Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialPectoral Nerves I and II Blocks in Multimodal Analgesia for Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
The pectoral nerves (Pecs) block types I and II are novel techniques to block the pectoral, intercostobrachial, third to sixth intercostals, and the long thoracic nerves. They may provide good analgesia during and after breast surgery. Our study aimed to compare prospectively the quality of analgesia after modified radical mastectomy surgery using general anesthesia and Pecs blocks versus general anesthesia alone. ⋯ The combined Pecs I and II block is a simple, easy-to-learn technique that produces good analgesia for radical breast surgery.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Multicenter StudyDiabetes: A Risk Factor for Catheter-Associated Infections.
The incidence of infectious complications associated with continuous regional anesthesia techniques is a matter of concern. Our objective was to determine whether patients suffering from diabetes are at an increased risk of catheter-related infectious complications. ⋯ The presence of diabetes is associated with an increased risk for catheter-related infections in lower limb and lumbar epidural. Specific care should be taken to avoid and detect infections in this population.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Plexus Block Using a Transverse Scan Through the Lumbar Intertransverse Space: A Prospective Case Series.
A paramedian transverse scan (PMTS) can be used to delineate the anatomy relevant for ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block (LPB) through the lumbar intertransverse space. This case series evaluated the feasibility of using the PMTS to guide LPBs for anesthesia. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided LPBs can be reliably accomplished using the PMTS.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Infection Related to Ultrasound-Guided Single-Injection Peripheral Nerve Blockade: A Decade of Experience at Toronto Western Hospital.
The use of ultrasound guidance has revolutionized regional anesthesia practice. Ultrasound equipment disinfection techniques vary between institutions. ⋯ No indications of block-related infection were found. We conclude that using a practical and efficient low-level disinfection technique and sterile barrier dressing results in an extremely low rate of block-related infection following ultrasound-guided single-injection peripheral nerve blockade.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Observational StudyFibromyalgia Is Associated With Coronary Heart Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study.
We examined whether patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia have an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), compared with age- and sex-matched control patients. We hypothesized that patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia are at increased risk of adverse coronary events. ⋯ An association between fibromyalgia and CHD appears to exist.