Minerva anestesiologica
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Intervertebral disc degeneration is characterized by deterioration in structural support that is potentially followed by stimulated neuronal ingrowth, and dysfunction of cellular physiology in the disc. Discogenic low back pain originates from nociceptors within the intervertebral disc or the cartilage endplate. This narrative review examines the mechanisms of disc degeneration, the association between degeneration and pain, and the current diagnosis and treatment of discogenic low back pain. ⋯ Most of current treatments options are not specific to discogenic pain but are unspecific treatments of low back pain of any origin. There is an urgent need to clarify and distinguish the molecular mechanisms of discogenic pain from mechanisms of disc degeneration that are not involved in nociception. Future research should make use of current methods to study molecular mechanisms of human pain in comprehensively and quantitatively phenotyped patients with low back pain, with the objective to identify molecular triggers of discogenic pain and determine the relationship between molecular mechanisms, pain, and patient-relevant outcomes.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Apr 2024
Randomized Controlled TrialAnalgesic effects of pectoserratus plane block and intermediate cervical plexus block for transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial.
Transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy (TAET) is favored for its favorable cosmetic outcomes and the preservation of anterior cervical function. Despite these benefits, postoperative analgesia has traditionally relied on pharmacological interventions, and regional anesthetic procedures may be an alternative method. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an ultrasound-guided pectoserratus plane block (PSPB) combined with an intermediate cervical plexus block (ICPB) for TAET. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided PSPB with ICPB significantly alleviated postoperative pain and improved patient satisfaction with TAET.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Mar 2024
Randomized Controlled TrialSupplemental low-dose esketamine to propofol versus propofol alone on perioperative characteristics in children undergoing surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.
Limited data exist regarding the use of the esketamine-propofol combination (esketofol) in pediatric surgery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of esketofol versus propofol alone on the perioperative characteristics of children undergoing minor surgery. ⋯ Esketofol reduces postoperative pain and the need for rescue opioids, but it extends recovery time in the PACU and increases BIS without affecting other outcomes.