Clinical Effectiveness of Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty According to the Type of Single-Level Lumbar Disc Herniation : A 12-Month Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the outcomes of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (PEN) are influenced by the type of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and evaluate the effectiveness of PEN in patients with single-level LDH. METHODS: This study included 430 consecutive patients with single-level LDH who underwent PEN. Before treatment, the LDH type was categorized as bulging, protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration, while Pfirrmann grades were assigned according to imaging findings. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain and success rates (Odom’s criteria) were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: The mean preoperative VAS scores for back and leg pain were 6.90 and 4.23, respectively; these decreased after PEN as follows : 2.25 and 1.45, respectively, at 1 month; 2.61 and 1.68, respectively, at 3 months; 2.28 and 1.48, respectively, at 6 months; and 2.88 and 1.48, respectively, at 12 months (p70% patients with extrusion or sequestration. Patients with Pfirrmann grades 1–3 (14.0–21.5%) showed a significantly higher rate of subsequent surgery than those with Pfirrmann grade 0 (4.9%; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that PEN is an effective treatment for back and leg pain caused by single-level LDH, with the outcomes remaining unaffected by the LDH type.

Clinical Effectiveness of Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty According to the Type of Single-Level Lumbar Disc Herniation : A 12-Month Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the outcomes of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (PEN) are influenced by the type of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and evaluate the effectiveness of PEN in patients with single-level LDH.METHODS: This study included 430 consecutive patients with single-level LDH who underwent PEN. Before treatment, the LDH type was categorized as bulging, protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration, while Pfirrmann grades were assigned according to imaging findings. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain and success rates (Odom’s criteria) were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.RESULTS: The mean preoperative VAS scores for back and leg pain were 6.90 and 4.23, respectively; these decreased after PEN as follows : 2.25 and 1.45, respectively, at 1 month; 2.61 and 1.68, respectively, at 3 months; 2.28 and 1.48, respectively, at 6 months; and 2.88 and 1.48, respectively, at 12 months (p<0.001). The decrease in VAS scores for leg pain was significantly greater in the extrusion and sequestration groups than in the other two groups (p<0.05); there were no other significant differences among groups. More than 70% patients exhibited good or excellent 12-month outcomes according to Odom’s criteria. Subsequent surgery was required for 59 patients (13.7%), with a significantly higher rate in the extrusion (25.0%) and sequestration (30.0%) groups than in the bulging (7.3%) and protrusion (13.8%) groups (p<0.05). Nevertheless, subsequent surgery was not required for >70% patients with extrusion or sequestration. Patients with Pfirrmann grades 1–3 (14.0–21.5%) showed a significantly higher rate of subsequent surgery than those with Pfirrmann grade 0 (4.9%; p<0.05).CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that PEN is an effective treatment for back and leg pain caused by single-level LDH, with the outcomes remaining unaffected by the LDH type.

Review of the diagnosis and treatment of postoperative bowel obstruction / 中国实用外科杂志

Postoperative intestinal obstruction,also known as postoperative small bowel obstruction(PSBO),is the most common acute abdomen after abdominal operations. The key to the treatment is accurate determination of therapeutic strategy.While avoiding unnecessary operation,delayed operation will cause intestinal obstruction and endanger the patients. PSBO diagnosis was improved owing to the progress of imaging techniques. Contrast enhanced CT can reach 90% in the diagnostic accuracy of intestinal strangulation,necessity of emergency operation and elucidation of etiology. Intestinal decompression via small intestinal decompression tube and subsequent gastrografin challenge can promote resolution of PSBO,increase the success rate of nonoperative management,avoid operation delay,and shorten the length of hospital stay.Operation is indicated for repeated episode of PSBO to eliminating the cause and avoiding recurrence. Elective operation is preferred over emergency. Laparoscopic operation is indicated for simple adhesions,but laparotomy is indicated for complex one. Meticulous operation,either laparoscopic or laparotomic,intestinal protection and eliminating foreign material and tissue debris are the keys to the prophylaxis of PSBO.

