Chemical Ablation of Genicular Nerve with Phenol for Pain Relief in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve is performed for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) when conservative treatment is not effective. Chemical ablation may be an alternative, but its effectiveness and safety have not been examined. The objective of this prospective open-label cohort study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided chemical neurolysis for genicular nerves with phenol to treat patients with chronic pain from KOA. METHODS: Forty-three patients with KOA with pain intensity score (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS) ≥ 4, and duration of pain of more than 6 months were considered for enrollment. Ultrasound-guided diagnostic blocks of genicular nerves (superomedial, inferomedial, and superolateral) with 1.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at each site were performed. Those who reported more than 50% reduction in NRS went on to undergo chemical neurolysis, using 1.5 mL 7% glycerated phenol in each genicular nerve. NRS and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were assessed before intervention and at 2 weeks and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months following the intervention. RESULTS: NRS and WOMAC scores improved at all time points. Mean pain intensity improved from 7.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.8 to 7.7) at baseline to 4.2 (95%CI: 3.5 to 5.0) at 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Composite WOMAC score improved from 48.7 (95%CI: 43.3 to 54.2) at baseline to 20.7 (95%CI: 16.6 to 24.7) at 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Adverse events did not persist beyond 1 month and included local pain, hypoesthesia, swelling, and bruise. CONCLUSION: Chemical neurolysis of genicular nerves with phenol provided efficacious analgesia and functional improvement for at least 6 months in most patients with a low incidence of adverse effects.

Comparative Randomized Study Between Pulsed Radiofrequency and Suprascapular Nerve Block for the Treatment of Chronic Shoulder Pain.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to compare pain intensity after pulsed radiofrequency (RF) or suprascapular nerve block for the treatment of chronic shoulder pain. The secondary objectives were to compare the shoulder range of motion and supplementary analgesic requirement. METHODS: This randomized and prospective study included 40 patients, with chronic shoulder pain allocated into 2 groups. One group underwent pulsed RF, and the other group was submitted to block (B) of the suprascapular nerve, guided by ultrasound. They were assessed for 12 weeks regarding pain intensity, the need for analgesia supplementation, and shoulder range of motion. Side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Pain intensity on movement was lower in the RF group after 2, 4, and 8 weeks. At rest, pain intensity was lower in group RF than in group B after 12 weeks. Pain intensity was lower than before the procedure at all times evaluated, in both groups. There was no difference between groups in the range of motion. There was a need for tramadol supplementation in 1 patient in group RF and 2 in group B. Adverse effects observed were local pain (RF: 1), hematoma (RF: 1; B: 1), and lipothymia (B: 2). DISCUSSION: Pulsed RF on the suprascapular nerve promoted an analgesic effect for 12 weeks. Regarding the intensity of pain on movement and at rest, there was a trend toward a better effect with RF than with nerve blockage treatment. In both groups, there was a reduction in pain intensity without serious adverse effects.

A prospective, comparative study of the analgesic effect between the WALANT technique and local anesthesia associated with sedation for hand surgery.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to compare the WALANT (wide awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet) technique with local anesthesia associated with sedation in relation to pain intensity for minor hand surgical procedures. The secondary objective was to evaluate the need for analgesic complementation. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, comparative, and clinical study was carried out. The sample size in each group was determined after statistical evaluation of the results of a pilot project. The participants were allocated to one of two groups; those in group 1 were submitted to the WALANT technique, and those in group 2, to local anesthesia associated with sedation, for elective surgery. The surgical procedures were carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, synovial cyst, finger cyst, and trigger finger. Pain intensity, need for complementation and evolution to complex regional pain syndrome were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in pain intensity after WALANT and need for intraoperative complementation. There was no significant difference in the amount of opioid applied postoperatively between the groups. There was no difference between groups regarding comfort during surgery. There was no difference in adverse effects and complications between the groups. Hematoma was the most frequent adverse event. No severe adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The WALANT technique promoted an analgesic effect similar to that of local anesthesia associated with sedation, without increasing adverse effects.

