Transversus abdominis plane block reduces pain and narcotic consumption after robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy.

Background: Minimizing pain and disability are key postoperative objectives of robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RADP). This study tested effects of bupivacaine transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on opioid consumption and pain after RADP.

Methods: Retrospective case-control study (June 2012 -Oct 2017) evaluating bilateral intraoperative bupivacaine TAP block as an interrupted time series.

Intra- and postoperative very low dose intravenous ketamine infusion does not increase pain relief after major spine surgery in patients with preoperative narcotic analgesic intake.

Objective: This study aims to demonstrate the analgesic efficacy and opioid-sparing effect of low dose ketamine in patients with preoperative narcotic intake undergoing major spine surgery.

Design: The study used a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Settings And Patients: We evaluated the analgesic efficacy and safety of low dose IV ketamine infusion after major spine surgery in patients with preoperative narcotic analgesic intake.

Labetalol for prophylactic treatment of intractable migraine during pregnancy.

Headaches tend to improve in the majority of migraineurs during pregnancy, but some patients report a worsening of migraine and present a management challenge because of the restrictions of pharmacotherapy during pregnancy. Treatment options become even more limited for pregnant migraineurs who develop preeclampsia. Labetalol was tried successfully in reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine attacks in a pregnant woman with preeclampsia.