Articles: chronic.
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The ganglion impar, a single structure usually found at the anterior aspect of the sacrococcygeal joint, is the lowest ganglion of the paravertebral sympathetic chain. Its blockade is indicated in visceral pain syndromes and/or sympathetic pain syndromes of the perineal region. Several approaches to this block have been described, mainly through the anococcygeal or sacrococcygeal ligaments. ⋯ After therapy the VAS decreased by an average of 50% in the whole group. There were no adverse events. Our result show that this proposed modified approach to the block and use of radiofrequency for the ganglion impar is useful for the treatment of perineal noncancer-related pain.
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With the continuous development of technological advances for diagnosis and treatment comes the increased need for anesthesia outside of the operating room. Children, because of their inability to cooperate with lengthy imaging procedures or painful treatments, form the largest group needing non operating room anesthesia (NORA). As the distinction between deep sedation and general anesthesia becomes less clear, it has become increasingly common for institutions to dedicate resources for pediatric NORA (as opposed to sedation services) to improve predictability, comfort, and safety. ⋯ NORA is a specific microsystem environment that must integrate operating room systems with those of other departments and specialties. Often the children that require these procedures have chronic illnesses and return at frequent intervals with complex medical, psychological, and behavioral issues. Special knowledge, training, and support infrastructure are required to provide optimal care for these expanding services.
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Chronic pain has only recently been recognized as an important health care issue. There is no widely shared agreement as to the best ways to diagnose and treat chronic pain patients. ⋯ The current chaotic state confuses patients, health care providers, and payers. It is possible that pain management may disappear from health care if we do not improve our understanding of chronic pain and how to best treat those who suffer.
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During the last few years, drug abuse has risen to the point that almost 20 million Americans are current abusers of illicit substances. These patients present to us as anesthesiologists in a variety of circumstances: in obstetrics for labor and emergencies, in trauma for emergency surgeries or life-saving (resuscitative) situations and in everyday elective surgeries. Therefore it is important for anesthesiologists to know about the most common illicit drugs being used, to know their side effects and clinical presentation if abused or intoxicated, and to know what anesthetic options would be beneficial or detrimental. ⋯ Illicit substance abuse is a major health concern in the United States. Drug use, either acute or chronic, has potentially grave consequences which include changes affecting the pulmonary, cardiovascular, nervous, renal and hepatic systems. Anesthesiologists come into contact with these patients in emergency and everyday situations. Due to the diverse clinical presentations that may arise from single substance or polysubstance abuse, anesthetic management should be tailored to each individual and universal precautions should always be followed when providing care.