Hipo persistente: una rara complicación de una inyección epidural transforaminal de corticoides / Persistent hiccup: a rare complication of a transforaminal epidural corticoid injection / Soluços persistentes: uma complicação rara da injeção peridural transforaminal de corticosteroide

Se describe el caso de un paciente que instaló un hipo persistente luego de recibir una inyección epidural transforaminal lumbar de corticoides. Se destaca que es una complicación raramente reportada y por ende poco conocida por quienes practican intervencionismo en dolor. Se discuten los posibles mecanismos por los que puede presentarse, se reseña la evolución observada, y se describe el tratamiento instituido. Se señala el impacto que el hipo puede tener sobre la calidad de vida.

The case of a patient who installed a persistent hiccup after receiving a lumbar transforaminal epidural injection of corticosteroids is described. It is highlighted that it is a rarely reported complication and little known by those who practice interventional pain medicine. Possible mechanisms by which it may occur are discussed, the evolution observed and the treatment instituted are reviewed. The impact that hiccups can have on quality of life is pointed out.

Descrevemos o caso de um paciente que desenvolveu soluços persistentes após receber uma injeção peridural transforaminal lombar de corticosteróides. Ressalta-se que é uma complicação pouco relatada e, portanto, pouco conhecida por quem pratica o intervencionismo na dor. Discutem-se os possíveis mecanismos pelos quais pode ocorrer, revisa-se a evolução observada e descreve-se o tratamento instituído. O impacto que os soluços podem ter na qualidade de vida é apontado.

Resultados del bloqueo epidural caudal en pacientes laboralmente activos con dolor lumbar / Caudal epidural block outcomes in economically active patients with low back pain

Introducción: El dolor lumbar es una de las entidades categorizadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud como enfermedades prioritarias y una de las principales causas de ausentismo laboral. El bloqueo caudal epidural es una técnica anestésica utilizada para tratar el dolor lumbar de diversos orígenes. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo en pacientes sometidos a bloqueo caudal guiado por radioscopia, entre el 1 de enero de 2017 y el 31 de enero de 2019. Se excluyó a los pacientes con bloqueo caudal previo, con antecedente de cirugía de columna lumbar y a quienes abandonaron el seguimiento. Se registraron variables relacionadas con el paciente y los resultados del procedimiento (dolor según la escala analógica visual, intervención quirúrgica posterior, actividad laboral posterior y licencia médica solicitada). Resultados: Se incluyó a 38 pacientes (media de la edad 43 años [rango 27-62]). La mediana de dolor a los tres meses fue de 3,5 (rango 2-6), con una diferencia de 4,5 (RIC de -2,7 a -7) respecto del puntaje basal. Estas diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (p <0,001). El 55,3% retornó al trabajo al primer mes, y el 52,4% de ellos (n = 11) solo requirió una semana de licencia. Conclusiones: Los valores del dolor a corto plazo luego del procedimiento se modificaron de forma estadísticamente significativa respecto de los valores basales. El promedio de reinserción laboral al mes fue del 55,3% (n = 21) y el 76,2% de ellos (n = 16) lo hizo a las dos semanas. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Low back pain is a very common health problem worldwide and a major cause of disability, affecting performance at work and general well-being. It is included in the priority diseases list of the World Health Organization (WHO). Low back pain is one of the leading causes of work absence worldwide. The caudal epidural block is a popular approach in managing lumbar pain conditions in adults. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective study was conducted in our institution, from January 2017 to January 2019, on patients who had undergone caudal epidural block for low back pain. We excluded patients with a history of previous epidural blocks, lumbar surgery, or who were lost to follow up. We collected patient demographic and clinical data (including age, sex, etc.) and procedure outcomes (pain score, surgery performed, lost working days, and return to work activity). Results: 38 patients were included. Mean age was 43 (27- 62) years old. Mean pain scores 3 months after treatment were 3.5 (2-6) with a difference of 4.5 (IQR -2.7 - -7) from baseline values. This was statistically significant. 55.3% (n=21) of patients returned to active duty in the first month; it is important to note that 52.4% of those (n=11) did it after the first week. Conclusions: The improvement of pain scores after the procedures was statistically significant. The mean return to work at the end of the first month was 55.3%, and 76.2% of those (n=16) did it after the first two weeks. Level of Evidence: IV

