Our aim is to compare the hemodynamic effects of combined psoas compartment-sciatic nerve block (PCSNB) with continuous spinal anaesthesia (CSA) in elderly high-risk patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. Seventy patients over the age of 60 with ASA III or IV physical status were randomly allocated to two groups: In the PCSNB group, ultrasound-guided psoas compartment block was performed with modified Winnie technique using 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine with 1:200.000 epinephrine (5 μgr/mL) and iliac crest block was performed using the same local anaesthetic solution (5 mL). All patients in the PCSNB group needed continuing infusion of propofol (2 mg/kg/h) during operation. In the CSA group, CSA was performed in the L3-L4 interspaced with the patient in lateral decubitus position using 2.5 mg of isobaric bupivacaine 0.5%. When sensory block was not reached to the level of T12 within 10 minutes in the CSA group, additional 2.5 mg of isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% was administered through the catheter at 5-min intervals by limiting the total dose of 15 mg until a T12 level of the sensory block was achieved. The PCSNB group had significantly higher mean arterial blood pressure values at the beginning of surgery and at 5th, 10th and 20th minutes of surgery compared to the CSA group (P =0.038, P =0.029, P =0.012, P =0.009 respectively). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation values during surgery and the postoperative period (P >0.05). Arterial hypotension required ephedrine was observed in 13 patients in the CSA and 4 patients in the PCSNB group (P =0.012). CSA and PCSNB produce satisfactory quality of anaesthesia in elderly high-risk patients with fewer hemodynamic changes in PCSNB cases compared with CSA cases. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12614000658617 , Registered 24 June 2014.

Background: Ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block is also a technique for providing analgesia after a cesarean section. Aim: We hypothesized that bilateral erector spinae plane block applied from the transverse process of T9 who underwent elective cesarean section could provide effective postoperative analgesia. Patients and Methods: Fifty parturients who were scheduled to undergo elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were included in the study. Group SA (n = 25) was categorized as the group in which spinal anesthesia alone (SA) was performed, and Group SA+ESP (n = 25) was categorized as the group in which SA + ESP block was performed. All patients were given a solution containing 7 mg isobaric bupivacaine + 15 mg fentanyl intrathecally through spinal anesthesia. In the SA + ESP group, the bilateral ESPB was performed at level T9 with 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine + 2 mg dexamethasone immediately after the operation. Total fentanyl consumption in 24 h, the visual analogue scale for pain, and time to the first analgesic request were evaluated postoperatively. Results: The total fentanyl consumption in 24 h was statistically significantly lower in the SA + ESP group than the SA group (279 ± 242.99 mg vs. 423.08 ± 212.55 mg, respectively, P = 0.003). The first analgesic requirement time was statistically significantly shorter in the SA group than the SA + ESP group (150.20 ± 51.83 min vs. 197.60 ± 84.49 min, respectively, P = 0.022). Postoperative VAS scores at 4^th, 8^th, and 12^th h at rest were statistically significantly lower in group SA + ESP than in group SA (P = 0.004, P = 0.046, P = 0.044, respectively). VAS scores during the postoperative 4^th, 8^th, and 12^th h cough were statistically significantly lower in group SA + ESP than in group SA (P = 0.002, P = 0.008, P = 0.028, respectively). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided bilateral ESP provided adequate postoperative analgesia and significantly decreased postoperative fentanyl consumption in patients having cesarean section. Also, it has a longer analgesia time than the control group, and it has been shown to delay the first analgesic requirement.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the modified thoracolumbar interfascial plane block (TLIP) on postoperative analgesia and quality of recovery in patients undergoing lumbar disk surgery. Ninety patients scheduled for lumbar disk surgery were divided into a control group (Group C) and a modified TLIP block group (Group T). Controlled analgesia was administered to both groups. Pain evaluation was performed at 30 min and at 1., 2., 4., 8.,12., and 24. hrs using a VAS scale, with patients at rest and duringand patients completed the QoR-40 quality of recovery inventory. Fentanyl used during postoperative 24 hours was 742.5±220.3 mcg in Group C and 446.0±241.98 in Group T. Postoperative fentanyl consumption was statistically significantly lower in Group T (p<0.001) with a statistically significant intergroup difference. The patient’s pain, physical independence, physical comfort, psychological support, and emotional support were compared using the QoR-40 questionnaire survey. Significant differences in favor of Group T were observed (p<0.001, p=0.017, p=0.002, p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Static and dynamic pain scores in Group C and Group T were recorded at 30 min and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24h. Mean static scores were statistically significantly different in favor of Group T with the exception of 8th and 12h assessments (p<0.05). Dynamic scores were statistically significantly different in favor of Group T at all time points (p<0.05). Pain scores, opioid consumption and QoR-40 values after lumbar disk surgery were superior in the group undergoing TLIP. We think that the modified TLIP block may be an important method in terms of postoperative analgesia and patient recovery for lumbar spinal disk surgery.

This prospective randomized study was conducted at Ataturk University Medical Faculty Hospital, Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, from June 2022 to May 2023. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block, quadratus lumborum block, and intrathecal morphine to decrease postoperative pain after cesarean section.