An alternative approach for blocking the superior trunk of the brachial plexus evaluated by a single arm clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Interscalene brachial plexus block is associated with phrenic nerve paralysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative approach to interscalene brachial plexus blocks in terms of efficacy, grade of motor and sensory blockade, and phrenic nerve blockade. METHODS: The study was prospective and interventional. The ten living patients studied were 18 to 65 years old, ASA physical status I or II, and submitted to correction of rotator cuff injury. A superior trunk blockade was performed at the superior trunk below the omohyoid muscle, without blocking the phrenic nerve. The needle was advanced below the prevertebral layer until contacting the superior trunk. In order to guarantee the correct positioning of the needle tip, an intracluster pattern of the spread was visualized. The block was performed with 5.ßmL of 0.5% bupivacaine in ten patients. In the six cadavers, 5.ßmL of methylene blue was injected. Diaphragmatic excursion was assessed by ultrasonography of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. In three patients, pulmonary ventilation was evaluated with impedance tomography. Pain scores and analgesic consumption were assessed in the recovery room for 6.ßhours after the blockade. RESULTS: In the six cadavers, methylene blue didn...t reach the phrenic nerve. Ten patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, and no clinically phrenic nerve paralysis was observed. No patient reported pain during the first 6.ßhours. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that this new superior trunk approach to block the superior trunk may be an alternative technique to promote analgesia for shoulder surgery in patients with impaired respiratory function.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the analgesic effect of intraoperative esmolol for laparoscopic gastroplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the analgesic effect of esmolol in patients submitted to laparoscopic gastroplasty. METHODS: Forty patients aged between 18 and 50 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status scores of II and III who underwent gastric bypass were allocated to two groups. Group 1 patients received a 0.5-mg/kg bolus of esmolol in 30 mL of saline before induction of anesthesia, followed by an infusion at 15 µg/kg/min until the end of surgery. Group 2 patients received 30 mL of saline as a bolus and then an infusion of saline. Anesthesia included fentanyl (3 µg/kg), propofol (2-4 mg/kg), rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg), and 2% sevoflurane, with remifentanil if necessary. The following parameters were evaluated: pain intensity over 24h, remifentanil consumption, the first analgesic request, morphine consumption, and side effects. RESULTS: Pain intensity was lower in the esmolol group except at T0 (after extubation) and 12h postoperatively. Remifentanil supplementation, recovery time, and postoperative morphine supplementation were lower in the esmolol group. No differences in the time to the first analgesic request or side effects were found between the groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative esmolol promotes reductions in pain intensity and the need for analgesic supplementation without adverse effects, thus representing an effective drug for multimodal analgesia in gastroplasty.

Assessment of the Effect of Perioperative Venous Lidocaine on the Intensity of Pain and IL-6 Concentration After Laparoscopic Gastroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Opioids are associated with sedation and respiratory depression. The primary objective of this study was to assess pain intensity after gastric bypass with lidocaine. The secondary objective was to assess the IL-6 concentration, consumption of morphine, time to morphine request, time to extubation, and side effects. METHODS: Sixty patients aged 18 to 60 years, with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) scores of 2 or 3, who underwent bariatric surgery were allocated to two groups. Patients in group 1 were administered lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) 5 min before the induction of anesthesia, and group 2 was administered 0.9% saline solution in an equal volume. Subsequently, lidocaine (2 mg/kg/h) or 0.9% saline was infused during the entire surgical procedure. Anesthesia was performed with fentanyl (5 µg/kg), propofol, rocuronium, and sevoflurane. Postoperative patient-controlled analgesia was provided with morphine. The following were evaluated: pain intensity, IL-6, 24-h consumption of morphine, time to the morphine request, time to extubation, and adverse effects. RESULTS: The lidocaine group had a lower pain intensity than the saline group for up to 1 h, with no differences between groups in IL-6 and time to extubation. The lidocaine group consumed less morphine within 24 h, had a longer time until the first supplemental morphine request, and had a lower incidence of nausea. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine reduced the intensity of early postoperative pain, incidence of nausea, and consumption of morphine within 24 h and increased time to the first morphine request, without reducing the plasma concentrations of IL-6.