Evaluación de resultados tras la aplicación de esteroides epidurales caudales no particulados en pacientes con dolor lumbar, experiencia en un hospital militar / Evaluation of results after the application of non-particulated flowring epidural steroids in patients with lumbar pain, experience in a military hospital

Introducción: El dolor lumbar es uno de los principales motivos de consulta en diferentes escenarios clínicos; entre las causas más frecuentes de dolor lumbar se encuentra el canal lumbar estrecho, discopatía y radiculopatías, por lo que se han establecido diferentes modalidades de tratamiento que incluyen medidas invasivas, como las inyecciones de esteroides epidurales vía caudal. Objetivo: Evaluar la mejoría del dolor lumbar después de la aplicación de esteroides epidurales caudales no particulados en la población con dolor crónico lumbar bajo secundario a canal lumbar estrecho, discopatía y radiculopatía lumbar de un hospital en Bogotá, Colombia. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se evaluó la reducción del dolor, en pacientes con diagnóstico de dolor lumbar crónico secundario a canal lumbar estrecho, radiculopatía, discopatía, mediante escala visualanáloga del dolor EVA seis meses después de la aplicación de dexametasona 8 mg vía epidural caudal en 147 pacientes en un período de 2 años. Resultados: Se evaluaron 147 pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico, de los cuales 58.32% eran mujeres y 47.76% hombres, con edades entre 44 y 77 años, de los cuales 50% eran mayores o igual a 65 años y 75% mayor o igual a 77 años. En la evaluación inicial del dolor lumbar, se encontró que el 50% de los pacientes tenían una EVA inicial mayor o igual a 8/10 y el 75% informó un EVA inicial 10/10. Se encontró que el canal lumbar estrecho fue la principal causa de dolor lumbar en el 53,06% de los pacientes, seguido de la enfermedad del disco lumbar el 49,66% y en el tercer lugar, los pacientes con radiculopatía lumbar correspondieron al 19.73% de la población. Sobre la mejoría del dolor de una manera particular, se encontró una mayor reducción del dolor en pacientes con enfermedad de disco lumbar 48,21%, seguido de estrecho canal lumbar estrecho 41,37% y radiculopatías lumbares 33,3%. En el análisis comparativo por patología aislada, la intervención no presentó una mejora considerable, sin embargo, cuando más de una de las entidades estudiadas coexistieron en el mismo paciente, hubo una mejoría significativa del dolor, por lo que en el 66,5% de los pacientes diagnosticados con un canal lumbar estrecho y radiculopatía, la mejoría de la lumbalgia y la radiculopatía disminuyó, de la misma forma que los pacientes que presentaron discopatía y radiculopatía tuvieron un alivio del dolor del 66% y, finalmente, aquellos con discopatía y canal lumbar estrecho, 60% tuvieron una reducción del dolor después del procedimiento. Conclusión: La aplicación de esteroides no particulados vía epidural caudal proporciona una mejora sintomática significativa en un porcentaje considerable de pacientes sometidos al procedimiento, especialmente en aquellos que tienen más de una de las causas de dolor lumbar crónico expuesta, por lo que se constituye en una medida invasiva de tratamiento efectivo para el dolor lumbar en este tipo de pacientes.

Introduction: Low back pain is one of the main reasons for consultation in different clinical scenarios; among the most frequent causes of low back pain is the narrow lumbar canal, discopathy and radiculopathies, which is why different modalities have been established of treatment including invasive measures such as injections of epidural steroids caudal via. Objective: To evaluate the improvement of lumbar pain after application of non-particulate caudal epidural steroid via in the population with chronic low lumbar pain in the narrow lumbar canal, discopathy and lumbar radiculopathy of a military hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was performed in which the pain reduction measured by visual analogous scale of pain VAS was evaluated six months after the application of dexamethasone 8 mg caudal epidural via in 147 patients in a period of 2 years Results: 147 patients with chronic low back pain were evaluated, of which 58.32% were women and 47.76% men, with ages between 44 and 77 years, of which 50% were greater than or equal to 65 years and 75 % greater than or equal to 77 years. Concerning the initial evaluation of lumbar pain, it was found that 50% of the patients had an initial VAS greater than or equal to 8/10 and 75% reported an initial VAS 10/10. Regarding the prevalence of causes of low back pain in the evaluated patients, it was found that the narrow lumbar canal was the main cause in 53.06% of the patients, followed by lumbar disc disease 49.66% and in the third place patients with lumbar radiculopathy corresponded 19.73% of the population. About pain improvement in a particular way, greater pain reduction was found in patients with lumbar disc disease 48.21%, followed by narrow lumbar canal 41.37% and lumbar radiculopathies 33.3%. In the comparative analysis due to isolated pathology, the intervention did not present a considerable improvement, however, when more than one of the entities studied coexisted in the same patient, there was a significant improvement in pain, thus 66.5% of the patients diagnosed with a canal. Narrow lumbar and radiculopathy improved, in the same way those patients who presented with discopathy and radiculopathy 66% had relief of pain and finally those with discopathy and narrow lumbar canal 60% had pain reduction after the procedure. Conclusion: The application of non-particulate steroid via caudal epidural provides significant symptomatic improvement in a considerable percentage of patients undergoing the procedure, especially in those who have more than one of the causes of chronic low back pain exposed and evaluated, thus being able to constitute an invasive measure of effective treatment for low back pain in this type of patients.

