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Keywords = intravenous anesthetics

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16 pages, 872 KB  
Systematic Review
Preoperative Anxiolysis in Surgical Care Without Sedation or General Anesthesia: A Systematic Review
by Inesa Stonkutė, Dominykas Afanasjevas, Audra Janovskienė, Dainius Razukevičius and Žygimantas Petronis
Dent. J. 2026, 14(6), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14060327 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 51
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Preoperative anxiety is common in adult patients undergoing oral and dentoalveolar surgical procedures under local anesthesia and may impair cooperation, physiological stability, and overall treatment experience. While intravenous sedation and general anesthesia provide effective anxiolysis, they increase anesthetic exposure and recovery demands. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Preoperative anxiety is common in adult patients undergoing oral and dentoalveolar surgical procedures under local anesthesia and may impair cooperation, physiological stability, and overall treatment experience. While intravenous sedation and general anesthesia provide effective anxiolysis, they increase anesthetic exposure and recovery demands. Targeted preoperative anxiolysis offers a less invasive strategy to reduce anxiety while preserving responsiveness. However, approaches vary and standardized protocols are lacking. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of preoperative anxiolytic interventions—including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies—in adult patients undergoing oral surgical procedures under local anesthesia without general anesthesia or deep sedation. Methods: The review adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261281592). Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials published between 2016 and 2026 were identified through structured searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Springer Nature Link. Eligible studies included adult patients undergoing oral surgery under local anesthesia and evaluated preoperative anxiolysis using validated instruments such as the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Owing to methodological heterogeneity, results were synthesized narratively. Results: Eight trials (n = 617) met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included oral benzodiazepines, melatonin, pregabalin, herbal agents, nitrous oxide, and auriculotherapy. Benzodiazepines consistently reduced anxiety scores (p < 0.05) without significant interagent differences. Pregabalin at a dose of 150 mg significantly lowered STAI-S and VAS-A scores (p < 0.001). Passiflora incarnata was comparable to midazolam and superior to placebo, whereas Erythrina mulungu showed no effect. Melatonin results were inconsistent. Hemodynamics remained stable, and adverse events were mild. Conclusions: Preoperative anxiolysis under local anesthesia effectively reduces anticipatory anxiety in oral surgery, with benzodiazepines demonstrating the most consistent efficacy. Further standardized trials are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
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9 pages, 658 KB  
Article
Effect of an Intravenous Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Fixed-Dose Combination on Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study
by Hwang-Ju You, Ji-Yoon Jung, Woojin Kwon, Sung-Ae Cho and Tae-Yun Sung
Medicina 2026, 62(6), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62061038 - 27 May 2026
Viewed by 127
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) commonly arises as a direct consequence of perioperative urinary catheterization. A fixed-dose combination of 1000 mg acetaminophen and 300 mg ibuprofen provides multimodal analgesia. In this study, we assessed the impact of this fixed-dose combination [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) commonly arises as a direct consequence of perioperative urinary catheterization. A fixed-dose combination of 1000 mg acetaminophen and 300 mg ibuprofen provides multimodal analgesia. In this study, we assessed the impact of this fixed-dose combination on mitigating CRBD in patients undergoing urological procedures. Materials and Methods: In this prospective pilot study, 23 patients undergoing urological surgery requiring urinary catheterization were randomized into two groups; approximately 20 min before the anticipated end of surgery, patients were administered a combination of 1000 mg acetaminophen and 300 mg ibuprofen (intervention group, n = 11) or saline (control group, n = 12). The primary endpoint was the incidence of CRBD immediately after the patient’s arrival at the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU). The incidence of CRBD at 1, 2, and 6 h postoperatively and the severity of CRBD at each time point were also assessed. Results: The incidence of CRBD immediately after arrival at the PACU was lower in the intervention group (54.5% vs. 100%, p = 0.014). However, no significant differences in overall CRBD incidence were observed at later postoperative time points. The incidence of moderate CRBD was lower in the intervention group at 0 h and 1 h (p = 0.036 and 0.037, respectively). Conclusions: The findings of this pilot randomized trial provide preliminary evidence that intravenous acetaminophen and ibuprofen may reduce early postoperative CRBD following urological surgery. Given the small sample size and single-center design, larger multicenter randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesiology, Resuscitation, and Pain Management)
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18 pages, 1676 KB  
Systematic Review
Intravenous Lidocaine as an Adjunct for Postoperative Recovery After Open Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review
by Calin Muntean, Melania Veronica Ardelean, Vasile Gaborean, Ionut Flaviu Faur, Alaviana Monique Faur, Razvan Constantin Vonica and Catalin Vladut Ionut Feier
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(11), 4068; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15114068 - 25 May 2026
Viewed by 170
Abstract