Mesenteroplicatura total con tutor transitorio: Prevención de la obstrucción recurrente por adherencias / Total mesenteric plication with temporary suture support: Prevention of recurrent bowel obstruction due to adhesions

La preocupación por los trastornos intestinales y la oclusión, como consecuencia de la formación de bridas peritoneoviscerales producidas por gestos quirúrgicos manuales e instrumentales, ha dado lugar a procedimientos con miras a evitarlas o minimizarlas. En este marco, la técnica de mesenteroplicatura con sostén transitorio tiene el propósito de favorecer el ordenamiento fibrointestinal, cuando la patología tratada haga sospechar que se producirán adherencias y más aún si la intervención ha sido causada por estas. Los fundamentos del procedimiento son los mismos que sostienen las técnicas usuales, por lo tanto no hay controversias en cuanto a las indicaciones. La lógica de la sutura transitoria está en que el tutor pierde su objetivo y se retira cuando finaliza el proceso adherencial, alrededor de las dos semanas de la intervención. Se presentan tres casos de oclusión intestinal operados con el procedimiento, controlados y con buenos resultados.

Peritoneal adhesions produced as a consequence of manual or instrumental manipulation during surgery cause bowel obstruction. Several procedures have been developed to avoid or minimize adhesions. Mesenteric plication with temporary suture support organizes the healing process in the bowel in case of high suspicion of adhesions will develop, particularly when bowel obstruction is produced by adhesions. The basis of this technique is the same as for standard procedures and, thus, there are no controversies about its indications. The rationale of temporary suture support is that when the healing process is over, about two weeks after the intervention, the suture support is no longer needed. We report three cases of intestinal obstruction undergoing mesenteric plication and temporary suture support, with favorable outcomes.

Tasa de conversión y morbilidad en el abordaje laparoscópico en pacientes seleccionados con obstrucción intestinal adherencial / Morbidity and Conversion Rate in Laparoscopy Approach in Selected Patients with Adhesive Intestinal Obstruction

Introducción: El síndrome adherencial es la causa más frecuente de obstrucción de intestino delgado. La laparotomía es el abordaje estándar. El avance de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva hace posible la resolución de cuadros obstructivos por laparoscopia. Objetivo: Analizar el abordaje laparoscópico de la obstrucción intestinal y compararlo con la vía abierta. Método: Análisis retrospectivo de los pacientes tratados de obstrucción intestinal aguda mediante laparoscopia en nuestro hospital desde 2012 hasta 2016. Se utilizó como referencia un grupo de pacientes tratados desde 2002 hasta 2005, cuando sólo se usaba el abordaje abierto. Se analizaron datos demográficos, riesgo quirúrgico, comorbilidades, métodos diagnósticos y complicaciones (Clavien). Resultados: De los 134 pacientes intervenidos de obstrucción intestinal aguda, se inició un abordaje laparoscópico en 47 (35 pr ciento). Por esta vía sólo se completaron 32 pacientes (68 por ciento). La tasa de conversión fue del 32 por ciento, estos pacientes fueron eliminados del estudio. En el grupo de referencia se analizaron al azar 32 pacientes. Ambos grupos son comparables. El grupo tratado con abordaje laparoscópico tuvo un 9 por ciento de complicaciones y un 3 por ciento de reintervenciones, con una sola lesión inadvertida. El grupo laparoscópico tuvo un 12,5 por ciento de reintervenciones, todas por evisceración, pero tuvo una lógica mayor tasa de resecciones intestinales. No hubo mortalidad hospitalaria. Conclusión: Los resultados en los pacientes en que se ha completado la cirugía por laparoscopia se comparan favorablemente con los del abordaje abierto en un grupo histórico homogéneo de referencia, y sin el riesgo añadido de evisceración(AU)

