Related Experiment Videos

Effect of Continuous Local Anesthetic in Post-Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review

Serena S Hong1,2, Maree A Milross2, Jennifer A Alison2,3

  • 1Physiotherapy Department, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Insights

Continuous local anesthesia (CLA) infusion after cardiac surgery significantly reduces post-operative pain and shortens the time to ambulation. This method also decreases the need for morphine, improving patient recovery outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Post-cardiac surgery recovery is often associated with significant pain and delayed ambulation.
  • Effective pain management strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital stay.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of continuous local anesthesia (CLA) infusion following cardiac surgery.
  • To assess CLA's effect on pain, ambulation, adverse events, patient satisfaction, extubation time, length of stay, narcotic consumption, and pulmonary function.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
  • Searched multiple electronic databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, and PsycINFO.
  • Included ten eligible trials with 546 participants.

Main Results:

  • CLA infusion significantly reduced visual analog pain scores at 72 hours (MD = -14.31 mm) and morphine requirement at 48 hours (MD = -10.19 mg).
  • CLA infusion also shortened the time to ambulation (MD = -2.81 hours).
  • Insufficient data prevented meta-analysis for severe adverse events, patient satisfaction, and pulmonary function.

Conclusions:

  • Continuous local anesthesia infusion post-cardiac surgery effectively reduces pain and morphine consumption.
  • It also accelerates patient ambulation, contributing to a smoother recovery.
  • Further research is needed to explore effects on adverse events and patient satisfaction.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos