A major retrospective study reaffirms that neuraxial anesthesia leads to significantly better outcomes than general anesthesia in hip and knee replacement surgeries. Learn how anesthesia choices affect complications, recovery, and hospital stays from 2006 to 2021 data.

Adding a popliteal plexus block to a femoral triangle block reduces 24-hour opioid use after total knee arthroplasty without impairing motor function. A new RCT highlights its potential role in motor-sparing analgesic strategies.

Discover the most effective radiofrequency treatment for lumbar facet joint syndrome based on a 25-study meta-analysis.

Explore the benefits, limitations, and clinical realities of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and analgesia. Learn how to balance multimodal strategies with rational opioid use to optimize surgical outcomes.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) remains one of the most feared complications in anesthesia, rapidly progressive, potentially lethal, and frequently occurring without warning in previously healthy patients. In response to evolving clinical practices and growing understanding, the European Malignant Hyperthermia Group (EMHG) … Continue reading

Continuous SPIP infusion after median sternotomy does not improve pain control, opioid use, or recovery compared to single-injection SPIP. A new RCT questions the added value of catheter-based approaches in cardiac ERAS protocols.

Explore the 2025 international consensus guidelines on sacroiliac joint complex pain. Learn evidence-based strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and patient selection in chronic low back pain management.

Master the complexities of tracheal intubation in head and neck surgery with this in-depth guide. Explore awake and asleep techniques, advanced airway tools, and perioperative strategies to ensure safe and effective airway management in high-risk patients.

Explore the latest findings from the SOFA trial on opioid-free anesthesia in major surgery. Discover how this approach impacts early recovery, reduces side effects, and challenges traditional opioid-based protocols.

ICNB outperforms ESPB for early pain control after uniportal VATS, reducing morphine needs and rescue analgesia. This multicenter RCT supports ICNB as the first-line block in ERATS pathways.

Discover how radiofrequency ablation improves gait velocity and reduces pain in patients with lumbar spinal arthritis. Learn about new clinical evidence linking RFA to functional mobility gains and explore its impact on pain management practices.

Explore how enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are transforming outpatient anesthesia. Learn about preoperative preparation, multimodal analgesia, anesthesia innovations, and postoperative strategies that support safe same-day discharge and improved patient outcomes.

The BRUGANAES study, an 18-year analysis of anaesthesia in Brugada syndrome patients, finds that commonly used drugs like propofol and local anaesthetics may be safe, challenging previous recommendations.

Combining rectus sheath and parasternal blocks improves post-sternotomy pain, reduces opioid use and PONV, and improves respiratory effort in cardiac surgery patients.

Learn how transitional pain services help prevent chronic postsurgical pain through multidisciplinary care, opioid reduction, and patient-centered strategies.

Discover the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and emerging technologies behind topical analgesics in pain management. Learn how NSAIDs, lidocaine, and capsaicin offer localized relief with reduced systemic risk—an evolving consideration in perioperative care.

Learn the latest practical insights into intraoperative neuromonitoring for anesthesiologists, covering EEG, evoked potentials, NIRS, and TCD to improve neurological outcomes during surgery.

New anatomical study reveals neonatal-specific landmarks for superficial cervical plexus blocks. Targeting the SCM at the thyroid cartilage level improves accuracy and safety in pediatric regional anesthesia.

Learn how the C2 dorsal root ganglion and myodural bridges contribute to cervicogenic headache, and explore targeted treatment techniques like suboccipital plane blocks.

A new global meta-analysis of 71 trials shows ultrasound-guided neuraxial anesthesia significantly improves first-pass success, reduces complications, and enhances patient satisfaction compared to landmark-guided methods

Discover the latest evidence on pain management in living donor liver transplant surgery. This post reviews new clinical findings on regional anesthesia techniques like ESPB, TAP blocks, and intrathecal morphine to optimize recovery and reduce opioid use.

A new RCT shows PENG and supra-inguinal fascia iliaca blocks provide equivalent dynamic pain relief, opioid reduction, and motor preservation in hip fracture patients using 0.3% ropivacaine.

Discover how radiofrequency ablation compares to stem cell therapy for treating knee osteoarthritis. Explore their effectiveness, safety profiles, functional outcomes, and clinical implications in this in-depth review.

Explore evidence-based strategies for perioperative management in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Discover how surgical timing, fluid management, cardiovascular assessment, and dialysis protocols influence outcomes in this high-risk patient population.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a serious but underdiagnosed complication of chronic liver disease, affecting up to 30% of cirrhotic patients. Learn about its pathophysiology, key symptoms like platypnea and orthodeoxia, diagnostic criteria, and why liver transplantation is the only curative … Continue reading

A new RCT finds 0.5% bupivacaine with dexamethasone and epinephrine offers longer motor and sensory block than a bupivacaine–lidocaine mix in infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks, though with a slower onset.

A new meta-analysis reveals major global disparities in spinal cord stimulation use, with age, diagnosis, and access varying widely by region.

A large New York study finds that general anesthesia for cesarean delivery is linked to a higher risk of postpartum depression requiring hospitalization and increased suicidality. Discover how anesthesia choice impacts maternal mental health and why neuraxial techniques may be … Continue reading

Nutrition is critical in patients on mechanical circulatory support (ECMO, VADs). A 2024 review highlights early enteral feeding, hypocaloric high-protein regimens, and close monitoring to reduce complications and improve recovery, despite limited evidence and device-specific protocols.

The cervical cervicis plane (CCeP) block provides selective pain relief for posterior cervical spine (PCS) surgery without motor or respiratory side effects. A new cadaveric study confirms its anatomical precision and safety.

A new meta-analysis shows adults with chronic pain are 66% more likely to have hypertension, highlighting important cardiovascular health implications.

A new study reveals that FGF23, measured six hours post-cardiac surgery, is a powerful early biomarker for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI).

Listen to the BackTable VI Podcast on Building a Pain Interventions Service Line with Dr. Stephen Hunt. Visit BackTable.com.

A 2025 phase 3 trial shows adamgammadex is a fast, safe alternative to sugammadex for reversing rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. With rapid recovery, fewer adverse events, and no hypersensitivity reactions, adamgammadex may reshape anesthesia practice.