Unlocking the Power of Curiosity: How a Curious Mind Drives Innovation and Personal Growth

Unlocking the Power of Curiosity: How a Curious Mind Drives Innovation and Personal Growth

The Innate Spark: Why We Are Wired for Curiosity

From the moment we are born, humans possess an insatiable drive to explore, question, and understand the world around us. This innate spark, this unyielding curiosity, is not merely a fleeting childish trait but a fundamental aspect of our cognitive architecture. It’s the engine that propels us to touch, taste, and examine, to ask “why?” and “how?” relentlessly. This natural inclination to seek new information and experiences is the bedrock of learning and development, shaping our understanding of everything from the simplest objects to the most complex phenomena. Think about a toddler’s fascination with a spinning top or a child’s endless barrage of questions about the stars – these are early manifestations of a powerful force. This inherent drive is crucial for our survival and evolution, allowing us to adapt to new environments, solve problems, and discover opportunities. Without this fundamental human trait, progress, both individual and societal, would be virtually impossible. It’s this primal urge that pushes us beyond the familiar and into the realm of the unknown, where true discovery and understanding reside.

Curiosity as the Catalyst for Innovation

Innovation, in its truest sense, is born from a fertile ground of curiosity. It’s the relentless questioning of the status quo, the desire to find a better way, a more efficient solution, or a novel approach. Every groundbreaking invention, every revolutionary idea, started with someone asking “What if?”. Imagine the early humans observing the flight of birds and wondering if they could replicate it. This wasn’t just idle observation; it was a deeply curious mind seeking to understand and harness a natural phenomenon. This same spirit fuels modern-day scientists, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs. They are not content with what is; they constantly probe the boundaries of what could be. This proactive engagement with the unknown allows them to identify gaps, challenge assumptions, and ultimately create something entirely new. The history of human achievement is a testament to the power of curiosity to disrupt, to transform, and to elevate. It’s the driving force behind scientific breakthroughs, artistic masterpieces, and technological advancements that have shaped our world.

Nurturing Your Inner Explorer: Cultivating a Curious Mindset

While curiosity may be innate, its flame can sometimes flicker and fade under the weight of routine, fear of the unknown, or societal pressures to conform. The good news is that a curious mindset is not a fixed trait; it’s a skill that can be actively cultivated and strengthened. The first step is simply to embrace the unknown with an open mind and a willingness to learn. This means actively seeking out new experiences, even those that might initially feel uncomfortable or challenging. Reading widely across diverse subjects, engaging in conversations with people from different backgrounds, and exploring unfamiliar territories – be it geographical or intellectual – are all powerful ways to feed your curiosity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem simple or obvious. Embrace the “beginner’s mind” and approach every situation as an opportunity to learn something new. Furthermore, cultivate a habit of reflection. Take time to ponder what you’ve learned, how it connects to other knowledge, and what new questions it sparks. This internal dialogue is crucial for deepening understanding and fostering a more inquisitive outlook.

The Ripple Effect: How Curiosity Fuels Personal Growth and Fulfillment

The benefits of a curious mind extend far beyond the realm of innovation and discovery; they profoundly impact our personal growth and overall sense of fulfillment. When we approach life with curiosity, we are more engaged, more adaptable, and more resilient in the face of challenges. The world becomes a playground of possibilities rather than a series of obstacles. This continuous learning process keeps our minds sharp, enhances our problem-solving abilities, and broadens our perspectives. It allows us to understand ourselves and others on a deeper level, fostering empathy and stronger relationships. Moreover, curiosity is intrinsically rewarding. The joy of discovery, the satisfaction of understanding, and the thrill of learning something new contribute significantly to our happiness and well-being. It’s a continuous journey of self-improvement and a powerful antidote to boredom and stagnation. In essence, a curious mind is a vibrant mind, one that embraces life’s complexities with enthusiasm and finds continuous wonder in the everyday. For those seeking to actively engage with new opportunities and information, exploring resources for **jojobet giriş** can be a part of this broader exploration of the digital landscape, offering a gateway to various online activities and information streams. This exploration, much like any other pursuit of knowledge or entertainment, thrives on a curious and open approach.

Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Nerve Block For Lower Limb Fracture Fixation In A Patient With Hypertrophied Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM)

Vol 5 | Issue 2 | July-December 2024 | Page 10-12| Pratik Bhange, Shruti Patil, Deepali Thakur

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2024.v05.i02.96

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).

Submitted: February 02-07-2024; Reviewed: 01-08-2024; Accepted: 22-07-2024; Published: 10-12-2024


Authors: Pratik Bhange [1], Shruti Patil [1], Deepali Thakur [1]

[1] Department of Anaesthesiology, LTMMC & GH, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Pratik Bhange,
Department of Anaesthesiology, LTMMC & GH, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
E-mail: pratikbhange96@gmail.com


Abstract

The presentation of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy may vary from an asymptomatic patient to sudden death. The changes in preload, afterload and ventricular contractility may occur due to surgery, anaesthesia and fluid shifts in the perioperative period. This causes worsening of the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, ultimately causing myocardial ischemia and cardiac dysrhythmias. This case discusses successful anaesthesia management of a 49-year-old male with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy operated for tibia and fibula open reduction, internal fixation using ultrasound-guided sciatic and femoral nerve block. Transthoracic Echocardiography served as an additional monitoring modality to assess cardiac function intraoperatively. The patient underwent successful surgery with stable hemodynamics and reported excellent pain relief postoperatively.
Keywords: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, Transthoracic Echocardiography, Peripheral nerve block


References


1. Hensley N, Dietrich J, Nyhan D, Mitter N, Yee M; Brady M. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Review. Anesthesia& Analgesia.2015;120:554-569
2. Ibrahim R, Sharma V. Cardiomyopathy and anaesthesia. BJA Education. 2017;17:363–369.
3. Thompson R, Liberthson R, Lowenstein E. Perioperative Anesthetic Risk of Noncardiac Surgery in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy. JAMA.1985;254:2419–2421
4. Mitra M, Basu M, Shailendra K, Jain C. Use of Peripheral Nerve Blocks in Perioperative Management of Cases with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgeries. Anesth Essays Res. 2020;14:277-282.
5. Cunningham J, Braun S, Hussey P, et al. (February 08, 2024) Regional Anesthesia for Arthroscopic Knee Repair in a Patient With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) Under Monitored Anesthesia Care With Dexmedetomidine Infusion. Cureus 2024;16: e53862
6. Sahoo, Rajendra K et al. “Perioperative anesthetic management of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for noncardiac surgery: a case series.” Annals of cardiac anaesthesia .2010;13: 253-6.
7. Kang R, Chung Y, Yang M, Choi D. Reduced Hemidiaphragmatic Paresis With a “Corner Pocket” Technique for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block iSingle-Center, Observer-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial. Regional Anesthesia &Pain Medicine 2018;43: 720–724
8. Prabhavathi, Ravipati et al. “Lithotripsy under low dose spinal anaesthesia with dexmedetomidine in a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.” Indian journal of anaesthesia 2014;58:360-2.
9. Sahoo R, Dash S, Raut P, Badole U, Upasani C. Peri‑operative Anaesthetic management of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for noncardiac surgery: A case series. Ann Card Anaesth 2010;13:253‑6.
10. Gregory S, & Fierro, M. The role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia.2016;34:124–127.


How to Cite this Article: Bhange P, Patil S, Thakur D | Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Nerve Block For Lower Limb Fracture Fixation In A Patient With Hypertrophied Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) | International Journal of Regional Anaesthesia | July-December 2024; 5(2): 13-15 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2024.v05.i02.96


(Abstract Text HTML)    (Download PDF)


Genomics and Precision Analgesia: Is this the era?

Vol 6 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | Page 15-19 | Bhuvaneswari Balasubramanian, Sandeep Diwan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.116

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted: 24-02-2025; Reviewed: 19-03-2025; Accepted: 19-05-2025; Published: 10-06-2025


Authors: Bhuvaneswari Balasubramanian [1]

 Sandeep Diwan [2]

[1] Department of Anaesthesiology & Critical Care, AIIMS, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
[2] Department of Anaesthesiology, Sancheti Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Bhuvaneswari Balasubramanian
Department of Anaesthesiology & Critical Care, AIIMS, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Email: docbhuvaneswari@gmail.com


Abstract

Interindividual variability in analgesic response reflects heritable differences in drug metabolism, receptor expression, neurotransmitter turnover, and central nervous system drug transport. Pharmacogenomic advances have clarified functional consequences of polymorphisms in CYP2D6, CYP3A4, UGT2B7, OPRM1, COMT, and ABCB1, each of which influences opioid and non-opioid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. CYP2D6 metabolizer status determines conversion of prodrugs such as codeine and tramadol to active metabolites, while CYP3A4 variation modulates systemic opioid clearance. OPRM1 A118G alters μ-opioid receptor binding affinity and signaling, COMT Val158Met influences catecholamine-mediated pain sensitivity, and ABCB1 variants affect opioid penetration across the blood–brain barrier. Clinical studies demonstrate genotype-associated differences in analgesic efficacy and toxicity, though effect sizes vary across populations and analgesic classes. Implementation remains constrained by limited genotype-stratified randomized trials, testing turnaround time, unclear cost-effectiveness, and underrepresentation of Asian and Southeast Asian ancestry groups in genomic datasets. This mini-review synthesizes mechanistic foundations, clinical evidence, population variation, and practical considerations for integrating pharmacogenomics into perioperative and chronic pain management.
Keywords: Genomics, Pharmacogenetics, Precision medicine, Analgesia, CYP2D6, Postoperative pain, Opioids