Dispersão da lidocaína administrada por via epidural em cães posicionados em decúbito lateral ou esternal / [Dispersion of lidocaine epidurally administered to dogs positioned on lateral or external decubitus]

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar clinicamente a dispersão da lidocaína no espaço epidural de cães posicionados em diferentes decúbitos. Foram utilizados 16 cães, com peso médio de 17,5 quilogramas. Esses foram tranquilizados com acepromazina, anestesiados com propofol e alocados em dois grupos, conforme o decúbito de posicionamento: decúbito esternal (GE) e decúbito lateral direito (GLD). Ambos os grupos receberam lidocaína a 2%, no volume de 0,25mL/kg, e permaneceram no mesmo decúbito por 20 minutos. Em seguida, avaliou-se o bloqueio dos membros pélvicos e a extensão do bloqueio, a partir da sétima vértebra lombar, por meio de pinçamento interdigital e do panículo paravertebral. Foi, então, realizada cirurgia de orquiectomia. Após tal procedimento, avaliou-se o tempo total de bloqueio dos membros pélvicos. Todos os cães apresentaram bloqueio bilateral, sem diferenças quanto à extensão cranial entre os grupos, sendo a mediana de 7,5 (1-14) vértebras para GE e de 4 (1-14) para GLD. O tempo de bloqueio dos membros direito e esquerdo foi de 123 ± 26 e 130 ± 20 minutos, para GE, e de 120 ± 21 e 121 ± 20 minutos, para GLD, sem diferenças entre os grupos ou entre os membros. Conclui-se que o decúbito não interfere na distribuição da lidocaína administrada por via epidural.(AU)

The aim of this study was to clinically verify the dispersion of lidocaine in the epidural space of dogs placed in different positions. Sixteen dogs with an average weight of 17.5 kilograms were used. These were tranquilized with acepromazine, anesthetized with propofol and allocated to two groups: sternal decubitus (GE) and right lateral decubitus (GLD). Both groups received 2% of lidocaine in the volume of 0.25mL/kg and remained in the same position for 20 minutes. The blocking of the pelvic limbs and the extension of it from the seventh lumbar vertebra were evaluated by means of interdigital and paravertebral panniculus clamping. Orchiectomy surgery was then performed. Afterwards, the total blocking time of the pelvic limbs was evaluated. All dogs presented bilateral blocking, with no differences in cranial extension between groups, with a median of 7.5 (1-14) vertebrae for GE and 4 (1-14) for GLD. The blocking time of the right and left limbs were 123 ± 26 and 130 ± 20 minutes for GE, and 120 ± 21 and 121 ± 20 minutes for GLD with no difference between groups or between limbs. It is concluded that the decubitus does not interfere with the epidural lidocaine distribution.(AU)

Lumbar transforaminal epidural block for treatment of low back pain with radicular pain / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy of lumbar transforaminal epidural block (LTEB) for treatment of low back pain with radicular pain.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 78 patients with low back pain and radicular pain admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of Beijing Chuiyangliu Hospital from March, 2017 to April, 2019. Thirty-three of the patients received treatment with LTEB (LTEB group), and 45 received comprehensive conservative treatment including traction, massage, acupuncture and physiotherapy (control group). The demographic and clinical data of the two groups were compared. The patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months, and numerical rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores of the patients were evaluated before the treatment and at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after discharge to assess the efficacy of the treatment.@*RESULTS@#The mean operation time of LTEB was 25.7 7.5 min (15-45 min). After the operation, 5 patients developed weakness of the lower limbs but all recovered within 24-72 h. The patients receiving LTEB all showed significantly decreased NRS scores for low back and radicular pain and ODI scores after the operation (@*CONCLUSIONS@#As a minimally invasive approach, LTEB is effective for treatment of low back pain with radicular pain and can produce good short-term effects of pain relief and functional improvement.

