Pain physician
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Ultrasound-Guided Techniques for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Erector Spinae Plane Block vs. Quadratus Lumborum Block.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a common bariatric surgery. Regional anesthetic techniques decrease postoperative pain, narcotic analgesic requirements, and opioid-related adverse effects in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. ⋯ Bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block and bilateral ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block provided adequate postoperative pain control and reduced postoperative analgesic requirements for morbidly obese patients scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with priority to bilateral erector spinae plane block.
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Despite the positive effect of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections in thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) treatment, there is insufficient anatomical evidence of its use in the anterior scalene (AS) and middle scalene (MS) muscles. ⋯ According to anatomical features, the appropriate location for botulinum neurotoxin injection in the AS and MS muscles for the treatment of TOS is the lower portion of the scalene muscles. Therefore, it is recommended to inject at a depth of approximately 8 mm for AS and 11 mm for MS at a point 3 cm above the clavicle.
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Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) involve the administration of steroids and local anesthetics into the spinal epidural space, and they are performed by inserting a needle between the ligamentum flavum and dura. This procedure is suitable for patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy secondary to disc herniation or postsurgical radicular pain. The relief period of the analgesic medications may be prolonged by > 6 weeks, resulting in nonsurgical management becoming a suitable option. However, the negative effect of ESIs on bone mineral density has been reported. ⋯ For patients diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis, ESIs are associated with a high osteoporosis risk. Thus, this therapy should be recommended with caution, especially for patients with correlated risk factors (e.g., high risk of osteoporotic fracture, low socioeconomic status, and retired or unemployed status).