Background/Objectives: major open abdominal surgery remains associated with clinically important postoperative pain, delayed gastrointestinal recovery, opioid exposure, and prolonged length of stay. Intravenous lidocaine infusion (IVLI) has biologically plausible analgesic, anti-hyperalgesic, anti-inflammatory, and opioid-sparing effects, but prior evidence syntheses have often combined open [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: major open abdominal surgery remains associated with clinically important postoperative pain, delayed gastrointestinal recovery, opioid exposure, and prolonged length of stay. Intravenous lidocaine infusion (IVLI) has biologically plausible analgesic, anti-hyperalgesic, anti-inflammatory, and opioid-sparing effects, but prior evidence syntheses have often combined open and minimally invasive procedures. This systematic review evaluated evidence for perioperative IVLI in adult patients undergoing major open abdominal surgery. Methods: the review was structured according to PRISMA 2020. The final search was run on 15 January 2026 and covered PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP from database inception to that date, without language restrictions at the search stage. Eligible studies enrolled adults undergoing elective open abdominal surgery and compared systemic IVLI with placebo, usual care, or active epidural analgesic comparators. Primary outcomes were postoperative opioid consumption and pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal recovery, postoperative ileus, length of hospital stay, postoperative nausea and vomiting, inflammatory/stress biomarkers, and adverse events. Results: ten randomized trials involving 658 participants were included. Placebo/usual-care trials and active-comparator trials were synthesized separately because they address different clinical questions. IVLI generally reduced opioid consumption compared with placebo, with extractable effects including a 55.9 mg reduction in 72 h morphine use in one abdominal surgery trial and a 13.9 mg reduction in 24 h morphine use after radical prostatectomy. Gastrointestinal recovery favored IVLI in most placebo-controlled studies; for example, first flatus occurred 12.5 h earlier and first bowel movement 28.4 h earlier in one trial. Active-comparator trials suggested comparable early dynamic pain outcomes versus thoracic epidural analgesia in selected settings, although opioid consumption findings were less consistent. No serious lidocaine-related toxicity was reported, but the included trials were underpowered to detect rare local anesthetic systemic toxicity events and did not consistently capture subclinical neurologic symptoms such as perioral numbness or visual disturbance. Conclusions: in adult open abdominal surgery, perioperative IVLI may provide opioid-sparing and recovery benefits, particularly when infusion continues beyond the intraoperative period. However, the certainty of evidence remains limited. Full article
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14 pages, 628 KB  
Review
Perioperative Anesthesia Strategies for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Within Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathways: A Clinical Narrative Review
by Rachel Dombrower, Alyssa McKenzie, Andrew J. Tucker and Johnathan Atwell
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3829; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103829 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 384
Abstract
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remain a leading preventable perioperative complication despite advances in anesthetic and surgical care, significantly affecting recovery within Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways. ERAS protocols provide a structured, multidisciplinary framework for perioperative optimization; however, variability in the implementation [...] Read more.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remain a leading preventable perioperative complication despite advances in anesthetic and surgical care, significantly affecting recovery within Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways. ERAS protocols provide a structured, multidisciplinary framework for perioperative optimization; however, variability in the implementation of PONV prevention strategies persists. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on perioperative strategies for PONV prevention within ERAS pathways, focusing on patient risk stratification, multimodal pharmacologic prophylaxis, anesthetic techniques, and adjunctive non-pharmacologic interventions. We evaluate validated risk prediction tools, including the Apfel score, and highlight the importance of individualized prophylactic strategies based on patient, surgical, and anesthetic risk factors. Multimodal antiemetic regimens, opioid-sparing anesthesia, total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), and regional techniques are discussed as key components of perioperative management. In addition, non-pharmacologic interventions such as optimized fluid therapy, early mobilization, and supportive perioperative care are reviewed as integral elements of ERAS-based recovery pathways. Complementing existing consensus guidelines, this review provides a practical, workflow-based framework spanning preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative decision-making, and postoperative monitoring for direct application within ERAS protocols. Full article
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10 pages, 2932 KB  
Article
SAFE (Subarachnoid-Alternative Anaesthesia for Endoprosthesis): A Motor-Sparing and Opioid-Sparing Anesthetic Technique for Hip Fracture Surgery
by Romualdo Del Buono, Raffaella Barretta, Paola Marsico, Chiara Palermo, Fabio Costa, Giuseppe Pascarella, Giorgio Ranieri and Andrea Tognù
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3808; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103808 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Background: Anesthetizing frail patients for hip surgery is challenging; spinal (SA) and general anesthesia (GA) often cause hemodynamic instability. Traditional nerve blocks provide analgesia but rarely complete surgical anesthesia without motor block. We evaluate the clinical feasibility of the SAFE (Subarachnoid-alternative Anaesthesia [...] Read more.
