Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDexmedetomidine Added to Ropivacaine Extends the Duration of Interscalene Brachial Plexus Blocks for Elective Shoulder Surgery When Compared with Ropivacaine Alone: A Single-Center, Prospective, Triple-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyMagnetic Positioning System and Ultrasound Guidance for Lumbar Zygapophysial Radiofrequency Neurotomy: A Cadaver Study.
Chronic low back pain related to degenerative spondylosis is commonly managed by the radiofrequency ablation of sensory nerves. Fluoroscopic guidance has been considered mandatory to ensure placement of the active tip of the cannula parallel to the nerve to provide adequate neurolysis. Conversely, analgesic (or diagnostic) blockade is usually accomplished by placing the needle perpendicular to the nerve using either fluoroscopy or ultrasound (US) guidance. The recently introduced disposable equipment of internally cooled radiofrequency allows the denervation procedure to be performed similarly to the routine diagnostic block. Consequently, US may now potentially be used for image-guided radiofrequency neurotomy. We sought to compare the accuracy using a novel US-based technique with the traditional fluoroscopy-guided placement. ⋯ A magnetic positioning system allows accurate and quick US-guided placement of radiofrequency cannula to the desired anatomical targets, sparing patients and personnel from exposure to ionized radiation.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2014
Case ReportsAn Epidural Blood Patch Causing Acute Neurologic Dysfunction Necessitating a Decompressive Laminectomy.
One risk with placement of an epidural blood patch (EDBP) is spinal cord or nerve root compression resulting from the epidural blood volume injected, a complication necessitating immediate surgical decompression. We could not find a previous report of this in the literature. Here, we review and discuss one such case. ⋯ A cauda equina syndrome from an epidural hematoma may occur as a rare complication of an EDBP, even with direct fluoroscopic guidance. Early diagnosis of symptoms and prompt surgical evacuation of an epidural hematoma is essential and may result in the resolution of symptoms. This complication remains a rare occurrence and should not deter the performance of an EDBP, when indicated.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2014
Are Patients Satisfied After Peripheral Nerve Blockade? Results From an International Registry of Regional Anesthesia.
Peripheral nerve blockade (PNB) is associated with superior outcomes compared with opioids; however, little is known regarding patients' perceptions of the care they have received. Patient satisfaction is emerging as an important indicator of quality of health care, and identifying deficiencies in discrete aspects of satisfaction may allow targeted interventions to improve quality. In this study, we analyze data relevant to patient satisfaction from the International Registry of Regional Anesthesia. The primary objective of this analysis was to report the results of a patient-satisfaction questionnaire and to determine predictors associated with unwillingness to have PNB repeated in the case of future surgery. ⋯ A high proportion of survey respondents were willing to undergo repeat PNB in case of future surgery and were satisfied with their anesthetic care. Targeted interventions to improve quality of PNB should be aimed at improving comfort, information provision, and physician-patient interaction.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2014
Case ReportsSpinal Epidural Hematoma After Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Lead Placement in a Patient Taking Aspirin.
Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare, but potentially devastating, consequence of accessing the epidural space for anesthesia or interventional pain procedures. There is no consensus to stop aspirin therapy before interventional chronic pain procedures. ⋯ The only variable that could have led to our patient's epidural hematoma is aspirin. This is the first reported case of aspirin leading to an epidural hematoma following an interventional chronic pain procedure. Prior to interventional pain procedures, one should contemplate cessation of aspirin therapy because there are, at present, no consensus guidelines to direct such a decision.