Introduction: Adherence syndrome is the most frequent cause of small bowel obstruction. Laparotomy is the standard approach. The progress of minimally invasive surgery makes it possible to resolve obstructive frames by laparoscopy. Objective: To analyze the laparoscopic approach for intestinal obstruction and compare it with the open pathway. Method: Retrospective analysis of patients treated for acute intestinal obstruction by laparoscopy in our hospital, from 2012 to 2016. A group of patients treated from 2002 to 2005 were used as reference, when only the open approach was used. We analyzed demographic data, surgical risk, comorbidities, diagnostic methods and complications (Clavien). Results: Within the 134 patients operated for acute intestinal obstruction, a laparoscopic approach was started in 47 (35 percent). Only 32 patients (68 percent) were completed in this way. The conversion rate was 32 percent, these patients were eliminated from the study. In the reference group, 32 patients were randomly analyzed. Both groups are comparable. The group treated with laparoscopic approach had 9 por ciento complications and 3 percent reoperations, with a single unexpected lesion. The laparoscopic group had 12.5 of reintervention, all due to evisceration, but had a higher rate of intestinal resections. There was no hospital mortality. Conclusion: In patients who have completed laparoscopic surgery, the results are compared favorably with those of the open approach in a homogeneous historical reference group, and without the added risk of evisceration(AU)

Epidural Neuroplasty with Single Bolus Injection versus Continuous Infusion of Steroid in Patients with Spinal Stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of epidural adhesiolysis with a single bolus steroid injection (EAS) and continuous steroid infusion (EAC).METHOD: Thirty-one patients were allocated to the EAS group (10 patients) and EAC group (21 patients). EAS received single bolus of 10 mg of dexamethasone. EAC received a total of 96 mL dexamethasone solution (20.0 mg of dexamethasone) for 48 hrs. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was evaluated before, one month after the procedure. Three months after the procedure, the Patient’s Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was evaluated.RESULTS: Pre-treatment ODI was 38.3 ± 3.1 in EAS and 46.40 ± 4.0 in EAC. One month later, ODI was decreased to 35.60 ± 3.33, 43.08 ± 6.96 in each group (p=0.174). Three months later, 2 patients in the EAS (20.0%) and 8 patients in EAC (38.1%) showed ‘much improvement’ in PGIC, 5 patients in EAS (50.0%) and 6 patients in EAC (38.1%) showed ‘slight improvement’, 3 patients in EAS (30.0%) and 7 patients in EAC (33.3%) showed ‘no improvement’ (χ2=1.588, p=0.510).CONCLUSION: Epidural adhesiolysis with continuous infusion did not show any superiority than single bolus injection.

Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty

The percutaneous epidural neuroplasty is recently accepted as a useful interventional tool for management of chronic low back pain and radicular pain, which is refractory to other conservative treatments. The epidural adhesion is thought to be a cause of the refractory spinal pain because it could be a barrier preventing drug from reaching target lesion. It has been known that the adhesion is a result of post-operative scar change, fibrosis and chronic inflammatory response around the intervertebral disc and nerve root. The epidural neuroplasty is a catheterization technique for injecting therapeutic drug accurately into lesions of epidural space. Although the exact mechanisms of action of the procedure are unknown, the adhesiolysis could be induced by two postulated mechanisms, mechanical lysis by hydraulic pressure and catheterization, and chemical lysis by injected drugs. Normal saline, local anesthetics, and steroid are injected via the catheter. The large volume of injectant could wash out the pain substances and the pharmacologic effects of the injectant could relieve the pain. some possible adverse reactions of the procedure are known, but they could be prevented by exact technique and careful monitoring.

