• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.198-202
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• 2015

Background: Lack of proper control of acute postoperative pain often leads to lingering or chronic pain. Several studies have emphasized the role of beta-blockers in reducing postoperative pain. Esmolol is a selective short-acting beta-blocker that produces few side effects. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of intravenous intraoperative esmolol on postoperative pain reduction following orthopedic leg fracture surgery. Methods: In a clinical trial, 82 patients between 20-65 years of age with tibia fractures and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I & II who underwent surgery were divided into two groups. Group A received esmolol and group B received normal saline. Postoperative pain was measured at three time points: entering the recovery unit, and at 3 h and 6 h following surgery, using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean VAS scores at all three time points were significantly different between the two test groups (P = 0.02, P = 0.0001, and P = 0.0001, respectively). The consumption of pethidine was lower in group A than in group B (P = 0.004) and the duration of its effect was significantly longer in time (P = 0.026). Conclusions: Intravenous intraoperative esmolol is effective in the reduction of postoperative pain following leg fracture surgery. It reduced opioid consumption following surgery and delayed patient requests for analgesics.

• Journal of Bone Metabolism
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.227-233
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• 2018

Background: Few studies have investigated the effects of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes including mortality rates following surgery for osteoporotic hip fractures. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and the relationship between sarcopenia and 1- and 5-year mortality rates in a consecutive series of patients with osteoporotic hip fractures. Methods: Among patients who underwent hip surgery for osteoporotic hip fractures, this study included 91 patients subjected to abdominal computed tomography within 1 year of hip surgery. We defined sarcopenia using sex-specific cut-off points for the skeletal muscle index at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of sarcopenia and the 1- and 5-year mortality rates were compared. To confirm factors affecting mortality in addition to sarcopenia, we examined patient age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, location of fracture, type of surgery, and bone mineral density. Results: The 1- and 5-year mortality rates were 20.9% and 67.2%, respectively. Among the 45 patients with sarcopenia, the 1- and 5-year mortality rates were 22.2% and 82.7%, respectively. Of the 46 patients without sarcopenia, the 1- and 5-year mortality rates were 19.6% and 52.7%, respectively. Results of the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that sarcopenia did not affect the 1-year mortality rate (P=0.793), but had a significant effect on the 5-year mortality rate (P=0.028). Both perioperative sarcopenia (P=0.018) and osteoporosis (P=0.000) affected the 5-year mortality rate. Conclusions: Sarcopenia increases the risk of 5-year mortality in patients with osteoporotic hip fractures.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.67-73
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• 2000

Background: This study intends to evaluate the benefits of the administation of continuous infusion and demand doses of 0.125% ropivacaine compared with 0.125% bupivacaine after addition of fentanyl using patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) for pain control during labor. Methods: Thirty-nine American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 or 2 parturients were randomized by double blind design to receive either 0.125% bupivacaine with fentanyl 1 ug/ml or equivalent concentration of ropivacaine/fentanyl using PCEA; with 6~8 ml/hr basal rate, 3 ml bolus, 5 min lockout, 30 ml/hr dose limit. We assessed analgesia, the amount of study solution used in PCEA, sensory levels, motor block (0~3 scales), side effects and patient satisfaction. A postpartum questionnaire was carried out afterward. Results: There were no differences in visual analogue scores (VAS) for pain, hourly study solution use, sensory levels, side effects and patient satisfaction between groups. However, patients administered ropivacaine/fentanyl had significantly less demand, less administered in PCEA, less numbness and restriction of movement compared with patients in the bupivacaine/fentanyl group. Conclusions: Ropivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl, when administerd epidurally by PCEA for labor analgesia, was equally efficious as bupivaciane 0.125% with fentanyl, having with minimal numbness and restriction of motion.

• Neurospine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.329-337
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• 2018

Objective: Machine learning algorithms excel at leveraging big data to identify complex patterns that can be used to aid in clinical decision-making. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the performance of machine learning models in predicting postoperative complications following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods: Artificial neural network (ANN), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest decision tree (RF) models were trained on a multicenter data set of patients undergoing ACDF to predict surgical complications based on readily available patient data. Following training, these models were compared to the predictive capability of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification. Results: A total of 20,879 patients were identified as having undergone ACDF. Following exclusion criteria, patients were divided into 14,615 patients for training and 6,264 for testing data sets. ANN and LR consistently outperformed ASA physical status classification in predicting every complication (p < 0.05). The ANN outperformed LR in predicting venous thromboembolism, wound complication, and mortality (p < 0.05). The SVM and RF models were no better than random chance at predicting any of the postoperative complications (p < 0.05). Conclusion: ANN and LR algorithms outperform ASA physical status classification for predicting individual postoperative complications. Additionally, neural networks have greater sensitivity than LR when predicting mortality and wound complications. With the growing size of medical data, the training of machine learning on these large datasets promises to improve risk prognostication, with the ability of continuously learning making them excellent tools in complex clinical scenarios.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.116-121
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• 2014