Background: Anesthetizing frail patients for hip surgery is challenging; spinal (SA) and general anesthesia (GA) often cause hemodynamic instability. Traditional nerve blocks provide analgesia but rarely complete surgical anesthesia without motor block. We evaluate the clinical feasibility of the SAFE (Subarachnoid-alternative Anaesthesia For Endoprosthesis) protocol—combining Anterior Pericapsular Nerve Group (A-PENG), POsterior pericapsular Nerve Group (PONG), and Local Infiltration Analgesia (LIA) under intravenous sedation—as a primary anesthetic preserving motor function and avoiding SA/GA. Methods: This single-center retrospective series analyzed patients undergoing elective or trauma-related hip surgery using the SAFE protocol between September 2022 and April 2026. The primary outcome was success rate (completion without SA/GA conversion). Secondary outcomes included procedural timings, recovery room (RR) transit, and motor preservation. Variables are reported as medians [IQR]. Results: We included 48 patients (median age 83.5 years [IQR: 68.7–87.2]; 66.7% female) undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty (n = 28) or total hip arthroplasty (n = 20). The success rate was 100%, without SA/GA conversion or advanced airway management. Median anesthetic preparation and surgical durations were 55 [IQR: 50–76.2] and 85 min [IQR: 74–110], respectively. RR transit times (recorded for 35 patients) were brief (40 min [IQR: 34.0–67.5]). Crucially, lower-limb motor capacity was preserved in 100% of cases. The technique also proved opioid-sparing, substantially reducing postoperative opioid consumption. Conclusions: The SAFE protocol is a clinically feasible primary anesthetic strategy for hip surgery. By preserving motor function and enabling rapid fast-tracking, it aligns with ERAS pathways, offering a promising alternative to conventional anesthesia for elective and frail trauma patients. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Updates on Perioperative Pain Management: 3rd Edition)
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17 pages, 588 KB  
Article
Assessment of Maropitant Citrate Effectiveness as an Intraoperative Analgesic Through Monitoring Parasympathetic Tone Activity in Female Dogs Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy
by Areli Ramírez-Castillo, Claudia Interlandi, Agatha Elisa Miranda Cortés, Navid Ziaei-Darounkolaei, Alejandro Casas-Alvarado, Alejandro Jiménez-Yedra and Ismael Hernández-Avalos
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(5), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13050463 - 10 May 2026
Viewed by 1200
Abstract
Maropitant has been proposed as an adjunct for pain relief in dogs undergoing surgeries like ovariohysterectomy (OVH), but its effectiveness has not yet been definitively proven. This study aimed to assess the intraoperative analgesic effect of intravenously administered maropitant citrate at a constant [...] Read more.
