Comparison of the clinical course of COVID-19 infection in sickle cell disease patients with healthcare professionals.

It is highly expected that COVID-19 infection will have devastating consequences in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients due to endothelial activation and decreased tissue and organ reserve as a result of microvascular ischemia and continuous inflammation. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical course of COVID-19 in adult SCD patients under the organ injury mitigation and clinical care improvement program (BASCARE) with healthcare professionals without significant comorbid conditions. The study was planned as a retrospective, multicenter and cross-sectional study. Thirty-nine SCD patients, ages 18 to 64 years, and 121 healthcare professionals, ages 21 to 53, were included in the study. The data were collected from the Electronic Health Recording System of PRANA, where SCD patients under the BASCARE program had been registered. The data of other patients were collected from the Electronic Hospital Data Recording System and patient files. In the SCD group, the crude incidence of COVID-19 was 9%, while in healthcare professionals at the same period was 23%. Among the symptoms, besides fever, loss of smell and taste were more prominent in the SCD group than in healthcare professionals. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of development of pneumonia, hospitalization, and need for intubation (43 vs 5%, P < 0.00001; 26 vs 7%, P = 0.002; and 10 vs 1%, P = 0.002, respectively). Prophylactic low molecular weight heparin and salicylate were used more in the SCD group than in healthcare professionals group (41 vs 9% and 28 vs 1%; P < 0.0001 for both). The 3-month mortality rate was demonstrated as 5% in the SCD group, while 0 in the healthcare professionals group. One patient in the SCD group became continously dependent on respiratory support. The cause of death was acute chest syndrome in the first case, hepatic necrosis and multi-organ failure in the second case. In conclusion, these observations supported the expectation that the course of COVID-19 in SCD patients will get worse. The BASCARE program applied in SCD patients could not change the poor outcome.

Ketamine dosing for sedation during repeated radiotherapy sessions in children

Background/aim: We report the analysis of ketamine doses needed and the recovery times in pediatric oncology patients undergoing repeated radiotherapy sessions. Materials and methods: In a single-blind prospective study design, thirty-three pediatric patients undergoing radiotherapy due to oncologic disorders received 2 mg/kg ketamine and 10 µg/kg atropine intravenously and the rescue drug to be administered was ketamine at 0.5 mg/kg when the sedation level was inadequate. Total ketamine consumption, additional doses, and recovery time were recorded. Results: Data of 635 consecutive radiotherapy sessions were evaluated. There was no significant alteration in total ketamine consumption required to complete the radiotherapy periods during consecutive procedures (P > 0.05). However, the recovery times started to decrease by the fourth session (P = 0.02) and continued to decrease onwards during the whole study period (P = 0.001). The mean of the first recovery time was 13.68 ± 3.99 min, whereas the mean of the last recovery time was 7.66 ± 6.35 min. Conclusion: A requirement for an incremental increase in ketamine dose after subsequent administrations was not detected, despite a significant decrease in recovery times being anticipated when ketamine is used repeatedly for sedative purposes in consecutive radiotherapy sessions.

Oral 30% glucose provides sufficient sedation in newborns during MRI.

PURPOSE: Newborns are often sedated during MRI but sedation itself creates adverse events and management is more challenging in this environment. Oral glucose/sucrose administration has been studied in newborns during painful procedures; however, its effectiveness in keeping newborns sleepy and motionlessness during painless procedures has not been demonstrated. The objective of this study was to describe effectiveness of oral 30% glucose administration by comparing with intravenous midazolam sedation for newborns during MRI. METHODS: One hundred twelve ASA II-III newborns who required care in the ICU and were scheduled for MRI with sedation were included. Group I received 30% glucose solution orally with 0.5-1 ml increments up to 2 ml/3 kg doses and group II received intravenous 0.1 mg/kg midazolam with 0.05 mg/kg repetition. The procedure was considered satisfactory when MRI images were not disturbed by patient movement after oral glucose or intravenous midazolam administration. The efficiency of the techniques, additional dose and rescue sedation requirements, blood glucose levels following oral 30% glucose suckling and presence of adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic data was similar between groups. The efficiency of the procedures were similar between groups (78.9%, in group I and 66.1%, in group II). The blood glucose levels were within normal range in group I whereas transient desaturation and apnea occurred in 8 neonates in group II (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Oral 30% glucose administration for newborns during MRI is as effective as standard sedation protocol with midazolam. Thereby, we recommend and support the integration of this safe and reliable technique into routine practice for newborns during MRI.

The use of flexible laryngeal mask airway for Adenoidectomies: An experience of 814Paediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess flexible laryngeal mask airway (F-LMA) use during pediatric adenoidectomies in terms of patient safety, comfort, complication rates and surgeon satisfaction levels. METHODS: Patients who had undergone an elective adenoidectomy after receiving general anesthesia using F-LMA from June 2012 to November 2015 were included. Patients' demographics and the incidence of perioperative complications were investigated. The surgeon's satisfaction level was also evaluated by questionnaire. RESULTS: Eight hundred fourteen patient were included in the study. Conversion from F-LMA to an endotracheal tube was carried out in two patients (0.2%). Airway complications were identified in two patients. The mean duration of stay in the postoperative anesthesia care unit was 17 minutes. All patients were discharged the same day. According to the otolaryngologists F-LMA applications provide a significant reduction in the processing time (100%), postoperative patient comfort is better than when using endotracheal intubation (83.3%) and the consensus was that there should be a complete continuation of the use of the F-LMA (100%) in subsequent adenoidectomies. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the use of F-LMA for pediatric adenoidectomies has well tolerability profile and resulted in a lower incidence of complications. We think that the use of F-LMA for pediatric adenoidectomy is safer, simpler and speeder method.

The efficacy of intravenous paracetamol versus dipyrone for postoperative analgesia after day-case lower abdominal surgery in children with spinal anesthesia: a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: A multimodal and preventative approach to providing postoperative analgesia is becoming increasingly popular for children and adults, with the aim of reducing reliance on opioids. We conducted a prospective, randomized double-blind study to compare the analgesic efficacy of intravenous paracetamol and dipyrone in the early postoperative period in school-age children undergoing lower abdominal surgery with spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty children scheduled for elective lower abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomized to receive either intravenous paracetamol 15 mg/kg, dipyrone 15 mg/kg or isotonic saline. The primary outcome measure was pain at rest, assessed by means of a visual analog scale 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after surgery. If needed, pethidine 0.25 mg/kg was used as the rescue analgesic. Time to first administration of rescue analgesic, cumulative pethidine requirements, adverse effects and complications were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex, weight, height or duration of surgery between the groups. Pain scores were significantly lower in the paracetamol group at 1 h (P = 0.030) and dipyrone group at 2 h (P = 0.010) when compared with placebo. The proportion of patients requiring rescue analgesia was significantly lower in the paracetamol and dipyrone groups than the placebo group (vs. paracetamol P = 0.037; vs. dipyrone P = 0.020). Time to first analgesic requirement appeared shorter in the placebo group but this difference was not statistically significant, nor were there significant differences in pethidine requirements, adverse effects or complications. CONCLUSION: After lower abdominal surgery conducted under spinal anesthesia in children, intravenous paracetamol appears to have similar analgesic properties to intravenous dipyrone, suggesting that it can be used as an alternative in the early postoperative period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov. Identifier: NCT01858402.

Comparison of intrathecal levobupivacaine combined with sufentanil, fentanyl, or placebo for elective caesarean section: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The addition of opioids to local anesthetics contributes to the quality of spinal anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. OBJECTIVE: In our prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study, our aim was to compare the effect of low-dose sufentanil plus levobupivacaine or a fentanyl plus levobupivacaine mixture on anesthesia quality, block characteristics, newborn and mother well-being, surgeon satisfaction, and duration of postoperative analgesia. METHODS: Ninety-three patients were randomized into 3 groups (n = 31). Patients in Group C received 0.5% levobupivacaine (2.2 ± 0.2 mL), Group S received 2.5 µg sufentanil plus 0.5% levobupivacaine (2.2 ± 0.2 mL), and Group F received 10 µg fentanyl plus 0.5% levobupivacaine (2.2 ± 0.2 mL) intrathecally completed to a volume of 3 mL with the addition of saline in all groups. Patients' demographics, sensory and motor block characteristics, hemodynamics, Apgar scores, umbilical blood gas values, maternal side effects, surgeon satisfaction score, time to first analgesia requirement, and additional analgesic use within 24 hours were recorded. RESULTS: In Group S and Group F, target levels of sensory and motor block were achieved more rapidly (P < 0.001). The hemodynamic values were lower (P < 0.05), and the duration of sensory blockade and the time of first analgesic requirement were longer (P < 0.001) in Group S. Additional analgesic requirement during first 24-hour period was lowest in Group S, and highest in Group C (P < 0.001). Apgar scores and umbilical blood gas samples were similar between groups. Postoperative pruritus was more frequent in Group S (P < 0.001) and surgeon satisfaction score was significantly lower in Group C (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the addition of sufentanil and fentanyl to intrathecal levobupivacaine during caesarean section surgery is more effective than the administration of levobupivacaine alone. The addition of sufentanil to levobupivacaine allowed rapid onset time for sensory and motor block levels. It also extended the duration of postoperative analgesia and led to a decrease in total analgesic requirement. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01858090.