Background Understanding risk factors that increase readmission rates may help enhance patient education and set system-wide expectations. We aimed to provide benchmark data on causes and predictors of readmission following inpatient plastic surgery. Methods The 2011 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset was reviewed for patients with both "Plastics" as their recorded surgical specialty and inpatient status. Readmission was tracked through the "Unplanned Readmission" variable. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared using chi-squared analysis and Student's t-tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis was used for identifying predictors of readmission. Results A total of 3,671 inpatient plastic surgery patients were included. The unplanned readmission rate was 7.11%. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (odds ratio [OR], 2.01; confidence interval [CI], 1.12- 3.60; P=0.020), previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR, 2.69; CI, 1.21-5.97; P=0.015), hypertension requiring medication (OR, 1.65; CI, 1.22-2.24; P<0.001), bleeding disorders (OR, 1.70; CI, 1.01-2.87; P=0.046), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 or 4 (OR, 1.57; CI, 1.15-2.15; P=0.004), and obesity (body mass index ${\geq}30$) (OR, 1.43; CI, 1.09-1.88, P=0.011) to be significant predictors of readmission. Conclusions Inpatient plastic surgery has an associated 7.11% unplanned readmission rate. History of COPD, previous PCI, hypertension, ASA class 3 or 4, bleeding disorders, and obesity all proved to be significant risk factors for readmission. These findings will help to benchmark inpatient readmission rates and manage patient and hospital system expectations.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.138-143
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• 2020

Background: Severe pain associated with proximal femur fractures makes the positioning for regional anesthesia a challenge. Systemic administration of analgesics can have adverse effects. Individually, both the fascia iliaca block (FIB) and femoral nerve blocks (FNB) have been studied. However, there is little evidence comparing the two. The aim of this study was to compare the overall efficacy of the two blocks in patients with proximal femur fracture before positioning for spinal anesthesia. Methods: ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class I, II, and III patients scheduled for elective and emergency surgery with the diagnosis of proximal femur fracture between October 2018 and June 2019 were included in the study. The patients were assigned to two groups by convenience nonprobability sampling of 35 each. Results: Our study showed a reduction in visual analogue scale scores at 3, 4, and 5 minutes after administration of the FIB being 5.1 ± 1.1, 4.1 ± 1.3, and 2.8 ± 0.8, and those after the FNB as 4.4 ± 1.1, 3.3 ± 1.1, and 2.1 ± 1.4 with P < 0.05, which was statistically significant. The mean first rescue analgesia time for the FIB was 7.1 ± 2.1 hours, while for the FNB it was 5.2 ± 0.7 hours. The P value was less than 0.001, which was significant. Conclusions: Both ultrasound guided FNB and FIB techniques provide sufficient analgesia for patient's positioning before spinal anesthesia. However, the duration of postoperative analgesia provided by FIB was greater than that of the FNB.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2019

Background: Severe pain always develops after thoracotomy; intrapleural regional analgesia is used as a simple, safe technique to control it. This study was performed to evaluate whether a small dose of naloxone with local anesthetics prolongs sensory blockade. Methods: A prospective, randomized double-blinded controlled study was conducted on 60 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists statuses I and II, aged 18 to 60 years, scheduled for unilateral thoracotomy surgery. After surgery, patients were randomly divided into two groups: through the intrapleural catheter, group B received 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine, while group N received 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with 100 ng of naloxone. Postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analog pain scale (VAS). Time for the first request for rescue analgesia, total amount consumed, and incidence of postoperative complications were also recorded. Results: The VAS score significantly decreased in group N, at 6 h and 8 h after operation (P < 0.001 for both). At 12 h after injection, the VAS score increased significantly in group N (P < 0.001). The time for the first request of rescue analgesia was significantly longer in group N compared to group B (P < 0.001). The total amount of morphine consumed was significantly lower in group N than in the bupivacaine group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Addition of a small dose of naloxone to bupivacaine in intrapleural regional analgesia significantly prolonged pain relief after thoracotomy and delayed the first request for rescue analgesia, without significant adverse effects.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.211-217
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• 2024