Maropitant has been proposed as an adjunct for pain relief in dogs undergoing surgeries like ovariohysterectomy (OVH), but its effectiveness has not yet been definitively proven. This study aimed to assess the intraoperative analgesic effect of intravenously administered maropitant citrate at a constant rate infusion through monitoring parasympathetic tone activity in female dogs undergoing OVH. Thirty healthy females of various breeds, with an average age of 3.8 ± 2.7 years, an average weight of 16.75 ± 10.68 kg, were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. The group receiving maropitant (GMaro, n = 15) was given a 1 mg kg−1 maropitant bolus intravenously (IV), followed by a continuous infusion of 100 mcg kg−1 min−1. The lidocaine group (GLido, n = 15) received a 2 mg/kg lidocaine IV bolus, with subsequent infusion at 50 mcg kg−1 min−1. Cardiorespiratory variables and the PTA index were evaluated at 11 anesthetic time points. Overall, cardiovascular variables such as Heart Rate (HR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) significantly decreased during anesthesia induction in the GMaro (p = 0.0001; p = 0.01, respectively) and in GLido (p = 0.01). Differences between groups during induction were observed in HR (p = 0.03), SAP (p = 0.04), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p = 0.03). MAP showed significant changes from baseline at the start of surgery and during clamping in both GMaro (p = 0.03) and GLido (p = 0.003). Regarding ventilatory variables—pulse oximetry (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2), end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2)—no group differences were found, but RR (GMaro; p = 0.001, GLido; p = 0.0001) and SpO2 (GMaro; p = 0.004, GLido; p = 0.04) differed significantly from baseline due to the controlled clinical setting. During anesthesia maintenance, end-tidal isoflurane (ETIso) increased significantly in the GLido (p = 0.009), with no difference between groups (p = 0.94). Finally, only the PTA energy variable showed a significant decrease in the GMaro (p = 0.0006), and a significant difference in this parameter was observed during right ovarian pedicle manipulation between groups (p = 0.02). In conclusion, continuous intravenous infusion of maropitant citrate at 100 mcg kg−1 h−1 effectively reduced the sympathetic response related to nociception, similar to lidocaine, in healthy female dogs undergoing OVH. Full article
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18 pages, 1979 KB  
Review
Target-Controlled  Infusion for Caesarean Delivery Under General Anesthesia: From Conventional Pharmacokinetic Models to Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
by Matild Keresztes, Leonard Azamfirei, Emoke Almasy and Janos Szederjesi
Life 2026, 16(5), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16050739 - 29 Apr 2026
Viewed by 447
Abstract
Target-controlled infusion (TCI) enables the precise delivery of intravenous anesthetics based on pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) models and represents a key component of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). However, its use in obstetric anesthesia remains limited, as current TCI algorithms are derived from non-pregnant populations and [...] Read more.
Target-controlled infusion (TCI) enables the precise delivery of intravenous anesthetics based on pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) models and represents a key component of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). However, its use in obstetric anesthesia remains limited, as current TCI algorithms are derived from non-pregnant populations and do not account for pregnancy-related physiological changes or maternal–fetal drug distribution. This narrative review examines the clinical application of TIVA-TCI in caesarean delivery under general anesthesia, summarizing evidence from recent observational studies and national audits, which suggest feasibility but limited adoption in routine obstetric practice. Pregnancy induces significant alterations in drug distribution, protein binding, metabolism, and clearance, which may affect anesthetic pharmacokinetics and fetal exposure. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling is explored as a complementary approach that may improve understanding of maternal–fetal drug disposition by integrating physiological and drug-specific parameters. Although promising, these model-based strategies require further validation before clinical implementation. Overall, current evidence supports the cautious use of TIVA-TCI in selected obstetric settings while highlighting the need for pregnancy-specific pharmacokinetic models and prospective clinical studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Critical Care and Anesthesiology)
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14 pages, 826 KB  
Article
Comparison of Propofol-Based Sedation and Sevoflurane-Based General Anesthesia on Arrhythmia Inducibility During Electrophysiological Study in Pediatric Patients with Wolff–Parkinson–White Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Paulo Warpechowski, Bruna Eibel, Gustavo Glotz de Lima, Tiago Batista Warpechowski, Ari Tadeu Lírio Santos and Tiago Luiz Luz Leiria
Anesth. Res. 2026, 3(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/anesthres3020011 - 27 Apr 2026
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Introduction: Propofol is one of the most commonly used intravenous anesthetics worldwide and is considered safe for all age groups. However, there have been reports that propofol can induce severe atrioventricular block in humans, and several studies have shown that propofol hinders or [...] Read more.
