Management program decreases postoperative nausea and vomiting in high-risk and in general surgical patients: a quality improvement cycle.

Background: Preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a major priority for postsurgical patient care. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of a multimodal postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) approach, which was associated with a continuous quality improvement program, in maintaining a low PONV incidence in the PACU.

Methods: Consecutive adult patients scheduled for surgery (ambulatory surgery or not) were prospectively included.

Wound infiltration with magnesium sulphate and ropivacaine mixture reduces postoperative tramadol requirements after radical prostatectomy.

Purpose: This prospective, randomized, double-dummy study was undertaken to compare the effects of magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) administered by the intravenous vs. the infiltration route on postoperative pain and analgesic requirements.

Methods: Forty ASA I or II men scheduled for radical retropubic prostatectomy under general anaesthesia were randomized into two groups (n=20 each).

[Postoperative analgesia with continuous intra-articular infusion of ropivacaine following trapeziectomy].

Objectives: A pilot study was implemented to evaluate the efficacy of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with continuous intra-articular infusion of ropivacaine following trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition.

Methods: Twelve patients were prospectively included. A catheter was placed into the trapezium void and connected to a PCA pump set on a continuous intra-articular infusion rate of ropivacaine: 2mg/ml.

Sublingual oxybutynin reduces postoperative pain related to indwelling bladder catheter after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Background: Bladder discomfort related to an indwelling catheter can exacerbate postoperative pain. It mimics overactive bladder syndrome that is resistant to conventional opioid therapy. Muscarinic receptor antagonists are effective for treatment of the overactive bladder.