References


1. Kaye AD, Mahakian T, Kaye AJ, Pham AA, Hart BM, Gennuso S, Cornett EM, Gabriel RA, Urman RD. Pharmacogenomics, precision medicine, and implications for anesthesia care. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol. 2018;32(2):61–81. doi:10.1016/j.bpa.2018.06.002
2. Crews KR, Monte AA, Huddart R, Caudle KE, Kharasch ED, Gaedigk A, et al. Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guideline for CYP2D6, OPRM1, and COMT genotype and select opioid therapy. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2021;110(4):888–896. doi:10.1002/cpt.2391
3. Gong L, Whirl-Carrillo M, Klein TE. PharmGKB: An integrated resource of pharmacogenomic knowledge. Curr Protoc. 2021;1(8):e226. doi:10.1002/cpz1.226
4. Baber M, Chaudhry S, Kelly L, Ross C, Carleton B, Koren G. Pharmacogenetics of codeine analgesia in the postpartum period. Pharmacogenomics J. 2015;15(5):430–435. doi:10.1038/tpj.2014.80
5. Maulana Y, Toro Jimenez R, Twesigomwe D, Sani L, Irwanto A, Bertin N, Gonzalez-Porta M. The variation landscape of CYP2D6 in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Scientific Reports. 2024 Jul 20;14(1):16725.
6. Bagher AM, Hareeri RH. Allele frequency and genotype distribution of the opioid receptor μ-1 (OPRM1) A118G polymorphism in the Western Saudi population. Journal of Applied Biomedicine. 2023 Sep 22;21(3):160-5.
7. Zhang X, Liang Y, Zhang N, Yan Y, Liu S, Fengxi H, Zhao D, Chu H. The relevance of the OPRM1 118A> G genetic variant for opioid requirement in pain treatment: a meta-analysis. Pain physician. 2019;22(4):331.
8. Wu SB, Cai LN, Yang XH, Fu HG, Sun K, Yuan F, Dong TL. Impact of CYP2D6 polymorphisms on postoperative fentanyl analgesia in gastric cancer patients. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers. 2015;19(5):248–252. doi:10.1089/gtmb.2014.0230
9. Ferreira do Couto ML, Fonseca S, Pozza DH. Pharmacogenetic approaches in personalized medicine for postoperative pain management. Biomedicines. 2024;12(4):729. doi:10.3390/biomedicines12040729
10. Dib P, Tung SR, Dib SA, Hamdy A, Kitzmiller JP. Pharmacogenomics applications in perioperative medicine. J Transl Sci. 2018;4(5):1–6. doi:10.15761/JTS.1000280
11. Dzierba AL, Stollings JL, Devlin JW. Precision medicine in analgesia and sedation for critically ill adults: a pharmacogenetic approach. Pharmacotherapy. 2023;43(11):1154–1165. doi:10.1002/phar.2850
12. Smith DM, Stevenson JM, Ho TT, Formea CM, Gammal RS, Cavallari LH. Pharmacogenetics in opioid stewardship. J Am Coll Clin Pharm. 2022;5(2):239–250. doi:10.1002/jac5.1616
13. Reizine N, Danahey K, Schierer E, Liu P, Middlestadt M, Ludwig J, et al. CYP2D6 phenotype and pain control among opioid-treated oncology patients. Oncologist. 2021;26(11):e2042–e2052. doi:10.1002/onco.13873
14. Theken BD, Lee CR, Gong L, et al. CPIC guideline for CYP2C9 genotype and NSAID therapy. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2020;108(3):414–421. doi:10.1002/cpt.1830
15. Verbelen M, Weale ME, Lewis CM. Cost-effectiveness of pharmacogenetic-guided treatment: are we there yet?. The pharmacogenomics journal. 2017 Oct;17(5):395-402.
16. Agulló, L., Aguado, I., Muriel, J., Margarit, C., Gómez, A., Escorial, M., Sánchez, A., Fernández, A. and Peiró, A.M., 2023. Pharmacogenetic guided opioid therapy improves chronic pain outcomes and comorbid mental health: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(13), p.10754.
17. Chen J, Li L, Chen SR, Chen H, Xie JD, Sirrieh RE, MacLean DM, Zhang Y, Zhou MH, Jayaraman V, Pan HL. The α2δ-1-NMDA receptor complex is critically involved in neuropathic pain development and gabapentin therapeutic actions. Cell reports. 2018 Feb 27;22(9):2307-21.
18. Dickens D, Webb SD, Antonyuk S, Giannoudis A, Owen A, Rädisch S, Hasnain SS, Pirmohamed M. Transport of gabapentin by LAT1 (SLC7A5). Biochemical pharmacology. 2013 Jun 1;85(11):1672-83.
19. Yeo J, Sia AT, Sultana R, Sng BL, Tan EC. Analysis of SCN9A gene variants for acute and chronic postoperative pain and morphine consumption after total hysterectomy. Pain Medicine. 2020 Nov;21(11):2642-9.
20. Andersson ML, Møller AM, Wildgaard K. Butyrylcholinesterase deficiency and its clinical importance in anaesthesia: a systematic review. Anaesthesia. 2019 Apr;74(4):518-28.
21. Jhun EH, Apfelbaum JL, Dickerson DM, Shahul S, Knoebel R, Danahey K, Ratain MJ, O’Donnell PH. Pharmacogenomic considerations for medications in the perioperative setting. Pharmacogenomics. 2019 Jul 1;20(11):813-27.


How to Cite this Article: Balasubramanian B, Diwan S. Genomics and Precision Analgesia – Is This the Era? International Journal of Regional Anaesthesia. January-June 2025; 6(1): 15-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.116


(Abstract Text HTML)    (Download PDF)


Intrafascicular Injection: Can AI, Ultrasound, Pressure Monitoring, and Echogenic Needles Prevent It?

Vol 6 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | Page 08-14 | Divesh Arora

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.114

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted: 28-02-2025; Reviewed: 22-03-2025; Accepted: 25-05-2025; Published: 10-06-2025


Authors: Divesh Arora [1]

[1] Department of Anaesthesia & OT Services, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Divesh Arora,
Director & HOD, Department of Anaesthesia & OT Services, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana, India.
Email ID: drdivesh@gmail.com


Abstract

Intrafascicular injection represents one of the most serious complications in regional anaesthesia, potentially resulting in irreversible neurological injury. Despite the advances in ultrasound-guided techniques, inadvertent intraneural and intrafascicular injections still occur. This review synthesizes the current understanding of nerve microanatomy, mechanisms of nerve injury, and the diagnostic and preventive strategies aimed at avoiding this catastrophic event. It highlights the role of ultrasound technology, echogenic needle innovations, injection pressure monitoring, neurostimulation, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence in enhancing procedural safety. The integration of these multimodal safety tools can significantly reduce operator dependency and improve real-time feedback during nerve block procedures. With continued technological refinement, structured training, and incorporation of AI-assisted imaging and robotics, the risk of intrafascicular injection can be minimized, thereby improving patient safety and outcomes in regional anaesthesia.
Keywords: Intrafascicular injection, Regional anaesthesia safety, Ultrasound guidance, Echogenic needles, Pressure monitoring, Artificial intelligence.


References


1. Bais K, Guirguis F, Guirguis M. Nerve injury following regional nerve block: a literature review of its etiologies, risk factors, and prevention. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2024 Sep;28(9):863-8.
2. Sala-Blanch X, Boezaart AP, McLeod GA, Reina MA. Risk of intrafascicular spread after deliberate ex vivo intraneural injections of brachial plexus nerve roots. British journal of anaesthesia. 2025 Feb 1;134(2):545-56.
3. Thomas PK. The connective tissue of peripheral nerve: an electron microscope study. Journal of anatomy. 1963 Jan;97(Pt 1):35.
4. McLeod GA, Sadler A, Boezaart A, Sala-Blanch X, Reina MA. Peripheral nerve microanatomy: new insights into possible mechanisms for block success. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. 2024 Sep 26.
5. Boezaart AP. The sweet spot of the nerve: is the “paraneural sheath” named correctly, and does it matter?. Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. 2014 Nov 1;39(6):557-8.
6. Reina MA, Boezaart AP, Tubbs RS, Zasimovich Y, Fernández‐Domínguez M, Fernández P, Sala‐Blanch X. Another (internal) epineurium: beyond the anatomical barriers of nerves. Clinical Anatomy. 2020 Mar;33(2):199-206.
7. Hewson DW, Bedforth NM, Hardman JG. Peripheral nerve injury arising in anaesthesia practice. Anaesthesia. 2018 Jan;73:51-60.
8. Brull R, Hadzic A, Reina MA, Barrington MJ. Pathophysiology and etiology of nerve injury following peripheral nerve blockade. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. 2015 Sep 1;40(5):479-90.
9. Lundborg G, Rydevik B. Effects of stretching the tibial nerve of the rabbit: a preliminary study of the intraneural circulation and the barrier function of the perineurium. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume. 1973 May 1;55(2):390-401.
10. Kalichman MW. Physiologic mechanisms by which local anesthetics may cause injury to nerve and spinal cord. Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. 1993 Nov 1;18(Suppl 6):448-52.
11. Butterworth JF, Strichartz GR. Molecular mechanisms of local anesthesia: a review. Anesthesiology. 1990 Apr 1;72(4):711-34.
12. Radwan IA, Saito S, Goto F. The neurotoxicity of local anesthetics on growing neurons: a comparative study of lidocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, and ropivacaine. Anesthesia & Analgesia. 2002 Feb 1;94(2):319-24.
13. Mackinnon SE, Hudson AR, Gentili F, Kline DG, RT H. Peripheral nerve injection injury with steroid agents. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 1982 Mar 1;69(3):482-9.
14. Gentili F, Hudson AR, Hunter D. Clinical and experimental aspects of injection injuries of peripheral nerves. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. 1980 May;7(2):143-51.
15. BELL MA. A descriptive study of the blood vessels of the sciatic nerve in the rat, man and other mammals. Brain. 1984 Sep 1;107(3):871-98.
16. Myers RR, Heckman HM, Rodriguez M. Reduced hyperalgesia in nerve-injured WLD mice: relationship to nerve fiber phagocytosis, axonal degeneration, and regeneration in normal mice. Experimental neurology. 1996 Sep 1;141(1):94-101.
17. Steinfeldt T, Graf J, Schneider J, Nimphius W, Weihe E, Borgeat A, Wulf H, Wiesmann T. Histological consequences of needle‐nerve contact following nerve stimulation in a pig model. Anesthesiology research and practice. 2011;2011(1):591851.
18. Welch MB, Brummett CM, Welch TD, Tremper KK, Shanks AM, Guglani P, Mashour GA. Perioperative peripheral nerve injuries: a retrospective study of 380,680 cases during a 10-year period at a single institution. Anesthesiology. 2009 Sep 1;111(3):490-7.
19. Cappelleri G, Cedrati VL, Fedele LL, Gemma M, Camici L, Loiero M, Gallazzi MB, Cornaggia G. Effects of the intraneural and subparaneural ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block: a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical and electrophysiological comparison. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. 2016 Jul 1;41(4):430-7.
20. Sala-Blanch X, Vandepitte C, Laur JJ, Horan P, Xu D, Reina MA, Karmakar MK, Clark TB, Hadzic A. A practical review of perineural versus intraneural injections: a call for standard nomenclature. International Anesthesiology Clinics. 2011 Oct 1;49(4):1-2.
21. Krediet AC, Moayeri N, Bleys RL, Groen GJ. Intraneural or extraneural: diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound assessment for localizing low-volume injection. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. 2014 Sep 1;39(5):409-13.
22. Moayeri N, Krediet AC, Welleweerd JC, Bleys RL, Groen GJ. Early ultrasonographic detection of low-volume intraneural injection. British journal of anaesthesia. 2012 Sep 1;109(3):432-8.
23. Neal JM, Barrington MJ, Brull R, Hadzic A, Hebl JR, Horlocker TT, Huntoon MA, Kopp SL, Rathmell JP, Watson JC. The second ASRA practice advisory on neurologic complications associated with regional anesthesia and pain medicine: executive summary 2015. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. 2015 Sep 1;40(5):401-30.
24. Liu SS, YaDeau JT, Shaw PM, Wilfred S, Shetty T, Gordon M. Incidence of unintentional intraneural injection and postoperative neurological complications with ultrasound‐guided interscalene and supraclavicular nerve blocks. Anaesthesia. 2011 Mar;66(3):168-74.
25. Hara K, Sakura S, Yokokawa N, Tadenuma S. Incidence and effects of unintentional intraneural injection during ultrasound-guided subgluteal sciatic nerve block. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. 2012 May 1;37(3):289-93.
26. Hovgesen CH, Wilhjelm JE, Vilmann P, Kalaitzakis E. Echogenic surface enhancements for improving needle visualization in ultrasound: A PRISMA systematic review. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. 2022 Feb;41(2):311-25.
27. Hebard S, Hocking G. Echogenic technology can improve needle visibility during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. 2011 Feb 1;36(2):185-9.
28. Nakagawa K, Kamiya T, Arakawa K, Akiyama S, Sakai K. Objective and subjective comparison of the visibility of three echogenic needles and a nonechogenic needle on older ultrasound devices. Acta Anaesthesiologica Taiwanica. 2015 Mar 1;53(1):1-6.
29. Reina MA, Sala-Blanch X, Monzó E, Nin OC, Bigeleisen PE, Boezaart AP. Extrafasicular and Intraperineural, but No Endoneural, Spread after Deliberate Intraneural Injections in a Cadaveric Study. Anesthesiology. 2019 Jun 1;130(6):1007-16.
30. Gadsden JC, Choi JJ, Lin E, Robinson A. Opening injection pressure consistently detects needle–nerve contact during ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block. Anesthesiology. 2014 May 1;120(5):1246-53.
31. Vučković I, Dilberović F, Kulenović A, Divanović KA, Voljevica A, Kapur E. Injection pressure as a marker of intraneural injection in procedures of peripheral nerves blockade. Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2006 Nov;6(4):5.
32. Vermeylen K, Hermans M, Soetens F, Vereecke E, Steinfeldt T, Groen G, Hadzic A, Van de Velde M. Opening injection pressure is higher in intraneural compared with perineural injections during simulated nerve blocks of the lower limb in fresh human cadavers. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. 2017 May 1;42(3):362-7.
33. O’Flaherty D, McCartney CJ, Ng SC. Nerve injury after peripheral nerve blockade—current understanding and guidelines. BJA education. 2018 Dec 1;18(12):384-90.
34. Paśnicki M, Król A, Kosson D, Kołacz M. The safety of peripheral nerve blocks: the role of triple monitoring in regional anaesthesia, a comprehensive review. InHealthcare 2024 Apr 1 (Vol. 12, No. 7, p. 769). MDPI.
35. Mika S, Gola W, Gil-Mika M, Wilk M, Misiołek H. Artificial intelligence-supported ultrasonography in anesthesiology: Evaluation of a patient in the operating theatre. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2024 Mar 15;14(3):310.
36. Marino M, Hagh R, Hamrin Senorski E, Longo UG, Oeding JF, Nellgard B, Szell A, Samuelsson K. Artificial intelligence‐assisted ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia: An explorative scoping review. Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics. 2024 Jul;11(3):e12104.
37. Viderman D, Dossov M, Seitenov S, Lee MH. Artificial intelligence in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia: A scoping review. Frontiers in medicine. 2022 Oct 25;9:994805.
38. Bowness JS, Metcalfe D, El-Boghdadly K, Thurley N, Morecroft M, Hartley T, Krawczyk J, Noble JA, Higham H. Artificial intelligence for ultrasound scanning in regional anaesthesia: a scoping review of the evidence from multiple disciplines. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2024 May 1;132(5):1049-62.
39. Cascella M, Tracey MC, Petrucci E, Bignami EG. Exploring artificial intelligence in anesthesia: a primer on ethics, and clinical applications. Surgeries. 2023 May 29;4(2):264-74.
40. Bigeleisen PE. Nerve puncture and apparent intraneural injection during ultrasound-guided axillary block does not invariably result in neurologic injury. Anesthesiology. 2006 Oct;105(4):779-83.


How to Cite this Article: Arora D. Intrafascicular Injection: Can AI, Ultrasound, Pressure Monitoring, and Echogenic Needles Prevent It? International Journal of Regional Anaesthesia. January-June 2025; 6(1): 08-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.114


(Abstract Text HTML)    (Download PDF)


Regional Anaesthesia for Cancer Surgery and Its Impact on Recurrence and Metastasis: What Is the Evidence?

Vol 6 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | Page 20-27 | Anju Grewal, Revanth Babu Challa, Jyoti Sharma

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.118

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted: 15-01-2025; Reviewed: 08-02-2025; Accepted: 22-04-2025; Published: 10-06-2025


Authors: Anju Grewal [1], Revanth Babu Challa [2], Jyoti Sharma [1]

[1] Department of Anaesthesiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
[2] Department of Anaesthesiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Jyoti Sharma
Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
Email- drjyotisharma1014@gmail.com


Abstract

Regional anaesthesia (RA) is thought to potentially affect cancer recurrence and metastasis by reducing the perioperative stress response, supporting immune function, and decreasing the use of opioids and volatile agents. This review examines the mechanistic evidence and clinical results across eight major cancer types. Although RA reliably enhances pain management and perioperative recovery, its impact on cancer outcomes remains uncertain. The most notable reductions in recurrence are observed in bladder and oesophageal cancers, while the effects on breast, colorectal, gastric, and gynaecological cancers are limited. Variability in study methods, confounding variables, and a scarcity of high-quality randomised controlled trials hinder definitive conclusions. Until more solid evidence is available, personalised anaesthetic strategies are essential.
Keywords: Regional Anaesthesia, Cancer Recurrence, Metastasis