Introduction: Propofol is one of the most commonly used intravenous anesthetics worldwide and is considered safe for all age groups. However, there have been reports that propofol can induce severe atrioventricular block in humans, and several studies have shown that propofol hinders or prevents the inducibility of arrhythmias during electrophysiological studies (EPS) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Objectives: To compare arrhythmia inducibility during electrophysiological study and radiofrequency ablation in pediatric patients with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome undergoing propofol-based sedation versus sevoflurane-based general anesthesia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study including 45 pediatric patients aged 0–18 years. Patients were identified through a review and analysis of a database of individuals with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome who were referred for electrophysiological study and/or radiofrequency ablation at the Electrophysiology Laboratory of the Institute of Cardiology (IC/FUC) in Porto Alegre over the past five years (2019–2024). Patients with prior ablation, structural heart disease, or ongoing antiarrhythmic therapy were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups and designated as group S (who received sedation) or group G (who received general anesthesia). Sedation (group S) was performed with midazolam (0.08–0.2 mg/kg), fentanyl (0.1–0.2 μcg/kg), and propofol 50–60 µg/kg/min in continuous infusion. General anesthesia (group G), in turn, was performed with sevoflurane at an average dose of 2% (1 MAC according to age). Results: From 4874 invasive electrophysiology procedures performed during the study period, 45 involved pediatric patients with WPW. The sedation group (n = 29) had significantly older patients (14.6 ± 2.5 vs. 10.3 ± 2.8 years, p < 0.001) with higher weight (65.9 ± 16.3 vs. 41.2 ± 7.8 kg, p < 0.001) compared to the general anesthesia group (n = 16). Arrhythmia was successfully induced in 15/29 (51.7%) patients in the sedation group compared to 13/16 (81.2%) in the general anesthesia group (p = 0.062, Fisher’s exact test). Although this difference did not reach statistical significance, it represents a clinically relevant 29.5% lower induction rate in the sedation group. Post hoc power analysis revealed the study was underpowered (49.8%), suggesting a possible Type II error. Analysis of the “procedure room time” revealed a longer duration in the general anesthesia group (97.8 ± 36.7 vs. 67.8 ± 24.4 min), and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Conclusions: This study compared propofol-based sedation with sevoflurane-based general anesthesia in pediatric WPW patients. While sedation with propofol did not show a statistically significant reduction in arrhythmia inducibility, there was a concerning trend toward lower induction rates (29.5% difference) that may be clinically relevant. The study’s limited statistical power (49.8%) suggests these findings should be interpreted cautiously, and larger prospective studies are needed to definitively establish whether propofol affects arrhythmia inducibility in this population. Propofol remains a viable option for these procedures, but clinicians should be aware of the potential for reduced inducibility, particularly in cases where arrhythmia induction is critical for diagnosis and treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Innovations in Airway Management and Clinical Anesthesia)
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19 pages, 1844 KB  
Review
Evidence Map of Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Perioperative Strategies for Managing Acute Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery, 2012–2025: The M-PALS Collaborative
by Romil R. Parikh, Gabriella L. Lott, Miranda Considine, Peter Sawtell, Sallee Brandt, Luz Angela Choconta-Piraquive, Swathi Pagadala, Drew J. Persson, Amy M. Claussen, Christopher J. Tignanelli, Timothy Wilt, Shahnaz Sultan, Adalyn J. Scherer, Aaron Berg, Christie L. Martin, Elizabeth Wick, Genevieve B. Melton, Mary E. Butler and Bronwyn J. Southwell
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(8), 2872; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15082872 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 533
Abstract
Background: Effectively managing acute postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery (M-PALS) is essential to optimize outcomes, enhance recovery, and mitigate opioid-related risks. We aimed to systematically map evidence on effectiveness and harms of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions for M-PALS. Methods: We searched three databases [...] Read more.
