[ effect of bupivacaine 0.5% versus lidocaine 2% injection for pain control in patients after percutaneous nephrolithotomy [PCNL]]

Controlling pain in the post-operative period is still one of the challenging issues for anaesthesiologists as it tremendously helps patients to return to their daily life as soon as possible. In this survey we have tried to compare the efficacy of 0.5% bupivacaine and 2% lidocaine with normal saline for controlling pain after PCNL. In a double blind clinical trial, 60 patients were enrolled being divided into 3 groups. 0.5% Bupivacaine in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg diluted in 20 cc normal saline was injected, into the insertion site and also the tract of the PCNL probe in group one. In our second group, 2% lidocaine [4mg/kg] diluted in 20 cc normal saline, and in the third group, just 20cc NS were injected in the same manner and direction. VAS was measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 hours post-operatively in order to evaluate pain control. The mean VAS measured 0, 3, and 6 hours post-operatively in the bupivacaine and lidocaine groups was less than the normal saline group [P<0/05]. The average time to injection of the first dose of pethedine was longer in the bupivacaine and lidocaine groups than the normal saline group. [p<0/05]. Injection of 0.5% bupivacaine and 2% lidocaine in the puncture site of PCNL is effective for pain control after PCNL surgery according to our results

[Comparison of pulsed radiofrequency and medial branch blockage in controlling facet-originating low back pain]

Using methods such as pulsed radiofrequency [PRF] and nerve blocks are among the methods used in pain clinics to treat facet-originating low back pain. This study compares two methods of pulsed radiofrequency and facet joint block [FJB] regarding pain recovery and improving disability of patients suffering from facet-originating low back pain. 50 patients with low back pain and positive response to diagnostic nerve block test with 0.5 ml of 2% lidocaine in L1-L3 and L3-L5 were included. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups of either pulsed radiofrequency at a temperature below 40 degrees or facet joint nerve block. Demographic data including age, sex, pain intensity [based on VAS], motor ability [based on ODI] and patient satisfaction [0 = none, 10= Excellent] before the treatment and at weeks 6 and 12 thereafter were recorded. Patients' pain and ODI significantly improved in PRF group compared with FJB group at week 6 and 12 [p<0/05]. Patients' satisfaction in PRF group at week 6 and 12 was significantly more than the FJB group [p<0/05]. Using analgesics in PRF group at week 6 and 12 was significantly lower than FJB group. [p<0/05]. Pulsed radiofrequency more favorably alleviates pain and improves ability in shortterm