References


1. Li T, Meng X, Wang D, Wang Q, Ma J, Dai Z. Regional anesthesia did not improve postoperative long-term survival of tumor patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Vol. 21, World Journal of Surgical Oncology. BioMed Central Ltd; 2023.
2. Zhang D, Jiang J, Liu J, Zhu T, Huang H, Zhou C. Effects of Perioperative Epidural Analgesia on Cancer Recurrence and Survival. Vol. 11, Frontiers in Oncology. Frontiers Media S.A.; 2022.
3. Bhuyan S, Bhuyan D, Rahane S. Optimizing Regional Anesthesia for Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Review of Current Practices and Future Directions. Cureus. 2024 Sep 13;
4. Sessler DI. L’anesthésie régionale et la récidive du cancer de la prostate. Vol. 57, Canadian Journal of Anesthesia. 2010. p. 99–102.
5. Gupta A, Björnsson A, Fredriksson M, Hallböök O, Eintrei C. Reduction in mortality after epidural anaesthesia and analgesia in patients undergoing rectal but not colonic cancer surgery: A retrospective analysis of data from 655 patients in Central Sweden. Br J Anaesth. 2011;107(2):164–70.
6. Gottschalk A, Ford JG, Regelin CC, You J, Mascha EJ, Sessler DI, et al. PERIOPERATIVE MEDICINE Association between Epidural Analgesia and Cancer Recurrence after Colorectal Cancer Surgery What We Already Know about This Topic [Internet]. Vol. 113, Anesthesiology. 2010. Available from: www.anesthesiology.org.
7. Wang J, Guo W, Wu Q, Zhang R, Fang J. Impact of combination epidural and general anesthesia on the long-term survival of gastric cancer patients: A retrospective study. Medical Science Monitor. 2016 Jul 8;22:2379–85.
8. Cummings KC, Patel M, Htoo PT, Bakaki PM, Cummings LC, Koroukian S. A comparison of the effects of epidural analgesia versus traditional pain management on outcomes after gastric cancer resection: A population-based study. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2014;39(3):200–7.
9. Lacassie HJ, Cartagena J, Brañes J, Assel M, Echevarría GC. The relationship between neuraxial anesthesia and advanced ovarian cancer-related outcomes in the chilean population. Anesth Analg. 2013 Sep;117(3):653–60.
10. Balakrishnan K, Chockalingam P, Ramasamy T, Venkateswaran M, Sundaram M, Sridevi V. Association of Perioperative Use of Epidural Analgesia with Disease Free Survival in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Observational Study with Propensity Score Matched Analysis [Internet]. Vol. 9, Archives of Anesthesiology and Critical Care. 2023. Available from: http://aacc.tums.ac.ir
11. Wang Y, Song Y, Qin C, Zhang C, Du Y, Xu T. Effect of regional versus general anesthesia on recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight retrospective cohort studies. BMC Anesthesiol. 2023 Dec 1;23(1).
12. Jang D, Lim CS, Shin YS, Ko YK, Park S Il, Song SH, et al. A comparison of regional and general anesthesia effects on 5year survival and cancer recurrence after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor: A retrospective analysis. BMC Anesthesiol. 2016 Mar 12;16(1).
13. Sessler DI, Pei L, Huang Y, Fleischmann E, Marhofer P, Kurz A, et al. Recurrence of breast cancer after regional or general anaesthesia: a randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2019 Nov 16;394(10211):1807–15.
14. Blanco R, Parras T, McDonnell JG, Prats-Galino A. Serratus plane block: A novel ultrasound-guided thoracic wall nerve block. Anaesthesia. 2013 Nov;68(11):1107–13.
15. Landoni G, Granell M, Zhang W, Copyright fanes, Liang W, Wu Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block for postoperative analgesia in thoracic surgery and breast surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
16. Bashandy GMN, Abbas DN. Pectoral nerves I and II blocks in multimodal analgesia for breast cancer surgery: A randomized clinical trial. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2015;40(1):68–74.
17. Zhao X, Tong Y, Ren H, Ding XB, Wang X, Zong JY, et al. Transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis [Internet]. Vol. 7, Int J Clin Exp Med. 2014. Available from: www.ijcem.com/
18. Dhanjal ST, Affiliations ST. Quadratus Lumborum Block Continuing Education Activity [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537212/?report=printable
19. Liu X, Song T, Chen X, Zhang J, Shan C, Chang L, et al. Quadratus lumborum block versus transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Vol. 20, BMC Anesthesiology. BioMed Central Ltd.; 2020.
20. Bonvicini D, Boscolo-Berto R, De Cassai A, Negrello M, Macchi V, Tiberio I, et al. Anatomical basis of erector spinae plane block: a dissection and histotopographic pilot study. J Anesth. 2021 Feb 1;35(1):102–11.
21. Zhang Y, Liu T, Zhou Y, Yu Y, Chen G. Analgesic efficacy and safety of erector spinae plane block in breast cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Anesthesiol. 2021 Dec 1;21(1).
22. Gams P, Bitenc M, Danojevic N, Jensterle T, Sadikov A, Groznik V, et al. Erector spinae plane block versus intercostal nerve block for postoperative analgesia in lung cancer surgery. Radiol Oncol. 2023 Sep 1;57(3):364–70.
23. Durey B, Djerada Z, Boujibar F, Besnier E, Montagne F, Baste JM, et al. Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Paravertebral Block after Thoracic Surgery for Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score Study. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Apr 1;15(8).
24. Dubilet M, Gruenbaum BF, Semyonov M, Ishay SY, Osyntsov A, Friger M, et al. Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) Block for Postoperative Pain Management after Open Oncologic Abdominal Surgery. Pain Res Manag. 2023;2023.
25. Choi H, Hwang W. Anesthetic Approaches and Their Impact on Cancer Recurrence and Metastasis: A Comprehensive Review. Vol. 16, Cancers. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI); 2024.
26. Sekandarzad MW, Van Zundert AAJ, Lirk PB, Doornebal CW, Hollmann MW. Perioperative anesthesia care and tumor progression. Vol. 124, Anesthesia and Analgesia. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2017. p. 1697–708.
27. Tavare AN, Perry NJS, Benzonana LL, Takata M, Ma D. Cancer recurrence after surgery: Direct and indirect effects of anesthetic agents. Vol. 130, International Journal of Cancer. 2012. p. 1237–50.
28. Huh J, Hwang W. The Role of Anesthetic Management in Lung Cancer Recurrence and Metastasis: A Comprehensive Review. Vol. 13, Journal of Clinical Medicine. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI); 2024.
29. Pérez-González O, Cuéllar-Guzmán LF, Soliz J, Cata JP. Impact of Regional Anesthesia on Recurrence, Metastasis, and Immune Response in Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Vol. 42, Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2017. p. 751–6.
30. Lin EJ, Prost S, Lin HJ, Shah S, Li R. Combined General/Epidural Anesthesia vs. General Anesthesia on Postoperative Cytokines: A Review and Meta-Analysis. Vol. 17, Cancers. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI); 2025.
31. Wang Y, Song Y, Qin C, Zhang C, Du Y, Xu T. Effect of regional versus general anesthesia on recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight retrospective cohort studies. BMC Anesthesiol. 2023 Dec 1;23(1).
32. Kim R. Effects of surgery and anesthetic choice on immunosuppression and cancer recurrence. Vol. 16, Journal of Translational Medicine. BioMed Central Ltd.; 2018.
33. Shavit Y, Ben-Eliyahu S, Zeidel A, Beilin B. Effects of fentanyl on natural killer cell activity and on resistance to tumor metastasis in rats: Dose and timing study. Neuroimmunomodulation. 2004;11(4):255–60.
34. Singleton PA, Moss J. Effect of perioperative opioids on cancer recurrence: A hypothesis. Vol. 6, Future Oncology. 2010. p. 1237–42.
35. Sacerdote P, Bianchi M, Gaspani L, Manfredi B, Maucione A, Terno G, et al. The Effects of Tramadol and Morphine on Immune Responses and Pain After Surgery in Cancer Patients. Vol. 90, Anesth Analg. 2000.
36. Das J, Kumar S, Khanna S, Mehta Y. Are we causing the recurrence-impact of perioperative period on long-term cancer prognosis: Review of current evidence and practice. Vol. 30, Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology. Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology; 2014. p. 153–9.
37. Gao M, Sun J, Jin W, Qian Y. Morphine, but not ketamine, decreases the ratio of Th1/Th2 in CD4-positive cells through T-bet and GATA3. Inflammation. 2012 Jun;35(3):1069–77.
38. Lucchinetti E, Awad AE, Rahman M, Feng J, Lou PH, Zhang L, et al. Antiproliferative Effects of Local Anesthetics on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Potential Implications for Tumor Spreading and Wound Healing [Internet]. 2012. Available from: www.anesthesiology.org
39. Chang YC, Liu CL, Chen MJ, Hsu YW, Chen SN, Lin CH, et al. Local anesthetics induce apoptosis in human breast tumor cells. Anesth Analg. 2014 Jan;118(1):116–24.
40. Yardeni IZ, Beilin B, Mayburd E, Levinson Y, Bessler H. The effect of perioperative intravenous lidocaine on postoperative pain and immune function. Anesth Analg. 2009;109(5):1464–9.
41. Sakaguchi M, Kuroda Y, Hirose M. The antiproliferative effect of lidocaine on human tongue cancer cells with inhibition of the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor. Anesth Analg. 2006;102(4):1103–7.
42. Zhang C, Xie C, Lu Y. Local Anesthetic Lidocaine and Cancer: Insight Into Tumor Progression and Recurrence. Vol. 11, Frontiers in Oncology. Frontiers Media S.A.; 2021.
43. Lirk P, Berger R, Hollmann MW, Fiegl H. Lidocaine time- and dose-dependently demethylates deoxyribonucleic acid in breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Br J Anaesth. 2012;109(2):200–7.
44. Cata JP, Ramirez MF, Velasquez JF, Di A, Popat KU, Gottumukkala V, et al. Lidocaine stimulates the function of natural killer cells in different experimental settings. Vol. 37, Anticancer Research. International Institute of Anticancer Research; 2017. p. 4727–32.
45. Bundscherer A, Malsy M, Gebhardt K, Metterlein T, Plank C, Wiese CH, et al. Effects of ropivacaine, bupivacaine and sufentanil in colon and pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Pharmacol Res. 2015 May 1;95–96:126–31.
46. Nunez-Rodriguez E, Zhang H, Sah D, Cata JP. Intersection Between Local Anesthetics and Cancer Biology: What Now? Where Are We Going? Advanced Biology. John Wiley and Sons Inc; 2025.
47. Kochhar A, Banday J, Ahmad Z, Panjiar P, Vajifdar H. Cervical epidural analgesia combined with general anesthesia for head and neck cancer surgery: A randomized study. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol. 2020 Apr 1;36(2):182–6.
48. Cata JP, Zafereo M, Villarreal J, Unruh BD, Truong A, Truong DT, et al. Intraoperative opioids use for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma surgery and recurrence: A retrospective study. J Clin Anesth. 2015 Dec 1;27(8):672–9.
49. Merquiol F, Montelimard AS, Nourissat A, Molliex S, Zufferey PJ. Cervical epidural anesthesia is associated with increased cancer-free survival in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer surgery: A retrospective propensity-matched analysis. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2013;38(5):398–402.
50. Exadaktylos AK, Buggy DJ, Moriarty DC, Mascha E, Sessler DI. Can Anesthetic Technique for Primary Breast Cancer Surgery Affect Recurrence or Metastasis? Anesthesiology. 2006 Oct 1;105(4):660–4.
51. Li M, Zhang Y, Pei L, Zhang Z, Tan G, Huang Y. Potential Influence of Anesthetic Interventions on Breast Cancer Early Recurrence According to Estrogen Receptor Expression: A Sub-Study of a Randomized Trial. Front Oncol. 2022 Feb 10;12.
52. Zhang J, Chang CL, Lu CY, Chen HM, Wu SY. Paravertebral block in regional anesthesia with propofol sedation reduces locoregional recurrence in patients with breast cancer receiving breast conservative surgery compared with volatile inhalational without propofol in general anesthesia. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy. 2021 Oct 1;142.
53. Huang YH, Lee MS, Lou YS, Lai HC, Yu JC, Lu CH, et al. Propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia did not improve survival compared to desflurane anesthesia in breast cancer surgery. PLoS One. 2019 Nov 1;14(11).
54. Lu Y, Liu T, Wang P, Chen Y, Ji F, Hernanz F, et al. Can anesthetic effects and pain treatment influence the long-term prognosis of early-stage lymph node-negative breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery? Ann Transl Med. 2021 Sep;9(18):1467–1467.
55. Yang Y, Zhang Y, Tang Y, Zhang J. Anesthesia-related intervention for long-term survival and cancer recurrence following breast cancer surgery: A systematic review of prospective studies. PLoS One. 2023 Dec 1;18(12 December).
56. Xie S, Li L, Meng F, Wang H. Regional anesthesia might reduce recurrence and metastasis rates in adult patients with cancers after surgery: a meta-analysis. BMC Anesthesiol. 2024 Dec 1;24(1).
57. Hasselager RP, Hallas J, Gögenur I. Epidural Analgesia and Recurrence after Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Danish Retrospective Registry-based Cohort Study. Anesthesiology. 2022 Mar 1;136(3):459–71.
58. Wu HL, Tai YH, Lin SP, Yang SH, Tsou MY, Chang KY. Epidural analgesia does not impact recurrence or mortality in patients after rectal cancer resection. Sci Rep. 2021 Dec 1;11(1).
59. Shin S, Kim HI, Kim NY, Lee KY, Kim DW, Yoo YC. Effect of postoperative analgesia technique on the prognosis of gastric cancer: a retrospective analysis [Internet]. Vol. 8, Oncotarget. 2017. Available from: www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget/
60. Hiller JG, Hacking MB, Link EK, Wessels KL, Riedel BJ. Perioperative epidural analgesia reduces cancer recurrence after gastro-oesophageal surgery. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2014 Mar;58(3):281–90.
61. Heinrich S, Janitz K, Merkel S, Klein P, Schmidt J. Short- and long term effects of epidural analgesia on morbidity and mortality of esophageal cancer surgery. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2015 Jan 1;400(1):19–26.
62. Pérez-González O, Cuéllar-Guzmán LF, Navarrete-Pacheco M, Ortiz-Martínez JJ, Williams WH, Cata JP. Impact of regional anesthesia on gastroesophageal cancer surgery outcomes: A systematic review of the literature. Vol. 127, Anesthesia and Analgesia. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2018. p. 753–8.
63. Biki B, Mascha E, Moriarty DC, Fitzpatrick JM, Sessler DI, Buggy DJ. Anesthetic Technique for Radical Prostatectomy Surgery Affects Cancer Recurrence A Retrospective Analysis [Internet]. Vol. 109, Anesthesiology. 2008. Available from: www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CAFF2007PWSecured.pdf.
64. Tsui BCH, Rashiq S, Schopflocher D, Murtha A, Broemling S, Pillay J, et al. Epidural anesthesia and cancer recurrence rates after radical prostatectomy. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia. 2010 Feb;57(2):107–12.
65. Ehdaie B, Sjoberg DD, Dalecki PH, Scardino PT, Eastham JA, Amar D. Association entre techniques anesthésiques pour la prostatectomie radicale et récidive biochimique: une étude rétrospective de cohorte. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia. 2014 Nov 22;61(12):1068–74.
66. Wuethrich PY, Schmitz SFH, Kessler TM, Thalmann GN, Studer UE, Burkhard FC. PERIOPERATIVE MEDICINE Potential Influence of the Anesthetic Technique Used during Open Radical Prostatectomy on Prostate Cancer-related Outcome A Retrospective Study [Internet]. Vol. 113, Anesthesiology. 2010. Available from: www.anesthesiology.org
67. Forget P, Tombal B, Scholtès JL, Nzimbala J, Meulders C, Legrand C, et al. Do intraoperative analgesics influence oncological outcomes after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer? Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2011 Dec;28(12):830–5.
68. Lee BM, Singh Ghotra V, Karam JA, Hernandez M, Pratt G, Cata JP. Regional anesthesia/analgesia and the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality after prostatectomy: a meta-analysis. Pain Manag. 2015 Sep 1;5(5):387–95.
69. Xu ZZ, Li HJ, Li MH, Huang SM, Li X, Liu QH, et al. Epidural Anesthesia-Analgesia and Recurrence-free Survival after Lung Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Trial. Anesthesiology. 2021 Sep 1;135(3):419–32.
70. Du YT, Li YW, Zhao BJ, Guo XY, Feng Y, Zuo MZ, et al. Long-term Survival after Combined Epidural-General Anesthesia or General Anesthesia Alone: Follow-up of a Randomized Trial. Anesthesiology. 2021 Aug 1;135(2):233–45.
71. Lai R, Peng Z, Chen D, Wang X, Xing W, Zeng W, et al. The effects of anesthetic technique on cancer recurrence in percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of small hepatocellular carcinoma. Anesth Analg. 2012 Feb;114(2):290–6.
72. Cao L, Chang Y, Lin W, Zhou J, Tan H, Yuan Y, et al. Long-term survival after resection of hepatocelluar carcinoma: A potential risk associated with the choice of postoperative analgesia. Anesth Analg. 2014;118(6):1309–16.
73. Sun HZ, Song YL, Wang XY. Effects of Different Anesthetic Methods on Cellular Immune and Neuroendocrine Functions in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Before and After Surgery. J Clin Lab Anal. 2016 Nov 1;30(6):1175–82.
74. Lin KJ, Hsu FK, Shyr YM, Ni YW, Tsou MY, Chang KY. Effect of epidural analgesia on long-term outcomes after curative surgery for pancreatic cancer: A single-center cohort study in Taiwan. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association. 2022 Jan 1;85(1):124–8.
75. Alexander A, Lehwald-Tywuschik N, Rehders A, Rabenalt S, Verde PE, Eisenberger CF, et al. Peridural anesthesia and cancer-related survival after surgery for pancreatic cancer—a retrospective cohort study. Clin Pract. 2021 Sep 1;11(3):532–42.
76. Zhu J, Zhang XR, Yang H. Effects of combined epidural and general anesthesia on intraoperative hemodynamic responses, postoperative cellular immunity, and prognosis in patients with gallbladder cancer. Medicine (United States). 2017 Mar 1;96(10).