Background: Effectively managing acute postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery (M-PALS) is essential to optimize outcomes, enhance recovery, and mitigate opioid-related risks. We aimed to systematically map evidence on effectiveness and harms of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions for M-PALS. Methods: We searched three databases (2012–2025) for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that reported postoperative opioid use and pain-related outcomes. We assessed study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB)-2 tool. Results: From 7638 citations, we included 101 RCTs. Postoperative opioid use was reported variably (e.g., total use over 24 or 48 h postoperatively, frequency of rescue-opioid use, and time to first rescue-opioid use). One out of 101 RCTs evaluated opioid prescription at discharge. No RCT reported opioid use at ≥3 months postoperatively. Eleven strategies were evaluated in ≥2 RCTs, with usual care/ sham as comparators. None of the 101 RCTs favored usual care over any intervention for pain or opioid use outcomes. For regional anesthesia (21 RCTs total; 12 with low ROB), intraperitoneal/preperitoneal local anesthetic instillation (10 RCTs; 4 with low ROB), intravenous dexamethasone (3 RCTs; 1 with low ROB), and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol (3 RCTs; 0 with low ROB), compared to usual care, >50% of RCTs favored the intervention for reducing pain and opioid use. For adverse events, only 3 out of 101 RCTs favored comparators. Inconsistent outcome reporting across all RCTs and, for multimodal strategies, the uniqueness of intervention–comparator combinations hindered comparisons. Conclusions: Interventions for M-PALS appear safe, with no RCT indicating worse efficacy of intervention than usual care; but evidence regarding superiority is conflicting. Future research should establish standardized and longer-term core outcome sets and make head-to-head comparisons between optimal strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Anesthesiology)
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13 pages, 903 KB  
Case Report
Pregnancy and Peripartum Multidisciplinary Management in Wolfram Syndrome Type 1: A Case Report
by Gema Esteban-Bueno and María Luz Serrano Rodríguez
Diagnostics 2026, 16(8), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16081117 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1407
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Wolfram syndrome type 1 (WS1) is a rare, progressive, multisystem neurodegenerative disorder characterized by diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, diabetes insipidus, and sensorineural hearing loss. As survival has improved, an increasing number of affected women are reaching reproductive age. However, evidence on pregnancy [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Wolfram syndrome type 1 (WS1) is a rare, progressive, multisystem neurodegenerative disorder characterized by diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, diabetes insipidus, and sensorineural hearing loss. As survival has improved, an increasing number of affected women are reaching reproductive age. However, evidence on pregnancy and peripartum management in WS1 remains scarce, and practical guidance is limited. This case report describes the multidisciplinary management of pregnancy and delivery in a woman with genetically confirmed WS1 and highlights key considerations for peripartum care. Case Presentation: A woman with genetically confirmed WS1 and long-standing multisystem involvement, including diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, neurogenic bladder requiring frequent self-catheterization, progressive neurologic manifestations, and severe sensory impairment, achieved pregnancy through assisted reproduction with oocyte donation and was closely monitored by a multidisciplinary team. Due to persistent breech presentation, a planned external cephalic version was performed at 37 + 5 weeks’ gestation with immediate availability for cesarean delivery. After unsuccessful attempts, cesarean delivery was performed under combined spinal–epidural anesthesia. Peripartum management focused on strict glycemic control, careful monitoring of fluid balance and urine output, neuraxial anesthesia with proactive hemodynamic management, precautions related to the cochlear implant, and tailored communication strategies. Postpartum recovery was favorable, although anemia on postoperative day 1 required transfusion of one unit of packed red blood cells and intravenous iron therapy. Discussion and Conclusions: Pregnancy in WS1 represents a high-risk clinical scenario because of the coexistence of endocrine, urologic, and neurologic comorbidities, while published evidence on peripartum management remains limited. This case supports an individualized, multidisciplinary approach to obstetric and anesthetic planning and the use of a practical framework to optimize peripartum management and enhance maternal–fetal safety in this rare condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Genomics for Prenatal Diagnosis)
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8 pages, 269 KB  
Case Report
Dyspnea Induced by Alpha 2-Adrenergic Agonists and Dissociative Anesthetics Combination in Dogs and Cats
by Taehoon Sung, Won-gyun Son, Junghee Yoon, Cheol-yong Hwang and Inhyung Lee
Animals 2026, 16(7), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071100 - 3 Apr 2026
Viewed by 722
Abstract
This case report describes the potential adverse effects of the combination of alpha 2-adrenergic agonists and dissociative anesthetics and discusses its prevention. The cases of 2 dogs and 3 cats, including 4 juvenile (<7 months old) animals and 1 adult cat (2 years [...] Read more.