Review of the use of gabapentin in the control of postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gabapentin has been used as adjuvant in the treatment of postoperative pain with a neuropathic component. It is responsible for the inhibition of central sensitization, decreasing postoperative pain. CONTENTS: All clinical, randomized studies that evaluated the effects of gabapentin on postoperative pain in humans between 2002 and 2007 for a total of 26 studies were selected. In 17 studies, patients received a single preoperative dose, which ranged from 300 to 1,200 mg, 30 minutes to two hours before surgery in the remaining studies, the administration of the drug was initiated one to 24 hours before the procedure and continued for 10 days, in doses that ranged from 1,200 to 1,800 mg.day(-1). To measure pain severity, the Visual Analog or Numeric Rating Scale was used. In 75% of patients who received a single dose of gabapentin, scores were lower, and the same was seen in 55.6% of patients who received the drugs pre- and postoperatively. Opioid consumption was reduced in 82.4% of patients who received a single dose, and in 77.8% of patients who received pre- and postoperative gabapentin. Among the studies using a single dose of gabapentin, four did not describe adverse effects; 52.9% showed no differences, 11.8% detected more nausea or vomiting, 5.9% experienced more dizziness, 5.9% more sedation, less nausea or vomiting in one, and less urinary retention in one. Among the studies with pre- and postoperative administration of gabapentin, four did not describe adverse effects; 22.2% showed no differences, 11.1% had more nausea or vomiting, 22.2% more dizziness, and 11.1% more sedation. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin, used before as well as before and after surgery, decreased pain severity and the need of analgesic supplementation.

Effect of preoperative pregabalin on analgesia and interleukins after lumbotomy: prospective, randomized, comparative, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant and has been used for postoperative analgesia. This study aimed to assess the effect of a single preoperative dose of pregabalin for analgesia after nephrectomy. METHODS: The study was prospective, randomized, comparative, and double-blinded, conducted in 40 kidney transplant donors, between 18 and 60 years, American Society of Anesthesia physical status I or II. Epidural anesthesia was performed with 15 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine single shot and general anesthesia with 3 µg/kg of fentanyl, propofol, atracurium, and sevoflurane, and 50% of oxygen without nitrous oxide. Patients in group 1 were administered 300 mg of pregabalin and those in group 2 were administered placebo, in identical capsules, 1 hour prior to surgery. Postoperative analgesia was supplemented with tramadol. The following parameters were assessed: pain intensity after 6 and 24 hours; pain threshold, from the thenar and peri-incisional region, analgesic supplementation; ILs (IL6, IL8, and IL10) prior to surgery and after 6 and 24 hours. RESULTS: The pain intensity was lower with pregabalin after 24 hours (G1: 2.5±2.4, G2: 3.0±2.6). There was no difference in the sensitivity of the thenar and peri-incisional region after 6 and 24 hours; in the number of patients requiring supplementation (G1=15%, G2=45%); concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10; and side effects (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and pruritus). CONCLUSION: Pregabalin in a single preoperative dose of 300 mg reduced pain intensity 24 hours after lumbotomy.

[Pain management in children with erythromelalgia: case report]. / Tratamento da dor em criança com eritromelalgia: relato de caso.

Erythromelalgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome due to an autosomal dominant gene, characterized by erythema, increased skin temperature and burning pain in hands and feet, whose treatment is often unsatisfactory. In this paper, we report a case of a 9 years old female patient whose first episode of burning pain, erythema and edema of the hands, without triggering factors, had instant relief after immersion in cold water. She presented with systemic arterial hypertension and had seizures. The patient was treated with gabapentin (150mg.8h-1) and amitriptyline (12.5mg) orally, intravenous lidocaine infusion (120mg), without relieving pain complaints. Due to the lack of response to the proposed treatment, it was decided to gradually reduce these medications and to introduce carbamazepine (200mg) orally and, after 4 days of treatment, there was complete relief of the manifestations.

A prospective, comparative study of the analgesic effect between the WALANT technique and local anesthesia associated with sedation for hand surgery

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to compare the WALANT (wide awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet) technique with local anesthesia associated with sedation in relation to pain intensity for minor hand surgical procedures. The secondary objective was to evaluate the need for analgesic complementation. Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative, and clinical study was carried out. The sample size in each group was determined after statistical evaluation of the results of a pilot project. The participants were allocated to one of two groups; those in group 1 were submitted to the WALANT technique, and those in group 2, to local anesthesia associated with sedation, for elective surgery. The surgical procedures were carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, synovial cyst, finger cyst, and trigger finger. Pain intensity, need for complementation and evolution to complex regional pain syndrome were evaluated. Results: There was no difference between groups in pain intensity after WALANT and need for intraoperative complementation. There was no significant difference in the amount of opioid applied postoperatively between the groups. There was no difference between groups regarding comfort during surgery. There was no difference in adverse effects and complications between the groups. Hematoma was the most frequent adverse event. No severe adverse events were observed. Conclusions: The WALANT technique promoted an analgesic effect similar to that of local anesthesia associated with sedation, without increasing adverse effects.