Comparison of the duration and quality of epidural analgesia between plain bupivacaine alone and plain bupivacaine with tramadol in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries

Background: This study was aimed at comparing the duration and quality of epidural analgesia between plain bupivacaine alone with plain bupivacaine and tramadol in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries. Method: This was a prospective randomized double blinded control study involving 74 ASA I and II patients scheduled for elective lower limb orthopaedic surgeries. Group A (n=37) received 19mls of 0.5% epidural plain bupivacaine with 1 ml of water for injection, while group B received 19mls of 0.5% epidural plain bupivacaine with 1ml (50mg) of preservative freetramadol. The duration of analgesia was from the time of epidural block to the time of rescue analgesia. While, the quality of block was measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Bromage scale. Results: Thestudy ages were between 16-60years,consisting of 22(60%) male and 15(40%) female in group A, while in group B 20 (54%) were male and 17(46%) female. It showed the mean duration of analgesia were 189.05±21.92min and 254.19±32.78min in group A and B respectively with p <0.01.The intra-operative VAS scores between the two groups did not show any significant difference between study groups (P> 0.05).The differences of grades of motor block and maximum sensory block height were not statistically significant (P=0.26) among the study groups. Conclusion: The addition of 50mg (1ml) of tramadol to plain bupivacaine epidurally prolonged the duration of analgesia and improved the quality of analgesia when compared to the use of bupivacaine alone

Preganglionic Epidural Steroid Injection through Translateral Recess Approach

The approach we suggest was developed for cases in which the fourth and fifth lumbar and first sacral spinal nerves were affected in lumbar degenerative disc disease. Retrodiscal transforaminal epidural injection is known to be very effective for lumbar radiculopathy because of excellent access to primary pathology; however, access below L5 is often restricted by the anatomic characteristics of the L5–S1. In the translateral recess approach (TLR), proper final needle placement (i.e., in the axillary portion between the exiting and traversing nerve roots) can be achieved by setting the direction of the needle laterally and superiorly from the distal tip of the infra-adjacent spinous process toward the medial wall of the pedicle and neural foramen of the given level without neural injury. This approach is possible because of the wide interlaminar space in the L5–S1. Preganglionic epidural injection through TLR is an effective and safe spinal intervention for lumbosacral radiculopathy.

Metabolic and endocrinal effects of epidural glucocorticoid injections

INTRODUCTION@#Epidural steroid injections are an integral part of nonsurgical management of radicular pain from lumbar spine disorders. We studied the effect of dexamethasone 8 mg epidural injections on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and serum glucose control of Asian patients.@*METHODS@#18 patients were recruited: six diabetics and 12 non-diabetics. Each patient received a total of dexamethasone 8 mg mixed with a local anaesthetic solution of lignocaine or bupivacaine, delivered into the epidural space. Levels of plasma cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), serum glucose after an overnight fast and two-hour postprandial glucose, as well as weight, body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate were measured within one week prior to the procedure (baseline) and at one, seven and 21 days after the procedure.@*RESULTS@#Median fasting blood glucose levels were significantly higher on post-procedure Day 1 than at baseline. However, there was no significant change in median two-hour postprandial blood glucose from baseline levels. At seven and 21 days, there was no significant difference in fasting or two-hour postprandial glucose levels. Both ACTH and serum cortisol were significantly reduced on Day 1 compared to baseline in all patients. There was no significant difference in ACTH and serum cortisol levels from baseline at Days 7 and 21.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study shows that epidural steroid injections with dexamethasone have a real, albeit limited, side effect on glucose and cortisol homeostasis in an Asian population presenting with lower back pain or sciatica.