This case report describes the potential adverse effects of the combination of alpha 2-adrenergic agonists and dissociative anesthetics and discusses its prevention. The cases of 2 dogs and 3 cats, including 4 juvenile (<7 months old) animals and 1 adult cat (2 years old), that presented with dyspnea immediately after induction at local veterinary clinics and were referred to the Seoul National University Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital are described. Four animals were premedicated with atropine, and all were anesthetized intravenously using a combination of an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist (medetomidine or xylazine) and a dissociative anesthetic (ketamine or Zoletil®). Both dogs developed immediate epistaxis, dyspnea, and radiographic evidence of diffuse alveolar infiltration. One dog was euthanized after experiencing seizures. All 3 cats developed anorexia followed by dyspnea within 24 to 48 h post-anesthesia, resulting in death in 2 cats, while 1 cat recovered with symptomatic treatment. The sympathomimetic effects of dissociative anesthetics and vasoconstrictive alpha 2-adrenergic agonists can cause transient hypertension, which can precipitate pulmonary edema and hemorrhage, leading to dyspnea. Either juvenile or atropine-premedicated patients may be at an increased risk, warranting dose adjustment, route selection, and careful monitoring during anesthesia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)
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5 pages, 175 KB  
Case Report
Bilateral Continuous Femoral Nerve Blocks as an Opioid-Sparing Strategy for Refractory Lower Extremity Pain in Adult Sickle Cell Crisis: A Case Report
by Thomas Renfrew, Thomas Oh, Derek Chung, Yuri C. Martins and Hamed Sadeghipour
Reports 2026, 9(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9020110 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 502
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) may present with severe refractory pain that is difficult to control despite guideline-directed multimodal therapy and high-dose opioids. Case Presentation: We report an adult with VOC and severe, opioid-refractory anterior thigh and leg pain [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) may present with severe refractory pain that is difficult to control despite guideline-directed multimodal therapy and high-dose opioids. Case Presentation: We report an adult with VOC and severe, opioid-refractory anterior thigh and leg pain who was treated with bilateral, ultrasound-guided continuous femoral nerve catheters (0.5% bupivacaine bolus per side followed by infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 5 mL/h each). Twenty-four-hour opioid use decreased by 76% from 44 mg intravenous hydromorphone (880 MME) before block placement to 10.4 mg (208 MME) after catheter initiation. Pain scores declined significantly from 10/10 to 3/10, facilitating mobilization and expediting discharge of the patient. No local anesthetic systemic toxicity occurred, and transient quadriceps weakness was managed with fall-risk precautions. IRB approval for this case report was waived per our institution policy. Conclusions: In select adults with VOC and predominant anterior thigh/leg pain, bilateral continuous femoral nerve catheters may provide rapid analgesia and substantial opioid-sparing benefits as part of multidisciplinary care. These findings are hypothesis-generating and support prospective evaluation of continuous peripheral nerve block strategies in VOC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Anaesthesia)
11 pages, 238 KB  
Review
Critical Care Sedation: Emerging Clinical Considerations and Risks of Volatile Anesthetics for Sedation: A Narrative Review
by Austin M. Breaux, Garret R. Miller, Harrison D. Cooper, Kristin Nicole Bembenick, Aishwarya Reddy, Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Sahar Shekoohi and Alan D. Kaye
Diseases 2026, 14(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases14040117 - 25 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1266
Abstract
Volatile anesthetics have steadily become more popular in intensive care units for sedation for reasons related to their beneficial pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Common anesthetics such as isoflurane and sevoflurane rapidly reach sedative levels in the body, but they are also rapidly eliminated, [...] Read more.