Tumor growth activity of duloxetine in Ehrlich carcinoma in mice.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze whether duloxetine influences tumor growth in Ehrlich carcinoma. The mice were administered 5 or 30 mg/kg of duloxetine or saline solution. All animals were inoculated with tumor cells. The tumor progression was evaluated by body weight, abdominal circumference, ascites volume and tumor cell count. The effect of duloxetine on immune response was evaluated by lymphoid cells, nitric oxide (NO) production, arginase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the spleen immunophenotyping. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups regarding weight, abdominal circumference, ascites volume and number of tumor cells. Duloxetine increased the cells of the inguinal lymph node. There was no difference in the number of cells in the bone marrow and spleen. Ascites SOD activity was greater in Duloxetine groups. There were no differences in the levels of NO, nitrite, and arginase. The number of antibody for CD3 (CD3+), CD4+, CD8+ and CD28+ cells was lower in the duloxetine groups. In conclusion, duloxetine has no direct effect on tumor growth and does not alter immunity. The drug increased the SOD that fights free radicals and led the migration of lymphocytes, suggesting that duloxetine could be used in tumor-bearing individuals.

Assessment of the Analgesic Effect of Magnesium and Morphine in Combination in Patients With Cancer Pain: A Comparative Randomized Double-Blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Morphine is the first-choice drug for moderate-to-severe cancer pain, nevertheless, some patients do not achieve adequate pain relief or exhibit intolerable side effects. The purpose of this study was to establish whether the analgesic effect of morphine improves in patients with cancer when administered in combination with magnesium. METHODS: Randomized double-blind study was conducted with 40 patients older than 18 years with cancer pain using morphine. Group 1 (G1) patients were given magnesium sulfate (65 mg elemental magnesium) twice per day by the oral route. Group 2 (G2) patients were given placebo twice per day. All the patients were administered morphine as needed. They were also given acetaminophen at 2 to 3 g/d. Adjuvants could be used when indicated. The following variables were assessed: pain intensity on a numeric scale at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4; functional performance and quality of life at baseline and week 4; and dose of morphine used. RESULTS: No difference was found between the groups as to pain intensity, dose of morphine used, functional performance, quality of life, or side effects. The average daily dose of morphine increased gradually, being significant in G2. CONCLUSIONS: The use of morphine combined with elemental magnesium at a dose of 65 mg twice per day by patients with cancer did not induce a better analgesic effect, did not improve their functional performance or quality of life, and did not reduce the occurrence of side effects. The dose of morphine increased significantly in G2.

Randomized clinical study on the analgesic effect of local infiltration versus spinal block for hemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:: Postoperative analgesia and early recovery are important for hospital discharge. The primary objective of this study was to compare the analgesic effectiveness of perianal infiltration and subarachnoid anesthesia for hemorrhoidectomy. The secondary objective was to compare time to discharge, adverse effects and complications. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Randomized, prospective and comparative study at Dr. Mário Gatti Hospital. METHODS:: Forty patients aged 18-60, in American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status category 1 or 2, were included. The local group (LG) received local infiltration (0.75% ropivacaine) under general anesthesia; the spinal group (SG) received subarachnoid block (2 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine). Analgesic supplementation consisted of fentanyl for LG and lidocaine for SG. Postoperative pain intensity, sphincter relaxation, lower-limb strength, time to discharge, analgesic dose over one week and adverse effects were assessed. RESULTS:: Eleven LG patients (52.4%) required supplementation, but no SG patients. Pain intensity was higher for LG up to 120 min, but there were no differences at 150 or 180 min. There were no differences in the need for paracetamol or tramadol. Times to first analgesic supplementation and hospital discharge were longer for SG. The adverse effects were nausea, dizziness and urinary retention. CONCLUSIONS:: Pain intensity was higher in LG than in SG over the first 2 h, but without differences after 150 and 180 min. Time to first supplementation was shorter in LG. There were no differences in doses of paracetamol and tramadol, or in adverse effects. REGISTRATION:: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02839538.