Caudal Epidural Injection with a Catheter in Patients with Failure of Conventional Epidural Blocks / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze and report the results of caudal epidural injections using a catheter in patients in whom conventional epidural block had failed. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Epidural nerve block is often used to treat chronic back pain and radicular pain in degenerative lumbar disease, and percutaneous epidural neuroplasty or surgery may be an alternative if it fails. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 146 patients who were treated with caudal epidural block using a catheter were recruited for this study from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019. Forty-five patients who had not undergone any epidural block in the past were excluded from the study. Among patients who did not have a fracture and were followed up for at least 1 month, the medical records of 61 patients with degenerative disc herniation, spondylosis, and stenosis were reviewed retrospectively. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were evaluated before and after the procedure. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients who had undergone epidural block through a transforaminal caudal approach with no pain control effect, there were 18 males and 43 females. Their mean age was 66.3 years and the average follow-up period was 2.64 months. There were 46 cases of spinal stenosis, 33 cases of spondylosis, 2 cases of spondylolisthesis, 9 cases of disc herniation and 1 case of ankylosing spondylitis. The mean number of epidural blocks was 5.85 (times) before the procedure. The mean initial VAS score was 5.34 and the final follow-up VAS score was 2.70. There was a significant difference between before and after the procedure (p<0.05). The mean duration of effect after the procedure was 1.84 months and the mean number of procedures was 2.30. After the procedure, there were 4 cases of surgical treatment, 2 cases of neuroplasty, and 3 cases of epidural block using other methods over more than 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this clinical study suggests that caudal epidural injections using a catheter may be effective for patients with low back pain who have not responded to previous epidural blocks before surgical treatment.

Effect of needle type on intravascular injection in transforaminal epidural injection: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injection (TFEI) is an effective treatment for spinal disease. However, TFEI may have several types of complications, some of which can be attributed to intravascular injection. We reviewed studies to compare the intravascular injection rate among different needle types. METHODS: We searched the literature for articles on the intravascular injection rate among different needle types used in TFEI. The search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science. RESULTS: A total of six studies comprising 2359 patients were identified. Compared with the Quincke needle, the Whitacre needle reduced the intravascular injection rate (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = [0.44–0.73], P < 0.001). However, compared with the Quincke needle, the Chiba needle did not reduce the intravascular injection rate (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = [0.44–1.45], P = 0.46). In one study, the intravascular injection rate using a blunt-tip needle was lower than that using a sharp needle. In another study, the Whitacre and the blunt-tip needle have similar intravascular injection rates, while, the catheter-extension needle showed a reduced intravascular injection rate. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis showed that the Whitacre needle reduced the intravascular injection rate as compared with the Quincke needle, but failed to establish that the Chiba needle can decrease the intravascular injection rate in TFEI. Moreover, the blunt-tip needle can reduce the intravascular injection rate compared with the Quincke needle, and the catheter-extension needle can reduce the intravascular injection rate compared with the Whitacre and the blunt-tip needle.

Quantitative assessment of steroid amount in the tissue after epidural steroid injection: a new rabbit model / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: To develop a rabbit epidural steroid injection (ESI) model for analyzing steroid retention in the tissue, and to assess the difference in steroid retention in the model according to the location and time elapsed after ESI. METHODS: Fluoroscopy-guided ESI was performed using the interlaminar approach between the lowest two lumbar segments in 13 female New Zealand white rabbits. Four rabbits were allocated to each of three different groups according to the time of sacrifice: 3, 7, and 15 days post-ESI; the remaining rabbit was sacrificed immediately post-ESI to obtain baseline data. After sacrifice, two segments were harvested: the lowest two lumbar vertebrae and another two lumbar vertebrae immediately above these. The residual steroid amount (RSA) and residual steroid concentration (RSC) in the collected spinal columns were analyzed. A linear mixed model was used to compare RSAs and RSCs between the injected and adjacent segments, and among the number of days until sacrifice; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Both RSA and RSC of the injected segment were significantly higher than those of the adjacent segment (P < 0.001, both). The RSA and RSC significantly decreased over time (P = 0.009 and P = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The developed rabbit ESI model verified that significantly more steroid was retained at the injected segment than at the adjacent segment and the residual steroid decreased over time. This model could be useful not only for comparing current steroid medications, but also for developing new, better steroid formulations.