How to Cite this Article: Grewal A, Challa RB, Sharma J. Regional Anaesthesia for Cancer Surgery and Its Impact on Recurrence and Metastasis: What Is the Evidence? International Journal of Regional Anaesthesia. January-June 2025; 6(1): 20-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.118


(Abstract Text HTML)    (Download PDF)


The Illusion of Precision: Artificial Intelligence Unmasked

Vol 6 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | Page 04-07 | Ghansham Biyani, Rajasekhar Metta

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.112

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted: 16-01-2025; Reviewed: 08-02-2025; Accepted: 22-04-2025; Published: 10-06-2025


Authors: Ghansham Biyani [1], Rajasekhar Metta [1]

[1] Department of Anaesthesiology, AIIMS Mangalagiri, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Rajasekhar Metta,
Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, AIIMS Mangalagiri, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Email ID: rajamc6@gmail.com


Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), defined by John McCarthy as the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, has evolved to encompass systems capable of performing complex cognitive tasks. In regional anaesthesia (RA), AI has shown promise in enhancing ultrasound (US) image interpretation, improving accuracy through convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and computer vision. Current evidence suggests that AI-assisted systems can increase first-attempt success rates, reduce procedural duration, and improve postoperative outcomes by accurately identifying sonoanatomical structures. Moreover, AI-based educational tools offer standardized, scalable training models for novice medical learners. However, current limitations include difficulty in object tracking due to low tissue contrast, variable accuracy across anatomical regions, and inadequate validation of patient-centred outcomes. Ethical, legal, and data privacy concerns further hinder widespread clinical adoption. While AI holds potential to augment, but not replace, clinical expertise in US-guided RA, further large-scale studies and regulatory frameworks are essential before it can be reliably integrated into routine anaesthetic practice.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Regional anaesthesia, Predictive analytics, Machine learning, Color overlay, Peripheral nerve blocks


References


1. Rajaraman V. JohnMcCarthy—Father of artificial intelligence. Reson 2014; 19(3): 198-207.
2. McKendrick M, Yang S, McLeod GA. The use of artificial intelligence and robotics in regional anaesthesia. Anaesthesia 2021; 76: 171-81.
3. Balavenkatasubramanian J, Kumar S, Sanjayan RD. Artificial intelligence in regional anaesthesia. Indian J Anaesth 2024; 68(1): 100-4.
4. Choy G, Khalilzadeh O, Michalski M, Do S, Samir AE, Pianykh OS, et al. Current Applications and Future Impact of Machine Learning in Radiology. Radiology 2018; 288(2): 318-28.
5. Tong SX, Li RS, Wang D, Xie XM, Ruan Y, Huang L. Artificial intelligence technology and ultrasound-guided nerve block for analgesia in total knee arthroplasty. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11(29): 7026-33.
6. Bowness JS, Macfarlane AJR, Burckett-St Laurent D, Harris C, Margetts S, Morecroft M, et al. Evaluation of the impact of assistive artificial intelligence on ultrasound scanning for regional anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth 2023; 130(2): 226-33.
7. Oh TT, Ikhsan M, Tan KK, Rehena S, Han NR, Sia ATH, et al. A novel approach to neuraxial anesthesia: Application of an automated ultrasound spinal landmark identification. BMC Anesthesiol 2019; 19(1): 57.
8. Bellini V, Rafano Carnà E, Russo M, Di Vincenzo F, Berghenti M, Baciarello M, et al. Artificial intelligence and anesthesia: A narrative review. Ann Transl Med 2022; 10(9): 528.
9. Jacobs E, Wainman B, Bowness J. Applying artificial intelligence to the use of ultrasound as an educational tool: A focus on ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. Anat Sci Educ 2024; 17(5): 919-25.
10. Viderman D, Dossov M, Seitenov S, Lee MH. Artificial intelligence in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia: A scoping review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9: 994805.
11. Bowness J, El-Boghdadly K, Burckett-St Laurent D. Artificial intelligence for image interpretation in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia. Anaesthesia 2021; 76(5): 602-7.
12. Magoon R, Suresh V. A novel recognition of artificial intelligence in regional anaesthesia. Digital Medicine 2023; 9(2): e00003.
13. Swain BP, Nag DS, Anand R, Kumar H, Ganguly PK, Singh N. Current evidence on artificial intelligence in regional anesthesia. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12(33): 6613-19.
14. Srinivasareddy S. Artificial Intelligence in Anesthesia: What Might the Future Hold. Int J Clin Anesthesiol 2024; 12(1): 1131.
15. Karmakar A, Khan MJ, Abdul-Rahman ME, Shahid U. The Advances and Utility of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Regional Anesthesia: An Overview of Recent Developments. Cureus 2023; 15(8): e44306.
16. Choudhary N, Gupta A, Gupta N. Artificial intelligence and robotics in regional anesthesia. World J Methodol 2024; 14(4): 95762.