Purpose: The concept of a superior approach (SA) involves the use of a tissue-sparing posterior approach (PA), with exposure of the piriformis muscle and gluteus medius/minimus muscles. The objective of this study was to clarify the features of hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) using a SA in regard to early recovery and mid-term outcomes, with a comparison of the outcomes of SA-HAs and HAs using a PA (PA-HAs). Materials and Methods: A total of 120 HAs for treatment of primary femoral neck fracture with a healthy opposite hip joint were performed in our hospital from 2013 to 2018. Propensity score matching in regard to age, sex, body mass index, walking ability before injury, place of residence, time to surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiologists-Physical Status was performed for 79 patients with SA-HAs and 41 patients with PA-HAs. The final analysis included 34 patients who underwent SA-HAs and 34 patients who underwent PA-HAs. Results: The duration of surgery was 57.1 minutes and 72.1 minutes (P=0.001) for SA-HAs and PA-HAs, respectively. The scores for walking ability at postoperative one week were 4.9±1.4 and 4.2±1.0 (P=0.021) for SA-HAs and PA-HAs, respectively. The Barthel index (BI) at the start of rehabilitation was 26.2±18.7 and 17.4±16.3 (P=0.042) for SA-HAs and PA-HAs, respectively. The 4-year complication-free survival rates were 74.2% and 56.3% for SA-HAs and PA-HAs, respectively (P=0.310). Conclusion: SA-HA can be performed without torsion of the muscles and ligaments around the hip joint. Early recovery of walking ability and BI was a significant feature of SA-HAs.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.227-235
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• 2022

Purpose: Outpatient classified total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a safe option for a select group of patients. An analysis of a national database was conducted to understand the risk factors for unplanned discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or acute rehabilitation (rehab) after outpatient classified THA. Materials and Methods: A query of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for THA (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] 27130) performed from 2015 to 2018 was conducted. Patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, functional status, NSQIP morbidity probability, operative time, length of stay (LOS), 30-day reoperation rate, readmission rate, and associated complications were collected. Results: A total of 2,896 patients underwent outpatient classified THA. The mean age of patients was 61.2 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.6 kg/m² with median ASA 2. The results of univariate comparison of SNF/rehab versus home discharge showed that a significantly higher percentage of females (58.7% vs. 46.8%), age >70 years (49.3% vs. 20.9%), ASA ≥3 (58.0% vs. 25.8%), BMI >35 kg/m² (23.3% vs. 16.2%), and hypoalbuminemia (8.0% vs. 1.5%) (P<0.0001) were discharged to SNF/rehab. The results of multivariable logistic regression showed that female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.47; P=0.03), age >70 years (OR 3.08; P=0.001), ASA≥3 (OR 2.56; P=0.001), and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) (OR 3.76; P=0.001) were independent risk factors for SNF/rehab discharge. Conclusion: Risk factors associated with discharge to a SNF/rehab after outpatient classified THA were identified. Surgeons will be able to perform better risk stratification for patients who may require additional postoperative intervention.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.199-204
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• 2017

Background: Anxiety control remains an important concern in dental practice. We evaluated the incidence, nature, and sequelae of complications during and after minor oral surgeries performed under intravenous midazolam and fentanyl sedation using the titration technique. Method: The medical records of patients who had undergone minor oral surgeries under moderate intravenous midazolam and fentanyl sedation at our institution between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Age, sex, body mass index, medical history, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, indications for sedation, amount of sedative used, surgical duration, and recovery time were evaluated for all patients. Results: In total, 107 patients aged 9-84 years were included. ASA class I and class II were observed for 56.1% and 43.9% patients, respectively. Complications associated with sedation occurred in 11 (10.2%) patients. There were no serious adverse events. Oxygen saturation reached 95% during the procedure in six patients; this was successfully managed by stimulating the patients to take a deep breath. Two patients exhibited deep sedation and one exhibited paradoxical excitement. After the procedure, one patient experienced nausea without vomiting and one exhibited a prolonged recovery time. The surgical procedures were completed in all patients. Obesity was found to be significantly associated with sedation-related complications. Conclusion: Our results suggest that complications associated with intravenous midazolam and fentanyl sedation using the titration technique for minor oral surgeries are mostly minor and can be successfully managed with no prolonged sequelae.