Effectiveness of continuous hypertonic saline infusion with an automated infusion pump for decompressive neuroplasty: a randomized clinical trial / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Hypertonic saline (HS) injections for decompressive neuroplasty (DN) can cause pain. We assessed whether a continuous infusion of HS through an infusion pump would reduce injection-related pain compared with repeated bolus administrations. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled for DN were randomized to either the bolus injection or the continuous infusion group. After appropriately placing the epidural catheter, 4 mL of 5% NaCl was injected as four boluses of 1 mL each at 15-minute intervals or infused over 1 hour using an infusion pump. The severity of pain induced by HS injection, as measured by the 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS), was the primary outcome. The severity of low back or lower extremity pain, as measured by the 11-point NRS and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 3 months following the procedure, was the secondary outcome. RESULTS: Data from 21 patients in the bolus group and 23 in the continuous infusion group were analyzed. No statistically significant difference in injection-related pain was identified between the two groups during the initial HS administration (P = 0.846). However, there was a statistically significant reduction in injection-related pain in the continuous infusion group compared to the bolus injection group from the second assessment onwards (P = 0.001, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). No significant between-group differences in the NRS and ODI scores 3 months post-procedure were noted (P = 0.614 and 0.949, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that administering HS through a continuous infusion is a useful modality for reducing HS injection-related pain during DN.

Comparison of Postoperative Pain Control Methods in Patients with Spinal Stenosis after Posterior Spinal Decompression / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. OBJECTIVES: This study compared the early postoperative analgesic effects and the postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) associated with 3 methods of pain control after posterior spinal decompression. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Spinal surgery causes severe postoperative pain. Efficient and safe methods for postoperative analgesia after spinal surgery are necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine the clinical symptoms and to assess improvements in postoperative pain, 52 patients in whom single-level posterior lumbar decompression was planned were randomly assigned to 3 groups. For postoperative pain control, 18 patients received a preoperative single-shot epidural injection (SEI), 16 patients received a postoperative continuous epidural injection (CEI), and 18 patients received only postoperative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). Patient ratings of pain intensity (visual analog scale score from 0 [no pain] to 10 [most severe pain]), nausea (from 0 [no nausea] to 5 [severe nausea]), and vomiting (from 0 [no vomiting] to 5 [severe vomiting]) were recorded immediately after the operation and at 4 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, and 2 days postoperatively. RESULTS: The CEI group showed significantly enhanced analgesic effects, followed by the SEI group and the IV PCA group (p < 0.05). PONV due to postoperative pain control was more severe in the IV PCA group than in the other 2 groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous epidural injection (CEI) is effective for postoperative pain control and minimizes the occurrence of PONV after posterior spinal decompression.

Comparison of effectiveness for fluoroscopic cervical interlaminar epidural injections with or without steroid in cervical post-surgery syndrome

BACKGROUND: Neck and back pain are leading sources of disability placing substantial burden on health care systems. Surgical interventions in managing chronic neck pain secondary to various disorders continue to increase. Even though surgical interventions are effective, a significant proportion of patients continue to have symptomatology and develop cervical post-surgery syndrome. This study was performed to know the effectiveness of cervical interlaminar epidural injections with or without steroids. METHODS: The effectiveness of fluoroscopic cervical interlaminar epidural injections in post-surgery syndrome was evaluated in a randomized, active controlled trial. The study population included 116 patients assigned to 2 groups. Group 1 received cervical interlaminar epidural injections with local anesthetic alone and Group 2 received injection with local anesthetic and steroids. The main outcomes were defined as significant improvement (greater than 50%) of pain relief using the numeric rating scale and/or functional status improvement using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). RESULTS: Both groups had similar results with significant improvement (≥ 50% pain relief and functional status improvement) in 69% of the patients in Group I, whereas, in Group II, 71% of the patients showed significant improvement at the end of 2 years. During a 2-year period, the average number of procedures was 5 to 6, with an average of approximately 12 weeks of significant improvement per procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopic cervical interlaminar epidural injections administered in cervical post-surgery syndrome using local anesthetic, regardless of the use of steroids, may be effective in approximately 70% of the patients at 2-year follow-up.

Comparison of patient-controlled epidural analgesia with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND: Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) is known to provide good postoperative analgesia in many types of surgery including laparoscopic surgery. However, no study has compared PCEA with patient-controlled intravascular analgesia (PCIA) in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LARP). In this study, the efficacy and side effects of PCEA and PCIA after LARP were compared. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing LARP were randomly divided into two groups: 1) a PCEA group, treated with 0.2% ropivacaine 3 ml and 0.1 mg morphine in the bolus; and 2) a PCIA group, treated with oxycodone 1 mg and nefopam 1 mg in the bolus. After the operation, a blinded observer assessed estimated blood loss (EBL), added a dose of rocuronium, performed transfusion, and added analgesics. The numeric rating scale (NRS), infused PCA dose, and side effects were assessed at 1, 6, 24, and 48 h. RESULTS: EBL, added rocuronium, and added analgesics in the PCEA group were less than those in the PCIA group. There were no significant differences in side-effects after the operation between the two groups. Patients were more satisfied with PCEA than with PCIA. The NRS and accumulated PCA count were lower in PCEA group. CONCLUSIONS: Combined thoracic epidural anesthesia could induce less blood loss during operations. PCEA showed better postoperative analgesia and greater patient satisfaction than PCIA. Thus, PCEA may be a more useful analgesic method than PICA after LARP.

