13.94%±1.89% in Groups C and D respectively, which were significantly lower than those in Groups A and B (22.66%±2.89% and 20.70%±2.82%,Plt;0.05). ③The density of epidural scar: Thedensity of the epidural scars were 42.03%±7.36% and 36.50%±9.08% in Groups B and D, which were significantly lower than those in Groups A and C (63.73%±6.06% and 52.11%±4.10%，Plt;0.05). Conclusion The high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate jel filling combined with the lamina repair using the autologous spinous process has the best preventive effect on the peridural adhesion after laminectomy.
Objective To study the effect of the allogeneic bone sheet that has been treated by the freezedrying and radiation sterilization in preventing the epidural adhesion after laminectomy in sheep. Methods Laminectomy was performed on L3,4and L4,5 of 12 adult male sheep. Afteroperation, one site of L3,4 or L4,5was covered by the allogeneicbone sheet in “H” shape after the freeze-drying and radiation sterilization treatment; and the other site was used as a control. The sheep were killed and the specimens were retrieved at 4，8，12，16，20 and 24 weeks after operation to observe the scar formation process. X-ray andCT scan were performed in the segments of L3,4and L4,5at 4 and 24weeks. Results Four weeks after operation, the position and the shape of the allogeneic bone sheet were good in condition, and no lumbar spinal stenosis or compression of the dura was found in the experimental sections. Twentyfour weeks after operation theexamination on the experimental sections revealed that the vertebral canal reconstruction was completed, the allograft was absorbed almost completely, and inosculation with the lamina of the vertebra and the shape of the lumbar spine were good, with no fibroid tissues found in the epidural area. Compared with the control segment, the dura adhesion degree in the laminoplasty segment was significantly decreased (Plt;0.01), and the dura sac remained in a good shape. There was no obvious compression on the dura. Conclusion The allogeneic bone sheet after the treatment of freeze-drying and radiation sterilization can effectively reduce the scar formation after laminectomy and prevent postoperative recurrence of the spinal stenosis.
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of polylactic acid membrane in prevention of epidural scar and adhesion. Methods From July 1998 to April 2000, 62 patients with lumbar disc herniation were randomly assigned into two groups. All were treated surgically with discectomy by fenestration or laminectomy.One group were placed with a thin of polylactic acid membrane covering the interlaminar space(n=32). The thickness of the film was 0.1mm. The other group was blank control(n=30). After 2 weeks of operation, we observed the local and systemic reactions. After 6 months clinical symptoms were revaluated and the degrees of epidural scar and adhesion were determined by CT scans. Results After 2 weeks, we found no adverse systemic reactions in all patients. Wound healing was excellent. No abnormalities of hepatic and renal functions as well as blood for routine were found. Temperature after operation was normal. After 6 months, the curative effects were as follows in experimental group and in control group: excellent in 27 patients and in 24 patients, good in 4 patients and in 4 patients, fair in 1 patient and in 1 patient, and poor in 0 patient and in 1 patient, respectively. There are no significant difference between two groups. The CT scans showed no adhesion between the epidural scar and the dural sac in all patients of experimental group. There existed various extents of adhesion in control group. Conclusion The results demonstrate that the polylactic acidmembrane can effectively prevent the epidural scar adhesion with a good biocompatibility and no toxity. Its clinical application was promising.
In order to find an ideal biological material to prevent peridural adhesion following laminectomy, 30 rabbits were used as animal model, in each of which 2 defects with a size of 1 cm x 0.5 cm were made following laminectomy of L3, L5 spine. One of the defects was covered extradurally with chitosan, gelatin foam or PLA membrane respectively, while the other defect was exposed as control. All of these animals were sacrificed on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th week after operation, and the extradural fibrosis and adhesion of every animal were evaluated by gross observation and histological examinations. It was revealed that in the chitosan and PLA membrane groups, the extradural tissue was smooth without thickening and there was no fibrous proliferation or adhesion in the epidural cavity, and that in the chitosan group, the growth of fibroblast was restrained but the growth of the epithelial cells was promoted significantly, thus, wound healing was rapid. In the control group and gelatin foam group, obvious extradural fibrosis and adhesion were observed and the extradural space had almost disappeared. Therefore, it was concluded that the biodegradable PLA membrane and chitosan were both an ideal material in the prevention of postoperative epidural adhesion.
Objective To compare the effect of intravenous and epidural analgesia on postoperative complications after abdominal and thoracic surgery. Methods A literature search was conducted by using computerized database on PubMed, EBSCO, Springer, Ovid, and CNKI from 1985 to Jan 2009. Further searches for articles were conducted by checking all references describing postoperative complications with intravenous and epidural anesthesia after abdominal and thoracic surgery. All included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed and data were extracted by the standard of Cochrane systematic review. The homogeneous studies were pooled using RevMan 4.2.10 software. Results Thirteen RCTs involving 3 055 patients met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analyses showed that, a) pulmonary complications and lung function: patient-controlled epidural analgesia can significantly decrease the incidence of pneumonia (RR=0.66, 95%CI 0.53 to 0.83) and improve the FEV1 (WMD=0.17, 95%CI 0.05 to 0.29) and FVC (WMD=0.21, 95%CI 0.1 to 0.32) of lung function after abdominal and thoracic surgery, but no differences in decreasing postoperative respiratory failure (RR=0.77, 95%CI 0.58 to 1.02) and prolonged ventilation (RR=0.75, 95%CI 0.51 to 1.13) compared with intravenous analgesia; b) cardiovascular event: epidural analgesia could significantly decrease the incidence of myocardial infarction (RR=0.58, 95%CI 0.35 to 0.95) and arrhythmia (RR=0.64, 95%CI 0.47 to 0.88) than the control group, but could not better reduce the risk of heart failure (RR=0.79, 95%CI 0.47 to 1.34) and hypotension (RR=1.21, 95%CI 0.63 to 2.29); and c) Other complications: epidural and intravenous analgesia had no difference in decreasing the risk of postoperative renal insufficient (RR=0.78, 95%CI 0.53 to 1.14), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (RR=0.78, 95%CI 0.49 to 1.23), infection (RR=0.89, 95%CI 0.70 to 1.12) and nausea (RR=1.03, 95%CI 0.38 to 2.81). Conclusions Epidural analgesia can obviously decrease the risk of pneumonia, myocardial infarction and severe arrhythmia, and can improve the lung function after abdominal or thoracic surgery.
