ON THE COVER:
Liposomal bupivacaine is purported to extend analgesia associated with wound infiltration and peripheral nerve blocks. However, evidence of the clinical effectiveness of liposomal bupivacaine is mixed. In this issue of Anesthesiology, Hussain et al. present a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of perineural liposomal bupivacaine in improving peripheral nerve block analgesia as compared to nonliposomal local anesthetics. In the same issue, Ilfeld et al. provide a comprehensive summary of all currently published randomized controlled trials involving the clinical administration of liposomal bupivacaine to control postoperative pain. In an accompanying editorial, McCann reviews the history of clinical trial data and approval of liposomal bupivacaine by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. Cover Illustration: A. Johnson, Vivo Visuals.
Hussain et al.: Perineural Liposomal Bupivacaine Is Not Superior to Nonliposomal Bupivacaine for Peripheral Nerve Block Analgesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, p. 147
Ilfeld et al.: Clinical Effectiveness of Liposomal Bupivacaine Administered by Infiltration or Peripheral Nerve Block to Treat Postoperative Pain: A Narrative Review, p. 283
McCann: Liposomal Bupivacaine: Effective, Cost-effective, or (Just) Costly? p. 139