Preliminary study on contrast flow analysis of thoracic transforaminal epidural block

BACKGROUND: The thoracic transforaminal epidural block (TTFEB) is usually performed to treat herpes zoster or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Especially, multiple segmental involvements and approximate contrast medium spread range, according to volume, help to choose the proper drug volume in the transforaminal epidural block. This study investigated the contrast medium spread patterns of 1-ml to 3-ml TTFEBs. METHODS: A total of 26 patients with herpes zoster or PHN were enrolled in this study. All participants received 1 ml, 2 ml, or 3 ml of contrast medium. Results were divided into Groups A, B and C based on the volume (1, 2, or 3 ml), with n = 26 for each group. After the injection of contrast medium, the spread levels were estimated in both the lateral and anteroposterior (AP) images using fluoroscopy. RESULTS: The cephalad spread of contrast medium in the lateral image as expressed by the median (interquartile range) was 2.00 levels (1.00–2.00) for Group A, 2.50 (2.00–3.00) for Group B, and 3.00 (2.00-4.00) for Group C. The caudal spread level of contrast medium was 1.00 (1.00-2.00) for Group A, 2.00 (2.00–3.00) for Group B, and 2.00 (2.00–3.00) for Group C. There was ventral and dorsal spread of the 3-ml contrast medium injection in 88% (23/26) of cases in the lateral image. CONCLUSIONS: Injection of 3 ml of contrast medium through the foramina spread 6 levels in a cephalocaudal direction. Spread patterns revealed a cephalad preference. TTFEB resulted in dorsal and ventral spread in a high percentage of cases. This procedure may be useful for transferring drugs to the dorsal and ventral roots.

Spinal epiduroscopy as an educational tool

No abstract available.

Case of Polymyalgia Rheumatica Misdiagnosed as Infectious Spondylitis

A 60-year-old woman visited the authors' clinic with low back pain and arthralgia. Her symptoms had occurred 6 months previously, and she was treated with an epidural injection and a balloon dilatation procedure based on the assumption of spinal stenosis, but both treatments were ineffective. Her low back pain was aggravated, accompanied by fever and chills over a period of 4 months. As a result, she visited another referral hospital and was diagnosed with infective spondylitis associated with the invasive procedure. Her symptoms improved with antibiotics, but they recurred. When she visited our clinic, she still had continuous low back pain and febrile senses. Magnetic resonance imaging of her lumbar spine revealed interspinous bursitis, and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed multifocal synovial inflammation. She was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and treatment was started on prednisolone and celecoxib. Her symptoms improved dramatically and the inflammatory markers normalized.

Inyección subdural: complicación en la técnica peridural lumbar: revisión bibliográfica / Subdural injection: complication in lumbar epidural block: review of the literature

Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica sobre inyección subdural en la técnica peridural lumbar. se analizan los aspectos anatómicos, se describen las diferentes formas de presentación y su imagen radiológica, se discuten los criterios diagnósticos, los posibles efectos de la inyección en dicho espacio y la conducta a tomar, una vez detectada la complicación.

A bibliographic review about lumbar epidural subdural injection is done. the anatomic aspects, the different forms of presentation, and the radiological image are described. the diagnostic criteria, the effects of injection in this space and the management of the complication are discussed.

Infiltraciones epidurales de esteroides en el tratamiento del dolor radicular en el contexto laboral / Infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes pour le traitement de la douleur radiculaire dans un contexte de travail / Epidural Infiltration of Steroids in the Treatment of Root Pain in the Occupation Context