Objective To evaluate the influence of combined general and epidural anesthesia on the prognosis of patients undergoing cancer surgery. Methods Such database as PubMed, OVID, EBSCO, The Cochrane Library and CNKI were searched, and other relevant journals and references of the included literature were also hand searched from 1986 to 2011. Two evaluators independently screened the studies in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data and assessed the methodology quality. RevMan 5.0 software was used for meta-analyses. Results Seven studies involving 2 513 patients were included. The results of meta-analyses showed that compared with the single general anesthesia, the combined general and epidural anesthesia had no significant differences in postoperative recurrence and metastasis rate (OR=0.71, 95%CI 0.44 to 1.17, P=0.18). Based on the following four factors i.e. category of cancer, time of follow-up, having preoperative metastais or not, and patients’ age, the sensitivity analysis showed significant differences in the postoperative recurrence and metastasis rate between the two anesthesia methods were found in the group of patients at or above 64 years old and the group with follow-up equal to or less than two years (OR=1.46, 95%CI 1.00 to 2.14, P=0.05; OR=1.55, 95%CI 1.06 to 2.26, P=0.02; respectively). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the groups of patients with colorectal cancer or without preoperative metastasis (OR=1.00, 95%CI 0.62-1.61, P=0.99; OR=1.26, 95%CI 0.86 to 1.86, P=0.23; respectively). Conclusion Compared with single general anesthesia, the combined general and epidural anesthesia cannot reduce the recurrence and metastasis rate for cancer patients, and has no marked improvement in prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer or without preoperative metastasis, but it obviously decreases the probability of forward recurrence and metastasis for the patients at or above 64 years old and the patients with follow-up equal to or less than two years.
Objective To systematically evaluate the effect of epidural analgesia on prognosis after intestinal surgery. Methods Such databases as PubMed, EBSCO, Springer, Ovid and CNKI were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the effects of epidural analgesia on prognosis after intestinal surgery published from 1985 to 2010. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was assessed and the data was extracted according to the Cochrane Handbook, and then the meta-analyses were conducted by using RevMan 5.0 software. Results Ten RCTs involving 506 patients were included. The results of meta-analyses showed that compared with the patient controlled analgesia (PCA), the patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) significantly reduced the waiting time for having first flatus, first defecation, and the length of hospital stay (MD= –1.07, 95%CI –1.63 to –0.50; MD= –0.63, 95%CI –1.19 to –0.08; MD= –1.36, 95%CI –2.28 to –0.44; respectively), lowered the frequency of vomiting on the first and second day after operation (OR=0.33, 95%CI 0.13 to 0.82; OR=0.3, 95%CI 0.13 to 0.84; respectively), and obviously declined the visual analog scale (VAS) scores of rest pain on the first, second and third day after operation (MD= –26.60, 95%CI –33.06 to –20.15; MD= –25.98, 95%CI –30.98 to –20.97; MD= –15.59, 95%CI –27.29 to –3.88; respectively), and the VAS scores of motion pain on the first, second and third day after operation (MD= –26.00, 95%CI –36.00 to –16.00; MD= –27.89, 95%CI –35.70 to –20.08; MD= –11.79, 95%CI –21.28 to –2.30; respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of urinary tract infection, urinary retention, anastomotic leak and ileus. Conclusion PCEA significantly reduces the waiting time for having first flatus and first feces, the length of hospital stay, the VAS scores of pain, and the incidence of postoperative vomiting.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia versus epidural patient-controlled analgesia for postoperative analgesia, sedation, and the incidence of side effects. Methods We searched the specialized trials registered in the Cochrane anesthesia group, The Cochrane Library (CCTR), MEDLINE (1966 to Sept. 2008), EMbase (1966 to Sept. 2008), PubMed (1966 to Sept. 2008), and handsearched some Chinese anesthesia Journals and Clinical anesthesia journals. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of intravenous versus epidural analgesia for post-operation were included. The quality of the trials was critically assessed. RevMan 4.2.8 software was used for meta-analyses. Results Thirteen RCTs involving 580 patients of intravenous versus epidural analgesia for post-operation were included. The results of meta-analyses showed that there were no significant differences in postoperative analgesia and sedation at the hour-points of 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, and 24th hours after operation. There were no significant differences in plasma fentanyl concentration in the two groups on the same analgesia effects. There were also no significant differences in side effects. Conclusion Both intravenous patient-controlled analgesia and epidural patient-controlled analgesia have the same clinical effects. Compared with epidural patient-controlled analgesia, intravenous patient-controlled analgesia has fewer side effects and is more convenient. At the same time, it can reduce more costs of hospitalization. But because of the low quality and small sample size of the included studies, more well-designed, large scale, randomized controlled trials are needed.