Laparoscopic adhesiolysis versus open surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction: A meta-analysis / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic adhesiolysis versus open surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction.Methods The databases including PubMed,EMbase,The Cochrane Library (Issue 3,2017),ICTRP,CNKI,VIP,CBM and Wanfang Data were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about laparoscopic adhesiolysis versus open surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction patients from inception to March 2017.Two reviewers independently screened literature,extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies.Then meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 software.Results A total of 31 studies involving 3293 patients were included.The results of meta-analysis showed that,compared with the open surgery group,the laparoscopic adhesiolysis group could significantly reduce the recurrence rate (OR=0.18,95％CI 0.12-0.25,P＜0.000 01),overall complications (OR=0.17,95％CI 0.13-0.23,P＜0.000 01),wound infection (OR=0.21,95％CI 0.13-0.35,P＜0.000 01),pneumonia (OR=0.35,95％CI 0.15-0.82,P=0.02) and intestinal fistula (OR=0.32,95％CI 0.15-0.70,P=0.005).Conclusions Current evidence shows that laparoscopic adhesiolysis can reduce the recurrence rate and complications in adhesive small bowel obstruction.Due to the limited quality of included studies,more high quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.

Clinical application of laparoscopic lysis of adhesions in adhesive intestinal obstruction / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of laparoscopic adhesiolysis for patients with adhesive ileus. Methods Clinical data and follow-up data of 95 cases of adhesive ileus were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the surgical approach, patients were divided into laparotomy group (43 cases) and laparoscopic group (52 cases), and the intraoperative situation postoperative complications and recurrence were compared. Results The operation time of laparoscopy group was less than the laparotomy group [(68.35 ± 36.47) vs (82.54 ± 23.27) min, t = 2.21, P = 0.029]; blood loss was less than the laparotomy group [(69.51 ± 20.33) vs (198.37 ± 50.04) ml, t = 16.97, P = 0.000]; postoperative analgesic dosage was less than the laparotomy group [(1.01 ± 0.99) vs (3.46 ± 1.53), t = 9.41, P = 0.000]; time of posterior ambulation was less than the laparotomy group [(11.05 ± 1.32) vs (20.36 ± 2.59) d, t = 16.97, P = 0.000]; gastrointestinal function recovery time was less than laparotomy group [(2.30 ± 1.38) vs (4.05 ± 1.74) d, t = 5.47, P = 0.000]; catheter removal time was lower than the laparotomy group [(3.04 ± 2.11) vs (5.36 ± 2.24) d, t = 5.19, P = 0.000]; hospital stay was less than the laparotomy group [(5.89 ± 1.57) vs (10.36 ± 2.65) d, t = 10.02, P = 0.000]; the postoperative complication rate of laparoscopy group and laparotomy group was 3.84% (2 cases) and 16.27% (7 cases), respectively, the difference was not statistically significance (χ2 = 4.24, P = 0.074); followed up from 8 to 36 months, there were 2 cases, 6 cases of intractable abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction recurrence in laparoscopy group and laparotomy group respectively, the relapse outcomes of laparotomy group was higher than laparoscopy group, but the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 3.64, P = 0.056). Conclusion Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is safe, effective, and have the characteristics with less trauma, less interference on the abdominal cavity, it is better than open surgery.

Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Surgery

Neuropathic pain after spinal surgery, the so-called failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), is a frequently observed troublesome disease entity. Although medications may be effective to some degree, many patients continue experiencing intolerable pain and functional disability. Only gabapentin has been proven effective in patients with FBSS. No relevant studies regarding manipulation or physiotherapy for FBSS have been published. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been widely investigated as a treatment option for chronic neuropathic pain, including FBSS. SCS was generally accepted to improve chronic back and leg pain, physical function, and sleep quality. Although the cost effectiveness of SCS has been proved in many studies, its routine application is limited considering that it is invasive and is associated with safety issues. Percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis has also shown good clinical outcomes; however, its effects persisted for only a short period. Because none of the current methods provide absolute superiority in terms of clinical outcomes, a multidisciplinary approach is required to manage this complex disease. Further studies concerning the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and cost effectiveness of FBSS are warranted to deepen our understanding of this condition.