Introducción : el dolor ciático es un tipo de dolor en la extremidad inferior que normalmente sigue una distribución metamérica específica. A menudo es causado por una compresión o irritación del nervio ciático, comúnmente debido a hernia discal lumbar. Es uno de los motivos más habituales de consulta en unidades de cirugía de columna vertebral. Objetivo: determinar si las infiltraciones epidurales de esteroides pueden mejorar los síntomas en pacientes con una hernia discal, y así evitar la cirugía, lo que les permite una pronta vuelta al trabajo. Método: se reclutaron 71 pacientes con hernia discal, con historia de dolor ciático de al menos 3 meses de duración. Los pacientes recibieron un máximo de 3 infiltraciones epidurales de esteroides administradas con 2 semanas de separación, seguidas por un programa de rehabilitación. Resultados: de los 71 pacientes, 71,8 por ciento presentaron hernia discal en L5-S1, 87 por ciento eran hombres, edad media de 40,2 años y un 57,7 por ciento tenían trabajos asociados con altas demandas funcionales. El promedio de semanas de baja laboral fue 16,63. Al año, el 63,4 por ciento de los pacientes fueron dados de baja y un 36,6 por ciento requirió cirugía debido a la persistencia del dolor a pesar del tratamiento con inyecciones epidurales de esteroides. El índice de discapacidad de Oswestry y la puntuación EVA reflejaron una mejoría estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001) después de las infiltraciones en la mayoría de los casos. Conclusiones: en nuestro contexto, la administración de infiltraciones esteroides epidurales en pacientes con dolor radicular secundario con hernia discal es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo y efectivo que alivia el dolor, reduce la discapacidad y permite un rápido retorno a la actividad laboral(AU)

Introduction: Sciatic pain is a type of pain in the lower extremity that usually follows a specific metameric distribution. The compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve is often the cause, commonly due to lumbar disc herniation. It is one of the most common reasons for consultation in spinal surgery units. Objective: Determine if epidural steroid infiltrations can improve symptoms in patients with a herniated disc, thus avoiding surgery, which allows them to return to work soon. Method: We recruited 71 patients with a herniated disc, with a history of sciatic pain of at least 3 months. Patients received a maximum of three epidural infiltrations of steroids given 2 weeks apart, followed by a rehabilitation program. Results: Out of the 71 patients, 71.8 percent had L5-S1 disc hernia, 87 percent were men, mean age was 40.2 years and 57.7 percent had jobs associated with high functional demands. The average number of weeks off from work was 16.63. At one year, 63.4 percent of patients were discharged and 36.6 percent required surgery because of persistent pain despite treatment with epidural steroid injections. The Oswestry disability index and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) reflected a statistically significant improvement (p <0.001) after infiltrations in most cases. Conclusions: In our context, the administration of epidural steroid infiltrations in patients with secondary radicular pain with a herniated disc is a minimally invasive and effective procedure that alleviates pain, reduces disability and allows a quick return to work activity(AU)

Introduction: La douleur sciatique est une sorte de douleur localisée aux membres inférieurs suivant généralement une distribution métamérique spécifique. Elle est en général causée par une compression ou irritation du nerf sciatique, surtout due à une hernie discale lombaire. Elle est l'une des causes les plus fréquentes de consultation aux services de chirurgie de colonne vertébrale. Objectif: Définir si les infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes peuvent soulager les symptômes chez les patients atteints d'hernie discale et éviter ainsi la chirurgie, leur permettant un prompt retour au travail. Méthodes: Soixante-onze patients atteints d'hernie discale et avec une histoire de douleur sciatique d'au moins 3 mois de durée ont été inclus dans cette étude. Les patients ont subi un maximum de 3 infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes, administrées avec 2 semaines d'intervalle, et suivies d'un programme de rééducation. Résultats: Sur 71 patients, la plupart souffrait d'une hernie discale en L5-S1 (71,8 pourtent), était du sexe masculin (87 pourtent), âgée de 40,2 ans en moyenne, et avec des occupations d'une grande charge fonctionnelle (57,7 pourtent). L'arrêt de travail pour maladie a eu une durée de 16,63 semaines en moyenne. Au bout d'un an, la majorité des patients (63,4 pourtent) ont été licenciés, et une minorité (36,6 pourtent) a eu besoin d'une chirurgie, malgré les injections épidurales de stéroïdes (douleur persistante). Dans la plupart des cas, l'évaluation de l'incapacité fonctionnelle (questionnaire d'Oswestry) et l'échelle d'auto-évaluation de la douleur (score EVA) ont montré une amélioration statistiquement significative (p < 0.001) après les infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes. Conclusion: Dans notre contexte, l'administration d'infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes chez des patients ayant une douleur radiculaire secondaire et une hernie discale est un procédé peu invasif mais effectif, soulageant la douleur, réduisant l'incapacité, et permettant un retour rapide aux activités de travail(AU)