Volatile anesthetics have steadily become more popular in intensive care units for sedation for reasons related to their beneficial pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Common anesthetics such as isoflurane and sevoflurane rapidly reach sedative levels in the body, but they are also rapidly eliminated, allowing for quick recovery. These agents have minimal impact on the liver and kidneys, which makes them attractive options when compared to other agents including opioids, benzodiazepines, ketamine, and propofol. Use of delivery systems like AnaConDa® (Anaesthetic Conserving Device; Sedana Medical AB, Danderyd, Sweden) has enabled providers to easily use these agents in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In this regard, they have recently provided additional beneficial consideration during intravenous drug shortages seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and at other times. These agents have shown organ-protective effects in the kidneys and lungs, which may even reduce the total time spent in the ICU. Pharmacodynamically, these anesthetics mediate their effects through central nervous system ion channels to exert analgesic and anxiolytic actions, thereby minimizing effects in the kidneys and lungs. These agents are primarily eliminated via exhalation, which makes them potential options for those with liver or kidney failure. This narrative review examines current efficacy and risks of using volatile anesthetics for sedation in the ICU setting and clinical roles for the future. Full article
14 pages, 616 KB  
Article
Postoperative Pain Control After Cesarean Section by Continuous Infusion Pump System Versus Ropivacaine Hydrogel: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
by Ji Eun Park, Hyen Chul Jo, Jong Chul Baek and Juseok Yang
Gels 2026, 12(3), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12030234 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 772
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a ropivacaine-loaded poloxamer 407 (P407)-based thermosensitive hydrogel applied at the subfascial site compared with a continuous local anesthetic delivery system using a catheter for postoperative pain control after cesarean section (CS), [...] Read more.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a ropivacaine-loaded poloxamer 407 (P407)-based thermosensitive hydrogel applied at the subfascial site compared with a continuous local anesthetic delivery system using a catheter for postoperative pain control after cesarean section (CS), in combination with standard intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). Methods: This single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial included 72 pregnant women undergoing CS between April and October 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either ropivacaine hydrogel or catheter-based ropivacaine infusion, both in conjunction with IV-PCA. Primary outcomes included numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the time to first NSAID request and the cumulative use of rescue NSAIDs. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. NRS pain scores did not differ significantly at any time point, although they varied significantly over time within each group. The hydrogel group showed a statistically significant delay in the time to first NSAID request (6.3 ± 5.1 h vs. 5.0 ± 6.1 h, p = 0.049) and higher cumulative NSAID use (2.4 ± 1.7 vs. 1.6 ± 1.2, p = 0.035). No serious complications were observed in either group. Conclusion: The ropivacaine hydrogel provided postoperative pain control comparable to that of the continuous catheter system, with no statistically significant differences in NRS scores observed between groups. Given its ease of use, absence of catheter-related concerns, and substantially lower total anesthetic dose, the P407-based hydrogel may represent a practical and patient-friendly alternative for post-cesarean analgesia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Hydrogels in Medicine)
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16 pages, 440 KB  
Review
Perioperative Anesthetic Strategies in Emergent Neurosurgery During Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
by Denise Baloi, Clayton Rawson, Deondra Montgomery, Michael Karsy and Mehrdad Pahlevani
Trauma Care 2026, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/traumacare6010005 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1203
Abstract
Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) frequently coexists with polytrauma and often necessitates damage control neurosurgery (DCNS), where rapid decompression and temporary stabilization take precedence over definitive reconstruction. Within this context, anesthetic management must balance cerebral protection with ongoing resuscitation, yet high-quality DCNS-specific [...] Read more.
Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) frequently coexists with polytrauma and often necessitates damage control neurosurgery (DCNS), where rapid decompression and temporary stabilization take precedence over definitive reconstruction. Within this context, anesthetic management must balance cerebral protection with ongoing resuscitation, yet high-quality DCNS-specific evidence remains limited. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2015–2025) was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords related to neurotrauma, anesthesia, intracranial pressure, and perioperative management. Studies were included if they examined anesthetic or hemodynamic strategies in severe TBI or DCNS and reported relevant clinical or physiologic outcomes. Results: Nineteen articles addressing perioperative strategies for optimizing DCNS outcomes were analyzed. Discussion: Preoperative care emphasizes hemodynamic stabilization and permissive hypertension, damage control resuscitation including massive transfusion protocols, optimization of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and neuromonitoring, and the use of hyperosmolar therapy. Transexamic acid can be used in sTBI safely but with unclear improvement in outcomes. Intraoperatively, propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia is generally preferred over volatile agents due to favorable effects on intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral blood flow (CBF), autoregulation, and emergence. While historically contraindicated, ketamine and etomidate are now increasingly used as hemodynamically protective induction agents. Analgesic and sedative strategies prioritize dexmedetomidine and carefully titrated opioids to minimize respiratory depression and reduce postoperative complications. CPP and ICP-directed management relies on individualized blood pressure targets, vasopressor selection, lung-protective ventilation, and strict temperature control. Conclusions: Emerging evidence has suggested the benefit of DCNS for patient survival. Overall, perioperative care is guided largely by physiology and extrapolation, highlighting the need for standardized protocols. Full article
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