An alternative approach for blocking the superior trunk of the brachial plexus evaluated by a single arm clinical trial

Abstract Background Interscalene brachial plexus block is associated with phrenic nerve paralysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative approach to interscalene brachial plexus blocks in terms of efficacy, grade of motor and sensory blockade, and phrenic nerve blockade. Methods The study was prospective and interventional. The ten living patients studied were 18 to 65 years old, ASA physical status I or II, and submitted to correction of rotator cuff injury. A superior trunk blockade was performed at the superior trunk below the omohyoid muscle, without blocking the phrenic nerve. The needle was advanced below the prevertebral layer until contacting the superior trunk. In order to guarantee the correct positioning of the needle tip, an intracluster pattern of the spread was visualized. The block was performed with 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine in ten patients. In the six cadavers, 5 mL of methylene blue was injected. Diaphragmatic excursion was assessed by ultrasonography of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. In three patients, pulmonary ventilation was evaluated with impedance tomography. Pain scores and analgesic consumption were assessed in the recovery room for 6 hours after the blockade. Results In the six cadavers, methylene blue didn't reach the phrenic nerve. Ten patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, and no clinically phrenic nerve paralysis was observed. No patient reported pain during the first 6 hours. Conclusions This study suggests that this new superior trunk approach to block the superior trunk may be an alternative technique to promote analgesia for shoulder surgery in patients with impaired respiratory function.

[Pain after sternotomy - review]. / Dor após esternotomia - revisão.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Adequate analgesia after sternotomy reduces postoperative adverse events. There are various methods of treating pain after heart surgery, such as infiltration with a local anesthetic, nerve block, opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha-adrenergic agents, intrathecal and epidural techniques, and multimodal analgesia. CONTENT: A review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of pain after sternotomy. We also discuss the various analgesic therapeutic modalities, emphasizing advantages and disadvantages of each technique. CONCLUSIONS: Heart surgery is performed mainly via medium sternotomy, which results in significant postoperative pain and a non-negligible incidence of chronic pain. Effective pain control improves patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. There is no clearly superior technique. It is believed that a combined multimodal analgesic regimen (using different techniques) is the best approach for treating postoperative pain, maximizing analgesia and reducing side effects.

Pain after sternotomy - review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Adequate analgesia after sternotomy reduces postoperative adverse events. There are various methods of treating pain after heart surgery, such as infiltration with a local anesthetic, nerve block, opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha-adrenergic agents, intrathecal and epidural techniques, and multimodal analgesia. CONTENT: A review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of pain after sternotomy. We also discuss the various analgesic therapeutic modalities, emphasizing advantages and disadvantages of each technique. CONCLUSIONS: Heart surgery is performed mainly via medium sternotomy, which results in significant postoperative pain and a non-negligible incidence of chronic pain. Effective pain control improves patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. There is no clearly superior technique. It is believed that a combined multimodal analgesic regimen (using different techniques) is the best approach for treating postoperative pain, maximizing analgesia and reducing side effects.

Effect of intravenous lidocaine combined with amitriptyline on pain intensity, clinical manifestations and the concentrations of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 in patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized double-blind study.

AIM: Regarding the use of intravenous lidocaine in fibromyalgia, there are no well-controlled studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous lidocaine on pain intensity, clinical manifestations and plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in fibromyalgia patients. METHODS: In a randomized double-blind study, group 1 patients received 240 mg of lidocaine in 125 mL of saline solution, while group 2 patients received 125 mL of saline, both once a week for 4 weeks (T1, T2, T3 and T4). All patients received amitriptyline. The following were assessed: pain intensity before treatment (T0) and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment; clinical manifestations; the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) before and at 4 and 8 weeks after; the levels of IL 1, 6 and 8 before and at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Lower pain intensity was observed in the lidocaine group at T2, with no difference at the other time points. There was a reduction in pain intensity in both groups. The use of paracetamol and tramadol and plasma levels of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 did not differ between the groups. Clinical manifestations and side effects did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of 240 mg of intravenous lidocaine (once a week for 4 weeks) with 25 mg of amitriptyline for 8 weeks had no meaningful impact in fibromyalgia patients.