Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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Observational Study
Postoperative Pain after Major Abdominal Surgery: Is It Gender Related? An Observational Prospective Study.
Gender may be associated with postoperative pain. This study aimed to assess pain intensity and postoperative analgesic requirements in female and male patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. ⋯ Postoperative morphine requirements did not differ between female and male patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Pain intensity reported at rest and after cough did not differ between the 2 groups.
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The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) treatment of the trigeminal ganglion for treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia, to determine which patients have a long-term benefit, and to evaluate the effect of RF parameters. ⋯ This low-volume study reported treatment effects in an older population that were similar to previous studies. Only a higher incidence of hypesthesia was detected by long-term follow-up. This study supported the high efficiency of RF treatment, but there was a high level of side effects. Most notable, low sensory stimulation was associated with increased hypesthesia, whereas higher stimulation levels yielded less effectiveness. Further investigation of an optimal sensory stimulation range for percutaneous RF treatment of the trigeminal ganglion was found to be warranted.
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Case Reports
Ultrasound-guided Prolotherapy with Polydeoxyribonucleotide Sodium in Ischiofemoral Impingement Syndrome.
Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome is an uncommon disorder defined by hip pain caused by the narrowing of the space between the ischial tuberosity and lesser trochanter with associated entrapment of the quadratus femoris muscle. We effectively treated two male patients using ultrasound-guided prolotherapy with polydeoxyribonucleotide sodium mixed with local anesthetics. ⋯ After the fifth treatment session of prolotherapy, the pain severity score using the visual analog scale was found to be minimal (0-1/10), and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed a slightly decreased enhancement of the quadratus femoris muscle compared with that on previous images. Prolotherapy with polydeoxyribonucleotide sodium was an efficacious treatment for two patients with ischiofemoral impingement syndrome who were not candidates for surgery.
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Chronic pain is a well-known phenomenon. The differential diagnosis between neuropathic and nociceptive pain syndromes is a challenge. Consequently, assessment instruments that can distinguish between these conditions in a standardized way are of the utmost importance. The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) is a screening tool developed to identify chronic neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was the Portuguese language translation, linguistic adaptation of the LANSS pain scale, its semantic validation, internal consistency, temporal stability, as well its validity and discriminative power. ⋯ The Portuguese LANSS version pain scale properties lead us to the conclusion that such a cross-cultural version is a reliable and valid instrument for the differentiation of this type of pain. Its usage is recommended.