Impact of superior hypogastric nerve block during uterine fibroid embolisation on pain scores, opioid requirements, and same-day discharge: a case-control study.

AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB) in managing periprocedural pain associated with uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) and in facilitating same-day discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively enrolled case-control study with retrospective analysis comprising 119 eligible patients who underwent UFE for symptomatic fibroids was undertaken at a UK teaching hospital between January 2016 and September 2022. SHNB was administered to 62 participants in addition to systemic analgesia; 57 participants received systemic analgesia alone. SHNB was performed mid-UFE using 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine. Pain scores were assessed using an 11-point (0-10) verbal numerical rating scale (NRS). The study received research and ethics committee approval. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square and independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. A p-value of <0.05 defined significance. RESULTS: Participants who received SHNB experienced significantly less pain during the first 6 h post-procedure (averaged median pain score 2.6 versus 3.8, p=0.031). SHNB reduced the proportion of participants requiring post-procedural anti-emetics (45% versus 63%, p<0.05). For participants entered on the day-case pathway (SHNB = 34, no-SHNB = 16), those who received SHNB had a higher rate of successful same-day discharge (62% versus 31%, p=0.044). This SHNB group required significantly less opioids for periprocedural pain relief (median oral morphine equivalents; 44 mg versus 80 mg, p=0.020). No SHNB-related adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: SHNB is safe and effective in reducing perioperative pain, opioid requirements, and anti-emetic use in patients undergoing UFE for symptomatic fibroids. SHNB, as an adjunct to analgesic optimisation, facilitates same-day discharge, which is often limited by severe post-embolisation pain.

Renal angiomyolipoma: from imaging to intervention.

A high volume of cross-sectional imaging has created a window of opportunity for radiologists to identify renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs). The purpose of this review is to help the reader recognise the spectrum of renal AML appearances using different imaging methods and to gain an understanding of the classic and atypical features for appropriate lesion characterisation. Risk factors for AML growth and rupture will be highlighted. An overview of the imaging features of acute AML rupture will be provided, principally relating to computed tomography (CT) assessment. A series of cases will be presented, including a case of peripartum renal AML rupture during Caesarean section leading to diagnostic dilemma. The indications for intervention and available treatment options will be considered: medical therapy, surgery, and interventional radiology (IR) techniques including their pros and cons. Emergency interventional radiology management with selective transarterial embolisation will be presented and analysed in relation to technique, angiographic appearances (pre and post embolisation) and associated complications.

Safety of short 3-hour recovery and same-day discharge following lower-limb angioplasty in outpatients with intermittent claudication and critical limb ischaemia.

AIM: To investigate the safety and efficacy of short recovery day-case pathway following lower-limb angioplasty in both intermittent claudication and critical limb ischaemia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of the medical records of consecutive outpatients treated with lower-limb angioplasty over a 1-year period within an interventional radiology (IR) day-case unit in a high-volume vascular centre. Standard post-angioplasty care at York Teaching Hospital is discharge 3 h after puncture site haemostasis without the routine use of closure devices. The rates of successful same-day discharge, procedure success, complications, and re-admissions were calculated with 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: The cohort included 301 patients (57% intermittent claudication and 43% critical limb ischaemia) undergoing 605 angioplasties using access sheath size ranging from 4 to 7 F. Closure devices were used in only 7% of patients. Successful same-day discharge achieved in 98% of patients (294/301), with seven admitted overnight because of complications. Eleven patients (3.6%) were re-admitted within 30 days. Technical success rates were 92%, and 96% when including partially successful interventions, with 4% technical failure. Twelve patients (4%) developed minor complications and four major complications (1%). There were no significant differences in complication rates between small and larger sheath sizes (p>0.05). No procedure-related death was recorded within 30 days. CONCLUSION: Lower-limb angioplasty can be performed safely as day-case procedure with a short recovery protocol within IR departments for both patients with intermittent claudication (IC) and critical limb ischaemia (CLI). This may significantly increase patient throughput and alleviate pressure on stretched hospital inpatient resources by safely discharging patients on the day of procedure.

Another fractured neck of femur: do we need a lateral X-ray?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to define the role of the lateral X-ray in the assessment and treatment planning of proximal femoral fractures. Occult fractures were not included. METHODS: Radiographs from 359 consecutive patients with proximal femoral fractures admitted to our emergency department over a 12 month period were divided into anteroposterior (AP) views and lateral views. Three blinded reviewers independently assessed the radiographs, first AP views alone then AP plus lateral views, noting the fracture classification for each radiograph. These assessments were then compared with the intra-operative diagnosis, which was used as the gold standard. A 2 × 2 contingency square table was created and Pearson's χ(2) test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The rate of correct classification by the reviewers was improved by the assessment of the lateral X-ray in addition to the AP view for intracapsular fractures (p<0.013) but not for extracapsular fractures (p=0.27). However, the only advantage obtained by assessing the lateral view in intracapsular fractures was the detection of displacement where the fracture appeared undisplaced on the initial AP view. CONCLUSION: This study provides statistical evidence that one view is adequate and safe for the majority of hip fractures. The lateral radiograph should not be performed routinely in order to make considerable savings in money and time and to avoid unnecessary patient discomfort.