The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of the ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided techniques in the management of back pain. Using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, we searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before May 2023, which reported relevant data on the topic. The effectiveness of the ultrasound-guided (US-guided) and fluoroscopy-guided (FL-guided) approaches for back pain management was compared in terms of postoperative pain intensity, postoperative functional outcomes, and postoperative complications. Subgroup analyses were conducted for different postoperative periods. Eight studies were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in post-procedural pain relief at one week, two weeks, one month, two months, and three months between the US-guided and FL-guided interventions for back pain management (SMD with 95% CI is −0.01 [−0.11, 0.10]), p = 0.91, I² = 0%). In terms of the postoperative functional outcomes assessed by the “Oswestry Disability Index” (ODI) functionality score, the model tends to favor the FL-guided injections over the US-guided injections (SMD with 95% CI: 0.13 [−0.00, 0.25], p = 0.05, I² = 0). Finally, the US-guided and FL-guided injections did not show significantly different results in terms of postoperative complications (RR with 95% CI is 0.99 [0.49, 1.99], p = 0.97, I² = 0). The subgroup analysis also did not demonstrate differences between the US-guided and FL-guided techniques in the following outcomes: vasovagal reaction, transient headache, and facial flushing. There was no significant difference between the US-guided and FL-guided injections for treating back pain in terms of postoperative pain intensity and complications. Still, the model tends to favor the FL-guided injections over the US-guided injections in terms of functionality.

The objective of the study was to assess the analgesic effects of dexamethasone (DEX) added to peripheral nerve block in knee surgery. We searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The latest search was done on September 11, 2024. Search terms included knee surgery, regional anesthesia, and DEX. Data extraction, statistical analysis, and risk of bias assessment followed established protocols. Seven RCTs with 551 patients were included. In the DEX 4 mg group, no reduction of pain at rest was found. However, for the DEX 8 mg group, pain management at rest was more effective; the mean difference (MD) with 95% CI was –0.34 [–0.50, –0.18]. For pain with movement, the model favors the DEX 4 mg group (MD with 95% CI was –1.03 [–1.84, –0.22]). Only one study reported the differences in pain intensity scores with movement between the DEX 8 mg and control groups. For morphine consumption, the model did not reveal any reduction in the DEX 4 mg group (MD –0.68 [–1.87, 0.5]) or DEX 8 mg group (MD –10.44 [–23.92, 3.03]). Pain with movement may be reduced with a lower dose, and pain without movement with a higher dose of DEX.

Background/Objectives: Due to post-surgical discomfort in kidney transplant recipients and donors as well as opioids’ multiple side effects, alternative analgesic methods are required in renal transplant surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block versus no-block controls in kidney transplantation patients. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis with a trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched for relevant articles in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library published before December 2023. Protocol registration: doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PMZJ4. Results: A total of 11 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The TAP block group had lower pain intensity on postoperative day 1 (mean difference, MD = −0.65 [−0.88, −0.42]; p < 0.00001) than the control group. However, the heterogeneity among the included studies was considerable (I² = 93%). Subgroup meta-analysis and TSA revealed a significant pain reduction at 24 h postoperatively in donors (MD = −0.70 [−1.16, −0.24]; p = 0.003); heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 67%). The TAP block group also had lower overall morphine consumption within 24 h (MD = −4.82 [−7.87, −1.77]; p = 0.002) and cumulative 24 h morphine use (MD = −14.13 [−23.64, −4.63]; p = 0.004); however, heterogeneity was considerable (I² = 98% in both cases). The time to first analgesia (hours) was significantly longer in the TAP block group (MD = 5.92 h [3.63, 8.22]; p < 0.00001, n = 3). There was no significant difference between the groups in postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk ratio, RR = 0.91 [0.49, 1.71]; p = 0.78). Conclusions: TAP block can lower pain intensity and reduce morphine consumption on the first postoperative day in patients undergoing renal transplantation. Pain reduction is especially notable in the subgroup of donors, but the benefits reported are minimum and certainly not clinically relevant. Larger, well-powered RCTs are warranted to confirm these results and evaluate the effect of TAP block in the subgroup of recipients.

The objective of the study was to assess the analgesic effects of dexamethasone (DEX) added to peripheral nerve block in knee surgery. We searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The latest search was done on September 11, 2024. Search terms included knee surgery, regional anesthesia, and DEX. Data extraction, statistical analysis, and risk of bias assessment followed established protocols. Seven RCTs with 551 patients were included. In the DEX 4 mg group, no reduction of pain at rest was found. However, for the DEX 8 mg group, pain management at rest was more effective; the mean difference (MD) with 95% CI was –0.34 [–0.50, –0.18]. For pain with movement, the model favors the DEX 4 mg group (MD with 95% CI was –1.03 [–1.84, –0.22]). Only one study reported the differences in pain intensity scores with movement between the DEX 8 mg and control groups. For morphine consumption, the model did not reveal any reduction in the DEX 4 mg group (MD –0.68 [–1.87, 0.5]) or DEX 8 mg group (MD –10.44 [–23.92, 3.03]). Pain with movement may be reduced with a lower dose, and pain without movement with a higher dose of DEX.

Aryngazin Anuar, Aryngazin Ansar, Aryngazin Askar, & Tynybayeva Madina (2023). Economic Annals-XXI, 203(5-6), 48-58. doi: https://doi.org/10.21003/ea.V203-06