The controversy over pre-emptive analgesia continues unabated, with studies both supporting and refuting its efficacy. Forty patients undergoing elective open cholecystectomy were randomized into two equal groups (20 patients each) to either pre-emptive thoracic bolus paravertebral block (PVB) with ropivacaine 0.5% (20 ml), before surgical incision (group I) or to receive the same block after t...

This study compared the efficacy of buprenorphine, carprofen, and a combination of the 2 analgesics in female baboons. Physiologic and behavioral parameters were assessed at baseline and postoperatively for 6 d by use of continuous noninvasive physiologic monitoring and twice-daily videotaping. Prior to surgery, all animals received a pre-emptive dose of either 0.01 mg/kg buprenorphine intramus...

Post thoracotomy chronic pain is a severe problem that affects the majority of patients and decreases the quality of life. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term effects of thoracal epidural levobupivacaine and intravenous dexketoprofen analgesia formed pre-emptively on the wound site pain after major thoracotomy operations. This randomised, prospective and double-blind study wa...

OBJECTIVE To develop recommendations, based on best evidence and experience, on pain management in patients undertaking total knee or hip replacement. METHODS Nominal group methodology was followed. A group of experts was selected (5 orthopedics, 1 anesthesiologist), who defined the scope, users, topics, preliminary recommendations, and 3 systematic reviews: efficacy and safety of pre-surgica...

AIM OF THE STUDY Dynamic development of research on pain has resulted in the formulation of the concept of pre-emptive analgesia, which involves administration of analgesics before the first pain-producing stimulus appears. It is meant to prevent increased sensitivity to pain in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to assess the possibilities of modifying the intensity of postope...