The impact of multimodal analgesia timing on postoperative pain in cesarean delivery. A prospective randomized study.

AIM: The issue of preemptive or preventive use of paracetamol still raises questions in terms of multimodal analgesia in cesarean delivery. A combination of paracetamol and opioid is commonly used for pain management after cesarean delivery. This study aims to compare postoperative pain level and analgesic consumption when using paracetamol at two different perioperative times in cesarean section. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients recruited for elective cesarean section under general anesthesia were included in this prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive iv 1 g paracetamol 15 minutes before incision (Group PE) or after delivery of newborn (Group PV). Visual analog scale (VAS) values, 24-hour morphine consumption, additional analgesic requirement, side effects, and patient and surgeons' satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic data and hemodynamic values of the patients were similar in both groups. There was no differences between groups in terms of VAS scores at rest and during movement, additional analgesic requirement during the postoperative 1st hour, and 24-hour total morphine consumption. There was no difference in side effects, and patient and surgeon satisfaction scores postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive and preventive use of paracetamol provides the same quality of analgesia and opioid sparing effect without increasing the frequency of adverse effects. KEY WORDS: Analgesia, Cesarean Section, General Anesthesia, Preemptive, Preventive.

Management of neuropathic pain with methylprednisolone at the site of nerve injury.

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral nerve blocks with methylprednisolone may provide effective pain therapy by decreasing ectopic neuronal discharge and the release of local inflammatory mediators at the site of nerve injury. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of lidocaine alone with a combination of depo-methylprednisolone plus lidocaine in the management of neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve damage. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind comparator trial. SETTING: Group control (N = 44) received 0.5% lidocaine and group methylprednisolone (N = 44) received 80 mg depo-methylprednisolone + 0.5% lidocaine proximal to the site of nerve injury with a total amount of 10-20 mL solution according to the type of peripheral nerve block with nerve stimulator. OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic data, preblock numerical rating scales (NRSs), the Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS(0) ) score, accompanying symptoms, and analgesic requirements were recorded. Postblock NRS scores were noted following peripheral nerve block and after 3 months. LANSS(1) , accompanying symptoms, and analgesic requirements were also reevaluated 3 months after the injection. RESULTS: Demographic data, preblock NRS (8 ± 1.5 and 8.1 ± 1.2, respectively), postblock NRS (2.1 ± 1.2 and 2.4 ± 1.4, respectively), LANSS(0) (18.4 ± 2.2 and 18.2 ± 2.1, respectively), and accompanying symptoms were comparable between groups. Scores for the methylprednisolone group were significantly improved at 3-month postblock for NRS (2 ± 1.4 vs 5.2 ± 1.7) and LANSS(1) scores (4.14 ± 2.7 vs 14.1 ± 2.8), accompanying symptoms, and analgesic requirements (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that peripheral nerve block with 80 mg depo-methylprednisolone plus 0.5% lidocaine provides effective management in the treatment of neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve damage.

IV paracetamol effect on propofol-ketamine consumption in paediatric patients undergoing ESWL.

PURPOSE: Electroshock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a painful procedure performed with sedoanalgesia in paediatric patients. The propofol-ketamine combination may be the preferable anaesthesia for this procedure, and propofol-ketamine consumption may be decreased with the administration of intravenous (IV) paracetamol. In this study we investigated the effect of IV paracetamol administration on propofol-ketamine consumption, recovery time and frequency of adverse events in paediatric patients undergoing ESWL. METHODS: Sixty children, ranging in age from 1 to 10 years and with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status 1-2, were included in this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Thirty minutes prior to the procedure children randomly assigned to Group I received IV 15 mg/kg paracetamol, and those randomly assigned to Group II received 1.5 mL/kg IV saline infusion 30 min. The propofol-ketamine combination was prepared by mixing 25 mg propofol and 25 mg ketamine in a total 10 mL solution in the same syringe. After the administration of 0.1 mg/kg midazolam and 10 µg/kg atropine to both groups and during the procedure, the propofol-ketamine combination was administered at 0.5 mg/kg doses to achieve a Wisconsin sedation score of 1 or 2. Oxygen saturation and heart rate were recorded at 5-min intervals. Propofol-ketamine consumption, recovery times and adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between groups. Propofol-ketamine consumption (Group I, 25.2 ± 17.7 mg; Group II, 35.4 ± 20.1 mg; p = 0.04) and recovery times (Group I, 19.4 ± 7.9 min; Group II, 29.6 ± 11.4 min; p < 0.0001) were significantly different between groups. Saturation, heart rate and adverse events were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the administration of IV paracetamol decreases propofol-ketamine consumption for adequate sedation during ESWL procedures in paediatric patients and shortens recovery time.