 


How to Cite this Article: Biyani G, Metta R. The Illusion of Precision: Artificial Intelligence Unmasked. International Journal of Regional Anaesthesia. January-June 2025; 6(1): 04-07. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.0112


(Abstract Text HTML)    (Download PDF)


Rural to Remote to the Recent Trends in Regional Anaesthesia

Vol 6 | Issue 1 | January-June 2025 | Page 01-03 | Anju Gupta, Sandeep Diwan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.110

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted: 14-03-2025; Reviewed: 26-03-2025; Accepted: 18-05-2025; Published: 10-06-2025


Authors: Anju Gupta [1], Sandeep Diwan [2]

[1] Department of Anaesthesiology & Critical Care, AIIMS, Delhi, India.
[2] Department of Anaesthesiology, Sancheti Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Anju Gupta,
Department of Anaesthesiology & Critical Care, AIIMS Delhi, India.
Email ID: dranjugupta09@gmail.com


Editorial

Regional anaesthesia (RA) has undergone significant transformation over the last few decades from being a dispensable part of anaesthesia to presently being the core skill and foundational pillar of anaesthesia in contemporary anaesthesia practice. RA has always been a flexible field—focused on pragmatism, using minimal resources efficiently, tailoring anaesthesia to individual perioperative needs, and prioritising patient-centred outcomes [1]. This practical based approach of maximizing resource utilisation has been most evident in rural and remote areas, where clinicians have since long turned limited resources into innovative solutions. Today, the same values that helped RA thrive in such settings are fueling its newest exciting developments: portable technology, built-in safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific breakthroughs, and advent of artificial intelligence, all contributing to reconfiguration of RA to be a more refined, evidence–based, and widely adopted approach in contemporary medical practice [1, 2]. From its roots in resource limited rural practice to its cutting-edge modern advances, RA continues to make progress in tandem with our dynamic speciality.
RA has been a key skill in the armamentarium of anaesthesiologists working in rural and remote areas since ages to solve the limited infrastructures and to navigate the complex clinical scenarios that were far fetched with general anaesthesia (GA). It has been more of a necessity than a luxury in these set ups which have furthered innovations in this field. Conditions in many of these set ups is far from the recommended guidelines for basic minimum standards to provide anaesthesia with an overall limited access to clean and well equipped operation rooms with central pipelines, anaesthesia workstations, advanced monitoring techniques, ventilators with advance modes, anaesthesia and emergency drugs, fluid and blood products, and post-operative high-dependency or intensive care unit [3, 4]. The only monitor might be the vigilant eye of an experienced anaesthesiologist. The emphasis has always been on minimally resource intensive opioid sparing anaesthesia techniques requiring lesser consumables and drugs, preserving spontaneous ventilation, allowing faster recovery and hospital discharge, and minimising opioid related adverse events [4]. These objectives can readily be met by incorporating RA into anaesthesia Use of RA to provide procedural anaesthesia avoids the need to handle the airway in these resource limited facilities while ensuring patient safety as the complications have remained astonishingly low [5]. Similarly, RA has revolutionised trauma care in remote areas—be it on-arrival blocks, facilitating closed reductions, physiotherapy; providing rib fracture analgesia with safer fascial plane blocks.
While resource constraint and economical use of resources has been the main driving factor in RA adoption in these rural and remote set-ups, safety remains the topmost priority. The widespread use of nerve stimulators and now even ultrasound is a testament to that. Anaesthesiologists working in these areas have realised the importance of safety and precision especially since rescue options are limited. Ultrasound has enhanced the safety of RA multi-folds by visualising needle trajectory and avoiding critical structures, reducing the dose of local anaesthetist and improving the block success [6]. Innovations like portable and pocket-sized ultrasound compatible with smartphones have made the integration of ultrasound even more feasible for freelancers who carry their own equipment. However, cost concerns and stringent laws by the government have made procurement and use of ultrasound difficult for free lancers in India and they may still have to rely on landmark or neurostimulation guided blocks. In the present issue, Muthu SC identify simplified landmark or neurostimulation guided block techniques for rural and remotely placed hospitals which can be utilised with reasonable success rates when visualised needle placement is not an option [7].
Furthermore, even with the use of ultrasound intraneural injection cannot be ruled out. Hence, use of multimodal techniques comprising ultrasound, injection pressure monitoring, echogenic needles, use of AI and neurostimulation has been advocated as identified by Arora D in a review article on intrafasicular injection in this issue [8]. However, these would not be available in majority remote and rural areas. A breakthrough in the RA practice is the introduction and widespread popularity of fascial plane blocks such as transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, erector spinae plane block (ESPB), serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) etc., permitting excellent analgesia with remarkable safety profile, preserving hemodynamic stability and avoiding damage to critical structures facilitating easy recovery and discharge [9]. Hence, these techniques have further expanded our armamentarium and provided us with enumerable options to choose from to suit individual patient profiles.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways utilise the multimodal analgesia with RA as a central component [10]. The concept of multimodal analgesia was rooted in the rural and remote anaesthesia practice as a means to reduce risk due to opioid analgesics by incorporating various non-opioid analgesics and RA. Recent trends favour ambulatory-friendly modalities: single-shot blocks with long-acting local anaesthetics; low-volume techniques that spare motor function; and even portable disposable infusion pumps which allow continuous peripheral nerve block on ambulatory basis. Though considered contemporary developments, these practices providing safe analgesic management are a boon to anaesthesiologists working in rural and remote settings furthering the safety and efficacy.
Another major advancement which has changed the landscape of RA in rural and remote areas is easy access to training and mentorship. Tele-mentoring has bridged the gap in guidance and supervision available in remote areas [11]. Various educational forums on social media enable discussion and almost instant problem-solving. Furthermore, the expanding research base has provided newer insights on the nitty-gritty of RA.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is entering RA, but the most promising applications are humble: real-time probe orientation hints, automatic structure labelling, and needle-tip detection—tools that teach as they guide [12]. Augmented reality overlays may soon help a novice reproduce an expert’s probe and needle alignment. Importantly, these tools should augment—not replace—anatomical understanding and clinical judgement. Rural contexts will keep us honest: technology that fails offline, drains batteries by noon, or confuses the user will be abandoned. The winners will be simple, robust, and clinically meaningful.
In this issue of International Journal of Regional Anaesthesia, Biyani and Metta discuss the promising role of AI in addressing the challenges in image interpretation during ultrasound guided RA especially in the subset of patients with difficult sonoanatomy or deep/difficut blocks like neuraxial blocks [13]. They have comprehensively discussed various applications of AI in RA and the various pros and cons of use of AI for RA. They have aptly pointed out that the quality of AI generated data relies heavily on inputs provided by the operator. Notably, authors mention that AI tools are expensive and often impractical to use in resource-limited settings.
Contemporary medical practice aims towards precision based medicine and RA is not behind. Recent advances in pharmacogenetics and genomics hold promise to revolutionise RA and pain management through precision analgesia. A review article by Bhuvaneshwari and Diwan explores the current landscape, challenges, and potential of genomics-driven precision analgesia in perioperative and critical care settings [14].
Among the reasons for a growing interest in RA for oncoanaesthesia is its promising role of RA in preventing cancer recurrence by reducing the perioperative stress response, supporting immune function, and decreasing the use of opioid and volatile anaesthetics. Grewal et al. [15] appropriately notice that although RA reliably enhances pain management and perioperative recovery, its impact on cancer outcomes remains uncertain. The main reason cited in their article is the variability in study methods, confounding variables, and a scarcity of high-quality randomised controlled trials to draw definitive conclusions. Authors caution that until more solid evidence is available, personalised anaesthetic strategies are essential.
To conclude, the path of RA is not fixed linear progress forward but more of a pragmatic and dynamic one where individualised patient management is the goal with a focus on safety. Rural and remote RA practice has always centered on the principles of sound knowledge of anatomy and physiology, portable equipment, creative thinking and deep concern for patient safety. Modern RA practice has only amplified those values and techniques to further the cause of patient safety and best outcomes. Incorporating novel tools like ultrasound and artificial intelligence into the ethos of rural RA techniques has taken RA to new heights where it is now considered the foundational pillars of anaesthesia. Whether in a small remote clinic or an urban hi-tech facility, whether done on a high-end ultrasound machine or with a handheld ultrasound, the essence of RA stays the same: precise, thoughtful care that supports natural physiology and helps patients recover well. The move from rural beginnings to cutting-edge technology driven practice is not a breaking free from the past but moving forward in the best possible way—a targeted, profound care while respecting patient physiology and empowering early recovery. To sum it up, the journey of RA from rural and remote roots to the current leading edge era is not a departure; it is a reunification.


