Articles: patients.
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Scar formation in the epidural space due to previous operations or presence of inflammation in and around the nerve roots or spinal nerves in patients with back pain or radiculopathy have been documented in patients suffering from spinal pain. Several methods targeting the scar formation and inflammation have been used. Epidural neuroplasty is one of the recently used methods. ⋯ The most commonly seen complications of epidural neuroplasty are due to the procedure or the drugs administered. Complications relating to the procedure are usually seen immediately, while complications relating to drug administration are typically seen later. In this article, we discuss not only the possible complications during epidural neuroplasty, but their prevention and management as well.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Dec 2002
Clinical practice of nutritional support in Dutch intensive care units: a survey.
A questionnaire was sent to all Dutch ICUs. The design of the study was a 1-day point prevalence study. ⋯ Nutritional support is provided to the majority of critically ill patients. Enteral feeding is more common than parenteral nutrition.
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In this article we are reporting on the use of fluoroscopy-guided 6% Phenol injections for the ablation of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs), utilizing retrospective review of case reports. We reviewed 10 patients (7 male and 3 female) who have known sacroiliitis proven by fluoroscopically guided sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injection (age ranged from 25 to 78). They all had 2 to 4 weeks of relief after the injections utilizing Bupivacaine 0.5% and 80 mg of depomedrol. ⋯ Ten percent had a 20% to 50% improvement with a total duration of 12 1/2 weeks. Ten percent had a less than 20% improvement. With intra-articular injections of phenol for the ablation of the SIJs, we have found a significant improvement in pain relief accompanied by prolonged duration of relief.
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To assess the effectiveness of the lidocaine patch 5% (Lidoderm), a targeted peripheral analgesic, in reducing pain intensity/interference with quality of life (QOL) among patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). ⋯ Based on results of previous randomized, controlled trials and the current study, designed to gauge response in the clinical practice setting, the lidocaine patch 5% should be considered a first-line therapy, alone or in combination with other agents, for PHN due to its efficacy, safety, minimal systemic side effects and drug interactions, and ease of administration. Although the lidocaine patch 5% was equally effective in longstanding PHN, it would appear prudent to begin therapy as early in the course of PHN as possible.
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This review will bring to the reader's attention recent developments in the literature regarding regional anesthesia in the outpatient setting, and allow the reader to evaluate whether these developments are appropriate for inclusion in clinical practice. ⋯ Recent publications suggest additional ways to add regional anesthesia techniques to outpatient surgical practice, particularly with the promise of extensive postoperative pain relief for the ambulatory surgery patient.