Effect of intraoperative paracetamol on catheter-related bladder discomfort: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: The insertion of urinary catheters during urinary surgical interventions may lead to catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) in the postoperative period. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of single-dose intravenous paracetamol on CRBD. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind study, 64 patients (age >18 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I-II) requiring urinary bladder catheterization for percutaneous nephrolithotomy were assigned to groups that received either intravenous paracetamol (15 mg/kg) (group P) or NaCl 0.9% solution (control group [group C]) 30 minutes before the end of surgery. Patients received patient-controlled analgesia (10-mg bolus of meperidine, without infusion, 20-minute lock out) postoperatively. CRBD and pain status were assessed at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 hours postoperatively. Postoperative meperidine requirement and patient and surgeon satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: Group P had significantly lower CRBD scores at all time points except at 12 hours postoperatively compared with group C (P < 0.05). Total meperidine consumption was significantly higher in group C (P < 0.05). Patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were significantly higher in group P (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative single-dose paracetamol was found to be effective in reducing the severity of CRBD and pain in urologic surgery. We suggest that it may be an efficient, reliable, easy-to-apply drug for CRBD. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01652183.

Transsacral S2-S4 nerve block for vaginal pain due to pudendal neuralgia.

Pudendal neuralgia is a type of neuropathic pain experienced predominantly while sitting, and causes a substantial decrease in quality of life in affected patients. Pudendal nerve block is a diagnostic and therapeutic option for pudendal neuralgia. Transsacral block at S2 through S4 results in pudendal nerve block, which is an option for successful relief of pain due to pudendal nerve injury. Herein is reported blockade of S2 through S4 using lidocaine and methylprednisolone for successful treatment of pudendal neuralgia in 2 patients with severe chronic vaginal pain. The patients, aged 44 and 58 years, respectively, were referred from the Gynecology Department to the pain clinic because of burning, stabbing, electric shock-like, unilateral pain localized to the left portion of the vagina and extending to the perineum. Their initial pain scores were 9 and 10, respectively, on a numeric rating scale. Both patients refused pudendal nerve block using classical techniques. Therefore, diagnostic transsacral S2-S4 nerve block was performed using lidocaine 1%, and was repeated using lidocaine 1% and methylprednisolone 80 mg after confirming block efficiency as demonstrated by an immediate decrease in pain scores. After 1 month, pain scores were 1 and 0, respectively, and both patients were free of pain at 6-month follow up. It is suggested that blockade of S2 through S4 using lidocaine and methylprednisolone is an effective treatment option in patients with chronic pudendal neuralgia when traditional pudendal nerve block is not applicable.

An alternative central venous route for cardiac surgery: supraclavicular subclavian vein catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical success rate, safety, and usefulness for intraoperative central venous pressure monitoring, and the intravenous access of the supraclavicular subclavian vein approach when compared with the infraclavicular subclavian vein approach and the internal jugular vein approach for central venous catheterization during open-chest cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, single-center study. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety-five patients scheduled for open-chest cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: The study population consisted of patients for whom central vein catheterization was intended during cardiac surgery. Patients were randomized to 3 groups according to the route of central vein catheterization: the supraclavicular group: the supraclavicular approach for the subclavian vein (n = 65); the infraclavicular group: the infraclavicular approach for the subclavian vein (n = 65); and the jugular group: the internal jugular vein approach (n = 65). After the induction of anesthesia, central venous catheterization was performed according to the assigned approach. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The success rates for the assigned approach were 98%, 98%, and 92% for the supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and jugular groups, respectively (p > 0.05). The success rates in the first 3 attempts in patients who were catheterized successfully according to the assigned approach were 96%, 100%, and 96% for the supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and jugular groups, respectively (p > 0.05). There was no difference among groups in catheter insertion time (p > 0.05). After sternal retraction, central venous pressure trace loss and difficulty in fluid infusion were significantly more frequent in the infraclavicular group (21%) when compared with the supraclavicular (3%) and jugular groups (0%) (p = 0.01). There was no difference among groups in terms of catheter malposition, complications during catheterization, and rate of catheter-related infection. CONCLUSION: The supraclavicular approach for subclavian vein catheterization is an acceptable alternative for central venous access during cardiac surgery in terms of procedural success rate, ease of placement, rate of complications, and usability after sternal retractor expansion.