References


1. Moka E. Transforming Perioperative Care: Evolving Paradigms of the Expanding Role of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management. J Clin Med. 2025 Sep 4;14(17):6257.
2. Ramachandran S, Malhotra N, Velayudhan S, Singh Bajwa SJ, Joshi M, Mehdiratta L, Hiremath VR. Regional anaesthesia practices in India: A nationwide survey. Indian J Anaesth. 2021 Dec;65(12):853-861.
3. Lee, Seung, Azuka Onye, Asad Latif. Emergency Anesthesia in Resource-Limited Areas. Advances in Anesthesia, 2020 Volume 38, 209 – 227
4. Ariyo P, Trelles M, Helmand R, Amir Y, Hassani GH, Mftavyanka J, Nzeyimana Z, Akemani C, Ntawukiruwabo IB, Charles A, Yana Y, Moussa K, Kamal M, Suma ML, Ahmed M, Abdullahi M, Wong EG, Kushner A, Latif A. Providing Anesthesia Care in Resource-limited Settings: A 6-year Analysis of Anesthesia Services Provided at Médecins Sans Frontières Facilities. Anesthesiology. 2016 Mar;124(3):561-9.
5. Shams D, Sachse K, Statzer N, Gupta RK. Regional Anesthesia Complications and Contraindications. Clin Sports Med. 2022 Apr;41(2):329-343.
6. Marhofer P, Greher M, Kapralet S. Ultrasound guidance in regional anaesthesia. British Journal of Anaesthesia, Volume 94, Issue 1, 7 – 17
7. Muthu SC. Simplified Block Techniques for Rural and Remotely Placed Hospitals IJRA 2025; current issue.
8. Arora D. Intrafascicular injection: Can ai, ultrasound, pressure monitoring, and echogenic needles prevent it? IJRA; 2025: Current issue.
9. Dost, B. Fascial plane blocks in the era of modern regional anesthesia: shaping the future of pain management. J Anesth Analg Crit Care 5, 49 (2025).
10. Tippireddy S, Ghatol D. Anesthetic Management for Enhanced Recovery After Major Surgery (ERAS) [Updated 2023 Jan 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574567/
11. Alrasheedi, N. T., Alkhubran, A. J., Alanazi, S. D. S., Al-Sahman, S. M. A., Asiri, R. A. A., Almoushawa, A. A., Alturaif, A. S., Almosa, J. A., Aldosari, A. F. (2023). “Tele-Anesthesia and Remote Supervision: Changing Perioperative and General Medical Care”, Integrative Biomedical Research (Journal of Angiotherapy), 7(1),1-9,10317
12. Balavenkatasubramanian J, Kumar S, Sanjayan RD. Artificial intelligence in regional anaesthesia. Indian J Anaesth. 2024 Jan;68(1):100-104.
13. Biyani G, Metta R. The Illusion of Precision: Artificial Intelligence Unmasked. IJRA 2025, current issue.
14. Bhuvaneshwari B, Diwan S. Genomics and Precision Analgesia – Is This the Era? IJRA 2025, current issue
15. Grewal et al.Regional Anaesthesia for Cancer Surgery and Its Impact on Recurrence and Metastasis: What Is the Evidence? IJRA 2025; current issue. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13


How to Cite this Article: Gupta A, Diwan S. Genomics and Precision Analgesia – Is This the Era? International Journal of Regional Anaesthesia. January-June 2025; 6(1): 01-03.DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2025.v06.i01.110


(Abstract Text HTML)    (Download PDF)


The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Online Entertainment and Engagement

The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Online Entertainment and Engagement

In the digital age, the way we consume entertainment and engage with online platforms has undergone a radical transformation. From the simple act of reading news articles to the complex algorithms that curate our social media feeds, the internet has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives. This evolution isn’t just about faster internet speeds or more sophisticated devices; it’s about a fundamental shift in how we seek information, connect with others, and find enjoyment. Understanding these broader trends can provide valuable context for a variety of online activities, including the burgeoning world of online gaming and its surrounding ecosystem.

The Rise of Digital Communities and Shared Experiences

One of the most significant impacts of the internet has been its ability to foster communities. Gone are the days when shared interests were confined to local clubs or specific physical locations. Now, individuals with niche hobbies, professional aspirations, or even simple shared curiosities can connect with like-minded people from across the globe. This has led to the proliferation of online forums, social media groups, and dedicated platforms where users can share knowledge, offer support, and build relationships. This sense of belonging and shared experience is a powerful motivator for engagement, driving users to return to platforms that offer them a sense of connection.

This trend extends to many aspects of online life. Whether it’s a community of amateur astronomers sharing observations, a group of aspiring writers critiquing each other’s work, or enthusiasts discussing their favorite sports teams, the digital realm offers unparalleled opportunities for connection. The interactive nature of these communities means that content is not just passively consumed but actively created and shaped by its members. This user-generated content often becomes a significant draw for new members, creating a self-sustaining cycle of engagement and growth. The desire for these shared experiences is a constant force shaping the digital landscape.

Furthermore, the concept of “shared experience” has also evolved. We see this in the rise of live streaming, where audiences can interact with broadcasters in real-time, sharing jokes, asking questions, and celebrating moments together. This creates an immediate and visceral connection that traditional media struggles to replicate. The feeling of being part of something happening right now, alongside thousands of others, is a potent form of entertainment and social interaction. This immediacy and interactivity are key drivers in how people choose to spend their online time, seeking out platforms that offer these dynamic and engaging environments.

Personalization and Algorithmic Curation: Tailoring the Digital Experience

Another defining characteristic of the modern internet is the increasing level of personalization and algorithmic curation. Platforms have become incredibly adept at learning our preferences, behaviors, and interests. Through sophisticated algorithms, they can predict what content we’re likely to enjoy, what products we might want to buy, and even who we might want to connect with. This has led to a highly tailored digital experience, where our feeds, recommendations, and advertisements are often unique to us.

While this personalization can be incredibly convenient, offering a seemingly endless stream of relevant content, it also raises questions about filter bubbles and echo chambers. By showing us more of what we already like, algorithms can inadvertently limit our exposure to diverse perspectives and new ideas. However, from a platform’s perspective, effective personalization is crucial for keeping users engaged. When users feel understood and catered to, they are more likely to spend time on a platform and return to it in the future. The constant refinement of these algorithms is an ongoing arms race to capture and retain user attention.

The impact of this personalization is felt across all sectors of online activity. From streaming services recommending your next binge-worthy show to e-commerce sites suggesting items you might be interested in, the underlying principle remains the same: use data to create a more relevant and engaging experience. This applies equally to platforms that offer interactive entertainment and gaming. By understanding player preferences, these sites can offer a more compelling and enjoyable experience, increasing player satisfaction and retention. For many, the ability to discover new and exciting content tailored to their tastes is a primary reason for their continued online engagement.

The Future of Online Engagement: Interactivity, Immersive Technologies, and Responsible Platforms

Looking ahead, the trends of interactivity and personalization are only set to intensify. The development of immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) promises to blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds, offering entirely new forms of entertainment and social interaction. Imagine attending virtual concerts with friends from across the globe or exploring digital replicas of historical sites, all from the comfort of your home. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize how we experience online content and communities.

Alongside these technological advancements, there’s a growing awareness of the need for responsible online platforms. As the digital world becomes more pervasive, issues such as data privacy, online safety, and the potential for addiction are coming to the forefront. Reputable platforms are increasingly focusing on creating environments that are not only engaging but also secure and ethical. This includes implementing robust security measures, providing clear terms of service, and offering tools for users to manage their online experience responsibly.

For platforms that offer a wide range of interactive entertainment, including online casino games, this focus on responsibility is paramount. Ensuring a safe and fair gaming environment is not just a matter of compliance but a fundamental aspect of building trust and fostering long-term engagement. Players seek out sites that are transparent about their operations and prioritize player well-being. In this context, discovering reliable and reputable online destinations is crucial for a positive experience. For instance, many players actively seek out trusted platforms for their entertainment needs, and sites like casibom are part of this landscape of available online entertainment options. The continuous evolution of online entertainment means that players have more choices than ever before, and the demand for quality and security remains a constant.

Ultimately, the digital landscape is a dynamic and ever-changing entity. The constant push for innovation, coupled with a growing understanding of user needs and societal responsibilities, ensures that the way we engage with the internet will continue to evolve. Whether it’s through the deepening of online communities, the refinement of personalized experiences, or the advent of new immersive technologies, the future of online engagement promises to be as exciting as it is transformative.

A Case Report on Bilateral Ultrasound Guided Brachial Plexus Block in a Paediatric Patient with Unusual Congenital Anomalies

Vol 5 | Issue 2 | July-December 2024 | Page 27-30 | Anupama Triparhi Srikanth, Pooja Patil, Anitha Pramod, Srikanth V

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2024.v05.i02.104

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).

Submitted: February 10-07-2024; Reviewed: 02-08-2024; Accepted: 03-10-2024; Published: 10-12-2024


Authors: Anupama Triparhi Srikanth [1], Pooja Patil [1], Anitha Pramod [1], Srikanth V [1]

[1] Department of Anaesthesiology, Manipal Hospitals, Old airport road, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Pooja Patil
Department of Anaesthesiology, Manipal Hospitals, Old airport road, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Email id: patil24992pooja@gmail.com


Abstract

Background: Performing bilateral brachial plexus blocks (BPB) in paediatric patients is a rare practice due to concerns like diaphragmatic paralysis, local anaesthetic systemic toxicity, pneumothorax and hematoma formation. The introduction of ultrasound in regional anaesthesia has revolutionized precision, allowing reduced local anaesthetic doses and increased success rates.
Case Description: We present the case of an 11-year-old male, who underwent uneventful surgical repair for Tetralogy of Fallot at 8 months of age, posted for right index finger pollicization and left-hand distractor frame application. Auscultatory finding of loud S2 and ejection systolic murmur corroborated with echo finding of mild pulmonary regurgitation, intact VSD patch, and good biventricular function. After administering general anaesthesia with controlled ventilation, ultrasound-guided axillary approach bilateral BPB with 11 ml 0.33% Ropivacaine (equal volume mixture of 0.5% and 0.2% Ropivacaine after calculation of maximum allowable dose) was given sequentially on each side with an interval of 2.5 hours. The overall outcome was safe and uneventful.
Discussion: According to the Pediatric Regional Anaesthesia Network, only 3% of all regional anaesthetics (RA) in children involve upper limb blocks. Literature supporting bilateral BPB in children is scarce. RA improves haemodynamic stability, reduces the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications, decreases catecholamine production and the metabolic stress response to surgery and promotes a fast return of gut function and feeding, all of which benefited this child with known cardiac comorbidity. Improvement in the accuracy of ultrasound imaging has undoubtedly boosted regional anaesthetic techniques making nerve blocks safe and well tolerated in children.
Conclusion: Our case report demonstrates successful incorporation of US guided bilateral axillary brachial plexus block in a child with preexisting cardiac illness coming for major upper limb surgeries resulting in a painfree child, satisfied parents and happy surgeons.
Keywords: Bilateral brachial plexus blocks (BPB), Pediatric Regional Anaesthesia, Ultrasound.