Epidural neuroplasty/epidural adhesiolysis

Epidural neuroplasty is a treatment modality for back pain and/or radiating pain caused by mechanical compression or neural inflammation of intra-spinal neural structures. Since epidural neuroplasty was first introduced as a treatment for pain caused by epidural adhesion such as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), it has been performed as a treatment for many kinds of pain of spinal origin including acute/chronic herniation of intervertebral disc, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, FBSS, epidural adhesion, vertebral compression fracture, vertebral metastasis, resistant multilevel degenerative arthritis, epidural scar pain by infection or meningitis, and whiplash injury. Epidural neuroplasty is a catheterization technique used to treat back pain and/or radiating pain by injecting therapeutic drugs into lesions of epidural space shown as a filling defect in epidurogram. Usually, normal saline, local anesthetics, and steroid are used as therapeutic drugs. The exact mechanisms of action of the procedure are unknown but include 2 postulated mechanisms of action for pain relief. i.e., mechanical adhesiolysis by volume effect and chemical adhesiolysis by injected drugs. Relative large volumes of normal saline injection resolve adhesions and wash out accumulated pain substances; local anesthetics are used for stabilization and analgesia of flaring neural structures and for pain management for procedure related pain; and steroid is used for the treatment of inflammation of neural and peri-neural structures. The resolution of filling defect can be verified by post-procedure epidurogram. The key point of epidural neuroplasty for good results, is the exact localization of the epidural catheter into the epidural lesion.

Efficacy of Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty Does Not Correlate with Dural Sac Cross-Sectional Area in Single Level Disc Disease

PURPOSE: Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (PEN) is a minimally invasive treatment. The efficacy of PEN has been relatively well investigated; however, the relationship between the clinical effectiveness of PEN and the severity of spinal canal stenosis by disc material has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of PEN according to the dural sac cross-sectional area in single level disc disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 363 patients with back pain from single level disc disease with and without radiculopathy. Patients were categorized into groups according to spinal canal compromise by disc material: Category 1, less or more than 50%; and Category 2, three subgroups with lesser than a third, between a third and two thirds, and more than two thirds. Clinical outcomes were assessed according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for back pain and leg pain and Odom's criteria at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. RESULTS: The demographic data showed no difference between groups according to spinal canal compromise by disc material except age (older age correlated with more spinal canal compromise). The dural sac cross-sectional area did not correlate with the VAS scores for back and leg pain after PEN in single level disc disease in Groups 1 and 2. Odom's criteria after PEN were also not different according to dural sac cross-sectional area by disc material. CONCLUSION: PEN is an effective procedure in treating single level lumbar disc herniation without affecting dural sac cross-sectional area.

Percutaneous Adhesiolysis Versus Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection for the Treatment of Chronic Radicular Pain Caused by Lumbar Foraminal Spinal Stenosis: A Retrospective Comparative Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of percutaneous adhesiolysis (PA) compared to fluoroscopy (FL)-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) in patients with radicular pain caused by lumbar foraminal spinal stenosis (LFSS) by assessing pain relief and functional improvement at 4 and 12 weeks post-procedure. METHODS: This retrospective study included 45 patients who underwent PA or FL-guided TFSEI for radicular pain caused by LFSS of at least 3 months' duration. Outcomes were assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Verbal Numeric Pain Scale (VNS) before the procedure and at 4 and 12 weeks post-procedure. A successful outcome was defined by >50% improvement in the VNS score and >40% improvement in the ODI score. RESULTS: ODI and VNS scores improved 4 and 12 weeks post-procedure in both groups. Statistically significant differences between groups were observed in ODI and VNS at 12 weeks (p<0.05). The proportion of patients with successful outcomes was significantly different between the two groups only at the 12-week time point. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that PA is effective for pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with chronic radicular pain caused by LFSS. Therefore, PA can be considered for patients with previous ineffective responses to conservative treatment. Although PA seems to be more effective than TFEFI according to the results of our study, in order to fully elucidate the difference in effectiveness, a prospective study with a larger sample size is necessary.