Thoracic epidural anesthesia and analgesia during the perioperative period of thoracic surgery: levobupivacaine versus bupivacaine.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of thoracic epidural anesthesia with levobupivacaine or bupivacaine on block features, intraoperative hemodynamics, and postoperative analgesia for thoracic surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, and double-blind study. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty patients undergoing thoracic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received thoracic epidural catheterization either with levobupivacaine or bupivacaine. A bolus of 0.1 mL/kg of 0.25% levobupivacaine or 0.25% bupivacaine was administered, and infusion of the same drug with 0.25% concentration was started at 0.1 mL/kg/h. General anesthesia was induced after assessing the sensory block and maintained with 0.3% to 0.8% isoflurane and 50% O(2) in air. Epidural patient-controlled analgesia with the same agent was started at the end of the operation for 48 hours postoperatively. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sensory block features such as onset time and spread were assessed for the next 20 minutes after the bolus dose. Heart rate and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures were recorded intraoperatively and postoperatively. Pain at rest and activity was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS) for 48 hours after the operation. All patients were comparable with respect to the demographic data. Onset time of the block and the number of blocked dermatomes and hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups. All VAS assessments were comparable between groups except VAS at the 36th hour postoperative, which was higher in the levobupivacaine group (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic epidural anesthesia with either levobupivacaine or bupivacaine provided comparable sensory block features, intraoperative hemodynamics, and postoperative analgesia for thoracic surgery.

Children on phenobarbital monotherapy requires more sedatives during MRI.

BACKGROUND: Phenobarbital induces specific hepatic cytochrome P-450 enzyme pathways causing increased clearance of hepatically metabolized drugs. In this study, we investigated the duration and additional anesthetic requirement during Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in epileptic children with or without phenobarbital monotherapy. METHODS: In ASA I-II, 128 children, aged 1-10 years, were included. Group I: epileptic children without anti-epileptic therapy and Group II: children with phenobarbital monotherapy. The initial sedative drugs were 0.1 mg·kg(-1) midazolam with 2 mg·kg(-1) ketamine. An additional 1 mg·kg(-1) ketamine was administrated if required. Rescue propofol (0.5 mg·kg(-1)) was provided and repeated to maintain sedation. The duration and consumption of additional sedative requirements was recorded. RESULTS: The duration of initial and two consequent additional sedative requirements was shorter in Group II (P = 0.0001, P = 0.001 and P = 0.27, respectively). Additional ketamine doses required for adequate sedation were lower in Group I (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: We suggest that the variability in response to the initial sedative agents during MRI requires titration of additive sedation with ketamine in epileptic children on phenobarbital monotherapy.

The effect of paracetamol on postoperative nausea and vomiting during the first 24 h after strabismus surgery: a prospective, randomised, double-blind study.

CONTEXT: Strabismus surgery is one of the most common ophthalmic surgical procedures in children and is associated with significant postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of intravenous paracetamol on PONV in children after strabismus surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, placebo-controlled, randomised double-blind study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety children, between 2 and 14 years scheduled for strabismus surgery, were recruited. Eighty-six completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: After induction of anaesthesia, intravenous dexamethasone 0.1 mg kg was administered to all. The patients were enrolled to receive either intravenous physiological saline (group S) or paracetamol 15 mg kg (group P). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of PONV in the first 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: General and clinical characteristics of the children were similar in both groups. PONV during the first 24 h was significantly higher in group S in comparison with group P (group S vs. group P, 33 vs. 14.6%, respectively, P = 0.038 for nausea; 24.4 vs. 7.3%, respectively, P = 0.030 for vomiting). The number of analgesic administrations during the first 24 h was higher in group S compared with group P (1.31 ±â€Š0.85 and 0.73 ±â€Š0.6, respectively, P = 0.001). The repeat number of postoperative analgesic administrations was significantly different between groups during the first 24 h (P = 0.005), but during 24-48 h was not significant. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative administration of intravenous paracetamol decreases the incidence of PONV during the first 24 h in children after strabismus surgery.

An add-on therapy for neuropathic pain: Infiltration block with diclofenac sodium and lidocaine through the hypertrophic scar tissue.

In some situations, the cause of the supposed neuropathic pain might be related to abnormal tissue recovery such as scar formation due to wound retraction that might create mechanical compression on the nerve tissue. In this report we describe infiltration block with diclofenac sodium and lidocaine through the hypertrophic scar tissue to reduce mechanical stress in 3 patients. The infiltration technique might resolve the tension of the contracted scar tissue by tearing the adhesions and the eliminated mechanical compression would reduce the pressure on nerve tissue and hence neuropathic pain symptoms.