References


1. Polaner DM, Taenzer AH, Walker BJ, Bosenberg A, Krane EJ, Suresh S, Wolf C, Martin LD. Pediatric Regional Anaesthesia Network (PRAN): a multi-institutional study of the use and incidence of complications of pediatric regional anaesthesia. Anaesth Analg. 2012 Dec;115(6):1353-64. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e31825d9f4b. Epub 2012 Jun 13. PMID: 22696610.
2. Zadrazil M, Opfermann P, Marhofer P, Westerlund AI, Haider T. Brachial plexus block with ultrasound guidance for upper-limb trauma surgery in children: a retrospective cohort study of 565 cases. Br J Anaesth. 2020 Jul;125(1):104-109. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.03.012. Epub 2020 Apr 24. PMID: 32340734.
3. Merella, F. et al. Ultrasound-guided upper and lower extremity nerve blocks in children. BJA Education, Volume 20, Issue 2, 42 – 50
4. Şengel A, Seçilmiş S. Ultrasound-guided bilateral infraclavicular brachial plexus block: A report of three cases. Saudi J Anaesth. 2022 Apr-Jun;16(2):232-235. doi: 10.4103/sja.sja_737_21. Epub 2022 Mar 17. PMID: 35431733; PMCID: PMC9009546.
5. Mangla C, Kamath HS, Yarmush J. Bilateral Brachial Plexus Block Using Chloroprocaine For Surgery Of Bilateral Radial Fractures. Local Reg Anaesth. 2019 Sep 27;12:99-102. doi: 10.2147/LRA.S225471. PMID: 31579387; PMCID: PMC6773967.
6. Karim, H.M.R., Panda, C.K., Kumar, M. et al. Perioperative challenges for same sitting bilateral upper limb surgery in a patient of obstructive sleep apnoea, morbid obesity, hypothyroidism, and orthopnea. Ain-Shams J Anaesthesiol 10, 1 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42077-018-0006-6
7. Renes SH, Spoormans HH, Gielen MJ, Rettig HC, van Geffen GJ. Hemidiaphragmatic paresis can be avoided in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Reg Anaesth Pain Med. 2009 Nov-Dec;34(6):595-9. doi: 10.1097/aap.0b013e3181bfbd83. PMID: 19916254
8. Holborow J, Hocking G. Regional anaesthesia for bilateral upper limb surgery: a review of challenges and solutions. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2010 Mar;38(2):250-8. doi: 10.1177/0310057X1003800205. PMID: 20369756.
9. Kim BG, Yang C, Lee K, Choi WJ. Bilateral brachial plexus block in a patient with cervical spinal cord injury: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Jul 24;99(30):e21126. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021126. PMID: 32791687; PMCID: PMC7387002.
10. Brand L, Papper EM. A comparison of supraclavicular and axillary techniques for brachial plexus blocks. Anaesthesiology 1961; 22: 226–9.
11. Neuburger M, Landes H, Kaiser H. Pneumothorax bei der vertikalen infraklavikulären Blockade des Plexus brachialis. Fallbericht einer seltenen Komplikation. Anaesthesist 2000; 49: 901–4.
12. Tsui BC, Doyle K, Chu K, Pillay J, Dillane D. Case series: ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block using a curvilinear probe in 104 day-case hand surgery patients. Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia 2009; 56: 46–51.
13. Amiri HR, Espandar R. Upper extremity surgery in younger children under ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block: a case series. J Child Orthop. 2011 Feb;5(1):5-9. doi: 10.1007/s11832-010-0303-5. Epub 2010 Nov 23. PMID: 22295045; PMCID: PMC3024489.
14. Majid Fakhir alhamaidah, Hussain AH, Hussein alkhfaji, Sami RH, Hamza Sh. Abd-Alzahra, Ali B. Roomi: Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks in pediatric anaesthesia: non-systematic review. IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 928 (2020) 062013 IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1757-899X/928/6/062013
15. Singaravelu Ramesh A, Boretsky K. Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity in children: a review of recent case reports and current literature. Reg Anaesth Pain Med. 2021 Oct;46(10):909-914. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2021-102529. Epub 2021 Jun 7. PMID: 34099573.
16. Goh MS, Bernardo MK, Yuen T, Tsai E and Ovsepian M. Bilateral Brachial Plexus Blocks for Bilateral Upper Extremity Surgery. SM J Anaesth. 2017; 3(2): 1013
17. Al-Talabani BG, Abdullah HO, Kakamad FH, Abdulla BA, Salih KM, Mohammed SH, Salih AM. Bilateral brachial plexus block as alternative to general anaesthesia in high-risk patient; a case report and literature review. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Feb 11;75:103378. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103378. PMID: 35242325; PMCID: PMC8881413.
18. Harper G.K., Stafford M.A., Hill D.A. Minimum volume of local anaesthetic required to surround each of the constituent nerves of the axillary brachial plexus, using ultrasound guidance: a pilot study. Br. J. Anaesth. 2010;104(5):633–636.
19. Franco CD, Salahuddin Z, Rafizad A. Bilateral brachial plexus block. Anaesth Analg. 2004 Feb;98(2):518-520. doi: 10.1213/01.ANE.0000097441.67236.33. PMID: 14742397.
20. Graf, Bernhard M. M.D.*; Abraham, Ingo M.D.†; Eberbach, Nicole M.D.†; Kunst, Gudrun M.D.‡; Stowe, David F. M.D., Ph.D.§; Martin, Eike M.D.‖. Differences in Cardiotoxicity of Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine Are the Result of Physicochemical and Stereoselective Properties. The Journal of the American Society of Anaesthesiologists 96(6):p 1427-1434, June 1, 2002. | DOI: 10.1097/00000542-200206000-00023


How to Cite this Article: Srikanth AT, Patil P, Pramod A, V Srikanth | A Case Report on Bilateral Ultrasound Guided Brachial Plexus Block in a Paediatric Patient with Unusual Congenital Anomalies | International Journal of Regional Anaesthesia | July-December 2024; 5(2): 27-30 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2024.v05.i02.104


(Abstract Text HTML)    (Download PDF)


Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block for Unilateral Multiple Rib Fracture- A Case Report

Vol 5 | Issue 2 | July-December 2024 | Page 23-26 | Navveen PM, Sandeep Diwan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2024.v05.i02.102

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).

Submitted: February 22-11-2024; Reviewed: 28-11-2024; Accepted: 08-12-2024; Published: 10-12-2024


Authors: Navveen PM [1], Sandeep Diwan [2]

[1] AORA Fellow, Sancheti Hospital for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
[2] Department of Anaesthesiology, Sancheti Hospital for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Navveen PM
Department of Anaesthesia, Sancheti Institute of orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Email id: dr.navveen@gmail.com


Abstract

Patients with chest trauma have high morbidity due to rib fractures, lung contusion, hemo/pneumothorax leading to prolonged hospital stay. Adequate pain relief is the key for early recovery following rib fracture. Pain due rib fracture can cause lung atelectasis, flail chest, hypoventilation leading to hypoxia, respiratory failure and further pulmonary complications. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an inter-fascial plane block which has been proposed as a regional anaesthesia technique in acute pain management for multiple rib fractures (MRF’s).
Keywords: Multiple rib fracture, Chest trauma, Erector spinae plane block.


References


1. Kuo K, Kim AM. Rib Fracture. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541020/
2. Thoracic Paravertebral Analgesia Through a New Multiple-Hole Catheter- 2016/04/01. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2015.09.016. DO – 10.1053/j.jvca.2015.09.016. Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
3. Kumar G, Kumar Bhoi S, Sinha TP, Paul S. Erector spinae plane block for multiple rib fracture done by an Emergency Physician: A case series. Australas J Ultrasound Med. 2020 Aug 30;24(1):58-62. doi: 10.1002/ajum.12225. PMID: 34760612; PMCID: PMC8412024.
4. Diwan S, Garud R, Nair A. Thoracic paravertebral and erector spinae plane block: A cadaveric study demonstrating different site of injections and similar destinations. Saudi J Anaesth. 2019 Oct-Dec;13(4):399-401. doi: 10.4103/sja.SJA_339_19. PMID: 31572102; PMCID: PMC6753759.
5. L May, C Hillermann, S Patil, Rib fracture management, BJA Education, Volume 16, Issue 1, 2016,
6. Diwan, S., Nair, A., Adhye, B. et al. Dual erector spinae plane block for complex traumas of upper and lower limb: an opioid reduction strategy—a case series. Ain-Shams J Anesthesiol 15, 81 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42077-023-00380-0
7. Diwan, Sandeep; Nair, Abhijit1. Unilateral erector spinae plane block for managing acute pain arising from multiple unilateral injuries: A case report. Indian Journal of Anaesthesia 64(1):p 79-80, January 2020. | DOI: 10.4103/ija.IJA_609_19
8. Periosteal Infusion of Local Anesthetics as an Alternative to Bilateral Subpectoral Interfascial Plane Catheters in Patients with Sternal Fractures, Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. Paul, Barry. 2017/05/01.
9. Rashmi Syal, Sadik Mohammed, Rakesh Kumar, Nidhi Jain, Pradeep Bhatia, Continuous erector spinae plane block for analgesia and better pulmonary functions in patients with multiple rib fractures: a prospective descriptive study, Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology (English Edition), Volume 74, Issue 1, 2024.


How to Cite this Article: PM Navveen, Diwan S | Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block for Unilateral Multiple Rib Fracture- A Case Report | International Journal of Regional Anaesthesia | July-December 2024; 5(2):23-26 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ijra.2024.v05.i02.102


(Abstract Text HTML)    (Download PDF)