Combined Treatment of Degenerative Spinal Stenosis and Osteoporotic Compression Fracture / 대한골다공증학회지

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the treatment results of combined treatment with percutaneous vertebroplasty and adhesiolysis in the patients who happened the osteoporotic compression fractures during the conservative treatment of pre-existing degenerative spinal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out on 38 patients who happened the osteoporotic compression fractures during the conservative treatment of pre-existing degenerative spinal stenosis. We performed percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures and adhesiolysis for degenerative spinal stenosis after 4 weeks after vertebroplasty. Radiologic results were evaluated by progression of compression rate, fractures in adjacent segment and change of the BMD. Clinical results were evaluated with Denis pain scale for osteoporotic compression fractures and Katz satisfaction scale for degenerative spinal stenosis. RESULTS: The compression rate was 30.2% preoperatively, 21.4% postoperatively, and 24.6% at 12 months postoperatively. There was no fracture in adjacent segment. Clinically, the Denis score were P3 in 13 and P4 in 25, preoperatively, P1 in 11 and P2 in 26, P3 in 1, postoperatively (P=0.03). In regard to degenerative diseases, the Kats scale were 38 to 5, 86.8% in low back pain (P=0.017) and 38 to 4, 89.4% in claudication (P=0.006). The overall Katz satisfaction scale was 81.5% at 12 months postoperatively. The BMD changes in patients who treated neuroplasty was not significant (P=0.175). CONCLUSIONS: The combined treatment with percutaneous vertebroplasty and adhesiolysis may be an effective treatment strategy for the osteoporotic compression fracture and spinal stenosis without surgical intervention in old age patients.

A Novel Balloon-Inflatable Catheter for Percutaneous Epidural Adhesiolysis and Decompression

Epidural adhesions cause pain by interfering with the free movement of the spinal nerves and increasing neural sensitivity as a consequence of neural compression. To remove adhesions and deliver injected drugs to target sites, percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis (PEA) is performed in patients who are unresponsive to conservative treatments. We describe four patients who were treated with a newly developed inflatable balloon catheter for more effective PEA and relief of stenosis. In the present patients, treatments with repetitive epidural steroid injection and/or PEA with the Racz catheter or the NaviCath did not yield long-lasting effects or functional improvements. However, PEA and decompression with the inflatable balloon catheter led to maintenance of pain relief for more than seven months and improvements in the functional status with increases in the walking distance. The present case series suggests that the inflatable balloon catheter may be an effective alternative to performing PEA when conventional methods fail to remove adhesions or sufficiently relieve stenosis.

Epidural Lysis of Adhesions

As our population ages and the rate of spine surgery continues to rise, the use epidural lysis of adhesions (LOA) has emerged as a popular treatment to treat spinal stenosis and failed back surgery syndrome. There is moderate evidence that percutaneous LOA is more effective than conventional ESI for both failed back surgery syndrome, spinal stenosis, and lumbar radiculopathy. For cervical HNP, cervical stenosis and mechanical pain not associated with nerve root involvement, the evidence is anecdotal. The benefits of LOA stem from a combination of factors to include the high volumes administered and the use of hypertonic saline. Hyaluronidase has been shown in most, but not all studies to improve treatment outcomes. Although infrequent, complications are more likely to occur after epidural LOA than after conventional epidural steroid injections.

Prognostic Factors of Arthroscopic Adhesiolysis for Arthrofibrosis of the Knee

PURPOSE: To assess the results of arthroscopic adhesiolysis for arthrofibrosis of the knee and to investigate possible prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the patients who developed arthrofibrosis after knee joint surgery, 68 patients who underwent arthroscopic adhesiolysis and were available for at least one-year follow-up were evaluated with regard to the Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, patient satisfaction, and range of motion (ROM) of the knee. The influence of possible prognostic factors including the cause of arthrofibrosis, duration of disease, and age of the patient on the postoperative ROM was analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients (89.7%) obtained an average increase of 48.6degrees in ROM; however, the remaining seven patients (10.3%) did not show any increase at the final follow-up. The Lysholm knee score and IKDC subjective knee score increased significantly at the final follow-up. Patient satisfaction was high or very high in 89.7% of the patients at the final follow-up. There was no association between the cause of arthrofibrosis and the increase in postoperative ROM. The duration of disease was significantly related to the postoperative recovery of ROM. Age had no significant influence on the postoperative recovery of ROM. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that arthroscopic adhesiolysis is effective for the treatment of intraarticular arthrofibrosis. In particular, the duration of the disease had significant influence on the postoperative outcome.

Trans-umbilical NOTES for abdominal adhesion lysis using a flexible endoscope: a case report / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of trans-umbilical NOTES to perform abdominal adhesion lysis using a flexible endoscope.Methods A 42-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with a complain of abdominal pain due to abdominal adhesion after hysterectomy.A gastroscope (GIF-2TQ260M,Olympus)was inserted into the peritoneal cavity through an incision(1.5 cm)of the umbilical opening.Pneumoperitoneum was established by the endoscopic air supply system using CO2 instead of air.Abdominal exploration showed that omentum and bowel were stuck to the scar of the low central peritoneum incision.Separation of the abdominal wall adhesions was performed with an IT knife and a hook knife respectively.After most of the adhesions were separated,bleeding was found from the isolated adhesion wound of the omentum and bowel.Hemorrhaged blood vessel was difficult to be found with the flexible gastroscope.Then a 5 mm Trocar was placed at the left lower abdomen and laparoscopic assistance was adopted to search the bleeding point.However,no bleeding site was found and the hemorrhage was stopped automatically.Residual adhesion lysis was conducted with laparoscopic assist.After the procedure,the umbilical incision was closed with absorbable suture,but lower left abdominal incision was left without suturing.Results The operation time was 40 minutes.The patient suffered from minus pain from the umbilical incision without need of treatment.She had normal diet and got out of bed after reconsious.She was discharged 2 days after the procedure without any complaints.Conclusion Trans-umbilical NOTES using a flexible endoscope for peritoneal adhesion lysis is safe and feasible,but the effectiveness remains to be further confirmed.

A Case of Corrosive Injury-Induced Pharyngeal Stricture Treated by Endoscopic Adhesiolysis Using an Electrosurgical Knife

Here, we report a case of corrosive injury-induced pharyngeal stricture in a 69-year-old female, which was successfully treated with endoscopic adhesiolysis using an electrosurgical knife. The patient had ingested sodium hydroxide in an attempted suicide, and immediate endoscopy revealed corrosive injuries of the pharynx, esophagus, and stomach. When a liquid diet was permitted, she complained of nasal regurgitation of food. Follow-up endoscopy revealed several adhesive bands and a web-like scar that did not allow passage of the endoscope into the hypopharyngeal area. For treatment of the hypopharyngeal stricture, the otolaryngologist attempted to perform an excision of the fibrous bands around the esophageal inlet using microscissors passed through an esophagoscope, but this procedure was not effective. We then dissected the mucosal adhesion and incised the adhesive bands using an electrosurgical knife. After this procedure, nasal regurgitation of food no longer occurred. To our knowledge, this case is the first report of endoscopic adhesiolysis with an electrosurgical knife in a patient with a corrosive injury-induced pharyngeal stricture.

Spinal cord stimulation in complex regional pain syndrome with severe epidural adhesions: A case report

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is often a devastating neuropathic condition that has been recognized with increasing frequency in the lower extremities. Patients with CRPS may worsen to such a degree that the individual may never return to a satisfactory and productive life. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the most minimally invasive and effective treatments for intractable pain such as CRPS. The most important factor for successful stimulation of the spinal cord is proper lead position that stimulation and pain regions match completely. A 39-year-old male patient, suffering from CRPS type II in his lower extremity, visited our pain clinic. It was a difficult case that the electrode for spinal cord stimulation was positioned at the proper site due to the adhesion of the epidural space by frequent epidural blocks and procedures. We report the efficacy of a steerable epidural catheter for adhesiolysis on the setting the electrode to the proper site in the epidural space.